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Mandy Moore is giving fans a glimpse of her latest girls’ trip, and it looks like one for the books.

The actress, 42, shared a series of photos from a getaway to Mexico via Instagram on Sunday, October 11, offering a look at her tropical escape with Hilary Duff, food influencer Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking, makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan Fisher, hair stylist Barb Thompson, and several of their close friends.

“Same friends, different coordinates. Girls trip went international 🇲🇽. More of this, please,” Moore captioned the post, while giving a shoutout to the luxury resort where the group stayed, One&Only Mandarina.

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The photos captured the women soaking up the sunshine, getting a tarot reading, and taking a mud bath during their tropical getaway.

Duff, 39, also shared photos from the trip on Instagram on Saturday, October 10, joking that the “group chat made it to the jungle.” Her carousel included photos of the friends posing together in white robes and matching slippers, a tray of bright yellow cocktails, and enjoying time by the beach.

Moore and Duff have been friends for years, with motherhood helping strengthen their bond. Moore shares three children with her husband, musician Taylor Goldsmith: sons Gus, 4, and Ozzie, 3, and daughter Lou, 1. Duff shares son Luca, 14, with her ex-husband, Mike Comrie, and daughters Banks, 7, Mae, 5, and Townes, 2, with her husband, Matthew Koma.

Moore has previously opened up about the meaningful friendships she has formed since becoming a parent to Cameron Rogers on the Conversations with Cam podcast earlier this year.

“I have found that the people I am closest with in my life right now are people who are kind of at the same chapter of their lives as parents,” the Candy singer said at the time.

The latest getaway also comes months after speculation surrounding the celebrity mom-friend circle made headlines following Ashley Tisdale French’s essay for The Cut, titled “Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group.” Although Tisdale did not identify the women in her essay, social media users speculated about whether it referred to Duff and Moore’s circle. Duff later addressed the speculation, saying she was hurt by the situation and disputing the claims.

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Outdoor Christmas decorations can easily tip into over-the-top territory, but every now and then, something genuinely charming comes along. If you need proof, look no further than Walmart’s Best Choice Products Lighted Pop-Up Penguin Family, now 33% off in three cute color choices, has been popping up on lawns and porches, and it’s easy to see why. 

With a playful design, easy setup, and a gentle glow from 150 built-in LED lights, these $80 penguins feel festive without overwhelming your yard. The set includes two penguins: a parent, standing three feet tall, and a chick, measuring two feet. Each is made from a shimmering, textured fabric that catches the light by day and transforms at night when the LEDs turn on.

Best Choice Products Lighted Pop-Up Penguin Family, From $80 (was $120) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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For an extra pop of color, the parent penguin in each set is holding its own string of lights. Additionally, all of the penguins are wearing scarves and hats or earmuffs in your choice of solid red, blue stripes, or red and white stripes. Whether you’re leaning into a full winter wonderland or just want a single accent to brighten up the front yard, the color options make it easy to coordinate with other decorations.

Related: Amazon’s $20 Linen Button-Down Tank Is the Perfect ‘Lightweight’ Summer Travel Companion

Assembly, often the bane of outdoor decor, is pretty easy here. The penguins feature a collapsible pop-up design, so you just insert the stabilizing frame, stretch the fabric covers over it, and secure everything with the included stakes. 

The sturdy frame holds up through wind and weather. When the season wraps up, both penguins fold flat and tuck into the included storage bag, a perfect touch for anyone tired of wrestling with tangled lights or bulky lawn ornaments come January.

Best Choice Products Lighted Pop-Up Penguin Family Outdoor Christmas Decoration, From $80 (was $120) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The penguins’ frames are powder-coated to resist rust, and the weatherproof fabric is designed to handle winter’s unpredictability. Many shoppers reported that the display holds up well, even after several seasons.

“These are an adorable addition to our Christmas,” one shopper stated. “They were beautiful.”

“It’s so cute and festive,” another shopper wrote, calling the penguins a “10 out of 10.”

Shop More Deals

• Dolly Parton Holiday Toile Serving Platter, $27 at Walmart
• Best Choice Products 3-Piece Lighted Christmas Deer Set, $170 (was $271)
• Dolly Parton Holly Dolly 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set, $63 at Walmart

Down from $120, this $80 penguin pair at Walmart lands in the sweet spot between affordable and reliable. For anyone looking to add light, color, and character to their holiday display, this set is a cheerful, easy-to-use option that’s sure to draw a few smiles from passersby.

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“On the Dark Side,” the gritty rock anthem by John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, was first featured in the 1983 film Eddie and the Cruisers. Although the movie struggled at the box office, its fortunes—and the song’s—changed after it found an audience on cable television.

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In October 1984, “On the Dark Side” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Tracks chart and eventually peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

View this post on Instagram How John Cafferty Got the Call for Eddie and the Cruisers

The film follows the fictional rock band Eddie and the Cruisers, whose frontman mysteriously disappears. However, the music came from Cafferty and his real-life band, who spent years playing clubs around the Northeast before landing their breakthrough opportunity.

According to a 1984 Washington Post profile, producer Kenny Vance had seen the band perform at the Other End in New York City years earlier. Cafferty recalled how that chance encounter eventually led to the film deal.

“He never introduced himself; I never talked to him until he called one day four years later about Eddie and the Cruisers,” Cafferty said.

The film’s writer and director, Marty Davidson, showed Cafferty a scene in which a character writes a song, but the music had not yet been created. Cafferty took the script home and wrote “On the Dark Side.” Davidson and Vance liked the result enough to hire Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band to provide the film’s music.

The Real Musicians Behind the Fictional Cruisers

Although the film presents the songs as the work of Eddie and the Cruisers, Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band performed the soundtrack recordings. Meaning: The actors portraying the band members were not the musicians heard on the tracks.

Saxophonist Michael “Tunes” Antunes was the exception on camera: He appeared in the film as Wendell Newton and performed the saxophone parts. Lead actor Michael Paré portrayed Eddie Wilson, with Cafferty providing the singing voice heard on the recordings.

The arrangement gave the fictional band a convincing musical identity while allowing Cafferty and his band to bring their own sound to the film. The soundtrack would ultimately become the breakthrough the Rhode Island musicians had spent years working toward.

How a Box-Office Flop Helped Turn “On the Dark Side” Into a Hit

When Eddie and the Cruisers first arrived in theaters in 1983, it failed to attract a large audience. The soundtrack initially sold modestly, and by summer 1984, sales had slowed considerably. Then the film aired repeatedly on HBO, reaching a new audience and sparking renewed interest in its music.

In a 2009 interview with the Connecticut Post, Cafferty recalled how quickly the soundtrack took off after the film gained a following on cable television.

“It sold like a million albums in a month and we all kind of looked at each other like, ‘It’s the same record as last year when it didn’t sell and nobody played it,’” he said. “We figured it didn’t really have much to do with us.”

The renewed interest helped “On the Dark Side” climb the charts in 1984, ultimately reaching the top of the rock chart and the Top 10 on the all-genre survey.

Why “On the Dark Side” Remains Tied to a Cult Classic

More than four decades later, “On the Dark Side” remains closely associated with Eddie and the Cruisers. The movie’s revival on cable television helped demonstrate how a film could find a second life after its theatrical run, and how its soundtrack could benefit from that rediscovery.

For Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, the unexpected success was an opportunity to enjoy a breakthrough that had seemed out of reach after years of playing clubs. Looking back, Cafferty told the Connecticut Post, “I mean, whatever was happening was out of our control, so we just had fun with it, enjoyed the ride.”

The song’s chart success became a lasting part of the band’s story, while Eddie and the Cruisers built a devoted following that helped keep their music alive.

Related: ‘Breaking Bad’ Alum RJ Mitte Said Something Haunting 1 Week Before His Death

When Disney fans reminisce about the golden days of park hopping, the conversation usually turns to extinct attractions: soaring on the Skyway, plunging into the depths of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, or taking an ambitious journey into the future aboard Horizons.

Yet for so many of us, our most vivid vacation memories aren’t tied to a track or an animatronic. They’re tied to the scent of freshly pressed waffles in the morning, the frosty clink of a tiki glass after dark, or that one sweet afternoon snack you made a beeline for year after year.

Theme park journalists and Disney historians Carly Caramanna and Julie Tremaine understand that deep sensory pull. In their new book, The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook: 60+ Nostalgic Recipes and Stories of Yesteryear (out October 13 from Harper Celebrate), the duo has compiled over six decades of lost Disney culinary lore—recreating everything from 1950s opening-day fare to cult-favorite bites that departed far too soon.

Related: The Powerful Reason Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land Is Disney’s Ultimate Nostalgic Return to Its Roots

The Irresistible Nostalgia of Long-Lost Bites

Carly Caramanna

For both authors, food isn’t just fuel between Lightning Lanes—it is the memory itself.

“Some of life’s best moments happen over shared meals, whether that’s a special evening at a fine dining restaurant with a certain someone or friends having sandwiches together on a perfect beach day,” Tremaine explains. “Food adds to so many great moments and adds to those memories. Carly and I have had many of them together at Disney parks, everything from an incredible multi-course dinner at Monsieur Paul in EPCOT to toasting many a late-night zombie or Hippo-potto-mai-tai at Trader Sam’s at Disneyland. When we first signed our contract for this book, we sat down to Rat Pizzas at PizzeRizzo in Hollywood Studios. As much as I remember my joy in that moment, I also remember the really delicious pizza. I don’t just remember the restaurant and the company and how I felt, I remember all of that moment’s flavors too.”

Caramanna agrees that taste and scent can unlock moments in time faster than an old photo album:

“I think it’s often overlooked just how large of a role food can play in our memories, and that holds especially true at Disney parks,” Caramanna says. “Our memories have a funny way of recalling a moment, and just one smell of something familiar can instantly bring you back to a happy time. It’s comforting. The Kungaloosh from the Adventurers Club is one such bygone sip for me. One taste of the cocktail and a wave of emotions comes over me. I wish I could go back in time and feel exactly as I did in that moment with my family. I also wish I could bring my now husband to experience it as well as it closed before we ever met and got to enjoy it together.”

Inside, the cookbook resurrects a lineup of park legends that felt lost to history:

• The Giant Carrot Cake Cookie from the Writer’s Stop, back when Disney’s Hollywood Studios was still Disney-MGM Studios
• Taco Salad in a Ta-Cup from Casa de Fritos in Frontierland (the actual birthplace of the Dorito)
• Lamb Chops with Mint Jelly from Disneyland’s mid-century fine-dining landmark, the Red Wagon Inn
• Warm Goat Cheese Dip from Restaurant Marrakesh in EPCOT’s Morocco pavilion
• Walt Disney’s Own Favorites, including his go-to hearty canned-chili recipe and his evening drink of choice, the Scotch Mist

Related: This Walt Disney World Fan-Favorite Ice Cream Treat Is Getting a Major Upgrade

From Mid-Century Classics to the Infamous “Blue Shrimp”

Harper Collins

While the pages are rich with mid-century gems, the authors also made sure to honor modern Disney history—including dishes from the ambitious, short-lived Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which welcomed travelers for just one year before powering down.

“I love how everyone’s Disney journey is different,” Caramanna notes. “Like for me, my jumping off point was the theme parks in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and so those places in particular hold a very special place in my heart. It was really important for us to include something for everyone.”

That philosophy meant preserving modern culinary experiments alongside 60-year-old originals.

“Without a doubt, we had to include Starcruiser,” Caramanna says. “I like to think of this book as telling the history of Walt Disney World and Disneyland through the lens of food… Its grand scale is something to applaud. And even if its fate was likely destined from the start, there’s no doubt that it demonstrated that Disney is willing to take risks and push the envelope. And that also holds true for its culinary offerings, which were unanimously applauded by cruisers. I don’t think we’ll be forgetting the infamous ‘blue shrimp’ anytime soon. It’s one of those dishes that become the stuff of legends and will be talked about for years to come.”

Related: I Found Walt Disney World’s Best Halloween Treat—And You Don’t Need a Theme Park Ticket

How the Magic of Park Dining Has Shifted

Carly Caramanna

Of course, Disney dining looks very different today than it did when guests wore suits and dresses to dinner at the Disneyland Hotel. Today’s menus are engineered for viral social clips just as much as flavor.

“I think the biggest shift has been how we engage with food. Today, the phone eats first,” Caramanna shares. “And undoubtedly social media has played a role in how the restaurant experience has shifted. But, it’s not all bad. Food is designed to be ingested by both the eater and by the captive social media audience. I like to find the good in that.”

That constant digital appetite keeps Disney chefs on their toes.

“Menus in the parks are constantly revamped these days and I think that stems from that pressure to show off something new,” Caramanna explains. “And that must be exciting for creatives who are constantly presented with a new challenge. And for us as guests, that means we get to try something new and exciting seemingly constantly.”

For Tremaine, however, if she could step into a time machine, she’d head straight for the era before Disney even owned its flagship hotel.

“My time machine would be going straight back to the earliest days of the Disneyland Hotel,” Tremaine says, recalling spots like the Gourmet Restaurant and the Monorail Bar. “Walt Disney ran out of money for the hotel… so he asked his friend Jack Wrather to build a hotel on the property. That era of the Disneyland Hotel, before it was Disney’s property, tends to be overlooked. To be able to experience it myself firsthand would be incredible.”

Still, whether you’re savoring high-tech storytelling at a brand-new cruise lounge or whipping up a batch of vintage Casa de Fritos tacos in your own kitchen on a Tuesday night, the underlying joy remains identical.

“Regardless of when your Disney journey began,” Caramanna says, “food has always been used as a form of storytelling.”

The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook by Carly Caramanna and Julie Tremaine, published by Harper Celebrate, is available for now on Amazon or HarperCollins.

Related: The 3 Bites That Will Go Viral at Epcot’s 2026 Food & Wine Fest

Six Flags announced the temporary closure of nine high-speed roller coasters on Tuesday, following a fatal accident at Six Flags Over Georgia.

A park patron died Monday afternoon after falling from the Goliath roller coaster, a ride located at the Austell theme park roughly ten miles west of downtown Atlanta. Cobb County Police Department officials confirmed that the incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Detectives assigned to the agency’s major crimes unit, alongside state inspectors, spent Monday evening combing the ride structure and surrounding grounds.

Authorities have withheld the identity of the deceased pending family notifications. Police departments and park representatives have not yet released an official account detailing how the victim became separated from the ride vehicle, nor have they specified the exact count or condition of secondary injuries.

Eyewitness accounts recorded by local media outlets describe the victim plunging from the ride car during its circuit, striking structural metal components before landing on the roof of a nearby seasonal attraction situated beneath the ride path.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” park administration stated in an official release. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. We are providing support to the guests and team members affected and working directly with local law enforcement.”

The Goliath ride system, created by Bolliger & Mabillard and opened to the public in 2006, utilizes an out-and-back layout. Technical specifications provided by the park show that the coaster features a 175-foot drop, a maximum track elevation of 200 feet, and operating top speeds reaching 70 mph across a 4,480-foot track. The total ride duration runs approximately three minutes and thirty seconds.

Emergency response units evacuated remaining passengers stranded on stationary trains following the emergency shutdown. Video footage from local affiliates showed rescue personnel assisting riders down maintenance stairs from elevated track sections.

The park confirmed that the temporary closure affects identical or similar high-capacity roller coasters situated at sister properties nationwide while engineering audits are conducted. Cobb County officials stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, with forensic evidence and maintenance logs currently under review by municipal safety inspectors.

Pepperidge Farm is giving fans an all-new way to say, “cheers!” this holiday season.

The 89-year-old brand of cookies and baked sweets seems to be always whipping up new flavors, launching three fruity new Milano flavors, a trio of “cozy” Chessmen and an apple-pie-inspired cookie just this year alone. And starting this month, shoppers will see another drink-inspired treat in the cookie aisle.

Following the trend it set a few years back with its blockbuster Amaretto Hot Cocoa Milano (first released in 2020), Hazelnut Hot Cocoa Milano (2022), London Fog flavor (2024), and most recently, its take on chai (2025), Pepperidge Farm is moving on to more grown-up flavors, borrowing from an ’80s cocktail that’s recently seen a resurgence in popularity.

Launching alongside some returning holiday favorites comes its new Espresso Martini Milano.

Pepperidge Farm Fans Can Soon Cheers With Its New Espresso Martini Milano

“The holidays are all about finding little ways to make everyday moments feel special, and that’s exactly what inspired Milano Espresso Martini,” Ama Auwarter, vice president of Pepperidge Farm Cookies & Bakery at Campbell’s Snacks, said of the new release in a statement. “We took a beloved flavor and gave it the distinctive Milano touch, creating an elevated, coffee-forward treat that feels both unexpected and familiar.”

According to an official fact sheet shared with Parade, Pepperidge Farm’s new Espresso Martini Milano pairs Milano’s signature cookies with “rich espresso notes and a decadent chocolate filling.” The company also notes a “touch of creamy vanilla rounds out the flavor.”

Related: After 175 Years, Ghirardelli Launches Its First Ready-to-Eat Cookie Line

Obviously, there’s no vodka, Kahlua, or coffee liqueur in the cookies, but there is a strong chocolate-coffee flavor, just like the recipe that inspired it. Each oblong sandwich cookie is packed with the flavors and aromas of bold espresso and rich chocolate (we didn’t notice much vanilla when we tried them, but it wasn’t missed).

Although the new Milano flavor wasn’t announced until this morning, the brand hinted at the newcomer in an Instagram post shared yesterday (Monday, Oct. 12), and it can’t be all that unconventional, as several fans correctly guessed the new flavor on the first try.

“Espresso martini Milanos would be amazing,” one exclaimed. “We’re so ready to try!”

“Espresso martini is probably it,” another guessed, suggesting, “an Aperol spritz cookie would be fab w the orange flavour.”

“Oh whatever it is… sign me up!!” a third joked.

One more declared, “I need these in my life!!”

Pepperidge Farm’s new Espresso Martini Milano.

Pepperidge Farm

Several Holiday-Exclusives Are Also Coming Back for the 2026 Season—Here’s the Full List

While the new cookies have certainly stolen the spotlight in the snack aisle, Pepperidge Farm says they’re not the only holiday offerings to hit shelves this season.

Customers will soon find several returning favorites back in stock in holiday packaging, just for the winter season. Including:

• Milano Amaretto Hot Cocoa
• Milano Slices Peppermint
• Mint Brussels
• Raspberry Linzer Holiday Pack
• Gingerman
• Milano Milk Chocolate Holiday Pack
• Milano Double Dark Chocolate Holiday Pack
• Milano Mint Holiday Pack
• Chessmen Holiday Egg Nog

Where Will the New and Returning Holiday Pepperidge Farm Cookies Be Available?

Pepperidge Farm said its new Espresso Martini Milanos and its returning holiday favorites will be available at retailers nationwide (including Albertsons, Kroger and Walmart) for $5.89 beginning this October for a limited time (prices may vary).

Next: Lindt’s Holiday Lindor Truffle Flavors Return With 3 Adorable Advent Calendars

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Everyone needs a go-to pair of tall boots in their fall wardrobe, but finding ones that look just as cute with jeans as they do with dresses and are still comfortable enough to wear all day isn’t always easy. Luckily, Kohl’s has a pair from Clarks that checks both boxes. The Emily2 Dream Leather Knee-High Dress Boots come in black in sizes 5 through 11 and are on sale for $160, down from $180. And with the extra 20% off code GET20, you can snag them for just $128 right now.

These gorgeous knee-high boots feature a genuine leather upper, an almond-shaped toe, and a 2.2-inch block heel. They’re designed with a decorative buckle and wraparound ankle strap that give them a riding-boot-inspired look, while the brand’s Ultimate Comfort foam footbed adds plenty of cushioning. They also include a zipper closure and stretchy elastic gore, plus a grippy outsole for traction.

Clarks Emily2 Dream Leather Knee-High Dress Boots, $128 (were $180) at Kohl’s

Courtesy of Kohl's

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If you love wearing dresses and skirts in the fall, these boots are an easy way to keep them in rotation as the weather gets colder. You could pair them with a sweater dress and tights for dinner out, or wear them with a plaid mini skirt and oversized sweatshirt for a day of apple picking. They’d look just as cute with dark-wash jeans and a cozy cardigan, too.

One shopper called them “absolutely beautiful” and praised their “perfect fit.” Another reviewer shared, “These boots are very classy looking and extremely comfortable! The heel height is perfect and the toe box roomy enough.” Someone else wrote, “These are the most comfortable boots I’ve owned,” adding, “They slipped on and looked gorgeous with my cute fall skirt.”

Related: Clarks’ Fall-Ready Leather Loafers Will Keep Your Feet ‘Very Comfortable’ All Day Long, Now 40% Off

Whether your closet is full of colorful sweaters, patterned skirts, or more neutral pieces, a pair of black boots can work with all of them. The buckle adds a touch of personality without taking away from the rest of your look, and the cushioned footbed is a welcomed bonus if you’re hoping to wear them regularly. You might even find yourself reaching for them more often than your usual sneakers once the colder weather arrives.

Shop More Clarks Shoe Deals

• Clarks Hearth Parker Leather Lace-Up Boots, $104 (were $145) at Kohl’s
• Clarks Angie Pearl Leather Slip-On Shoes, $68 (were $105) at Kohl’s
• Clarks Kynnzie Leather Mules, $68 (were $105) at Kohl’s

If your fall wardrobe is missing a pair of tall black boots, now’s a great time to grab the Clarks Emily2 Dream Leather Knee-High Dress Boots at Kohl’s. But the extra 20% discount won’t last forever, so snag a pair while they’re still marked down this low and you’ll have footwear covered for plenty of fall and winter outfits.

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On this day in 1984, Stevie Wonder accomplished something truly rare in pop music: he released a song that topped charts in nearly 20 countries while simultaneously alienating some of his most devoted fans.

That song was “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” Beneath its famously straightforward melody lay a tune slammed by fans and critics for being overly sentimental, even as the rest of the world couldn’t stop singing along.

On October 13, 1984, Wonder topped the Billboard Hot 100 with the soundtrack song from the feature film, The Woman in Red. The track locked down the top spot for three straight weeks and spent an astounding 26 weeks overall on the Hot 100 chart.

However, the smash hit left many fans on the fence. Pop Dose named it one of the World’s Worst Songs, claiming the tune had “the depth of a greeting card, a melody like a nursery rhyme, and keyboards that sound like one of those Casio units people used to buy for their kids, the kind with a dozen keys and a couple of automatic rhythm tracks.”

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According to a Digital Spy Forum, fans remain divided about the track. Some find joy in its simple lyrics and melody, while others feel it’s a departure from Wonder’s prior funk-heavy songs.

One fan wrote, “It’s a good song but it’s very mainstream and different from his other work, so you can understand why people who like his tougher R’n’B-influenced songs or his jazzier tunes or his funk offerings would dismiss it.”

“I don’t know why so many people supposedly dislike it. I think it is purely down to plain snobbery, because some people hate anything that is too popular or that some fans may perceive as “selling out”. I have always loved the song,” deduced a second Wonder admirer.

Songfacts reported that Wonder wrote most of the soundtrack for The Woman In Red, starring Kelly LeBrock and Gene Wilder. Wonder’s involvement came after Dionne Warwick, the film’s reported song coordinator, suggested him to producers.

“I Just Called to Say I Love You” won Wonder an Oscar for Best Original Song on March 25, 1985, against its competitors “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now),” “Footloose,” “Let’s Hear It For The Boy,” and “Ghostbusters.” The artist accepted his award in Nelson Mandela‘s name.

Love it or cringe a little when it comes on the radio, there’s no taking away what Stevie Wonder pulled off in 1984. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” brought a little extra warmth to the airwaves, swept the global charts, and reminded music fans that sometimes the most straightforward message is the one that sticks around the longest.

Related: 1981 Song With a Never-Ending Title Sent an Unknown Band to No. 1

For decades, fans have made the trip to a cantina at the tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula to celebrate Sammy Hagar’s birthday. This year, one of the most familiar faces from those nights chose a different party, but the reason is sweet enough that the birthday boy surely didn’t mind.

Hagar opened his annual birthday celebration on Friday, Oct. 9, with the first of three shows at the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas. Missing from the stage was Michael Anthony, the former Van Halen bassist who has played the bash several times before. He was in Oregon with his wife, Sue, marking a milestone of her own.

Anthony explained the absence on social media, writing that “my wife Sue is turning 70 tomorrow.” After more than 25 years of spending her birthday in Cabo while he performed at Hagar’s party, he said, she wanted to do something different this time.

Related: Sammy Hagar Makes David Lee Roth an Offer After Roth Cancels Tour

The music went on without him. Friday’s set leaned heavily on songs from Montrose, Hagar’s first band, and included just three Van Halen numbers along with a cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.” On Sunday, Oct. 11, the second show reached from 1973 to 2013, and Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell joined in for the Van Halen classic “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love” and his own band’s “Man in the Box.”

The lighter dose of Van Halen is deliberate. In a Sept. 17 interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, Hagar told host Eddie Trunk he is “kinda done with being the Van Halen guy.” He also said he plans to step away from the road for a while, telling Trunk there would be “no tour next year, as of this point,” and noting that he will turn 80 in 2027.

The final night of this year’s bash falls on Tuesday, Oct. 13, his actual birthday, when he turns 79. Fans won tickets through a random drawing, and each one cost a birthday-celebrating $79. Demand for those seats remains enormous; more than 50,000 people tried for one of the 1,600 tickets to the three nights. After Cabo, only two shows remain on his 2026 calendar, an Oct. 23 benefit in Fontana, Calif., and an appearance at Aerosmith’s comeback concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.

Hagar replaced David Lee Roth as Van Halen’s frontman in 1985, and Anthony has remained one of his closest musical partners in the years since, through Chickenfoot and the Best of All Worlds tour.

For fans, the week is a reminder of what the Cabo shows have long been: a rotating gathering of old friends, with the lineup shaped as much by life away from the stage as by the music itself. And one very special birthday for a bandmember’s wife.

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On January 9, 1967, The Byrds released the single “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.” Nearly 60 years later, Roger McGuinn is still explaining the song’s meaning.

Written by McGuinn and Chris Hillman, “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” features a catchy melody with cheeky lyrics about how to become a pop star.

“Just get an electric guitar/Then take some time and learn how to play,” McGuinn sings in the 1967 classic.

“So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” was a top 40 hit, reaching no. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also released on the same day as The Monkees’ second album, More of the Monkees.

For years, there have been rumors that the timing was intentional—and that The Byrds classic was written as a diss of the made-for-TV band, who had debuted their rock act on their self-titled NBC sitcom a few months earlier.

RELATED: The Monkees ‘Best Song of All Time’ Became a No. 1 Hit  Twice

Speaking with Monterey County Now in a new interview, McGuinn, 84, dispelled the myth that “So You Want to Be A Rock ’n’ Roll Star” was a swipe at The Monkees.

“Chris [Hillman] and I were going through Teen Beat and noticed all the one-hit wonders,” The Byrds legend said of the song’s origin. “People assumed it was about The Monkees, but it wasn’t.”

McGuinn added that he was close friends with Monkees guitarist Michael Nesmith and also played with bassist/keyboardist Peter Tork.

McGuinn previously spoke about his friendship with Nesmith, who died in 2021 at age 78.

“Mike and I were friends and used to jam together,” he said in an interview with Planting Seeds Records. “Rock & Roll Star” was NOT about the Monkees, but the whole pop music business.”

Hillman also recalled going through teen magazines and laughing about the one-hit wonders who were in and out of the music business in the late 1960s before writing the tongue-in-cheek rock star primer.

“The song was a slight jab – not at The Monkees as individuals, they actually had a very good gig making money, but at how contrived it was,” Hillman explained to Classic Rock. “Roger and I weren’t blatantly writing about The Monkees. To me, it was more like we were jabbing at Hollywood’s smarmy, controlled process of that. It strips away all the soul and depth of the experience of a rock band. It makes it so vanilla, too clean and pretty.”

RELATED: 1966 Monkees Hit Featured a Producer’s Scream You May Have Missed

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Tork, who died in 2019 at 77, said he took the rumors about the inspiration for “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” at “face value.”

He then defended the TV band’s real-life musical background.

“Maybe they thought about The Monkees, but ‘Get a guitar and learn how to play’… ” he shared. “Michael and I had been playing…I’d been playing music of one sort or another from the time I was nine years old, when I began to take piano lessons. So that was for 14 years. Michael had been playing continuously for several years before that; he was a folkie.“

“Micky [Dolenz] played folk guitar, fireside guitar — you gave him a guitar, and he could play anything,” The Monkees star continued. “Davy [Jones], who didn’t play any instruments, had been on Broadway. He was the American original Artful Dodger in Oliver, and that’s not nothing as a musical ability. Davy, too, when we said, ‘We need a bass player for this,’ he said, ‘How do I play bass?’ We said, ‘You put your finger here, and you pluck this string here at this moment,’ and he was onstage with us playing bass in five minutes.”

Related: 1967 Monkees Hit, Still Performed by Micky Dolenz, Was Supposed to Be Another Band’s Next Single

Pia Zadora and Meshulam Riklis were not only considered one of Hollywood’s most controversial couples but were also known for their extravagant lifestyle, wowing the public with their lavish real estate purchases, including their acquisition of Pickfair, an 18-acre estate, in 1988.

Through the years, a series of prominent figures, from Hollywood legends to modern real estate investors, have owned the iconic Pickfair.

The estate, initially established as a hunting lodge built in 1911, was acquired by legendary actor Douglas Fairbanks in 1919 as a wedding gift to his bride, silent-film superstar Mary Pickford and it was later transformed into a luxurious mansion.

The name Pickfair combined their surnames and became synonymous with Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in May 1931.

Daily Herald Archive/National Science & Media Museum/SSPL via Getty Images

Following their divorce in 1936, the Canadian-American film actress retained sole ownership of the property.

Pickford later lived with her third husband, Charles “Buddy” Rogers, from 1937 until her death in 1979.

Over the years, Pickford subdivided the original 18-acre estate, reducing its acreage. 

After her death, Rogers sold the property to Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss in 1980 for $5.4 million. 

The Buss family, especially the former Lakers owner believed that it was cheaper to “tear down the house and build a new one,” prompting them to “restore the house to pretty much the way it was and made it really great,” according to Jerry Buss’ daughter Jeannie Buss, as mentioned by the Los Angeles Times.

“It was like living in a museum, like a public property,” she added,  “I’d be studying for school, and they’d be doing a sound check on the lawn for a party. It was such an attraction that at any event we’d raise $25,000, $50,000, and that was back into the ‘80s.”

After eight years, the Buss family sold the iconic Beverly Hills estate to Riklis in 1988 with the property covering approximately 3.1 acres.

The late Israeli financier and businessman bought the property for his wife, who was 30 years his junior, for $6.67 million.

The couple sparked massive public controversy after demolishing the estate in 1990.

Actress Pia Zadora 27 and her husband multi millionaire Meshulum Riklis 58 in their Beverly Hills home .

Paul Harris/Getty Images

At that time, Zadora claimed that the mansion was severely infested with termites and said she “never wanted to own the Los Angeles estate.”

“I never wanted Pickfair,” she told Closer Magazine. [My husband ] Meshulam [Riklis] wanted to leave me this legacy, but my kids [Kady, a singer, and Kristofer, a lawyer] swore to me there were ghosts. And there were termites. I wouldn’t tent it [for extermination] because I didn’t want the chemicals. So someone said, ‘Tear it down.’ Look, it was my house — suck it! But it never felt like home. Too much marble. Too many Picassos. [Giggles]”

Instead, the couple replaced it with a much larger Venetian-style mansion featuring a 35,000-square-foot palazzo with high ceilings, a ballroom-size living room, a formal dining room, a 35mm home theater, guest quarters featuring a three-bedroom apartment and subterranean parking for an additional 15 vehicles.

Today, the iconic Pickfair is owned by UNICOM International, Inc., an American multinational technology and software corporation.

The company acquired the Beverly Hills estate in April 2005 and uses the property as a corporate event facility for meetings, conferences and executive gatherings.

Related: In 1962, Marilyn Monroe paid $77,500 for a 2,900-square-foot Los Angeles house; a trust bought it in 2023 and filed to demolish it, and today it is a city historic monument

Wingstop has a wild new wing flavor coming just in time for Halloween, and the brand is describing its new Sour Patch Kids wings as “equal parts trick, treat and dare.”

Created by Wingstop’s flavor experts, Sour Patch Kids Wicked Punch combines a sour-then-sweet Redberry glaze with a sprinkling of colorful Sour Patch Kids Bitz candy pieces. Wingstop says Halloween often brings out unlikely pairs, and the collaboration between the chain restaurant and the iconic sour candy is a perfect, if not slightly unhinged mash-up.

“Candy on wings? We know exactly what you’re thinking,” said Michael Skipworth, president and CEO of Wingstop. “But no, seriously, it has no business being this good. Sour Patch Kids Wicked Punch wings bring sour and sweet together in a way only Wingstop can. It may sound unexpected, but one bite is all it takes to understand why this one is a treat.”

A Wingstop fan gets a taste of the new Sour Patch Kids Wicked Punch wings, featuring a sweet-and-sour glaze and colorful candy pieces.

Wingstop

The new flavor collaboration is the first act in Sour Patch Kids’ “13 Days of Mischief” leading up to Halloween. Lauryn McDonough, senior director of candy at Mondelēz International, says it’s just the kind of unexpected mischief fans of Sour Patch Kids love. “For the Sour Patch Kids brand, Halloween usually means owning the candy bowl,” McDonough said. “This year, the Sour Patch Kids brand decided candy wasn’t enough.”

The Halloween-inspired wing sauce hits Wingstop menus on Oct. 23, when Club Wingstop members will get exclusive early access to the new variety. On Oct. 27, the flavor rolls out to participating Wingstop locations nationwide, where all customers can get in on the sweet-and-sour fun.

Sour Patch Kids Wicked Punch can be combined with all proteins on the Wingstop menu, and can be ordered through the Wingstop app or at Wingstop.com. But a collaboration this mischievous won’t be around for long: The sweet-and-sour flavor is only available through Nov. 5, while supplies last.

February, August, and December are the three birth months with the most mesmerizing auras, the kind of charismatic presence that makes people stop mid-conversation and take a second look. It’s not about being the loudest or the most polished. It’s an energy that’s hard to explain until you’re standing in it.

Of course, every birth month has its own magic, and everyone carries a different mix of it. Still, these three tend to leave an impression the second they walk in. Check your birth month below, and try not to get lost in the details of astrology. The overall feeling matters most.

Which Birth Months Have the Most Mesmerizing Auras?

Check for your birth month below.

February: The One Who Seems Like They’re From Another World

People born in February have a dreamy, one-of-a-kind quality that’s tough to put into words. Whether you’re an Aquarius or a Pisces, you probably grew up feeling a little different from everyone else, and that difference is exactly what pulls people in.

February-borns tend to be quietly magnetic. This birth month notices what others miss, and they see right through surface-level appearances or empty small talk. When they look at you, it feels like they’re peering into your soul. Such an enticing mix of originality and softness is hard to forget. You may never try to stand out, but yet others tend to remember you for years anyway.

READ: People Born in These Months Have the Most One-of-a-Kind Hearts

August: The One Who Lights Up the Room Without Trying

Either a Leo or a Virgo, you carry an energy that makes others feel welcome, noticed, and a little more confident. There’s a warmth to August-born people that you can feel from across the room.

People born in August are known for their natural glow. They’re generous with their attention, and when they’re talking to you, you’re the only person in the room. That kind of focus is a big part of what makes their energy so addictively memorable. This birth month doesn’t need to demand the spotlight. Instead, they have a way of drawing everyone toward them.

RELATE?: Which Cute Pixar Character Matches You, Based on Your Birth Date

December: The One With the Calm, Steady Glow

If your birthday lands within December, you likely have a presence that’s both grounded and hopeful. Born under expansive Sagittarius or ambitious Capricorn, you tend to carry a quiet groundedness that makes others feel safe around you.

December-borns know who they are, and the certainty they carry is like magic. They’re often the person others lean on when things get hard, and they usually say just the right thing at just the right time.

With a quiet kind of magnetism, their energy feels calming, steady, and lasting. Others feel better after they’ve spent time around a December-born, eager to recommit to achieving their highest goals and best selves.

UP NEXT:

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A home-cooked meal can require a surprising number of dishes. There’s the casserole that bakes in its own serving dish, the vegetables that need to be placed on a platter, the salad that can’t stay in the mixing bowl, and all the pre-meal snacks and appetizers that need somewhere to go. Having a collection of pieces on hand means you can plate everything you made with ease.

On sale for $15 at Walmart, The Pioneer Woman Colette Cream Serving Tray Set gives you seven pieces to put to work anytime you’re hosting a gathering. Use them for condiments, toppings, cheese, dips, fruit, or desserts, depending on what you’re making and serving. You can pull out the whole set when you’re setting up a taco or mac and cheese bar for a crowd, or grab one or two pieces for everyday meals when you need somewhere to put the grated Parmesan, ketchup, or chopped herbs.

The Pioneer Woman Colette Cream 7-Piece Serving Tray Set, $15 (was $17) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This seven-piece stoneware set includes three matching ramekin-style bowls, three coordinating lids, and one long serving tray, all finished in a warm, creamy white. Each piece has softly scalloped edges and subtle vertical fluting, giving the otherwise neutral design that signature Pioneer Woman farmhouse-inspired charm. The elongated tray echoes the same wavy detailing around its rim, so everything looks cohesive whether the bowls are lined up on top or scattered around the table.

Shoppers gushed that there are “so many ways to use these dishes,” but said they were especially handy for dips, spreads, condiments, and other snack-board staples. You could fill the three bowls with hummus, spinach-artichoke dip, salsa, queso, or dressings, then use the open space on the tray for crackers, sliced vegetables, or fruit. The individual lids are a thoughtful addition, too: You can cover each bowl between servings or use the lids as separate small dishes.

The tray measures about 15.5 inches long by 5.5 inches wide, while each ramekin is approximately 4.4 inches across and 2.1 inches tall, giving you three substantial compartments without requiring a huge amount of table or counter space. The pieces are also microwave- and dishwasher-safe, so dips can go from warming to serving without transferring them to another dish, and cleanup afterward is straightforward. Use the bowls for toppings on taco night, ice cream sundae fixings, olives and nuts for cocktail hour, or jams and spreads at brunch.

Not only did Walmart shoppers say they were happy with the “gorgeous” set’s “elegant” look, but they also praised its “versatile” nature. Some reviewers reported repurposing the set as decor and organization when it’s off duty, including leaving the bowls and tray out on a kitchen counter to display lemons and limes. 

Others have gotten even more creative and used the individual compartments for craft supplies, separating beads and other tiny components while making jewelry. You could similarly use it to corral buttons, charms, embroidery thread, or other small odds and ends. 

One reviewer called the set a “must-have hosting essential,” adding that “the way they nest makes it so easy for storing.” 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Gorgeous’ Stained Glass Lamp Looks Like a Designer Heirloom for a Fraction of the Price

The Pioneer Woman’s Colette Cream 7-Piece Serving Tray Set is ready for all the small, but important, parts of a meal. Shop it now for just $15 at Walmart!

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As crisp autumn air rolls in, many travelers default to a traditional New England foliage drive. But when we asked top travel agents for their favorite autumn escape for older adults and mature couples, all three pointed to the same spot: Montreal. Packed with charming cobblestone streets, cozy European-style cafes, colorful mountain parks and an incredible food scene, Quebec’s cultural hub is an easy, rewarding quick trip whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or bringing the whole family along.

Related: Love Fall but Hate Crowds? Travel Experts Recommend These 6 Fall Weekend Getaways

Get the Best of Europe Without the jet Lag Photo by Marion Lhn on Unsplash

Photo by Marion Lhn on Unsplash

Montreal offers the relaxed, high-end vacation experience that mature travelers love—think incredible cuisine, boutique hotels, walkable historic neighborhoods, and vibrant local flavor. “Montreal gives my clients the vibrant fall colors without asking them to trade away five-star accommodations, Michelin-level dining, fine Champagne, or boutique shopping,” says Nick Pena, principal luxury travel advisor at Cruise Planners in Orlando, Florida. “For travelers accustomed to international journeys, Montreal delivers that wonderful feeling of being swept away to Europe without committing to an exhausting transatlantic flight.”

You’ll hear friendly French conversation in the streets, take in gorgeous historic architecture everywhere you look, and enjoy a wonderfully unhurried pace that practically begs you to kick back over an espresso or a long, lazy lunch. “It’s the ideal destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in authentic French-Canadian culture and world-class gastronomy amidst peak foliage,” Pena adds.

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for Vermont’s Best Leaf-Peeping Trip for the Whole Family—They All Said the Same Thing

Historic Streets, Rich Culture and Mesmerizing Foliage

Jeff Greenberg / Getty Images

Fall turns Montreal’s iconic sights into picture-perfect views. Over in Old Montreal, you can wander down historic Rue Saint-Paul under a canopy of amber leaves before stepping into the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica to take in its famous deep blue ceiling.

For a stunning natural escape, head over to Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, where winding paths lead right to sweeping views of the downtown skyline framed by bright red and orange foliage. The fall foliage puts on quite a show, but Montreal’s rich history and bustling arts scene are what make a trip here really stick with you. “Montreal is my top recommendation for a fall getaway,” says Kelly Connor, associate travel agent at AAA Club Alliance in Marlton, NJ. “It’s like stepping straight into a European postcard right here in North America.” Many of the city’s top attractions are clustered close together, making exploring navigable and fun.

Across the St. Lawrence River on Saint Helen’s Island, the Biosphere’s famous giant dome looks stunning popping up over the colorful trees of Parc Jean-Drapeau. Crisp October and November days are ideal for walking around outside, while cooler evenings make stepping into a concert hall, bustling club, or neighborhood bistro feel like pure magic.

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for Vermont’s Best Leaf-Peeping Trip for the Whole Family—They All Said the Same Thing

Taste Your Way Through Montreal’s Unforgettable Culinary Scene

bakerjarvis / Getty Images

The food alone is reason enough to visit. Local markets and cozy bistros highlight fresh regional ingredients, artisan cheeses and seasonal flavors, ranging from laid-back wine bars in Little Italy to elegant dining rooms throughout the city.

You can stroll through Jean-Talon or Atwater Market, warm up with a hot drink at a neighborhood cafe or reserve a table at iconic local dining spots. For an unforgettable classic meal, Gibby’s in Old Montreal is housed in a historic 200-year-old stone building complete with cozy fireplaces and exposed masonry, famous for prime aged steaks, fresh seafood and top-tier service. Just nearby, The Keg in Old Montreal occupies a beautifully restored 19th-century stone building, delivering top-quality prime rib and juicy steaks in a warm, inviting atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for Italian, head to downtown’s energetic Crescent Street to visit Wienstein & Gavino’s, a vibrant multi-level hotspot known for fresh house-made pasta, crisp brick-oven pizzas and a lively, welcoming crowd.

Related: Love Fall but Hate Crowds? Travel Experts Recommend These 6 Fall Weekend Getaways

The Ultimate Effortless Fall Weekend Itinerary

ajansen / Getty Images

After spending a weekend exploring Montreal earlier this month, it’s easy to see why travel advisors point clients here. A short three- or four-day trip is such a sweet spot for mature travelers looking to recharge—long enough to fully immerse yourself in the city’s European atmosphere without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by long travel days.

To make the most of a quick trip, advance planning is key. “Booking popular dinner spots and tours early is essential for busy fall weekends,” says Leslie Tillem, luxury travel advisor at Eltee Travel, a Global Travel Collection partner in Boca Raton, FL, and New York City. She also notes that choosing a centrally located hotel allows you to maximize your time without feeling rushed—a strategy that made all the difference for my stay.

Looking for a relaxing fall break with that classic European feel, I booked three nights at Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. Even though it’s located downtown rather than Old Montreal, its location right above Montreal Central Station made getting around super easy. Plus, it connects directly to the underground pedestrian network, which is fantastic for comfortable, weather-proof walking.

Upgrading to the Fairmont Gold level ended up being a great call. Access to the lounge for daily continental breakfast, afternoon drinks, and evening hors d’oeuvres provided an extra level of comfort while cutting down on dining expenses. To stretch my time in the city even further, I flew out of Newark Liberty International Airport instead of my home base in Philadelphia, taking advantage of a quick direct flight.

During the weekend, I took a sunset cruise on the St. Lawrence River and watched the city lights flicker against the evening sky. I also toured Old Montreal, wandering its cobblestone streets and taking in its historic buildings and centuries-old charm. Finally, on Sunday, a Jewish history and food tour gave me a fascinating look at Montreal’s cultural roots, along with tastes of some of the city’s best-known specialties.

Related: 7 Habits Real Travelers Swear Will Save You Money

Pro Tips for an Easy Autumn Trip

Book Early and Stay Flexible: Planning ahead is essential as popular weekends fill quickly, Tillem told Parade. “Building flexibility into your schedule allows you to adapt to autumn weather while enjoying everything the city offers,” she said.

Check Your Passport & Travel Docs: Ensure your documentation is up to date before heading out—a valid U.S. passport is required for entry into Canada.

Pack for Autumn Weather: Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, versatile layers, and a light windbreaker for crisp fall walks.

Leave Room in Your Itinerary: Don’t overpack your schedule: leave room to wander charming neighborhoods like Mile End and Le Plateau, or pop into a cozy neighborhood cafe.

Catch Golden Views at Mount Royal: For a true highlight, head up Mount Royal early in the morning for peaceful paths and breathtaking, golden city views.

Related: Travel Experts Say These Are the 7 Best Fall Destinations for Travelers Over 60

There are times when you just need a little help from your friends—and Rylee Arnold and Connor Wood got exactly that when they teamed up with a certified Dancing With the Stars fan favorite in a fun new viral clip

In a hilarious new Instagram video posted by Arnold, former Season 34 finalist Dylan Efron stepped into a rehearsal studio to show the duo how a real Samba is done, and the internet can’t get enough of his expert moves. The actor, previously paired with pro Daniella Karagach, wasn’t shy about putting the influencer and the dancer through their paces to ensure they nailed an upcoming routine.

The fun clip showed Wood and Arnold in the show’s rehearsal room, appearing to be exhausted during practice. Then, Efron walked in, and they found renewed energy.

The clip featured a text overlay that read, “Calling in the big guns.” Arnold captioned the video, “Everyone, say thank you, Dylan.” He then put the couple through their paces, demonstrating a proper Samba roll as a trio.

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Fans were thrilled to see Efron continuing to stay connected to his Dancing With the Stars family. He was one of the few former celebrity contestants who completely nailed ballroom dancing’s most challenging and iconic move, a proper samba roll.

“No like he was the first person I saw do a REAL samba roll in EVER—where did he get his ‘lil hips to do that?” asked one Instagram user.

A second fan penned, “Two papas and a diva all enter a samba roll.”

“Just like a boomerang, they always come back,” quipped a third show fan.

“Samba roll coming in HOTTTT,” a fourth social media fan noted.

Efron remains so close with his Dancing with the Stars family long after his season wrapped. He told PEOPLE Magazine that appearing as a contestant allowed him to show his vulnerability.  “When you sign up for these reality shows, you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m not gonna cry. I’m not gonna do that.’ But then in real life, I’m vulnerable. I say the things I feel.'”

He continued, “That’s the part that resonates most when you are going through struggles and hardships, and you’re open, and you’re not always this cool, calm, collected person. So I think that’s been a cool part of these longer-format [projects], is people really get to see who I am.” 

Dylan Efron continues to inspire the current Dancing with the Stars lineup by showing up when it matters most, even in fun Instagram pop-ins. Beyond offering technical tips, he brings encouragement and fun to rehearsal, keeping the contestants’ true spirit of teamwork and camaraderie alive.

Related: ‘DWTS’ Fans Aren’t Happy About Who’s Missing From Super Bowl Night

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As the leaves turn colors and the evenings get cooler, there’s no better time to give your outdoor space a cozy seasonal refresh. Whether you’re decorating your front yard for Halloween, hosting a fall get-together on the patio, or simply enjoying the crisp autumn air, solar-powered garden lights can add a magical glow without driving up your electricity bill. Walmart has an affordable option worth checking out: the Catgood Solar Firefly Light 8-Pack Set, on sale for over 45% off right now.

The eight-pack set is currently available for $24, down from $45. You can also shop it in smaller four- and six-pack sets for $17 to $21. All of the sets come in two gorgeous color options: the warm white offers a classic look, while the multicolor style delivers a more cheerful, festive vibe. 

Catgood Solar Firefly Light 8-Pack, $20 (was $45) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Designed to resemble glowing fireflies dancing in the garden, these whimsical solar lights are an easy way to make your outdoor space feel warm and inviting as the days get shorter. Each set includes eight solar garden lights and eight iron stakes, making it easy to spread the twinkling accents throughout your yard, along walkways, around flower beds, or among your favorite fall planters. The lights are waterproof and heat-resistant, making them durable enough for outdoor use. 

Each light features 120 LED beads made with flexible copper wire, giving you the freedom to create your own eye-catching shapes. Arrange the wires into starbursts, hearts, spirals, or spherical designs to suit your style. With two lighting modes — flashing and steady — you can switch up the look depending on the occasion. Choose a gentle, steady glow for a relaxing autumn evening or flashing lights to add a festive touch to your holiday decorations.

Related: Walmart’s $24 Solar Light 10-Pack Is ‘Bright,’ ‘Beautiful,’ and ‘So Pretty’ at Night

Setup is simple: switch on the lights and position their solar panels where they can receive unobstructed sunlight. For best results, allow the product to sit in the sun for two days before its first use. Once charged, the lights automatically turn on at night and off during the day, staying illuminated for six to 10 hours at a time. 

With over 160 five-star ratings, these solar firefly lights have earned high praise from Walmart shoppers. Reviewers highlighted the set’s “vivid colors,” calling it “absolutely beautiful at night.”  One wrote it’s “very easy to assemble,” adding, “I like the different lighting mode options.” Others said the lights are “very bright” and “gorgeous” for holiday decorating, with one writing, “They add such a fun, festive vibe to my yard and flower pots.”

Shop More Solar Light Deals

• Beatineon Outdoor String Lights, $25 at Walmart
• Szrsth Outdoor Solar Light, $45 (was $89) at Walmart
• ExcMark Solar Pathway Lights, $46 (was $60) at Walmart

If you’ve been looking for an affordable way to make your yard feel more festive this fall and winter, the Catgood Solar Firefly Light 8-Pack Set is a charming option to consider. At just $24 for an eight-pack, it’s a budget-friendly way to bring a little extra sparkle to your autumn landscaping or holiday displays. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

RJ Mitte spoke about making the most of life, his career and his commitment to helping others in an interview recorded days before his death at 34.

The actor, best known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on Breaking Bad, appeared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast on October 5. During the conversation, Mitte discussed his experiences, ambitions and approach to life.

“I live life to the fullest. I always try. I have a very finite amount of time,” Mitte said. His words have taken on a new poignancy following news of his death on October 12.

RJ Mitte’s death at 34

Mitte died in Brownsville, Texas, at the age of 34. His representative confirmed his death, remembering him as an actor, philanthropist and passionate disability-rights advocate.

According to People, his representative later confirmed that he died by suicide. Authorities said the investigation was ongoing, with the official cause and manner of death to be determined following an autopsy.

Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child and drew on his own experiences to portray Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s character, in the acclaimed AMC drama. He appeared throughout all five seasons of the series, which ran from 2008 to 2013.

Beyond acting, he used his platform to advocate for disability awareness and more inclusive representation in entertainment.

The actor reflected on his legacy

During the podcast interview, Mitte discussed the importance of using his success to make a difference in other people’s lives.

“That’s really the greatest thing that ‘Breaking Bad’ has given me, is to be able to lend my voice to causes that make a meaningful impact that changes people’s lives,” he said.

As Page Six reported, the actor also spoke about his charitable work and his desire to keep pursuing projects that mattered to him.

Mitte’s representative highlighted his work with disability-focused organizations and his efforts to challenge stereotypes through his career.

If you love the ease of an all-inclusive vacation—leaving your wallet locked in the room safe and never having to do mental math on what a second poolside cocktail costs—you also know the usual compromise: the food and atmosphere rarely feel truly five-star. When you want real luxury, you usually end up signing an eye-watering bill at checkout for every dinner and spa appointment.

Hilton is officially taking that stress off the table at two of its prettiest spots on the Mexican coast.

Both the Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya have officially switched to all-inclusive. You get the high-end dining, gorgeous pools, and lush oceanfront grounds both spots are famous for, without having to sign a receipt every time you grab a bite.

As Sylvia Scholey, Vice President and Global Head of All-Inclusive and Resorts at Hilton, put it: “As we continue to expand Hilton’s All-Inclusive portfolio, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya give guests a more personal way to stay, dine and explore the local culture, all made possible by the thoughtful service and exceptional hospitality Hilton is known for. Today’s travelers want the freedom and ease of an All-Inclusive resort, paired with the distinctive depth, personalization and sense of place they expect from Hilton’s award-winning luxury brands.”

The best part? The two sister properties offer completely different escapes, depending on what kind of trip you’re craving.

Related: 4 Fall Getaways That Are Even Better When You’re a Hilton Honors Member

Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya: Pure Peace and Quiet for Adults

If your ideal vacation involves sleeping in, lingering over fresh coffee, and reading a book by the water without cannonball splashes, this is your spot. Starting January 10, 2027, the Waldorf is going strictly 18 and older.

Meals are chef-driven: live-fire grilled seafood at Malpeque, fresh tortillas and craft margaritas at JA’O, and afternoon tea at Peacock Alley. You’re also paired with a personal concierge to book you into oceanfront yoga, Mayan sound healing, or sunset agave tastings. If you book four nights or more directly, private transfers from Cancun Airport and off-site excursions are baked right in.

Related: Inside the Luxury Baja Food & Wine Festival Weekend at Hilton Los Cabos

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya: Great for the Whole Family (With a Secret Grown-Up Escape)

Tucked into a quiet bay where the jungle meets turquoise water, the Conrad is set up for multi-generational trips. You can hop between wood-fired dishes, fresh coastal ceviche, and live teppanyaki grills. Plus, the included MYTHOS World kids’ club gives children guided nature walks and stargazing, meaning parents and grandparents get guilt-free downtime.

Traveling without the kids? Head to the resort’s Ceiba Club. It’s a dedicated adults-only enclave right inside the property with its own private pool, beach club, and exclusive access to Autor, a Michelin-recognized spot serving inventive, modern Mexican cuisine.

Four-night stays also let you pick an included regional excursion, like swimming in the crystal-clear waters of a local cenote or spending the day at the Xel-Há eco-park.
If you already have a trip booked at either property, Hilton will honor your original rate and details—though families with kids booked at the Waldorf after the January 2027 adult transition will get help relocating to another spot nearby.

Related: Hilton Just Made Access to Its Top Luxury Pools and Spas Much Easier

Ask most people when to put a home on the market, and they’ll tell you springtime. After all, most new house and apartment listings go live in April and May each year, per Zillow, meaning spring gives buyers plenty of options for finding the perfect house.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that spring is the best of year to sell a home. In fact, some real estate agents believe that fall is actually the best time to put a house on the market—including Monty Iceman, a Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

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When it comes to putting your house on the market, “traditionally, most people believe that spring time is the best,” Iceman tells Parade. “But fall is a very good time.”

Curious to learn why Iceman is such a fan of listing homes for sale in autumn? Keep reading for his insights!

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5 Reasons Why Fall Is a Good Time to Put Your House on the Market, According to a Real Estate Agent

According to Iceman, there are a number of reasons listing your home in the fall is a good move.

1. There’s less competition in the fall

In the fall, “less homes are on the market,” Iceman explains. Because of this, “the best stand out choices will get the most attention from serious buyers.”

“Everyone thinks spring is the best time to sell, which is precisely why inventory floods the market in March and April,” he adds. “By listing in late autumn, you stand out against significantly less competition, giving your property maximum visibility and allowing you to maintain far better pricing leverage.”

2. Comfortable temperatures make open houses a breeze

Iceman has observed that in the fall, the comfortable cool temperatures “help make a buyer want to look at open houses on a Sunday afternoon.” Simple as that!

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3. The holidays are around the corner

“People looking at homes between November and December aren’t casual weekend shoppers,” Iceman explains. “They’re highly motivated buyers on tight timelines, whether it’s job relocation, tax-deadline moves, or family changes. Highly intent buyers mean cleaner offers, shorter escrow periods and far fewer unreasonable repair demands.”

Additionally, the “upcoming holidays mean more families are together to search for the perfect home.”

4. A fall sale eliminates holding costs

“The hidden cost of waiting for spring [to sell] is carrying the home through the winter,” explains Iceman. “Holding a property through Q1 means paying three to four additional months of mortgages, property taxes, insurance and utilities. Closing before the holidays puts an immediate stop to those monthly cash drains, saving sellers thousands of dollars in baseline overhead.”

Plus, Iceman points out that “tax advantages are on buyers’ minds as the year comes to an end, and “it’s great to start a new year enjoying those tax breaks.”

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5. Home service contractors are less busy in the fall

Before putting your home on the market, you might want to conduct some minor renovations, such as applying some fresh paint or repairing faulty sinks—and in the fall, you might have a better chance of getting good prices on these services.

“Fall transactions tend to move faster with less endless back-and-forth, reducing the likelihood of costly inspection concessions,” Iceman explains.

Plus, in the fall, “service providers such as painters, contractors and handymen are less busy with the spring and summer sales,” which can lead to better deals.

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4 Real Estate Agent-Approved Tips for Selling Your Home in the Fall

Iceman is sharing four of his best tips for selling your home in the fall (but most of these apply year-round, too).

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1. Get rid of clutter

It’s always a good idea to straighten up before photographing your home and putting it on the market. Iceman recommends “getting rid of clutter so that buyers can see the actual space they would have for their furnishings.”

However, you may not be ready to decide what to take with you to your new home, especially if you haven’t decided where you’re moving yet. So, save yourself the stress and get a temporary storage unit.

“If you know you are moving and you are not sure what to keep, a storage unit is a good idea,” Iceman says. “You can decide later but make your home feel open and inviting [right now].”

2. Spruce up your house with a fresh coat of paint

If you’ve lived in your home for a while, the paint on the exterior of your house and in high-traffic rooms may be worse for wear. In these cases, Iceman recommends repainting before you list your home.

“Fresh paint is inexpensive and gives the home a clean look,” he says.

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3. Make your home welcoming with cozy fall scents

“Scents are important,” says Iceman, adding that putting out a candle with a cozy and inviting smell really makes a difference when it comes to making prospective buyers feel at home. For fall, Iceman is a fan of candles that smell like apple pie or cookies.

4. Think about what you like seeing in prospective homes

When you toured your current home, what were the elements that made you fall in love with the space? Was it the lighting? The art on the walls? The cushy furniture? Whatever it was, try to replicate that feeling when selling your home.

“I always ask my sellers to remember what drew them [to their] homes far and above the others they saw before deciding that this was the one they wanted to buy,” Iceman says. “Then, work from there.”

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Sources:

• When Is The Best Time to Buy a House? Zillow.
• Monty Iceman, a Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties