Parade
Clarks' 'Cushiony' Ankle Boots Look Stylish But Feel 'Like Wearing Sneakers,' Now 57% Off
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Fall is approaching fast, which means that boot season is just around the corner. Not every day calls for heavy-duty styles, though, especially in early autumn when the weather can still lean warm or mild. Sometimes a chic bootie is the perfect answer, offering a combination of warmth, polish, and comfort with every step. The Clarks Breeze Derby Booties were designed exactly for that reason, blending a classic look with everyday versatility.
Their price is a major standout, too. Normally $105, they’re currently on sale at Amazon for as little as $45 in select sizes and colors. They’re an especially smart pick for fall and winter, offering the signature comfort you expect from a pair of Clarks coupled with a clean, wearable design that goes with virtually everything in your closet.
Clarks Breeze Derby Booties, From $45 (were $105) at AmazonCourtesy of Amazon
Shop at AmazonAvailable in two wearable neutrals, merlot and dark gray, these chic booties feel right at home with just about everything in your winter wardrobe. They pair just as easily with jeans and leggings as they do with dresses and skirts, making them the kind of footwear you can wear on repeat all season. From errand runs to casual gatherings, they’re an ideal choice.
The shoes come in whole, half, and wide sizes ranging from 6 to 11, a diverse lineup that can be surprisingly challenging to find in other brands. With details like an interior zipper, heel pull, and flexible bungee ankle strap, they’re designed to slip on easily while still feeling very secure once you’re on the move.
Shoppers said they love that they’re more sleek instead of bulky. The outsole offers great ground grip, while the soft foam layer provides extra shock absorption to minimize pressure and discomfort.
One reviewer described the feel as “cushiony” and “soft,” adding: “The footbed is a dream. They are like wearing sneakers, there’s no heel height to deal with, but they are stylish and cuter than sneakers and much cozier.” Another agreed, adding, “Super comfortable. These boots are like walking on air.”
Related: Clarks’ ‘Beautiful’ $50 Slip-in Loafers Are ‘Super Comfortable’ for Fall Excursions
There’s nothing more practical for fall days than a pair of Clarks Breeze Derby Booties. Don’t miss this timeless and effortlessly stylish shoe while it’s on sale for as much as 57% off in your preferred color at Amazon.
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.
Every Oscars Host Since 2000, From Billy Crystal to Today
For more than two decades, the Oscars have experimented with different approaches to the person—or people—who guide Hollywood’s biggest awards night. Familiar favorites such as Billy Crystal and Jimmy Kimmel have returned multiple times, while others, including Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris, have hosted only once.
The Academy has also occasionally abandoned the traditional host format altogether. The Oscars went without an official host from 2019 through 2021 before returning to a three-host arrangement in 2022.
More recently, Conan O’Brien has become the face of the ceremony. He hosted the 97th Oscars in 2025, returned for the 98th in 2026 and is set to host the 99th Oscars in 2027.
Here’s a look at every Oscars host since 2000, including the unusual hosting choices along the way.
Related: See Every Dazzling Look From the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet
Billy Crystal kicked off the 21st century at the Oscars, hosting the 72nd Academy Awards in 2000. By then, he was already one of the ceremony’s most recognizable hosts, known for elaborate musical numbers and topical comedy.
Steve Martin — 2001TIMOTHY A. CLARY / Getty Images
Steve Martin hosted the 73rd Oscars in 2001, bringing his dry, understated comedy to the ceremony for the first time.
Whoopi Goldberg — 2002Whoopi Goldberg returned to host the 74th Academy Awards in 2002. The actor and comedian had already hosted three previous ceremonies in the 1990s, making her one of the most experienced Oscars hosts of the era.
Steve Martin — 2003Martin came back for the 75th Oscars in 2003, marking his second hosting appearance in three years.
Related: Steve Martin’s Net Worth Makes Him Richer Than King Tut
Michael Caulfield Archive / Getty Images
Crystal returned for the 76th Academy Awards in 2004. It was his second Oscars hosting appearance of the period and another reminder of how often the Academy turned to established comedy stars for the job.
Chris Rock — 2005Michael Caulfield Archive / Getty Images
Chris Rock hosted the 77th Oscars in 2005, bringing his sharp stand-up style to the ceremony for the first time.
Jon Stewart — 2006Michael Caulfield Archive / Getty Images
The Daily Show host Jon Stewart made his Oscars debut at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006. He would return two years later.
Ellen DeGeneres — 2007Michael Caulfield / Getty Images
Ellen DeGeneres hosted the 79th Oscars in 2007. Her observational comedy and relatively relaxed hosting style gave the ceremony a different feel from the edgier stand-up approaches of Rock and Stewart.
Jon Stewart — 2008Stewart returned for the 80th Academy Awards in 2008, becoming one of the few hosts of the decade to take on the ceremony more than once.
Related: Jon Stewart’s Net Worth and How Much He’s Earned on ‘The Daily Show’
Hugh Jackman hosted the 81st Oscars in 2009, bringing his experience as a musical-theater performer to the ceremony. His opening number famously incorporated a large-scale musical production.
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin — 2010Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin teamed up for the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010. The pairing gave the ceremony two comedic personalities rather than relying on a single emcee, and the duo opened the show together.
Who Hosted the Oscars From 2011 to 2018?The next stretch brought another round of one-time hosts, a returning favorite and one particularly memorable experiment. During these years, the Academy balanced musical spectacle, boundary-pushing comedy, and returning fan favorites before setting a consistent late-night groove.
James Franco and Anne Hathaway — 2011Michael Caulfield / Getty Images
James Franco and Anne Hathaway co-hosted the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011. Their pairing was notable because it put two younger Hollywood stars at the center of the ceremony rather than an established comedy host.
Billy Crystal — 2012Crystal returned for the 84th Oscars, marking his third hosting appearance since 2000 and his ninth overall. His return was widely anticipated after several years of the Academy trying different hosting approaches.
Seth MacFarlane — 2013Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards in 2013. The Family Guy creator brought a more provocative comedic sensibility to the ceremony, including a musical opening number.
Ellen DeGeneres — 2014DeGeneres returned to host the 86th Oscars in 2014, seven years after her first turn. The ceremony became particularly memorable for a celebrity-filled selfie that DeGeneres posted during the broadcast.
Related: Ellen DeGeneres’ Net Worth: Whether She’s Mean or Nice, She’s Still Sitting on a Pile of Money
Neil Patrick Harris hosted the 87th Academy Awards in 2015. Known for his work as an actor, singer and awards-show performer, Harris leaned into elaborate musical and comedic sequences.
Chris Rock — 2016Rock returned to host the 88th Oscars in 2016, 11 years after his first stint. His opening monologue focused heavily on the controversy surrounding the lack of racial diversity among that year’s acting nominees.
Jimmy Kimmel — 2017Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 89th Academy Awards in 2017, beginning what would become a recurring relationship between the late-night host and the Oscars.
Jimmy Kimmel — 2018Kimmel returned for the 90th Academy Awards, making him the first host since Billy Crystal in 2012 to lead consecutive ceremonies.
Related: How Many Ties Have There Been in Oscars History?
The Oscars went without an official host for three consecutive ceremonies, beginning in 2019.
The 91st Academy Awards proceeded without a host after Kevin Hart stepped down from the position. The Academy kept the format in 2020, and the 2021 ceremony also had no single host. The latter was held during the COVID-19 pandemic and used a substantially different production format.
The hostless stretch ended in 2022, when the Academy returned to an official host—but this time, it chose three.
Who Hosted the Oscars in 2022? Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes — 2022Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes shared hosting duties at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. It was the first Oscars ceremony with multiple hosts since 2011 and the first time three women had jointly hosted the event.
The three comedians divided the ceremony into different segments, giving each a distinct role rather than having one person carry the entire broadcast.
Who Hosted the Oscars From 2023 to 2026?After the three-host experiment, the Academy returned to a single host.
Jimmy Kimmel — 2023Kimmel returned for the 95th Academy Awards in 2023. It was his third time hosting the ceremony and his first since 2018.
Jimmy Kimmel — 2024Kimmel hosted the 96th Oscars in 2024, giving him four hosting appearances overall. He also became the first person since Crystal to host the ceremony four times in the 21st century.
Conan O’Brien — 2025Conan O’Brien made his Oscars hosting debut at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. The Academy subsequently announced that he would return for the 98th Oscars.
Related: What Is Conan O’Brien’s Net Worth? All About the Comic’s Financial Fortune
O’Brien returned for the 98th Academy Awards on Mar. 15, 2026. Building on his debut performance, he delivered another high-energy broadcast filled with his signature self-deprecating humor and sharp industry commentary.
Who Is Hosting the 2027 Oscars? Conan O’Brien — 2027O’Brien will host the Oscars for a third consecutive year in 2027. The Academy announced in May 2026 that he would return for the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for Mar. 14, 2027.
That will make O’Brien the latest in a long line of repeat hosts, although his consecutive run is still relatively short compared with some of the ceremony’s most frequent emcees.
Who Has Hosted the Oscars the Most Since 2000?Among hosts who have led the ceremony since 2000, Jimmy Kimmel has the most appearances so far, with four: 2017, 2018, 2023 and 2024.
Billy Crystal follows with three appearances during this period: 2000, 2004 and 2012. Steve Martin also hosted three times between 2000 and 2010, including his 2010 appearance alongside Alec Baldwin.
Several other hosts have returned for a second ceremony, including Whoopi Goldberg, Jon Stewart, Ellen DeGeneres and Chris Rock. Conan O’Brien will reach three appearances when he hosts the 2027 ceremony.
The variety of hosts over the past quarter-century reflects how often the Academy has experimented with the format. Sometimes it has relied on a familiar comedy veteran; other years have favored a movie star, a late-night personality or multiple hosts sharing the stage. And for three consecutive ceremonies, it skipped the host altogether.
Related: Find Out Who's Won the Most Academy Awards and More!
This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.
1979 Knack Hit, Named One of the Top 10 Greatest One-Hit Wonders, Held the No. 1 Spot for 6 Weeks
More than four decades after it arrived on the scene, the Knack’s debut single is still one of the most recognizable rock songs ever recorded, but it might also be one of their only songs still well-known.
Released on June 18, 1979, “My Sharona” was the first single from the band’s debut album, Get the Knack. It was written by band members Doug Fieger and Berton Averre, with the former claiming that it only took 15 minutes to write. “My Sharona” was inspired by one person, a woman named Sharona Alperin, who dated Fieger and was his fiancée at one point.
Fieger recalled the instant connection in the liner notes of the song’s 2002 remaster, saying, “It was like getting hit in the head with a baseball bat. I fell in love with her instantly. And when that happened, it sparked something and I started writing a lot of songs feverishly in a short amount of time.”
“My Sharona” was a huge hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 within a couple of months of the single’s release, and it held on to the top spot for six weeks in total. Billboard also named it the No. 1 single of 1979 on its year-end chart.
In the years since, the song has sold over 10 million copies, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. Music fans all over the world can instantly recognize the song’s signature stuttering of the chorus, and “My Sharona” remains a 1970s classic.
While the relationship that inspired the song didn’t last forever, “My Sharona” arguably has. The song is still a hit, although it has come to be known as the group’s one-hit wonder.
In 2011, in a readers-voted poll from Rolling Stone, “My Sharona” was voted one of the “Top 10 One-Hit Wonders of All Time,” alongside other songs like Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and Dexys Midnight Runners’ “Come On Eileen.”
While the Knack’s next single, “Good Girls Don’t,” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, very few people remember the track, and the band never had another chart-topper again.
Former 'SNL' Star Reveals Why She Was Relieved to Be Fired
Comedian and actress Chloe Troast is getting candid about her 2024 Saturday Night Live departure.
During an appearance on the October 19 episode of But Also with Michael and Asher, Troast said, “there were so many different highs and lows” during her time as an SNL cast member during its 49th season. She then explained that she was close to her castmates and the show’s writers, despite being the only new SNL star that season.
She said, however, she was “put on hold,” meaning that her contract wasn’t renewed, for six weeks before SNL season 50 started filming. The 29-year-old said that while she wasn’t nervous during her time on the NBC sketch comedy series, the weeks when she wasn’t sure if she still had a job at SNL caused her to be “extremely fearful of, like, everything.”
“I just, like, developed, like, paranoia. I went from, like, ‘This is so cool, this is so fun. Wow, this is crazy. Oh my gosh, this is nuts.’ To being like, ‘Oh, like, that was all like a test or something,'” explained Troast.
According to Troast, she received “a bunch of comments” about her performance at SNL while “on hold,” which dampened her spirits. In addition, Troast said she “was told there was nothing that [she] could do” to plead her case to remain on SNL, which she believes may have been the wrong advice.
While recording the podcast episode, Troast also said she was going through changes in her personal life at the time.
“And it sent me on a crazy bad tailspin. But then, and I sort of just like needed to take a bunch of time. I didn’t really do much for a minute ’cause I was not doing well,” said Troast.
Troast went on to say that while the situation was “really sad and scary,” she felt a sense of relief when it was confirmed she wasn’t going to return for another SNL season.
“I was relieved to know that I wouldn’t then have to walk into a place that I was now deeply scared of. It changed the place for me entirely. And there was a deep sense of dread and anxiety thinking that I would have to step back in that workplace,” said Troast. “And engage with the same people that I now had a completely different relationship with because of the comments.”
Chloe Troast Said Her Former Castmates Helped Her Through Her ‘SNL’ ExitIn the But Also with Michael and Asher podcast interview, Troast said her former SNL co-workers were supportive following her departure from the series.
“I got so close with all of, like, the writers and cast members and stuff. I never felt so held by a group of people. Because I couldn’t say anything to people outside of the network of the show,” said the comedian, before sharing she has continued to collaborate with her former SNL co-workers.
While speaking to People magazine, Troast shared that she was able to manage her SNL exit because of her loved ones.
“Even before the show, they were the ones that were a guiding light, and so then that’s what I looked to after. And I feel like without that, I don’t know where I would be one year out, to be honest,” said Troast to the publication.
The Unusual Chorus That Made This 1985 One-Hit Wonder Impossible to Forget
Some songs get stuck in your head because of their lyrics. Others have a chorus so unusual that you can recognize it after just a few notes.
That’s exactly what happened with Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy,” the 1985 dance-pop hit built around an instantly recognizable, wordless jungle cry. The song became an international sensation and remains one of the decade’s most memorable one-hit wonders in the United States.
The Unusual Chorus Made ‘Tarzan Boy’ Stand OutReleased in 1985, “Tarzan Boy” paired bright synthesizers and a pulsing dance beat with a chorus that sounded more like a Tarzan yell than a traditional pop hook. Maurizio Bassi and Naimy Hackett wrote the track, with Bassi, 66, producing it.
Rather than relying on a complicated lyric, the song made its repeated “oh-oh-oh” refrain the main attraction. The result was a catchy, slightly eccentric sound that stood out among the decade’s synth-pop hits.
‘Tarzan Boy’ Became an International HitThe single was a major success overseas, reaching No. 3 on the U.K. singles chart. In the United States, it climbed to No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1986, after first entering the chart in October 1985. Official Charts and historical chart records document its international run.
The act’s follow-up releases didn’t match that American success, leaving Baltimora best known for its signature song. The project was based in Italy, while frontman Jimmy McShane, who appeared in the music video, was from Northern Ireland.
The Song’s Hook Has Had a Long Life“Tarzan Boy” has kept popping up in pop culture, including the soundtrack to the 1993 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. Its unmistakable refrain has helped the track survive well beyond its original chart run.
RELATED: 1983 Synth-Pop Hit Brought David Bowie’s Space-Rock Legend Back to Life
This Tennessee Distillery Just Blended 10 Years of History Into a Single Bottle
They say good things come to those who wait. And when it comes to whiskey, that can mean waiting a full decade.
That’s certainly the case at Tennessee’s Leiper’s Fork Distillery, where the team is celebrating its 10th anniversary by uncorking something that’s been in the making for years. And rather than simply slapping a commemorative label on an existing bottle, the distillery decided to do something a little more meaningful.
It went back to where it all began.
😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳🍔
To celebrate a decade of whiskey-making, Leiper’s Fork has blended three of its oldest single barrels, each aged 10 years, into a limited-edition anniversary blend. The release combines Tennessee whiskey, straight bourbon and rye whiskey, representing the three original grain bills that helped define the distillery when it opened in 2016.
It’s a fitting tribute to a small Tennessee operation that’s spent the past decade doing things the old-fashioned way. With only 300 bottles produced across two expressions, this anniversary celebration whiskey is one whiskey lovers won’t want to sleep on.
A Decade in the MakingLeiper's Fork
For Leiper’s Fork Distillery, the anniversary blend is more than just a special bottle of whiskey. It’s a snapshot of the distillery’s first 10 years in a single pour.
Each of the three whiskeys was aged for a full decade before being blended together for the first time. The combination brings together three distinct styles—Tennessee whiskey, straight bourbon and rye—that have been part of the distillery’s identity since its earliest days.
While blending different whiskey styles isn’t unusual, using three 10-year-old barrels that mark the beginning of a distillery’s journey gives this release extra significance.
It also reflects how Leiper’s Fork approaches whiskey-making. Founded in 2016 by Lee Kennedy, the distillery has remained intentionally small, producing approximately 25,000 gallons annually using locally grown grains and traditional pot distillation methods.
In an industry where bigger often seems better, Leiper’s Fork has spent the past decade staying true to its roots.
Two Bottles, One Very Limited ReleaseOf course, a whiskey that’s been 10 years in the making deserves something special in its presentation. The anniversary blend is available in two expressions, each with its own price tag and limited production run.
The first is a cask-strength release presented in a limited-edition crystal decanter. The distillery produced only 100 bottles, priced at $349 each.
For whiskey lovers who want to celebrate without quite that level of splurge, the distillery also released a 100-proof version under its experimental label. That expression costs $99, with only 200 bottles available.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery in Franklin, Tenn., is selling both versions exclusively, with purchases limited to one bottle per person.
The release debuted during the distillery’s anniversary weekend celebration, and according to the company, only a few bottles remained afterward. Additional sales resumed Oct. 21, while supplies last, with no holds permitted.
In other words, if you’re hoping to get your hands on one, don’t wait until the last minute.
Bringing Tennessee Whiskey History Back to Life View this post on InstagramFor Leiper’s Fork Distillery, the road to this anniversary began long before it filled its first barrel in 2016.
Tennessee has a rich whiskey-making history, but when the state went dry and Prohibition followed, much of that tradition disappeared. While Tennessee whiskey eventually made a comeback, some smaller, community-based distilling traditions were largely left behind.
That’s part of what inspired founder and chief distiller Lee Kennedy to open Leiper’s Fork Distillery in Franklin in 2016. His goal wasn’t simply to make another whiskey. He wanted to help revive a piece of Middle Tennessee’s history, using traditional methods and locally grown grains.
Ten years later, the distillery is still doing things much the same way. It produces approximately 25,000 gallons of whiskey annually, using grains grown in the surrounding community and traditional pot distillation methods. This grain-to-glass approach keeps the operation connected to the region’s agricultural roots.
But while Kennedy and his team remain committed to doing things the old-fashioned way, they’re not standing still. The distillery is preparing to expand beyond its rural home with a new 7,500-square-foot tasting room at Nashville Yards.
It’s a big next step for a distillery that has spent the past decade looking to the past for inspiration. And what better way to celebrate that journey than with a whiskey that’s been along for the entire ride?
After all, some milestones deserve more than a toast. They deserve a whiskey that’s been waiting 10 years for the occasion.
Related: This 12-Bottle Thanksgiving Wine Collection Takes the Guesswork Out of Holiday Hosting
Quince’s 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set Brings a Professional Touch to Home Cooking, Now 49% Off
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
If you love cooking, having the right pots and pans can make time in the kitchen even more enjoyable. Stainless steel is a favorite among home cooks because it’s durable, heats evenly, and doesn’t rely on a nonstick coating that can wear down over time. It’s also a great choice for everything from searing your favorite cut of meat to simmering a homemade tomato sauce. The only downside? A quality cookware set can cost a pretty penny.
That’s why Quince’s 5-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set caught my eye. It’s currently on sale for $400, down from $795, saving shoppers $380 on a set for serious home cooking. The set has a five-ply design that helps distribute heat evenly, while the uncoated cooking surface is free of PFA, PFOA, PTFE, BPA, lead, and cadmium, offering home cooks a long-lasting alternative to traditional nonstick cookware.
Quince 5-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set, $400 (was $795) at Quince Shop at QuinceThis 10-piece set covers just about everything you need to whip up your favorite meals. It includes an 8-inch frying pan, a 10-inch frying pan, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid. Whether you’re frying eggs for breakfast, making a quick weeknight dinner, or preparing a big pot of soup for the family, you’ll have the right pan for the job.
What makes this set stand out is its five-ply construction, which combines 18/10 stainless steel and aluminum to help distribute heat evenly. The stainless steel is designed to resist rust and corrosion, while the satin finish gives the pieces a timeless look that fits right into any kitchen. . Because the cooking surface doesn’t rely on a nonstick coating, you won’t have to worry about a coating wearing down over time.
The set works with all stovetops, including induction, and is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you plenty of flexibility when cooking your favorite dishes. Its riveted handles are designed to stay cool to the touch, making it easier to move pots and pans around the kitchen. The pieces are also dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended to help preserve their quality.
Another nice perk? Quince offers a limited lifetime warranty and 365-day returns, so you can feel more confident about investing in a new set of cookware.
One Quince reviewer called it an “amazing” and “really beautiful set,” adding that they couldn’t find a comparable set for a better price. Another shopper, who had contemplated the purchase for about a year, was delighted they finally ordered, noting that the pans were lightweight, easy to handle, and heated quickly and evenly.
Shop More Quince Kitchen DealsIf you’ve been eyeing a professional-quality cookware set, now could be a great time to make the investment for less. Quince’s 5-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set is currently $400, 49% off its original $795 price. Shop it now while the sale is still on!
- Ceramic Nonstick 8-Inch Frying Pan $45 (was $109) at Quince
- Magnetic Knife Block, $65 (was $109) at Quince
- Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $50 (was $148) at Quince
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.
John Mayer Announces He’s Dropping His First New Single in Five Years on His Own Label
The five-year wait for new music is finally over for John Mayer fans.
The seven-time Grammy winner is dropping his first new single since 2021 on Friday, October 23, on his newly launched label, Sob Rock Records, named after his last album.
After spending his entire career on Columbia Records, Mayer’s is moving his new label to Mercury Records for distribution.
“Working with Tyler Arnold (company president) and the talented team at Mercury Records has already proven to be a great partnership,” Mayer said in a statement. “The path from creative vision to execution has never been easier or more rewarding. I feel very inspired, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
His song “Tom and Jerry,” which he co-wrote, produced, and played guitar and keyboards on, is his first new solo music since his “Wild Blue” single in 2021.
“Tom and Jerry” was the name I used when saving my first voice memo with this song idea,” Mayer explained on Instagram while teasing his new music. ‘And if you ever come through, which I doubt you’ll do, I’ll run away with you (lyrics)’. From that moment on, the adventure began in bringing that feeling to life.”
“I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating every time – I get to work with a group of incredibly talented and deeply dedicated artists who will stop at nothing until the sound comes into focus and becomes a picture,” he continued. “I can’t wait to tell you more about it.”
Fans may have to wait until next year to hear Mayer perform his new music live for the first time. He has no live shows scheduled until his 2027 residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. He’ll perform 21 shows from April 8 through June 12.
In 1973, Zsa Zsa Gabor bought a Bel-Air mansion for about $250,000; it sold for $20.8 million in 2018
“I am a marvelous housekeeper,” Zsa Zsa Gabor once said. “Every time I leave a man, I keep his house.” She was married nine times, according to ABC News.
Gabor bought the house in 1973, reportedly paying “only $250,000,” per ABC News. Records show the price was $245,000, Forbes reported, and she lived there for more than 40 years, per Yahoo Finance.
The French Regency-style home was built in 1955, according to NBC Los Angeles. It has 26 rooms, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a large pool terrace, ABC News reported. The house appeared in the HBO film “Behind the Candelabra” as Liberace’s home, and in “Argo.”
Guests over the years included Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan and both Presidents Bush, ABC News said.
Gabor died in December 2016. The house sold for $10.4 million the following May, per The Real Deal. It returned to the market in July 2018 for $23.5 million, and in September it sold for $20.8 million, exactly double the earlier price, according to the outlet.
The buyer was not named, NBC Los Angeles said. The property came with approved plans for a 24,020-square-foot replacement home with seven bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a gym, a steam room and a six-car garage.
The house did not stay with that buyer, though. In December 2020, it sold for $16 million to Robert Friedland, a billionaire mining executive and the founder of Ivanhoe Mines, Yahoo Finance reported. That was $4.8 million less than the 2018 price. His plans for the property were not yet known.
Old Hollywood homes have a way of gaining value. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard bought a 20-acre ranch in Encino in 1939 for $50,000, and it sold for $587,500 in 1977.
Costco's Vibrant New 12-Piece Bone China Dinnerware Set Brings Festive Charm Home for the Holidays
Christmastime will be here before you know it, which means it’s almost time to entertain and gather with loved ones. If you’re planning to host a get-together or two this holiday season, a beautiful table spread can make everything feel even more special. Costco has the perfect dinnerware set right now to bring festive charm home for the holidays.
Costco is selling Mikasa’s Tivoli Holiday Dinnerware Set for just $74.99, and it comes with 12 pieces total. The set includes four 11-inch dinner plates, four 9-inch salad plates and six 6-inch all-purpose bowls, serving up to four people.
🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳
Mikasa Tivoli Holiday Dinnerware Set, 12-Piece, $74.99 at CostcoCostco
Donning a bright, cheery red-and-green botanical print, these lively plates and bowls are perfect for the most wonderful time of the year and everyday dining. The design almost looks hand-painted; it’s so pretty. Green leaves and red flowers dance along the perimeter of each piece in the set, adding a beautiful pop of color without feeling overwhelming or tacky.
Related: Become the Tailgate MVP With Costco’s Foldable Wagon
Beyond the gorgeous style, these plates and bowls are super durable and built to last. They’re made from sturdy bone china. This means they’re chip-resistant and will last you year after year. You’ll look forward to pulling these out each and every Christmas season. These could even become a set of dinnerware you pass down to future generations.
While this dish set is absolutely stunning, it’s also incredibly practical. For starters, it’s dishwasher-safe, making for easy clean-up after your holiday dinner parties. Just toss them in the dishwasher and get back to what matters: spending time with your friends and family. Even better, these dishes are microwave-safe if a late-night craving hits you on Christmas Eve. (Trust us, we’re not judging.)
You can find this charming Christmas-themed dinnerware set on Costco.com. This is an online-only offer and won’t be sold in Costco warehouses. It retails for $74.99.
Related: Target’s ‘Fresh and Modern’ 8-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set Rivals Pyrex
8 Types of Bell Peppers and Sweet Peppers for Cooking
Bell peppers and other sweet peppers come in a range of colors, sizes and shapes. Some have a mild, slightly bitter flavor, while others taste sweeter and fruitier. Their shape also affects how they work in the kitchen: large, hollow peppers are easy to stuff, while smaller or elongated varieties are useful for roasting, sautéing and serving whole.
The best pepper depends on the dish and the flavor you want. Here are eight types to look for and how to use each one.
Related: 22 Types of Peppers Every Cook Needs To Know About ASAP
Dwlyn studio/Canva
Green bell peppers are picked before they reach full ripeness. They have the familiar blocky shape of bell peppers, with thick walls, three or four lobes at the bottom and a firm, crisp texture. Their flavor is grassy and slightly bitter, with less sweetness than most mature colored bell peppers.
The USDA notes that bell peppers are dark green when immature and can turn red, yellow, black or purple at maturity. The University of Massachusetts Amherst explains that sweet bell peppers become sweeter as they mature, typically changing from green to red, although other mature colors are also common.
Best Dishes for Using Green Bell PeppersGreen bell peppers work well in dishes that benefit from their firmer texture and sharper flavor. Dice them into chili, jambalaya, gumbo or tomato-based sauces, or sauté them with onions for fajitas. They also hold their shape in casseroles and rice dishes. Their sturdy, hollow interiors make them a traditional choice for stuffed peppers.
For a recipe built specifically around green bell peppers, Food Network’s stuffed green peppers fills the peppers with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, mozzarella and herbs, then bakes them until tender. Green peppers also feature in Louisiana Cookin’s jambalaya-stuffed bell peppers, which combine chicken, andouille sausage, rice and Cajun seasonings in a whole-pepper presentation.
Related: Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe
kaanates/Canva
Red bell peppers are fully ripened bell peppers from varieties that mature to red. They have the same broad, blocky shape and thick walls as green peppers, but their flavor is sweeter and fruitier, with little of the bitterness associated with green peppers. They are a good option when you want a pronounced pepper flavor without adding heat.
Best Dishes for Using Red Bell PeppersRed bell peppers are well-suited to roasting, grilling, and blending into sauces or dips. Their sweetness works in pasta dishes, grain bowls, salads and sandwiches. Roasting deepens their flavor and softens their flesh, making them easy to purée into soups or a red pepper sauce.
They also work well in dishes where pepper is a central ingredient rather than just part of an aromatic base. Try them in a roasted red pepper soup, a Mediterranean salad or a sandwich with grilled vegetables and cheese.
Related: This Crock Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe Basically Cooks Itself
martince2/Canva
Yellow bell peppers have the same squat, lobed shape and thick flesh as other bell peppers. Their bright yellow skin signals a sweeter, milder flavor than green peppers, often with a fresh, slightly fruity quality. Yellow is a mature color for certain pepper varieties, although the sequence of colors a pepper develops depends on its variety.
Best Dishes for Using Yellow Bell PeppersUse yellow bell peppers when you want sweetness without the deeper flavor of a red pepper. They work in stir-fries, fajitas, kebabs, omelets and chopped salads. Their color also adds contrast to dishes with green vegetables or darker sauces.
For a cooked side dish, Food Network’s summer peperonata recipe uses red, orange and yellow bell peppers simmered with aromatics, olives, capers and other seasonings. Yellow peppers are a good fit for this slow-cooked preparation, which softens their texture and brings out their sweetness.
Related: Martha Stewart’s Stuffed Yellow Bell Peppers
Red Devil's Images/Canva
Orange bell peppers are typically rounded and blocky, with thick, crisp walls and a bright orange skin. Their flavor is sweet and fruity, often falling between the mild sweetness of yellow peppers and the deeper sweetness of red ones. As with other colored bell peppers, the precise flavor depends on the variety and its maturity.
Best Dishes for Using Orange Bell PeppersOrange bell peppers are versatile in both raw and cooked dishes. Slice them into salads or serve them with hummus, ranch dressing or another dip. Their sweetness also works in stir-fries, pasta, fajitas and roasted vegetable medleys.
Because they hold their shape when cut into large pieces, orange peppers can be threaded onto skewers with onions, zucchini and other vegetables. They are also a good choice for stuffed peppers when you want a colorful presentation and a sweet flavor to balance a savory filling.
Related: I Tried Princess Diana’s Favorite Stuffed Bell Peppers—And They Weren’t What I Expected
ginauf/Canva
Purple bell peppers are less common than green, red, yellow and orange varieties. They usually have the familiar blocky bell shape, with thick walls and a dark purple exterior. Their flavor is generally mild and slightly grassy, similar to green bell peppers, though it varies by cultivar. Some purple varieties change color as they mature, and their flesh may be green inside.
Best Dishes for Using Purple Bell PeppersPurple bell peppers add visual contrast to salads, crudités platters and vegetable trays. They can also be sliced for stir-fries or sautéed with onions and other peppers. Their flavor is mild enough to pair with garlic, herbs, cheese and grains.
For a recipe featuring purple bell peppers, Farm to People‘s stuffed purple bell peppers fills the peppers with mushrooms, brown rice, shallots, garlic and Parmesan, then bakes them until tender. This is a good option when you want to serve purple peppers as a main dish or hearty side.
Related: 33 Pinterest-Worthy Food Boards, From Butter Boards to DIY Mac ‘n’ Cheese Boards
HONG VO/Canva
Mini sweet peppers are small, elongated peppers with tapered ends and thin, crisp walls. They are commonly sold in red, yellow and orange, and their flavor is usually mild and sweet. Unlike bell peppers, which are broad and hollow, mini sweet peppers have a narrower shape and a smaller cavity.
Best Dishes for Using Mini Sweet PeppersMini sweet peppers are convenient for snacking, lunch boxes and appetizer platters. Serve them whole or halved with a dip, or fill the cavities with cream cheese, herbed goat cheese, hummus or seasoned ricotta. Their small size also makes them useful for quick roasting and grilling.
For a simple side dish, toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast until blistered and tender. You can also slice them into salads, omelets, tacos or pasta, where their sweetness adds a fresh contrast to salty or savory ingredients.
Related: 30 Types of Pasta, From Angel Hair to Ziti
bhofack2/Canva
Sweet banana peppers are long, narrow and tapered, usually with smooth skin that ranges from pale yellow to yellow-green and red as the fruit matures. They have thin walls and a mild, tangy flavor. Although banana peppers are often associated with pickled toppings, sweet varieties have little heat; some similar-looking wax peppers are hotter, so check the label when buying them.
Best Dishes for Using Sweet Banana PeppersSweet banana peppers are popular pickled, making them a good topping for sandwiches, pizza, burgers and Italian-style subs. Their tangy flavor cuts through rich cheese and cured meats. Fresh banana peppers can also be sliced into salads or sautéed with onions and other vegetables.
They also work in cooked main dishes. Food Network’s stuffed banana peppers recipe fills the peppers with ground meat, sausage, cheese, herbs and breadcrumbs, then bakes them with tomato sauce. Choose a sweet variety if you want the pepper flavor without much heat.
Related: 18 Different Types of Olives and the Best Ways To Use Them
RussieseO/Canva
Pimento peppers, also spelled pimiento, are small to medium-sized sweet peppers with thick walls and a rounded, heart-like shape. They are usually bright red when ripe and have a sweet, mild flavor. Their flesh is thick enough to roast and peel, and they are often sold jarred or canned after roasting.
Best Dishes for Using Pimento PeppersPimentos are commonly used in pimento cheese, where chopped peppers add sweetness and color to a creamy cheese spread. They also work in dips, pasta salads, deviled eggs and sandwiches. Jarred pimentos are especially convenient because they are already cooked and ready to use.
Whole fresh pimentos can be roasted, peeled and added to salads, sauces or antipasto platters. Their sweet flavor also complements olives, sharp cheeses and cured meats.
What Are Considered Bell Peppers?Bell peppers are mild, sweet peppers with thick flesh and a broad, hollow shape. They belong to the Capsicum annuum species and are also known as sweet peppers. Unlike hot chile peppers, they contain little to no heat.
Bell peppers are commonly green, red, yellow or orange, though some varieties are purple. According to the USDA, green peppers are immature, while mature peppers can develop several colors.
Botanically, bell peppers are fruits because they develop from flowers and contain seeds, but they are classified as vegetables in cooking.
This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.
These 4 Birth Months Are As Wise As an Owl
Wisdom isn’t always about how much you know. In astrology, the following birth months are associated with personality traits that make one lead with thoughtful decisions, read between the lines, and understand life’s lessons on an intuitive, old-soul level. From emotional intelligence to sharp intuition, these four birth months embody the spirit of being “as wise as an owl.”
In the English language, the expression “wise as an owl” describes someone who is intelligent, thoughtful, experienced, and sound in judgment. Its origins are often traced to ancient Greece, where the owl was associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom. The bird’s watchful gaze and quiet, observant nature helped cement its reputation as a symbol of insight and knowledge.
While birth month alone doesn’t determine a person’s wisdom, astrology offers a fun way to explore the different forms it can take. These four birth months stand out for their potential to approach life with patience, perception, and a deeper understanding of human nature.
Which 4 Birth Months Are As Wise As An Owl?Check if your birth month is listed for expert insights.
MarchPeople born in March possess emotional depth and an ability to see beyond the surface. Born while the Sun transited empathetic Pisces or pioneering Aries, astrologers associate March-borns with empathy, imagination, and sensitivity to the feelings of others. They pick up on subtle shifts in someone’s mood. Even when nobody has said a word, this intuitive birth month recognizes when something feels off almost instantly.
For these people, wisdom is synonymous with open-minded fluidity. This birth month understands that not every situation has a simple answer. Rather than rushing to judge, they try to understand the complex circumstances behind each individual’s behavior. Their compassion can help them see multiple perspectives, while their instincts encourage them to pay attention to what isn’t being said.
While they may be sensitive, these old souls also act with decisiveness and proactivity from their higher insight. These individuals learn through experience to trust their first judgment and act on what they know in their gut. Like an owl that senses movement in the dark, March-borns can pick up on the emotions and unspoken truths that others might miss.
MayMay-borns embody wisdom through their practicality and appreciation for what lasts. These individuals were born as the Sun traveled through sensual Taurus or communicative Gemini, marked by personalities strong in steadiness and persistence. You can count on them for a grounded approach as challenges arise. Rather than making impulsive decisions, they prefer to weigh their options and consider the long-term consequences.
This measured perspective often makes them some of the most excellent, thoughtful advisers. Meaningful progress takes time, and not every opportunity deserves an immediate yes. This birth month innately embodies this truth. Their ability to remain grounded when others feel overwhelmed also equips them with the ability to discern who and what truly matters in the end.
Although they carry resilient strength, they also hold curiosity and intellectual flexibility. Individuals born in May develop their soulful intelligence by asking questions and remaining open to new perspectives. Like an owl that conserves its energy until the right moment to act, May-borns know the value of patience and investing in what will truly last.
SeptemberSeptember-born individuals have a knack for noticing the most minute details that other people overlook. Born as the Sun transited mindful Virgo or intellectual Libra, this birth month is blessed with analytical thinking, discernment, and a desire to understand how things work. Their wisdom may show up in their ability to identify patterns and problem-solve. Many rely on their practical advice when life feels confusing.
Rather than accepting everything at face value, individuals with September birthdays prefer to examine the evidence and thoroughly consider the possible outcomes. They’re skilled at recognizing inconsistencies and finding small but meaningful ways to improve a situation. For them, choices must be based on careful consideration rather than appearances alone.
Perhaps the wisest part of their personality is their justice-oriented mindset. They value hearing different sides of a story. By balancing logic with an awareness of other people’s perspectives, they can approach disagreements with a thoughtful, measured attitude. Like an owl that can pinpoint the smallest movement in its surroundings, September-born individuals have a sharp eye for inconsistencies, overlooked details, and flaws in an otherwise convincing argument.
DecemberDecember-borns develop their owl-like wisdom through experience, resilience, and a willingness to think about the bigger picture. Curiosity, exploration, and a desire to understand life’s larger questions define their personality. With birthdays landing in the midst of philosophical Sagittarius season or ambitious Capricorn season, they learn by seeking new experiences. As humans, we tend to avoid challenging our assumptions, which can create many blind spots. These birth months welcome such reflection. This allows them to deeply assign meaning to what each life chapter teaches them.
This openness can help them recognize that wisdom isn’t about having every answer. Sometimes, it means admitting what you don’t know and being willing to change your mind. December-born individuals may be particularly drawn to conversations that expand their worldview, whether through travel, reading, or the people they encounter.
Those born during this chilly period may demonstrate wisdom through patience, responsibility, and an ability to plan for the future. Like the owl’s enduring association with careful observation, December-born individuals can learn to look beyond immediate gratification and consider what will serve them well in the long run.
In 2006, Warren Buffett pledged $36.1 billion in stock to the Gates Foundation; by 2026 he had given more than $47 billion
In June 2006, Warren Buffett pledged 10 million Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway to the Gates Foundation, then worth about $36.1 billion, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The pledge was one of five he made that year, and the total was worth more than $43.5 billion at the time.
The pledge was set to continue as long as Bill or Melinda Gates was alive and active in the foundation, the Chronicle said. The number of shares Buffett gave each year grew after a 2010 stock split.
By June 2023, Buffett had given the Gates Foundation nearly $39.3 billion, the Chronicle tallied. Across five different foundations, Buffett had given nearly $50.7 billion in total.
In July 2026, Buffett, then 95, announced nearly $6 billion in Berkshire stock for his family’s foundations, according to Fortune. None of it went to the Gates Foundation, which had received his stock gifts every year since 2006. It was the first time in that stretch that Buffett left the foundation out.
He is donating 12 million Class B shares: 9 million to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, and 1 million each to the Howard G. Buffett, NoVo and Sherwood foundations, Fortune said.
The Gates Foundation says Buffett’s gifts total “more than $47 billion,” and Fortune put the figure at about $48 billion. He gave it 9.4 million shares worth about $4.6 billion the year before.
Buffett also said he plans to give away all of his remaining Berkshire shares, worth about $140 billion, by Dec. 31, 2034. His statement cited his children’s ages and the unpredictability of life as reasons for the timeline, per InvestmentNews. It did not explicitly say why the Gates Foundation was left out.
The outlet noted that the relationship between the two men had worsened after the Justice Department’s January release of files on Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to people connected to Gates. Gates has not been accused of crimes, and he has said meeting Epstein was a “grave error in judgment,” Fortune reported.
The Gates Foundation said it “continues from a position of financial strength to advance our work through 2045,” Fortune said.
Not every large gift comes from a billionaire. Geoffrey Holt had no car and little furniture in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, and when he died in 2023, he left the town $3.8 million.
Walmart’s 4-Tier Rustic Corner Shelf Turns Unused Spaces Into Stylish Storage Solutions
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Decorating a small room often means finding creative ways to make the most of the space you have. An empty corner can be a useful spot for a narrow shelving unit, giving you somewhere to display potted plants, books, framed photos, and other favorite finds. Walmart has a cute shelf on sale right now that can make your space feel more organized and put those awkward corners to work!
The Costway 4-Tier Corner Shelf is currently $38 at Walmart, down from $60. Its compact design fits into narrow corners and provides four tiers for displaying decor, organizing books, or holding small plants. It’s a practical addition to living rooms, home offices, and balconies, especially when you want extra storage and display space without adding a bulky piece of furniture.
Costway 4-Tier Corner Shelf, $38 (was $60) at Walmart Shop at WalmartMeasuring 14 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 49.5 inches tall, it’s designed to make use of vertical space while leaving more room for other furniture and decor. Its particleboard shelves and heavy-duty metal frame feature a brown-and-black finish that adds an industrial touch to your decor. The curved shelves have straight, rectangular edges that allow the unit to fit neatly into a corner, making it a practical spot to display plants, books, framed photos, and other decorative accents.
The shelves gradually increase in size from top to bottom, giving you more flexibility when arranging decor of different sizes. Each tier holds up to 33 pounds, with a total weight capacity of 132 pounds.
Walmart shoppers praised the shelf’s looks and easy assembly. “Looks gorgeous! Easy to assemble too!” one reviewer wrote. Another called it the “perfect” fit for a corner spot, while a third described it as a “cute little rack” for smaller plants.
Another buyer was impressed with its durability and appearance, writing, “It’s sturdy, attractive and large enough to be noticed, but not overwhelming.” They also said it looked ‘super cute’ while showcasing their pup-pup collectibles.
Shop More Deals- Ameha 3-Piece Quilt Set, $23 (was $25) at Walmart
- Amumu Personal Space Heater, From $25 (was $190) at Walmart
- Noahstrong Touch Lamp, $13 (was $23) at Walmart
If you’re looking for a space-saving shelf, the Costway 4-Tier Corner Shelf is a budget-friendly way to display your favorite decor, books, and more for just $38. Shop it now at Walmart while it’s still in stock and on sale!
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.
Julia Roberts Pays Heartfelt Tribute to ‘Steel Magnolias’ Co-Star Tom Skerritt
Julia Roberts is honoring her Steel Magnolias co-star, Tom Skerritt.
Skerritt, who is known for a variety of beloved roles ranging from Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the TV classic Picket Fences to his role as Viper in Top Gun, died on Wednesday, his family confirmed Thursday, NBC News reported. He was 93. But it was his role in the 1989 comedy-drama Steel Magnolias opposite Roberts that won the hearts of many filmgoers. Now, Roberts is honoring her late co-star with a touching remembrance.
In a sweet photo of herself alongside Skerritt, Roberts took to Instagram. She captioned the shot, “A shining light of a gentle man. RIP 💔.”
View this post on Instagram🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
How Did Tom Skerritt Die?Sonia Moskowitz / Getty Images
According to the statement released by his family, Skerritt died on Wednesday of natural causes.
“While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives,” his family shared. “He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices.”
Tom Skerritt’s Role in Steel MagnoliasSteel Magnolias follows the highs and lows of a group of friends and family members in small-town Louisiana. Skerritt played Drum Eatonton, the father of Julia Roberts’ character, Shelby, who gets married as she battles type 1 diabetes. In one of Skerritt’s most memorable scenes from the film, he’s a proud dad on his daughter’s wedding day who utters one of the film’s classic lines:
“Nothing like a good piece of ass,” Skerritt’s character tells Shirley MacLaine.
Skerritt Was an Entrepreneur Into His EightiesWhile Skerritt was best known as an actor, he also served as a writer, director, and producer. But it was the unexpected role of entrepreneur he found for himself in his eighties. He started Heyou Media in 2016, a digital entertainment and content-aggregation company based in Seattle, NBC News shared.
“This is a new era, and we’re positioning ourselves to bring some light to new media and digital entertainment,” he told The Seattle Times in 2018. “My frame of reference is as big as this room.”
When Did We Stop Eating Together? What Family Therapists Want Parents To Know
There are so many benefits of eating together as a family. Family therapists say mealtimes with your people are even more important now, as technology advances and it becomes harder to tell what’s real, what’s human-generated and what technology dreamt (or made) up.
“Children need real-world reference points for what human conversation sounds like, what genuine connection feels like and what it means to be present with other people without an algorithm mediating the interaction or a virtual audience watching your every move,” Katie Rose, LCSW, a Manhattan-based psychotherapist with over a decade of experience treating individuals, couples, parents and families, tells Parade.
However, the decline of family dinners began before technological advances and smartphones—they only fanned an already-burning flame.
“Families have so many competing demands now—work, school, sports, activities and, of course, everyone having their own screen,” explains Suzanne Koch Eckenrode, LMFT, BACC, a clinical consultant and therapist at Carlsbad Beach Recovery. “It’s very easy for family members to move through the same house on separate tracks. A shared meal creates a natural pause where everyone is in the same place and provides an opportunity to reconnect.”
For Eckenrode, that’s the point.
“It doesn’t have to be an elaborate dinner or even happen every night,” she shares. “The value is in creating regular moments when a family stops, puts some of the distractions aside and is together.”
OK— but when did families stop eating together? Therapists dig deeper into the cultural shift and psychological benefits of family meals. They also share the effects of not eating dinner as a group and advice for parents on getting everyone around one table at the same time.
The Cultural Shift: When Did Families Stop Eating Together?Family therapists say the decline of family dinners has happened slowly and steadily. No single factor “ended” family mealtime.
“This has been a subtle change in our culture as family life became more scheduled and more fragmented,” Rose says.
Dual family incomes began rising in the late 1960s and 1970s. By 1978, more than half (51 percent) of married couples were dual-income—a 15 percent surge from 10 years prior.
“The rise of dual-income households meant that parents often had less time at home at the end of the day, while the explosion of after-school activities meant children were increasingly being shuttled from one activity to the next during the very hours when families once gathered for dinner,” Rose explains.
And then there is the advent of screens. Color TV entered the chat in the 1950s, and smartphones and other personal devices became commonplace in the late aughts. The iPhone made its debut in 2007.
“We’re now living in a culture that is extraordinarily good at asking families to prioritize the future: academic achievement, resume-ready activities, credentialing and more,” the therapist tells Parade. “These things aren’t inherently bad, but when we continually prioritize everything that might make our children successful in the future, we can accidentally deprioritize the mundane experiences that make them feel secure and connected in the present.”
Related: Psychologists Rank the 10 Most Emotionally Healthy Daily Habits
While there can be effects of not eating dinner as a family, therapists share it doesn’t make you a “bad” parent if you’re not doing it.
“I wouldn’t suggest that something bad automatically happens when a family doesn’t eat dinner together,” Eckenrode states. “What families can miss are the small, informal moments of connection that happen when people regularly spend unstructured time together.”
For instance, kids and teens don’t always sit down and say, “Hey, I need to discuss something important.”
“Often, things come out while everyone is doing something else—eating, driving, walking the dog,” she notes. “Regular shared time gives parents more opportunities to notice a change in mood, hear about a small worry before it becomes a bigger one, laugh together or simply know more about what’s happening in one another’s lives.”
Dr. Shannon Franklin, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and the Clinical Director of Element Q Healing, adds that kids miss opportunities to see adults listen, disagree respectfully and demonstrate interest in others.
Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists for the Best Question To Ask Kids at the Dinner Table, and They All Said the Same Thing
Getty Images
Why is family dinner important? Therapists say there are many psychological benefits to eating dinner together as a family. They shared these effects below.
1. Language developmentLittle ones don’t learn language from flashcards—they generally learn it by hearing it, and dinner gives them space to do just that.
“Family meals naturally create opportunities for children to hear and practice language in a context that is meaningful to them,” Rose explains. “They listen to adults tell stories, learn new vocabulary, ask questions, interrupt, negotiate, explain what happened at school and learn how to follow a conversation.”
Beyond building vocabulary, Eckenrode notes that kids can develop communication skills in a safe space. That safe space is important because not all communication is “easy.”
“Children… practice listening, waiting for a turn to speak, asking questions, tolerating differing viewpoints and repairing minor misunderstandings,” Eckenrode says. “These basic conversation processes are repeated through family dinners, and children then take these skills to their eventual friendships, relationships, teachers and work associates.”
Parents often want to “plan” and “curate” their children’s lives, filling them with enriching adventures. There’s a time and place for these moments, but Rose is begging people not to overlook the little ones.
“Children don’t necessarily build their strongest relationships with parents through big, orchestrated conversations,” she notes. “They are built through small interactions in which they learn that their parents are interested in them, listen to them, laugh with them and show up consistently.”
Dinner provides a regular time for this connection.
Family therapists aren’t looking for parents to create rigid mealtime schedules, but rather for consistent opportunities to connect that help children develop.
“Children generally do better when life has a predictable rhythm, and a family meal can become an important anchor in that rhythm,” Rose says.
Dr. Franklin agrees that consistency is useful.
“Familiarity in an anticipated mealtime may allow the child to recognize that [they have] consistent access to [their] caregiver or caregivers, which may assist with making difficult communications less daunting due to the fact that communications are already part of the routine,” she reveals.
Does all of the above make you feel guilty about underestimating the importance of eating together as a family? Rose hopes not.
“There’s no one correct way to parent, and we don’t want families walking away from this feeling like they’ve failed because they aren’t sitting around a candlelit table eating a home-cooked meal every night,” she emphasizes.
Eckenrode also wants parents to loosen their grip on making “Pinterest Perfect” the goal of family dinner.
“The goal is connection, not perfection,” she points out. “If dinner isn’t realistic for your family, there are other ways to create that same opportunity to be together.”
Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What Actually Motivates Kids—They All Said the Same Thing
Set the table? Absolutely. Set the number of family meals? Not so much, therapists say.
“Aim for consistency,” Rose says. “Ideally, families will eat together every night—seven nights a week. But if that’s unreasonable, maybe it’s just during the work week.”
She says you and your kids can still enjoy the benefits of eating together as a family once a week, “so long as that night is protected and everyone knows not to schedule anything during that time.”
“I would much rather see a family have one reliable meal together every week than set an unrealistic goal of seven nights and abandon the whole thing after two weeks,” the therapist states.
Breaking the routine of TV dinners (or breakfasts), or meals eaten while one caregiver takes one child to soccer and the other chauffeurs a kid to dance, can be hard. Here’s some family therapist advice for parents in reclaiming mealtime.
1. Make it specialYou don’t need to have candlelit dinners, but Rose likes the idea for reasons beyond aesthetics. She likes to make meals feel different by lighting a candle at the start and blowing it out at the end.
“There’s something inherently calming about watching a flame,” she says. “Lighting the candle signals that we’ve arrived at the meal and that this moment is a little different from everything that came before it.”
Plus, she says the chance to blow out the candle can often get kids to come to the table at all.
2. Have kids prepare the mealRose loves that this idea gets kids invested.
“Children are often more interested in eating food they’ve had a hand in making, whether that means shopping for the ingredients, washing vegetables, stirring a sauce or helping set the table,” she says. “But there’s another benefit: cooking together creates another opportunity for conversation and connection before you even sit down.”
3. Create screen time rulesThis one is hard but important.
“Create a time frame of no phone use—screen-free—to help children understand what you mean by ‘no’ as opposed to viewing technology as an enemy,” Dr. Franklin says. “For example, take all phones into another room and place them on a table. The phones will be off for 20 minutes, which includes Mom and Dad’s phones.”
She emphasizes that “children are much more likely to follow the rules when they see their role models doing the same.”
4. Be flexible about which meal happens together“It’s not like dinnertime is the best and only time to connect,” Rose reveals. “If mornings are more reasonable for your family, prioritize a sit-down breakfast together. The routine matters far more than the particular meal or time of day.”
So why all the fuss about dinner?
“Dinnertime is a kind of safety net because it naturally captures everyone at the end of the day and helps the family unwind together,” she explains. “It gives you a chance to transition as a family toward sleep and maybe process what happened that day. But you can create that same ritual in other ways.”
You have to do what works best for your family.
5. Keep conversation curious, not correctiveEckenrode says kids won’t look forward to family dinners that become an interrogation about grades, chores, missing assignments or what somebody did wrong that day.
“Be curious,” she says. “Ask questions. Let them tell stories. Laugh. Talk about something ridiculous that happened that day or something going on in the world.”
Around the dinner table, Eckenrode says children can learn: “My family doesn’t just want information from me. They enjoy knowing me.”
Sources:- Katie Rose, LCSW, is a Manhattan-based psychotherapist with over a decade of experience treating individuals, couples, parents and families.
- Suzanne Koch Eckenrode, LMFT, BACC, is a clinical consultant and therapist at Carlsbad Beach Recovery.
- Dr. Shannon Franklin, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist with Element Q Healing.
- Husbands and wives as earners: an analysis of family data (1981). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Jay-Z and his mother founded the Shawn Carter Foundation in 2003; its 20th-anniversary gala raised $20 million in one night
The Shawn Carter Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary with a black-tie gala at Pier Sixty in New York City, per Complex. It was held on Friday, July 14, 2023, according to American Songwriter.
The night raised $20 million, Complex reported. The biggest gift was a $10 million legacy donation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, and Jack Dorsey gave $2 million, his annual contribution. The foundation and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism gave $1 million each to a partnership opposing a nationwide book ban, Complex said.
The guest list included Beyoncé, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, Robert Kraft and Roger Goodell, the outlet reported. Actor Regina Hall hosted, and Babyface performed, according to Bossip.
Jay-Z and his mother, Dr. Gloria Carter, founded the foundation in 2003, per Complex. It helps people facing economic hardship pursue education beyond high school.
The foundation’s scholarship fund gives awards of up to $7,500 per student, and it has supported more than 200 students each year for two decades, according to Black Enterprise. Payments go directly to schools to cover tuition and related costs, such as books, lab fees and travel.
Beyond scholarships, the foundation has run tours of historically Black colleges and universities, study abroad opportunities and wealth-building programs for young people and families, Complex said. “We believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunity,” Carter said, according to Rock the Bells.
Money raised at the gala will fund scholarships, an international exchange program, and community goodwill and emergency assistance programs, Complex reported.
Large gifts for education are not new. Stephen Girard died in 1831 with a $7.5 million fortune, and he gave $6 million of it to found a school for orphans that opened 17 years later.
In 1944, Curtis Springer claimed 12,800 acres of Mojave land and built Zzyzx; the government evicted him in 1974
Curtis Howe Springer picked the name Zzyzx for his Mojave Desert health spa as a gimmick to make it “the last word” in health, according to San Bernardino County. The name rhymes with “Why-sik.” The hot spring was an imitation, too: Springer used boilers to heat several pools, the county said.
Springer called himself “the last of the old-time medicine men,” per PBS SoCal. He used titles such as “Reverend, M.D.” and Dean of Greer College, but he never attended a university or medical school, the outlet said. In 1969, the American Medical Association gave him the title “King of Quacks.”
In 1944, Springer filed mining claims on 12,800 acres of federal land, according to California State University, Fullerton. He had no plans to mine gold, PBS SoCal said. San Bernardino County lists the claim as 12,000 acres.
On the claim, Springer built a mineral-springs resort with a two-story castle for paying guests, concrete cottages, a pool, a chapel, and a man-made lake called Tuendae, PBS SoCal reported. A free shuttle carried guests from Los Angeles. He also promoted the spa on a syndicated radio program that was carried at one point by 221 stations in the U.S. and 102 more abroad, the SBC Sentinel reported.
The resort drew health-conscious Christians for nearly three decades. Stays were free, though guests were urged to donate, per Digital Desert.
The Bureau of Land Management began legal proceedings in the 1960s to close the resort and evict Springer for violating mining laws, according to Cal State Fullerton. The facility closed in 1974. All That’s Interesting reported that Springer was forcibly removed on April 11, 1974, and had 36 hours to leave.
Springer later retired to Las Vegas, per the National Park Service. California State University took over the site in 1976 and now runs a Desert Studies Center there. The county said the man-made pond that Springer once stocked still holds a protected habitat for the Mohave tui chub and desert pupfish.
Springer was not the only person to draw crowds with something that was not what it seemed. In 1869, George Hull sold most of the Cardiff Giant for $23,000, and many visitors paid 25 cents to see the statue and accepted is as a petrified human being, Archaeology reported.
Bravo's Sneak Peek at New Texas-Set Reality Show Has Fans Saying the Same Thing
Home to all your favorite reality shows, Bravo is now heading down south for its next small-screen project.
On Thursday, October 22, the TV network dropped a first look at Small Town Trouble: Texas, premiering November 18 and streaming the next day on Peacock.
Here’s the show’s synopsis in part, per Bravo’s sneak-peek reveal: “Set in Boerne (that’s Bur-nee to the uninitiated), Texas, the series follows a charming yet unconventional group of wives, mothers and social insiders – Aaryn Williams, Annari Uys, Gabby Hernandez Huffman, Alli McAnelly and Hailey Head, alongside their respective husbands Nick Williams, Duan Uys, Jordan Huffman, Blake McAnelly and Josh Marsalis – as conservative values of small-town life collide with forbidden attraction, messy friendships, and shocking secrets.”
Check out the first-look footage below.
Fans have since commented on the YouTube upload to share their initial thoughts on Small Town Trouble: Texas, a show title that might remind fans of the song of the summer (“Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley). Many of the viewers’ reactions center on a certain Big Brother alum.
“Because of Aaryn, CBS now has a disclaimer for Big Brother live feeds because of her blatant racism,” one YouTube user commented. “There’s footage everywhere of her explicitly racist actions and remarks. Kinda crazy they decided to cast her on a show like this…”
Another person commented, “Bravo’s really out here trying to uncancel Aaryn from television. Thumbs down!”
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the show’s other stars, per Bravo:
- Wealthy, glamorous and full of personality, Hailey is just beginning to explore life outside the home she shares with her longtime partner, Josh, and their two kids…
- A third-generation local with rodeo grit, platinum small-town status and firmly traditional views in her own marriage with Blake, Alli is in a state of self-discovery…
- San Antonio-born and raised as a preacher’s daughter, Gabby is unpacking a repressed evangelical past while boldly exploring who and what she wants…
What to Watch on Prime Video This Weekend: Chris Pratt Returns in 'The Terminal List' Season 2
Looking to update your streaming queue this weekend? Prime Video has introduced several major series drops across the platform this week, spanning military thrillers, animated comedies, and sports biographical profiles. Whether you are looking for an eight-episode binge with Chris Pratt, a fresh season of underworld animation, or an inside look at minor league hockey with Michael Bublé, there is plenty of fresh content hitting the service this weekend.
Here are the top three TV shows available on Prime Video this weekend (Oct. 23-25).
🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
New on Prime Video This Weekend (Oct. 23–25, 2026) The Terminal List Season 2 Chris Pratt as James Reece in ‘The Terminal List’Marni Grossman/Prime
The Terminal List returns for its anticipated second season with all 8 episodes dropping at once. Chris Pratt reprises his role as Navy SEAL Commander James Reece in this military thriller series based on Jack Carr’s bestselling novel True Believer. Following the violent events of the first season, Reece finds himself drawn into an international espionage conspiracy while attempting to navigate a path toward redemption. The new season expands the scope beyond domestic revenge into global counter-terrorism efforts across Europe and Africa. The ensemble cast includes Taylor Kitsch, Constance Wu and Jai Courtney.
Related: Will There Be a Season 3 of ‘The Terminal List’? Here’s What We Know
Courtesy of Amazon
The hit indie animated series Helluva Boss has returned to Prime Video for its third season. Created by Vivienne Medrano, the musical workplace comedy takes place in Hell, following the chaotic operations of Immediate Murder Professionals (I.M.P.), an assassination agency catering to demonic clients. Season 3 continues the misadventures of company founder Blitzo (Brandon Rogers), weapons expert Moxxie (Richard Steven Horvitz), powerhouse Millie (Vivian Nixon), and receptionist Loona (Erica Lindbeck) as they handle assassin contracts on Earth while managing personal relationships in the underworld. The new season delivers the signature balance of dark humor, fast-paced action, and musical numbers that fans have come to expect. Be sure to binge before the Part 1 finale airs on Oct. 28!
Related: ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Star Mara Wilson Is on a ‘Magical’ Journey — and You Won’t Believe What She Looks Like Now
Courtesy of Amazon
Hometown Giants is a brand-new original docuseries chronicling the 2025–26 season of the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants. The unscripted series provides an inside look at the minor league hockey franchise under the ownership group co-led by Grammy-winning singer Michael Bublé and HGTV star Drew Scott. Across six episodes, the camera crew captures the physical demands, roster turnover, and front-office pressure of junior hockey, highlighting young prospects dreaming of the NHL draft alongside local community traditions in British Columbia. It’s the perfect show for hockey fans looking for something to binge between bouts on the ice.
Related: Michael Bublé Reveals How Michael J. Fox Changed His Life After Major Honor