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In 1991, Reba McEntire put her own spin on a song that was written and released over 20 years earlier — Bobbie Gentry’s “Fancy.” 

Already a hit for Gentry, the track reached No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 26 on the Hot Country Songs chart. But, decades later, McEntire would introduce the song to a new generation, and in turn, the Southern Gothic classic became one of her signature songs and a major success for her. 

RELATED: 1994 No. 1 Breakthrough Song, Written by a 22 Year Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 32 Years Later

Though McEntire’s version never went No. 1, it surpassed the original on the country charts, reaching No. 8 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Her version also ranked at No. 65 on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of “200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.”

“Fancy” was released as a single on Feb. 11, 1991, but McEntire had wanted to record the track since 1984. Producer Jimmy Bowen initially opposed the idea, and it wasn’t until Tony Brown began producing her records that she finally recorded it for her Rumor Has It album.

“I always wanted to record it,” McEntire shared in a 2019 interview with Country Living. “Then [producer] Tony Brown said,‘What’s a song you’d like to do a remake of?’ And I said, ‘Fancy.’ He said, 'That’s one of my favorite songs, too.' And so we recorded it.”

McEntire even had a hand in the making of the music video directed by Jack Cole. The clip finds her portraying the adult version of Fancy Rae Baker, the character from the song. She plays a now-famous Fancy who takes a cab to the rickety shack where she once lived, drawing up old memories of her troubled past through heartbreaking flashbacks. 

Written by Gentry, “Fancy” provides a masterclass in storytelling, offering vivid details throughout its nearly five-minute runtime. The song is told from the perspective of a young girl named Fancy, who looks back on growing up in poverty in a one-room shack on the outskirts of New Orleans with her mother and infant sibling. In a desperate attempt to give Fancy a chance for a better life, her mother spends their last penny on a satin dancing dress for 18-year-old Fancy, dolls her up, and sends her out into the world, telling her, “Here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down.” 

Later verses find Fancy escaping poverty after being taken in by a benevolent man. She eventually becomes involved with powerful men, and acquires a mansion and a townhouse. Looking back on her upbringing, Fancy pushes back against the critics who judged her mother for sending her out into the world. 

RELATED: 1999 Power Ballad, Lasting 53 Weeks on the Charts, Ranked Among ‘Favorite Country Love Songs of All Time’

Of why she felt the urge to record the song, McEntire shared: “It’s a rags-to-riches story. I love rags-to-riches stories. Cinderella,Annie Get Your Gun, all poverty, and then make it big in the world. Well, she did, too. Fancy, she had a lot going against her, and she persevered and moved on.”

Related: 1970 No. 1 Hit, Reimagined by Scotty McCreery, Ranked Among ‘Best Country Songs of All Time’

Jared Padalecki thought he was extending some kindness to Perez Hilton amid the celebrity blogger's hospitalization. Instead, the message landed him in hot water with fans.

On Sunday, August 9, the Supernatural star posted a message on X wishing Hilton well following reports about his serious condition. "Hey @PerezHilton Just wanted to reach out and let you know that you're in my thoughts. This 'being human' is a strange thing. Exhilarating. Exhausting. Fast. Slow. Wonderful… and… at times… awful," Padalecki wrote, per TV Insider.

The post quickly drew criticism from users who pointed to Hilton's controversial history and past treatment of celebrities. Padalecki subsequently deleted the message and responded, "I didn't know. It's been brought to my attention. I'm sorry," in a follow-up post.

I didn’t know. It’s been brought to my attention. I’m sorry ❤️

— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) August 9, 2026

The 44-year-old then returned with a much longer explanation. "I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA about his past," he wrote in a third post, explaining that while he'd heard of Hilton and knew the blogger hadn't always been kind to him personally, he believed in offering "grace and forgiveness,” because in his experience, “It usually works out better than holding a grudge or wishing punishment on someone else.”

Padalecki said he had never visited Hilton's websites and had assumed he was simply a "'tabloid' type of sensationalist journalist.” After apparently learning more from fans, however, he made his position on the matter known. "I DO NOT stand for, or support, ANY of the actions I just now found out that he has committed. Full stop," he wrote. "I'm sorry if my words caused any harm."

Fans seem to have forgiven the Gilmore Girls alum for the most part.

“You shouldn't apologise for being kind, I admire your kindness towards those who struggle themselves,” one fan responded.

“You gave grace and that is not a bad thing.  Thank you for being human and a really good guy.” another said.

A third wrote, “Wishing someone well after something horrific isn’t an endorsement of every shitty thing they’ve done.”

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The controversy unfolded as Hilton, 48, remains hospitalized following a serious August 4 self-harm incident which was documented on TikTok Live.

His family and team initially confirmed he was receiving medical care in the Miami area and asked for privacy. In an August 8 update, his team said Hilton had experienced "significant blood loss" and additional injuries and remained in serious but stable condition.

Hilton is also expected to undergo surgery, though details about the procedure have not been disclosed. His representatives cautioned that his treatment and recovery are expected to be a "long process," with no timeline yet provided for his release from the hospital.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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If you’re a Dolly Parton fan — or shopping for one — this $24 tray is a sweet little find that brings charm wherever it’s placed. It works just as well styled on your own table as it does as for gifting on special occasions.

Right now, the Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Tray is available for just $23 at Walmart and Amazon, which is a great price for piece made from durable, long-lasting stoneware. It measures 13 by 9 inches and features Parton’s signature butterfly motif in a shimmering jeweled mosaic design. It also includes one of her most-quoted lyrics from her 2014 song Try: “Dreams are of no value if they’re not equipped with wings.” 

Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Tray, $23 at Walmart and Amazon

Courtesy of Walmart

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The star of this platter is the design. The blue mosaic pattern features glittery butterflies that bring sparkle wherever it’s placed  — whether that's a kitchen counter, a console table, or a dinner party spread. 

With Parton’s popular song lyric etched into the tray, it’s an inspiring gift for weddings, birthdays, and fans of the country icon. One shopper shared, “Lovely plate to give to my daughter with the quote from Dolly.” Another said they bought it for their daughter's wedding, and it "was more beautiful than expected.”

Beyond gifting, it’s just as practical for everyday use. Bring it out for charcuterie boards and movie night snacks, or even use it on a vanity to corral jewelry and perfume bottles. It’s also dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easy after entertaining.

If you’re looking to build a matching set, the Dolly Parton collection at Walmart also includes a Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic 12-inch Sharing Plate for $25.

Related: Dolly Parton's Cast Iron Lodge Skillet Doubles as a 'Beautiful' Display Piece, and It's on Sale

For anyone whose tablescape could use a little sparkle, the Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Tray is an easy pick for just $23. Head to Walmart or Amazon to grab one while it’s still in stock. 

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.

On Aug. 9, 1969, the murder of 26-year-old actress Sharon Tate shook the nation as she was eight and a half months pregnant and was found dead at her home in Los Angeles along with four others.

Tate was the highest-profile victim on a killing spree that was conducted by the followers of cult leader Charles Manson. At the time of her death, she was one of Hollywood's biggest stars, having appeared in television roles before landing films such as The Fearless Vampire Killers, Don’t Make Waves and Valley of the Dolls. Tate married director Roman Polanski in January 1968 and became pregnant with the couple's first child.

Before the murders, Tate went to dinner with her friends Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, and Wojciech Frykowski. Afterwards, they all returned to her house. It was just after midnight when Manson's followers, Charles D. “Tex” Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel and Susan Atkins, entered the house and killed the four, as well as Steven Parent, who was leaving the home. Specifically, Tate was killed by Atkins, who went on to testify and say she didn't remember how many times she stabbed the actress.

Corner Dr. Thomas T. Noguchi later said it was 16 times when he took the stand.

“She said, ‘Please don’t kill me,’ and I told her to shut up, and I threw her down on the couch,” Atkins testified, per PEOPLE. “She said, ‘Please let me have my baby.’ Then Tex came in, and he said, ‘Kill her,’ and I killed her. I just stabbed her, and she fell, and I stabbed her again. I don’t know how many times. I don’t know why I stabbed her.”

This crime was ultimately tied to Manson, with him and his followers ultimately being convicted of nine murders. As for Manson, he was sentenced to nine life sentences in prison and died at the age of 83 in November 2017.

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history has died at the age of 86 on Sunday, Aug. 9, his family announced.

"On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family," they shared in a statement, per ESPN. "Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories."

Nelson served as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks. Throughout this time, he was a three-time winner of the NBA Coach of the Year award (1983, '85, '92).

"A basketball innovator. A Mavericks legend. An impact that will never be forgotten. We mourn the passing of former Mavericks head coach Don Nelson and celebrate a life that left an incredible mark on our franchise and the game of basketball. Rest in peace, Nellie," the Mavericks posted.

"Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said in a statement. "He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game."

But before his time leading the teams, he played on the Boston Celtics for 11 seasons, going on to win five NBA titles. The team retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978.

"Don Nelson’s success as a Hall of Fame Coach is so vast, that it could overshadow his playing career, but it would be a mistake to do so. A favorite of Red Auerbach’s, “Nellie” was a tough and reliable all-around player whose tenacity and ability to “think the game” was on full display throughout his 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics, where he was a key member of five championship teams across two eras. His most celebrated moment as a player came in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals against his former team the Los Angeles Lakers, when Nelson converted one of the most famous shots in playoff history—a foul-line jumper which dropped through the basket after hitting the back rim and bouncing several feet straight up. The shot, taken with just over a minute to go in the game and the Celtics clinging to a 103–102 lead, was an essential play in helping secure Boston's 11th NBA title in 13 seasons. Nellie’s number 19 was raised shortly after he retired following yet another championship season in 1976. The Celtics extend our deep condolences to Nelson’s family, loved ones, and everyone he touched through his rich and impactful life in basketball and beyond," the Celtics said in a statement.

He finished with a regular-season record of 1,335-1,063 as well as a 75-91 postseason record. When he retired, he held the record for the most wins ever, but it was broken by  San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich in March 2022.

In the late 1970s, few songs captured the frustrations of a generation as powerfully as "Alternative Ulster."

Released by Stiff Little Fingers in 1978, the explosive punk anthem was written and sung by Jake Burns, who was just 20 years old at the time. Drawing inspiration from life in Northern Ireland during one of its most turbulent periods, the song has endured for nearly five decades as both a rallying cry and one of punk's defining recordings.

Burns wrote "Alternative Ulster" out of frustration with the world around him.

The title came from a Belfast fanzine that encouraged young people to create their own cultural identity instead of accepting the violence and political division that dominated daily life. Rather than focusing on one side of the conflict, Burns channeled the boredom, anger, and lack of opportunity experienced by many young people growing up during the Troubles, giving the song a message that reached far beyond Northern Ireland.

"It was a song written in the classic punk mode about having nothing to do," Burns told The Guardian in 2003. "Because that was the over-riding reality of life in Belfast for a teenager in the mid-70s. Not the fear of riots or bombs or whatever. It was the sheer tedium of having nowhere to go and nothing to do when you got there."

Its urgency immediately set it apart.

Driven by razor-sharp guitars, a relentless rhythm, and Burns' impassioned vocal, "Alternative Ulster" combined the raw energy of punk with lyrics that challenged listeners to imagine something better. The song became the centerpiece of the band's live performances and helped establish Stiff Little Fingers as one of the most important voices in politically conscious punk rock.

Although it wasn't a major chart hit, its influence proved enormous.

"Alternative Ulster" became a staple of punk compilations and has regularly appeared on lists celebrating the greatest punk songs ever recorded. It also introduced countless listeners to Stiff Little Fingers, whose landmark debut album, Inflammable Material, is widely regarded as one of the genre's essential releases.

The song's message continues to resonate.

While its lyrics were rooted in a specific time and place, themes of resilience, self-determination, and hope have allowed "Alternative Ulster" to connect with successive generations. More than a protest song, it remains an anthem encouraging people to challenge their circumstances and work toward something better.

"If you took the references to the RUC and the British Army out you have a song that is about bored teenagers," Burns told VICE in 2017. "A song about having nothing to do and wanting that to change. It complains as much about tired venues and their unwillingness to allow young people to play there as it does about the fact that there are police and army on the streets.

Forty-eight years after its release, "Alternative Ulster" still stands as one of punk's most inspiring classics. Written and performed by a 20 year-old Jake Burns, the 1978 rocker transformed youthful frustration into a timeless anthem whose message remains every bit as powerful today.

Related: 1963 Rock Song With 19-Year-Old Singer, Covered by The Rolling Stones, Is Still a Powerful Hit 63 Years Later

U2 fans are about to get a closer look at the stories behind some of the band's most recognizable songs.

U2 All the Songs arrives Oct. 6, 2026, offering a track-by-track examination of the Irish rock band's five-decade recording history.

The $60 hardcover book goes beyond simply listing U2's biggest hits. It explores how the band's songs came together, from their origins and songwriting to the recording and production process that helped turn them into international favorites.

Among the songs featured are some of U2's best-known tracks, including "With or Without You," released in 1987, and "Beautiful Day," which became one of the band's biggest hits more than a decade later.

For longtime fans, the book offers a chance to revisit those songs with more context about how they went from ideas in the studio to anthems known around the world.

U2 formed in Dublin in 1976 with Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. Over the following decades, the band became one of the biggest acts in rock, releasing albums including The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Can't Leave Behind and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

Their catalog has produced songs that have remained staples of rock radio and live performances for generations, making the band's creative process a natural fit for a book devoted entirely to its music.

U2 All the Songs is part of a larger series of music books that takes a detailed look at the recordings and creative histories of major artists.

The book will be released Oct. 6, giving U2 fans a new way to revisit the band's music and perhaps discover a few details about familiar songs they didn't know before.

RELATED: Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’ Was Co-Written by Merle Kilgore, a Country Music Pioneer

Jim Morrison told people his parents were dead. He said it when The Doors first rose to fame, and he kept saying it. His father, George Morrison, was very much alive. More than alive. He was a US Navy admiral who commanded American naval forces during the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964 — the singular event that gave the Johnson Administration the justification it needed to start the Vietnam War. NSA documents declassified in the early 2000s confirmed that the second Gulf of Tonkin attack, which triggered the war, never happened. Jim Morrison spent his entire career writing songs like "The End" that defined the war's destruction. His father may have helped fabricate the incident that started that war.

George Morrison graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1941 and was stationed in Hawaii when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7. He earned his Wings of Gold in 1944 and flew combat missions in the Pacific in the final days of World War II. During the Korean War, he earned a Bronze Star for combat operations against North Korean and Chinese forces.

By summer 1964, he was aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard commanding American naval forces off the coast of North Vietnam. On August 2, three North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked the USS Maddox. The ship came out of it with a single bullet hole. Two days later, on August 4, during a stormy night, the ships picked up sonar and radio signals suggesting another attack. They fired on targets that may not have existed. Morrison's team later contacted headquarters to say the enemy targets may have been false returns from the weather. Headquarters never passed that information to Defense Secretary McNamara. Congress approved the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. The Vietnam War began. President Johnson later disclosed privately: "For all I know, our Navy was shooting whales out there."

Jim Morrison's response to all of this was to tell journalists his parents were dead. His father had openly said that he didn't believe that rock music was the best career goal for his son. As George later put it: "I had the feeling that he felt we'd just as soon not be associated with his career. Maybe he was trying to protect us." Jim responded by pretending the family didn't exist. What neither acknowledged publicly was the extraordinary historical paradox their estrangement concealed. Jim became the counterculture's most mythological anti-war voice.

Related: 1966 Folk Classic, Written While Gordon Lightfoot Was Still Married, Became Greatest Regret

He wrote "The End." Francis Ford Coppola opened Apocalypse Now with it because no other piece of music captured what it felt like to descend into the war's madness. The son of the man who may have helped start that madness had defined what it sounded like. As one historian wrote: "Even a novelist cannot create a father and son as dramatically in conflict."

On July 2, 1971, George Morrison stood at a podium in Washington and gave the keynote speech at the decommissioning ceremony for the USS Bon Homme Richard — the flagship from which he'd commanded the Gulf of Tonkin operation seven years earlier. The next day, July 3, Jim Morrison was found dead in a Paris bathtub. He was 27. The father had honored the ship the day before his son died. The two men who'd never make up were separated by an ocean and 24 hours. George outlived his son by 37 years.

He Was Just Somebody You Would Like to Know

George didn't stop after Vietnam. In 1975, he personally helped organize relief efforts for nearly 100,000 Vietnamese refugees sent to Guam. He later called that assignment the most satisfying of his career. The man who might have helped start the war spent his later years helping its survivors. Meanwhile, Jim's music kept finding new audiences. His father once said rock music wasn't the best career path for his son. But before his death in 2008, George donated Jim's school report cards, college diploma and Cub Scout uniform to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a Doors exhibit.

For decades, George said almost nothing publicly about Jim. Then, before he died in 2008, he broke his silence. He didn't mention the estrangement or the years of distance or the fact that his son had told people he was dead. He said: "He (his son) was just somebody you would like to know."

George Morrison witnessed Pearl Harbor. He flew combat missions in two wars. He earned a Bronze Star in Korea. He commanded the ships during the incident that may have started the Vietnam War. He didn't believe that rock music was where his son's talent was. His son told people he was dead. His son wrote the music that defined the war's destruction.

Some distances are too wide to cross in a lifetime.

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Canned pinto beans are one of those pantry staples that are always good to have around. They're inexpensive, filling and already cooked, which means you're never too far away from an easy side dish or meal. But if your usual routine is simply heating them up and calling it a day, you might be missing out on some serious flavor.

There's no shortage of ways to use canned pinto beans. You can toss them into chili, pile them into tacos and burritos, add them to soups or salads, or even turn them into a hearty bean dip. With so many possibilities, we started wondering which one is actually the best.

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To find out, we asked three chefs a simple question: If you could recommend just one thing to make with canned pinto beans, what would it be? Despite all the different ways you can use them, their answers pointed us in the same direction.

Even better, their pick is easy to make at home and doesn't require starting with a pot of dried beans. With a few easy additions, that inexpensive can sitting in your pantry can become a creamy, flavorful dish that's just as at home alongside tacos as it is scooped up with tortilla chips.

Here's what the chefs we spoke to recommend as the best way to use pinto beans, plus their tips for buying the best canned pinto beans and dressing them up like a pro.

Our Panel of Chefs

• Jess Rice: Rice is the senior test kitchen editor at Budget Bytes, where she develops and tests affordable, approachable recipes for home cooks. Her culinary career includes teaching food theory and classical techniques as a chef professor at Niagara College, working as a private chef, and co-founding AVO, a Nashville restaurant known for its creative plant-based food.
• Erica Holland-Toll: Holland-Toll is the culinary director at The Culinary Edge, a food and beverage innovation agency that develops menus, recipes, and new concepts for restaurant and manufacturing clients. She has more than 20 years of culinary experience, and she previously served as executive chef of the Stanford Flavor Lab, where she developed innovative dishes and dining experiences for Stanford University.
• Joanne Gallagher: Gallagher is the co-founder and recipe creator behind Inspired Taste, which she launched with her husband, Adam, in 2009. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, she develops and meticulously tests easy-to-follow recipes for home cooks, helping build the site into a resource with hundreds of recipes and step-by-step cooking guides.

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

What To Look for When Buying Canned Pinto Beans

Jeff Greenberg / Getty Images

You don't need to overthink the ingredient list when shopping for canned beans. “Check the label for a clean ingredient list: pinto beans, water and salt,” says Jess Rice, senior test kitchen editor at Budget Bytes. She doesn't mind seeing calcium chloride either, which helps keep the beans whole and firm.

Joanne Gallagher, the co-founder and recipe creator for Inspired Taste, has similar advice. “Look for beans packed in water with just a bit of salt, nothing more, so you're getting a clean pinto flavor without any added starches or preservatives muddying things up,” she says.

And don't forget to check the can itself. Gallagher recommends passing on any cans that are dented or bulging and grabbing another one instead.

The Best Thing To Make With Canned Pinto Beans, According to 3 Chefs

Victor Yee / Getty Images

Of all the things you can make with canned pinto beans, one stood out among our experts: refried beans.

Keep things simple with grated garlic, a little cumin and a potato masher, says Erica Holland-Toll, the culinary director at The Culinary Edge. “It's super easy to make the perfect refried beans for dips, tacos and breakfast burritos,” she says.

“Refried beans are my answer every time,” Gallagher says. Her method starts by sautéing onion and garlic in oil, butter, or bacon fat until the onion turns sweet and starts browning around the edges. From there, she adds the beans and about a cup of stock, then mashes everything right in the pan, adding a splash more liquid if the beans get too dry. A squeeze of lime and some melted cheese finish things off.

Rice also likes roughly mashing canned pinto beans rather than blending them completely smooth. She says this creates a texture that's “rich and velvety enough to spread smoothly across a crispy shell, yet rustic and chunky enough to give you delightfully tender texture in every bite.” She likes using the mashed beans on tostadas, where they pair perfectly with the crispy shell.

Related: I Asked 3 Chefs the Best Canned Pantry Staple, and They All Said the Same Thing

4 Ways To Garnish Like a Pro

Jeff Greenberg / Getty Images

Once your refried beans are ready, don't stop there. Our experts shared plenty of easy ways to dress them up.

1. Add some cheese.

Cheese was a favorite across the board. “I love to sprinkle a little cheese and some fresh scallions—Cotija is great, feta works, Parm in a pinch,” Holland-Toll says. “Any fresh cheese like farmer's cheese or queso fresco is delicious.”

Rice also recommends queso fresco, shredded cheddar, Cotija or Oaxaca cheese, while Gallagher suggests crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese.

2. Sprinkle on something fresh.

A handful of fresh toppings can brighten up a rich bowl of refried beans. Holland-Toll likes scallions, while Gallagher reaches for diced white onion and fresh cilantro.

3. Give them some acid.

Don't underestimate a little acidity. “A squeeze of fresh lime at the end brings out the rich, savory flavors,” Gallagher says.

Rice also likes adding “something with a touch of acid,” such as pickled red onions, pickled jalapeños or salsa.

4. Turn up the heat.

If you like your beans with a kick, Gallagher recommends a few slices of jalapeño.

Holland-Toll keeps it even easier. “If nothing else, a spoonful of salsa or a few shots of hot sauce is great as well,” she says.

Final Thoughts

Canned pinto beans may be a humble pantry staple, but it doesn't take much to turn them into something special. With a few simple ingredients and the right toppings, you can have creamy, flavorful refried beans on the table in minutes—no soaking or hours of simmering required.

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Canned Chicken, and They All Said the Same Thing

On Aug. 4, 1962, Marilyn Monroe died at just 36 years old. She was found the following day in her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Her death, while tragic, has since frozen the Hollywood icon in time, with the trove of films, fashion moments, and unforgettable songs she left behind serving as a portal that leads straight back to the Sixties.

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One of the most enduring portraits of the star came nearly a decade before her death, when the 26-year-old actress, singer, and model performed the dazzling musical number “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Howard Hawks’ 1953 film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

@fiftiesdaily

Marilyn Monroe singing “Diamonds are a Girls Bestfriend” in film ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ (1953)🎀 #oldhollywood #goldenage #marilynmonroe #gentlemenpreferblondes #actress

♬ original sound - Fiftiesdaily

“The song ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ is just one of many from a movie that, six decades later, still retains much of its carefree if largely camp appeal,” Life magazine wrote. “Gentlemen Prefer Blondeswas not only a huge box office success but proved, once and for all, that Marilyn Monroe could truly anchor a movie as its star.”

For the performance, Monroe wore a gorgeous, floor-length strapless pink gown designed by William Travilla and matching opera-length satin gloves, with the number accessorized by sparklers around her neck and wrists. She danced around a stage and tuxedoed men, with every shimmy accentuated by the dress hugging her curves.

Despite the song’s title, however, the diamonds Monroe rocked weren’t real. The necklace and bracelets were costume jewelry, proving that the illusion she created mattered more than the actual price tag.

The whole performance was a display so dazzling that it perfectly captured her character Lorelei Lee’s tongue-in-cheek philosophy that diamonds—and the men who can afford them—are a girl’s best friend. The spectacle became so synonymous with Monroe that it’s easy to forget the song was already a hit.

Monroe wasn’t the first to turn “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” into a stage classic. That feat actually belonged to another legend—Carol Channing—who introduced the song to audiences in Anita Loos and Joseph Fields’ Gentlemen Prefer BlondesBroadway musical four years earlier.

In 1949, Channing became a star overnight playing the ditzy star of the Loos-Fields play. As Lorelei Lee, Channing was the very first person to sing the showstopping number, using her trademark wide-eyed naivete and raspy vocals to turn the tune into a cultural phenomenon.

“Doesn’t matter what the name of the character, it’s always Carol,” explained one commentator in Channing’s 2012 documentary, Carol Channing: Larger Than Life, People shared, adding, “And that’s what makes a star. Nobody ever says, ‘Get me a Carol Channing type.’ There aren’t any.”

Penned by the legendary songwriting team Jule Styne and Leo Robin, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” became one of the era’s most enduring popular songs of film’s golden age. Their other iconic songs included “A Little Girl From Little Rock,” “Bye Bye Baby,” and “You Say You Care.”

Jack Cole’s legendary choreography then took Styne and Robin’s song into another stratosphere. Helping shape Monroe’s screen persona, Cole’s choreography gave the actress a more precise physical vocabulary for the number, from her posture and gestures to the controlled, stylized movements that became part of the performance’s allure.

The to-die-for combination of Travilla’s hot-pink number, Cole’s hyper-stylized staging, Styne and Robin’s enduring pop hit, and Monroe’s legendary moxie all combined to create an iconic sequence that lives on through homage, from Madonna’s “Material Girl” to Margot Robbie in “Birds of Prey” decades later.

Marilyn Monroe’s 30th movie, Something’s Got to Give, was left unfinished when she died in 1962. Even so, the remarkable cinematic and musical moments she delivered in Some Like It Hot, The Seven Year Itch, The Misfits, How to Marry a Millionaire, and above all, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, are more than enough to fill a legacy that has lasted generations.

She may have left at 36, but more than seven decades after she slipped into that hot-pink stunner, Monroe is still singing, and the world is still watching.

Related: 1964 Heartbreak Hit, Co-Written by Burt Bacharach, Turned a 17-Year-Old Singer Into a No. 1 Star

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There's something about popping open a bottle of bubbly that makes an ordinary night feel a little more special. Champagne is always an option, of course, but a good bottle can get expensive fast. If you're buying a few bottles for a brunch or dinner party, that price can be hard to justify.

Luckily, you can find some incredible Prosecco for less than $20, and we're not just talking about bottles destined for mimosas. There are plenty worth drinking on their own, with everything from crisp acidity and fresh fruit to fine bubbles and a dry finish.

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The harder part is actually figuring out which ones are worth buying. Walk into just about any grocery or wine store, and you'll probably have more than a few bottles staring back at you, often at very similar prices.

To help narrow things down, we asked four experienced sommeliers for their favorite Proseccos under $20. Their recommendations include everything from familiar bottles you can find at your local grocery store to Prosecco Superiore DOCG that comes in right at the top of our budget.

Here are the seven bottles of Prosecco that made our list, straight from the sommeliers that swear by them.

Our Panel of Experts

• Lindsey Geddes is a Master Sommelier and wine director at Carversteak in Las Vegas, where she oversees a wine list with more than 400 selections. She was the 21st woman in the world to earn the Master Sommelier title.
• Vilma Mazaite is an Advanced Sommelier and general manager of Donnachadh Family Wines in Santa Barbara County, California. She previously worked in restaurants in Las Vegas, New York and Aspen, and was named one of Food & Wine's top sommeliers in 2015.
• Marissa Kipp is an Advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, holds the WSET Diploma and is a senior project manager at Marq Wine Group. She has worked throughout the wine industry, including at wineries and restaurants and in wine distribution, retail and education.
• Ian Bennett is a Certified Sommelier and owner of The Study Wine Pub in Oklahoma City. In 2025, he was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.

What Makes a Cheap Prosecco Taste Expensive?

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A good bottle of Prosecco doesn't necessarily need a high price tag. According to Mazaite, one of the most important things to look for is balance.

“Like with any price range, I always look for balance,” she says. “A $20 wine may not have the depth or complexity of a more expensive bottle, but it should still offer freshness and a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity.”

That means looking beyond price and paying attention to how the wine is made. Prosecco Superiore DOCG is one designation worth knowing. These wines come from one of Prosecco's two DOCG regions and must meet stricter production standards, including lower harvest yields and more specific geographic requirements.

Related: A 139-Year-Old Brand Is Making National Prosecco Week More Inclusive With a Zero-Proof Sparkler

The Best Proseccos Under $20 to Buy Right Now

These are the seven best Proseccos the sommeliers we spoke with recommend when you're shopping for bubbles on a budget.

1. Adami Garbèl Prosecco DOC Brut, $19.98 at B-21

Wine.com

“This is my favorite Prosecco,” Geddes says. The family-owned Adami winery dates back to 1920, and Garbèl is its entry-level Prosecco made to showcase the producer's style.

Bennett is also a fan, describing it as “dry, crisp, pleasantly tart.” With two of our sommeliers recommending the same bottle, Adami Garbèl was an easy addition to our list.

2. Scarpetta Prosecco, $14.95 at BuyWinesOnline

BuyWinesOnline.com

Mazaite calls Scarpetta “bright, crisp and incredibly easy to enjoy.” She especially likes its balance of freshness and fruit, and says it's one of her favorite everyday Proseccos.

Bennett also recommends it, calling it a “perfect patio pounder.” Scarpetta was founded by Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson.

3. Bisol Jeio Brut Prosecco Superiore DOCG, $19.95 at Zachys

PrimaVini.com

Kipp recommends Bisol Jeio Brut, which comes from one of the oldest wineries in Conegliano Valdobbiadene, with roots dating back to 1542. She describes the wine as having notes of crisp green apple, citrus and white flowers.

At about $20, it also gives you a chance to try a Prosecco Superiore DOCG while still staying under the $20 mark.

4. Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Treviso DOC, $12.29 at Total Wine & More

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Geddes calls Mionetto Prestige Brut “a consistently great option for sipping and mixing.” Mionetto has been making Prosecco for more than a century and offers several bottles in its Prestige collection for $11 to $15.

It's also easy to track down. Geddes notes that the wines can be found at grocery stores and Target, making this one of the more accessible picks on our list.

5. Poggio Costa Prosecco DOC NV, $13.95 at BuyWinesOnline

TheWineConcierge.co

Mazaite calls Poggio Costa “amazing quality for the price.” She describes it as dry and beautifully balanced, with classic Prosecco flavors of pear, melon and apple.

Mazaite prefers Prosecco on the drier, crisper side, and Poggio Costa is one of the bottles she says she reaches for most often.

6. Zardetto Prosecco Brut DOC, $12.99 at Total Wine & More

Wine.com

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Geddes calls Zardetto “always reliable” and says the producer has long made high-quality Prosecco. At about $15 a bottle, it's also one of the more affordable recommendations on our list.

Zardetto describes the Brut as fresh and fruity, with notes of green apple, apricot and citrus. It's an easy bottle to serve as an aperitif, but it also works well throughout a meal.

7. La Marca Prosecco DOC, $13.39 at Total Wine & More Shop It!

“It's everywhere for a reason,” Bennett says of La Marca. He describes it as inexpensive, “easy to find” and “loaded with white peach flavor.”

That combination makes La Marca an especially practical pick if you need a bottle for a party, brunch or last-minute get-together. You shouldn't have to hunt around for it, and at about $14, it leaves plenty of room in the budget.

Prosecco vs. Champagne: What Is the Real Difference?

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Prosecco and Champagne are both sparkling wines, but they're not the same thing. Champagne comes from the Champagne region of France, while Prosecco DOC is produced in northeastern Italy.

They're also made with different grapes. Prosecco is made primarily with Glera, while Champagne is typically made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.

Most Prosecco goes through a second fermentation in large pressurized tanks using what's known as the Martinotti-Charmat method. According to the Prosecco DOC Consortium, this helps enhance the fresh, fruity and floral qualities Prosecco is known for.

With Champagne, that second fermentation happens inside the bottle instead. It's one reason the two can taste quite different, even though you'll find both of them in the sparkling wine aisle.

What to Pair With Your Budget-Friendly Bubbles

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Mazaite considers Prosecco an ideal aperitif because of its bright, fruit-forward character. For food, she recommends prosciutto and melon, tangy cheeses and seafood crudo.

“Those fresh flavors and lively acidity make it the perfect way to start a meal,” she says.

That gives you quite a few options when serving a bottle at home. Put together prosciutto, melon and a few cheeses for an easy appetizer, or pair your Prosecco with crudo if you're serving seafood. It also works perfectly well on its own before dinner.

Final Thoughts

You don't have to spend a lot to bring home a good bottle of Prosecco. As our experts' picks show, there are plenty of options under $20 that deliver crisp acidity, fresh fruit and plenty of bubbles without the premium price tag.

Whether you're opening a bottle for brunch, serving it with dinner or just want something bubbly in the fridge for the weekend, there's something here for just about any occasion. And at these prices, you might even want to grab a couple.

Related: I Tried Every Flavor of Elizabeth Banks' Canned Wines and Ranked Them Worst to Best

Billy Strings had an unusual accessory for his latest concert: a hockey helmet.

The bluegrass star, 33, took the stage in Indianapolis on Friday, Aug. 7, wearing protective headgear after an attendee reportedly hit him in the head with a lighter during the previous night's performance.

Strings was performing at the Fishers Event Center as part of a three-night run when the incident occurred. According to concertgoers, the musician was hit while onstage after addressing the audience.

Fans reported seeing him return for the following night's show wearing a hockey helmet.

Rather than letting the incident derail the performance, Strings appeared to turn it into a joke.

"Billy came out in a hockey helmet in jest after getting a lighter thrown at him by some Indiana dumba-- the night before," one Redditor said of the act. "Fantastic response."

"Unfortunately, the thrower got exactly what he wanted," another pointed out.

"He interrupted the show and got some attention from the performer. He definitely got a huge thrill when Billy told the crowd to find him and sodomize him.

He walked onto the stage in the helmet for the Aug. 7 show, giving fans an unforgettable visual before launching into his set. Social media footage and fan reports from the concert quickly spread images of the Grammy-winning musician performing in the unexpected protective gear.

The helmet appearance came during a particularly eventful stretch for Strings.

The 33-year-old musician had already dealt with a fractured leg earlier this year after a skateboarding accident backstage, forcing the postponement of the original Indianapolis dates. The rescheduled shows were held Aug. 6–8.

There have been no reports of Strings suffering a serious injury from the incident.

The musician is continuing his 2026 tour, with upcoming dates including shows in Fargo, North Dakota; Bozeman and Missoula, Montana; Vancouver; and Everett, Washington. Several of the dates are already sold out.

RELATED:

Bunnie Xo may have a new cowboy in her life.

The 46-year-old podcaster was spotted holding hands with 24-year-old reality star Dylan Wolf during a Saturday, August 8, outing at the Ventura County Fair in California.

According to TMZ, Bunnie attended the rodeo with friends when Wolf was seen walking hand-in-hand with her as he escorted the group to their seats. The reality star reportedly made sure Bunnie was settled before leaving to work the rodeo, later returning to stand behind the group.

Neither has confirmed they're dating. Wolf previously said to the outlet that they're supporting one another as friends, adding, "sometimes cowboys hunt cougars."

Of course, the sighting comes after Bunnie’s ex-husband Jelly Roll filed for divorce from her in May after nearly a decade of marriage, with their divorce finalized July 17.

Who is Dylan Wolf?

Wolf is a 24-year-old reality personality who appeared on Calabasas Confidential, which follows young influencers and social media personalities in Southern California.

His romantic life has previously played out on-screen, where he pursued connections with co-stars Jemma Durrant, Emma Medrano, and Suede. Wolf was also linked to Delilah Belle Hamlin in 2025, the daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin.

READ MORE:Jelly Roll Shares First Post Since Filing for Divorce From Bunnie Xo

What about Jelly Roll?

Bunnie's ex, meanwhile, is preparing to take some time for himself. During his July 28 concert in Salt Lake City, Jelly Roll revealed he planned to step away from touring for potentially one or two years to focus on "healing."

"I'm fixing to take some time off and heal," the 41-year-old told the crowd. His announcement followed a particularly busy stretch that included touring and television appearances all while going through his divorce from Bunnie. After completing his final scheduled performance, Jelly Roll currently has no additional concerts listed on his official tour calendar.

Thirty years after they captured America’s first Olympic team gold medal in women’s gymnastics, the Magnificent Seven are together again.

Reuniting this weekend at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix, AZ, Amanda Borden,Amy Chow, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps and Kerri Strugconverged three decades after their unforgettable victory at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Dominique Dawes, who rounded out the Magnificent Seven, was not present at the weekend’s festivities.

The Magnificent Seven reunion gave fans a chance to see the women who became household names and captured the hearts of gymnastics fans watching around the world, all grown up and celebrating one of the most memorable Olympic moments in American sports history.

The Magnificent Seven Entered the 1996 Olympics With the Weight of a Nation

Thirty years ago, the U.S. women’s Olympic gymnastics team became superstars. The team earned the nickname the “Magnificent Seven” and entered the Atlanta Games with enormous expectations and the weight of an entire nation.

Entering the Games, the team was considered America’s best chance to win its first Olympic team gold medal in women’s gymnastics.

They delivered, and more.

Related: Gymnastics Legend, Who Led the 'Magnificent Seven' to Olympic History, Delivered the Greatest Performance of Her Career

Why the Magnificent Seven’s Olympic Gold Was So Significant

The Magnificent Seven’s Olympic gold medal was more than a victory for America. This was a collection of talented young gymnasts, working toward a common goal and representing a turning point for American women’s sports.

The victory came at a time when American women’s sports was gaining increased visibility and respect. The 1996 Atlanta Games gave millions of viewers a group of young women to root for, remember and follow long after the Games ended.

Part of what made the Magnificent Seven’s gold medal so sweet was the adversity the team overcame to achieve it. Coming into the final rotation, a gold medal was within reach, but Dominique Moceanu fell on both her vault attempts, and Kerri Strug injured her ankle on her first vault.

Strug returned for her second vault, landing on just one foot before hopping away from the vault and collapsing.

The image of Kerri Strug being carried to the medal ceremony by coach Béla Károlyi became one of the most iconic images of the Atlanta Games and one that symbolized the grit and resilience the team showed to earn gold.

The Magnificent Seven Inspired a New Generation @teamusa

Golden now and forever ✨ 30 years ago today, the Magnificent Seven made history and are still inspiring the women of @USA Gymnastics to achieve greatness.

♬ original sound - Team USA

The Magnificent Seven also inspired a new generation of gymnastics fans. Their performances were replayed endlessly and shared in chat rooms during the pre-social media era. Members of the team appeared on magazine covers and television shows and became celebrities beyond their sport.

For fans seeing the Magnificent Seven reunite, this reunion is more than a nostalgic moment.

The team members were ages 14 to 19 in 1996 and are now grown women in their mid-to-late 40s. The Magnificent Seven have been icons in the public eye for most of their lives, giving fans the feeling of watching a family member grow up.

Thirty years removed from the Atlanta Games, the importance of the Magnificent Seven is no less significant. The impact of their gold medal has only grown with time.

This wasn’t just a team that won gold. This was a group of talented young athletes who entered the Olympics with the expectations of an entire nation and showed the world, themselves and young women everywhere that anything is possible.

Related: Olympic Skating Legend, 62, Who Created Magic at the 1988 Winter Games, Can Still Make the Ice Sing

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In the summertime, a maxi dress is the ultimate low-effort staple. It combines the relaxed comfort of your favorite everyday pieces with an elevated silhouette that makes it look like you put in far more effort than you actually did. With soft fabrics, flattering shapes, and an easy flowy fit, the right maxi dress can take you from warm-weather travel to casual weekends, making it a must-have addition to any summer wardrobe.

One beautiful option that won’t break the bank is the OutfitShow Flowy Tiered Maxi Dress. Right now, it’s on sale for 38% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $26 to just $16. 

OutfitShow Flowy Tiered Maxi Dress, $16 (was $26) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The dress is available in sizes small through 2XL and comes in 10 different colors, including five floral print options and five solid shades. Whether you prefer a bold pattern or a simple neutral you can wear on repeat, there’s an option to match your personal style.

Made from a blend of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, the fabric is soft, lightweight, and designed for all-day comfort. The material has just the right amount of stretch without feeling restrictive, making it ideal for hot summer days, travel, and everyday wear. Its smooth texture and flattering drape help create a comfortable fit that still feels stylish.

It features a classic scoop neckline, an elastic waist for a flattering shape, and a flowy tiered skirt with subtle ruffle details. Two side pockets make it even more practical, giving you an easy place to keep small essentials like your phone or keys. The airy silhouette is comfortable for a variety of body types and can even work well as a maternity-friendly option.

Shoppers praised the dress for its comfort, fit, and pretty design. One reviewer described it as “absolutely adorable,” noting that the pockets are “deep enough for a phone.” They added, “It fits so well and is such a cute summer dress. The material is very lightweight for summer.” Another called it “beautiful” in a five-star review, highlighting the “vibrant colors” and “true-to-size” fit.

Styling this dress is incredibly easy. For a casual everyday look, pair it with white sneakers, a crossbody bag, and a denim jacket. For a more elevated outfit, add strappy sandals, layered gold jewelry, a structured clutch, or an oversized blazer. If you love a boho-inspired aesthetic, woven accessories, suede ankle boots, or a lightweight cardigan create an effortless cottagecore-inspired look.

Beyond being cute and comfortable, this maxi dress is also a timeless wardrobe piece. It works for errands, weekend brunches, outdoor garden parties, vacations, and even casual work settings when layered with a cardigan or blazer. The tiered ruffle design gives it a subtle boho feel, while the classic silhouette keeps it versatile enough to wear season after season.

Shop More Deals

• Uvn Flowy Square Neck Tiered Dress, $18 (was $33) at Walmart
• Snorda Striped Dress, From $7 (was $9) at Walmart
• Free Assembly Strapless Cotton Poplin Tiered Midi Dress, $29 (was $38) at Walmart

Related: Walmart Has a $6 'Stretchy' Knit Swing Dress That 'Packs Like a Dream for Travel'

For a simple yet put-together dress you’ll reach for all summer long, the OutfitShow Flowy Tiered Maxi Dress is a great pick. And with Walmart’s current 38% discount bringing the price down to just $16, it’s an easy choice to grab one, or even a few, in your favorite colors.

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.

Stockard Channing is loving her reclusive life almost 50 years after starring in Grease.

Channing, 82, earned acclaim for her role as tough-talking Pinky Lady Rizzo in 1978's film version of Grease alongside Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. Over the years, she's navigated endless memorable film and theatrical roles ranging from The First Wives Club to Practical Magic. On TV, she made waves on The Good Wife and as Martin Sheen's wife, Dr. Abbey Bartlett, on the beloved series The West Wing. But in a rare new interview, Channing opened up about prefering a different kind of life these days.

Dave Benett / Getty Images

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Channing Prefers a Reclusive Life

Channing just shared that she enjoys a quiet life in London these days. She relocated across the pond of Maine in 2019, following the death of her partner, producer Dan Gillham, in 2014.

"I’m happy being a recluse," Channing explained in a rare interview with the UK's Sunday Times, noting that Gilham's death was "more devastating than I realized; it had a lag effect. The pattern of my life shifted, so I shifted my life from Maine."

She went on to say that children didn't end up being part of the plan.

"Children were thought about and, yeah, I think about them now because it’d be great to have someone taking care of me. But hey, children can be just as selfish as everybody else out there."

The changing tide of American politics also contributed to her departure, she noted, sharing her move "vaguely coincided with Trump getting elected and the way politics has changed in the US."

'People look at The West Wing and go, “ Wow, wasn’t it great when politicians had an ounce of integrity?”' Channing added, recalling the public's adoration for the hit NBC political series.

She's Tackling Directing

While Channing praised her reclusive life, it doesn't mean she isn't taking on exciting new challenges professionally. She's currently making her directorial debut with a production of Krapp’s Last Tape at the Edinburgh Festival. She'll also be participating in a bunch of events this fall for the premiere Practical Magic 2, in which she reprises her role of Aunt Frances Owens from the original alongside Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.

Check out the trailer for Practical Magic 2 below:

Related: Goldie Hawn Dancing With a Giant Bottle of Wine in Her Hand Is the Ultimate Vacation Vibe

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If you're a fan of popular romantasy books like A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) or Fourth Wing, then you've probably read Callie Hart's Quicksilveror, at least, have thought about it. This viral TikTok sensation is the first in Hart's Fae & Alchemy series. If you are a fan, you'll be delighted to know that Netflix bought the film rights for an adaptation that will come soon enough, too. Romantasy-lovers were instantly hooked by this novel due to its strong female lead and plethora of interesting fae lore. Not to mention the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers plot.

I actually happened to pick this one up after I finished the ACOTAR series a while back and wanted to read something similar to get over my book hangover. Let me tell you: it got me right out of my reading slump. It felt like an agonizing wait for the second novel, Brimstone, which came out in November 2025. But, without giving too much away, I can say that it was worth the wait.

Not only is the romance top-tier in both these novels, but it's also got some spice if you're into that. Because I'm a huge fan and finished two books of this planned trilogy (the third isn't out quite yet)—plus just due to its sheer popularity—I spoke with librarians for Parade to get 11 books like Quicksilverto, once again, get me out of my post-Fae & Alchemy slump. Read on to see what they shared, including a much-appreciated spice meter for each recommendation.

Related: 11 Epic and Captivating Books Like ‘The Odyssey,’ According to Librarians

The Librarian-Approved Book Spice Scale

According to the Allegheny County Library Catalogue, librarians define the spice scale as a way to clue readers in to the amount of sexual content to expect in a book. This is usually indicated using the pepper emoji.

Another good source to check out for a better understanding of the spice scale is romance.io. This is a website where readers and on-staff romance readers can submit their reviews and give an opinion on what they think the spice level is.

The consensus on the spice scale is as follows:

Spice LevelReasoning

🌶️

Pretty much no sexual content or references to sexual content.

🌶️🌶️

Some mild references to sexual content, but there are no overly explicit sexual scenes.

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Has at least one intimate scene with some sexual euphemisms.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Features two or more sexually explicit scenes with explicit language.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Contains several sexually explicit scenes and has explicit language throughout the book.

Related: We Asked 4 Librarians, ‘What’s the Best Murakami Book?’—And They All Said the Same Thing

What Is 'Quicksilver' by Callie Hart?

Quicksilver is the first book in Callie Hart's Fae & Alchemy series. This spicy romantasy novel—romance.io rates it a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ /5 on the spice scale—follows Saeris Fane, who isn't your typical heroine. Saeris lives in a poor district of the city, Zilvaren, with her younger brother Hayden. Together, the two of them have to fight and steal to survive. One day, Saeris's fate changes when she's caught stealing and pulls an ancient, magical sword from a portal to the fae world. Instantly transported there, she soon finds herself in an epic game of survival and meets a feared fae warrior named Kingfisher.

This debut in the series immediately interested me because Saeris is a trained blacksmith—not your typical female lead! I don't want to spoil too much about the story if you haven't read it just yet, but you can expect BookTok favorite tropes like enemies-to-lovers, a "shadow daddy," forced proximity and a morally gray MMC (male main character).

Romantasy-lovers and librarians alike can't get enough of this one. If you are already a huge fan of this series, see a few librarian recommendations for others like it below.

Related: The 101 Best Young Adult Books of All Time

11 Books Like 'Quicksilver,' According to Librarians1. 'Heir of Prophecy' by Analeigh Sbrana

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️/5

While this romantasy novel won't be out until August 25, Jessica P. Pryde—a librarian and the founder of Why Choose: A Romance Bookstore, a queer-Black-woman-owned pop-up bookstore experience—says this one will be a must-read for die-hard Quicksilver fans. It contains key story elements that will get readers hooked—from a magic system to the Fae, and of course, a forbidden romance.

"A woman possessing [a] secret, unknown magic is being hunted and has to hide her identity, all the while she's seeing visions of a being who could be the bringer of the end," Pryde sums it up a little more. "Sbrana's world building is always interesting, and the setting will scratch the same itch as Quicksilver."

Related: 17 Books Like ‘Harry Potter,’ According to Librarians

2. 'Her Soul for a Crown' by Alysha Rameera

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️/5

While this book hits lower on the spice scale, focusing on more of a slow-paced type romance, Pryde says Quicksilver readers will absolutely eat this book up. It has a unique premise inspired by Sri Lankan mythology. A young woman and orphan goes on an epic revenge quest against the ruling class, stopping at nothing to achieve her goals.

"While the plot is nothing like Quicksilver, the vengeance theme and the interaction between the main characters in this slow-burn romantasy would definitely work for someone looking for similar reads," she shares.

3. 'Terror at the Gates' by Scarlett St. Clair

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

As a big fan of unique world-building and, of course, Quicksilver, I've had this novel on my reading list for a while. It's the first in the Blood of Lilith series, and Pryde pretty much affirms that this gritty reimagining of Lilith's story is perfect for fans of Hart's series. The themes in this book are dark, but complex and interesting. Expect an urban dark romantasy with an enemies-to-lovers trope along with themes like politics and misogyny.

"Everyone should be reading Scarlett St. Clair, no matter what, but this is another one in which a young woman... has fallen into hard times and a complicated situation," the librarian explains. "[She] finds herself in the hands of a much more powerful man. The proximity they're thrown in leads to revelations on all sides, and the power between them both could lead to devastation and ruin."

4. 'Dominion' by Jean Kwok

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Dominion is the first book in Kwok's Silk and Iron trilogy, inspired by Chinese mythology. According to Pryde, there's lots to love about this book, especially if you're a Quicksilver fan. While some elements are similar to other romantasy books like Fourth Wing (it features trials with large, powerful beasts), the main character, Rubi, is similar to Saeris Fane in many ways. With a classic enemies-to-lovers trope and moderate spice, this recommendation from Pryde is now at the top of my reading list.

She also breaks the plot of this down a bit more for us.

"In a world broken into dominions, Rubi has no power and almost no memories," she shares. "When she's forced into a trial that promises to kill her, neither she nor anyone else knows what to do when it doesn't. Now she has a tyger companion and a mage warrior to deal with."

5. 'Silver and Blood' by Jessie Mihalik

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Pryde once recommended this book, and I devoured it in two days. While I'll be honest, it doesn't have the most unique premise (it's heavily based on Beauty and the Beast), it's just a really fun, spicy read that features fae romance elements and magic. The romantic tension between the leads definitely mirrors Quicksilver, making it an absolute page-turner.

"Accidental portal fantasy, you say? A young woman finds herself captive in a castle in the woods and then discovers that her captor has been trapped on the wrong side of a portal for who knows how long," Pryde sums it up nicely. "The other side is all kinds of bad, but she's willing to do what she can to help him stay there."

Related: 29 'Must-Read Magical Realism Books, According to Librarians

6. 'Rose in Chains' by Julie Soto

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Julie Soto's first novel in her Evermore trilogy is Rose in Chains. While this novel definitely differs from Quicksilver, Jasmine Saunders—a librarian at the Los Angeles County Library—recommends it for its strong female lead and the similar enemies-to-lovers trope. I've read this one myself, and it definitely features some dark themes (read the trigger warnings), but I read it all in a matter of days, proving it hooked me enough to want to read the next novel.

"Similar to Saeris in Quicksilver, the main character in Rose in Chains, Briony Rosewood, is thrust into a game of survival with high political stakes and magic," Saunders says. "The magic system is interesting and unique. Plus, the slow-burn romantic tension between the lead characters is the cherry on top of an action-packed experience."

7. 'Fall of Ruin and Wrath' by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Most romantasy lovers know Armentrout for her popular series From Blood and Ash, but Saunders says that this other book from her is a must-read, especially if you love the first book in the Fae & Alchemy series.

"The world-building in this novel is really unique and just as intricate as Quicksilver," she explains. "It does start off a bit slow, but builds to the spice-level that Armentrout is known for writing. The fated lovers trope is also similar to Quicksilver, and the romantic leads are really well-written."

8. 'King of the Damned' by Ariel N. Anderson

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

This is a quicker read and the first novel in the Echoes of Eternity duology.

"This dark and sexy vampire romance definitely gives Quicksilver vibes due to the male lead," Saunders states. "Much like Fisher, Kaius Voroninov is tortured in a way that attracts the female main character Adelasia. Expect tropes like fated mates and forced proximity."

9. 'On Wings of Blood' by Briar Boleyn

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Bloodwing Academy is a dark academia series packed with lots of fun tropes, with the first novel in this series being On Wings of Blood. Think enemies-to-lovers, a magical school, vampires, dragons and a morally gray male lead. Saunders recommends this series to Quicksilver readers for its action-packed scenes, interesting magical elements and its true enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance.

"This romantasy series is a bit of a bully romance, but the slow-burn tension between the leads Medra Pendragon and Blake Drakharrow is steamy, complicated and keeps you coming back for more," she shares.

10. 'Powerless' by Lauren Roberts

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️/5

Saunders and I both love Lauren Roberts's Powerless trilogy. And luckily, if you're someone who likes to devour a series fully (guilty), all three books are already out so there's no agonizing waiting.

"This series follows Paedyn Gray, an 'ordinary' in a world full of 'elites' who possess magical powers," Saunders explains. "Being without magic in her world means automatic death and her love interest, Kai Azer (right-hand man and brother to the king), is meant to hunt her kind down. Inevitably, this leads to swoon-worthy romantic tension, high-stakes political situations and lots of character growth. While it's definitely different from Quicksilver in a lot of ways, the romance is next-level in this one and a great read for those who love interesting world-building."

11. 'Gild' by Raven Kennedy

Amazon

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Gild is the first novel in Kennedy's The Plated Prisoner series. Saunders says that if more fae elements are what you're looking for, this one is a good option.

"This novel is a unique take on the myth of King Midas," Saunders says. "The FMC (female main character), Auren, lives a life of luxury in a gilded cage, acting as a prize for King Midas. She believes that Midas loves her, but he soon betrays her for political gain. There's romance, magic, fae elements and political situations that Quicksilver readers will love."

Up Next:

Related: 7 Books To Read After 'Heated Rivalry,' According to a Librarian

Sources:

• Jessica P. Pryde, librarian and founder of Why Choose: A Romance Bookstore, a queer-Black-woman-owned pop-up bookstore experience
• Jasmine Saunders, librarian at the Los Angeles County Library

One of rock's most influential bass players is celebrating a milestone birthday.

Rinus Gerritsen, the founding bassist of Dutch rock legends Golden Earring, turns 80 on Aug. 9. Over a career spanning six decades, Gerritsen helped shape the band's signature sound on classics like "Radar Love," "Twilight Zone" and "When the Lady Smiles," making Golden Earring one of the Netherlands' most successful rock exports.

Related: Rock Legend, Who Was Just 15 When He Co-Founded U2, Turns 65

The band released 25 studio albums, scored nearly 30 top 10 singles in their home country and became international stars thanks to the enduring success of "Radar Love."

But one of the most remarkable stories from Gerritsen's career has nothing to do with the charts.

According to his official biography, Gerritsen's aggressive, melodic bass playing drew the attention of none other than Jimi Hendrix during Golden Earring's early years. Hendrix was so impressed that he tried to recruit the young bassist for his own band. Gerritsen, however, remained committed to the group he had founded alongside childhood friend George Kooymans, choosing to continue building what would become one of rock's longest-running lineups.

Related: 1973 Rock Song, Written by a 22-Year-Old Bruce Springsteen, Became an Obscure Band's Only No. 1 Hit

Born Marinus Gerritsen in The Hague on Aug. 9, 1946, he formed what would eventually become Golden Earring with Kooymans in 1961, when the pair were just teenagers. The group was originally known as the Tornados before changing its name to the Golden Earrings and later Golden Earring. After years of lineup changes, Barry Hay joined as frontman in 1967, drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk completed the classic lineup in 1970 and the four musicians remained together for more than 50 years.

Golden Earring's international breakthrough came in 1973 with "Radar Love," which became a top 10 hit in the United Kingdom and reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band toured extensively in the United States, sharing stages with artists including Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Santana and Rush while building a reputation as one of Europe's premier live rock acts. Their second major American hit arrived in 1982 with "Twilight Zone," whose MTV video helped introduce the band to a new generation of fans.

Beyond Golden Earring, Gerritsen released a solo album in 1979, produced recordings for other artists and became widely admired for his innovative bass playing. Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris has cited Gerritsen as an important influence, a testament to the lasting impact of his style on generations of rock musicians.

Related: ’70s Rock Legends Announce New Album 51 Years After Breakthrough Hit ‘Dreamboat Annie’

Golden Earring ended its active career in 2021 after Kooymans was diagnosed with ALS. Following Kooymans' death in July 2025, the surviving members reunited one final time for a series of sold-out farewell concerts in the Netherlands, celebrating the band's extraordinary legacy and honoring their longtime friend and bandmate.

Now, as Gerritsen celebrates his 80th birthday, he remains forever linked to one of rock's most recognizable bass lines and to the decision that kept Golden Earring together, even after one of music's greatest legends came calling.

Related: '70s Guitar Legend Who Helped Bring Pink Floyd Back to the Stage Turns 77

The "better-for-you" soda movement is having a serious moment. It feels like every week there's another colorful can promising to replace your afternoon cola with something made from cleaner ingredients. Between prebiotic and probiotic sodas, botanical wellness tonics, adaptogenic drinks and functional beverages packed with vitamins or fiber, the beverage aisle looks completely different than it did just a few years ago.

And to enter a popular sparkling water brand to the mix, Spindrift is joining the movement, but in a way that feels very true to the brand.

Instead of creating another pre/probiotic soda, Spindrift soda is leaning into what it's always done best: sparkling drinks with real squeezed fruit. If you've followed my taste tests before, you know I'm already know I'm a huge fan of sparkling waters. I recently ranked every Spindrift sparkling water flavor and all the Waterloo sparkling water flavors, so when I spotted this brand new soda line, I knew it had to be next.

I'll admit, though, I wasn't sure what to expect. Without added sugar or artificial sweeteners, could these actually scratch the soda itch? Or would they taste more like sparkling water pretending to be soda? And once I saw the flavors of the Spindrift sodas, I got really excited....I'm an absolute sucker for anything Shirley Temple flavored, so my expectations immediately shot up. Then I saw Orange Vanilla, and as a huge creamsicle ice pop fan, I was very intrigued. If they could nail these classic, nostalgic soda flavors, I'd be hooked.

I recently packed the six flavors in my cooler for a beach day with my family. After tasting all six flavors side by side, I can confidently say we had some we loved, and some we wouldn't seek out again. They aren't just sparkling water wearing a soda costume. These sip like something entirely in it's own class.

Related: Here’s What Happens to Your Body if You Drink Sparkling Water Every Day

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

What Is Spindrift Soda?

Spindrift Real Fruit Soda is the brand's take on a naturally sweetened soda made with real squeezed fruit juice instead of artificial flavors or added sugar. Unlike many of today's better-for-you sodas that rely on stevia, monk fruit or sugar alcohols for sweetness, Spindrift lets fruit do the work.

The lineup currently includes six nostalgic flavors: Concord Grape, Lemon Lime, Orange Vanilla, Shirley Temple, Ginger Ale and Strawberry Vanilla.

Every can contains real fruit juice, lightly carbonated water and no added sugar. That means the sweetness is much more subtle than a traditional soda, allowing the fruit flavors to come through naturally instead of tasting syrupy.

It's less sweet than the soda many of us grew up drinking, but that's also what makes it feel refreshing instead of heavy.

Related: We Asked ‘The Water Sommelier’ To Rank His Favorite Bottled Waters and His Answers Surprised Us

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

When Did Spindrift Soda Launch?

Spindrift was founded in 2010 with a simple idea: sparkling water made with real squeezed fruit instead of "natural flavors." That philosophy helped the brand stand out in an increasingly crowded sparkling water category.

In early 2025, the company expanded beyond sparkling water and introduced Spindrift Soda with five nostalgic flavors inspired by classic American soda flavors. Shortly afterward, they renamed a few of the flavors and added in Lemon Lime.

Rather than competing directly with traditional sodas, Spindrift positioned the new line as a real-fruit alternative for people looking for a cleaner ingredient list without giving up the fun of cracking open a can of soda.

Related: I Tried 8 Popular Sprite Flavors To Find the Best

All 6 Spindrift Soda Flavors Ranked From Worst To Best

Which soda flavors were popping and which ones fell flat...

6. Lemon Lime

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Lemon Lime landed at the bottom of my ranking, not because it was bad, but because it was much more tart than I expected. The bright citrus flavors are definitely there, but the apple juice used to sweeten it doesn't quite balance the sourness.

Instead of tasting like a classic lemon-lime soda, it drinks more like a slightly sweeter version of their lemon lime sparkling water. My son spit this one out and said, "Way too tart!" But if you prefer a super tangy drink over sweet sodas, this one may be right up your alley.

Related: Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You?

5. Ginger Ale

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This is a ginger ale made for serious ginger fans. The fresh ginger flavor is bold, spicy and unmistakable, making it taste more like a wellness drink than a traditional soda. It's smooth and refreshing, but the ginger takes center stage from the first sip. I enjoyed it, but it reminded me more of something I'd reach for with an upset stomach than a soda I'd casually crack open on a hot day.

Related: Martha Stewart’s Refreshing Strawberry Ginger Smash Is the Only Drink You’ll Want to Make This Summer

4. Shirley Temple

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Spindrift missed the mark with this flavor. I was expecting a sweet, cherry-forward Shirley Temple, but this version takes a different approach. Instead of relying on artificial cherry flavor, it's built around pomegranate and citrus juices for a lighter, cleaner take on the nostalgic drink.

It was very good, but I missed that signature strong cherry flavor. The real fruit juices create a refreshing soda that's balanced and easy to sip, but I might call it pomegranate punch over a classic Shirley.

3. Concord Grape

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

If you've ever eaten a Concord grape straight off the vine, you'll immediately recognize this flavor. It tastes remarkably authentic, capturing that rich, juicy grape flavor without tasting overly sugary. My husband described it as a melted grape ice pop, and after one sip, I couldn't think of a better comparison. It's one of the most accurate fruit flavors in the lineup. Would buy again.

2. Strawberry Vanilla

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Strawberry Vanilla came incredibly close to taking the top spot. The strawberry flavor is juicy, sweet and vibrant, while the vanilla adds a creamy finish that makes each sip taste like a yummy dessert. I only wish the vanilla played an even bigger role, but even so, this was one of the easiest, and most enjoyable, flavors to drink.

1. Orange Vanilla

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Orange Vanilla was the clear winner of my taste test. It delivers all the nostalgic flavors of an orange creamsicle with bright citrus balanced by a smooth hint of vanilla. I did find myself wanting just a touch more creamy vanilla flavor, but the refreshing orange ultimately won me over. It's nostalgic, incredibly drinkable and the flavor I'd happily stock in my fridge all summer long.

My Honest Thoughts on Spindrift Soda

My husband and I were impressed...my son, not so much.

I would say these skew towards an adult audience, given a lot of the fruit juices are very tart and I would use the term soda for sure, but it's not anything like a classic soda.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

I loved that there was absolutely no lingering aftertaste from artificial sweeteners or even natural sweeteners like stevia, which is something I notice immediately. Instead, each flavor tasted clean, bright and refreshingly simple.

Are these as sweet as a regular soda? Definitely not. But personally, I don't love overly saccharine drinks anyway. These hit that sweet spot where they still feel like a refreshing drink without making me feel like I just drank a ton of sugar.

The cans are gorgeous. The bright, colorful packaging instantly catches your eye and would look right at home in an ice-filled party cooler.

They're also surprisingly versatile. Every flavor is enjoyable on its own, but I couldn't stop thinking about how fun they'd be as cocktail mixers. The Ginger Ale is practically begging to become a Dark 'n Stormy, while Shirley Temple be delicious with a little vodka twist.

Would I buy them again? Absolutely, but with the understanding that they are much more sweeter sparkling waters than they are classic sodas.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Where To Buy Spindrift Soda

Right now, availability is probably Spindrift Soda's biggest downside.

Unlike traditional sodas that seem to occupy entire grocery store aisles, these can still be a little tricky to track down depending on where you live.

Here in New Jersey, the easiest place for me to find them was Wegmans. According to Spindrift's store locator, they're also available at additional retailers, like Hannaford and are continuing to roll out nationwide.

As distribution expands, I wouldn't be surprised to see them pop up in many more grocery chains over the next year. They're good enough that I hope they do.

If you're expecting Spindrift Soda to taste exactly like a can of traditional soda, you might be surprised.

But if you're looking for something that delivers real fruit flavor, refreshing bubbles and just enough sweetness to satisfy a craving without relying on added sugar or artificial sweeteners, I think Spindrift has created something pretty special. It doesn't try to imitate soda...it reimagines it.

Up Next:

Related: 10 Popular Low-Calorie Ice Creams, Tested and Ranked From Worst To Best

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Here's the thing: My social feeds are filled with DIYers and crafty types rummaging through thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets all in the name of finding items with potential and fixing them up. In fact, there are so many of these videos recommended to me (thanks, algorithm) you'd think that I, too, were an expert and putting a fresh shine on someone else's throwaway. And yet ... that is not the case.

I love home decor that has vintage appeal, but I don't have even the slightest talent for taking something old and making it look new again. Thankfully, some retailers embrace that antiqued look with retro-style lamps, quilted bedding and rugs that look elegant but lived in, all requiring no DIY skills on my part.

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Orange Floral Wall Décor by Ashland, $35.99 (originally $59.99) at Michaels

Michaels

Shop It!

Take Michaels' Orange Floral Wall Decor by Ashland, for example. This three-tier wall shelf has a charming, slightly rustic look, with three open shelves that give you plenty of room to show off things like framed photos, kitchen collectibles and small plants. The scalloped edges add a little personality, keeping it from feeling like a basic storage piece, while the wood finish gives it that warm, casual feel that works especially well with farmhouse, cottage or vintage-inspired decor.

Related: Kohl's Sweet Scallop-Edged Comfort Mat From Reese Witherspoon's Line Will Brighten Up Your Kitchen

At 12.75 inches wide, 4.25 inches deep and 18.5 inches tall, this shelf is compact enough to use a smaller stretch of wall without sticking out too far. Each of the three shelves can hold up to one pound, with a three-pound maximum for the entire piece, so it's best suited to lighter decorative touches like those small plants and collectibles I mentioned earlier.

There aren't any reviews on the wall shelf yet, but it seems to be selling like hot cakes. Michaels has it marked as a "top seller" on the product page, and each time I check, the number of shoppers who've purchased it in the past 48 hours keeps ticking up.

Michaels is primarily known for its craft supplies, but if you sleep on its home decor, you're really missing out. And if you love the vintage-inspired look as much as I do, you'll probably add this pretty domed cake stand to your cart as soon as you lay eyes on it. In fact, a lot of the retailer's fall 2026 decor finds veer towards the antiqued aesthetic, so now's the time to pounce if you're working on a home refresh.

Related: Hobby Lobby's 3-Tier Tray Embraces French Country Charm and Is Perfect for Afternoon Tea