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PhilCollins' iconic hit songs come naturally to him.

The former Genesis frontman spoke about his process and some of his favorite tracks in a recent appearance on BBC Radio 2's Tracks of My Years with Vernon Kay.

“I suppose, you know, a lot of my lyrics come from somewhere. I very rarely sit down, very rarely sit down and think ‘what am I going to write about?’ I don’t ever do that,” Collins said.

“Normally, if I’m playing — something usually comes when I’m playing a piano — and something will develop if I’m lucky, and then what I’m going to sing kind of goes along with it or comes along very soon afterwards,” the singer continued.

The 75-year-old rocker reflected on his hit song “In the Air Tonight.” The 1981 track came to him while riffing and was “pretty much 80% improvised."

“I had this chord sound on this keyboard that I had … and I had this lovely sound, which is the sound you hear on the record,” Collins said.

The song reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. He was alone in his bedroom when he first played the chords on his keyboard.

“I might have done it once or twice, but I certainly didn’t labor on it,” he said. After he finalized the piano, he then “programmed the drum machine just to make an interesting pattern, and then I played along with it, and that’s what happened.”

“When I’d done that, I sang along with what I had just to get the sound of a voice in there,” Collins revealed. “And the words that came out on that first verse were improvised.”

The Grammy winner shared that his process for “In the Air Tonight” was not out of the ordinary for him.

Collins explained “you only need a couple of lines, two or three lines, and you kind of know what it’s going to be about or what the feeling is, you know, and so a lot of the lyrics are kind of improvised.”

Sunny Hostin is still in love nearly 30 years after saying “I Do.” The View staple is basking in happiness, celebrating 28 years of marriage to her husband, Dr. Emmanuel "Manny" Hostin.

Sunny shared a touching tribute to Instagram. The pair have been married since 1998 and share two children: Gabriel and Paloma.

“Twenty-eight years. ❤️” she began in a post, featuring throwbacks from their wedding day and special moments throughout the years. “To my handsome, dashing, loyal husband—thank you for still making me laugh every single day. After all these years, we’re still the couple our friends intentionally seat apart at dinner parties because somehow we always end up finding each other, tucked away in a corner, laughing out loud. You have been my greatest love, my best friend, and my safest place. Here’s to 28 incredible years and to a lifetime more of laughter, love, and finding each other in every room. Happy Anniversary, my love.”

In a 2025 episode of The View during their “Hot Topics” segment, Sunny admitted she nearly missed out on her forever love because he didn’t meet a height requirement. "I was going to cancel Manny because I thought he was too short," Hostin recalled in the episode, as reported by PEOPLE. Her best friend convinced her to give Manny a chance. "Regina told me he could stand on his medical degree, and he’d be tall enough. She gives good advice."

Sunny revealed in her 2020 memoir that she first spotted Manny in a Maryland church after a run. She said his style made her notice him, writing, “[He] was gorgeous,” and “decked out in a beautifully tailored suit.”

But if you ask Manny, their first real interaction happened in a bagel shop, where he struck up a conversation. Sunny jokes that she followed him to the bagel shop after the church service. Either way, their love has stood the test of time.

There’s a lot that shapes how a person eats. Certainly, one’s culture and the foods they ate growing up play a big role. Your favorite meals may be ones that your own parents or grandparents used to make. 

Being exposed to other ways of eating through friends, dining at new restaurants or traveling around the world also influences how we eat. Similarly, your partner may have introduced you to foods they love that you’ve grown to love, too.

Health is, of course, another factor that shapes one’s diet. Maybe you’ve researched and found one to follow based on your specific health goals, such as the DASH diet to lower hypertension or the MIND diet to reduce the risk of dementia.

Choosing a diet to appear more attractive to others is something you may have never considered, but a 2026 scientific paper published in Recent Progress in Nutrition found that there just may be a connection. Parade talked to the paper’s lead researcher and author, David Goldman, RD, a registered dietitian, visiting researcher with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki and the Director of Research and Development at Metabite, Inc., to learn more.   

Related: Want to Lower Your Cholesterol? Cardiologists Say This Is the Best Diet To Follow

The Diet That Can Make You More Attractive, According to Research

According to the research conducted by Goldman and his team based on data from the past 25 years, following a plant-based diet is associated with being more attractive to others. They found that eating primarily plants led to preferred body composition, facial appearance and body odor.

Perhaps one of the most straightforward findings was that eating a primarily plant-based diet lowers BMI, which is associated with higher attractiveness. “Many minimally processed plant foods are naturally lower in calories and high in fiber, which helps people feel full while eating fewer calories. Research shows that plant-based diets lead to bigger drops in BMI and body fat compared to diets that include meat. By supporting a healthier body composition, these diets help people reach the body fat levels linked to peak physical attractiveness,” Goldman tells Parade.

Related: The One Food You Should Eat Every Day if You Want To Live to 100, According to Registered Dietitians

Another one of the findings was that meals that are low-glycemic and don’t spike blood sugar are associated with higher attractiveness.

“Experiments showed that eating a high-glycemic breakfast made people look less attractive just two hours later,” Dr. Goldman says. This is because an insulin spike can influence hormones, which can subtly affect facial features and skin characteristics. 

“Over time, high-glycemic diets are linked to women looking older and men appearing less masculine, probably because of how high blood sugar affects hormones and skin,” Goldman adds.

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The Connection Between Scent and Attractiveness

Goldman and his team also found that what you eat influences how you naturally smell, which in turn influences how attractive others find you. “Diet is a main non-genetic factor that affects sweat and how it turns into body odor,” he explains.

Goldman says that studies found that men who didn’t eat meat produced sweat that was rated as more attractive, more pleasant and less intense than men who ate a lot of meat. Ever heard of the meat sweats? It’s real. A study published in the journal Chemical Senses found a link between a diet high in red meat and worse body odor.  

Similarly, Goldman and his colleagues’ research found that eating more fruits and vegetables is also linked to sweat that smells more floral, fruity, sweet and pleasant.

“While this is a new area of research, it suggests that what we eat can change our body odor in ways that matter for social interactions,” he tells Parade.

The Most Important Takeaway

Certainly, there are more important factors for choosing a diet than how it will make you look to others. And it’s of course important to keep in mind that attraction is entirely subjective. 

“Attractiveness involves more than just looks. It combines visual cues, scent and body composition into one overall impression,” Goldman says, adding that his research suggests that diet affects all these traits in different but connected ways. “Even if each effect is small, together they show how nutrition shapes our appearance across several senses at once."

What he hopes people take away from the study is that eating impacts the body both immediately and long-term.

“Many food choices can lead to visible and socially meaningful changes within weeks, which can motivate people to stick with better habits,” Goldman says, adding that if attractiveness is an incentive that motivates people to eat healthier, he’s all for it. 

Perhaps what’s most important isn’t how your diet will change how others see you, but how you see yourself. New research published in Nutrientsshows that balanced nutrition is associated with higher self-esteem. And that’s a reward worth way more than what anyone else thinks.

Up Next:

Related: More Than 40 Years Ago, This Diet Became a National Obsession—Dietitians Say It Didn’t Hold Up

Sources:

• Goldman, D. and Nagra, M. (2026). The Role of Plant-Forward Diets in Physical Attractiveness: Integrating Facial, Olfactory, and Morphological Signals for Health Behavior Change.Recent Progress in Nutrition. doi:10.21926/rpn.2602010. 
• David Goldman, RD, registered dietitian, visiting researcher with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki and the Director of Research and Development at Metabite, Inc.
• Havlicek, J. and Lenochova, P. (2006). The effect of meat consumption on body odor attractiveness.Chemical Senses. 31(8):747-52.
• Sӑlcudean, A., Osz, B. E., Cȋmpian, D. M., et al. (2026). Dietary and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Self-Esteem in Adolescents: An Exploratory Questionnaire-Based Study. Nutrients. 18(3):546.

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There's something so fun about summer accessories, especially when they lean into playful coastal motifs. From beaded sardines and sand dollars to sailboats and compasses, seaside-inspired pieces are having a major moment this season. Lobsters, in particular, have become one of the biggest trends, popping up on clothing and accessories everywhere. It's an easy way to add a touch of coastal charm to any outfit.

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If you've been looking for an easy way to try the trend without splurging, Amazon's Lobster Embroidery Straw Tote is worth a look. It has the same coastal-chic feel as pricier designer styles, but it's currently available for just $11.

Lobster Embroidery Straw Bag, $11 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Hand-woven from natural straw fibers with a cotton lining, this tote is lightweight, breathable, and durable enough for everyday summer wear. It features a secure zipper closure to keep your essentials tucked away, making it just as practical as it is stylish.

The embroidered red lobster is what makes this bag stand out, accompanied by a matching red keychain that adds an extra playful detail. The design is framed by bold red trim and piping along the edges, while the top handles are wrapped in a printed scarf to bring even more texture to the silhouette. 

Together, these details capture the coastal-prep, Nantucket-inspired aesthetic that's been everywhere this summer. One five-star reviewer described the bag as “beautiful,” and it genuinely looks like something you'd stumble across in a charming seaside boutique.

Measuring 11.8 inches wide by 10 inches tall, it's compact without feeling cramped. There's plenty of room for your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and other daily essentials, while still staying lightweight for long beach walks or sightseeing. One shopper called it “lightweight” and “the right size” for carrying everyday essentials.

It also offers plenty of versatility thanks to its top handle and detachable shoulder strap. Carry it by hand, wear it over your shoulder, or style it crossbody for hands-free convenience. It's a great companion for beach days, brunch, shopping trips, vacations, or everyday errands.

The lobster tote pairs effortlessly with many of the staples already trending this summer. Style it with a breezy linen button-down and white shorts for a classic coastal look, or pair it with a striped sundress and leather sandals for a nod to New England style. It also looks great with relaxed denim, swimsuits, and simple maxi dresses, adding personality without overpowering your outfit.

Shop More Deals

• Lfaayyf Red Lobster Hair Clip, $8 at Amazon
• 3dg Retro Lobster T-Shirt, From $10 Amazon
• Aurethys Lobster Ring, $10 at Amazon

Related: Patricia Nash’s Scalloped Raffia Crossbody Is the ‘Perfect Summer Bag’ With Coastal Grandmother Flair

For a summer bag that's equal parts trendy and timeless, Amazon's Lobster Embroidery Straw Tote is an easy pick. At just $11, it's an affordable way to embrace one of the season's biggest accessory trends while adding a fun, coastal-inspired touch to your warm-weather wardrobe.

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On the heels of the mega success of the Michael Jackson biopic, a docuseries about Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson is in the works. Billboard reports that Joe’s life will be examined in an eight-part docuseries for BLK Prime. Jackson 5 member and son Marlon Jackson is narrating the project.

The announcement was made on the Jacksons' Instagram. The series is currently titled The Manager, The Mythology, The Legend, which will delve into Joe’s family’s rise from Gary, Indiana, to him cultivating his family into global superstars. 

Marlon spoke with Page Six, explaining he wants viewers to see Joe through a different lens. Historically, Joe has been met with public criticism for his alleged use of corporal punishment on his children, and others have felt he used them as a meal ticket to get out of poverty.

“Our father’s life is replete with triumphs and challenges, and we firmly believe that this series will offer a distinctive and accurate portrayal of the man behind our family,” he said when speaking to Page Six. “We are thrilled to share my father’s indelible legacy with fans worldwide, granting them an intimate glimpse into the remarkable individual we knew and loved.”

The series intends to show an intimate portrait of Joe, as well as explore the Jackson 5’s relationship with Motown and how fame impacted the family. 

Throughout the years, Joe has defended his disciplinary tactics with his children. Michael publicly admitted he feared his father growing up, saying he was subjected to intense beatings as a child. "I never beat him," Joe said in 2009, per CBS News. "I whipped him with a stick and a belt. I never beat him. You beat someone with a stick."

When speaking with Oprah Winfrey in 2010, Joe and longtime wife Katherine spoke about Joe disciplining their children. Katherine encouraged Joe to take responsibility for his choices, telling him, Winfrey, and the audience, "You might as well admit it: That's the way black people raised their children. He used a strap."

After Molly Ringwald became the ultimate John Hughes muse, starring in Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink - a script Hughes reportedly wrote specifically for her - there apparently was a fourth collaboration audiences never got to see.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Ringwald recently opened up about the lost project, a film called Oil and Vinegar, during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. The movie was set to reunite her with Hughes and co-star fellow '80s icon Matthew Broderick, but it never made it to production.

“I was supposed to make another one, actually. Matthew Broderick and I were supposed to make one together,” Ringwald said. “We were all set to do it and then something happened, and it didn't end up happening.”

Speaking to The Atlantic in 2010, she explained that the script needed rewrites Hughes wasn't willing to tackle at the time, while her own schedule also got in the way. “It's too bad because it was a very funny script. The movie would have been fantastic,” she said, adding that she and Broderick had genuine chemistry.

According to Broderick, the film leaned into the intimate, stripped-down storytelling Hughes was known for, with much of the story taking place inside a car and centered on just two characters - *similar in spirit to The Breakfast Club's single-location setup.

“It was a very typical romantic comedy about two very different people who fell in love, but it was very inventive in its smallness,” he recalled. Director Howard Deutch, who helmed Pretty in Pink and Some Kind of Wonderful, was also attached to the project and called it Hughes' “favorite script.” He described it as a mismatched romance between Broderick's traveling salesman and Ringwald's rock-and-roll rebel.

Ultimately, scheduling issues and unfinished rewrites kept Oil and Vinegar from reaching the big screen. But the script may not be lost forever. “It could still happen,” Deutch said in a 2014 interview. “The script is still there. It's one of his great scripts.”

Double Lives of Suburban Wives star Brianna Coppage isn't sugarcoating the real-life repercussions of being a spicy content creator.

Ahead of the TLC show's Aug. 9 premiere, Brianna, 31—a wife, mother, and former teacher—sat down with Parade to discuss her OnlyFans stardom.

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In 2023, Brianna was placed on leave from her job as a high school English teacher in Missouri when her OnlyFans account was discovered; she ultimately resigned.

"It completely changed everything about my life," she admitted. "It was flipped upside down, honestly. Just having your name and your face like blasted all over the country."

In Double Lives of Suburban Wives, Brianna and her husband, Phillip, are featured alongside her fellow "MILF House" spicy content creators—Tammy, Macy, Heather, Emily, and Megan—who all live in the St. Louis area.

"When my story came out three years ago, like on the news, I was able to talk to reporters and things like that and tell my side of the story," she told Parade. "But this is completely different. Like, this is actually like letting people see who I am."

'Double Lives of Suburban Wives': Former Teacher Details Real-Life Repercussions of Spicy Content Creation (Exclusive) (1:19)

Among the storylines in Season 1 is the ongoing tension between Brianna and Megan, a fellow former teacher who was forced out of the same school over her own spicy online content.

"We both were doing content secretly; we didn't know," Brianna explained. "We went out one night, we accidentally told each other. And then when I got found out, she got scared, she took everything down. Because she didn't want to be found out."

She continued, "People were already investigating her. But then she decided to participate in a show on my page, but keep her face out of it. And then that just re-sparked an investigation into her. And that kind of spiraled from there for her."

Brianna also teased, "There were secrets kept for a long time. And you'll definitely have to watch and find out because it gets interesting."

'Double Lives of Suburban Wives' (TLC)

Additionally, TLC viewers will see Brianna and her friends get kicked out of a gym simply because of their line of work.

"Myself, Macy and Tammy were at Tammy's gym working out, and we were just like stretching," she recounted. "We were talking about MILF House and like, who's in and who's out of our group. And you know, we're just having like girl time, girl talk."

Brianna continued, "We go to get on the treadmill, and we were approached saying that someone recognized me and looked me up, and we had to get out. So the three of us got kicked out of the gym for simply just existing and working out, and they didn't like my presence."

In addition to losing her job and getting kicked out of a gym, Brianna said that she and her husband have been "de-banked from numerous banks for lawful transactions."

"This is just kind of another day. Like, this happens, this is not my first rodeo," she said. "People just don't like my presence just because of what I do.

Double Lives of Suburban Wives premieres on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC and will be available to stream the next day on HBO Max.

Next: Double Lives of Suburban Wives: Spicy Content Creator Emily Insists "We’re Just Like Everyone Else" (Exclusive)

Hunter Biden is speaking candidly about his father's health, revealing thatJoe Biden's prostate cancer has continued to spread. In an interview with BBC Newsnight released Friday, Hunter said the disease has "metastasized into his bones and further." He described it as "very painful, and it's very debilitating in many respects."

Despite the toll, Hunter said his father remains active. "He's still out there," Hunter said. "He's still doing his thing. He so believes in this country." Hunter, 56, grew reflective discussing the situation, calling it "really sad to watch."

He added, "The only thing that I'd say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more, because it's not good."

According to the BBC, Biden's office announced in May 2025 that the 83-year-old had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer after he experienced ongoing urinary symptoms. 

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024

(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Doctors discovered a nodule on his prostate during evaluation. By October 2025, NBC News reported that his team confirmed he had begun radiation therapy alongside hormone treatment.

Former first lady Jill Biden told Kelly Ripa on SiriusXM's Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa in July that she'd noticed warning signs years earlier, while still in the White House, when her husband was getting up to use the bathroom as often as seven times a night. She said she raised the concern with White House physicians at the time and believed it had been addressed. 

After leaving office in January 2025, when the symptoms continued, she pushed him to seek further evaluation. "I said, 'Joe, we've got to go up to Jeff in Philly, something's wrong,'" she recalled. Jill has also said her husband will need to manage the disease for the rest of his life through ongoing medication, as per New York Post.

Despite the diagnosis, Biden has kept a public presence in recent months. He appeared at the opening of the new Obama Presidential Library in Chicago in June, where he drew attention after stepping up to a lectern and asking, "Where's my granddaughter?"

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Later that month, he joined Maryland Democrats at their "Fight Back and Win" gala outside Baltimore.

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The transition from summer to fall wardrobe is seamless —  if you have the right attire. The key to switching seasons is perfecting layers, and investing in breathable shoes that can easily be worn in warm and crisp weather. One of our favorite seasonal styles are loafers and mules, which are currently on sale at Macy's. The Style & Co Naomii Slip-On Mules are 40% off, and only available on the retailer's website. 

The footwear originally cost $50, but has been reduced to just $30, with the beige colorway being marked as a clearance deal. The style is available in five total colors: leopard print, black, denim, and brown. We love the beige hue because it looks straw-like, which is very reminiscent of summer. The leopard print is also a fun go-to all year long that will add a bold pattern to your outfit. 

Style & Co Naomii Slip-On Mules, $30 (were $50) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

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The available sizes range from 5 to 12, including half sizes, with most shoppers saying that they're true to size. One reviewer did note that they run slightly large, so we recommend consulting the size chart for best results. The design features a flat heel, almond toe, and classic slip on style that allows you to take them on and off with ease. 

Style & Co Naomii Slip-On Mules, $30 (was $50) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

The mules are made of a microfiber upper and lining with a rubber sole. Microfiber is actually known to be well-ventilated because it features small pores that allow air to pass through, making the footwear ideal for high temperatures. There is a cushioned insole for ultimate comfort as well — just note that the outsole doesn't have traction, so you may want to avoid sporting them on uneven terrain. 

Shoppers described the mules as "very comfortable," "well-made," "perfect," "stylish," and "easy to slip on for everyday wear." Other customers love that the shoe "looks great with both casual and dressy outfits," so they're extremely "versatile." Due to the fact that the style is lightweight and pairs with nearly anything (especially the minimalist colors), they'd also make a great travel companion. 

Shop More Deals 

• Nine West Valore Slip-On Dress Ballet Flats, $69 (was $99) at Macy's
• I.N.C. International Concepts Kasandra Bow Loafers, $49 (was $70) at Macy's
• On 34th Pull On Paperbag Cargo Wide Leg Pants, $56 (was $80) at Macy's

These stunning mules are going to become your new go-to throughout the fall season. Shop the highly-rated style at Macy's while it's 40% off!  

Related: Skechers' $30 Slide Sandals Are 'Soft,' 'Supportive,' and 'Perfect for a Hot Summer Day'

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Spending your days fighting exhaustion makes everything harder. Fatigue zaps your motivation and makes it difficult to concentrate, which can make doing anything that requires any brain power whatsoever take three times as long. 

Feeling exhausted gets in the way of enjoying life too. Maybe you were looking forward to a dinner out with your friends, but when it finally happens, you’re too tired to follow the conversation and wish you were just at home in bed.

Fatigue is such a common feeling that perhaps it isn’t surprising that 18% of people take a dietary supplement specifically to gain more energy, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, published in Nutrients.

There’s one very common supplement many people take for energy, but according to doctors, it can completely backfire. Keep reading to find out what it is and what to do instead.

Related: Always Tired? Doctors Say This Common Nutrient Deficiency Could Be To Blame

The Supplement That Can Destroy Your Energy

On paper, taking a melatonin gummy each night before you go to bed sounds like it can do wonders for your energy levels. After all, consistently getting good sleep is the most effective way to feel more energized. But it’s something that doctors we talked to warn against.

There are a few reasons why melatonin gummies can actually make you feel even more fatigued. Dr. Alexander Acosta, MD,a primary care doctor with SonderCare, says that one reason is that many melatonin gummies are high in sugar. 

“Many of my patients who were complaining about feeling tired in the morning were taking melatonin gummies at night and never read the label. The sugar in those gummies can trigger insulin levels to rise before bedtime, only for the levels to plummet shortly afterward, especially for those who are sensitive to blood sugar,” he tells Parade.

Related: Constantly Tired? It Could Be a Hidden Sign of This Health Problem, Experts Warn

Dr. Acosta explains that this crash can happen at the moment that the body is in its deepest recovery sleep, sharing, “Some individuals wake up feeling exhausted, not only due to a night of bad sleep, but because of a drop in blood sugar, which the body was forced to deal with during the night."

Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, MPH, FAAFP, a family practice physician at Geisinger, adds that the sugar in melatonin gummies can disrupt sleep, which can then lead to feeling tired the next day.

“Sugar at bedtime can interrupt sleep. Too much sugar in one’s diet overall can lead to energy ‘highs and lows’ that correlate with blood sugar fluctuations,” she explains.

Both doctors say that another reason why taking melatonin gummies can destroy energy levels is that they can negatively impact the body when taken long-term.

“Long-term melatonin supplementation can have unwanted effects on hormones and metabolism,” Dr. Malchuk says. Scientific research shows that taking melatonin every night long-term can increase the risk of heart failure, another risk to be aware of. 

Dr. Acosta emphasizes that taking melatonin disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm. “Every night, sleep is now tied to taking something else to feel ‘sleepy’ and the habit takes the place of the actual sleep hygiene task that addresses the underlying issue,” he says.

Instead of using melatonin as a Band-Aid, it’s important to get to the root cause of what’s causing your energy levels to be low. 

Related: Doctors Say This Is the Most Common Overlooked Cause of Afternoon Fatigue

When Can Taking Melatonin Be Helpful?

Melatonin isn’t meant to be taken every night. So when can it be helpful to take? Dr. Malchuk says that melatonin can be helpful to support sleep short-term in specific situations. One example of this is when you are traveling across time zones. 

In situations when it can be beneficial to take melatonin, it’s important that you get it from a reputable source. “Melatonin is a supplement, not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration," she explains. "There have been reports of low-quality supplements containing ingredients not listed on the label, which can be risky. Additionally, doses available over the counter are much higher than is actually recommended by physicians."

For this reason, it’s best to ask your doctor for a melatonin prescription rather than buying an over-the-counter melatonin supplement.

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Effective Ways To Feel More Energized

As both Dr. Malchuk and Dr. Acosta have made clear, taking a melatonin gummy every night isn’t an effective way to feel more energized. So, what works better?

“The one thing that works for patients with chronic sleeping problems that I have seen the most of is correcting sleep hygiene first. This includes a fixed bedtime and wake-up routine, avoiding screens before bed and waking up to natural light,” Dr. Acosta says.

This means that instead of turning to supplements to solve your sleep problems, it's better to focus on having good sleep hygiene habits in place. Also, understand that it may take some time for your body to naturally adapt to these beneficial changes; don’t give up too early.

Dr. Acosta adds that getting sunlight in the morning is one great way to support circadian rhythm, which no supplement can replace. Similarly, dimming the lights in the evening and avoiding screens can also help.

“If, despite your best efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you still feel tired, talk with your family medicine physician. It’s important to look for other causes of fatigue like nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea, hormonal issues and more,” Dr. Malchuk says.

What’s most important is to know that no one should go through life feeling exhausted all the time. It’s worth it to get to the root cause of your sleep issues, which may or may not include working with your healthcare provider. That way, you’ll be able to fully be present for all the moments you don’t want to miss.

Up Next:

Related: 5 Sneaky Daytime Signs of Sleep Apnea, According to Doctors

Sources:

• Liu, L., Tao, H., Xu, J., et al. (2024). Quantity, Duration, Adherence, and the Reasons for Dietary Supplement Use among Adults: Results from the NHANES 2011-2018. Nutrients. 16(12):1830.
• Dr. Alexander Acosta, MD, primary care doctor with SonderCare.
• Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, MPH, FAAFP, family practice physician at Geisinger.
• Long-term use of melatonin supplements to support health may have negative health effects. American Heart Association.

Taco Bell just gave its most iconic menu item a sweet plot twist.

The chain is testing out a Crème Brûlée Crunchwrap Slider, a dessert reimagining of its signature hexagonal Crunchwrap, currently available exclusively at participating locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan, according to Foodbeast and food-focused Instagram account Mouthattack. It marks the first time Taco Bell has ever turned the Crunchwrap into a dessert item.

So what’s in it? Instead of the usual seasoned beef and nacho cheese, this version swaps in a creamy vanilla filling paired with a mini tostada shell coated in cinnamon sugar. True to Crunchwrap form, it's folded into the brand's classic shape and grilled in a warm flour tortilla but the real standout is the finish: a caramelized cinnamon-sugar crust designed to crackle just like the brûléed sugar topping on a traditional crème brûlée.

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The concept isn't entirely out of nowhere, either. Taco Bell first teased the idea earlier this year at its Live Más Live event before bringing it to this small-scale test. Priced at just $1.99, the slider is only available for a limited two-week window in Grand Rapids, running through around August 5, with no word yet on whether it'll expand beyond Michigan.

The Crème Brûlée Crunchwrap Slider may have only had a brief test run for Michiganders, but if Taco Bell decides this sweet mashup is a success, fans elsewhere could eventually get their own chance to crack into it.

For many fans there is a joy in watching actors they love step completely outside the roles they know them for. For fans of The Pitt, the HBO Max drama that just led every show on television with 25 Emmy nominations, that opportunity comes on August 30, when six of its stars set down the stethoscopes and pick up phasers.

The Writers Guild Foundation is staging a live reading of "The Man Trap," the very first episode of Star Trek to ever air, as part of its "Retro Reads" series. Noah Wyle, who won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor for his work as Dr. Robby, will read the role of Captain James T. Kirk, the part William Shatner originated in 1966. He is joined by Katherine LaNasa, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Shabana Azeez and Ayesha Harris, each stepping into a member of the Enterprise crew.

The event runs at 7 p.m. at the Lodge Room in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. A livestream will also be available those of who can't fly off to LA, with on-demand access open through midnight on September 14.

Why a Trek read? Star Trek premiered on NBCin 1966, the same year the Writers Guild Foundation was founded, so both are marking their 60th anniversary this year. As Nerds That Geek noted, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry served on the Foundation's board in its early years, which makes his first episode a fitting script to pull off the shelf.

And in a way, they are pulling it down from a literal shelf. The Foundation will take the "Man Trap" script from its Shavelson-Webb Library, a free public archive that holds more than 50,000 scripts and is open to anyone who wants to study the craft of screenwriting. Proceeds from the reading support that library along with the Foundation's Writers Access programs, its Veterans Writing Project and public education events.

Related: The Next 'Star Trek' Movie Leaves Every Familiar Face Behind

"The Man Trap" is one of the original series' campier adventures, built around a shape-shifting alien that drains the salt from its victims, so the tone of the night is likely to lean into the fun. Retro Reads is produced by Ben Blacker and Heath Corson, with live scoring by Philip Krohnengold. The livestream comes from Drew Spears' DSPStudioLA, distributed through Third Best Comedy.

For a cast currently shooting Season 3 and fresh off the most-nominated season of any show this Emmy cycle, a night of salt vampires and Starfleet melodrama is a generous way to spend an evening. The reading gives longtime Trek fans and new Pitt devotees a rare shared front-row seat, and it sends every dollar toward the writers who make shows like both of them possible.

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Neil Diamond has released dozens of albums over a remarkable six-decade career, but when Billboard recently asked him to name his favorite, the answer came quickly.

"Hot August Night. It was such a magical live experience and was captured so beautifully," Diamond said. "It was like capturing magic in a bottle. A beautiful, vinyl bottle."

Released in December 1972, Hot August Night captured one of Diamond's performances during a remarkable run of 10 sold-out shows at Los Angeles' Greek Theatre that August. The double live album featured electrifying performances of many of his biggest hits, including "Sweet Caroline," "Solitary Man," "Holly Holy" and "Play Me."

While live albums often serve as snapshots of an artist at a particular moment, Hot August Night became something much bigger, showcasing Diamond "at the height of his power," according to the Saturday Evening Post.

"[Diamond] routinely cranked out hit albums and live discs in the ’70s. Of the three, it’s Hot August Night that has the best reputation; it was a massive hit in other countries, notably Australia," wrote the publication. "The four sides showcase Diamond at the height of his power, and are loaded with familiar hits like 'Cherry, Cherry,' 'Red Red Wine,' 'Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon,' 'Song Sung Blue,' 'Cracklin’ Rosie,' and 'I Am… I Said.'"

The album reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and became one of the defining releases of Diamond's career. It proved especially popular in Australia, where it spent an astonishing 29 weeks at No. 1 during 1973 and 1974 and went on to become one of the country's biggest-selling albums of all time.

Its success also inspired three follow-up live albums: Hot August Night II in 1987, Hot August Night/NYC in 2009 and Hot August Night III in 2018.

Although Diamond remembers the concerts as one of the highlights of his career, there is one lingering regret.

"I have many memories of those 10 shows," he told Billboard. "Each one lasted two or more hours and it wasn't the same every night. I could tell it was special when I was doing it. One of my biggest regrets is that we didn't film those shows."

Even without concert footage, Hot August Night has continued to introduce generations of listeners to Diamond at his absolute finest. More than 50 years after it was recorded, the album he calls "magic in a bottle" remains the one he treasures most.

Related: 1971 Rock Classic Ranked No. 1 ‘Greatest Live Album of All Time’

Whether you're catching up with a friend, grabbing dinner with another couple or trying to fill the awkward silence in a Zoom call before everyone else arrives, having a meaningful conversation can sometimes feel tricky, to say the least. Depending on how much or how little you want to share, answering questions from the person (or people) you're with can be a bit of a balancing act of being polite, forthcoming, charismatic and classy.

That's why one etiquette expert has shared a technique that "classy people" often use while chatting with another individual. This clever approach allows you to share only as much personal information as you're comfortable divulging before skillfully getting yourself "off the hook" to say more. So, whether you're introverted, simply not in a talkative mood or you're just looking forward to getting to know someone else better, this might become your signature move.

And this method doesn't give off a negative, dismissive vibe, either. Instead, it will likely leave the other person feeling seen and valued. A win-win.

Find out what she recommends doing, along with specific examples of this technique in action. Plus, two more expert-backed tips to keep in mind for an extra classy interaction. Spoiler alert: It's important to prioritize authenticity.

Related: This Phrase Makes You Instantly Approachable, Psychologist Explains

Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

Classy People Often Use the 'Bounce Back Technique' in Conversations

When you're answering a question, etiquette expert Laura Windsorpreviously told Parade that she recommends using the “bounce back technique” by giving your response and then immediately putting the spotlight back on the other individual.

“A truly classy and charismatic person has the ability to focus the attention on other people and make them feel like they are the most important person in the room,” she explained.

This can look like asking specific follow-up questions that don't elicit only simple yes or no responses. Instead, they provide a level of thoughtfulness that can be heart-warming for the recipient and allow them to share their opinion or experience in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Related: Psychologist Says the 1 Phrase That Instantly Shuts Down a Nosy Person Isn’t What You Might Think

Examples of this technique in action

• "My weekend was great, thank you! What did you do for fun?"
• "I loved that movie! What did you think of it overall?"
• "Yes, the kids are getting so big! Are yours getting into any sports or hobbies these days?"
• "The summer has been busy, for sure. I've seen photos of some of your recent trips—what's been the standout so far?"

Related: You Won’t Hear Emotionally Intelligent People Use This 1 Phrase With Friends, Psychologist Says

2 More 'Classy' Tips To Keep in Mind

Here are a couple of other things "classy people" tend to do while chatting with someone else.

1. Pay attention to your body language

Psychologist Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, previously shared tips with Parade on how to be more charismatic, and paying attention to nonverbal cues was a big callout.

“Use your body language to tell the other person that they are the most important thing to you right now,” she explained. “Leaning your body in a little toward the other person communicates that you are fully engaged.”

2. Make sure your compliments are genuine

Sometimes, we try to fill the silence of a conversation by pointing something out like, "I love your earrings" or "Great job with your presentation." However, it's important to be aware of your own motivations for praising someone else. If you're simply trying to "win points" or get on someone's "good side" for your own gain, it would be classier to bite your tongue.

“When someone does this just before or right after asking for a favor or a need to be met, their compliments can be/feel [not genuine],” Dr. Denitrea Vaughan, PsyD, a LPC-Supervisor who specializes in coping skills, relationships and self-esteem, previously told Parade.

She added, “When compliments and affirmations are not genuine, they can come across as patronizing and reduce a person’s motivation and self-confidence."

Similarly, using the "bounce back technique" is "classy" when its done in a genuine, authentic way—not as a performative or fake approach.

Up Next:

Related: This Phrase Is How ‘High-Class’ People Say Goodbye, Psychologist Explains

Sources:

• Laura Windsor, a UK etiquette expert who received training from a former member of The Royal Household of Her Majesty the Queen, and a trusted advisor to international royal families and celebrities
• Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners
• Dr. Denitrea Vaughan, PsyD, a LPC-Supervisor who specializes in coping skills, relationships and self-esteem

Back-to-school season has a way of sneaking up on families, turning the final weeks of summer into a blur of shopping, organizing and planning.

A new promotion from Welch's® Fruit Snacks and TaskRabbit is giving parents a chance to hand off some of those chores, and hopefully reclaim a little more summer.

The companies have launched a limited-time "Homework Pass," which gives the first 1,000 families who claim the offer a $150 TaskRabbit credit to use toward back-to-school prep.

The promotion went live at 12 p.m. ET on Aug. 6, and the offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families can claim the pass through the official Homework Pass website.

The credit can be used to outsource eligible back-to-school tasks, from organizing the pantry to helping with school-supply shopping. The idea is simple: Let someone else tackle some of the to-do list so there's more time for families to enjoy the last stretch of summer together.

And according to a new national survey commissioned by Welch's® Fruit Snacks and conducted by Talker Research, many parents could use the extra help.

The survey found that 77% of parents wish they had more time with their children before the school year begins, while 66% said the final weeks of summer are less fun because of back-to-school preparation.

Even more parents—61%—said back-to-school errands and to-dos often take priority over making summertime memories. One in three parents said summer feels "over" as soon as back-to-school shopping and planning begins.

The survey also found that about half of parents would outsource some of their back-to-school preparation if they had the opportunity.

That's where the Homework Pass comes in.

Parents who are able to claim one can use the $150 TaskRabbit credit to get help with some of the tasks competing for their attention, potentially freeing up time for those final summer outings, family dinners or simply a few less-scheduled days together.

Because only the first 1,000 families are eligible for the offer, parents interested in the promotion will want to check the official Homework Pass site as soon as possible to see whether passes remain available.

RELATED: Costco’s Kirkland Olive Oil Costs Nearly Half as Much as a Popular Name Brand

After completing his book The Martian, novelist Andy Weir began working on what he called "an epic space opera" tentatively titled Zhek. After writing 75,000 words for Zhek, Weir opted to abandon the project and start a different novel entirely. Years later, elements from Weir's space opera made their way into his 2021 novel, Project Hail Mary.

Project Hail Mary was a massive success and immensely critically acclaimed upon publication, with a coveted starred Kirkus review calling it "an unforgettable story of survival and the power of friendship—nothing short of a science-fiction masterwork." The book debuted at number three on the New York Times bestseller list in 2021 and stayed there for nine weeks. It has reappeared on the paper's bestseller list over the years on multiple occasions.

In 2021, both billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and former President Barack Obama included Project Hail Mary on their lists of favorite books of the year.

The audiobook, narrated by Ray Porter, has been equally as acclaimed. In 2022, the audiobook took the top spot on the  New York Times Audio Fiction Best Seller List, which it held for three weeks. Recently, Amazon's Audible put out their list of the "The Top 100 Audible Essentials of All Time" and put Project Hail Mary in the number one spot.

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Project Hail Maryfollows Ryland Grace, a junior high science teacher who wakes up from a coma to find himself on a spacecraft called the Hail Mary flying towards an unknown star. Grace comes to realize he is on a one-way suicide mission to save Earth’s sun, which is being destroyed by a mysterious space matter/microbe called Astrophage. While heading toward the one star not being consumed by the Astrophage, Grace encounters an alien he comes to name Rocky, whose home planet is facing a similar fate due to Astrophage. The two begin to work together to save their respective humanities and find the solution in the vast universe in a story of resilience, friendship, and what it means to find hope.

The physical version of Project Hail Mary is available wherever books are sold, and the audiobook is out now and available for download wherever you get your audiobooks.

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Related: Best-Selling 1965 Science Fiction Epic Ranked Among ‘Best Books of All Time’

Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" has spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, tying the song with three of the longest-running No. 1 hits in the chart's history.

The 27-year-old country singer's breakout smash now shares its 16-week reign with Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day," Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber's "Despacito," and Morgan Wallen's "Last Night." All four songs rank among the small handful of tracks to ever hold the top spot for that long, putting Langley in genuinely rare company for an artist still early in her mainstream chart career.

"Choosin' Texas" first reached No. 1 back in February, unseating Harry Styles' "As It Was" before briefly losing the top spot to Bad Bunny's "DTMF." Since then, the song has returned again and again, racking up six separate runs at No. 1, including its current six-week streak that's been unbroken since the week of July 4.

Along the way, Langley briefly matched Styles' own record for the seventh-longest-running No. 1 in Hot 100 history, before pulling ahead into new territory entirely.

If "Choosin' Texas" holds its spot for three more weeks, it will tie the outright record for the longest continuous run at No. 1, currently held by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus' "Old Town Road" and Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," both of which spent 19 weeks at the top.

Only one song has ever climbed higher: Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which returns to No. 1 seasonally and has now logged 22 total weeks at the top, though not in a single continuous stretch. That figure is expected to grow again this holiday season, and some industry watchers believe it could eventually reach 25 weeks.

With "Choosin' Texas" still holding strong, fans and industry watchers alike are now waiting to see whether Langley's breakout hit will soon stand alone among the biggest chart runs in Billboard history.

Panera Bread is giving Lexington, Kentucky, shoppers a pretty tempting reason to check out its newest bakery-cafe.

The restaurant opened its newest Lexington location in the Hamburg area on Friday, Aug. 9, with a special offer for some of its first customers: The first 50 guests on opening day and the first 50 guests the following day could receive a year's worth of free Panera meals.

The new bakery-cafe is located on Alysheba Way and welcomed its first guests at 5:30 a.m. on opening day, according to local Lexington news outlet WTVQ.

The giveaway is centered around Panera's popular You Pick Two meal, which allows customers to combine two menu items, including options such as soups, salads and sandwiches.

That means 100 lucky customers had a chance to walk away from the grand opening with a pretty valuable perk for the year ahead.

And these kinds of grand-opening giveaways have been known to attract serious crowds. Panera has used similar promotions at other new locations, with the company offering free You Pick Two meals for a year to early guests at grand openings. In one recent promotion, Panera specified that the "year" certificate represented 12 free meals—one per month—rather than unlimited meals every day.

For Lexington residents, the timing made the new restaurant's opening especially appealing. Panera operates dozens of locations throughout Kentucky, but the new Hamburg bakery-cafe gave local customers another option for the chain's sandwiches, soups, salads, bakery items and coffee.

While the year-of-free-food promotion was limited to the first 50 guests each day, the new Panera location is now part of the company's growing restaurant footprint.

RELATED: Costco’s Kirkland Olive Oil Costs Nearly Half as Much as a Popular Name Brand

I have a banana problem in my house. As a mom of four, bananas are a hot-ticket fruit that we always have around. But while I regularly buy five bunches or so a week, it can be hard to calculate exactly how many my family with go through between all the smoothies, peanut butter bananas and just eating the fruit as-is. As a result, I can often end up with more of them than I need.

While I have my go-to banana bread recipe, I'm always looking for ways to expand my repertoire. Naturally, I was excited to stumble across a viral banana bark recipe on TikTok. The recipe comes courtesy of Crowded Kitchen on TikTok and it's blowing up online, thanks to how easy it is to make with stuff you probably already have laying around your place.

Apparently the people in the comments are in a similar situation to me. "You had me at 'take your overripe bananas' (I cannot make anymore banana bread!)," one person wrote. Another joked, "I need more space in my freezer."

I still love my banana bread, but this quick and easy no-bake banana bark seemed like a good fit for hot summer days when I want to have a cool treat on-hand that isn't hard to pull together. I wasn't disappointed. Here's what I found while making the viral snack.

Related: Here’s What Happens to Your Body if You Eat Bananas Every Day

Courtesy Korin Miller

The 4 Ingredients You Need for Viral Banana Bark

You only need a few ingredients for the viral banana bark recipe:

• Ripe or overripe bananas
• Dark chocolate
• Peanut butter
• Peanuts

@crowdedkitchen

Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Bark! 🍌🥜🍫 I know this one is all over social media, but this is a much better way to do the bananas instead of slicing them into rounds. The perfect snack!! I don’t measure anything. Just smush the bananas until they form a nice, flat layer, then spread as much PB on as you want. Freeze until the PB is solid, pour melted chocolate on top and top with peanuts (optional) immediately before the chocolate sets. Enjoy!! (Obvi keep it stored in the freezer)

♬ original sound - Crowded Kitchen

Related: Here’s Exactly What To Do To Keep Bananas Fresh

How To Make the Viral Banana Bark

To start, you'll want to round up the ripe or overripe bananas in your place. Lay down parchment paper, peel your bananas and smush them between two sheet pans to create a flat bottom.

Courtesy Korin Miller

Smear peanut butter on top and pop it in the freezer. While your base layer is freezing, melt dark chocolate on a stovetop.

Courtesy Korin Miller

Once your base layer is frozen, pull it out of the freezer and spread your now-melted dark chocolate on top.

Courtesy Korin Miller

Add peanuts on top of your melted dark chocolate layer, and pop your bark back in the freezer.

Courtesy Korin Miller

Once it's frozen, slice up your bark and serve it. Anything that's not used right away can be stored for later.

Related: The #1 Change I Noticed When I Ate a Banana Every Day for a Week

Have Extra Bananas? Here's How To Scale It

The recipe doesn't offer any specifics around measurements when it comes to toppings, making it easy to scale the recipe to the number of bananas you have around your place.

While Crowded Kitchen's recipe suggests using three bananas as a base, I've also done it with five bananas. You'll get the best balance of flavors if you eyeball your layers. You'll want to make sure you have a peanut butter layer that's about half the width of a pencil, regardless of how many bananas you use. The chocolate layer should be equally thick.

Related: Tired of Waiting? Here’s Exactly How To Ripen Bananas—Fast!

In general, you'll likely get the best results by using 3/4 cup of peanut butter and 3/4 cup of dark chocolate for three bananas. From there, you can add a 1/4 cup of each for every additional banana.

One thing to consider: The chocolate hardens quickly on top of the frozen peanut butter layer, making it important to put your peanuts on top fast after applying the chocolate layer. Otherwise, the peanuts won't stick to your bark.

Courtesy Korin Miller

Easy Substitutions: Make It Nut-Free or Vegan

You have a few options if you prefer your bark to be nut-free. You can use a seed butter, like sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seed butter or soy butter, and you can also put fun sprinkles on top instead of peanuts for an added crunch.

If you follow a vegan diet, just make sure that your dark chocolate is actually vegan. While many dark chocolates are, in fact, vegan, some companies will add animal products, making it crucial to read the label.

Courtesy Korin Miller

Storage Tips: How To Prevent It from Melting

I learned a few storage tips along the way, both how to keep your bark from melting and how to keep it fresh:

• Keep your bark in the freezer. Once you slice your bark, put it back in the freezer in a sealed container. (A freezer bag or glass container with a lid works great here.)
• Use parchment paper between layers of pieces. Otherwise, you run the risk of your bark pieces sticking together in your freezer.
• Consider adding coconut oil. A small amount of coconut oil (think: a teaspoon) can make your chocolate layer a little harder and less likely to melt quickly.

Up Next:

Related: The Shockingly Easy Way to Make Banana Bread 10x Better

Meghan Markle is back on the red carpet with Prince Harry amid her war of words with Martha Stewart.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 45, and her husband, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, 41, hit the red carpet to attend the David Foster Foundation's 40th Anniversary Celebration in Victoria, British Columbia, on Friday. Smiling brightly in a one-shoulder dress, Markle's stunning presence came amid a bit of controversy over statements shared by domestic goddess Martha Stewart.

Vito Amati / Getty Images

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What Did Martha Stewart Say About Meghan Markle?

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Stewart, 85, a legendary entrepreneur, opened up in a revealing new interview about a recent event she attended where Markle was also spotted. But the Martha Stewart Living tycoon had a few thoughts when asked about Markle’s culinary endeavors.

“I had dinner with Meghan Markle the other night. We were both guests at a dinner party in California. And she had just gotten back from the palace. I didn’t talk to her really more than to say a couple words, but I know she was talking about it,” Stewart told PEOPLE.

When asked what she thought of Markle stepping into the cooking show space, Stewart didn’t mince words.

“If you’re an actress, it’s hard to then transition to a princess and then from a princess into a homemaking guru on a television show. It doesn’t sort of follow. So go from there,” Stewart continued, referring to Markle’s Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

A Source Refuted Stewart's Claims

Despite what Stewart said, a source who attended the same party said that Stewart's claims that Markle was speaking about the palace were untrue.

“I sat next to Meghan at the dinner party, and this account of what happened is simply untrue,” the source told PEOPLE. “Meghan didn’t talk about her European vacation other than to say the family had a great time.”

The source added that “Meghan has always been a fan of Martha’s and enjoyed getting to meet her briefly at the dinner."

  Stewart Has Spoken About Markle Before

Last summer, Stewart shared her thoughts on Markle during another interview.

“Meghan, I don’t really know very well, and I hope she knows what she’s talking about,” Martha told Yahoo Lifestyle. “Authenticity, to me, is everything, and to be authentic and knowledgeable about your subject matter is extremely important.”

Still, Stewart made it clear that there’s plenty of space in the market for her successors.

“I don’t mind. Good luck,” she noted.

Related: Martha Stewart Is Throwing Shade at Meghan Markle’s Cooking Show