Parade

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

When you prioritize your skincare routine, makeup application is infinitely easier since you're starting with a smooth canvas. Similarly, focusing on the health of your nails makes nail polish application a breeze. Sadly, ridged, brittle nails are a reality during menopause, but that doesn't mean they have to be the bane of your existence.

To better understand why the "nail slugging" trend is a game changer after menopause and how it can breathe new life into your nails, Parade spoke with two nail experts and a dermatologist. We asked them how menopause affects the health of your nails and how nail slugging can potentially help.

If you're not familiar with the term, you'll want to check out our step-by-step guide, which includes tips to make sure you're gleaning all the hydration benefits of the process. Since everyone's nails are different, we've also included information on who should avoid this trend along with some tips on what to do instead.

If you're ready to try this nail hydration hack, you'll want to stock up on the best keratin treatments, oils and balms to make sure you have everything you need. Luckily, the pros we spoke with were happy to share their top product picks.

Related: Everyone Is Requesting These 9 Toenail Colors This Summer, According to a Celebrity Nail Artist

Why Menopause Causes Your Nails To Become Ridged and Brittle

"As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the nails often become drier and less resilient because estrogen helps support hydration, collagen production and healthy circulation throughout the body, including the nail unit," Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist based in Indiana, tells Parade. "This loss of moisture can make nails more prone to brittleness, splitting, peeling and the development of longitudinal ridges."

As you age, nails also tend to grow more slowly and recover less efficiently from everyday damage. Combine that with other forces working against your nails, and ridges and brittleness are a common reality.

"While hormonal changes are a major factor, nutritional deficiencies, certain medical conditions and frequent exposure to water or harsh chemicals can also worsen nail fragility. Persistent or severe changes should be evaluated by a dermatologist," Spearman says.

What Is 'Nail Slugging'—and Does It Actually Work?

Nail slugging is a moisturizing technique that's inspired by skincare slugging.

"It involves applying a nourishing nail oil or treatment first, then sealing it in with an occlusive balm or ointment to minimize moisture loss," Svitlana Motyl, a nail artist, educator and the co-founder of Artme Nails Studio Chicago, tells Parade.

Maryna Slynko, a nail educator and the founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio in Kansas, says the term "nail slugging" has been gaining popularity, but the concept itself is nothing new.

"When it comes to the skin surrounding the nails, this approach can be very effective. It helps reduce dryness, supports skin elasticity and improves the overall appearance of the cuticle area," she explains.

This trend is particularly useful during and after menopause since it nourishes dry, brittle nails.

"The occlusive layer helps the beneficial ingredients remain in contact with the nail plate and surrounding skin longer, improving hydration over time," Motyl says.

Related: A Celebrity Manicurist Says This Daily Habit Actually Weakens Nails Over Time

However, nail slugging isn't a miracle cure.

"While it will not eliminate ridges caused by aging or hormonal changes, it can improve hydration, reduce brittleness and help minimize splitting and breakage over time. Consistency is important, as healthier-looking nails require ongoing care while new nail growth gradually replaces older, damaged nail tissue," Spearman explains.

Overall, Motyl says nail slugging works best in conjunction as part of a routine that includes gentle filing, minimal prolonged water exposure, a balanced diet and wearing gloves during household chores.

"The biggest mistake people make is expecting one product to transform damaged nails overnight," she continues. "Healthy nails are built through consistent care, protection and patience. Nail slugging is a helpful supportive technique, but it’s most effective when combined with an overall healthy nail care routine."

How to Nail Slug Step-by-Step for Maximum Hydration

Hydration, here we come! To try nail slugging at home, follow these expert-approved tips:

1. Wash and thoroughly dry your hands.
2. Gently massage a high-quality cuticle oil into the nail plate, cuticles and surrounding skin.
3. Let the oil absorb for one to two minutes.
4. Apply a thin layer of an occlusive balm or petroleum-based ointment over each nail and cuticle.
5. For an intensive overnight treatment, wear lightweight cotton gloves.
6. Repeat the process two to four evenings each week, or nightly if nails are severely dry.

When it comes to how much product you're applying, Motyl cautions that less is more.

"Healthy nails need hydration, not excessive amounts of product. A thin layer applied consistently works better than applying too much at once," she says.

Related: The #1 Thing a Nail Technician Wishes Clients Asked More Often 

The 2 Best Keratin Treatments for Slugging

Before getting started on your nail slugging routine, don't forget to stock up on some hydrating products. The pros we chatted with are fond of the picks below.

1. Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler, $20

Amazon

Shop It on Amazon

"This protein-rich treatment helps reinforce fragile nails while smoothing ridges that commonly become more noticeable with age," Motyl says. 

2. Manucurist Paris Nail Strengthening Serum, $15

Amazon

Shop It on Amazon

"It's a lightweight keratin serum formulated with plant-based keratin, biotin and vitamins. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue and works well as the first nourishing step before applying cuticle oil and a protective balm. I like that it fits easily into a simple daily nail care routine," Slynko says.

Related: The Clever Nail Cuticle Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

The 2 Best Oils for Nail Slugging1. Luxio Nail + Cuticle Oil by Akzéntz, $15

Akzéntz

Shop It at Akzéntz

"The oil is designed for both the nails and the surrounding skin. It helps soften and condition the cuticle, absorbs well and does not leave an overly greasy residue. For nail slugging, it works well as the nourishing step before applying a balm or another occlusive product," Slynko says.

2. CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner, $15

Amazon

Shop It on Amazon

"CND Solar Oil is one of the most recognized professional cuticle oils in the nail industry. It is formulated with a blend of lightweight natural oils and vitamin E to condition the nails and surrounding skin," Slynko says. "It is a strong choice for nail slugging because it can be massaged into the nail and cuticle area before applying a balm to help seal in moisture."

The 2 Best Balms for Nail Slugging1. CeraVe Healing Ointment, $11 Shop It on Amazon

"CeraVe Healing Ointment combines an occlusive base with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. I recommend it because it helps lock in moisture while also supporting the skin barrier. It is a good option for dry or sensitive skin around the nails and works well as the final layer over cuticle oil," Slynko says.

2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $17

Amazon

Shop It on Amazon

"Aquaphor Healing Ointment creates an excellent protective barrier that locks in moisture after applying nail oil without feeling excessively thick," Motyl says.

Related: 11 Pedicure Trends That Everyone Will Be Requesting This Summer, According to Nail Techs

Who Should Avoid Nail Slugging (And What To Do Instead)

Nail slugging is an effective way to hydrate nails, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.

"It's generally safe for most people, but it should be avoided on nails that show signs of an active fungal infection, such as thickening, yellow discoloration, crumbling or separation from the nail bed, unless directed by a health care professional," Spearman warns.

Additionally, occlusive products shouldn't be applied to open cuts, inflamed skin or signs of bacterial infection around nails.

"If nail changes are sudden, painful, involve multiple nails or do not improve with good nail care, a dermatologic evaluation is important to identify any underlying medical condition requiring treatment," Spearman says.

For anyone who can't try nail slugging, Slynko says there are still ways to reap the benefits of the process, explaining, "For people with very sensitive or easily irritated skin, I generally recommend regular use of a high-quality cuticle oil and a moisturizing hand cream instead of applying a heavy occlusive layer."

Up Next:

Related: Celebrity Makeup Artist Reveals a Clever Concealer Trick for Mature Skin I Wish I'd Known About Sooner

Sources:

• Svitlana Motyl is a nail artist, educator, competition winner, international competition judge and the co-founder of Artme Nails Studio Chicago.
• Maryna Slynko is an award-winning nail educator, international judge and the founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio in Overland Park, Kansas.
• Dr. Dara Spearman, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Indiana.

Charlie Hunnam spent a year immersed inside Ed Gein's mind for Netflix's Monster: The Ed Gein Storyand came home every night to play with two street kittens he'd adopted while in Chicago. For this role, he dropped 30 pounds in three and a half weeks. He imagined a voice that turned out to be completely different from Gein's actual voice heard on found psychiatric recordings. He used it anyway. It was disturbing enough that his girlfriend asked him to stop using it at breakfast.

The role earned him his first Emmy nomination at 46. The kittens earned a Four Seasons suite with a full-time cat sitter. Ed Gein's crimes in 1950s Wisconsin inspiredPsycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Silence of the Lambs. Hunnam had no idea any of this was what he'd signed up for.

@rvar_cat_oasis

Charlie Hunnam adopts 2 kitten sisters from RVAR Cat Oasis in Momence Illinois at the end of filming 🖤🖤#netflix #charliehunnam #monster#edgein

♬ original sound - River Valley Animal Rescue

He had no idea that the meeting with Ryan Murphy was about Ed Gein. A mutual friend had made the introduction, and their first conversation ran three hours. "Before I knew what I had done, I said, 'Yeah, that sounds like a great idea.'" The scripts weren't ready. He started researching on his own. That's when the fear arrived.

"Being confronted with some of those images of the crime scenes, I really started to get afraid," he said. He started waking up in the middle of the night. Then, he gained access to Gein's medical records from his 30-year stay in a mental health facility. "It was a human being grappling with the regret of his actions and trying to understand why he did what he did." His fear changed into something he could work with.

Related: Netflix's Shocking Ed Gein Series Gets These Major Details Wrong - What Actually Happened

A costume fitting confirmed that Hunnam looked too healthy for Gein. So, he drastically dropped 30 pounds in three and a half weeks. He pushed for a prosthetic eyelid. Murphy resisted. Three tests later, Murphy agreed. He got a haircut every single day.

The voice was its own story. He assumed no recordings existed, so he invented a higher vocal range from scratch and spoke in character at home for months. His longtime girlfriend, Morgana McNelus, eventually had to ask him to stop. "At breakfast, it's a little too much." A week before shooting, he found an actual recording. "It's nothing like how he actually spoke. He had a very deep and folksy type of rhythm." He'd committed. He used his invented voice anyway.

Then he came home to the kittens.

@ahs_mott

He’s so sweet 😍😍 #charliehunnam #monstertheedgeinstory #foryoupage❤️❤️ #fyp #catlover

♬ original sound - ahs_mott

"I adopted a couple of kittens while I was in Chicago," he told THR. He was at the Four Seasons. He asked the hotel if he could keep his new kittens in his room. They said yes. He worked 14- 15-hour days, so he hired a full-time cat sitter. "They went from the streets to really coming up in life and living that Four Seasons life with a full-time cat sitter playing with them." He came home from what he referred to as "the darkest realm" every night and played with kittens for three hours. That was how he survived playing Ed Gein.

The Role That Took Everything. The First Emmy Nomination That Followed.

Ryan Murphy made Hunnam an executive producer. Not a vanity credit. Hunnam had produced before, and Murphy knew it. The dialogue was good enough that he rarely needed to go off book. "I was really hyper aware that it was a real person," he said.

The scene that he was the most afraid of was the diagnosis sequence in episode seven. He called it "the ticking time bomb in the back of my mind." They did two takes. Director Max Winkler used the first.

The role finally earned Hunnam his first Emmy nomination at 46. Monster: The Ed Gein Story received seven total Emmy nominations, including nods for Laurie Metcalf as Gein's mother and two for makeup and prosthetics. The 78th Emmy Awards are September 14.

Charlie Hunnam said yes before he even realized what he'd agreed to. He lost 30 pounds. He invented a wrong voice and used it anyway. He adopted two street kittens and played with them for three hours every night to survive it. In the end, he earned his first Emmy nomination.

The kittens got the Four Seasons.

Everyone came out ahead.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

If the extreme summer heat has you counting down the days until fall, Sam's Club has a new bakery treat that's sure to get you in the seasonal spirit. And this new Member's Mark creation is anything but an ordinary pumpkin dessert.

For anyone who starts craving those cozy fall flavors the moment temperatures begin to cool, this cake arrives right on cue.

With tender layers of pumpkin cake and latte-flavored frosting, it's the kind of bar cake you might even be tempted to enjoy with your favorite pumpkin spice latte in the morning.

See the new bakery find in this July 29 TikTok from @samsclubfavorites:

@samsclubfavorites

☕ This Pumpkin Spice Latte Bar Cake is NEW Sam’s Club and it’s calling my name! Layers of pumpkin cake and latte flavored frosting, topped with whipped cream swirls and chocolate pearls. 🍁 So delicious and festive…I’m ready for fall! 😊 ($16.87) #samsclub #samsclubfinds #pumpkinspice

♬ original sound - hnmmusic011

Priced at $16.87, the Member's Mark Pumpkin Spice Latte Bar Cake serves approximately 8 to 10 people, making it an easy dessert for family dinners, weekend get-togethers, game-day parties, or the first gatherings of the autumn season.

Related: Costco Now Has a Texas Roadhouse Favorite for Under $8

The bakery dessert features layers of moist pumpkin cake with latte-flavored frosting, finished with whipped cream swirls and chocolate pearls for a festive presentation. The combination of pumpkin cake and coffee-inspired frosting puts a twist on a classic fall dessert, bringing together two flavors that have become seasonal favorites for many. While it's certainly eye-catching enough for a dessert table, it's also just as enjoyable with an afternoon coffee or, for true pumpkin spice fans, alongside a pumpkin spice latte.

Photo by Prchi Palwe on Unsplash

If you're not serving a crowd, the cake is easy to freeze as well. Wrapping individual slices or smaller portions lets you enjoy a taste of fall long after your shopping trip, making it a practical option for smaller households.

For anyone who's already spotted pumpkin-flavored coffee creamers, cereals, and candles making their seasonal return, this bakery find is one more sign that retailers are fully embracing autumn well before the calendar catches up. And because seasonal bakery offerings are typically available for a limited time, pumpkin spice fans may want to keep an eye out for the Member's Mark Pumpkin Spice Latte Bar Cake on their next Sam's Club run.

With a career lasting more than 50 years, iconic rock singer Joe Lynn Turnerhas a lot to celebrate.

Outside of his seasoned career, the musician turns 75 on Aug. 2, a major birthday for the vocalist whose career helped shape the sound of ’80s hard rock.

Born in Hackensack, NJ, Turner has always been musically gifted, playing the accordion as a child and enjoying success as an accomplished guitarist throughout his teenage years. While in high school, he started his own band, Ezra, performing original material along with covers from rock greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Free and Deep Purple. In 1976, Turner cofounded Fandango and enjoyed a ton of success with four studio albums.

Perhaps foreshadowing what was to come, playing covers in a high school band wouldn't be Turner's only experience with Deep Purple. In 1980, following Fandango's split, he received a phone call from legendary Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore's team.

"I thought it was a friend of a friend putting me on. He was like, 'Do you like Deep Purple? Do you like Ritchie Blackmore?,'" he recalled to Rolling Stone in 2023. "I was like, 'Look, I'm going to hang up right now because this is ridiculous. Who the hell are you'? He goes, 'I'm Barry. I'm Ritchie's personal [assistant]. He's standing right here and wants to talk to you.'"

Blackmore enlisted Turner into Rainbow, where the band found major success in Europe and Japan. Difficult to Cure, the rockers' fifth studio album, peaked at No. 3 on the U.K. Official Album Chart and charted at No. 50 on the Billboard 200.

Rainbow disbanded in 1984 after Blackmore left the group. Several years later, in 1989, Turner joined Deep Purple as the band’s new lead vocalist, replacing Ian Gillan. His first and only album with the band, 1990's Slaves and Masters, peaked at No. 87 on the Billboard 200 and reached the top ten in Switzerland.

After leaving Deep Purple in 1992, Turner continued collaborating with other rock veterans, forming the progressive rock band Mother’s Army with former Ozzy Osbourne collaborators Carmine Appice and Bob Daisley, along with Jeff Watson of Night Ranger, while also building a successful solo career.

Related: '90s Rock Singer and Founding Member of Iconic Rock Band Turns 50

When Kansas released Point of Know Return, the album produced two massive radio hits— the title track and the ballad "Dust in the Wind.” But decades later, another track also stands out, and it has a surprising inspiration.

Written by Kerry Livgren and Steve Walsh, “Portrait (He Knew)” is a musical tribute to one of history’s greatest minds.

Led in by the instrumental "The Spider” on the Point of Know Return album, the song features a dynamic blend of progressive rock elements, opening with its own minute-long instrumental piece featuring thunderous drums, intricate keyboards, and soaring violin. Once the vocals start, a tale is told of a brilliant mind seeing beyond his time.

With lyrics such as “a visionary man” who “knew more than you and me,” the song left fans with questions when it was first released.

Livgren, a devout Christian, eventually revealed his inspiration for the song.

“A lot of people thought 'Portrait (He Knew)' was about Christ, but at the time I wrote this song I wasn't doing a lot of thinking about Christ,” he shared in his autobiography Seeds of Change. “Instead, this was a musical portrait of Albert Einstein.”

Livgren once explained that his admiration for the legendary scientist came from reading about his revolutionary ideas.

In an interview posted by In the Studio With Redbeard, the Kansas co-founder noted that he has always been an “avid reader” of science fiction, philosophy, and science-themed books.

“And I was always fascinated by Albert Einstein and the fact that he went so far with mathematics and physics that he actually crossed the line into metaphysics and philosophy. And he was actually getting at the very fabric of the universe,” Livgren said. “I thought ‘what an amazing man.’ And I was so fascinated with the guy that one day  I wrote a song about him.”

He added that it took a long time for fans to realize who or what the song was about.

“The interesting thing about 'Portrait' is that nobody seemed to catch on who it was about,” he shared. “I mean the list of people who they thought it was about was incredibly long. And people would come up with all of these reasons why this is who they thought it was about. And they’d always corner me and say, ‘Hey, who’s that about?’ And when I would say ‘Albert Einstein’ they’d give me this blank look like, ‘Well, I never thought of that.”

“Whenever you can stimulate people to think and to speculate, I think of that as a success,” Livgren added. “That was one of my personal goals in songwriting was to make people use their brain cells.”

The Kansas songwriter later rewrote “Portrait (He Knew)” for his band AD, titling the song “Portrait II,” with the new version focusing on Jesus Christ.

The original version of “Portrait (He Knew)" reached No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1978 and remains a memorable part of Kansas’ catalog nearly 50 years later. The song continues to showcase Livgren’s unique songwriting style, painting a powerful musical tribute to one of history’s greatest visionaries.

Related: 1980 Rock Classic, Written as a Message to Rocker’s Wife, Remains a Timeless Anthem of Hope 46 Years Later

Few fruits say "summer" quite like watermelon. Whether you're slicing one up for a backyard barbecue, packing it for a picnic, or blending it into a refreshing drink, watermelon is synonymous with summer. In fact, Americans love it so much that it even has its own holiday.

Celebrated every year on August 3, National Watermelon Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy this juicy fruit while learning a few surprising facts along the way. From the health benefits of watermelon to how to pick a good watermelon at the grocery store, here's everything you need to know about summer's most iconic melon.

What Is National Watermelon Day? Watermelon gets its own holiday on August 3rd—National Watermelon Day.

Roberto Huczek

National Watermelon Day is celebrated each year on August 3—which  falls right in the middle of watermelon harvest season across much of the United States. While no one knows exactly who created the unofficial holiday, it's become a fun excuse for families, farmers, grocery stores, and watermelon-lovers to celebrate the peak of watermelon season.

Watermelon has been cultivated for thousands of years, originally growing in northeastern Africa before spreading around the world. Today, the United States is one of the world's largest producers, with states like Florida, Texas, Georgia, California, and Arizona growing millions of pounds of watermelon each year.

Is Watermelon Good for You? The Many Health Benefits of Watermelon There are numerous health benefits of watermelon and reasons why watermelon is good for you—it's filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and contains a high percentage of water.

T.J. Breshears

If you've ever wondered is watermelon good for you, the answer is yes—there are plenty of health benefits of watermelon to enjoy! Although it's naturally sweet, watermelon is packed with nutrients while remaining surprisingly low in calories.

• 92% water: One of watermelon’s biggest benefits is its incredibly high water content. At about 92% water, it's an excellent way to stay hydrated during hot summer months, especially after spending time outdoors.
• Vitamin C: Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and helps your body produce collagen for healthy skin. 
• Vitamin A: Watermelon also provides vitamin A, an important nutrient for eye health and immune function.
• Lycopene: Another reason nutrition experts often recommend watermelon is because it contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives the fruit its vibrant red color. Lycopene has been studied for its role in supporting heart health and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
• Citrulline: Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that may help improve blood flow and support exercise recovery. While more research is still being done, it's one of the reasons watermelon is often considered a great post-workout snack.
• Low-calorie: Although watermelon does contain natural sugar, it's relatively low in calories—one cup of watermelon contains just 46 calories. The nutritional breakdown in one cup of watermelon is as follows: 9.4 grams of sugar, 0.6 grams of fiber, 0.9 grams of protein, and 0.2 grams of fat. 

How to Pick a Good Watermelon? Here’s How to Tell if a Watermelon is Ripe Want to know how to pick a good watermelon? One of the easiest tips for how to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to look for a creamy yellow "field spot."

wgbieber

There's nothing more disappointing than cutting into a watermelon only to discover it's bland, dry, or underripe. Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks that can help learn how to pick a good watermelon and how to tell if a watermelon is ripe every time.

• Look for a creamy yellow field spot: One of the easiest ways to tell if a watermelon is ripe is by checking its field spot—the patch where the melon rested on the ground while growing. A ripe watermelon should have a creamy yellow or golden spot. If the spot is white or barely visible, the fruit was likely picked before it had fully matured.
• Pick one that feels heavy: For its size, a ripe watermelon should feel noticeably heavy. That's because a juicy watermelon contains more water, which generally means it's fresher and sweeter than one that feels light.
• Choose a symmetrical shape: Whether it's round or oval, look for a watermelon that's evenly shaped without large dents, bumps, or flat sides. Consistent growth usually results in better texture and flavor.
• Give it a tap: You’ve probably seen people knocking on watermelons at the grocery store—and there's actually some truth behind the trick. A ripe watermelon typically produces a deep, hollow sound when tapped. An underripe melon often sounds higher-pitched, while an overripe one may sound dull.
• Check the stem: If the watermelon still has part of its stem attached, it can offer another clue. A dry, brown stem generally indicates the fruit ripened naturally before harvest, while a green stem may suggest it was picked too early.

Differences Between Yellow Watermelon vs. Orange Watermelon vs. Red Watermelon You might be surprised to know that in addition to red watermelon, varieties such as yellow watermelon and orange watermelon also exist.

Pixabay

• Yellow watermelon: Yellow watermelon looks almost identical to a traditional red watermelon on the outside, but cutting it open reveals bright golden flesh. It gets its color from natural pigments called carotenoids and tastes slightly sweeter than red watermelon.
• Orange watermelon: Orange watermelon is less common. Its flesh ranges from peach to deep orange and has a sweet, tropical flavor that some compare to cantaloupe or mango.
• Red watermelon: Red watermelon gets its color from lycopene, the same antioxidant found in tomatoes. It has the classic sweet, refreshing watermelon flavor most people are used to and is the variety most commonly sold in grocery stores.

How to Cut a Watermelon Knowing how to cut a watermelon is actually quite simple, and cutting a watermelon into traditional wedges is one of the easiest methods of all.

Rodion Kutsaiev

Once you've picked the perfect watermelon, the next challenge is figuring out how to cut a watermelon without making a huge mess. The good news is there isn't just one right way to do it—it all depends on how you plan to serve it.

• Traditional wedges: The classic triangle slices are perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, and pool parties. Simply cut the watermelon in half, place each half cut-side down, and slice into evenly sized wedges.
• Bite-sized cubes: For fruit salads, lunch boxes, or snacking, cubes are often the easiest option. Slice the watermelon into thick rounds, remove the rind, then cut the flesh into even cubes.
• Watermelon sticks: One of the easiest ways to serve watermelon—especially for kids—is to cut it into sticks. This creates a natural "handle" that's less messy than traditional slices and easy to grab on the go.
• Cookie cutter shapes: Hosting a summer party? After slicing the watermelon into thick rounds, use cookie cutters to create fun stars, hearts, flowers, or other festive shapes. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, baby showers, or fruit platters.

Tip! No matter how you slice it, be sure to wash the outside of the watermelon before cutting. While you don't eat the rind, your knife passes through it, and washing the surface first helps reduce the chance of transferring bacteria to the fruit inside.

Frequently Asked Questions National Watermelon Day is a fun way to celebrate summer's favorite fruit.

Foundry Co

How Long Does Watermelon Last?

A whole watermelon can typically be kept at room temperature for about one to two weeks; however, a cut watermelon should always be stored in the refrigerator and be eaten within three to five days while the texture is still crisp and juicy.

Can You Eat Watermelon Seeds?

Yes—black, brown, and white watermelon seeds are all safe to eat.

Is Watermelon a Fruit?

Yes—watermelon is a fruit. Watermelon develops from the flower of the watermelon plant and contains seeds, which is why it’s classified as a fruit.

Which Watermelon is Sweetest?

Sweetness varies depending on the variety and growing conditions, but many people find that yellow and orange watermelons taste slightly sweeter than traditional red varieties. No matter the color, choosing a ripe watermelon is still the biggest factor in getting great flavor.

Does watermelon make you poop?

For some people, yes. Watermelon contains a high percentage of water and a small amount of fiber—both of which can help support healthy digestion. Eating large amounts may cause stomach pain or loose stools.

Can you freeze watermelon?

Yes. Watermelon freezes well. Cut it into cubes, freeze the pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Yes, dogs can eat small, bite-sized pieces of watermelon in moderation. Remove the seeds and rind first—the rind is tough to digest and can cause stomach upset or even intestinal blockages if eaten in large pieces.

Can cats eat watermelon?

Cats can eat small amounts of watermelon, although avoid giving cats the rind or large seeds.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

One beautiful piece of furniture can completely change the tempo of your living space. Sofas in particular can have that effect because they enhance comfort and give people even more reason to relax for a while. When room is at a premium, though, finding something that's both functional and practical for the space can be a challenge.

A loveseat is one of the best solutions, whether you want to make the most of your room's real estate or you just want something to fill an empty space anywhere in the home. The Yaheetech Corduroy Loveseat opens up a world of seating possibilities, fitting comfortably into even the most unexpected spaces. Normally $130 at Walmart, it's on sale in dark gray for only $90 right now.

Yaheetech Corduroy Loveseat, From $90 (was $130) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Coming in at 39 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 33.5 inches tall, it's compact enough to slide into snug spots like the corner of a room or a reading nook. At the same time, it makes a classy addition to a living area that could benefit from some extra seating. You could even use it as an anchor piece to tie the entire layout together.

Corduroy has had something of a design revival in recent years, too. The ribbed texture evokes the warm and cozy vibe that defines farmhouse and cozy cabin aesthetics, and it can fit in nicely whether your vibe leans more rustic or warm. On this couch, the rich material is paired with plump foam cushioning to ensure maximum comfort inside and out.

While it evokes that conventionally homey feel, this loveseat is equally modern thanks to its clean, armless design. It's also equipped with USB-A and USB-C ports, so you can simply plug in your device, sit back, and get to work without getting up. That's especially convenient in larger rooms or spaces where an outlet may not be situated near the loveseat.

It's sturdy, too, with rubberwood legs that together support up to 600 pounds. Each leg also comes fitted with a protective foot pad, so you can easily set it anywhere from tile to hardwood. One shopper shared that it's "comfortable and the perfect size," while another reviewer said that the overall look was "very cute."

Related: Walmart’s Retro Arched Bookcase Has the Prettiest Scalloped Cabinet Doors

No matter where you intend to place it, the Yaheetech Corduroy Loveseat will add an inherently lived-in touch to any room while also providing some tech-forward convenience to make life simpler. At this price, it's a great option that will easily elevate your home's style and comfort.

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.

Few guitarists have left fingerprints on as many classic rock recordings as Les Dudek, even if his name isn't always the first one fans remember.

The American guitarist, singer and songwriter turns 74 on Aug. 2 after a career that has included collaborations with the Allman Brothers Band, Steve Miller Band, Stevie Nicks, Cher, Boz Scaggs and many more. Along the way, he also built a respected solo career while earning a reputation as one of rock's premier session musicians.

On his official website, Dudek is described as a "Guitar Legend" whose playing has "influenced the history of Rock 'n' Roll." While the title may sound lofty, it's backed by an extraordinary résumé spanning more than five decades.

Les Dudek Shape Two of the Allman Brothers' Biggest Songs

Dudek's breakthrough came in 1973 when his growing reputation landed him in the studio with the Allman Brothers Band during the recording of Brothers and Sisters.

He played the memorable dual guitar harmonies alongside Dickey Betts on "Ramblin' Man," the band's biggest hit, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and also contributed acoustic guitar to the instrumental classic "Jessica," which also charted on the Hot 100. Dudek later said an interview with Rock Star Confessions that he even wrote the section of "Jessica" where the song modulates into G before returning to A.

Reflecting on that era during the interview, Dudek noted that the Allman Brothers were among the pioneers of what became known as Southern rock.

"I think what it was was it was like they were the first band to get a really big hit, which was the one I played on, 'Ramblin' Man,'" he said. "Before even Lynyrd Skynyrd."

Dudek Also Almost Became a Founding Member of Journey

One of the more remarkable "what if?" stories in rock history also belongs to Dudek.

In a 2024 interview with Guitar World, he revealed he briefly rehearsed with the musicians who would become Journey, playing alongside Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory and Aynsley Dunbar before the band had even hired Steve Perry.

"I was actually one of the founding members of Journey for about two hours," Dudek joked.

The story took an unexpected turn when he left rehearsal for a scheduled meeting with Columbia Records. There, executives immediately offered him a solo recording contract.

"It's like the best Cinderella story ever told in the music business," Dudek recalled. "I went from not knowing how I was going to pay my rent to having to decide: Do I go with Journey or a solo deal with Columbia?"

Dudek chose the solo career, releasing four albums for Columbia while continuing to lend his distinctive guitar work to records by a myriad of famous artists. He later co-wrote songs for both Nicks and Miller, further cementing his reputation as one of rock's most in-demand collaborators.

Related: Last Surviving Original Member of Legendary '70s Rock Band Turns 82

There’s never been a better way to cool off this summer. 

Ice cream fans are getting a sweet surprise, as a beloved U.K. frozen treat has made its way to Costco for the first time ever.

The warehouse giant has stocked its shelves with the popular Magnum Twistpop Triple Berry Frozen Confection Pops, allowing shoppers a chance to try one of the brand’s favorite treats without traveling overseas. 

Reported by Instagram influencer Markie_Devo, the Twistpop Triple Berry was spotted at Costco, featuring a spiral shape that combines three flavors berry flavors—raspberry, blueberry and blackcurrant.

View this post on Instagram

The 15-pack is made with real fruit and contains no artificial dyes, which is a big win for parents looking for a better-for-you option for their kids this summer. Prices range from $8.99 to $9.29, depending on location.

Fans were thrilled to see the items appearing on shelves, as one wrote, “Finally 😭,” while another added, “Bring on more UK products to the US!!! Let’s go!!”

The treat is inspired by the Walls Twister Ice Lolly, which launched in 1982, combining fruit ice and smooth dairy ice cream, with a blend of pineapple, strawberry, and lemon flavors in one recognizable shape.

In the U.K., the Berry-licious version naturally colors your tongue, though I’ve yet to see reports of the U.S. version having that same effect just yet. Here's hoping!

The limited-time offering is already drawing attention from shoppers looking to stock their freezers with something new, tasty, and lighter—each popsicle has just 70 calories—making it a fun pick for kids as summer winds down.

Instagram account CostcoBuys also spotted the frozen treat, calling it “a grown up upgrade on the classic twisty pop.”

View this post on Instagram

As is the case with many Costco finds, availability may be limited and vary by location, so you’ll want to act quickly if you spot the treat in the freezer section. 

Though if these have the same success as Percy Pig’s arrival at Target, they may just become a permanent fixture on this side of the pond.

Related: Beloved U.K. Candy Coming to Target Stores for the First Time Ever

The Magnum Ice Cream Company first brought its signature cracking chocolate to the U.S. in 2011, and now offers a full range of chocolate indulgence.

Not every TikTok trend is about the latest dance or viral recipe. Some are shining a spotlight on centuries-old traditions that risk fading away—and viewers can't seem to get enough.

Across the platform, creators are introducing millions of people to "endangered crafts," showcasing everything from hand weaving and pottery to glassblowing and wood carving. By sharing the time, skill and artistry behind these handmade techniques, they're helping preserve cultural traditions while inspiring a new generation to appreciate the craftsmanship behind them.

@sb.monhollon

I never knew her, but my great grandmother Esther was a weaver too. And now her great great granddaughters play under the loom while I treadle away, just like her son did when he was little. Something about that always feels like magic. ✨

♬ Frolic - Jake Xerxes Fussell What Is the 'Endangered Crafts' Trend on TikTok?

The trend centers around creators documenting traditional craft techniques that have been passed down through generations but have become less common in today's mass-produced world. Rather than simply showing the finished product, many videos walk viewers through each step of the process, giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at the patience and precision required to create handmade pieces.

@glassman.poopoo

I created a jellyfish 🪼๋࣭✧˖° I always enjoy working with pink𓈒⟡₊⋆ @Swatch #glassblowing #吹きガラス #Swatch #jellyfish

♬ Booty on the Breakdown - Moyjo

One popular video from creator @spillthedirtflowertruck shows how a handcrafted Buxos pot is made using the traditional three-pull pottery technique. 

@spillthedirtflowertruck

Watch how a handcrafted Buxus pot is shaped using True craftsmanship takes years to master. the traditional three-pull pottery technique, a skill passed down through generations of master potters. #Pottery #Ceramics #Handmade #Craftsmanship #ArtisanMade

♬ original sound - spillthedirtflowertruck

Meanwhile, creators like @kylewilliamdesign regularly share the stories, history and techniques behind age-old crafts, helping make these specialized skills feel accessible to modern audiences.

@kylewilliamdesign

Let’s learn ancient crafts to counter brain rot. Starting with beading!! . Beading is over 100,000 years old and developed independently across cultures and continents. . This is a very basic introduction, there are so many more techniques and skills to learn, but learning by doing is the best teacher! . Can’t wait to see what you guys create! . . #diy #craft #history #beading #beads

♬ Debussy Arabesque - Isabelle Perrin Why So Many People Are Connecting With the Endangered Crafts Trend

Part of the appeal is simply watching talented artisans at work, but the videos also offer something that's becoming increasingly rare: a glimpse into slow, intentional craftsmanship. Instead of emphasizing speed or convenience, these creators celebrate the time and care that go into making something by hand.

@thinkingues

櫻桃木有多香 | 用木頭來雕刻一隻小熊 #WoodCarving #FigureMaking #WoodworkProcess #CuteFigure #雕刻過程

♬ funk funky funk jazz(1447997) - Guitar House

Communities built around hashtags like #TraditionalCraft, #Handmade,#Basketweaving and #Woodworking have become gathering places for people eager to learn about traditional techniques, discover artisans from around the world and celebrate the cultural stories behind handmade work. 

What we love most about the "endangered crafts" trend on TikTok is that it’s proving even centuries-old traditions can find new life online. And for many artisans, every new view, comment and share helps ensure these age-old skills continue to be appreciated for generations to come.

It’s been 50 years since Orleans released one of their most successful albums—but one that also received a rare distinction.

Released in August 1976 by Asylum Records, the album, Waking and Dreaming, featured the Billboard Hot 100 hits “Still the One” and “Reach.” But at the time of its release, the album also stood out for another reason: its quirky cover.

The Waking and Dreaming cover artwork featured bandmates John Hall, Larry Hoppen, Wells Kelly, Lance Hoppen and Jerry Marotta awkwardly posing shirtless.

While the odd, bare-chested photo didn’t take from the music—“Still the One” went on to become the ABC TV network’s theme song the next year— it remains one of rock’s most mocked album covers five decades later.

In 2025, Rolling Stone ranked Waking and Dreaming among the "50 worst album covers of all time.”

“Judging by this picture, we have to conclude that the secret to soft-rock success was lots of hair: robust beards, hirsute chests, nipples crowned in fuzz,” the outlet wrote. “But this album cover doesn’t work because it aims for “fantasy of debauched orgy with the whole band” and ends up at ‘nightmare where we forgot to put on our clothes before the gig” instead.’”

Orleans founding guitarist John Hall once revealed how the concept for the Waking and Dreaming album cover came about. It turns out, it was pretty random.

“We were shooting a two-hour photo session with a photographer that the label Asylum Records had chosen,” Hall told Rock History Music in an interview. “And in his studio he put down a masking tape strip about maybe four feet and said, ‘I want you all standing on this tape, so you have to interact.’ So we were all like smushed together and like an arm around each other, you know, leaning against each other."

It wasn’t until the end of the shoot that the photographer suggested the band members pose bare-chested.

“At the end of the two hours he said, ‘I got two shots left, why don't you all take your shirts off?’ And so we did, and of course those are the ones the record company chose," Hall recalled.

Hall also noted that the Waking and Dreaming cover caused a bit of controversy with a big box retailer.

"It’s funny now because it's so mild compared to what album covers and videos have today,” he said. “But Kmart wouldn't stock that record unless they airbrushed in the tops of our jeans. We all had on jeans on, but they cropped the picture so you couldn't see them, and it looked like we were all naked… But if you look closely, you'll see a little bit of the top of the blue jeans on me and Larry, and that's airbrushing. It’s mild by comparison [to today’s covers], but as they say, it's good to be known for something.”

Fifty years after that impromptu pose, the Waking and Dreaming album cover remains memorable to Orleans fans and represents the band’s successful mid-1970s era. Although it isn’t considered one of rock’s greatest album covers, its lasting recognition shows that album artwork doesn’t have to be perfect to become iconic—or to live on in infamy.

Related: 1975 Soft Rock Classic, Written Between Home and the Road, Remains a Timeless Love Anthem 51 Years Later

If the thought of booking a flight and a hotel without knowing where you are actually going sounds like a thrill, you are not alone. A viral deal on Groupon is capturing the internet’s imagination by offering a "Mystery Getaway" package that includes roundtrip airfare and a hotel stay starting at just $199 per person.

The concept is simple: you buy a voucher, submit your preferred travel dates and local departure airport, and wait for a travel agent to call you within 72 hours to reveal your secret destination. The offer boasts a pool of over 50 potential destinations spanning everything from quick domestic weekend escapes to bucket-list trips to London, Paris, Rome, Bali, and Tokyo.

Related: Windstar's New 'Mystery Cruises' Keep Destinations Secret

View this post on Instagram

To keep the pricing fair across different airline hubs, Groupon organizes departures into three pricing tiers: Gate A airports (like Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Miami) start at $199, Gate B airports (like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco) start at $249, and Gate C airports (like New York, Philadelphia, and Seattle) start at $299. Every voucher guarantees a minimum three-star or four-star hotel rated at least 7/10 on Booking.com or 3.5/5 on Tripadvisor, along with a free personal item on your flights.

While the thrill of rolling the dice on a surprise vacation has inspired thousands of travelers to hit buy, TikTok and Reddit are filled with wildly mixed reviews once the mystery is finally revealed. The source of most travelers' frustration usually comes down to math and expectations.

Related: 9 Ways to Get a Premium Travel Experience on a Basic Economy Budget

Out of every pool of 2,000 vouchers sold, the odds are heavily weighted toward short, domestic breaks. Only six vouchers in the pool belong to the legendary Gold Tier, which awards a seven-night international adventure to destinations like Thailand or Europe. Twelve vouchers land in the Silver Tier for a four-night tropical or bucket-list escape to places like Hawaii, Los Cabos, or Iceland. Meanwhile, the remaining 1,982 vouchers—over 99% of the total pool—are in the Bronze Tier, which sends travelers on a two-night trip to a major U.S. city like Orlando, Las Vegas, Atlanta, or Phoenix.

Social media users sharing their experiences with Groupon's viral mystery vacation deal have reported wildly different outcomes. One lucky traveler, @rachiejo, was thrilled after beating the heavy odds to score a Silver Tier package to Los Cabos, Mexico, for a memorable getaway.

On the flip side, another creator found themselves disappointed by the luck of the draw when their surprise destination turned out to be Salt Lake City—a far cry from the exotic bucket-list trips featured in the promo.

The most frustrating experience came from @doubledecktravels, who arrived at the airport only to be turned away at the counter; the airline claimed the travel agency's payment was declined, and the hotel had no record of their reservation, leaving them stranded and out hundreds of dollars.

View this post on Instagram

Others have pointed out the fine print caveats, such as mandatory double-occupancy rules that require buying two vouchers minimum or paying a $150 solo surcharge, non-refundable policies once you redeem your voucher code, and potential extra costs like hotel resort fees, seat selection, or carry-on bag charges from budget carriers.

Still, plenty of adventurous budget travelers say the experience is an absolute blast if you go in with an open mind and realistic expectations. Many reviewers praise the customer service representatives for helping them adjust dates or swap similar destinations if they had already visited the first option drawn.

For open-minded travelers who love a good surprise and just want an affordable, spontaneous excuse to pack a bag for 40 hours in a new city, the $199 price tag delivers a fun story to tell—even if you end up in Orlando instead of Paris.

Related: One of Riviera Maya’s Most Popular All-Inclusive Resorts Just Unveiled a Huge Upgrade for Families

Angie Harmon's daughter, Finley Seahorn, is a dead ringer for her stunning actress mother.

Harmon, 53, came to fame during the ’90s on Baywatch Nights and Law and Order and earned significant acclaim for her role as Jane on TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles. The brunette beauty has also dipped her toes into directing and producing. But if there’s one thing that sticks out from her social media, it's that Harmon is a proud mom. In a new photo set alongside Seahorn, 22, whose father is former football player Jason Seahorn, it's almost shocking how much Harmon's daughter looks like her. Just take a look at that smile!

View this post on Instagram

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Finley Seahorn is a Recent College Grad

Earlier this summer, Seahorn made it clear that she's got plenty of brains to go with that beauty. Standing on campus at the University of Arizona in a cap and gown, Seahorn celebrated her college graduation alongside her proud parents. According to her gown, she was a member of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

View this post on Instagram Harmon Is Known For Her Pet Squirrels

One thing that sticks out from Harmon's social media is her love of animals. Recently, Harmon posted a video with her latest little friend, a rescued squirrel named Simeon.

“What are you doing, little man? He’s having his lunch,” Harmon told the camera as the squirrel sat on her shoulder and nibbled from its food. “Just a little bit of a snack. Oh my god, he’s so cute and precious. Little Simeon. Sweet baby boy. I love him.”

Despite having a rodent friend on her shoulder, Harmon managed to look chic throughout the video. Sporting minimal makeup and oversized black glasses, the natural beauty was as beautiful as ever.

“Snack time with tiniest troublemaker 🐿️❤️ Simeon is doing GREAT!! 💕 #squirrelmom#squirrelrescue,” Harmon captioned the video.

View this post on Instagram She Has a History of Bringing Squirrels Home

Back in 2023, Harmon opened up to PEOPLE about a different squirrel, a 3-month-old one named Thomas.

“I mean, when he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was me,” Harmon told the publication. “So my youngest daughter found him on the sidewalk, and there was no tree to put him on.”

While they put him under a tree and waited for his mother to return, she never did. 

“So, I was like, ‘Okay, I’ll come get him,'” Harmon said. “And then I’ve had him ever since.”

Harmon would get up every hour and a half to feed the squirrel, and said she didn’t sleep for a month. She called the experience “brutal.”

As Thomas grew up, Harmon would show him off to social media and hold him as she did her makeup.

View this post on Instagram

Related: Angie Harmon Feeds Her Pet Squirrel as It Crawls in Her Home’s Window: ‘Coming by for Her Daily Visit'

It’s hard to believe that one of the most iconic authors in the realm of magical realism turns 84 today. Isabel Allende, born on Aug. 2, 1942, continues to capture hearts and minds with her novels.

You’ve likely heard of La casa de los espíritus, which is known in English as The House of the Spirits. This novel would start a trend for the “Grand Dame of Magical Realism,” as she diligently started working on her novels on Jan. 8. Over the years, her novels, which she now starts on Jan. 8 of the year she plans to write them, have sold an impressive 77 million copies around the globe, and they have been translated in more than 40 languages!

Allende is the most-read Spanish-language author in the world, and it all started with The House of the Spirits, which is a heartfelt tale published in 1982. Many may not realize that this was actually a spiritual letter to her 100-year-old grandfather, who was dying at the time it was being written in 1981.

While many authors have their own personal stories of hardship, Allende’s is one of fear and danger. She lived in Chile all the way up to her exile in 1973, after a military coup ousted President Salvador Allende, who was her second cousin, initially fleeing to Venezuela, and in 1989, she moved to California, getting citizenship just four years later. The horrific and terrifying experience helped to shape her focus for her writing, making it part of her life’s work to write about social justice and women’s resilience.

MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 21: Isabel Allende presents her new book "Mi nombre es Emilia del Valle" at Casa de America on May 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Aldara Zarraoa/Getty Images)

It’s where the realism with the magic comes from. Most of her novels are based on personal experience, as she weaves real historical events into her stories of myth and legend. A trailblazer for women in Latin American literature, Allende pays homage to the lives of women throughout her stories, and she continues to lecture and teach literature across U.S. colleges.

Two of her more recent novels were published in 2022 and 2023, Violeta and The Wind Knows My Name, respectively. If you haven’t checked them out yet, then you need to right away. She also released My Name Is Emilia del Valle in 2025, which is set in 1866, following an Irish nun left pregnant and abandoned by a Chilean aristocrat. The titular character is the daughter, who is raised to be independent and self-sufficient, and that leads to a story of writing, love, and destiny, all with the backdrop of a civil war in Chile.

Now, not only does she write, but she has also started her own foundation, the Isabel Allende Foundation. This was initially created in honor of her late daughter, Paula, and is focused on offering women and girls empowerment programs. All she wants is for women and girls to be protected, and she stands up for those rights every single day. If you haven’t read any of Allende’s works, make today the day to change that.

Theme park fans, grab your tissues: a true legend of the coaster world is officially taking its final loop. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida, has set the final ride date for Kumba, giving thrill-seekers one last weekend to bid farewell to the iconic steel coaster after an incredible 33-year run.

If you want to take one last spin on the roaring fan favorite, time is running out fast—guests have until Sunday, August 2, 2026, to experience the coaster before it closes its gates for good.

Related: Busch Gardens' 2026 Annual Pass Just Got a Dramatic Upgrade

View this post on Instagram One Last Roar for Pass Members

For die-hard fans holding annual passes, the park is rolling out a special red carpet send-off. Pass members get exclusive access to Kumba during a dedicated final ride window on Saturday, August 1, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., giving long-time riders a chance to log a few extra laps before the general public fills the queue.

First opening back in 1993, Kumba instantly put the park on the map for coaster enthusiasts worldwide with its groundbreaking inversions, intense g-forces, and signature roar that echoed throughout the Congo section of the park.

Related: Waldameer Just Announced a Major New 2027 Roller Coaster—And It Proves Smaller Parks Are Dominating Right Now

New Wildlife Adventures on the Ridge

While saying goodbye to a classic coaster is always bittersweet, the park gives visitors plenty of reasons to look forward to what's next. If you're heading to the park for one last ride on Kumba, you can balance out the nostalgia by checking out the park's major new animal habitat, Lion & Hyena Ridge.

Designed to bring guests face-to-face with Africa's top predators, the state-of-the-art expansion offers expansive, naturalistic outdoor spaces for the park's lion pride and spotted hyenas. Guests can get up-close views through floor-to-ceiling glass observation windows, learn about wildlife conservation efforts straight from the animal care team, and watch the animals explore multi-level rock formations and shaded lounge areas.

It’s a fantastic addition that highlights what Busch Gardens does best—pairing world-class thrills with incredible wildlife encounters. Kumba's 33-year legacy as a pioneer of modern steel coaster design is definitely going out with a bang, but there is still so much fresh magic waiting across the grounds.

Related: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Unveils Huge New Savanna for 5 Lion Brothers

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

A comfortable pair of slip-on sandals is often the MVP of any summer wardrobe. The best pairs are easy to throw on, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and versatile enough to work with everything from beach cover-ups to brunch outfits. When you find a pair that checks all those boxes, you'll likely end up reaching for them constantly.

One standout option is the Crocs Brooklyn Wedge Slide Sandals. They deliver the lightweight comfort Crocs is known for, but with a sleek, modern design that looks nothing like the brand's classic clogs. Right now, they're on sale for 30% off at Nordstrom Rack, bringing the price down from $50 to just $35.

Crocs Brooklyn Wedge Slide Sandals, $35 (was $50) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

Available in sizes 5 through 11, these sandals feature adjustable straps with button closures for a more customized fit. The two-strap slide silhouette feels clean and minimalist, while the subtle wedge adds a trendy, chunky look without feeling bulky.

Comfort is where these sandals really shine. They're made from Crocs' LiteRide foam technology for lightweight cushioning, along with a Croslite foundation that helps keep them supportive and easy to wear. The flexible Matlite straps feel soft from the start, while the deep heel cup and raised profile provide added stability throughout the day.

Their neutral color palette and streamlined design make them incredibly easy to style. Pair them with denim shorts and a linen button-down for casual weekends, wear them with leggings or biker shorts for errands, or dress them up with a breezy sundress, crochet maxi dress, or wide-leg linen pants for brunch and daytime outings.

They're also surprisingly versatile when it comes to where you can wear them. The water-friendly materials make them great for the beach, pool, and boardwalk, while the supportive footbed makes them comfortable enough for sightseeing, travel days, and long walks. They're just as useful for coffee runs, grocery trips, and everyday wear around town.

Related: Crocs' Brand-New Clog Is an Elegant Upgrade From the Original

If you're looking for a stylish sandal that combines comfort, versatility, and easy summer styling, the Crocs Brooklyn Wedge Slide Sandals are a great choice. With Nordstrom Rack's current 30% discount, you can save $15 on a pair you'll likely wear all season long.

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.

Another week is here, and you know that means a lot of new novels are coming out. It’s all about Aug. 4, 2026, whether you want a new thriller, a romance, or something completely different!

On this week’s list, we even have an indie book that is perfect for fans of music. It’s a romance packed with heart and dreams, while also having all the tropes everyone loves. Now, you just need to find the time for work, because productivity is going to drop thanks to the obsession over these nine releases to check out.

Courtesy of Little, Brown and Company ‘Steelborn’ by Taylor J. LaRue

The place to start is with a romantasy. Taylor J. LaRue is a debut author, and Steelbornhas everything that you could need if you love an enemies-to-lovers trope. It’s described as perfect for fans of Danielle L. Jensen and Callie Hart, and I agree! Plus, this debut has beautiful sprayed edges and bookends that make it a must for the bookshelf!

The story follows Reya Connery, who is known as the Crimson Dagger in Rhiterra, thanks to her being the most successful and notorious thief. She puts it all down to keeping herself to herself, but when a heist goes wrong, she has to figure out how to get coin fast. Enter Caelan Halcyon, who is an immortal warrior with a curse that threatens his life. Maybe Reya can save him, and maybe they do more than help each other’s problems.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘The Hardest Ones to Fool’ by Christina Lee

If you’re looking for a YA thriller, The Hardest Ones to Fool by Christina Li is the one to put on your list for the week. This is something perfect for fans of Inventing Anna, bringing a story of a teen scammer who isn’t going to let anything get in her way of what she wants. That includes murder.

Amelia Wu is our main protagonist, and she’s not quite the hero that we’re used to. She’s heavily flawed, willing to be in three relationships at once, keeping each guy a secret from the other. Things take a turn when her best friend ends up dead, and now the town is rocked by the murder. Amelia needs to team up with unlikely allies to get to the bottom of it, and secrets are about to be revealed.

Courtesy of HarperCollins ‘The Iron Hex’ by Victoria S. Walsh

If you’re looking to start a new trilogy, then you’ll want to turn to The Iron Hex by Victoria S. Walsh. It’s another romantasy on the list, and this one has an FMC who has a fractured memory. It adds another layer to the story, as she tries to figure out who she is and where she came from.

Eira Eckhart has spent years trying to work it all out, and she’s done it all while being watched by the Iron Empire, a totalitarian-like structure that only allows specific types of potion magic. When Hugo Benton walks into her shop and knows more about her than she does, mysteries start to unfurl. Of course, there’s also a terrifying encounter that brings soldiers to the door and puts a bounty on their heads. This is a great read for fans of Potion Study and anything to do with witches and witch hunters!

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘The Unknown’ by Riley Sager

We can’t not have a horror novel on the list, right? Riley Sager’s 10th novel, The Unknown, is out this week, and while it’s a little later in the year than we’re used to, it’s worth it! This mystery thriller is packed with the supernatural horror that you’re used to, and it brings a storyline in two timelines.

It all starts in 1926, when five women disappear from a remote Vermont island. In the present day, it starts happening again. This time, it’s a struggling actress, Marin Keane, whose new role takes her to the remote island with the rest of her castmates. As they all start to disappear, it’s clear that something sinister lives deep on the island, and now they’re all stranded.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Time Travel for Beginners’ by Jaclyn Moriarty

Liane Moriarty’ssister is back with another book, and this time we get science fiction and time travel. Time Travel for Beginnersby Jaclyn Moriarty is a story of three people who end up on a collision course without ever realizing it.

It all starts with a car accident that leads to Anna getting a job at the Time Travel Agency. This place has a reputation for humor, as nobody believes that time travel is real. However, it turns out that maybe people really are traveling through time, and as Teddy and Jade’s paths align with Anna’s, there’s a ripple effect that changes everything. This is more literary fiction than adventure, but it’s a read for those who love character-based stories.

Courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark ‘How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle’ by Alissa DeRogatis

For those who need contemporary fiction, we have you covered. How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle by Alissa DeRogatis is perfect for those who need a beach read to finish out their summer weeks. If you love Emily Henry and Katherine Center, then you’ll want to jump right on this one.

Ainsley Green loves to write happily-ever-afters for her rabid fanbase, but her real life is a mess. Her boyfriend just broke up with her, and she’s lost all heart for her stories. That is, until her best friend Lucas decides that she needs to get some real-life inspiration for her next novel, and he forces her into some real meet-cutes. Will it spark new ideas, or will it help her on a personal level?

Courtesy of Quiana Glide ‘The Music Between You and I’ by Quiana Glide

We have another contemporary romance to offer, and this is from indie author Quiana Glide. The Music Between You and I brings the age-gap trope, as nerdy Black millennial Poppy Thomas falls for a reclusive British rocker who is twice her age. They’re not supposed to make sense, but they do!

Of course, it takes time for the romance to build. At first, Poppy isn’t even sure the man she hears and sees is even the rocker that she’s been obsessed over for her whole life. This is the man she wrote fanfiction about, and here he is, in her life! It’s a fun-packed, music-filled journey that will have your heart swooning.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Good Girls Die Bored’ by Elizabeth Little

If you want an adult thriller instead of a YA one, then Elizabeth Little has you covered this week with Good Girls Die Bored. It’s packed with adventure and action, bringing an FMC that many would love to be! Juno is an ex-military security guard who absolutely abhors Los Angeles, but she’s stuck here for the near future.

What starts as a normal security detail becomes a job that Juno isn’t quite prepared for. She and her new team are supposed to work a three-day job at a charity gala, which is supposed to be focused on protecting the First Amendment Rights of a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. In the end, it becomes a story of survival and conspiracy, and once you start, you will not be able to put it down.

Courtesy of Berkley ‘Embrace’ by Bal Khabra

We end with a sports romance — a hockey romance, to be specific — with Embrace by Bal Khabra. It’s the fourth in the Off the Ice series, so if you loved the first three, then you definitely need to get into this one.

Embrace follows Kian Ishida, who loves hockey, parties, and living in the moment. However, he realizes that if he doesn’t buckle down with his studies, he’s going to let his late dad down by not getting his degree. Of course, when he joins a study group, he meets Scarlett Kilner, and if you know romances, then you know exactly how it all starts. Things are made a little more complicated with this one as Scarlett’s dad is the coach, and Kian is one of his star players. They’re probably not supposed to end up together!

Fifty-one years ago today, a California band that built its name on country-rock harmonies added some R&B bite and landed right back at No. 1.

"One of These Nights" by the Eaglestopped the Billboard Hot 100 on Aug. 2, 1975, becoming the group's second chart-topping single in a single year.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

The track followed "Best of My Love", the band's first No. 1, which had reached the top back in March. Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, "One of These Nights" pushed the Eagles somewhere new. Frey said he had been listening to Spinners and Al Green records when he started writing it, and he wanted a song with "a lot of teeth, a lot of bite." Don Felder answered with a bluesy guitar solo he later described as basically "an alto saxophone solo," while Randy Meisner floated high harmonies over the chorus.

A Sound Shift That Paid Off

The single marked a clear turn from the band's country-rock roots toward soul, R&B and the disco creeping onto radio that summer.

It knocked Van McCoy's 'The Hustle' out of the No. 1 spot and held the top for a week before the Bee Gees' "Jive Talkin'" took over. The parent album, also called One of These Nights, gave the Eagles their first No. 1 record on the album chart and spun off more hits, including "Lyin' Eyes".

The Start of Something Bigger

Frey later called it "a breakthrough song" and named it his favorite Eagles recording. The album was the last to feature founding member Bernie Leadon, and it set up the run that led to Hotel California the following year. For a band that opened 1975 with its first No. 1, closing that summer with a second was proof the reinvention was working.

Related: 1973 Country-Rock Album Released 53 Years Ago Today Produced Zero Hit Singles Before Becoming a Timeless Classic

Sam Worthington is turning 50, 17 years after leading the highest-grossing movie of all time.

The Australian actor, born in England and raised in Perth, was largely unknown outside his home country before landing the role of Jake Sully in Avatar. Before that breakthrough, Worthington had sold nearly everything he owned and was living out of his car, sleeping on a mattress in the back of a hatchback.

"I sold everything I owned to my mates because I didn't like who I was," Worthington told Variety. He said he needed to get away from the pressures of being recognized around Sydney following his earlier work in Australian film and television.

Worthington's audition for Avatar almost didn't happen the way anyone expected. The project was shrouded in secrecy at the time, and Worthington said he wasn't given much information about the role. Frustrated with the process, he responded by spitting his gum at the camera during his audition tape instead of reading the scene as instructed.

Rather than costing him the part, that reaction reportedly caught director James Cameron's attention. Worthington went through months of additional auditions before landing the role that would change his career.

Avatar premiered in 2009 and became a global phenomenon, going on to become the highest-grossing film in box office history. The role transformed Worthington from a relatively unknown actor with a handful of Australian film credits into an international star almost overnight.

He has since reprised the role of Jake Sully in multiple sequels, including Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash, with additional installments in the franchise still to come.

Despite his newfound fame, Worthington has spoken candidly about how difficult the transition was, admitting he struggled with the sudden attention that came with global stardom.

Before Avatar, Worthington had already built a respected career in Australian cinema, including winning the Australian Film Institute's Best Actor award in 2004 for his role in Somersault.

Halloween is still a few months away, but we're already getting into the spooky spirit.

It’s called Summerween, OK?

Fortunately, so is Disney. And if you’re the kind of Disney adult who thinks there’s no such thing as "too early" to start planning your Halloween décor, Disney Store has your back.

The retailer just launched its new Mickey Family Halloween Collection, and there’s one festive home décor piece that could make your house feel a little more like Halloween at the Happiest Place on Earth.

The Mickey Mouse Halloween Light-Up Wreath puts a classic Disney spin on seasonal decorating, making it a particularly fun way to bring some spooky Disney magic to your front door. And honestly, if you’re already counting down to your next Disney trip, why not let Mickey greet you at home, too?

The wreath is just one piece of the new collection, which is available now on DisneyStore.com. It brings together some of Disney’s most beloved characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Stitch and Chip ‘n Dale, for a mix of seasonal home décor, apparel, accessories, plush and collectibles.

For more Halloween decorating, there’s a Mickey Mouse Jack-o'-Lantern Stoneware Halloween Candy Bowl, a Disney Halloween Countdown Calendar Figurine Set and a Mickey Mouse and Friends Halloween Fleece Throw.

Naturally, Disney fans can also dress for the occasion. The collection includes a Mickey Mouse Halloween Hockey Jersey, Mickey and Minnie Mouse "Happy Halloween" Spirit Jerseys, graphic tees, pajamas and plenty of festive accessories.

And because no Disney Halloween collection is complete without something ridiculously cute to bring home, there are also Mickey, Minnie and Stitch Halloween plush, a Minnie Mouse as Witch Halloween Mini Figure and a Mickey Mouse Halloween Light-Up Bubble Wand.

So, yes, Halloween is months away. But Disney adults know there’s really only one correct response to that: Let the Summerween shopping begin.

RELATED: Lenox Just Released a Halloween Spice Village Set That’s Perfect for Fall