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Cyndi Lauper, 73, and Bernadette Peters, 78, Stun With Timeless Beauty at Star-Studded Pet Gala
To support pets and their owners in need, Fetch Pet Insurance hosted its 2nd annual gala at The Carlyle in New York City. With scheduled appearances from Glee’s Darren Criss, West Side Story’s Ariana DeBose and Broadway star Bernadette Peters, fans were surprised with a special guest appearance from Cyndi Lauper.
Lauper treated the audience to performances of “Time After Time,” “True Colors” and “Fearless.” Dressed in an off-the-shoulder look reminiscent of her signature style, Lauper also appeared on Fetch’s green carpet to pose with a rescue dog from North Shore Animal League America.
Craig Barritt / Getty Images for Fetch Pet Insurance Gala“The incredible star power of the Fetch Pet Gala is how we’ve been able to raise over $1.2 million in just two years for organizations that are literally saving lives and delivering meaningful impact for pets in need,” Paul Guyardo, President & CEO of Fetch Pet Insurance, said in a statement obtained by Parade. “We are deeply grateful to Cyndi Lauper, Bernadette Peters, Darren Criss, Ariana DeBose, as well as our donors and brand sponsors, for their immense support and generosity.”
Danny Whitman, the executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, called the success of the gala “a testament to the immense power of compassion and community.”
“The funds raised tonight will provide vital medical care, emergency assistance, and essential support to help vulnerable individuals and their beloved animal companions when they need it most,” Whitman said.
In addition to Lauper’s songs at the gala, Criss also performed his renditions of “Almost Like Being in Love” and “Mack the Knife.” He also joined DeBose for a duet of the Oscar-winning “Shallow” from A Star is Born. In an exclusive interview with Parade, Criss said he arrived at the event only hours after playing a show at Royal Albert Hall in London.
Darren Criss and Paul Guyardo. Grace Chaves / Parade“I love London, and it was such an honor to be in that performing arts venue,” Criss said. “And now we’re at kind of another version of that — a much smaller but equally as storied venue, The Carlyle.”
Read the full interview here.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, October 22, 2026
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword covers everything from political assistants and entryways you walk through to classic hairstyles, baseball teams, what you might be called for being smart, bringing home a rescued pet and the opposite of happy.
Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Thursday, October 22, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Thursday, October 22, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: Go across — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”
5 Across: Political staffer — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”
6 Across: “Stand clear of the closing ___, please” (iconic N.Y.C. subway announcement) — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”
8 Across: Hairstyle secured with pins, maybe — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”
9 Across: Greek river of the underworld — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: Feeling down — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
2 Down: Devout — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
3 Down: Get from the pound — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”
4 Down: Excelling at trivia, say — HINT: Starts with the letter “N”
7 Down: “Red” or “White” team — HINT: Ends with the letter “X”
Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: Go across — SPAN
5 Across: Political staffer — AIDE
6 Across: “Stand clear of the closing ___, please” (iconic N.Y.C. subway announcement) — DOORS
8 Across: Hairstyle secured with pins, maybe — UPDO
9 Across: Greek river of the underworld — STYX
1 Down: Feeling down — SAD
2 Down: Devout — PIOUS
3 Down: Get from the pound — ADOPT
4 Down: Excelling at trivia, say — NERDY
7 Down: “Red” or “White” team — SOX
Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Walmart’s $68 Sleek Sideboard Cabinet Is Just What Holiday Hosts Need Before Guests Arrive
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With the holidays approaching, extra storage can come in handy as you prepare for family dinners, seasonal baking, and entertaining guests. A sideboard cabinet gives you a place to stash serving dishes and dining essentials, or even set up a dedicated coffee or dessert station for holiday parties and get-togethers.
That’s one reason the Costway Sideboard Cabinet at Walmart stood out to us. It’s currently on sale for just $68, down from $119, and comes in black and white colors. Prices vary by finish, but you can snag either option for under $75. The cabinet features a wood-tone finish and a handle-free design with push-to-open doors. It’s also freestanding which gives you the freedom to move it where you need it most.
Costway Sideboard Cabinet, $68 (was $119) at Walmart Shop at WalmartMeasuring 31.5 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 27.5 inches tall, this sideboard makes the most of its compact design with multiple storage options. It features a countertop, a roomy drawer, and two cabinet shelves to keep serving dishes, utensils, pantry staples, and other items organized and within reach.
The countertop can support up to 88 pounds and has raised edges that prevent items from sliding off. The drawer and two shelves each support up to 44 pounds, offering sturdy storage for heavier items. Since the cabinet has a handle-free design, the doors open with a single press, while smooth-gliding drawer slides let you open and close the drawer with ease.
For extra stability, the cabinet comes with two anti-toppling devices that ensures it stays in place. This added precaution can be especially useful in homes with children or pets.
Shop More Deals- Ameha 3-Piece Quilt Set, $19 (was $21) at Walmart
- Costway Floor Storage Cabinet, $80 (was $149) at Walmart
- Roria 2-Piece Chinoiserie Ceramic Table Lamp Set, $60 (was $110) at Walmart
At just $68 and 43% off, the Costway Sideboard Cabinet is worth checking out if you need extra room for serving pieces, pantry items, or hosting essentials. Head to Walmart to check out the deal while it lasts!
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.
Texas Singer-Songwriter Announces Devastating Diagnosis, Makes Heartbreaking Plea: ‘I Want to Be Here to Watch My Daughter Grow Up’
Singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton says he came frighteningly close to death after a rare cancer diagnosis, and now, as he begins treatment, he’s focused on the life he still hopes to live with his young daughter.
“I’m a dad, and more than anything else in this world, I want to be here to watch my daughter grow up,” Hamilton wrote in an October 4 post on his Substack, where he shared his diagnosis and asked fans for help with mounting medical costs.
I Have Cancer And I Need Your Help
I almost died. I made it home. Now comes the fight of my life
I’m hoping this incredible community I’ve been lucky enough to be part of might rally around me now.
Even with insurance the cost is INSANE.
❤️➡️ https://t.co/dsoWaLO41Z #girldad pic.twitter.com/G1iAZxY2dg
The Texas musician, known for his solo work and bands including People on Vacation, was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in leukemic form. After spending more than two weeks in the hospital, including nearly a week in intensive care, he returned home to continue treatment. He has since launched a GoFundMe to help cover the expenses.
Ryan Hamilton Says He Nearly Died After a Sudden Medical EmergencyHamilton said his ordeal began with severe abdominal pain. He drove himself to an emergency room in Granbury, Texas, with his daughter, Della, in the back seat, trying to keep the situation from frightening her.
Doctors discovered that his spleen was enormously enlarged and his white blood cell count was nearly 300,000, he wrote. He was then rushed to an intensive care unit in Fort Worth.
“I spent almost a week at death’s doorstep,” Hamilton wrote. He said he wasn’t ready to discuss everything that happened during that time, but shared one particularly painful detail: because of her age, Della wasn’t allowed to visit him in the hospital.
“I was lying in an ICU bed, not knowing exactly what was happening to me or whether I was going to make it home… and I couldn’t hug my little girl,” he wrote.
Instead, they spoke daily over FaceTime. Hamilton said he took screenshots of their calls and looked at them repeatedly.
“There she was. My reason. My motivation,” he wrote.
The Singer-Songwriter Is Facing More Than $200,000 in Medication Costs.After leaving intensive care, Hamilton was transferred to the hospital’s oncology floor, where he received chemotherapy, blood transfusions, biopsies, and other treatment. He said doctors have developed a plan to put his cancer into remission.
But he also faces substantial costs.
Hamilton said he has health insurance and qualifies for financial assistance, yet one of his medications costs approximately $300 per pill. He expects to take it daily for at least two years, which he estimates will total roughly $219,000 for that medication alone. He added that he’s currently taking eight prescriptions.
“I’ve found myself in a strange and frankly precarious position,” he wrote. “Doctors have a plan to help save my life. I’m ready to fight for it. But I also have to figure out how to afford the fight.”
His GoFundMe has an initial goal of $50,000 to help with medical and treatment expenses, with the singer explaining that the amount is a starting point, not an estimate of the full cost of his treatment.
Ryan Hamilton Says He Still Has a Lot to Live ForHamilton has spent much of his adult life making music, touring, and connecting with fans. He previously performed with People on Vacation, the power-pop project he formed with Bowling for Soup frontman Jaret Reddick, and released his latest solo album, Haunted By American Dreams, in July 2026, according to Louder.
In his Substack post, Hamilton reflected on how the year had been meant to mark a musical comeback. He had made a record he was proud of and put his daughter on the cover. But then came the cancer diagnosis.
Now, he wrote, his priorities have changed. He’s focused on getting stronger, undergoing treatment, and returning to the everyday moments he hopes to share with his family.
“There are songs I haven’t written yet,” he wrote. “There are shows I haven’t played yet. There are places I haven’t been. There are people I haven’t met.”
Hamilton ended his post with a message of determination: “I’m home. I’m alive. And now… WE FIGHT.”
He has asked supporters who can’t donate to share his fundraiser or send encouragement as he continues treatment.
Related: ’80s Rock Icons Announce 50th Anniversary Tour With ’70s Hitmaker Todd Rundgren
In 2022, Trevor Noah traveled to India saying he loved curry; locals’ confused reactions left him questioning everything he knew about the dish
You may want to think twice before telling someone from India how much you love “curry.” Just ask Trevor Noah.
The comedian recently recalled a culinary lesson he learned while traveling through India in 2022 during a conversation with acclaimed Indian-born chef Asma Khan on an episode of his What Now? With Trevor Noah podcast.
The head-scratching clip has been making the rounds on socials as of late.
“Actually, this is something I’ve always wanted to know. I’m confused by this,” Noah said. “So when I was in India, I would say curry. And then people were like, ‘What are you talking about?'”
When locals asked what he loved, Noah remembered enthusiastically answering, “Oh, I love curry,” only to be met with more confusion.
And curry wasn’t his only linguistic food faux pas.
Noah also recalled asking for naan before someone explained that naan itself means bread. In other words, asking for “naan bread” was essentially asking for “bread.”
Still confused by the curry conundrum, Noah turned to Khan for answers.
“So what is curry?” he asked.
Her response probably wasn’t what many Western diners would expect.
Khan, who grew up in India before moving to England, said she had never even heard the term until arriving in the U.K. “Every dish has a name,” she explained. “Curry is not a name of anything.”
Related: Oprah-Backed Restaurant Chain Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Abruptly Closes 12 Locations
According to Khan, “curry” became a generic term used by the British to group together dishes that actually have distinct names, ingredients and regional identities. She said she first encountered the word in 1992 after someone in England asked whether she knew how to make curry.
Noah then tried another example: What about someone who says they love “butter chicken curry” or “vindaloo curry”?
“It’s absolutely wrong,” Khan replied.
She compared the phrasing to saying “spaghetti pasta,” explaining that adding the generic word strips away the actual name of the dish.
So, yes, you can still love butter chicken and vindaloo.
Just maybe give them the courtesy of remembering their names. And next time you whip up your favorite curry at home, maybe take a second look at what’s actually in the pot.
John Anderson's Cause of Death: What We Know So Far
John Anderson has died at the age of 71.
The Country Music Hall of Famer’s death was announced by his family via Instagram on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend,” the statement read. “To the world, he was a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives. To us, he was so much more. He was the heart of our family, the one who made us laugh, loved us fiercely, and made every ordinary moment feel special. We are completely heartbroken.”
“His music will live on, but for us, his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave his family and the memories we will carry with us forever,” the statement continued. “Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this unimaginable loss.”
John Anderson’s Cause of DeathAnderson’s cause of death has not been announced.
In 2017, Anderson canceled festival appearances in Alabama due to sudden health problems. Doctors initially suspected a malignant brain tumor, but it was later determined to be benign. He subsequently faced other serious health complications, including heart trouble and significant hearing loss in both ears, which temporarily threatened his ability to perform.
After undergoing treatment, Anderson regained some of his hearing and returned to music, releasing his album Years in 2020.
Tributes and LegacyThe country music legend was best known for hits including “Swingin’,” “Seminole Wind,” and “Straight Tequila Night.”
“I literally just met him on Sunday night. Cannot believe this,” country singer Parker McCollum wrote in the comment section. “An absolute legend and one of the greatest to ever do it. Beyond grateful to have had the chance to shake his hand. RIP and hope they are swingin up in heaven!”
“Damn. Rest easy John. Thanks for the songs,” added Luke Combs.
“One of my favorite people in this business. I sure will miss you, John. Love you and your music always.❤️❤️❤️❤️,” said Reba McEntire.
Meta Ordered to Pay $25 Billion Penalty to New Mexico in Major Facebook Privacy Case
In one of the landmark judgments, Meta has been ordered to pay New Mexico $25 billion after a judge ruled against the company in a major data privacy case linked to the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
According to Reuters, the case is based on claims that Meta deceived Facebook users concerning how their personal information was obtained and used.
It comes after disclosures about Cambridge Analytica, a British political consulting company which acquired personal data from millions of Facebook users without their permission. The company was also connected with Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
New Mexico’s attorney general filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Meta had misled residents regarding who had access to their information and also concerning the way the company dealt with hate speech and misinformation on its platform.
The case reached trial, where a jury decided that the company was liable for breaches of the state’s consumer protection law, as per Reuters.
Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., during a meeting with tech executives on artificial intelligence in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. The gathering follows a surge in concern about AI potentially posing a threat to humans. Photographer: Tierney L. Cross/The Washington Post/Bloomberg via Getty Images“Facebook’s wrongdoing — over the course of years and systematically broadcast to the public — goes to the heart of Facebook’s core business practices,” the judge wrote in his order.
Judge Francis Mathew then instructed Meta to pay $25 billion. Even though he had decided that the violations (43 million to be exact) might warrant a penalty higher than $219 billion under state law, he lowered the amount to $25 billion.
Meta has challenged the result and has stated that it intends to appeal. The company maintained during the proceedings that the penalties requested were too high and might discourage businesses from carrying on operations in New Mexico. Therefore, the ruling is not necessarily the end of the dispute.
“This ruling, and the Attorney General’s approach to this enforcement, makes it all but impossible to do business in the state of New Mexico. At its core, this lawsuit seeks to impose a tax on speech to enforce new rules for what people can say online,” Meta’s chief legal officer, CJ Mahoney, said in a statement.
The case has once again opened discussion regarding how social media companies gather, use and protect personal information, and because of Facebook’s large size and extensive reach, the effects of its privacy policies go well beyond New Mexico.
This is not the first time the tech giant has been ordered to pay a hefty penalty for its handling of user data and the safety of its platforms. In 2019, Facebook reached an agreement to pay $5 billion to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in order to settle claims that it had breached a privacy order from 2012. Meanwhile, in December 2022, the organization reached a final settlement of $725 million as a result of a class-action lawsuit filed by Facebook users in connection with the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
Related: Matthew Perry’s Sister Reveals the Painful Reality Behind ‘Friends’ Wedding Episode
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George Barris Paid $1 for a Ford Concept Car and Turned it Into the Batmobile; In 2013 it Sold for $4.62 Million
When George Barris got the call to build the Batmobile for the 1966 Batman TV series starring Adam West, the clock was already ticking. Producer William Dozier gave him just three weeks to turn a 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura concept car, which Barris had bought for a single dollar, into a “20th-century crime fighter Batmobile,” as Barris recalled in a 2004 interview with the Television Academy Foundation.
The legendary custom car designer had a clear vision. “I want the ears to be part of the fenders, I want the headlights to become the eyes, I want the scoop that comes down to be the nose piece that becomes the chain slicer,” he said. “I want the grill to be the mouth. In the mouth we got gas nozzles. To make it even more funnier, I used sprinkler heads from your lawn sprinkler.” He also added “big, long, aerodynamic bat fins.”
View this post on InstagramBarris pulled it off in just 15 days for $15,000. His team built several Batmobiles for the show, including two for exhibitions. When the series wrapped, Barris kept the original, and for the next 50 years it served as the centerpiece of his North Hollywood showroom, a rolling advertisement for his work.
View this post on InstagramIn 2013, he decided to let it go. After a spirited bidding war, Phoenix businessman Rick Champagne won the Batmobile, the Hollywood Reporter reported. The car Barris once bought for $1 sold for $4.62 million, a world record for a film or TV car. It edged out the previous record holder, the Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger, by just $11,500, according to auction house Barrett-Jackson.
Amber Guyger killed neighbor Botham Jean in 2018 after entering his apartment by mistake; she is now free on parole after serving 7 of her 10-year sentence
Amber Guyger, the former Dallas police officer convicted of murdering her neighbor Botham Jean, has been released from a Texas prison after serving seven years of her 10-year sentence.
She left the Christina Melton Crain Unit in Gatesville on Oct. 16, 2026, after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles approved her release earlier that month.
Guyger, 38, was convicted of murder on Oct. 1, 2019, for fatally shooting Jean, a 26-year-old Black accountant, inside his Dallas apartment on Sept. 6, 2018. The shooting happened after Guyger entered Jean’s apartment, believing it was her own home.
Her release has renewed attention to the case and brought fresh disappointment to Jean’s family, who opposed her early release. The family’s attorney, Lee Merritt, said the 10-year prison sentence was already too short for the loss they suffered.
Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger arrives for her second court appearance at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas on Jan. 29, 2019.Photo by: Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images
Guyger will remain under parole supervision until her sentence ends in 2029. Her release comes after a parole review that approved her request in October 2026, following an earlier denial in 2024.
On the night of Sept. 6, 2018, Jean was at home in his apartment, watching television and eating ice cream, when Guyger entered and shot him, according to NBC News.
Guyger testified that she had returned from a long work shift and mistakenly went to Jean’s apartment instead of her own. The two lived in the same apartment building, with Jean’s home one floor above hers.
She said she believed Jean was an intruder and feared for her life when she fired her service weapon. Jean was unarmed and later died at a hospital from his injuries.
Guyger was a Dallas police officer at the time of the shooting. The department fired her in September 2018, before her murder trial.
The case drew national attention and sparked protests over race, police conduct and the treatment of Black people by law enforcement. Many people also questioned the initial manslaughter charge before Guyger was later indicted for murder.
On Oct. 1, 2019, a jury found Guyger guilty of murder. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison the following day. Prosecutors had sought a longer sentence, and the murder conviction was upheld on appeal.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles approved Guyger’s release after reviewing her prison record and participation in programs designed to help her find and keep a full-time job. The board also cited her satisfactory conduct while in prison.
Guyger’s attorney, Robert Rodgers, said she continued to feel regret over Jean’s death and had prepared for life outside prison.
“She’s still very remorseful, but she’s spent that time working on programs and rehabilitating and making sure that she can be … a productive member of society,” Rodgers told CBS News Texas.
Under the conditions of her release, Guyger must follow strict rules until her sentence ends in 2029. These include regular check-ins, travel restrictions, home visits and employment requirements. She cannot live in Dallas County, contact Jean’s family or Dallas police officers or leave Texas without permission.
Jean’s family opposed the parole decision and asked for privacy as they continued to grieve. In a statement shared with CBS News Texas, the family thanked those who continued to honor Jean’s life and support his loved ones.
Merritt, who represents Jean’s family, also criticized the decision to release Guyger before she completed her sentence.
“Botham’s family and the community strongly opposed this parole. They stood up again and again to ask that the full sentence be served. A 10-year sentence was already a fraction of what was lost. Releasing Ms. Guyger after seven years makes that loss feel even smaller in the eyes of the system. It is not,” Merritt said.
Guyger’s case also had a major outcome outside the criminal trial. In November 2024, a civil jury ordered her to pay Jean’s family $98.6 million in a wrongful death lawsuit. The family argued that the shooting was linked to failures in police training, although the city of Dallas was dismissed from the case.
Jean was born in St. Lucia, a Caribbean island nation, and worked as an accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dallas.
Guyger’s release marks a new stage in the case, but the grief of Jean’s family and the debate over her sentence remain central to the story.
This 12-Bottle Thanksgiving Wine Collection Takes the Guesswork Out of Holiday Hosting
Thanksgiving comes with enough decisions to make your head spin. Do you roast or fry the turkey? How many pounds of potatoes do you actually need? And is this finally the year you figure out how to keep everything hot until dinner? Then there’s the wine. Because while picking out a bottle for yourself is easy enough, choosing wines for a houseful of guests with different tastes can feel like a guessing game.
Your brother-in-law loves a bold Cabernet, your best friend won’t drink anything but white, and someone inevitably asks if you have anything bubbly. Suddenly, that quick trip to the wine aisle has turned into another holiday headache.
Fortunately, Laithwaites makes it easy to take the guesswork out of the equation.
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The Thanksgiving Collection from Laithwaites brings together 12 bottles featuring eight different wines, including reds, whites and sparkling Prosecco. It’s designed to complement everything from the first round of appetizers to the main event, with enough variety to keep just about every wine lover at your table happy. With $135 off the regular price, it’s a holiday hosting shortcut worth raising a glass to.
A Little Something for Every PalateLaithwaites
One of the best things about this collection is that it doesn’t assume everyone at your Thanksgiving table has the same taste in wine.
For guests who love a big, bold red, Black Saint Peter Zinfandel Reserve from California offers rich flavors of black cherry, plum and baking spices. The Italian Pillastro Selezione d’Oro offers another full-bodied option, with notes of ripe plum, coffee and chocolate.
Prefer something a little lighter? The Fogbound Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma Coast brings bright cherry flavors and earthy notes, while the French Jean-Pierre Moueix Bordeaux offers a smooth, medium-bodied alternative.
White wine drinkers aren’t left out, either. The collection includes a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio, a refreshing South African Sauvignon Blanc with tropical fruit and citrus notes, and a French Chardonnay with flavors of peach, spiced apple and vanilla.
And for anyone who likes a little sparkle with their celebration, the collection includes two bottles of Prezza Prosecco from Italy.
In other words, whether your guests prefer something bold, crisp, fruity or bubbly, there are plenty of options to explore.
From the First Toast to the Last BiteOf course, Thanksgiving isn’t just about finding wines your guests will enjoy. It’s also about finding bottles that play nicely with everything on the dinner table.
And let’s face it, Thanksgiving isn’t exactly a simple meal to pair wine with. Between the turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce, there’s a lot going on.
That’s why variety is key.
The Prezza Prosecco is a festive way to welcome guests and pairs nicely with cheese, cured meats and other appetizers. The crisp Amandla Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with herb-forward dishes and lighter sides, while the richer La Voûte Chardonnay stands up to creamy mashed potatoes and buttery casseroles.
When it’s time for the turkey, the Black Saint Peter Zinfandel Reserve is a natural choice. Laithwaites specifically recommends pairing it with turkey, pork and other hearty dishes. The Fogbound Pinot Noir is another option, especially if roasted mushrooms or savory stuffing are on the menu.
And if someone wants to stick with their favorite wine from appetizers through dessert? That’s perfectly fine, too. After all, the best wine pairing is often the one you enjoy drinking
One Less Thing to Worry AboutThe 12-bottle Thanksgiving Collection is currently priced at $199.88, down from its regular price of $334.88. That’s a savings of $135, bringing the cost to about $16.66 per bottle.
And if you’re looking to save even more, Laithwaites is offering an additional 20 percent off when you sign up for its Signature Collection wine club. That brings the Thanksgiving assortment down to $159.90, or about $13.33 per bottle. Keep in mind that the discounted price requires a subscription. Your first club case of 12 bottles arrives in 12 weeks for $174.99, although Laithwaites says you can skip or cancel anytime.
The nice thing about having a dozen bottles on hand is that you don’t have to open them all on Thanksgiving. You can save any unopened bottles for Christmas dinner, holiday parties or unexpected guests who show up during the season.
And while a case of wine won’t help you fit six side dishes into one oven, it does mean one less thing to cross off your holiday to-do list.
Now, if only the rest of the holidays were this easy.
Related: Popeyes’ Popular Thanksgiving Turkey Is Back—and All You Have to Do Is Heat It Up
Spode’s Christmas Tree Tray Is a Charming Way to Serve Holiday Sweets and Snacks, Now 61% Off
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When it comes to holiday entertaining, the right serving pieces can instantly elevate any gathering, no matter how casual. A thoughtfully chosen serving tray is a versatile essential that transitions seamlessly from presenting desserts and appetizers to enhancing your table’s look. During the festive season, incorporating serveware with seasonal flair is a simple yet impactful way to infuse your home with holiday spirit and make everyday hosting feel more intentional.
If you’re looking to add a little extra Christmas cheer to your holiday table, Spode’s 2026 Annual Christmas Tree Dessert Tray is a charming way to serve sweets in style. Featuring the brand’s beloved Christmas Tree motif, this festive piece is now just $28 at Macy’s and adds a nostalgic touch to holiday entertaining, whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, putting together a dessert spread, or wrapping up cookies for guests.
Spode 2026 Annual Christmas Tree Dessert Tray, From $28 (was $72) at Macy’s Shop at Macy'sSpode has been part of British ceramics history since 1770, when founder Josiah Spode established his pottery business in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The brand became known for fine earthenware and bone china with a level of craftsmanship that made Spode a staple in traditional tableware collections.
The iconic Christmas Tree pattern debuted in 1938 and has since become a holiday classic. Its evergreen tree, colorful ornaments and presents beneath the branches capture the spirit of a traditional Christmas, making it instantly recognizable to generations of holiday hosts and collectors.
Measuring 12 inches by 7 inches, the Spode Christmas Tree 2026 Annual Dessert Tray features an exclusive red-and-green scroll holly border for a decorative finishing touch. The serveware also features Spode’s iconic tree decked with colorful ornaments.
The tray weighs 1.6 pounds, so it’s light enough to serve treats easily. It’s a cheerful addition to any holiday table and a lovely collectible for fans of Spode’s iconic Christmas Tree pattern.
You can decorate with the Spode Christmas Tree tray in so many ways. Use it to display Christmas cookies, brownies, and petit fours, or style it at a coffee station with biscotti and peppermint bark. You can also use it as a centerpiece surrounded by pine branches and brass candlesticks, display it on a kitchen counter with a mini Christmas tree, or fill it with candy canes and marshmallows for a hot cocoa bar. It’s also perfect for serving Santa cookies on Christmas Eve!
Shop More Deals- Spode Christmas Tree Wine Glasses, Set of 4, $36 (was $92) at Macy’s
- Spode Christmas Tree Shaped Platter, $41 (was $104) at Macy’s
- Spode Christmas Tree Black and White Santa Footed Tray, $67 (was $160) at Macy’s
Whether you’re building a holiday tableware collection or looking for a thoughtful gift for someone who loves to entertain, Spode’s 2026 Christmas Tree Tray offers a timeless way to make the season feel special. Snag yours for the season while it’s 61% off.
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Jeff Probst Responds to Historic Streak of Women Being Voted Out of 'Survivor 51'
WARNING! The following contains spoilers for Survivor 51 Episode 5, “Not Here to Get a Pedicure.” Please don’t read further if you don’t intend to know who gets voted out.
The producers of Survivor came into Season 51 with an aim to change up the expected conventions of the hit CBS reality series. And that started with the people they chose to put on the beach. Survivor 51 features a whopping 21 castaways, the first time in the show’s 26-year history a season has started with that number. As such, Day 1 kicked off with a gender imbalance, as 11 women and 10 men began the game.
“I fully foresee a season where there’s a lopsided number of one gender on each tribe,” Probst told Parade before the season began. And indeed, one of the tribes kicked off with a 6-4 imbalance in favor of the women. Though that was quickly erased when Aaliyah Puglia was voted out on Day 3, replaced by the exiled Lewis Kelly.
Any numbers advantage the women have had on Survivor 51 however, has been prominently erased five episodes in.
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Through ten days, we’ve had six Tribal Councils (including tonight’s vote that sent two tribes to the urn). Every single person voted out has been a woman: Aaliyah, Ana Sani, Patt Cannaday, Jenna Doore, and the recently-booted Alexis Levine and Linnea Capobianco. The only man who has left the game, Rob Antonson, did so in his own accord, pulling himself on Day 6 in one of the most controversial exits ever.
With the double boot of Alexis and Levine, Season 51 has officially made Survivor history. This marks the longest streak that only women have been voted out in 26 years of the show. The previous record-holder, 2007’s Survivor: Fiji, had women voted out in its first Tribal Councils. But now, with six, 51 is the mark to beat.
Jeff Probst first commented on the trend of gendered boots after Episode 4. The host and executive producer gave his thoughts in his weekly “Field Notes” post on Instagram, writing, “Another woman voted out this episode. This season, we started with 11 women and 10 men. Then Lewis was sent to Exile so we technically started the tribes with 11 women and 9 men. And yet, the first four vote-outs at tribal were all women.”
“This is an example that tribe dynamics dictate everything,” he continues. “More women at the start of the game doesn’t necessarily mean more women at the end of the game. Nothing is ever that easy or that clean.”
Related: Jeff Probst Reveals How ‘Survivor’s ‘Open Era’ Came to Be: ‘There is No Evolution’ (Exclusive)
The streak, however, became so prominent that it played a role in the story of tonight’s episode. Going to Tribal Council yet again, Alexis tried to appeal to Alexis “Jelly” Loblack. The two discussed how only women had been voted out so far, and how they were looking to not continue the streak. Jelly went so far as to say in a confessional that she could turn on her number one ally, Devin Way, saying it was done in an effort to prevent another woman from getting voted out. Unfortunately, in the end, she chose not to side with Alexis, making her the fifth person (and fifth woman) voted out of the game.
With the string of women’s boots continuing, Probst chose to address the topic again in this week’s copy of his “Field Notes.”
“Six straight women voted out. Still no man voted out this season,” the Emmy winner observes. “I am noting only to remind that there are so many factors that go into a tribe dynamic and any vote at Tribal that sometimes things that seem shocking from the outside — how could they vote out another woman — are not at all reflective of what’s really happening in the game.”
It’s a fair point from the host. Additionally, the fact that the castaways have been swapped into tribes that are only growing smaller substantially decreases the options, no matter what the gender may be. Regardless, we have now officially hit a historic period of women being voted out of Survivor en masse. And, much like Alexis and Jelly were talking about this episode, we shall see how much the players begin to take notice — and how much it affects who goes next.
Tom Welling Reveals Christopher Reeve's Funny Response to Being Told to Leave the 'Smallville' Set
Smallville star Tom Welling is remembering his time on set with late actor Christopher Reeve.
During a sit-down with Variety, in celebration of Smallville‘s 25th anniversary, Welling noted that Reeve guest-starred as Dr. Virgil Swann in a Season 2 episode, which aired in 2003, a year before his death. During the Smallville episode, Dr. Swann teaches Welling’s Clark Kent, AKA Superman, about his home planet, Krypton.
Welling recalled flying out to New York City from Toronto so it would be easier for Reeve, who was paralyzed, to film the Smallville scene.
“The idea is we were going to shoot Chris’s side of the scene so that he could then leave. We shot all his stuff, and he wouldn’t leave. He wanted to stay for my coverage where they film me speaking. But he totally didn’t need to do that,” recalled Welling, who played Clark throughout Smallville‘s 10-season run.
Welling also shared he had a wonderful time with Reeve, who famously played Superman in five films throughout the late ’70s and ’80s.
“We laughed a lot. He was very funny. It got to the point where he was being told to leave, and his nurse was like, ‘If you don’t leave, I’m going to call the police, and I’m going to take you out of here.’ And he turned to me, and he goes, ‘They’re always telling me what to do.’ It was really cool,” said Welling with a smile.
Welling also said that he and Reeve “talked a lot about what it meant to play the character,” who is so iconic and beloved.
“He said he was really happy that they chose me to play the role, which I thought was cool,” said the 49-year-old actor.
The Creators of ‘Smallville’ Discussed Christopher Reeve’s Guest AppearanceThe co-creators of Smallville, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, discussed Reeve’s guest appearance on the show during a 2023 episode of Welling and his castmate, Michael Rosenbaum‘s podcast, TalkVille.
Gough said he and the writers felt it was important for Reeve to introduce the lore of Krypton and reveal Clark’s given name, Kal-El, on the WB series. He said they reached out to Reeve’s agents while the show’s first season was in production.
Gough said that Reeve was “impressed” with the show and eventually called him about possibly filming an episode. According to Gough, Reeve agreed to play Dr. Swann under two conditions.
“He was a fascinating, lovely guy who had a lot to talk about, was very direct, was very honest about his situation and how that worked. And the thing he wanted was, you know, there’s a donation to his charity [The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation], and a PSA,” said Gough.
The Pioneer Woman’s New Damask Stoneware Dinnerware Set Brings the ‘Vintage Farmhouse Look’ to Any Table
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Just when you think you’ve seen everything Ree Drummond has to offer, she comes out with something else to tempt you into another Walmart shopping trip. Between her seasonal collections, colorful kitchen accessories, and new serving pieces that expand her beloved pattern lines, Ree always has something in the works. And her latest addition is particularly pretty.
The Pioneer Woman Audrey 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set brings a “classic,” “elegant” look to the table that shoppers are already loving. Priced at $56, the collection includes enough dishes to serve four and comes in three colors. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or simply want to make weeknight meals feel a little more special, this set might be just the excuse you need to give your kitchen cupboards a refresh.
The Pioneer Woman Audrey 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, $56 at Walmart Shop at WalmartIf you’re familiar with Ree’s signature floral dinnerware, the Audrey collection is a bit of a departure, and a beautiful one at that. Instead of colorful blooms, these dishes feature an intricate damask pattern with curling leaves and decorative flourishes. The collection comes in three colors: A rich chocolate brown, a neutral beige, and a midnight blue, each paired with a creamy white background that makes the designs stand out.
One detail I love is how the patterns change from piece to piece. The dinner plates feature large, sweeping damask designs that cover nearly the entire surface, while the smaller plates and bowls leave more white space in the center, with a delicate flourish surrounded by an ornate border.
The Pioneer Woman Audrey 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, $56 at Walmart Shop at WalmartFor $56, you get four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls, so there’s enough for everyone at a table of four. Each piece is made from durable, dishwasher- and microwave-safe stoneware, making the collection ideal everyday meals. The larger plates are perfect for serving dinner, while the smaller ones work for everything from toast in the morning to a slice of pie after supper. The most used piece in my house, though, would definitely be the bowls, as they’re the perfect size for snacks, cereal, or soups.
Shop More The Pioneer Woman Deals- The Pioneer Woman Audrey 2-Quart Stoneware Pitcher, $21 at Walmart
- The Pioneer Woman Audrey Stoneware 12 in Soup Tureen, $25 at Walmart
- The Pioneer Woman Brown Audrey Oval Stoneware Divided Serve Platter, $18 at Walmart
With the holidays coming up, these would be particularly lovely for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. But the design isn’t tied to any particular season, so you can keep using the set long after the decorations come down. For larger gatherings, it’s worth mixing in serving bowls and platters from the rest of Ree’s Audrey collection for more plating space.
Ree Drummond fans gushed over this set’s “vintage farmhouse look,” calling the design “pretty” and “stylish.” One shopper wrote, “They feel sturdy, have a nice weight to them, and the finish is beautiful.”
Give your Tuesday night tacos the same beautiful presentation as your holiday ham. Shop The Pioneer Woman Audrey 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set for $56 at Walmart!
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Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain Reveals Why He Refused to Play Golf With Trump
Iron Maiden’s drummer Nicko McBrain retired from the heavy metal touring lifestyle in 2024 following a stroke. And while that might leave the rocker with some extra time on his hands, he isn’t sharing it with just anyone.
McBrain recently told The Telegraph that he was invited to play golf with a world leader. But when he found out that it was Donald Trump, he declined.
“I was actually invited to go and play golf with him,” said McBrain. He continued, explaining, “A friend of mine who’s a massive Republican said, ‘Oh, do you want to come play golf with us? With the President.’ And I said, ‘You f***ing what?’ And I just said, no. No mate. I’m not politically inclined, although I must be because I have my thoughts about him. I’m not amused by the narcissism, and all this kerfuffle about the Epstein files and whatnot, and especially the debauched war that he’s put on Iran.”
How does McBrain feel about the President and his administration? He added, “My last word on Trump and his bunch of cronies is, they should be put in jail.”
Even though he was born and raised in Hackney, McBrain now calls Boca Raton, Florida home. And that puts him in close proximity to Trump’s Palm Beach Mar-a-Lago estate. When asked about the distance, the drummer called it “Too f***ing close, mate.”
Trump isn’t the only person the Iron Maiden drummer is dishing about right now. The 74-year-old just published a memoir, “Hello Boys and Girls!” The new book details the musician’s rise from his working-class beginnings in north London to fame as a metal superstar. McBrain also talked candidly to The Telegraph about his first rehearsal with Iron Maiden way back in 1983, saying, “I realized, this is it now, this is a proper band…When I joined that group, the feeling that I had was that I’d finally found my niche. I’d taken 10 years of my professional career to finally find like-minded people.”
Iron Maiden. Photo: Paul Natkin / Getty ImagesNow that he’s stepped back from touring, what does McBrain think about his decision to retire? Aside from refusing to hit the links with Trump, he said, “Sometimes I do sit down, and I get a little melancholy. I’ll just think, I really do miss my brothers. I miss that two hours on stage. I miss that camaraderie.”
The former Iron Maiden member’s rant against Trump got plenty of attention online. And it’s no surprise that McBrain’s fans stand behind his statements about the commander-in-chief.
In a recent Reddit post, one wrote, “My favorite band member just got even better. Awesome,” as others added, “I’ve said it for years, Nicko is a gem of a human,” and “It’s rare these guys talk about politics. Well done, Nicko.”
Who Went Home on 'Survivor 51' Tonight? A Double Boot and a Dramatic Deadlock! (Spoilers)
Two weeks ago, Survivor 51 gave players the opportunity to shake up the tribes through a mutiny. But they decided to expand that out to everyone in the game the very next episode, as everybody dropped their buffs to turn two tribes into three. With tribe sizes being cut in half, there’s nowhere to hide, as every single person can be make-or-break for your game. And that danger was only magnified this week, as two tribes went off to vote. The winning tribe, however, got their voice heard when a key eleventh-hour visit led to one of the most chaotic Tribal Councils in recent memory.
Here’s our spoiler-filled recap of tonight’s episode of Survivor 51, including who went home.
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Who got voted off on Survivor 51 tonight? Alexis Levine Alexis Levine on ‘Survivor 51’Robert Voets/CBS
While she may seem laid-back, Alexis Levine was eager to pounce when her feet hit the sands of Survivor 51. While she started trying to play low-key, when she caught Ana Sani plotting against her, she began to turn the tables on her, helping orchestrate the voice actress’s one and only session in the voting booth. After the tribe swap, however, the attorney had to quickly go from the prosecutor to the defense. She was outnumbered in more ways than she could imagine, between the three former Tokas and the three members of the Day 1 “helicopter alliance.” Alexis was able to survive the first vote on new Savu (even though she wasn’t able to get Jenna’s shoes as collateral). But when they faced Tribal Council the very next day, she continued to hustle, trying to convince Jelly to turn on her number one, Devin. Unfortunately, it was a losing argument. Despite being on a tribe of four, Alexis was shocked to find not only Jelly, but Ori also joined Devin in voting her out.
Linnea Capobianco Linnea Capobianco on ‘Survivor 51’Robert Voets/CBS
Linnea Capobianco was feeling the afterglow by Day 10 of Survivor 51. After all, the entrepreneur had been a major part of the blindside against Ana. And that Savu majority was made even tighter when she made her way over to Dina Beach, considering that Kilby and Lewis were both dead men walking. Her entire game changed, however, when a farmer in red overalls arrived on a yellow boat. Maggie was given an Extra Vote as tribe envoy and chipped in her own Extra Vote to help the Toka underdogs. And help they did. With their firepower, Kilby and Lewis were able to tie the vote 4-4. Facing a potential rock draw, the strong Savu majority crumbled in the fires of Tribal Council. Not wanting to stake their game on a random draw, they all agreed that Linnea should go, leading to a surprisingly early finish.
Were any idols or advantages found or played on Survivor 51 tonight?Yes! For winning the challenge this episode, Toka was given the opportunity to send one person to a tribe of their choosing. Maggie was picked by random draw, and she was given a mission: To give an Extra Vote to another player voting tonight. Seeing her Toka allies in danger, she went over to the red tribe, giving Kilby and Lewis not only that Extra Vote, but her own as well. And both men played the advantages that night, helping tie up the vote to keep them in the game.
Related: ‘Survivor 51’s Patt Cannaday Reacts to Kilby’s ‘Unhinged’ Gameplay — And Reveals Who Betrayed Her the Most (Exclusive)
It’s incredibly rare that a vote becomes so tense that the players actively talk about taking things down to a rock draw. It’s even rarer that it happens in the premerge of the season. But that’s exactly what happened this week on Survivor 51.
Originally, the Dina tribe was divided 4-2 by original tribe lines. But, with Kilby and Lewis both playing the Extra Votes Maggie gave them, that put the vote up to 4-4. Things were then taken to a revote, where only Lewis and Linnea (who the Toka men put their votes on) were eligible.
As a quick aside, there’s some understandable confusion about why Lewis was allowed to vote (let alone twice) in the revote. In the past, when the vote was tied, the people involved in the tie couldn’t vote, as they would assumingly vote for themselves. However, according to the rules of Survivor, if you use an advantage that increases your voting power, as Lewis did, that means you can vote in the revote. We saw this as recently as Survivor 50, where Cirie Fields used her Extra Vote and was allowed to vote in the 2-2-2 revote, even though two of those votes were against her.
At any rate, everyone stayed put with their votes. And, including the extra ballots, it once again amounted to a 3-3 tie. Cristian, Eric, Kilby and Sharonda were then given the opportunity to decide amongst themselves which person they wanted to go. If they couldn’t agree, then the four of them would draw rocks (for only the fourth time in Survivor history). After Kilby was adamant to stand his ground, the other three relented, not wanting to sink their own game on a random draw. And so, by consensus, Linnea was eliminated, in one of the wildest premerge Tribal Councils in recent memory.
Jill Duggar Sends Heartfelt Message to Collin Gosselin After Memoir Release
Jill Duggar Dillard is showing support for Collin Gosselin following the release of his memoir, In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood.
In the book, the former Jon & Kate Plus 8 star alleges that his mother, Kate Gosselin, isolated him from his father, Jon, and his siblings and was physically abusive toward him. He also claims that he and his siblings were “overworked” and “exploited” for the sake of their reality TV show. Kate has denied the allegations.
The popular TLC reality series, which aired from 2007 to 2009 before returning as Kate Plus 8 from 2010 to 2017 following the couple’s divorce, documented the family’s life raising eight children: twins Mady and Cara, born in 2000, and sextuplets Collin, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Leah, and Joel, born in 2004.
After Collin announced the release of his memoir on Instagram, Dillard left a heartfelt comment expressing her support.
“Listening to your audiobook now. 💔 I’d heard a little about y’all’s fam & firsthand experiences from our overlapping film crews, but had no idea how bad it really was for you. So sorry,” Dillard wrote.
Like the Gosselins, the Duggar family also starred in a TLC reality series, 19 Kids and Counting, which aired from 2008 to 2015. Dillard and her siblings later starred in the spin-off Counting On from 2015 to 2020.
In her 2023 memoir, Counting the Cost, Dillard alleged that her father, Jim Bob Duggar, controlled the family’s earnings from the show while leaving her unpaid for years. She also detailed her strict religious upbringing, including the rules she and her siblings were expected to follow under the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP).
Collin responded to Dillard’s message with a note of appreciation, writing, “Thank you Jill ❤️ I admire and look up to you and how you’ve spoken about your experiences. Also, I am reading your book right now 🫶🏼.”
Earlier this year, the Duggar family returned to the spotlight after Dillard’s older brother, Joseph Duggar, was arrested. He was charged with child molestation and lewd or lascivious conduct and has since pleaded not guilty.
In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood is available to purchase now.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org.
Your Child or Grandchild Keeps Saying 'It’s Not Fair'? Parenting Experts Explain What They’re Actually Trying To Tell You
There are certain phrases kids frequently use that often point to something deeper happening under the surface. “I can’t do it” is one of them. “It’s not fair” is another. Parents and grandparents might hear this phrase being uttered if a child’s sibling is getting rewarded for something, or they’re being asked to clean their room, or maybe they’re saying it about simply having to go to school.
Deena Margolin and Kristin Gallant, the powerhouse duo behind Big Little Feelings, the online community and parenting resource with 3.5 million followers on Instagram, hear this complaint from their own kids as well. They know how tempting it is to get defensive in those moments or “play referee,” but they also stress the importance of responding more intentionally.
After all, as their website says about their platform, Big Little Feelings “gives parents simple, science-backed tools to handle big emotions, end daily power struggles, and create a calmer, more connected home.”
Here, Margolin and Gallant tell Parade what it really means when your child says “it’s not fair,” and share how to best respond in the moment—even when it’s hard.
Related: Should You Actually Ignore a Tantrum? Big Little Feelings Settles the Debate
What It Means When Your Child or Grandchild Says ‘It’s Not Fair,’ According to Parenting ExpertsWhen your child or grandchild says “it’s not fair,” they’re actually likely trying to communicate something deeper about how they’re feeling inside.
“Whenever I hear that, I always start to reframe it and think of it as like, OK, my kid is telling me, ‘I don’t like how this feels, and I want you to understand why,'” Margolin tells Parade. “So when I hear ‘unfair,’ I’m like, OK, this is an uncomfortable feeling. Let’s try to dig into what’s going on.”
That digging in is more important than taking their words at face value and debating with them about whether or not something is technically “fair.”
“In those moments, it’s beyond going through the ‘fair’ thing of who’s right, who’s wrong, and being a referee,” she continues. “It’s more like, ‘Let me see you and show you that I care, and I want to hear what you have to say. So please share your feelings with me.'”
Related: The Parenting Advice Grandparents Swear by That Big Little Feelings Says Is Outdated
How To Respond When You Hear ‘It’s Not Fair’—and What To Avoid DoingIt’s understandable to feel a little triggered by this phrase, especially if you’re a parent or grandparent who tries to make things as “fair” as possible with your kids or grandkids.
But instead of taking it personally or getting defensive, parenting experts recommend validating their feelings and approaching the conversation from a place of curiosity instead of frustration.
“I always want to get to the other side of when they say that,” Gallant explains. “And I think the quickest way to shut down what is on the other side of it is to say something like, ‘Well, that’s ridiculous. Your sister got the dumpling last week and you have a dumpling this week, and so your dumpling is orange and she’s green, but you said you wanted the orange one,’ and there’s just nothing quicker to shut down what’s really underneath it than to go into the semantics of what’s fair and what’s not fair.”
Related: A Child Psychologist Says This 6-Word Response Works Better Than Saying ‘Calm Down’
Just like if your child says “it’s not fair” that they have to go to school that day, she tells Parade that an unhelpful response that actually shuts them down would be like, “Everyone goes to school, what are you talking about?”
Instead, Gallant recommends validating them by using a response like: “That feels unfair,” or “I hear this feels really big for you. Tell me more. What’s going on behind it?”
“Oftentimes then they’ll open up on this whole world of, ‘Well, last week, Lulu said she didn’t want to play with me, and now nobody wants to play with me and no one wants to play with me at school.’ And it often had nothing to do with fairness at all. It was just them trying to explain how big something felt to them.”
Related: The #1 Hack To Get Your Child or Grandchild’s Attention Without Yelling
Margolin agrees, sharing, “That’s the biggest thing, not to shut them down and not to get sucked into the courtroom of it, you know?”
“We don’t shut it down,” Gallant emphasizes.
Up Next:
Related: The Genius Trick for Easier Mornings With Kids: ‘It Changes Everything’
Sources: Parenting experts of Big Little FeelingsAlex Stone
- Parent coach Kristin Gallant and licensed marriage and family therapist Deena Margolin, creators of “Big Little Feelings” with 3.5 million followers on Instagram.
Target's Cutesy Lap Desk Lets You Work Comfortably From the Couch All Cozy Season Long
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It’s officially cozy season, and if you work from home, you know how tempting it can be to work from the couch, especially when it’s getting chilly outside. Make it easier to get quality work done with this cutesy lap desk from Target.
Heyday’s Plaid Lap Desk lets you work comfortably from the couch, giving you the perfect surface to place your laptop, tablet or notebook and work the day (or evening) away. It has a cushioned base for extra comfort. Altogether, it keeps your devices at a comfortable height so you won’t strain your neck or shoulders while working on the couch (or even from bed).
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Heyday Plaid Lap Desk, $24.99 at TargetTarget
Shop It!The adorable plaid accents add a little something special, making it as stylish as it is functional. This plaid pad also offers ergonomic support to keep you comfortable while typing. Plus, it has two grooves where you can place your tablet or phone to keep it within reach. And while this would be great for yourself, with the upcoming holidays, it would also work wonderfully as a gift for a loved one who works from home. Just saying!
Related: Target’s ‘Fresh and Modern’ 8-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set Rivals Pyrex
What the Reviews SayShoppers are loving this lap desk, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars on Target.com.
“I love this laptop desk. It is very sturdy, just the right size for my laptop and my dock. The wonderful little grooves in the back hold my dock in place and let me stand up my phone (in its case, mind you) for added convenience. The plaid design is nice and the padded bottom provides ergonomic support,” wrote one fan in a five-star review on Target.com.
“Great size and very functional,” wrote another shopper in a five-star review on Target’s website. “This lap desk is amazing! I had my old lap desk for a long time and it was definitely time for an upgrade. This lap desk is BIG and has a wrist rest for comfort (which happens to be plaid and matched my mouse!). It can hold my phone (which I’m always losing) and tablet. It’s sturdy enough to do paperwork on and the cushions in the bottom are spaced apart (but the perfect distance apart) so as to give some ‘breathing room’ to keep it a little cooler underneath than a traditional lap desk.”
You can find this cutesy lap desk on Target.com or in select stores for $24.99.
Related: Aldi’s Stand Mixer Is Giving Major KitchenAid Vibes for Less
'90 Day Fiancé' Star Jenny Slatten Fires Back at Critics of Her Vacation Amid ALS Battle
Jenny Slatten is asking critics to keep their comments about her vacation to themselves.
The 90 Day Fiancé star responded after social media users criticized her and husband, Sumit Singh, for taking a beach trip while she is living with ALS.
Slatten recently shared a photo of Singh on Facebook on October 19 with the caption “3 years later.” After getting some negative opinions from the internet, she explained why they had gone to the beach in the first place.
“If you don’t know what ALS does to a person please research it, we came to the beach for part of my treatment. The ocean has negative ion’s and that’s good for an ALS PATIENT,” she wrote. “My life is going to end and yours will keep going on so if you don’t agree with our sea vacation keep it to yourself. Thank you 🙏🏻”
The response received an outpouring of support from fans.
“its nobody’s business if you go on vacation! This is your time. Please don’t let these negative people ruin anything you’ve got going on,” one shared.
“I think the ocean is good and healing for many diseases. You do whatever makes you feel good,” another wrote.
A third said, “you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone Jenny. Make the best of the time you have left.”
Slatten and Singh revealed in May that she had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. She learned of the diagnosis in December 2025, after experiencing symptoms for about a year. In an August 30 update, Singh said the disease was affecting her speech, strength, and mobility. He described her speech as becoming harder and said she was having more trouble keeping her balance while walking.
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The couple’s relationship has played out across several chapters of the 90 Day Fiancé franchise. They met online in 2011, and Slatten moved from the U.S. to India to be with Singh. They married there in 2021.
Singh has said he hopes to bring her to the U.S. for access to more support and treatment options, but he has not secured a visa. Slatten has said she does not want to make the trip without him, fearing they could be separated if her health prevents her from returning to India.