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If you've ever painted an entire room or wall in your home, you know that this kind of DIY project can go one of two ways: a surprising breeze or an utter disaster.

There are a lot of factors to consider before committing to painting your home by yourself, and one important one is which type of paint finish you choose. In fact, there is one paint finish that designers agree is never a wise choice for DIY projects. Although this paint finish can look super glam and lavish when applied properly, it's extremely difficult to master if you're not a professional.

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To learn more about the one paint finish that homeowners should avoid applying themselves, Parade consulted with two experts: Selah Ewert, an interior designer and the General Manager at remodeling firm Neil Kelly in the Pacific Northwest, and Stephanie Brown, Co-Founder of Saint Louise Design in Austin, Texas.

"If you are determined to weave this finish into your home yourself, you must approach the process with meticulous care," Brown tells Parade exclusively.

"If the goal is a polished designer look, I always recommend hiring a professional, or even better yet collaborating with a designer and a contractor," adds Ewert.

Keep reading to learn more about this paint finish as well as for Brown and Ewert's recommendations of the best paint finishes for DIYers.

Related: Fertilizing These 9 Plants in Summer Can Do More Harm Than Good—These 5 Still Need It

2 Designers Agree Homeowners Should Never Apply This Paint Finish By Themselves

Ewert and Brown agree that for homeowners looking to paint their homes themselves, it's best to avoid using high gloss paint.

"High gloss paint is a design double-edged sword—it holds the power to make a room feel incredibly luxurious, but it is entirely ruthless to a DIYer," explains Brown.

"Because of its intense, mirror-like reflectivity, this finish acts like a magnifying glass for the canvas beneath it, catching the light in a way that exposes every microscopic drywall ding, uneven patch and mark," she continues.

"High gloss paint is challenging to work with as it is not forgiving as other sheens," says Brown. "This can result in every paint brush stroke being visible, roller marks, sanding mistakes being highlighted, drip marks and uneven application."

Why Is High Gloss Paint So Hard to Apply?

MartinPrescott / Getty Images

Brown and Ewert both think that high gloss paint can look beautiful—but generally, only if applied by a professional.

"Achieving that lacquer-smooth sheen requires an obsession with flawless prep work and a highly technical, uniform application," explains Brown. "Without the steady hand and professional spray gun of a seasoned painter, standard brushes and rollers will inevitably leave visible tracks and heavy texture behind."

She adds that "an amateur high-gloss application can quickly make a space feel chaotic rather than intentionally curated, stripping away the effortless elegance we strive for."

"With high gloss paint, the prep work has to be nearly perfect before the first coat," Ewert adds. "High gloss paint requires the right tools, the right technique, and often a controlled environment so dust and texture do not get trapped in the finish."

Related: The Surprising Paint Colors That Help Homes Sell for More, According to Zillow

How to Apply High Gloss Paint By Yourself

imageBROKER/Oleksandr Latkun / Getty Images

If you are still determined to apply high gloss paint for yourself, Brown and Ewert have a few tips to help make the process go smoothly—literally and figuratively.

1. Overprepare

"Prep really matters," says Ewert. "Make sure the surface is well patched, sanded, cleaned and primed before you start. Once it is primed, clean it again and do your best to keep the space protected from dust."

Brown agrees, encouraging painters to "obsess" over the surface prep.

"High gloss will not hide a single flaw, meaning your walls must be prepped with concierge-level attention to detail," she warns. "Every single micro-dent must be patched, sanded perfectly flush and coated with a high-bonding primer to establish a completely uniform canvas. Without this rigorous foundation, your glossy finish will only highlight the very things you want to hide."

2. Use "self-leveling" high gloss paint

"Do not settle for standard, off-the-shelf latex paint if you are determined to take this on yourself," advises Brown. Instead, she recommends investing in a premium paint with "self-leveling" properties, such as specialized enamel or water-borne alkyd paint.

"These advanced formulas are engineered to flatten out organically as they dry, doing the heavy lifting to erase brush strokes and roller stipple," she explains.

3. Apply multiple, super thin coats

"Impatience is the enemy of a beautiful high-gloss finish, as heavy coats will immediately result in sagging, runs, and unsightly pooling," says Ewert. "Use a premium synthetic brush or a high-density foam roller to apply several ultra-thin coats, ensuring you allow ample drying time between each. Lightly sand with an ultra-fine grit block between layers to preserve that glassy, sophisticated look."

4. Start with a small area

Ewert views high gloss as a "specialty finish" that's best suited for smaller areas like trims, doors, cabinets and tiny rooms as opposed to entire walls.

"A powder bath, vanity area or even a small accent piece are great ways to try a high gloss finish without committing to a whole room," she says.

View this post on Instagram These Are the Best Paint Finishes to Apply Yourself

If Brown and Ewert have successfully de-influenced you from applying high gloss paint, here are their three recommendations for the best paint for DIY projects.

1. Eggshell View this post on Instagram

When it comes to DIY proejcts, eggshell is the go-to paint finish for both Ewert and Brown.

"Eggshell is the easiest to apply and the most forgiving and works well in different types of spaces," says Ewert.

"It provides a soft, low-reflective glow that breathes life into a space while remaining forgiving enough to beautifully mask minor rolling imperfections," adds Brown. "Plus, it offers just enough wipeable durability to handle the beautiful chaos of a home that is lovingly lived in."

2. Satin View this post on Instagram

"Satin sheens are also easy to work with and provide durability in high-use areas due to its cleanable nature," says Ewert.

"For higher-traffic areas, trim, or spaces prone to moisture like kitchens and baths, satin delivers a beautiful, pearlescent radiance without the finicky nature of a true gloss," echoes Brown. "It offers excellent washability and resistance to wear, making it highly functional for daily life. Best of all, it goes on smoothly with a standard brush or roller, giving DIYers a clean, professional finish every time."

3. Matte View this post on Instagram

"If your walls have texture, patches, or settling lines, a rich matte finish is your absolute best friend," advises Brown. "Because it absorbs light rather than reflecting it, it completely camouflages surface flaws and blends seamlessly as you paint. It is incredibly easy to apply, leaving a velvety, grounded texture that feels instantly timeless and sophisticated."

Ewert adds that matte paints "are also easier to apply and hide imperfections during application." However, they can be a bit more difficult to clean than eggshell and satin sheens.

Up Next:

Related: I Thought I'd Ruined My Tomato Garden—Turns Out This Common Problem Has an Easy Fix

Sources:

• Selah Ewert, interior designer and General Manager at Neil Kelly
• Stephanie Brown, Co-Founder of Saint Louise Design

Platform wedges, slip dresses and mom jeans are among the '90s trends that have come back in vogue in recent years. But there are certain '90s trends, especially regarding health, that never went out of style.

"The 1990s were a time of novel health awareness, which differed in some distinct ways from the preceding and following decades," states Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. "The 1980s health news was dominated by the discovery of the HIV virus and AIDS."

After 9/11, Dr. Cutler says the risk of terrorism dominated the news and was seen as a top health threat. "The decade in between was dominated by the development of the internet, the popularity of exercise videos and the availability of treatment for HIV, along with the notion of 'safe sex.'"

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, the chief medical advisor for Garage Gym Reviews, tells Parade it's important to reassess trends from prior decades and critically evaluate the current ones. Health advice changes regularly, and not every piece of advice out there is accurate to begin with, especially with so much information now available on the internet. For instance, he urges us to keep in mind that anecdotes are not always the best evidence.

"A personal success story can be encouraging, but it does not prove that something is safe or effective for everyone," Dr. Dasgupta notes. "Look for guidance from major medical organizations and studies involving meaningful numbers of people and always speak with your doctor."

However, doctors agree that there are some '90s health tips that still hold up today. Read on to find out what they are.

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10 '90s Health Tips That Actually Hold up Today1. Quit smoking

Though it was still possible to smoke in some restaurants, the 1990s saw a rise in treatments to help people kick their smoking habits, like nicotine patches. Doctors, scientists and everyday people who urged patients and loved ones to quit smoking had it right then—and now.

"This trend needs little to no explanation," Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, MPH, a family physician, says. "There is an overwhelming body of scientific evidence that links smoking to numerous health problems, cancer and death. If you’re considering quitting, speak with your family physician for support and to discuss options."

What if you started smoking in the Y2K era (or never quit in the '90s)?

"Quitting at any age improves health and life expectancy—[this statement] is absolutely still true," Dr. Cutler says. "If anything, the evidence is even stronger today."

2. Avoid illicit drug use

Say what you want about the DARE program, which anyone who went to school in the '90s likely participated in—but that advice still holds up. Avoiding illicit drugs, including heroin, cocaine and prescription medications that aren't prescribed to you is still life-saving.

"Trends in recreational drug use come and go, but avoiding drugs will never fall out of favor as a way to improve health," Dr. Malchuk notes.

Dr. Dasgupta agrees, noting that illicit drugs can affect every organ in the body, like the brain, liver, heart and lungs. They can also wreak havoc on your mental well-being.

"Even occasional use can be risky since you may not know exactly what is in a drug or how strong it is," he says. "It also helps to talk about drug use without shame so people feel comfortable asking for help."

3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

Doctors, public health officials and your parents were right (sorry about the last one). Dr. Cutler recalls that the "5 A Day" campaign, encouraging people to consume five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, began in the early 1990s. Since then, he points out that research continues to support the idea that fruits and vegetables (and legumes and whole grains) lower your risk of several issues, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers and premature death.

4. At-home workout videos are awesome

You may have ditched the VHS that once helped you sweat with Jane Fonda. But videos on an app or YouTube can work just as well. Dr. Malchuk loves how easy and accessible workout videos make it to exercise.

Dr. Cutler shares that the 1995 CDC/ACSM recommendation encouraged adults to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days. That advice still holds today, with the American Heart Association recommending that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly, plus two strength-training sessions.

5. Go rollerblading

If indoor, at-home workout videos aren't your thing when it's 70 and sunny out, travel back in time on wheels. Rollerblading was a popular way to get around in the '90s. While we see e-bikes more often these days, rollerblading holds a special place in Dr. Dasgupta's heart.

"Rollerblading is one of those activities that feels more like fun than exercise, but it can still be a solid cardio workout," he says. "It gets your heart rate up while also working your legs and helping with balance and coordination."

He suggests beginners (or people who haven't worn rollerblades since *NSYNC was still together) wear a helmet and pads, choose a flat surface and start slowly.

"Spend 10 minutes at an indoor rink or on a smooth, flat trail and build up from there," Dr. Dasgupta notes.

Related: This Is the #1 Unexpected Way Your Body Is Telling You That You Have a Vitamin D Deficiency

6. Play outside

Yes, you too, adults. "Getting outside is an easy way to be more active without making it feel like a formal workout," Dr. Dasgupta tells Parade. "Walking is a great low-impact option that can improve heart health, stamina and mood. Activities like gardening, hiking or playing outside all count too."

He recommends taking a 20-minute walk in a park, spending time in the garden, or planning an outdoor activity with friends or family (pickleball or adult field day, anyone?).

7. Soy is nutritious

In the '90s, soy products went from being niche health foods to mainstream products readily available at most major grocery stores. Dr. Dasgupta wasn't mad about it then or now.

"Foods like tofu, edamame, tempeh and soy milk are good sources of plant-based protein," he says. "They can be a healthy addition to your diet, especially when they replace foods that are higher in saturated fat. Soy may also help support healthy cholesterol levels."

To re-engage with this trend, Dr. Dasgupta suggests adding some edamame to a grain bowl, using tofu in a stir-fry, or sipping unsweetened, calcium-fortified soy milk.

8. Get recommended vaccinations

In 1989, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommended a second dose of the MMR vaccine for all children in response to measles outbreaks in vaccinated children. By 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S.

Shoutout to the parents in the 1990s who got their kids vaccinated (and the little ones who rolled up their sleeves). Unfortunately, the U.S. has seen multiple measles outbreaks in recent years. Dr. Cutler says that the advice to stay up to date on vaccines hasn't changed. In fact, he says that we've been fortunate to gain access to several more vaccines since the 1990s, including:

• HPV
• Shingles
• Newer pneumococcal vaccines
• RSV vaccines for older adults and some infants
• Updated COVID-19 vaccines
• Chickenpox (in 1994)

"Routine immunization has prevented millions of deaths," Dr. Cutler says.

9. Wear a helmet when riding a bike

California became the first state to enact a helmet law in 1987. Other states, including New Jersey (1992), Oregon (1993) and New York (1994) soon followed.

While states only require helmets for children under certain ages, some municipalities require everyone to wear one. Regardless, Dr. Cutler says it's worth rocking one in adulthood. He says helmet use can reduce:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Skull fractures
• Fatal head injuries

She notes that ski helmets also became popular in the 1990s.

10. In-person interaction is fulfilling

Ironically, social media may not fill our social cup like our 1990s-era gatherings. Indeed, before Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and even widespread use of AIM and text messaging, many people placed a greater emphasis on face-to-face time.

"This is important more than ever before, as smartphones and social media can detract from meaningful social interactions," Dr. Malchuk says. "Further, we’re learning more and more about the negative way that social media and 'clickbait' websites impact our self-esteem, brain, sleep and mood."

Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists What Group Activity Is Best for Adults—They All Said the Same Thing

5 '90s Health Trends That Are (Thankfully) Over

Doctors wish these health trends didn't exist in the 1990s, and it's best to avoid them today.

1. Thinking opiate pain medication use isn't addictive

Dr. Cutler thinks that "the most profound trend change from the 1990s is our attitude toward opiate pain medication."

"These drugs were often seen as a panacea for all types of acute and chronic pain," he says. "Published studies lauded the low risk of addiction when treating pain."

So, OxyContin, fentanyl and similar drugs were used for managing numerous benign but painful conditions. "All that has changed with the recognition of the scourge of addiction, the epidemic of overdose deaths and the great harm caused by this illicit drug industry," Dr. Cutler explains.

Related: What To Know About the ‘Pink Salt Trick,’ the New Weight Loss Method Everyone’s Talking About

2. Using the "no pain, no gain" motto while exercising

"This is probably the worst PR campaign for exercise ever," Dr. Malchuk declares.

Indeed, contrary to what trainers may have barked out, he notes that exercise isn't supposed to be painful.

"It should be effective, yes, but also enjoyable," she says. "Enjoyable doesn’t mean easy. You want to challenge yourself, but exercise should not make you miserable or work to the point of maximal exertion at all times, or so sore you can barely walk the next day."

3. Trying to "spot reduce" fat with products

It wasn't your fault the ThighMaster didn't work. "These tools can help strengthen a muscle, but they cannot control where your body loses fat," Dr. Dasgupta notes. "You may feel your abs or thighs working, but that does not mean fat will come off from that exact area."

4. Drinking 12 ounces of orange juice to be healthy

OJ was once a ubiquitous breakfast-table staple. These days? Not so much.

"Orange juice does provide vitamin C, but a 12-ounce serving also contains a lot of natural sugar and very little fiber," Dr. Dasgupta reports. "It is not something you have to avoid completely, but a smaller portion makes more sense, and whole fruit is usually the better everyday choice."

5. Believing restrictive fad diets work

Good riddance to liquid diets, cabbagesoup diets and others like it.

"Totally eliminating a food or entire food group makes you feel deprived and does not improve health," Dr. Malchuk tells Parade, noting that rigid, restrictive diets can backfire. "For some people, it can contribute to disordered eating. There are exceptions—like people with certain medical conditions that need to limit their daily salt or water intake, or people with food allergies. But overall, all whole foods should be enjoyed."

"When we talk about ultra-processed foods—which includes everything from fast food to protein shakes—the evidence points toward limiting these," Dr. Malchuk clarifies.

Up Next:

Related: What Happens to Your Body When You Lift Weights Every Day?

Sources:

• Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center
• Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, the chief medical advisor for Garage Gym Reviews
• Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, MPH, a family physician
• Treatment Options for Smoking in the ‘90s. Therapeutic Review.
• California’s “5 a Day—for Better Health!” Campaign: An Innovative Population-Based Effort to Effect Large-Scale Dietary Change.American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
• Increasing fruit and vegetable variety helps to lower disease risk. American Society for Nutrition.
• Physical activity and public health. A recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine. JAMA.
• American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids. American Heart Association.
• Saturated Fat. American Heart Association.
• Cumulative Meta‐Analysis of the Soy Effect Over Time. JAHA.
• History of Measles. CDC.
• Measles Cases and Outbreaks. CDC.
• MV PICCS Intervention: Bicycle Helmet Laws for Children. CDC.
• An experimental online study on the impact of negative social media comments on anxiety and mood. Scientific Reports.
• Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic. CDC.

In the mid '70s, a much-loved Spanish pop song crossed borders to become a timeless British anthem.

Originally recorded in Dutch and released in 1971 by Belgian musician Samantha, "Eviva España" was written by Belgian composer Leo Caerts and lyricist Leo Rozenstraten.

The track was rerecorded and rereleased as "Y Viva España" in 1973 by Spanish singer Manolo Escobar. Around the same time, Swedish music icon Sylvia Vrethammar released the English version, with additional lyrics from Edward Seago. Her rendition took the charts by storm, solidifying it as a classic British hit.

"Oh, this year we're off to sunny Spain," the chorus begins, with the song detailing a sun-soaked vacation. "Y Viva España" became synonymous with the beloved British package holiday, which sees Brits jet off to the Mediterranean on all-inclusive breaks that typically include flights, hotels, meals, beverages, and coach transfers. These types of vacations became popular in the early 1950s as the post-war holiday boom took off, with one million Britons traveling abroad. Belgian entrepreneur Gérard Blitz founded the first Club Med village in Alcúdia, Mallorca, in 1950, offering tents, food, and activities for one upfront cost.

The song spent over six months on the Official Singles Chart, peaking at No. 4 in Sept. 1974 and selling over one million copies globally.

Vrethammar's "Y Viva España" became a pop culture phenomenon, prominently featuring in British film and television throughout the years. It has soundtracked episodes of sitcoms such as Only Fools & Horses and Benidorm, and often plays during TV documentaries and sporting events. Following Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup win, Billboardlisted the track among its "75 songs to celebrate Spain's World Cup victory" playlist.

The song's predecessor, Escobar's Spanish version, sold over six million copies and became a cultural anthem in Spain.

Related: 1976 No. 1 Hit, the Group’s Only-Ever Chart-Topper, Named ‘Greatest Song of the ’70s’

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You can never have enough storage at home. Whether it's your kitchen, bedroom, or living room that could use a little organizing, a set of baskets can help you make sense of the chaos. In some cases, they can even add some style to the room. That's the case with the Mehoom Wicker Storage Basket Set, which comes with three woven containers that exude a homey, down-to-earth vibe.

The beauty of this trio is all in its versatility. Each basket is a different size, opening up a world of usage possibilities around the house. It's an awesome deal at Walmart right now too, reduced from its usual $49 to just $21 for the green, beige, and gray versions. There's also a dark brown version for $23, plus a two-piece set of beige hanging wall baskets for $24.

Mehoom Wicker Storage Basket Set, From $21 (was $49) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

You'll receive one each in small, medium, and large sizes, with sizes ranging from about 7 to 10 inches across. That kind of variety gives you plenty of space to store both smaller and bulkier items with ease. The baskets have attached lids, which help block out moisture and dust to keep everything clean and concealed.

The rustic design alone sets these baskets apart from their more utilitarian counterparts. The woven texture lends it a cottagecore feel, complete with distinctive texture and a country-inspired coziness that instantly warms up any room. What's especially nice is that this is a very classic look, so you can easily weave it into your existing traditional or transitional layout.

The storage possibilities are virtually limitless with this set. It can easily be used to sort out toys, keep beauty products in one place, or sort out items in the kitchen or bathroom. Several people mentioned they use the baskets to organize craft supplies, towels, charging cables, books, and coffee station essentials. They're also nestable, so when they aren't in use they occupy minimal space and slide right out of the way. Even maintaining them is easy. The fabric liner inside each basket is removable and machine washable.

"These are really handy for storage and organization," one shopper wrote, describing the design as "cute and decorative." Another person called them "very sturdy and strong" and added that the trio is "well worth the price."

Related: Walmart's Freestanding Storage Cabinet Is an 'Elegant' Way to Declutter Kitchens and Entryways

Whether you need to tidy up or you just want to keep some stylish storage handy for the future, the Mehoom Wicker Storage Basket Set makes an affordable choice that works well in any part of the home. Snap it up for as low as $21 before this flash sale ends!

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.

Do you naturally embody old-soul karmic wisdom? Some people seem to carry themselves differently. They aren't always the loudest person in the room, yet friends naturally turn to them when life gets complicated. They have a calming presence, ask thoughtful questions, and often leave you thinking about a conversation long after it's over.

Many believe that kind of perspective comes from an old soul—someone who seems to have learned a few extra lessons along the way. Whether you see it as life experience or karmic wisdom, these four birth months are often known for looking beyond what's happening today and seeing the bigger story.

4 Birth Months Hold Old Soul Karmic Wisdom

Those with birthdays in February, June, September, and November show old-soul karmic wisdom, each in their own way.

February

February-born people rarely settle for the obvious answer. They're the ones asking questions that make everyone else stop and think. They enjoy learning about people, ideas, and the reasons behind why things happen instead of simply accepting them at face value. You won't usually find them arguing to prove a point. People born in February are far more interested in understanding different viewpoints, and that's one reason people often leave a conversation with them feeling heard instead of judged. Whether you're an imaginative Aquarius or a compassionate Pisces, you often see possibilities that other people overlook.

June

There's something reassuring about many people born in June. They know when to let someone talk, when to offer encouragement, and when silence says more than another opinion ever could. Born as a curious Gemini or a nurturing Cancer, they naturally make people feel welcome and understood. Friends often trust this birth month with personal problems because they don't rush to hand out unsolicited advice. They'd rather listen carefully first. As a great listener, this simple habit makes people feel comfortable enough to open up, offering wisdom that's harder to find.

RELATE?: Mercury Retrograde Is Finally Over — These 4 Zodiac Signs Benefit the Most

September

Attuned as an analytical Virgo or a balanced Libra, this birth month values thoughtful decisions over impulsive reactions. September-born people like to take their time before making up their minds. While others may jump to conclusions, they're usually still putting the pieces together. They notice details, remember past experiences, and quietly weigh everything before deciding what feels right. When people want an honest opinion instead of a quick reaction, a friend born in September is often the wise friend they seek out. Their perspective is grounded, healing, and empowering.

EXPLORE: How to Attract More Money and Wealth, Based on Your Birth Date

November

November-borns have a depth that's easy to miss at first. They don't always reveal what they're thinking, but they're paying attention. Every challenge, disappointment, and success becomes another lesson they carry with them. As an intense Scorpio or an adventurous Sagittarius, you meet life's challenges with resilience and a desire to keep growing. Because of that, they often have a grounded outlook on life. They know difficult seasons don't last forever, and they rarely let temporary setbacks define who they are. That quiet resilience is one of the reasons others admire them, even if they don't always say it out loud.

UP NEXT:

If you’ve ever tried to organize a big multi-generational family vacation, you already know the ultimate lodging dilemma.

If you book a cluster of standard hotel rooms, your group ends up scattered down long hallways with nowhere comfortable to actually hang out together. But if you rent a private vacation home, someone inevitably gets stuck playing chef, bartender, and housekeeper—completely defeating the point of a vacation.

Now, one of Riviera Maya's most popular all-inclusive resorts is stepping in with a clever solution that bridges the gap between private home living and full-service resort luxury.

Related: Marriott Just Dropped a Massive All-Inclusive Summer Sale

Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa

Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa—a AAA Four Diamond property located just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos—has officially debuted its new Club & Villas section. Designed specifically for families and groups who want extra space without sacrificing the ease of an all-inclusive, the newly built enclave introduces 70 oceanfront suites and 10 standalone, two-story villas.

The 1,291-square-foot two-story villas serve as the ultimate multi-gen basecamp, offering two separate bedrooms (fitting up to eight guests), a full living area, a kitchenette, three full bathrooms, and a private terrace with its own heated plunge pool.

Beyond the extra square footage, the upgrade acts as an exclusive "resort-within-a-resort" pass. Villa guests receive dedicated butler service and access to exclusive perks like in-villa floating breakfasts, private outdoor BBQs, and custom sushi-and-sake dinners.

Related: Why Zemi Miches is the DR's Ultimate New 'Quiet Luxury' All-Inclusive

It also solves another major challenge of family travel: balancing kid-friendly chaos with adult downtime. While younger kids spend the day riding the resort's towering waterslides or playing at the Explorer's Club, adults in the Club & Villas section get exclusive access to an adults-only rooftop infinity pool with a swim-up Sky Bar, the rooftop Gohan sushi bar, and private dining at Seaside Grill.

As the demand for privacy, personalized service, and multi-bedroom setups continues to reshape high-end travel, Dreams Sapphire’s new enclave proves you don’t have to choose between the privacy of a luxury home and the stress-free ease of an all-inclusive.

Related: Mexico’s Newly Facelifted Resort is Perfect for Gen-X Travelers—And Here’s Why

Morgan Fairchild played the lead role on Flamingo Road, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She went on to appear in other iconic series like Paper Dolls, Falcon Crest, Murphy Brown, Two and a Half Men, Roseanne, and Friends. She also appeared in a single episode of Dallas as Jenna Wade.

When Remind Magazine asked why she didn’t return for additional episodes of Dallas, Fairchild explained, “They asked me after Flamingo Road got canceled, and it was the same production company. But at that point, I had a development deal for a show of my own that I would be a producer on. So I decided not to do Dallas. At that point, Dallas had been on for like seven or eight years. In your mind, you’re thinking, do I get to be a producer of my own show or go into a show that maybe it’s going to run another year or two? Who knew it was going to go on forever? Maybe I would have just dumped mine and done it because mine ended up not panning out. But who knew?”

Related: 1955 ‘I Love Lucy’ Episode, Starring William Holden, Was Ranked No. 1 in the Entire Series

During her interview, Fairchild also spoke about working alongside Larry Hagman, who played J. R. Ewing on Dallas. “I remember when we were shooting the episode because some of the actors were not doing real Texas accents,” she said. “They were kind of doing Southern accents. Larry and I were the only two native Texans on the set. So, the producers said, why don’t you go over and talk to Morgan or Larry and get the accent right. So, some of the actors would come up with their scripts and say, ‘Can you just say these lines in Texican so I can hear what it should sound like?' Larry and I always laughed about that."

Related: ‘The Love Boat’ Star Exposes One Man on Set Who ‘Was Not a Good Human’

Fairchild went on to praise her former co-star. “He was a real sweetheart," she said. "Larry and I did a lot of charity events together, too. Willie Nelson‘s an old friend. Willie would sometimes ask Larry and I to emcee charity events he was doing in Texas. We would always do it. Larry would always show up in the Stetson and packs of $100 bills of 'Larry' money. But he was always great fun, such a sweet, nice guy.”

Hangman died in 2012 at the age of 81.

A morning cup of coffee is one of life's simple pleasures and for many of us, it's non-negotiable. The last thing anyone expects is for it to come with a health warning.

Brooklyn Roasting Company has voluntarily recalled approximately 1,219 units of its Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate after concerns that improper storage could create a risk of botulism, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recalled product was sold in 2.5-gallon bags packed inside boxes and distributed in New York and New Jersey between April 1 and June 20, 2026. Affected products have best-by dates ranging from June 3, 2026, through Sept. 3, 2026.

According to the FDA, ambient storage conditions could allow the formation of Clostridium botulinum toxin, the bacteria responsible for botulism. While the recall has been classified as Class II, meaning the risk of serious health consequences is considered remote, consumers are still urged not to consume the product. Instead, it should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that botulism can be life-threatening because it attacks the nervous system. Early symptoms may include trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing, along with blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming the recalled coffee should seek medical attention immediately.

Consumers can identify the recalled product by checking the lot codes and best-by dates listed in the FDA recall notice.

Ernest Hemingway is one of the most famous authors of all time. He wrote classic books like The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and For Whom the Bell Tolls. His 1952 novel, The Old Man and the Sea, was named one of the “Best Books Ever” on Goodreads.

The Old Man and the Sea, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, remained on the New York Times Best Sellers list for six months. Hemingway called the book "the best I can write ever for all of my life,” according to NPR. It was the last novel that the author published during his lifetime.

Related: Award-Winning Drama Named the Best Movie of 2026 That You Haven’t Heard About

The book, which has 4.7-stars on Amazon, is described as “one of the most enduring works of American fiction. It is the story of an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, and his supreme ordeal: a relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.”

Hemingway spoke about the creation of the book in a 1958 interview with The Paris Review. “I had unbelievable luck this time and could convey the experience completely and have it be one that no one had ever conveyed,” he said. “The luck was that I had a good man and a good boy, and lately writers have forgotten there still are such things. Then the ocean is worth writing about just as man is. So I was lucky there. I’ve seen the marlin mate and know about that. So I leave that out. I’ve seen a school (or pod) of more than fifty sperm whales in that same stretch of water, and once harpooned one nearly sixty feet in length and lost him. So I left that out. All the stories I know from the fishing village I leave out. But the knowledge is what makes the underwater part of the iceberg.”

Related:Horrific ‘Twilight Zone’ Episode About a Twisted Long-Distance Love Named the Best From the Reboot

Hemingway and his wife were severely injured during two separate plane crashes in 1954, which happened one day after another. In 1961, he died by suicide. He was 61.

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

For an artist who has spent years building one of indie music's most distinctive voices, Justin Vernon spent Friday night celebrating someone else's. At his Eaux Claires festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the Bon Iver frontman traded his own catalog for Bob Dylan's, performing an entire set devoted to the Nobel Prize-winning songwriter in a performance cheekily billed as "Bon Dylan."

Rather than treating Dylan's music like untouchable classics, Vernon approached the songs the same way he's built his own career: with emotion and just enough unpredictability to make them feel new again. The set stretched across more than a dozen songs, pairing beloved standards including "Tangled Up in Blue," "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and "All Along the Watchtower" with deeper album cuts like "Shooting Star" and "When He Returns."

But the Dylan tribute wasn't the night's only surprise. Later in the evening, Vernon returned for an unannounced Bon Iver performance - his first full set of original material since 2023.

The unexpected appearance featured favorites including "Flume," "Re: Stacks," and "Speyside," along with the early rarity "Hayward, WI" and the unreleased John Prine tribute "Room to Spare." He also opened the set with Kevin Morby's "Die Young," stepping in after Morby withdrew from this year's festival.

The doubleheader offered two different sides of Vernon in one night: first as a fan paying tribute to one of songwriting's greatest influences, then as Bon Iver, returning to the stage with his own music after nearly three years away.

If you’ve tried booking a family vacation or group getaway recently, you already know the painful reality: airfares have soared, planes are packed to the brim, and extra carrier fees seem to multiply the moment you add more passengers to a booking. But if you’re willing to take a trip on your own, you hold a massive, unexpected advantage.

According to a new data report from Dollar Flight Club, traveling solo can save you up to 30 percent on airfare right now—making late summer and early autumn the absolute best time to book that getaway nobody else wanted to help plan.

The secret behind the price drop comes down to how airline booking algorithms operate. Airlines sell their lowest fares in tiny, single-seat batches. When a group of four tries to book, the algorithm automatically bumps all four passengers into a higher, more expensive fare tier if there aren't four discounted seats remaining. A solo traveler, however, can sweep in and grab that final, heavily discounted seat.

Related: 'I've Been Solo Adventuring For 3 Decades—This Is the One Destination I Recommend to Everyone'

On top of that, budget carriers punish groups with seat-selection fees, individual baggage charges, and strict cancellation policies. Flying solo allows you to breeze past those hidden costs: you can pack a single personal item, accept whatever seat the airline assigns you, and jump on midweek departures or red-eyes that groups simply can't coordinate.

If you’re ready to take advantage of the solo savings, Dollar Flight Club tracked fares across more than 65 major U.S. airports to pinpoint the absolute cheapest destinations to book right now.

Related: The Rise of the ‘Solo Social’ Trip: 5 Best Getaways for Travelers Who Want to Go Alone—But Not Stay Alone

The Best Beach & City Escapes Beautiful Landscape from drone point of view looking over La Jolla, CA. January 2019

Brandon Colbert Photography

For a quick coastal reset, San Diego is the undisputed winner, with roundtrip fares dropping as low as $45 without requiring a red-eye flight. If you want a full-fledged island escape, San Juan, Puerto Rico is clocking in at just $111 roundtrip—delivering a tropical, international feel without even needing a passport.

If vibrant culture and counter-style dining are more your speed, urban hubs are built for solo wandering. San Francisco is sitting at a remarkable $55 roundtrip, while music and culinary hotspots like New Orleans and Nashville are both coming in under $80. Both cities offer walkable layouts, live music, and bar-seating dining scenes where eating alone feels like part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Related: These Are the U.S. States Where Solo Travel Is Officially Taking Over

The Top Outdoor & International Spots

Dollar Flight Club

Solo travel and nature go hand-in-hand—there is nobody to slow you down on the trail or veto a 6:00 AM trailhead start. Phoenix is currently the cheapest gateway into the Grand Canyon at $45 roundtrip, while Bozeman, Montana is a rare sleeper deal at $96, offering an unusually affordable doorway into Yellowstone National Park.

For transatlantic dreamers, Reykjavík, Iceland is serving as the cheapest entry point into Europe at $329 roundtrip, while cultural heavyweights like Rome, Dublin, and Porto are all hovering right around the $400 mark—an impressive rate for peak-season international travel. Down south, Mexico City stands out as one of the world's premier solo destinations with roundtrip flights starting at $224.

The takeaway? If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book a spontaneous solo adventure, set your fare alerts, pack a light carry-on, and move fast when that single-seat discount pops up.

Related: Cruising Solo? 5 Cruise Lines That Completely Eliminate the Single Supplement Fee

“Harper Valley PTA” is a country song released by Jeannie C. Riley in 1968. She was the first woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 and US Hot Country Singles charts with the same song. The next woman to achieve this accomplishment was Dolly Parton when she released “9 to 5” thirteen years later.

“Harper Valley PTA” is a timeless anthem about a mother who confronts the PTA after her daughter comes home with a note criticizing her clothing and behavior. Tom T. Hall, who wrote the song, told The Boot that the lyrics are based on a true story.

"I chose the story to make a statement, but I changed the names to protect the innocent,” he revealed. “There were 10 kids in our family. We'd get up in the morning, and my mother and father would get bored with us running around, and we'd go terrorize the neighbors up and down this little road we lived on. After we had done our chores, of course. I was just hanging around downtown when I was about nine years old, and heard the story and got to know this lady. I was fascinated by her grit. To see this very insignificant, socially disenfranchised lady - a single mother - who was willing to march down to the local aristocracy and read them the riot act, so to speak, was fascinating."

The song won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. It also inspired the 1978 comedy film with the same name. It starred Barbara Eden, Nanette Fabray, Ronny Cox, Louis Nye, and Susan Swift. It also inspired a television show of the same name, which lasted for two seasons. It aired on NBC and starred Barbara Eden, who reprised her role from the film.

Related: 1966 No. 1 Hit, Named One of the Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time, Was Based on a Gospel Song

Although “Harper Valley PTA” was a major success, Riley never had another number one hit again. She became a born-again Christian in the 70s and switched to recording gospel music instead of country and pop. She is currently 80.

In the early 2000s, Norwegian heavy metal band Green Carnation released a song with a run time of over an hour.

Released on Nov. 19, 2001, "Light of Day, Day of Darkness" clocks in at exactly 60 minutes and 6 seconds and spans the length of the entire album of the same name. The song was written by the band's founding guitarist Terje Vik Schei — known as Tchort — and was inspired by the death of his daughter and the birth of his son.

These monumental events brought to life a powerful and emotional track that acts as a bridge between despair and hope.

"'Light of Day, Day of Darkness' is a story, kind of, both musically and lyrically; the story is told from A to Z," vocalist Kjetil Nordhus told Metal Injection in a 2019 interview. "When you watch a movie, you don't go into the movie and two-thirds of the way through watch a different ten minutes, or go directly to the first part again to back to the last part. It was an ambitious decision not to do it in tracks, because no one had done it before, but it was the right thing for that song."

Nordhus mused that it might have been "stupid to do it this way, because it didn't make things any easier," but the daring choice may also be part of the reason the album got the status it did many years later. Rather than being split up for streaming services, the song is featured as one continuous track on Spotify.

He continued, "We dared to do that, to challenge people to listen to it from the first to the last second."

Formed in Kristiansand, Norway, in 1990, the rockers released the debut studio album, Journey to the End of the Night, on May 28, 2000. From 2007 through 2014, the band went on an extended hiatus before returning to the scene in 2016 and releasing the comeback studio album, Leaves of Yesteryear, in 2020.

Related: 2002 Rock Song, Lasting Over 42 Minutes, Is a Progressive Anthem

Lil Wayne, the New Orleans-born rapper known to proclaim, "Weezy F Baby" — who knew the 'F' could've stood for "fifteen-year-old father"?

That's right — the never-shy hip-hop legend has opened up on a wide range of topics over his impressive 20+ year run as one of rap's greatest lyricists, whether it be his unique perspective on police, his sports hot takes with Skip Bayless, and now his daughter, who is pushing 30 while he's still a young 43.

Avid fans know his story, but you don't hear him delve into his personal life often outside of his lyrics.

Jumping on the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, hosted by Benny Blancoand Lil Dicky, he went viral by spilling milk — on, well, his odd milk quirk — but more notably, how he handled the responsibility of fatherhood at the age of 15.

And no, it wasn't an "oops baby."

Related: Two Hip-Hop Legends Share Stage for the First Time in 16 Years

Lil Wayne's Mom Asked Him for Grandchild — at Age 14

Lil Wayne a.k.a. Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. admittedly had a rough upbringing, which helps explain the introspective storytelling woven throughout much of his music.

His stepfather — whom he described as the father he looked up to — was killed. Wayne also accidentally shot himself as a child, and he grew up in New Orleans' notoriously tough Hollygrove neighborhood, where gunshots were an everyday soundtrack.

When his stepdad died, Wayne's mom, Jacida Carter, became lonely as she no longer had a spouse and her teenage son was already on tour. She believed Wayne was strong enough at the age of 14 to become a father, and practically begged him for a grandchild.

View this post on Instagram

Wayne revealed on the podcast, “My mom asked for my kid. My dad had just got murdered that year. The same year I blew up …"

Adding, "We was on the road for like six months. When I came home, she was like, ‘Is this what you're about to be doing? … You were gone for too long. I’m lonely. My husband’s gone.’ So she was like, ‘Listen, let's have a sit-down. Me, you, and Toya.’”

Antonia "Toya" Johnson was his girlfriend at the time. Before long, Toya was pregnant with Reginae Carter, when Wayne was just 15 years old.

She was born November 29, 1998.

Many fans likely knew he had a daughter, but may not have realized how close in age they are. Reginae has even appeared alongside her father on "Famous" from Tha Carter V, one of several moments where Wayne has let fans into his personal life.

There may be more personal stories to come too, as Wayne announced he is co-hosting a new podcast, The Joint Venture.

Roger Taylor is celebrating another milestone.

The legendary Queen drummer turns 77 today, marking more than five decades since he helped found one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Known for his powerful drumming, soaring vocals and songwriting contributions to hits including "Radio Ga Ga" and "These Are the Days of Our Lives," Taylor has remained a driving force behind Queen's enduring legacy.

The British musician and record producer first got his start in music when he was just 15 years old, joining a band at school. In the 1960s, Taylor met Brian May, and they joined a band called Smile along with Tim Staffell. After two years as a band, Smile disbanded, but May and Taylor eventually created Queen with Freddie Mercury (who was a fan of Smile) and recruited John Deacon soon after. In 1973, Queen released their self-titled debut album and have since become an unforgettable, iconic rock band.

British band Queen was awarded the No.1 position in Japanese music magazine Music Life's popularity poll and given commemorative plaques in Tokyo, Japan, on April 8, 1975.

Gutchie Kojima/Shinko Music/Getty Images

Few bands have left as lasting a mark on rock music as Queen. They redefined the genre of rock with their theatrical performances, genre-blending sound and anthemic hits including "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You", "We Are the Champions" and more. Decades after the band's rise to fame, Queen's music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing its status as one of the most influential and celebrated rock bands in history. Last year, Billboard ranked Queen No.5 on their list of best rock bands.

"One secret to Queen’s enduring success is that all four members individually wrote massive, timeless hits for the band," the publication wrote. Taylor specifically wrote "Radio Ga-Ga," which was the lead single for the band's 1984 album, The Works. The hit, which went No. 1 in various countries, inspired the stage name of Lady Gaga. The song's inspiration came when Taylor heard his son utter the phrase "radio ca-ca" while they were driving around Los Angeles, reacting to a song playing on the radio that he disliked.

"The song is a bit mixed up as far as what I wanted to say," Taylor said in an interview in 1984. "It deals with how important radio used to be, historically speaking, before television, and how important it was to me as a kid."

In addition to Queen, Taylor had a successful solo career throughout the 1970s and 1980s, releasing six solo albums. Though Queen was already super successful all across the globe, Taylor formed a solo project for "a bigger outlet."

"I felt I was getting more creative, and I wanted a bigger outlet for it than Queen gave me," he said. "I wanted, I suppose, to be more than just a member of the band."

Roger Taylor of Queen + Adam Lambert performs at Scotiabank Arena on October 08, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario.

Jeremychanphotography/Getty Images

Queen drastically changed when their frontman, Freddie Mercury, passed away after battling AIDS. Taylor is still very active in the music industry and is currently prepping for a UK tour to support his most recent project, Violence Insane in a Beautiful World. He is set to perform in various cities, including Newcastle, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, London and Swansea from Sept. 21 to 29.

The album, Violence Insane in a Beautiful World, is set to be released on Sept. 18.

"It's a beautiful world, you know. And kindness is very important, I think, it seems to be forgotten quite a lot," Taylor said in a statement.

Related: '70s Rock Legend and Founding Member of Iconic Rock Band Turns 79

In 1973, the Sweet had their biggest hit in the United States with “Little Willy.”  Fifty-three years later, the song remains a turning point in the British glam band’s history—a massive American breakthrough that arrived just as the band made major changes.

Written by hitmakers Michael Chapman and Nicky Chinn, “Little Willy” featured a punchy beat, handclaps, and a call-and-response chorus. The song became a glam-pop anthem in the U.S., reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1973, more than a year after it hit in the UK.

But by the time U.S. fans got wind of the song, the Sweet had already transitioned to a heavier sound.

In an interview with Rocker for Life, Sweet guitarist Andy Scott explained that with “Little Willy,” America embraced a song from an era the band was already trying to move beyond.

“The only [early song] that made it into the charts was ‘Little Willy,’ which was a really weird situation, because it arrived a year and a half after it had been a hit in the UK, and we had moved on from that kind of innuendo stuff into something a little bit more, shall we say ‘rocky,’“ he explained. “So, when we hit America, we didn’t support ‘Little Willy,’ which was probably unfortunate. But as our then manager said, ‘If you’d supported ‘Little Willy,’ and if you didn’t back it up, you’d have been one of those bands that would be in the annals of that was a nice one-hit wonder band.’”

Scott explained that Sweet’s earlier hits featured session musicians (the band played on the B-sides), but things changed after “Little Willy.”

“This was the last track the Sweet were at a point of telling everybody to basically go away and leave us alone because the early, really early bubblegum singles that we had released in ‘71 were sessioned,” Scott told Rock History Music.

He noted that for the British music show Top of the Pops, the BBC required that any song mimed had to feature the actual band members who played on it. So the Sweet re-recorded “Little Willy” without session musicians in order to comply.

“So ‘Little Willy' was a real testing point,” Scott said. “After the success of ‘Little Willy,’ I think that's when everybody went right, ‘Wig-Wam Bam,’ you know it's the band. And you can hear the transition, you know, all of a sudden you've got a band, and we're taking off, you know.”

Through the mid-1970s, the Sweet went on to more U.S. hits with “Ballroom Blitz,” “Fox on the Run,” and “Love Is Like Oxygen” as they broke free from their controlling songwriting and production team.

“By the time we hit America and started to come over in ’75, we were no longer attached to Nicky Chinn or Mike Chapman,” Scott said in an interview. “We were now the songwriters and the producers, and things changed dramatically in that two-year period between ‘Little Willy’ through to ‘Fox on the Run.’"

Related: ‘70s Glam Rockers Had a Top 5 Hit in 1976—40 Years Later, It Proved It Stood the Test of Time

As a former Rhode Islander, I know a few secrets that (like everyone else who lives someplace where tourists tend to visit) aren't on the usual map. Those little spots that only the locals know about. So, if you've done "must-sees" like WaterFire, Federal Hill, and the RISD Museum, you might want to check out the quieter, more historic side of Providence that's perfect for travelers over 50.

Providence is a city made for wandering. With hidden gardens, literary landmarks, neighborhood cafés, scenic walks, and fascinating history often just a block away from the crowds, there is so much to discover just steps away.

Here are some of my favorite lesser-known experiences that feel like you've discovered the city through a local friend.

Zippy Sandler

Start Your Day with a Homemade Biscuit

Forget the hotel continental breakfast and head to Irregardless, a tiny neighborhood favorite where it's worth standing in line with the locals for what many Rhode Islanders consider the best breakfast biscuits in Rhode Island. Their flaky, buttery biscuits piled high with fried chicken, eggs, bacon, or house-made spreads are worth every calorie. Arrive early because Irregardless often sells out before lunch.

Boston Globe / Getty Images

Spend an hour at the Providence Athenaeum

One of America's oldest libraries, this is where Edgar Allan Poe courted poet Sarah Helen Whitman. Even if you're not a book lover, the reading rooms, spiral staircases, and quiet corners make it feel like stepping into another century. Check out the art and sculpture, browse through the book collection, and take a tour. Check out the calendar for events, talks, and more. Located on historic Benefit Street.

Related: I’m a 72-Year-Old Cruise Expert—Here’s the ‘Toddler Method’ I Use to Pack a Carry-On

Walk the "Mile of History" on Benefit Street

After you've spent some time browsing in the Athenaeum, take some time to stroll Benefit Street. The Federal-era homes, hidden gardens, old churches, and gas-style lamps make it one of New England's prettiest streets.

StuartDuncanSmith / Getty Images

Watch the sunset from Prospect Terrace Park

Most tourists never find it. Located less than a half mile away stands Roger Williams, overlooking the city on the hilltop. Once there, you'll get one of the best panoramic views of downtown Providence without the crowds.

Related: I Slept in a Former Textile Mill and It’s One of New England’s Best Kept Secrets

Visit Books on the Square in Wayland Square

Head way up College Hill, past the schools and into the Wayland Square neighborhood for small, eclectic shopping. There you'll find one of those great independent bookstores where you can lose an hour browsing travel books, memoirs, and local authors before grabbing lunch nearby.

Zippy Sandler

Bring Out Your Inner Chihuly

Instead of buying another souvenir, make one that will become a statement piece in your home. At Gather Glass on Federal Hill, you'll work alongside professional glass artists to create your own hand-blown ornament, flower, paperweight, and more. It's one of those unforgettable experiences you'll be telling all of your friends about. Your finished piece becomes a one-of-a-kind reminder of your Providence getaway. From choosing your design and colors, heating (it gets HOT in there at the 2100-degree kiln), and forming the shape, you'll be guided through the process of traditional glassmaking at Gather Glass.

Take a Walk along the Providence River

Tip: go before 9 a.m. when joggers have mostly cleared out and bring your phone or a camera. The reflections on the river and the old bridges make for beautiful photography.

Ray Tan / Getty Images

Visit Swan Point Cemetery

It may sound unusual, but it's one of the city's most beautiful landscaped spots, with river views, beautiful landscaping, majestic trees, and the grave of H.P. Lovecraft. It's a must in autumn when all the leaves are turning.

Walk and Eat with Wiseguys

For anyone who loves history as much as great food, the Crime & Cuisine on Federal Hill Tour is one of Providence's best-kept secrets. You'll stroll Federal Hill while hearing fascinating stories about the city's mob history, political scandals, and colorful characters, stopping along the way for Italian specialties like pizza, pasta, and dessert. It's equal parts history lesson and progressive dinner, making it one of the most entertaining ways to experience Providence.

Related: This New England Hidden Gem Was Just Named the Best New Bar in America 

Zippy Sandler

Take a Coffee Break

If you've been to the Ocean State before, you know that Rhode Island's official state drink is coffee milk, a local favorite made by mixing coffee syrup with milk. At Dave's Coffee, this RI tradition gets a modern twist with house-made coffee syrup crafted from freshly roasted beans and real cane sugar. Order a coffee milk or latte, and get a true taste of Little Rhody. They sell bottles to take home for a delicious souvenir as well.

Zippy Sandler

End Your Day With a Gondola Ride after Dark

Most people only think of gondolas during WaterFire, but quieter evenings can actually be more romantic (or fun if you're with a good friend), with fewer crowds and peaceful reflections on the river. The gondoliers will sing to you as they take you under the bridges and down by the beautiful sights on gondolas that come straight from Venice, boarding at La Gondola on Gondola Landing.

Halle Berry just reminded the internet (yet again) exactly why she's one-of-a-kind.

The Oscar-winning actress posted a series of photos from a tropical vacation this week, posing poolside in a plunging black swimsuit with palm trees and ocean views behind her.  She captioned the post, "Each trip rewrites me a little!"

The post racked up 59.5K likes within hours, with Viola Davis among those hitting the heart button.

Fans Call Halle Berry 'Generational Fine' as Comments Section Explodes View this post on Instagram

The comments section turned into a full-on celebration. "Halle is living her best life and looking fabulous," one fan wrote. Others kept it short and sweet. "You are still so beautiful!!!" one person wrote. "Still the baddest girl out there," another added. "You are as amazing as ever," a fourth chimed in.

The compliments kept rolling in. "How you managed to be generational fine needs to be studied," one fan wrote, adding three fire emojis. "Still absolutely GORGEOUS," another agreed. 

One commenter joked about her fiancé, musician Van Hunt: "Me, every time I see Halle Berry, [Expletive] ING VAN HUNT," drawing dozens of laughing reactions.

What Halle Berry Has Said About Aging

The swimsuit post is one of several Berry has shared that quietly push back against the idea that women should hide their bodies or slow down at a certain age. The John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum star, who turns 60 in August 2026, has spoken bluntly about how Hollywood treats women as they get older. "You get to this age where you feel like you're being marginalized, devalued. You feel it at work. You feel it from society," she told The Cut in February. "But I have adamantly decided I am not going to allow myself to be erased."

Halle Berry's Mission Beyond the Camera

Berry has channeled that energy into something bigger than her acting career. She has become one of Hollywood's most outspoken voices on menopause and women's health, testifying on Capitol Hill and launching her wellness platform, Respin.

"I'm almost 60," she told The Cut. "Fighting for women's health feels like a formidable cause for my second act."

She summed it up in the most powerful way possible, adding, "For so long people have put me in this sex symbol box. If I can say, 'Hey, it's sexy to arrive at this time of our life, it's actually a privilege to age'... I hope I'm giving women the courage to stand tall and accept that we don't have to stay eternally 30. I mean, who wants to stay eternally 30?"

If you've been scrolling through kitchen renovation ideas lately, you've probably noticed a familiar theme—warm, welcoming spaces are replacing the cool, ultra-minimalist kitchens that dominated for years. Surprisingly, many of today's biggest kitchen design trends have their roots in the 1980s — a decade that embraced natural materials, decorative details and homes filled with personality.

Unlike the sleek, monochromatic kitchens that became popular in the 2010s, 1980s kitchens weren't afraid to mix textures, finishes and colors. Natural wood cabinets, brass accents, patterned tile, colorful appliances, wallpaper and cozy breakfast nooks made kitchens feel like the heart of the home rather than just a place to prepare meals. While modern designers have refined these looks with cleaner lines and updated materials, the inspiration is unmistakable.

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Today's homeowners are embracing "new nostalgia" by blending vintage charm with contemporary function. Instead of recreating an entire 1980s kitchen, they're borrowing the best elements — adding warmth, character and timeless appeal to spaces that might otherwise feel a little too perfect.

Whether you're planning a full kitchen remodel or simply looking for fresh decorating ideas, these forgotten '80s trends are proving that good design always comes back around.

1980s Kitchen Trends Making a Comeback1. Natural Wood Cabinetry View this post on Instagram

The 1980s marked a major shift toward natural wood kitchens. Oak, maple and ash cabinets became incredibly popular thanks to their warm tones and visible wood grain. While the golden honey oak kitchens many people remember became more common in the 1990s, the '80s laid the groundwork by celebrating the beauty of real wood instead of painted cabinetry.

Today's version, however, feels lighter and more refined. Designers are choosing white oak, natural maple and walnut with matte finishes and streamlined cabinet doors that let the wood's texture shine. The result is a kitchen that feels warm, organic and effortlessly timeless.

To modernize the look, pair natural wood cabinets with creamy countertops, soft white walls and understated black or light brushed gold hardware. It's a combination that feels current while quietly nodding to the decade that first embraced natural wood in a big way.

2. Decorative Tile Backsplashes View this post on Instagram

Long before oversized quartz slabs became the standard, ceramic tile played a starring role in 1980s kitchens. Tile countertops and backsplashes introduced texture, color and handcrafted character, often featuring earthy neutrals or subtle geometric patterns.

While full tile countertops aren't as common today because of the grout maintenance, decorative tile is making a huge comeback on backsplashes, coffee bars and kitchen islands. Handmade ceramic tiles, zellige and vintage-inspired patterns add depth and personality that plain white walls simply can't match.

If you want to embrace this trend without committing to an entire tiled countertop, a statement backsplash behind the range or sink delivers plenty of visual impact.

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

3. Warm Brass Hardware View this post on Instagram

Brass fixtures were practically everywhere in the 1980s, from cabinet pulls to faucets and lighting. Although the polished brass of the decade eventually fell out of fashion, today's brushed and satin brass finishes have become one of the most sought-after kitchen upgrades.

Warm metals naturally complement wood cabinetry, marble countertops and earthy color palettes. Even better, designers now encourage mixing finishes, so brass can comfortably live alongside matte black or stainless steel without feeling outdated.

One of the easiest ways to give a kitchen a fresh look is simply replacing dated hardware with modern brass pieces — a small change that delivers a surprisingly big transformation.

4. Glass Front Cabinets and Display Storage View this post on Instagram

The 1980s celebrated displaying beautiful dishware instead of hiding everything behind solid cabinet doors. Glass-front cabinets, open hutches and plate racks gave kitchens a collected, lived-in feeling while showcasing everyday essentials.

Today's interpretation is more curated but just as welcoming. White dishes, vintage glassware, woven baskets and ceramic serving bowls create beautiful displays that feel intentional rather than cluttered.

Adding glass inserts to one or two upper cabinets is an easy way to brighten your kitchen while creating the illusion of more space.

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

5. Wallpaper That Adds Personality View this post on Instagram

Wallpaper was a defining feature of many 1980s kitchens, often featuring florals, country-inspired prints or subtle geometric designs. Many kitchens adorned just a wallpaper border with kitschy decorations and prints. While today's patterns are more sophisticated, the idea remains the same: add warmth and personality to spaces that might otherwise feel plain.

Instead of wallpapering every wall, modern homeowners are using it strategically in breakfast nooks, pantry walls or coffee stations. Peel-and-stick options make it easier than ever to experiment without making a permanent change.

A thoughtfully chosen wallpaper can instantly transform a quiet corner into one of the most charming spots in the house.

6. Built-In Breakfast Nooks View this post on Instagram

The kitchen wasn't just a workspace during the 1980s — it was where families gathered for homework, weekend pancakes and late-night conversations. Built-in breakfast nooks became a practical way to make kitchens feel more inviting while maximizing seating.

That same cozy feeling is driving today's popularity of banquette seating. Upholstered benches, soft cushions and a simple pedestal table create a café-like atmosphere that's perfect for everyday meals.

Adding layered lighting, textured, colorful pillows and a few plants makes the space feel even more welcoming.

7. Indoor Plants and Natural Decor View this post on Instagram

If you looked around a kitchen in the 1980s, chances are you'd spot a spider plant hanging near the window or herbs growing on the sill. Bringing greenery indoors helped soften all the wood, tile and cabinetry while making kitchens feel alive.

Today's organic design movement embraces that same philosophy. Fresh herbs, pothos, trailing ivy, olive trees and potted plants bring color, texture and life into the kitchen while improving the overall atmosphere.

Pair greenery with woven baskets, wooden cutting boards, linen towels and ceramic pottery to create a space that feels collected, comfortable and naturally beautiful.

Why 1980s Kitchen Design Still Feels Relevant Today

The biggest lesson from 1980s kitchen design is that personality never truly goes out of style. While today's kitchens are undeniably more streamlined, homeowners are once again embracing warmth over perfection, choosing natural materials, layered textures and meaningful decorative details instead of sterile, one-size-fits-all spaces.

Rather than copying the decade exactly, designers are borrowing its best ideas and giving them a modern update. Natural wood cabinetry, warm brass finishes, handcrafted tile, cozy breakfast nooks and thoughtfully styled displays create kitchens that feel welcoming from the moment you walk in. It's proof that the most enduring design trends aren't the flashiest — they're the ones that make a house feel like home.

Related: The Greek Way To Make Chicken 10x Better

Few side dishes have the universal appeal of pasta salad. It's the first thing people volunteer to bring to a backyard barbecue, neighborhood potluck or summer picnic because it's inexpensive, endlessly customizable and nearly impossible to mess up. If you're invited somewhere at the last minute, all it takes is a box of pasta from the pantry, a handful of vegetables from the fridge and a simple dressing to pull together something everyone will happily scoop onto their plate.

Pasta salad also happens to be one of those rare dishes that appeals to almost everyone. Kids love pasta, adults love pasta and appreciate that it can be packed with freshness and bold flavors, and it pairs with just about anything coming off the grill. Burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, steak...you really can't go wrong.

With so many celebrity chefs putting their own spin on the classic, I wondered whose recipe would be the best of the best. Instead of searching for "the best pasta salad," I decided to let Google choose for me. I simply searched each celebrity chef's name followed by "pasta salad" and made the very first recipe that appeared. That left me with three very different contenders: Rachael Ray's Italian Pasta Salad, Ina Garten's Tomato Feta Pasta Salad and Joanna Gaines's Greek Pasta Salad.

After spending about two hours boiling pasta, chopping vegetables, blending dressings and stirring things up, I lined them all up for a blind family taste test. The results were surprisingly close, but one recipe stood out as the one I'd happily make all summer long.

Related: 100 Easy Summer Dinner Ideas

The Celebrity Pasta Salad Showdown: How We Tested

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Over the course of a Saturday afternoon, I prepared all three pasta salads exactly to their recipes. Once they were finished, I chilled each one for an hour before serving them alongside some simple grilled chicken for dinner.

To keep things fair, I didn't tell my family whose recipe was whose. Everyone sampled all three salads and shared their honest opinions before I revealed the chefs behind each one. Between their feedback and my own notes from cooking every recipe, it became pretty clear what each salad did well, and where each one fell a little short.

Related: 60 Summer Salads for Backyard Barbecues

Rachael Ray's Italian Pasta Salad

Having spent years working for Rachael, I went into this expecting hers to be the one to beat.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Prep

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This was the most labor-intensive recipe of the three; it required the most about of chopping. The salad is packed with colorful peppers, so if you're not a pepper fan, this probably isn't going to become your go-to recipe.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

That said, it was also the prettiest salad on the table. The colorful vegetables paired with Cavatappi (my personal favorite pasta shape) made it incredibly inviting. This was really the only one my kids would touch, and I think it was because of the pasta shape.

The dressing comes together in the food processor, which adds another appliance to wash. I was also surprised to see water (or raw stock) blended into the dressing. It felt like an unusual addition, although everything came together nicely.

Related: 101 Easy Pasta Recipes for All Occasions

The Taste Test

The fresh parsley gives the dressing a bright, refreshing flavor that really wakes up the entire salad. While I appreciated the crunch from the raw cubanelle peppers, I personally found the recipe much more pepper-forward than Italian-inspired. I loved the usage of jarred roasted red peppers, I always have those on hand.

When I think of Italian pasta salad, I expect flavors like basil, oregano, salami, mozzarella or classic Italian seasoning. This version leans much more heavily on fresh and jarred vegetables than deli-style Italian flavors.

That said, it's still a delicious vegetarian-friendly pasta salad that's colorful, fresh and perfect for anyone who loves lots of crunchy vegetables. Bonus points from my husband, it was the only recipe that didn't have olives in it (his least favorite ingredient).

Related: The Italian Way To Make Pasta Salad 10x Better

Ina Garten's Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

While making this one I couldn't help but wonder if the queen of the Hamptons spend her days serving this to friends on warm summer nights...

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Related: 101 Easy Pasta Recipes for All Occasions

The Prep

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This recipe was relatively straightforward, and I only had to chop the tomatoes. Like Rachael's recipe, Ina's also relies on the food processor to make the dressing. The biggest surprise here was just how much flavor came from the sun-dried tomatoes. I don't cook with them nearly enough, and this recipe reminded me why I should.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The dressing looked incredibly thick before everything was tossed together, and I actually worried the finished salad might be dry. Between the Parmesan and the pasta, a lot of that dressing gets absorbed quickly.

The Taste Test

This was easily the boldest-flavored pasta salad of the three. Between the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan and an extremely generous amount of feta, every bite was packed with savory flavor.

The combination of two cheeses made it especially rich and satisfying, although I do think I'd reduce the feta slightly next time to let the other ingredients shine a bit more. Combined with the capers in the dressing, 2 salty cheeses, and the olive stirred in, it skewed very salty (which I love!).

It was beautiful on the plate, incredibly colorful and felt like something you'd happily serve at a dinner party. If you're looking for a pasta salad with big, bold flavor, complex flavor with not too much prep work, this one absolutely delivers.

Joanna Gaines's Greek Pasta Salad

I was very familiar with lots of Rachael's and Ina's recipes, but I hadn't made one of Joanna's before, so I took a stroll to the library to check out her book. I was very impressed!

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Prep

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

This was by far the easiest recipe to make.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The dressing simply gets whisked together, no food processor required, which meant fewer dishes and much less cleanup. While it's labeled as a Greek pasta salad, I expected a bit more traditional Greek flavor. With olives and feta already included, I found myself wishing there were ingredients like oregano and fresh lemon to really lean into that profile.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

As a Jersey girl. adding stewed tomatoes versus fresh during the summer months is a crime, but I loved the versatility of the ingredient adding freshness while also being able to be pulled from the pantry in a bind.

From a practical standpoint, this was the simplest recipe from start to finish.

The Taste Test

Sometimes simple wins.

After chilling for an hour, all of the flavors had time to come together beautifully. The green onions added just enough bite without overpowering anything, while the generous amount of fresh herbs made every bite taste bright and fresh. I also love the use of rice wine vinegar here. It's sweet, but balanced and made for such a vibrant dressing.

This tasted like the classic pasta salad you'd hope someone would bring to a summer cookout. Nothing felt overly complicated, yet every ingredient worked together perfectly.

The Final Verdict: The Best Celebrity Pasta Salad Is...

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Joanna Gaines's Greek Pasta Salad.

I honestly didn't expect this one to come out on top.

While Ina's recipe packed the biggest punch of flavor and Rachael's was easily the most colorful, Joanna's was simply the one I kept going back for. It was fresh, balanced and exactly what I want when I think of a classic summer pasta salad.

I also love using bowtie pasta in pasta salad. It gives every serving a playful look and holds onto the dressing beautifully.

Even my husband, who normally avoids olives, enjoyed this one. Because the olives were chopped into larger pieces, he could easily pick them out without affecting the rest of the salad, which made everyone happy, and is a great tip for bringing this to someone's backyard.

If I were headed to a backyard barbecue tomorrow, this is the recipe I'd proudly bring...and maybe don't tell my old boss!

3 Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad Every Time

• If you prefer a creamy pasta salad, stir in about ¾ cup of mayonnaise. I was shocked when all 3 of the most Googled pasta salad recipes were lacking mayo! Any of these recipes can easily be transformed into a creamier deli-style pasta salad with just a little mayo mixed into the dressing.
• Always chill your pasta salad before serving. One hour is the minimum, but overnight is even better. The flavors have time to meld together, making the finished salad taste much more cohesive.
• Dress the pasta while it's still slightly warm. Warm pasta absorbs the dressing much better than cold pasta, giving you a more flavorful salad that won't taste dry after chilling.

There wasn't a bad pasta salad in the bunch, but each one had a very different personality. Rachael Ray's was colorful and veggie-packed, Ina Garten's was bold and loaded with rich flavor, and Joanna Gaines's was the kind of classic pasta salad I could see myself making on repeat all summer. No matter which one you choose, these recipes prove there's no wrong way to make pasta salad, just different versions for different occasions. But if you only have time to try one, Joanna's is the recipe I'd recommend every single time.

Related: This Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe Is the Only One You'll Ever Need