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15 TV Commercials Every '70s, '80s and '90s Kid Still Knows by Heart
Picture this: Three women are standing over a hamburger from a fictional fast-food restaurant called “Home of the Big Bun.” Two of the women admire the giant bun, commenting, “It’s a big bun. It’s a very big bun.” But when the third woman, (Clara Peller), lifts the top, she discovers the problem. Despite the enormous bun, there is only a tiny little patty hiding inside.
With her unmistakable raspy voice and perfect comic timing, Peller delivers the question that would become one of the most famous advertising catchphrases ever created: “Where’s the beef?”
That 1984 Wendy’s commercial was more than an ad for a hamburger. It was a cultural moment. Clara Peller, an 81-year-old former manicurist who had done occasional acting work, became an unlikely celebrity, and the phrase “Where’s the beef?” quickly moved beyond television screens into everyday conversation, comedy routines and even the 1984 presidential campaign.
And that was the magic of television commercials in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. They weren’t just something you watched while waiting for your favorite show to return. They were PART of the entertainment.
The best commercials of the era felt like miniature television shows, filled with unforgettable characters, catchy jingles and moments people discussed. Kids repeated the catchphrases at school, families sang along with the jingles during dinner and coworkers quoted their favorite lines around the water cooler.
These ads didn’t just sell hamburgers, cereal, soda and donuts. They created pop culture. Michael Vale became America’s favorite exhausted baker with “Time to make the donuts.” Little Mikey became a cereal legend when he surprised his brothers by actually loving Life Cereal. And some commercials introduced future stars before they became famous, including Keanu Reeves in a Coca-Cola ad and Brad Pitt enjoying Pringles.
Long before hashtags and viral videos, these commercials were America’s shared language. From a fast-food slogan that became a political punchline to a tiny cereal lover who won over America, these are the 15 classic TV commercials we all grew up watching—and the stories behind the ads, stars and unforgettable moments that made them legendary.
Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” (1984)When Wendy’s debuted the commercial in 1984, the goal was simple: highlight that the chain’s burgers featured larger beef patties than its competitors. Instead, the ad became a cultural phenomenon. The commercial turned Clara Peller, an 81-year-old former manicurist who had done occasional acting work, into an unexpected celebrity almost overnight.
Peller appeared on talk shows, inspired countless parodies and became one of the most recognizable faces in advertising. The phrase even entered the 1984 presidential campaign when Walter Mondale used “Where’s the beef?” to criticize rival Democratic candidate Gary Hart.
The campaign helped raise Wendy’s visibility and contributed to strong business results for the company. But its greatest achievement was cultural: Clara Peller transformed three simple words into a phrase that became part of everyday conversation.
Peller remained associated with the slogan until her death in 1987 at age 86. More than 40 years later, “Where’s the beef?” remains one of advertising’s most memorable catchphrases—and proof that a perfectly delivered line can make pop-culture history.
Related: 16 Forgotten Ice Cream Truck Treats That Defined Summer in the ’80s
Dunkin’ Donuts “Time to Make the Donuts” (1982)Every morning, Fred the Baker woke up with the same sleepy mission: “Time to make the donuts.”
Debuting in 1982, Dunkin’ Donuts’ campaign turned a simple phrase into one of the decade’s most memorable advertising slogans. The character of Fred the Baker captured the dedication of someone who showed up every day to do his job. Even when everyone else was still asleep.
Fred was played by Michael Vale, a veteran Broadway and television actor who had built a successful career before becoming one of advertising’s most recognizable personalities. Vale reportedly appeared in more than 1,300 commercials during his career, but Fred the Baker became the role millions of viewers remembered.
The campaign resonated because Fred felt familiar. He wasn’t a celebrity or a superhero—he was the hardworking person who quietly kept things running. In 1997, Dunkin’ Donuts retired the character with a farewell campaign that treated Fred like a beloved member of the family.
Vale continued acting until his death in 2005 at age 83. For generations of viewers, he will always be the man who reminded America it was “Time to make the donuts.”
Coca-Cola “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” (1971)Few commercials have ever captured a feeling as powerfully as Coca-Cola’s iconic 1971 “Hilltop” commercial.
Filmed on a hillside outside Rome, the ad featured a multicultural group of young performers singing together while holding bottles of Coke. The message was simple: people from different backgrounds could come together around a shared moment of optimism and connection.
The commercial introduced the unforgettable jingle: “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke.” Its popularity was so strong that the tune was later expanded into the full-length song “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony),” which became an international hit after recordings by groups including The New Seekers and The Hillside Singers.
Unlike many famous commercials, this one did not create a celebrity spokesperson. The song and the message became the stars.
Life Cereal “Mikey Likes It!” (1972)When two brothers convinced their famously picky little brother to try Life Cereal, television history was made.
The 1972 commercial starred real-life brothers John Gilchrist as Mikey and his brothers Michael and Tommy, as the siblings trying to convince Mikey to taste the cereal. After he finally takes a bite, the surprise reaction becomes the moment everyone remembers: “He likes it! Hey, Mikey!”
The role turned John Gilchrist into one of America’s most recognizable child performers. During his childhood, Gilchrist appeared in hundreds of commercials, but Little Mikey became the role that followed him for decades.
The commercial became so popular that it inspired one of advertising’s most persistent urban legends: the false story that Mikey had died after eating Pop Rocks and drinking soda. The rumor was completely untrue, but it showed just how famous the character had become.
Today, John Gilchrist works in media sales and has largely embraced a private life away from the spotlight. His brothers have also chosen to remain out of the public eye. More than 50 years later, “Mikey likes it!” remains one of the most beloved phrases in advertising history.
LifeCall “I’ve Fallen, and I Can’t Get Up!” (1989)Some commercials are remembered for their message. Others become famous for a single unforgettable moment.
LifeCall’s late-1980s medical alert commercial was created to promote a device that could help people summon assistance during an emergency. But the ad became famous because of actress Dorothy McHugh’s urgent plea: “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!”
The serious message behind the commercial was quickly overshadowed by the popularity of the phrase, which became a fixture of comedy routines, television references and everyday conversation. The line became one of the most recognizable commercial catchphrases of the era.
McHugh had worked as an actress before the ad and continued performing afterward. While the commercial became her best-known role, it also demonstrated the unusual power of television advertising: a brief appearance could turn a performer into a familiar face across the country.
Coca-Cola “Hey Kid, Catch!” (1979)In 1979, Coca-Cola created one of the most beloved sports commercials of all time by pairing one of football’s toughest stars with one very determined young fan.
The ad featured “Mean” Joe Greene, the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, walking off the field after a difficult game. A young boy waiting nearby offers Greene a bottle of Coca-Cola. At first, the intimidating football star barely responds. But after taking a drink, he softens, smiles and tosses the boy his jersey with the unforgettable line: “Hey kid, catch!”
Greene was already one of the NFL’s biggest stars and would later become a Pro Football Hall of Famer, but the commercial revealed a warmer, more approachable side of his personality. The young fan was played by Tommy Okon, who became instantly recognizable from the ad but did not pursue a major acting career.
The commercial resonated because it told a simple emotional story rather than just selling a soft drink. It became one of Coca-Cola’s most memorable campaigns and helped redefine how sports stars could be portrayed in advertising.
Pepsi “The Choice of a New Generation” (1984) with Michael Jackson and his brothersAt the height of the “Cola Wars,” Pepsi landed one of the biggest stars in the world: Michael Jackson.
The 1984 “The Choice of a New Generation” campaign featured Jackson and his brothers performing a Pepsi-themed version of his hit song “Billie Jean.” Jackson was already a global superstar following the record-breaking success of Thriller, making the partnership one of the most talked-about celebrity endorsements of its era.
The commercials became even more famous after Jackson suffered burns to his hair and scalp when a pyrotechnic effect went wrong during filming. The accident made international headlines and became forever linked with the campaign.
The Pepsi ads helped usher in a new era of celebrity-driven advertising, where major entertainers became closely associated with global brands. Jackson continued making music history until his death in 2009, and the commercials remain among the most recognizable celebrity campaigns in advertising history.
Coca-Cola (1983): Keanu Reeves Before He Became an Action HeroBefore Speed, The Matrix and John Wick, Keanu Reeves was a young actor looking for his first big opportunities.
One of his first professional jobs came in a 1983 Coca-Cola commercial, where he played a cyclist celebrating after a race. At the time, Reeves was virtually unknown, making the ad a glimpse of a future superstar before worldwide fame arrived. As he told David Letterman he shot the commercial in winter with "fake sweat" and ended up high on sugar. "It was a good experience for me," said Reeves. "It was a three day shoot. It was one of my first jobs. You had to pretend it was hot in the winter."
Like many young performers, Reeves took on commercial work while building his acting career. Looking back, viewers enjoy spotting the natural charm and quiet charisma that would later make him one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors.
More than 40 years later, the Coca-Cola commercial remains a favorite “before they were famous” discovery—a reminder that even the biggest stars often begin with small roles.
Pringles (1989): Brad PittLong before he became an Academy Award-winning actor, Brad Pitt was a young performer looking for his breakthrough.
In 1989, Pitt appeared in a Pringles commercial, one of his early television appearances before Hollywood turned him into a household name. The ad shows the future star enjoying a snack while displaying the easygoing charm that would soon become one of his trademarks.
Just a few years later, Pitt’s breakout role in Thelma & Louise launched him into stardom. He went on to become one of the most successful actors of his generation, earning an Academy Award as a producer for 12 Years a Slave and later winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
Alka-Seltzer “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing” (1972)Sometimes a single line is enough to turn a commercial into a cultural reference.
Alka-Seltzer’s 1972 commercial featured actor Ralph Bell waking up after overeating and delivering the now-famous complaint: “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.”
The ad worked because the situation was instantly relatable. Almost everyone has experienced the feeling of eating too much, especially after a big holiday meal. And Bell’s delivery captured that familiar moment of regret with perfect comic timing.
Bell was a working actor who appeared in television and film roles throughout his career, but this commercial became his most recognizable performance. The phrase quickly moved beyond advertising, becoming part of everyday conversation.
McDonald’s “You Deserve a Break Today” (1971)When McDonald’s launched “You Deserve a Break Today” in 1971, it wasn’t just selling hamburgers—it was selling a feeling.
The memorable campaign suggested that families and busy workers deserved a small moment of relief. Someone else could prepare the meal, and they could simply enjoy it. The cheerful jingle became one of the most recognizable advertising songs of its era.
The campaign did not rely on a celebrity spokesperson. ( John Amos, who would make in big in Good Times in 1974, played one of the employees.) Instead, the music and message, created by advertising writers and musicians including Sidney Woloshin and Kenny Karen, became the stars. It reflected a changing America where convenience was becoming increasingly important.
More than 50 years later, “You Deserve a Break Today” remains one of advertising’s most memorable jingles. It helped strengthen McDonald’s identity as more than a place to buy food—it became a brand associated with shared experiences and everyday moments.
Taster’s Choice “The Taster’s Choice Couple” (1986)Most commercials last 30 seconds. Taster’s Choice created a love story that unfolded over years.
Beginning in 1986, viewers followed neighbors Tony and Sharon as their casual coffee encounters slowly developed into a romance. The serialized campaign was structured almost like a television drama, with audiences returning to see what happened next.
The commercials starred British actors Anthony Head and Sharon Maughan, who became familiar faces to American viewers. Head later gained international recognition as Rupert Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, while Maughan continued a successful career in British television and theater.
The campaign was unusual because it asked viewers to invest in characters rather than simply remember a product. More than a traditional commercial, it became a small ongoing story that audiences looked forward to seeing.
Decades later, the Taster’s Choice couple remains one of advertising’s most memorable examples of turning a product campaign into a cultural conversation.
The California Raisins (1986)The California Raisins proved that even dried fruit could become pop stars.
Introduced in 1986 as part of a campaign by the California Raisin Advisory Board, the claymation characters sang a soulful version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” winning audiences with their personalities, dance moves and Motown-inspired style.
The campaign transformed the animated raisins into unexpected celebrities. Their popularity led to television specials, a Saturday morning animated series, albums, toys and merchandise. For many viewers, the characters became entertainers first and an advertising campaign second.
The California Raisins remain one of advertising’s most successful examples of turning a simple product into a cultural phenomenon—and proof that creativity can make even the most unlikely subjects unforgettable.
Energizer Bunny “Keeps Going and Going” (1988)Few advertising mascots have become as instantly recognizable as the Energizer Bunny.
Introduced in 1988, the pink rabbit wearing sunglasses and carrying a drum became famous for interrupting other commercials while demonstrating that Energizer batteries “keep going and going.” The campaign was created as a playful response to the long-running Duracell Bunny advertising concept, turning the idea of battery endurance into a memorable visual joke.
There was no celebrity behind the character—the mascot itself became the star. The Bunny’s endless energy made it a symbol of persistence and helped turn a battery brand into a household name.
Still appearing in advertising decades later, the Energizer Bunny remains one of the most enduring and recognizable mascots in television history.
Budweiser Frogs (1995)Sometimes a commercial needs only three words. Or in this case, three unforgettable syllables.
Debuting during the 1995 Super Bowl, Budweiser’s frogs slowly croaked “Bud”… “Weis”… “Er” from a swamp, creating one of the decade’s most memorable advertising moments.
Created through computer animation and brought to life through voice performances, the frogs each developed their own personalities. Their popularity led to additional commercials featuring the Budweiser lizards and other characters, creating an entire advertising universe.
The campaign proved that a commercial did not need a celebrity spokesperson or a complicated storyline to capture America’s attention. With a simple idea and perfect timing, three animated frogs became pop-culture stars.
Related: 1955 TV Classic That Launched Pop’s Biggest Stars Is Coming Back
What Is One of the Most Successful Commercials of All Time?One of the strongest contenders is Wendy's 1984 "Where's the Beef?" campaign. The commercial transformed a simple question into a national catchphrase, helping Wendy's stand out in the crowded fast-food industry.
The campaign dramatically increased Wendy's visibility and helped fuel a major business turnaround. Reports at the time credited the campaign with contributing to a significant increase in sales, including a reported 31% rise in worldwide sales to approximately $945 million in 1985. Studies also showed that the commercial achieved extraordinary levels of advertising recall.
Its biggest impact, however, was cultural. Clara Peller, an 81-year-old former manicurist turned actress, became an unexpected celebrity, and the phrase entered everyday conversation. During the 1984 presidential campaign, Walter Mondale famously used "Where's the beef?" to criticize Gary Hart's policy proposals during a Democratic debate.
More than 40 years later, "Where's the Beef?" remains a rare advertising achievement: a campaign that boosted sales, created a star and permanently changed popular culture.
Next: Remember These? The 15 Greatest Classic TV Theme Songs That Became Part of Our Lives
7 Best Family Cruises for the Ultimate Core-Memory Vacation
There was an ultra-popular Disney Cruise Line ad titled "Midnight Magic" that came out this year during the Oscars. It featured a young father on a Disney Cruise who was woken up by his baby late into the night. To calm him, he walked around the peaceful ship, lulling his son to sleep to the sounds of the ocean. It became a yearly tradition—and the ad traces their relationship across the years until his grown son knocks on his cabin door late at night, carrying his own newborn to keep the tradition alive with a new generation.
It’s an instant tear-jerker because every parent knows how powerful it is to build those lifelong vacation traditions. If you're hoping to find that go-to cruise line your family can keep coming back to year after year, these 7 ships have seriously upped their game with the ultimate onboard amenities, dining, and itineraries.
Related: Disney Treasure Review: Is It the Perfect Family Cruise Line Ship?
Disney Destiny: Superhero Superfans & Nostalgic Adults (Disney)What You’ll Find: Disney Cruise Line’s "Heroes and Villains" themed ship featuring character experiences, the AquaMouse water attraction, themed dining (like Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King), and adults-only nighttime escapes like De Vil's piano lounge.
Where It Sails & Homeport:Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, FL).
Itineraries: 4-Night & 5-Night Bahamian Cruises (including stops at Disney Castaway Cayand Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) and 7-Night Eastern/Western Caribbean.
Core Memory Moment: Rushing down the AquaMouse water coaster together by day, catching character encounters with Marvel heroes and legendary Disney villains in the Grand Hall, and sharing a lively dinner show at Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King. The night ends on the top deck singing along to Disney Hercules in the theater before taking in the sky-illuminating Pirate Night fireworks—the only fireworks show at sea.
Related: All That's New on Disney Destiny, Disney's Dazzling New Cruise Ship
Legend of the Seas: Multigenerational Squads & Mega-Ship Lovers Family TownhouseRoyal Caribbean
What You’ll Find: Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class flagship featuring the all-new, headline production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the immersive Royal Railway simulated train dining experience, the jaw-dropping 3-story Ultimate Family Townhouse suite (complete with its own in-suite slide and private entrance to the Surfside kids' neighborhood), Category 6 waterpark, and the high-thrill Crown’s Edge walk.
Where It Sails & Homeport:Barcelona, Spain & Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy (Summer); Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Winter).
Itineraries: 7-Night Western Mediterranean (visiting Barcelona, Mallorca, Florence/Pisa, Naples) and 6 to 8-Night Southern & Western Caribbean (featuring Perfect Day at CocoCay).
Core Memory Moment: Settling into your cozy new family cabin with bunk beds for the kids, spending the day tackling Category 6’s waterslides and swinging out over the ocean on Crown’s Edge, grabbing sweet treats in Surfside, and capping off the night wide-eyed at a jaw-dropping AquaDome show or a Royal Railway dinner adventure.
Celebrity Xcel: Sophisticated Families Seeking Elevated Luxury The chic Pool Club located on Deck 14 Midship aboard the brand-new Celebrity Xcel.Celebrity Cruises
What You’ll Find: Celebrity's Edge-Class ship featuring the iconic Magic Carpet cantilevered platform, "The Bazaar" destination-inspired marketplace, The Retreat suite enclave, and world-class culinary concepts.
Where It Sails & Homeport: Barcelona, Spain & Athens, Greece (Europe) and Fort Lauderdale / Miami (Caribbean).
Itineraries: 7-Night Italy, Spain & French Riviera, 7-Night Greek Isles, and 7-Night Bahamas, Mexico & Cayman.
Core Memory Moment: Getting a hands-on preview of your next port at The Bazaar during the day, before catching up with your grown-up kids over all-day brunch and bloody marys at Bora—or treating yourselves to an upgraded stay at The Retreat to unwind on the exclusive pool deck before meeting for an incredible dinner at Sushi on Five.
Related: A First Look at Celebrity Xcel, the Cruise Line's Most Inspired Ship Yet
MSC World America: Active Kids, Tweens & Budget-Conscious Families Ocean Cay Marine ReserveMSC Cruises
What You’ll Find: A next-gen megaship featuring 7 distinct onboard districts, the Family Aventura zone with the Cliffhanger over-water swing, a multi-story dry slide, European-style upscale dining, and stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve—MSC’s private island dedicated to ocean conservation and coral restoration.
Where It Sails & Homeport:PortMiami, Florida.
Itinerary Names: 7-Night Western Caribbean (visiting Roatán, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve) and 7-Night Eastern Caribbean.
Core Memory Moment: Watching your kids conquer the Cliffhanger—the over-water swing that suspends riders 160 feet above the ocean—their nervous laughter turning into pure triumph as they swing out over the sea, before making memories together at the high-energy silent disco and topping off the night with a gelato cone or artisan chocolate treat at Venchi.
Celebrity Solstice: Bucket-List Travelers & Relaxation SeekersCelebrity
What You’ll Find: A classic premium vessel freshly modernized with Sunset Park on the top deck, Parlour bar (featuring all-day skee-ball, darts, foosball, and analog games), Boulevard Lounge (packed with all-day live entertainment like dueling pianos and karaoke), the Grand Foyer Martini Bar, and an elevated spa focus.
Where It Sails & Homeport:Vancouver, BC (Summer) and Sydney / Singapore / Honolulu (Winter).
Itinerary Names: 7-Night Alaska Inside Passage / Hubbard Glacier (from Vancouver or Seward) and Australia/Hawaii Transpacific sailings.
Core Memory Moment: Kicking back on Sunset Park while sailing past icy blue glaciers in Alaska, challenging your kids to friendly skee-ball and foosball tournaments at Parlour bar, and singing your hearts out together during dueling pianos at Boulevard Lounge.
Star Princess: Multi-Gen Squads & Entertainment Enthusiasts Star Princess PiazzaPrincess Cruise Lines
What You’ll Find: A Sphere-Class vessel with "The Dome" (a glass-enclosed venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini), a 3-deck Piazza atrium, Spellbound by Magic Castle, and MedallionClass personalized service.
Where It Sails & Homeport:Fort Lauderdale, Florida and European/Mediterranean seasonal ports.
Itinerary Names: 7-Night Eastern & Western Caribbean, Mediterranean Highlights, 7-Night Alaska Inside Passage cruises out of Seattle, and Transatlantic Voyages.
Core Memory Moment: Gathering under the soaring, glass-enclosed Dome at sunset for a theatrical show with panoramic sea views, sharing a memorable family-style feast at The Catch by Rudi or The Butcher’s Block by Dario, and finishing the night at Spellbound by Magic Castle for mind-bending illusion and mystery.
Related: I Got a First Look at the New Norwegian Luna—Here's What Impressed Me Most
Norwegian Luna: Teen Tribes & Nightlife-Loving ParentsWhat You’ll Find: NCL’s Prima Plus class ship featuring Rocket Man: A Celebration of Elton John (a concert-style mainstage show), rock history tributes at Syd Norman’s Pour House, the Aqua Slidecoaster, and the Ocean Boulevard wraparound promenade.
Where It Sails & Homeport: PortMiami, Florida.
Itinerary Names: 7-Night Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Roatán, and Harvest Caye) & 7-Night Eastern Caribbean (visiting Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay).
Core Memory Moment: Belted out "Tiny Dancer" side-by-side as a family during the high-energy Elton John concert experience, introducing your kids to classic rock royalty before racing them on the Aqua Slidecoaster over the open ocean.
Related: Every Incredible New Surprise Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Latest Megaship, Legend of the Seas
Nancy Guthrie Update: CSI Expert Raises Concern Over 'Red Flag' in Ransom Notes
There's something off about the wording and the tone in the unverified ransom notes connected with the Nancy Guthrie case—according to CSI Sheryl McCollum. And it's making her think that the messages aren't legitimate.
In an interview with NewsNation's Jesse Weber Live, McCollum took a deeper look at the notes and pointed out some things that she found suspicious.
"First of all, it starts with a great, 'Hello, Savannah.' That’s not a demand. That’s not urgency," McCollum said of the first ransom note that was sent to news stations within days of Guthrie's disappearance. "Then they go straight into explaining who they have. They say, ‘We have your mother, Nancy.’ That’s not even necessary. That’s way too much information. You’re explaining the obvious. You go on to explain more things that are obvious. She’s safe but scared. Of course she’s scared. Everybody’s scared. The whole family’s scared. But if this was a demand for money, that doesn’t even play into what you’re saying.
"They’re trying to track this person down. And for whatever reason, they’re having trouble doing that. But they’re looking again at when this note was delivered, why it was delayed 48 hours, the amount of money they’re asking for," McCollum continued. "Again, it’s odd amounts…Bitcoin was odd. Even the person that wrote this note to say, ‘Hey, we’re going to hold her for seven days.’ Wow. Why are you giving us a week to get the money together? It makes no sense…This sounds like a con to me. Even asking for U.S. currency. Who talks that way?"
Something else that McCollum marked as a red flag came in the second unverified ransom note, which claimed that Guthrie, 84, had died and was "buried in nature."
“Everybody's buried in nature. If you're buried, you're in nature. So again, they're saying something. They're over explaining. It's odd," she continued, adding, "it doesn't make any sense. It just does not ring true to me. If you are still trying to ransom her and she has died and you've gotten away with it, why are you continuing to reach out? Seems like to me you would get ghost and be done."
The legitimacy of the ransom notes is still under investigation.
Guthrie has been missing since Feb. 1. Investigators believe that she was abducted from her Arizona home in the middle of the night, but her whereabouts are still unknown. Moreover, neither the Pima County Sheriff's Department nor the FBI have been able to name a suspect in the case.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Tucson’s 88-Crime hotline at 1-520-882-7463 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
READ NEXT: Unverified Ransom Note Suggests Cause of Nancy Guthrie's Alleged Death (Report)
Original ‘Grease’ Actress Moved to Tears at an Immersive Theatrical Performance of 48-Year-Old Film
I was probably far too young when I saw Grease for the first time (sorry, Mom), but it was undeniably love at first sight. The animated intro alone was enough to hook anyone, and while I swooned over Danny Zuko and thought Sandy Olsson was stunning, it was Frenchy—played by Didi Conn—who truly stole the show for me. Her sweet, signature voice and kind personality align pretty closely with who Conn seems to be in real life.
It has been 48 summers since Grease premiered in theaters in 1978, and the classic musical has effortlessly endured. It has dazzled on Broadway, inspired spin-offs, and maintained a massive, multi-generational fanbase. In the U.K., Grease: The Immersive Movie Experiencehas become a fan's dream come true, pairing screening moments with interactive live cast performances and 1950s Americana treats.
Recently, Conn made a surprise appearance at the event, and the overwhelming wave of nostalgia left the beloved actress in tears.
View this post on InstagramWhile sitting in a familiar diner booth, Conn was serenaded with "Beauty School Dropout" by the show's Teen Angel, played by Ricky Wilson, as audience members caught the emotional moment on camera.
"I would’ve been a blubbering mess. I loved Frenchy so much," wrote one fan online.
Others marveled at how incredible the 75-year-old actress looks today.
"Her face never changed, could spot her anywhere," added another commenter.
To make the reunion even more sentimental, Conn wore her iconic Pink Ladies jacket.
Didi Conn's Most Beloved RolesWhile Conn is best known for her portrayal of the aspiring beautician, she has built an extensive career across Hollywood, with more than 40 film and television credits. Her standout roles include voice work in The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang (1980), reprising her famous role in Grease 2 (1982), and memorable runs on Benson, Shining Time Station (1989), and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
More recently, Conn has appeared in the Prime Video teen comedy Overcompensating and the Fox drama Best Medicine. Yet, while fans love seeing her take on new projects, nothing warms the heart quite like watching her step back into that iconic pink jacket to relive the magic nearly five decades later.
Macy’s Has a Stunning Coastal-Chic Sand-Dollar Necklace on Sale for Just $15 for a Limited-Time
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When you're hitting the beach, a resort, or are just celebrating the sun in summer, you're probably wearing proper oceanside attire. One clothing and interior design trend that has seemingly emerged several years in a row is incorporating seashells. I actually participated in the phenomenon, and currently own a (nearly sold out) shell midi dress from Abercrombie & Fitch.
Thanks to Macy's though, there are plenty of in stock coastal-inspired options that are actually on sale during the retailer's Black Friday in July deals event. The Diamond Accent Sand Dollar Pendant 18-Inch Necklace, which is 70% off now, will not only upgrade my midi dress effortlessly, but is also the perfect everyday summer accessory. The piece originally cost $50, but has been reduced to just $15.
Diamond Accent Sand Dollar Pendant 18-Inch Necklace, $15 (was $50) at Macy's Shop at Macy'sThe 18-inch brass necklace design features a 1-inch sand dollar pendant with diamond-accented detailing in the middle that outlines the sea urchin's shape (it nearly looks like a starfish in the center). The jewelry is gold-plated with a classic spring ring clasp closure that you can easily open and close, while keeping it secure.
Shoppers described the necklace as "beautiful," "really cute," "fabulous, "sparkling," "chic," and the "perfect size." Several reviewers love that the piece gives "ocean vibes" so you can take it on your summer vacation and wear it to everything from upscale dinners to casual hangouts. We recommend avoiding swimming and showering with it though to ensure that the material doesn't tarnish.
Due to the fact that it's also incredibly affordable, it's actually an ideal piece to bring while traveling if it gets lost or something else occurs. One shopper noted that it's a "great gift to remember great beach vacations," while several other customers said that they also purchased the style for loved ones.
Shop More Deals- I.N.C. International Concepts Short Sleeve Printed Maxi Dress, $70 (was $140) at Macy's
- Southshort Fine Linens Pleated Extra Deep Pocket Sheet Set, $23 (was $75) at Macy's
- Clarks Cloudsteppers Breeze Reyna Flip Flop Sandals, $25 (was $60) at Macy's
The beauty of this gorgeous necklace is that you can wear it all year long, or exclusively for the hotter months. Stack it with your favorite gold jewelry or wear it solo as a statement piece. Either way, you'll want to take advantage of this 70% off Macy's deal!
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.
Music, Fashion, Film Has Its Own Film
Charli XCX has never been interested in simply releasing an album. With Music, Fashion, Film, the brat songstress is asking fans to experience the project the way she imagined it from start to finish on screen.
Released Friday, the striking black-and-white companion film transforms the album into more of an arthouse visual experience than a collection of music videos. Rather than dropping individual clips, Charli stitches the songs together with personal reflections, conversations, fashion imagery, and behind-the-scenes moments that reveal the thinking behind each track.
At one point, she opens up about making the record with longtime collaborators A.G. Cook and Finn Keane, describing the album as something created alongside close friends rather than simply studio partners. "Throughout this album process, I've been making things with my friends and I've been loving every minute of it," she says in the film.
Instead of feeling like promotional material, the project often plays like a creative journal. Nearly every track on the album comes paired with its own visual moment, weaving together recurring imagery of cigarettes, fashion shoots, and scenes across London, with Charli narrating the inspiration behind each song in the transitions between them. Ahead of "Card Declined," for instance, she reflects on her love of shopping while traveling through cities like Paris and London.
The film also features several notable guest appearances. Actor Vincent Cassel stars in the "Camera" segment, which includes a recording of Charli's original pitch to bring him onto the project, and his response. She described the track as an exploration of "the relationship between performer and camera," calling it "sometimes really tempting and exciting, but can also sometimes be unbelievably vulnerable and a bit embarrassing." Closing with acclaimed filmmaker David Cronenberg, whose conversation with Charli about art and mortality sets the tone for the album's final moments.
It's also no coincidence that audiences saw the film in theaters before it landed online. Charli has said she wanted people to process the project visually as well as sonically, reinforcing the idea that Music, Fashion, Film was designed to be consumed as one complete artistic statement.
For an artist who turned brat into a full-scale cultural movement, it feels like the natural next step: not just releasing an album, but building an entire world around it.
1977 Blockbuster Film, Which Produced 4 No. 1 Hit Songs, Is Ranked One of the Best Soundtracks of All Time
Few movie soundtracks have had the cultural impact of the music featured in Saturday Night Fever.
The 1977 dance film starring John Travoltaand Karen Lynn Gorney was not only a blockbuster movie, but a pop culture phenomenon, thanks to the accompanying album that helped define the sound of the disco era.
The movie's legendary soundtrack, featuring several songs by the Bee Gees, produced four massive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the best-selling soundtracks ever released. It's even ranked at No. 5 on Rolling Stone's list of the 101 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time.
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The album featured three Bee Gees songs that went No. 1 after the film's release, including "Stayin' Alive," which reigned at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 4 weeks, "How Deep Is Your Love," with a three-week run, and "Night Fever," which held the No. 1 position for a eight straight weeks. "If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman also spent one week at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in May 1978.
The Bee Gees' hit "You Should Be Dancing" reached the top of the charts in 1976, meaning it was already a No. 1 hit by the time it was featured on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Meanwhile, other notable songs on the album include "Boogie Shoes" by KC & The Sunshine Band and "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps.
Billboard ranks "How Deep Is Your Love" as the No. 3 Top Movie Song of All Time, while "Night Fever" is ranked at No. 6. and "Stayin' Alive" is No. 10 on the same list.
Saturday Night Fever (The Original Movie Soundtrack) Track List- "Stayin' Alive" Bee Gees
- "How Deep Is Your Love" Bee Gees
- "Night Fever" Bee Gees
- "More Than a Woman" Bee Gees
- "If I Can't Have You" Yvonne Elliman
- "A Fifth of Beethoven" Walter Murphy
- "More Than a Woman" Tavares
- "Manhattan Skyline" David Shire
- "Calypso Breakdown" Ralph MacDonald
- "Night on Disco Mountain" David Shire
- "Open Sesame" Kool & The Gang
- "Jive Talkin'" Bee Gees
- "You Should Be Dancing" Bee Gees
- "Boogie Shoes" KC & The Sunshine Band
- "Salsation" David Shire
- "K-Jee" MFSB
- "Disco Inferno" The Trammps
Related: Legendary 1965 Movie Soundtrack Is Ranked the No. 2 Greatest Album of All Time by Billboard
Why Your Gray Hair Is Suddenly Frizzy (And a Free Fix From a Celebrity Stylist)
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If you've noticed that your hair has gotten frizzier, wirier and harder to manage as it's gone gray, you're not imagining it. The shift can feel sudden and upsetting, especially if your hair was relatively easy to manage before.
"It's one of the most common concerns I hear," says Michelle Hong, celebrity stylist and owner of NYC The Team, a New York City salon. Hong has over 20 years of experience and is one of the top colorists in Manhattan who has worked with Sigourney Weaver, Bon Jovi, Amy Schumer, Marcia Gay Harden and Peyton List as well as with renowned modeling agencies.
She explains that as frustrating as gray hair can be, once you understand what's actually happening to the hair shaft, the fixes start to feel workable.
"As hair loses pigment, it often also changes in texture," Hong tells Parade. "Gray hairs tend to be coarser, wirier and more resistant to lying flat, which can make the hair appear frizzier and less smooth."
Aging can also reduce natural oil production, leaving gray strands dry, porous and prone to lifting up to absorb atmospheric moisture. The result is frizz that seems to come from nowhere, particularly on humid days or after washing.
Luckily, many of the most effective fixes cost nothing at all. Here's what Hong recommends doing and tips she shares for how to prevent frizzy hair over 50.
Related: 7 Best Shampoos for Gray Hair, Recommended by Celebrity Stylists
Why Does Gray Hair Get So Frizzy?Going gray isn't just a color change. Without the melanin that gives the hair its color, the structural integrity and the weight of the strand change, too. Gray hair is more porous and significantly more reactive to humidity.
"While some people keep a relatively silky texture, most notice that their gray hairs have a rougher cuticle leading to frizz," Hong says.
Producing less natural oil compounds the dryness. Less oil means less natural lubrication, less weight and less ability to hold moisture—all of which adds up to frizz.
Related: The One Hair Color Technique for Women Over 50 to Look Instantly Younger, Says Celebrity Colorist
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A Celebrity Stylist's Free Fix for Frizzy Gray HairBefore reaching for any product, Hong says to try this free trick to make a significant difference in how your gray hair behaves day to day: Finish your shower with a cool water rinse.
"Rinsing your hair with cool water at the end of your shower can help smooth the hair's outer layer," she tells Parade. Hot water lifts the cuticle while cool water flattens it back down. It takes about 30 seconds and costs nothing.
Related: Whole Foods Just Launched a Brand-New Affordable Haircare Line for Thin Hair—Here’s My Honest Review
How To Prevent Frizzy Hair Over 50: More Cheap Fixes from an Expert"While there's no home remedy that will permanently change the texture of gray hair, a few simple habits can make a noticeable difference," Hong says. "These simple, low-cost changes can help gray hair look smoother and more manageable every day."
- Dry your hair with the right towel. "Using a microfiber towel instead of a regular towel reduces friction that causes frizz," she says. A standard terry cloth towel roughs up the cuticle as it absorbs water; a microfiber towel or even an old cotton t-shirt does the same job with far less disruption to the hair shaft.
- Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase. "Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase helps minimize overnight frizz and breakage," Hong says. Cotton pillowcases create friction as you move during sleep—silk and satin allow hair to glide rather than snag.
- Brush hair gently. "Focus on reducing dryness and friction," she suggests.
- Don't over-wash. Don't wash the hair too often if your scalp doesn't require it, Hong says, explaining, "Gray hair naturally produces less oil, so preserving moisture is important."
Blow-drying technique also matters more than most people realize. "Direct the airflow of your blow dryer down the hair shaft and finish with the cool-shot button to help seal the cuticle," Hong advises. Pointing the dryer downward follows the direction of the cuticle scales rather than disrupting them.
"Even a few minutes of heat styling with the proper technique can create a smoother, longer-lasting finish."
Related: The #1 Hair Mistake a Celebrity Stylist Says Can Make Thinning Look Worse
#1 Mistake To Avoid if You Have Frizzy Gray Hair, Stylist WarnsWhen frizz shows up mid-day, "the biggest mistake is adding more hairspray," Hong says. "Instead, apply a pea-sized amount of lightweight hair oil or smoothing serum to your palms, rub your hands together, and gently smooth the surface of the hair without overloading it."
"If you have a few particularly stubborn wiry strands, lightly mist them with water or a leave-in conditioner and smooth them back into place," she adds.
Related: This Is the Best Eyebrow Color for Gray Hair, According to a Makeup Artist
What Ingredients Actually Help Frizzy Gray Hair?Once the free habits are in place, a few targeted products can take things further. Hong recommends looking for formulas focused on hydration, smoothing and humidity protection.
"A nourishing hair oil, leave-in conditioner, smoothing cream, or anti-frizz serum can help soften coarse gray hairs, reduce flyaways and protect against humidity," she says.
For a deeper weekly treatment, she suggests adding a conditioning mask.
"I also recommend using a deep-conditioning mask once a week to keep gray hair hydrated and manageable." Look for masks with ingredients like keratin, argan oil, shea butter or hyaluronic acid—all of which help restore the moisture gray hair is constantly losing.
For persistent frizz that doesn't respond to at-home care, Hong also recommends considering a salon keratin smoothing treatment or professional gloss, "which can make gray hair more manageable without permanently altering its natural texture."
Up Next:
Related: 12 Best Hair Oils To Soften and Smooth Strands, Tested by Celebrity Stylists
Source:- Michelle Hong, celebrity stylist and owner of NYC The Team
1989 Alt-Rock Anthem Written By a 14-Year-Old Almost Didn’t Happen
Frontman for the American alt-rock group The Pixies, Black Francis, recalled working on a track when he was roughly 14 years old. The song was the track "Here Comes Your Man." Years later, when the band was formed and they were working on their demo, the band did not want to record or eventually include "Here Comes Your Man." The group begrudgingly called the song "the Tom Petty song" and felt it was too pop for them.
On top of the band's feelings about the song, the label head of 4AD, Ivo Watts-Russell, also left "Here Comes Your Man" off of the final track list for their debut album. Watts-Russell said, "It felt just too obviously commercial, and I didn't know what we were doing with [the Pixies]."
In 2004, Francis was still not the biggest fan of "Here Comes Your Man," even feeling slightly embarrassed by it. However, producer Gil Norton really enjoyed the track, and they recorded a version for the group's 1989 second studio album, Doolittle.
In June of 1989, "Here Comes Your Man" was released as the second single from Doolittle. The music video was released at the same time and received some airplay from MTV. The song peaked at number three on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks. When reflecting on the track, Watts-Russell said, "Maybe if a major label company was able to convince people to take a more commercial route, maybe Pixies would have sold a whole bunch more records than they did."
The Pixies have not warmed to the song over the last almost 40 years and still rarely play it live or at concerts. Guitarist Joey Santiago recalled of the track, "The tour manager asked, 'Hey, Arsenio Hall wants you to come on the show.' We said, 'Well, what do they want to hear?' He said, 'Here Comes Your Man.' No way."
The song has made several appearances in media over the years, including in films like (500) Days of Summer and Stuck on You, and TV shows like The Simpsons and Stranger Things.
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Related: 1973 Power Anthem, Written by a 14-Year-Old, Became Band’s Most Iconic Song
Oscar-Nominated Love Song Came From One of the Biggest Box Office Surprises of the ’80s
It became one of the most unforgettable love songs of the 1980s.
But the movie that introduced it to audiences? That’s a much more complicated story.
Released in 1987, "Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship became a massive pop culture moment, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
The power ballad’s legacy eventually grew far beyond the romantic comedy it was written for: Mannequin, a film that divided critics but became a nostalgic favorite for many fans.
The song was written by legendary songwriter Diane Warren and Albert Hammond, who created the soaring anthem about commitment, determination and a love that refuses to be stopped.
Hammond, 82, later revealed that the song’s inspiration came from his own relationship. He had been living with his girlfriend Claudia for seven years while trying to finalize his divorce, and he was considering writing a song for their wedding. The idea of overcoming those obstacles to finally marry became the emotional foundation for "Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now."
Starship’s Mickey Thomas and Grace Slick turned the track into a dramatic duet, blending Slick’s, 86, unmistakable rock vocals with Thomas', 76, powerful delivery. The result was exactly the kind of oversized romantic anthem that defined late-’80s radio.
The song was featured in the 1987 romantic comedy Mannequin, starring Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall. The movie followed a struggling artist who falls in love with a mannequin that comes to life, a high-concept premise that earned mixed reviews from critics. Despite that, the film found an audience and developed a lasting cult following over the years.
The song became the true breakout, though.
"Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Starship’s biggest hits. It also received a nomination for Best Original Song at the 60th Academy Awards, competing against some of the most memorable movie songs of the era.
The track’s success also helped cement Warren’s, 69, reputation as one of the most prolific hitmakers in modern music. She would go on to write dozens of major songs for artists including Aerosmith, Celine Dion and Cher.
Mannequin may not have become a cinematic classic in the traditional sense, but its theme song became a timeless anthem that proved a great love song can outlast the movie that made it famous.
RELATED: Elvis Presley Had an Unexpected Obsession—See the Rare Photos That Prove It
Costco's New Feel-Good Freezer Find Puts a Fresh Spin on Breakfast
Busy mornings don't always leave time to cook breakfast from scratch, but Costco has a new freezer find that keeps convenience and wholesome ingredients in mind.
Chef Hak's Hearty Veggie Hash with Chicken Sausage is beginning to arrive in warehouses, combining roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, chicken sausage, bell peppers, onions, and avocado oil into a hearty meal that's ready in minutes.
The 46-ounce bag includes about seven servings and is priced at $11.99 (item #1954385).
You can see it in this July 23 TikTok from @discovering_costco:
@discovering_costcoCostco just dropped a new veggie and chicken sausage breakfast hash! #costcodiscoveries #breakfast #breakfastpotatoes #costcofood
♬ original sound - Audios🥰 Costco's New Breakfast Hash Keeps the Ingredient List SimpleUnlike many frozen breakfast options, Chef Hak's Hearty Veggie Hash features an ingredient list filled with foods most of us already know. Along with roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, chicken sausage, bell peppers, and onions, the recipe is seasoned with garlic, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and chili pepper.
The package also notes that the hash is made with avocado oil, contains no artificial ingredients, is gluten-free, and uses chicken raised without antibiotics.
Each one-cup serving contains 100 calories and 8 grams of protein, making it an easy option to keep on hand for busy weekday breakfasts or relaxed weekend mornings.
One of its biggest selling points is how quickly it helps a meal come together. Chef Hak offers several preparation options depending on how much time you have.
Cooking options include:
- Microwave: Ready in about 4 to 6 minutes
- Air fryer: Crisps up in about 8 minutes
- Skillet: Cook over medium-high heat for about 9 minutes or until heated through
Photo by Karl Janisse on Unsplash
Chef Hak recommends topping the hash with eggs, and it also works well as the base for breakfast burritos or breakfast bowls. Pair it with fresh fruit and toast for an easy weekend brunch, or serve it as a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner option on busy weeknights.
Whether you're stocking the freezer for hectic weekday mornings or looking for something simple before a Saturday adventure, this new Costco breakfast find offers a quick meal built around real ingredients.
I Cruise Every Month—Here Are My Secrets to Scoring Luxury Cabins for Cheap
If you looked at my travel schedule, you might think I spend half my life unpacking and repacking a suitcase. The truth is, I cruise at least once a month, sometimes more (sometimes a little less), and after hundreds of nights at sea, I've learned something that surprises a lot of people. I'm not wealthy, but I've got a secret.
I rarely pay the price that's advertised.
That doesn't mean I'm sneaking around looking for loopholes or trying to game the system. It just means that over the years I've learned how cruise lines actually work. Their pricing changes constantly, cabins open up at the last minute, promotions come and go, and loyalty is often rewarded in ways that first-time cruisers never realize.
I've gone from a standard veranda to Concierge Class with no charge, I've upgraded to spa cabins (with full spa access) for $30 more each, and yes, I've stayed in the most luxurious of staterooms, complete with my own butler for a little more than that. I've received unexpected stateroom upgrades, complimentary specialty dinners, free casino offers, and enough onboard credits to make a noticeable dent in my vacation budget.
None of this happened by accident!!
It may take a little more work than just clicking that "book" button on the site, but these are the strategies I rely on every single year to stretch my cruise dollars further while making every sailing feel a little more luxurious.
Related: I Take Over 10 Cruises a Year—Here Are My Secrets to Getting Free Drinks on Board
1. Set Price Alerts. Then Act Fast.One of the biggest mistakes I see cruisers make is assuming that once they've booked, their work is done. In reality, booking is just the beginning. Cruise fares fluctuate all the time. Sometimes demand softens. Sometimes a higher-category cabin isn't selling as expected, or they have a higher demand for a lower category and need the availability for a larger group. Sometimes a flash sale appears for only a few days (FYI, flash sales seem to happen often).
I keep an eye on my reservation from the day I book until I sail. If I see a better cabin selling for close to what I've already paid, I call immediately.
I've upgraded from a standard veranda to Concierge Class, SpaClass, and even a suite simply because I noticed a price drop before everyone else did. The key is speed; that cabin probably won't stay available for very long.
2. Stay Loyal to One or Two Cruise LinesPeople often ask whether they should spread their cruises across every cruise line. My answer is usually no. Loyalty has real value in the cruise world. And, almost every major cruise line rewards repeat guests with benefits that grow every year.
Depending on your status, you might receive:
- Complimentary laundry
- Priority boarding
- Free drinks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Specialty dining discounts
- Exclusive events
- Better customer service
- Cabin upgrade opportunities
Some cruise lines even offer surprise upgrades when inventory allows, particularly for higher-tier loyalty members.
Personally, I've stayed loyal to one cruise line because I happen to like the line, it's convenient for me to get to their ports, and honestly, it's allowed me to accrue more loyalty points that have saved me far more money over time than constantly chasing whichever company happens to have the lowest advertised fare.
Related: Everyone Told Me To Stay Away From This Affordable Cruise—I Didn't Listen and LOVED It
3. Gamble a Little? Start with Casino Offers, Then UpgradeI have an admission. I loved to play pinball when I was a teen and that's turned into a love of sitting at a slot machine. And while the days of putting one quarter in and playing all day I was pretty good) are long gone, I do set a limit on my play (and it's a LOT lower than you think. It's a lot lower than what I'd spend on a night out at a nice restaurant for two! So, it goes to say that one of my favorite strategies starts before I even look at cabins.
If you receive casino offers, don't immediately dismiss the complimentary cabin you're offered. You may only be offered an inside cabin, but upgrading that is easy.
I often book the free or deeply discounted stateroom first. Most of my offers have run from Inside to Veranda. I don't play enough to warrant being offered a suite, but that never stopped me. That's when the fun begins as I start watching the pricing on higher cabin categories.
Most (if not all) of the cruise lines allow you to pay only the difference between your complimentary cabin and the upgraded category. If prices soften, that difference can become surprisingly affordable (see tip #1).
Instead of paying full price for a premium cabin, I'm often paying only a fraction of the normal upgrade cost. It's one of the easiest ways to enjoy a better stateroom without spending thousands of dollars.
Related: Best Senior Travel Discounts
4. Never Be Afraid to Ask the Casino HostWhile we're talking about the casino, there's one (or two) people who work there who can really help you...the casino hosts. It is their job to make sure that all of the players in their casino are kept happy (and playing).
So, if you're already spending time in the casino, introduce yourself to the casino host. This is always the FIRST thing that I do. Now they know your name (especially important in a larger casino) and they'll come check on you. They're there to help.
Many people assume casino perks only include free cruises. But, that's just the beginning. Depending on your play, you may qualify for:
- Complimentary specialty restaurant dinners
- Spa treatments
- Extra free play
- Beverage packages
- Additional onboard credit
- Future cruise certificates
- Better cabin offers
What's the worst that can happen? I once had a casino host chase me down to let me know that I was only about $20 away from a NICE upgraded cabin certificate, and she didn't want to see me walk out with just an inside cabin. She didn't have to do that, but for me, it was the difference that $20 was the difference between being inside and sitting on my veranda enjoying coffee each morning in my fancy robe looking out at the ocean. All because I had introduced myself, and she looked at my account because she "knew me" now.
More often than not, you'll discover there may be benefits available that nobody mentioned at check-in.
5. Watch Every Sale, Before and After You've BookedCruise lines love promotions. One week, it's 75% off the third and fourth guests. The next week, it's free Wi-Fi. Then come the included drinks. Next, it's kids sail free. Once in a while, you'll see that bonus onboard credit. It varies from cruise line to cruise line.
Sometimes rebooking under a new promotion can save hundreds of dollars or include valuable extras (just be sure to check your cancel-by date before doing this). I regularly compare current promotions against my existing reservation.
If something better appears before final payment, I will call. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes it's worth several hundred dollars. But it never hurts to ask.
6. Book Your Next Cruise While You're Still OnboardI'm not saying you should always book another cruise before disembarking. But I always stop by the Future Cruise desk just to see what's available because there may be promotions that only they can offer.
Many cruise lines offer incentives that disappear once you leave the ship, and I've found that you have plenty of time to decide on which cruise you'd like to take once you get home. I never make the actual booking on board; I just leave the deposit.
Why? Because I always get
- Reduced deposits
- Extra onboard credit
- Flexible booking certificates
- Future discounts
Even if I'm not sure exactly where I want to go next, I'll purchase an open booking certificate to lock in.
7. Check for Resident, Military, Senior, or First Responder RatesCruise lines frequently offer discounts that don't get nearly enough attention. Depending on the sailing, you may qualify for reduced fares based on:
- Your state of residence
- Military service
- Veteran status
- First responder status
- Teacher or healthcare worker programs
- Senior discounts on select sailings
As a matter of fact, I just got off of a Margaritaville at Sea cruise that offers free sailings to military, educators, first responders, and more (just pay taxes, port charges, and tips). These savings can sometimes be combined with other promotions, making them well worth checking before you finalize a booking. If you live in a state that's listed on the booking site, make sure to check that box that you live there. I've gotten discounts for just living in Florida in the past.
8. Watch for Included Amenities Before You Buy ThemI've seen too many do this (and yes, I've almost done it myself). One of the biggest mistakes new cruisers make is purchasing everything immediately after booking. Be patient after you book your cruise and wait a bit.
Cruise lines frequently bundle popular amenities into later promotions. I've gotten offers of 40% off of drink packages for a "holiday" promotion, or bundle Wi-Fi and your drink package for less than just doing ONE of those offered, I've even seen 3-specialty restaurants for the price of one, and a HUGE discount on excursions.
Related: 10 Best Free Caribbean Beaches Worth Skipping Cruise Excursions For
If you've already purchased everything separately, you may miss out on a better package later.
Tatiana Meteleva / Getty Images
9. Let a Good Travel Advisor Watch the Cruise for YouUsing a travel agent/advisor can't be the smartest move even when you know exactly what sailing you want. This can save you a lot of work, since a good travel advisor keeps an eye on promotions after you've booked.
They'll often notice:
- Better pricing
- New onboard credit offers
- Cabin upgrades
- Group amenities
- Exclusive agency promotions
- Flash sales
Many agencies also receive perks that aren't available when booking directly through the cruise line. That might mean a little extra onboard credit, prepaid gratuities (a favorite perk of using an advisor), complimentary specialty dining, or welcome gifts waiting in your cabin like some chocolate dipped strawberries or a bottle of champagne.
Best of all, they are the ones who spend the time sitting on hold with the cruise line so you don't have to and it doesn't cost you any more than if you were to book the cruise yourself.
My Favorite Cruise Strategy of AllIf there's one lesson I've learned after cruising at least once a month, it's that cruise fares are rarely fixed. The price you see today may not be the best you'll see tomorrow. The cabin you think you can't afford today might become affordable next week. The promotion you missed may return in a slightly different form a month later.
The travelers who seem to get the biggest suites, the nicest perks, and the best values aren't necessarily spending more money than everyone else. They're just being a bit more strategic with their planning.
Whether you're calling the 1-800 number after a price drop, checking with a casino host about unexpected perks, letting a trusted travel advisor monitor your reservation, or simply building loyalty with the cruise lines you love most, the little things often add up to a vacation that feels far more luxurious without the added price tag.
That's the biggest secret I've discovered. The best cruise isn't always the most expensive one. For me, it's the one where I have enough money left to do it over again the next month.
Related: I’m a 72-Year-Old Cruise Expert—Here's the 'Toddler Method' I Use to Pack a Carry-On
Princess Diana's Look at Fergie and Andrew's Royal Wedding Predicted Summer 2026's Biggest Trend
Earlier this week marked what would have been Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's 40th wedding anniversary—if they hadn't divorced in 1996, of course.
To mark the occasion we did a deep dive into Fergie's iconic 80s wedding dress, which was embroidered with special symbols in intricate silver beading. You can read here about out why the dress's designer ultimately vetoed two of these symbols, and why they had a peculiar connection to Andrew.
Today we're thinking about the outfit of the one particular wedding guest at the lavish celebrations in 1986. Who else other than Princess Diana?
As the royal bride Fergie was of course the centre of attention in her $45,000 gown and silk flower headdress that was discarded after she and Andrew exchanged their vows to reveal a surprise diamond tiara.
But the Princess of Wales was the superstar of the royal family at the time and the dress she wore on that July day in 1986 turned out to predict one of the hottest trends this summer!
We're talking of course about polka dots. If you've been paying attention you'll have noticed them everywhere in 2026—they're especially popular for wedding guest outfits at the moment.
Diana was always ahead of her time, and the occasion of Andrew and Fergie's wedding was no exception. When Diana made her entrance to Westminster Abbey ahead of the ceremony, she stood out in the crowd of 2000 guests in a turquoise dress patterned with massive black spots.
View this post on InstagramAs it was the '80s, the dress by Victor Edelstein naturally featured padded shoulders. The hat was also big and bold: it was blue to match the princess's dress and featured a huge black brim that would have been in danger of overpowering Diana's features were it not for her signature dramatic eyeliner.
Diana's obsession with polka dots didn't end there. During her lifetime she stepped out many times in the fun pattern, from ladylike micro dots to enormous Bob Dylan-esque circles.
Who can forget the pale pink skirt with red polka dots and matching socks she wore to the polo in Windsor the same year that Andrew and Fergie got married, or the white outfit with navy polka dots (feat. matching polka dot hat) that she wore to Royal Ascot in 1988?
She even chose polka dots for one of the most significant events in her time as a royal: the moment that she stepped out of the Lindo Wing to give the world its first glimpse of her newborn son and heir to the throne Prince William.
Related: King Charles Agreed To Meet Harry, Meghan and Their Children On This One Condition
The teal polka dot dress she wore for that occasion was so iconic that 31 years later her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton would wear a similar polka dot dress in powder blue when she posed with her own newborn son and heir to the throne Prince George on the steps of the same hospital.
Diana also rocked the pattern during her tours of various countries including Turkey, Japan, and Canada. She even paired the sparkling Spencer tiara (her family's heirloom tiara that Diana wore to her wedding) with a floaty polka dot dress to a lavish state banquet in New Zealand.
These days Kate Middleton continues to rock the trend, the most recent example being the red dress with white polka dots and capped sleeves that she wore to a charity event in St James's palace last month.
View this post on InstagramBut we think our favorite ever polka dot outfit worn by Kate was back in 2020 during her and William's tour of Ireland when she wore a fuschia silk dress by Oscar de la Renta to the Museum of Literature, which was dotted all over with tiny black polka dots. This was dress was special because it was one of the rare occasions that the Princess of Wales wore a vintage piece!
Next, Kate Middleton Debuted Summer’s Most Surprising New Nail Trend At Wimbledon
61 Years Ago Today Bob Dylan Was Booed Offstage and Shattered the Rules of Folk Music Forever
On July 25, 1965, Bob Dylan walked onstage at the Newport Folk Festival wearing a leather jacket, carrying a Fender Stratocaster, and accompanied by an amplified backing band.
Within seconds, the acoustic folk movement was changed forever.
Dylan was a favorite performer at the Newport Folk Festival before his 1965 electric set. He was embraced as the visionary voice of the folk revival, especially after his triumphant performances at the 1963 and 1964 festivals.
However, his choice to play an electric guitar forever changed how he was perceived by the community that originally embraced him. Almost overnight, the folk world's golden boy became its biggest villain.
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According to the Smithsonian website, six months before the annual concert, Dylan released Bringing It All Back Home. The LP had more rock ‘n’ roll leanings than his prior four releases.
However, the crowd's reaction was attributed to several different factors, reported Smithsonian. Dylan believed that the "poor sound quality of the performance" was a key reason for the audience's unhappiness.
For folk purists, Dylan’s initial refusal to play even one acoustic song felt like an insult. Yet, lingering reports suggest the crowd's hostile reaction was far less dramatic than the legends claim.
Sure, traditional folk fans hated him for plugging in that day at Newport. But ditching the acoustic-only rulebook in 1965 was the exact gamble that pushed Dylan out of the folk niche and straight into rock history.
"There was a lot of talk," festival production manager Joe Boyd explains in the documentary Newport & The Great Folk Dream, per PEOPLE Magazine.
Boyd explained, "People [were saying], 'What’s Dylan gonna do?' Dylan had a record in the charts that had drums and electric guitar on the record. And yet, he never performed that way."
Backed by three members of the Butterfield Blues Band (Mike Bloomfield, Jerome Arnold, and Sam Lay), Dylan launched into a 15-minute set that included "Maggie's Farm," "Like a Rolling Stone," and "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry." Following, he returned to the Newport stage with an acoustic guitar to perform "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue."
The titular moment was captured in the feature film A Complete Unknown, where Timothée Chalamet stepped into Dylan’s boots to recreate the thunderous 1965 Newport set. His performance brought the explosive tension back to life, showing a new generation exactly why those 15 minutes shocked the world.
It took 37 years for Bob Dylan to step foot back on the Newport stage. When he finally did in 2002, he showed up disguised in a wig and false beard.
Related: 1962 Bob Dylan Love Song Was Inspired by an Unexpected Wake-Up Call at Dawn
1968 Hit, Which Everyone Interprets Wrong, Was Actually Inspired by a Fellow Prolific Guitarist
Rock music has taken so many quick and interesting turns throughout its illustrious history. From The Beatles all the way to the likes of Twisted Sister, there are so many interesting and experimental ways the genre has been played. In order for that evolution to happen, there always has to be the risk of innovation—something the 1960s rock band Cream was never afraid to embrace. They pioneered the blending of blues rock and psychedelic rock while inspiring a generation of "jam bands" to go with the flow. Composed of Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton, this "power trio" was among the first to popularize that dynamic.
In 1966, the world's first "supergroup" released their debut album, Fresh Cream, introducing listeners to hits like "I Feel Free." By 1968, the band released one of their most famous tunes with "White Room," a track shrouded in mystery and a bevy of interpretations. One undeniable fact about the legendary, career-defining hit is that it was directly inspired by another beloved icon: Jimi Hendrix.
In a series of interviews featured on Forbes, Bruce detailed how the master guitarist inspired him and opened up to interviewer Jack Clash about how important the song was to him.
"The inspiration for the music came from meeting Jimi Hendrix and his approach to playing. In fact, he came to the recording session of that in New York and said to me, 'I wish I could write something like that;'" Bruce recalled. "I said, 'But it comes from you!' It’s a synthesis of things and not a completely original chord sequence. It’s the way we placed certain things in time that makes it original. I had problems with the record company because of the introduction being 5/4 and those suspended second inversion chords. They didn’t think it would make it."
Bruce went on to explain that he believed the record label's lack of faith stemmed from fears that it wasn't commercial enough.
"They think ‘well, if the audience gets too intelligent and likes really good musical things, we’re going to have to keep finding those things.’ So if you can reduce it to a fairly low common denominator as far as the music goes, there’s always a bunch of other guys or girls coming along who can do that. But I don’t want to overstate the importance – it’s only rock and roll, you know [laughs]."
Clapton also took inspiration from Hendrix's use of the wah-wah pedal, applying it liberally to create one of his most iconic guitar tracks.
Related: 1968 Rock Song, Written by 'Best Supergroup' of All Time, Became a Timeless Anthem
What Inspired the Lyrics for the SongAs tantalizing as the music is for the iconic hit, the lyrics have confounded and delighted listeners for decades. Written by poet Pete Brown—who was not an official member of the band—the song was a reflection of a personal relationship, according to an interview he gave to Songfacts.
"It was a meandering thing about a relationship that I was in and how I was at the time. It was a kind of watershed period really," he confessed. "It was a time before I stopped being a relative barman and became a songwriter, because I was a professional poet, you know. I was doing poetry readings and making a living from that. It wasn't a very good living, and then I got asked to work by Ginger and Jack with them and then started to make a kind of living.
"And there was this kind of transitional period where I lived in this actual white room and was trying to come to terms with various things that were going on. It's a place where I stopped, I gave up all drugs and alcohol at that time in 1967 as a result of being in the white room, so it was a kind of watershed period. That song's like a kind of weird little movie: it changes perspectives all the time. That's why it's probably lasted - it's got a kind of mystery to it."
The song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, overshadowed only by their other 1968 hit, "Sunshine of Your Love." It has earned several accolades over time, landing at No. 396 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and being named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.
Country Star Earns 22nd No. 1 Hit 12 Years After Beginning Career
Morgan Wallen has reached another major career milestone as “Don’t We” rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart dated Aug. 1, giving the country star his 21st chart-topper on the format and his 22nd overall No. 1 at country radio.
The song moved up one spot to the top of the Country Airplay chart after earning 33.6 million audience impressions, a 5% increase, during the July 17-23 tracking period, according to Billboard.
The latest achievement also adds another record to Wallen’s already strong run with his 2025 album, I’m the Problem. “Don’t We” is now the seventh song from the album to reach No. 1 on Country Airplay. It is the first album to produce seven Country Airplay leaders using only its original edition.
Morgan Wallen attends the 2023 CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage
That puts I’m the Problem ahead of Wallen’s previous album, One Thing at a Time, which produced six Country Airplay No. 1 hits. Luke Combs’ What You See Is What You Get also produced seven leaders, but those chart-toppers came from its original and deluxe editions combined.
Morgan Wallen’s 22nd No. 1 at Country Radio“Don’t We” joins six other I’m the Problem songs that previously reached the top of Country Airplay: “20 Cigarettes,” “I Got Better,” “Just in Case,” “I’m the Problem,” “Love Somebody” and “Lies Lies Lies.”
The run began in November 2024 with “Lies Lies Lies.” The success of the album has helped extend Wallen’s strong presence on country radio while I’m the Problem has also spent 45 weeks at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart since its debut in May 2025.
Wallen is now one of only 10 artists to collect at least 21 No. 1s since Billboard’s Country Airplay chart began in January 1990, per Billboard. Kenny Chesney leads that group with 33, followed by Blake Shelton with 30, Tim McGraw with 29 and Jason Aldean with 27.
Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson and George Strait each have 26 No. 1s. Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban and Wallen follow with 21 each.
Wallen’s latest milestone comes about a decade after he first made his mark in the music business. He gained wider attention as a contestant on the sixth season of The Voice in 2014 before releasing his debut single, “The Way I Talk,” in 2016.
Since then, his rise on country radio has accelerated.
Wallen has now charted 37 songs on Country Airplay since “The Way I Talk” marked his debut in 2016. Of those songs, 21 have reached No. 1, giving him a 57% conversion rate from total chart entries to chart-toppers.
He has also been part of two collaborations that reached No. 1 within the same time frame: Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Wallen, and “Cowgirls,” featuring Ernest.
Since 2022, 32 Country Airplay No. 1 songs have reached the top in 21 weeks or fewer. Wallen has been credited on 13 of those songs, including 11 solo recordings and two collaborations. That means he has been involved in more than 40% of those fast-climbing chart-toppers during that period.
Among his previous 12 No. 1 songs that reached the top in 21 weeks or fewer, six made the climb in 15 weeks or less. “I Had Some Help” was the fastest, reaching No. 1 in just seven weeks.
His fastest solo climbs include “Last Night” and “I’m the Problem,” which each took 11 weeks to reach the top. “Love Somebody” reached No. 1 in 14 weeks, while “Cowgirls” and “Just in Case” each took 15 weeks.
The latest chart achievement comes as Wallen continues his 2026 run as a major stadium performer. On Friday, he performed the first of two sold-out shows at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, where the concert was expected to draw about 75,000 people.
View this post on InstagramThe 33-year-old singer performed for about two hours and 15 minutes during Friday night's show. The production included flames, lasers, fireworks, large-scale pyrotechnics and light-up wristbands worn by fans.
Wallen performed 26 songs and brought out University of Michigan and Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson during the show. Thomas Rhett and Hudson Westbrook also joined him onstage for “Cowgirls” and “Up Down,” respectively.
“I Had Some Help,” his 2024 collaboration with Post Malone, closed his main set. He also performed “Been By Now,” a new track released Friday, during the encore.
The concert ended with “Last Night” and “Whiskey Problems” as fireworks filled the sky.
Wallen is scheduled to perform a second show at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
Related: Country Star, With No. 1 Hit Song, Makes Billboard Chart History
1978 Rock Classic, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time,’ Was Actually an Accidental Masterpiece
One of the greatest guitar solos in rock history wasn’t planned.
In 1978, Van Halen’s first album featured a blistering guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen. Titled “Eruption,” the one-minute and 42-second song was the second track on the band’s self-titled debut.
“Eruption” showcased Van Halen’s legendary guitar wizardry with two-handed finger tapping and dramatic whammy bar effects, delivering a jaw-dropping solo unlike any other.
Nearly 50 years after its release, “Eruption” was ranked among the greatest guitar solos of all time by Rolling Stone. Of Van Halen’s iconic instrumental, the outlet noted that the song changed the course of guitar history while establishing “the lexicon for a new generation of guitarists.”
While “Eruption” revolutionized the sound of rock guitar, its inclusion on the 1978 Van Halen album almost didn’t happen.
Speaking with Guitar Player, producer Ted Templeman recalled that he heard Van Halen playing the guitar solo in the recording studio, and it stopped him in his tracks.
“I went, 'What’s that?' And he said, 'It’s just something I warm up with before each show.' And I said, 'Donn, roll tape!'" Templeman recalled telling engineer Donn Landee. “So it just went – boom – and we got it, just like that. I’d never heard anything like that. I’d never heard that kind of tapping. I’d never heard anything that brilliant, and Ed said, 'No, it’s nothing.'"
“He didn’t even know. …He wasn’t even gonna show it to me,” Templeman added of Van Halen, who died in 2020.
RELATED: 1979 Rock Classic, Reimagined from 1975 No. 1 Hit, Remains an Iconic Breakup Anthem
In an interview with Guitar World, Van Halen shared his side of the "unusual” back story of his musical masterpiece.
“It wasn't even supposed to be on the album,” Van Halen revealed. “I showed up at the recording studio early one day and started to warm up because I had a gig on the weekend and I wanted to practice my solo guitar spot. Our producer, Ted Templeman, happened to walk by and he asked, 'What's that? Let's put it on tape!' So I took one pass at it, and they put it on the record.”
“I didn't even play it right,” Van Halen added. “There's a mistake at the top end of it. To this day, whenever I hear it I always think, 'Man, I could've played it better.'”
Van Halen once revealed that he accidentally invented the fret-tapping technique that he made famous while playing around on his guitar at home.
“I remembered seeing people stretching one note and hitting the note once,” he told Classic Rock in 1978. “They popped the finger on there to hit one note. I said: well, f--, nobody is really capitalizing on that. Nobody was really doing more than just one stretch and one note real quick.”
Van Halen realized he’d come up with a unique guitar technique that produced “a totally different sound” that left people guessing.
“A lot of people listen to that, and they don’t even think it’s a guitar,” he shared. “‘Is that a synthesizer? A piano? What is that?’”
As for the unusual placement of “Eruption”—smack between hit singles “Runnin’ With the Devil” and “You Really Got Me” on Van Halen’s debut—the rocker told Guitar World he wasn’t sure how the song got such a prominent spot on the album.
“I think they put it there because it was different, but I'm not really sure,” he told Guitar World. “At that point in my career, I really didn't have any control over anything. I was just like, 'Yes, sir. Whatever.' We barely had any input in the early days of the band.”
Decades after its release, "Eruption" remains a defining part of Van Halen's history and a landmark moment in rock guitar.
Related: How an 'A Christmas Story' Bully Ended Up in Van Halen’s 1984 'Hot for Teacher' Video
Costco Brings Back Beloved Bakery Favorite After Years of Fan Requests
Costco shoppers have been patiently waiting for this moment.
One bakery favorite is finally making its way back, as KirklandCinnamon Raisin Bagels were spotted at the warehouse giant after years of fan requests.
The sweet breakfast staple has developed a loyal following among members who are thrilled to see it back in the Costco bakery section.
Instagram account Discovering_Costco clocked the return, in addition to sourdough bread bowls, which make for an easy dinner win.
“Costco has NEW sourdough bread bowls and the cinnamon raisin bagels are finally back! If you’ve been waiting for these, don’t wait too long—they tend to disappear fast,” the post noted.
View this post on InstagramFor many shoppers, it’s a long-awaited reunion, as Costco is known for rotating fan-favorites, with some products disappearing for longer than members would like.
Costco recently transitioned its bagel lineup from 12-count multipacks to individual 8-count packs, with the returning Cinnamon Raisin Bagels priced at around $4.99, making them an affordable breakfast option.
They boast a soft and chewy profile with warm notes of cinnamon spice, along with bursts of sweetness from the raisins, throughout each bite.
Related: Costco’s Returning Pie Combines Three Classic Desserts in One
Delicious when toasted with butter, topped with cream cheese, paired with peanut butter or jam, or finished with a drizzle of honey, if you’re looking for a bolder flavor, it’s easy to see why they’re a popular choice among shoppers.
Costco Aisles Instagram also celebrated the return of the bagel flavor a few weeks ago, with many followers delighted upon its return, as one wrote, “about time,” and another chimed in, “cinnamon raisin is the best kind of bagel, will die on this hill.”
Currently, WarehouseRunner shows that 605 stores have them in stock, and only 43 locations list them as out of stock, which gives you a great chance at securing the bag during your next Costco run.
While it’s unclear why or when the bagels were officially discontinued before their triumphant return, shoppers began to notice they were disappearing from shelves around mid-2023, with Reddit user noting that they were “no longer produced.”
A month ago, however, one Redditor bluntly expressed their joy upon seeing them back in stores, writing, “Thank f—- there’s finally cinnamon raisin bagels at my Costco,” adding, “I’ve been waiting YEARS for either cinnamon raisin or blueberry bagels. Normal sweet flavors. For years there’s only been French toast, pumpkin spice, orange cranberry, all weird flavors I’ve tried and didn’t like. Finally my Costco has cinnamon raisin bagels. And the switch to 1 big bag instead is having to buy 2…!!! We are blessed.”
And if you’re looking to add more flavors to your bagel spread, we’ve heard great things about the recent pretzel bagel addition.
Amazon’s ‘Super Soft’ Orthopedic Slippers Are ‘Great for Plantar Fasciitis’ and Just $19
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If standing on hardwood or tile for long periods leaves your feet sore, a more supportive house shoe can make everyday tasks feel much more manageable. The Litfun Orthopedic Arch Support Slippers are currently on sale for $19 at Amazon in beige, down from $33. They come in 10 colors, including black, grey, cyan blue, pink, purple, brown, and cream white, although prices vary by shade. Sizes range from 6 to 10.5, with a few half sizes grouped together.
These cozy slippers offer the comfortable feel you’d want from a good pair of house shoes, along with a contoured footbed and memory foam design. They also feature stylish wide corduroy straps that cross over the foot to help keep them in place, an open toe style that makes them more breathable, and sturdy rubber soles for added traction.
Litfun Orthopedic Arch Support Slippers, From $19 (was $33) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThese may be a better choice for anyone who wants more support than a basic flat slipper without wearing a full shoe around the house. The contoured footbed is designed to follow the shape of your foot, while the memory foam adds softness under your heel, making these extra comfortable to wear for longer stretches at home — especially if you’re looking to replace an older pair that has started to flatten or slip around as you walk.
Multiple shoppers with plantar fasciitis, high arches, wide feet, bunions, and previous foot injuries shared positive experiences with the fit and cushioning. One person said, “It feels like I am walking on clouds. They are soft and comfortable,” while another called them “great for plantar fasciitis.” A third reviewer said, “This slipper has wonderful arch support,” and another described them as “super soft.”
Their open-toe style also makes these a breeze to wear through the warmer months, especially if fully lined slippers tend to make your feet feel too hot. The crossover straps leave more room around the front of the foot than a closed style, too, which may feel better if shoes often rub against bunions, corns, or sensitive toes.
Shop More Deals- Eveshine Orthopedic Cloud Sandals, From $17 (was $27) at Amazon
- Litfun Orthopedic Slide Slippers, From $23 (was $33) at Amazon
- Litfun Fuzzy Arch Support Slippers, From $14 (was $30) at Amazon
For under $20, the Litfun Orthopedic Arch Support Slippers are a worthwhile upgrade if your current pair feels flattened, worn out, or uncomfortable. Give your house slipper collection a refresh by grabbing your favorite color while they’re still in stock and marked down at Amazon.
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Costco Is Selling a 30-Pack of Reusable Food Containers You'll Use Every Day
Costco has a new kitchen find that will make your fridge look trendy and perfectly organized. Practical products don't always generate much excitement, but now and then one comes along that solves multiple problems at once. Whether you're packing lunches, saving leftovers or trying to streamline meal prep, the right storage containers can make a surprising difference.
Costco stocked a new reusable container set that checks all the boxes. It combines the clean, stackable look of the deli-style containers that have become popular for fridge organization with the durability needed for everyday use. Instead of tossing flimsy plastic containers after one use, these are designed to be washed, reused and stacked again and again.
Bentgo Prep Twist-Top Container 30-Pack Set, $31.99 at CostcoCostco is selling the Bentgo Prep Twist-Top Container 30-Pack Set online for $31.99, giving shoppers 30 reusable containers and 30 matching twist-top lids in three sizes.
The Costco set includes:
- 10 eight-ounce containers
- 10 16-ounce containers
- 10 32-ounce containers
The containers feature leak-proof, airtight twist-top lids that help keep food fresh while preventing spills, making them a smart choice for soups, sauces, salads and leftovers. They're also safe for the microwave, freezer and dishwasher, so you can prep, store, reheat and clean up without switching containers.
The containers in this Bentgo food storage set nest inside one another when empty and stack neatly with their lids, helping keep cabinets, pantries and refrigerators tidy.
Related: This Beloved British Treat Is 'Finally' Available at US Costco Warehouses
Why Shoppers Love These Reusable ContainersWhile food storage containers might not sound exciting, shoppers say this set quickly becomes something they reach for every day.
Many reviewers praise the versatility, noting that the three sizes work well for everything from snacks and lunches to family-sized leftovers. Others appreciate how lightweight they are yet durable enough for everyday use.
Several shoppers also mention buying the set to replace mismatched plastic containers or disposable takeout tubs. Because they're reusable, they offer the same convenient deli-style look that's become increasingly popular for meal prep and organized refrigerators without creating extra waste.
One reviewer liked the set so much they said they were already considering buying another 30-pack.
If your current food storage collection is filled with missing lids and mismatched containers, Costco's newest kitchen find could be an easy upgrade. Grab this practical Costco find to make everyday cooking, packing lunches and storing leftovers just a little easier.
Related: Stanley 1913 Just Dropped Trendy New 'Summer Tile' Tumblers at Target
