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Prince George is officially a teenager! Kate Middleton and Prince William’s oldest son turned 13 on July 22, and the royals released a new portrait to celebrate the big day.

The Prince and Princess of Wales posted a photo of their teen son on Instagram, adding the simple, straightforward, yet sweet caption, “Happy 13th Birthday George.” 

Unlike his 11-year-old little sister, Princess Charlotte (who posed outdoors in a field of flowers, dressed in a casual striped sweater and jeans) and eight-year-old younger brother Prince Louis (who wore a blue knit zippered sweater), George’s Bday pic has a much more mature look. And of course, that is fitting now that he is 13. 

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What did the Prince wear in his official royal 13th birthday portrait? George is going full GQ in a stylish black suit paired with a classic white button-down. 

Fans of the royal family took to Instagram to wish the young prince well on this milestone birthday. And of course, no one can believe that Kate and William’s baby is a full-fledged teen. 

One commenter referenced a 19-day tour that the family took back in 2014: “How on Earth is he already 13? Wasn’t he just in New Zealand and Australia with his many facial expressions? Happy Birthday not so little Prince George,” and another wrote, “He was once Baby Cambridge with those chubby, rosy cheeks, and now has grown into a young man. Time flies! Happiest birthday to our Prince George!”

But the comments didn’t end there. Based on the responses, almost all of the royal watchers are shocked that George is suddenly a teen: “Can’t believe he’s a teenager!”, “It’s hard to believe little Prince George has grown into a teenager!” and “Where did those 13 years go?” 

Some reminisced about the day he was born: “I was outside the Lindo hospital wing the minute he was born, will never forget the crowds and photographers all wanting to be the first to know of George’s birth.” 

Now that he’s a teenager, George will take the next step and start secondary school this fall. Like his father, Prince William, George will attend Eton College.

In June, royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith shared her insights into the royal family’s choice, telling PEOPLE, “Eton was a much-needed haven for William.” She continued, “It will give George a rigorous education that he will need for his role.” 

The Prince isn’t the only royal to have a birthday in July. His grandfather,King Charles III’s wife Queen Camilla, turned 79 on July 17.

There’s something about madeleines that feels wonderfully simple. With their light, airy, almost cloud-like texture and just-sweet-enough flavor, they’re a bakery treat that’s equally at home alongside a morning cup of coffee or served as a simple dessert after dinner.

This week, Costco is giving us a chance to enjoy that experience with a new made-in-France find that takes the beloved little cakes up a notch.

St Michel French Madeleines with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling have been spotted in stores, and they look like a little taste of Paris. Even better, each cake comes individually wrapped to help preserve freshness and make it easy to take along for beach days, picnics in the park, afternoon snacks, or back-to-school lunches.

You can take a closer look at the new treat in this July 21 Instagram post from @whats_in_your_cart:

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Priced at $9.99 for a box of 20, these imported madeleines feature the familiar shell shape and delicately golden exterior associated with the classic French treat. Inside, however, is a smooth chocolate-hazelnut filling that adds a richer, more indulgent twist.

Related: Costco Just Added a Savory New Loaf to Its Bakery Lineup

Traditional madeleines are small sponge cakes typically made with simple ingredients such as eggs, sugar, flour, and butter. They’re baked in special scalloped molds that create their signature shell-like appearance and lightly crisp edges. The batter is often rested or chilled before baking, which can help create the rounded bump seen on many traditionally prepared madeleines.

Although they’re commonly treated like cookies because of their petite size, madeleines have a soft, tender crumb that’s much closer to cake. Classic versions may be flavored with vanilla, lemon zest, or orange blossom, allowing the buttery texture to remain the star.

Madeleine cakes and tea

Photo by Juliane Amimer on Unsplash

St Michel’s chocolate hazelnut filling gives that traditional simplicity a little more personality without losing the delicate quality that makes madeleines so appealing. They’re made to pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, where the warmth of the drink complements the soft cake and creamy center.

The individual wrapping also makes portioning easy, although the dreamy filling may make stopping at one a challenge.

Availability can vary by warehouse, but you can check for the St Michel French Madeleines with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling at a Costco near you using item number 1978105.

Bill Haley & His Comets made “Rock Around the Clock” the song of summer in 1954 when they played a Memorial Day weekend show at the HofBrau Hotel. Four years later, Chubby Checkerdid The Twist for the first time at the Rainbow Club. Almost 10 years since rock ‘n’ roll broke on the Jersey Shore,Bobby Rydell penned “Wildwood Days,” cementing the Cape May vacation town’s reputation as the capital of teen romance in the doo wop era. 

Wildwood, New Jersey, is still defined by its history as the place where doo wop turned into rock, and where electric harmonies are the soundtrack to summer. Sixty years on, it's a time capsule of those happy days thanks to a proliferation of Googie architecture that’s been preserved as part of the Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District. Although many iconic hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centers have been demolished over the years, including the HofBrau, over 90 neon-spangled motels remain.

Related: Beloved New Jersey Boardwalk's Famous Pier Is Finally Reopening for the Season and Its Most Iconic Coaster Is Getting a Major Upgrade

From Rock ’n’ Roll Roots to Midcentury Googie Architecture

The story of how Wildwood became the stuff of teenage nostalgia starts not with a motel, but a highway. In 1955, New Jersey completed the Garden State Parkway, which connected Philadelphia and New York City to the Jersey shore just as car culture was getting into full swing. The boardwalks and opulent railroad hotels of Asbury Park, Keansburg, Atlantic City and Cape May had drawn well-heeled tourists since the Victorian era. Some of these century-old resorts are still part of South Jersey’s charm, including the wedding-cake Chalfonte Hotel (Cape May’s oldest still in operation), Hotel Alcott, Congress Hall, and the Inn of Cape May. 

John Greim / Getty Images

With the parkway open, however, it had never been more convenient for the average suburban Joe to drive the family down the Shore for a taste of beachtown life. This new generation of travelers preferred the relatively inexpensive, car-friendly motorlodges that had become part of American life since the first coast-to-coast highway in the United States was built in 1912. Not only motels but also nightclubs, ice cream parlors, restaurants, and other businesses competed for tourists with splashy, eye-catching exteriors that captured the spirit of colorful, futuristic optimism that defined the era. 

When you picture midcentury architecture, you might think of ranch homes and glass office buildings. But you might also picture the dramatic angles, cantilevered rooflines, and geometric shapes and design motifs associated with Googie architecture. The style was named after a design by architect John Lautner, Googie’s Coffee Shop in Los Angeles. 

On the East Coast, however, it was brothers Lou and Will Morey who put modernist style on the map, particularly in the Wildwoods. They drew on Googie styles that defined midcentury Miami Beach, and brought them to Cape May, where New Jersey juts toward Delaware Bay just south of Atlantic City. First was a property called the Fantasy Motel, which Will and his wife Jackye flipped to build a second doo wop motel. They continued developing Wildwood until Wilbert swung for the fences by buying an entire block to build the Pan American, complete with a penthouse suite where the family lived during the summer season.

Related: 1928 Beach Legend, Named Among Most 'Historic Hotels of America,' Is Still a Vintage Hotspot Nearly 10 Decades Later

Some Wildwood properties like the Lollipop Motel expressly leaned into the sweet, family-centered culture of the 1950s. For others, the kitschy themes of motels like the Caribbean, the Kona Kai Motel, and the Ala Kai evoked more tropical vacation destinations popularized by tiki culture and music genres like exotica first popularized by Les Baxter, Martin Denny, and Yma Sumac. Meanwhile, other doo wop motels like the Starlux and the boomerang-shaped Satellite Motel leaned into a Jetsons-era fascination with all things space-age. 

Young people flocked to the Wildwoods on their own, too, where there were plentiful part-time jobs for college students on summer break and an endless parade of musicians playing R&B, jazz, blues, and rock and roll. Dizzy Gillespie, Sammy Davis Jr., Little Richard, The Drifters, The Platters, The Supremes, and other Black artists touring on the “Chitlin’ Circuit” played in Wildwood clubs, drawing crowds of R&B and pop fans from New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. 

MyLoupe / Getty Images

By the time the term “doo wop” was coined in 1961, Wildwood was synonymous with both Googie and early rock and roll. In fact, the two were so linked that Wildwood’s signature style became known as “doo wop architecture”, distinct from the Southern California version named for a coffee shop few Wildwood tourists had ever heard of or visited. If, like Bobby Rydell, you’re dreaming of Wildwood days when you can twist again and rock every night seven days a week, here are some of the best spots in Wildwood to transport you back to the 1960s. 

Must-See Retro Attractions, Boardwalk Bites, and Neon Nights

On Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m., the Doo Wop Preservation League offers Back to the ’50s Neon Nights. These guided trolley tours of midcentury architecture in the Wildwood Doo Wop Motel district start at the Doo Wop Experience Museum, which is housed in the former Surfside restaurant. The museum has interactive exhibits, a retro-style malt shop, a garden filled with neon signs rescued from demolished Wildwood Googies, and plenty of memorabilia from the doo wop heyday. 

It’s not a visit to New Jersey without hitting Wawa, a beloved convenience store chain that’s been slinging hoagies, fresh coffee, and snacks since the 1960s. With almost 300 Wawas in New Jersey, it’s a cultural institution you shouldn’t (and can’t) miss–especially when the Wildwood Wawa is a doo wop masterpiece. Wawa #0729 on Rio Grande Avenue isn’t actually original to the era. It’s new construction carefully designed to blend into Wildwood’s doo wop cityscape, and it has been such a success that Wawa now has a second retro storefront planned for North Wildwood on New Jersey Avenue.

Head down to the boardwalk for the classic Jersey Shore experience. The boardwalk is 38 blocks of arcades, carnival games, the Great White wooden roller coaster, two beachfront water parks, free beaches, and more. Explore the section between Atlanta Avenue and Morning Glory Road to stay within the Doo Wop Historic District. You never know who you might run into– back in 2017, Bruce Springsteen made headlines when he was spotted riding the boardwalk tram. 

John Greim / Getty Images

Morey’s Pier is great for kids of all ages, and yes, it’s named for the same family who made Wildwood’s architecture so distinctive. Grab a bite at the Doo Wop Diner, where you can enjoy burgers named after classic cars, a sandwich named after Ricky Ricardo, the “Johnny Angel” salad, as well as milkshakes and malts in flavors like orange cream and a classic black & white.

Don’t forget to grab a photo in front of the Wildwoods Beach Ball Sign before you leave the boardwalk. Families will love the Blue Palms, named for bright blue artificial palm trees straight out of Dr. Seuss. Access to Morey’s Piers and the Beachfront Water Parks is included in your stay when booked directly, and the on-site Jersey Girl Kitchen serves up brunch, dinner, and live music.

Adults will enjoy the boardwalk nightlife that’s open until 1 a.m. Grab a drink at The Point Tiki Bar or hit classic local wateringholes like the Firehouse Tavern before returning to your hotel for the night. Girls trips and bachelorettes will find the right vibe at the Pink Champagne Motel, with its Barbie-worthy coffee makers, microwaves, and mini fridges in the rooms and suites. For weekends with the boys and stag trips, bachelors will enjoy the swim-up Tiki bar at the Oceanic. 

Grab breakfast at Uncle Bill’s, a family-run local chain that started in 1962 in nearby Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and now boasts 8 locations across the Jersey Shore. In addition to “Our Famous Strawberry Waffle” and a wide range of pancakes–from the Iowa corn to the Yeasty Old Fashioned Buckwheat–Uncle Bill’s also offers apropos dishes like the Hawaiian Ham Steak and Creamed Chipped Beef. 

Related: I've Been Going to the Jersey Shore My Entire Life—and These Are the Best Hotels on New Jersey’s Beaches

Where to Stay, Dine, and Experience the Vintage Charm Today

Couples can make some memories at the Pan American Hotel, inspired by Will and Jackye Morey’s own honeymoon at the Americana Hotel in Miami Beach. This elegant spot with its rotating starburst sign and two-tiered sun deck is just steps from the beach and has an outdoor heated pool and an on-site restaurant. Save room, though. It’s hard to beat Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant for a romantic night out. They’ve been serving up seafood and steaks since 1956, and the menu still includes time capsule favorites like a wedge salad, sirloin and lobster tail, local Middle Neck Clams served casino, and breaded Jersey flounder. 

Wildwood, New Jersey, is a rare time capsule where the Camelot era is still alive and well. But the doo wop architecture that makes Wildwood so special is still under threat. The iconic Chateau Bleu was demolished just last year to make way for new development. Still, it’s encouraging that major chains like Wawa and McDonald's are investing in the doo wop district’s signature style. 

So is the way that new generations continue to resonate with the art and architecture of the 1950s and ‘60s, from Gen X’s rock-a-billy and ska scenes to the influence of television shows like Mad Menand The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Millennials’ taste for mid-century modern. In a cultural moment when nostalgia for all things analogue is inspiring Gen Alpha to look decades past, Wildwood, New Jersey remains a travel destination with a little something for everyone, from those who lived it to those who want to travel through time.

Related: I've Been Going to the Jersey Shore My Entire Life—and These Are the Best Hotels on New Jersey’s Beaches

Sean Lowe and his wife, Catherine Giudici Lowe, have shared some news on social media. Their middle child, son Isaiah, has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

"This past week has been a rough one for the Lowes," Catherine's Instagram caption began. "Our precious boy Isaiah was admitted to Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes."

The mom of three went on to share the symptoms that caused Isaiah's pediatrician to run some tests. These symptoms included weight loss and excessive drinking and urinating, both of which the Lowes had attributed to other things (a growth spurt and a really hot summer). However, after receiving the "alarming" test results, the Lowes were told to head to the emergency room.

"This tough boy has endured countless injections, four days away from his home and a lifestyle and routine that feels very very foreign," Catherine continued. "He’s done all this without losing his playful spirit and a joy that doesn’t make sense. A lot of tears, pain and confusion too, but he has been a trooper, no question about it."

Dozens of fans sent prayers, love, and support to the whole family by way of the post's comments section. Many Instagram users shared their own experiences with kids who have had the same diagnosis.

"My son was diagnosed at age 8. I know it’s overwhelming. But it’s completely manageable. You’ve got this! My son is healthy and an athlete and just turned 12. We did injections for two years but love the omnipod 5 pump!! It’s so easy and amazing," one person commented.

"So very sorry. As a mom of a 20 year old T1D (diagnosed 12 years ago), please know you have a huge community of supporters. If you haven’t yet, please connect with your local BreakthroughT1D (JDRF) organization. They’re wonderful for resources," another fan wrote.

The Lowes met on Sean's season of The Bachelor. The two got engaged on the finale and tied the knot in a televised wedding on January 26, 2014. They have three children together, Samuel, 10, Isaiah, 8, and Mia, 6.

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Related: We Found a 'Stunning' Gold Rope Necklace That 'Goes With Everything,' and It’s Over 40% Off

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Whitney Cummings is clearing up the mystery surrounding her missing Donald Trumpjoke.

After a clip from the Mark Twain Prize ceremony went viral but did not appear in Netflix’s final special honoring Bill Maher, fans questioned whether the streamer had removed the controversial punchline.

The controversy began after Cummings revealed that a joke targeting Trump had been removed from the broadcast. Earlier in July, she said one joke about the president was cut during rehearsal, and later revealed that another joke from her set — in which she joked that Trump “got caught in sex traffic,” a reference to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein — would not appear in the Netflix version.

Cummings says that’s not what happened. The comedian took to social media to explain that Netflix “didn’t cut any of my jokes” and urged people to “use your noggin” before blaming the platform.

According to Netflix, the decision to remove the joke came from the Kennedy Center, which had contractual control over edits to the broadcast. The clarification sparked a new wave of reactions online, with some fans questioning the decision while others dismissed the controversy entirely.

Mark Twain Prize for @billmaher now on @NetflixIsAJoke. Netflix didn’t cut any of my jokes. Some were cut. Use your noggin 🤟 pic.twitter.com/cAJsX2HBSN

— Whitney Cummings (@WhitneyCummings) July 21, 2026

Overall, the response was more divided than outraged. While some fans viewed the missing joke as a censorship issue, many others criticized the punchline, Cummings’ comedy, or the attention surrounding the controversy. After Cummings and Netflix clarified that the streamer was not behind the edit, the conversation shifted from “Why was the joke cut?” to “Who actually made the decision?”

A large number of commenters appeared uninterested in the censorship debate, instead arguing that the joke was not worth the attention or that Cummings was overreacting. Some said Trump jokes have become predictable or “too easy,” while others focused their criticism on Cummings’ comedy career.

Meanwhile, a smaller group remained skeptical of the explanation, suggesting the joke may have been removed to avoid controversy or political backlash. Others viewed the edit itself as evidence of outside pressure, despite Cummings’ insistence that Netflix was not responsible.

Don Most became famous as lovable funny guy Ralph Malph on Happy Days, but after seven seasons he made the surprising decision to leave the hit ABCsitcom—at the height of its popularity.

In a new interview with Yahoo!, Most, 72, looked back on his days on the smash ‘70s sitcom and explained that he chose to leave the show in 1980, four years before its end, because he didn’t want his career to be defined by that one role.

"I'd been playing the same character for seven years, and it was time to move on," Most said in the interview. "I didn't want the conversation just to be about that. I wanted to move on in a career as an actor that can go on for years."

Most left Happy Days alongside series star Ron Howard amid a storyline that his character’s parents were getting a divorce. His final episode as a main cast member was "Ralph's Family Problem," which aired on May 6, 1980.

RELATED:‘Happy Days’ Guest Star’s 1978 Debut Changed Everything

After appearing in 167 episodes of Happy Days, Most did voice work for shows such as Dungeons & Dragons and Teen Wolf and appeared in everything from Baywatch to Murder She Wrote. He went on to a career in movies, both as an actor and director, and moved on to stage roles and into music as a swing and jazz vocalist.

More than 45 years after his exit from Happy Days, Most told Yahoo! he made peace with Ralph Malph being his most recognizable acting role.

"There's enough distance and time from it, and I've been doing so many kinds of projects," he said. "I feel like I can embrace it, and have that conversation about Happy Days willingly, and enjoy it."

"So many people come up and want to talk about the show, the character," he added.

RELATED: ‘Happy Days’ Star  Shares Update on Surprising New Acting Gig

Most previously shared that he had worried about being typecast as Ralph, the practical joke-loving character known for wearing Groucho glasses and saying catchphrases such as “I still got it.”

"I was concerned I was getting so associated with that role that it was gonna be more and more difficult for me to break away,” the actor explained in an interview with Pop Goes the Culture TV. "Also, I felt that, you know, seven years is enough to do that.”

Most also admitted that he felt the quality of the show had changed since Happy Days made its debut in 1974.

“Honestly, I felt that the material was not as good as it was in the earlier stage,” the Happy Days veteran admitted. “I felt those last two years that I was on it, that the quality was just not what it had been, and so I wasn't enjoying it as much and feeling creative fulfillment as much."

Related: ‘Happy Days’ Stars Reunite in Tennessee 50 Years After Hit Series: ‘Still Got It’

Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-IX)" remains one of rock music's most enduring long-form songs, 51 years after the release of Wish You Were Here. The nine-part composition runs for 25 minutes and 57 seconds and was created as a tribute to the band's founding member, Syd Barrett.

Written by David Gilmour, Roger Waters and Richard Wright, the song first appeared in two sections on Pink Floyd's 1975 album. Parts I-V opened the record, while Parts VI-IX closed it, with other songs placed between the two halves.

The full nine-part version was officially brought together as one continuous track for the first time in the 2025 50th anniversary edition of Wish You Were Here. The new stereo mix was remixed by James Guthrie, giving listeners a complete version of the piece in one track.

Pink Floyd band posed for a photo.

Photo by ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images

The song's lasting place in rock history is tied not only to its length and musical scale but also to the story behind it. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" was written about Barrett, who had left Pink Floyd in 1968 after his mental health declined and his ability to work with the band became increasingly difficult.

Barrett had been a key part of Pink Floyd's early years. He was the band's founding member and an important songwriter during its early psychedelic rock period. David Gilmour, who had been brought in as an additional guitarist, later replaced him in the group.

The song grew from a guitar riff by Gilmour and was developed by Gilmour, Waters and Wright. The band planned it as a tribute to Barrett, whose influence remained deeply connected to Pink Floyd's story.

The composition explores themes linked to fame, drug addiction, the search for meaning and Barrett's struggles with his mental health. Its nine sections move through long instrumental passages, guitar solos, keyboards, vocals, saxophone and shifting rhythms.

The recording process was also demanding. Pink Floyd had to record the backing track more than once after technical problems affected the first attempts. Gilmour explained that the band discovered an issue with the studio mixing console after recording, leaving them with no way to save the take.

The band eventually recorded the piece again, with the rhythm section facing the challenge of playing the long composition from beginning to end.

Nick Mason later recalled that the use of 16-track, 2-inch tape led the group to believe that editing such recordings was not practical. As a result, the musicians often had to perform the entire piece correctly.

The song was also notable for its place in the Wish You Were Here sessions. It was the first piece started for the album and the last one recorded.

Then came one of the most famous stories connected to the recording.

On June 5, 1975, Barrett unexpectedly arrived at Abbey Road Studios while Pink Floyd was working on the album. His appearance had changed so much that the band members did not recognize him at first.

According to Richard Wright, Barrett sat near Roger Waters while the group worked. It took Wright about 45 minutes to realize who the visitor was.

The timing of Barrett's visit became especially striking because the band was working on a song written about him. Waters was reportedly deeply upset by Barrett's changed appearance, and the meeting became part of the story surrounding the song and the album.

The account has been remembered by Pink Floyd members over the years, although Gilmour and Mason later said they could not be completely certain which part of the recording was being worked on when Barrett arrived.

When Wish You Were Here was first released in 1975, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" was divided into two parts. The first five sections ran for about 13 and a half minutes, while Parts VI-IX continued later in the album.

The split was part of the album's structure. The song was originally imagined as a single, side-long work, similar to Pink Floyd's earlier extended compositions such as "Atom Heart Mother" and "Echoes." Instead, the band divided it into two halves that framed the rest of Wish You Were Here.

The complete recording eventually became available as one continuous 25-minute-and-57-second track in the 2025 anniversary release.

That version allows listeners to hear all nine sections together, following the full musical journey from the opening instrumental passages to the closing section written by Wright.

Part IX has been described by Gilmour as "a slow 4/4 funeral march... the parting musical eulogy to Syd." The ending also includes a fragment of "See Emily Play," one of Barrett's best-known songs with Pink Floyd.

The song has remained part of the band's live history as well. Pink Floyd first performed an early version during its 1974 French tour, before presenting it under the full title during the band's British tour later that year.

The group later performed versions of the composition on major tours, while Gilmour and Waters also included different arrangements in their solo performances.

Its continued presence in Pink Floyd releases and performances has helped keep the song in the public eye. In 2025, the anniversary edition of Wish You Were Here once again placed the complete nine-part composition at the center of attention.

The song also remains connected to the wider success of Wish You Were Here. In April 2026, the album returned to Billboard's Top Album Sales chart at No. 45, while The Dark Side of the Moon also returned to the Vinyl Albums chart. The renewed chart activity showed the continued demand for Pink Floyd's classic recordings decades after their original release.

Related: 1982 Rock Song, Once Spent 21 Weeks Charting, Became a Timeless Anthem

There are countless books, podcasts, and courses dedicated to attracting more money, but what if your financial success could be found through your birthdate? According to numerology, the date you were born offers insight into the innate strengths that support your relationship with money and the ways you’re most likely to create prosperity. Whether you’re focused on growing your income, building long-term wealth, or simply understanding your financial gifts a little better, these birth dates reveal how abundance is most likely to find you.

How Each Birth Date Can Attract More Money

Check for your birth date. Disregard birth months.

1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th:  Create Your Own Opportunities

If you were born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th of any month, you attract money by taking initiative. In numerology, the energy of the number 1 is associated with leadership, independence, and innovation. These individuals aren’t waiting around for opportunities to come knocking because they create them for themselves! This could be through starting a business, asking for a promotion, or pursuing an idea one feels passionately about. Their confidence and willingness to take a chance open doors to financial success, as the more they trust themselves and embrace leadership roles, the more abundance tends to follow.

2nd, 11th, 20th & 29th: Collaboration is Your Key to Wealth

Not all wealth is built alone, and if your birth date falls on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th of any month, your road to prosperity is best traveled with others, thanks to the transformative power of your relationships. This group embodies the cooperative, fair-minded energy of the number 2, making them good listeners and thoughtful partners who get along well with everyone. You attract prosperous opportunities by creating strong relationships and treating people with kindness. By viewing money as collaborative rather than competitive, you create more wealth for yourself and others.

3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th:  Share Your Story

Some people attract financial opportunities simply because they aren’t afraid to let the world see what they have to offer. If you were born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th of any month, your greatest financial strength comes from your creativity. In numerology, the number 3 is associated with imagination, optimism, and self-expression, encouraging these individuals to be storytellers, artists, teachers, performers, marketers, and creators. Their talents are meant to be shared abundantly, and they flourish when they trust that their unique perspective has value. The more confidently they express themselves, the more likely they are to attract opportunities that lead to wealth.

4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st: Slow and Steady Builds Lasting Wealth

Wealth doesn’t need to be created from major moves, big risks, or lots of luck, and those born on a day that reduces to 4 understand the wisdom of practicality and consistency. This is the number of discipline, reliability, and the creation of strong foundations. Seeing the bigger picture, making small sacrifices along the way, and remaining devoted to the overall goal are this group’s keys to prosperity that grows steadily over time. They’re far more interested in building wealth that lasts than finding shortcuts that promise overnight success.

5th, 14th, or 23rd:  Opportunity Follows Those Who Embrace Change

Some people attract wealth by knowing exactly when it’s time to make a change. Those born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd of any month are adaptable, flexible, and comfortable stepping outside of their comfort zone when something no longer serves them. This group understands the importance of pivoting, shifting, and trusting in new experiences and opportunities. It may be vulnerable to take a risk, learn something new, or try something different, but this group’s willlingness to evolve opens doors to financial opportunities that more cautious personalities might never pursue.

6th, 15th, or 24th: Create Value and Prosperity Will Follow

People born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th of any month attract money by becoming indispensable. In numerology, the number 6 is associated with being of service and showing genuine care for others. Instead of asking, “How can I make more money?” this group considers, “How can I make this better?” As a result, they become known for the quality of their work and the care they put into it. Their reputation becomes their most valuable asset. When people consistently trust your work and recommend it to others, financial opportunities naturally follow.

7th, 16th, or 25th: Knowledge Is One of Your Greatest Assets 

Individuals in this group rarely chase money for the sake of money because they’re much more interested in getting really good at what they do and trusting that their proficiency will lead to financial success. Those born on dates that reduce to 7 are analytical and intuitive, with a gift for noticing patterns, asking thoughtful questions, and seeing what others overlook. When something captures their interest, they want to understand how and why it works. It’s not unusual for a hobby to turn into genuine expertise simply because they never stop learning. They attract money by becoming so knowledgeable in their field that people are willing to invest in their wisdom. 

8th, 17th, or 26th:  Confidence Creates Financial Growth

A powerful key to prosperity is when you don’t let the concept of money intimidate you. Individuals born on dates that reduce to 8 understand prosperity rather than fear it. Because of this knowledge, they think strategically about their careers, aren’t afraid to advocate for themselves, and recognize that financial success requires both vision and action. While some people hesitate to negotiate a salary, raise their prices, or pursue a bigger opportunity, this group is comfortable making major decisions that support their long-term goals because they feel they deserve them. They attract wealth because they’re willing to treat money like a resource to grow instead of something that’s out of reach.

9th, 18th, or 27th: Purpose Attracts Prosperity

For so many, attracting wealth is intentional, but for this special group, money is made as a byproduct of being aligned with one’s purpose. These individuals are generous and want their work to feel altruistic, whether they’re helping others by creating something they feel deeply connected to, or contributing to a cause they believe in. It may seem counterintuitive, but opportunities for prosperity come to them because they lead with their values instead of their bank accounts! The more their work reflects what they truly care about, the easier it becomes to attract both financial abundance and a career that feels fulfilling.

Seth Meyers had plenty to say about President Donald Trump's latest comments on soccer. During his Late Nightmonologue, the host mocked Trump's claim that he helped "elevate" the FIFA World Cup before aiming at the president's comparison of his job to that of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Meyers kicked off the segment by ridiculing a Truth Social post in which Trump praised Andrew Giuliani for his work organizing the tournament and claimed he had elevated the World Cup "to a level that nobody thought was possible."

"Alright, calm down," Meyers said. "It was already the biggest sporting event in the world. It's not like he sold seven million pickleball tickets."

The comedian kept the World Cup jokes rolling, referencing Trump's meeting with the 2025 Little League Softball World Series champions. "Wow. Still chasing that World Cup final high, huh?" Meyers quipped.

Later in the monologue, Meyers turned to Trump's recent remark that Ronaldo has "a much easier life" and that he'd like to trade places with the Portuguese soccer legend for "about a month or so."

"'Or longer!' yelled Melania," Meyers joked. "You ever watch Ronaldo, like, run full speed up and down a soccer pitch, and you're like, 'That guy doesn't work as hard as President Trump'?"

Meyers' jokes came just days after Trump became the subject of widespread online mockery for lingering onstage during the FIFA World Cup trophy presentation as Spain celebrated its victory. FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared to usher Trump away from the players, but the president remained in the spotlight, sparking a wave of memes that inserted him into famous moments from Star Wars, The Last Supper, and other pop culture scenes.

Ohio Sen. Casey Weinstein shared one of the Star Wars memes on Threads, writing, "He just can't help himself." Commenters piled on with jokes of their own, including, "He stole Chewbacca's medal," while another quipped, "He'll probably print this and hang it in the Oval Office."

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While bookshelves offer additional storage space to help organize your home, it’s not difficult for them to amass miscellaneous items and eventually look cluttered. Storage bins are a simple solution, concealing those loose items to create a streamlined appearance. This Bagnizer 6-Pack of Storage Bins With Lids at Amazon can minimize the clutter on your shelves, and every other space imaginable. 

Right now is the best time to snag this storage bin set because it’s currently on sale for less than $30 for a limited time. Normally retailing for $36, the cream white version is now marked down to just $27, which means that you’re getting each bin for less than $5! This storage bin set is also available in a black and a gray style, which are both on sale for $30. 

Bagnizer 6-Pack of Storage Bins With Lids, From $27 (was $36) at Amazon

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These bins measure around 10 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 4 inches tall, offering an ample amount of storage space. If you have miscellaneous items currently cluttering your countertops, tables, and shelves, these bins will give them a proper home and tidy up your space. Shoppers said that they've even used these bins to keep produce fresh in the fridge and to store shoes inside their closet. 

Each bin comes with a lid, allowing you to conceal whatever you have stored inside. You’ll also be able to stack the bins on top of each other so they don’t take up too much space inside cabinets, on shelves, or on countertops. When these bins aren’t in use, you can nest them on top of each other and put them into storage. 

Bagnizer 6-Pack of Plastic Storage Bins With Lids, From $27 (was $36) at Amazon

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Made of plastic, the bins have a gridded, airy design and shoppers noted that they feel sturdy and durable. It’s breathable, promoting airflow to ensure that your belongings remain fresh and free of odor and moisture. Both sides of the bin are equipped with ergonomic handles so you can easily transport them from room to room. For convenience, this set comes with 12 adhesive kraft paper labels so you can differentiate the bins and identify the contents you have stored inside. 

“These storage bins have quickly become my go-to solution for organization!” one reviewer raved. They also said that the included labels “make organizing so much easier and more efficient.” 

With the wicker-like plastic and the exposed grain finish, these bins lend themselves to the farmhouse aesthetic and combine form and function. They’re a stylish storage solution that’ll accent any space, whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, living room, or bedroom. You can put them on display on countertops, shelves, and vanity, or tuck them away in pantries and cabinets. Shoppers said they love the appearance of these bins, describing them as “sleek” and “super cute.”

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Related: Back-to-School Season Is Here, and Amazon’s $56 Desktop Bookshelf Easily Declutters Any Study Space

Who doesn’t love a storage solution that’s just as stylish as it is practical? Don’t hesitate to grab the Bagnizer 6-Pack of Storage Bins With Lids at Amazon while it’s still on sale for just $27 in the cream white hue. Be sure to hurry because it’ll only be available at this fantastic price for a limited time! 

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When it comes to royal events, all eyes are naturally on the future king, Prince George, but a body language expert says it’s Princess Charlotte who quietly runs the show.

Royal watchers have long noticed the 11-year-old royal taking charge during public appearances. Typically, she's seen gently guiding her younger brother, Prince Louis, or keeping her older brother, George, on protocol.

In a new documentary, Prince George at 13: The Next Generation, body language analyst Judi James has weighed in on the subtle cues that prove Charlotte is the true leader of Prince William and Kate Middleton's three children. Express reprinted her comments.

“We do see Charlotte keeping an eye on both of her brothers," James explained. "What I found really fascinating isn’t so much that she is doing that, but for me, it is the way that when she does nudge them and tap them, they both fall into line."

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The body language expert continued. "Children of that age, normally, if a younger sibling says ‘put your arms down,’ [they ’ll reply] ‘who do you think you are?' But they absolutely take it and I think that’s going to be very important when it comes to the dynamic because they will see that as a form of support.”

As direct descendants of the future king, Prince William and Kate Middleton's three children have grown up in the spotlight. From a very young age, the close-knit trio has been carefully coached on royal protocol and how to handle themselves during high-profile public appearances.

“She seems to absolutely get protocol,” James said of Charlotte. “She knows what needs to be done.

The expert believes that the young princes take the lead from their sister. “I don’t think either of them [George or Louis] has got hugely strong attention spans; they will be watching the planes or talking about something. So I think that helps them relax a little bit because they know that if they are doing anything wrong, they have got their sister there, who is usually in the middle of them."

James isn't the only expert weighing in on Charlotte's take-charge role. Supernanny star Jo Frost echoed her sentiments in an interview with Hello!.

"There are moments when I've watched George, and he's looked over at his sister, and he's probably annoyed with her one minute. Then grateful that she's there, being able to remind him of things, when he's taking it all in as well."

She concluded, "The understanding that it really takes a team, with the important roles in upholding the crown and the monarchy. And so, we're seeing these very early seeds now, with respect to what it means to support each other and to nurture together."

Prince George, who turned 13 on July 22, will separate from his siblings for the first time when he attends boarding school Eton College in September. He was previously educated alongside Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Lambrook School in Berkshire, England.

Related: The Surprising Reason Princess Diana Reportedly Sold Her Clothes for Cash at Local Thrift Shops

If your childhood or teenage years were spent huddled in a dark basement rental room watching VHS tapes of ancient demons, chainsaw arms, and cabin-in-the-woods jump scares, Halloween Horror Nights just dropped the ultimate fall announcement for you.

Universal Studios has officially revealed the newest addition to its legendary Halloween Horror Nights lineup: an all-new haunted house based on Evil Dead Burn, the newly released sixth installment in the iconic Evil Dead franchise.

Beginning August 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and September 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood, horror fans can step directly into the gory, dark-humored universe that first turned Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell into cult icons back in the 1980s and '90s.

Related: Universal's Halloween Horror Nights Unleashes An '80s Cult Classic for the First Time

Stepping Into the Nightmare in the Woods

Since the original indie classic debuted in 1981, the Evil Dead saga has held a legendary spot in horror history for its unique blend of extreme gore, dark slapstick humor, and the infamous Necronomicon (the Book of the Dead).

This year’s haunted house brings that nostalgic terror into the modern era, taking guests on a firsthand walkthrough of the new film's most bone-chilling scenes. The nightmare begins at the Price family’s secluded vacation cabin deep in the woods. As you navigate the winding, dim hallways, you’ll come face-to-face with parasitic Deadites lurking around every corner—before the evil forces try to claim you next.

Related: Universal Reveals New Haunted House For Halloween Horror Nights

How to Lock In Your Tickets (and Early Access)

Along with the house announcement, Universal officially put all event tickets and multi-night passes on sale today for both coasts.

If you are planning to hit the Orlando event, the popular Frequent Fear Passes (including Rush of Fear, Frequent Fear, Frequent Fear Plus, and Ultimate Frequent Fear) are back, letting die-hard fans return to the park for multiple nights of scares throughout August, September, and October.

Orlando travelers can also add on the upgraded Scream Early ticket, which gets you into Universal Studios Florida starting at 2:00 p.m. so you can hit select haunted houses before the general evening crowds arrive. Over in Hollywood, fans can grab the Early Access Ticket to get a jumpstart on the lines starting at 5:30 p.m., alongside standard General Admission, Express, and R.I.P. Tour options.

Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from August 28 through November 1 in Orlando, and September 3 through November 1 in Hollywood. Exclusive limited-release Evil Dead Burn merchandise—including vintage-style graphic tees, hats, and collectible figures—is already live in the parks and drops online at shopUniversal.com starting July 22.

Related: Universal Orlando Just Unveiled a Huge Twist for Fall 2026

There are few food pairings more iconic than peanut butter and jelly, but when it comes to the breakfast menu, bagels and cream cheese may take the top spot. But for the over 30 million Americans who are lactose intolerant, that combination can lead to physical discomfort, and for some, be completely off the menu. 

Related: Coffee Mate Debuts Limited-Time Creamer Fans Say Is a 10/10

Philadelphia wants to change that with its latest launch, a lactose-free version of its popular cream cheese that gives fans of schmear the chance to indulge in the creamy spread without sacrificing the taste and texture of the original. It has no added preservatives, flavors, or dyes, but Philadelphia Lactose Free uses a lactase enzyme that makes it easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance. 

Philadelphia's new lactose-free cream cheese.

Philadelphia

Related: Ore-Ida Caves to Fan Demand, Permanently Brings Back Beloved Fries

“For too long, many lactose-intolerant consumers have had to miss out on cream cheese and some of the foods they love most,” said Maddy Zingle, Vice President of Marketing at Philadelphia Cream Cheese, in a statement shared with Parade. “Philadelphia Lactose Free changes that. From a perfectly schmear-ed bagel to a homemade cheesecake, fans can once again enjoy their favorite recipes without sacrificing the rich, creamy taste they expect from Philadelphia. It also opens the door to new creamy possibilities in the kitchen, transforming any dish from good to Really Philly Good.”

The new product can be used in a one-to-one swap for original Philadelphia cream cheese in recipes like cheesecake and dips, and will be available starting in August at national retailers like Target, Kroger, and Meijer, before hitting shelves at Walmart in September. 

In addition to its new lactose-free offering, Philadelphia also sells a non-dairy plant-based “cream cheese” spread made with ingredients like coconut oil and modified potato starch. 

Next: Cult-Favorite Pasta Brand Debuts 3 New Shapes Specifically Designed to Soak Up Sauce

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With summer storms and sweltering heat making us dream about cooler days and cozy nights ahead, it's no wonder the Summerween trend has everyone pulling out pumpkins before August. Even Macy's is looking ahead to cooler days with its Black Friday in July sale, serving up some serious sale prices. Luckily, the sale is giving shoppers a head start on that home refresh while the AC is still running full blast.

At 72% off during the Macy’s sale event, the Levtex Home Cross-Stitch Bedspread Set is definitely worth a look. Buyers loved how it brought that easy, casual elegance into their bedrooms without hurting their wallets. Currently down from $320 to just under $90, many customers said it looked way pricier than it actually was.

Levtex Home Cross-Stitch Bedspread Set, From $89 (was $320) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

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What folks appreciated most was how cozy the bedspread felt. The cotton fabric is soft and breathable, so it works well in every season. Lots of reviewers mentioned the size was generous, too, so it draped nicely over the bed without forcing them to fuss with a dust ruffle. 

"The bedspread is the perfect weight," one shopper stated. "It's not so light that you require another cover to be warm, but not so thick that it is too warm and heavy for summer. The stitching on it is well done. It looks more expensive than it is."

With 16 colors ranging from chambray blue to bright white and lemon yellow, shoppers have gotten creative with how they used this set. Some have placed it in a primary bedroom on its own for a simple, tidy look, while others liked layering it with throws and pillows for a cozier vibe for guests. Reviewers were excited about all the color options, saying it was easy to find a shade that matched their room or let them do a little redecorating without much effort.

Levtex Home Cross-Stitch Bedspread Set, From $89 (was $320) at Macy's

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Since it's available in sizes from twin to California king, there’s an option for every bed. Twin sizes arrive with one matching sham, while all other sizes include two matching pillow shams. People also really liked the cross-stitch detail, saying it made the set look more unique. 

Another thing people enjoyed was how low-maintenance the set is. The bedding set arrives pre-washed so you can throw it on the bed immediately, and when it's time to clean again, it can go right in the washing machine. Reviewers said it held up well after lots of washes and stayed soft and comfy. That reliable quality is why so many shoppers have fallen in love with the designer-led Levtex brand, which specializes in bedding and home decor that feels luxe without the luxury price points.

"Casual elegance," Another shopper said it brings “casual elegance” to a space, noting that the soft gray hue they chose evokes a "feeling of peace and comfort.” “[It’s] easy to decorate with patterned pillows or casual throws,” they added. “You can update your decor with each season."

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Related: Walmart Is Selling a $20 5-Pack of ‘Posable’ Skeletons That Are Perfect for Celebrating Summerween

The Levtex Home Cross-Stitch Bedspread Set is a great find that ticks all the boxes for comfort, style, and practicality. Now that it's 72% off, it's the kind of deal that makes you feel like you've really lucked out.

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As someone who enjoys trying new recipes and developing my own, I'm always intrigued when I come across dishes created or loved by celebrities. Whether it's a signature sweet from a beloved destination or a comfort-food sandwich from a music icon, those recipes often feel more personal and memorable than the average viral trend.

In a world flooded with social media food hacks and flashy short-form videos, it's easy to get caught up in recipes that look good for a moment but fall flat when it's time to actually make them. The ones tied to well-known figures, though, usually come with a stronger sense of identity, tradition, or lived-in flavor that makes them worth paying attention to.

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From my experience, recipes from established celebrities tend to feel more reliable because they often carry a story behind them. Dollywood's world-famous cinnamon bread, for example, has earned attention for being soft, buttery and rich with cinnamon-sugar flavor, which is exactly the kind of indulgent treat people remember long after they've had a bite. Snoop Dogg's OG fried bologna sandwich is another great example, built around familiar ingredients like American cheese, barbecue chips and mustard, but with a playful twist that makes it stand out. That combination of nostalgia, comfort and personality is what separates a lasting recipe from a passing trend.

What I appreciate most is that these recipes usually feel tested by time, not just boosted by algorithms. They may still be fun and unexpected, but they also seem rooted in real taste and real culture, which makes them far more impressive than recipes that go viral and disappear just as quickly.

Martha Stewart, of course, is an icon in the food and entertainment world. So it's no surprise that I was interested in trying her Strawberry Ginger Smash cocktail recipe — especially with summer in full swing and outdoor hosting at its peak.

Ingredients for Martha Stewart's Strawberry Ginger Smash

Choya Johnson

This particular recipe is a strawberry ginger cocktail that's both simple and refreshing. To make it, you'll need fresh strawberries, peeled and chopped ginger, lemon juice, chilled vodka and chilled ginger beer. You'll also want to set aside a bit of the strawberries and ginger for garnish.

How to Make Martha Stewart's Strawberry Ginger Smash

Courtesy Choya Johnson

To start, muddle the strawberries and ginger together in a pitcher until the juices are released. Then, add the lemon juice and vodka, mixing everything well. Pour the mixture into glasses, top with ginger beer and finish with both fresh strawberries and a thin slice of ginger for garnish.

Related: Sam's Club's Gorgeous New Home Upgrade Is Sleek, Sophisticated and a Total Must-Buy

What I Thought of Martha Stewart's Strawberry Ginger Smash

Courtesy Choya Johnson

If I'm being honest, this is about as simple as cocktails get. The ingredient list is short, and there's a good chance you already have most of what you need on hand. Even if you don't, it's an affordable recipe to put together.

As for the taste, this cocktail delivers. It's light, slightly sweet and has a subtle kick from the ginger that balances everything out nicely. It feels like the perfect drink for a backyard barbecue, a relaxing afternoon by the pool or even a casual beach day.

Overall, this is one recipe that absolutely lives up to expectations and one I'd gladly make again throughout the summer—with one minor change that I think would make it much better.

Tips for Making Martha Stewart's Strawberry Ginger Smash

Astrida Valigorsky / Getty Images and Choya Johnson

1. Use a good gin as a substitute if you don't like vodka.

As someone who is not a big fan of vodka, I found this drink surprisingly decent, though it did not fully win me over with the vodka alone. In my opinion, substituting gin would have elevated the cocktail significantly, adding more depth, character and overall balance to the flavor profile.

2. Add a splash of simple syrup or agave.

Depending on your palate, this cocktail may taste a bit too strong for some drinkers. If that is the case, it is easy to adjust by adding about a tablespoon of agave or simple syrup, which helps balance the flavors and creates a smoother, more approachable drinking experience overall.

Overall, though I would prefer to add gin instead of vodka, it's clear that this recipe is a winner. And, if you're the type of person who doesn't do too well at making cocktails on your own, this is an easy and delicious way to impress your guests this summer.

Related: Costco Just Dropped These 12 New Bakery Treats for July—and Shoppers Are Obsessed

You waited all year for summer to come so you could plant tomatoes. Then, you waited all summer for your tomatoes to start coming in. And now that they finally have, something's wrong: There are yucky dark patches on the bottom of your tomatoes. Womp-womp.

This ailment, known as blossom end rot, is a pretty common disorder affecting tomato plants—but did you do something wrong to cause this? Can blossom end rot be reversed? And is there a way to prevent it?

To learn more about blossom end rot on tomatoes, Parade consulted with two gardening experts: Siobhan Shaw, Co-Founder ofthe nonprofit Growing To Give and Founder and Editor of The Gardening Network, and Sarah Carter, Vice President, Goizueta Gardens and Living Collections at Atlanta History Center.

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According to Shaw, "blossom end rot is one of the most disappointing things a new tomato grower can find."

But despite this, both experts concur that if your tomatoes are currently suffering from blossom end rot, there's still hope of rescuing your garden.

"The good news is that [blossom end rot] is not a contagious disease and can be prevented," Carter tells Parade.

"Future tomatoes on the plant are often perfectly healthy once growing conditions improve," adds Shaw.

Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Related: 45 Small Garden Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space

What Is Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes?

"Blossom end rot is a common physiological disorder that affects the fruits of tomato plants," Carter explains to Parade.

"It is called 'blossom end' because it develops where the flower was before dropping off when the fertilized ovary formed into a fruit at the bottom of the tomato," she continues. "The 'rot' refers to the circular, dark, sunken, leathery patch caused by the disorder, which can develop from a small spot to halfway up the tomato."

Per Shaw, the first sign of blossom end rot on a tomato is a "dark, leathery spot on the blossom end or bottom of the fruit. It usually starts as a small water-soaked area that grows into a sunken brown or black patch."

Akifyeva Svetlana / Getty Images

Why Is Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes Bad?

"Blossom end rot ruins the quality of the fruit and makes it disappointing to harvest after weeks of waiting. Once that dark spot develops, the damaged tissue won’t heal or return to normal," explains Shaw.

"Tomatoes are disfigured when affected by blossom end rot, with the affected parts becoming unappealing and inedible," adds Carter. "The individual fruits cannot recover."

In some cases, you can still use part of a tomato that has blossom end rot. However, "in severe cases may also allow secondary rot to develop, making the tomato unusable. It’s a hair-pulling setback, especially for first-time gardeners," says Shaw. (More on all that below.)

What Causes Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes?

Blossom end rot on tomatoes "all comes down to calcium," per Shaw. Specifically, a lack of calcium during the tomato's development causes the plant to develop blossom end rot.

"Blossom end rot happens when developing tomatoes don’t receive enough calcium as they’re growing," Shaw explains.

But what causes the low calcium in the first place? According to Carter, inconsistent watering is the No. 1 cause of low calcium.

"Calcium travels entirely in water, from uptake by the roots, pulled through the stems by the rapidly growing leafy parts of the plants, and lastly, to the developing fruits," she explains. "Fruits are already at the branch tips and end of the line, so a lack of water can mean no calcium arrives to the far end of the fruits."

Related: 7 Psychological Benefits of Gardening, According to a Psychologist

Carter notes that blossom end rot is most commonly observed early in the tomato growing season, since the roots are not yet fully developed at this point. "Any lack of water at this critical point can cause blossom end rot, even if there is plenty of calcium in the soil (and there usually is plenty of calcium)," she says.

"Sometimes the soil is actually low in calcium, but more often the calcium is there and the plant can’t absorb it because of inconsistent watering, drought stress, or damaged roots," adds Shaw.

Joern Siegroth / Getty Images

How to Fix Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes

Blossom end rot cannot be reversed—but you may still be able to salvage affected tomatoes as well as your tomato plants.

"Unfortunately, once a tomato develops blossom end rot, there’s no way to repair that fruit. The damaged area won’t heal," says Shaw. "The best approach is to remove the affected fruit if it’s badly damaged, or cut away the rotten portion if the rest is still usable."

She advises using the sound parts of the tomato to make things like salsa and marinara sauce—as long as no secondary rot has developed. Secondary rot manifests as soft gray mold, per the University of New Hampshire.

Once you've removed all of the damaged tomatoes, your plant should be able to grow more healthy tomatoes—as long as you remedy the calcium issue.

"Focus on correcting the underlying problem by maintaining even soil moisture and making sure the soil has adequate calcium." says Shaw. "Future tomatoes on the plant are often perfectly healthy once growing conditions improve."

Related: The 39 Best Raised Garden Bed Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space

"Once you have noticed the problem, your best bet is to ensure consistent watering of the tomato plants," adds Carter, who recommends evenly watering 1 to 2 inches per week.

Additionally, she suggests putting a layer of mulch on the soil, as it will help reduce weeds as well as keep soil temperature and moisture more consistent.

How to Prevent Blossom End Rot on New Tomato Plants

Before starting a tomato garden, both experts recommend testing your soil's calcium levels. In fact, Carter notes that your county's extension office may offer this service to residents.

If your soil turns out to have a calcium deficiency, Carter suggests treating it with agricultural lime. She also says to avoid over-fertilizing or fertilizing when soil is dry, and she notes that you should always" plant in a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil high in organic matter."

Once you've planted your tomatoes, shift your energy to proper watering.

"The most important thing is to build healthy soil before planting and keep watering consistent throughout the growing season," adds Shaw. "Once the soil and watering are in balance, future tomatoes are much less likely to develop blossom end rot."

Up Next:

Related: Designers Say These Antique Kitchen Finds Are Worth Collecting—And 4 They'd Leave Behind

Sources:

• Siobhan Shaw, Co-Founder ofthe nonprofit Growing To Give and Founder and Editor of The Gardening Network
• Sarah Carter, Vice President, Goizueta Gardens and Living Collections at Atlanta History Center
• Growing Vegetables: Managing Blossom End-Rot. University of New Hampshire.

It’s not every day two eras of pop culture royalty collide, but fans are officially losing their minds over a rare new sighting of retired ’80s icon Kristy McNichol and one-third of one of the most popular singing groups of the early '90s.

The beloved Emmy winner, 62, sent feelings of nostalgia into overdrive when Carnie Wilson of Wilson Phillips caught up with her and went total superfan. The moment showed the former teen idol looking radiant and happy as two generations of entertainment royalty collided.

Wilson shared a photo of their meeting on Facebook. She posted a true fan caption, proving that stars are just like everyone else when they meet their favorite celebrities.

The '90s pop icon and daughter of Brian Wilson wrote, "Totally fangirling!!! Kris (Kristy McNichol) was a part of my youth."

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She continued, "I adored her in her movies, especially Little Darlings and The End. I told her how meaningful her movies are to me and my bestie, and how we were just talking about her and how special she is. What a gracious sweetie. She sure is loved."

Wilson didn't indicate where the two met in her caption. She simply let the beaming photo speak for itself.

The Little Darlings, Family, and Empty Nest Emmy-winning star still holds a massive place in pop culture history. For fans who grew up watching McNichol or blasting Wilson Phillips’ chart-topping hit “Hold On,” seeing the two stars together triggered an overwhelming wave of excitement, leaving social media users celebrating a true throwback crossover.

"She will forever be Buddy Lawrence, the adolescent and empathetic younger daughter on Family to me," wrote one Facebook user of McNichol.

A second fan wrote, "My fangirl alarms would be off the hook; [Kristy] is my childhood. My mom was a seamstress and made me The Pirate Movie outfit when she was riding the horse. I still own that movie and watch it often."

"When I was a kid, I sat beside Kristy on a plane from LA to ATL. She was on her way to film Little Darlings and invited me to be a camper (extra). Been acting ever since," declared a third follower.

"Who didn’t have a crush on Kristy?" asked a fourth admirer.

RELATED: This ’70s Pop Smash Took Center Stage in a 1980 Coming-of-Age Film Starring Kristy McNichol and Tatum O’Neal

McNichol was a beloved icon throughout the '70s in films such as Only When I Laugh and The End. In the '80s, she starred in the popular Golden Girls spinoff, Empty Nest, alongside former Soap star Richard Mulligan and Grease's Dinah Manoff.

Kristy McNichol stepped away from Empty Nest in 1992 but returned for the series' finale in 1995. Additionally, the actress did voice acting in Extreme Ghostbusters and Invasion America, and the movie Mother of the Bride before retiring from show business in 2001. Today, she is a favorite at nostalgic fan events.

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Carnie Wilson recently hosted Sounds Delicious with Carnie Wilson, a 12-episode music and culinary series that premiered on AXS TV in April 2024.

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The concept of "keeping the peace" is one that seems to show up less and less in today’s tension-filled world, but those who excel at conflict resolution still abound. If you’ve ever taken an Enneagram personality test, you may be aware that “Type 9” is the “Peacemaker” category—and according to the website Enneagram Personality, 16.5% fall within this category, which actually was the largest percentage among all the other personality types.

Although this stat applies to adults, many children also identify as or show traits of family peacemakers, especially when they have siblings or if clashes are frequent in their home. And for some, this peacemaking can come quite naturally with little to no effort.

Dr. Adrienne Hunnicutt, PsyD, a licensed pediatric psychologist at Children’s Health, defines a natural peacemaker as someone who intuitively senses others’ emotions and helps resolve conflict by promoting understanding and harmony.

In other words? A natural ameliorator may also be categorized as an empath or a highly sensitive person, who both tend to feel the emotions of those around them and want to resolve them through their own calming skills.

But why are some children inherently good at mitigating conflict? Will those skills or pacifying desire stay with them as adults? To answer that and more, Dr. Hunnicutt shares seven traits associated with kids who are natural peacemakers, and the benefits and disadvantages that might come with that.

Related: Parents and Grandparents Who Raise ‘Successful’ Kids Often Do These 10 Things Differently, According to Child Psychologists

Why Are Some Children Natural Peacemakers?

Dr. Hunnicutt says that many natural peacemakers are deeply empathetic and uncomfortable with conflict. 

“While some may be temperamentally inclined toward this role, family dynamics often play a significant part,” she observes. “Children exposed to frequent conflict, unpredictable emotions or chaotic environments may learn to read the room and act as a buffer, using peacemaking as a way to create stability and feel safe.”

Dr. Hunnicutt lists the strengths that natural peacemaker children have, saying that they often build strong relationships, develop advanced communication skills and help create more supportive and inclusive environments for those around them.

They can develop their peacemaking skills even further if they have the right influences around them and can recognize their own limits. 

“Natural peacemakers thrive when adults encourage empathy while also teaching healthy boundaries,” the pediatric psychologist explains. “Children should know they can care about others without feeling responsible for everyone’s emotions or conflicts.”

Related: Parents and Grandparents Who Raise Independent Kids Often Do These 6 Things, According to a Child Psychologist

Do Natural Peacemaker Children Stay That Way as Adults?

Not necessarily. As Dr. Hunnicutt responds, this is a “yes and no” answer.

“Childhood coping strategies often evolve into adult personality traits, and many natural peacemakers grow into effective mediators, counselors and leaders,” she states. 

On the other hand, the disadvantages to and/or adverse reasons a child is a peacemaker can negatively impact them into adulthood.

“However, when children feel responsible for managing others’ emotions or maintaining family stability, peacemaking can become a survival strategy," she explains. "As adults, they may struggle with boundaries and people-pleasing, prioritizing harmony over their own needs. The healthiest peacemakers learn to balance empathy with honesty, engaging in difficult conversations rather than avoiding conflict altogether.”

Related: 6 Ways To Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children or Grandchildren

7 Traits of Kids Who Are Natural Peacemakers, According to a Child Psychologist1. Empathetic

As mentioned, many children who are natural peacemakers are empaths as well. Dr. Hunnicutt says that these children can “easily understand and connect with others’ feelings.”

2. Observant

Dr. Hunnicutt says that in general, natural peacemaker children have keen observation skills and quickly notice tension, emotions and unspoken cues. 

Again, the negative aspect of this is if they gained this skill because they grew up in an unstable environment, such as one with eggshell parents or narcissistic caregivers.

3. Fair-minded

Natural-peacemaking children value “win-win” scenarios where no one loses.

“They value inclusion, justice and treating others respectfully," Dr. Hunnicutt notes.

4. Collaborative

If a child who’s a natural peacemaker is on the playground, you better believe that they won’t be taking sides during an argument among friends. Instead, Dr. Hunnicutt says that they’ll always look for common ground as opposed to choosing sides.

5. Good listeners

Many natural-peacemaking children are active listeners, which means that they really hone in on what someone else is saying.

“They make others feel heard and understood,” Dr. Hunnicutt states. 

6. Calm under pressure

While your other children may be melting down, your little natural peacemaker will usually be keeping a cool head. Dr. Hunnicutt says that the steady presence of a natural peacemaker can help de-escalate conflict.

7. Selfless

The last piece of cake? That spot ahead of them in line? The other team who won the game? Children who are natural peacemakers tend to think of others first and have a desire for them to excel.

But sometimes, that's detrimental. Dr. Hunnicutt says that natural peacemakers “often put others’ needs ahead of their own, sometimes at the expense of their own boundaries.” 

Up Next:

Related: Psychologists Say Parents Who Raise Kind Kids Share These 9 Unexpected Habits

Sources:

• Dr. Adrienne Hunnicutt, PsyD, is a licensed pediatric psychologist at Children’s Health and the Clinical Practice Manager for the Behavioral Health Integration and Guidance (BHIG) Initiative.
• Enneagram Type & Wing Distribution. Enneagram Personality.

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Packing a carry-on is all about being strategic, especially when you're trying to travel lighter without leaving behind the things that make a trip more comfortable. The best minimalist carry-on essentials are compact, practical and genuinely useful, helping you stay organized while making the most of limited luggage space. Rather than packing for every possible scenario, choose versatile items that serve a real purpose and make your journey a little easier.

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