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Costco Just Dropped a $43 Fall Staple From a Popular Sneaker Brand

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 12:30pm

There’s nothing like finding a new wardrobe staple. It’s even better when it doesn’t break the bank. So where should you go to find your next go-to outer layer? Costco, of course, where every trip seems to produce another gem worth snatching up. 

Our favorite pick of the week? The Converse Men’s Hooded Bomber Jacket, a $43 cool-weather essential that makes these transitional weeks all the more bearable. Even better, it offers a timeless look that will never go out of style, making it perfect for running errands, school, ball games, casual dates and more.

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Converse Men’s Hooded Bomber Jacket, $42.99 at Costco View this post on Instagram

Spotted in-store by @costcofam4u and quickly shared online to spread the news, the Converse Men’s Hooded Bomber Jacket couldn’t have arrived at a more appropriate time. With fall on the horizon and plenty of reason to work a long-sleeved layer into your wardrobe rotation, this $42.99 piece offers plenty of style and comfort to your day. 

Available both in store and online while supplies last, you can expect to find it in Blue and Black colorways in sizes small through XXL. Sporting a classic bomber jacket style with quilted details, an attached jersey-knit hood with adjustable drawcords and an interior jersey-knit vest with an exterior zipper, it provides plenty of styling options for whatever the weather throws your way.

Related: Shoppers Say Uniqlo’s Versatile Fall Staple Is ‘as Close to Perfect as a Pair of Pants Can Be’

Modern Details Shoppers Love

With a near five-star rating on the Costco website, it’s clear shoppers are already loving this stylish new addition to their wardrobe. One fan simply called it “just a cool looking jacket,” while another said they were more than happy with jackets detailing, adding, “I get frequent comments from coworkers about how good this jacket looks.”

Taking a closer look at those impressive details, this jacket features branded Converse snap buttons, a Converse logo patch on the left arm and a multi-color locker loop for easy hanging. There’s also an interior slip pocket on the left side for phone or wallet storage, along with rib-knit cuffs, collar and hems and minimal branding throughout for a clean, elevated look. Even better, its lightweight construction still provides a satisfying weight, making it a reliable layer for unpredictable autumn days.

If you’re already eyeing it up for yourself or plan on snagging it as a gift for a loved one, don’t wait too long to search out your size. Online availability is still fairly strong, but chances are supplies in stores will sell out fast. Use this as your sign to take a trip to your local Costco this weekend, and while you’re at it, check out the new Kirkland Signature sweats for even more fall style upgrades.

Related: Sam’s Club Is Selling an ‘Ultra-Soft’ Fall Set Shoppers Are Calling ‘Perfect for Lounging’

1973 Outlaw Country Ballad, Later Recorded By Elvis Presley, Is Ranked One of the King's 'Best Country Songs'

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 12:13pm

Elvis Presley may have been the King of Rock and Roll, but he had deep roots in the country genre as well.

Raised on country, gospel and blues, Elvis lent his voice to a number of country tunes throughout his career, including none other than Waylon Jennings‘ 1973 hit, “You Asked Me To.”

Elvis released his own version of the outlaw country ballad as part of his 1975 album Promised Land, and it has since been considered to be one of the best country covers of his career.

According to Rolling Stone, Elvis recording of “You Asked Me To” ranks on the list of Elvis Presley’s Best Country Songs, sitting alongside his other fan-favorite country tracks, like “Always on My Mind,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” and so many more.

Elvis’ take on Jennings’ song also made Hank FM‘s roundup of Elvis’ best country songs, coming in at No. 13 on that list.

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Written by Jennings and Billy Joe Shaver, “You Asked Me To” originally appeared on Jennings’ album Honky Tonk Heroes in June 1973. It was released as a single later that year, and worked its way up to No. 8 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

As for Elvis’ version, his cover of “You Asked Me To” was never released as a single and therefore didn’t chart on the Billboard leaderboards.

Elvis Presley’s Best Country Covers, According to Rolling Stone
  • “Blue Moon of Kentucky” (1954)
  • “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” (1955)
  • “Gentle on My Mind” (1969)
  • “Kentucky Rain” (1970)
  • “Make the World Go Away” (1971)
  • “Help Me Make It Through the Night” (1972)
  • “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (1973)
  • “Green, Green Grass of Home” (1975)
  • “You Asked Me To” (1975)
  • “She Thinks I Still Care” (1977)

Related: Elvis’ Granddaughters Flaunt Their Famous Presley Genes in Rare New Photo

Dolly Parton’s Favorite Meal Is Still Served at the California Restaurant She Visited for Decades

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 12:12pm

Dolly Parton sadly passed away from cancer on August 25, 2026, an illness she chose to keep private from family members and her diehard fans.

But those very fans can still share a taste of what the “Queen of Country” indulged on her annual trips to San Luis Obispo, a low-key hideaway far removed from the paparazzi-laden streets of Hollywood with some of California’s top beaches and wineries in close reach.

Since the ’80s, the country icon vacationed at the historic Madonna Inn, a bubble-gum pink hotel with uniquely themed rooms she was said to switch up each visit.

Related: Dolly Parton Died Holding 11 Guinness World Records—Including One That Spanned 46 Years

But the constant every time was her order at the hotel’s on-site eatery, Gold Rush Steakhouse, where she reportedly ordered the same entree each time from her favorite table.

“Dolly was also a dear friend of the Madonna family,” Madonna Inn spokesperson Lyndsey Goldwyn told SFGATE, adding that co-founder Alex Madonna would regularly stop by Parton’s gold booth whenever she dined here.

“Whenever she dined in the Steak House, Alex would make a point to stop by the gold booth to visit with her,” Goldwyn recalled.

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That same booth, tucked away in the “fanciest corner of the restaurant,” is now forever enshrined in her name as arguably the steakhouse’s most famous guest, where she was known to mingle with staff and guests with her signature smile and Southern twang, despite seeking out some much-needed R&R.

Related: Dolly Parton Made Her Film Debut in ’80s Hit Comedy ‘9 to 5’—But She Had One Condition Before Saying Yes

According to SF GATE, her go-to meal was the oak-grilled filet mignon, described on the menu as, “Our most popular steak. So tender you can almost cut it with a fork.”

Madonna Inn confirmed she enjoyed her steak with shrimp scampi, seasoned veggies, and a slice of garlic bread, now known as “Dolly’s Dish.”

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We all know Dolly’s fashion sense was unmatched, but apparently so was her taste at the dinner table.

Gold Rush Steakhouse earned OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award in 2025 and holds an impressive 4.5-star rating on Google.

The Difference Between a Good Apple Cake and a Great One Comes Down to This One Step

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 12:11pm

There are apple cakes, and then there is the French apple cake. You know the kind: big chunks of tender apples held together by just enough buttery batter, with a golden top and a center that lands somewhere between cake and custard. When done right, it might be one of the best things you can bake during apple season.

Unlike the heavily spiced apple cakes many of us grew up with, French apple cake is all about letting the fruit do the heavy lifting. Butter, vanilla and a splash of booze add richness, but the apples are unquestionably the star. The cake has recently been popularized by the Marie-Hélène’s Apple Cake recipe from food writer Dorie Greenspan’s best-selling cookbook, Around My French Table.

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Of course, packing a bunch of fresh fruit into a cake presents one obvious problem: moisture. Apples release plenty of liquid, and too much of it can take a cake from wonderfully soft and custardy to wet and soggy.

Fortunately, there’s a simple extra step that can make all the difference, and the pastry chefs we spoke with all use some version of it. It’s a small change, but it does two jobs at once: adds flavor and helps control all the extra moisture.

Here’s the trick to making the best French apple cake, plus tips from four pastry chefs on how to take this decadent dessert to the next level.

The Secret Step: Macerating the Apples in Dark Rum

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Macerating sounds fancy, but it’s basically letting cut fruit sit with sugar (and, in this case, dark rum) before baking.

Odette D’Aniello, a pastry chef and the founder and CEO of Celebrity Gourmet Ventures, recommends peeling and cutting three to four apples into evenly sized pieces, then tossing them with 2 to 3 tablespoons of dark rum, 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and a dusting of cinnamon. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.

Then comes the most important part. “It’s very important to drain off any excess liquid before adding the now rum-soaked apples into the cake,” D’Aniello says. She suggests saving that flavorful liquid to turn into a glaze or syrup.

Pastry chef Kristina Lavallee uses a similar technique, tossing the apples with dark rum for about 30 minutes before draining them. Her goal isn’t to completely saturate the fruit in booze. You just want enough rum for the apples to “pick up the flavor,” she says.

Not every pastry chef agrees that rum is the best choice. Edouard Fenouil, the executive pastry chef for MAD Hospitality, prefers brandy or Calvados, a French apple brandy, with apple cake. That’s not far removed from Greenspan’s own thinking. She has said that while rum is a nice addition to Marie-Hélène’s apple cake, it can be replaced with Calvados or Cognac—a French brandy that comes from the region of the same name.

The Science: Why This Prevents a ‘Soggy’ Cake

Por Cristi López / Getty Images

Here’s where a little food science comes into play. Raw apples contain a lot of water, and when they’re tossed with sugar, osmosis starts pulling some of that water out of the fruit.

That’s easy to see when you macerate apples. Let the sugar-coated fruit sit for 20 or 30 minutes, and you’ll notice liquid collecting at the bottom of the bowl. D’Aniello says that’s exactly what we’re looking for. “The sugar will draw out some of the moisture, and the rum and spices will soak in,” she says.

If all of that moisture goes into an already fruit-heavy cake, however, it can contribute to a wet, heavy center. Macerating the apples separately gives that process a head start and, crucially, gives you an opportunity to drain away some of the released liquid before it ever reaches the batter.

Pastry chef Paola Marocchi uses the same technique for precisely that reason. “The macerating process helps release some of the juices, which I keep out of the cake batter,” she says.

Lavallee takes things one step further by lightly tossing the drained apples in flour before folding them into the batter. The flour helps pick up some of the remaining surface moisture. That’s the real secret here: The rum brings flavor, but the macerate-and-drain technique helps control moisture.

There’s one more thing to remember. Moist isn’t the same thing as underbaked. With this much fruit packed into the cake, Marocchi recommends checking the center with a cake tester rather than relying solely on how the top looks or feels.

Related: This New Apple Cinnamon ‘Social Tonic’ Is Giving Fans a Whole New Reason to Skip the Booze

The Best Apples to Use for a French Apple Cake

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The answer may actually be apples, plural.

Greenspan specifically recommends using several varieties in Marie-Hélène’s apple cake so you get different flavors and textures throughout the cake. Some pieces might be tart, others sweet; some remain firmer, while others soften more as they bake.

Our pastry chefs agree.

D’Aniello likes firm Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Pink Lady apples, and says using two varieties adds complexity while helping keep the cake from becoming overly sweet.

Lavallee also likes Granny Smith for structure and tartness, and Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for sweetness and flavor. “You want to use an apple that holds up well when baking and does not turn to mush,” she says.

Marocchi takes a slightly different approach, preferring apples with a balance of acidity and sweetness, and suggests a combination such as Braeburn and Golden Delicious.

So, if you’re baking with Honeycrisp apples, go for it. Better yet, pair Honeycrisp with something more tart, such as Granny Smith, to give the cake some contrast.

Ingredients Needed

HanaHa / Getty Images

Like most French apple cakes, the ingredient list here is refreshingly simple. You’ll need four large, firm baking apples, preferably a mix of varieties, along with 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and a pinch of salt.

For the macerating step, you’ll also need dark rum and a little brown sugar. D’Aniello recommends using 2 to 3 tablespoons of rum and 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for three to four apples, along with a dusting of cinnamon if you want a little extra warmth.

Don’t feel like you need to raid the spice cabinet, though. “In a French apple cake, you do not want to go crazy with spices either. This is not an apple pie,” Lavallee says. Instead, she recommends letting the apples, butter, vanilla and rum do most of the work.

And when it comes to the butter and vanilla, this isn’t necessarily the place to skimp. Lavallee says using good-quality butter and real vanilla can make a noticeable difference in the finished cake.

How to Make French Apple Cake

Guido Mieth / Getty Images

Preheat the oven to 350°F, and generously butter an 8-inch springform pan.

Peel and core the apples, then cut them into roughly 1- to 2-inch chunks. Toss them with the dark rum and brown sugar and, if desired, a light dusting of cinnamon. Let the apples macerate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate larger bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla, followed by half of the flour mixture and half of the melted butter. Repeat with the remaining flour and butter, mixing just until you have a smooth batter.

Now, drain those apples well. If they still seem particularly wet, blot them lightly with a paper towel. Lavallee also recommends tossing the drained apples with a small amount of flour to pick up some of the remaining surface moisture.

Fold the apples gently into the batter, and transfer everything to the prepared pan. Bake until the top is deeply golden and a tester inserted into the center shows that the batter is cooked through, approximately 50 to 60 minutes.

Let the cake cool on a rack before removing it from the pan.

How to Store French Apple Cake (and Does It Need to Be Refrigerated?)

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The good news is you don’t necessarily have to surrender precious refrigerator space for your French apple cake immediately.

The pastry chefs we spoke with generally agree on one important point: Let the cake cool completely before covering it. Covering a still-warm cake can trap steam and moisture, which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid.

Once cool, D’Aniello says most apple cakes can be kept tightly covered at room temperature for a day or two, depending on the recipe. For longer storage, she prefers an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of all that fruit, she says the cake can actually taste even better the following day after the flavors have had time to settle together.

Lavallee also stores hers at room temperature for a day or two. If you do refrigerate the cake, she recommends bringing it back to room temperature before serving to help restore its soft texture.

Marocchi says French apple cake can also be frozen, then thawed and warmed to help crisp the exterior again.

Of course, Fenouil has an even simpler storage recommendation: Eat it fresh. Considering this thing is mostly apples held together by buttery, rum-scented cake, that shouldn’t be too difficult.

Sources:
  • Odette D’Aniello is a pastry chef and the founder and CEO of Celebrity Gourmet Ventures, whose brands include Celebrity Cake Studio and Dragonfly Cakes.
  • Kristina Lavallee, better known as “The Cake Girl,” is a pastry chef known for her elaborate custom cakes.
  • Paola Marocchi is an NYC-based pastry chef and former corporate pastry chef for Tao Group and Jean-Georges Management.
  • Edouard Fenouil is the executive pastry chef for MAD Hospitality and who was born and classically trained in France’s Chamonix region.

Related: This Popular Protein Bar Brand Just Turned Apple Pie Into a Fall Workout Snack

Costco's Sleek Pickleball Bag Is Versatile, Stylish and Roomy

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 12:10pm

Pickleball is definitely having a moment here in the United States. As it turns out, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country for the fourth year in a row. Not terribly difficult to learn, fairly affordable to play and also good for all ages, it’s easy to see why this racket sport is having such a boom in popularity.

Whether you play the fun game already, are interested in getting started or love someone who is a picklehead, Costco is now selling a sleek two-in-one convertible pickleball bag that makes going from home to the court a total breeze. It comes in four colors, including black, gray, pink or green, giving you a few options to pick from.

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Tesport 2-in-1 Convertible Pickleball Bag, $56.99 at Costco

Costco

Measuring 16.1 inches in width, 7.3 inches in length and 11 inches in height, this spacious bag helps you carry your paddles, balls, sneakers and other pickleball-day essentials. A cute pickleball charm and a string bag for balls add another convenient touch. Even better, this bag has a removable paddle sleeve so you can keep them separate or remove the paddle holder entirely whenever needed. There is also a separate shoe compartment as well as interior and exterior water bottle holders.

Related: Costco’s Chic New Jacket Is Giving Free People Vibes for a Fraction of the Cost

But this bag is usable beyond just pickleball, and this is where its versatility comes into play. It actually converts into a regular everyday tote. It also has a luggage sleeve for easier travel if you’re planning to take it with you on a plane.

So far, shoppers love this pickleball bag, giving it an average rating of five stars on Costco.com.

“Ordered the black version and received it in just two days. I love this bag! The design, build quality, accessories and even the packaging are all excellent. It has plenty of room for everything I need for a pickleball game without feeling bulky. The material is lightweight yet sturdy, and you can tell a lot of thought went into the small details. Very well-designed and highly recommended,” said one fan in a five-star review on Costco’s website.

You can pick up this versatile, stylish and roomy pickleball bag in select Costco warehouses or on Costco.com. It retails for $56.99.

Related: These Comfy Sandals With ‘Good Arch Support’ at Costco Have Shoppers Raving: ‘Bargain of the Century!’

1995 Crime Masterpiece, the First Time Pacino and De Niro Shared the Screen, Has an 84% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 12:09pm

I think it’s a fairly safe statement to make that the film industry hasn’t really had two superstar actors working simultaneously quite in the same way that was happening at the heights of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino’s careers. Both were taking such interesting roles with such acclaimed directors that they had eventually risen to heights of respect in the industry that haven’t been quite replicated since. Up until 1995, the pair had never shared the screen in any film, but that would change with Michael Mann’s LA crime epic Heat.

In film circles, Heat has a bit of a reputation that precedes itself. Before I watched the film for the first time earlier this year, I had heard so many people say that it’s one of the greatest films ever made, which was strange to me as I hadn’t really heard of it until I got a bit older. A film of its cast and magnitude surely shouldn’t have avoided me for so long, but now that I have since seen it three times, I can say that it not only lives up to the hype, but exceeds it. That’s why I was honestly very surprised to see that Rotten Tomatoes only has it at an 84%. For such an unimpeachable classic, I think that is a bit low.

Heat follows Al Pacino as Vincent Hannah, a nocturnal, obsessive, and erratic detective working for the LAPD, and the cat and mouse game that ensues after he starts to go after Robert De Niro’s Neil McCauley, an equally obsessive and disciplined bank robber who may be the only person on Earth who Vincent can relate to. Making up the supporting cast is Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis, and Tom Sizemore as Michael Cheritto, two members of Neil’s crew, Diane Venora and a very young Natalie Portman as Hannah’s family, and memorable roles from Jon Voight, Ashley Judd and Amy Brenneman.

The first immediate impression of the film is explosive. Most people will be won over by the spectacle of it all, with some of the best action sequences ever put to film. There’s an absolutely legendary action scene later into the runtime of the film that is earth shattering to watch. Heat is pure intellectual spectacle as well. Vincent and Neil are both calculated, intelligent professionals who work so well as obstacles to one another. It’s a true exploration of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.

The reason Heat really works outside of being a really engaging and entertaining crime thriller is the masterclass Michael Mann puts on as both a director and a writer. Heat is ultimately a film exploring the destructive side of obsession, and how that relates to the inherently selfish pursuit of violence. Unlike most action films, the movie really devotes time to showing the damage that these characters inflict on everyone in their lives. Every sleek and typically “cool” moment in the film is immediately offset by the fallout of these actions. Ultimately, these are children playing cops and robbers, just without toys, and that is a disaster for everyone involved.

Heat is one of my favorite films of all time. It is a masterpiece on a technical level, as well as an incredible portrait of the destructive force that is unmitigated obsession and violence. This is a movie filled with men repeatedly giving into their basest desires and in turn leaving everyone who cares about them to pick up the pieces. It’s one of the greatest films ever made, and should be on everybody’s watchlist.

Related: 1966 Rock Masterpiece, Paul McCartney’s Favorite Album, Was a Commercial Failure

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1940 Cary Grant Movie, With a Perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score, Ranked the Best Rom-Com of All Time

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 12:08pm

Romantic comedies are all the rage again, with networks and streamers scrambling to produce light-hearted love stories, thanks to recent hits like Netflix’s Jennifer Lopez-led Office Romance and the 2025 return of Renée Zellweger‘s Bridget Jones (in Mad About The Boy).

But new doesn’t always mean best. Some of the most beloved rom-coms are true classics that still stand the test of time, including 1940’s The Philadelphia Story. Starring a powerhouse trio of Hollywood legends—Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart—the movie still tops Rotten Tomatoes’ list of the 200 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time.

The Philadelphia Story may have been released 86 years ago, but it still resonates with modern-day viewers. It holds the coveted No. 1 spot on the Best Romantic Comedies list with its perfect 100 percent Tomatometer rating, combined with an impressive 92 percent audience score with over 25,000 reviews.

Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Stewart, and John Howard in a publicity still for the 1940 film “The Philadelphia Story.”

Photo by John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

In the beloved rom-com, Hepburn plays Tracy Lord, a Philadelphia socialite who’s ready to remarry after splitting from her charming first husband, played by Grant, over his frequent drinking and demanding behavior.

But as she prepares to wed a wealthy suitor, George Kittredge (played by John Howard), her ex-husband makes an unexpected visit to her family estate, followed by a gossip reporter, played by Stewart, who’s there to cover the wedding of the year. Eventually, the bride-to-be realizes she has a big decision to make: which man she truly loves.

Filmed in just eight weeks, per IMDb, the stars’ onscreen chemistry was off the charts and earned them six Oscar nominations in 1941, including for Best Picture. Stewart won the Best Actor award (his only Oscar), and the movie’s screenwriter, Donald Ogden Stewart, took home the Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay (Adapted).

The Philadelphia Story is available to stream for free via Tubi, and is also on Netflix. According to JustWatch, it can also be bought or rented via Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango.

Martha Stewart's 4-Piece 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Sets at Marshalls Are Soft, Breathable and Chic

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 12:05pm

There are few simple pleasures in life quite like putting fresh sheets on the bed. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t love the laundry involved in the process, but that linen swap makes it so you can change the entire mood of your bedroom in about five minutes. Climbing into a bed made with freshly washed sheets at night makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if the rest of your laundry hamper is still overflowing with clothes nearby.

Picture it: The fabric is crisp, clean and cool against your skin, the pillows seem a little fluffier and you just know you’re going to sleep better. Add a pretty pattern into the mix and your bed can feel like a whole new piece of decor, too. That’s especially true when the pattern happens to be a cheerful floral that brings a little character to your space.

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Martha Stewart Cotton Percale Floral Sheet Set, $49.99 – $59.99 at Marshalls Martha Stewart Cotton Percale Floral Sheet Set

Marshalls

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So if your bedding could use a refresh, this Cotton Percale Floral Sheet Set from Martha Stewart at Marshalls might be just the thing to make your next laundry day feel a whole lot more rewarding.

The set comes in the loveliest light blue and white colorway, with two sizes to choose from—Queen or King. You get the flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillow cases in the bundle, which is everything you need to outfit your bed aside from a duvet or comforter for added warmth.

Related: Target Is Selling a Charming 1,399-Piece Lego Set Dedicated to This Classic Disney Character

Cotton percale is a favorite for bedding because it has that crisp, cool, just-made-the-bed feel that makes slipping between the sheets especially satisfying. The tightly woven fabric is lightweight and breathable, so it’s a nice choice for anyone who tends to sleep warm. It also has a naturally matte finish, getting softer with each wash while still maintaining its crisp feel. Basically, if you like your sheets fresh, airy and never too clingy, cotton percale is tough to beat.

It’s really hard to go wrong with anything from Martha Stewart’s home collections, like this serene quilt set available at JCPenney, or vintage-inspired duvet set at Wayfair. And, of course, since her baking is hard to beat, so are her kitchen essentials, such as a gorgeous floral stoneware baking set that’s also available at JCP.

Related: Dollar General’s $8 Glass Pumpkin Jars Are the Elegant Way to Decorate This Fall

Lindsay Clancy’s Family Fundraiser Surpasses $1 Million as Case Ends in Mistrial

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 11:35am

Support for Lindsay Clancy and her family continues to climb after it was announced her trial ended in a mistrial on September 4, 2026.

The judge declared the mistrial in the triple-murder case after the jury deliberated for seven days and could not reach a unanimous decision.

Amid the ruling, Clancy’s family GoFundMe surpassed the $1 million milestone, in a fundraiser aiming to raise $3 million for the parents of the accused.

“More than three years later, her case is now being tried in court. Throughout those three years, Lindsay’s parents, Mike and Paula Musgrove, have continued to show up for their daughter,” reads the GoFundMe page. “Mike and Paula, who have spent years traveling back and forth, staying in hotels, attending court proceedings and ultimately relocating from Connecticut to Massachusetts so they could remain close to Lindsay.”

The fundraiser continues, “That has come at an enormous financial cost. This fundraiser is not asking anyone to agree on Lindsay, her case, or what the outcome of her trial should be… It is simply an opportunity to help two parents who have spent more than three years carrying a financial burden on top of an emotional one most of us cannot begin to imagine.”

During her testimony, Clancy’s mother described her daughter as “loving,” but revealed she received a disturbing text from her in October 2022, before she murdered her three kids, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and 8-month-old Callan.

“Mom, will you please come up and stay with me for a bit?” the text read, per Boston.com. “I’m really sick. Something is wrong. I had horrible insomnia all night, and I just don’t know how I’m going to get through the day. I started taking the medicine my doctor prescribed for anxiety, and I think it’s made things worse. It’s just really scary, and I don’t want to be alone.”

Following the mistrial, it is expected that Clancy will remain in custody at the Tewksbury State Hospital while the District Attorney weighs next options, which can include a new trial, lesser charges, or a plea deal.

Sam’s Club Is Selling an ‘Ultra-Soft’ Fall Set Shoppers Are Calling ‘Perfect for Lounging’

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 11:30am

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With fall weather getting ready to settle in, it’s about time to dig out your favorite cozy layers in preparation for the season. That said, it’s not uncommon to feel the urge to add something new to your fall wardrobe, especially when you find a piece that’s just too hard to pass up.

Such is the case for Sam’s Club shoppers this week, as a new loungewear set is starting to make its rounds to clubs across the country. Spotted by @samsclublovers, the State of Mine Camo Quarter Zip and matching Fleece Jogger offer a range of stylish, modern camo prints, each bringing both comfort and personality to your seasonal rotation for just $15 a piece.

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State of Mine Camo Quarter Zip, $14.98 at Sam’s Club View this post on Instagram Shop It!

Available in select stores and online now, the State of Mine Camo Quarter Zip and matching Fleece Jogger are an easy comfort upgrade heading into the colder months of the year. Ideal for school, running errands, lounging around the house or getting in some exercise at the gym, each piece features ultra-soft fabric with a lofty hand feel and a relaxed fit suitable for all-day wear. 

At $14.98, the Camo Quarter Zip comes in Olive, Light Gray and Black, with sizes XS through XXXL available while supplies last. Featuring a modern camo print and a classic casual look, this stylish fleece has a broken-in feel and substantial weight without feeling overly heavy, making it ideal for crisp fall weather.

“This quarter zip fits perfectly and the fabric is very comfortable and soft,” one shopper raved in a review on the Sam’s Club site, calling it a “really nice” piece to wear on a “mildly chilly day.”

“The fit is spot on,” another fan chimed in, praising the soft, quality fabric, and calling it a “solid” option to “take along with you to the beach or campfire.”

Related: Old Navy’s Fisherman-Inspired Men’s Staple Brings Nautical Style to Fall Fits

State of Mine Camo Fleece Jogger, $14.98 at Sam’s Club State of Mine Camo Fleece Jogger

Sam's Club

As for the matching State of Mine Camo Fleece Jogger, this stylish bottom comes in the same Olive, Light Gray and Black colors, with a slightly different size range including XS through XXL. Featuring the same camo patterns, soft cotton blend and relaxed fit as its quarter zip counterpart, it’s a no-brainer pick if you’re already eyeing the top and want to complete the look.

Plus, with a retail price of $14.98 as well, the two pieces make for an easy $30 fall investment. Even better, both are machine washable, so you can toss them in the wash with like colors and leave the stress out of keeping them clean. The joggers also feature an elastic waistband with adjustable drawcord, making it easy to customize the fit to your liking. 

Whether you snatch this set up online or instore, do so while you still can as these pieces are guaranteed to sell out fast. While you’re at it, check out Uniqlo’s Windproof Stand Blouson and Old Navy’s Relaxed Harrington Jacket for more fall fit inspiration. 

Related: Costco’s New $20 Kirkland Signature Loungewear Has Shoppers Obsessed: ‘These Are Legit’

Natalie Portman Gives Birth to Third Baby — Her First With Tanguy Destable

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 11:25am

Natalie Portman has welcomed a new addition to her family.

The Oscar-winning actress, 45, reportedly gave birth to her third child—and her first with partner Tanguy Destable—in Paris last month, a source confirmed to People on Saturday, September 5.

The new arrival makes Portman a mom of three. She also shares son Aleph, 15, and daughter Amalia, 9, with her ex-husband, director and choreographer Benjamin Millepied. Additional details about the newborn, including the baby’s name and sex, have not yet been publicly announced.

Portman first confirmed she was expecting in an April interview with Harper’s Bazaar, where she spoke about how much the pregnancy meant to the couple. “Tanguy and I are very excited,” Portman said. “I’m just very grateful. I know it’s such a privilege and a miracle.”

Portman had been offering only occasional glimpses of her pregnancy in the months leading up to the arrival. In one recent Instagram photo, the Star Wars star posed in front of a sunlit window while holding her baby bump

The new baby marks another milestone for Portman and Destable, whose romance became public last year. People confirmed in March 2025 that Portman was dating the French musician after the two had previously been linked in the French press.

Portman was previously married to Millepied, whom she met while making Black Swan. The former couple married in 2012 and their divorce was finalized in 2024.

Parade has reached out for comment from Portman’s reps, but has not heard back at the time of publication.

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1976 Hit, Performed on Dolly Parton's TV Show, Reached No. 1 50 Years Ago

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 11:11am

In the mid-’70s, a unique disco funk track was released, and it took the world by storm.

“(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” by KC and the Sunshine Band made its debut on May 27, 1976, defining the sound of a decade with its signature upbeat, funk-driven rhythm. The band’s founding members, Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch, were inspired by the dance moves that they had seen when they were sneaking onto the dance floor in the nightclubs in Miami. Namely, the booty shaking.

“We’d pay attention to what the people were doing, either body moves or body language, and try to transfer that back into the next production,” Finch explained to Songfacts in 2009. “As soon as we got back off the road we’d go right into the studio with that freshly captured energy, start recording, and not try to think too much.”

On Sept. 11, 1976, “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for one week. In total, the track spent 21 weeks on the chart.

The song also reached No. 1 in Canada and enjoyed chart successes in many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

The band performed the Grammy-nominated song on Dolly Parton‘s variety TV show, Dolly, which aired between 1976 and 1977.

“You’ve been giving out some goosebumps yourself with all the hit records you’ve had,” the “Jolene” singer told front man Casey. “You’re just about the hottest thing going.”

KC and the Sunshine Band had previously performed its fan-favorite “That’s the Way I Like It” on the show, with the country music star joining Casey for a duet.

“I’ll tell you what, since tonight is special, why don’t we just kind of be ourselves and pretend like we’re kind of in concert,” Parton said while introducing the band. “You do your thing, like, you do it and I’ll do my thing. … I just wondered if you would sing a song with me.”

Related: Neil Young Releases New Version of Song First Recorded 61 Years Ago

Do Carpenter Ants Destroy Wood Like Termites? What Homeowners Should Know

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 11:00am

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Finding large ants near a window frame or discovering unexplained sawdust around woodwork can raise an alarming question: Do carpenter ants destroy wooden structures like termites? Not exactly.

Termites eat wood for nutrition. Carpenter ants don’t. Instead, they hollow out wood to build nesting galleries. Over time, a large or long-standing colony can damage structural lumber, particularly wood already softened by moisture or decay.

Orkin notes that carpenter ants often nest in wall voids, hollow doors and windows, and that infestations left untreated can expand into satellite nests. Over time, they can cause serious damage to your home.

If you’re seeing large ants, wood shavings or activity around damaged wood, Orkin offers a free pest control quote and can inspect the property for carpenter ant nesting sites.

Do Carpenter Ants Eat Wood Like Termites?

No. Termites consume wood, while carpenter ants excavate it to create nests. Both pests can damage structural wood, but they leave different evidence behind and require different treatment approaches.

The EPA says termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage each year by consuming cellulose-based materials, including wood. Carpenter ants take a different route.

Orkin explains that they hollow out wood and create smooth tunnels or galleries rather than eating it. The ants remove wood debris as they expand the nest, often leaving piles of sawdust-like material nearby. Damage from carpenter ants is generally slower and less severe than termite damage, but an established colony can continue expanding through structural wood for years.

Carpenter Ants vs. Termites: What’s the Difference?

Sign

Carpenter Ants

Termites

Effect on Wood

Wood is excavated for nests

Wood is consumed

Galleries

Smooth and clean

May contain soil or mud

Debris

Sawdust-like frass may appear

Drywood termites may leave uniform pellets

Antennae

Elbowed

Straight

Waist

Narrow, pinched

Broad

Wings

Front wings longer than rear wings

Wings roughly equal in length

Moisture Preference

Often associated with damp or decayed wood

Varies by termite species

As the EPA points out, termite swarms and winged ants look remarkably similar at first glance. Confirming which pest you are dealing with ensures you choose a targeted solution that actually protects your home.

What Are the Signs of Carpenter Ant Damage?

Common signs include large worker ants and faint rustling sounds inside walls or woodwork. Orkin also notes that severe infestations produce wood shavings beneath affected material, while winged ants emerging from walls, ceilings or hidden crevices are another strong indicator of an indoor nest.

Moisture deserves particular attention, too. Carpenter ants prefer damp or decaying wood and commonly establish nests around:

  • Window and door frames
  • Roof or plumbing leaks
  • Wall voids
  • Porches and structural timbers
  • Areas around sinks or bathrooms

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln notes that parent colonies and satellite colonies can both become established around buildings, which makes locating every active nesting site important.

Can Carpenter Ants Damage House Framing?

Yes. Carpenter ants can damage framing when colonies excavate galleries through structural lumber over an extended period. Joists, studs, sills and other wood members can be affected, especially when moisture has already weakened the wood.

That doesn’t mean every carpenter ant spotted indoors has caused damage. Workers may travel considerable distances from an outdoor nest while searching for food. Finding the nest is what determines whether ants are simply foraging indoors or actually living inside the structure.

If carpenter ants are appearing around moisture-damaged wood, an Orkin pro can inspect the structure, identify likely nesting areas and provide a free estimate for treatment.

How Do You Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in Walls?

Effective carpenter ant control requires locating and treating the nest while correcting moisture problems that made the wood attractive in the first place. Killing workers traveling through the house won’t necessarily eliminate the parent colony or satellite nests hidden inside walls.

Orkin advises locating carpenter ant nests early because damage increases the longer an infestation remains untreated. The company also notes that nests can be difficult to find and recommends professional pest control when an indoor infestation is suspected.

Repair leaking plumbing, roof problems or other moisture sources as part of the process. Damaged wood may also need repair once the infestation is controlled.

Professional treatment is especially useful when ants disappear into wall voids or structural lumber where the nest cannot be reached easily.

When Should You Call Pest Control for Carpenter Ants?

Call a professional when you find repeated carpenter ant activity indoors, such as wood shavings, winged ants or evidence of nesting inside structural wood. All of those signs warrant more attention than an occasional ant wandering through the kitchen.

As Orkin explains, carpenter ants “hollow out wood, leaving behind small piles of sawdust.” Those shavings are a sign that the ants are excavating nearby wood, which can mean the nest is already well-established inside the structure. Without proper treatment, the damage can become catastrophic.

If you’re unsure whether the damage comes from carpenter ants or termites, identification should come before treatment. This is where a professional pest control company can help.

Orkin offers free pest control quotes for homeowners dealing with carpenter ants. An inspection can identify nesting areas, moisture conditions and the treatment needed for the infestation.

Fans Concerned for Bethenny Frankel's Health After Burning Man Video Goes Viral

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 10:56am

Bethenny Frankel’s first Burning Man experience is getting dustier by the day.

The former Real Housewives of New York City star, 55, has been documenting her experience at the annual Nevada desert event, and her latest video has some fans worried about her health.

Frankel captioned the clip simply, “Vacation anyone?” as the viral Jet2 holiday sound played in the background. Wearing what appeared to be a cream-colored two-piece outfit and protective goggles, the reality star stood on top of a bus as dust swirled through the air around her. While Frankel’s eyes were covered, she wasn’t visibly wearing a face mask, prompting concern from viewers about her breathing in the dusty conditions.

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“You need to be wearing a mask when you’re out there doing that. Just because you have your eyes covered doesn’t mean anything. You will get so sick breathing in the dust😂,” one wrote.

“This level of bronchitis is gonna require some antibiotics,” said another.

A third replied, “Hilarious. Don’t breathe that crap unless you want Valley Fever.”

The video comes as Burning Man has faced it’s usual dusty conditions, with Frankel sharing several glimpses of herself caught in what she described as a “whiteout.”

In another clip, she poked fun at her less-than-luxurious vacation, filming an MTV Cribs inspired video, telling followers, “This is the lifestyles of the rich and moronic. Stupid.”

Despite the chaotic conditions, Frankel wanted to try something new. She explained that recent events in her personal life had left her open to trying a different kind of adventure. “I’m open to an experience based on some personal things that have happened in my life recently, and why not try something? If I hate it, I can leave,” she said in a post.

She certainly committed to the experience—and her wardrobe. Frankel packed numerous white and cream looks, from catsuits and coats to more revealing party outfits. She previously explained in a TikTok that she deliberately chose white clothing because she wanted to be able to see just how dirty it became.

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Judy Norton Reveals How She Trained for ‘Battle of the Network Stars’ on the Set of ‘The Waltons’

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 10:51am

Judy Norton spent the 1970s as a star on The Waltons, but she was also a regular on Battle of the Network Stars. The actress, who played Mary Ellen Walton on the CBS drama from 1972 to 1981, competed three times on the ABC competition series and became known as one of the greatest female competitors in the history of the show.

Battle of the Network Stars aired from 1976 to 1988 on ABC and featured celebrities from ABC, CBS and NBC competing in events such as swimming, cycling, an obstacle course and touch football.

During a recent appearance on the Pop Culture Retro podcast, Norton, 68, told hosts Jonathan Rosen and Moosie Drier that she was fiercely competitive early on and even trained for the TV competition while on the set of The Waltons.

“I was always very competitive,” Norton said. “I embraced the challenge… There were certain things, like I’d never played football. I’d never thrown or caught a football, and I was like, ‘Oh, the girls always look terrible in that. They always suck, you know.’ And I went, ‘I don’t want to be that girl who sucks.’  So, I literally took a football to work on the set [of The Waltons] and I had different guys, you know, anybody in the crew who I could get to like toss a football to me. I was like playing catch on the set so that I could learn how to catch a football.”

RELATED: Henry Winkler Addresses Rumors That ‘Laverne & Shirley’ Stars Were a ‘Nightmare’

In a Q&A on her YouTube page, Norton recalled that going into her first competition in 1979, she really wanted to contribute in the football competition.

“I had never played football, so that was one of the ones that I focused on because I knew that a lot of times the women in Battle of the Network Stars in the football competition were the ones that could really make the difference,” she said. “The women, a lot of times, like me, were not familiar with playing football, so they didn’t necessarily do as well. So I remember taking a football to the set on The Waltons and having crew members throw me a football, like, in between scenes and stuff like that. It was, I don’t need to be able to throw it, I just need to be able to catch it. …So that made a big difference and I was able to positively impact that sport.”

Norton, who was just 18 years old during her first Battle of the Network Stars competition, said the football games were some of her favorite memories from the show.

“Toss-up between catching touchdowns thrown by Tom Selleck and being carried off the obstacle course by Tom when I sprained my ankle,” she once said in an interview posted on the Battle of the Network Stars website. “Getting coached by Robert Conrad about how to win the tug of war. There were so many wonderful memories over three battles.”

Walt Disney Television Photo Archives / Getty Images

On Pop Culture Retro, Norton noted that there was always a playful, competitive spirit on Battle of the Network Stars.

“We always laughed about how it starts off everyone’s, ‘Oh, we’re just going to have fun.’ And then within the first event, everybody gets really competitive,” The Waltons star said. “I mean, I’d done sports from the time I was young and loved it and of course my character [on The Waltons] was a tomboy. …. So to me it’s impossible for me to just go, ‘Oh well, I just won’t take it seriously.'”

Related: ‘70s TV Legend Reveals the One Famous Line He Still Hears From Fans 50 Years Later

Robert Pattinson Reveals What Fascinated Him About Primetime

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 10:50am

Robert Pattinson is taking the high road and hoping Chris Hansen will too.

At a press conference for his new A24 psychological thriller Primetime at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, the Twilight star addressed the elephant in the room: the fact that the real Chris Hansen, the former To Catch a Predator host Pattinson portrays in the film, has suggested he may pursue legal action over the project, as previously reported by People.

Rather than getting defensive, Pattinson responded with admiration. “I mean, obviously I hope he likes the movie,” he said. “I never really set out to make a movie about Chris Hansen.” What drew him in, he explained, was something harder to define: a quality he found himself obsessively trying to understand the more he watched the show. “There’s a strange alchemy with what’s going on with the settings of the show, and how it’s directed, and how it’s put together, and the time period,” Pattinson said. “You still can’t really put your finger on it.”

For Pattinson, To Catch a Predator was genuinely groundbreaking television – something he compared, surprisingly, to The Office in the way it played with format and tone. “Something he’s doing is the reason why people are still talking about that show 20 years later,” he said of Hansen. 

“There was something about the show that was…groundbreaking for…breaking the rules of television.” And at the center of it all, he added, was Hansen’s undeniable screen presence – exactly the kind of aura every actor wants to inhabit.

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Hansen, 66, has been notably less enthusiastic. During a recent appearance on Dan Abrams’ SiriusXM podcast, he revealed that Primetime was made without consulting him and suggested he was weighing his legal options. He also claimed that A24 asked him to sign away his name, image, and any potential legal rights before allowing him to screen the film early – *an offer he declined.

Despite the tension, Pattinson’s tone remains warm and genuinely complimentary. The inspiration Hansen’s story gave the filmmakers, he said, should be “some kind of compliment.”

Primetime, which also marks singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers’ acting debut, arrives in theaters September 25.

Freddie Mercury's 80th Birthday Is Here, and Montreux Is Throwing a Ball

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 10:49am

A birthday he never lived to see is being marked in three countries this week. Freddie Mercury died of AIDS-related bronchial pneumonia in 1991 at 45, five years after Queen’s last tour with him. But on Sept. 5, 2026, hundreds of fans in tuxedos and cravats will fill a casino ballroom in Montreux, Switzerland, to raise a glass to the man who once said he liked being “surrounded by splendid things.” The party he never got to throw for himself is still going, 35 years after he died.

The Official Freddie Mercury Birthday Party returns to the Casino Barrière in Montreux on what would have been Mercury’s actual 80th birthday, and tickets sold out well ahead of the date. This year’s edition carries the theme “The Great Pretender’s Gala,” named for the 1987 Mercury solo single, with organizers describing it as the milestone edition and asking guests to lean into Freddie’s smarter, sharper dress sense: tuxedos, waistcoats, cravats and, they note, maybe even a monocle. Proceeds benefit the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDS charity Brian May and Roger Taylor founded in Mercury’s memory, and a golden ticket draw will award a presentation disc signed by both men.

Related: Barry Manilow Forced Off Stage, Cancels Two More Vegas Shows

The party is only one piece of a wider tribute. Every year, the trust and the separate Freddie Days festival join for the Montreux March, when fans parade through the city in Mercury’s honor. Freddie Days will also mark 40 years since Queen’s Wembley Stadium concert and the album “A Kind of Magic,” with the tribute act Lords of Queen performing the record in full and Peter Straker, one of Mercury’s closest friends for more than 15 years, taking the stage.

In London, the Victoria and Albert Museum is preparing a free exhibition trail, “Freddie Mercury: Splendid Things,” built with Mary Austin, Mercury’s former fiancée and close friend of 20 years. The display, running from Oct. 24 through Jan. 17, includes eight of Mercury’s most recognizable stage looks, among them the catsuit from the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video and the crown and cloak he wore for his final performance with Queen at Knebworth in 1986. Austin, who lent seven of the eight garments, has said the pieces reflect how central clothing was to Mercury’s artistry, far beyond simple stagewear.

Britain’s Royal Mint has already issued its own tribute: a coin marking 40 years since Mercury’s Live Aid performance, struck last year by his sister, Kashmira Bulsara, at the Royal Mint in Wales.

Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar on Sept. 5, 1946, and spent barely two decades in the public eye before his death. Thirty-five years later, the scale of this year’s tributes, spanning a sold-out Swiss ballroom, a British museum and a national mint, reflects how far his voice and his image have traveled beyond the band that made him famous.

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Wayfair’s ‘Pretty’ Cotton Floral Embroidered Quilt Set Is a Dreamy Bedroom Upgrade, and It’s Nearly 70% Off

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 10:45am

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When fall brings crisp mornings but surprisingly warm afternoons, fluctuating temperatures can make choosing the right bedding a little tricky. You want something cozy enough for cooler nights without trapping too much heat when temperatures rise. Cotton quilts are a great solution because they’re lightweight, breathable, and moisture-regulating, making them especially useful during those unpredictable in-between weeks.

It’s also an especially good time to refresh your bedding, with plenty of options discounted during Wayfair’s Labor Day sale. One standout is the Laura Ashley Floral Embroidery Reversible Cotton Quilt Set, with the queen-sized pink floral colorway currently 69% off. The price has dropped from $250 to just $78, which is a significant savings for a three-piece set made with quality materials and a timeless design.

Laura Ashley Floral Embroidery Reversible Cotton Quilt Set, $78 (was $250) at Wayfair 

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

The set comes in two romantic colorways, pink and blue, both featuring delicate floral embroidery. The reversible design gives you two ways to style your bed, while the intricate detailing adds a refined, vintage-inspired feel. The soft color palette works especially well if you’re drawn to feminine, classic bedding.

It’s also a natural fit for popular cottagecore and coquette-inspired decor. The floral embroidery and graceful colors bring a charming, old-fashioned touch to the bedroom without feeling overly dated. Whether your space leans grandmacore, traditional, or simply romantic, the quilt can add plenty of character while keeping the overall look stylish.

The set is available in twin, queen, and king sizes. Each includes one quilt and matching pillow shams, with one sham included for the twin size and two for queen and king sizes. The shams feature convenient envelope closures, and discounts vary by size and colorway, although every option is currently more than half off.

Related: Martha Stewart’s ‘Beautiful’ Cotton Floral Comforter Set Is a Cottagecore Dream, and It’s Nearly 60% Off

Made from 100% cotton, the quilt has a soft, breathable, and durable feel that’s comfortable enough for everyday use. It’s lightweight enough to use on its own during warmer weather or layer with other blankets when temperatures drop. The quilt is filled with an 80% cotton and 20% polyester blend for added warmth and durability, and it’s pre-washed for extra softness. It’s also machine washable for easy care.

This popular set earned over 150 five-star reviews. One shopper shared, “The embroidery is so pretty and it feels super expensive. It’s great quality, super cozy, and has a stunning design.” Another reviewer described it as “absolutely beautiful,” “lightweight,” and “well made.”

Shop More Deals

For a high-quality quilt set with intricate details that looks much more expensive than its current price, the Laura Ashley Floral Embroidery Reversible Cotton Quilt Set is a beautiful choice. And with Wayfair’s current 69% discount, you can save more than $150 on the queen-sized pink floral colorway and give your bedroom an easy seasonal refresh.

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Who Owns Freddie Mercury’s London Home Today? Inside the Fate of Garden Lodge

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 10:41am

Like the Beatles had Abbey Road, Queen’s Freddie Mercury had Garden Lodge.

The iconic Kensington estate was bought by Mercury in 1980 after viewing the house with his then-partner, Mary Austin. The couple lived there until their split in 1976, and it was Mercury’s final residence, having died at the house on November 24, 1991.

Related: Freddie Mercury’s Final Queen Song Is Even More Heartbreaking When You Know the Story Behind It

So, what happened to Garden Lodge after his death, and who owns the home today?

It comes as no surprise to Queen fans that Mercury’s house was inherited by his close friend Austin, who remains the owner to this day. However, she did put Garden Lodge up for sale in 2024, but it remains unsold.

The eight-bedroom Edwardian home has an asking price of around $38 million, no doubt due to its legacy. Before it was home to the “Bohemian Rhapsody” singer, painter Cecil Rhea and his wife, Constance Halford, owned the property. The former chairman of Sotheby’s, Peter Wilson, also lived in the house before Mercury.

Along with eight bedrooms, the house also features a drawing room with a wrap-around gallery, a Japanese sitting room, and a dressing room, mirrored floor to ceiling.

Austin, who released a new book titled “Freddie Mercury: A Life in Lyrics” on what would have been his 80th birthday, previously spoke of Mercury’s love of the home.

“It was really only ever my house in name only,” Austin told Bloomberg in a 2024 interview. “I had worked on the house with him and for him, and it will always be his. It was his dream, it was his vision.”

The now 72-year-old is also being very selective when it comes to the estate’s next owner. “The last thing you want is for someone to say, ‘Yes, I’ll buy it,’ and exploit it, and demolish it,” she added. “This is unique and has its beauty, and I know it has a purpose for someone – it did for Freddie.”

Austin held an auction of many of Mercury’s belongings from Garden Lodge in 2023 and raised roughly $50 million, donating a portion to the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Gael Cameron Breaks Her Silence Amid Nathan Gallagher Arrest Warrant: ‘It’s Been a Tough Season’

Sat, 09/05/2026 - 10:32am

Gael Cameron is breaking her silence after a difficult season, revealing she has spent the past few months quietly healing and rebuilding as Nathan Gallagher faces mounting legal trouble.

The Below Deck Mediterranean star shared an emotional message thanking fans for their support of her and her son, Kayden, while acknowledging “everything that’s come to light” surrounding her relationship with Gallagher. Although Cameron did not specifically address Gallagher’s arrest warrant, her comments offer a glimpse into how she has been moving forward amid the growing controversy.

“Hey guys, I just want to say thank you so much for the support you’ve shown for Kayden and I,” she wrote in her an Instagram story. “It’s been a tough season but I have been using the past few months to quietly heal and rebuild for the little man and myself. I really appreciate the love you have sent our way especially with everything that’s come to light and I’m really working on finding myself again and moving forward.”

Her message comes as Bravo has officially cut ties with Gallagher following his failure to appear for a court hearing in Australia related to domestic violence charges involving Cameron.

A Bravo representative confirmed to Rolling Stone that the network does not plan to work with Gallagher in the future. The decision comes after growing frustration among members of the Below Deck franchise over the network’s silence following news of Gallagher’s arrest.

Gallagher, 28, was arrested in Sydney, Australia, in December 2025 after he was accused of assaulting and strangling Cameron during a physical dispute. The couple met while filming Season 9 of Below Deck Mediterranean and later welcomed their son in June 2025.

Gallagher was scheduled to appear before a magistrate but did not attend the hearing. He was subsequently convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and intentionally choking a person without consent, according to reports. Police said he was believed to be offshore, and an arrest warrant was issued.

The legal fallout has now extended to Gallagher’s future with Below Deck, with Bravo confirming that the reality star will not return to the franchise. However, according to Rolling Stone, Gallagher will continue to appear in the remaining episodes of the current season.

The development marks a dramatic turn for Gallagher, whose relationship with Cameron and their transition into parenthood had been part of his storyline on Below Deck Mediterranean. For Cameron, however, her latest message makes clear that her focus is on healing, rebuilding, and moving forward with her son.

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