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Anne Hathaway Was 'So Shocked' to Get Pregnant With Baby No. 3
Anne Hathaway was "so shocked" to learn she was pregnant with her third child.
The Odyssey star, 43, opened up about her pregnancy with her and husband Adam Shulman's third child during a Tuesday, July 14, appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, gushing that her experience has been "amazing," if not unexpected at her age.
"I mean, we knew what we were doing, but we were so shocked it worked," Hathaway quipped to host Seth Meyers, adding, "We were so shocked it went this way, so we’re calling this one our buzzer-beater."
Hathaway then asked Meyers, 52, if he had any parenting advice, as he also has three children—sons Ashe, 10, and Axel, 8, as well as daughter Adelaide, 4—whom he shares with wife Alexi Ashe, 43.
"Weirdly, it goes on, like, autopilot," Meyers answered, teasing, "Once there’s three, there’s not much you can do except watch."
Hathaway, who also shares sons Jonathan, 10, and Jack, 6, with Shulman, 45, announced that she was pregnant with her third child on June 19. The Devil Wears Prada 2 actress broke the news on Instagram at the time, showing off her baby bump in a flowing white dress as she walked into the video and cradled her stomach. "x Baby, I’m yours x," she captioned the post simply.
The Mother Mary star previously opened up about feeling "very lucky" as the mother of her two boys during an interview with PEOPLE in April.
“I just feel very lucky,” she said at the time. “I know that not everybody who wants to be a parent gets to be. I’m just blown away by how fortunate I am. It went really well for me twice, and that’s really lucky.”
The Oscar-winning actress continued, “Being a mom is just this beautiful ongoing poem that I get to live inside of.”
’90s Metal Band Gwar Reimagines Classic Album After 20 Years
GWAR announced a special treat for fans as they celebrate a special milestone.
The legendary heavy metal band, fronted by Michael Bishop, also known by his GWAR character Blöthar the Berserker, teased fans with an exciting video announcing the remastered edition of Beyond Hell to celebrate the album’s 20th anniversary.
“20 years ago, GWAR released Beyond Hell and Suspecting Earth, and until this time, it has never been possible to listen to that album in all its glory on vinyl until today,” the band said.
The band’s 10th studio album was released in 2006 and two decades later, fans will get to hear the newly remastered deluxe edition for the first time on vinyl when it is released on Sept. 25 under the band’s independent label, Pit Records.
Singer Blöthar the Berserker of GWAR performs during Riot Fest in 2025.Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images
The upcoming remastered edition retails the album’s 13 original tracks, including fan favorites "War Is All We Know," "Tormentor" and its cover of Alice Cooper's "School's Out.”
View this post on InstagramProducer Devin Townsend also reflected on his involvement with the special release and emphasized that he has been a GWAR fan since he was a kid.
“I loved the freedom, the metal, the spectacle, and the passion that went into it all," he explained as cited by Blabbermouth and mentioned the band’s late lead singer, Dave Brockie. "I met Brockie on a tour we did together and, after cornering him in an elevator basically telling him I'd work for free, I found myself co-producing 'Beyond Hell'. Dave and Corey came to Vancouver to stay with me, and we recorded at Profile Studios. The drums and basic tracks were done at Slave Pit in Richmond, Virginia, and the whole process took about three months."
In addition, the producer also highlighted the band’s strength, which is its limitless creativity: “absurdity and hard work bundled up with metal and performance.”
Besides the album being released on vinyl for the first time, GWAR’s upcoming remastered record will also feature limited-edition vinyl variants.
The first is a standard gold vinyl edition with only 2,000 copies produced.
The next is the "Blood Moon" vinyl edition, limited to 300 copies. Finally, the "Blood Smear" vinyl edition will be limited to just 200 copies.
1972 Soft Rock Classic, From an 'Accidental' Duo, Became a Timeless Party Anthem
“Your Mama Don’t Dance” was released in 1972 by Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina. The pair became an accidental duo in 1970 when Messina was hired to help Loggins record his debut album. However, Messina contributed so much to the album that they released it together.
"Your Mama Don’t Dance" reached No. 4 on the Billboard Pop chart and No. 19 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. The hit was covered by many other singers throughout the years, including Elvis Presley and the metal band Poison.
In an interview, Messina spoke about the creation of the song. “At that time, my focus was really on trying to get Kenny up and going as an artist and give him what he needed to launch his career,” he said. “And giving him my best experiences on being well-received as a performing artist. And one of the things I felt we needed was a closer for the evening that would get people up on their feet and get them moving. Put some energy into them. So, I had this idea for a song called, ‘Your Mama Don't Dance.’”
Messina continued, “Again, this was a song I had brought to Kenny to help me with. It was kind of born out of my own experiences growing up in a very strict household. My stepfather was from Arkansas, and he was not much of a mover or a groover. And my mom... my mama... she loved music. She loved Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson. She loved race music. My stepfather was more of an Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Johnny Cash kind of guy. There was not a whole lot of connection or understanding with me wanting to do music other than from my mom.”
Related:1966 Rock Classic Was a Legendary Band’s First Top 40 Hit
He explained how this inspired the most famous line in the song, saying, “So just the line, ‘Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll’ came from me thinking about how my mother wasn't really doing what she loves to do. She couldn't do that. My stepfather was not into rock and roll. He thought The Beatles were just... weird. Screaming, long-haired idiots, right? So I grew up having to put up with that. And it was a fun lyric to come up with. I had no intention of it ever having any kind of social significance whatsoever other than my own experience of a kinda funky household.”
Loggins was known as the “King of the Movie Soundtrack” because he created the iconic song, “Footloose,” which was used in the film. He is currently 78.
Messina was a member of the folk rock group Buffalo Springfield and the country rock band, Poco. He is also 78.
Matt Damon Mistook Tom Holland's Choking Costume for a Sweet Gesture
Matt Damon had a funny story to tell during his stop on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and it involves a moment he completely misread on the set of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.
Damon, who plays Odysseus in the sweeping IMAX epic, told Fallon about a scene in which his character is separated from his son Telemachus, played by Tom Holland, with Damon's character on a boat and Holland's on the shore. During the shoot, Damon noticed Holland placing a hand over his heart and assumed it was an emotional, in-the-moment acting choice, so he began mirroring the gesture himself.
It wasn't until later that day that Damon learned the truth. When he asked Holland whether Nolan had directed him to make the gesture, Holland set him straight: "My costume was choking me." Damon, who admitted he's nearsighted, said he'd mistaken Holland tugging at his collar for a poignant salute between father and son. The moment, he confirmed, did not make it into the final film.
The story followed a glowing review of Damon's work from Holland himself, who appeared on the show the night before and told Fallon that Damon handled brutal shoot conditions, including rain and on-set flames, without a single complaint.
Damon also gave Fallon a glimpse into the scale of the production, which he called the most demanding of his career. The film was shot over roughly six months across six countries, entirely on IMAX cameras, with Nolan opting for practical effects over CGI. Damon noted that when the movie calls for boats or a crowd of a thousand people fighting, those were real boats and real extras, not digital additions.
Related: Amy Adams "Forgot How to Act" on the New Star Wars Film
One of the more elaborate practical sequences Damon described involved stunt performers buried in black sand and breathing through snorkels to portray rising spirits, a shot achieved with safety monitors and timers to track how long each performer had been underground.
The Odyssey, also starring Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong'o, marks Damon's third collaboration with Nolan after Interstellarand Oppenheimer. The film opens in theaters July 17.
I Tried Sourdough French Toast and Will Never Use 'Regular' Bread Again
I'm a proud French toast girl. And by that, I just mean that I love French toast.
It started when I was a kid, as my parents cooked French toast for our family around once a week. And now, whenever I go out to brunch and French toast is on the menu, you can count on me to order it (and yes, I'll trade you a bite of my French toast for a bite of your pancakes).
That said, my apartment has a seriouslyteeny-tiny kitchen, meaning I very rarely cook French toast at home. So when I recently stayed with my brother at his house in Kansas, I realized he has two things I don't that would make for some seriously awesome French toast: a sprawling kitchen and a sourdough starter.
My visit seemed like the perfect opportunity to try making sourdough French toast for the first time—and fortunately, my brother was willing to make a fresh loaf of sourdough for my experiment.
Spoiler alert: the French toast turned out incredible. And that's no accident, according to Christina Gdisis, a vegan homestyle chef and the founder of Conscious Vegan Kitchen, a brand that offers online cooking classes and in-person cooking retreats. As Gdisis explains to Parade, sourdough is actually one of her "go to breads for French toast."
Curious to learn why Gdisis is such a fan of sourdough for French toast? Keep reading to find out, as well as for the full recipe I followed and to see photos of how my sourdough French toast turned out!
Why Sourdough Makes Better French ToastAccording to Gdisis, there are a few reasons why sourdough works well for French toast. For one thing, sourdough's solid structure and crunchy crust allow the French toast to crisp in the pan as opposed to getting soggy, like some softer breads can.
"Sourdough has the wonderful ability to keep its shape and structure," Gdisis tells Parade. "Between the crumb being tighter and the moisture content being lower, it’s able to soak up that good custard."
This will result in "a beautiful custard middle and crisp outside," which she says is "the ideal French toast texture you want to aim for."
In addition to its structure, sourdough has "a natural tang from the fermentation" which helps balance out the dish's overall flavor.
"Challah is a great option for an especially sweet French toast, but sweetness on sweetness flattens the plate," Gdisis notes. "Sourdough works the opposite way in that the fermented tang cuts against the maple syrup and cinnamon instead of layering on top of it. You’ll have a whole plate versus one note."
Related: Taylor Swift Says Her Sourdough Bread Obsession Has ‘Taken Over My Life’
What You Need to Make Sourdough French ToastSophie Hirsh
Even though French toast is typically made with eggs, they actually are not a required ingredient, according to Gdisis. Instead, to make the custard, you can just use non-dairy milk with the binder of your choice.
For my binder, I chose to use Just Egg, which is a liquid vegan egg made from mung beans. For more cost-effective options, Gdisis says you can use a mashed banana or chickpea flour.
As for the milk, Gdisis believes the best variety for French toast is a full-fat oat milk, since it "has a sweeter note to it and it’s on the creamier side."
And as for your oil, Gdisis prefers to use coconut oil, since it "adds a bit of sweetness and it tolerates heat well." Another option she suggests is plant butter "for a more rich and savory option," which is what I went for.
Here are all the ingredients I used:
- 6 slices sourdough bread
- 4 oz oat milk (roughly)
- 8 oz liquid Just Egg (roughly)
- A few tablespoons of plant butter
- Dash of vanilla extract
- Dash of cinnamon
- Maple syrup
Sophie Hirsh
Here are the steps I followed to make my sourdough French toast.
- In a shallow bowl, add the oat milk, liquid Just Egg, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Beat with a fork to combine.
- Soak two slices of sourdough in the mixture for at least one minute, flipping halfway through.
- As the bread soaks, heat up a few tablespoons of dairy-free butter in the pan over low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, the pan is hot and the custard has soaked through the bread, place the bread in the pan.
- Flip each slice when the bottom starts to brown, and then remove each slice once both sides have browned.
- Repeat with all of your bread, and feel free to add more butter to the pan in between rounds.
- Top with maple syrup and eat it while it's hot!
Related: No Yeast? No Problem! Here's How to Make Sourdough Bread Starter Without Yeast
Sophie Hirsh
Try These Chef Tips to Make Your Sourdough French Toast Turn Out PerfectlyIf you really want to take your French toast to the next level, Gdisis has a few pearls of wisdom.
"My top tip would be to use day-old sourdough bread," she advises. "Fresh bread falls apart because it’s too soft. Day old sourdough will hold together while soaking evenly."
Next, she says to make sure you let your bread soak in the custard for at least 30 seconds. "That way the custard can soak up the middle too and not just the outer parts. Otherwise you just end up with a very dry center," Gdisis warns.
When I made my sourdough French toast, I had the heat a bit too high at first—so next time, I'll definitely be heeding Gdisis' below advice and cooking over a lower flame.
"Slow and steady wins on the pan. Cook on low and slow," she advises. "If the pan is too hot, what will happen is the outside will brown before it even gets to the inside. The middle will end up raw, while the crust darkens."
Final ThoughtsMy sourdough French toast turned out absolutely delicious. The structure held up really well, and the flavor wasn't too sweet. Instead, it had a slight tang that the maple syrup balanced out perfectly. I'll definitely be making French toast with sourdough bread in the future—though, sadly, I'll probably have to opt for store-bought sourdough next time.
Up Next:
Related: 11 Best Vegan Cookbooks, According to an Award-Winning Chef
Source:- Christina Gdisis, vegan homestyle chef and founder of Conscious Vegan Kitchen
Drew Barrymore's 'Lovely' 3-Piece Stoneware Bowl Set Is a Kitchen Staple for Cooking and Entertaining
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Whether she's curled up on a dreamy oversized couch dishing with guests on her talk show, showcasing her redecorating skills on Instagram, or starring in a movie, Drew Barrymore has entertaining down to a science. So it comes as no surprise that her Beautiful by Drew Barrymore line at Walmart includes plenty of staples that make hosting at home as effortless and chic as the starlet herself.
One of the keys to entertaining with ease comes from being organized. It's those little things that turn a kitchen from a place to whip up a meal to a space where you can host guests without feeling like the messiest contents of your cabinets are on full display. Something that beautifully bridges the gap between everyday usefulness and skilled hosting is a versatile set of nesting bowls. And right now, there's a wonderful three-piece stoneware mixing bowl set by none other than Drew Barrymore on sale for just $20 at Walmart.
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3-Piece Stoneware Nesting Mixing Bowl Set, From $20 (was $33) at Walmart Shop at WalmartNormally priced at $33, you can snag this set of three stoneware mixing bowls for just $20 in sage green or cornflower blue. The set is also available in porcini taupe at full price. Featuring a 1.6-quart, 3-quart, and 5-quart bowl that stack cleverly to save space in cabinets and on kitchen countertops. With three sizes to choose from, you've got options with ample capacity for everything from whisking a quick vinaigrette to folding a large batch of cookie dough.
Made of stoneware, the bowls are chip- and stain-resistant, so they should maintain a pristine appearance over time. Care is low-maintenance, as the set is dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe.
As practical as they are pretty, these bowls offer significant versatility in the kitchen. They work equally well for behind-the-scenes prep work to separate chopped ingredients or stir sauces as they do to serve salads, desserts, or family-style sides. When you're entertaining, these bowls can add sophisticated style to your tablescape.
Described as "gorgeous" and "lovely", shoppers said these nesting bowls "stack beautifully" to keep kitchens clutter-free. Reviewers also appreciated how handy the bowls were for various tasks, with one person noting they are "perfect for baking, serving, or just displaying on the counter."
You won't want to miss the chance to snag the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3-Piece Stoneware Nesting Mixing Bowl Set while it's on sale for just $20. Head to Walmart and add it to your cart before this deal is gone!
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1987 Rock Song, Only No. 1 Hit for Iconic Rock Band, Remains a Classic 39 Years Later
Nearly 39 years after it climbed to the top of the charts, Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" remains one of the defining rock songs of the 1980s and the only song in the band's history to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Released in its hit form in 1987, the song transformed Whitesnake from a successful British hard rock act into an international mainstream sensation. The single spent one week at No. 1 in the United States in October 1987 and also topped the charts in Canada, while reaching the Top 10 in several countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The success of "Here I Go Again" helped drive sales of Whitesnake's self-titled 1987 album, which sold more than eight million copies in the United States and became the biggest release of the band's career.
David Coverdale, British singer with heavy rock band Whitesnake, singing into a microphone on the set of a video shoot in 1978.Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the song was not new in 1987. Whitesnake first released "Here I Go Again" five years earlier on the band's 1982 album Saints & Sinners. That original version reached only No. 34 in the U.K. and was never released in the United States, leaving little sign that it would later become one of rock's most recognizable anthems.
The song was written by singer David Coverdale and guitarist Bernie Marsden in late 1981 during a difficult period in Coverdale's personal life.
According to Coverdale, the breakdown of his first marriage heavily influenced the lyrics.
"Here I Go Again" and "Crying in the Rain" both have similar compositions as "documenting the breakdown—the breakup of my first marriage".
Marsden later recalled that the early version of the song already included the opening lyric, the chorus and the main guitar riff before additional lyrics and arrangements were completed.
The song received a second life when Geffen Records encouraged Coverdale to revisit older material for Whitesnake's 1987 album.
Coverdale explained in a 2017 track-by-track interview:
"It wasn't written for the '87 album, it was originally recorded back on the Saints & Sinners album. 81-82? I'm not sure. And Geffen asked me to redo it, which I wasn't very keen on, but I said, "Okay, well if you want me to do that. I want to redo 'Crying in the Rain', because I was never really happy with the original."
The updated version featured a bigger production style that matched the arena rock sound dominating radio and MTV during the late 1980s.
One of the most noticeable changes involved the famous chorus lyric. The original recording included the line:
"And here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I've ever known
Like a hobo I was born to walk alone"
For the 1987 recording, the word "hobo" was changed to "drifter," creating the version most listeners know today.
The radio mix released later in 1987 removed the keyboard introduction and featured another performance arrangement that eventually became the version that topped the Billboard Hot 100.
The song also became one of the rare hard rock tracks to receive significant airplay on adult contemporary radio stations despite never appearing on that chart.
Whitesnake's Signature Song Continues to Reach New GenerationsThe popularity of "Here I Go Again" has continued long after its original chart run ended.
In 2018, the song received BMI's "5 Million Performances Award." By 2024, it had earned the "9 Million-Air Award," recognizing more than nine million broadcast performances.
The track returned to the charts in 2021 following the death of actress and model Tawny Kitaen, whose appearance in the song's famous music video helped make it an MTV staple. The video featured Kitaen performing memorable scenes across two Jaguar cars and was later recognized by The New York Times as one of the "15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos."
The song has also appeared in films, including the 2015 romantic comedyMan Up, while numerous artists have recorded cover versions over the years.
Earlier this month, former Whitesnake guitarist Adrian Vandenberg reflected on recording the song's famous guitar solo during an interview with SiriusXM's Ozzy's Boneyard.
"I said, 'Oh great, because I have always loved the song, with the old version.'"
He added:
"The next day I recorded the solo and changed some of the guitar parts. That was it. The rest is history."
Vandenberg, who spent 13 years with Whitesnake, is preparing to celebrate that era with his upcoming "My Whitesnake Years" tour, which is expected to expand with additional North American dates in 2027.
The song's enduring popularity arrives as Whitesnake closes an important chapter in its history. David Coverdale announced his retirement in 2025, bringing an end to more than five decades in music, including his years with both Whitesnake and Deep Purple.
Yet even as the band's touring years come to a close, "Here I Go Again" continues to stand as Whitesnake's signature recording and one of rock's most enduring comeback stories.
Related: 1987 Power Ballad, Only No. 1 Hit for Beloved Rock Band, Remains a Classic 39 Years Later
I’m a Repeat Mexico City Traveler—These Are the 8 Hotels I'd Actually Book
There are major world cities you tick off a list, and then there's Mexico City, a place I keep finding new reasons to return to. I've been three times now, and what hooked me wasn't the well-trodden pilgrimage to Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, as worthwhile as that is especially for first-time visitors. It was Luis Barragán's Casa Pedregal and his other Pedregal houses, all pink-washed light and quiet geometry. It was digging through vintage racks of clothing or experiencing incredible new designers in Condesa and Juárez, standing under the stained glass at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and losing afternoons in the Museo Nacional de Arte and the Museo Soumaya. It was Hanky Panky, still one of my favorite bars anywhere (go if you can land one of its coveted reservations), and a secret little hole-in-the-wall taqueria El Turix in Polanco.
Right now the timing is especially good to visit Mexico City. This summer the city opened the FIFA World Cup, hosting the tournament's very first match at the newly renovated Azteca, and the momentum isn’t letting up. Pitchfork's music festival returns in late September, Design Week Mexico takes over in early October, and the Grand Prix roars in around the Day of the Dead. Add a wave of hotel openings and a food and cocktail scene that's now genuinely world-class, and you have plenty of reasons to book.
I've stayed at many of the hotels below over my visits. These are the eight I'd actually recommend, depending on what kind of trip you're after.
Related: The 7 Best Hotels for the FIFA World Cup in New York and New Jersey
Best Overall: Casa PolancoCourtesy of Casa Polanco
Dan Koday
If I could send someone to just one hotel in Mexico City (and perhaps even in the world), this would be it. Casa Polanco occupies a restored 1940s mansion and a seamless modern wing beside it, with 19 individually designed rooms outfitted in walnut floors with spa-like marble bathrooms that make it feel less like a hotel than the home of a very stylish, well-heeled friend.
It sits directly across from Parque Lincoln in Polanco, the city's most polished neighborhood, and the library overlooking the park is where I'd happily toast a nightcap at the honor bar, which is always stocked with interesting tequilas and other spirits. Service is warm and what sets this unique property apart—it’s genuinely personal, there's a quiet spa for decompressing, and the whole place runs at the unhurried pace of a private residence so it feels indulgent but never stuffy.
Related: I've Stayed at All of the Best Hotels in St. Barth and These 7 Are Truly Worth Booking
Best Rooftop Pool: Andaz Mexico City CondesaCourtesy of Andaz Mexico City Condesa
The rooftop is argument enough to make you want to book. Perched on the 17th floor of a 1961 landmark building, the pool and its Cabuya restaurant serve up 360-degree views over Condesa, with a social, slightly festive energy that builds when the weekend DJ sets start. Downstairs, the design leans playful, with jolts of magenta and saffron that nod to Barragán. This playfulness extends to the rooms, which house a record player and vinyl you can swap at the lobby library. What I love most is the location, steps from Parque México and the leafy blocks I always end up combing for vintage. It's an easy, energetic base that keeps you plugged into one of the most walkable parts of town.
Best Spa Hotel: The St. Regis Mexico CityCourtesy of St. Regis Mexico City
Mexico City, akin to any great big city like New York or London, can feel a bit chaotic. So when the point of the trip is to recharge amongst the chao, this would be my pick. The St. Regis sits atop César Pelli's Torre Libertad on Paseo de la Reforma, and its Remède Spa sits on the 15th & 16th floors with an indoor pool, Jacuzzis, sauna and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Angel of Independence monument and the skyline beyond. Rooms are contemporary and calm, with soft neutrals, deep soaking tubs and tall windows that show off the Reforma skyline.
The signature butler service means someone's always on call, and after a long day of museums and taquerias, sinking into that pool at dusk is hard to beat. It also sits on Reforma, making popular neighborhoods like Polanco, Chapultepec and the Centro all within easy reach.
Related: I've Visited Paris Countless Times—These Are the Best Hotels for a Stay in the City of Light
Best for Families: Kimpton Virgilio PolancoCourtesy of Kimpton Virgilio Polanco
Kimpton's first Mexico City hotel opened in 2024 inside a restored 1940s Art Deco building, and it threads a tricky needle: boutique in feel, but practical enough for a family. Its 48 rooms ring a light-filled central patio, and eight of them are larger suites built to sleep anywhere from two to six, which makes multigenerational trips manageable—even better, and something I always appreciate as someone who travels with my pet, its dog friendly. Kids stay free using existing beds, and the Kimpton ethos means that if you forgot something at home, from a hairdryer to a breast pump, they'll track it down. Add complimentary bikes, an evening social hour and a Polanco address near the Anthropology Museum and Chapultepec, and it's an easy yes with little ones.
Best Hidden Gem: Ignacia Guest HouseIgnacia Guest House / Jaime Navarro
Tucked on a quiet Roma street, Ignacia is the kind of place I felt smug about discovering. It's set in a restored 1913 casona named for the housekeeper who tended it for more than 70 years, joined to a sleek modern annex, with a small collection of rooms named simply for their dominant color which runs through everything from the walls to the marble bath. The courtyard is shaded by Ignacia's own orange trees and where breakfast is made from scratch each morning, and a daily cocktail hour makes the whole thing feel like staying with a design-obsessed friend. It's intimate, warm and all very stylish, plus it’s a stone’s throw from all of Roma's cafes and galleries.
Related: Where Travel Experts are Staying in Milan for the 2026 Winter Games and Beyond
Best Design Hotel—and Best for Art Lovers, Too: VolgaCourtesy of Volga
Volga is a love letter to Mexico City's experimental architecture. Designed by the firm JSa, it's built around a brutalist, U-shaped atrium its creators call an urban cenote, wrapped in adjustable iron screens that let light and privacy shift through the day. Large-scale work by sculptor Perla Krauze anchors the public spaces, and the program runs well past the art on the walls. There’s a mezcalería with a tasting table, a subterranean music room called Minos and a rooftop day club. It sits in Cuauhtémoc, just off Reforma and a short walk from Hanky Panky, which never hurts. If design and a little of Mexico City’s famed nightlife are part of your vibe for a trip, this might just be your hotel.
Best Food Lover's Hotel: Círculo MexicanoIn my humble opinion, Mexico City is not the kind of place where you eat at the hotel restaurant. A stay at Círculo Mexicano positions you at the crossroads of the Centro Histórico instead, steps from the Cathedral, Templo Mayor and some of the best street food and old-school cantinas in the city. A Grupo Habita property (known for their boutique-y design-centric hotels), it's set in a 19th-century building that was once the home of legendary photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo, whose images still hang throughout. The 25 rooms are pared-back and Shaker-inspired, softened by Oaxacan textiles, and the rooftop is the payoff: a pool and the Comedor restaurant with the Cathedral practically I felt was close enough to touch. It’s a smart spot to find yourself if you’re like me and constantly asking yourself what you’re going to eat next … which in this city you most definitely should.
Best Romantic Hotel: La Valise Mexico CityCourtesy of La Valise
For a romantic escape, La Valise brings a bit of French flare because it’s hidden inside a 1920s French-style townhouse in Roma Norte. There’s only eight individually designed suites, each with its own bit of theatrics. Outside the tasteful, handpicked art and clawfoot tubs, the signature experience and what attracts couples is a king-size bed on rails that glides out onto a private terrace so you can sleep under the stars. Breakfast here arrives in your suite each morning and there’s no restaurant or lobby scene to speak of, which is exactly the point. Since there’s no guests allowed under 12, it also remains blissfully grown-up.
Related: Mexico City Is Finally Getting Its First-Ever Park Hyatt
Exclusive First Look: Home Depot’s 2026 Halloween Collection Is Finally Here
July 4 has come and gone, so that means it’s Halloween season (aka Summerween) for those of us spooky babes. Many stores are rolling out their skeletons, witch hats and other "code orange" goodies. Some brands' spooky launches have even become events in and of themselves to Halloween fans—most notably Home Depot. After introducing the world to their 12-foot skeleton (Skelly) in 2020, they cemented their tombstone in the Halloween decor fandom and have continued to produce animatronics that rival the previous year ever since. And this year is no different—we're thrilled to share the exclusive first look at Home Depot's 2026 Halloween collection!
The team behind these creations is constantly looking for inspiration and even check out well-reviewed local haunts each season. “Our team starts planning Halloween long before the season begins because we know our customers do, too," Aubrey Horowitz, Merchant, Decorative Holiday at The Home Depot, tells Parade. "From larger-than-life giants to new interactive features that make our characters feel more alive than ever, this year's collection gives Halloween fans even more ways to surprise, delight and become the home everyone talks about without breaking the bank."
So, let’s take a look at the 28 new scares coming this season. I shall list them and give my honest first takes on some of my favorites. All will available online and the Home Depot app on Thursday, July 16, 2026, followed by an in-store rollout later this August. Get ready to make your list now because some of these will be selling out quickly this week!
Related: Have a Spooky Night in With the 50 Best Halloween Movies of All Time
The 2026 Headliners: Meet the 9 New Animatronics We're Most Excited AboutHere are the scream-worthy headliners we're especially obsessed with.
1. The Updated 12-Foot Skelly, $379.00Courtesy Home Depot
The beloved 12-foot Skelly is getting technology upgrades, including custom sounds, light and servo motor movements for those who have exhausted their ability to find shirts in his size.
According to Home Depot, "The app-enabled upgrades that let customers customize head and mouth movements with servo motors, speak through Skelly in real time via Bluetooth, record up to 30 sounds and choose from 20 different LCD LifeEyes™ effects." You can also buy the original Skelly for $299.
I give this a 7/10 pumpkins. Of course, we want more Skelly, but it's not quite as exciting as, say, making him dance. Oh, is that impossible? Well, maybe in 2030?
Courtesy Home Depot
They are rolling out more big bois this year, which might help us all come together in these trying times. This 11-foot stunner comes with poseable shoulders and three sounds—plus, LED lights illuminate his eyes and chest. Not to mention, there are some very chic cloth strips.
My rating? 8/10 pumpkins.
Courtesy Home Depot
Three heads are better than one. For all you plant mommies, here is a plant daddy who is perfect for the season. He (they?) have a motion sensor that activates middle head movement and three sounds, as well as LED lights in the eyes and mouth.
9/10 pumpkins—the perfect amount of heads but too many toes.
Courtesy Home Depot
Look at these traveling divas. These besties have four movements, five phrases, pose-ability, five unique sound recordings and LED lights in their eyes and ribcages.
8/10 pumpkins (we love a belted look).
Courtesy Home Depot
So, this five-foot guy is actually kind of cute if you can look past the whole undead thing. Personally, I've ignored bigger red flags before! Plus he comes with a new interactive, conversational technology.
"Ask this undead parrot yes or no questions and get unique responses with head and mouth animation," Home Depot says.
OK, we love a yapper! 10/10 pumpkins.
Courtesy Home Depot
"Three synchronized animatronic movements complemented by three haunting sound effects and glowing red LED eyes?" Oh, say no more, HD! This one is very scary and will be problematic for youngsters trying to cross its path to the doorway for candy.
10/10 pumpkins.
Courtesy Home Depot
According to Home Depot, "Skelly isn’t the only returning fan favorite getting an upgrade. The seven-foot Lethal Lily returns with app-controlled features that let customers customize both what she says and how she moves, including six sinister, pre-recorded or custom phrases and five adjustable movements for the head, mouth, eyes, arm and hand."
8/10 pumpkins, we love women in STEM (or is it STEW?).
Courtesy Home Depot
I don't know if it's because he's tall or if it's his green eyes, but I think I'm in love? I also can't say no to a decoration with a full government name. He's got color-changing LED lights that illuminate his eyes, mouth and chest. No movement, but I can relate to that.
11/10 pumpkins.
Courtesy Home Depot
For those who want their yard to be a little more friendly to trick or treaters, there's always IP for that! Stitch is the perfect pick. He features servo motors for head movement, speaks five unique Stitch phrases and has interchangeable Halloween and Holiday Costumes for each season. So its really the decor that you can keep up year-round. They better have a bunny costume for him!
9/10 pumpkins.
Here are the names of the other 20 pieces from Home Depot's 2026 Halloween collection, just to give you even more of a sneak peek before they launch on Home Depot's site on Thursday.
- 8 FT Long Grave & Bones Giant-Sized Animated LED Zombie Velociraptor
- 4.5 FT Grave & Bones Color Changing LED Groundbreaker
- 6 FT Grave & Bones Animated LED John the Last Call Mixologist
- 6 FT Wicked Woods Color Changing LED Scowling Sapling
- 7.5 FT Grave & Bones Animated LED Soul Stealing Reaper
- 6 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Creeping Spider
- 6.5 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Stalking Scarecrow
- 4 FT Animated LED Flying Monkey
- 3.5 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Baby Troll
- Animated LED Gremlins 3-Piece
- 3.5 FT Animated LED Mohawk
- 3.5 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Hell Hound
- 7 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Macabre Witch
- 3.5 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Plague Rat
- 2-Piece Grave & Bones Animated LED 'Til Death Duo
- 6.5 FT Grave & Bones Animated LED Grave Robber
- 5 FT Wicked Woods LED Wishing Well
- 2-Piece Wicked Woods Animated LED Burlap Twins
- 5.5 FT Grave & Bones LED Gargoyle
Yes! Skelly is back and ready for action in 2026 with impressive technology upgrades, including custom sounds, light and servo motor movements.
Important Dates: When Does Home Depot Halloween 2026 Go on Sale?Halloween Event
Date
What To Expect
Online Drop
Thursday, July 16
The new giant animatronics and other soon-to-be favorites from the 2026 Halloween collection will be available online—and will likely sell out quickly
In-Store Rollout
August
Displays will be set up in physical store locations, with smaller yard pieces likely still available
Final TakeawaysOK, so do you have your picks yet? Maybe you need to wait until you can see them in person and really take in how tall 11 feet is? As someone who did not calculate where to put a 15-foot "Worricrow" before adding it to the cart immediately, I would advise you to consider it just a little bit. But it was all worth it to be the house that everyone was taking pictures in front of.
And I'm not the only one who feels that way.
"There's nothing better than driving through a neighborhood in October and seeing families stop to take pictures in front of a display someone spent weeks or months creating," Horowitz tells Parade. "Those moments inspire our team every year, and they're exactly why we continue investing in innovative characters, smarter technology and new ways to make decorating even more memorable."
So go ahead and get a few 12 footers. I’m sure you won’t regret it!
Up Next:
Related: Everything To Know About the History of Halloween—Here's How It All Began
Source:- Aubrey Horowitz, Merchant, Decorative Holiday at The Home Depot
’90s Rock Band Announces News on 2026 Tour
Nu metal band Spineshank has announced major 2026 touring plans that will take the Los Angeles group across North America and Europe while also opening the door for new music.
The band confirmed that it will co-headline a European tour with (hed)p.e. in October 2026. The run will begin on Oct. 13 in Paris, France, and continue through Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and the United Kingdom before ending on Oct. 31 in London.
Tickets for the European dates went on sale on July 10.
The announcement arrived as Spineshank continues celebrating the 25th anniversary of its 2000 album The Height of Callousness, a record that helped establish the band as one of the best-known acts from the late 1990s and early 2000s nu metal movement.
Spineshank during Spineshank Photo Session at Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California.Photo by Annamaria DiSanto/WireImage
Alongside the European run, Spineshank has also confirmed a lengthy stretch of U.S. performances beginning in July and continuing through early September. Stops include Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Washington, Arizona and several other states.
The band's 2026 calendar will conclude with additional United Kingdom appearances in Nottingham, Grimsby, Glasgow, Bradford, Birmingham and London.
View this post on InstagramThe October European trek pairs Spineshank with fellow heavy music veterans (hed)p.e., creating a tour package that brings together two groups closely linked to the rise of late-'90s alternative metal and rap-influenced heavy music.
European performances are scheduled for Paris, Aschaffenburg, Berlin, Bielsko Biala, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Stuttgart and Cologne before the tour reaches the United Kingdom.
The extensive schedule follows the band's return to live performances in 2025 after a lengthy absence from the stage.
Spineshank played its first show in nearly 13 years on July 9, 2025, at Jake's Sports Cafe & Backroom in Lubbock, Texas.
The reunion initially centered on celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Height of Callousness, but the band's recent momentum appears to have created larger plans.
Speaking during Download Festival in the United Kingdom, vocalist Jonny Santos told TotalRock that fan demand helped change the group's direction.
"Originally we were just gonna do [a tour celebrating] the 25th anniversary of [Spineshank's second album] The Height Of Callousness, and there's such a new influx of fans. It's almost like our fans' kids are more and more kids are showing up, and the people, they want new music."
Santos added: "So we've got some songs in the oven right now, and as soon as we actually get home from this [European] run, I'll be in L.A. recording with these guys for a couple of days, working on some new material."
The upcoming recordings will mark Spineshank's first new material since 2012's Anger Denial Acceptance.
Drummer Tommy Decker said the group wants to evolve while staying true to the band's established sound.
"Well, so we have a new guy, Tommy Decker Jr., here. And so I think he's cracked the code. So, of course, we wanna push things forward and move to the future, but we wanna keep that Spineshank sound."
The current lineup features Santos on vocals, Tommy Decker on drums and programming, Robert Garcia on bass, Tommy Decker Jr. on guitar and Jason Hager on guitar.
Earlier this year, Hager announced he would step away from some touring commitments while addressing health concerns.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1996, Spineshank released four studio albums: Strictly Diesel (1998), The Height of Callousness (2000), Self-Destructive Pattern (2003), and Anger Denial Acceptance (2012).
The band's song "Smothered" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2004, while albums such as The Height of Callousness helped establish the group's place alongside some of the biggest names in the nu metal and industrial metal scenes.
With a busy tour schedule and new recordings underway, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the band's busiest years since its return.
Related: ’90s Metal Band Makes Limited-Edition Announcement for 35th Anniversary
This Elvis Song Hit No. 1 69 Years Ago Today, Then Became a '90s Sitcom Favorite
Long before it became one of the sweetest musical moments on Full House, Elvis Presley's "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" was already making history.
On July 22, 1957, the catchy tune climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100, becoming one of the biggest hits of Elvis' career during the height of his rock-and-roll superstardom. The song, written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe, was featured in Presley's second film, Loving You, and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its playful lyrics and irresistible melody.
The single spent seven weeks atop the U.S. charts and helped cement Elvis' remarkable run of chart-topping hits during the 1950s. More than six decades later, it's still considered one of the defining songs of his early career.
But for many millennials and Gen X viewers, "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" evokes a different memory entirely.
The classic found a whole new audience decades after its original release, thanks to Full House, where John Stamos' beloved character, Uncle Jesse, performed the song for Michelle Tanner.
Throughout the sitcom's eight-season run, Jesse's love of Elvis was a recurring theme, with the character frequently paying tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll through his wardrobe, hairstyle and musical performances.
His rendition of "Teddy Bear" became one of the show's most memorable Elvis-inspired moments, introducing the 1957 hit to countless young viewers who may never have heard the original.
Stamos has long been open about his own admiration for Presley, and that passion naturally found its way into Uncle Jesse's character. Over the years, the actor has also participated in numerous Elvis tribute events and has spoken fondly about the music icon's lasting influence on him.
The song reappeared in the reboot of the '90s sitcom, Fuller House, where Stamos reprised the song for a whole new generation of fans.
Today, "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" remains one of Elvis' most enduring songs because of its success on the charts and because it continues to find new fans through pop culture.
1984 Beloved Pop Ballad, Written By a 17-Year-Old in a Basement, Named Best Song Ever
When George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley came together to form Wham!, they had absolutely no idea they were about to write pop history with an earworm tune that would linger as a fan favorite for the next 42 years.
Michael was just a 17-year-old kid riding a London bus when he first developed the melody for what would become the song "Careless Whisper." Later, he and his best friend, Ridgeley, came together to finish the song in a basement.
Fast forward to today, and the tune was just voted the Best Song Ever in a listener ranking by Smooth Radio. The UK commercial station had its listeners vote on their all-time Top 500 favorites, and the 42-year-old classic easily snatched the number-one spot for the ninth year in a row.
"Careless Whisper" beat out music titans such as Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," and Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
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In fact, Michael's artistry was rewarded with an astonishing five rankings in the poll's Top 20! Other listener favorites included 1986's "A Different Corner," 1987's "Father Figure," his 1991 duet with Elton John, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," 1994's "Jesus to a Child," and finally, 1996's "Fastlove."
Not bad for a song written in a basement by a 17-year-old. Ridgely accepted Smooth Radio's award proudly, stating, "It’s a truly immense accolade, one of which I’m very proud."
He added, "George would have been similarly extraordinarily moved to know that this song—one of the jewels in the crown—is so much loved by the people. That was always the mark of success for us as songwriters, and for him as an artist."
The guitarist and songwriter concluded, "The sax melody occurred to [George] on the bus." He added, "That was mated with a chord pattern that I had come up with, and then we developed it from there. We wrote the lyrics together in a basement in Peckham in London, England."
In 2023, Forbes reported that the song reached number one on the Billboard charts, selling six million copies around the world. The music video for "Careless Whisper" ultimately reached one billion views on YouTube.
The tune appeared on the Wham! album Make it Big. It was written by Michael about a romantic situation between him and two women.
American Songwriter shared an excerpt from the singer's autobiography, Bare. In it, he stated, "I remember my sisters used to give me a hard time because they found out and they really liked the first girl. The whole idea of ‘Careless Whisper’ was the first girl finding out about the second – which she never did.”
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley dissolved Wham! in June 1986, playing their last concert at London's Wembley Stadium. Michael would continue to have a successful solo career for years thereafter until his death at 53 in 2016.
Teva’s 'Comfortable' Sandals Are 'Perfect' for Adventures, and They're Over 50% Off at Nordstrom Rack
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If you're a shopper like us, then it's likely that you're constantly on the lookout for new styles that you can rotate through during the seasons. In the midst of summer, you want a shoe that's breathable, lightweight, comfortable, and stylish. Thanks to Nordstrom Rack, you can add budget-friendly footwear finds to your wardrobe, like the Teva Midform Universal Sandals, which are 53% off now.
The sandals originally cost $75, but have been reduced to just $35. The footwear is being sold in three colors and patterns: white, retro, and cherries. The retro pattern features pink, purple, and orange hues, making them a fun and bold statement choice for any outfit. The sizes range from 5 to 11 at a standard width, not including half sizes, so it's recommended to order the next size up if you're a half size.
Teva Midform Universal Sandals, $35 (was $75) at Nordstrom Rack Shop at Nordstrom RackOverall, customers say that the fit runs true to size. The design features a 1.25-inch heel including a 0.75-inch platform, which is perfect for those who want a bit of height but not an overwhelming amount. There are hook and look straps, made of textile, that you can adjust to your comfort, and a synthetic sole that has traction so that you can easily grip on to different surfaces.
Teva Midform Universal Sandals, $35 (was $75) at Nordstrom Rack Shop at Nordstrom RackShoppers love these sandals because they are "very comfortable," "super cute," "lightweight," "adorable," and "perfect" for different adventures. "The slight platform protected my feet from sharp shells or fish bones when hiking near the beach," one reviewer wrote. "I also took them paddle boarding, and just velcro-strapped them onto the bungee cords."
Another customer said that they had to replace their go-to sandals, and noted that these Teva's are now the "most comfortable sandals [they 've] ever owned." Some shoppers even purchased a few colors so that they can switch the shoes depending on the outfit they choose. There are already 25 customers currently viewing the shoe though, so make sure to snag your preferred colors and size while you can.
Shop More Deals- Marc Fisher LTD Genella Slide Sandal, $30 (was $130) at Nordstrom Rack
- Bruno Magli Alessia Sandal, $75 (was $298) at Nordstrom Rack
- Sam Edelman Rowan Platform Slide Sandal, $35 (was $120) at Nordstrom Rack
These practical Tevas are the kind of sandal you can't believe you lived without. Take them on your summer vacation or wear them around the house. Either way, you'll want to shop them while they're 53% off at Nordstrom Rack!
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'70s Rock Legend, Nicknamed 'The Wild Man,' Turns 78
The musician known as "The Wild Man" helped power Lynyrd Skynyrd through some of its biggest years.
Artimus Pyle turns 78 on July 15 after more than five decades behind the drums. Born in Louisville, Ky., in 1948, the powerhouse musician earned his famous nickname during his years with one of Southern rock's most influential bands.
Pyle's first major opportunity came through the Charlie Daniels Band's Volunteer Jam, followed by session work connected to the Marshall Tucker Band. Those relationships eventually led him to Lynyrd Skynyrd, where he impressed frontman Ronnie Van Zant while recording "Saturday Night Special."
He made his live debut with the group in Jacksonville, Fla., in October 1974 and became its full-time drummer after founding member Bob Burns departed later that year. His powerful double bass drumming provided a distinctive backbone as the band became one of the country's biggest touring acts.
Pyle's years with Lynyrd Skynyrd included some of the band's most significant recordings, including "That Smell" and "What's Your Name." Rather than overpowering the group's lyrics and guitars, he developed his parts around them, giving the songs momentum while leaving space for each element.
"If I'm doing a roll in a song, I want my part to roll around the vocals, not over the vocals," he explained in a 2023 interview with MetalTalk. Pyle credited Van Zant as a mentor who taught him how to support the meaning behind the lyrics.
Pyle was also among the survivors of the October 1977 plane crash that killed Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backing singer Cassie Gaines and three others. Despite suffering serious injuries, he escaped the wreckage and went in search of help.
He later returned when Lynyrd Skynyrd reunited for a tribute tour in 1987 and remained with the group until 1991. Pyle and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, placing him in a class that also included Black Sabbath, Blondie, the Sex Pistols and Miles Davis.
Today, Pyle continues performing with the Artimus Pyle Band, which celebrates the music he helped create while honoring his former bandmates. The group has several shows scheduled throughout the remainder of 2026, keeping Pyle behind the drums as he turns 78.
Related: Legendary '70s Rocker and Founding Member of Beloved Rock Band Turns 77
The Color Palette Inspired by Nature That Matches Your Birth Month
From coastal beaches soothing our souls with calming blue skies and soft, navy ocean waves, to lively rainforests bringing life with vibrant green landscapes, nature displays the beauty of colors in a way man-made reality could never replicate. According to astrology, your birth month reveals clues about your cosmic personality and which colors may most activate your senses. Read on to discover which nature-inspired colorpalette best reflects your essence, based on the month you were born.
Which Nature-Inspired Color Palette Matches Each Birth Month?Check for your birth month.
Scroll down to view an image of the color palettes for each birth month.
ALSO READ: Your Pantone Color, Based on Birth Date
January: Snow-Covered Mountain PalettePicturing icy white snow-capped mountains, slate-gray rocky terrain, charcoal details, and pine-green trees, those born in January connect with a grounding color palette. Much like nature, you exhibit resilience beyond compare. Whether you embody the ancient, timeless wisdom of a Capricorn or the innovative spirit of an Aquarius, your essence endures the test of time and rises to meet the summit of your goals.
February: Blooming Lavender PaletteLike walking through a soothing garden with fragrant lavender and lilac, your soul is captured by dusty purple, sprinkled with sage green and balanced by cream. As the personification of hope for many, you inspire humanity, kindness, and connection. As an Aquarius that transcends ego or a Pisces that extends unconditional love, your nature-inspired colors reflect your temperance.
March: Emerald Forest PaletteLike a breath of fresh air in rich woodland, your spirit is best captured by emerald green, moss, fern, rich browns, sprinkled with refreshing misty gray. Either a spiritually gifted Pisces or an ambitious Aries, this birth month carries the hope and renewal of spring. People feel somehow both comforted and inspired in your presence.
NEXT: Your Pantone Color, Based on Birth Month
April: Cherry Blossom PaletteAs someone with a lively, youthful spirit, it's no surprise that April-brons are represented by the color palette of Mother Nature's finest cherry blossoms. Think blush pink, soft white, and petal peach to mark your open heart, while pale gray and fresh green hues bring contrast to your serious side. As a bold Aries or sensual Taurus, you bring invigorating, eye-catching beauty from the inside out.
May: Wildflower Meadow PaletteThose born in May embody a passionate spirit, reminiscent of running through a vibrant summer meadow filled with wildflowers and potential. Whether you are a charming Taurus or an energetic Gemini, your essence is represented by a palette of colors: buttercup yellow, poppy red, and cornflower blue, all beautifully set against the backdrop of your meadow-green, ivory-grounded soul.
June: Ocean Coast PaletteNo one embodies the ocean's emotional resonance quite like someone born in June. With a soul colored by seafoam green, turquoise, sandy beige, and ocean blue, your bright spirit shines even in darkness. Born under the sociable sign of Gemini or the sensitive sign of Cancer, you are always evolving, much like the tides.
The nature-inspired color palette for each birth month.Photo by CanvaPro
July: Summer Sunset PaletteWith the nostalgic warmth of midsummer, those born in July are as comforting as a summer sunset. Their souls are illuminated by coral and golden-orange hues, complemented by rosy pink, warm peach, and deep indigo, revealing their introspective nature. Known as an intuitive Cancer or a bold Leo, you bring emotional resonance and deep inner awareness to others' lives.
OTHER: The Color Palette of Your Aura, Based on Birth Month
August: Sunlit Fields PaletteAugust-born individuals are known for their unique combination of passion and practicality. They shine like a sunlit field ripe for active agriculture. Their color palette, featuring sunflower yellow, golden wheat, olive green, terracotta, and warm cream, embodies a grounded energy while also inspiring expansive optimism. Either a theatrical Leo or humble Virgo, you're a bright leader.
September: Sage & Olive PaletteSeptember birthdays have exceptionally refined taste and a practical need to thrive. A sage and olive palette reflects your sensible spirit. Visualizing sage green, olive, fragrant eucalyptus, oatmeal, and muted taupe, you're like a Mediterranean landscape that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. As a demure Virgo or a balancing Libra, you inspire harmonious reflection and connection.
EXPLORE: Color Analysis Is Having a Moment—Here's What It Means and How to Learn Yours
October: Autumn Forest PaletteAutumn foliage mirrors the inner beauty you have to offer, bringing profound wisdom and awareness to live in the present moment, as life's richness with transformation. Burnt orange, rust, yellow mustard, deep burgundy, and forest green illuminate your personality well. Born under charming Libra or mysterious Scorpio, this birth month is a catalyst for meaningful change.
November: Desert Earth PaletteTerracotta, sandstone, clay, dusty brown, cactus green mirror your beauty, like walking amidst a desert that tempts curiousity. Known as a soulful Scorpio or a philosophicalSagittarius, you seek deeper meaning. This color palette captures your matter-of-fact lens and mirrors your adventurous streak, helping you transcend limitations.
December: Aurora Borealis PaletteFar from ordinary, those born in December deserve a color palette that captures their starry-eyed beauty. As if taking in the Aurora Borealis, their nature-inspired color palette would consist of midnight blue, emerald, teal, violet, and shimmering silver. In life's darkest moments, you act as a beacon of hope and a bright light of creativity, awe, and growth. Whether you're a free-spirited Sagittarius or an ambitious Capricorn, you're destined for greatness.
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Napa's Oldest Winery Just Got a Major Renovation—And It's Perfect for History Buffs, Cabernet Lovers and Foodies
One of the oldest vineyards in Napa, California–Beaulieu Vineyard–recently underwent a two-year renovation, creating a brand new hospitality center for its visitors. While this vineyard dates back all the way to 1900, the renovation beautifully married the history and legacy of Beaulieu Vineyard with the style and chicness of what people expect when visiting a Napa Valley winery.
I was lucky enough to get to be one of the first people to visit the new space, and heard directly from the team of architects, winemakers and hospitality leads about how this transformation took shape. While getting to sip on the iconic Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, I explored the space, and I’m confident in saying that this is a winery that you need to add to your Napa Valley “must visit” list.
Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Trip to Napa With a Single Carry-On
A Palace For History BuffsGiven that Beaulieu Vineyard has such a rich history, it would be a shame if the newly renovated winery didn’t honor that. Luckily, the company did an absolutely beautiful job at keeping the historic significance of many pieces of the winery while also creating a modern and gorgeous space. The structure of the winery itself is built from stone walls that date back to the 1800s, where the wine was physically made. Older wine tanks were repurposed, with the wood being used for ceilings or accent pieces throughout the space.
History hidden in plain sight. Saving this original sign represents the core mission of BV's historic renovation.Scattered throughout the building are areas that directly honor the legacy of the vineyard. Old photographs, vintage bottles of wine, magazines and historical documents are there for you to peruse while enjoying a glass of wine. One of my favorite things to see was Georges De Latour’s original 1925 Cadillac Imperial, which is kept inside the winery to marvel at. It’s said that he picked up André Tchelistcheff, an incredibly influential winemaker, from the airport in this very car, where the two discussed their visions for the winery that eventually came to fruition.
A dream come true for history buffs. This curated gallery wall chronicles the evolution of Rutherford winemaking through the decades.Melissa Cabey
On the second floor of the winery, in the Rarity Room, there is a ceiling that’s worth craning your neck to look at. It was created with planks of wood that once lived in the winery’s barrel cellar. Workers would sign their names, play games of tic-tac-toe, or draw silly cartoons. There are signatures and names of people that go back all the way to the early 1900s, and others that are a bit more current.
A Must Try Collection of Cabernet Sauvignon The crown jewel of Rutherford. Tasting history with a look at an incredible, well-preserved library vintage from 1975.Melissa Cabey
Beaulieu Vineyard is known for its various types of Cabernet Sauvignon. The most coveted wine to try is the Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It first was sold to the public in 1941, and today, the vineyard’s winemakers make the wine directly from ranches that Georges himself planted back in the early 1900s. When I got to taste this wine (which I had the pleasure of tasting the 2021, 2005, 1991, and 1975 vintages) I felt that it was a beautifully bold and complex wine. It has hints of cocoa, cedar, blackberry, and leather, all of which blend together to create a wine that’s truly exciting.
Another popular Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery is the Rutherford Reserve. This is named after the area of Napa where the vineyard is located and features a stronger taste of “Rutherford Dust”. This is a term that describes the characteristics of wine that is made in the Rutherford Valley, where it has very specific notes of cocoa powder and supple tannins. André Tchelistcheff is known to have said, “It takes Rutherford Dust to grow great Cabernet Sauvignon.” This wine is a slightly more subtle version of the Georges De Latour wine, with a more velvety, light, and fruity feel on the tongue.
The famous 'Rutherford Dust' in liquid form. Enjoying a perfectly balanced pour in one of the bright, sun-drenched new tasting alcoves.Melissa Cabey
At the winery, you can indulge in multiple types of tasting depending on your budget and interest. For the most affordable tasting called The 1885 Tasting, you can pay $50 per person for a 60-minute tasting that covers an introduction to BV’s signature wines. If you would like to take a tour of the cellar and vineyards, you can partake in Discover Beaulieu: A Walk with the Maestro, which also includes a guided seated tasting. That experience lasts 90 minutes and is $90 per person. There are many other experiences available as well, so check out BVwines.com for more information.
Related: 16 Types of Wine You Should Know About—No Sommelier Experience Needed!
A Great Winery For FoodiesAs a major foodie myself, I was curious to see what kind of offerings the newly renovated winery had in store. There is a brand new chef aboard, Sam McKenzie, and he specifically has created menus with the wine in mind first. Through one of my tastings with him, he explained that he creates dishes that will directly complement the wine, not the other way around. That way, both the food and the wine work in harmony.
A total foodie paradise. This multi-tiered culinary pairing proves that world-class Cabernet deserves an equally world-class plate.Melissa Cabey
I was able to taste the food served with one of the experiences called BV Heritage Tasting. This costs $80 per person and is 90 minutes long, and it includes an afternoon tea tower along with a curated selection of wines. The food offered may change seasonally, but what I experienced was truly delightful. Items like small finger sandwiches with unique sauce, flatbread pizza with a flaky crust and addictingly delicious deviled eggs were the perfect counterpart to the various wines that we were tasting.
One experience that I was incredibly excited to hear about is called The Time Traveler Tasting Experience. This includes rarely seen selections from the BV wine library. As you are served the wine, dishes are paired with each course that represent the year that the wine is from. For example, if you’re drinking a bottle from 1961, you may be served a meal inspired by what was eaten at the inauguration of JFK. You will get to explore time through cuisine and wine, making it an enjoyably immersive experience. This costs $300 per person and lasts about 120 minutes.
Related: Instagrammable America: 18 of the Best Sonoma & Napa Valley Restaurants to Visit Right Now
Visit BV Winery TodayIf you’re interested in visiting Beaulieu Vineyard on your next trip to the Napa Valley, head to BVwines.com to book your preferred experience or to get more information.
1972 Classic Album, Recorded in an 18th-Century French Château, Gave a Future Legend His First US No. 1 54 Years Ago Today
Fifty-four years ago tomorrow, a 25-year-old piano man from England reached the top of the American album chart for the first time. It was only the beginning.
On July 15, 1972, Elton John's Honky Château hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, knocking the Rolling Stones' Exile on Main St. off the top and handing him the first chart-topping album of his career. It held there for five weeks, and it would be far from his last. The record launched an astonishing run of seven consecutive U.S. No. 1 albums, one of the greatest streaks of the decade.
The House That Made the SoundThe album took its name, and much of its magic, from the place it was made: the Château d'Hérouville, an 18th-century mansion north of Paris that had been turned into a live-in recording studio. John and his band decamped there in early 1972, writing and cutting tracks in a loose, communal setup that gave the record its warm, rolling feel. It was also the first time his touring rhythm section, bassist Dee Murray and drummer Nigel Olsson, played on his albums, with guitarist Davey Johnstone newly aboard.
Related: 1969 Space-Rock Classic, Released 57 Years Ago, Took Six Years to Reach No. 1
A Rocket to SuperstardomThe album's lead single was "Rocket Man," written with his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, which reached No. 6 in the U.S. and No. 2 in the U.K. and remains one of the most beloved songs he ever recorded. Honky Château went on to spend 14 months on the U.S. album chart, turning a promising star into a full-blown phenomenon.
More than five decades later, John is still breaking records. It all took off in a French château, 54 years ago.
Walmart's 'Elegant' Speckled Stoneware Dish Set Is a 'Beautiful' Way to Serve Summer Meals
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One easy way to elevate any meal is with great dinnerware. If you've been looking for a stylish set of bowls and plates to spruce up your dinner parties, Walmart has a new home decor find that you'll want to take a look at. The bestselling Vestseel 12-Piece Dinnerware Set has a stunning speckled stoneware design that looks great on any dining table, and it's on sale for 45% off right now.
The top-rated set is now available for just $40, down from $73. It comes in nine gorgeous color options, including cappuccino, green, gray, matte black, and multicolor. You can also shop it in a larger 16-piece option at $57, down from $110.
Vesteel 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, $40 (was $73) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe 12-piece set comes with everything you need to serve four, including four 10.2-inch dinner plates, four 7.9-inch salad plates, and four 5.7-inch cereal bowls. Each piece is crafted from high-quality stoneware with a subtle speckled pattern and a glazed finish that's food-safe, scratch-resistant, and built to withstand daily use. The terracotta bottom adds a touch of rustic charm to the look, adding a unique, textured accent to each dish.
Designed for effortless heating and hassle-free cleanup, the entire set is microwave-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe. You can bake and heat foods directly in the bowls and plates, making them convenient to use for a variety of meals, and they're also freezer-safe if you want to use them to store leftovers. They're also easily stackable, so you can stash them neatly in cabinets and sideboards when not in use.
Related: Walmart's $21 Lazy Susan 4-Pack Is 'Great for Organizing' Cluttered Cabinets and Counters
This dinnerware set is a Walmart bestseller for good reason, with over 425 five-star ratings online. One reviewer said the "beautiful" dishes have a "sturdy and heavy feel" and a "high-end look," while another said they're "simple but stylish." A third buyer said they're an "elegant" dining upgrade at a reasonable price.
Shop More Deals- Vesteel 12-Piece Square Dinnerware Set, $57 (was $87) at Walmart
- Yilush 44-Piece Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set, $16 (was $37) at Walmart
- Vancasso 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $49 (was $105) at Walmart
If you're looking for nice, solid stoneware bowls to serve your favorite summer meals, this 12-piece set is a stunning option that's now on sale at a great discount. Don't hesitate to grab it while it's still marked down to just $40 at Walmart.
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Iconic EPCOT Restaurant, Made Famous in 'Full House,' Is Temporarily Closing This Fall
In his latest breakdown of Walt Disney World's newest park changes, theme park expert Thomas Bricker of Disney Tourist Blogreminded everyone of a major piece of 90s nostalgia: EPCOT’s Coral Reef Restaurant is an absolute TGIF icon.
As Bricker points out, for a generation of millennials, this under-the-sea dining spot inside the now The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion was a legendary vacation milestone. It's where Danny Tanner tried to pull off a dolphin-assisted marriage proposal on Full House, and where Cory Matthews held up an “I will chase you forever” sign from inside the actual shark tank to win back Topanga on Boy Meets World.
The classic, retro entrance of EPCOT's "The Living Seas" pavilion, pictured during a Walt Disney World television shoot in May 1996. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)	ABC Photo Archives / Contributor
But if you're visiting EPCOT later this autumn, you're going to see the gates come down on the classic venue. Disney has officially posted a new bulletin confirming the spot is hitting a sudden pause: “Coral Reef Restaurant will be temporarily closed beginning September 8, 2026, and is expected to reopen later in 2026.”
View this post on InstagramFortunately, this temporary pause shouldn’t throw too much of a wrench into your upcoming vacation planning. Coral Reef shifted to a dinner-only schedule earlier this year, which has actually made securing a table next to the aquarium glass much easier for families looking to grab a last-minute reservation.
What is interesting is how Disney is phrasing the closure. Bricker notes on his blog that the wording is completely missing standard code words like "refurbishment" or "refresh"—vocabulary Disney almost always uses for routine maintenance. Instead, by dropping the gates on the Tuesday right after Labor Day—the slowest attendance stretch of the year—the timeline points directly to a seasonal, cost-cutting move.
Related: Beloved EPCOT Attraction Living With the Land Unexpectedly Closes at Walt Disney World
There's always the chance Disney is floating a test balloon to gauge crowd reaction. And if the internet’s current obsessions are any indication, parkgoers might end up missing the retro spot more than the company expects.
Gen Z has been on a massive tear lately picking up the mantle for vintage, lo-fi EPCOT. You only have to look a stone's throw away at The Land pavilion, where the gentle, classic boat cruise Living with the Land has unexpectedly blossomed into a viral Gen Z favorite purely for its relaxing, nostalgic aesthetic.
Coral Reef has that exact same retro-cool potential. Hopefully, the collective reaction to this autumn pause serves as a wake-up call for Disney to inject some fresh energy and a much-needed menu overhaul into an original 1986 classic. In the meantime, if dining alongside sharks is on your bucket list, you have until September 8 to claim a table before the kitchen goes dark.
Related: 1960s 'Best of All Time' Classic Rock Staple to Play at Epcot Food & Wine This Fall
From Cottagecore to Retro, Drew Barrymore’s Under-$40 Table Lamps Nail the Season’s Trendiest Styles
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When you're looking to refresh your space without the headache of an actual renovation, adding new lighting can have a truly transformative effect. Drew Barrymore seems to hold that truth close to heart, because her top-rated Beautiful home line at Walmart is chock full of lamps that blend artistry and functionality at refreshingly accessible prices. With pieces starting at just $17, it's easy to see why Drew's lamps have won over so many shoppers.
From farmhouse to retro to mid-century modern, the Beautiful lamp collection has well-made, affordable options for every decorative style. Don't let the budget-friendly prices deter you, though. Shoppers said these are well-made pieces that stand the test of time, plus they're packed with trendy, practical features that make them feel more expensive than they are. Think flower-inspired shades, vintage-style designs, vibrant colors, and luxe materials. Read on for our favorite picks from the Beautiful lighting line, all under $40 at Walmart right now.
Beautiful Glass Petal Table Lamp, $38 at Walmart Shop at WalmartThis "gorgeous quality" lamp is a true statement piece, featuring a gold-finished stem and a glass shade shaped like delicate flower petals. At 19 inches tall, it's just the right size for a side table, nightstand, or entry console. The glass petals diffuse the light in a way that's both striking and soft, and the design is ideal for anyone who love antique-style flourishes that won't overpower their space. "This is a beautiful lamp for those who like a touch of elegance and a vintage look. The low price was outstanding."
Beautiful Green Marble Uplight Table Lamp, $23 at Walmart Shop at WalmartIf you're after a touch of drama, the green marble table lamp brings a luxurious feel to any room. The "absolutely gorgeous" green marble base and gold accents give it an elevated look, while "the size makes it practical for any space," according to shoppers. This piece works beautifully as an accent on bookshelves, as mood lighting on a console table, or even as a sophisticated nightlight in a hallway.
Beautiful Ribbed Wood Table Lamp, From $28 at Walmart Shop at WalmartFor those who prefer something a little more modern, the ribbed wood table lamp adds natural texture and warmth. It's available in an earthy brown finish or chic black, both with a ribbed design that evokes mid-century aesthetics. The soft light is perfect for relaxing environments like bedrooms or living rooms. It's a subtle but stylish way to add organic charm to your decor. Shoppers said this "beautiful and perfect lamp" looks designer quality for a fraction of the price. "The ribbed base looks and feels like real wood but is lightweight," one noted.
Beautiful Velvet Table Lamp, From $35 at Walmart Shop at WalmartThis velvet desk lamp is pure whimsy. Featuring a plush velvet shade in rose pink or emerald green, and a simple, elegant base, it's a fun, feminine piece that feels at home in a bedroom, vanity area, or even a playful living room corner. The velvet diffuses light softly, creating a gentle glow that's flattering and cozy. Shoppers called the lamp "so pretty," noting that it "gives off a nice, soft glow."
Related: Walmart's ‘Incredibly Soft’ $15 Nightgown Is Great for Sleeping, Lounging, and Staying Cool
With prices starting at just $17, the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Lamp Collection makes it easy to experiment with lighting in different rooms or change up your decor with the seasons. Whether you're looking for a bold statement lamp or a subtle accent, these affordable finds are a wonderful place to start.
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