Parade

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Food storage doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can actually be kinda chic! Take, for example, this six-piece Pyrex set Kohl’s is currently selling. It has the most vibrant pop of color while also being super functional, too.

Pyrex’s Simply Store Green Tinted 6-Piece Rectangle Food Storage Containers Set With Plastic Lids is a game changer for meal prep and leftovers. It comes with six pieces total, including three different-sized rectangular storage containers, made complete with accompanying lids. The sizes in the set include one three-cup container, one six-cup container and one 11-cup container. This gives you plenty of options for storing different portions of food.

🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳

Pyrex Simply Store Green Tinted 6-Piece Rectangle Food Storage Containers Set With Plastic Lids, $30.59 at Kohl’s

Kohl's

Shop It!

While the tinted green glass adds some color to your food storage situation, it’s still see-through enough that you can easily see what is inside. Speaking of the glass material of the containers, it’s a tempered variety that’s super durable and built to last.

The glass containers are dishwasher-, freezer-, microwave- and preheated oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The lids are top-rack dishwasher-safe as well as microwave-safe. When not in use, these food storage containers nest neatly together, making them super easy to stow away.

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

Shoppers love this Pyrex food container set, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars on Kohls.com, with 88 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend the set to others. Reviewers rate it highly for its quality, value and durability.

“Pyrex containers that serve the purpose,” wrote one fan in a five-star review on Kohls.com. “Stackable containers that fit well into our refrigerator. Nice green-tone to tell them apart from our other glass storage containers.”

“I had these in the clear with blue lids that I used for many years. I wanted the new beautiful colors and they did no disappoint me,” said another happy reviewer in a five-star review on Kohl’s website.

You can find this Pyrex food storage set on Kohls.com or in select Kohl’s stores. It retails for $30.59.

Related: Kohl’s Is Selling a Pyrex Kitchen Staple That’s Perfect for Baking Fall Desserts

I first discovered Aldi in my early twenties when a store opened in my hometown. My mom became an instant fan and she still visits the store every so often to find whatever hidden gems they have in stock. When I met my husband and moved about a half hour away, Aldi kind of fell off my radar since we don’t have one in our area. We also live right down the street from another major grocery store, so we haven’t really had a need to go out of our way to shop at Aldi.

Over the years, I’ve written about Aldi from time to time and thought I should make it a priority to stop by the next time I’m visiting my mom, just for fun. So when I got this assignment to come up with a list of the nine best Italian groceries to buy at Aldi (and four to skip), I was excited to have an excuse to go.

I’ve always loved visiting different grocery stores and Italian food is my absolute favorite, so I was really looking forward to this fun experiment. To get started, I began researching which Italian foods Aldi shoppers swear by. Then, I visited two Aldi locations to see what they had in stock.

Read on to find out which Italian staples you should stock up on during your next trip to Aldi.

What Italian Products Do They Sell at Aldi?

Aldi has a wide variety of Italian foods. From breads and pastas to sauces and oils (plus meats, cheeses and pizza), you can find just about everything you need to whip up an Italian meal at home. Aldi stocks both fresh and frozen Italian foods.

9 Best Italian Groceries To Buy at Aldi 1. L’Oven Fresh Garlic Bread

Chrissy Callahan

L’Oven Fresh garlic bread comes in two varieties: Garlic and Parmesan Romano Garlic. The Parmesan Romano version features a blend of shredded parmesan and romano cheeses in addition to garlic.

Aldi shoppers on Facebook describe the garlic bread as “really delicious.”

“We make pizza and pepperoni boats with it,” one commented. Another called it “one of my favorite Aldi items!!”

2. Specially Selected Marinara Sauce

Chrissy Callahan

This marinara sauce is made with a mix of sweet Italian tomatoes, onion and garlic, with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

One Reddit user said the sauce “tastes just like” Rao’s marinara sauce. Another agreed, writing, “Specially Selected is the one that people say is most comparable to (and some have speculated actually -IS-) Raos.” Another Reddit user called the sauce the “best I’ve tried at Aldi.”

Aldi also sells a wide variety of other sauces under its store brands.

3. Mama Cozzi’s Pepperoni & Cheese Calzone

Chrissy Callahan

After trying a pepperoni calzone from Mama Cozzi’s, one Facebook user said they were “so impressed” and called it “a delicious treat.” Several other social media users agreed.

“We buy these everytime we go,” one wrote. Another commented, “Our son loves those.”

Related: 7 Best Items To Buy From Costco’s Produce Section (and 5 To Skip)

4. Appleton Farms Spicy Italian Dry Salami

Chrissy Callahan

If you’re craving salami, it’s worth checking your local Aldi to see if they have any of this brand’s products in stock. One Facebook user described the salami as “incredible…like it was imported by an authentic Italian deli.” In the Facebook thread, many other social media users weighed in, saying they “love” the product.

5. Priano Potato Gnocchi

Chrissy Callahan

Store-bought gnocchi can be hit or miss sometimes, but many Aldi shoppers are fond of this potato gnocchi from Priano, a brand that also sells plenty of other pasta varieties.

“I’ve used them to make copy cat olive garden chicken gnocchi soup. Very good,” one Facebook user commented. Another weighed in on the same chain, writing, “I boil them first .. then bake them in the chosen sauce and they reconstituted beautifully… tender and fluffy.”

6. Bremer Mini Meatballs

Chrissy Callahan

There’s nothing quite like homemade meatballs, but when you’re short on time, frozen meatballs can come in clutch. Many Facebook users have expressed their love for Bremer’s meatballs in particular.

“These are delicious! I used them in a tortellini soup,” one commented. Another weighed in, saying, “They are also good in a wedding soup or sautéed with escorale and garlic over pasta.”

One shopper said they prefer the larger meatballs to the mini ones, but my local store didn’t have those in stock.

7. Mama Cozzi’s Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza

Chrissy Callahan

Mama Cozzi’s Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza features a fluffy crust that’s topped with mozzarella, asiago, parmesan and romano cheeses. Aldi fans say they like several varieties of the brand’s pizzas.

“Mama Cozzi sure knows how to make a killer pie!” one Facebook user commented. Another wrote, “I’m learning all the Mama Cozzi’s are good ! Even the veggie one.”

Reddit users are also fond of the brand. “This is the only frozen pizza out of the oven that smells like you have been making pizza all day! Frozen fantastic!” one commented.

Related: 6 Items to Buy From Walmart’s Produce Section (and 6 to Skip)

8. Specially Selected Panino Tray

Chrissy Callahan

Whether you’re throwing a party or just hosting a few friends, this snack tray can come in handy. On Facebook, many shoppers have expressed their love for the product, with one saying it’s “very good,” especially for holiday get togethers.

“It’s one of my favorite things to buy at Aldi,” another commented.

9. Priano Stuffed Shells

Chrissy Callahan

When you’re craving Italian food but don’t feel like eating out, Priano stuffed shells are a solid option to make at home. One Reddit user described them, saying they’re the “only premade/frozen stuffed shells I’ve found that I liked.”

Another commented on the same thread, writing, “They are in right now but sell out crazy fast, I put out a few cases a few days ago and they are gone already.”

Related: I Tried 9 Canned Pastas, and Ranked Them Worst To Best

4 Italian Groceries To Skip at Aldi 1. Specially Selected Garlic Provola Wood-Fired Flatbread

Chrissy Callahan

Aldi shoppers have mixed opinions on this flatbread that features a cheesy garlic sauce and cheese. One Reddit user described it as “a little meh.” Another described the experience of eating the flatbread as “one of those times where the product looks better than the picture on the packaging.”

One Reddit user said the flatbread was “hard to cut up and generally very sloppy to eat.” At the same time, they said they preferred the veggie version of the product.

2. Priano Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Chrissy Callahan

If you’re not particular about your olive oil, some Aldi customers say this squeeze bottle is quite convenient. However, olive oil aficionados that frequent the store steer clear of this plastic bottle.

“Glass bottle olive oil…only,” one Facebook user commented.

Luckily, the store sells Priano olive oil in both varieties.

3. Priano Four Cheese Alfredo Sauce

Chrissy Callahan

The reviews on Priano’s Four Cheese Alfredo Sauce are pretty mixed among Aldi fans. When one TikToker posted a video of herself sipping it through a straw, many of her followers found it comedic. However, a few weighed in and expressed their aversion to the sauce, with one saying it’s “really bland.”

Over on Facebook, social media users have also debated the merits of Priano’s Alfredo Sauce, wit one person calling it “average” and another saying they “did not like it at all.”

4. Carlini Pure Olive Oil

Chrissy Callahan

Reddit users aren’t all that enthusiastic about this olive oil brand. In one Reddit thread, one shopper said, “I use it as well, but I am not a huge fan of it. I will not purchase any more once I run out.” Another said, “I tried it. It is useable I suppose.”

Final Takeaways

Compared to the other grocery stores I typically shop at, Aldi stores aren’t huge, which makes it even more impressive that they have such a large selection of Italian foods. The prices were quite reasonable, something many shoppers typically applaud when talking about the grocery chain. Walking away from this experiment, I definitely have a few new items on my must-try list.

Pamela Anderson is perfection with a bare face and high fashion on the red carpet in Venice.

Anderson, 59, who rose to stardom on Baywatch and earned critical acclaim for her role in The Last Showgirl, has thrived recently with a career resurgence. But in a new appearance in Italy at the Golden Globes x Aman Beverly Hills Cocktail Party at the Venice International Film Festival, the blonde beauty did the unthinkable by baring her makeup-free face with red carpet glamour.

Michael Buckner / Getty Images

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

Anderson is a Proud Mom of Two Sons

Anderson shares her two sons with former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. In a new video for her skincare line, Sonsie Skin, Anderson plays a round of “Who’s More Likely To” with her boys, and the results are hilarious. It’s also hard to miss how handsome Dylan, 28, and Brandon, 30, are! While they heavily resemble their father, you can see the similarities to their mother in their faces.

View this post on Instagram Dylan Lee Just Got Married

Dylan Lee just got married in Saint-Tropez, and the entire family looks absolutely stunning at the wedding. Naturally, Anderson shined brightly at her son’s French wedding to Paula Bruss.

In an exclusive story in Vogue, Dylan noted that he and Bruss grew up on the same street in Malibu.

“She was my real ‘girl next door,’” Dylan told the publication. “We’d see each other around. Then one night in 2017, when my mom left town, my friends and I threw a little 

get-together at the house—as boys do—and invited her over.”

Check out the stunning photos of the nuptials below, including Pamela Anderson beaming alongside her sons, Dylan and Brandon, in a gorgeous lace dress.

View this post on Instagram What Do Pamela Anderson’s Sons Do Professionally?

Last year, Anderson launched And-Her-Sons Productions, a production company alongside her sons. Deadline reported that the group will bring one of Anderson’s most iconic characters, Barb Wire, back to life in a TV series from UCP and Dark Horse Entertainment. Originally based on Dark Horse Comics’ 1990s comic book character, the series will serve as the company’s first project.

On his Instagram page, Brandon shared how excited he was to bring the character his mother brought to the big screen back to life.

“Barb has become an iconic, celebrated character and we are thrilled to partner with Universal and Dark Horse to give her a second chance on-screen.  ‘Barb Wire’ was my mother’s first lead role in a major feature and the perfect project to launch my family’s And-Her-Sons production company. We are committed to Barb’s legacy and ensuring she gets the moment she deserves. DON’T CALL ME BABE!” he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

Related: Pamela Anderson’s Son Dylan Turns Heads in a Sharp Tux During Romantic European Getaway With His New Wife

Nearly five decades after its release, Al Pacino’s 1975 crime drama Dog Day Afternoon continues to stand among the most respected heist films in movie history. 

The Sidney Lumet-directed film was recently ranked No. 2 among the greatest heist movies of all time by Collider, putting the classic alongside other major films in the genre.

Unlike many heist movies that focus on carefully planned crimes and successful escapes, Dog Day Afternoon centers on a robbery that quickly falls apart. The film turns a failed bank robbery into a tense hostage situation involving police, the media and a growing crowd outside the bank.

John Cazale as Sal and Al Pacino as the bank robber ringleader Sonny converse about their situation in the 1975 based on real-life movie, ‘Dog Day Afternoon,’directed by Sidney Lumet and shot on location in Brooklyn, New York.

Photo by John Springer Collection/Getty Images

Pacino stars as Sonny Wortzik, a first-time bank robber whose desperate plan takes an unexpected turn. John Cazale plays his accomplice, Sal Naturile. The cast also includes Charles Durning, Chris Sarandon, Penelope Allen, Carol Kane, James Broderick and Lance Henriksen.

The film was directed by Lumet and written by Frank Pierson. Its story was based on the Life magazine article “The Boys in the Bank” by P. F. Kluge and Thomas Moore, per El Pais. The article covered the real 1972 robbery and hostage situation involving John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile at a Chase Manhattan bank branch in Brooklyn.

Al Pacino Leads a Real-Life Bank Heist Story

Dog Day Afternoon follows Sonny and Sal as they attempt to rob a Brooklyn bank. Their plan goes wrong almost immediately. A third person involved in the robbery leaves, and Sonny discovers that the bank has already had its daily cash pickup.

With little money available, Sonny takes travelers’ checks and burns a register in a trash can. The smoke draws attention, and police soon surround the building. Sonny and Sal then find themselves trapped inside with the bank employees.

What begins as a simple robbery becomes a hostage standoff.

Police Detective Sergeant Eugene Moretti, played by Durning, tries to communicate with Sonny. The situation grows more complicated as television cameras arrive and crowds gather outside the bank.

One of the film’s best-known moments comes when Sonny shouts “Attica!” to the crowd. The reference connects the story to the Attica prison riot and adds another layer to Sonny’s conflict with authority.

The media attention becomes an important part of the story. As the crowd watches the events unfold, Sonny begins to attract public attention. The robbery becomes more than a crime scene. It becomes a live spectacle.

Roger Ebert’s review of the film also focused on this unusual relationship between criminals, hostages, police and television coverage. The presence of cameras changes how people behave, making the hostage situation feel like a public event.

At the center of it all is Sonny, a complicated character who does not fit the usual image of a movie criminal.

His reason for committing the robbery is eventually revealed. Sonny wants the money to help pay for his lover Leon’s gender reassignment surgery. At the same time, he is married to Angie and has children, creating a difficult personal situation behind the robbery.

That emotional conflict helped make Pacino’s performance one of the film’s defining strengths.

The movie’s reputation goes far beyond its 1975 release. Dog Day Afternoon was a major critical and box-office success and received multiple award nominations.

At the Academy Awards, the film received six nominations and won Best Original Screenplay for Frank Pierson. It also received seven Golden Globe nominations and six BAFTA nominations, with Pacino winning BAFTA’s Best Actor award and the film winning Best Editing.

Pacino’s performance as Sonny became one of the most celebrated parts of the movie. In 2006, Premiere ranked his performance as the fourth-greatest performance of all time.

The film itself also earned recognition from the American Film Institute. It ranked No. 70 on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Thrills list.

In 2009, Dog Day Afternoon received one of its highest honors when the Library of Congress deemed it culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant and selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.

The film has also remained highly regarded by modern audiences and critics. Rotten Tomatoes lists a 94% Tomatometer score from 125 critic reviews, along with a 90% Popcornmeter score based on more than 100,000 ratings.

Its lasting reputation is also tied to the way it handles its characters. Rather than presenting the robbery as a stylish criminal operation, the film focuses on mistakes, pressure and the people caught in the middle.

That approach separates Dog Day Afternoon from the traditional heist formula. There is no perfectly executed plan. Instead, the story follows what happens when an inexperienced criminal makes one bad decision after another and becomes trapped by the situation he created.

Related: 2015 Tom Hardy Movie Ranked ‘Most Exciting Action Movie’ Ever

Country music powerhouse Lauren Alaina is officially celebrating a massive new career achievement this week. Years after making history alongside childhood friend Kane Brown on their Diamond-certified mega-hit “What Ifs,” the Georgia native has blasted back onto the mainstream charts with her high-octane new single, “All My Exes.”

This time around, her song features a blistering collaboration with rising genre-blending star Chase Matthew. The anthemic track has officially captured the attention of music lovers nationwide, securing Alaina her sixth elite lifetime entry on the prestigious, all-genre Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

The fiery new duet made its grand entrance on the Hot 100 at No. 92, marking a major milestone for the fan-favorite vocalist. While cracking the all-genre chart is an honor reserved for the industry’s most consumed tracks, the single is performing even more explosively on terrestrial country radio.

The song simultaneously charged all the way into the Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart this week, locking in at No. 10. This impressive achievement officially marks Alaina’s 14th career entry on the country radio charts, further cementing her legacy as one of modern country music’s most reliable hitmakers.

For Alaina, this chart milestone serves as the perfect launchpad for her highly anticipated new musical era. “All My Exes” serves as the driving lead single for her brand-new, 16-song studio album, Stages. The project highlights her evolutionary artistic journey since first capturing the hearts of millions as the teenage runner-up on season 10 of American Idol.

By pairing her powerhouse vocals with Chase Matthew’s viral streaming energy, Alaina has crafted a definitive, modern country anthem that honors her traditional roots while pushing commercial boundaries. With radio momentum continuing to surge, “All My Exes” is well on its way to joining her past chart-toppers at the very peak of the music world.

Your birth month may reveal a lot about astrological compatibility, including which people you’re most likely to clash with based on when they were born.

Energetic mismatches are more common than you think, and it’s for a reason. Whether you’re not clicking with a coworker or a friend of a friend, your birth month influences why you’re not aligned with someone else. Spiritual experts agree that there’s a birth month you should avoid, based on your birth month. No matter how hard you try, you may find more aggravation and frustration as opposed to harmony with another birth month.

Every birth month is home to two zodiac signs, so no two birth months share the same cosmic combination. Since all twelve birth months have distinct characteristics and attributes, the months’ unique cosmic vibrations can create polarizing relationships. Some birth months catch on like fire, while others fizzle out or feel a spark of tension.

Which birth month should you avoid, according to your birth month? Read on to find out!

The Birth Month You Should Avoid, Based on Your Birth Month

Check for the month you were born for pro insights.

MORE: Your Most Compatible Friendship, Based on Birth Month

January, You Should Avoid April

People born in January are known for their serious personalities, thanks to being ruled by the Saturnian signs, Capricorn and Aquarius. Being co-ruled by these zodiac signs means all January-born are stoic, hardworking individuals who take their goals and lives seriously. January’s known for being slow yet methodical to ensure their success. Unfortunately, this means January doesn’t get along with April. They might initially mesh based on shared ambition, but April’s methodology completely goes against everything January stands for. Those born in April are too brash, stubborn, and impulsive for January.

February, You Should Avoid August

February is beloved for their whimsy and eccentricity, since they’re co-ruled by Aquarius and Pisces. People born during this month are uniquely individualistic. They march to the beat of their own drum. February doesn’t care about what anyone else thinks. They relish being weird and wonderful, which is why February doesn’t click with August. Individuals born during August are very self-concerned. August strives to be popular, put-together, and above all else, normal. As a result, February could never be around this birth month as long as August hides who they truly are for the sake of being well-liked.

March, You Should Avoid December

Those born in March are beloved for their passion. March embodies Pisces’ dreaminess and Aries’ ambition, so they have what it takes to accomplish their wildest dreams. People born during this month are creative visionaries. They aren’t afraid to go after what they want, and to learn along the way. This might initially attract December, but March and December won’t get along for long. December’s drive and open-mindedness pulls March in. However, March eventually struggles with December’s limiting belief system, self-righteousness, and desire to control the outcome. Ultimately, March is too fluid and free-spirited, and December is too rigid and authoritative.

April, You Should Avoid July

April’s determination and passion is unwavering. This birth month is home to ambitious Aries and willful Taurus, so April is known for their perseverance. Nothing gets this birth month down. Once April has made up their mind, they’re ready to rock and roll. Their excitement and vitality is infectious, which initially appeals to July. Both April and July can bond over their strong emotional energy and loyalty. However, July and April are too temperamental to work long term. July’s moodiness dampens April’s enthusiasm. Not to mention that both birth months are self-focused, so April and July don’t know how to share the spotlight with one another.

May, You Should Avoid November

People born in May are easygoing, fluid souls. May shares Taurus’ grounded energy and Gemini’s flexibility, so this birth month is known for their temperance. But don’t get it twisted—May can be tenacious and focused. However, this birth month prefers to go with the flow, since May prioritizes harmony above all else. Their characteristics draw in November, a birth month known for having an intense, larger-than-life personality. The line between love and hate is thin between these birth months. Unfortunately, May feels overwhelmed by November’s vibrancy while November feels underwhelmed by May’s relaxedness. 

FUN: Your Rom-Com, According to Your Birth Month

June, You Should Avoid September

All June birthdays are known for their mental agility and emotional depth. This birth month is home to Mercurial Gemini and lunar Cancer, meaning that June is incredibly intellectual. June isn’t afraid to switch from light-hearted to deep topics at a moment’s notice. They’re sensitive to the flow of conversation, as well as others’ energies and feelings. This initially appeals to those born in September. In some ways, June and September might feel like they’ve found a mental and communicative match in one another. But as time goes on, June will feel overwhelmed by September’s analysis paralysis and occasional shallowness. Likewise, September won’t jive with June’s fickleness and moodiness.

July, You Should Avoid October

July is known for their vivacious spirits, thanks to being ruled by the luminary signs, Cancer and Leo. Lunar-ruled Cancer lends depth and sensitivity, while solar-ruled Leo provides brilliance and confidence. July’s luminosity is imminent in all they do, so they attract a lot of people, including those born in October. July might enjoy October’s company in the beginning, because October also embodies unique star power. Their connection dwindles the more intense October becomes. July might feel like October is a little obsessed with them, and this might be true! October’s level of commitment can become possessive, so this won’ t work for July in the long run.

August, You Should Avoid March

Those born in August share Leo’s self-assurance and Virgo’s precision, so everyone born during this birth month strives for perfection. August works hard to be successful, beautiful, and well-liked. They take themselves very seriously, since August wants to be the very best. At first, this appeals to those born in March. August and March connect over their artistry, passion, and talents. However, their connection falls off when March is too lackadaisical to either get started or follow through. August becomes increasingly aggravated with March’s fluidity, and March gets annoyed with the pressure that August puts on themselves and others. What they initially like about each other drives these birth months apart.

September, You Should Avoid February

September is arguably one of the most put together birth months. They share Virgo’s perfectionism and Libra’s refinement, so all September-born are clean-cut, polished individuals. September takes immense pride in having their life together, because this brings them peace and fulfillment. However, September is still drawn to the more free-spirited birth months, like February. Those born in February are an enigma to September, which can be just as enthralling as it is annoying. February is messy, authentic, and changeable. Although September admires these qualities from afar, September knows February would never fit into their perfectly curated life.

October, You Should Avoid January

October isn’t for everyone. Individuals with this birth month embody Libra’s charm and elegance, as well as Scorpio’s depth and passion. Both zodiac signs make October magnetic. They easily draw attention from other birth months, especially those born in January. At first, October and January might just get along. They share a determined spirit and unwavering loyalty. But as time passes, January might be too aloof and detached for October. Unfortunately, this comes across as avoidant, which amplifies October’s intensity. These two birth months don’t work long-term, because October needs companions who aren’t afraid to express themselves and be vulnerable in a relationship.

November, You Should Avoid June

November’s larger-than-life personality comes from being co-ruled by passionate Scorpio and exuberant Sagittarius. People with this birth month are intense, but this isn’t a bad thing. They feel very strongly about everything they do, from the connections they make to the adventures they pursue. November is either all-in or all-out, which doesn’t mesh with those born in June. At first, November and June might bond over how expressive they both are. Both birth months are in touch with their feelings, but June tends to be more changeable than November. As a result, November ends their relationship if June’s too inconsistent and fickle to handle something deeper.

December, You Should Avoid May

Individuals born in December share Capricorn’s work ethic and Sagittarius’ insatiable appetite. December wants it all, and they know they can have it, too. They’re not afraid to work hard to experience everything life has to offer. December’s work ethic, enthusiasm, and determination is admirable to people born in May. Both birth months initially connect over their desire for a beautiful, luxurious life. They may even share similar tastes. However, May’s easygoingness and stubbornness is a turn-off for December. Likewise, December might be too intense and serious for May. Unfortunately, this connection won’t thrive because of their mismatched work ethics and ambition.

UP NEXT:

Not every plant problem announces itself with wilted leaves or dramatic discoloration. Sometimes, the first clue that something is wrong is so tiny you could easily overlook it: a scattering of pale, pinprick-sized spots across otherwise healthy-looking leaves.

If you notice what looks like tiny, pale pinpricks appearing across your plant’s leaves, it’s worth taking a closer look.

The #1 Sign of Spider Mites to Look Out For Spider mites bites can leave tiny, pale spots on your plant’s leaves.

Lina Kivaka

According to Justin Hancock, a horticulturalist for Costa Farms and author of The New Complete Guide to Houseplants: Expert Houseplant Growing Advice, those tiny spots can actually be feeding marks left behind by spider mites. Those barely-there marks could be evidence of spider mites feeding on your plant—and catching them at this stage may help you identify the problem before the damage becomes much more obvious.

Spider mites feed by piercing plant cells and sucking out their contents. As they feed, the damaged cells can leave behind tiny pale dots on the foliage. At first, the marks may be so subtle that you mistake them for ordinary discoloration—or don’t notice them at all.

That’s exactly what can make this particular sign of spider mites so helpful though, he explains. You may be able to notice the damage spider mites leave behind even when the pests themselves are too small to easily see. And don’t just inspect the top of your plant and call it a day. Hancock says spider mites tend to congregate on the undersides of leaves, so flip affected leaves over and examine them closely, too.

Why You Don’t Want to Ignore These Tiny Pale Spots

A couple of pale dots might not look particularly alarming, but spider mite damage can become much more noticeable as an infestation progresses. As more plant cells are damaged, those individual feeding marks can collectively make foliage look faded or discolored. Eventually, a heavily affected plant may develop yellowing, browning, drying leaves or leaf drop.

You may also eventually notice the fine webbing spider mites produce. But according to Hancock, visible webbing can be a sign that the spider mite population has already grown considerably. That makes those easily overlooked feeding marks especially worth learning to recognize.

So, if one of your houseplants suddenly looks a little speckled, don’t immediately chalk it up to a quirky leaf. Grab it, turn over the leaves and take a closer look. Those teeny-tiny pale pinpricks may be your plant’s way of telling you it has some unwanted guests—and spotting them now could help you catch the problem before it becomes much bigger.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you’re the type of shopper who brings home every cute vase, candle, or trinket you see, eventually you run into the same problem: Where do you put it all? You don’t want your favorite pieces hidden away, but putting everything out at once can make a room feel busy. The trick is finding ways to display those smaller pieces together so they feel thoughtfully curated.

A tray can do just that. It gives a handful of decorative objects a shared home and makes it easier to create a little vignette without having to think too hard about the arrangement. If you’re in need of one, the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Oversized Wood Tray is $24 at Walmart. Its scalloped edges add a pretty and on-trend touch to whatever you decide to display.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Oversized Wood Tray, $24 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Pieces that make the random stuff sitting on your counter look like it was styled there on purpose earn their keep, and this tray absolutely does that. The warm wood finish is pretty on its own, but those big, swooping scalloped edges are what make it feel special. They curve around all four sides rather than appearing as a small decorative trim, giving the 18-by-10-inch rectangle a wavy, picture-frame effect. There’s also a raised lip that follows the scallops and dips down into a recessed center, so the shape has a lot more dimension than your standard flat wooden tray.

In the kitchen, there are numerous uses for this tray. There’s enough room for olive oil, salt and pepper mills, a butter dish, and a few favorite seasonings without everything being crammed together. It would be equally cute as a coffee station with syrups, sugar, and mugs, or on the kitchen island with a candle, vase, and bowl of fruit.

Shop More Deals

• Ashland Celebrate It Floral Rectangle Tray, $34 at Walmart
• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Round Tabletop Tray, $25 at Walmart
• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Ornate Gold Framed Mirror Tray, $14 at Walmart

Personally, I wouldn’t limit it to the kitchen. Imagine it on a coffee table with a candle, matches, coasters, and the remote, or on a vanity lined with perfume bottles, makeup, and jewelry dishes. In the bathroom, it could corral hand soap, lotions, skincare, and rolled washcloths. I’d even use it in an entryway for sunglasses, keys, and mail.

Walmart shoppers shared the same enthusiasm for this “beautiful” and “unique” tray, noting that “it holds quite a bit of stuff” and finding plenty of ways to put it to work around the home. “This gorgeous, sleek wooden tray is hefty, which makes it feel luxurious,” wrote one shopper, who even uses it as a lap desk for crafting.

Related: The Pioneer Woman’s 7-Piece Scalloped Stoneware Serving Tray Set Is a $15 ‘Hosting Essential’ With Farmhouse Charm

The scallops had us at hello, but all the styling possibilities really sealed the deal. Shop the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Oversized Wood Tray for $24 at Walmart!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

By late 1972, Bob Seger wasn’t living out a rock-and-roll fantasy. He was grinding through a tough tour schedule, playing clubs for little pay and even less sleep.

Sitting at a late-night truck stop in Dubuque, Iowa, exhausted and staring back at local drivers eyeing his long hair, he channeled that weariness into a brutally honest look at life on the road. The result was a raw snapshot that told the real story of life as a touring musician.

“Turn the Page” remains one of the most unfiltered looks at road life. Instead of glorifying the rock-and-roll dream, it captures the exhaustion of a musician just trying to survive another night away from home.

American Songwriter reported that Seger first began working on the song in 1972. He was inspired to finish it after an incident at a truck stop where he and his band were harassed by locals for their looks.

Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

The publication quoted Silver Bullet Band Road Manager Tom Weschler in the book Travelin Man: On the Road and Behind the Scenes With Bob Seger. He told the story of how the song’s iconic second verse came to be.

“I think we were in Dubuque, Iowa, in winter and stopped at a restaurant. We stood out when we entered a store or a gas station or a restaurant en masse,” Weschler explained.

“At this restaurant it was particularly bright inside, so there weren’t any dark corners to hide in. All these local guys were looking at us like, ‘What are these guys? Is that a woman or a man?’ — just like in the song.”

“Turn the Page” was eventually released in 1973 on the LP Back in ’72. However, it didn’t really become a hit until Seger’s 1976 album, Live Bullet.

Seger told Songfacts, per Music Connection: “I hardly ever wrote on the road. I was more of a field general, and there wasn’t a lot of time for writing on the road back then. The only two songs that I can think of that I wrote on the road are ‘Night Moves’ and ‘Turn The Page,’ but those were basically cases of getting an outline of verses over three-hour periods. The songs weren’t finished until I had a week or two off the road to really knuckle down on them.”

Ultimate Classic Rock ranked “Turn the Page” at No. 22 of their list of the Top 100 Classic Rock Songs in 2012. Ironically, it never hit the Billboard Hot 100 despite its legacy.

Related: 1976 Live Performance Ranked Among the ‘Top Classic Rock Songs’ of All Time Remains a Timeless Anthem 50 Years Later

Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock and Roll, delivered one of the most enduring hits of her career in 1989. 

The power ballad, “The Best,” continues to resonate decades later, despite never reaching No. 1. It became one of Turner’s biggest hits, emphasized by raw emotion and an anthemic chorus that matched her larger-than-life personality and stage presence. 

However, many listeners may not realize that the song’s history actually began a year prior, when it was first recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler.

The track was originally written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight for Paul Young, whose management team passed on it, before Tyler recorded it for her 1988 album Hide Your Heart, per Song Facts.

Tyler’s version introduced the song to audiences, but it didn’t take off, only becoming a Top-10 hit in Norway.

It wasn’t until Turner’s reimagining, highlighted by her raspy and soaring vocals, that it was transformed into something much bigger, both commercially and culturally. 

Despite its massive popularity, “The Best” never topped the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 15 in the U.S. It also achieved plenty of international success, reaching No. 5 in the UK and No. 4 in Australia. 

The late musician’s signature song was even recognized as one of Billboard‘s top of all time with the word “love” in its title.

The chart position didn’t make or break the song, as 37-years-later, it’s still instantly recognizable, becoming a staple of radio, film, television, and sporting events, including Formula One. 

Tyler, who died at the age of 75 this past July and is remembered by her signature track, “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” previously told Smooth Radio that seeing Turner’s success across the globe gave her the “confidence back about my choice in material.”

She even admitted, “And I have to be honest, she did it much better than I did.”

Some of the changes to Turner’s powerhouse cover of empowerment included the addition of a bridge, along with a key change. 

The song’s longevity speaks to the global appeal and the fact that hitting No. 1 isn’t required to leave a lasting mark in the music industy.

And Turner’s cover was, well, simply the best. 

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Packing for a two-week Mediterranean cruise with nothing but a carry-on sounded like a perfectly reasonable challenge when I first started planning what I’d wear on this trip. I travel often, I know what I actually wear, and I’ve learned that shlepping an oversized suitcase through airports, hotels and cruise terminals can take some of the joy out of traveling.

At this point in my life, I want my travel days to feel easier. I don’t want to struggle with a heavy suitcase, wait at baggage claim as I miss my suitcase that went by on the carousel, or worry that my luggage might not make it to Athens when I do (which happened to my husband in Alaska). But, at 72 years old (and 5′ tall) I also have to be realistic about what I can comfortably lift into an airplane’s overhead bin.

So, of course I planned everything meticulously.

I chose pieces that could be mixed and matched using my favorite toddler method of packing. I coordinated my colors. I thought about warm days in Greece, cooler evenings on the ship, sightseeing, dinners and the long flights back and forth. I even thought out how many times I could wear each piece without feeling as though I were wearing the same outfit over and over again.

I had it all figured out.

Then they threw me a curveball.

You see, I didn’t have the entire itinerary until after I had laid it all out and suddenly, the itinerary included a cocktail party with “cocktail attire” and a gala at the foot of the Acropolis where evening dress is required.

Well, that changes things!!!

It’s one thing to create a small capsule wardrobe for sightseeing and casual dinners, adding a nice top to go with a simple skirt like I always do for dress-up nights. It is quite another to fit a cocktail dress and something worthy of an evening at the Acropolis into the same little carry-on.

I sat and pictured formal gowns, evening shoes and all the accessories that usually go along with them. I was excited to be going and at the same time worried that I’d have to ditch my usual way of traveling and actually check my big suitcase. Then I reminded myself that I don’t need a different dress for every occasion. I just need the right pieces and a bit of creativity.

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

One Cocktail Dress, Multiple Evenings

My first solution is to pack one cocktail dress that I can wear to the cocktail party and any dressier evenings onboard. That’s right. I’m not afraid of wearing the same dress more than once. As a matter of fact, with a ship with thousands of passengers, the only one who’s going to notice is ME and I’m perfectly fine with that.

PRETTYGARDEN Women's Summer Satin Maxi Cocktail Dress BlackCheck Price

Truthfully, most people don’t look at what you’re wearing, only you do. And, even if someone notices, changing the jewelry, wrap, shoes, or even your hairstyle can make the same dress feel different. Besides, I would much rather repeat a beautiful dress than carry three dresses that each get worn for only a few hours.

The key is choosing a cocktail dress that feels special without being bulky. I want something that looks polished, photographs well, and doesn’t require me to shimmy into uncomfortable shapewear (something ELSE to pack, and the thought of being miserable as I adjust and readjust is out of the question). It also needs to pack easily and come out of the suitcase without looking as though it has been folded into a carry-on for several days.

One dress. Several occasions. Very little suitcase space.

This Elegant Bubble Skirt Does Double Duty Bubble Skirt and Off the Shoulder top

Zippy Sandler

The other piece which is something I was already planning on bringing is a bubble skirt.

Now, a bubble skirt might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of practical travel clothing, but this one gives me options because it’s floor-length. Paired with an off-the-shoulder top, statement earrings, and gold sandals, it is dressy enough for that gala, a special dinner, or an evening event.

Hanpceirs Women's Bubble Maxi Skirts Long Skirt with Pockets White MCheck Price

Mine is white, and I usually wear the same skirt with a simple T-shirt or striped top for a completely different look. That takes it from dressy to casual without adding another bottom to my suitcase.

This is exactly what I look for when packing light. Every piece needs to have more than one purpose. If something can only be worn one way, I have to think very carefully about whether it deserves space in my bag.

The bubble skirt does.

It gives me yet another dressy option without having to pack a full dress. I can even wear it during the day, depending on how I style it. That versatility makes it so much more valuable than an outfit that’s simply for evening.

From Beach to the Ball in Gold Sandals

olegbreslavtsev / Getty Images

From years of experience as a cruiser, I can tell you that shoes are usually the fastest way to lose the carry-on packing battle.

They make your suitcase heavy, are awkwardly shaped, and take up an unbelievable amount of room. If I had someone to carry my suitcases for me everywhere – to check in, from the carousel, to the ship, and to the cabin I’m one of those people who’d pack an entire suitcase just filled with shoes for every occasion, but even an extra pair can turn a carefully planned carry-on suddenly impossible to close.

My solution is to skip the heels and pack flat gold sandals.

DREAM PAIRS Women's Flat Ankle Strap Sandals,Gold,7Check Price

At 70+, I have nothing to prove by wobbling across cobblestones or standing through a cocktail party in uncomfortable shoes anyway. I want to enjoy the evening, not spend it wondering when I can sit down or spending the next day looking for blister patches.

The right pair of flat gold sandals can take me from the beach to the ball…literally. They work with a sundress, the bubble skirt, my cocktail dress, and even a more casual pair of pants. The metallic gold makes them look festive enough for evening, while the flat sole keeps them practical for travel.

Comfort does not have to mean giving up style. In fact, I think that walking into a gala in beautiful flat sandals looks much more elegant than wobbling in a pair of heels that hurt.

FYI, I always make sure to wear my sneakers on the plane because they are the most awkward to pack. That leaves room in the suitcase for the sandals and possibly one additional lightweight pair of either sandals or flats, but nothing that only works with a single outfit.

Building the Rest of the Wardrobe

Kostikova / Getty Images

The easiest way to make a small travel wardrobe work is to choose a color story and stay with it. I do not pack random tops, pants, and skirts and hope they somehow work together when I arrive. Each top needs to coordinate with more than one bottom (a skirt, slacks, shorts, a skort, or even as a cover-up over my bathing suit). Every layer should work with several outfits. My shoes should go with almost everything.

My color story is usually black, white, and a few coordinating colors that make mixing and matching easier. A striped shirt can be worn with the bubble skirt one day and a pair of pants or a skort another day. A simple white or black T-shirt can work for sightseeing, lunch, or underneath a cardigan at night.

Accessories will keep the outfits from feeling repetitive. Scarves, jewelry, and a belt take up very little room (and can be tucked INSIDE your shoes in the suitcase so they don’t take up any room), but they can completely change the way an outfit looks. And, if it’s one of those cruises when photos are part of the trip, and I don’t want Monday’s outfit to look like Tuesday’s.

Related: I Was Panicking About a 2-Week Cruise With Only a Carry-On. Then, I Remembered My Cruise Loyalty Perks.

Planning for Mediterranean Days and Cruise Ship Evenings

For certain regions, like a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll need clothes for different types of experiences. There will be warm days, walking tours, ancient sites, seaside stops, meals onboard, and nights when the breeze off the water may have you running for that cardigan. There may also be churches or historic sites where shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect.

Lightweight layers solve many of those problems. A scarf or wrap can cover my shoulders during the day and become an evening layer later over my cocktail dress at night. A lightweight cardigan works on the plane, in air-conditioned restaurants, and on the ship. Simple, comfortable slacks can be dressed up for dinner but still work for travel days.

Rather than packing for every imaginable situation, it’s more important to pack pieces that are easily adaptable to whatever the situation is. That is the real secret to carry-on travel.

Related: The Golden Rules of Stress-Free Cruising, According to a Lifelong Traveler

Packing for Reality, Not Fantasy

Zippy Sandler

One of the biggest packing mistakes I have made in the past is packing for a fantasy version of what I think I want to look like when I travel.

The imaginary me changes outfits three times a day, wears every beautiful pair of shoes I own, and somehow never spills anything on a white blouse. I also don’t mind carrying a suitcase that weighs twice as much as I do.

The real me wants to be comfortable. I repeat my favorite outfits. I reach for the same shoes and crossbody bag because they’re comfortable and easy to walk in. I’d rather spend the morning enjoying Athens than standing in front of my hotel room closet deciding between six nearly identical outfits. So, I pay attention to what I truly wear when I travel.

I don’t need a different outfit for every dinner. I do not need several “just in case” dresses. I don’t need heels simply because the words “cocktail attire” and “evening dress” suddenly appear on the itinerary. I need clothes that make me feel attractive, comfortable, and appropriate for the occasion.

The Beauty and Toiletry Edit

Kostikova / Getty Images

But as women, we know that clothing is only part of the carry-on challenge. Toiletries and beauty products can quietly take over an entire bag if I let them.

So, I bring smaller sizes of the products I actually use and leave the extras at home. This is not the trip for six lipsticks or three different face creams.

One or two good lipsticks, a few multipurpose makeup products (for me that’s a bronzer that doubles as a blush and even eye-shadow), and travel-size skincare will cover most situations. The same makeup can work during the day and become evening-ready with a stronger lip color or a little more eye makeup.

I also use whatever the hotel and cruise ship provide when it makes sense. I never bring a full-size bottle of something that will already be waiting in the bathroom, like soap, shampoo, or conditioner.

Related: Is a Balcony Cabin Worth the Upgrade? This Cruise Expert Says It Depends on One Thing

Leaving Room for the Unexpected

The hardest part of packing a carry-on is resisting the urge to fill every available inch. But I know myself. I will probably find something during the trip that I want to buy. It might be a scarf, a piece of jewelry, or something small from one of the ports (I love Greek jewelry and clothing, so I’m already planning for this to happen).

If my suitcase is bursting at the seams when I leave, I will have no room for anything I discover along the way. I use packing cubes to help keep everything organized and compressed, but my goal is not to stuff them until the zippers beg for mercy. I want to know where everything is, and I want to be able to repack without sitting on the suitcase.

The Carry-On Test

aquaArts studio / Getty Images

Before I leave, I do a final test.

Everything has to fit in the suitcase. I need to be able to lift it. Every piece of clothing must work with the plan, and anything that makes me say, “I might wear this,” gets tossed. “Might” is dangerous when you are packing for two weeks in a carry-on.

If I cannot think of at least two ways I’m going to wear something, it probably stays home. The exceptions are the cocktail dress and any truly essential specialty item. Even the cocktail dress, however, will be worn more than once.

The goal is not to pack the smallest wardrobe possible, but to prove to myself that I can. The goal is to bring enough to enjoy the trip without letting my luggage become a burden.

The Glamour Still Fits

Packing light does not mean giving up glamour. I will still be properly dressed for the cocktail party. I will still have an evening look worthy of a gala at the foot of the Acropolis. I will still have outfits that make me feel like myself.

I will just not have a completely different wardrobe for every hour of the trip.

My cocktail dress will step in for multiple elegant evenings. My bubble skirt will go from an off-the-shoulder top at night to a simple T-shirt or striped shirt during the day. My flat gold sandals will carry me from the beach to the ball, without leaving my feet aching before the evening is over.

That is how I am handling the curveball.

At this age, I have learned that style is not about how much you bring. It is about knowing yourself well enough to bring the right things. If I can walk onto that plane with one manageable suitcase, arrive in Greece without worrying about lost luggage, and still feel fabulous, I will consider this packing challenge a success.

Related: 8 Fall Carry-On Essentials Every Traveler Needs

She’s often credited as the first modern singer-songwriter, but hardly anyone knew her name. Connie Converse, born Elizabeth Eaton Converse, was a pioneering musician in the 1950’s Greenwich Village music scene, years before Bob Dylan showed up; in fact, she left the Village in 1961, the same year Dylan arrived, according to Pitchfork. One might say that Converse walked so Dylan and Joni Mitchell (and so many others) could fly. So what happened to her?

At a time when most folk songs had been passed down for generations, Converse was writing complex, introspective tunes and recording them in her bedroom.

“Connie had a dramatist’s eye — the ability to conjure a fully inhabited world from a single detail,” English folk musician Martin Carr told the BBC earlier this year.

“The fact that she named a song after a J M Synge play, or was capable of lyrics such as ‘Spring seemed to linger in a little bunch of flowers he pressed into my hand,’ tells you she was reaching well beyond the American folk tradition.”

In a 2023 interview with NPR, Howard Fishman, author of To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse, chronicled the enigmatic artist’s journey.

“She grew up in New Hampshire, went to college at Mount Holyoke, dropped out, and moved to New York City to pursue being a writer,” Fishman explained.

“After being there for a few years, Converse began delving into making music at a time when the music she made really had no context” he continued. “Although she had a fanbase among people that heard her in living rooms and in salon settings, she was never able to break through commercially because record company executives didn’t feel like there was any way to market her music. Then in 1961, convinced that the music industry was not going to be able to do anything with her after all, she left New York and moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., to start a new life.”

That new life included a series of non-musical jobs related to social justice, including a position as the editor of the Journal for Conflict Resolution. In letters sent to her loved ones, she wrote of struggling in life to find “a place to plug in.” Then, in 1974, at the age of 50, Converse completely disappeared.

“She wrote letters to family and friends saying that she was going to start a new life somewhere and not to come looking for her, and she has never been heard from again,” Fishman said.

Some thought Converse moved to Brazil, others theorized that she drove her car off a cliff in Canada. Whatever really happened, her music might have been forgotten entirely if not for the late music producer Gene Deitch, who played some of her songs that he recorded at private dinner parties during the ’50s on WYNC radio in 2004. Listeners wanted more, resulting in the release of the album How Sad, How Lovely in 2009. A second album called Musicks, featuring 32 songs Converse recorded at home in 1956, was released in 2023.

“It’s like her entire life was spent as an invisible woman who was able to see the future by giving us these gifts and thinking and writing and composing in ways that are so common to us today, but were not at all common in the 1950s,” Fishman said. “And then I think of how, at age 50, she decided the world doesn’t want me and I don’t want it. And she chose to go. We don’t know what happened to her. Her body was never found. Her car was never found.”

Whether it was an eerie coincidence or a prophecy, it’s worth mentioning that back in the ’50s, Converse attempted writing a folk opera which contained the following lyric:

“Never had a husband, never had a son / Dead at the age of 51.”  

Related: 1969 Rock Classic, Written by the ‘Female Bob Dylan,’ Spent 14 Weeks on the Charts

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

As much as we love the versatility of a sandal, come fall, there’s not a more practical or convenient shoe choice than a slip-on shoe, especially for things like workdays, super long walks or less-than-smooth terrains like dirt and gravel. They give you the same breathable feel as a sandal, but with a bit more structure and support, making them a smart in-between option during this early-fall season.

Right now, Amazon has a standout pair from Clarks that fits the bill perfectly. The Breeze Roam Slip-Ons are up to 53% off right now on Amazon, bringing the original $70 price tag as low as $33. (Just be sure to click that on-page coupon if you see one.) With a crochet-like look, they’re an easy, wear-on-repeat pick that works across all early fall plans. Shoppers can snag them in either navy, light tan, black, or black and white.

Clarks Breeze Roam Slip-Ons, From $33 (were $70) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The upper of these flat slip-ons features a detailed perforated construction that combines fine pinprick holes with larger petal- and leaf-shaped cutouts, creating a subtle floral pattern that adds both visual texture and airflow. This design not only gives the shoe a more elevated look than a standard slip-on but also adds breathability and airiness in warmer weather. A softly elasticized topline is built in for a secure, flexible fit that moves with your foot without feeling restrictive, while the rounded toe is a classic, versatile shape that works across a range of outfits.

A 25-millimeter platform provides a slight lift without compromising stability, and the layered outsole features slim stripe detailing along the sidewall for a more modern, sneaker-inspired finish. Inside, the shoe is equipped with Clarks’ cushion-soft foam footbed, which is removable and designed to deliver shock absorption and consistent underfoot support. The base is finished with a flexible, textured thermoplastic rubber outsole that enhances traction and durability, making the shoes suitable for a variety of surfaces.

These shoes come in three easy neutral shades that go with just about everything, making the style simple to work into your everyday rotation. Shoppers especially love how easy it is to find the “perfect fit,” with regular-width sizes running in half increments from 5 through 12, plus narrow and wide options available as well. Pricing can vary depending on the size, color, and width you choose, so it’s worth double-checking before adding to cart.

Courtesy of Amazon

Reviewers had plenty to say about these “cushioned” and “stretchy” slip-ons, calling them “comfortable” and “lightweight,” adding that they offer “great support for all-day comfort.” One shopper noted that the fit is “true to size” and added that they “are holding up well” so far with frequent wearing.

Related: Amazon’s Narrow Freestanding Storage Cabinet Is a Genius Fix for Cluttered Bathrooms 

If you’re looking for a shoe that’s equal parts comfortable and versatile, this $33 pair is a must. Grab the Clarks Breeze Roam Slip-Ons now at Amazon while they’re still up to 53% off.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Bruce Willis had already built a career as an action hero by 1994, but the role that reminded everyone he could actually act almost went to someone else entirely.

Pulp Fiction hit theaters in 1994, and Willis played Butch Coolidge, an aging boxer caught up in mob business after refusing to throw a fight. The part was originally offered to Mickey Rourke, and Matt Dillon reportedly turned it down as well, before director Quentin Tarantino landed on Willis instead. Willis’s own casting came about somewhat by chance, too. Producer Lawrence Bender has said it was actor Harvey Keitel, who’d starred in Tarantino’s first film, Reservoir Dogs, who first introduced Tarantino to Willis.

The film wove together several interconnected crime stories, following hitmen John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson, gangster’s wife Uma Thurman, and Willis’s Butch, all set against Tarantino’s now-signature non-linear structure and rapid-fire dialogue. It was a bold swing for its time, and critics ate it up. Pulp Fiction currently holds a 92% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a 96% audience score, cementing it as one of the most acclaimed films of the decade.

The accolades haven’t slowed down since. Collider has called it the greatest crime movie ever made, and Entertainment Weekly once dubbed it the best film released since 1983. It also won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and took home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, beating out steep competition that year.

For Willis, the film marked a turning point. After a string of box office misfires like Hudson Hawk and The Bonfire of the Vanities, Pulp Fiction reestablished him as a serious actor, not just an action star, and helped kick off the broader indie film boom of the 1990s. More than three decades later, it’s still the film most likely to come up when people talk about Willis’s best work, action franchises included.

It’s been well over a year since Universal Epic Universe officially opened its towering celestial portals, and the park has thoroughly cemented itself as one of the most breathtaking, ambitious theme park achievements in modern history.

Between stepping into the living video game of Super Nintendo World, soaring across the Isle of Berk in How to Train Your Dragon, exploring the dark depths of Dark Universe, and wandering the dazzling, fountain-filled gardens of Celestial Park, it completely raised the bar for immersive storytelling.

The catch for many travelers, however, has been the price tag. During its inaugural year, standalone tickets to Epic Universe were kept tightly controlled, and bundling all three theme parks together could easily stretch a vacation budget thin.

Now, Universal Orlando Resort is making it significantly easier—and more affordable—to experience the entire resort in one seamless trip.

Universal has officially launched the “Three-Day One Day Per Park Promo Ticket,” offering access across all three of its theme parks starting at $105.43 per day, tax included.

Related: All the Rides at Universal Epic Universe, Ranked

View this post on Instagram How the New 3-Park Ticket Works

The base version of the promotion grants visitors three full days of park access—giving you one dedicated day each at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe.

For travelers who want more day-to-day flexibility, Universal is also offering a park-to-park upgrade. That option lets you park-hop freely between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure across two days, while reserving one full dedicated day to take in the sprawling lands and nighttime fountain spectacles of Epic Universe.

All three days of admission must be used within a flexible seven-day window, meaning you don’t have to burn through all three parks back-to-back without a rest day.

Even better for planners looking to bundle, the ticket promotion stacks with existing resort hotel discounts. Guests can take advantage of up to 30% off hotel stays of five nights or longer this winter, or save up to $300 on vacation packages combining multi-night hotel stays with park-to-park admission.

Related: Universal Orlando Unveils a Major Twist for Fall

Why Autumn Is Prime Time for a Mini Universal Getaway

If you have been waiting for the right moment to pull the trigger on a quick long-weekend trip, the fall season hits the absolute sweet spot for Universal fans.

Central Florida’s stifling midsummer humidity finally starts breaking, making it comfortable to spend entire afternoons wandering Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. With the Hogwarts Express fully operational between both Wizarding World lands, hopping from King’s Cross Station to the foot of Hogwarts Castle remains one of the smoothest park-to-park transit experiences in theme park history.

The calendar also lines up with Orlando’s marquee fall events. Over at Universal Studios Florida, Halloween Horror Nights is in full swing on select evenings, letting thrill-seekers spend daylight hours riding high-speed coasters before diving into world-class haunted houses and scare zones after dark.

Pairing daytime exploration in Epic Universe with an evening of spooky entertainment and nighttime shows across the legacy parks turns a short three-day weekend into a full-scale, bucket-list escape—without the peak summer crowds or peak summer price tags.

Related: I Ate My Way Through Opening Night of Halloween Horror Nights—These 9 Eats Were To Die For

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Few spaces exude as much coziness and warmth as the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home, a space where loved ones gather to enjoy good company and good food. The design choices you make amplify that ambiance, making the room feel even more welcoming. This is why so many have embraced the cottagecore trend in recent years.

If you love the idea of introducing homey, rustic elements to your own kitchen, The Pioneer Woman Daisy Dinnerware Set nails the aesthetic with its pretty floral pattern and delicate scalloped edges. Consisting of 12 pieces, the collection is currently just $30 at Walmart in your choice of beige, blue, or pink.

The Pioneer Woman Daisy Dinnerware Set, $30 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four cereal bowls, each saturated with rich color and etched with white artwork. It has a vintage quality that feels appropriate for any lived-in kitchen, whether your preferences lean timeless and traditional or more overtly farmhouse-influenced.

Each piece is made from melamine, a highly durable yet lightweight material. While it isn’t completely indestructible, it’s generally one of the most break-resistant dishware options available. If you live in a busy household, have children, or simply don’t want to risk damage, this set makes a sensible choice. A customer with arthritis even mentioned that it’s easy for her to carry these dishes due to their reasonable weight.

It fits right into the charming Pioneer Woman sensibility, too — a country-inspired look defined by soft colors, pretty florals, and details that liven up the table without feeling like too much. These pieces from Ree Drummond’s popular home line blend right in, complementing other elements you might find in a cottagecore kitchen like earthy palettes, apron-front sinks, and breezy curtains. Everything comes together in the sweetest way.

The set boasts over 1,000 five-star ratings from shoppers, with many people praising the “fresh and beautiful” design and noting that the dishes are “very substantial.” Another reviewer dubbed them a “cute addition to the kitchen.”

Related: The Pioneer Woman’s ‘Gorgeous’ 12-Piece Scalloped Stoneware Dish Set Adds Heirloom Charm for Just $30

Whether it’s time for a kitchen refresh or you just want to warm up the space with one special detail, The Pioneer Woman Daisy Dinnerware Set is just the right choice for a quick shift in direction. With its down-to-earth vibe and $30 price, it’s an affordable option you’ll use for years. Grab it now at Walmart in the color of your choice!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Robin Williams had the glorious ability to make us laugh, and it’s what made his death so much sadder. He didn’t need others to write his jokes for him, and directors knew to let him run with anything that came to mind. That was certainly the case when it came to the 1992 movie Aladdin, which still holds a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score.

The iconic Disney flick sits in spot No. 204 on the list of best-ever movies from Rotten Tomatoes. Surprisingly, it doesn’t make it to the list of IMDb’s best movies ever, despite the likes of Inside Out and Toy Story making the list.

Aladdin certainly goes down as one of the best animated Disney movies ever, as well as one of Williams’ best performances. Yet, because of Williams’ performance, it was rejected from even being nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. Too much had deviated from the original script that it meant it had to be disqualified.

The directors weren’t about to shoehorn Williams into a box, though. They didn’t dictate that he follow storyboards and instead worked the film around his performance, knowing that it was the best way to create something unique and special. In the end, they had 16 hours of footage, with Williams riffing off pop culture and doing celebrity impressions, some of which remained as part of the 90-minute movie.

What’s wild to think of now is that Williams almost didn’t do the movie. He wasn’t interested in it at first, and he definitely didn’t like the idea of his character being turned into a Happy Meal toy. It was thanks to the test animation from Eric Goldberg that he signed on, and while there were promises made, such as not making the Genie the focus of the marketing, Disney backtracked on all. It would lead to a years-long fallout, especially since Williams had agreed to take a significant pay cut to do the movie on the conditions Disney backtracked on.

As the live-action Aladdin came out years later, the original stars Scott Weinger and Linda Larkin looked back in a 2019 interview. They were virtually unknown at the time, and they still have no ego about this movie, attributing the success to the entire team. Larkin explained, “That belongs to the magnitude of the people who worked on it, from the animators like Glenn Keane, Mark Henn and Eric Goldberg, and Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, who did the music — and of course, Robin Williams as the genie. For me, I just feel lucky to play a small role in this massive production.”

Weinger went on to share his love for the film both then and now, saying, “It was a pleasure happening when I was a kid to enjoy the initial success of the film in real-time as it was being introduced to the world, but I would have to say it’s even more fun now, now that it’s entered the pantheon of classic Disney movies.”

Not only would Aladdin make waves in the movie industry, but it would also make history in the music scene, becoming the first-ever Disney movie song to make it to the Billboard Hot 100. “A Whole New World” would disrupt Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” 14-week stretch in the No. 1 spot. In fact, it wouldn’t be until 2022’s Encanto that another Disney song would hit the charts in such a big way. After 30 years of Aladdin being the one and only, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” hit No. 1.

Related: 1995 Tom Hanks Movie, With 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score, Ranked Among Best Movies of All Time

Steve Buscemi and his new wife, Karen Ho, look so in love on the red carpet in Venice.

Buscemi, 68, who is known for diverse roles ranging from Reservoir Dogs and Fargo to Billy Madison and Armageddon, recently appeared in Season 2 of the beloved Netflix series Wednesday opposite Jenna Ortega. He played Barry Dort, the new principal of Nevermore Academy. He just appeared in Don’t Say Good Luck, which stars his dear friend Adam Sandler‘s daughter, Sunny. But at the red carpet premiere of Wild Horse Nine at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, the couple went full Italian glamour and were dressed to the nines. Holding each other’s hands, it’s safe to say the couple is happier than ever.

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Getty Images

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

What Has Steve Buscemi Said About Losing His First Wife?

It’s Buscemi’s real-life challenges that make his journey so relatable. The actor recently opened up about losing his first wife in 2019 and his decision to remarry last year. In an interview with the New York Times last year, the typically quiet star spoke candidly about the loss of his wife of more than 30 years, filmmaker and artist Jo Andres, who died in 2019 of a rare bowel cancer.

During the interview, Buscemi’s eyes welled up with tears while speaking about his late wife. Buscemi said he still owned the Brooklyn brownstone they lived in, “but it’s not right for me anymore, you know? It’s just — it’s too big.”

The actor also noted that “grief is not linear” and that it can coexist with happy times.

Related: Steve Buscemi Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance Alongside Wife After Opening up About Finding Love Again

How Did Steve Buscemi Find Love Again?

Buscemi has found some of those happy times, too. But instead of sticking with someone in the entertainment industry, Ho doesn’t work in it. She doesn’t even share the same taste as him, with Buscemi noting that “her tastes are totally different from mine in movies,” he told the Times. The couple recently found a new place in Manhattan together.

The piece also noted that Buscemi has served as a guiding light for his co-stars. Ortega told the publication how much of an inspiration he is to her.

“Without trying to be or in any sort of patronizing way, he is a great source of wisdom and advice and life lessons,” she explained.

How Long Have Steve Buscemi and Karen Ho Been Together?

Steve Buscemi and Karen Ho officially tied the knot in early 2025. They currently reside in Manhattan.

Related: Steve Buscemi Looks So Happy With His New Wife and a Baby Pig on the Red Carpet

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Fall dressing doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have a great sweater on hand. A classic knit can instantly pull together jeans, trousers or a favorite skirt, making it one of the easiest pieces to reach for when the weather cools down. For shoppers who love polished, classic styles at approachable prices, we found a stylish pick from Blu Pepper at Nordstrom Rack.

Right now, Nordstrom Rack is selling the Blu Pepper Stripe Polo Sweater for just $35, marked down from $79. The classic knit features bold stripes and a contrasting polo collar that gives it a polished, pulled-together look. With $44 in savings, it’s an easy way to give your fall wardrobe a fresh update without spending a fortune. 

Blu Pepper Stripe Polo Sweater, $35 (was $79) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

Made with 65% recycled polyester, this knit sweater has a relaxed silhouette that makes it an easy choice for everyday wear. The dropped shoulders give it a laid-back shape, while the long sleeves provide extra coverage for cooler fall days. A partial button-front closure allows the neckline to be worn open or closed, and ribbed trim at the cuffs and hem gives the sweater a classic finish. 

This is also the kind of sweater that could work with pieces you already have in your closet. Wear it with straight-leg jeans and loafers for a simple weekend outfit, or pair it with wide-leg trousers when you want something a little more dressed up. For a classic autumn combination, style it with a denim skirt and boots. 

Sizes run from small to large, and it comes in three striped color options: red wood, dusty blue and mocha. To care for the knit, Nordstrom Rack recommends hand washing and laying it flat on a clean, dry surface to help preserve its shape. 

Shop More Deals

• Sorel Revel Mary Jane Loafers, $70 (were $140) at Nordstrom Rack
• Frye and Co Chesnee Harness Booties, $60 (was $130) at Nordstrom Rack
• Madden Girl Ariella Lace-Up Combat Boot, $55 (was $79) at Nordstrom Rack

Related: Hunter’s Classic Rain Boots Keep You ‘Warm and Dry’ on Damp Days, and They’re 43% Off

At 55% off, the Blu Pepper Stripe Polo Sweater at Nordstrom Rack is definitely worth grabbing before the price changes. Be sure to add it to your cart while it’s still in stock and on sale!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you’re trying to hold onto every last bit of summer, Amazon just marked down the Keen Rose Casual Closed Toe Sandals to $56 in black, down from $120, with the brindle version also marked down at $59. Other colors currently range from $81 up to the full $120 price, depending on the shade and size. They come in sizes 5 to 12, making this a late-summer deal that still gives you plenty of time for beach days, warm-weather trips, and weekends outside.

They have a washable design with a quick-dry lining, an adjustable hook-and-loop ankle strap, and a footbed with built-in arch support. The outsole features a wave grip pattern designed for added traction on wet and slippery ground, while the rubber toe adds extra protection. They’re also water-resistant, machine washable, and weigh 9 ounces per sandal, so they’re a breeze to pack for a trip.

Keen Rose Casual Closed-Toe Sandals, $56 (were $120) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

These sandals offer the perfect mix of sandal-like breathability and sneaker-like coverage, making them especially handy during the stretch between summer and fall. You can wear them to the beach, lake, or on a warm-weather getaway, but the closed toe gives your feet more coverage than a traditional sandal. They’d also be great for sightseeing or outdoor activities where you want something lightweight without switching to a sneaker, and since the straps and lining dry quickly, you won’t have to worry about walking around in soggy shoes all day if they get wet.

The positive reviews are seemingly endless, with more than 12,000 five-star ratings. One shopper who walked 40,000 steps in them in one day called them “lightweight” and “breathable” with “legit non-slip traction,” adding, “10/10 would trust these shoes with my life, my feet, and my poor vacation planning decisions.” Another called them “the best shoes for traveling,” while others praised their zero break-in time and “super comfortable” design.. 

Related: Clarks’ ‘Supportive’ $10 Sandals Are So Pillow-Soft, They Feel Like ‘Walking on a Cloud’

For context, similar closed-toe sport and water sandals typically cost around $90 to $130, with some styles reaching $150 or more. At $56, this pair is priced well below what you’d normally expect to pay for this type of versatile shoe. It also means you’re saving more than half off the regular $120 price instead of just getting a small end-of-summer discount, which is definitely a win if you’re trying to get the best bang for your buck.

Shop More Deals

• Sketoe Flip-Flop Sandals, From $10 (were $25) at Amazon
• Alicegana Boho Sandals, From $16 (were $38) at Amazon
• Idifu Flat Sandals, $10 (were $25) at Amazon

Keen has been making outdoor footwear for more than two decades, and with tens of thousands of five-star ratings behind this pair, there’s plenty of shopper feedback to back it up. If you’ve been thinking about snagging a new pair of sandals before warm-weather plans wind down, this is the perfect time to do it. Be sure to get the Keen Rose Casual Closed-Toe Sandals on Amazon now before the price goes back up.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales twice a week.