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It's hard to go a whole conversation about Hollywood royalty over the generations without touching on Marilyn Monroe.

Perhaps the finest film she graced was Some Like It Hot, which is celebrating a joyous milestone on Sunday, March 29. Exactly 67 years ago, the Oscar-winning movie premiered in New York City, at Loew's newly renovated State Theatre — from then on becoming known as the Capitol Theatre.

Monroe, who died in 1962 at age 36, arrived at the Manhattan premiere on Broadway with her husband, playwright Arthur Miller.

Billy Wilder's renowned crime comedy film also starred Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, and ultimately received six Oscar nominations, with its sole win going to costume designer Orry-Kelly. In 1989, the Library of Congress selected it as one of the first 25 films for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Here's the film's synopsis, per Rotten Tomatoes: After witnessing a Mafia murder, slick saxophone player Joe (Curtis) and his long-suffering buddy, Jerry (Lemmon), improvise a quick plan to escape from Chicago with their lives. Disguising themselves as women, they join an all-female jazz band and hop a train bound for sunny Florida. While Joe pretends to be a millionaire to win the band's sexy singer, Sugar (Monroe), Jerry finds himself pursued by a real millionaire (Joe E. Brown) as things heat up and the mobsters close in.

In other Monroe news, her former Palm Springs home officially hit the market last month for $3.3 million, offering buyers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood history in the California desert. Tucked within the celebrity-favored neighborhood of Vista Las Palmas in Palm Springs, the midcentury-modern residence reflects the glamour and escapism that defined Monroe’s era.

Though Monroe owned several properties throughout her lifetime, her Palm Springs retreat — often referred to as the “Marilyn Monroe Doll House” — has long captured the imagination of fans.

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Joseph Baena is officially stepping into his father’s legendary territory.

The 28-year-old son of Arnold Schwarzenegger made a major impression at his first-ever bodybuilding competition, taking home multiple top finishes at the NPC Natural Colorado State event. 

“Mission accomplished,” Baena captioned a Saturday, March 28 Instagram post celebrating the big moment.

Baena secured first place in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding Heavy Weight Class, Men’s Classic Physique True Novice, and Men’s Classic Physique Novice, while also earning second place in the Men’s Classic Physique Open Class C.

Fans quickly flooded the comments with their congratulatory messages.

“So awesome!!! Congratulations,” Mr. Olympia winner Phil Heath wrote.

Another fan wrote, “Huge congrats, brother! Stay strong in body, mind, and spirit! God bless! 💪🏼🙏🏼”

A third shared, “​​Fantastic start big Joe congratulations.”

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While comparisons to his father are inevitable, Baena’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite now showcasing an elite-level physique, he previously revealed that fitness didn’t always come naturally. “People sometimes forget that I used to be chubby in high school. I got cut from my basketball and soccer team because I couldn’t keep up with the other kids,” he shared in a past post. “Swim didn’t have tryouts thankfully and completely changed my life forever.”

Now, he’s training alongside one of the most iconic figures in bodybuilding history. Schwarzenegger, a seven-time Mr. Olympia winner, has been spotted working out with his son in recent weeks, with Baena even sharing a classic piece of advice from his dad: “You have to shock the muscles!”

Schwarzenegger shares Baena with Mildred Patricia “Patty” Baena, while also having four children with ex-wife Maria Shriver.

Noah Wyle's 10-year-old daughter Shay had a contingency plan for awards season. In case her father came home empty-handed from the Golden Globes, she built him a replacement trophy out of tin foil and chopsticks.

'She fabricated a golden globe in the event that I lost,' Wyle told hosts on a recent appearance on This Morning. 'To make me feel better, she made one out of tin foil and chopsticks, and got the proportions right.'

He didn't need it. The Pitt, the HBO Max medical drama Wyle stars in and co-produces, won Best Television Series, Drama at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards and took five prizes at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor. The tin foil version remains a keepsake.

The wins cap a creative stretch Wyle, now 54, describes as the most satisfying of his career. 'I've never felt this creatively satisfied,' he said. 'To have it come at 54 years of age has been incredibly humbling.'

The Pitt premiered on HBO Max on January 9, 2025. The show follows Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, a veteran ER attending physician navigating a single 15-hour shift, with each of its 15 episodes covering one consecutive hour of that shift in real time. Wyle describes his character as a man who worked through the pandemic without ever processing it. 'He's a drowning man that doesn't know he's drowning,' he said, 'and this shift is going to trigger him in the worst way.'

Related: Noah Wyle Has One Rule for ‘The Pitt’s Guest Stars — And It Might Surprise You (Exclusive)

The structural format required the writers' room to map all character arcs and medical cases across all 15 episodes before scripting began. Continuity on set is managed by two dedicated script supervisors, one tracking the physical environment, one monitoring hair and makeup, to maintain consistency across what is, on screen, an unbroken day.

Wyle and the creative team, which includes ER executive producer John Wells, were deliberate about revisiting medical drama territory. 'All we really risked was damaging the legacy we've already established,' Wyle said. The decision to move forward came down to a story they believed needed telling. Specifically, the toll the pandemic took on frontline healthcare workers. On the aggregate math alone, Wyle noted, ER physicians currently treat four patients per hour across a 12-hour shift. 'That's four people's worst day,' he said. 'An hour. For 12 hours.'

His mother, a retired nurse, has long served as an unofficial technical consultant, whether he wanted one or not. She called every Thursday at 11:01 p.m. after ER aired to critique his medical accuracy. 'Now, thanks to the internet,' Wyle said, 'I've got a million mothers.'

The Pitt has been renewed for a third season. Season 2 premiered January 8, 2026. Both seasons are streaming on HBO Max.

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Beloved Irish actor Brendan Gleeson turned 71 on Sunday.

Known for his commanding on-screen presence, Gleeson has spent decades building one of the most respected careers in film and television.

Born in Dublin, Ireland on March 29, 1955, Gleeson didn't begin his acting career right away. He initially worked as a schoolteacher before transitioning into acting, performing with local theater groups and gradually building his reputation on stage before moving into film.

Over the years, Gleeson has become known for his ability to bring depth and complexity to a wide range of roles, from historical figures to darkly comedic characters. He appeared the role of the beloved Mad-Eye Moody in the Harry Potter film series, which made him instantly recognizable when out and about in public.

"It's difficult to browse in a shop. It's a big price to pay and I don’t like it," Gleeson told The Guardian. As it turns out, Gleeson revels observing the world around him instead of being the subject of observation. Perhaps it's part of his ability to take on so many different types of roles. But, fame has changed that for him. "It's stopped me from being able to people-watch with any great success and comfort. And that's part of what you really need to do to stay aware of what's going on."

Beyond the popular film franchise, Gleeson has starred in films like Braveheart, Gangs of New York and In Bruges, and has become known for his consistently dynamic and lived-in performances.

One of his most acclaimed performances came in the HBO film Into the Storm, in which he portrayed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. His powerful performance earned him a win at the Primetime Emmy Awards, solidifying his reputation as a standout actor.

"He's such a complex individual," Gleeson said of Churchill in a 2009 interview. "His resilience and self-belief and facing down a situation so much greater than he was at the time—his ability to make people realize they were more than they thought they were."

In more recent years, Gleeson has continued to earn critical praise, particularly for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin, which brought him renewed attention and award nominations. He has also remained active in television and film, taking on projects that highlight both his dramatic range and his ability to bring depth to complex characters.

At 71, Brendan Gleeson's career continues to evolve, with each role reinforcing his reputation as one of the most versatile and compelling actors working today.

Related: Iconic '90s Actor With Major Oscar Award Turns 68

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Is your outdoor space feeling a bit drab after the gloomy winter we’ve had? If so, and you want to perk it up a bit, gnome decor pieces are a great way to bring some cheerful and whimsical vibes to your garden and porch. While there are so many gnome figurines out there to choose from, we found one that’s just as functional as it is charming — this Wondhome Hanging Gnome Solar Light at Amazon. 

Right now, you can score it on sale for less than $20! This gnome solar light normally retails for $25, but it’s now marked down to just $19. It’s also available in four quirky gnome statues without the solar light that you can grab if you want to start a collection in your garden. Those normally retail for either $19 or $20 and are now on sale between $15 and $16.

Wondhome Hanging Gnome Solar Light, $19 (was $25) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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In all its cottagecore glory, this gnome light will bring so much whimsy and magic to your outdoor space. The cheeky gnome is incredibly detailed, featuring a white bushy beard and a pointy blue hat that falls over its eyes. It’s dressed in a classic outfit with a red top, green pants, and black shoes. Reviewers pointed out that the colors are very vibrant, allowing the gnome to stand out in any space. 

This gnome hangs from a rope covered in vines, making it feel enchanting. It’s grabbing onto the rope with one hand and clutching onto a lantern with the other. Measuring 19 inches long, the rope is designed to elegantly hang down and will look as if the gnome is popping by your home for a visit. 

The top of the rope is fixed with a small hook so you can hang it from trees, awnings, overhangs, and railings. If you want to put it in the middle of your garden but don’t have a place to hang it from, a shepherd's hook is a simple solution. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out these images from reviewers who shared how they hung it up! 

“What a delightful and wonderful way to celebrate my garden,” one shopper raved, and added that “it’s like having a little guardian watch over my plants and flowers.” Another review said it’s a “fun little guy that adds a lot of character to the yard.”

Related: Amazon's Cozy and Magical Cottagecore Lamps Start at Just $18 During Its Big Spring Sale

While the gnome itself is already charming on its own, the lantern adds a cozy vibe. The inside of the lantern boasts a string of fairy lights that cast a warm glow with a yellow tint. It’s solar-powered, making it an environmentally-friendly and sustainable choice as it doesn't require batteries or electricity. All you have to do is place it in a spot that gets direct sunlight to let the solar panel charge during the day. When it gets dark outside, the lights will turn on automatically, illuminating your space. 

Made of durable resin, this gnome statue light is designed to withstand all kinds of weather conditions without cracking or fading. Both the statue and light are waterproof with an IP65 rating. 

Shoppers mentioned that it has held up well through storms, hail, and heavy winds. A reviewer attested to its durability, commenting that they’ve had it for a year and it still looks and works as good as new! 

Shop More Deals 

• Lightalent Hummingbird Solar Wind Chime, From $13 (was $20) at Amazon
• Mademax Solar Bird Bath Fountain, $14 (was $22) at Amazon
• Maxthot Solar Lantern, From $13 (was $27) at Amazon

What’s life without a little fun and whimsy? Don’t hesitate to snag the Wondhome Hanging Gnome Solar Light on sale for $19 at Amazon and grace your outdoor space with its presence! 

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.

Lifestyle mega-mogul Martha Stewart, 84, has never been one to beat around the bush about what she likes or doesn't like. She made many things very clear in her candid, unapologetic 2024 Netflix documentary—from how to choose the right knife to cut oranges and how she approached her early marriage to ex-husband Andrew Stewart to what she expected from boyfriends after that. Currently, Martha says she's a single woman, but she's not shy if you ask her what makes the perfect man.

Stewart recently shared her checklist for the ideal man in an interview with People. She didn't call it a checklist exactly. We're just calling it a checklist because we've been paying to attention to the queen of organization all these years. After all, Martha Stewart teaches us to have a checklist for everything—and it's a lifesaver!

The desired traits Martha Stewart says she likes in her ideal man include the following:

• Looks: "Nice-looking"
• Hairline: "Bald or not bald—I don't care. If they have a nice-shaped head ..."
• Smile: "Nice teeth and a nice smile"
• Intelligence: "Smart"
• Sense of humor: "Funny"
• Wealth: "Rich helps"
• Plane: "Very nice"
• Yacht: "I love yachts"

This is a very spectacular checklist.

It's funny. Some might guess that money and wealth wouldn't matter as much when you're a self-made, lifestyle entrepreneur and already a millionaire in your own right, but it does. I mean, what badass, self-supporting single woman in her 80s (or any age really!) is ready to start taking care of some unmotivated dude who sits around on the couch playing video games all day. Not Martha, people, definitely not Martha.

Martha Stewart is currently starring in the spring campaign for the denim brand Mother, and, in early March, she opened her second restaurant, the Bedford by Martha Stewart at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. 

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Pyrex food storage containers are beloved for their high-quality and durable glass construction. However, Pyrex sets can definitely be more on the pricey side. Luckily, there are other options available that rival Pyrex quality without breaking the bank. Take, for example, this new glass food storage set available right now at Aldi.

Crofton's glass food storage sets come in two lid color combinations—either a pastel blue-and-green set or a white-and-red set—giving you some cheery options. Each food storage set includes four multi-colored lids and coordinating four glass bowls in various sizes. These glass bowls are great for mixing. However, when used with the accompanying lids, these bowls are also excellent for food storage. From your weekly meal prep to weeknight leftovers, these Crofton food storage containers have you covered—literally. (I'm sorry. I'll show myself out.)

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Crofton Blue-Green Set, $14.99 at Aldi

Aldi

This food storage container set is also super practical in that it is dishwasher-safe. No hand-washing needed here; just toss it in the dishwasher when you're done. These food storage containers are perfect for everyday use. Plus, these glass bowls are freezer-safe. The glass portion is also microwave-safe. The glass bowls are also heat-resistant up to 425°F. Talk about versatile.

Related: Aldi's Rustic 3-Tier Bench Is a Versatile DIY Essential

These glass food storage sets from Crofton are available now at select Aldi stores as part of the grocery chain's current selection of Aldi Finds, limited-time product specials that rotate in and out every week. Aldi Finds can be shopped in Aldi stores' center aisles. If you see an Aldi Find you love, be sure to snatch it up quickly; Aldi Finds never stick around for a terribly long time!

If you are interested in other Aldi Finds, be sure to check out these pretty tablecloths that add a pop of cottagecore charm to any dining setup, this dreamy pastel kitchen staple that brings retro energy to your dinner table, this beautiful three-tier floral serving tray that is perfect for springtime tea parties or this 10-piece food storage set that will seriously up your meal prep game.

Related: Aldi's Pretty New $10 Floral Tumbler Is Giving Rifle Paper Co. Vibes

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There's nothing like sinking your head onto a soft and supportive pillow. While it feels amazing from a comfort perspective, it's also essential for ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed. Bedding can make a huge difference to your sleep quality! For hundreds of shoppers, the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow Set is the ideal choice.

Unlike other pillows that might offer just one or two benefits, these are packed with features that prioritize your needs while you rest. This king size set is an excellent deal at Amazon right now too, marked down from its original $100 to just $63. That's 37% off a duo that one shopper called "the best pillows in the world."

Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow Set, $63 (was $100) at Amazon Shop at Amazon

If you're accustomed to waking up in the middle of the night just to flip your pillow over, that could become a thing of the past thanks to this set's cooling properties. When you aren't overheated, you're more inclined to sleep through the night and wake up feeling refreshed. The pillows are filled with shredded memory foam, which plumps them up without adding unnecessary warmth.

That foam is also critical to your comfort. Because it's shredded, you can easily adjust the pillows at any point to prevent bunching or uneven support. Fluff them up and they'll instantly look and feel as good as new. Unlike other pillows that flatten with use, these are specifically designed to remain in great shape over time. 

One reviewer described the consistency as a "firm softness." That makes these a great option for those who want pillows that aren’t  too fluffy but still offer vital neck and head support. The exterior is just as practical, with a smooth 250 thread count zip cover that provides a soft feel. Whether you tend to sleep on your back, side, or stomach, you can count on these to deliver the right blend of plushness and structure in every position.

Related: Amazon's 'Adorable' and 'Soft' $26 Boho-Inspired Sundress Is 'Perfect' for Spring

"I had the best night's sleep ever," a thrilled shopper raved. "Worth every penny!" Another added, "I can't believe how many pillows I have been through before finding these. They are just the right softness. Love them." One person summed it up best: "I haven’t had such an amazing pillow in a very long time and this pillow is exceeding what I thought it would be!"

Join the many who've converted to the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow Set and never looked back. Pick it up for a big discount while it's on sale at Amazon!

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Daytime Emmy winner Kyler Pettis is looking back at his time in Salem, addressing both the legacy of his character and the ‘criticism’ he faced for working in the soap opera medium.

Pettis starred on Days of Our Lives from 2015 until his exit in 2018 as Theo Carver, the son of Abe Carver (James Reynolds) and Lexie Carver (Renee Jones). For his performance, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor In a Drama Series in 2019.

In a post on Instagram, Pettis shared clips from his time on the soap and addressed the criticism directly. “I got a lot of criticism for being on daytime back in the day,” he wrote.

Despite that, Pettis emphasized the importance of the role in his career. “Still, this was one of the better opportunities I was given to perform,” he wrote, adding, “Ultimately lead to an Emmy 😛”

He also reflected on his character, writing, “Theo was on the autism spectrum who occasionally struggled with social interactions but never with how lovable he was <3”

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In the comment section, Pettis’ former co-star Olivia Rose Keegan shared her support. “I cry 😭😭😭😭😭 you are so brilliant I love you so much” she wrote, adding “I feel so lucky to have known Theo :’) still some of my favorite memories ever”

Fans also responded with support, with many praising his portrayal of Theo.

One commenter wrote, “Sorry you ever felt the criticism. You were working. Building your craft. Creating. Living. And being a positive representation while doing it. The haters are the loudest when you’re the brightest. Keep shining.”

A second fan shared, “I don’t know why you got criticism. LOVED you as Theo!” before jokingly adding, “I’m cheating on you now with the new Theo [Tyler Joseph Andrews] lol because I love him but you were GREAT!”

A third wrote, “Kyler you were an amazing Theo Carver! I absolutely loved all of your performances. The character is such a rich history and you played him so well!!!”

Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock.

Lisa Kudrow revealed that she was concerned that fellow actress Emma Stonedidn't think highly of her acting abilities.

In a March 2026 interview with Vanity Fair, Kudrow noted that she appeared in two films with Stone, 2009's Paper Man, and Easy A, released in 2010.

"Emma's phenomenally talented and she was then. And I had done like a smaller movie called Paper Man. That's when I first met Emma and she was even younger," recalled Kudrow during the Vanity Fair interview.

She then explained that while filming both Paper Man and Easy A, she wasn't able to produce tears. She referenced that in Easy A, her character, Mrs. Griffith, has a breakdown in front of Olive (Stone) after it's revealed she's having an affair with a high school student.

"I was going through this period of, it lasted like five years, where I couldn't cry. There were no tears coming and in this scene in particular, I was feeling devastated. I mean, everything there, and I was crying, but no tears were coming out, but I was crying. It's just there were no tears, just dry. I don't know what, it was the craziest thing," said theFriendsstar.

She then shared that "all [she] could think" while filming the Easy A scene was "Emma Stone must think 'I'm like the worst actress on the planet." She then explained that Stone had already seen her have some difficulty trying to produce tears while playing her Paper Man character, Claire Dunn.

"There was a scene where I was supposed to be crying, talking to her, and it just wasn't happening," said Kudrow, who shared that the Paper Man scene ended up being cut from the film.

Kudrow clarified that she's now able to cry with tears.

"I cry like a tic, to quote Teri Garr in Tootsie," said the Comeback star in the March 2026 interview.

Mike Vernon, the legendary English music executive credited with launching several notable artists' careers, has died at 81 years old.

Born on February 24, 1944, in Harrow, Middlesex, England, Vernon developed a passion for music at a young age. He got his start in the music industry in 1962 as an assistant at Decca Records, moving quickly into a production role by 1963.

In 1965, he founded the Blue Horizon record label, where he worked with then-up-and-coming acts like Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie, helping to launch them into mainstream success. His innovative work in the booth during the 1960s marked him as a pivotal figure in the British blues boom.

Record producer Mike Vernon and John Mayall pose before John Mayall's concert at the Teatro Cervantes on October 9, 2019 in Malaga, Spain.

Per Ole Hagen/Redferns

Vernon is credited with producing influential albums such as self-titled debuts for David Bowie in 1967, Fleetwood Mac in 1968 and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers (featuring Eric Clapton) in 1966, aiding in the development their early sound.

Aside from production, Vernon sang bass as "Eric Rondo" in the 1980s doo-wop revivalist group Rocky Sharpe & the Replays. Vernon held the role for four years during the band's peak between 1979 and 1983, leaving to continue his other professional endeavors. During his time with the group, he helped create some of their biggest hits, such as "Rama Lama Ding Dong" and "Shout! Shout! (Knock Yourself Out)."

In 2013, Vernon was awarded a British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors (BASCA) Gold Badge for his lifetime achievements in the evolving 1960s music scene. His legacy lives on as a pivotal industry figure in British music history.

Related: Beloved ’60s Rocker With No. 1 Hit Song Turns 82

Nelly Furtado is thriving after announcing last fall that she'd quit performing due to body shaming.  

The beloved Grammy winner, 47, who rose to fame in the 2000s thanks to hit songs like "I’m Like a Bird," "Turn Off the Light," and "Promiscuous," is looking better than ever just five months after announcing she would be quitting performing. The singer, who cited a wave of vicious body shaming as the reason for stopping her onstage career, has no intention of slowing down professionally, however. The beauty is regularly in the studio and ready to bring us new music. However, she did take a break to hit the red carpet for the Juno Awards.

"So ready to celebrate 💫," Furtado captioned her stunning photos, which showed the singer looking better than ever in a strapless black gown and sheer black gloves. With her short, dark hair slicked back, Furtado showed the world that she's utterly stunning and confident to boot.

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Why Did Nelly Furtado Quit Performing?

Back in October, Furtado took to Instagram to announce that she would stop performing after she was hit with an onslaught of online body shaming.

"I have decided to step away from performance for the foreseeable future and pursue some other creative and personal endeavors that I feel would better suit this next phase of my life," the beloved singer captioned her Instagram post. "I have enjoyed my career immensely, and I still love writing music, as I have always seen it as a hobby I was lucky enough to make into a career. I’ll identify as a songwriter forever."

View this post on Instagram Who Was Profiting Off Furtado's Name?

Last year, Furtado took to Instagram to share some awesome bikini photos. However, it was what was in the caption that shocked many. The singer shared that online scammers were profiting off her name, and she had to take legal action.

"I had to pursue legal action against a few charlatans online selling services based on health and beauty myths about me," she wrote. "For whoever cares, I have never had any face or body surgeries or augmentation, except for veneers on the top row of my teeth, quite recently."

Related: Nelly Furtado Issues Cheeky Response to Body-Shaming Criticism

Despite being released over 50 years ago, Bruce Springsteen's 1975 hit, "Born to Run," off the album of the same name, is still considered an ultimate rock anthem.

The song, which expresses a desire to pave a new life and escape certain limitations, was recognized for its long-lasting legacy by Rolling Stone magazine in 2024. The publication ranked the hit as being the 27th "greatest song of all time."

In a 2005 interview with CBS Mornings, Springsteen discussed his process of writing the track. He shared that "Born to Run" was the first song he wrote for the 1975 record, which includes such hits like "Thunder Road" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out." The musician explained that once he was able to finish "Born to Run," he "had sort of a template for the rest of the record." He also suggested that he was unhappy with the song's original lyrics.

"If you look at all the lyrics that lead up to the finished song, they all tend to be generally really terrible and florally romantic and just very cliché written," said Springsteen in the 2005 interview.

He also said that he eventually came up with verses and lines "that kind of transcended all the cliches [he] was fiddling around." Springsteen explained that he wanted to implement "classic images of rock and roll music," but knew he had "to bring something else to the table."

"By 1974, they would just appear silly, you know," explained the 76-year-old while speaking toCBS Mornings. "And so, it was trying to take those ideas and those images and to fill them with a certain currency, and my own emotional currency and those are the lines and the verses that I kept and that's what brought the record and that song to life. Took a long time to write the first one. A lot of failure, failure, failure along the way."

Springsteen also shared that when he was recording Born to Run, his third studio album, he was attempting "to make one of the greatest, you know, rock records ever." He also said he wanted to blend Bob Dylan's lyricism and the imagery of Elvis Presley while crafting the record. Springsteen said while the task was "enjoyable to do," recording Born to Run "was hard" because of his high expectations for himself and his bandmates.

In my house, a slow cooker was on my husband's Christmas list that was enthusiastically unboxed and used for a total of three times in the past four years. It's an appliance that has been taking up precious cabinet space in my compact New York City apartment. The abandoned appliance got me thinking about how much untapped potential might actually be sitting inside of it. Slow cookers are often called the ultimate “set it and forget it” appliance, yet for many home cooks, they end up feeling limited to a few repetitive recipes.

Many households seem to have a similar handful of go-to recipes and we tend to fall into a rut when it comes to using Crock Pots and similar appliances. Depending on the volume of the slow cooker you own and the number of people you're cooking for, it can work perfectly for an easy weeknight dinner. Larger models work very well for a hands-off dish for a dinner party or a big, versatile base that can be used to create multiple types of meals to keep things interesting without extra effort. But there is so much more to slow cookers than just this.

To explore what this everyday appliance is truly capable of, I reached out to chefs to learn which slow cooker dishes they think are most underrated, and the tips and hacks they rely on to get exceptional results.

Read on to find out more about their insights on unexpected recipes you can make in a slow cooker—as well as chef-approved tips and tricks for using your appliance.

Related: 35 Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Potato Dishes for Weeknight Ease

3 Underrated Slow Cooker Dishes, According to Chefs

Here, three chefs tell Parade the #1 Crock Pot or slow cooker meal they believe is the most "underrated," and why they'd encourage more people to try it out themselves.

rudisill/Getty Images

1. Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon might sound like a dish you make only on special occasions but at its core, it's just a really flavorful beef stew. The only thing is that a beef bourguignon can only be called so if it has red wine as a back bone, lardons as a source of fat, mushrooms and pearl onions.

“One of the best dishes to make in a slow cooker is beef bourguignon,” says Franklin Becker of Manhattan’s acclaimed Point Seven restaurant. This classic French stew is generally simmered for hours on the stovetop, and therefore is especially well-suited for the slow cooker, where the steady heat allows the meat to become fork-tender while absorbing the flavors of the aromatics and red wine perfectly. 

“First, sear cubes of beef chuck well in rendered bacon fat and transfer them to a plate. In the same pan, sauté mirepoix until softened, then add garlic and tomato paste and cook until fragrant," explains Becker. "Deglaze with red wine, letting it reduce slightly before transferring everything to the slow cooker along with the beef, bacon, stock and herbs. Let the mixture cook on the low setting for six to seven hours."

He finishes the dish by stirring in pearl onions and buttery sautéed mushrooms just before serving.

Related: 37 Simple and Healthy Crock Pot Recipes That Basically Make Themselves

GMVozd/Getty Images

2. Pulled Pork

Pulled pork might sound like a very generic and overdone slow cooker dish, but it isn't just about the pulled pork. What you do once the pork has been slowly cooked for hours and pulled apart makes all the difference. Matt Abdoo, chef and co-founder of Pig Beach BBQ calls it his "blank canvas."

“My favorite underrated slow cooker dish is pulled pork as it is one of the most versatile things you can make and something you can use to easily turn into different meals,” Abdoo tells Parade. “It’s the true definition of 'set it and forget it,' and it’s also incredibly forgiving. As long as you remember to turn the slow cooker on, it will come out juicy and full of flavor every time."

He starts with large chunks of pork shoulder and seasons it well with salt and pepper. Then, he transfers it to the slow cooker with a little chicken broth or even just water, and allows the slow cooker to do the work on a low setting for up to eight hours.

From there, the meat can easily be transformed into a hearty addition to mac n cheese, tossed into a green curry, or shredded into pasta sauce for a great pulled-pork ragu.

Maria Camila Tobon/Getty Images

3. Black-Eyed Pea and Butterbean Soup with Chicken Andouille Sausage

Kevin Curry, founder and author of Fit Men Cook, highlights black-eyed pea and butterbean soup as his favorite underrated slow cooker meals.

“It has soul food roots with a Cajun nod, and it always tastes way more complex than the ingredient list suggests, which is exactly why I love it,” he says.

To build that depth, he soaks the beans, browns the sausage, and sautés the classic holy trinity of onion, bell pepper and celery in a Dutch oven. Then, he blooms his seasoning blends, Taco Titan and Land, Herb and Garlic, in the sautéed mixture with a spoonful of miso for an umami boost without extra salt.

“Everything goes into the slow cooker with stock and bay leaves,” Curry explains, “until the beans are tender and the butterbeans start to break down and thicken the broth.”

He recommends cooking this on the low setting for seven to eight hours and on the high setting for four to five hours. And, in a pinch, you can absolutely used canned beans, which also reduces cook time to 30-45 minutes on the high setting.

Curry finishes the soup with a splash of apple cider vinegar and serves it over fresh kale that has been massaged with lemon juice, which takes it to the next level.

Related: 8 Genius Tips for Better Crock-Pot Cooking, According to the Internet’s Slow Cooker Queen (Exclusive)

5 Chef-Approved Slow Cooker Tips, Tricks & Hacks1. Cook low and slow for the best texture

Any chef will tell you that cooking meat especially, low and slow is the way to go.

“Although the slow cooker generally has three settings, I like to cook my dishes on the low setting for the best texture,” says Abdoo. He suggests allowing yourself up to eight hours for the cooking to be done, depending on what it is.

“Smaller proteins such as chicken thighs will take around three to four hours, whereas larger proteins like pork shoulder or chuck roasts could take up to eight hours, depending on their size,” he explains.

Related: 63 Vegetarian Crock Pot Recipes for Light and Easy Weeknight Meals

2. Use less liquid than you think

Unlike stovetop cooking, very little liquid evaporates from the slow cooker. “Ensure there is enough liquid but not too much for the most flavor,” says Becker.

Filling the slow cooker to a maximum of about two-thirds of its volume is a good gauge, allowing ingredients to release their own moisture without diluting the final dish. Too much liquid can mute flavors and leave sauces thin instead of rich and concentrated.

3. Keep the lid on at all times

It is tempting to check in, but resist the urge. “Every time you lift the lid, heat and moisture escape, slowing down the cooking process further,” Becker, Abdoo and Curry all tell Parade. Trusting the process is key so allow the slow cooker to make its magic without interruption!

Related: 27 of the Best Crock Pot Chicken Recipes to Simplify Your Dinner Routine

4. Brown the meats first

If you are making a non-vegetarian dish, searing the meat first can make a world of difference. Becker, Abdoo and Curry agree that the Maillard reaction on the surface of the meat when seared, creates complex, flavorful compounds that you can’t get from simply cooking alone.

“The caramelized exterior adds depth to the final dish, especially in slow-cooked recipes where all the ingredients simmer together for hours,” they say.

5. Add delicate ingredients last

There are some ingredients that don’t do well sitting in a slow cooker for hours. Slow cooking certain ingredients can ruin the texture or add off-putting flavors to a dish.

“Fresh herbs, dairy, quick cooking vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini, and citrus are best added at the end of the cooking process to allow them to truly shine,” suggests Curry. They are also the best way to add another layer of flavor.

Up Next:

Related: The Genius Crock-Pot Trick I Use All the Time

Sources:

• Franklin Becker, chef and co-owner of Point Seven
• Matt Abdoo, chef and co-founder of Pig Beach BBQ
• Kevin Curry, founder and author of Fit Men Cook

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

Real talk: I live for an outdoor rocking chair moment. I have two on my front porch and the instant I sit in one it feels like my whole body can exhale. Like, the second you plop down and start that gentle back-and-forth, your brain gets the memo that you are officially off duty.

And the rocking itself is soothing in that almost nostalgic way, like your body remembers it before your brain does. You're (hopefully) not thinking about your to-do list—you're just existing peacefully. Ideally with an iced tea nearby. So the idea of a rocking chair you can take anywhere feels kind of genius. Patio, park or campsite—wherever you land, you've got your own little pocket of calm ready to go.

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Member's Mark Rocking Chair, $79.98 at Sam's Club Member's Mark Rocking Chair

Sam's Club

Shop It!

Sam's Club is selling a Member's Mark Rocking Chair that's designed to be used outdoors and, get this, it's foldable. So if you don't have a large patio or porch, or if you just simply want to rock on the go and throw this bad boy in the car, you can. Because it folds so easily and gets compact enough to stow it away anywhere.

And you have a few different colorways to choose from, too. There's blue, black, red, grey and "grey pumice" (basically just a lighter grey).

Related: Aldi's 3-Tier Floral Serving Piece Is the Stuff of Your Whimsical Tea Party Dreams

The Member's Mark Rocking Chair is one of those Sam's Club items that gets a lot of love in the product reviews section—mostly all five stars.

"This rocking chair is basically a throne for humans," says one enthusiastic customer. "The steel frame feels sturdy, the extra-wide seat is roomy, and the built-in pillows cradle your neck and back like royalty. Rocking gently, you might even start plotting great ideas—or just an epic nap. Highly recommend!"

I will say the padded body of the chair is a really nice feature. I have polyethylene rocking chairs on my front porch and while I love them, they do require extra cushions to make them more comfy. These Sam's Club chairs essentially have that cushioning built in—nothing pillowy but enough that you can sink into them and fully relax.

If you head to Sam's Club for these rocking chairs, make sure you hit up the home section. The retailer is selling the prettiest floral ceramic bowls for spring, as well as a timeless stoneware pitcher (perfect for holding that iced tea while you rock on your porch).

Related: This Light and Crisp Rosé Is the Perfect Wine for Your Easter Brunch

Former Toto singer Bobby Kimball turned 79 on March 29, 2026, as reported by On This Day.

Kimball lent his iconic vocals to several beloved Toto songs, including the 1982 song "Africa," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 on February 5, 1983. In a 2016 interview with A Growing Bolder, Kimball noted that his voice was featured on some of the band's most popular songs.

"Nobody sang anything else on 'Hold the Line.' I sang all the backgrounds and all the leads. I sang most of 'Rosanna,' I sang the chorus on 'Africa.' And everyone told me, 'Oh my god, we loved 'Africa' because of the chorus.' Well, I sang all the biggest hits Toto did," said the musician.

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Kimball was removed from Toto because of his issues with substance abuse following the release of the 1982 album, Toto IV. While speaking to A Growing Bolder, Kimball said, "It was very tough getting asked to leave Toto in 1984."

Toto songwriter and keyboardist, Steve Porcaro, shared that the band went through some difficulty after Kimball's exit in a 2023 interview with Rock History Music. Porcaro described Kimball, who ended up being replaced by late singer, Fergie Frederiksen, as being "very special."

Parade reported that during a November 2025 appearance on The Rockonteurs, Porcaro stated that he wasn't on bad terms with Kimball.

“You know… there was all this bulls— in the early ’90s about how we were mortal enemies and all this crap. I love Bobby Kimball. He’s one of the greatest singers I’ve ever been around. When the voice was on… he was untouchable," said Porcaro during the November 2025 interview.

He also suggested that he and Kimball haven't been able to talk as much because he has Frontotemporal Dementia.

"Listen, I love Bobby, we’ve been in touch, but he’s starting to lose touch with who he is now because of, you know, dementia. It’s very sad, and I have no right to talk about it. I love him, and… there’s a third party involved that sends love," said Porcaro.

Cruz Beckham's music officially has another Spice Girl's stamp of approval.

On Saturday, at his most recent gig with his band, The Breakers, Geri Halliwell was in attendance along with his mom and dad, Victoria and David.

"This dude is a star," Ginger Spice captioned a selfie of her and Cruz from The Courtyard Theatre in London. She also shared selfies with David and Victoria and a photo of the band, captioned, "He's on fire!" on her Instagram Stories.

View this post on Instagram

According to the Daily Mail, Victoria's brother and sister were also in attendance.

The show marked the conclusion of the band's tour around Europe, however the group will be heading across the pond starting in July for a North American tour, which Cruz announced via Instagram last week.

While his music career is well underway, the timing of his early success comes as the famous family continues to be at odds with its eldest son, Brooklyn. In fact, fans believe that Cruz's song "Loneliest Boy" is directly about his older brother and their estrangement. While performing the song on Tuesday, he became visibly emotional, the Daily Mail reported.

In addition to his music, Cruz has spoken about the family drama, which stemmed from Brooklyn's 2022 marriage to Nicola Peltz, denying the rumor that his parents have unfollowed their oldest son on Instagram.

"My mum and dad would never unfollow their son," he wrote at the time. "Let’s get the facts right. They woke up blocked… as did I.”

Related: Brooklyn Beckham Slams Victoria and David's 'Performative' Birthday Wishes

While rumors of tension between Brooklyn and Peltz and the rest of the family had been bubbling up since their wedding, the drama finally surfaced in January of this year when the amateur chef took to his Instagram stories with a lengthy and scathing post as to why he's cut ties with his family.

“I do not want to reconcile with my family," his statement read in part. "I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.”

Still, Victoria and David, who have not publicly responded to his claims, wished him a happy birthday earlier this month on Instagram, to which Brooklyn slammed via a statement as "performative."

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Comedian Howie Mandelcould be getting a little heat for the "joke" he made to Kelly Ripa on Live with Kelly and Mark last week. The awkward moment did go viral and started some important conversation, and today he's issuing a rare apology of sorts to the beloved host.

In case you missed it, Mandel was a guest on the talk show this week, in part, celebrating his 70th birthday. Both Ripa and her co-host husband Mark Consueloswere attempting to shower Mandel in compliments about his healthy physique and his looks.

After talking about his 70-year milestone, Ripa said, “That doesn’t make any sense.”

Mandel interrupted her saying, “What do you mean that doesn’t make any sense?”

And Ripa continued to say, “Because you look…”

This led to an awkward back and forth where Mandel explained (kiddingly?) he didn't like hearing he looked good only in in context with his age, and Ripa tried to clarify that wasn't what she was saying at all.

That's when Mandel dropped his joke, “”It’s like saying you’re smart for a stupid person.”

(We previously called out how Ripa, probably unwittingly, did use ageist language, despite how very socially acceptable it is to do so.)

Related: Howie Mandel, 70, Calls Out Kelly Ripa, 55, for Using Ageist Language

There are unconfirmed rumors that Ripa was upset by the joke. Perhaps this is why Mandel is now struggling really, really hard to apologize in his very Howie Mandel type of way.

Mandel posted the message to Ripa via his Instagram, stating he's been debating for 48 hours on whether or not to do it. "Philosophically I don't believe that somebody's who's a comedian needs to apologize for a joke," Mandel says. "It is a joke. It is meant as a joke. And it's not meant to offend. You can not like it ... In all my 50 years in the business, I haven't ever publicly, kind of, apologized for ... So this is incredibly hard for me."

After a pause, he says, "But this is for Kelly Ripa ..."

Take a listen to Howie Mandel's attempt at an apology for Kelly Ripa:

View this post on Instagram

Well, at least we know where Mandel stands for now. Actually, take that back. It might be impossible to ever know where Mandel truly stands—or where the joking begins and ends.

It certainly doesn't appear his ego has truly taken a hit due to Ripa's comments—but for the record, we're still not gonna cosign the way she approached her compliment.

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David Charvet is best known for his role on Baywatch in the ’90s, and one glance at his lookalike son makes it clear that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Charvet, 53, was born and raised in France before heading stateside and taking Hollywood by storm. It was his role as the handsome high schooler Matt Brody on Baywatch that catapulted him to superstardom and made him a household name among young women who loved his hair flip and washboard abs. (Which he clearly still has!)

After departing Baywatch, Charvet headed to Melrose Place and also pursued a music career. He even had success on the charts in his native country of France. But these days, Charvet's favorite role is devoted dad, and he regularly hits the gym with his son, Shay. In a shirtless selfie, the father-son duo shared a photo that showed they basically have the same face. It's almost mindblowing how much Shay looks like his father did at his age!

"No filters just hard work @buildlosangeles_ proud of you @shayacharvet ❤️," David captioned the photo, to which Shay replied, "Let's go."

View this post on Instagram

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What is David Charvet Up to These Days?

During the show’s heyday, Charvet dated co-star Pamela Anderson, who played lifeguard C.J. Parker. He went on to marry Brooke Burke, who is the mother of his children, Heaven and Shay. However, the couple divorced in 2020.

While Charvet made headlines as an actor, life in front of the camera doesn’t interest him all that much anymore. He pivoted to working for a residential contractor, The Jones Builders Group, and hasn’t looked back.

“To wake up every morning early, to be able to be the first face that my kids would see has been a blessing,” Charvet explained to Fox News in 2022. “And I did it. People to this day ask me, ‘How come you have such a great relationship with your children?’ And I said to them, ‘… I put the time in.’”

We love a devoted dad!

Related: ‘90s ‘Baywatch’ Hunk David Charvet, 53, Is More Handsome Than Ever as He Snuggles up to His Mom

I've long been a night owl and a morning person. That is, I don't sleep as much as I'd like. These tendencies were necessary during two nearly back-to-back newborn phases for my children, and frankly, unavoidable during pregnancies (two thumbs down for third-trimester 3 a.m. bathroom runs).

But they became harmful as my kids grew, and they no longer needed a 3 a.m. feeding. For starters, my patience (a qualification for raising two small children and multiple pets) was as thin as my postpartum hair. Also, as a health writer, I am acutely aware of how vital it is to protect against cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline later in life and cancer. Nearly every time I ask any specialist for healthy lifestyle tips, sleep comes up.

So, after years of shrugging and saying, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," I began embarking on a journey to get longer, higher-quality shuteye—to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep. I thought I finally had it down after getting blackout curtains. They were super helpful (cool dark rooms for the win), but as my life got stressful again, the 3 a.m. wake-ups returned. I rinsed, washed and repeated with sleep meditations.

Throughout these struggles, I was good about blue light and putting my phone to bed at least one hour before I hit the hay. I'm aware of the effects blue light can have on sleep. But in January, I sustained an injury to my dominant hand and had some other stressors. The world was also on fire. Suddenly, my willpower to resist my phone before bed plummeted, and my sleep hours did, too (and I was already running on only about five hours nightly).

When my Parade editor sent out an email asking if anyone wanted to do a 30-day challenge to stop looking at their phone before bed, it felt like a sign from the universe to make a change. So, I did. That night, I began to shift to putting my phone away at least 90 minutes before bedtime (even longer than my pre-injury hour between nixing screens and bedtime).

It has not completely changed my life, but it has made a massive impact on my well-being. Here's what I learned when I stopped looking at my phone before bed, and the advice I'd give to others looking to do the same.

Related: This Is the Most Important Habit To Have if You Want To Get 8 Hours of Sleep Tonight

How It Started Froget the couch —my phone can take the floor!

Courtesy Beth Ann Mayer

In December, I literally wrote a story on how a neuropsychologist chooses not to scroll before bed (link below). In it, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy. D., a New York-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, told Parade, “The brain works those evening hours to change modes, calm emotions and ready memory systems for tomorrow morning. If someone is staying up late scrolling or working or worrying, that transition gets disrupted.”

Research also suggests that exposure to blue light before bed can affect sleep.

Related: ‘I’m a Neuropsychologist—Here’s the One Thing I Never, Ever Do Before Bed

Yet, after I injured my right hand, I became BFF with Dr. Google. After all, I needed to use it to figure out when I'd be able to type with two hands (I thought Googling the same thing multiple times on different days would bring me to the answer I wanted). I needed to keep tabs on all the news the powers that be in Washington and beyond were pushing out. Is AI coming for my job and kids' safety?

Plus, Bridgerton dropped a new season (comfort watch!), and I absolutely needed to know the backstory of every U.S. Olympic figure skater—those were bright spots, except not really. Regardless of what I consumed, my sleep went from bad to worse to nearly non-existent.

I knew that was an issue. Common wisdom holds that adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night. Heck, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "Quality sleep—and getting enough of it at the right times—is as essential to survival as food and water. Without sleep, you can’t form or maintain the pathways in your brain that let you learn and create new memories."

Gulp. It was time to practice what all the experts I'm lucky enough to speak to daily preach. I needed a reset.

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I Quit My Phone Before Bed for 30 Days: Here's What Happened My phone is out of sight, out of mind.

Courtesy Beth Ann Mayer

Not scrolling before bed had an immediate effect on my mental well-being and focus, but I had to roll up my sleeves and change some of my phone habits to make it happen. Here's how I stopped scrolling before bed for 30 days (and counting!) and the changes I've noticed.

1. I had to make a plan

When it comes to digital habits, I need to save myself from myself. I set email, social media, news and shopping apps to "0 minutes" after 8:30 p.m., and "bedtime mode" at 9 p.m. My family is with me, so I reassured myself that a phone wasn’t necessary to hear about emergencies.

I have long heard that putting your phone in another room can improve sleep, so I decided to dock mine in the kitchen. To reinforce this new habit, I also decided I'd "reward" myself by putting a check on my calendar each day I didn't look at my phone after 8:30 p.m.

Because I still have perfectionist tendencies, I wound up earning a check each night. In short, the strategy was effective.

Related: ‘I Tried a Brick To Spend Less Time on My Phone—and I’m Not Sure How I Ever Lived Without It’

2. I had to pivot

Keeping my phone in a completely separate room didn't last long because Peloton's sleep meditations really help, and I found I was having a harder time getting to bed without them. So, I put my phone on the floor—out of sight and reach. I also made my Peloton app accessible. It's an important reminder that we're all individuals.

3. I felt more focused and cut back on caffeine

Within a few days, I noticed I was sleeping at least six hours (every bit counts!). While I was still a bit groggy, I was certainly less tired and distracted during working hours. I had been drinking three cups of coffee per day, but I cut back down to my usual two cups and felt so much less jittery without losing focus on energy.

Related: This Common Nutrient Deficiency Is Quietly Ruining Women’s Sleep

4. I fell asleep more easily without supplements

I've taken Melatonin to help me fall asleep faster. One week into my challenge of not looking at my phone before bed, I wanted to see if I could cut back, so I took 5 mg (2 gummies), then 3.75 mg (1.5 gummies). I had no issues falling asleep. Two weeks later, I went down to one gummy (2.5 mg). Not only did I fall asleep within 10 minutes of my head hitting the pillow, but I also found myself far less groggy the next day.

Related: What Happens to Your Body if You Take Melatonin Every Night, According to a Behavioral Sleep Medicine Expert

5. My mental well-being improved

The more sleep I got, the better I felt. I am not going to lie here—I still had issues, including pain from my injury. But what I loved the most about getting more sleep after committing to less pre-bed screentime was the clarity it gave me about the next steps I needed to take to reduce stress and feel better—mind and body.

It's amazing what happens when you realize it's best to call or message your physical therapist with questions and overall stop living in an endless stream of horrific news.

6. My overall screen time declined

Last fall, my lack of screen time became a badge of honor. I cut my screen time to less than an hour per day—a far cry from the five hours of just a few years ago. I never quite got back to the (not great) five hours on screens daily, but I was over two hours and not comfortable with it.

When I stopped scrolling at night, I realized I was less inclined to lean on it as a crutch to numb out from reality during the day, back to around an hour daily. My daily phone pickups plummeted to under 40 minutes daily.

Related: A Psychotherapist Is Begging People To Stop Making This Common Mistake on Social Media

7. I read more (but have no idea what happened during Bridgerton)

Since I wasn't scrolling or streaming Netflix, I went back to one of my favorite hobbies: reading physical books. I plowed through three books in a month. I suppose the downside is that I had to avoid Bridgerton spoilers, as my pace slowed while watching the show on my phone. But since my screen time was down, it wasn't that hard (I finally finished season 4 two days ago).

Related: This Common Supplement May Increase Your Risk of Heart Failure, According to Cardiologists

Final Tips and Takeways All the books I read since I didn't scrool.

Courtesy Beth Ann Mayer

After my 30-day break from bedtime phone use, I was able to reset my sleep and reduce stress. If you want that for yourself, try some of these tips:

Experiment with phone location

You may benefit from putting your phone outside the room. But if you use it for sleep sounds, putting it in a drawer, the floor or across the room can also work. Give yourself grace to do what works for you, even if it goes against the grain of the Internet.

Related: Wait, What's the Difference Between White Noise and Brown Noise? Experts Sound Off

Be curious about timing

I am finding that logging off my phone for the night, 90 minutes or ideally two hours before bedtime, improves my sleep. You may be able to get by with less or need more. Try a few different times over a week or two and see what works best.

Hold yourself accountable

Self-boundaries are important but hard to keep. Consider gamifying your screentime habits with checkmarks for each time you meet your goals. A friend of mine sends another pal her screen time report each week, and I know others who use the Brick. I know people who make someone else set the code they need to break their screen time boundaries (and keep it a secret from them).

Related: I Took Magnesium Before Bed for 6 Months and It Completely Transformed My Sleep

Find a replacement habit

I wasn't about to go to bed with my phone—the point was to give myself a buffer between putting it away and hitting the hay. Reading instead really helped distract me. I didn't “need” to walk over and get my device to beat boredom.

Related: 25 Best Short Books You Can Easily Read in a Day, According to Librarians

Manage expectations

Not looking at your phone before bed is an important step for logging more Zzzs, but it may not be a cure-all. Other habits, like stress management and meal timing, may also need work.

As for me, I am so proud of myself for getting my screen and sleep time back on track in 30 days that I am rewarding myself by keeping both habits. Sweeter dreams, everyone.

Up Next:

Related: Here's Exactly How To Track Your Sleep on Your Apple Watch

Sources:

• Sleep and Cardiovascular Health: An Introduction to the Series. Circulation.
• Association Between Sleep Duration and Cognitive Decline. Geriatrics.
• The Triad of Sleep, Immunity, and Cancer: A Mediating Perspective. Cells.
• Impact of Exposure to Dim Light at Night on Sleep in Female and Comparison with Male Subjects. Psychiatric Investigation.
• Effects of pre-bedtime blue-light exposure on ratio of deep sleep in healthy young men. Sleep Medicine.
• Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.