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Hockey Reporter Mom and Her 3 Young Kids Die in Devastating House Fire
It's absolutely heartbreaking news in the hockey and Minnesota community and for countless others. In an unfathomable tragedy, Minnesota Wild and NFL hockey reporter Jessi Pierce, 37, her three young children and dog have reportedly died in a devastating house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. "Jessi Pierce loved hockey with the same intensity she had for her family—and for life in general," says the full-page obituary posted on the NHL site.
The media release from the White Bear Lake Fire Department states that they responded to a call in the early morning hours on Saturday, March 21, 2026, after neighbors called 911 to report flames coming from the roof of a home. The fire department report then goes on to say they found one adult, three children, and a dog, all deceased, inside of the house. Names were not posted in the release.
The fire department's Facebook posting says, "It is a very difficult and sad day for our community."
According to the NHL's lengthy obit for the reporter mom of three, Pierce was:
- A graduate of Iowa State University.
- A Minnesota Wild reporter and contributor to NHL.com for the past 10 seasons.
- A sports reporter whose worked appeared in USA Hockey, the Minnesota Hockey Journal, Massachusetts Hockey, The Athletic, and other publications.
- The cohost for the Bardown Beauties podcast about the Wild.
- And most of all, a loving and proud mama to her three children.
Pierce regularly posted happy selfies, often rinkside at the Grand Casino Arena, as well as pics of her kids on her social media account.
In addition to the obit, the NHL posted a photo of Pierce with their condolences on Instagram: “The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children. Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.”
View this post on InstagramThe Minnesota Wild hockey team followed suit: "We are heartbroken and join the State of Hockey in mourning the tragic loss of Jessi and her children. May they rest in peace 💔."
View this post on InstagramNo further details are yet available on the cause of the fire. The White Bear Lake Fire Department release says, "We will provide updates when it is appropriate. Our main focus at this time is on everyone affected by this tragedy."
The Look Karla Mosley Wanted for 'Beyond the Gates' Dani Dupree—But Producers Said 'No'
Karla Mosley had a very different vision for her Beyond the Gates character Dani Dupree when she was first cast in the role on the CBS soap opera.
In an interview on The Gatekeepers Podcast, a Beyond the Gates fan podcast, Mosley was asked what she knew about Dani prior to the beginning of production.
During the conversation, Mosley revealed she initially pushed for a different look for Dani. “I tried to push for Dani to have micro braids like Lisa Bonet,” she said. “They were like, ‘no’.”
Mosley explained that production had a clearly defined vision for the character. “They were like, she is who she is. She is this very rich ex-model,” she said.
That approach contrasted with Mosley’s real-life style. “I'm super low maintenance, Dani is the opposite,” she explained.
Ultimately, Mosley leaned into the differences. “It's really about embracing it,” she said, noting that the show’s hair, makeup, and wardrobe team helped her better understand Dani’s “grandness.”
Mosley also revealed that one of Dani’s early storylines sparked internal discussion. “Obviously Dani came out of the gate guns blazing, literally, and there was like a little bit of pushback from some execs who questioned ‘Do we need to soften her?’”
However, showrunner Michelle Val Jean supported the character’s original direction. “Michelle was like ‘She will change, she will grow,’” Mosley said.
Now in the show’s second season, Mosley says Dani has evolved. “She's kind of in her comedic soft girl era right now,” she shared.
Still, Mosley emphasized that Dani’s core traits remain intact. “Michelle was like, ‘She will always be fierce. We are not going to soften her.’ and I really love that about her,” she said.
You can listen to the full interview with Mosley, and her co-stars Lauren Buglioli (Vanessa McBride) and Daphnée Duplaix (Nicole Richardson Dupree) on The Gatekeepers Podcast here.
Beyond the Gates season 1 is streaming in full on Paramount Plus or on Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.
Beyond the Gates Season 2 airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount Plus.
Kathy Hilton Reveals the Unlikely Style Tips She Gives Daughters Paris and Nicky
It's common for parents to pass down any number of things to their children — talents, recipes, jewelry, you name it.
During a recent fragrance event at her Bel Air, California, home, TV personality and businesswoman Kathy Hilton spilled on some surprising yet relatable style and beauty tips she has always stressed to her daughters Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton.
"A classic rule I’ve told Paris and Nicky is to be comfortable. I'd rather be a little underdressed than overdressed because you can always throw on fun earrings or change your shoes if you're leaving work or getting off a plane," Kathy, 67, told ET in an interview article published Saturday, March 21. "You don't want to come in with the whole kitchen sink and make a fool out of yourself. Dim it down a little bit. Just be fresh, pretty, and confident. That's the best."
View this post on InstagramET also reports that the mother not only shares advice with her kids — they share closets as well.
"They can't wear my shoes because I have a smaller foot, but they wear my jewelry, my accessories, and my handbags," the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star said. "I recently borrowed a bag that was so cute from Paris. She was calling every day saying, 'I'm going to come by and get my bag.' … She knows her inventory and doesn't forget, but I’m happy that she takes care of her things and that she's appreciative."
Earlier this month, Paris, 45, wished her mom a happy birthdayon Instagram, and the post is chalk full of big wonderful 1980s hair. Paris and her sister Nicky, 42, were both born in the early ’80s, so in the family photos — when the girls are little — Mama Kathy is rocking some very bodacious hair.
In the celebratory post on March 13, Paris writes: “Happy Birthday to the most incredible mom and the heart of our family @KathyHilton 💖✨🎂.”
View this post on InstagramYoung Girl Pinned Under Golf Cart at PGA Event — Brooks Koepka Rushes to Help
A frightening moment unfolded at the 2026 Valspar Championship in Florida when a young girl was struck and briefly pinned underneath a golf cart near the 15th hole.
The incident occurred at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club’s Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor during a round of play on Saturday, March 21. According to reports, the cart, used to transport fans around the course, was moving slowly when the accident happened.
On-course reporter Smylie Kaufman described the scene in real time, noting that PGA champ Brooks Koepka quickly stepped in to assist. “Brooks Koepka went underneath the ropes to talk to the girl and comfort her,” Kaufman said per Us Weekly, adding, “Very scary moment… I am sure Brooks Koepka’s heart is still spinning a little bit.”
Tournament medical staff responded immediately and evaluated the child on-site. Thankfully, early assessments indicated she did not suffer any serious injuries.
“She’s OK, thankfully, so that’s all that matters,” Koepka later told reporters, per the outlet. “I know she’s probably a little scared, and I just felt for her at the time.” The golfer also acknowledged the unsettling nature of the incident, saying, “It’s unfortunate, it shouldn’t have happened. But as long as she’s OK—and nothing crazy happened to her—then it will be OK.”
A spokesperson for the Valspar Championship confirmed that the vehicle involved was “slow-moving” and emphasized that the situation, while alarming, did not result in significant harm. After being checked by medical personnel, the girl was able to leave with her family and did not require further treatment.
Play at the hole was briefly paused for about five minutes. Following the incident, Koepka returned to competition, though he recorded a double-bogey on the next hole and trailed leader Sungjae Im by seven shots. When asked if the moment affected his performance, he said simply, “Not golf-wise, no.”
1977 Career-Defining Classic Was a No. 1 Hit 49 Years Ago Today
In 1977, The Manhattan Transfer delivered one of the most memorable tracks of their career, one that would ultimately become known as their signature song.
Their single, "Chanson D'Amour" became an international success, reaching No. 1 on charts in multiple countries, including the UK, and helping cement the group's place in pop and jazz history.
Known for their rich harmonies and genre-blending style, The Manhattan Transfer originally formed in 1969, founded by Tim Hauser. After an early lineup dissolved, Hauser re-formed the group in the early 1970s with Janis Siegel, Alan Paul and Laurel Massé, creating the classic lineup that would bring the group widespread acclaim.
"Chanson D’Amour" showcased the group's ability to reinterpret older material with a fresh, polished sound, blending pop, jazz and vocal harmony into something uniquely their own. The song, written by Wayne Shanklin, was first recorded by Art and Dotty Todd in 1958, and peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard charts. The Manhattan Transfer's version later solidified the song's status as a pop standard.
Over the years, The Manhattan Transfer earned widespread recognition, winning multiple Grammy Awards across different genres, including pop, jazz and R&B— an achievement that highlighted their versatility and vocal precision.
"We all had different influences," Paul said in a 2008 interview. "All of us came from different backgrounds, and we brought to the table a lot of different passions. It was a matter of the quality and the heart put into a particular song. We always had a very wide scope in terms of our palette—in terms of how we wanted to paint. I think we realized that to have longevity we needed to be flexible."
Despite their long career, the group also experienced loss along the way. Founding member Tim Hauser died in 2014 at the age of 72, marking the end of an era for the group. Despite this, the band continued to perform and carry on its legacy until 2023, when they performed their final show at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
"I think we're going out on top. And that's the way I always wanted it. I think we all felt that way," said Paul. "We didn’t want to have it deteriorate. We want to be remembered for our greatness, and we certainly have a wonderful legacy."
More than four decades later, "Chanson D’Amour" remains one of The Manhattan Transfer’s most beloved songs. a career-defining hit that helped introduce their signature sound to audiences around the world.
Related: 1972 Career-Defining Classic Was a No. 1 Hit Song 54 Years Ago Today
Hoda Kotb Shares Emotional 3-Word Message as Nancy Guthrie Search Continues
Hoda Kotb is speaking out in support of her longtime friend and former co-anchor Savannah Guthrie—and her message is short, but powerful.
“Bring her home,” Kotb wrote along with a praying hand emoji on her Instagram Story Sunday, March 22, sharing a post from Guthrie’s family as the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, continues. Kotb also commented several praying emojis.
It’s been seven weeks since Nancy, 84, was reported missing in Tucson, Arizona, and despite ongoing efforts, there have been no major breakthroughs in the case. Still, her family is holding onto hope and urging the public not to give up.
In a new statement shared via Savannah’s Instagram that same day, the family—signed by Nancy’s children Savannah, Annie, and Camron, along with their spouses—thanked supporters while asking for renewed attention in the search.
View this post on Instagram“We desperately ask this community for renewed attention to our mom’s case – please consult camera footage, journal notes, text messages, observations or conversations that in retrospect may hold significance. No detail is too small. It may be the key,” the statement reads.
They continued, “We miss our mom with every breath and we cannot be in peace until she is home. We cannot grieve; we can only ache and wonder. Our focus is solely on finding her and bringing her home.”
READ MORE: Nancy Guthrie Case Turns Into ‘Ego Trip’ as FBI Pushes to Step In
Savannah has understandably stepped away from her role on Today amid the ongoing situation. She and Kotb shared the anchor desk for nearly a decade before Kotb stepped down earlier this year, but their close bond has remained evident.
And Savannah made a brief return to Today earlier this month, marking her first appearance at the studio since her mother was abducted. On March 5, the longtime anchor stopped by Studio 1A in New York City to reconnect with colleagues and express her gratitude for their support.
“Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her Today colleagues,” the network said in a statement. “While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home.” Video from the visit showed an emotional reunion, with Savannah embracing several of her coworkers.
Chappell Roan Responds to Allegations Concerning Jude Law's Daughter
Chappell Roan, who is currently at the center of viral controversy over celebrity–fan boundaries, has responded to the allegations made against her.
Yesterday, March 21, Brazilian soccer player Jorginho Frello criticized the "Subway" singer in his InstagramStories following an incident involving his young daughter, Ada Law, whose biological father is Jude Law.
What's Going On With Chappell Roan and Jorginho Frello?“I went through a very upsetting situation with my family earlier today,” Frello started his story, which was written in both English and Portuguese. “My wife is in São Paulo for LollapaloozaBrasil. This morning, my daughter woke up incredibly excited. She even made a sign because she was so happy to see an artist she really admires, or used to admire."
He went on to share that Ada spotted Chappell Roan during breakfast at a hotel they were all staying at. Excited, Ada got up to take a closer peek.
“The worst part is [Ada] didn't even approach her,” Frello shared. “She simply walked past the singer's table, looked to confirm it was her, smiled, and went back to sit with her mum. She didn't say anything, didn't ask for anything.”
He then shared that a “large security guard” approached their table and spoke to them in an “aggressive manner” causing 11-year-old Ada to start crying.
After writing about living with exposure and boundaries for famous people, he wrote, “I sincerely hope this serves as a moment of reflection. No one should have to go through this, especially not a child.”
He then tagged Chappell Roan, and concluded, in all caps, “WITHOUT YOUR FANS, YOU WOULD BE NOTHING. AND TO THE FANS, SHE DOES NOT DESERVE YOUR AFFECTION."
Has Chappel Roan Responded to Jorginho Frello Yet?Today, Chappell Roan took to her Instagram Stories to issue an apology and response to the Flamengo soccer star. Bare-faced and lying down in bed, she filmed a video addressing Frello’s allegations head-on.
“I’m just gonna tell my half of the story of what happened today with a mother and child who were involved with a security guard who is not my personal security,” the “Pink Pony Club” artist began her video. “I didn’t even see a woman and a child. Like, I did not. No one came up to me. No one bothered me.”
Chappell Roan responds to Jorginho Frello.She added, “Like, I was just sitting at breakfast in my hotel. I think these people were staying at the hotel as well. So the fact that, like, a security guard who is — I did not ask the security guard to go up and talk to this mother and child. I did not. They did not come up to me. They weren’t doing anything. It’s unfair for security to just assume someone doesn’t have good intentions when they have no reason to believe because there’s no action even taken.”
She concluded the video, “And I do not hate people who are fans of my music. I do not hate children. Like, that is crazy. I’m sorry to the mother and child that someone was assuming something, that you would do something, and if you felt uncomfortable that makes me really sad. You did not deserve that.”
Is Chappell Roan Banned From Todo Mundo No Rio?Chappell Roan was in São Paulo for Lollapalooza Brasil and was in talks to perform at Todo Mundo no Rio, a festival touted as “the world’s largest dance floor.” However, following the incident, Eduardo Cavaliere, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, has banned her from the event.
Quero dizer que enquanto eu estiver à frente da nossa cidade - esta moça @ChappellRoan jamais se apresentará no Todo Mundo no Rio ! Duvido que a Shakira @shakira @Shakira_Brasil faria isso ! Aliás, @FrelloJorginho a sua pequena já é convidada de honra da organização em Maio! https://t.co/eASsS7Y3Ix
— Eduardo Cavaliere (@CavaliereRio) March 21, 2026“I mean that as long as I’m in charge of our city – this young lady will never perform at Todo Mundo no Rio!” he wrote on X yesterday in Portuguese.
So far, Shakira is the only confirmed artist for this year’s event, set to headline at Copacabana on May 2.
Related: Former 'One Life to Live' Actress Shares Cancer Battle Amid Devastating Family Loss
Kellie Shanygne Williams, Laura Winslow on ‘Family Matters,’ Turns 50 in a Crop Top and Big Hat
Kellie Shanygne Williams is best known for her role as Laura Winslow on the iconic '90s family sitcomFamily Matters, but she's more stunning than ever at 50.
Williams, who turns 50 on March 22, took on the role of Laura Winslow on the beloved TV series in 1989, when she was just 13 years old. The show, which also starred Reginald VelJohnson, Jo Marie Payton, and Jaleel White, told the story of a Black Chicago family helmed by a loving father, Carl Winslow, a police officer. White, of course, rose to superstardom as the nerdy next-door neighbor Steve Urkel. However, it was always Williams in the role of Laura who played a stabilizing force on the series.
In celebration of her 50th birthday on Sunday, Williams took to Instagram to share a photo of herself looking stunning in a black crop top and oversized hat.
"Feeling so blessed today. Thank you all for the incredible love, messages, and support on my 50th birthday. My heart is truly full. ❤️ I’m grateful for my amazing family and friends who continue to pour into me, lift me up, and walk with me through every season. Your kindness means more than you know. Here’s to growth, joy, gratitude, and the beautiful journey ahead!" she captioned the stunning shot.
View this post on Instagram Is There a Family Matters Podcast?Yes! Williams and her co-star, Telma Hopkins, who played Rachel, the sister of Harriette Winslow and aunt to Laura, recently started a podcast called Welcome to the Family with Telma and Kellie.
In a statement, Williams opened up about why she and Hopkins decided to create a podcast about making the iconic show.
“To this day, ‘Family Matters’ is one of the most-streamed sitcoms, and it is an honor for me to be able to go back in time and remember what it was like as a kid to grow up on the show and go through some of the same things my character, Laura Winslow, did," Williams shared, Variety reported. "Not to mention doing it with my surrogate mom, Telma, who’s become one of my closest friends and is really another member of my family, as well as reconnecting with fans and hearing how the show impacted them. We hope fans enjoy listening to these episodes as much as we have enjoyed making them!”
Here's a quick taste of the podcast:
Will There Be a Family Matters Reboot?Maybe! Bryton James, who played Richie Crawford on the series, told Entertainment Weekly that he's "had an idea to take the show and turn it into an animated series." It would involve "taking the old episodes and modernizing them and kind of starting from scratch for the new generation."
Now a star on Beyond the Gates, James said the fate of the idea is "sitting in Warner Bros.' hands right now… That plan is still kind of floating around out there, and I'm still trying to pursue it."
We'll keep our fingers crossed!
Related: Iconic 90s TV Star Jaleel White's Daughter Is His Twin as She Celebrates Sweet 16
‘Supernatural’ Star Dead at 51: What We Know About Carrie Ann Fleming’s Cause of Death
Actress Carrie Ann Fleming has died at the age of 51. Fleming’s Supernatural costar Jim Beaver confirmed the sad news to Variety.
Beaver revealed to the outlet that the Canadian actress died on February 26 in Sidney, British Columbia. Fleming's cause of death has been revealed as complications from breast cancer.
The Supernatural star had been privately battling the disease. She is survived by her only child, daughter Madalyn Rose.
Fleming broke into the acting world in the TV movie Viper before starring in Adam Sandler’s hit Happy Gilmore. The actress spent years working on shows like Stargate SG-1, The Dead Zone, The L Word, Masters of Horrors, and Smallville.
One of her breakout roles was on Supernatural, where Fleming had a recurring role as Karen Singer, the wife of main character Bobby Singer, whom Beaver played. The two stars made a deep connection during their time playing husband and wife on the hit series on The CW.
Flemming also had a recurring role in The CW’s show iZombie. She played Candy Baker throughout the iZombie’s five seasons. The actress also appeared on The Unauthorized Full House Story, Supergirl,UnREAL, Motive,Continuum,Package Deal, Alice, Knights of Bloodsteel,Good Luck Chuck, and Married Life.
Related: Chuck Norris’ Son Breaks Silence After His Death: ‘You Were the Greatest Father’
Fan tributes have started pouring in for Fleming after news of her death.
“Carrie Anne Fleming was Jenifer in Dario Argento's episode of Masters of Horror. Way too young to pass on and my heart goes out to her family,” wrote a fan on X.
The same fan went on to add, “'ll always remember Carrie Anne Fleming as the titular Jenifer in that episode of Masters of Horror. Sad to hear of her passing. 2026 has been awful for sad goodbyes.”
Carrie Anne Fleming was Jenifer in Dario Argento's episode of Masters of Horror.
Way too young to pass on and my heart goes out to her family.
“RIP Carrie Ann Fleming 😔😔😔🙏🙏🙏” shared another fan on X.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Fleming's daughter and loved ones.
Related: Oscar-Winning ’00s Star Turns 50 — And Fans Still Quote Her Biggest Role
Kyle Richards Reveals Relationship Status Following Separation from Mauricio Umansky
Kyle Richardsis opening up about her dating life since her split from Mauricio Umansky.
Richards spoke exclusively to People at the An Unforgettable Evening charity event on Wednesday, March 11 in Los Angeles.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsstar shared that she is currently single and focusing on her career.
"All I do is work," Richards said. "I started my production company, House of 18, and I have four TV shows in development [that I'm] producing. So I'm just really excited about that, and I've been acting."
She continued: "I just did Lincoln Lawyer. I just did another show. So just keeping acting and producing going while I'm doing the Housewives and just wearing a lot of hats, but keeping myself busy."
Richards and Umansky separated in 2023 after 27 years of marriage. The two share three children together: Alexia, 29, Sophia, 26, Portia Umansky, 18, and Richards' daughter from her previous marriage, Farrah Brittany, 37.
In an episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills that aired back in Dec. 2025, Richards revealed that she had been in a relationship with someone she "fell hard for" after her split from Umansky. Richards explained she chose to keep the relationship private out of respect for her former partner.
"When I’m in love with somebody, I want to share that. I’m an open person like that,” she said during the episode. "That doesn’t mean the person I’m with feels the same way. All the speculation and the gossip and the talking is ultimately what ended it. I could’ve weathered the storm, but this is not for everyone."
Umansky had also previously told People that he is currently in an "era of being single."
‘Baby Reindeer’ Star Jessica Gunning, 40, Who Will Play Mama Cass, Has Never Been in a Relationship
Baby Reindeer star Jessica Gunning is opening up about her relationship status.
Gunning, 40, rose to stardom and earned critical acclaim for her role in Netflix's Baby Reindeer, which told the story of a woman who stalks an aspiring comedian. She earned an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her role in the 2024 miniseries. But in an intimate new interview, the actress, who is set to play '60s music star Mama Cass Elliot, shared that while her professional life has been fruitful, her personal one has been less so.
"I’ve never been in a relationship before with anyone,” Gunning told The Times of London in a new interview. “Everyone around me was gay. I just didn’t think I could be.”
Gunning, who came out as gay in 2022, said her sexuality was the main reason she avoided romance.
"Well, not to get too deep, but it was probably that I didn’t want to go out with guys and so I was finding a way to avoid it,” she told The Times. “I never knew how to flirt, I didn’t get it. I was always friends with guys and would set them up with other friends. In a way it was, like, ‘Great, because I’m not interested.’ ”
Gunning also said that her insecurity about dating stemmed from her feelings about her weight.
"It might be connected to size, maybe because I was bigger,” she said. “It’s hard to word this because I don’t want it to seem like I’m saying it in a negative way, because it definitely isn’t. I didn’t feel like an alien in a negative way, but it was, like, an otherness.”
For a quick reminder of how good Gunning was in Baby Reindeer, check out the trailer below:
What's Next for Jessica Gunning?This Easter, Gunning appears in an adaptation of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree alongside Michael Palin, Lenny Henry, Claire Foy, Jennifer Saunders, Andrew Garfield, and Nicola Coughlan. After that, she'll work on Sunny Dancer, about a summer camp for teen cancer patients, with James Norton and Bella Ramsey, the piece stated. But one of the most exciting pursuits for Gunning came last month when it was announced that she would play the lead in a biopic of the Mamas and the Papas singer Mama Cass Elliot.
Related: Cass Elliot’s Story Is Coming to the Big Screen With This Actress in the Starring Role
Walmart's ‘Vibrant’ $27 Floral Patchwork Quilt Set Looks Like It Belongs in a Cozy Farmhouse
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Looking for cute spring bedding that not only keeps you cozy, but also elevates the look of your space? If so, you may want to consider upgrading your bedspread with a quilt. They provide a good amount of warmth without leaving you overheated at night. This quilt set is currently over half off at Walmart thanks to a limited-time flash sale.
The Exclusivo Mezcla Boho Quilt Set is on sale in three sizes: twin, full/queen, and king. The twin set, currently available in one blue patchwork colorway with major farmhouse vibes, is now $27. The full/queen and king sets are available in five patchwork hues and on sale for $30 and $33, respectively. There are also striped, paisley, and boho-inspired patterns with bright, pastel, and neutral options available, though a number of colorways are sold out in the twin size.
Exclusivo Mezcla Two-Piece Boho Quilt Set, From $27 (was $60) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThis twin-size set includes a 68-inch-by-88-inch quilt and a 20-inch-by-26-inch pillow sham. The botanical bedding is reversible, with the other side of each piece featuring a “lovely” light pink color. The other sizes come with an additional pillow sham.
You can use the quilt as a blanket on chilly days or as your duvet cover. It’s made from 100% polyester, so it’s “lightweight,” breathable, and perfect for all seasons, according to shoppers. The three-layer design makes it warm, while the high-tech digital printing keeps the colors vibrant even after multiple washes.
Maintenance is easy too; just pop the set in the washing machine on a gentle cycle in cold water. Avoid using bleach, and be sure to tumble-dry the pieces on low heat. Shoppers said the “cozy” set is “soft” and super “comfortable” to sleep with. Reviewers also said they appreciated that there was no fading, pilling, or shedding after washing the quilt set. The tight stitching makes the pieces durable and built to last.
Stay comfy this spring and summer without overheating with this beautiful bedspread. Get the Exclusivo Mezcla Two-Piece Boho Quilt Set now for only $27 at Walmart before your preferred pattern and size sell out!
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Ivanka Trump, 44, Snuggles up to New Family Member Alongside Her Kids
Ivanka Trump is welcoming a new furry friend to the family.
Trump, 44, whose father is President Donald Trump, took to Instagram to share a series of photos of her family's adorable new puppy, Aspen. While Trump didn't name the pup's breed, the black-and-white dog looks like an Alaskan Klee Kai or a Pomsky, which is a mix of a Pomeranian and a Husky.
Holding the new puppy in her arms while petting another white dog by her feet, Trump wore barely any makeup in a casual photo that she captioned "Welcome to the family, Aspen 🐶❤️."
View this post on Instagram Why Did Ivanka Trump Name Her Dog Aspen?While Trump didn't elaborate on why she named the pup Aspen, it's likely due to her family's dedication to the ritzy Colorado town as a ski destination.
Trump, who is married to Jared Kushner and has three children, Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore, arrived in Aspen over the Christmas holiday and hit the slopes together. When they weren't on their skis, they were sitting by the fire or soaking up the stunning scenery.
"✨ Merry Christmas from the mountains 🎄The greatest gift is time together. Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas filled with love, gratitude, and family 🤍❄️," Trump captioned her photo set.
View this post on Instagram When Did Ivana Trump's House Sell?More than three years after it hit the market for $26.5 million, Ivana Trump's lavish New York City home just sold for $14 million, PEOPLE reported last month. The blonde legend, who was previously married to President Donald Trump, died in 2022 after falling down a staircase in the home. She was 73.
“My mom absolutely loved that house,” Eric Trump told the Wall Street Journal in 2022, looking back on the parties his mother would host there for everyone from actors to royalty. “She was so comfortable there.” He noted that the opulence of the property “embodied Ivana Trump.”
The property was also where Ivanka and her brothers lived during their teen years.
Related: Donald Trump's Granddaughter Kai, 18, Welcomes New Family Member
Former 'One Life to Live' Actress Shares Cancer Battle Amid Devastating Family Loss
Amanda Peet, 54, wrote a moving essay for The New Yorker, published yesterday, March 21, revealing that she was forced to juggle a breast cancer diagnosis, while caring for her “dying” parents.
The actress and mom of two who started her screen career on daytime soap series One Life to Live in 1995, detailed in "My Season of Ativan," the health journey she went on last fall while navigating a tough time that stretched her coast to coast.
View this post on Instagram Amanda Peet on Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis“For many years, I’ve been told that I have ‘dense’ and ‘busy’ breasts — not as a compliment but as a warning that they require extra monitoring,” the Your Friends & Neighbors star wrote.
She added, “I had been seeing a breast surgeon every six months for checkups. The Friday before Labor Day, I went for what I thought would be a routine scan.” When a doctor “didn’t like the way something looked” on her ultrasound, she had a biopsy done.
“After the procedure, she said that she would walk the sample over to Cedars-Sinai and hand-deliver it to Pathology. That’s when I knew,” Peet wrote, adding that the results were shared with her the following day.
The diagnosis complicated matters for the Something’s Gotta Give star, whose parents were “long divorced” and living in hospice on “opposite coasts.” Sharing that both were declining, Peet wrote about the sudden passing of her dad.
Amanda Peet on Losing Her Parents“Our mother’s had started in June, but our father’s was only a week in, so we hadn’t expected him to go first,” she shared. “I flew to New York. I didn’t make it before my father took his last breath, but I got to see his body before it was taken from his apartment.”
Later on, Peet said she learned that her illness was thankfully “hormone-receptor-positive” and “HER2-negative,” offering a sigh of relief. She shared that she was “happier than I’d been pre-diagnosis, when I was just a regular person who didn’t have cancer," adding that an MRI revealed a second mass in the same breast, but it was determined to be benign.
Peet, who has been married to screenwriter David Benioff since 2006, concluded her essay by describing her bittersweet farewell with her mom, who battled Parkinson’s disease and died in January, offering comfort in her final moments.
“The morphine was taking forever to kick in, and she was looking at the ceiling and whimpering, so I climbed onto her rented hospital bed to get in her line of vision,” Peet wrote. “We locked eyes and she quieted down, and then she and I continued to stare at each other for what felt like several minutes.”
Reaction to Amanda Peet's EssayThe essay has received praise from many in Hollywood, withAmerican Horror Story alum Sarah Paulson sharing on Instagram, “My best friend, Amanda Peet—the weirdest thing in the world is to say her full name out loud, as I call her Bird—but that’s the name her parents gave her. Seems fitting to use here as she has written the most profoundly gorgeous essay about the loss of her parents, while dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.”
“Bird, I love you beyond,” she concluded the post.
View this post on Instagram"It’s so good! I love Amanda Peet," comedian Amy Sedaris commented on The New Yorker's Instagram post.
"This essay blew me away. I am looking forward to her memoir (fingers crossed) and trying to manage my full-blown envy that one human being is THIS EFFING TALENTED. 👏🔥❤️," writer Sarah Gormley wrote.
"Beautiful and heartbreaking 💔 thank you Amanda Peet for sharing your story," actress Julie Benz wrote.
Related: Denise Richards Shares Jaw-Dropping Before-and-After Face-Lift Photos
The Best Carb for Aging and Gut Health, According to Dietitians
When you’re planning healthy meals, you’re probably focusing on protein and veggies, right? That’s great, since those two sources contain key nutrients. At the same time, it’s important not to demonize or underestimate the value of carbohydrates. While you may have originally heard dietitians say that carbs are a no-no, many are changing their tune—and it’s time that we did, too. Carbs are a favorable energy source for the body. They can also help control blood glucose and insulin metabolism, help with fermentation, promote regularity and participate in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, among other things.
Experts have talked to Parade about everything from carbs they want people to eat more (yes, you read that right!), “bad” carbs that do wonders for your brain and a carb-heavy food that’s amazing for heart health. This nutrition advice goes for most people, if not everyone. After all, even people with diabetes can benefit from carbs.
Needless to say, carbs are packed with benefits. The specific one that dietitians want to clarify on today—especially regarding how it can support healthier aging and gut health—is oat cereal. Ahead, they share how oat cereal can help in those two regards and benefit your health in other ways. They’ll also provide answers to other questions you might have, like which oat cereal to buy and how much of it to eat each day.
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How Oat Cereal Benefits Healthier AgingWhen it comes to oat cereal’s benefits on aging, give us a minute to explain the science fully. We’ll start with how it starts: by helping prevent blood sugar spikes. This comes from its soluble fiber—more specifically, beta-glucan—that turns into a gel-like substance in the intestines. While that may sound gross, it’s a helpful process.
“The thick gel increases the volume of the stool for easier elimination, speeds up the transit time for improved regularity, reduces the nutrients available for absorption and slows nutrient absorption, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes,” says Stephanie Dunne, a registered dietitian-nutritionist who’s certified in Integrative and Functional Medicinal Nutrition Therapy and is the founder of Feed Your Intention. “The fewer blood sugar spikes we experience, the less likely we are to develop Type 2 diabetes.”
The absence of diabetes (or any disease) means you age healthier. Plus, it means avoiding the seventh leading cause of death and can contribute to a significant reduction in long-term risk of vascular complications.
Oat cereal and that gel we talked about are also helpful for keeping cholesterol numbers at a healthy level. Essentially, the gel attaches to bile and carries it out of the body during a bowel movement, requiring the liver to make more bile using cholesterol. “The more bile the liver has to make, the lower cholesterol will fall,” Dunne says. “Although LDL cholesterol numbers are not the only indicator of cardiovascular health, keeping these cholesterol numbers within an optimal range is necessary for healthy aging.”
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, which cannot be ignored. What plays a role in cardiovascular issues—and many other age-related and health-related issues—is chronic inflammation. In other words, chronic inflammation is at the root of many, if not all, diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, depression, neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease and osteoporosis. It needs to be addressed through multiple avenues, including anti-inflammatory food swaps.
“Because of this connection, foods that support cardiovascular health and help regulate inflammation may contribute to healthier aging,” says Jennifer Pallian, a registered dietitian, food scientist and recipe developer at Foodess Creative Inc.
You guessed it: Oat cereal is a great food for inflammation, heart health and immune function. Compounds, such as phenolic compounds and avenanthramides, and micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins, are to thank.
Related: This Is the #1 Sneaky Sign of Chronic Inflammation Most People Miss
How Oat Cereal Benefits Gut HealthAs mentioned earlier, oat cereals are an amazing source of soluble fiber, beta-glucan. Beta-glucan not only aids in health processes, but it’s also a different type of fiber than those found in other grains, veggies and fruits, according to Dunne.
“An important factor for a healthy gut is the diversity of the microbes that live there,” she continues. “By consuming different types of fiber, we are feeding different types of microbes, which increases the microbiome diversity and, therefore, our gut health.”
Pallian adds that oats provide fiber that feeds beneficial microbes that help gut processes. “The gut microbiota is made up of trillions of microorganisms that live in the intestine and help regulate digestion, metabolism, fermentation, immune signaling and hormone activity,” she says.
What Types of Oat Cereal To EatThe next step is clear: Add oat cereal to your grocery list. But what kind, and how much, is best?
Related: 10 Weird Ways Your Body Tells You That You Need More Fiber, According to Registered Dietitians
Dunne suggests original Cheerios, Seven Sundays Oat Protein Cereal, KIND granola cereal in oats and honey, and Kodiak protein-packed granola in blueberry vanilla. Pallian recommends options that contain whole oats or oat bran, including steel-cut oats, large-flake oats, oat bran cereals and oat porridge made from traditional rolled oats.
On that note, you can also reap the benefits—and more, perhaps—from oatmeal. Rolled oats, steel oats and prepackaged overnight oats, such as Mush, are all great options, according to Dunne.
How Much Oat Cereal To Eat for BenefitsAs far as how much is needed, the answer is a bit more complex. “Research suggests that eating three to four grams of beta-glucans per day is necessary to see modest improvements in LDL cholesterol levels and blood sugar regulation,” Dunne says. “Unfortunately, most people are not going to get this much soluble fiber from cereal alone.”
Related: The #1 Change I Noticed When I Ate a Bowl of Oatmeal for Breakfast Every Day for a Week
So, don’t forget to consume fiber at other points in your day with other foods, too. Again, a variety of fiber types is ideal. “I recommend making oat cereal one part of the total effort toward consuming enough soluble and insoluble fiber, since our bodies need both,” Dunne says.
Other high-fiber foods include strawberries, avocados, quinoa, almonds, peanut butter, pears, raspberries and more.
Regardless, remember this: Carbs are good for you. Don’t let the Instagram influencer tell you differently. Oatmeal and oat cereal, in particular, are two great examples that can strongly influence your aging process, gut and other aspects of health for the better.
Up Next:
Sources:- Stephanie Dunne is a registered dietitian-nutritionist who’s certified in Integrative and Functional Medicinal Nutrition Therapy and is the founder of Feed Your Intention.
- Jennifer Pallian is a registered dietitian, food scientist and recipe developer at Foodess Creative Inc.
- Physiology, Carbohydrates, StatPearls
- Diabetes, CDC
- Non-diabetes status after diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance and risk of long-term death and vascular complications: A post hoc analysis of the Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Outcome Study,PLoS Medicine
- Cardiovascular diseases, WHO
- Inflammation: The Cause of All Diseases, Cells
New Snape Actor Says He's Received Death Threats Over His 'Harry Potter' Casting
Paapa Essiedu knew taking on the role of Severus Snape would be a challenge. What he didn't expect was someone threatening to kill him for it.
The British actor, cast as the famously complex potions master in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, spoke publicly for the first time about the scale of racist abuse he has received since his casting was announced. In an interview with The Times of London published Saturday, Essiedu revealed that strangers have written to him on Instagram saying they will come to his house and murder him. One message told him directly: quit the project, or face violence.
'I'm playing a wizard in Harry Potter,' he told the outlet. 'And I'd be lying if I said it doesn't affect me emotionally.'
Essiedu, 35, is best known to American audiences through the acclaimed BBC drama I May Destroy You. When HBO announced his casting as Snape in April 2025, the backlash was swift. Snape was portrayed across all eight films by the late Alan Rickman, whose arrogant demeanor and deep, measured voice became inseparable from the character for millions of fans. Some critics framed their objections in terms of book accuracy. Others were far more direct about their actual reason, Essiedu is Black, and Snape in the novels is described as pale.
Fellow cast member Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the original films and has remained close to the franchise, called the criticism out. At a fan convention last summer, he said the people targeting Essiedu online 'are being racist' and described Essiedu as one of the finest actors he has ever encountered.
Related: Why Harry Potter's New Hagrid Wrote One Word 7,000 Times
Essiedu said he has not reported the threats to police. He told The Times he doubts a short sentence for whoever sent the messages would bring him any peace. Staying offline entirely isn't a real option either because people message him to ask if he's all right, which means he learns about the threats regardless.
What does help, he said, is remembering why the role matters to him. As a child, his mother brought him to the public library during school holidays because childcare wasn't affordable. He discovered J.K. Rowling's novels there. He never saw the films. He fell in love with the books.
'I would imagine myself at Hogwarts on broomsticks,' he said. 'The idea that a kid like me can see themselves represented in that world? That's motivation to not be intimidated.'
He has signed on for ten years of work. By the time the series wraps its adaptation of all seven novels, Essiedu will be 45. The commitment is significant by any measure. But he said the abuse has made him more resolved, not less. He wants to make Snape genuinely his own, separate from Rickman's legacy while honoring the character's depth.
'The abuse fuels me,' he said.
The HBO Harry Potter series is expected to debut in 2027. John Lithgow will play Dumbledore, Nick Frost takes on Hagrid, and Janet McTeer is cast as Professor McGonagall. Essiedu's co-star John Lithgow said separately that he briefly considered stepping away from the project over the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling, suggesting that even the show's most established names have wrestled with the pressures surrounding this production.
For Essiedu, the answer is simple. The kid in the library had a right to imagine himself at Hogwarts. And now he gets to be there.
Aldi's Stunning Pastel Blue Sauté Pan Looks Just Like a Crate & Barrel Version 7x the Price
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Cookware has come such a long way when you think about it. Now there are so many different types from the tried-and-true cast iron pan and stainless steel to ceramic, non-stick and beyond. But lately, it isn't enough to just provide a stellar cooking experience; pots and pans have to look beautiful while they're searing, sautéing, and slow-cooking meals, too.
That's because, aside from all the different types of cookware, they now come in a gazillion colors. Just look at Le Creuset. It feels like that brand counts every color of the rainbow among its wide range of elegant offerings. Naturally, Aldi feels like it has to keep up, and, boy, is it. Wait until you see the gorgeous pastel cookware it has in the Aldi Finds aisle this week.
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Crofton Sauté Pan in Light Blue, $24.99 at AldiAldi
Aldi doesn't specify the size of its Crofton Sauté Pan, priced at $24.99, on its product listing, but generally, sauté pans are either 10 or 12 inches in diameter. This version is easy on the eyes with its pastel blue hue and gold-colored hardware. Love that it comes with a matching lid, and that there's a long handle for moving the pan around the stovetop, while a small, rounded handle helps when you're moving the piece from the stove to the oven ... or even to your table.
Related: This Aldi Bird Feeder Turns Your Window Into Live Entertainment
This particular Crofton pan is also available in an off-white color, so if you don't want to commit to light blue, there is a more neutral option for you.
When I first laid eyes on Aldi's light blue pan, I couldn't help but feel like I had seen something similar before, but at a much different price point. That's when it hit me—Crate & Barrel.
I had recently spotted Caraway's Blue Lagoon Ceramic Non-stick Sauté Pan with Gold Hardware at Crate & Barrel. It's basically the exact same hue as Aldi's pan, with those chic gold accents. But the Caraway pan is $165, compared to Aldi's at $24.99. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Caraway and the brand's quality is incredible (especially love its pizza pan), but with such a huge price difference, I'm willing to give Aldi's pan a try first. This way, I still get that lovely springtime pastel aesthetic, but for way less.
Wayfair’s 'Comfortable' $169 Egg Chair Will Give Any Patio a High-End Look
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If you’re aiming for cocoon-like comfort, it’s hard to beat an egg chair. It creates a cozy, tucked-away spot that feels perfect for relaxing with a book or just unwinding after a long day. As you refresh your space for spring and summer, it also brings in that laid-back, boho-chic vibe that works beautifully in outdoor settings.
The Dakota Fields Switte Patio Wicker Indoor/Outdoor Egg Lounge Chair is a particularly great option that combines comfort, style, and durability. Right now, it’s 44% off at Wayfair, dropping the price from $301 to just $169.
Dakota Fields Switte Patio Wicker Indoor/Outdoor Egg Lounge Chair, $169 (was $301) at Wayfair Shop at WayfairThis chair is built with a powder-coated metal frame wrapped in durable wicker, giving it both strength and visual appeal. It supports up to 480 pounds and is designed for one person, creating a roomy and comfortable seat. The entire chair measures 13.6 inches long and wide and 55.2 inches tall. Despite its sturdy build, it’s relatively easy to assemble.
The cushions are a major highlight, as they’re designed for full-body comfort. They’re thick, tufted, and filled with high-density polyester fiber that holds its shape over time. They wrap around you with soft, supportive padding that includes built-in arm-rest areas and a cushioned back. It’s the kind of seat you can sink into and stay in for hours.
Related: Wayfair's 'Stunning' $139 Outdoor Storage Bench Is the 'Perfect Hideaway' for Patio Clutter
This chair works just about anywhere. The cushion fabric is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and UV-protected, so it’s designed to handle both indoor and outdoor use. You can place it poolside, on a patio, in a backyard, or on a balcony for a cozy outdoor retreat.
Inside, it’d go well in a bedroom, living room, sunroom, or even a finished basement. One reviewer described it as “very nice and comfortable” in a five-star review. Another said they “totally love it,” adding that the “look and quality is amazing.”
Shop More Deals- George Oliver Set of 2 Kaetlin Acacia Outdoor Lounge Chairs, From $240 (was $440) at Wayfair
- Latitude Run Set of 2 Kaiiden Patio Chairs, $420 (was $775) at Wayfair
- Dakota Fields Outdoor/Indoor Double Lounge Papason Egg Chair, $183 (was $255) at Wayfair
If you’re looking to upgrade your space with something that feels both stylish and inviting, the Dakota Fields Switte Patio Wicker Indoor/Outdoor Egg Lounge Chair is a great pick. With the current 44% discount, you can save over $100 and bring home a cozy, design-forward seat just in time for warmer weather.
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Psychologist Explains People Who Automatically Say 'Please' and 'Thank You' Share These 7 Traits
Growing up, one of the first things you may have learned is: "Please and thank you are the magic words." Dr. Brittany McGeehan, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and performance coach, likes to say that "please and thank you are 'foundational to social cohesion,' or 'biological drive to belong to a group.'"
"It signals respect, reduces friction and communicates basic goodwill," she explains. "But like any learned behavior, when it becomes automatic, or is taught at a young age without intention behind it, it’s worth taking a closer look at."
Besides, Dr. McGeehan shares that it's a rite of passage to reflect more closely on some of the norms we were taught as kids to see whether they still align with our grown-up moral compasses.
"As adults, our relationships are more complex than childhood social scripts," she shares. "If politeness is purely reflexive, it can sometimes become disconnected from authentic feeling and present moment awareness."
She shares that women—who are often socially conditioned to be polite—are more likely to default to "please" and "thank you," sometimes to the detriment of their personal and professional growth. Stepping back lets you ask whether the appreciation is intentional or if you're using "politeness" to smooth over internal or external discomfort.
"The goal isn’t to stop being polite," she states. "It’s to align politeness with authenticity so that gratitude is felt and to not say something we don’t mean."
To help, Dr. McGeehan explains that people who automatically say "please" and "thank you" often share these seven traits. Plus, she breaks down the psychology behind thanking in general.
What’s the Psychology Behind Thanking Others?Dr. McGeehan shares that gratitude can activate relationship and neurological systems. You may do a double-take, but it makes sense when you think about it. She shares that humans have evolved to seek closeness.
"When we thank someone, we reinforce prosocial behavior and signal safety," she adds. "On a neurological level, expressions of gratitude can activate reward pathways in the brain, strengthening positive association and connection. From an attachment perspective, thanking someone communicates recognition."
Underneath a "thank you" often lies an "I see your effort, and it matters."
"That acknowledgment strengthens bonds because humans are wired to want their contributions to be valued, and we naturally give what we want to receive ourselves," she shares.
She notes that practicing gratitude also has a self-regulatory component because it can divert attention away from a threat and toward appreciation.
"With women, there is a concept called tend and befriend, which is the idea that in order to communicate, we aren’t a threat, we tend to lean into caring for one another, and build relationships from here," she explains. "Over time, this can improve mood, reduce stress reactivity, and increase relational satisfaction."
Related: 7 Behaviors That People-Pleasers Don’t Even Realize They’re Doing, a Psychotherapist Warns
Iuliia Bondar/Getty Images
Is Politeness a Personality Trait?Not quite.
"Politeness can reflect personality traits, but it isn’t exclusively one," Dr. McGeehan explains. "A personality is a set of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are relatively stable and generally define how a person interacts with and sees the world."
She notes that highly agreeable people are often more naturally polite because they are motivated to keep the peace.
"However, politeness is also a learned social behavior shaped by culture, family norms and early modeling," she says.
She shares that a person who is high in agreeableness, is well-regulated, values authenticity and has a family of origin that didn't intensely force societal norms may feel less inclined to use politeness to mask discomfort.
Related: 12 Things Confident Women Never Apologize For
7 Common Traits of People Who Automatically Say 'Please' and 'Thank You'1. High social awarenessDr. McGeehan says that people who reflexively say "please" and "thank you" are hyper-aware of how others are moving and interacting, to the point that it nearly becomes neurotic.
"They tend to be attuned to how their behavior affects others," Dr. McGeehan states. "Overall, compulsive politeness often reflects sensitivity to social norms and relational impact."
2. Trained 'well'"Well" is in parentheses for a reason. Dr. McGeehan shares that people who default to politeness were often conditioned to do so early.
"They were likely raised in environments where manners were emphasized consistently, and they were trained that how you are seen by others is more important than what’s happening internally," she explains. "Repetition in childhood often turns into an adult reflex because it’s such a sensitive period of neurological development."
3. Conflict adversePoliteness can sometimes be an attempt to avoid tension.
"Saying 'please' and 'thank you' can serve as a preemptive smoothing mechanism in potentially uncomfortable situations," Dr. McGeehan states. "Typically, if someone is moving from a place of social reflex, they struggle with regulation and conflict."
4. High empathyDr. McGeehan shares that people who are quick to say the magic words may have specific and aspirational imaginations.
"They may naturally imagine what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a request or service, prompting consistent appreciation," Dr. McGeehan says. "This heightened sensitivity is going to be a hallmark trait for this group."
5. SuperficialRight off the bat, Dr. McGeehan wants to stress that this one is not always the case.
"Really, what I mean here is that this person may be too uncomfortable having a heart-to-heart because it introduces room for a conversation to get confrontational or emotional," she clarifies. "Typically, when a person moves from a space of social reaction, they are uncomfortable with emotion, and therefore, they focus on small talk or the weather to avoid depth."
6. SubmissiveDr. McGeehan shares that people with high awareness of how they're perceived may gravitate toward "going with the flow." But it can make them not assert their authentic wants and desires—or even know what those are.
"They are going to move in rooms that support flow and harmony rather than being open to showing up as who they genuinely are and taking up space," she says.
7. High internal responsibilityDr. McGeehan says that this trait is a "nod to all the oldest daughters out there."
"Some individuals feel responsible for maintaining relational ease in their relationships," Dr. McGeehan explains. "Automatic gratitude can sometimes signal a deeper pattern of managing others’ comfort, even when other people’s emotions aren’t yours to clean up."
Related: 5 ‘Exhausting’ Habits of Eldest Daughters, a Researcher Warns
Final Takeaways1. Automatic politeness is often positiveDr. McGeehan shares that, in many contexts, automatic politeness is often good.
Automatic politeness can create warmth and reduce friction in daily interactions—especially in professional or casual social environments," she shares. "It demonstrates baseline respect and social intelligence."
She shares that now more than ever, we need healthy relationships.
"Whether we want to think of it this way or not, all social relationships need some kind of social lube," she states. "Generally, I believe social niceties can help to break the tension, especially initially, in early relationships."
Related: 9 Phrases To Use Instead of Automatically Saying Yes, According to Psychologists
2. Politeness can go too farDr. McGeehan shares that automatically saying "please" and "thank you" can go overboard. She says intent, context and environment are important to take into account.
"What matters is whether your communication style conveys respect and attunement," she states. "Politeness is one way to do that."
She clarifies that automatic politeness becomes problematic when it:
- Replaces authenticity in an environment where you want it.
- Reinforces people-pleasing.
- Masks resentment and helps support conflict avoidance.
- Minimizes your own needs.
Dr. McGeehan suggests reflecting on why you always say "please" and "thank you." She says that you can take this step by:
- Auditing your values and selecting your "top three," then thinking about how they impact relationships.
- Practicing mindfulness in relationships and situations. For instance, see if your body relaxes or tightens when you are automatically saying, "please" and "thank you."
- Reflecting after interactions by asking yourself, "Did I really mean to say 'please' or 'thank you?' What happens in my body when I reflect back on it?"
"I would say the goal here is to bring more internal awareness to who you are at your core, as well as building your ability to have present-tense mindful awareness," she adds.
Up Next:
Sources:- Dr. Brittany McGeehan, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and performance coach.
- Neural correlates of gratitude. Frontiers in Psychology.
- Tend and Befriend Theory. UCLA.
FLRT Energy Drinks Launch in 4 ‘Groovy’ Flavors After Last-Minute Rebrand
FLRT energy drinks have just begun popping up in stores and fans have a lot to say about it.
The new energy drink concept comes from Monster Beverage Corporation, the makers of Monster Energy, Bang, Nos, Full Throttle, Reign Total Body Fuel, etc., but it's unlike anything the company has offered before.
Think of it this way, each brand is looking to serve a specific market—Monster offers a boost of energy (160 milligrams) with the most variety of flavors and recipes, similar to Full Throttle and Nos (160 milligrams) which are typically made with real sugar and marketed towards outdoors enthusiasts, while Bang and Reign for those who crave a beverage that packs a high-energy punch (300 milligrams) with zero sugar and added vitamins and minerals.
Now, it's expanding its reach with FLRT—the energy drink packing more caffeine than Monster but less than Bang, advertising lifestyle-driven benefits for consumers looking to support their glow-up from the inside out.
FLRT: The New Energy Drink From Monster With Lifestyle-Driven BenefitsLike other "better-for-you" beverage lines, FLRT contains functional ingredients and botanical extracts like green tea, guayusa, and ginseng to help sippers power through their morning workout, afternoon hike, or client dinner.
Related: New Monster Energy Drink Lands as ‘Top 5’ Favorite With Fans
What sets FLRT apart from other energy drinks under Monster Beverage Corp is its ingredient list, which includes additions like Vitamin A, Niacin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, and Zinc, all of which support skin and hair health and bolster the immune system (unlike other offers from the industry titan which focus on B-vitamins and electrolytes).
The 12-ounce cans are packed with 200 milligrams of caffeine, zero sugar, and are debuting in four flavors: Strawberry Fling, Guava Lava, Berry Tempting, and Sunset Squeeze.
FLRT Energy DrinksMonster Beverage Corp
Parade was able to score a first taste, and can confirm Sunset Squeeze and Berry Tempting (the most elusively named) taste like pineapple and a mix of raspberry and blueberry flavors, respectively. While we haven't tested out the other flavors yet, we have high hopes based on the first two that we sampled, which were lightly carbonated and not overly sweet or syrupy.
What Are Fans Saying About FLRT Energy?There does appear to be some slight controversy over the energy drink's branding.
Though it was originally touted as Monster's "energy line for women," that explanation oversimplifies it and overlooks the other Monster beverage offerings that women everywhere have been enjoying for years (not to mention, it reinforces stale opinions on gender). And the brand apparently agrees with the pushback, dropping the divisive and outdated verbiage from the materials completely before its official release.
Related: Monster Energy’s ‘Bold’ New Flavor Marks Major First
Here's what happened: Internet sleuths unveiled the new line before it was officially announced, lifting the "energy drink for women" phrasing from its website. Then, sometime between receiving the initial backlash and officially launching the product, FLRT revised its official website to read, "FLRT was born from a simple belief: energy should be as bold, vibrant, and as unapologetic as the people that drink it."
"Made for the ones who are flirting with it all, from adventure to greatness. Curiously chaotic, wildly charming, and they are always five steps ahead," the updated description continues, "For those who aren't sipping to survive the day but sipping it to make the day theirs."
The website goes on to joke that it provides the "energy for whatever you're FLRTing with next." Its vibes-inspired promotional imagery suggests Monster Beverage Corp. is launching it as a direct competitor to more lifestyle-oriented energy drinks like Alani Nu and Celsius, and not something that's "just for women" anymore.
Since actually launching with the updated language, consumers still appear torn. Some are excited to try it, while others can't look past the initial idea.
"Why’s female marketing always targeting a need to be so cutesy…?? Lolll we all still drink monster??" one top-liked comment suggested.
"This still feels lowkey insulting," a second wrote. "Like I get whhyyyyy they are doing this to compete with Celsius / of Alani / whatever but this feels really pandery."
"I feel like it’s them trying to hop on the Alani train after the Celsius buyout 😅," a second added, noting that it isn't going to stop them from trying it. "NEED to try the guava."
Influencer SnachWithZach, who shared a review of the beverages this past weekend, called the line "groovy" and "actually pretty good."
"I can’t wait to hand these out to all my coworkers," someone else admitted.
Where Are FLRT Energy Drinks Available?An official list of retailers was not immediately available, but so far, shoppers have spotted the new energy drink line on shelves at major grocery store retailers like Hy-Vee. It doesn't seem to be exclusive to the retailer, as Parade spotted the item online via Walmart, and the brand suggested in a recent Instagram post that it would be available in the energy drink aisle elsewhere beginning March 16 (prices may vary).
Next: Previously Exclusive Monster Energy Drink Finally Expands Nationwide