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If you’ve ever wandered through the World Showcase at Epcot and felt like you were in a high-end Italian boutique rather than a theme park, you aren't alone. But lately, one specific shop has been blowing up on social media for a reason that has nothing to do with Mickey ears.

Eagle-eyed fans have discovered what they’re calling the "Disney Birkin" (or the "Dirkin," if you will) tucked away in the Italy Pavilion. In the Il Bel Cristallo boutique, travelers are finding chic, structured leather handbags that bear a striking resemblance to the world-famous Hermès Birkin—only without the five-figure price tag or the years-long waiting list.

Related: Disney's Most Popular Resort Has a Whole New Look for 2026

The Viral "Birkin" Find

The bags first started making waves on TikTok and Facebook groups like WDW Magazine, where fans noticed the similar silhouette, the flap-top design and the fact that they often come styled with a colorful "twilly" (a small silk scarf) wrapped around the handle.

While they aren't officially branded by Disney or Hermès, they are high-quality Italian leather. As Stephanie Faye Martin, a travel planner and member of the WDW Magazine group, shared:

“Got a Disney Birkin today! Haha they apparently never have them in stock but got there early today and they had a whole stash!” When asked about the details, fellow group members clarified that while they are sold by Disney, they aren't "Disney themed" or branded with characters. They’re just classic, elegant leather goods that look like they stepped right off a runway in Milan.

The Price (and the Perks)

The best part? You don’t need a $20,000 budget to snag one. While a real Birkin can cost as much as a small car, these lookalikes—and their smaller "Kelly" style counterparts—are significantly more accessible. According to group member Amanda Christine, who recently scored one:

“The Kelly was $129 and this one [the Birkin style] I think is $135—you also can use your pass holder discount on them!” That’s right: your Annual Passholder or DVC discount applies to what might be the chicest souvenir in the entire park.

Related: Why the Swan Reserve is Currently the Smartest Stay at Disney

Wait, Is There a Real Birkin at Disney Too? View this post on Instagram

While the Italy Pavilion is the home of the affordable $135 "dupe," some fans have reported seeing the real deal nearby. Rumors have swirled that the France Pavilion at Epcot occasionally stocks authentic, pre-owned luxury bags through high-end third-party vendors. Group member Perry Hunter noted, “Unless it has been sold since last weekend, there is a real Birkin for sale in the France pavilion,” with other members reporting it was priced around $20,000.

And over in Disneyland, the luxury hunt gets even more serious. At the D-Lander Shop in Downtown Disney and Elias & Co. in California Adventure, the "Designer Vault" has become a viral sensation. Through a partnership with the vintage experts at What Goes Around Comes Around, fans have spotted everything from Louis Vuitton and Gucci to a gold Hermès Birkin 35 sitting right in the display case for $19,000. As one fan, jenessamargaret, joked on Instagram, “Imagine going to Disneyland and leaving with a Birkin 😂 I love it.”

Whether you’re looking for that $20k investment piece or the $135 Italian leather version to match your favorite floral dress, it’s clear that the Disney Parks are becoming the ultimate destination for the fashion-forward traveler. Just be warned: whether they’re "Dirkins" or the real deal, these bags are selling out almost as fast as they can stock them!

Related: This Iconic Disneyland Resort Restaurant Just Got a Massive Glow-Up—And Reservations Are Vanishing

There isn’t a single bad season of Sex and the City, so ranking its six installments is an exercise in splitting hairs. Are you a fan of Miranda and Steve’s relationship? Then you might take a strong liking to Season 6A, which sees them get back together. Are you still mad at Carrie for cheating on Aidan with Big? Then you may love to hate Season 3. 

Regardless, each season of the show — which redefined what it meant to be single, female and fabulous in New York City — is near perfect. So grab a Cosmo and keep scrolling for TV Squad’s official ranking of SATC seasons.

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‘Sex and the City’ Seasons Ranked to the BestSeason 5 (2002)

Sarah Jessica Parker was pregnant with her first child when Season 5 was shot, so the season is just eight episodes long (compared with the typical 18). Those eight episodes are great — Carrie’s horrified look when Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) breastfeeds Brady in Episode 1 (“Anchors Away”) is classic Bradshaw — but there’s less story to chew on overall, making Season 5 an easy pick for the bottom slot. If we had to find real fault with the season, it would be that it’s a little bit of a bummer: Miranda’s stuck at home (or going to Weight Watchers), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) is depressed about turning 36 (which is young!), and Samantha (Kim Cattrall) takes Richard (James Remar) back after he cheats on her. Sure, Carrie publishes her first book, but she’s often stressed about it along the way. The season feels more like a setup for Season 6A than its own meaty chapter. It introduces Jack Berger (Ron Livingston) and Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler), and restores Samantha and Miranda back to their factory settings, so to speak, with Sam finally ending things with Richard and Miranda learning how to be a mother and a sexual being at the same time. 

Related: 10 Best 'Sex and the City' Episodes

Season 1 (1998)

The first season of SATC does a stellar job of introducing the fabulous four (plus Mr. “Abso-f--king-lutely” Big, played by Chris Noth), but it lands towards the bottom of the list because its fourth-wall breaks are tonally off and distracting. Still, don’t sleep on Season 1. Carrie showing up uninvited to church to meet Big’s mom tells you everything you need to know about their relationship. 

Season 2 (1999)

Ah, yes, the season that gave us “James and his teeny-tiny penis.” And Susan Sharon. And a guest appearance by Jon Bon Jovi. By Season 2, everything about the show has gelled. The tone is more consistent, the storytelling is more character-driven, and the core four’s friendship feels even deeper than it did at the outset. Plus, Miranda meets Steve (David Eigenberg), kicking off one of the show’s great love stories, and Carrie finds out that Big is engaged to Natasha (Bridget Moynahan). The finale (“Ex and the City”) is a standout episode of both the season and the series. “Najinski” is quite the hilarious burn, and the last line is epic: "Maybe I didn't break in Big,” Carrie says in voiceover. “Maybe the problem was he couldn't break me. Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they need to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with." 

Season 6A (2003)

A lot happens in the first part of the show’s final season: Miranda dates her neighbor, Dr. Robert Leeds (Blair Underwood) and realizes she is still in love with Steve, Charlotte marries Harry and, of course, Berger breaks up with Carrie on a Post-It note. It's a jam-packed season full of wit, irreverence and Berger’s bad personality. But let’s face it: a season needs the central Aidan/Big storyline to crack the top three. 

Related: Sarah Jessica Parker's Net Worth in 2025

Season 3 (2000)

The third season welcomes a floppy-haired Aidan (John Corbett) and his turquoise jewelry. Viewers instantly fall in love with his big heart, easygoing attitude and attentiveness to Carrie, and many are stunned when she starts cheating on him with Big. It's a storyline that went down as one of the most memorable in TV history. The season also introduces Trey (Kyle MacLachlan), whom Charlotte marries after drunkenly learning on the night before their wedding that he is impotent. 

Season 4 (2001–2002)

Carrie and Aidan get engaged only to break up again when Carrie realizes that Aidan doesn’t trust her and never will — and, honestly? Who could blame him? Plus, Miranda finds out she’s pregnant with Steve’s baby, Charlotte deals with her troubled marriage to Trey and their conflicting feelings about IVF and adoption, and Samantha meets Richard. That’s a lot of plot! And there’s more! Samantha has a lesbian relationship, Carrie visits Aidan’s country home (before the split), and Big moves to Napa (“If you’re tired, you take a nap-a, you don’t move to Napa”).

Season 6B (2004)

A controversial pick? Perhaps, given how much time Carrie spends with Aleksandr Petrovsky (played by Mikhail Baryshnikov, but not a fan-favorite character) and in Paris (not New York), and how neatly the main characters' storylines end. But you know what? Life is too short to root against your TV friends. Big telling Carrie that she's "the one," Miranda caring for Steve's mom, Samantha surviving breast cancer and asking Smith (Jason Lewis) to stay faithful to her and Charlotte and Harry confirming their adoption? These are perfect endings to a perfect show.

Next: Best 'Sex and the City' Quotes

Fifty-five years ago, The Brady Bunch aired one of its most famous episodes with “Your Sister’s Shadow.” The episode, which aired Nov. 19, 1971, on ABC, featured middle daughter Jan (Eve Plumb) struggling with being overshadowed by her popular older sister, Marcia (Maureen McCormick).

In a famous scene from the episode, Jan goes off on her sister and hides all of her academic awards and blue ribbons. “Marcia always makes such a big deal out of everything,” she later complains to her parents (played by Robert Reed and Florence Henderson). “Every time Marcia turns around, they hand her a blue ribbon or something. … All I hear all day long at school is how great Marcia is at this or how wonderful Marcia did that. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!”

“I'm tired of being in Marcia's shadow all the time,” she added.

The 'Marcia' line wasn’t a big deal in 1971

In a  2023 interview with Yahoo! Entertainment, Plumb, now 67, noted that when TheBrady Bunch episode originally aired in the 1970s, the show wasn’t considered “relevant” and was seen as “filler" on ABc's schedule. She also pointed out that her iconic “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” line didn’t become popular until the 1990s—and it wasn’t due to The Brady Bunch parody movie that came out in 1995.

“That line actually wasn't famous when we did the show, or after the show,” Plumb shared. “It wasn't famous until it was a parody sketch on Saturday Night Live. It was only because it was in Saturday Night Live that it got popular. … It was Melanie Hutsell portraying Jan.”

Hutsell was an SNL cast member from 1991 to 1994, and she parodied Jan Brady in multiple sketches and Weekend Update segments during that time, including one in which she complained about big sister Marcia. Hutsell also played Jan in The Real Live Brady Bunch theater show.

“My favorite sketch that I did on Saturday Night Live was definitely ‘The Brady Bunch v. The Partridge Family: Battle of the Band’ because it was a childhood dream slash confusion that I had,” Hutsell said in a 2015 interview with Out. “I was really little when The Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family were on, and I think they were on back-to-back on Friday nights, and in my mind I was like, ‘I wonder if they live on the same street?’”

Hutsell also recalled meeting Plumb in person when she was in The Brady Bunch show in Chicago. "I was like, "Oh my God…. I am so nervous. I am going to be dressed up as Jan Brady in front of Eve Plumb,” she shared.

'Brady' star said Jan Brady had the most ‘depth’

During The Brady Bunch’s five-season run, Plumb’s Jan was featured in multiple episodes about being a middle child, starting with Season 1’s “Lost Locket, Found Locket," in which housekeeper Alice (Ann B. Davis), also a middle child, played secret admirer. In other episodes, Jan donned a black wig to set herself apart from Marcia and later cut off her whole clan as she insisted she wanted to be an only child.

During an episode of  The Real Brady Bros. podcast, Brady Bunch star Barry Williams (Greg Brady on the show) said he thought Jan was the most interesting of all of the Brady characters.

“I think Jan had the most interesting storylines, because Jan had more depth,” he said. “She was more troubled. She was a middle child in a classic kind of sense. … And she always seemed to have a lot of angst, which I think gave her some depth in the show. “

“Marcia was kind of like the ultimate California beach girl, you know, cute and nice and popular. And Cindy [Susan Olsen], you know, she was kind of … eavesdropping, a tattletale, you know, not very bright through most seasons, character-wise. So Jan, I think, had really interesting kind of waters to navigate," The Brady Bunch star added.

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After nearly eight weeks behind closed doors, Oga's Cantina swung back open at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland on March 13, and guests who stepped inside found something quietly significant had changed.

The First Order is gone.

References to Kylo Ren's regime, the Resistance, and the now-shuttered Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel have all been stripped from the cantina's signage and from DJ R-3X's rotating dialogue. Two bulletin board notices near the entrance were replaced entirely. One that previously advertised work aboard a Chandrilan starship captained by someone from the Halcyon (the Galactic Starcruiser's fictional vessel) has been swapped out for a new posting about quick credits and surplus goods, written in language that fits the era of the Galactic Civil War. A second notice once pointed job-seekers toward the First Order. That one now reads like a help-wanted ad from a scrappier, more anonymous corner of the galaxy: 'Now Hiring, Cantina Manager. Inquire at bar. No questions, including why the last one quit.'

Related: Every Upcoming 'Star Wars' Game, Ranked by How Likely It Is to Actually Release

The changes are the first visible preview of a much larger transformation coming to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge on April 29, when Disneyland officially expands the land's timeline beyond the sequel era. Starting that day, Darth Vader will patrol Batuu alongside Imperial Stormtroopers. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo will appear throughout the outpost. John Williams' original Star Wars scores, 'The Imperial March,' the Force theme, the main title, will play across the land for the first time. For Oga's Cantina specifically, Disney has rewritten the backstory: the bar is now set earlier in Oga Garra's career, before she became the crime boss guests once knew her as.

The half of Galaxy's Edge anchored by Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will remain in the sequel era for now, keeping Rey and her Resistance camp intact. Disney has positioned the two sections of Batuu as representing different moments in the Star Wars timeline; a storytelling workaround that lets the park serve fans of every era without erasing anything completely.

Still, the removal of the Galactic Starcruiser references were interesting in that they removed a notable failure. The $6,000-per-cabin resort closed in 2023 after less than two years of operation, and its traces inside Galaxy's Edge had persisted ever since. Seeing those last remnants scrubbed and replaced by a joke about a cantina manager who 'quit' have ensured the 'the last remnants of the Old Starcruiser have been swept away' as Grand Moff Tarkin might say.

The cantina is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are no longer required. Walk-up is the only option. If you are planning a Disneyland trip before April 29, you can already experience the early stages of a galaxy that has been rewritten to an earlier cinematic era.

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In a surprising -- and very welcome -- turn of events, Trader Joe's announced that it will release its new large canvas tote bags with lavender handles nationwide on March 23.

"We have changed our plans," Nakia Rohde, Trader Joe's public relations manager, told the Reno Gazette Journal.

Rohde also confirmed that it's "a limited-time product, and availability will vary store by store." Marketing them as having limited-edition inventory isn't an accident: Trader Joe's totes frequently sell out within hours. Customers have taken to social media to show the lines at stores, crowds trying to get a tote bag before they're all gone.

"Limited drops don’t just sell products; they create events. Consumers aren’t simply buying anymore - they’re competing, sharing, and engaging in a moment," Colm Phelan, Casinos.com brand manager and PR expert, shared with Parade. "That kind of hype generates enormous organic reach, effectively turning demand itself into a marketing channel."

When it comes to Trader Joe's highly anticipated tote bags, the grocery giant often adopts a "they'll be here when they'll be here" attitude. Fans were ecstatic when the company announced that the highly coveted mini pastel tote bags were returning to stores, but disappointed that there wasn't an exact date.

Trader Joe's Mini Pastel Canvas Tote Bags

Trader Joe's

"We plan to offer Pastel Mini Canvas totes in your neighborhood Trader Joe’s store in mid-March," Rohde told Parade at the time. "There will not be a specific day the totes will arrive in all Trader Joe’s stores nationwide."

The demand for its tote bags has turned them into a cultural phenomenon. The tote bags have even become a fashion accessory, with many noticing them in other countries -- despite Trader Joe's only existing in the U.S. For those who missed out on purchasing one in-store, it's easy to find them on the resale market. Unfortunately, that $2.99 mini tote bag or $3.99 large tote bag will cost you much more.

On March 21, new listings were already available for the mini pastel tote bags. One person was selling the entire set of 4 bags for $60, while another was selling a single bag for $27.95. While five and nine times the original amount may sound outrageous to many, other listings charge hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Dean Martin’s son Dean Paul Martin’s life was cut tragically short when he died on March 21, 1987, at age 35.

Born Dino Paul Crocetti Jr., Dean Paul was the fifth of Dean’s eight children. The Rat Pack member and his second wife, Jeanne Biegger, welcomed Dean Paul in November 1951. In his youth, Dean Paul began to follow in his famous father’s footsteps.

At age 13, Dean Paul formed a pop group called Dino, Desi and Billy with Desi Arnaz Jr. and Billy Hinsche. The trio landed on the Billboard U.S. charts in 1965 with their songs “I’m a Fool” and “Not the Lovin’ Kind.”

Dean Paul also pursued an acting career. He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his role in the 1979 film Players. He later starred on the NBC series Misfits of Science from 1985 to 1986.

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Beyond music and acting, Dean Paul played tennis, competing in the qualifying rounds of Wimbledon from 1975 to 1978.

Outside of the spotlight, Dean Paul obtained his pilot’s license at the age of 16 and joined the California Air National Guard in 1980. He was serving as a captain in the 196th Tactical Fighter Squadron in California at the time of his death.

On March 21, 1987, Dean Paul was flying an F-4 jet on a training mission in California’s San Bernardino Mountains when the aircraft crashed, killing the 35-year-old and his weapons systems officer, Captain Ramon Ortiz. According to officials, the jet hit the side of the mountain at approximately 400 miles per hour. Reports from Air National Guard and the Air Force indicated that Dean Paul might have had vertigo due to the snowstorm he was flying in and failed to hear an Ontario Airport controller’s command to change directions in order to avoid the mountain.

Martin Mills/Getty Images

Dean Paul and Ortiz’s bodies were discovered nearly a week after the crash. Dean Paul was interred at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.  

Dean Paul—who was married to actress Olivia Hussey from 1971 to 1978 and Olympian Dorothy Hamill from 1982 to 1984—was survived by his and Hussey’s son, Alexander Martin.

In the aftermath of his death, Dean Paul’s famous father struggled without his son.

“It was so sad, devastating for all of us,” Dean’s daughter Deana Martin told Fox News in 2019 of her brother’s death. “It was tough for him.”

Indeed, Dean held tight to his grief in the years after Dean Paul died.

“Dean Martin’s final years were very, very sad after he lost his son,” author William Keck said in a 2024 Fox News interview. “It was like looking at a candle without a flame.”

Although Dean “was still the nice man that he seemed to be on television,” interacting with fans in public and promising to return to the stage in the future, Keck recalled, “I don’t think his broken heart ever healed.”

In addition to Dean Paul, Dean was the father of son Craig and daughters Claudia, Gail and Deana with first wife Betty McDonald, son Ricci and daughter Gina with Biegger and daughter Sasha with third wife Catherine Hawn.

Dean died of acute respiratory failure in December 1995 at age 78.

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Cozy bedding is one of life's greatest pleasures. There's nothing like ending the day on smooth sheets and pillowcases, complete with a plump comforter. Even better? When it looks as good as it feels! The Regency Heights Comforter Set is an excellent choice if you're looking for some dreamy bedding. Not only does it come with nine pieces, but it's also available in nine beautiful, spring-ready prints.

The bundle is an amazing deal at Walmart right now. Normally $100, the twin set is currently on sale for as low as $40. Discounts vary slightly by color, but none cost more than $47, which is still a great deal for a full bedding collection. Walmart also offers the set in Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes at varying discounts. With patterns ranging from soft florals to intricate designs, it's easy to find one that blends nicely with your bedroom's decor.

Regency Heights Comforter Set, From $40 (was $100) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

This is a set unlike any other for a few reasons. The colors are rich and true, with an array of striking patterns that catch the eye. There are color palettes for every season, mood, and layout, from blacks and blues to lighter tones like pink and yellow. 

This set is more than just good-looking, though. It checks every box and offers a little bit more than you might expect of the usual comforter set. In addition to the comforter, you'll also receive two standard shams, four standard pillow cases, one flat sheet, and one fitted sheet. For convenience, the fitted sheet has a roomy pocket measuring 8 inches wide by 9 inches deep on each side. It's perfect for holding must-haves like your phone, remote, or a book.

The pieces are made from supple microfiber, while the comforter has a fluffy hypoallergenic fill that lends it just enough weight to keep you warm without feeling overwhelming. Over 3,000 shoppers have awarded the set five stars, with many sharing how much they appreciate the combination of style, quality, and value.

"The comforter and sheet set is so comfortable and super soft," one person wrote. "Quality is above and beyond." 

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful and Comfy' $96 Canopy Bench Swing Is the Ultimate Outdoor Upgrade

On top of being attractive, this set is very easy to maintain. Just toss it in the washing machine, using cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low and everything will emerge looking refreshed and as good as new. 

It's not often that you come across bedding as affordable and stylish as the Regency Heights Comforter Set. Don't miss this opportunity to add a little elegance to your bedroom without spending a fortune! Pick up the set for as low as $40 while it's on sale at Walmart.

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

If you’ve been crunching the numbers for a family vacation lately and feeling a bit of "sticker shock," you aren't alone. Even the higher-ups at the House of Mouse are starting to take notice. During the company’s recent 2026 annual shareholder meeting, newly appointed CEO Josh D’Amaro—who just stepped into the top role after years of running the Parks division—addressed the elephant in the room: the rising cost of a Disney day.

Responding to questions about how the company balances high prices with guest happiness, D’Amaro acknowledged that a visit to the parks is a "meaningful investment for families." He noted that while costs to run the parks have increased, the goal is still for every guest to feel the experience was worth it. "Basically, we want this experience to be the best day of a guest's life," D'Amaro said. As part of the company's effort to keep that "best day" accessible for middle-class families, he specifically highlighted a major value play returning for the warmer months.

Related: Disney Rolls Out New Summer Deals as Park Costs Rise

The $50 Ticket Deal: What You Need to Know

For a limited time this summer, children ages 3 to 9 can visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks for just $50 per child with the purchase of a special 1-Day, 1-Park ticket. If you’re looking to squeeze even more magic into your trip, the deal extends to multi-day options as well:

• 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket: $50 per day
• 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket: $100 total ($50 per day)
• 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket: $150 total ($50 per day)

The offer is valid for visits from May 22 through September 7, 2026. Just keep in mind that you’ll still need to make a park reservation for the dates you want to visit, and those spots can fill up fast—especially for the $50 ticket holders.

Related: Disney Lightning Lane Just Hit Record $449 for Spring Break

More Ways to Save This Summer

This isn't the only "Kids’ Summer" promotion we’ve seen Disney roll out lately as they try to alleviate those travel costs. If you’re heading to the East Coast instead, you can pair these savings with:

• Kids Eat Free at Walt Disney World: We recently covered the return of the popular "Kids Free Dining" promo for 2026, which allows children to eat for free when you book a non-discounted 4-night/4-day vacation package.
• Resort Perk Power: Don’t forget that staying "on-property" at a Disney resort still grants you Early Theme Park Entry, giving you a 30-minute head start on the crowds. It’s a small perk that adds huge value when you're trying to hit Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance before the midday heat hits.

Between the $50 tickets in California and the dining deals in Florida, it's clear that D'Amaro and his team are trying to prove that while the "Disney Investment" is real, the magic is still within reach for families who plan ahead.

Related: Disney Hotel Perks Are Shifting in 2026—What’s Staying, What’s New, What’s Ending

There is just something so very whimsical about trinkets, isn't there? Finding little bits and bobs to use as home decor or to remember a fun outing or trip helps us savor the little moments that much more. And if you are a trinket collector, then you are definitely going to want to sprint to Five Below. The budget-friendly retailer is currently selling a series of beautiful vintage-style jars that are a trinket collector's dream come true.

Five Below's Trinket Jars come in three chic vintage-inspired designs–a blue and white toile floral pattern, a vibrant butterfly with floral motifs or a dainty swan design with pink scrolls–giving you a few options to choose from. Each one is so pretty!

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Trinket Jar, $4 at Five Below

Five Below

Each of these decorative jars comes with a lid to help keep all of your favorite trinkets, bits and bobs safe and secure. From loose change and jewelry to office supplies and hair ties, there is no shortage of things you can store in these jars. And at just $4 apiece, you could grab each style of these trinket jars and use them for different organizational purposes.

Related: Five Below's Newest Home Find Is a Gorgeous Addition to Any Room

These charming trinket jars aren't just functional; they are also super stylish, too. Each trinket jar is honestly an art piece in and of itself, vibrant in color and crisp in its design. Each of these trinket jars would look so chic displayed on your desk, bookshelf, vanity or dresser top. Honestly, wherever you see fit! It is totally up to you.

These trinket jars retail for $4 apiece, and you can find them at select Five Below stores. These trinket jars are currently not available for purchase online.

If you are interested in other fun Five Below finds, check out this sleek foldable table that makes having spring picnics a breeze, this adorable ceramic vase that's perfect for bookworms, this gorgeous velvet ottoman that is giving major Pottery Barn vibes for less or this five-piece travel container set that makes getting through TSA no problem at all. In-store and online availability will vary.

Related: Five Below Beauty Items That Are Just as Good as Their High-End Counterparts

A widely discussed theory about the man seen outside Nancy Guthrie’s home is now being called into question. In a new interview, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos pushed back on speculation that images of the so-called "porch guy" were taken on different days, saying there is no evidence to support that claim. As debate over the photos continues online, he emphasized that anything beyond what authorities have confirmed remains unverified.

"Remember the photo we gave of the man at the front door with the backpack on? There's another photo of him without the backpack on. It was released the same day we released it all. And people speculated that they're two different times and two different days. It went crazy," Nanos said in an interview with Bill Buckmaster and Arizona Daily Star columnist Tim Steller on KVOI AM 1030's Bill Buckmaster Show.

"We have nothing in front of us—there's no time or date stamp on the photos—that says those photos were taken at two different times," Nanos continued. "So, it would be irresponsible for me to say 'yes, we think there were two different photos on two different days.'"

A screen grab from a video shows an armed individual appearing with camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door the morning of her disappearance in Arizona, United States on February 12, 2026.

Pima County Sheriff's Department/Anadolu via Getty Images

Nanos said anything else out there about the photos is "all speculation."

This is the second time that the Pima County Sheriff's Department has attempted to set the record straight about the images. Back on Feb. 23, the department released the following statement on social media.

"We are aware that doorbell images released earlier in the investigation depict a suspect in different stages of attire, including with and without a backpack. There is no date or time stamp associated with these images. Therefore, any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative."

Nevertheless, there have been reports from "sources" that the pictures were taken at different times due to subtle differences. Aside from one still image showing the perp with a backpack and another photo without, some believe that the individual appears to be wearing different sneakers, isn't carrying a gun, and might even be wearing a different mask (or perhaps the mask is on backwards, as his eyes and mouth aren't visible).

Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Sunday, Feb. 1. Authorities have asked that anyone with information about what might have happened

READ NEXT: Nancy Guthrie Update: Former FBI Agent Raises Possibility of Chilling Motive

In 1973, Charlie Rich released a song so intimate and controversial that many radio stations refused to play it.

"Behind Closed Doors" sounds rather tame by today’s standards. But in 1973, its suggestive lyrics pushed boundaries for country radio and stirred plenty of debate.

Some stations even pulled it from rotation. Others couldn’t ignore just how much listeners were drawn to it.

Despite the controversy, the song became an instant hit, showcasing Rich’s smooth, soulful voice and undeniable charisma. Its success proved that a little risqué storytelling could captivate audiences and cement a country star’s place in music history.

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American Songwriter reported the song's writer, Kenny O’Dell, kept hearing the phrase "behind closed doors" as it related to the Watergate scandal of the early '70s. O'Dell said, per the website, "They’re always talking about no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. Having the sessions, another session, behind closed doors. And I’m thinking, I like the title, ‘Behind Closed Doors.”

O'Dell heard that producer Billy Sherrill was looking for a song for Rich to record. "He told Harbison how he got the song to Rich: “Well, Billy Sherrill was producing him, and they were trying to get a huge hit, and things weren’t working out very well. I took it to Billy, and I had his ear at the time.”

RELATED: 1973 Heartbreak Country Music Ballad Became an Unforgettable No. 1 Hit

The song was a perfect fit for the deep-voiced country singer, but not before a few tweaks to its lyrics. Sherrill wanted the last verse to lead listeners to assume that there was more going on "Behind Closed Doors" than two people who held hands. In the end, it proved to be a good call, as the song became a smash hit, rising to No. 15 on the Billboard charts.

According to the website Saving Country Music, "The lyric was a little racy for the time, and some radio stations refused to play it initially, or outright banned it from playlists. But as we’ve seen from other iconic songs in country history, all that mild controversy did was boost the song’s popularity."

Following the success of "Behind Closed Doors," five months later, Charlie Rich had a smash hit with "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World." The song reached No. 1 in December 1973 and remained at the top spot for two weeks.

Charlie Rich died in July 1995 at 62.

Betty Crocker is synonymous with baking, and after over 100 years of bringing boxed dessert mixes to stores, it's pretty amazing that the company still manages to provide fans with new flavors.

This spring is no exception, as the pantry icon just revealed it's launching two new baking mixes and three new frostings that prioritize convenience. Heading out just in time for all your seasonal gatherings is a "decadent" new brownie mix and "indulgent" new chocolate chip cookie flavor.

To cut right to it, Betty Crocker's Delights line is expanding with its new Dark Chocolate Raspberry Premium Brownie Mix, which sounds like a berry good start to the season if you ask us (the return of Cherry Chip would make it all the better). Also debuting this spring is the brand's new Soft Baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and three Rich & Creamy Squeezable Frostings.

Betty Crocker Introduces New Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Mix, Soft Baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies and 3 Squeezable Frostings

Betty Crocker Delights Dark Chocolate Raspberry Premium Brownie Mix sounds very similar to this Raspberry Swirl Brownie recipethat Parade published over a decade ago (which actually calls for Betty Crocker Brownie Mix), it just cuts the number of steps and makes it pretty fool-proof.

It features "rich dark chocolate and a seasonably fruity raspberry swirl," according to an official description shared in an email with Parade. Just add some vegetable oil, water and a single egg, combine well before adding the contents of the raspberry packet and swirling throughout. Then bake as directed and enjoy!

Related: The Bobby Flay-Approved Hack For Making Boxed Brownies 10x Better

Betty Crocker's new Delights Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Mix.

Betty Crocker/General Mills

Betty Crocker's new Soft Baked Chocolate Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix is just as easy to make as its new brownie mix (if not even simpler, since it only requires adding butter and eggs) and yields cookies with a "fluffy, bakery-style texture" and "indulgent" chocolate-and-peanut-butter flavors every time.

It joins the General Mills brand's lineup of other year-round flavors like Birthday Cake Batter and Red Velvet, replacing seasonal faves such as its Strawberry Mist, Peppermint Sugar and Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Betty Crocker Soft Baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

And that brings us to the final item of the three-part drop, Betty Crocker's first-ever Rich & Creamy Squeezable Frosting.

From what Parade understands, it's the same Betty Crocker frosting fans know and love, just in a new container. Instead of scooping the product out with a spatula or a knife, cake and cookie decorators can freehand the frosting right from the tube—which Betty Crocker believes makes the process "easier and less messy." It's debuting in three classic flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate and Cream Cheese.

Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Squeezable Frosting in Vanilla, Chocolate and Cream Cheese flavors. Where Will Betty Crocker's New Spring Baking Mixes and Frostings Be Available?

Betty Crocker's new Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Mix, Soft Baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and squeezable icing tubes are expected to be available at most major retailers now, where other Betty Crocker baking products are sold (think your local grocery store, Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc.). Prices may vary by location.

Next: Pillsbury Launches ‘Scrumptious’ New Spring Cookie Dough Flavor

Long before she was technically part of Disney’s catalog, Anastasia was already a princess in the eyes of many moviegoers.

Released in 1997 and starring Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd, and Angela Lansbury, Anastasia tells the story of a young woman with no memory of her past who may—or may not—be the lost Grand Duchess of Russia.

Blending romance, adventure and a sweeping musical score, the film quickly became a standout of late-’90s animation, thanks in part to songs like "Journey to the Past" and its fairy-tale-meets-history premise.

But unlike characters like Ariel or Belle, Anastasia wasn’t created by Disney.

The film was produced by Don Bluth and his longtime collaborator Gary Goldman under the banner of 20th Century Fox Animation. At the time, Bluth was known as one of Disney’s biggest animation rivals, having left the studio years earlier and built a career creating films that directly competed with Disney’s releases.

For decades, Anastasia existed outside the Disney umbrella—until 2019, when The Walt Disney Company acquired 21st Century Fox. With that deal, Anastasia suddenly became, at least on paper, a Disney-owned character.

And that’s where things get complicated.

Despite now owning the film, Disney has largely left Anastasia untouched. She hasn’t been added to the official Disney Princess lineup, hasn’t appeared in major crossovers and hasn’t been reintroduced to a new generation in the way other acquired properties sometimes are.

Part of the hesitation may come from the film’s origins. Bluth, who famously built his career outside of Disney, has spoken in the past about wanting to create something that stood apart from the studio’s formula as something that could rival it. That legacy still shapes how the film is viewed today.

There’s also the question of tone. While Anastasia has all the hallmarks of a Disney-style fairy tale, it draws loosely from real historical events, giving it a slightly different edge than the traditional princess narrative.

All of this has left the character Anastasia in a kind of pop culture limbo: widely recognized, often grouped with Disney heroines in spirit, but not officially part of the brand.

And that’s where the conversation continues.

Some fans see her as a natural fit for the Disney Princess lineup, pointing to her story, songs and enduring popularity. Others feel she belongs to a different era of animation—one defined by competition with Disney, not inclusion within it.

"It would be an insult to Don Bluth," one Redditor pointed out. "This was not made by Disney, and it deserves to hold on tight to its identity and unique pedigree."

"Don Bluth himself said he doesn’t want this, so let’s honor his wishes and drop it!" another said.

In 2022, Bluth said Disney would take care of his story "very well" in an interview with The Los Angeles Times. "Now, if they start marketing her as just another Disney princess, I should probably frown a little, but I think it’s in good hands right now," he elaborated.

"I would scream if they did," another Redditor said of the motion. "In a bad way. Leave her alone. She is singular."

And so for now, Anastasia remains something rare: a "princess" who exists just outside the castle gates.

RELATED: 62 Years Ago, George Harrison Had a Surprise Night Out With a Disney Star

It was the year 2000, and one of the hottest boy bands in the world, NSYNC, just released their third studio album.

Fans everywhere were running to the record store (or wherever CDs were sold) to get their hands on it, though plenty of others turned to the rising wave of peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms like Napster or LimeWire to get their music fix.

Still, that didn't stop No Strings Attached from achieving massive success as one of the biggest album debuts in music history.

On March 21, 2000, the album introduced the fandom to songs that would go on to define an era, including chart-toppers "Bye Bye Bye" and the song that inspired a now-viral meme, "It's Gonna Be Me."

While the album was released at the height of NSYNC's fame, it marked a creative evolution for the band—diversifying their sound by incorporating more distinct pop and R&B influence, all while capitalizing on the Y2K aesthetic and bringing the world into the digital age.

The era of space-age optimism and millennium futurism was evident as the band crossed genres with groundbreaking songs like "Space Cowboy" and "Digital Getdown."

While Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, LanceBass and Chris Kirkpatrick were already household names by the 00s, the album was a roaring success, with music critics and fans praising the production that redefined the pop music genre.

But it was the chart performance that really brought the noise, as the album debuted in the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, staying there for eight consecutive weeks and becoming one of the longest-running number-one albums of the year on the chart.

In its first week, it sold 2.4 million copies, setting a record for one-week sales in the country.

And NSYNC held that record for 15 years!

Given how huge the music industry was in the early 2000s, and how many albums were released, it was a huge feat for the band, with the record only surpassed in 2015 by Adele with her third studio album, 25.

It also became the first album to sell more than two million copies in a week since Nielsen SoundScan began its tracking in May 1991.

While the lead single "Bye Bye Bye" is the one credited with building the buzz around the album, a total of four singles were released, along with "It's Gonna Be Me," the ballad "This I Promise You," which allowed the group's vocals and harmonies to shine, and "I'll Never Stop."

Not only was No Strings Attached the best-selling album of the year, garnering 9.4 million sales by the end of 2000, but the supporting tour, the No Strings Attached Tour, was the second-highest-grossing tour in North America.

'N SYNC
Teen-pop idols 'N Sync dance as they perform their hit 'I Want You Back' Tuesday night, May 30, 2000, at the Compaq Center as the 'No Strings Attached' tour stops in Houston. (Photo by Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) 05/30/00. HOUCHRON CAPTION (06/01/2000): `N Sync performs its hit "I Want You Back" Tuesday night at Compaq Center.

NSYNC took home four awards for the album at the 2000 Billboard Music Awards, including Album of the Year. Billboard also called it the top album of the decade, while the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified No Strings Attached nine-times Platinum a month after the album's release.

However, it did more than set records—it became the soundtrack to our youth, blasting in car radios, dominating TRL and the go-to at school dances and sleepovers.

The album captured and shaped the turn-of-the-millennium pop moment, and the songs became part of the cultural zeitgeist and everyday life.

A quick listen in the present instantly transports listeners back to more carefree days; there's a real sense of nostalgia tied to the slick production of the songs and the synchronized choreography, reminding us of a simpler, pre-social media era where boy bands ruled the world.

It should also be noted that while No Strings Attached was blaring through every speaker and headphone, Timberlake was also making his acting debut in Disney's Model Behavior.

26 Years Ago, ’90s Music Icon Made His Acting Debut in a Beloved Disney Movie

We didn't know it at the time, but the move was setting the foundation for his future solo career, which came after NSYNC released their fourth and final studio album, Celebrity, on July 18, 2001.

Though it did not sell as many copies, it was seen as a successful follow-up, bringing NSYNC into an even more experimental sound. Following the Celebrity tour in 2002, the group went on an indefinite hiatus as Timberlake expressed interest in recording a solo album—and never looked back

Type 2 diabetes has serious health implications (including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease), yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27.6 million of the 40.1 million people in the U.S. with diabetes don’t know they have it. 

Undiagnosed diabetes is dangerous because when chronically high blood sugar is left untreated, it can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. This can cause irreversible harm to the body’s organs before symptoms even start. This is why it’s crucial to know your diabetes risk and know how to manage your diabetes if you do have it. 

Related: 'I'm an Endocrinologist, and This Is the Best Afternoon Drink To Avoid Blood Sugar Crashes'

“Most patients [with type 2 diabetes] are asymptomatic because of its slow onset,” says Dr. Kevin Pantalone, DO, an endocrinologist and the director of diabetes initiatives at Cleveland Clinic. Related to this, Dr. Pantalone explains that many people have type 2 diabetes for a full five years before it’s diagnosed. “This is why screening for diabetes is so important."

Dr. Pantalone explains that diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure blood sugar levels. Preventing and managing your risk for type 2 diabetes looks slightly different, depending on your age. Here’s how you can manage your risk depending on how old you are.

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Allen Chen/Getty Images

How To Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Your 20s and 30s

The number of people under 40 being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is on the rise. Dr. Pantalone says that while there are genetic and environmental factors that influence the risk of type two diabetes, one primary reason for this is due to obesity. “Obesity increases insulin resistance, which makes it harder for the individual to control their blood sugar,” he notes. 

This means, he says, that habits that cause obesity (including improper diet and lack of exercise) directly contribute to the risk of type 2 diabetes. With this in mind, if you are in your 20s or 30s and want to lower the risk of diabetes, the most powerful way to do this is by having healthy diet and exercise habits in place.

“While one can’t change their genetics and may not be able to change their environment, one can try to lead a healthy lifestyle largely through maintaining physical activity levels and following general nutrition recommendations,” Dr. Pantalone explains.

Related: 'I'm an Endocrinologist—This Popular Smoothie Ingredient Sends Blood Gugar Soaring'

How Type 2 Diabetes Risk Changes in Your 40s

Dr. Pantalone says that type 2 diabetes risk increases drastically after age 45 and continues to increase with age. That makes getting screened for diabetes in your 40s especially important. 

If you are a woman and developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy (which Dr. Pantalone explains is due to changes in hormones and weight), it’s important to know that you have a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. With this in mind, it’s crucial to be screened for type 2 diabetes in your 40s if you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

The same diet and lifestyle habits that lower the risk of diabetes in your 20s and 30s also apply to your 40s. Especially because metabolism can slow after 40, making it easier to gain weight, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet and exercising regularly becomes especially important.

Related: 'I'm an Endocrinologist, and This Is the #1 Type of Fruit (Yes, Fruit) I Recommend to Everyone With Diabetes'

How Type 2 Diabetes Risk Changes After 50

For women, menopause can impact the risk of type 2 diabetes. “Menopause is associated with many hormonal changes, especially lower levels of estrogen, and women will report weight gain during menopause. Weight gain is often accompanied with a change in body composition, specifically a reduction in muscle mass and an increase in fat mass, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Pantalone says.

What can you do to mitigate this risk? Again, it comes back to having healthy habits in place, but in addition to having a nutrient-rich diet and exercising regularly, Dr. Pantalone says it becomes increasingly important to consistently get enough sleep and have healthy stress management habits in place. He explains that this is because lack of sleep and prolonged stress can both influence weight gain, which in turn increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Dr. Pantalone reiterates that the risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age; the older you are, the more important it is to be screened for diabetes. That said, he emphasizes that maintaining healthy habits plays a major role in reducing this risk and is something people of all ages should keep in mind. “A person in their 20s with severe obesity could have a higher risk than a 55-year-old person of normal weight; there are lots of factors that influence one’s risk across the age spectrum,” he says.

With that in mind, it’s never too early—or too late—to start implementing healthy habits. They’ll lower your risk of type 2 diabetes both now and in the decades to come.

Up Next:

Related: This Is the Best Cheese for Blood Sugar Balance, According to Diabetes Doctors

Sources:

• Heart disease and Diabetes. National Library of Medicine
• National Diabetes Statistics Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Untreated Diabetes: What to Know. UnityPoint Health
• Dr. Kevin Pantalone, DO, endocrinologist and the director of diabetes initiatives at Cleveland Clinic
• OY Luk, A, Wu, H., Fan, T., et al. (2025). Young-onset type 2 diabetes—Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management. Journal of Diabetes Investigation. 16(7):1157-1172
• Papatriantafyllou, E., Efthymiou, D., Zoumbaneas, E., et al. (2022). Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Management. Nutrients. 14(8):1549
• Kumar, R., Raza Rizvi, M. and Saraswat, S., (2022). Obesity and Stress: A Contingent Paralysis. International Journal of Preventive Medicine.13:95. doi: 10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_427_20

Plenty of celebrities have a famous doppelgänger—and Elijah Wood is no exception.

Through the years, The Lord of the Rings actor, 45, has admittedly been confused for fellow actor Daniel Radcliffe and while it may bother some stars to be incorrectly identified, the pair have never been fazed by the comparisons. In fact, they've each had a little bit of fun with the mix ups.

During an appearance onThe Drew Barrymore Show on Friday (March 20), Wood was shown a clip of Radcliffe admitting that he had signed autographs that were meant for the other actor.

Thankfully, Wood found the whole thing "so funny," adding that people come up to him thinking he's Radcliffe "all the time."

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As for why Wood thinks that people confuse him for Radcliffe, he explained that it goes beyond their similar facial features. Instead, Wood says he has theorized that people mix them up because their franchises,Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, were box office hits around the same time.

"I think it's because those two film franchises came out around the same time," Wood shared.

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Radcliffe has also reflected on the confusion, admitting that he felt bad about it at times considering the comparisons began when he was just a preteen and Wood was in his 20s.

"I really like him and felt so bad that we have been mixed up so much because also I was getting it when, at the start of Potter when Lord of the Rings was coming out, he was, you know, a man in his 20s. I was 12 or 13,” Radcliffe told CBR. "A 13 year old doesn’t mind getting mistaken for a man in his 20s. I can only imagine it would have been very annoying for a 20 year old to be mistaken for a child.”

He continued, "He’s very, very gracious and always, you know, I feel like we’ve got very similar outlooks on our careers and that we just do what we like. He’s a very nice person to get mistaken for as well. He’s got a lovely reputation and he’s done lovely, great films.”

If you’ve ever scrolled through travel TikTok and found yourself dreaming of those futuristic, pod-style seats that look more like a tiny apartment than an airplane chair, United Airlines just raised the stakes. Starting today, travelers can officially book seats on United’s most premium international aircraft yet: a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring the highly anticipated "United Elevated" interior.

Set to make its debut on April 22, with a flight from San Francisco to Singapore, this plane is less of an aircraft and more of a boutique hotel in the sky. While most long-haul planes are designed to pack as many people in as possible, United is leaning into the "more is more" philosophy for the front of the cabin. The aircraft boasts a staggering 99 premium seats, making it the crown jewel of the fleet for anyone who prioritizes comfort (and a good night's sleep) above all else.

Related: Travelers Are Rushing to Download United's New App for This One New Gamechanging Feature

The "Polaris Studio" Experience

The real star of the show is the brand-new United Polaris Studio. There are only eight of these suites on the plane, and they are designed to be a significant step up from the already-beloved Polaris experience.

In these suites, the lie-flat seats are 25 percent larger than the standard version. But it’s the little luxuries that really sell it: we're talking full privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat (perfect if a travel companion wants to sit and chat) and a massive 27-inch 4K OLED screen.

If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, United is also debuting an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service and exclusive entrée options specifically for the Studio cabin. It’s a level of service that feels more like the "Golden Age" of flying than a modern-day commute.

Tech Meets Tranquility

Beyond the caviar, the "Elevated" interior is packed with the kind of tech that makes a long travel day feel a lot shorter. Every seat in the Studio features wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can finally ditch the tangled cords.

As Andrew Nocella, United’s EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, put it: "The new era of premium air travel is coming soon... Our new aircraft redefines international long-haul flying, providing travelers upgraded amenities and experiences in every cabin."

Related: United Airlines is Making a Major Change to Its Onboard Wi-Fi

Where You Can Fly It

While the San Francisco to Singapore route gets the first honors in April, London travelers won't have to wait long. The second "Elevated" route launches between San Francisco and London on April 30.

United isn't stopping there, either. The airline plans to have 30 of these 787-9s with the upgraded interior flying globally by the end of 2027. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip, the bar for international flying just got a lot higher.

Related: JetBlue and United Quietly Rolled Out a Change Frequent Flyers Have Been Waiting For

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If you're looking for a quick and easy way to brighten up your outdoor space this season, Amazon's Homight Solar Butterfly Garden Lights are worth checking out. They provide a soft, magical glow that's perfect for lighting up spring and summer nights, and they're currently available for up to 50% off. 

Featuring 13 LED butterflies draped over a metal agave plant sculpture, these unique outdoor decorations add a touch of whimsy to yards, gardens, porches, and patios. The three-piece set is now on sale for just $28, down from $57, in the light green color. It also comes in blue, dark green, and red shades at $52, and there's a two-piece version available at $36. 

Homight Solar Butterfly Garden Lights, From $28 (was $57) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Powered by solar energy, these garden lights charge up during the day and automatically turn on once it gets dark. At night, they shine a variety of rainbow hues, creating a cozy, romantic atmosphere no matter where you place them. Featuring IP67 waterproof bulbs, the lights are durable enough to stay outdoors year-round and remain operational in any weather. 

Installing these lights is easy and hassle-free. Simply place each metal sculpture where you want it, turn on the switch to the solar panel, and allow the lights to charge up in the sunlight — no batteries or additional wiring required. 

Related: Amazon’s 'Colorful' $23 Solar Light Wind Chime 'Looks Magical' on Patios and Porches

Multiple shoppers praised the vibrant garden lights for their "gorgeous" design. One reviewer said they "look so pretty at night," while another noted that they add a "whimsical" touch to any outdoor space. A third buyer said the pretty patio upgrade "lights up beautifully at night." 

Shop More Deals

• Kooper Solar Lantern 2-Pack, $12 (was $24) at Amazon
• Toodour Solar Wind Chime, $8 (was $10) at Amazon
• Zeilluled Solar Butterfly Wind Chime, $12 (was $16) at Amazon

Spruce up your outdoor space this spring and summer with this gorgeous set of solar butterfly garden lights. Grab a three-pack while it's still on sale for under $30 at Amazon. 

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.

Owning a cast-iron pan can give you a bit of a pause in the kitchen. After all, there are so many conflicting pieces of advice when it comes to taking care of the heavy-duty cookware. These pans have been around for generations, passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, and yet much of the advice circulating online treats them like fragile antiques. The internet has us thinking that one wrong move will land the pans in the trash.

Depending on whom you ask, cast iron is either a completely indestructible heirloom or the most high-maintenance tool in your kitchen. It’s no wonder so many people feel intimidated by it, especially when they’re just simply trying to make dinner.

In reality, cast iron is pretty tough, but it does have rules that you need to follow to keep the cookware looking and cooking its best. We wanted a little cast-iron pan primer, so we turned to a pro in the cast-iron world to get our burning questions answered.

According to Kent Rollins, YouTube star, real-life cowboy cook and host of The Cast Iron Cowboy on The Outdoor Channel, there is one thing you should always do with your cast iron pan after using it—and it has nothing to do with soap or scrubbing. His simple advice on how to season a cast iron pan will help make sure your pans stay in great shape for you and for generations to come, so you can pass down your pans with pride.

Related: We Ranked 12 Olive Oil Brands and You Can Buy the Winner at Whole Foods

The #1 Thing You Should Always Do When You Use Your Cast Iron Pan

According to Rollins, seasoning your cast iron pan the right way can change it from becoming a discarded pan in the back of your cabinet to your most reached for tool from everything from a single fried egg to a batch of fried chicken.

Rollins says this is his most important piece of advice: "You’re gonna re-season every time you use that skillet," he tells Parade. "If I used it three times today, I’m gonna re-season it three times. I like the slick glossy black finish and that’s how you get it, by re-seasoning every time you use that skillet."

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Why Is Seasoning a Cast Iron Pan So Important?

Seasoning a cast iron skillet isn’t about flavor; it's more about chemistry. When oil is heated on cast iron, it polymerizes and bonds to the surface, forming a hard, slick layer that protects the metal and creates its naturally nonstick finish.

Over time, those layers build into the glossy black patina that makes cast iron such a prized kitchen tool. Pretty cool, right? And a cast iron pan needs this loving care. Without proper seasoning, food sticks, moisture seeps in and you get the dredded rust rings.

How To Season a Cast Iron Pan

Courtesy of Kent Rollins

Here's how Rollins re-seasons his cast iron pan: He says after he cooks in his skillet, he scrubs it, rinses with hot water, dries over heat (either the stove or a campfire, if he's cooking outdoors) and then adds some oil.

"When the skillet is hot and when it begins to smoke, I turn off the heat and wipe any excess," he says. Let cool before storing.

Courtesy of Kent Rollins

As far as what kind of oil to use? Kent has his favorites for both the initial season as well as maintenance.

"I have three that I really love," Rollins says. "Grapeseed oil is what I use most, next would be beef tallow and then avocado oil."

Related: How To Make Cornbread 10x Better, According to the ‘Cast Iron Cowboy’

How To Season a New Cast Iron Pan for the First Time

Rollins says that if you buy a secondhand pan or spring for a brand new one, you still need to season it first before you start to cook in it. The process may seem labor-intensive, but it sets your pan up for easy use later on.

Rollins starts the seasoning process the same way as a well-loved pan: on the stovetop, very hot, with about a tablespoon of oil rubbed in. The skillet then goes into the oven.

"Place a cookie sheet on the bottom rack or aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven to catch any drips and place the skillet upside down and bake for one hour at 400°F," he tells Parade.

After baking, he lets it cool completely.

"Let the skillet come to room temp," he recommends. "I do this a minimum of three times, then deep fry [potatoes] in it."

That initial deep fry will help supercharge the seasoning and set you up for nonstick cooking success. Bonus: deep-fried potatoes are delicious.

Related: My Chef-Husband Made Me His Marry Me Potatoes and I Would Definitely Say 'I Do' All Over Again

Courtesy of Kent Rollins

2 Additional Cast Iron Pan Tips1. Be careful with temperature

According to Rollins, when you’re heating or cooling your skillet, you should do it gradually. "You gotta be careful not to shock cast iron from one extreme to the other, hot or cold," he says.

Cast iron is durable, but rapid temperature changes can cause it to warp or crack, especially during seasoning when the metal is expanding and contracting as oil bonds to the surface.

2. Be mindful of what you're using to clean it

Rollins also cautions against using paper towels when applying oil.

"Don’t use a paper towel for that because they contain lint, and when you’re wiping something down, you’d be transferring lint to your cast iron," he warns. "I prefer a bandana or an ol’ T-shirt works too."

Up Next:

Related: This Popular Cast-Iron Skillet Was Just Voted #1 by Experts

Source:

Courtesy of Kent Rollins

• Kent Rollins, cowboy chef and star of the Outdoor Channel series Cast Iron Cowboy

Singer Claudine Longet set off a life-altering sequence of events when she killed her Olympian boyfriend, Vladimir “Spider” Sabich, on March 21, 1976.

Prior to the incident, Longet’s singing career took off in the 1960s, with hits such as “Hello, Hello” and “Love Is Blue.” She also made her mark as an actress in the 1968 film The Party and with guest roles on TV shows including Hogan’s Heroes and McHale’s Navy.

Longet received additional attention due to her marriage to Andy Williams. The couple tied the knot in 1961 and shared three kids, Noelle, Christian and Robert. Longet and Williams ultimately separated in 1970 and divorced in 1975, but they remained friends.

Following her split from Williams, Longet moved on with Sabich, whom she met at a 1972 celebrity ski race in California. The alpine ski racer competed in the 1968 Winter Olympics and became the top earner on the pro circuit in 1971 and 1972. Despite injuring his back in 1973, he continued to compete until 1976, though his career suffered a major setback due to his physical ailments.

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On March 21, 1976, police were called to Sabich’s Aspen, Colorado, home, where they found his body on the master bathroom floor with a gunshot wound in his abdomen. After losing a significant amount of blood before an ambulance arrived, Sabich died en route to Aspen Valley Hospital. He was 31.

Longet, then 34, was arrested and charged with Sabich’s death, though she claimed it was an accident. At her 1977 trial, Longet testified that the gun accidentally discharged while Sabich was showing her how to use it. She also denied pointing the weapon at Sabich, alleging that the weapon was lying flat in her palm.

“I would like you to tell me more about the gun and what the safety means,” she alleged she told Sabich, claiming that after the weapon discharged, Sabich “called my name three times” and then slipped into unconsciousness.

Multiple errors made during the investigation into Sabich’s death contributed to Longet’s defense at trial, including a blood sample and diary that were taken from her without warrants as well as the authorities’ mishandling of the gun.

Prior to her trial, Longet was charged with reckless manslaughter rather than homicide. To convict Longet of reckless manslaughter, the jury had to be convinced she exhibited a “conscious disregard” of a “substantial risk” in her actions that resulted in Sabich’s death, per a 2013 British GQ report on the case.

However, the judge also gave the jury the option to convict Longet of criminally negligent homicide, a misdemeanor that meant Longet showed a “gross deviation from the standard of caution that a ‘reasonable person’ could be expected to exercise” in an incident resulting in death.

In January 1977, the jury found Longet guilty of criminally negligent homicide, which carried a maximum sentence of two years behind bars and a $5,000 fine. The judge ultimately sentenced Longet to 30 days in jail to be served at a time of her choosing.

Sabich’s family later filed a civil suit against Longet, which was settled out of court.

Five decades after Sabich’s death, Longet, now 84, continues to live in Aspen with her husband, Ronald Austin, whom she married in 1985 after he served as her defense attorney in the case. She maintains a low profile and has not spoken out about Sabich’s death since her trial.