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Whenever the seasons change, we get that familiar urge to switch out our wardrobe and change up our color palette. Similarly, we often feel inspired to play with our beauty routine and try a fun nail polish trend or embrace a cool makeup fad.

Getting a haircut is another one of our favorite ways to embark on a new season, and we’re always interested in hearing more about the latest haircut trends. To find out what the biggest fall 2026 hair trends are, we consulted four hairstylists and asked them for their top picks.

When all of them agreed that one timeless hairstyle will be one of the hottest fall hair trends for women over 50, we asked the pros why this particular trend is taking off now. They provided insight into the haircut’s enduring legacy and explained who it works best on.

If you’re inspired to give this hairstyle a try, the pros share some tips on what to ask your stylist for during your next visit to the salon. To make sure your fresh new style stays just as fabulous as the day you get it cut, the hairstylists also provide recommendations for how to maintain the haircut at home in between salon appointments.

Related: 7 Best ‘Stacked Haircuts’ for 2026, According to a Celebrity Stylist

The Hair Trend Stylists Say Will Define Fall 2026: Bobs

Jean Catuffe/GC Images

One of the biggest haircut trends for fall 2026 is an oldie but goodie: bobs.

“Bobs give an effortless feel to a look while also creating structure,” Lrn Beauty hairstylist Sofia Meyer says. “I also love how easy it is to accessorize a bob, and that it gives so much room to play around with your personal style.”

The best part? A variety of bob styles are trending for the season ahead, including sleek and textured cuts. For instance, Phenix Salon Suites founder Gina Rivera says the boyfriend bob is hot for fall.

“It’s a little longer and less structured/polished than a classic bob that sits between the jaw and the collarbone,” she tells Parade.

Austin-based hairstylist and educator Ricky Hodge adds that sculpted bobs are also trending for the cooler weather.

“The bob is getting sharper, but not necessarily harsher. Think clean shape, beautiful weight and movement. Whether it’s jaw length, cheekbone length or somewhere between the chin and shoulder, the emphasis is on a haircut that has a really intentional silhouette,” he explains. 

Related: Gigi Hadid Just Brought Back Jennifer Aniston’s Iconic ‘Friends’ Haircut—30 Years Later

Why This Trend Is Taking Off Now

Bobs have never truly gone out of style, but they’re particularly popular for fall 2026 for a few reasons.

“As our clothing gets bulkier, having a shorter and defined haircut can help create an aesthetic balance with your style without taking much more time or effort,” Meyer says.

Pop culture has also contributed to the resurgence of the cut.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Related: The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do if You’re a Woman Who Wants To Avoid Thinning Hair as You Age

“Thanks to the TV show Off Campus and actress Ella Bright, we’re gravitating toward this shoulder-length bob that is worn flipped, sleek, curled or blown out. The style is very versatile and works well with natural texture,” Eric Marshall Wright, a hairstylist and owner at Eric Marshall Salon, says.

Additionally, Hodge says bobs possess a quality that many of us are seeking in our beauty routine: elevated simplicity.

“After years of layers, extensions and heavily styled hair, there’s something incredibly fresh about taking hair back to a strong shape. A great bob can make even simple hair feel incredibly chic,” he says.

Related: The ‘Safe’ Short Haircut That Is Actually Aging You (And What To Ask Your Stylist for Instead)

Who It Works Best On

XNY/Star Max/GC Images)

When it comes to bobs, Hodge says hair texture and growth pattern can sometimes matter more than face shape.

“Fine hair can look incredible with a strong perimeter because it creates the appearance of density. Thicker hair may need internal weight removed so the shape doesn’t become too heavy,” he tells Parade.

But if you’re wondering which face shapes do work best with bobs, Rivera says short, wavy bobs can flatter long or oblong faces.

“Wavy hair works best with this cut. The wave creates an undone movement,” she adds.

Related: A Celebrity Hairstylist Is Begging Women Over 50 To Stop Asking for This 1 Thing

How To Ask Your Stylist for It

Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images

Since there are multiple ways to cut a bob, what you ask for will depend on your end goals. For instance, if you want a boyfriend bob, Rivera recommends asking for a “relaxed undone bob.”

“Your stylist will advise what lengths work best for your facial features,” she says.

If you’re craving a sleek, sculpted bob, Hodge suggests requesting a bob with a “strong, intentional perimeter.”

“Then talk about where you want the length to hit. Bring a photo, but let your stylist translate that shape onto your own hair,” he says.

Related: 11 Best Hair-Growth Serums for Thicker, Healthier Locks, Tested by Trichologists Themselves

How To Maintain It at Home

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Bobs typically require more frequent trims than longer styles, so Meyer suggests booking an appointment with your stylist every six to eight weeks.

“It’s an easy way to always feel polished and put together,” she says.

When cut properly, a bob should be relatively easy to style at home, according to Hodge.

“Blow dry with a little tension to smooth the hair, then finish with a lightweight oil or shine product if needed. And don’t be afraid of some natural movement. The bob doesn’t have to be flat-ironed into submission every morning,” he says.

For days when you want a bit more texture, Rivera recommends investing in a lightweight texture spray.

“This works great for hold and separation without looking stiff,” she says.

While styling your hair, Rivera suggests applying a lightweight heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the root.

“Dry the hair with your fingers and/or a paddle brush. Don’t dry too straight,” she says.

Up Next:

Related: Olivia Colman’s Long Silver Curls Offer Inspiration for Going Gray—Here’s How Stylists Recommend Making the Switch

Sources:

• Ricky Hodge is an Austin-based hairstylist and educator.
• Eric Marshall Wright is a hairstylist and the owner of Eric Marshall Salon in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Gina Rivera is a hairstylist and the founder of Phenix Salon Suites.
• Sofia Meyer is a hairstylist at Lrn Beauty.

Ellen Burstyn saw Marilyn Monroe in person exactly once, at a nightclub.

She still knows a lot about her.

The Oscar winner, 93, plays an imagined 100-year-old Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal‘s short film Flesh Impact. In a new interview published Sunday, Oct. 18, she explained how she got to know Monroe anyway.

“I had an odd connection to her,” she said. “My masseur was hers, and he was her confidant, and they were very close. And when he became my masseur, she was already gone. But I would lie on the table and hear Marilyn stories for years, so I knew a lot about her.”

Back then, she added with a laugh, “nobody would have thought that” she’d ever be considered to play Monroe.

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The One Time She Saw Monroe

Burstyn has told the nightclub story before. She was just starting out, and both women were sitting in the audience.

“I couldn’t help but look at her; she was so startlingly beautiful,” she’s said. “And she caught my eye and… she just nodded at me. And I felt that she recognized me, and I was very early in my career.”

Related: ‘Exorcist’ Star Ellen Burstyn on Turning 93, Two New Movies, and Her Most Meaningful Award

Why She’s Playing Marilyn at 100

Monroe was born in June 1926, so she would have turned 100 this year. Genesis, the Korean luxury car brand, commissioned Flesh Impact to mark the centennial. Gyllenhaal wrote and directed it.

Dakota Johnson plays Monroe at the height of her fame. Burstyn plays her as an older woman, auditioning at a small theater in New York City.

As for how she got the part? “Maggie Gyllenhaal just asked me,” Burstyn said. She pointed out that Monroe “would be 100 this year, and there aren’t many actresses in their 90s that are still working. So I don’t know that [Gyllenhaal] had that much choice.”

Gyllenhaal saw it differently. Working with Burstyn, she said at the Busan film festival in October, “was like a really expert level; expertise that comes with precision, but also includes something wild beyond what we can imagine, especially when we’re talking about an actress in her 90s.”

The short had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September. That’s also where Burstyn accepted the festival’s Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

‘I’m Surprised I Worked at All’

Burstyn recently rewatched one of her old guest spots on a TV western.

“I was on horseback and in a cowboy outfit and a cowboy hat,” she said. “I played it for my son, and we had such a good laugh. It was just me being a cowboy. It was ridiculous.”

“When I look at it now,” she added, “I go, ‘Wow! I’m surprised I worked at all.'”

She went on to earn Oscar nominations for The Last Picture Show and The Exorcist, win Best Actress for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore in 1975, and pick up a Tony and an Emmy along the way. Today she’s co-president of the Actors Studio, alongside Al Pacino and Alec Baldwin.

Not bad for a cowboy.

Next: Barbie’s $81 Marilyn Monroe Doll Recreates Her Most Iconic 1953 Look

Jason Sudeikis wishes he could have communicated “better” with ex Olivia Wilde, and feels it’s part of what led to their breakup. The actor appeared on the Oct. 18 episode of the Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso podcast and reflected on the nine-year relationship, which included a seven-year engagement.

“It’s the old equation of heartbreak, or any variation of it, takes half as long as the process itself … to get over something, so if it were a 10-year relationship, five years would be 2020,” Sudeikis, 51, said about the demise of the romance. “I think it’s just flat-out communication. I could have communicated better with how I felt, how things were making me feel [and] how things make me feel.”

“I think, [it’s as] if my parents never see my bad grades, we never have to talk about my bad grades even though the grades still exist,” he continued. “If I’m feeling a certain way and I don’t talk about it, that doesn’t make it go away. It’s unfair for someone to be a mind reader, whether that person be a partner or a boss at SNL or a line producer for a television show. It’s, like, ‘How do you convey those ideas quicker?’”

Despite discussing the hardships of their love story, Sudeikis added only kind words about his 42-year-old ex, who is also the mother of his two children, Otis, 12, and Daisy, 10.

“I know Olivia loves what she does and is very, very good — and always has been,” the Ted Lasso star gushed. “I’m thrilled for her, and I feel very fortunate doing what I’m supposed to be doing, but … going through all that has allowed me to see when other folks are going through something similar.”

“Like, ‘All things must pass,’ and when they do, I think the responsible thing — at least what has felt responsible for me — is to just not dwell too much in other people’s folly,” he added. “It’s not easy.”

Sudeikis and Wilde first started dating in 2011 after meeting at a Saturday Night Live party. The got engaged in 2013 and ended their engagement in 2020.

Everyone has a famous face they see a little too often. In Kevin Smith’s house, that face belongs to Ryan Reynolds, and Smith says it has cost the actor one Deadpool viewer.

Smith shared the story on the latest episode of Jay & Silent Bob Are in the Hizzouse, titled “The Last Time We Saw Stan Lee,” while explaining why he does most of his watching on YouTube. “YouTube is the new TV for me,” he told co-host Jason Mewes. Smith pays for the ad-free version, so commercials rarely reach him. The exception comes on his wife’s phone, where a funny duck video can arrive with a Mint Mobile ad in which, as he describes it, Deadpool is “just like, ‘Hey man, money.’”

Smith is not a Reynolds skeptic. “I like Deadpool, so like I don’t bump into Ryan Reynolds that hard,” he said. His wife sees it differently. “My wife hates Ryan Reynolds really for the weirdest lane she picked,” Smith said, adding that her objection is not about the actor’s movies or what he stands for, only the Mint Mobile commercials.

The ads follow her across platforms, in Smith’s telling. He believes she hears them on YouTube and on the murder podcasts she listens to. “She’s hearing his voice constantly all the time,” he said, adding that he told her Reynolds seems like one of the nicest Canadians on the planet. Her answer: “I can’t stand him.” Smith said she no longer watches Deadpool because of the ads. “So he may be making a mint, but he lost her, man,” Smith said. “She went mobile.”

Related: Kevin Smith Calls Out Cheers Star as the Rudest Celebrity He’s Met

The commercials have been good business for Reynolds. He became a part owner of Mint Mobile in 2019, and T-Mobile later completed its purchase of the company’s parent for up to $1.35 billion. The Wall Street Journal estimated he would take home at least $300 million. Reynolds said when the sale was announced, “I never dreamt I’d own a wireless company,” and he remained the brand’s pitchman.

Deadpool & Wolverine, meanwhile, earned more than $1.33 billion worldwide by January 2025 and became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever.

The episode also turns to mobile time-wasters of a different kind. Mewes said his wife texted him, “Do you know in the last year you spent almost $2,000 on your golf app game?” Smith said he once spent about $2,000 building his Springfield in The Simpsons mobile game before calling it quits.

Smith also recounts the last time he saw Stan Lee, at a surprise 95th birthday party. “It was lovely,” he said, and “that was the last time I saw him.”

For Smith, the paid subscription keeps those Reynolds spots off his own screen, which he says makes YouTube “an even more pleasurable experience.” His wife, by his account, is still hearing them everywhere else.

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Jenna Dewan is offering Dancing With The Stars fans a sneak peek of her upcoming performance with Alan Bersten amid the one-week suspension of her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy from the competition.

“Hi everybody,” the actress said in rehearsal footage shared on the official DWTS account’s Instagram Story on Sunday, Oct. 18. “It’s Dedication Night and we are dancing a Viennese waltz to ‘Unchained Melody’ by the Righteous Brothers, the greatest most romantic song ever.”

Dewan, who will be dedicating her dance to her mom, Nancy, added that she was “so excited” for the performance, while Bersten stood beside her and smiled.

Neither Dewan nor Bersten addressed Chmerkovskiy’s suspension or the surrounding drama.

RELATED: Val Chmerkovskiy Breaks Silence on ‘DWTS’ Suspension

Chmerkovskiy first sparked controversy the day after the show’s “Super Bowl Night,” during which judge Carrie Ann Inaba offered harsh criticism of Chmerkovskiy’s wife, DWTS pro Jenna Johnson, and her celebrity partner, Harry Shum Jr.

In a since-deleted post, Chmerkovskiy reacted to Inaba’s comments, writing, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” seemingly referencing Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

In a statement released on Saturday, Oct. 17, BBC Studios announced the dancer’s suspension, saying, “The well-being of everyone who works on Dancing with the Stars is non-negotiable. Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show.”

In a statement shared to his Instagram Story that same day, Chmerkovskiy addressed his suspension and apologized again for his comments. He had previously apologized to Inaba via Instagram after his post went viral online.

DWTS airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.

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A bombshell investigation by The New York Times just revealed that a drug trafficker who was linked to the mob may have assisted OJ Simpson in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

The piece released in the Times on Sunday shows that records unsealed after 30 years reveal that Joseph “Joey” Ippolito, who escaped from a Florida prison just one month before the 1994 murders, told authorities about the missing murder weapon. Ippolito allegedly returned home to his apartment in Los Angeles on June 12, 1994, carrying a bag that held a heavy object. While Joey died in 2006, his brother, Sam Ippolito, told the Times that the bag was thrown in a dumpster nearby, where construction was being done. 

POOL / Getty Images

What Did Sam Ippolito Say About His Brother, Joey?

Sam Ippolito confidently claimed that his brother, Joey, who was a close friend of Simpson’s friend AJ Cowlings, was at the murder scene. Sam also told the Times that his brother’s involvement went far beyond what Joey previously told the authorities during his time as a government informant. Sam said that Joey returned home that night with his hands covered in blood, and Joey requested that Sam dump the bag, which he then threw in a construction site dumpster.

What Do Authorities Say About the New OJ Simpson Revelations?

In the Times story, it’s revealed that Los Angeles Police cold case investigators are paying attention to the idea that Simpson, who was acquitted of the murders in 1995, could have used an accomplice.

“The O.J. Simpson case remains an open and ongoing investigation,” a spokesman for the L.A.P.D. told the NYT. However, since there was no conviction in the murders of Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole, and Goldman, the authorities shared that “the department has an obligation to continue to pursue justice in this matter.” The spokesman noted that “at a point that new evidence is found, detectives will follow those investigatory leads.”

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When Did OJ Simpson Die?

OJ Simpson died in 2024 from metastatic prostate cancer.

Related: O.J. Simpson Detective Mark Fuhrman Dead at 74

“Sweet Child o’ Mine” is a 1987 Guns N’ Roses classic, one that became the band’s only U.S. No. 1 single. It’s often been ranked among the best rock songs of all time, and in the decades since it released there’s never been a time when it wasn’t beloved.

But although “Sweet Child o’ Mine” never fell out of favor, there have been periods where it unexpectedly skyrocketed in popularity. Such was the case in 2008, when a Will Ferrell/John C. Reilly comedy film paid tribute to the song in the strangest way possible.

About a third of the way through Stepbrothers, the movie introduces Derek (Adam Scott), the successful yet cruel brother of Will Ferrell’s character Brennan. Within 90 seconds, Stepbrothers tells you everything you need to know about Derek’s family: we know his wife (played by early-career Kathryn Hahn) is unhappy, we know his two children are pampered prep kids, and we know that Derek favors his son over his daughter.

How is this information conveyed? Through a group performance of “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” of course. How else?

The movie’s music supervisor Hal Willner told the Ringer in 2018, “We didn’t want it to be a real rocking thing but we wanted it to be good. Kathryn was a good singer. Adam actually was, too.”

Adam Scott clarified in the same article that he was not, in fact, a good singer. “I’m a terrible singer,” he said. “And I think in order for this to really work, Derek needed to be an incredible singer. I was the only one in the car not singing live. I was lip-syncing to a guy that was standing right outside the windshield that I was locking eyes with the whole time, doing my best to lip-sync accurately. It was a thrill.”

If there’s one standout performer in this scene, it has to be the son Tommy (Lurie Poston) who absolutely nails that solo Derek gives him. Fans often dislike Tommy for coming across just as arrogant as his father, but with pipes like that it’s hard to blame him.

Related: This Catchy 1932 Song Found a New Life When a 15-Year-Old Singer Covered It.

Due to the relative simplicity of the scene — it all takes place in a car with a green screen behind it — the scene sparked an online trend of people singing “Sweet Child O’ Mine” in their own cars, with each singer taking on the role of the four characters.

Throughout the early 2010s these videos of Stepbrothers homages, all filmed with a simple stationary camera placed at the front of the car, were all over social media. Most of the singers in these amateur videos weren’t as good as the ones in the film of course, but that was hardly what made the clips fun:

Richard West, a 35-year-old fisherman from Plymouth, England, was hauling in a net about 20 miles south of Penzance in 2024 when a Lego shark came up with the catch, per UPI. It was the first shark recovered from a shipment that included 51,800 of them.

The shark had been missing since Feb. 13, 1997, in what became known as the Great Lego Spill, when the container ship Tokio Express was hit by a rogue wave about 20 miles off Land’s End in Cornwall. The ship tilted about 60 degrees one way and 40 the other, and 62 containers went overboard, according to SurferToday. It was sailing from Rotterdam to New York, per Live Science.

One of the lost containers held 4,756,940 Lego pieces, per UPI. Many were destined for sea-themed sets, including about 418,000 flippers, 97,500 scuba tanks and 4,200 octopuses, according to SurferToday. The Marine Conservation Society counted 33,427 black dragons.

Lego issued a “finders keepers” statement, and no organized recovery followed, per SurferToday. Live Science says 3,178,807 of the pieces were light enough to float. Others sank, and fishermen still pull Lego up in deep-water trawls, according to researchers at the University of Plymouth.

Tracey Williams, a beachcomber who moved to Cornwall in 2010, began cataloguing the finds on social media, which became the Lego Lost at Sea project. “I was amazed that it was still washing up after all that time,” she told Live Science.

Another 2024 find went to a 13-year-old boy, who found one of the roughly 4,200 octopuses, which SurferToday calls the “holy grail” of the lost pieces. Lego from the spill has also washed up in Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland, among other places, according to the Irish Star.

Much of it may still be at sea, or may even be buried under sand. The Plymouth researchers write that during a March 2020 storm, a dune collapsed at Perran Sands and beachcombers found hundreds of pieces from the spill.

Meanwhile, ocean cleanup elsewhere has gone wrong in other places. In 1972, Florida fishermen sank 2 million old tires off Fort Lauderdale to build a reef; damaging the real reefs instead, and by 2009 only 73,000 had been recovered.

Robert Wagner has been married to Jill St. John for 36 years. Ask him how, and he keeps landing on the same word.

“Being interested in life and in your relationship,” the Hart to Hart star, 96, said in a new interview published Sunday, Oct. 18. “I mean, I find Jill very interesting, a very interesting person. I think interest is important in a relationship.”

That’s three versions of the word in three sentences.

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They Met in the 1950s

Wagner and St. John go back further than their marriage. They first met in the late 1950s, when both were young contract players at 20th Century Fox.

They didn’t get together until much later. Wagner was married to Natalie Wood twice, from 1957 to 1962 and again from 1972 until she drowned off Catalina Island in November 1981. She was 43.

About two months after Wood’s death, Wagner and St. John reconnected at a dinner party. “That was it. [Wagner] just started calling,” a friend of St. John’s said in 1982. “They started dating and have been ever since.”

They dated for eight years before they married in 1990.

On their anniversary in May, Wagner posted a photo of himself kissing her. “36 years of love and laughter with my beautiful Jill,” he wrote. “Happy Anniversary, my love 💕.”

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Wagner also raised Wood’s daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner, after her mother’s death. On Natasha’s 56th birthday in September, he wrote, “Jill and I are so proud of the woman you are and the joy, laughter, and love you bring into our lives.”

Related: Natalie Wood’s Daughter Celebrates Robert Wagner’s Birthday With Rare Photos

She’d Rather ‘Play With Him at Home’

The two have shared the screen a few times. They appeared together in 1967’s Banning and How I Spent My Summer Vacation. Most recently, they played Mr. and Mrs. Claus in 2014’s Northpole. It’s still the last credit for St. John, a former Bond girl who’s now 86.

St. John has been asked plenty of times whether she’d like to act opposite her husband more. Her answer, decades ago: “I’d rather play with him at home.”

He’d Still Do Another ‘Austin Powers’

Wagner isn’t done working, either. He played Number Two in all three Austin Powers movies, the last of which came out in 2002, and he said he’s still open to the role.

“I’ve heard that he’s talking about doing it again, but I haven’t talked to him personally about it,” he said of the franchise’s star, Mike Myers.

He described Myers as “very talented and warm and interested.”

There’s that word again.

Next: Tim McGraw’s Message to Faith Hill on Their 30th Anniversary Has Fans Saying the Same Thing

Every fall, social media feeds transform into a relentless stream of self-optimization culture. Under the viral banner of the “Winter Arc”—the seasonal trend that encourages people to lock in self-improvement goals between October 1 and January 1—influencers advocate for grueling 5 a.m. wake-up calls, intense two-hour workouts, ice baths and strict digital detoxes. While the desire to finish the year strong is deeply relatable, aggressive lifestyle overhauls often lead directly to emotional fatigue and early burnout, especially as daylight shrinks and seasonal exhaustion sets in.

When the temperature drops and daylight diminishes, forcing yourself into hyper-intense routines creates unnecessary friction and guilt. True seasonal growth is not built on radical punishment or performative discipline; it is nurtured through quiet, consistent self-respect. Protecting your peace during the darkest, busiest quarter of the year requires shifting away from viral extreme trends and moving toward sustainable, achievable self-care. Rather than forcing a high-intensity lifestyle shift during the winter months, adopting small, manageable habits can help you make tangible progress without exhausting your mental bandwidth.

“Break the things you want to achieve during this challenge into micro-actions: tasks that last 5–15 minutes or one specific result,” Dr. Patricia Dixon, a psychologist, suggested in a previous Parade guide on what a Winter Arc is. “That way, you can celebrate progress—no matter how small—and enjoy those small victories.”

By replacing punishing routines with intentional micro-actions, or micro-habits, you can maintain steady momentum through the holidays and set yourself up for a balanced, grounded start to the New Year. Here are seven realistic, psychologist-approved habits to elevate your personal Winter Arc while protecting your mental health.

Related: Psychologists Rank the 10 Most Emotionally Healthy Daily Habits

7 Sustainable Micro-Habits for a Realistic Winter Reset 1. Swap aggressive workouts for small daily movement

You do not need to execute high-intensity interval training or spend hours in a crowded gym to honor your body during the colder months. Winter naturally prompts our bodies to slow down, and forcing extreme exercise regimens often leads to injury or frustration.

Focus instead on gentle, steady physical activity that feels doable regardless of your daily energy level. Taking a 15-minute afternoon walk, performing gentle living room stretches or doing a brief low-impact routine acts as a daily kindness to your future self. Micro-movements sustain your energy levels and boost your mood without overwhelming your calendar or nervous system.

2. Implement a hard digital cutoff

Late-night digital consumption is one of the fastest routes to elevated anxiety and poor sleep quality. Scrolling through news feeds or social media right before bed keeps your mind in a heightened state of alertness, disrupting your body’s natural sleep cycle.

Setting a strict boundary—such as putting your phone away after 9:30 p.m.—gives your brain the necessary runway to wind down properly. Eliminating late-night screen time protects your evening rest, helping you wake up feeling calmer, steadier and more present each morning.

Related: Psychologists Warn Against ‘Revenge Bedtime Procrastination’—Why Staying Up Late Is Actually a Sign You’re Overwhelmed

3. Use winter scents as grounding anchors

Sensory cues offer a direct line to our emotional state. Essential oils, scented candles or natural winter aromas like cedarwood, cinnamon and pine serve as quick, non-disruptive psychological anchors throughout a busy day.

When work stress or holiday chaos begins to build, lighting a candle or taking a moment to inhale a grounding aroma can instantly bring you back into the present moment. Using familiar seasonal scents creates a soothing, restful space within your home or workspace.

4. Create space for intentional idleness

In a culture that constantly glorifies hustle and constant output, taking time to do absolutely nothing can feel counterintuitive—or even guilt-inducing. However, constant stimulation drains cognitive reserves and dampens creative thinking.

Allowing yourself brief, unstructured windows of idle time allows your brain to rest, process thoughts and recover from mental fatigue. Giving your mind permission to wander without a goal or screen revitalizes your mental energy and helps prevent mid-season burnout.

5. Dress to embody your aspirational self

The clothes you wear influence your internal state and overall self-perception. During winter, it is easy to default to oversized, mismatched loungewear every day, which can subtly reinforce feelings of lethargy or detachment.

Dressing intentionally—even in comfortable, elevated loungewear—acts as a subtle daily nudge toward confidence and focus. Elevating your everyday wardrobe is less about external fashion and more about choosing attire that aligns with how you want to feel and show up for yourself.

6. Keep a winter wisdom journal

Documenting your growth, challenges and small daily wins gives you a tangible record of your journey over the final three months of the year. You do not need to author long essay entries; brief bullet points or quick reflections are enough.

Writing down your daily insights helps process emotional clutter and provides a personal compass you can revisit whenever you feel lost. Tracking your experience transforms routine days into meaningful learning moments, keeping you grounded through the holiday rush.

7. Commit to one small weekly challenge

Building genuine confidence does not require massive, intimidating leaps. Tackling one manageable, slightly uncomfortable task each week helps strengthen your mental resilience without triggering fear or perfectionism.

Whether it is having an awkward conversation you have been avoiding, decluttering a troublesome closet or trying a new skill, completing small, difficult tasks dulls the edge of perfectionism. Over time, these small acts of courage accumulate into significant personal growth and self-assurance.

Related: 7 Phrases People With High Self-Trust Use Regularly, Psychologist Says

How To Maintain Momentum Without Burnout

Sustaining a meaningful seasonal routine requires an intentional approach to goal setting. When adopting micro-habits, psychology experts emphasize that small actions compound over time, creating a powerful snowball effect that leads to lasting behavioral change.

In that same previous Parade guide on Winter Arcs, Dr. Dixon broke down why starting small is critical for long-term success.

“If a goal is too big or too far away, your first step can feel intimidating or vague,” she shared. “The key with the start-small strategy is the snowball effect. Small actions build on each other: a little progress + steady practice = more growth over time. Soon enough, an easy-to-implement activity becomes a long-term change.”

She also noted that self-compassion is essential when your routine gets interrupted by holiday demands or unpredictable schedules.

“Grace is the passcode to the do-over function,” she explained. “It’s an act of kindness toward the future version of yourself that you showed up, learned and can recalibrate.”

She also added, “Rest is the reset button of life, recharging your energy, restoring your clarity and helping you avoid burnout.”

By ditching performance-heavy social media challenges in favor of gentle, achievable habits, you can honor your energy levels while still making meaningful progress. Focusing on self-care, consistency and grace ensures your Winter Arc serves as a nurturing period of growth rather than another source of stress.

Adapted from Parade’s “A Psychologist Is Begging Women To Set These 11 ‘Winter Arc’ Rules This Year” by Morgan McMurrin

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Related: Long Before Smartphones, Stoic Philosophers Warned About Constant Distraction—Psychologists Say It’s More Relevant Than Ever

Source:

• Dr. Patricia Dixon is a psychologist as well as a speaker, author and relationship and self-improvement expert.

Meg Mason’s Sophie, Standing There, a novel about the heartache and complexities of relationships and how the right story can feel like a friend when life gets lonely, is best read with reading glasses and a notepad handy. Reese Witherspoon’s October 2026 Book Club pick is already earning rave reviews on Goodreads, but the book is also becoming a conversation starter thanks to its literary Easter eggs. From appearances by real-life authors (hello, Ann Patchett and George Saunders) to knowing references to popular titles like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Mason’s latest rewards readers who love spotting familiar references to their favorite books.

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Sophie Pattison, a 37-year-old book lover who works behind the scenes at literary festivals, helping famous authors prepare for their events, seems to have it all—until she doesn’t. After her marriage falls apart and she becomes increasingly isolated from the people she loves, books become a source of comfort and connection.

As Sophie becomes captivated by the work of a celebrated fictional novelist, Lilac Dunne, the book explores how an author can begin to feel like a friend, even when the relationship exists largely in a reader’s imagination.

Mason takes great pleasure in the book’s literary Easter eggs. Patchett, Saunders and Mick Herron make recognizable cameos, while references to popular books like Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine add another layer of discovery for readers.

The Literary Easter Eggs in Sophie, Standing There That Book Lovers Will Recognize View this post on Instagram

Mason isn’t simply name-dropping. The author and book references show how Sophie’s world is shaped by the stories she reads and the writers who create them. It’s a playful device that adds humor and offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on literary festivals, making Sophie’s story feel more authentic and relatable. These hidden references also invite readers to recognize their own favorite books and authors in Sophie’s world.

Why Meg Mason’s Sophie, Standing There Is a Love Letter to Book Lovers

Mason’s latest novel isn’t just a celebration of books; it’s a love letter to book lovers. From its hidden references (so Taylor Swift) to its literary-festival setting, Sophie, Standing There captures the connection readers feel with a favorite book or beloved author. No wonder readers are having such a good time discovering the literary references woven throughout the story.

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Ina Garten has a way of making home cooking feel effortless, whether she’s hosting an elegant dinner party or putting a comforting meal on the table. The beloved Barefoot Contessa is known for recipes that balance impressive flavor with approachable techniques, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to involve complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a big reason home cooks continue to turn to her cookbooks and website for inspiration, especially when they want something dependable enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve guests.

One of her standout dishes is Weeknight Bolognese, a hearty pasta recipe that brings the cozy flavors of a slow-cooked meat sauce to the table in significantly less time. Traditional Bolognese and ragù recipes often simmer for hours to develop their signature depth, making them wonderful weekend projects, but less practical on a busy evening. Garten’s version takes a more streamlined approach, combining ground beef, tomatoes, red wine and a few flavor-boosting ingredients for a rich, satisfying dinner.

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As someone who loves a comforting bowl of autumn pasta, I was eager to try it. I wanted to see whether the Barefoot Contessa Weeknight Bolognese could deliver the flavor and texture I crave without spending an afternoon at the stove. After making it myself, I can confidently say this recipe deserves a place in the fall dinner rotation.

The ‘Brilliant Shortcut’ That Fakes a 4-Hour Ragù in 30 Minutes

Courtesy Julie Andrews

The secret to Ina Garten’s Weeknight Bolognese is the combination of heavy cream, red wine and nutmeg. These ingredients help create a rounded, flavorful sauce without relying on hours of simmering.

Heavy cream is particularly important because its fat softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a velvety texture. Red wine adds depth, while nutmeg contributes a subtle warmth that complements the savory beef. Garten also uses garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper flakes to build flavor quickly.

The result is a rich, tomato-based meat sauce that tastes as though it took more effort than it did. Although it won’t completely replicate the complexity of a traditional ragù that’s simmered for hours, it’s a clever shortcut for a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients You Need for Ina’s Weeknight Bolognese

Courtesy Julie Andrews

One reason I enjoyed this recipe is that it doesn’t require a lengthy shopping list. Most ingredients are easy to find at a typical grocery store, and you may already have several in your kitchen.

Here’s what you’ll need, based on Garten’s original recipe:

• Olive oil: Helps brown the meat and build the sauce’s flavor.
• Ground sirloin: Creates the hearty, meaty base. Garten notes that other ground meats can work too.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor.
• Spices and herbs: Dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes and nutmeg bring earthy herbaceous notes, a subtle kick and a little warmth.
• Dry red wine: Adds depth and complexity.
• Crushed tomatoes: Form the foundation of the sauce; San Marzano tomatoes are Garten’s preference.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor.
• Pasta: Garten suggests orecchiette or small shells.
• Fresh basil: Brightens the finished dish.
• Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, rich texture.
• Freshly grated Parmesan: Adds a savory, umami finish.

The combination of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients makes this one of those easy autumn pasta recipes that feels special without being fussy.

Related: I’m a Professional Chef, and This Retro Slow-Cooker Meal Is My Go-to Every Fall

How to Make the Weeknight Pasta in 5 Easy Steps

Garten’s method is straightforward, with the sauce coming together in one skillet while the pasta cooks separately. Here’s how to prepare it.

1. Brown the ground beef.

Courtesy Julie Andrews

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink and begins to brown, stir in the garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook briefly until fragrant.

2. Add the red wine and tomatoes.

Courtesy Julie Andrews

Pour most of the red wine into the skillet, scraping up the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These add extra flavor to the sauce. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then season with salt and black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes while the flavors develop.

3. Cook the pasta.

Courtesy Julie Andrews

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a little pasta water to use when finishing the dish.

Orecchiette is a particularly good choice because its small, curved shape catches the meat and sauce, but small shells work well too.

4. Finish the sauce with cream and nutmeg.

Courtesy Julie Andrews

Stir the nutmeg, chopped fresh basil, heavy cream and remaining red wine into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors come together.

5. Toss with pasta and Parmesan.

Courtesy Julie Andrews

Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl. Add the Bolognese sauce and grated Parmesan, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Serve hot with extra cheese at the table.

For an extra-polished finish, reserve a splash of pasta water. You can add it while tossing if the sauce needs loosening or you want it to cling more smoothly to the noodles.

My Honest Review: Does It Actually Taste Like Traditional Bolognese?

Courtesy Julie Andrews

I loved how simple and quick this recipe was, especially compared with a traditional Bolognese or ragù. The instructions were easy to follow, the ingredients were minimal and easy to find, and the entire dish felt perfectly suited to a cozy weeknight meal.

The flavor was what really won me over. The sauce was rich, meaty and packed with flavor, with a subtle hint of heat in every bite. I wouldn’t call it spicy; the crushed red pepper simply added enough warmth to make things interesting without overpowering the other ingredients.

I made only two small adjustments before serving. First, I added a splash of reserved pasta water to give the sauce a glossy finish and help it cling to the orecchiette. Then I stirred in about one teaspoon of granulated sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

The result was dynamite, and my entire family loved it.

Would I say it tastes exactly like a traditional ragù that’s been simmering for four hours? No. But it doesn’t need to. This recipe delivers a deeply satisfying pasta dinner without the long cooking time, and that’s precisely what makes it so appealing. Of all the Ina Garten pasta recipes I’ve tried, this one makes a compelling case for keeping a quick Bolognese in your weeknight rotation.

Related: 5 Discontinued Fall Grocery Items We’d Pay an Embarrassing Amount of Money to Taste Again

5 Easy Ingredient Swaps to Customize Your Pasta

ladi59 / Getty Images

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

• Swap the beef for ground turkey or pork. Garten herself suggests alternatives to ground sirloin. Turkey offers a milder flavor, while pork brings its own savory richness.
• Try a different pasta shape. Orecchiette and small shells are excellent choices, but rigatoni, fusilli or another sturdy shape can also hold the hearty sauce well.
• Skip the red wine. Substitute beef broth if you’d prefer to cook without alcohol. The sauce will taste a little different, but it can still be delicious.
• Add more vegetables. Finely diced carrots, celery, onion or mushrooms can add flavor and texture. Sauté them until softened before building the sauce.
• Adjust the richness. Use a little less cream for a more tomato-forward sauce, or finish with extra Parmesan and basil. If your tomatoes taste particularly acidic, taste the sauce before adding a small pinch of sugar.

These simple changes make the recipe flexible enough to suit different tastes without losing its comforting appeal.

How to Store and Freeze the Sauce for Meal Prep

Courtesy Julie Andrews

This recipe is also a smart option for meal prep, particularly if you make extra sauce to save for another night.

• To refrigerate: Let the sauce cool slightly and transfer it to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Refrigerate for three to four days. If possible, store the pasta separately so it doesn’t absorb too much sauce and become overly soft.
• To freeze: For the best texture, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them with the date and use within two to three months for the best quality. Cream-based sauces can separate slightly after freezing, but gentle reheating and stirring can help restore a smoother consistency.
• To reheat: Warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick, then toss with freshly cooked pasta. Finish with Parmesan and fresh basil.

My favorite meal-prep strategy would be to make a double batch and freeze half. On a particularly busy evening, all that’s left to do is boil pasta and warm the sauce.

Ina Garten’s Weeknight Bolognese proves that a comforting, flavor-packed pasta dinner doesn’t have to take all day. With a few smart ingredients, straightforward instructions and just a little time at the stove, it’s an easy win for anyone looking for satisfying fall weeknight pasta dinners.

Related: A Professional Chef Says These 3 ‘Old-Fashioned’ Desserts From the 1940s Are the Definition of Nostalgia

Jeff Garlin has a hilarious memory of his late friend Diane Keaton, but it comes with a warning: Never get in the car with her.

The Curb Your Enthusiasm actor, 64, recently looked back on his longtime friendship with Keaton during an Oct. 13 appearance on Ted Danson‘s Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast. While remembering the late Oscar winner, who died at 79 on Oct. 11, 2025, Garlin revealed that she had one particularly memorable flaw behind the wheel.

“The one thing: the worst driver,” he joked.

Garlin explained that his friendship with Keaton grew out of her close relationship with his ex-wife, Marla Garlin. The former couple, who divorced in 2017 after 23 years of marriage, had two sons, James and Duke. Keaton’s son, also named Duke, became best friends with their son.

The families spent plenty of time together over the years, including at least 15 Thanksgivings, according to Garlin. And their holiday traditions sometimes included a trip to the movies after dinner.

That’s when Keaton’s driving apparently became a memorable part of the experience.

“I remember, we’re all in Palm Springs, and one of the things we did was, after Thanksgiving dinner, we went to the movies,” Garlin recalled. “And many times I found myself sitting next to Diane.”

The problem wasn’t the movie. It was getting there.

“She drove like a scene out of Annie Hall. It was insane,” Garlin said, referencing Keaton’s Oscar-winning 1977 romantic comedy. “And I had my seatbelt on, I was grabbing onto the seat, and I just laughed even though I was scared sh—less.”

Apparently, Keaton’s driving could turn an ordinary family outing into an adventure of its own.

Despite the frightening car rides, Garlin spoke warmly about his relationship with the actress, who was best known for Annie Hall, The Godfather films, and her collaborations with director Woody Allen. He said Keaton was gracious when he asked her questions about her Hollywood career and recalled how vulnerable she could be during their conversations.

Keaton died from pneumonia, according to a statement from her family. A year after her death, Garlin’s story offers a funny glimpse into the everyday moments that made their friendship special — even if he may have preferred to take a separate car.

There’s something undeniably romantic about traveling through Europe by train. Picture yourself sipping Champagne as the Swiss Alps roll by, winding through storybook villages in the French countryside or watching the sun set over the Italian Riviera, all without having to navigate a rental car or deal with airport security.

But what if we told you that some of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys don’t require a passport, an overnight flight or even leaving the country?

While Europe’s legendary luxury trains tend to get all the glory, the United States has a few scenic routes of its own that are giving their international counterparts a run for their money. We’re talking glass-domed railcars, dramatic mountain passes, gourmet meals and views so jaw-dropping you’ll forget all about your phone.

And whether you’re looking to splurge on a bucket-list adventure or simply trade the interstate for something a little more scenic, there’s a train trip for every type of traveler.

We asked travel experts to share the domestic rail journeys they believe rival Europe’s most celebrated routes, plus their insider tips for booking the best seats, choosing the right season and making the most of the experience.

Here are three worth getting on board for.

Related: I’ve Traveled the World for My PBS Show, and This Is the One U.S. Train Trip I Tell Everyone to Take

1. Canyon Spirit: Denver, Colorado, to Salt Lake City, Utah

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling aboard one of Europe’s ultra-luxurious Belmond trains, but can’t quite justify the transatlantic flight (or the eye-watering price tag), Canyon Spirit might be your ticket.

Formerly known as Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route, this luxury rail experience takes passengers through some of the American West’s most spectacular scenery, from the soaring Rocky Mountains to Utah’s otherworldly red-rock landscapes.

According to Nadia Bess, owner of luxury travel agency Besst Travels, it’s about as close as you can get to a European luxury rail vacation without crossing the Atlantic.

“It is the most luxurious experience you can get on a U.S. train,” she says.

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The experience is designed around the views, with oversized windows, hosted service, regional dining and plenty of opportunities to raise a glass while the scenery steals the show.

Unlike traditional sleeper trains, Canyon Spirit travels exclusively during daylight hours, meaning you won’t miss a minute of those spectacular vistas while catching some shut-eye. Instead, passengers spend their nights in hotels along the route, including Glenwood Springs and, on the extended journey, Moab.

And frankly, Bess considers that a major selling point.

“You don’t sleep on the train, so you get to stay at hotels after traveling by train each day, which makes the journey honestly better because who actually sleeps well on a train?” she says.

For travelers looking to go all out, Bess recommends upgrading to Premier Class, which includes access to a lounge car, expanded bar selections, enhanced dining with wine pairings and additional outdoor viewing space.

Chip Wilson, a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor and owner of MCW Travel, agrees that Canyon Spirit is the closest thing to a Belmond-style rail journey in the U.S.

He recommends extending the adventure with a few days in Moab, where Arches and Canyonlands National Parks offer plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the train.

As for when to go, spring and fall are particularly appealing, according to Bess, who recommends the Rockies to the Red Rocks: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Explorer itinerary for travelers hoping to avoid peak summer crowds.

Insider tip: Book earlier than you think you need to. Bess suggests planning as much as one to two years ahead for popular dates and checking with a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor about additional benefits or promotions. Just keep in mind that Premier Class availability and inclusions vary by departure and package.

Related: Vintage Train Ride Offers Scenic Coastal Views, Retro Interiors, and a Classic UK Dish Everyone Loves

2. California Zephyr: Denver, Colorado, to the San Francisco Bay Area, California

Who needs the Swiss Alps when you’ve got the Rocky Mountains?

For travelers who want spectacular alpine scenery without splurging on a luxury rail package, Wilson recommends Amtrak’s California Zephyr, one of the country’s most celebrated long-distance train routes.

“This is the closest thing we have to the Alps by rail,” he says.

While the full California Zephyr travels between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, Wilson particularly recommends the westbound stretch from Denver to California.

And it’s easy to see why:

@rileejsmith

Replying to @NC What 52 hours aboard the famous California Zephyr train looks like! 🚂⏱️ Could you ever do a long train trip like this?! Check out my full travel vlog from my Amtrak trip from San Francisco > Chicago posted on my page! 💵 Cost: $815 total for my train ticket + private roomette cabin, which included 3x meals a day 📅 Travel dates: Aug. 10-12 🎥 More info in my FAQ video! #amtrak #californiazephyr #californiazephyrtrain #traintravel #travelgram | what it’s like to ride the california zephyr train

♬ Chasing Midnight – ROLE MODEL

Departing Denver in the morning, the train climbs into the Rockies, winds through dramatic mountain passes and follows the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon. The following day brings another impressive change of scenery as passengers cross the Sierra Nevada on their way toward California.

Think snowcapped peaks, winding rivers, pine-covered mountains and sweeping valleys, all enjoyed from the comfort of your seat.

One of the biggest perks is the train’s Sightseer Lounge, where expansive windows offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time watching the scenery unfold.

Unlike Canyon Spirit, the California Zephyr is an overnight train, so travelers can choose between coach seating and private sleeping accommodations.

Wilson recommends booking a private sleeper room for added comfort. Meals in the dining car are included with sleeper accommodations, making the journey feel a little more like an old-fashioned rail adventure.

And while it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of a dedicated luxury train, that’s part of its appeal.

“It’s also the best value of the group,” Wilson says.

For the most spectacular scenery, he recommends May or September, with late September being especially lovely when Colorado’s aspens begin turning gold.

Insider tip: Book sleeper accommodations as far in advance as possible. Wilson notes that Amtrak’s sleeper fares generally increase as lower-priced inventory sells out, so waiting until the last minute could cost you. And if you’re dreaming of something truly extravagant, he points to Halloway, which arranges private railcar experiences on select Amtrak routes, including the California Zephyr.

Related: A New Orient Express Journey Will Take Travelers From Rome to Istanbul in Five Luxurious Days

3. Ethan Allen Express: New York City to Burlington, Vermont

Not every European-worthy rail journey involves towering mountain peaks or a luxury dining car. Sometimes, all it takes is a leisurely ride past charming villages, rolling countryside and a river view that could give Germany’s Rhine Valley a run for its money.

Enter Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express.

Connecting New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall with Burlington, Vermont, this daily service winds through the Hudson Valley before continuing north into the Green Mountain State.

And according to Liz Arnold, a retreat leader with Run Wild Retreats, it’s an underrated way to experience some of the Northeast’s most beautiful scenery.

Arnold compares the Hudson Valley portion of the journey to Europe’s celebrated riverside rail routes, particularly Germany’s Rhine Valley line.

For much of the early journey, the train follows the Hudson River, passing historic towns, wooded hillsides and dramatic stretches of shoreline.

As the route continues north, the scenery shifts from the Hudson Valley to upstate New York and eventually Vermont, where rolling farmland, mountain views and quintessential New England charm take center stage.

The train makes stops in destinations including Poughkeepsie, Saratoga Springs, Rutland and Middlebury before arriving in Burlington, a lively lakeside city known for its walkable downtown, independent shops and restaurants.

Unlike a luxury rail vacation, the Ethan Allen Express is more about the journey than extravagant onboard amenities. There’s a café car for snacks and drinks, and travelers can upgrade to Business Class for a more comfortable ride.

But that’s precisely what makes it appealing for a spontaneous getaway, especially for East Coast travelers who want to escape the city without dealing with a car.

For Arnold, whose work centers on mindful travel and outdoor experiences, train journeys offer something that’s increasingly hard to come by: the opportunity to slow down.

Rather than racing from one attraction to the next, passengers can settle in, enjoy the scenery and let someone else handle the transportation.

Insider tip: Fall is an especially appealing time to experience Vermont’s changing leaves, but travelers should be mindful of the timetable. The northbound train currently departs New York in the afternoon, meaning some of the Vermont portion may take place after sunset, particularly later in the season. Consider traveling southbound for more daylight scenery.

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for the Best Fall Leaf-Peeping Train Trip—They All Said the Same Thing

Two More Scenic Train Routes Worth Knowing About

Still haven’t had your fill of scenic rail adventures? There are two more domestic journeys worth adding to your bucket list.

For a true wilderness escape, Wilson recommends the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star, which runs seasonally between Anchorage and Fairbanks, with stops including Talkeetna and Denali National Park. His advice? Splurge on GoldStar Service for its glass-domed railcars and outdoor viewing deck, and plan at least two nights near Denali rather than attempting a quick turnaround.

Meanwhile, Arnold suggests Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service for travelers who prefer coastal scenery to mountain vistas. Connecting New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, with stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the twice-daily service offers a laid-back alternative to driving between charming Southern destinations.

It may not come with Champagne service or a private sleeper suite, but there’s something to be said for watching the Gulf Coast roll by without having to keep your eyes on the road.

After all, sometimes the best part of a vacation isn’t where you’re going. It’s how you get there.

Up next:

Related: Planning a Pacific Northwest Getaway? Amtrak Just Launched Brand-New Trains on Its Most Beautiful Route

Pierce Brosnan and his stunning wife, Keely Shaye Smith, had a romantic moment on the red carpet that caught our eye.

Brosnan, 73, has done comedies like Mrs. Doubtfire and legendary flicks like the James Bond films Tomorrow Never Dies and The World Is Not Enough, and he’s rocking TV these days in his role on MobLand. But through all his fame, he’s had one person by his side: His wife of 25 years, Keely. The duo, who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this past summer, owned the red carpet at the Academy Museum’s 6th Annual Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. But it was the subtle moment of romance, in which Brosnan held onto Keely’s hand, that won our hearts during their big red carpet moment.

Rodin Eckenroth/Oscars / Getty Images

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Their 25th Anniversary Photos Were So Sweet

When the couple celebrated their 25th anniversary this summer, Smith shared an amazing series of throwback photos.

“Happy 25th wedding anniversary my love! What an adventure life is with you.
Looking forward to the next 25 years beside you @piercebrosnanofficial ♥️,” said Smith.

The first photo is as ’90s as it gets, with Brosnan wearing some old-school sunglasses. The final shot shows them in the present day, with Brosnan rocking his grayish-white hair and Smith gazing off into the distance happily. Now that’s a couple that’s in love!

View this post on Instagram Brosnan Reflected on Playing James Bond

Victoria Sirakova / Getty Images

Earlier this fall, Brosnan reflected on his years playing James Bond. In a conversation with Helen Mirren for Interview Magazine, Brosnan looked back on his years as the legendary spy.

“I always say it’s the gift that keeps giving, having played that role. It’s allowed me to have the career that I have today, and to find characters like Conrad, to find MobLand. But that character stays with me because I’m so identifiable with it. So you have to make peace with it and embrace it and celebrate it, and then try to find work for yourself where you can really, really challenge yourself,” said Brosnan.

Related: Pierce Brosnan and His Handsome Son Make a Rare Red Carpet Appearance Together

If you want your space to feel a little more homey and cozy, a soft rug is a great way to make everything feel more comfortable. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank in order to find one that works. Right now, Aldi is selling a collection of faux fur rugs for just $34.99 each.

Aldi’s Kirkton House Faux Fur Rugs come in four chic styles, including gray bubble (pictured below), taupe, gray and ivory, giving you a few options to choose from. Each rug has a neutral hue, making it easy to pair with a variety of interior design styles. The taupe, gray and ivory varieties feature a plush faux fur surface, while the gray bubble style also has faux fur but with a bubble texture, adding a little something extra. For something more understated, choose the taupe, gray or ivory styles. For more visual interest, the gray bubble style is your best bet.

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Kirkton House Dark Gray Bubble Faux Fur Rug, $34.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Unfortunately, Aldi doesn’t provide dimensions for these rugs, but they are perfect for bedrooms, living rooms or any space that needs a little extra warmth and texture.

Related: Aldi’s $30 Oval Dutch Oven Is a Le Creuset Lookalike Without the Sticker Shock

You can pick up one of these pretty faux fur rugs at select Aldi stores right now as part of Aldi Finds, limited-stock items that swap in and out every Wednesday. You can find them in the center aisle. Just be warned: these products tend to go very fast. They may be sold out at your local store, so check availability on Aldi’s website before you go so you’re not disappointed!

Other Aldi Finds to Explore

If you’re interested in shopping other Aldi Finds, be sure to check out these nostalgic ceramic Christmas trees that are guaranteed to fly off the shelves next week, these $10 cordless lamps that add a chic touch and cozy glow to any room or these darling holiday sippers that are a sell-out risk for sure.

Related: Revamp Your Pantry With Aldi’s Sleek New Bamboo Organizers

Beyond the Gates has dropped early preview photos for the upcoming Thursday, October 22, 2026 episode.

The first photo showcased Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) sitting with her grandchild Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla), both looking fabulous at the Fairmount Crest Country Club.

“Episode #395” — Coverage of the CBS Original Series Beyond the Gates, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Tamara Tunie as Anita Dupree and RhonniRose Mantilla as Chelsea Hamilton. Photo: Quantrell Colbert/CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The second photo showed Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) on one side, seemingly confronted by his ex-wife, Dani Dupree Richardson (Karla Mosley), her husband, Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), and her sister, Nicole Richardson Dupree (Daphnee Duplaix), at the Fairmount Crest Country Club.

“Episode #395” — Coverage of the CBS Original Series Beyond the Gates, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Karla Mosley as Dani Dupree, Sean Freeman as Andre Richardson, Daphnee Duplaix as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Timon Kyle Durrett as Bill Hamilton. Photo: Quantrell Colbert/CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Official spoilers for the episode indicate that the Dupree family celebrates Dani’s life and career.

Meanwhile, a surprise guest, allegedly Kandi Burruss as Kalista, brings old wounds to the surface, leaving Naomi, Chelsea, and Andre to deal with the fallout.

The promo for the week featured Kalista confronting Bill about his actions as a husband, calling him an “awful husband.” This causes Bill to snap immediately and demand that the interview stop. This, in turn, prompts Dani to walk offstage. “Why in the hell would you do that?” Bill asks.

The promo for the week also gave viewers a first look at the episode, as the preview opens with Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) running into Tia Allen (guest star Tabitha Brown) at the country club. We then cut to an interview that Tia is conducting with Dani, as Tia explains, “We are going to tell you a story with a little help from your family and friends.” In the background, eagle-eyed viewers will catch Daytime Emmy Winner Cady McClain returning in her role of Pamela Curtis for the episodes as well.

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New episodes of Beyond the Gates air on CBS weekdays and stream on Paramount+ weeknights. Viewers can catch up on all of the drama from the beginning of the show on Paramount+, Tubi, and Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.

October marks the anniversary of one of the most unmistakable dance hits of the late 1990s: Eiffel65’s “Blue (Da Ba Dee).” 

First released in Italy in October 1998, the electronically enhanced earworm initially struggled to find an audience before becoming an international sensation the following year. The song’s bizarre refrain, futuristic production, and all-blue world helped turn it into a defining hit of the era. And its unlikely journey from an overlooked release to a global smash is almost as memorable as the song itself.

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The Italian group reportedly sold only around 200 copies when the single first came out, according to a 2019 VICE retrospective featuring the band. But after radio stations began playing it, “Blue” caught on quickly, eventually topping charts around the world and reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It also became a No. 1 hit in the United Kingdom.

The Song Was Born in an Italian Recording Studio

“Blue (Da Ba Dee)” came together at Bliss Corporation, a music production company in Turin, Italy. The track’s signature melody began with a piano hook composed by Maurizio Lobina, who worked with vocalist Jeffrey Jey and DJ and producer Gabry Ponte to develop the song.

In a 2023 interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Ponte recalled the humble setting in which the hit was created. 

“It was born in a basement,” he said, describing the studio belonging to producer Massimo Gabutti.

He explained that the three musicians worked together in the underground space, adding that “Blue” came together in two days, “without expectations.”

The group’s sound combined an insistent dance beat with synthesizers and electronically processed vocals. Rather than trying to make the song sound natural, Eiffel65 leaned into the artificial quality of the production, giving Jey’s voice a robotic edge that helped distinguish the track from other late-’90s pop hits.

What Does ‘Da Ba Dee’ Actually Mean?

One of the song’s biggest mysteries is its chorus. What, exactly, does “da ba dee” mean?

The answer is less complicated than fans might expect: The song’s appeal comes from its playful sound, not a hidden phrase that listeners need to decipher. 

The lyrics center on a fictional character who sees his entire world through the color blue, from his home and surroundings to the way he experiences life.

Jey explained the concept in an interview with American Songwriter, “It speaks of something I believe in a lot. I think that everyone has their own color, you know? They filter their entire lives with that color.”

He continued by explaining that people’s preferences, including the things they buy, places they live, and people they choose to spend time with, reflect that personal perspective. The song’s blue house and blue surroundings serve as a metaphor for the way someone’s individual outlook shapes their world.

The result was a song that sounded playful and almost nonsensical on the surface while exploring a surprisingly relatable idea: Everyone sees life through their own lens.

Even the Name Eiffel65 Has a Bizarre Backstory

The group’s name was nearly as accidental as its early success.

According to Jey, the musicians created a database of possible names in a spreadsheet because they were tired of spending time trying to name their projects. When it came time to choose a name, they selected “Eiffel” from that list.

The number 65, however, came about through a mistake. 

As Jey explained to American Songwriter, Gabutti had written down a phone number on a piece of paper that overlapped with the song’s label paperwork. The final two digits, 65, were mistakenly incorporated into the group’s name by a graphic designer.

“We had the feeling that maybe it was meant to be,” Jey said, explaining why they kept the number.

The accidental addition ultimately became part of one of the most recognizable dance acts of the era.

How ‘Blue’ Became a Global Hit

After its initial release in Italy, “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” gained momentum through radio airplay and spread into international markets. The song became a major hit in 1999, and Eiffel65 followed it with “Move Your Body,” another successful dance single.

The group’s debut album, Europop, arrived in 1999 and helped cement its place in the international dance-pop scene. The record’s bright electronic production and catchy melodies reflected the late-’90s Eurodance sound while helping introduce it to a broader American audience.

The song also earned Eiffel65 a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 2001 awards. Although the group continued releasing music, “Blue” remained its defining international hit.

The Song’s Legacy Goes Beyond the ’90s

“Blue (Da Ba Dee)” has continued to find new audiences long after its original chart run. The song appeared in the 2013 Marvel film Iron Man 3, including a Mandarin-language version recorded by Jey for the movie’s opening credits.

Its melody also received a major second life in 2022, when David Guetta and Bebe Rexha released “I’m Good (Blue),” which reworked the familiar hook into a new dance-pop hit. The track reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced the original song to another generation of listeners.

Nearly three decades after its first release, “Blue” remains a fixture of ’90s nostalgia. Its unusual chorus, distinctive production, and colorful premise have helped it outlast the era that produced it.

And its story is a reminder that a song can begin with modest expectations, struggle to find an audience, and still become an international phenomenon.

Related: 1958 Bonkers Novelty Song From Sheb Wooley Became a 6-Week No. 1 Hit, and Still Gets Play 68 Years Later

“It seemed as if Noah’s Ark were emptying itself over on Long Island,” The New York Times wrote of the parade of elephants and camels that crossed the Brooklyn Bridge in 1884, per History.com.

The animals belonged to P.T. Barnum, who led the procession across the bridge on the evening of May 17, 1884. It included 21 elephants and 17 camels. The Times counted 7 camels and 10 dromedaries, per Ephemeral New York. Barnum’s most famous elephant, Jumbo, did not lead. The Times said “Old Jumbo brought up the rear.”

The march came a year after a terrible tragedy. The bridge had opened on May 24, 1883, and on May 30, a crowd of holiday sightseers packed the promenade, per the New-York Historical Society. Near the stairs on the approach, a woman tripped and another screamed, and the crowd surged, according to the historical society. Twelve people died, and the Library of Congress says 36 were seriously injured.

Barnum had seen an opening. Before the stampede, he had offered to parade Jumbo across the bridge for a $5,000 toll, and the offer was turned down by the bridge’s management, per History.com. After the disaster, the offer came back, this time with no toll.

It was less a load test than a publicity move, thought it must have been interesting to learn that the Brooklyn Bridge could handle a score of elephants crossing it. Ronald B. Tobias, author of Behemoth: The History of the Elephant in America, writes that the directors believed people would accept the bridge’s safety if “the largest animal in the world walked across it.”

No one had to pay to see the animals cross. Tolls were waived for the elephants and camels, and the toll superintendent was reportedly stumped on what an elephant or a dromedary should pay, per Weekly Recess.

In 1974, a group of studio musicians called Reunion released one of the most unusual Top 10 hits of the decade.

“Life Is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)” was built around a chugging bassline and a dizzying, rapid-fire vocal from Joey Levine, who races through references to decades of popular music with barely enough time to take a breath.

The unusual formula worked. “Life Is a Rock” climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Reunion’s only major hit and eventually earning a lofty spot in Brent Mann’s book “99 Red Balloons and 100 Other All-Time Great One-Hit Wonders.”

Mann ranked “Life Is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)” at No. 14 on his list.

Written by Norman Dolph, Paul DiFranco and Levine, the song turns rock history into an exhilarating verbal obstacle course. Mott the Hoople, Mungo Jerry, Steely Dan, Sam Cooke, Lesley Gore, Ritchie Valens, Deep Purple, Johnny Cash, Johnny Rivers, David Bowie, ZZ Top and scores of other musical names and references fly by.

And Levine delivers most of them at breakneck speed.

Mann described the song as essentially a recitation of rock ‘n’ roll names spanning from the late 1950s through the early ’70s, all performed over that “chugging bassline.” He argued that the simplicity of the idea was precisely what made the record work.

“The genius of this record lies in its simplicity,” Mann wrote.

The vocal is so relentless that the recording even begins with the sound of Levine taking a deep breath before launching into the song.

Levine was no stranger to catchy pop music. Before Reunion, he had been the lead singer of Ohio Express, the bubblegum group behind hits including “Yummy Yummy Yummy.” Levine also co-wrote that 1968 hit, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Life Is a Rock,” however, was something considerably stranger.

The song doesn’t tell a conventional story. Instead, its torrent of references creates a whirlwind tour through the music that had dominated American radio over the previous two decades, interrupted by the instantly memorable chorus.

Mann noted that some have even suggested “Life Is a Rock” qualifies as an early precursor to rap because of Levine’s rhythmic, rapid-fire delivery. The song has also been credited as a blueprint and lyrical inspiration for later name-dropping records, including Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).”

Related: Fleetwood Mac Crowned ‘As Talented as Any Band’ After Beating Led Zeppelin on Best Bands of All Time List

Despite becoming a No. 8 hit, “Life Is a Rock” was never released on a Reunion album. Mann noted that the song instead appeared on numerous compilations and was issued as a 45, with “Are You Ready to Believe” on the flip side.

The record also became unusually intertwined with the radio culture it celebrated.

Several major Top 40 stations had customized versions created with lyrics tailored specifically to them. San Francisco’s KFRC aired its own version naming the station’s personalities, while Chicago stations WCFL and WLS were among those that had personalized takes on the song.

Its peculiar format proved adaptable long after 1974.

Tracey Ullman recorded “Life Is a Rock” for her 1983 debut album, You Broke My Heart in 17 Places. McDonald’s later borrowed the concept for its “$1,000,000 Menu Song” promotion in 1988, turning a breathless list of menu items into a tongue-twisting advertising jingle.

The idea resurfaced yet again in the early 1990s when Virginia’s Tysons Corner Center used the tune for “We’ve Got ‘Em All,” an advertising campaign that replaced the rock references with the names of stores at the shopping mall. The Washington Post reported in 1992 that local radio stations were even receiving requests to play the adapted version.

But more than 50 years after Reunion’s original raced onto the radio, it’s the strange 1974 hit that has endured.

A studio group without another major hit managed to cram decades of pop culture into a few breathless minutes, send the result into the Top 10 and land at No. 14 on Mann’s list of the greatest one-hit wonders of all time.

For a song about radio rolling you, “Life Is a Rock” certainly knew exactly how to use it.

Related: 1986 Hit, By a 36-Year-Old Peter Gabriel, Just Named the No. 1 ‘Nightmare’ Music Video