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‘American Pie’ Star Alyson Hannigan’s Daughter Is Starting High School—and Fans Say She’s Her Mom’s Twin
Alyson Hannigan‘s daughter just started high school, and fans and followers are shocked by how much she resembles her TV star mother.
Hannigan, 52, started working as a child but found fame in the role of Willow Rosenberg, Buffy Summers’ best friend, on the beloved television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Still, it was her role (and shocking one-liners) in 1999’s high school comedy American Pie that catapulted her to superstardom. She later thrived on How I Met Your Mother, and even hit Dancing with the Stars in 2023.
Despite all her professional success, Hannigan’s favorite role is as a devoted mom to her two children. Married to Alexis Denisof since 2003, the couple share two daughters: Satyana and Keeva. In a new photo posted to Alyson’s Instagram page, Keeva smiled with a sign as she headed off for her first day of high school. One look at the photo makes it clear just how much Keeva resembles her mom!
“Back to school means back to sign making! I obviously had to reference my favorite Taylor song since I now have 2 High Schoolers 😳,” Hannigan captioned the sweet photo.
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Commenters Couldn’t Believe the SimilaritiesIn the comments section, followers and fans were losing it over the similarities between Hannigan and her daughter.
“A classmate will be like ‘you lol so much like Willow in BTVS’ 😘,” one person said, drawing on Hannigan’s famous character.
“She’s your twin, Aly—how beautiful. 😍,” another person said.
“I thought she was young Willow for a moment ❤️,” a Buffy fan replied.
“Omg she looks just like you!” another person said.
“Any instrument but the flute !!!” an American Pie fan noted.
What Has Alyson Hannigan Said About Parenting?Hannigan thought parenting one child was hard, until she had another! In a sweet interview, Hannigan shared the challenges of parenting.
“I thought one was really difficult and now I am like, ‘What? One was super easy!’” Hannigan told PEOPLE back in 2020. “You got breaks while they were napping — [Satyana] had just started school — but now they are tag teaming me … in the very best way of course.”
Related: Alyson Hannigan Shares Devastating Tribute to Late ‘Buffy’ Costar Anthony Head
Recall Issued for Candy Sold at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Homegoods
A multi-state recall has been issued for candy sold at popular retailers across several states due to an undeclared allergen. Crystal Temptations, a company based in North Arlington, New Jersey, issued the recall on August 31.
Related: Popular Reese’s, Almond Joy Ice Cream Bars Recalled Nationwide
According to the recall notice published by the Food and Drug Administration, the company is recalling five different packaging formats of its Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs because they contain undeclared milk allergens. “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” says the notice.
The products were distributed to Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Homegoods, and Sierra Trading Post locations in 13 states, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Related: Multi-State Recall Issued for Mangoes Sold at Walmart for Salmonella Risk
The packaging labels can be identified by the following markers:
- “Crystal Temptations” plastic bag with designed header card – Chocolatey Eyeballs, 10 oz.
- “Crystal Temptations” acrylic box with designed paper wrap – Chocolatey Eyeballs, 7 oz.
- “Crystal Temptations” round plastic jar – Chocolatey Eyeballs, 10.5 oz.
- “Crystal Temptations” designer plastic pouch bag – Chocolatey Eyeballs, 16 oz.
- “Crystal Temptations” plastic bag tied with a tag – Chocolatey Eyeballs, 11 oz.
Related: Recall Issued for Lunchmeat Nationwide, Including Illinois and Michigan, Due to Listeria Risk
The notice states that the recall notice was initiated after a TJX analyst discovered that the affected products, which contain whey, “were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.” As of publication, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled candy.
Consumers who purchased the affected products are asked to destroy them. While refunds are not available at the point of sale, consumers may contact Crystal Temptations for a refund by calling 1-201-246-7990, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm ET and providing proof of purchase.
Next: Recall Issued for Heat-and-Serve Food, Dessert Sold at Kroger, Publix, Food Lion
1960 Novel by Harper Lee Ranked the 'Best Coming-of-Age Book' of All Time
Harper Lee’s 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird has earned another major distinction after being ranked as the “Best Coming-of-Age Book” of all time.
More than six decades since its release, the iconic book was regarded by Collider as the most outstanding and memorable book ever written about growing up and gaining a deeper understanding of adulthood and life.
The outlet described it as a predictable choice, but Lee’s creation has earned its place because of how powerfully it explores the painful loss of childhood innocence amid the brutal realities of society.
Across online discussions, including Reddit, readers debate whether To Kill a Mockingbird is a masterpiece or an overrated classic whose reputation is largely driven by its popularity.
However, commenters argued that the book’s relevance and its impact on its young readers remain significant.
“It’s simply beautiful. It’s amazing how the plot remains relevant today,” a commenter said.
‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee for Linton Weeks series on the future of books.Nate Parsons/The The Washington Post via Getty Images
“It made a big impact on me. As a white kid growing up in suburbia, it definitely opened my young eyes to our country’s dark history. It hits different in story format than in textbooks. It helped shape my view of people, both negatively and positively,” one wrote.
“I think the lessons and impact of the book are worthwhile,” another echoed.
Written by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird was set in the 1930s and takes place in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama.
The story is told from the perspective of six-year-old Scout Finch, who explores racism and social injustice through the lens of childhood innocence, genuine curiosity and blunt honesty.
The book has sold more than 40 million copies to date and has been translated into more than 40 languages, according to CBS News.
Before her book received a massive public reception, the writer admitted that she initially had low expectations for her 1960 debut.
“You see, I never expected any sort of success with Mockingbird. I didn’t expect the book to sell in the first place…I hoped for a little, as I said, but I got rather a whole lot, and in some ways this was just about as frightening as the quick, merciful death I’d expected,” she mentioned in a 1964 interview with Roy Nequist.
Lo and behold, despite To Kill a Mockingbird being the first novel that Lee published, it was not the first novel that she wrote.
However, the iconic book earned her the 1961 Pulitzer Prize and was later recognized as one of the most influential and widely recognized works in American literature.
1971 Three Dog Night Smash, Reimagined by Elvis Presley, Had Deep Roots to His First No. 1 Hit
When Three Dog Night scored a massive Top 5 hit with “Never Been to Spain,” it was a quintessential early 1970s radio smash. But the song truly soared into rock history when Elvis Presley added it to his setlist.
Yet underneath its success was a deep-rooted musical heritage. Unbeknownst to millions of fans, the writer behind the hit had family ties to the legendary recording sessions that launched the King into superstardom nearly two decades earlier.
Radio listeners in late 1971 knew “Never Been to Spain” as a driving, soulful hit powered by Cory Wells‘ lead vocals. Country-folk singer and songwriter Hoyt Axton wrote the tune for the band’s LP Joy to the World, and it reached No. 5 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 Chart.
Within months, the track gained even more momentum when Presley adopted it as an anthem for his explosive 1972 live tour. The song landed on the LP Elvis as Recorded at Madison Square Garden, recorded on June 10, 1972.
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However, Axton’s connection to Presley ran far deeper than a reimagining of his hit. His mother, Mae Boren Axton, penned the King’s first No. 1 hit, “Heartbreak Hotel.”
In an interview reprinted by Elvis.com.au, Mae spoke to Presley in 1955 for her radio show in Jacksonville, Florida, where she also worked as a songwriter and schoolteacher. She promoted a local show headlined by country star Hank Snow, whose opening act was Presley and welcomed him to the station.
The turning point came when songwriter Tommy Durden showed Mae a local news article detailing a man who had taken his own life. Touched by the tragic phrase “I walk a lonely street“ left in his note, Mae built a story around a place where lost souls gather. When she pitched “Heartbreak Hotel” to Presley, he was eager to record it and rode its wave of success all the way to No. 1 in May 1956.
There have been no reports of Presley making the familial connection between Mae and Axton. Nor did he discuss the tune publicly, but he liked it enough to have performed it over 50 times in his live shows.
The song was recorded for, but not featured in, the Baz Luhrmann feature film Elvis, starring Austin Butler. The actor discussed that “Never Been to Spain fires me up” in an interview with NME.
“It just fires me up. I love to turn it on super-loud in the car and drive,” he began.
“Singing ‘Never Been to Spain’ once on set, my voice went out. I lost the mid-range of my voice for a couple of days. Thankfully, it was on a Friday so we could take the weekend off, so I went on vocal rest and didn’t speak for two days to let the vocal cords rest. It’s a tough sing!” Butler said of recording the song.
Three Dog Night made “Never Been to Spain” a 1971 smash hit. But when Elvis Presley covered it in 1972, he brought a family story full circle, one that started with a local radio interview back in 1955.
Related: 1969 Neil Diamond Song, Reimagined By Elvis Presley, Was ‘Pure Stream of Consciousness’
Here’s What You Can Do on Disney Adventure’s First Port Stop in Langkawi, Malaysia
When Disney Cruise Line launched its first vessel homeported in Asia, the massive Disney Adventure, travelers were eager to step aboard to experience the brand’s signature entertainment and seven themed areas at sea. But there was one noticeable detail about its maiden season: the ship was only sailing “cruises to nowhere” out of Singapore, giving guests endless sea days without any port stops.
That is officially about to change.
As theme park and attractions expert Robert Niles reported for Theme Park Insider: “It looks like the Disney Adventure is going someplace… finally. The Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, Disney Adventure, started sailing from Singapore last spring. Disney’s first cruise ship to be based in Asia has not called on any other ports in the region, however. The ship has sailed only ‘cruises to nowhere’ in its maiden season. That is about to change, though. Disney has announced that Disney Adventure will be adding its first port of call to its itineraries, starting this New Year’s Eve. Disney Adventure will sail to Langkawi, Malaysia on select four-night cruises from Singapore in 2027.”
Related: Disney’s Largest Cruise Ship Ever Is Creating A Massive Island-Wide Festival This Summer
View this post on Instagram What You Can Experience in LangkawiKnown as the “Jewel of Kedah,” Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 tropical islands off the northwestern coast of Malaysia, celebrated for its emerald waters, ancient limestone cliffs, and UNESCO Global Geopark status.
For passengers stepping ashore on these new itineraries, Disney has rolled out a lineup of Port Adventures designed to showcase the island’s rich culture, wildlife, and natural landscapes:
- Langkawi Highlights and Cable Car Ride: Travelers can soar high above the rainforest canopy on the famous Langkawi SkyCab, taking in sweeping 360-degree vistas across the mountains and the Andaman Sea, with access to the curved Sky Bridge suspended over a deep gorge.
- Island Hopping and Eagle-Watching Tours: Boat excursions navigate through surrounding islet clusters, where guests can spot majestic sea eagles and Brahminy kites swooping into coastal lagoons.
- Kilim Kayak Adventure on the Kubang Badak River: An active paddle through mangrove forests and serene waterways, perfect for seeing native wildlife and unique coastal ecosystems up close.
- Colors & Crafts with a Batik-Making Workshop: An immersive hands-on cultural experience where travelers learn traditional Malaysian wax-resist textile dying to create their own vibrant batik keepsake.
Related: Disney Treasure Review: Is It the Perfect Family Cruise Line Ship?
Booking Details and FaresFor families looking to book one of the new Malaysian sailings, fares for these select four-night voyages start at $1,509 for two guests in an inside stateroom.
Pearl Castaway Club members receive early booking access first, with the window rolling out across club tiers before bookings open to the general public on September 8.
Whether you’re looking to glide over prehistoric jungle canopies or relax along turquoise waters, the new stop transforms Disney Adventure into a full Southeast Asian vacation, pairing Disney’s onboard magic with an authentic taste of Malaysia.
’90s Alternative Rock Legends Return With ‘Twilight,’ Their First Album in 8 Years
Jesus Jones is back right here, right now. Or more specifically, Sept. 18, which is when the alternative rock legends are set to release their first new studio album in eight years.
Twilight, their eighth studio album that was officially announced back in February, is all over the band’s social media right now, with posts hyping not only the forthcoming album but its next single to be released, “Bad Zoo Rescue,” which hits streaming in T minus one week on Sept. 7.
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View this post on InstagramFollowing a massive world tour celebrating its 35th anniversary, Jesus Jones got in the studio and channeled all that electric energy into a new album. According to Clash, the resulting Twilight blends elements of the band’s root sound with modern iterations, resulting in an album that represents a fully evolved band.
‘Twilight’ Tracklist- “All Falls to Me”
- “Carry the Years Lightly”
- “Still Smiling”
- “When It Comes to You”
- “Shot in the Chevy”
- “Brief Flashes of Light”
- “Words in a Book”
- “Animal Instinct”
- “This House”
- “This Perfect Place”
- “Bad Zoo Rescue”
“We celebrated our 35th anniversary with a world tour throughout 2023 and 2024,” singer-songwriter Mike Edwards said, per the outlet. “It was such a joyous occasion, reconnecting with the fans who’d been with us, sometimes every step of that journey. But what really made me think was seeing how their lives had shifted, grown, and developed. And it did make me realize that sometimes the world moves on, while musicians are expected to stay exactly where they are.”
So far, the band has released a couple of singles from the upcoming Twilight, including “Shot in the Chevy,” a mellow, country-tinged pop ballad, and “All Falls to Me,” an alt-rock mid-tempo groove that reminds of the band’s early days.
“I wanted to be us still but at the same time, to be different, to be more like us now, like the band we’d grown to become,” Edwards added about the new music.
Formed in 1988, the London alt-rock band helped define the early ‘90s indie dance and baggy music scenes. Mixing traditional rock guitars with electronic beats, sampling, and punk energy, Jesus Jones made its debut with “Info Freako,” from their 1989 album, Liquidizer.
Their breakout hit, “Right Here, Right Now,” came about a year later. The song became a massive global anthem, topping the U.S. alternative charts and reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its parent album, Doubt, reached No. 1 in the U.K. and sold more than a million copies in the U.S., eventually going platinum.
In 1992, Jesus Jones earned two Grammy Award nominations: one for Best Alternative Music Album for Doubt and the other for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals for “Right Here, Right Now.”
Down the line, they scored a major hit with “Real Real Real,” which hit No. 4 on the Hot 100, as well as “International Bright Young Thing,” and “Who? Where? Why?”
Their previous studio album, 2018’s Passages, marked their return to the full-length format after a 17-year gap following 2001’s London. Later that year, they released Voyages, a collection of demos, alternate versions, and remixes.
As the band readies “Bad Zoo Rescue” and Twilight, the core five-piece lineup that powered the band’s breakthrough more than 35 years ago—Edwards on lead and guitar, Jerry De Borg on guitar, Al Doughty on bass, Iain Baker on keyboards, and Simon “Gen” Matthews on drums—remains intact.
Related: 1973 Jukebox Hit, Produced by Todd Rundgren, Launched a Hard Rock Trio to Its First No. 1
September Has 2 Birth Flowers To Choose From—Here's Exactly What They Symbolize
As the days grow shorter and the air chillier, September signals that fall is near. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are now on the menu, and autumn babies are getting ready to party. And there’s no better way to celebrate than with September’s birth flowers: the vibrant aster and the delicate morning glory. These blooms not only honor September in the most glorious way, but they also carry rich symbolism and fascinating histories.
To uncover the secrets of September’s birth month flowers, Parade spoke with a floral expert, Eka Dara, founder of Edelweiss Floral Atelier, who shares insights on their meanings, historical significance and care.
Whether you’re an autumn baby curious about the birth flowers for September, searching for the perfect floral gift for your sweetheart this month or looking for September birth flower tattoo ideas, read on to discover the captivating world of asters and morning glories.
Related: 16 Different Types of Edible Flowers You Can Add to Your Garden
Dara explains September’s floral pairing: “Aster is the primary birth flower for September, morning glory is the secondary.”
These blooms capture the essence of the season, with asters often blooming in late summer and early fall, while morning glories climb and unfurl their petals in the warm September sun.
Unsplash
Asters are rich in symbolism. Dara describes their significance: “Asters symbolize faith, wisdom, love and courage.”
In Greek mythology, asters were born from the tears of the goddess Astraea, while ancient Greeks and Romans considered them sacred. The Romans associated asters with Venus, the goddess of love, and used them in love potions. Victorian flower language attributed qualities like daintiness, patience, and charm to asters. The flowers’ colors carry specific meanings: purple for wisdom and admiration, white for purity and new beginnings, pink for love and sensitivity, and blue for calmness and loyalty. In Japan, the aster known as shion conveys the message “I won’t forget you” in the language of flowers, hanakotoba.
These star-shaped flowers make a perfect birthday gift, representing not only the beauty of the season but also conveying deep, meaningful sentiments to your loved ones.
The name “Aster” has an interesting origin.
“The name aster comes from the Latin word astrum, which means ‘star,’ in reference to the star-like shape of the flowers,” Dara shares.
As mentioned above, Asters have also played a role in mythology.
“Aster’s history traces back to Greek mythology,” shares Dara. “The goddess Astrea, which Asters are named after, is referred to as the ‘Starry Maiden’. Upon seeing that there were no stars on earth, she teared up and her tears fell on earth to become Asters.”
To keep asters thriving, Dara says: “Aster plants are to be planted in the Spring; they are perennial plants. They prefer full sun. Be sure to deadhead the withered blooms to promote regrowth.”
For cut asters, she recommends: “Aster stems should be cut at a 45-degree angle, and the lower leaves should be removed to prevent them from contaminating the water. The stems should be given a fresh cut and the water changed every other day.”
Getty Images
The morning glory, September’s second birth flower, has its own rich symbolism.
“Morning Glories are best known for and symbolize love and affection, but have many meanings in different cultures,” Dara explains. “For instance, in China, its name means happiness and peace, and in Japan, the transient nature of life.”
Morning Glories have a long and varied history.
“Morning Glories have been mentioned throughout history and have been greatly respected amongst certain cultures,” Dara notes.
She elaborates on their historical significance: “In ancient Egypt, the Morning Glory was seen as a symbol of resurrection and can be seen today depicted on many sarcophagi and other ancient relics. To the ancient Mayans, Aztecs and Native Americans, Morning Glory seeds were used during certain ceremonies for their spiritual properties that helped individuals reach other planes of consciousness.”
Related: What Is Your State Flower? Your Guide to All 50 Blooms From Alabama to Wyoming
“It’s good to keep in mind that Morning Glories are best enjoyed as a plant, as a cut stem; their life is very short,” Dara shares.
For growing morning glories, she recommends: “Morning Glory flowers prefer full sun. Morning Glory spreads rapidly, so make sure to give them plenty of space to climb and grow.”
Whether you choose the star-like aster or the trumpet-shaped morning glory, September’s birth flowers offer a beautiful way to celebrate the month’s birthdays and the transition from summer to fall.
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♬ Smells Like Teen Spirit – NirvanaRelated: Here’s Exactly What Your Month's Birthstone Says About Your Personality
Source- Eka Dara, a floral expert and founder of Edelweiss Floral Atelier.
9 Books Coming in September 2026 You Cannot Afford to Sleep On — Including a New 'Skyward' Story
The fall months are here, and it’s time to get cozy with new books. The good news is September is back with releases for everyone, whether you want a cozy murder mystery or you need a new story set in a favorite fictional universe.
In fact, September is one of the busiest months of the year for book releases, and it’s because more people are looking for things to do while they stay home. Schools are back in session, and it’s time to ferry the kids to and from their extracurricular activities, so you need something to read while you wait or listen to on the drive.
The only problem you’ll have with this list of nine books releasing throughout the month is that your sleep schedule will be thrown off. That “just one more chapter” statement will turn into many more!
Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Blightfall’ by Brandon Sanderson and Janci PattersonIf you’re a fan of the Skyward series by Brandon Sanderson, you’ll be happy to know there is a trip back into the universe. This time, we get a story that has been decades in the making, originally intended to be the first step into the Cytoverse. Blightfall from Sanderson and Janci Patterson is all about the aftermath.
The Superiority has finally been defeated. Now it’s time to build a new world, but it’s nothing that many expected. We follow Arturo as he works with the Skyward Flight to escort diplomats on a first-contact mission with a newly discovered planet, Blightfall. What is supposed to be a routine job turns into one of danger and adventure. Delve back in — or start your journey — into the Skyward series on Sept. 1, 2026.
Courtesy of Delacorte Press ‘Our Strange Duet’ by Erin A. CraigDo you love retellings? This one is one for the history books, as Our Strange Duet by Erin A. Craig is an official retelling of Christine’s story from Phantom of the Opera. It started as an idea by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s company, and it has grown into something epic and gothic. Craig does more than just tell a story we basically know. She builds a life and a universe beyond the imagination.
The story is set in 1800s Paris, bringing a story for those who love Phantom of the Opera and those who have no idea about the story. It’s packed with romance tropes, including an epic love triangle. You may know how it ends, but it’s time for Christine to tell us all why she chooses the man she does. It’s available on Sept. 1, 2026.
Courtesy of Berkley | Penguin Random House ‘Love Felt LIke This’ by Julie OliviaHow about a cozy romance? Love Felt Like This by Julie Olivia brings the grumpy/sunshine trope to the page, set in a contemporary world with a small-town feel. You’ll love sitting by the fire to read through each chapter, as you fall in love with Griffin and Beverly.
It all starts with Griffin, a man who has always been in the spotlight. However, he’s struggling with his latest album, especially now that he has custody of his two-year-old daughter. Meanwhile, Beverly has lost the funding for her nonprofit, but she needs to revive a children’s show. When the two end up crossing paths, it only seems natural that they end up working together, and maybe sparks will fly. Read Love Felt Like This on Sept. 8, 2026.
Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘The Dating Game’ by Ally ZetterbergFor those who are more in the mood for mystery as well as romance, you’ll want to turn your attention to The Dating Game by Ally Zetterberg. This one brings the perils of modern dating and female rage into focus, while adding a bit of fun with a board game designer starting to play by her own rules.
Tilda Smith is a board game designer who is on a mission to find happiness. She thinks the path to do that is to set up rules for her life, but nobody else knows the game they’re playing when they meet her. Just as things take a turn, Tilda finds herself transporting a body in a laundry bag. How did she end up here, and what will she do next? Well, your guess is as good as mine, and you’ll find out on Sept. 8, 2026.
Courtesy of HarperCollins ‘The Library of Leaving’ by Emily DunlaySometimes, you need to be swept away with historical fiction, and that’s exactly what The Library of Leaving by Emily Dunlay will allow you to do. This mesmerizing story will take you back to 1920s Switzerland, as the world deals with the aftermath of the First World War. It’s a sweeping tale that is certainly going to leave you with all the emotions.
Helen Fox is an American living in Switzerland, cataloguing books left by diplomats and expatriates. When she receives a package of a novel written by a man she knew intimately during the War, she is transported into a story of love and grief. Just how much of the book within the book is fiction? You’ll get to read this epic debut on Sept. 8, 2026.
Courtesy of Viking ‘We Chase Shadows’ by Richard OsmanRichard Osman is back with another cozy murder mystery, and the “We Solve Murders” club is back. We Chase Shadows takes Amy, Rosie, and Steve on their first real case since setting up the We Solve Murders HQ, and it seems like a rather simple one. Of course, that’s never the case when it comes to one of these cozy thrillers.
The trio finds all sorts of conspiracies within the conspiracies. There’s Sweden’s most-wanted criminal, a fierce business rival, and an ex-wife who has plenty of reason to kill. The story takes them across the globe, but who would have thought that Steve’s village pub may have the answers? Who did it? Sept. 15, 2026 is when you’ll find out.
Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘If Not You’ by Ellen O’CloverWith forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers, If Not You by Ellen O’Clover is another perfect cozy romance for the fall. It’s packed with workplace drama, dreams of success, and the hope of a new ending.
Mattie French has fought her way to be a copywriter at an independent advertising agency. She’d be the talk of the town if it wasn’t for Campbell Porter, a senior copywriter at the same firm who is talented and the absolute bane of Mattie’s existence. Of course, put the two of them on a month of travel together, and maybe they’re not quite the workplace competition they thought they were. See how this romance plays out on Sept. 15, 2026.
Courtesy of Berkley ‘Prey for Me’ by Allie OleanderIf you need some dark romance in your life, then you’ll need to wait a little closer to the end of the month. On Sept. 22, 206, Prey for Me by Allie Oleander is out, and it’s packed with stalking, threats, and terror. In a sexy way, of course! We wouldn’t have it any other way!
Prey for Me follows Margot, who is being hunted and devoured by Caine Underwood, a man who is pulling out all the stops to win her as his prize. And she finds it arousing. However, when someone else is stalking and threatening her, she’s terrified, and Caine is going to make sure whoever it is will pay. There’s only one man who is allowed to haunt her!
Courtesy of Brilliance Publishing ‘Death by Misadventure’ by Jane BitomskyWe head to the past for the final book of the month, and this one is a mystery thriller from debut author Jane Bitomsky. Death by Misadventure is set in 1585, at a time when murder investigations were on the cruder side. In fact, finding the culprit wasn’t always that easy, but Coroner John Derrick is going to figure out how a man ended up dead beneath a waterwheel.
It definitely wasn’t accidental. Unfortunate, yes, but this was murder, and he needs to speak with all the villagers to figure out the details. When 16-year-old housemaid Rebecca Laurence has information that could help, she is suddenly thrust into a position of intrigue, and she’d prefer that not to happen, considering her own clandestine affairs. Get ready to figure out the murder on Sept. 29, 2026.
'Hunger Games' Actress Teams Up With Crocs for the Perfect Cozy Season Comfy Shoe
Cold-weather season is almost upon us, which means trading in comfy summer shoes like sandals and flip flops for something that keeps feet cozier. Crocs is a go-to comfort shoe brand that serves that very purpose, and this year, the company is teaming up with actress Mckenna Grace to bring Crocs (and Grace’s) fans the perfect comfortable shoe that will keep feet warm.
Grace has specifically worked with Crocs to highlight the fan-favorite Unfurgettable Clog, which takes the classic Crocs clog design and adds various warming elements, including a vegan suede upper design and a faux fur liner and collar. This winter-ready design doesn’t mean abandoning Crocs’ Jibbitz, though; wearers can still customize their look using the holes in the faux fur back strap.
Mckenna Grace x CrocsCredit: Crocs
In addition to her current collaboration with Crocs, Grace is booked and busy, as the saying goes. In November, Grace will star in the highly anticipated release of the newest Hunger Games movie, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, in which she plays Maysilee Donner and her twin sister Merrilee Donner. That movie will hit theaters on Nov. 20.
Along with joining that massive franchise on the big screen, Grace has yet another major role coming up, this one reflecting Grace’s entry into an iconic series that has been going on for decades. Namely, Grace is portraying beloved Scooby-Doo character Daphne Blake in Netflix’s live-action remake series Scooby-Doo: Origins.
Grace is clearly ready for the show, which is set to hit the streaming platform in 2027, as she recently unveiled a brand-new red hair look—a signature trait of Daphne—and even received approval from none other than Sarah Michelle Gellar herself, who famously played the role of Daphne in 2002’s live-action Scooby-Doo movie and its sequel, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
The Unfurgettable Clog is available for purchase now on the Crocs website.
Cowboy Boots Are So on Trend, and This $20 Embroidered Pair Brings the Premium Leather Look for Less
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Cowboy boots aren’t just a fleeting fad in 2026. They’re becoming a true staple for fashion lovers, who’ve been sporting them in style for everything from concerts to date night to casual brunches. The more premium styles can sometimes rack up a pretty hefty receipt, unfortunately. However, thanks to Amazon’s ongoing Labor Day sale, you can shop the shoes at an affordable price, like these Athlefit Square Toe Embroidery Western Cowboy Boots that are up to 60% off right now.
The boots originally cost $50, but have been marked down to as low as $20. Discounts vary by color and size, but you can score many pairs for $30 or less right now. Customers can choose from five rich, versatile hues: black, brown, red, tan, and white. The available sizes range from 5.5 to 11, including half sizes. Some shoppers said the boots are true to size while others said that they went up a size, so we recommend utilizing the available size chart under the product description to aid you in the buying process.
Athlefit Square Toe Embroidery Western Cowboy Boots, From $20 (were $50) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThe boots are made from thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane, and lined with synthetic materials. The design features a square-toe, 2.3-inch chunky heel boot, and pull tabs on each side with a side zipper so that you can take them on and off easily. What we love about these boots is the gorgeous embroidery that’s stitched in a contrasting color, giving them a unique style.
The boots contain a memory sponge insole that provides cushion during long-term wear. One reviewer said that they were on their feet for six hours and weren’t in pain by the end of the night, adding that the boots are “so comfortable and stylish.” Another shared that they look “like leather” despite their synthetic construction.
A second customer added, “I was really in search of a boot that was wide enough for my calves and I was pleasantly surprised.” Another agreed that they’re ideal for those with large calves, given how much space the opening contains. The boots stop right below the knee, so you can pair them with skirts, shorts, and more.
No matter if you’re taking social media-worthy pictures or just looking to upgrade your Midwestern style, these boots are worth adding to your cart. Plus, they’re only on sale for a limited-time. Don’t miss out on Amazon’s incredible deal on these Instagrammable cowboy boots!
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Walmart’s $80 Wood-Burning Fire Pit Makes Chilly Fall Nights So Much More Inviting
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There’s a short window in the fall when it’s cool enough to want a fire but still warm enough to spend hours outside. The Nana Guard 28-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit is perfect for making the most of those nights, and it’s on sale for just $80 at Walmart, down from $140, making now a great time to scoop it up ahead of sweater weather season.
The wood-burning fire pit measures 28 inches across and 14 inches tall. It’s made from rust-resistant alloy steel with high-temperature paint and comes with a mesh spark lid and a fire picker for moving logs or lifting the cover. Its compact size also makes it a great option for camping or RV trips if your fall plans involve more than hanging out in the backyard.
Nana Guard 28-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit, $80 (was $140) at Walmart Shop at WalmartOne of the biggest perks of having a fire pit ready to go in your backyard is that it gives you an excuse to make s’mores any time you want, invite friends over on a whim, or turn an otherwise ordinary Saturday night into a fall outing without leaving home. And on those chilly-but-not-freezing afternoons, it can make sitting outside much more appealing than retreating to the couch when it starts getting darker earlier.
One reviewer called the fire pit “durable,” while another said it’s “perfect for cozy nights,” adding that it “puts out plenty of heat and looks beautiful.” Another person liked that it has “a relatively small footprint,” which helps save room on a back patio. Setup doesn’t sound like much of a project either, with one shopper calling it a “breeze to assemble.”
Related: Amazon’s 3-Piece Rattan Patio Set Turns Any Yard Into a ‘Cozy Retreat’ for Just $72
The easiest way to create a Pinterest board-worthy setup is with a few outdoor chairs, a basket of blankets, and whatever fall drink you’re into at the moment. The fire pit’s round design makes it easy to arrange seating around all sides, whether it’s just two people or a small group. Then you could add a tray for mugs, marshmallows, and snacks, and you’ve got an instantly inviting spot to linger.
Shop More Deals- Seizeen 32-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit, $60 (was $110) at Walmart
- Uhomepro 32-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit Table, $80 (was $100) at Walmart
- Mainstays 19.5-Inch Smokeless Stainless Steel Fire Pit, $124 (was $147) at Walmart
Once cooler weather hits, a fire pit can easily become the place everyone naturally gravitates toward. And at $80 instead of $140, you’re getting it for 43% off with plenty of fall evenings ahead. Be sure to grab the Nana Guard 28-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit at Walmart while it’s still on sale, then all that’s left to do is stock up on firewood and marshmallows.
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.
Missing Persons Frontwoman, 71, Still Sounds as Good as She Did in the '80s at Recent Show
Dale Bozzio, 71, still sounds remarkably like the woman who made Missing Persons one of the most memorable bands of the 1980s. The band’s unique combination of new wave, pop, rock and electronic music, coupled with Bozzio’s larger-than-life stage persona and unmistakable voice, made Missing Persons an enduring part of the decade’s soundtrack. On Sunday, Bozzio took the stage at Los Angeles’ famed Greek Theatre, belting out hits like “Walking in L.A.” and “Destination Unknown” and taking a nostalgic crowd straight back to the ’80s. Much has changed since then, but Bozzio’s voice hasn’t.
Wearing jeans, a flowing top and a fringed leather jacket, with her signature long blonde locks tucked under a cap, Bozzio took the stage during Sunday’s Lost ’80s Live tour stop with the same energy and personality she was known for in the ’80s. Part of a lineup that included The Untouchables, members of Oingo Boingo, Big Country, The Icicle Works and Katrina and the Waves, Bozzio’s set was one of the more memorable of the evening.
@meredith.gordon65Dale Bozzio and #missingpersons at the greektheater. She can still sing like it’s 1982. #80smusic #dalebozzio #lost80slive
♬ original sound – itsmeredithgordonWith the crowd joining in, she led a group sing-along of the band’s biggest hits. Her voice, one that sounds like the human version of a synthesizer, sounded like no time had passed. Gone are Bozzio’s pink hair and silver outfits, but the heart of Missing Persons, its timeless ’80s anthems and Bozzio’s unique charisma are as compelling as ever.
Dale Bozzio and Missing Persons Defined an ’80s Sound View this post on InstagramThe original Missing Persons band broke up in 1986 after releasing Color in Your Life that year and Rhyme & Reason in 1984, but its music never really disappeared. More than four decades after Missing Persons first made its mark, fans can still sing along, with the lyrics to “Walking in L.A.” and other band hits remaining a core memory for Gen Xers.
Why Missing Persons Still Feels So ’80sUltimately, what made Missing Persons special wasn’t just the songs or even Bozzio’s futuristic style. Missing Persons captured a moment, an era of pop-culture freedom, when teen culture reigned supreme. Theirs was an era of MTV, video stores, arcades, mall culture, cassette tapes, neon fashion, shoulder pads and music that pushed the envelope of what popular music could be.
Dale Bozzio remains one of the rare performers who can transport fans back in time. The voice, the songs and that unmistakable Missing Persons attitude are still recognizable—and for fans of ’80s music, that’s a pretty great destination.
Related: 1976 Dolly Parton Performance Was the Rare Time She Sang on TV With Both Parents
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People Born in September Have a Birthstone That's a 'Stone of Wisdom'—Here's What It Is
Sadly, all good things must come to an end—even summer! But it’s not all bad news. In fact, as our fall favorites start rolling in (looking at you, PSLs and snuggly sweaters), it’s time to also celebrate another wonderful thing: September babies! And what better gift for your favorite Virgo (or Libra!) than one of their stunning birthday gemstones?
When it comes to the September birthstone, there’s one primary stone and one alternative stone. Luckily for our fabulous fall babes, they’re both gorgeous and have fascinating histories.
So, if you’re in the market for a birthday gift (or treating yourself!), these birthstones for September are perfect choices. Let’s dive in and explore these two powerful stones and all of their rich and exciting symbolism that comes from their colors and histories.
Related: Here’s Exactly What Your Month’s Birthstone Says About Your Personality
September’s primary birthstone is the sapphire. This gem is beloved by both experts and enthusiasts for its unique properties and stunning appearance.
Matt Harris, a certified pearl specialist at Matt Harris Designs, describes sapphires as “one of the most recognized gems, right up there with diamonds, emeralds and rubies.” He notes that while most people think of a “shiny royal blue gem,” sapphires actually come in a variety of colors.
Sacha Jarmon, gemologist and co-founder of Love Saro, adds that sapphires are “stones of wisdom.” She explains, “Sapphires honor the higher mind, bringing intuition, clarity and self-mastery.”
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While sapphires are most commonly associated with a deep blue color, they actually come in a wide range of hues.
“Sapphires can come in a vast array of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, green and purple,” Harris explains. “Some stones can even be grey or brown.”
According to Jarmon, “Yes, sapphires are considered a precious stone for their rarity.”
She notes that while sapphires are rarer than diamonds, they’re often more affordable. However, certain types of sapphires, like Padparadscha and royal blue, are very rare and can be quite expensive.
“As with many gemstones, there are rare colors from rare sources,” Harris adds. “The finest (and thus most expensive) blue sapphires have a vivid, deep color and exceptional clarity.”
Related: People Born in March Actually Have 2 Birthstones—Find Out What They Are and the Meaning Behind Each Stone
Sapphires have a rich history and symbolism.
“For centuries, sapphires have been the gems of royalty,” Harris explains. “They have symbolized nobility, sincerity, romance, wisdom and divine favor.”
Jarmon elaborates: “Worn throughout the ages for protection, good fortune and spiritual insight, sapphires are not only symbols of power and strength but also of kindness and wise judgment.”
Interestingly, the word “sapphire” comes from the Greek “sappheiros,” which means “blue,” reflecting its most common color.
Related: April Birthstones: Learn the Meaning, Color, History
Sapphires are found in various locations around the world. Harris lists some famous sources: “Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma) and Madagascar. There are also deposits in Thailand, Australia, Tanzania, Cambodia, China and even Montana.”
Related: May Birthstones: Learn All About Their Symbolism, Color and History
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September’s alternative birthstone is the moonstone.
Harris describes it poetically: “Think of looking up to the sky at night while a full moon is veiled by a thin layer of clouds. It’s easy to understand why it’s called ‘moonstone’… Its silky white appearance, its shimmery play of light and its magical vibe not only remind us of the moon’s glow but of its wonderment and its mystical qualities.”
Jarmon refers to moonstone as the “stone of new beginnings” or the “stone of divine femininity.”
She explains, “Moonstone is said to give strength and inspiration to the wearer, especially when embarking on a new chapter in life.”
Related: June Actually Has 3 Birthstones—Here’s What They Are and What They Symbolize
According to Harris, “Like sapphires, high-quality moonstones often come from Sri Lanka. Also, like sapphires, Madagascar and Myanmar offer deposits as well as China, Australia, Mexico and Poland.”
Jarmon adds that Armenia, Brazil and the United States also have moonstones.
Related: People Born in July Have ‘One of the Rarest’ Birthstones—Here’s What It Is and the Meaning Behind the Stone
Harris notes, “While moonstones themselves aren’t rare, the larger, exceptional samples with intense play of light and strong, blue adularescence are more rare and can get costly.”
Related: People Born in August Have a Birthstone That ‘Promotes Harmony’—Here’s What It Is and the Meaning Behind the Stone
Moonstone has been associated with lunar deities and is considered to hold the powers of the moon. Harris explains, “It’s associated with wisdom, intuition, clairvoyant ability and protection. Some ancient cultures believed the stone was actually captured, solidified moonrays!”
Jarmon highlights its connection to feminine energy: “For centuries, Moonstone has been used in many cultures to aid regulation of the hormonal body, whether related to infertility, PMS, PCOS [and] menopause.”
Related: September Has 2 Birth Flowers To Choose From—Here's Exactly What They Symbolize
Sources- Matt Harris, a certified pearl specialist at Matt Harris Designs.
- Sacha Jarmon, gemologist and founder of LOVE SARO.
Everyone Is Excited About These 23 Sam's Club Finds for September
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
September has officially entered the chat, and Sam’s Club is making a very strong case for a warehouse run. The new-at-Sam’s-Club assortment is leaning hard into everything we love about this time of year—pumpkin-spiced sweets, easy dinners for busy school nights, snackable foods that seem destined for the TikTok spotlight and plenty of game-day goodies.
And because September is basically the gateway to peak cozy season, there are also a few home decor and tableware finds that can make the transition from summer to fall feel surprisingly worthwhile.
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These aren’t the kinds of products that require a special occasion either. A box of apple-filled treats can turn a random weeknight into dessert night, while pre-seasoned salmon or chicken burgers can rescue dinner when everyone’s hungry and nobody has a plan.
Meanwhile, Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark home pieces bring just enough fall flair to make your house feel ready for changing leaves without going full pumpkin everything on Sept. 1.
We’ve rounded up 23 of the Sam’s Club finds shoppers will want on their radar this month that’ll fill your pantry and help your home transition to autumn. Consider this your unofficial September cart checklist.
Prices and availability are accurate as of September 2026, but check your local club’s stock before you go.
Best Sam’s Club Finds for SeptemberIf you only have room for a few things in your cart, start here. These are five of the standout Sam’s Club must-haves that capture what makes the September assortment so fun. They’re a mix of sweet, savory, practical, snackable and cozy—which is pretty much the autumn shopping mood in a nutshell.
Safe Catch Breaded Fish Nuggets Shop It!These fish nuggets are the kind of freezer find that makes busy September nights so much easier. The breaded wild-caught pollock nuggets have that crispy, kid-friendly appeal of classic nuggets, but they’re also an easy way to get seafood on the dinner table without much fuss.
- Price: $13.96
- Size: 2 pounds
- Aisle: Frozen
This is basically September in dessert form. These blondies combine pumpkin’s warm spices with creamy cream cheese, and Sam’s Club says they’re prepared fresh in-club daily, so they’re an easy way to get that cozy fall bakery feeling without pulling out a mixing bowl. Shoppers are clearly excited about them too, with recent reviews calling them dense, chewy, perfectly spiced and a crowd favorite.
- Price: $8.62
- Size: 9 count
- Aisle: Bakery
These little olive packs have the kind of grab-and-go convenience that can turn an ordinary snack break into something much more interesting. The pitted green olives are portioned into individual packs, making them easy to toss into a lunch bag, keep at your desk or grab when you want something savory instead of another sweet snack.
- Price: $10.98
- Size: 1.1-ounce pouches, 12 pack
- Aisle: Snack
If bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers show up at a party, good luck keeping people away from them. These combine jalapeños, a creamy cheese filling, smoky bacon and Southwest-style seasoning for a savory appetizer with plenty of personality. They’re practically made for September game days, tailgates and weekends when you want to put out something that feels a little more exciting than chips and salsa.
- Price: $7.98 per pound
- Size: 12 count
- Aisle: Prepared Meals
Related: Costco Fans Are Racing To Grab These 14 New September Finds—Including 1 Nostalgic Dessert
Fall Bakery and Seasonal SweetsFall baking season doesn’t need to mean turning on your oven and covering every surface in flour. Sam’s Club’s bakery and freezer aisles have plenty of shortcuts for getting those warm, nostalgic flavors with considerably less work. These sweets are especially handy for after-school treats and casual gatherings.
SUMM! Apple Pie Bites with Caramel Sauce Shop It!Apple pie and caramel are basically fall’s dream team, so these bite-size treats are practically September royalty. The enough-to-share package also makes them useful for gatherings, whether you’re hosting friends or need a dessert that can disappear during a family movie night. Add the caramel sauce, and you’ve got a sweet little shortcut that feels much more festive than opening a regular box of cookies.
- Price: $8.87
- Size: 23 ounces, 24 count
- Aisle: Frozen
These yogurt bars are for the September shopper who wants something sweet but also wants to pretend they’re making a sensible snack choice. Clio combines raspberry Greek yogurt with a cotton-candy-inspired drizzle for a playful flavor that stands out from the usual snack bar lineup. Keep them chilled for an easy grab-and-go treat when the afternoon slump hits.
- Price: $11.86
- Size: 15 count
- Aisle: Dairy
Trü Frü’s frozen strawberries bring a dessert-like combination of fruit, Greek yogurt and white chocolate to the freezer. They’re the sort of treat that can make an ordinary night feel a little more special without any actual dessert prep. Since they’re frozen, they’re also an easy one to keep around for those sweet tooth moments.
- Price: $11.87
- Size: 20 ounce
- Aisle: Frozen
An assortment of cheesecakes is exactly the kind of Sam’s Club move that makes entertaining easier. Instead of committing to one flavor, you can put out a selection and let everyone pick a favorite. The eight-count format also makes these especially handy when September birthdays, dinners or weekend get-togethers start filling up the calendar.
- Price: $19.87
- Size: 3 inches, 8 count
- Aisle: Refrigerated
Related: Costco’s Returning Bakery Favorite Is the Ultimate Taste of Fall
Quick & Easy Back-to-School DinnersSeptember dinners have a very specific challenge: Everyone is hungry, everyone is busy and somehow it’s already after 6 p.m. These Sam’s Club meal prep items are built for those nights when you want a real dinner without spending your entire evening making it happen.
Member’s Mark Hatch Chile & Pepper Jack Cheese Chicken Burgers Shop It!These chicken burgers bring a little more excitement to the standard weeknight burger routine. Hatch chile and pepper jack cheese give the chicken patties a flavorful Southwestern-inspired twist, while the package makes them a practical freezer staple. Toss one on a bun with your favorite toppings, or serve it alongside a salad when school night dinner needs to happen fast.
- Price: $14.46
- Size: 40 ounces, 10 count
- Aisle: Prepared Meals
This is a particularly good pick for anyone trying to make weeknight meals feel a little more grown-up without adding extra work. The boneless, center-cut salmon fillets are pre-portioned and seasoned with a sweet-and-spicy blend featuring brown sugar, ancho chile and honey. Sam’s Club describes them as ready for grilling, baking or air frying, making them a seriously convenient September dinner option.
- Price: $15.27 per pound
- Size: Priced per pound
- Aisle: Meat, Poultry and Seafood
Sometimes dinner needs to be assembled, not cooked. This Southwest chicken salad is an easy starting point for sandwiches, wraps, salads or a quick bowl when you need food on the table with minimal effort. It’s exactly the kind of refrigerated staple that earns its place in the fridge during the back-to-school rush.
- Price: $7.26 per pound
- Size: Priced per pound
- Aisle: Prepared Meals
Fajita night is one of those dinners that can make a busy weekday feel like a tiny celebration. This seasoned beef gives you a head start, so you can focus on warming tortillas and piling on toppings rather than building a marinade from scratch. Serve it with peppers and onions, rice and beans, or simply turn it into quick tacos for a family-friendly September meal.
- Price: $7.16 per pound
- Size: Priced per pound
- Aisle: Meat, Poultry and Seafood
A pasta variety pack is practically a back-to-school survival tool. Having multiple shapes on hand keeps the pantry from feeling boring while giving you an easy base for everything from marinara to creamy sauces and quick vegetable-loaded dinners.
- Price: $7.08
- Size: 14 ounces, 4 pack
- Aisle: Grocery
Related: The Easy Way To Make Grilled Peaches 10x Better
Viral TikTok Sam’s Club SnacksSeptember is prime snack season—lunch boxes are back, afternoon appetites are real and football-watching snacks are suddenly a household priority. These viral Sam’s Club products are the kinds of finds that can go from curiosity to adding to your cart very quickly.
Nature’s Garden Probiotic FruiChia Variety Pack Snacks Shop It!The individually portioned FruiChia snacks are tailor-made for busy September schedules. A 21-pack means there’s plenty to stash in lunch bags, desk drawers, backpacks or the pantry for quick snack attacks. They’re also an easy way to add some variety to the snack rotation when everyone is already bored with the same handful of options.
- Price: $11.48
- Size: 0.7 ounces, 21 packs
- Aisle: Snack
Mini Babybel has always had serious lunchbox appeal, and the Pro version gives the familiar little cheese rounds a protein-and-probiotic angle. The warehouse pack is especially useful for families who go through snacks at an impressive rate. Peel one open for an afternoon snack, tuck one into a lunch or keep a few ready for the inevitable hangry announcements.
- Price: $7.72
- Size: 26 pack
- Aisle: Dairy
If your ideal snack is salty, crunchy and aggressively flavorful, this one deserves attention. Parmesan and garlic give the Catalina Crunch mix a savory profile that makes it a fun alternative to ordinary chips or pretzels. Keep it on the counter for grazing, or put it out in a bowl when friends come over—just don’t be surprised when the bowl empties suspiciously fast.
- Price: $9.48
- Size: 15 ounces
- Aisle: Snack
It may be cooling down, but you can still get a taste of the tropicals this September with these chocolate-covered mango pieces. Crunchy milk chocolate over sweet mango bits will be the fruity, frozen sweet treat everyone will be reaching for after school.
- Price: $3.77
- Size: 18 ounces
- Aisle: Frozen
September also means game-day food is officially back on the menu. Whether you’re tailgating, hosting a few friends or watching from the couch, these picks make it easier to build a spread without spending the entire day in the kitchen.
Kinder’s Sticky Honey and Sweet & Tangy Wing & Dipping Sauces Shop It!A good sauce can make a basic game day spread feel like you actually planned it. This two-pack gives you Sticky Honey and Sweet & Tangy options for wings, dipping, sandwiches or whatever else needs a flavorful upgrade.
- Price: $6.98
- Size: 15.5 ounces, 2 pack
- Aisle: Condiments
Sliders are practically required at a good tailgate, and these ham and cheese sandwiches make the job refreshingly easy. They’re substantial enough to count as a meal, but snackable enough to put on a party table. Serve them alongside chips, dips and wings, and you’ve got the kind of spread that keeps people hovering around the food table all afternoon.
- Price: $6.46 per pound
- Size: Priced per pound
- Aisle: Prepared Meals
This refrigerated dip combines street corn-inspired flavors with white meat chicken, making it a substantial addition to a snack table. The extra-large size is ready-made for sharing, and it pairs beautifully with tortilla chips. It’s an especially good September pick because it can work equally well for a casual weekend gathering or a full-blown spread.
- Price: $7.74
- Size: 24 ounces
- Aisle: Deli
Related: Don’t Sleep on These 11 Trader Joe’s September Gems Before They’re Gone for the Season
Cozy Home Decor and Fall TransitionsFood may be the star of September’s Sam’s Club lineup, but the home aisle is quietly making a strong case for itself. These pieces can help ease your kitchen and dining room space from late-summer mode into fall without requiring a complete seasonal makeover.
Member’s Mark Terra Cotta Pumpkins Shop it!Pumpkin decor doesn’t have to scream Halloween. This set of three terra cotta pumpkins offers a more understated way to bring autumn color and texture into a room. Group them together on a kitchen counter or along the middle of your table for an instant seasonal moment.
- Price: $44.98
- Size: Set of 3
- Aisle: Seasonal Home
These iron pumpkins bring a little more drama to the fall decor lineup, especially once their LED candles are glowing. The set of three gives you an easy way to create a coordinated display without hunting down individual pieces. They’re a fun choice for September because they add cozy evening ambiance without relying on anything too overtly Halloween-themed.
- Price: $79.98
- Size: Set of 3
- Aisle: Seasonal Home
A beautifully-designed porcelain set like this one gives you a coordinated foundation for everyday meals and dinners that start appearing on the calendar as the weather cools. Pair it with fall-colored linens, seasonal serving pieces or even those little terra cotta pumpkins for an easy autumn table.
- Price: $29.98
- Size: 12 Piece
- Aisle: Kitchen and Dining
September at Sam’s Club is shaping up to be less about one big seasonal trend and more about a whole collection of little reasons to add something to the cart. There are easy dinners for hectic school nights, snacks that could become the next household obsession, sweets that taste like fall without requiring a mixing bowl and home finds that make the transition feel a little more special. In other words, if you’re heading to Sam’s Club this month for just a few things, you may want to plan for a stocked cart.
Related: 9 Items To Buy From the Sam’s Club Produce Section (and 2 To Skip)
We Put a $20 Moisturizer Against a $74 One—Here's the One Dermatologists Prefer
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
If you’ve ever spent time browsing the skincare aisle at a beauty store, you know the prices can vary vastly from one end of the shelf to the other. In some cases, it’s not rare to see a budget-friendly find for $20 and a luxury splurge for $100 in the same aisle.
We’re often taught to believe that you get what you pay for, but when it comes to skincare, that’s not always the case. To test this theory, we put a $20 moisturizer against a $74 one and asked two dermatologists to share which one they prefer.
We chatted with Dr. Sejal K. Shah, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology, and Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD, the founder of Skinly Aesthetics in New York City. Both dermatologists were tasked with examining Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel vs. Tatcha Water Cream and explaining if there’s really a difference between a cheap vs expensive moisturizer.
Dr. Shah and Dr. Schwarzburg break down how each moisturizer interacts with your skin barrier and describe what you’re really paying for when you shell out beaucoup bucks on a luxury cream. In the end, they help us answer the burning question on everyone’s minds: Do expensive creams work better?
Related: A Dermatologist Is Begging Women Over 50 To Try This Eye Lift Cream for Drooping Lids
Does a More Expensive Moisturizer Actually Work Better for Your Skin Barrier?Just because a moisturizer is expensive doesn’t automatically mean that it’s higher quality than a drugstore find.
“Price is a poor indicator of how well a moisturizer supports the skin barrier. What matters more is the formula’s ingredients and how well it suits your individual skin,” Dr. Shah tells Parade.
For instance, a budget-friendly moisturizer can match the results of a luxury moisturizer if it contains the right combination of beneficial ingredients.
“A more expensive moisturizer may offer little benefit if its formula lacks ingredients that support the skin barrier,” Dr. Shah says.
Dr. Schwarzburg notes that some inexpensive products have “excellent formulations with humectants, emollients and occlusive ingredients” to support the skin barrier.
Related: ‘I’m a Dermatologist—This Is the Exfoliation Trick I Swear By’
What Are You Really Paying for When You Spend $100 or More on a Luxury Cream?Before you pay $100 or more on a luxury cream, it’s best to compare it to a more affordable option, especially since there are many factors that go into determining a skincare product’s price.
“When you purchase a luxury moisturizer, you’re often paying for more than just hydration or skin barrier support. The higher price may reflect premium packaging, a more luxurious sensory experience such as texture, spreadability, absorption and scent as well as additional formulation research and cosmetic benefits,” Dr. Shah explains.
Many luxury and drugstore products can contain the same active ingredients, so if you’re just focused on the ingredients alone, you don’t necessarily have to pay more. However, Dr. Schwarzburg says expensive skincare products aren’t necessarily a waste of money.
“More sophisticated formulations can feel considerably better on the skin, and if someone loves using a product, they’re more likely to use it consistently,” he says.
That being said, the dermatologist notes that a higher price “doesn’t automatically mean stronger hydration or better barrier repair.”
Related: 9 Korean Skincare Staples Professionals Reach for Again and Again
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost vs. Tatcha’s Water Cream: Which Moisturizer Do Dermatologists Prefer?Finding luxury skincare dupes is always a thrill, especially when you’re on a budget. As a skincare junkie myself, I’m always on the hunt for my next favorite moisturizer, and I particularly love hyaluronic acid gel creams like Neutrogena Hydro Boost, which is a personal go-to.
But I’ve often wondered how it compares to pricier products, so I was intrigued to know what the pros would say. Here are their thoughts on both moisturizers.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, $20Target
Shop It at TargetIf you’re looking for a product that will hydrate your skin’s barrier, Dr. Shah says this one’s a clear winner.
“I would give the edge to Neutrogena, specifically the fragrance-free Hydro Boost Gel Cream,” she says, adding that fragrance can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
She particularly appreciates the product’s “variety of amino acids and natural moisturizing-factor components.”
Considering hydration and value alone, Dr. Schwarzburg also prefers Neutrogena Hydro Boost.
“It has a very solid hydrating base with glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin, along with dimethicone to help reduce moisture loss. It also contains components of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, including amino acids, sodium PCA, urea and sugars. For the price, that’s a very well-rounded moisturizing formula,” he says.
Tatcha The Water Cream, $74Tatcha
Shop It at TatchaCompared to Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost, Dr. Shah says Tatcha’s The Water Cream offers a “more elaborate formula with a broader range of botanical ingredients and a more luxurious sensory experience.”
Dr. Schwarzburg agrees, calling the product “the more sophisticated formulation.”
“It also contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid and silicones, but adds fermented rice, green tea, algae and several botanical extracts. It’s lightweight, cosmetically elegant and particularly well-suited to combination or oily skin that doesn’t like the feeling of a heavier moisturizer,” he tells Parade.
If you’re comfortable with the higher price, Tatcha’s The Water Cream is a solid option. However, Dr. Shah cautions that the product contains a few potentially irritating ingredients.
“Although Tatcha The Water Cream is formulated without synthetic fragrance, its ingredient list does contain parfum/fragrance, as well as limonene, linalool, citral and alcohol. This isn’t inherently problematic, and many people tolerate the formula perfectly well. However, when the goal is specifically to support a compromised or sensitive skin barrier, I generally prefer to minimize unnecessary potential irritants,” she says.
Related: I Tried 8 Redness-Relief Products for 2 Weeks—Only a Few Actually Worked
The TakeawayWhile comparing the two products, Dr. Schwarzburg says they’re distinctly “different formulations” and says the Tatcha experience is “more refined.”
“But if a patient asked me which one they need for healthy, hydrated skin, I don’t think spending several times more is necessary. Neutrogena does the fundamental job of a moisturizer very well,” he says.
Dr. Shah adds that both moisturizers “contain humectants and silicones that help hydrate the skin and leave it feeling smooth and soft.”
Related: This ‘Gold Standard’ Anti-Aging Ingredient Is ‘Non-Negotiable’ Over 50, Dermatologist Says
When Is It Actually Worth Spending More on a High-End Facial Moisturizer?Every once in a while, you just want to splurge and treat yourself. But you may be wondering when it’s actually worth investing in a luxury facial moisturizer.
For starters, Dr. Schwarzburg suggests that it’s worth dishing out a bit more dough when the formulation “gives you something you can’t get from a less expensive product.” That could be a a “specific active ingredient, better tolerability for your skin or simply a texture that makes you much more consistent about using it.”
On the other hand, the derm advises against splurging when you’re looking for basic hydration alone.
“Ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane and dimethicone are widely available in affordable products. If I were deciding where to invest more money in a skincare routine, I would prioritize proven active treatments and daily sunscreen before spending $100 on a moisturizer,” he says.
Up Next:
Related: I Tried the New Dr. Jart+ BB Cream—and the Shade Range Finally Works for My Skin
Sources:- Dr. Sejal K. Shah, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology.
- Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD is the founder of Skinly Aesthetics in New York City.
Brooklyn Beckham Shuts Down Troll Body-Shaming Wife Nicola Peltz
Public scrutiny has trailed Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham for years, but it took a comment about her body to draw a firm line from her husband. What happened? An ordinary cooking video turned into a reminder that everyone (even celebrities) can get pushed too far when it comes to the person they love.
On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Beckham shared an Instagram reel of himself making a cottage pie, the kind of low-key cooking content he has done since trying his hand at a televised cooking segment years ago. Most commenters focused on his technique. One did not. The commenter asked whether Beckham comments on “everyone” concerned about his wife’s appearance, adding that she “puts herself out there” and should be fed.
Beckham responded within the same thread, writing plainly that no one should comment on a woman’s body and calling the remark disgraceful. He did not delete the comment. He answered it directly, in public.
Related: Kylie Jenner Says She’s Done With Living an ‘Enormous Life’
The exchange came during a time that has made the couple familiar with unwanted attention. Beckham has spent much of the past year estranged from his family, David and Victoria Beckham among them, after accusing his parents of trying to interfere in his marriage. Peltz Beckham has often been cast as a central figure in that rift, fairly or not, which has made her a frequent target for online criticism that has little to do with her actual work as an actress. She and Beckham renewed their wedding vows last year, a gesture widely read as their answer to outside pressure.
That history adds a little more context to the exchange. Fans framed Beckham’s response as consistent behavior from someone who has repeatedly chosen his wife over public pressure, whether that pressure comes from strangers or from his own family.
Body commentary aimed at women in the public eye rarely disappears on its own, and criticism of that kind tends to multiply the moment a celebrity appears to have changed physically for any reason. What made this exchange notable was the fact that Beckham didn’t let it stand unanswered. In a media landscape that often rewards silence or vague non-responses, his directness offered a small but clear example of a spouse using his own platform to draw a boundary on someone else’s behalf.
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The Best 36-Hour Vacation Hacks Travel Pros Taught Me When You're Out of PTO
My daughter is in third grade now, which means double the homework and attendance that actually counts. Week-long trips during the school year are off the table. It’s not just her schedule, either. I have a full-time job with a finite number of PTO days, and I’m always dancing on the line of a negative balance.
So how does a travel-loving family handle that? We leave as soon as she’s done with school on Friday and don’t come home until Sunday. Once you subtract the drive, that’s about 36 hours on the ground. That’s the same window The New York Times has been tailoring trips around since 2002 in its “36 Hours in” series, which runs on the premise that you can spend meaningful time in a new place over a single weekend.’ve read a lot of them so you don’t have to.
I also called two people who take these trips constantly. Gabby Beckford writes at Packs Light, largely for people who don’t have much time off either. Nikki Padilla Rivera co-founded Women’s History Tours NYC, so she spends most of her weekends with people who are only in the city for a day or two. These are the tips they recommend if you’re short on time but still want meaningful experiences.
Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Trip With a Single Shoulder Bag
Shorten your itineraryI used to start with planning around the destination, and quickly found myself, and my family, getting very overwhelmed with a super vague and simultaneously packed itinerary. Thankfully, Gabby and Nikki gave some pointers that help remedy that.
“Pick your goal first,” Nikki said. “Do you want to learn something? Do you want to experience a new place, or do you simply want to get away? Those are three entirely different itineraries,” she says.
For example, she walked me through a Mexico City trip she’s planning. “I’ve been dying to see the Diego Rivera repainting of a mural that we had in New York City at Rockefeller Center, so I’m going to mark that museum on the map,” she says. “Then, there’s a market that I really love in the park in Condesa. I’m going to mark that as well. Now I have two different neighborhoods that I know I’m going to wanna focus around. So I’ll make sure to pick a hotel that is in one of those.”
Choose a few things, then find which neighborhoods those activities or attractions are in, then the hotel comes last. Doing it in the other order is how I’ve ended up in a nice hotel forty minutes from everything I wanted to see and a kid melting down because of hours extra spent in the car.
Gabby sees people get this wrong constantly. “They plan it with the mindset of ‘a week-long trip, just compressed,’ and it ends up burning them out,” she says. “They end up spending the trip in transit between bucket-list items instead of experiencing any one of them. Pick three things you actually want, not ten you think you should want.”
Nikki’s other point is that it doesn’t have to be far. “You don’t need to go far to escape and/or learn something new,” she says. “There are very likely some small towns that you’ve never been to near where you live that have one interesting historic home you can visit, that have one beautiful restaurant and one really cool bar. That alone can be a super enriching experience.”
A lot of her tour guests are already doing that too. “We often get people coming in from the tri-state area, and they’ll come into the city for the weekend, stay in a hotel, take our women’s history tour, have lunch plans afterwards, and then dinner that night. That’s the whole trip.”
Related: I’m a Repeat Mexico City Traveler—These Are the 8 Hotels I’d Actually Book
Pack One Bag (Total) A woman stands by a bed in a modern hotel room, packing a suitcase with clothes and a brown jacket, smiling as she prepares for travel.For a long time we left the house with a carry-on each, a separate bag for our daughter’s toys, and a third bag of stuff I was sure we’d need and never opened. Gabby’s rule is to avoid this by packing light, something that’s saved her on many a trip.
“Pack one bag, no exceptions,” she says. “A bag you check is a bag that can get you stuck at baggage claim or lost, which is a a nightmare on a short trip. I wear my bulkiest item on the plane and pack only what repeats, like one extra outfit and layers. If I’m not certain I’ll use it in 36 hours, it stays home. If I find myself needing it, that’s my souvenir for the trip!”
This is something I’ve struggled with for as long as I’ve been traveling (almost 20 years at this point). I would stuff my bag so full with “maybe” outfits that I didn’t leave any room for special gifts on the road. So now, I live by this rule: Whatever I forget, I can buy there, and it’s usually cheaper than the twenty minutes I spend loading and unloading a bag I didn’t need.
Another hassle with too much baggage? It’s a pain to carry once you’ve checked out. If you’ve taken a quick trip without the use of a car, lugging multiple bags down a busy city street or through smaller cobblestone streets instantly takes the joy out of that last day. Although many hotels will hold onto your bag for you, AirBNBs will not, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a safe space to keep your things. The easiest way to avoid this is by bringing a lightweight bag that doesn’t add bulk as you’ve rushing from museum to museum or park to restaurant.
Related: I Traveled for a Year in One Suitcase—Thanks to These Ultra-Comfy Sneakers
Start with the NeighborhoodI asked both of them whether it’s worth paying up for a central hotel and got opposite answers, which as a journalist, I love to hear.
Gabby pays without question because a centrally located hotel ends up saving her in the long run. “An Uber is never just $15, in my opinion,” she says. “It’s 20-30 minutes twice a day you don’t have on a short trip, so I’ll take a smaller room in the center over a nicer one on the edge every time.”
Nikki, however, goes with a different approach. “With few exceptions, the central hotels are going to be more expensive and less atmospheric because that’s where you’re going to get all the big brand chains,” she says. “For me, the walk from the local neighborhood to what I want to see in the more central areas is part of the experience, plus the food tends to be much better outside of the central area.”
Her advice for first-timers in New York is simple. “The mistake is always to stay in Times Square because people know they want to see that,” Nikki says. “What I recommend instead is actually picking a quieter, more local neighborhood because you’ll still get to Times Square, but that won’t be the entire identity of your trip.”
Related: A Sleep Expert Says This Common First-Day Vacation Habit Makes Jet Lag Worse
Reserve Only What Sells Out Group of mature adult friends quickly booking a hotel on smartphone while exploring the temple, making use of technology to simplify their travels and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experienceMy instinct with a short window is to schedule all of it down to the minute, because I want to ensure we make the most of our town. However, I’ll give you a quick news flash—that tactic rarely works. Instead of enjoying our quick getaway, we’re often left exhausted from over-scheduling and my husband and I end up in a nonstop argument because our daughter is melting down in the backseat.
For Gabby, the quickest way to avoid this is to pre-reserve only what is sold out quickly, very trendy or viral, or requires time slots. “Book the thing with a line or a deadline, like the reservation-only restaurant, the timed museum entry, the one activity a local told you sells out,” she says. “Leave meals and neighborhood wandering open because a rigid itinerary is riskier than a loose one, because one delay collapses the whole day.”
Nikki’s biggest time-waster is standing in line for tickets, but buying ahead has gotten harder. “It’s not super clear what companies have the legit tickets,” she said. “However, that goes into the research: email the companies to ask specifically, look at reddit threads.” Before a trip to Vienna, a colleague warned her that the children’s museum there sells out weeks in advance. So instead of hoping, she checked every week until tickets opened for the date she wanted. “We would have never gotten in had we just shown up at the museum on the day,” she said.
Whatever you did book, whether it’s the tour, the timed museum entry, or the restaurant, schedule it for the morning. Nikki runs her own tours at 10 a.m. for that reason. “People don’t have to get up at a crazy hour or stay up really late. They can get up, they can have breakfast, they can make their way over, but then be done by noon so they have plenty of time to get to lunch,” she says.
For Gabby, it’s imperative to book or plan the first meal even before you leave for the trip, even if it doesn’t require a reservation. “People wander looking for ‘the perfect spot’ and burn 45 minutes of a 36-hour trip deciding where to eat,” Gabby said. “I pick my first meal before I land.”
Her last tip seems simple, but she constantly sees her friends and clients making this same mistake. “Set a return-to-airport time, pre-book your Uber, and work backward from it before you plan anything else,” she says. “Most people plan forward from landing and panic at the end. It’s not more time you need, it’s a little strategy.”
Related: The 7 Best Destinations for Women Over 50 to Visit Right Now, According to Travel Advisors
Viki’s Addictive New C-Drama Puts a Fresh Spin on the Enemies-to-Lovers Trope
If The Early Spring has you looking for your next swoon-worthy C-drama, another new workplace romance may be ready to take its place on your watchlist.
Blossom Through the Cloud stars international C-drama favorite Miles Wei (Wei Zheming) opposite Liu Xiening in an enemies-to-lovers romance that takes the workplace trope thousands of feet into the air.
Liu plays Ruan Sixian, a former flight attendant determined to become a pilot after a misunderstanding with airline executive Fu Mingyu (Wei) sends her career in an entirely new direction. Three years later, she returns to the same airline—this time as a pilot and with Mingyu, now CEO, as the man who personally recruited her.
And if Wei looks familiar, there’s a good reason. The actor has become a favorite among international C-drama fans thanks to romances including Unforgettable Love, Perfect and Casual and You Are My Fateful Love. Now he’s back in familiar rom-com territory, but this time with a high-flying twist.
Here’s everything to know about Blossom Through the Cloud, including where to watch it, its episode release schedule, cast and more.
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What is Blossom Through the Cloud about?Blossom Through the Cloud is an enemy-to-lovers story between a pilot and a CEO. Hengshi Airlines flight attendant Ruan Si Xian (Liu Xie Ning) dreams of the sky, hoping to use her company’s internal training program to eventually become a pilot. However, the airline suddenly cancels the perk, leaving Si Xian devastated. She decides to confront Fu Ming Yu (Wei Zhe Ming), the airline’s vice president, but a misunderstanding between the two leads her to resign. Si Xian decides to pursue her education elsewhere, enrolling in a flight academy to earn her pilot’s license. Three years later, she returns to Hengshi as a pilot – personally recruited by Ming Yu, who’s now the airline’s CEO. As they strive to reach their own career goals, they unexpectedly find support in each other. Could this lead to something more?
Related: Netflix’s Steamy New C-Drama Breaks One of the Genre’s Biggest Traditions
How many episode are there of Blossom Through the Cloud?There are 24 episodes in Blossom Through the Cloud.
Blossom Through the Cloud Release Date and Episode ScheduleBlossom Through the Cloud will initially drop two episodes a day in the first week and then pull back to one episode a day thereafter. Check out the current release schedule below:
Monday, Aug. 31: Episodes 1-2
Tuesday, Sept. 1: Episodes 3-4
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Episode 5-6
Thursday, Sept. 3: Episodes 7-8
Friday, Sept. 4: Episode 9
Saturday, Sept. 5: Episode 10
Sunday, Sept. 6: Episode 11
Episodes 12-24: TBD
Where can I watch Blossom Through the Cloud online?You can watch Blossom Through the Cloud online with English subtitles through sites like Viki and MangoTV. For US streamers, Viki is an English-based site and probably easier to navigate.
Related: ‘The Remarried Empress’ First Trailer Is Finally Here—and the Viral Webtoon Looks Stunning
Meet the Blossom Through the Cloud Main Cast Liu Xie NingViki
Liu Xiening as Ruan SixianLiu Xiening started off her entertainment career as a singer dancer. She gained fame withe the South Korean girl group Gugudan (gx9) and then later as the Chinese group BonBon Girls before turning her full attention on acting. One of her first roles was Princess Shen Ziyi in The Story of Kunning Palace opposite Zhang Ling-He and Bai Lu.
Wei Zhe MingViki
Wei Zhe Ming (Miles Wei) as Fu MingyuWei Zhe-Ming, who is better known as Miles Wei across non-Chinese audiences, has seen his popularity rise with each project. He has led several projects including Perfect and Casual, You Are My Fateful Love, and Unforgettable Love, all lighthearted rom-coms where Wei plays a dependable, lovaeable, green-flag “good guy”. Much like Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, Wei’s boyish charm has won him legions of fans throughout the globe. He was also a main supporting cast in the popular series, Only for Love starring Dylan Wang and Bai Lu.
Is Blossom Through the Cloud Based on a Novel?Yes, this drama was adapted from the romance novel “Jiang Luo Wo Xin hang” (Fly to My Heart)” by Qiao Yao. The novel is also known as “Landing on My Heart.”
Is there a trailer for Blossom Through the Cloud?Yes! Check out the official trailer for Blossom Through the Cloud below:
Next, 41 Chinese Dramas So Addictive, You’ll Finish Them Before You Sleep
Costco’s Returning Bakery Favorite Pairs Perfectly With Coffee
Once the weather starts to cool down, there’s something especially comforting about the flavors of fall. Pumpkin may get plenty of attention this time of year, but the combination of butter and cinnamon sugar has an appeal all its own.
Warm, sweet, and just a little indulgent, it’s a combination that practically begs for a hot cup of coffee and a crisp morning to go with it. And right now, Costco has brought back a bakery favorite that checks all of those boxes.
Check it out in this August 31 TikTok shared by @discovering_costco:
@discovering_costcoTwo fan fave baked goods are back at Costco! #costcofinds #cake #pumpkinpie #costcobakery
♬ original sound – CVSU CULTURAL DANCE TROUPE – CVSU CULTURAL DANCE TROUPE Costco’s Butter Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Is the Ideal Treat With Hot CoffeeAnastasiia Stiahailo / Getty Images
The Kirkland Signature Butter Cinnamon Sugar Loaf is back in Costco’s bakery for $9.99. The all-butter pound cake has a thick cinnamon-sugar coating that feels perfectly suited to autumn.
@discovering_costco certainly didn’t hold back when spotting it again, calling it “probably the best loaf Costco ever made.” And it’s easy to understand the enthusiasm. With a tender pound cake underneath all that spiced sugar, every slice delivers plenty of the good stuff.
The loaf is Costco item #1940294, and you can use that number online or in the Costco app to check availability at your local warehouse. That’s especially helpful with returning bakery items since selection can vary from one location to another.
Related: Costco’s New Mini Bakery Treat Is Like a Little Taste of Paris
And once one makes it home, there are plenty of ways to put it to good use. Thick slices can go straight onto a breakfast or brunch table and be served alongside fresh fruit. For dessert, warm a piece slightly and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or enjoy a slice as an afternoon pick-me-up alongside a cup of coffee or tea on a chilly day.
If you’re not inclined to share, the loaf can also be frozen in individual slices or larger sections to enjoy throughout the fall. Wrap the portions tightly before freezing, then pull out only what you need when the craving strikes. It’s an easy way to make the loaf last longer without committing to finishing it in a few days.
For under $10, it’s an easy bakery treat to keep on hand, whether it’s destined for breakfast, dessert, or the freezer. And with this one, there probably won’t be much trouble finding an excuse to cut another slice.
1974 Hit, With Jack Nicholson, Ranked 'Greatest American Movie Screenplay' of All Time
The 1974 movie Chinatown, which stars Jack Nicholson, is further cementing its place in film history after being recognized by Collider as the greatest American movie screenplay of all time.
The neo-noir film became a defining moment in cinema after earning major awards, including four wins at the Golden Globe Awards and taking home Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards; however, its impact goes beyond trophies and critical acclaim.
Fifty-two years after the Roman Polanski-directed movie was released, its sharp dialogue and storytelling continue to resonate with generations of moviegoers, showing just how iconic and timeless the film remains.
From animation like Finding Nemo to the psychological horror thriller The Silence of the Lambs and classics like Casablanca and All About Eve, Chinatown stood out among the others for its exceptionally well-written and carefully constructed screenplay.
Described as a “New Hollywood neo-noir masterpiece,” the publication highlights how Chinatown unfolds its mystery through the perspective of private detective Jake Gittes.
Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway during a scene from the 1974 Roman Polanski movie ‘Chinatown’.“Every detail builds upon the next, and every layer that’s peeled back reveals an even uglier underside,” as mentioned by Collider, adding “It takes the twists and turns of classic noir but applies them with ’70s cynicism, exploring the underbelly of Los Angeles with an explicitness in its language that those made in the Hays Code heyday could never even approach. Chinatown is an American masterpiece with the best-written screenplay of all time.”
In addition, Rotten Tomatoes also compiled a list of the 300 best movies of all time, most of which were among their highest-rated films championed by Tomatometer-approved critics and Rotten Tomatoes users.
Chinatown made it into the top 10 and secured No. 7 on the list with a 98 percent Tomatometer score, indicating positive reviews from approved critics.
Loosely inspired by the early 20th-century California water wars, the movie follows private investigator J.J. “Jake” Gittes, played by Nicholson, who was hired to look into the activities of chief engineer Hollis Mulwray (Darrell Zwerling).
With Gittes initially thinking that he was simply spying on a cheating husband, little did he know that his investigation would lead him into a dangerous conspiracy about murder, corruption, land, water and disturbing family secrets.
At that time, Chinatown was considered a commercial and critical hit, with the movie earning $29.2 million at the United States and Canada box office from its $6 million production budget.
For Nicholson, he not only earned Best Actor at the Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Award for his performance but also learned to adjust his performance to meet the demands of the movie.
“I had a lot of problems early on with everyone feeling like I talk strangely and particularly slowly. I always felt this subliminal attack in terms of ‘can we kinda speed it up Jack?’ and Roman was the first person to give me a very undeniable reason to speak faster than I might normally in this particular feature because of the amount of dialogue and the amount of plot to be expressed in a dialogue,” he said in an interview adding that he didn’t have a problem adjusting to the particular direction by Roman.
With its accolades and recognition that Chinatown is still receiving, the 1974 hit film continues to stand as a masterclass in screenwriting.
Related: ’60s Icon, Who Starred in ‘Trilogy of Terror,’ Among Forgotten Hollywood Stars
