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If you love vintage florals, fall is a lovely time to bring the botanical trend to your dining table. Martha Stewart has a pretty find at Walmart that adds a nostalgic touch to everyday meals and gives your table a fresh look for the season.

Right now, the Martha Stewart 12-Piece Bedford Floral Porcelain Dinnerware Set is available for $50 at Walmart. Delicate blooms, trailing vines, and decorative rims give the dishes the look of vintage china you might find in a country cottage. Made from porcelain, the set includes four dinner plates, four dessert plates, and four bowls, so you’ll have everything you need to set a table for four. The set comes in green and brown floral patterns that feel especially timely for fall, each priced at $50. Pick your favorite to dress up the table for family dinners, holiday entertaining, or a weeknight meal at home. 

Martha Stewart Bedford Floral 12-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set, $50 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The set’s porcelain dishes are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making them practical for reheating leftovers and handling cleanup after meals. Their durable pad-printed finish also means you can use them every day, not just when company comes over. 

For a charming table setting for your next meal or hosting event, pair the dishes with linen napkins, clear glassware, and fresh flowers for a country-cottage feel. You can also add a neutral tablecloth as a backdrop plus wood serving boards and seasonal foliage to complement the floral design.

With the holidays approaching, this Martha Stewart set could also make a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys entertaining or collecting distinctive tableware. At just $50 for 12 pieces, it’s a sweet, budget-friendly way to give someone a coordinated dinnerware set they can enjoy well beyond the holiday season.

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Related: Martha Stewart’s ‘Pretty’ $40 12-Piece Floral Dinnerware Set Adds an Elegant Touch to Any Table

If you love the vintage floral look, the Martha Stewart 12-Piece Bedford Floral Porcelain Dinnerware Set is a pretty way to bring the trend to your table this fall. Get it now for just $50 at Walmart and add a garden-inspired touch to everyday meals and holiday gatherings!

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Costco has a knack for making everyday entertaining feel a little more special, and its latest serveware find is giving major vintage treasure vibes. If you love classic blue-and-white dishes, antique accents and table settings that feel collected over time, this two-piece set might be right up your alley. Even better, it’s a pretty kitchen find that can make a simple weeknight dinner feel a little more elegant and special.

The Fitz & Floyd Sicily Blue Serve Bowl and Platter Set is available online at Costco for $43.99, and it brings a splash of Mediterranean-inspired style to the table. The set features crisp white stoneware decorated with vibrant blue floral designs, creating a classic look that feels right at home in a cottage-style kitchen, a traditional dining room or an Italian-getaway-inspired tablescape.

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Fitz & Floyd Sicily Blue Serve Bowl and Platter 2-Piece Set, $43.99 at Costco

Costco

Blue-and-white dishes have a way of making a table look thoughtfully styled, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or serving takeout on a Friday night. This set’s floral pattern adds a decorative touch without being so elaborate that it feels reserved for special occasions.

The collection draws inspiration from the colorful, artistic feel of Sicilian design. The blue floral motifs stand out against the white stoneware, giving both pieces a timeless appearance that pairs beautifully with simple white dinnerware, blue linens, natural wood accents and a few fresh flowers.

Related: Aldi’s Pre-Lit Tabletop Cypress Trees Are Just $10, and We’re Spruced Up About It

A Pretty Serving Set With Plenty of Vintage Charm

The set includes a generous four-quart oval serving bowl measuring 14.25 inches long, 11.5 inches wide and three inches high. The accompanying serving platter measures 16.5 inches long, 11.5 inches wide and 1.5 inches high. Together, they offer plenty of room for everything from a big batch of pasta to a fresh salad, roasted vegetables or an assortment of appetizers.

Of course, beautiful serveware is even better when you don’t have to treat it like an antique. Fortunately, these stoneware pieces are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup after dinner a little less daunting. They’re also microwave-safe, so reheating food is convenient when you need it.

At less than $45, this two-piece set offers an easy way to bring a little Sicilian elegance to your kitchen, especially if your entertaining style leans classic, colorful and just a little bit romantic.

Related: Give Your Bedroom a Romantic Makeover With Marshalls’ Pretty Pink Floral Duvet

Donna Lewis is giving fans a reason to take a nostalgic trip back to the 1990s by “rediscovering” her 1996 gauzy pop ballad “I Love You Always Forever.” The Welsh singer-songwriter took to social media to ask the internet to rediscover her dreamy hit, sparking an impromptu social media group chat filled with commenters sharing the personal moments and memories they associate with the song. From blasting it in their cars to dancing to it at their weddings, Lewis is taking fans back in time, and they’re loving it. Nearly 30 years after it became one of the defining pop songs of the decade, the track is reminding fans just how quickly a familiar melody can transport them back in time.

Fans Are Going Back in Time Listening to “I Love You Always Forever” View this post on Instagram

“Need the internet to collectively rediscover this song immediately please,” Lewis captioned a video of herself singing along to her own tune, as if fans needed an invitation to revisit this iconic ’90s hit.

“This is one of those songs where hearing the beginning instantly sparks up nostalgia and memories flood back to 1996. Definitely a ’90s gem,” one commenter shared. Another gushed, “Greatest Song Ever Made.”

Another added, “Can’t help but smile when I hear this. Truly stands the test of time. Plays in my head at least once a week without fail. Xoxox.”

“Your song was my first dance at my wedding!” another fan shared.

“Blasting in my little burgundy Isuzu is what I think heaven will be like,” one more commenter added.

Related: Colin Farrell Stars in 2008 Thriller Roger Ebert Called ‘Ingenious’ Now It’s Named the Best Hitman Movie Ever

Donna Lewis’ “I Love You Always Forever” Was a ’90s Chart-Topping Phenomenon @officialdonnalewis

What memory does this unlock for you? 🤗 #ILoveYouAlwaysForever

♬ original sound – Donna Lewis

Released in 1996 as the lead single from Lewis’ debut album, Now in a Minute, “I Love You Always Forever” became an international hit. The song paired Lewis’ airy, ethereal vocals with dreamy synthesizers and a romantic chorus that felt both intimate and instantly singable.

Lewis wrote the song herself, originally titling it “Lydia,” and drew inspiration from H. E. Bates’ novel Love for Lydia. The chorus features a line from the book, which helped give the song its enduring declaration of devotion.

In the United States, “I Love You Always Forever” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for nine consecutive weeks. The song’s long run just below the top spot made its chart story particularly memorable: it was held off No. 1 by Los del Río’s “Macarena,” the dance phenomenon that swept the country in 1996.

Why Donna Lewis’ ’90s Love Song Still Takes Fans Back

Part of the song’s lasting appeal is how closely it connects to personal memories. For some listeners, it brings back high school or a first romance. For others, it recalls a wedding, a long drive or the days when a favorite song playing on the radio seemed to follow them everywhere.

The song’s soft, atmospheric production and Lewis’ unmistakable vocals set it apart from the era’s harder-edged pop tracks. Rather than being tied to one trend, the song feels dreamy and romantic, giving it a timeless appeal that makes it easy for new listeners to connect with and longtime fans to revisit.

But the song’s lasting appeal goes beyond nostalgia. It has remained part of fans’ lives since its release in 1996, becoming part of the soundtrack to an entire generation’s teenage and young adult years.

“I haven’t stopped listening to this song/album since its release ❤️,” one fan wrote, echoing the sentiments of many.

Related: 1985 Synth Hit Sung by Husband and Wife Duo From Portland Featuring Wine Bottles as Percussion Named One of the Best One-Hit Wonders of the Decade

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One of the most enduring country music classics is Glen Campbell‘s 1968 track “Wichita Lineman,” which came out on his album of the same name. Written by Jimmy Webb, the song is recognized as one of the greatest recordings in music history.

The meaningful, existential song was inspired by a lineman working on telephone lines that Webb spotted while driving in the plains of Oklahoma. Through the timeless lyrics, Webb explores the perspective of the worker and the possible loneliness he might feel during his long days on the job.

Webb told the BBC about the inspiration for the track: “I just tried to take an ordinary guy and open him up and say, ‘Look there’s this great soul, and there’s this great aching, and this great loneliness inside this person and we’re all like that. We all have this capacity for these huge feelings.'”

Through Campbell, the song gained his talent for expressive vocals, while the musical arrangement, including sweeping strings and a shimmering organ sound, brought it all together.

Apparently, when Webb sent the song to Campbell, he didn’t even see the track as complete, thinking it needed another verse. But Campbell went ahead and recorded it as-is, and it turned out to be the right decision, adding to the vibe. The singer added a guitar section at the end to finish it.

Related: 1969 Hard Rock Hit Written in 20 Minutes in a Bedroom in a Fit of Anger Named One of the Greatest Songs of All Time

“Wichita Lineman” became a major commercial success for Campbell. The song reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart and Adult Contemporary chart, while it climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

But the song’s legacy has only grown over the years. It’s still one of Campbell’s signature songs, and it was included at No. 206 on Rolling Stone‘s 2021 list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

“Wichita Lineman” also received a place in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2020, recognizing recordings considered culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.

Related: 1988 Folk Hit, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time,’ Hit Country No. 1 35 Years Later

We eat with our eyes first, and sometimes the secret to making a meal look downright irresistible has less to do with what’s on the menu and more to do with what you serve it in or on. Think about it: The same roasted chicken can look like a perfectly ordinary Tuesday-night dinner on a basic baking sheet or the star of a cozy, magazine-worthy feast when it’s nestled inside a gorgeous roasting pan. Next thing you know, you’re not just serving dinner. You’re presenting dinner. And yes, there’s a difference!

Beautiful cookware can make even the simplest dishes feel a little more special. A colorful casserole dish, a pretty ceramic baker or a glossy roasting pan can turn an everyday meal into something that looks like you really have your life together (even if the kitchen is a disaster and you’re still figuring out the side dishes). Plus, when your cookware is attractive enough to go straight from the oven to the table, you can skip extra serving dishes and have one less thing to wash.

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Crofton Cast Iron Roaster, $24.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Now, what if you could get that high-end, swoon-worthy look without the designer price tag? That’s where Aldi comes in. The Crofton Cast Iron Roaster looks remarkably like something you’d find from Le Creuset. Because a feast for the eyes doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Aldi’s roasting pan comes in one of two colorways—classic creme with a thin black border around the rim, or bold red with a thin black border (or maybe it’s navy blue—who’s to say?). It’s generously sized, with handles on either end so you can grip it well when you’re putting it in and taking it out of the oven.

Related: How to Style Aldi’s $15 Oversized Corduroy Shirt Like You Live in Stars Hollow

How It Compares to Le Creuset

Aldi is known to produce some pretty incredible dupes, and this roaster is no exception. It looks very similar to Le Creuset’s Signature Enameled Cast Iron Rectangular Roasting Pan, which costs $315 at regular price. However, it’s on sale at Williams Sonoma for $189.95, still more than seven times the price of Aldi’s pan. At full price, the Le Creuset version costs 12 times as much. Both are cast iron and come in a creme or red colorway; the main difference, aside from price, is that Le Creuset does offer way more hues to choose from. Still, I know which one I’ll have on my Thanksgiving table this year. (Hint: It’s Aldi’s.)

Related: Turn Your Bedroom Into the Coziest Haven With Costco’s New 3-Piece Botanical Cotton Comforter Set

Caution: This post contains SPOILERS from Fire Country Season 5 Episode 2.

Shortly after gunshots went off outside Station 42, CJ blamed herself on Fire Country Season 5 Episode 2. She thought that they were meant for her.

In the end, the gunshots were aimed at Station 42 directly. However, it was the catalyst in CJ explaining her story to Bode, covering what she was running from and why she doesn’t want to be a firefighter again.

Who Fired the Gunshots on ‘Fire Country’ Season 5 Episode 2?

At the end of the Fire Country Season 5 premiere, Station 42 came under fire. With Three Rock there as well, Manny immediately blamed his nephew Angel. However, it had nothing to do with any of the criminals.

Instead, the gunshots were meant for Station 42. Remember the two brothers who were angry at Manny and the rest of the firefighters for the loss of their mom’s home? Well, things got worse after the sinkhole. The younger brother decided to fire the shots.

On top of that, he set fires to cause a wildfire to spread out of control. He could then pin Station 42 down to kill them. Fortunately, the older brother, who everyone had initially thought was involved, found his younger brother to talk him down.

“Fire Under Fire” — CBS Original Series Fire Country, scheduled to air on Friday, October 16 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Pictured (L-R): Ethan Jones Romero as Angel Perez and Kevin Alejandro as Manny Perez. Photo: Sergei Bachlakov/CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CJ Shares Her Backstory and How It Could Affect Station 42

Meanwhile, Bode tried to get CJ to stick around and help add manpower to the firehouse. Believing the gunshots were meant for her, she made it clear that Bode wouldn’t want her around.

At her last firehouse — six months ago — she was given the chance to join an illicit group run by her own captain. When she turned them down, she found herself trapped in a fire with no one to turn to. The team wanted to make it look like she died on the job, but she got out and made a run for it to save her life.

She’s been running ever since, and she’s sure that her former colleagues will come after her to finish the job. After all, they can’t have anyone finding out what they’re doing.

It’s not even like she’s going to spread the word, although now that Bode knows, you never know what will come out! In the end, Bode convinced her to stick around and be a firefighter again. Helping Station 42 with the wildfires may have had something to do with that.

When Olivia Thirlby chatted with Parade about her character and her suspicious nature, she did tell us, “The more you learn, the more you’ll see she does have a reason to be suspicious.”

Now it makes sense. Colleagues have already tried to kill her, and she knows that they may still be after her. Trusting people won’t come easy, but she wants to trust Bode and the people of Edgewater. The question is whether they’ll take her in if those people do come after her?

Fire Country airs on Fridays at 9/8c on CBS.

Owala just revealed its latest wave of new prints with designs the whole family will love. The cult-favorite brand known for its award-winning stainless steel tumblers and lifestyle essentials just announced its exclusive new drinkware collection for the holiday season—and it’s whimsical, adorable, and completely cozy.

The first of many fun and festive capsules headed to stores and the company’s online shop, the wintry-themed, special-edition release includes three prints in its ultra-popular 24-ounce FreeSip bottle: Bear Hug, Cozy Does It, and Take a Bow.

With something for everyone, the trio offers very different but equally cute designs. Bear Hug features several different hues of brown teddy bears dressed in striped sweaters and overalls, set on a plaid, hunter-green backdrop and capped with a matching brown, tan, and green lid.

Cozy Does It, meanwhile, has a soft pink repeating Fair Isle pattern reminiscent of your favorite Christmas sweater. Featuring snowflakes and mountains, it uniquely fuses holiday vibes with a color we don’t often see around this time of year. Bringing femininity and whimsy to the lineup is Take a Bow with its dainty pink stripes and burgundy, polka-dot bows.

As for when the perfect-for-gifting Owala tumblers will be available, each print is set to release at Target and online on Oct. 18 for $29.99, according to Parade‘s intel, though they may have already been spotted in some retail locations.

Related: Owala, Named One of the ‘Best Inventions,’ Launches Whimsical New Tumbler Collection

In addition to the three prints, Owala is releasing new colorways of its 30-ounce FreeSip Sway ($34.99) in Winter Green, Poinsettia (maroon/berry-colored), and Lightly Toasted (pearl) for those who prefer a more understated, elegant vibe with a wider, loose handle for easy gripping.

Owala has become beloved for its fun, bright colors, durability, and affordability, and the brand has built a reputation that lives up to the hype (I’ve personally had a few bottles myself, and now, somehow, “Owalas” are all the rage among elementary schoolers). Across social media, they’ve even earned their own nickname, often being referred to as “emotional support water bottles.”

Included on TIME‘s list of Best Inventions in 2023, the Owala FreeSip remains a fan favorite and viral phenomenon across social media. “A water bottle must be something special to merit a hashtag (#owala) that’s been viewed 272 million times on TikTok—not to mention a resale value of roughly $400 for limited editions,” the publication shared of its decision to include Owala.

Related: Disney’s Brand-New Advent Calendar Collab Is a Holiday Must-Have

Joy Behar is recovering from a dislocated shoulder, but she hasn’t lost her sense of humor.

The longtime View co-host suffered the injury after taking a fall backstage in late September, but when speaking with Vulture in an article shared Friday, October 16, Behar seemed to be in good spirits.

Her absence from the show was first explained on October 1, when Sunny Hostin told viewers, “Our dear friend Joy dislocated her shoulder. Yeah, so she’s recovering and will be back soon.” The update offered a little reassurance, though Hostin did not share more about the fall or Behar’s recovery.

The injury kept Behar away from the Hot Topics table for several episodes, including the show’s October 7 broadcast around her 84th birthday. In her conversation with Vulture, she made light of the realities of getting older. “It’s a pain in the a** to be old,” she said. “I’m 84, but I have the brain of a 30-year-old and sometimes a 10-year-old, plus I look pretty good because I have Italian skin.”

READ MORE: Joy Behar Announces Sudden Break From ‘The View’

Behar has been with The View since it began in 1997, and she described returning each season as something of a familiar routine. She compared it to going back to school and said, “You wouldn’t say to Picasso to stop painting. You can’t tell me to quit being funny.”

On October 13, Behar sent another update to viewers in a message read by Whoopi Goldberg. She thanked people who had checked in and joked that she would have bounced back faster when she was younger. Then she shared her plan: “I plan to be back next week to fill everyone in on all the gory details.”

Behar has yet to share the exact details of her injury, but hopefully fans will see her back on screen soon.

Kirk Herbstreit’s golden retriever, Peter, isn’t so sure about making a new friend.

In a now-viral video shared by the college football analyst ahead of Saturday’s College GameDay broadcast from BYU’s campus in Provo, Utah, Peter has a hilarious reaction to meeting BYU’s mascot, Cosmo the Cougar, who makes several attempts to win over the hesitant pup. Unfortunately for Cosmo, not even a few tempting gifts are enough to convince Peter that the oversized feline is someone he wants to hang out with.

View this post on Instagram

As Peter is brought into the room, he initially doesn’t seem to notice Cosmo.

“He didn’t see him yet, this is good,” Herbstreit says, as Peter walks right past the mascot in an attempt to ignore the situation at hand.

Once the golden retriever spots the towering cougar mascot, he appears far less interested in the introduction.

“Say hi, Peter,” someone encourages the dog in the video, as Cosmo tries to get his attention. Peter, however, seems content to keep his distance.

“He’s actually a kitty cat,” Herstreit says, as Cosmo attempts to make a better first impression by offering Peter a new toy and a collar, hoping the goodies might help break the ice. But the golden retriever remains unconvinced, eventually retreating behind his dad rather than getting any closer to his would-be friend.

The attempts to win Peter over continue, with someone suggesting that he might really like what Cosmo has to offer. Even the promise of a nice steak is floated as a possible incentive.

Still, Peter isn’t taking any chances. Cosmo then offers a plush bed, seemingly hoping that a comfortable place to relax might change his mind. But Peter remains firmly uninterested, back up further away, seemingly terrified of the creature, let alone closing his eyes for any amount of time with the mascot nearby.

In one final effort, Cosmo offers the hesitant dog a treat, which he also refuses, even with the encouragement of Herbstreit.

“He’s like, ‘I don’t trust it,'” Herstreit jokes.

The video, which has racked up more than 26,000 likes and 650,000 views, quickly hit a chord with fans of Herbstreit’s beloved four-legged friend.

“Peter is not having it. He’s never seen a fur baby stand that tall,” one user wrote.

Another added, “Peter really said ‘that’s a CAT bro. I’m NOT meeting a CAT.'”

A New Mexico judge dismissed Timothy Busfield’s case, tossing the indictment of the actor on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor. And now his wife, former Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, is breaking her silence on the news.

Per People, Judge Joseph Montaño wrote in his ruling, “The prosecuting attorney failed to act in a fair and impartial manner, including the failure to properly instruct the grand jury on the law for calling witnesses and in instructing the grand jurors on a procedure that effectively withheld requested witnesses.”

The judge’s statement continued, “In doing so, the grand jury proceedings were conducted in a manner that violated grand jury statutes designed to protect the structural integrity of our grand jury system and the presumption of prejudice applies.”

The case against Busfield stemmed from allegations that the actor engaged in unlawful sexual contact with twin 11-year-old boys on the set of The Cleaning Lady. In April, NBC News reported that, in November, Busfield denied any wrongdoing and, in a conversation with a detective, called the allegations against him “disgusting.” 

Melissa Gilbert. Photo credit: Sam Wasson / Getty Images

Sam Wasson / Getty Images

Gilbert has stood by her husband, vehemently defending him. Several months ago, she told Good Morning America co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, “This has been the most traumatizing experience of our lives.” She continued, “Our life as we knew it was done. We are grieving what we had. All of our plans, all of our dreams, all of our ideas, all of our projects.”

“For Tim, it’s done. He’s canceled…even if he’s exonerated, he will always be that guy. The last person in the world who would hurt a child,” said Gilbert, adding, “And believe me, if I thought for a second that Tim Busfield hurt a child, he’d have a lot more to worry about than prison.” 

Following the news of the judge’s dismissal of Busfield’s case, Gilbert posted a single quote on Instagram: “So shines a good deed in a weary world.” The actress also added a screenshot of The New York Times headline reading “Judge Dismisses Child Sexual Abuse Charges Against Timothy Busfield” to her Instagram Stories. 

View this post on Instagram

Gilbert’s fans flocked to her post, congratulating the couple on the dismissal with comments such as “Truth prevails! So happy for you guys. Sending a big hug to you both,” and “I’m so happy for you and your family. I’m so sorry you had to go through such a stressful ordeal.”

While Gilbert did post the telling quote, she has yet to directly address the judge’s decision publicly.

Katie Couric is giving fans a closer look at her longtime East Hampton home, and one of its standout pieces has a connection to one of America’s most recognizable first ladies.

The journalist’s newly renovated Hamptons retreat features a dresser that once belonged to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, which Couric purchased at a Sotheby’s auction of the former first lady’s estate. The antique is among the personal treasures displayed throughout the home, which Couric has owned for 20 years.

In a recent tour of the property for ELLE Decor, Couric opened up about the renovation and the meaningful objects she has collected over the years.

“This dresser belonged to Jackie Kennedy,” Couric told the publication, explaining that she purchased it alongside a watercolor that now hangs in her daughter Ellie’s bedroom. The dresser also holds a collection of ashtrays that belonged to her parents, who collected them during their travels.

The home is filled with other sentimental pieces, including her childhood piano, her mother’s needlepoint, and antiques she purchased with her late first husband, Jay Monahan. Couric and Monahan bought a house in Millbrook, New York, before his death in 1998, and some of the furniture they collected together eventually found a home in East Hampton.

“He used to joke that he wanted to start a column called Mantiques and write about the stuff he bought,” Couric says of her late husband. “He collected a lot of military memorabilia and was very interested in the Civil War. I have his collection of Civil War-era bugles and a letterbox that belonged to Joshua Chamberlain, a Union Army hero, from when he was president of Bowdoin.”

Couric purchased her East Hampton property in 2006, when her daughters were 14 and 10. She later married her second husband, John Molner, in the backyard.

Last year, Couric decided to renovate the home with the help of interior designer Saffron Case, opening up the kitchen to the dining and family rooms and adding a glass door to bring in a more expansive view. The updated space now accommodates family gatherings, summer visits from her daughters and grandchildren, and her work recording podcasts and conducting interviews.

“I still have a lot of stuff that I should probably part ways with, but I’m extremely sentimental and if something was in my parents’ dining room, it just crushed me not to have it,” Couric says of doing her best to preserve the memories woven throughout the house. “I love having reminders of my family and our past throughout the house. It gives me a wonderful sense of continuity.”

Harry Shum Jr. is reminding his Dancing With the Stars castmates what he thinks the competition should be about.

In an Instagram post shared Friday, October 16, he shared a slide of encouragement for each fellow contestant, opening with a call to celebrate one another with more love.

“Reminder that this is a dance show. It is supposed to be joyous. People are suffering in the world already, so let’s celebrate each other with more love. I’ll go first,” he wrote in the first slide.

View this post on Instagram

Shum’s notes celebrated the different qualities each dancer brings to the ballroom. He had messages for Guillermo Rodriguez, Connor Woods, Tatyana Ali, Jackson Olson, Maura Higgins, Amber Glenn, Tyler Cameron, Julia Stiles, Ezra Frech, and Jenna Dewan.

He praised Rodriguez for rallying viewers around the joy of dance, writing, “the joy was bursting through every step you took.” For Ali, he applauded her for advocating for mothers and for representing her multicultural background onstage.

He also gave Dewan a personal note, recalling how gracious she was to him when he was “a young creative trying to figure this industry out.”

And in a slide addressed to himself, Shum offered a reminder to keep his own spirit intact: “Proud of you for not letting anyone take your light and spark away no matter how much they try. Keep being you.”

Fans couldn’t get enough of the emotional post.

“😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 THESE DAMN ONIONS…..DAWG….. THESE TEARS STREAMING DOWN,” one wrote.

“the best person to ever come on DWTS! it’s his first time dancing in like 15 years, and im so proud seeing him back on screen dancing!” another said.

A third wrote, “The world needs this! If everyone lifted up even a handful of people every day it would be easier to walk the hard road because that positivity and being seen will be with them.”

The post comes after a tense moment on the show’s October 13 episode. Shum and his pro partner, Jenna Johnson, performed a samba to “Yeah!” by Usher, Lil Jon, and Ludacris. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba questioned a lift in the routine, leading to an exchange with Johnson. The dance received a score of 33 out of 40.

Johnson later said she was open to the judges’ feedback. “I absolutely hear what they’re saying,” she told E! News. “There are judges for a reason. They do need to give feedback. So, yeah, we will take it.”

Full House alum Candace Cameron Bure isn’t planning on returning to The View. At least, not right now. But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t offered a coveted Season 30 guest spot.

The actress was a regular co-host on the ABC daytime talk show from 2015 to 2016. A decade ago, she announced on air, “It wasn’t an easy decision, but before I started The View, I had already had commitments to Fuller House and my work with the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. And because of the success of those, my commitments have become even greater with those shows.”

Like other former co-hosts, reportedly including Lisa Ling, Debbie Matenopoulos, Star Jones, and Sherri Shepherd, Bure was asked back to the Hot Topics table as a guest. The new grandma recently told Entertainment Weekly, “They did reach out to me, and they offered me the week that my daughter gave birth, so I knew that was coming.” She continued, “I didn’t want to be far away and miss anything, but I’m definitely open to it.” 

Candace Cameron Bure on ‘The View.’ Photo Credit: Lou Rocco / Getty Images

Lou Rocco / Getty Images

While Bure admitted that she is “open to” a return, she isn’t sold on the idea yet. “Yeah, you might see me at the table. We’ll see. I feel open to it if they offer up another date. I don’t know that I really want to do it, but I am open to it. Listen, I just did Special Forces. I could probably go on The View again.”

As of now, The View has not commented on whether they will extend another guest spot to Bure. 

Last August, Bure became a grandma for the first time when her son Lev Bure and his wife, Elliot, welcomed Bond Leo Bure. Earlier this month, her daughter, Natasha Bure, and her husband, Bradley Steven Perry, welcomed their baby, Winnie Perry. 

In September, the actress posted on Instagram, “I had no idea the love I would have for my grandchild. It’s a love like no other, beyond anything I imagined. My heart is so full.” 

In addition to being a grandma to two newborns, Bure recently starred on the Fox reality show Special Forces and serves as the Chief Creative Officer of Great American Media. Fans can also catch the former The View panelist in Great American Family’s A Second Chance Christmas right now and A Sweet Christmas Anniversary starting on November 27.

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Winter might still feel a little ways off, but it can arrive before you know it, and preparing ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle when the first snowfall hits. With forecasts pointing to the potential for heavy snowfall this winter, it’s worth getting ready before the snow starts to pile up. A cordless electric snow shovel offers a more manageable way to clear your driveway, sidewalk, patio, or front steps without having to push around a bulky snow blower or rely on a traditional shovel.

The Steelite 13-Inch 20V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel is worth considering before temperatures drop. It’s currently 25% off at Amazon, bringing the price down from $160 to $120, so you can save $40. 

Steelite 13-Inch 20V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel, $120 (was $160) at Amazon 

Courtesy of Amazon

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This lightweight tool weighs just 10 pounds, making it easier to lift, guide, and maneuver around your property than many larger snow-clearing machines. Its 13-inch clearing width and 6-inch clearing depth help remove snow with each pass, while the shovel can move up to 300 pounds of snow per minute under suitable conditions.

The shovel can throw snow up to 23 feet, helping move it away from the area you’re clearing. Its adjustable chute turns up to 30 degrees left or right, giving you control over where the snow lands. That comes in handy when you’re working near parked cars, doorways, or sections you’ve already cleared. With its combination of throwing distance and directional control, you can clear paths more efficiently without simply piling snow in your way.

Related: Macy’s ‘Beautiful’ 8-Piece Striped Comforter Set Is Reversible for an Easy Bedding Update, Now 67% Off

The shovel also has a compact, foldable design, which makes it easier to store in a garage or shed between snowfalls. A push-button start simplifies operation, and the ergonomic handle is designed to provide a comfortable grip while you work. Since it’s battery-powered, there’s no gas to refill or engine maintenance to worry about, though you’ll still need to keep the battery charged and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cold-weather use.

One reviewer shared, “I live in a townhouse and don’t have enough snow to justify owning a full-size snow blower. This is much more practical for cleaning the sidewalk and the area around my front door, and it barely takes up any room in the garage.” Another reviewer wrote, “It works perfectly — no problems!”

Shop More Winter Gear Deals

• Simari Winter Gloves, From $14 (were $20) at Amazon
• AstroAI Lightweight Extendable Snow Shovel, $36 (was $51) at Amazon
• Soleilwear Heated Vest, $80 (was $120) at Amazon

If you want to be ready for winter without investing in a bulky snow blower, the Steelite 13-Inch 20V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel could be a useful addition to your cold-weather essentials. With Amazon’s current 25% discount bringing the price to $120, you can save $40 by preparing before the snow starts to pile up.

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.

An Oregon teacher threw her cellphone at a teenage gunman before tackling him and fighting to take his weapon away during a deadly school shooting, an act that police say likely prevented further bloodshed.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz praised the teacher’s actions during a news conference on Friday, October 16, following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School that left three children and a teacher dead.

An Oregon teacher threw her cellphone at a teenage gunman before tackling him and fighting to take his weapon away during a deadly school shooting, an act that police say likely prevented further bloodshed.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz praised the teacher’s actions during a news conference on Friday, Oct. 16, following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School that left three children and a teacher dead.

“The teacher who’s willing to stand and fight for her children — incredible,” Krantz said, calling her actions “true heroism,” according to the Associated Press.

The teacher was not injured during the confrontation, authorities said.

The shooting occurred Thursday, Oct. 15, a 16-year-old former student at the school entered the building armed with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. Authorities said he fired as many as 15 shots during the attack.

The three children killed were ages 5, 8 and 11. Teacher Meghan Lambert, 25, also died. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher, identified by her family as Becky Drury, were wounded and hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.

Krantz also credited a father of two students at the school with helping stop the attack. Kaylub Giamanco, 36, saw the gunman shooting at a truck outside the school before heading inside.

Once inside, he encountered the gunman wrestling with the teacher and shot him several times, killing him, according to police.

“I don’t think we can underestimate or underappreciate that courage,” Krantz said of Giamanco’s intervention, adding that his decision to follow the gunman into the school “undoubtedly saved people.”

When you think of Disneyland, Mickey Mouse, thrilling rides and fairy-tale castles probably come to mind first. But did you know the iconic theme park is also the birthplace of Doritos?

It may come as a surprise to many, but the California theme park played an unexpected role in the creation of one of America’s most recognizable snack brands.

Long before Doritos became a grocery store staple, the now-iconic tortilla chips got their start at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in the 1960s.

More specifically, the chips originated at Casa de Fritos, a Mexican-themed restaurant in Disneyland’s Frontierland that was associated with the Fritos brand.

While Fritos were the main attraction, the restaurant would eventually become known for another chip entirely.

As the story goes, rather than throwing away leftover tortillas, a salesman from Alex Foods suggested cutting them into triangles, seasoning and frying them to create crunchy chips, Business Insider reports.

The result was a crispy creation that quickly found an audience and eventually inspired Frito-Lay to develop a packaged version for shoppers nationwide.

“When marketing executive Arch West saw this, he loved the idea and convinced Frito-Lay to start selling the chips nationally in 1966,” Taste of Home wrote.

That year, Doritos officially debuted nationally, marking the beginning of a decades-long success story.

But there’s another surprising detail behind the beloved snack: its name.

The name “Doritos” is derived from the Spanish word oro, meaning “gold,” and is commonly interpreted as “little golden things,” which is a fitting description for the crispy, golden-colored tortilla chips that are hard to resist. You can never have just one.

West is also said to have incorporated the “-ito” suffix from Fritos, along with a “D,” giving us the name Doritos, per Weird History Food.

The Tapatios Hot Sauce website also notes, “The name “Doritos” is derived from the Spanish word “doradito,” meaning “little fried and golden thing.”

Of course, Doritos have come a long way since their 1966 debut, expanding into countless flavors lining store shelves today, including limited-edition creations and varieties exclusive to different parts of the world.

The chips weren’t always boldly seasoned the way they are today. In fact, the brand initially launched as plain corn tortilla chips before introducing a taco flavor in 1967, followed by the now-signature Nacho Cheese flavor in 1972.

Today, Doritos are a fixture at parties, snack aisles, lunch boxes and in pantries across the country. And while the brand is instantly recognizable for its triangular shape and bold flavors, its humble Disneyland beginnings remain one of the more unexpected chapters in snack-food history.

The chips’ magical beginnings even got a moment in the spotlight on the Oct. 6, 2026, episode of Jeopardy!, when the Final Jeopardy clue in the “Snacks” category paid tribute to their surprising origins.

“First launched at Disneyland in the 1960s, this brand has a name that derives from the Spanish for ‘gold,’” the clue read.

And it turns out all three contestants knew the answer, correctly identifying Doritos.

On Oct. 6, 1979, “Pop Muzik” entered the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10. Less than a month later, on Nov. 3, it reached No. 1 and stayed there for one week.

The quirky, electronically driven song by the mysterious act M was an international hit and, as later music histories would recognize, a preview of the synth-driven pop that would help define the 1980s.

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The Surprising Story Behind ‘Pop Muzik‘

British musician Robin Scott wrote and produced “Pop Muzik,” which went through several transformations before becoming the hit listeners know today. Scott initially conceived it as a three-chord guitar song, then tried rhythm-and-blues and funk versions before collaborating with Canadian musician and programmer John Lewis to build its distinctive electronic arrangement.

“I was after that separated sound similar to Giorgio Moroder’s disco hits,” Scott recalled in The Guardian in 2023. He wanted the track to capture roughly 25 years of pop music in one song, while also poking fun at the genre’s disposable nature. Its lyrics even nod to earlier classics, including the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and the Beatles’ “Get Back.”

The song’s other details had surprisingly personal origins. Scott sang, “New York, London, Paris, Munich” because his father was a traveling perfume salesman whose sample bottles featured city names. The name M came from the Paris Métro signs, which Scott spotted while working in France. He liked the intrigue of a single-letter identity.

David Bowie’s Unexpected Connection to the Hit

Scott crossed paths with David Bowie through the Beckenham Arts Lab, where he was a singer-songwriter. Bowie later visited the studio in Montreux where M’s debut album, New York • London • Paris • Munich, was completed and contributed hand claps to the record. The album included “Pop Muzik,” though available accounts don’t conclusively show Bowie’s hand claps on the hit single itself.

Bowie also took an interest in Scott’s crossover sound. Scott recalled him asking, “How do you create a crossover record like that?” Years later, Scott wondered whether “Pop Muzik” might have influenced Bowie’s 1983 hit “Let’s Dance.”

“I’d love to think it sowed a seed,” he told The Guardian.

That’s an intriguing possibility from Scott, though, and it doesn’t prove Bowie based his later hit on the song. One can dream, of course.

How ‘Pop Muzik’ Anticipated the Sound of the ’80s

With its electronic sequencing, synthesizer textures, dance beat, spoken-word-like vocal delivery, and instantly memorable hook, “Pop Muzik” sounded strikingly modern as it crossed over into the American mainstream. Its fusion of new wave and disco anticipated the electronic pop that would become increasingly prominent in the next decade.

MusicRadar later described the song as providing “a template for the pop sound of the eighties.”

The music video helped cement that forward-looking identity. Director Brian Grant designed an exaggerated turntable set to match the song’s DJ-inspired perspective. On a budget of just £2,500, Grant shot and edited the video on videotape in a single day, using one tape rather than paying for expensive editing suites.

He later recalled that the process took eight hours. The video was subsequently shown on The Kenny Everett Video Show, helping the song reach a wider audience.

What Happened to M After ‘Pop Muzik’?

The success proved difficult to repeat. Scott released The Official Secrets Act in 1980, followed by Famous Last Words, recorded largely in the early 1980s. MCA declined to release the latter album in the U.K.; it appeared in other markets before receiving a U.K. release in 2000. M never matched “Pop Muzik”’s American chart success, although Scott continued making music and working behind the scenes.

Scott went on to run the independent label Do It Records, produce, and manage artists. More than four decades after his signature hit, he returned to releasing music as M with The FAQs of Life in 2025. He has since described the song less as a burden than as a gateway to new creative opportunities.

“At one point I saw Pop Muzik as a millstone, but it’s actually a passport and a gateway,” Scott told MusicRadar. “I never wanted to repeat a successful formula simply,” he explained.

Instead, the hit opened doors for him to explore other musical styles.

Related: Bono’s Oldest Daughter Undergoes Major Transformation, Reveals Heartbreak Behind It All

The fifth season of The Bear brought FX’s acclaimed kitchen drama to a close with eight episodes. The final run reunited the series’ core cast and followed the restaurant team as it faced one last service after Carmy decided to leave the food industry.

Jeremy Allen White returned as Carmy Berzatto, alongside Ayo Edebiri as Sydney, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richie, Abby Elliott as Natalie “Sugar,” Lionel Boyce as Marcus and Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina. The ensemble had been central to the show’s portrayal of the pressure of professional kitchens and the complicated relationships that develop among the people who work in them.

Created by Christopher Storer, The Bear received strong reviews for its fifth and final season, with critics praising its return to tighter storytelling and the performances of its ensemble cast. Season 5 holds a 96% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 83 Metascore, with reviewers calling it a satisfying farewell to the FX drama.

Related: The Bear Series Finale Ending Explained: Did Carmy Leave the Restaurant?

How many episodes are in The Bear Season 5? Liza Colón-Zayas, Will Poulter, Corey Hendrix, Ricky Staffieri, Lionel Boyce and Ayo Edebiri in Season 5 of “The Bear”

FX/Hulu

The Bear Season 5 has eight episodes, all released on Hulu on June 25, 2026. It’s a slightly shorter final season compared with the previous 10-episode runs. Episodes 1 through 7 unfold over a single day and night in Chicago, with extreme weather adding to the pressure on the restaurant team. Here are the episode titles in order:

• Episode 1: “Soda”
• Episode 2: “Lamb”
• Episode 3: “Mint”
• Episode 4: “Ribs”
• Episode 5: “Raspberries”
• Episode 6: “Focaccia”
• Episode 7: “Caramel”
• Episode 8: “The Original Beef of Chicagoland”

Related: Is The Bear Based on a True Story? Your Fact vs. Fiction Guide to the Series

The Bear Season 5 Episode Descriptions (Spoiler-Free) Liza Colón-Zayas, Jeremy Allen White, Abby Elliott and Ayo Edebiri in Season 5 of “The Bear”

FX/Hulu

Here’s a spoiler-free breakdown of the fifth and final season of The Bear.

Episode 1: ‘Soda’

After Carmy tells Sydney, Richie and Natalie that he’s quitting the restaurant business, the staff must prepare for service without knowing what the decision will mean for their future. As a severe storm hits Chicago and creates problems for the restaurant, Sydney and the rest of the team face a difficult day ahead.

Episode 2: ‘Lamb’

The staff tries to get the restaurant ready for service while dealing with the aftermath of a plumbing disaster. Sydney takes charge of the kitchen’s preparations as Natalie works to manage costs and the team searches for ways to keep the business afloat.

Episode 3: ‘Mint’

With reservations piling up and key ingredients in short supply, Natalie proposes changes to the menu to make service more manageable. Meanwhile, Carmy’s decision to step away from the restaurant forces the staff to reconsider its leadership.

Related: Jeremy Allen White’s Relationship History, Including Co-Star Molly Gordon and Estranged Wife Addison Timlin

Episode 4: ‘Ribs’

Carmy and Richie talk through what comes next as the restaurant struggles with its finances. Sydney works to adapt the menu to the ingredients available, while Richie tries to rally the staff ahead of a service that could be especially important for the restaurant’s future.

Episode 5: ‘Raspberries’

Persistent rain throws off the restaurant’s schedule, leaving Sydney and Jess to find ways to handle a growing backlog of reservations. At the same time, Marcus becomes increasingly frustrated as he tries to prepare something special for an important family visit.

Episode 6: ‘Focaccia’

An overcrowded dining room puts Sydney under pressure as Richie scrambles to accommodate the guests. With the weather finally changing, the team must find ways to keep service moving while preparing for a potentially significant visitor.

Episode 7: ‘Caramel’

The restaurant’s high-stakes service continues, with the staff racing to keep reservations on schedule as unexpected problems threaten the kitchen. Carmy, Sydney and the rest of the team must improvise under pressure while family members and other guests add to the busy evening.

Episode 8: ‘The Original Beef of Chicagoland’

The season finale looks at what comes after the restaurant’s demanding service, as the team considers its financial future and the paths each person might take. The episode brings the series back to its original setting and gives the characters a chance to reflect on what the restaurant has meant to them.

Is Carmy in The Bear Season 5?

Yes. Jeremy Allen White returns as Carmy Berzatto in The Bear Season 5, though his role shifts after he decides to leave the food industry and hand the restaurant over to Sydney, Richie and Natalie. The final season follows the team as they try to keep the business afloat without Carmy leading the kitchen.

Why is Season 5 of The Bear so short?

Season 5 of The Bear has eight episodes, two fewer than the 10-episode runs of earlier seasons. FX has not publicly given a specific reason for the shorter final season. The reduced episode count also fits the story’s tighter timeline, with the first seven episodes unfolding over a single day and night as the restaurant staff faces extreme weather and mounting pressure.

Is The Bear over?

Yes. Season 5 is the final season of The Bear, bringing the FX series to an end. All eight episodes are available to stream on Hulu.

The series began in 2022 with Carmy returning to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop, the Original Beef of Chicagoland. Over the following seasons, the story expanded to follow his attempt to build a fine-dining restaurant and the staff whose lives became intertwined with that goal.

Why did The Bear end after Season 5?

The Bear ended after Season 5 as a creative decision, rather than a cancellation. Creator Christopher Storer initially planned to end the series with Season 4 before moving ahead with one more season. FX has not given an official explanation for the ending, but the fifth season was intended to bring the characters’ stories to a close.

Series star Ebon Moss-Bachrach explained to The Guardian: “As much as I’ve loved making the show, it’s time for it to end. It finishes on its own terms in a strong, in-character way. Everybody is taken care of story-wise. I’m dumbly proud of it. I hope viewers feel the same satisfaction I do.”

Related: ‘The Bear’ Casting Director Reveals the Character Who Was Originally Written as a Man — and the Star Who Almost Turned the Show Down (Exclusive)

It’s hard to believe 30 years have passed since Stanley Tucci‘s acclaimed comedy-drama Big Night was released, an Italian restaurant-centered movie that marked his directorial debut.

Sadly, the American actor, 65, doesn’t have plans to helm another project despite his first film’s success. That’s just one of the revelations from Tucci’s recent interview with Vanity Fair, where he opened up about other aspects of his career — including the idea of calling it quits one day.

“I don’t think I’ll ever really retire, but I am inching toward semiretirement,” he told the magazine in an article published Friday, October 16. “I’ve been doing it for 46 years and I’m a little tired. There are just other things I want to do. I want to paint more and sculpt. I want to direct another play. My younger kids are still young and I want to be with them.”

In the meantime, the Devil Wears Prada star can be spotted in current and upcoming movies, such as Masterplan that’s now playing in theaters. Tucci addressed a hot topic these days when it comes to cinema: artificial intelligence.

“If you look at the Marvel movies… those still have a substantial amount of soul and actual physicality to them,” the Captain America: The First Avenger co-star told Vanity Fair. “Guys like the Russo brothers use [AI] appropriately. It’s when you’re creating entire films with characters that are AI-generated — if maybe the actor has passed away — or you’re using that image in place of the actual actor, that can be quite disturbing.”

Stanley Tucci’s Show Heads to Great Britain

And then there’s his small-screen career. After spending years eating his way across Italy, Tucci is now setting the table somewhere new.

The Emmy nominee has revealed that the next season of his acclaimed travel series Tucci In Italy will take viewers to the United Kingdom, where he has lived for nearly 15 years. Find out more here.

As we get older, we tend to deepen our emotional skills with each stage of life. For instance, emotional growth after 50 is often the result of decades of life experiences that teach us how to be more sensitive to our own emotional health and that of others.

When it comes to midlife mind, body and soul well-being, people who peak emotionally after 50 tend to share four “quiet” habits. To find out more about these habits, Parade spoke with Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, a board-certified adult psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer at Talkspace, a popular online mental health care platform.

Dr. Benders-Hadi walks us through what it means to hit an emotional crest in midlife and explains why this time period often brings unmatched peace and growth in the feelings department. She also shares the emotional maturity habits that typically influence growth in that area and in our general well-being.

While discussing emotional maturity, the psychiatrist explains the science behind midlife mindset shifts and shares how brain plasticity and life experience work hand in hand while approaching our later years.

Whether you’re in your 50s or are simply looking for ways to deepen your emotional growth at any stage of life to find an inner balance, Dr. Benders-Hadi has a few tips for cultivating “quiet” habits for peace of mind.

Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists What Gets Easier After 50—They All Said the Same Thing

What Does It Mean To ‘Peak Emotionally’ After 50?

We’re constantly developing our emotional skills throughout life, but most people experience a boost in emotional health after 50.

“Findings show that peaking emotionally after 50 means emotional regulation, stability and overall well-being tend to improve after midlife and into later adulthood, even as physical health may decline,” Dr. Benders-Hadi tells Parade.

The U-curve of happiness: Why midlife brings unmatched emotional peace

Every stage of life comes with its own joys and challenges. But midlife, in particular, often comes along with a great deal of emotional peace.

“The U-curve of happiness describes how life satisfaction changes across adulthood. Well-being starts relatively high in early adulthood, gradually declines to a low point, then rises again after midlife into the 60s and 70s,” Dr. Benders-Hadi explains.

The psychiatrist says this is where the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory comes into play, which is explained in a 2021 The Gerontologist article.

“As people age and realize their time is limited, they selectively invest in enjoying experiences and exhibit what is known as the positivity effect: a natural neurological bias toward remembering, prioritizing and dwelling on positive social interactions over negative ones,” she shares.

Related: ‘I’m a Psychologist—These Are the 5 Surprising Things I Swear By To Combat Loneliness’

The 4 ‘Quiet’ Habits of People Who Peak Emotionally After 50

People who experience an emotional peak in midlife often exhibit the following habits.

1. Selectively choosing social circles

People over 50 understand the importance of quality over quantity.

“They invest in a smaller number of close, meaningful relationships and let draining or superficial ones fade, leading to greater satisfaction and fewer negative emotions,” Dr. Benders-Hadi says.

2. Choosing battles

We’ve heard “choose your battles wisely” our whole lives. But people who hit midlife actually put it into practice.

“Rather than addressing every conflict, they are able to let certain things go, which helps avoid unnecessary stress,” Dr. Benders-Hadi tells Parade.

Related: Psychologist Says People Become Happier After 50 When They Let Go of These 5 Expectations

3. Staying present

It might be easier said than done to be in the moment. But not so much for people over 50.

“They live in the moment and appreciate even the smallest things,” Dr. Benders-Hadi reveals. “Savoring the present leads to overall higher life satisfaction.”

4. Reframing setbacks

It’s easier for people who are in their midlife to look at the bigger picture.

“When things don’t go as expected, they are able to put disappointments in perspective, which is extremely beneficial for emotional regulation,” Dr. Benders-Hadi shares. 

Related: Making New Friends as an Adult Isn’t Easy—Here Are 102 Expert-Backed Ways To Do Just That

How To Cultivate These Habits in Your Daily Life—Starting Today

You don’t have to be 50 or older to strengthen your emotional health. If you want to cultivate the four quiet habits of people who peak emotionally after 50, Dr. Benders-Hadi says there are a few easy ways to do just that.

• Selectively choosing social circles: “To gain a more meaningful and close social circle, start by noticing how you feel after spending time with different people, whether it’s energized, neutral or drained,” Dr. Benders-Hadi states. “Then shift your effort to maintain relationships with those who make you feel supported and let the ones who leave you feeling indifferent or negative naturally fizzle out.”
• Choosing battles: “To become better at choosing your battles, pause and ask yourself whether it will matter in a week or a year,” the psychiatrist tells Parade. “If it won’t, consider letting it go or addressing it briefly and moving on. The goal isn’t to avoid all conflict, but to save your energy for the issues that genuinely affect your well-being or values.”
• Staying present: “To better savor and live in the moment, pick one ordinary moment each day, such as your morning coffee or a walk, and give it your full attention, noticing sensory details,” Dr. Benders-Hadi shares. “Sharing good experiences with others and reflecting on them afterward tends to deepen positive feelings.”
• Reframing setbacks: “Similar to choosing your battles, when something goes wrong or disappoints you, rather than immediately letting emotions take over, ask yourself a few questions to help explain the situation,” she suggests. “‘What else could explain this? How have I gotten through similar situations before? Is there anything useful I can take from it?’ Recalling past difficulties you’ve overcome can make current problems feel more manageable.”

Related: 9 Tactics High-Level Gaslighters Use That Most People Miss

The Science of Midlife Mindset Shifts

As we age, we encounter unique and valuable experiences that shape our perspective on life. We also learn to shift the way our brain reacts to certain situations. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this is the concept of “neuroplasticity,” also known as brain plasticity.

“Neuroplasticity refers to your brain’s ability to absorb information and evolve to manage new challenges. It’s a natural gift that allows you to develop as a person and take on the ever-changing tasks of daily life,” the clinic’s website reads.

Per Dr. Benders-Hadi, brain plasticity changes form over time.

“Some capacities, like processing speed and working memory, gradually decline from early adulthood. Others, like vocabulary, knowledge and practical judgment, remain stable or keep growing into the 60s and beyond,” she explains.

After 50, brain plasticity and life experiences work together to influence your emotional health.

“As you age, your brain shifts from raw speed toward accumulated pattern recognition,” she states. “It leans on life experience and supports better judgment and perspective.”

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists What They Wish More People Over 50 Would Stop Doing—They All Said the Same Thing

Sources:

• Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer at Talkspace, a popular online mental health care platform.
• Socioemotional Selectivity Theory: The Role of Perceived Endings in Human Motivation. (2021) The Gerontologist.