Mia Sara, known for her role as Sloane Peterson in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ found fame in the ’80s but felt uncomfortable in the Hollywood spotlight. Now, at 58, she is happier than ever, enjoying a quiet home life with her husband, Brian Henson, and their children, Dashiell Connery and Amelia. After a decade-long hiatus from acting, Sara returned to the big screen in ‘The Life of Chuck,’ an adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, starring as a grandmother opposite Mark Hamill.

Sara, who also had notable roles in ‘All My Children’ and ‘Legend,’ stepped away from acting after the short film ‘Pretty Pretty’ in 2013. Director Mike Flanagan convinced her to return for ‘The Life of Chuck,’ an experience she found healing.

Reflecting on her 50s, Sara appreciates the pressure-free interactions and the freedom from comparing herself to others. She maintains her wellness with a Connemara pony named Rory, a mindfulness app called Happier, and high-quality therapy.

Sara discusses the challenges of aging, including health issues and the “crappy” aspects she grapples with in therapy. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and kindness over appearance, advice she imparts to her daughter, Amelia.

Sara’s philosophy on beauty has evolved, focusing on self-grace and inner alignment. She doesn’t feel invisible despite the industry’s perception of older women, enjoying the freedom to present herself authentically.

Looking back on her teen years in the spotlight, Sara admits she wasn’t comfortable with the attention, especially during the filming of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ which she describes as a “cringy experience.”

ShoppingDeals

Amazon is selling a $100 digital meat thermometer for $69 (and 9 more can’t-miss deals)

Plus, I’m eyeing Hoka Cliftons for nearly 20% off and the Apple iPad for a record-low $299.

Wed, June 18, 2025 at 9:10 PM UTC

As someone who’s worked from home for the past eight years, I try to spend as much time outside as possible once summer hits — not just to enjoy the sun, but to hang on to a little bit of sanity. (Working from a basement office wears on you fast.) That means meals usually happen at our outdoor table. But why not take it a step further and cook the whole meal out there? I love grilling — I just haven’t mastered the line between perfectly done and painfully overcooked. That’s where this handy wireless meat thermometer comes in, and it’s down to its lowest price ever, just $69. Then, after dinner, I usually slip on my Hoka Cliftons (currently 20% off at REI) and head out for a family walk — good for digestion, better for together time. Here are the day’s best deals to help make summer even better.

Quick Overview

Meater Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer

$69

$100

Save $31

|

Lowest price ever

See at Amazon

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

$117

$145

Save $28

See at REI

New Apple iPad, 11-inch

$299

$349

Save $50

|

Lowest price ever

See at Amazon

Black+Decker Powerseries+ 20V Max Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

$99

$130

Save $31

See at Amazon

Yeti Rambler Straw Mug, 42 ounces

$36

$45

Save $9

See at Amazon

See 5 more

Amazon

Meater Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer

$69

$100

Save $31

|

Lowest price ever

If you’re like me and you’re always second-guessing whether your meat’s medium rare or well done, this high-tech gizmo takes the guesswork out of grilling, roasting and baking by showing both the internal and external temperatures of whatever you’re cooking. One writer and her husband tried it out, saying they’ve “never grilled better meat — it almost feels like cheating.” (Check out her full Meater Plus review for more.) This is the best price we’ve seen in, well, ever, and when expensive steaks are on the line? You want to ensure they’re edible, or else that’s just money down the drain.

Save $31

|

Lowest price ever

$69 at Amazon

REI

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

$117

$145

Save $28

If you’ve seen a pair of Hokas in the wild, there’s a good chance they were Cliftons. Unbelievably comfortable, lightweight and supportive, they’re our best walking shoes this year, and you can score this springy style for nearly 20% off. But you’ll have to act fast, as certain sizes and colors are selling out fast. “They’re absolutely cloud-like,” raves Deputy Editor Izabella Zaydenberg. “They were the only shoes that didn’t exacerbate my plantar fasciitis (especially when I walked for hours at Disneyland).”

Related: Hoka Bondi vs. Hoka Clifton: Which cloud-like sneaker is best? Here’s our take

$117 at REI

Amazon

New Apple iPad, 11-inch

$299

$349

Save $50

|

Lowest price ever

The newest iPad is an ultra-light, thin tablet that’s powerful enough to replace your laptop for most tasks but slips into your bag with room to spare. With a spacious 11-inch Liquid Retina display, you’re swiping and scrolling in vibrant color and sharpness that makes any screen that came before it feel like an old tube TV. If you’ve got a habit of toggling among a dozen apps, streaming videos and replying to messages simultaneously, you’re in for a treat. This iPad is ready to keep up with whatever you throw its way. And if you’re into gaming, the graphics capabilities mean you can play even demanding games without dropping a frame.

Save $50

|

Lowest price ever

$299 at Amazon

Explore More Buying Options

$

Discover the top 20 gift ideas for toddlers aged 1 to 3 that will delight both children and parents. From magnetic tiles and Play-Doh ice cream trucks to balance bikes and play kitchens, these toys are designed to foster curiosity and development. Expert recommendations and parent reviews highlight the best options for encouraging fine motor skills, creative play, and imaginative storytelling. Whether you’re looking for trend-driven toys like Squishmallows or timeless classics, this curated list ensures you find the perfect gift to engage and entertain your little one.

BC Strength Review: Finding the Best Glute Machine for 2025

Develop a rock-solid backside to help you power through your workouts and day-to-day life.

Not all home glute machines are created equal — our top pick checks all the boxes as a stellar backside builder. (BC Strength)

Looking for the best glute machine for home workouts? You’re not alone! Strong, sculpted glutes have become the fitness world’s holy grail — and their appeal extends far beyond the gym. A round, chiseled backside is a must-have accessory, thanks to celebrity influence and glute-focused social media reels. With #glutegains and #gluteworkout trending on TikTok and Instagram, it’s clear these backside-building workouts are here to stay.

Quick Overview

Best overall
BC Strength Thruster 3.0 with Rotating Back Pad
$649 at BC Strength

Most versatile
BC Strength Glute Bench
$219 at BC Strength

Best resistance band
BC Strength Glute Loop
$20 at BC Strength

Best glute ham slider
BC Strength Hamstring Roller + Track
$179 at BC Strength

And that’s a good thing. Strong glutes are vital for everyday function (think posture, balance and stability), injury prevention and athletic performance. Whether you’re climbing stairs or sprinting a 100-meter race, your glutes play a starring role.

“Your glutes are the biggest muscles in your body,” says Andy Galpin, PhD, a human performance expert and executive director of Parker University’s Human Performance Center in Dallas. Without them, you’d basically fall over. Glutes not only keep our bodies upright, they help us move forward, backward and side to side. And if your glutes are weak, well, you’re going to have problems.

“When glutes are underdeveloped, they can’t produce enough force or control and they fatigue quickly, putting pressure on other areas — your lower back, knees or hips,” says Galpin. Since these muscles are crucial for stabilizing your pelvis, when they’re weak, surrounding muscles compensate, often leading to imbalances, pain and potential injuries. In fact, research shows that weak butt muscles are connected to everything from knee and back pain to hamstring pulls and ankle sprains.

Why are our collective rears so weak? Essentially, it’s because we’re sitting on them too much. In fact, a full 25 percent of Americans are classified as physically inactive, meaning folks simply aren’t getting enough exercise to protect their health, let alone strengthen their glutes. So in a quest to find the best tools to help target and develop these important muscle groups, we tested a range of glute-focused equipment from BC Strength to help determine what’s worth using and what’s worth skipping.

Types of BC Strength glute machines we tested

To be clear, you can target your glutes with standard exercise equipment by doing squats, deadlifts, hip thrusts and lunges with barbells or dumbbells. You can also use basic resistance bands to do side steps and hip abductions. That said, if you’re serious about getting the most from your glute day, you may want to invest in equipment that makes hitting these powerhouses a little easier.

To find the best glute machine, we test-drove glute-building equipment from BC Strength — the brand built by Bret Contreras, PhD. This exercise science professor turned entrepreneur built his career studying the biomechanical and performance benefits of training the glutes, earning himself the monikers “Glute Guy” and “Godfather of Glute Training.” After years in the lab and classroom, he began developing tools and programs to help people level up their booty-sculpting game based on his own research.

We tested a range of the glute machines from BC Strength. The types of equipment we tested included variations of:

Hip thrust machines/benches: Designed for optimal glute isolation, these home-use machines help perfect the hip thrust movement.
Resistance band systems: These versatile bands work for multiple exercises, including lunges, bridges and squats, making them an accessible option for any fitness level.
Glute ham sliders: While primarily targeting the hamstrings, these sliders activate the glutes during hip rotation movements. Strong hamstrings can also enhance the appearance of your glutes, making them look more “lifted.”

Based on three months of hands-on training, these are the best glute machines from BC Strength.

Best overall glute machine

BC Strength

Best overall

BC Strength Thruster 3.0 with Rotating Back Pad

Type of equipment: Hip thrust bench | Dimensions: 33″ wide x 55″ long x 14.5″ to 17.5″ high (adjustable back

HealthYour BodyDermatology

Best sun hat for 2025 to keep your face and skin protected from UV rays

Save your scalp, ears and neck with these expert-guided and tested picks.

Hats — especially those with integrated UPF — offer an added layer of sun protection for your face and scalp. (Getty Images)

With beach stays and pool days calling your name, it’s time to stock up on all your summer faves — stylish sundresses, killer shades and the best sun hat to throw in your vacation luggage. But as you grab the gear that will support your outdoor adventures, it’s important to remember that soaking up every last minute of summer fun shouldn’t mean soaking up every last ray of summer sun.

Quick Overview

Best overall sun hat

Wallaroo Hat Company Palm Beach Fedora

$65 at Amazon

Best for women

Solbari Ultra Wide Brim Sun Hat

$67 at Amazon

Best for men

Panama Jack Original Mesh Safari Hat

$49 at Amazon

Best for kids

SwimZip Kids Wide Brim Sun Hat

$20 at Amazon

Best for hiking

Solbari Traveller Broad Brim Sun Hat

$55 at Solbari

See 3 more

For one thing, avoiding sunburns is just smart living — they hurt! But more to the point, prolonged sun exposure on any of your skin, including your ears, the back of your neck and your scalp, can lead to serious and long-term health concerns, including premature skin aging, eye damage and skin cancer — the most common form of cancer in the United States. And while regular sunscreen application is one of the best ways to stave off the dangerous UV rays that are a significant contributor to the cellular damage that leads to melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, according to some studies, hats and other sun protective clothing may be even more effective.

“Skin cancer is more likely to develop on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the ears, nose, scalp, forehead and neck,” explains Dr. Susan Taylor, a board-certified dermatologist and president of the American Academy of Dermatology. The vast majority of skin cancer is what’s known as basal cell carcinoma, she says, and 85% of basal cell carcinomas occur on the head and neck region.

The best way to lower your risk is to be proactive by applying sunscreen daily, using sunglasses and wearing sun protective clothing like hats. However, not all sun hats are created equally. “To get the most protection from the sun’s harmful rays, be sure to choose a hat with a wide brim that shades your face, ears and neck,” Taylor says. “These are the areas on your body that are most exposed to the sun.” Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist, concurs, adding that “the tighter the fabric weave, the better.”

With those tips in mind, you won’t find any traditional baseball caps or beanies on this list (although in a pinch, some protection is always better than none!), and you’ll also find we’ve prioritized options with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings that indicate a product has been verified to block out UV rays. With guidance from dermatologists and a lot of research and hands-on (heads-on) testing, we rounded up the best sun protection hats around for every preference and need.

Table of contents

Best overall sun hat

More sun hats we like for 2025

Factors to consider when purchasing a sun hat

How we chose

Other products we tested

Meet the experts

Best overall sun hat

Wallaroo Hat Company

Best overall sun hat

Wallaroo Hat Company Palm Beach Fedora

UPF rating: 50+ | Style: Fedora | Additional benefits: Wide brim, breathable material

Finding a sun hat that offers strong UPF protection, comfort and style and that works for both men and women is no easy feat. That’s why the Palm Beach Fedora from Wallaroo Hat Company is our top overall pick. It’s a unisex hat that comes in two different sizes and has an almost 3-inch brim, aligning with our experts’ advice about looking for sun hats. “A breathable, wide-brimmed, tightly woven hat with a UPF label provides the most effective sun protection,” says Taylor. The Palm Beach Fedora checks off every box. It’s made from the brand’s signature Flexi-Weave fabric, which in testing we found to be lightweight and breathable, even on the warmest days. Plus, with a UPF rating of 50+, it blocks at least 98% of ultraviolet rays. Stylewise, the classic fedora silhouette gives it a timeless elegance that works well with any outfit. The Palm Beach Fedora comes in five colors: ivory, beige, camel, black and olive.

Pros

Lightweight

Celebrity chef Ina Garten is renowned for her delicious recipes and elegant cooking style. To achieve her culinary excellence, she relies on a selection of essential kitchen tools. These tools range from affordable gadgets to high-end cookware, all of which contribute to the foundation of her cooking.

One of Ina’s favorite affordable tools is the Kuhn Rikon Straight Peeler, priced at just $5. Its carbon steel blade is known for cutting cleanly and maintaining sharpness longer than most peelers.

Another essential in Ina’s kitchen is the Colortak 60-Minute Wind-Up Kitchen Timer, available for $8. Ina emphasizes the importance of timers to avoid forgetting items in the oven.

For accurate oven temperatures, Ina uses the Taylor Large Oven Thermometer, which costs $6. She trusts this tool to ensure her oven is at the correct temperature, regardless of the dial setting.

A good cast iron skillet is a staple in any kitchen, and Ina favors the Lodge Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet, priced at $17. This skillet comes pre-seasoned, ready for immediate use.

Ina often uses a stainless steel food mill, such as The Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel Food Mill, which is available for $38. She appreciates the texture it creates in her dishes.

For cleaning, Ina prefers Williams Sonoma Pop-Up Sponges, a 12-pack priced at $20. These sponges expand when immersed in water and can be refreshed in the dishwasher.

Ina finds the Sur La Table French Tapered Rolling Pin, priced at $18, easier to use with more precision and control compared to standard rolling pins.

The Cuisipro 6-Sided Box Grater, available for $40, is another tool Ina recommends. Its evenly spread grooved pattern allows for more efficient grating.

For coffee and spice grinding, Ina uses the Krups Precision Electric Coffee Grinder, priced at $24. She also uses this grinder to make her own spice mixes.

To keep her knives sharp, Ina relies on the Chef’s Choice Electric Knife Sharpener, available for $115. This compact model hones both straight-edge and serrated blades.

Ina’s go-to Dutch oven is the Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven, 5.5-Quart, priced at $420. She uses it for soups, stews, and braising.

For versatile cookware, Ina recommends the All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set, available for $900. This set includes various pans and a stockpot, known for their even cooking and heat retention.

Ina also uses the Anchor Hocking 4-Piece Glass Mixing Bowls Set, priced at $28. These durable bowls nest for easy storage.

Her preferred cutting board is the John Boos R-Board Series Maple Cutting Board, 24″ x 18″, available for $155. Ina notes that with proper care, these boards last forever.

Ina finds the Sur La Table Medium Stainless Steel Scoop versatile for various tasks, priced at $26.

For baking, Ina uses the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer, available for $450. This mixer comes with multiple attachments and is available in various colors.

To ensure precise measurements, Ina uses the Oxo Good Grips Food Scale, priced at $47.

Ina’s preferred chef’s knife is the Wüsthof Classic Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch, available for $170. Made from high-carbon steel, this knife is durable and versatile.

For food processing, Ina uses the Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 Food Processor, priced at $220. This model features a large feed tube and a powerful motor.

Ina’s favorite tool for zesting and grating is the Microplane, available for $16.

For blending, Ina uses the Waring Commercial 700G Blender, priced at $338.

To make standing in the kitchen more comfortable, Ina uses the GelPro Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Floor Mat, 20″ x 36″, available for $130.

For tasting, Ina keeps a Mutnitt 16-Piece Teaspoon Set, priced at $10, in a jar on her counter.

Lastly, Ina uses the Oxo Salad Spinner, priced at $30, for rinsing greens, and the Stretch-Tite Wrap’n Snap 7500 Dispenser, available for $40, for quick and easy plastic wrap dispensing.

These tools collectively

Amazon Prime Day 2025 Early Deals Are Already Here

Amazon Prime Day is slated for early July and promises ‘deep discounts across more than 35 categories.’

Amazon Prime Day 2025 will be a four-day event, running from Tuesday, July 8, through Friday, July 11. Early deals are already available, offering significant savings on a variety of products.

Early Prime Day Deals to Shop Now

Apple AirPods 4: $99 (Save $30) – Lowest price ever
Black & Decker PowerSeries+ 16V Max Cordless Stick Vacuum: $74 (Save $26)
New Apple iPad, 11-Inch: $299 (Save $50)
Cozsinoor Bed Pillows, Queen, Set of 2: $22 (Save $78 with code) – Lowest price ever
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker: $30 (Save $8)
Craftsman V20 Cordless Hand Vacuum: $59 (Save $41) – Lowest price ever
Hanes Jersey Pocket Shorts: $13 (Save $6)

These deals include record-low prices and rare sales on popular items. Be sure to take advantage of these offers before Prime Day officially begins.

To access the best deals, an Amazon Prime membership is required. New users can sign up for a free 30-day trial. After the trial, Prime membership costs $14.99 per month, offering benefits such as fast and free shipping, Prime streaming content, and exclusive deals.

Michael Kors is offering a significant discount on its Mini Monroe Silver-Tone Double Wrap Watch, reducing the price from $275 to just $138. This stylish timepiece, which features a classic Roman numeral face and a sleek double-wrap design, is now 50% off. Available in both gold and silver, the watch combines timeless elegance with modern flair.

The Mini Monroe Watch is praised for its adjustable strap, pearlescent finish, and water-resistant design, making it a versatile accessory for any occasion. Reviewers have lauded the watch for its classic and elegant style, with many noting its adjustable features and sophisticated appearance.

This deal not only offers a substantial savings but also provides a versatile piece that can elevate any outfit. Whether worn alone or paired with other bracelets, the Mini Monroe Watch is sure to attract attention. For those who prefer a simpler design, the pave Mini Monroe, available in gold and silver, offers a similar style without the double wrap.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add a luxurious yet affordable accessory to your collection.

Transform Your Backyard into a Drive-In Theater

Skip the overpriced popcorn and crowds. Create your own backyard theater this summer.

Projector

Choose a projector with at least 1080p resolution. Options range from affordable 1080p models to high-end 4K projectors.

Happrun Native 1080P Bluetooth Projector: Offers full HD resolution and Bluetooth connectivity for $59.
XGimi MoGo 2 Pro 1080p Portable Projector: A portable option with Android TV 11 for $320.
Nebula X1 Triple Laser 4K Projector: A premium choice with advanced features for $2,999.

Screen

Enhance your viewing experience with a dedicated projector screen for better contrast and color.

Motorized 100-inch Projector Screen with Remote Control: Convenient and wrinkle-free for $80.
120-inch Outdoor Projector Screen with Stand: Portable and stable for $60.
Mdbebbron 120-inch Projector Screen: A budget-friendly, foldable option for $25.

Surround Sound

Elevate your audio experience with surround sound speakers.

BolaButty Outdoor Speakers: Solar-powered and waterproof for $100.
Nebula X1 Accessory Pack for Projector: A discounted surround sound system for $299.

Power

Ensure your setup stays powered with a portable power station.

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300: Affordable and compact for $169.
EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station: High-capacity and versatile for $599.

Seating

Choose comfortable seating to match your backyard size and guest count.

Kelty Lowdown Couch: A cozy option with storage for $180.
Zero Gravity Lounge Chair Recliners: Ultra-comfortable recliners for $100.

How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks This 4th of July, According to a Vet

Independence Day can be a stressful time for dogs, especially with the loud fireworks. Here’s how to help your pup stay calm.

Understanding Your Dog’s Anxiety

Fireworks can be terrifying for dogs due to their infrequent occurrence, heightened senses, and potential phobias or general anxiety. Signs of distress include yawning, excessive licking, frequent blinking, a tucked tail, and even growling or snapping.

Helping Dogs with Moderate to Severe Anxiety

For dogs with severe anxiety, removing them from environments with fireworks is crucial. If that’s not possible, a vet visit may be necessary. Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, DVM, recommends prescription medications over store-bought supplements, which often take longer to work and may be less effective.

Helping Dogs with Mild Anxiety

For dogs with mild anxiety, create a quiet, comfortable space away from windows. Use sound machines or gentle music, and consider puzzle toys for distraction. Dr. Tu suggests trying products like the ThunderShirt Classic Anxiety & Calming Vest, ThunderEase Calming Pheromone Diffuser, Vetoquinol Zylkene Oral Capsules, Nutramax Solliquin Calming-Support Behavioral Health Supplement, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care Probiotic, and Native Pet Calming Chews.

Final Note on Supplements

Always consult your vet before giving your dog any supplements, especially if they have existing health issues or are on medication. Ensure any added flavors don’t include allergens.