RELATED: The #1 Best Time to Score Deals at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.

What is the Dollar Tree clearance event?

Most shoppers are accustomed to how much they’re spending on products when they enter a Dollar Tree (even if those prices have been creeping up lately). But if you’ve ever wanted to see how low things can go, you might want to make time to swing by this week as the retailer slashes prices to absurdly low levels.

In a TikTok video posted on Dec. 15, user @_katoa05 ran to their local store and explained that Dollar Tree is hosting another week of a major clearance event. Each week brings a new set of items down to just 25 cents. “When I tell you there’s so much out there, there’s so much,” she wrote on the caption.

In the clip, she points out finding pillow cases, collapsible storage boxes, body wash, shower gloves, press-on nails, antibacterial wipes, a fake security camera, party plates, candy, and more—all for just a quarter each.

@_katoa5

25 cent visuals to look out for at dollar tree when I tell you there’s so much out there, there’s SO much happy hunting : : ; : : : #dollartreefinds #dollartree #clearance #clearancefinds #coupon

♬ Santa Tell Me Beat – Cici Beats

In a separate video, TikToker @oneasianchic showed off the finds at her local store. They include 25-cent napkins, gift card holders, Juneteenth party supplies, pencils, a wide range of toys, gel pens, and energy drinks. She even came across interesting items like fake security cameras, special additives that can turn your fireplace flame different colors, and scented candles.

@oneasianchic

Dollar Tree 25c Clearance Visuals Penny Finds 12/13/2025 @Ez-Couponing&Deals @Paola’s Pennie’s @KayyzKouponz @PennyLady Mandy @crowschatter #dollartree #dollartreefinds #dollartreehaul #clearance #clearancefinds

♬ original sound – Culture of Gen X

Be sure to check which items are actually on sale.

It’s exciting to get caught up in all the savings, but you’ll want to triple-check before heading to the register. In her video, @_katoa05 explains that even similar-looking items were not all ringing up for 25 cents.

She uses the example of five different Rice Krispies socks she found on the shelf, three of which rang up for a quarter at checkout, and two which were still priced at $1.50.

Things get even more confusing down the sock aisle, where a pair of identical fuzzy socks rings up at $0.25 and $1.50, with the only difference being their physical price tags. She pointed out that the pair of socks with a longer price tag appeared to be the one that rang up as the sale price, while the shorter of the two rang up full price.

But that’s not the only pricing difference some shoppers have noticed. One shopper posted a TikTok video in which she found some items for just a penny!

@jacattack30

PART 2 because the Dollar Tree 25¢ clearance was TOO GOOD Christmas goodies for literal pocket change. Run, don’t walk @Dollar Tree #dollartree #dollartreefinds #clearance #sale #trending

♬ original sound – Jaclyn |Mom•makeup•lifestyle|

RELATED: 3 Major New Five Below Shopping Changes Happening Now.

You can save yourself some time when you’re in the store.

Want an easier way to know when you’re saving? Fortunately, there’s an easy fix, and it just involves using your phone.

“Always the Dollar Tree app or in-store scanner to check prices,” @_katoa05 suggests.

And if you’re willing to put in a little legwork, it could end up paying off. “For me, personally, it’s been worth it to go to different Dollar Trees because I’ve been able to find items at one store that I didn’t find at the other,” they explain.

The post 25-Cent Clearance Event Starts Today at Dollar Tree With Lowest Prices of the Year appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 5 Best New Netflix Shows to Watch This December.

1. A Merry Little Ex-Mas

Most holiday movies tend to focus on couples falling in love amid the run-up to Christmas. But what about finding a reason to save an ending relationship? In this holiday rom-com, one woman (90s icon Alicia Silverstone) realizes in the middle of her amicable divorce from her husband (Oliver Hudson) that there might still be something worth fighting for in their marriage.

As the kind of little light-hearted content we all need to help unwind during the craziness of the holidays, I feel like it’s at least worth giving this cute (and relatively short at just 91 minutes) film a chance. Besides, with a supporting case that includes Melissa Joan Hart (more ’90s icons!) and Jameela Jamil, I suspect this has a stronger fighting chance than your typical Christmas rom-com fare.

2. Champagne Problems

Ever wondered what Emily in Paris might look like if it did a holiday arc? In this new film, a high-powered and career-obsessed American executive (Minka Kelly) sends herself to France to finalize the purchase of an iconic champagne house in the run-up to Christmas. But as you might expect from a seasonal rom-com, she soon realizes that one of the key players in her acquisition is—surprise!—a handsome and charming Frenchman (Tom Wozniczka). They soon find themselves swept up in their feelings and the spirit of the season.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a little wanderlust with your holiday content, this is a no-brainer pick for you. I’ve already noticed a bit of similarity in how people are enjoying this movie with last year’s Lindsay Lohan Ireland-set rom-com, Irish Wish, in that groups of friends are getting together and popping bottles of champagne while they watch this French fantasy (and also to laugh at some of the corny lines, but that’s also kind of the point with many of these movies).

RELATED: 6 Best New Holiday Baking Shows.

3. Jingle Bell Heist

The stress of the holiday season can sometimes be enough to push people into breaking bad. In this heist rom-com, an overworked retail employee (Olivia Holt) and an underappreciated security systems expert (Connor Swindells) plan a Christmastime robbery to get back at the cruel owner of a fancy London department store. But of course, things go beyond their planned caper when they begin to catch feelings for one another.

Even as a combination of formulas, I have to admit that this premise is at least a little original for the season! This could also be a good swap-in for Love, Actually or The Holiday if you’re looking for something festive that’s set in the U.K.

4. My Secret Santa

Anyone who’s a fan of the classic Mrs. Doubtfire might find something to love in this Christmas rom-com. It follows a woman (Alexandra Breckenridge) who develops an elaborate costume to land a job as a seasonal Santa at her local ski resort. However, once she’s landed the job, she begins to develop feelings for her boss—all while he has no idea about her double identity.

While the secret drag identity is absolutely not new to the romance genre, this looks a shade different enough to work, especially as a holiday vehicle. This low-stakes comedy could be just the thing you need to get out of that winter slump!

The post 4 Best New Netflix Christmas Movies to Stream This Week appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 7 Best New T.J. Maxx High-End Finds.

What’s the best time to shop at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls for deals?

Anyone who has spent time perusing the shelves at a discount store knows that the inventories change not only from day to day but even from hour to hour in many cases. So how do you get a leg up? Apparently, it just involves blocking off a little time on your calendar.

In a recent TikTok post, shopping influencer @.callmenavy points out that there’s a specific time each week when new products hit the shelves at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. Specifically, she suggests getting to the stores on Tuesday or Thursday mornings between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. to secure first dibs.

She walks around her local store to show roller shelves filled with new products. From the looks of it, hers included plenty of beauty products, bath products, and skincare supplies.

@.callmenavy

The best time to find all the good stuff You’re welcome! #tjmaxxshopping #marshallsshopping #shoppingvlog #fragrancetiktok #sahmsoftiktok

♬ original sound – naddy – naddy

And she’s not the only one who’s noticed this. Shopping influencer @Rossen.Reports shared the same intel during a recent video, claiming that managers secretly told him the best times to shop at T.J. Maxx were actually Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings.

“That’s when most stores at T.J. Maxx do all the restocking,” he explains. “So come in then [and] you get all the stuff before everyone picks it apart.”

He also suggests asking your local store exactly which days your deliveries arrive, since they can sometimes differ between locations.

@rossen.reports

TJ Maxx manager secrets — 3 tricks to SAVE!

♬ original sound – Rossen Reports

One shopper tested the theory out.

So, how sound is this coveted intel? TikToker @lovetrenna decided to put it to the test by driving to her local stores, starting with a run to Marshalls in New Jersey at 10:49 a.m. on a Tuesday. And while she notes the parking lot was full, she also found a ton of coveted items when she got inside.

“I fear it’s true,” she writes on her caption while sorting through Le Creuset cookware, a SMEG espresso machine, NARS makeup, Fenty beauty products, and more.

“Everything just feels really full…I think you guys were right,” she admits. “Without a shadow of a doubt, that’s where everyone goes!”

@lovetrenna

Weekdays better? @Marshalls #marshalls #tjmaxx #fyp

♬ original sound – Trenna Ann

RELATED: 10 Items You Should Never Buy at T.J. Maxx.

Commenters backed up the theory—but said there’s more to it.

As usual, other social media users jumped right into the comments section on the videos to give their thoughts.

“It’s true! I tested this theory a few months ago because I was looking for a certain bag, and literally they were stocking up on everything, found my bag, and had the whole store to myself!” one shopper confirmed.

However, multiple users claiming to be staff at both Marshalls and T.J. Maxx said that while this intel is true, it’s also often the case that trucks arrive with new products basically every weekday.

“It just depends on what gets loaded onto the truck,” one commenter claiming to be a former Marshalls distribution employee replied. “There is also a period of just great stuff coming in, it just depends on the buying team, that’s how they get you to keep coming in. And New Jersey gets all the good stuff for sure.”

The post The #1 Best Time to Score Deals at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, Insiders Reveal appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 4 Regions Most Likely to See Their First Snowfall in December.

1. The Pacific Coast and West

In recent years, the term “atmospheric river” has become more of a permanent fixture in news coverage. The West Coast, in particular, has suffered devastating flooding caused by powerful rainstorms that bring more precipitation in a few days than some areas will see all year.

According to researchers at Climate Signals, this has to do with rising temperatures, as warmer air can carry more moisture. Coupled with Arctic warming that shifts the jet stream and changes weather patterns, more intense winter storms in the form of torrential rains appear to be becoming more common during the most recent decades.

A recent study conducted by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) looked into the rise of more extreme storms across the Pacific Coast and the American West. Using models and simulations to compare recent historical and future winters, they found that the top 20 percent of heavy storms by precipitation would see around a 40 percent increase in their output.

Ultimately, they expect storms to become wetter and affect wider areas, but will also bring more concentrated precipitation within the storm’s center.

Fortunately, these results are not set in stone: The team did clarify that their simulations used a “high-emissions scenario” in which global warming continues at its current pace. They suggest that investing in flood mitigation and improved infrastructure could help soften the blow, as well as improve forecasting and detection methods.

2. The Northeast

While some research indicates that the most sensitive regions of the Northeast may be experiencing shorter winters, the storms that occur during the season still appear to be worsening.

In a 2018 study published in the journal Nature Communications, a team of researchers looked at data from the Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI) collected at weather stations nationwide. The index looks at sharp cold spells, major snow events, lingering snow cover, and more to quantify brutal winter conditions.

Results showed that since 1990, the Northeast has seen more frequent heavy snowfall events than before. This is especially true in mid to late winter, when results showed that Arctic warming allowed for colder air to move further south into the U.S. (which also happens to be creating the current polar vortex).

RELATED: 4 U.S. Regions Most Likely to Have a Record-Cold December.

3. The Mid-Atlantic

It wasn’t just the Northeast that was seeing a worse side of winter: The same study also found that a “strong relationship between a warmer Arctic and increased frequency of severe winter weather is apparent for all [weather] stations east of the Rockies, with the strongest association in the eastern third of the U.S.,” the research team wrote.

In this case, the study did mention that the region wasn’t quite as likely to get covered in snow as their neighbors to the north. Instead, the area was more prone to more frequent cold spells with some increase in snowfall during Arctic warming events.

Other scientists posit different explanations for the change. In a 2016 report from the National Weather Service (NWS), scientists explain that El Niño conditions typically bring much snowier conditions to the Mid-Atlantic (including the infamous “Snowmaggedon” blizzard that hit Washington, D.C., in 2010).

But as ocean surface temperatures continue to steadily increase, the likelihood for such weather-altering conditions can also be expected to rise.

4. The Upper Midwest

It might be hard to notice in a region that is no stranger to harsh weather, but the Nature Communications study also found that the northern central U.S. was also seeing more extreme winter storms. Specifically, the researchers found that Arctic warming events corresponded highly with AWSSI. In this case, both bitterly cold temperatures and heavy snowfall were found.

The post 4 U.S. Regions Where Winter Storms Are Becoming More Extreme appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 8 Amazing Things You Can See in the Night Sky Without a Telescope.

When is the Geminid meteor shower in 2025?

The Geminids officially kicked off back on Dec. 4, but things are about to get a lot more exciting. The meteor shower will soon reach its peak on the evening of Dec. 13 into the morning hours of Dec. 14, according to Space.com.

Fortunately, unlike some other showers, you won’t have to stay up too late to catch a decent show. That’s because the shower’s “radiant” point—or the area of the sky where most of the meteors appear to originate—will already be above the horizon as early as 9 p.m.

However, viewing conditions will continue to improve as the radiant rises higher in the sky, reaching an overhead point around 2 a.m. local time. Still, by about midnight, viewers could see anywhere from 120 to 150 meteors per hour, Space.com reports.

And since the moon will be in a waning crescent phase of just 27 percent illumination on the night of the Geminids, and won’t even begin to rise until 2 a.m., there will be very little light pollution to dim the main event.

The “Gems” are known to put on a memorable show.

It’s a bit of cruel irony given the weather, but astronomers have long touted the Geminids (also known as “the Gems” among experts) as nothing short of a must-see event. In fact, NASA calls them “one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers.”

The Geminids are also unique based on where they come from. Unlike many other meteor showers that originate from the debris left behind by passing comets, the “Gems” are created by the trail of dust and rocks from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon that orbits the sun once every 1.4 years, per NASA.

Because these particles are also denser than typical cometary meteorite material, they can appear differently when they streak across the sky. They typically take longer to burn up in the atmosphere, meaning they tend to create longer trails, especially earlier in the evening, before they move higher in the sky.

Most appear yellow or white in color, but they can also look orange, blue, red, and green, per Space.com.

RELATED: 4 U.S. Regions Where Winters Are Getting Shorter the Fastest.

Here are some other helpful stargazing tips.

As with any meteor shower, your best chance of catching a good show is to get out away from cities or towns where light pollution can spoil the sights. Ideally, wherever you choose to watch will also have a decent view of as much of the sky as possible, without trees, buildings, or mountains blocking much of the horizon, according to Space.com.

But of course, the most important thing to remember is that you’re setting out to watch a meteor shower in mid-December. It’s absolutely essential to dress warmly and bring along heavy blankets, a sleeping bag, or even a battery-powered heating pad to stay comfortable.

Once you arrive, remember you’ll need 20 minutes or so for your eyes to adjust to the lighting conditions, so try to avoid looking at your phone while you wait.

Hopefully, local weather conditions will cooperate, and cloud coverage or rain won’t spoil the best night of the year for meteor watching. But if you somehow miss the evening of the 13th, you still might be able to catch some of the lingering Geminids on the evening of Dec. 14 to Dec. 15. While there will only be roughly a quarter as many meteors, the debris that hits the Earth’s atmosphere after the peak tends to be much larger, making them much brighter, according to Space.com.

The post See 150 Shooting Stars Per Hour With This Weekend’s Geminid Meteor Shower appeared first on Best Life.

The company is a rare bright spot in a sector where even many of the most prominent players are closing stores and pivoting to retain business. But the latest upswing for Five Below comes as the retailer makes some significant changes to its shopping experience that you might notice during your next visit.

RELATED: Dollar General Is Opening 450 New Stores—Everything We Know So Far.

1. The store is focusing on younger customers.

Ever since a new CEO took over the retailer last year, Five Below has begun a bold new focus on a different set of clientele. Top brass now say they are paying attention to what younger shoppers are buying and focusing on bringing in products that appeal to Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha customers, per The Wall Street Journal.

It’s also not just about appealing to these shoppers with what’s on the shelf. Leadership has also focused on more conscientious pricing, which includes both providing plenty of items in its well-established bargain territory and finding pricier items that are still a great buy.

“Value is not just about $5 and below, but ensuring we pack value into $7, $10, and $15+ items,” Five Below CEO Winnie Park told The Wall Street Journal.

2. They’re adding more “small luxuries at low price points.”

It’s no secret that major retailers (including Target) have seen customers begin to pull back on spending in the face of increasing inflation and other economic woes. But while Five Below may not have the wide breadth of products that competitors like Walmart can rest on, they are realizing that people are still allowing themselves at least some kind of discretionary spending for treats.

So, what’s the secret? Five Below’s focus on “small luxuries” that fit within shoppers’ budgets appears to be working in an economy where larger ticket items may no longer be feasible, Market Beat reports. In many cases, a smaller price tag on a non-essential item can help customers justify the “splurge” at the cash register.

Part of this can be seen on social media, where eager shoppers search Five Below and other bargain stores for “dupes” of high-end products that cost a fraction of the name-brand. Everything from beauty products to fashion items is fair game, including one influencer who recently touted a $15 lookalike of a Hermés Birkin handbag at the store—making it roughly 0.11 percent of the cost of the luxury product.

RELATED: 4 Costco Shopping Changes Happening This Month.

3. More stores are opening soon.

With things looking up, Five Below is also expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint. In October, the company said it planned to open eight more stores, according to Retail Dive. The new locations will all be across Washington and Oregon, marking the retailer’s first-ever push into the Pacific Northwest.

The move comes on the heels of the company opening 32 stores in the previous quarter.

“In terms of new stores, we’ve been really pleased with the openings this year,” Park told analysts on a recent earnings call. “And we certainly have a lot of white space. We believe there’s still more white space in the market, especially as we enter new markets later this year, like the Pacific Northwest.”

The post 3 Major New Five Below Shopping Changes Happening Now appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 5 Costco Dupes Starbucks Doesn’t Want You to Know About.

Starbucks is giving away its most recent viral piece of swag.

If you were on social media at all in early November, there’s a good chance you saw someone gushing over the Starbucks Bearista glass cups that were released in stores.

The admittedly adorable swag (which is in the shape of a honey-bottle-like bear with a green cap and a straw) saw explosive popularity, with most locations selling out within minutes of releasing them, per Parade. But after weeks of teasing fans with another drop of the coveted cup.

On Dec. 8, the coffee chain announced it was launching its Starbucks for Life Merrython game for customers. The simple sweepstakes allows devoted fans to vie for free drinks, food, gift cards, extra stars, and even free coffee for life. But what has fans the most excited is that participants could also score a Bearista cup of their own.

How can you win a Starbucks Bearista cup?

From now until Jan. 4, 2026, Starbucks says it will be giving away 600 of the viral vessels each day at random. But if you’re hoping to score your own, you’ll have to put in a little bit of legwork for the chance.

First, you’ll need to create a Starbucks Rewards account for yourself if you haven’t already. Then, sign yourself up for the Starbucks for Life Merrython via the company’s website or app.

Through the rest of the contest, you’ll be allowed to complete a “Prize Play” each Monday that gives you the chance to win goodies instantly—including the Bearista cup.

But if you’re really gunning to win, you can increase your odds by completing separate weekly challenges along the way, which the website lists as tasks such as sending a $10 Starbucks gift card to someone, trying a new protein beverage from the chain’s menu, or treating yourself to one of the chain’s popular seasonal drinks or snacks.

You can earn up to two “Prize Plays” each time you complete a task, but if you’re super eager to win, make sure to stay on top of the “Ways to Play” tab on the competition website.

RELATED: Customers Slam Starbucks’ Store Changes: “Just Fast Food, Zero Culture.”

Starbucks also released its new menu for next season.

And that’s not the only big news rolling out of Starbucks this month. The chain has also released a preview of its upcoming winter 2026 menu, featuring a few new releases and a few returning beloved fan favorites.

In a press release from Dec. 1, the company announced a selection of items that will hit stores on Jan. 6, 2026. This includes the brand new Caramel Protein Matcha and Caramel Protein Latte beverages, which make use of the chain’s recently released protein-fortified milks.

Starbucks is also getting back in customers’ good graces by bringing back pistachio-flavored products for the season. This includes the fan-favorite Pistachio Latte and Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, as well as a brand new Pistachio Cortado.

And speaking of viral trends, the cafe is also adding a new Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha and Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha to the menu, which it says were “inspired by the viral customer creations” on social media.

You’ll also have some new treats to look forward to on the food side of the menu, too. The brand new Truffle, Mushroom, & Brie Egg Bites will be added to the breakfast menu starting Jan. 6.

Customers will also be able to enjoy a refresh of the beloved Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich with an upgrade to Cherrywood-smoked bacon and a “more flavorful sharp white cheddar” as ingredients.

And don’t worry, sweet tooths: The chain is also reviving its popular Valentine Cake Pop from previous winter menus.

The post Starbucks Announces Bearista Cup Giveaway and New 2026 Menu appeared first on Best Life.

Similar to last week’s record-cold recordings, the latest round of freezing temperatures is the result of a weather effect known as sudden stratospheric warming. When the typically strong winds in the Earth’s upper atmosphere suddenly warm and weaken, they lose their ability to keep the frigid air that sits atop the Arctic in place, allowing it to spill south into the inhabited parts of Canada and the U.S. In fact, you may have noticed that this shift has been affecting the weather for weeks now.

“The polar vortex has been in a weakened and stretched state since late November,” Paul Pastelok, lead long-range meteorologist for AccuWeather, said in a recent update. “We are seeing the result as Arctic air pushes southward across the central and eastern U.S. in recent days and may continue to do so for the next couple of weeks or so in waves.”

With the upcoming blasts stretching even further, which places will be affected? Here’s what the forecast has to say about the latest polar vortex hitting the U.S.

RELATED: The #1 Sign Your Region Is About to Get Its First Hard Freeze.

1. The Plains

While it’s already very cold in the Plains, the north-central U.S. will see the first of the most recent influx of Arctic air. Beginning on Dec. 10, eastern Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and even most of Oklahoma will see temperatures plunge, according to AccuWeather.

2. The Midwest

The same rush of cold air will also start sweeping into the Midwest later on Dec. 10, with states like Minnesota and Iowa squarely in line for some early frigid temperatures.

By the following day, the air mass is expected to continue its push east and hit the remaining states in the Great Lakes and beyond, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.

Over the weekend, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago issued a warning in its six-to-10-day temperature outlook, posted on X. The agency warned that “highs may drop toward the single digits and teens, and lows may drop towards zero,” adding that “below zero wind chills are possible, especially during the overnight hours.”

3. The Northeast

The NWS’s warning extends into the northern corner of the U.S., with the next wave of Arctic air hitting the region beginning on Saturday. All of New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey will see temperatures drop dangerously low.

RELATED: 4 Regions Most Likely to See Their First Snowfall in December.

4. The Mid-Atlantic and interior

The Arctic air mass will also push farther south into the weekend. This means that as of Saturday, states like Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky will begin feeling the mercury drop significantly.

5. The Southeast

In what is arguably the most surprising development, frigid temperatures will also descend upon the typically warmer southern states late Friday into Saturday. This will bring chilly temperatures to Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama.

And that’s not all: In his forecast, Pastelok warned that “there is a chance for a frost or freeze…as far south as central Florida.” The forecast says temperatures could dip into the teens and even feel like 10 to 20 degrees colder in windy conditions.

The post 5 Regions Most at Risk From This Week’s Polar Vortex appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 10 “Spot-On” Luxury Perfume Dupes You Can Find at Bath & Body Works.

Bath & Body Works announced the new Zodiac Collection in a recent press release, noting that it includes 12 fine fragrance mists, each inspired by its corresponding zodiac sign. “From bold Aries to empathetic Pisces, these scents make gifting feel thoughtful and personal,” they say.

However, in a viral TikTok video, fragrance influencer @paulreactss uncovers that all of these products are actually discontinued scents that Bath & Body Works has brought back under a new name.

Each fragrance mist is $17.95, or buy-three-get-one-free. Here is the signature scent for each star sign:

RELATED: 4 Best New Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Finds.

Aries—Bold and unstoppable: vanilla bourbon, creamy sandalwood, rich musk

Paul says that Aries’ scent is a repackaged Bonfire Bash, which “has been discontinued for years.” He describes it as a “rich, sweet vanilla that’s really musky.”

Taurus—Grounded luxury: sun-kissed bergamot, golden pear, sheer woods 

The Taurus fragrance is a reintroduction of a lesser-known scent called Golden Hour Coast, which Paul says is “very fresh, light, airy.”

Gemini—Bright and playful: sunny citrus, white peach, blonde woods 

Paul says you get a lot of citrus notes from the Wrapped in Sunshine fine fragrance mist.

Cancer—Nurturing calm: rain-kissed palms, dragon fruit, silver breeze 

“Oh wow, that’s really tropical, it’s really sweet, it’s really juicy,” Paul shares of this scent.

RELATED: 4 New Luxury Perfume Dupes at Bath & Body Works for $271 Cheaper.

Leo—Magnetic glamour: gilded berries, golden petals, musk 

“It’s like a musky, sweet berry,” Paul says of Everlasting Magic, which was originally part of Bath & Body Works’ Halloween collection.

Virgo—Elegant precision: suede petals, soft sandalwood, vanilla bean

Virgo’s scent is actually Fresh Vanilla Blossom, which Paul says reminds him of Goddess by Burberry.

Libra—Sweet harmony: strawberry sugar, marshmallow fluff, crisp air 

Paul says Pinkberry Clouds is one of his “OG favorite Bath & Body Works scents.” He gushes, “Oh my god… it literally smells identical to, like, a pink, fluffy, sweet marshmallow.”

Scorpio—Intense allure: wild berry, sparkling mandarin, cypress woods

Paul says he’s “shocked” that Bath & Body Works brought back this uber-popular scent. “It’s the perfect woodsy, slightly sweet, powdery scent,” he describes.

RELATED: 7 Best Bath & Body Works New Arrivals This December.

Sagittarius—Adventurous spirit: sweet raspberry, purple plum, cashmere 

Prismatic Stars was only discontinued a few years ago, Paul says, describing the scent as sweet and fruity.

Capricorn—Timeless sophistication: rose petals, cocoa flower, whipped foam 

Paul says this is one of the few rose fragrances that he likes, noting it’s “so luxurious.”

Aquarius—Free-spirited freshness: fresh rainfall, sunlit pear, blonde woods 

According to Paul, the Emerald Mist scent is a dupe for God Is a Woman by Ariana Grande.

Pisces—Dreamy escape: frosted bergamot, sweet berries, lavender breeze 

“Smells like pine trees and lemon,” shares Paul after testing this fragrance mist.

@paulreactss

@Paul | Fragrance Influencer trying the zodiac collection from bath and body works #bathandbodyworks #bathandbodyworks_partner #bathandbodyworkshaul #zodiacsigns #astrology

♬ original sound – Paul | Fragrance Influencer

The post 12 Discontinued Bath & Body Works Scents Just Returned to Shelves appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 5 Self-Checkout Mistakes That Are Costing You Big, Experts Warn.

1. The company is targeting specific areas.

With roughly 21,000 locations across the U.S., there’s a decent chance you already have a Dollar General location (or one of its sister brands such as DGX, DG Market, or pOpshelf) in your area. But in a recent call, the company’s top brass said it was focusing its latest wave of store openings in sparsely populated areas around the country, Retail Touch Points reports.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we are uniquely positioned to serve an underserved customer in rural America, where approximately 80 percent of our current store base serves towns of 20,000 or fewer people,” Todd Vasos, CEO and director of Dollar General, said during a call discussing the company’s most recent quarterly financial results on Dec. 4.

Despite citing the types of areas they were targeting, the company didn’t specify exactly where new locations would be opening. However, they did say they planned to have all 450 of the new stores up and running by January 2027.

2. The stores could look different.

Even if you’re not getting a brand new store, you might notice some changes around your local Dollar General over the course of this year. During its expansion announcement, the company said it would also renovate and remodel 4,250 locations across the U.S. as part of its ongoing Project Renovate initiative, per Retail Touch Points. The company will also relocate 20 of its existing stores as part of the plan.

The move will bring the existing locations in line with the new planned layouts and offerings of the incoming wave of new locations. This will include more spacious store setups, with Vasos explaining on the call that “these larger footprint stores provide additional opportunities to serve our customers, including expanded cooler offerings and more health and beauty products,” per Yahoo Finance.

Beyond that, Vasos said the company also hopes to bring fresh produce to 200 more locations nationwide as part of the changes. This builds on the roughly 7,000 stores that already sell fresh fruit and vegetables.

RELATED: 4 New Target Shopping Changes Coming to Stores This Month.

3. They’re attracting new customers.

With so much on the shelves, it’s not hard to see why there’s more than one type of Dollar General shopper. However, research suggests that the bargain store might also be raking in more wealthy shoppers than before.

According to Seeking Alpha, Dollar General’s focus on rural areas has also come at a time when higher-paid remote employees are moving out of cities to take advantage of their work arrangement.

“These consumers include higher-income residents with remote jobs who don’t have anywhere else to shop. And this might help explain why Dollar General was still able to report strong results in the third quarter,” they write.

And it might not just be speculative: During the Dec. 4 call, Vasos revealed the company had not noticed this shift, too.

“We’re pleased to see growth once again in our total customer count, with disproportionate growth coming from higher-income households,” he told investors. “We remain focused on executing our proven playbook to retain a substantial portion of these customers, and with our unique combination of value and convenience, we believe we are well-positioned to increase market share with customers across all income brackets.”

The post Dollar General Is Opening 450 New Stores—Everything We Know So Far appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 10 Airport Layover Hacks You Need to Know.

In a recent international analysis conducted by Sail Croatia, information was collected on a variety of airport pain points. Categories included the overall percentage of flights that get delayed, passenger density, and the number of travelers who search for information on lost bags online. They then calculated each and awarded a final score out of 100, with higher numbers indicating a worse travel experience.

While you may not always have a choice of which hubs you’re flying in or out of, it can sometimes help to know which are more problematic so you can prepare yourself before you fly. Here are the U.S. airports that were ranked among the worst in the world in a new study.

4. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Most travelers consider their time in the Las Vegas airport among the tamer parts of their trip (even though there are plenty of slot machines ready for anyone waiting to board). But according to the study, flying through Sin City’s Harry Reid International Airport can be worse than bad roll at the craps table.

Analysis found that despite a relatively low percentage of delayed flights at 21.6 percent, it still had very crowded terminals with 5.16 million passengers per square kilometer annually. There were also 1,400 searches for help with bags, overall landing LAS with a score of 34.90.

3. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

West Coast-based travelers know SeaTac can be a busy place, but now data confirms it. The Seattle airport ranks very closely to LAS across the board, with 20.98 percent of flights delayed and 5.16 million passengers per square kilometer.

However, the Washington State hub saw double the number of lost baggage searches online, with 2,800 queries. This landed the airport with an overall score of 36.

RELATED: The #1 Reason Turbulence on Flights Will Keep Getting Worse.

2. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

As the “third” airport serving the New York City area, Newark Liberty faces its fair share of challenges, including weather-related delays. In fact, data from the Sail Croatia study found that 28.9 percent of flights from the hub didn’t take off on time.

It’s also dreadfully crowded, coming in third on the list for passenger density with 5.95 million per square kilometer. Combined with 1,400 annual lost-bag searches, it scored 39.6 overall.

1. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

It might not come as a surprise that the busiest airport in the world—carrying a whopping 108 million passengers per year—runs into operational problems. In fact, the Atlanta hub ranked second in the world on the list, thanks to its especially crowded terminals and about 21 percent of its flights getting delayed.

But it’s the lost luggage that really sends this massive transit hub over the top. The airport sees close to 36,000 annual lost bag queries, which is roughly seven times higher than the next-worst offender on the list. All in all, ATL was served with a score of 51.24.

The post 4 U.S. Airports Were Just Ranked Among the Worst in the World appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: USPS Is Hiking Mail Prices This Fall—Here’s What It’ll Cost You.

“Although Mailing Services price increases are based on the consumer price index, Shipping Services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions,” the USPS wrote in a Nov. 14 press release announcing the hike. “The governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the organization with needed revenue.”

The USPS also pointed out that it was not planning on changing any pricing for its mailing services, as the federal entity announced earlier this year. That means you shouldn’t expect to pay more for a First-Class stamp. And while it may seem like bad timing for consumers, the organization also pointed out that the move to charge more was justified.

“As part of the Postal Service’s network modernization and transformation plan, these proposed changes will support creation of a revitalized organization capable of achieving its public service mission—providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week—in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress has intended,” they wrote in the press release.

So, what can you expect the next time you visit the post office? Read on to see how much more you’ll be paying when the new rules go into effect.

RELATED: 3 USPS Mail Changes Happening Now—And How They’ll Affect You.

1. Priority Mail

Thanks to its relative affordability, this tier can help get packages weighing 70 pounds or less to their destination in 2 to 3 days for a flat rate, no matter where they’re going. But when new pricing goes into effect on Jan. 18, 2026, you’ll pay 6.6 percent more for the service

2. Priority Mail Express

Customers who need to get their packages to their destinations in a rush typically opt for Priority Mail Express, which pushes up the delivery window to 1 to 3 days. Still, it offers a flat rate to send packages up to 70 pounds to any state. However, the USPS says pricing (which starts at $32.50) will increase by 5.1 percent in January.

3. Ground Advantage

Thanks to its lower rates for slower delivery times, Ground Advantage tends to be a popular option for anyone sending off a large number of packages (especially businesses). But starting Jan. 18, the price of this service will increase by 7.8 percent.

4. Parcel Select

This service may largely have been replaced by the advent of Ground Advantage, but large volume shippers (such as businesses) still have the option to use the 2 to 8 day shipping option. Next month, it will increase in cost by 6 percent.

The post 4 USPS Mail Price Increases Happening Next Month appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 4 Regions Most Likely to See Their First Snowfall in December.

The brutally chilly conditions are the result of a freezing air mass moving down across the border from the Canadian Arctic, The Washington Post reports. The sudden shift comes thanks to a weather effect ironically known as sudden stratospheric warming, which occurs when very high altitude winds in the Earth’s atmosphere suddenly increase in temperature and weaken. This change creates a disturbance in the polar vortex near our planet’s pole, bringing warmer-than-average temperatures to far north latitudes while frigid air pushes into the south to fill the gap.

As a result, some areas are expected to break some low-maximum and low-minimum temperatures this week—including many that were set way back in the 1800s. Read on to see which regions can expect these record-cold temperatures over the next few days.

1. West North Central (Western Midwest)

The central U.S., just west of the Mississippi, could be in for a brutally cold start to December. According to forecasts, Kansas City, Missouri, could have a low-minimum forecast of 5 degrees Fahrenheit on Dec. 4. If temperatures dip that low, it would break the record of 6 degrees set in 1898.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Jefferson City could scrape a 1991 record set at 27 degrees with a frigid forecast of 28 degrees, The Post reports.

Iowa is also likely to be frigid on Dec. 4, with Waterloo potentially breaking a 1991 low-maximum record of 11 degrees with a forecast of 9 degrees. Other ties or near breaks of low-maximum temperatures across the state that day include 11 degrees in Cedar Rapids (matching a 1991 low); 14 degrees in Des Moines (barely missing a 13-degree record set in 1886); and Burlington, which could tie a 1991 record at 15 degrees, per The Post.

2. East North Central (Eastern Midwest)

After an already frigid start to the season, states surrounding the Great Lakes are in for what could be a historically cold week.

Forecasts show Wisconsin could break bitterly frigid records on Dec. 4 in places like Wausau where it could his 10 degrees (breaking a low-maximum record of 12 degrees set in 1991); Green Bay, breaking a 1976 record by 4 degrees with a forecast of 11 degrees; and Milwaukee, squeaking out a potential record-breaking 16-degree low-maximum temperature for the day, The Post reports.

Illinois will also see bitterly cold temperatures descend across the state, starting on Dec. 4 with cities like Quincy (2 degrees), Moline (15 degrees), Springfield (17 degrees), and Carbondale (30 degrees).

On Dec. 5, Chicago is forecasted to hit 0 degrees Fahrenheit, besting a low-minimum record set in 2005, while Springdale could break a low-minimum record set in 1895 when it hits 1 degree.

Low-maximum records could also break across Michigan as the mercury tumbles on Dec. 4 and 5. A low maximum of 21 degrees in Kalamazoo could match a 1929 record, while it could beat a low minimum the following day at just 4 degrees.

Detroit will potentially match a low-maximum record set in 1895 on Dec. 4 with a forecast high of 23 degrees, while barely missing a 1926 record the following day at 24 degrees. Flint could nearly match a low-minimum record on Dec. 5 with a 7-degree forecast, while Holland could see temperatures dip to 13 degrees.

Other cities, including Grand Rapids, Houghton Lake, Saginaw, and Battle Creek are all expected to barely match or beat previous records, too, per The Post.

Farther east, South Bend, Indiana, could nearly match a low-minimum record set in 1899 with 8 degrees on Dec. 5. And in Ohio, cities like Youngstown and Wilmington are forecasted to nearly reach or beat their 1991 records with single-digit weather.

RELATED: The #1 Sign Your Region Is About to Get Its First Hard Freeze.

3. Mid-Atlantic

The southern part of the Northeast is going to get especially chilly in the coming days. Pennsylvania will see places like Williamsport hit a low minimum of 9 degrees on Dec. 5, while Pittsburgh sinks to 10 degrees (potentially besting a 1976 record by 2 degrees), according to The Post. Allentown will dip to 11 degrees that day.

Philadelphia will also see an extended block of cold, starting with a potentially record-low 19-degree minimum on Dec. 5 before matching a low maximum of 33 degrees on Dec. 8.

Closer to the coast, New York City is in for a cold blast of its own. Low minimums on Dec. 5 at JFK and LaGuardia Airports will dip to 21 degrees, matching a record set in 1942. Meanwhile, further south, Baltimore is expected to beat a low minimum record set in 2002 with a forecast of 22 degrees.

West Virginia is also expecting a cold blast on Dec. 5, with places like Wheeling hitting a low minimum of 11 degrees (beating a 1944 record), Morgantown dipping to 12 degrees, and Parkersburg dropping to 15 degrees, per The Post.

4. New England

The top right corner of the U.S. is no stranger to bitterly cold winters, but the next week could still come as a bit of a shock. On Dec. 5, Manchester, New Hampshire, could nearly match a low minimum record set in 1886 by dropping to 4 degrees.

Meanwhile, Portland, Maine, could break a 1989 low minimum record if the mercury sinks to 5 degrees as expected. And Bridgeport, Connecticut, could dip as low as 16 degrees and break a low minimum record set in 1989.

The post 4 Regions Expecting Record-Freezing Temperatures This Week appeared first on Best Life.

Whether you’re excited to take your first walk through a winter wilderness or you’re already anxious about the sound of plows running through your neighborhood, get ready for conditions to change. Here are the regions across the U.S. most likely to see their first snowfall in December, according to historical averages and meteorological data.

RELATED: The #1 Sign Your Region Is About to Get Its First Hard Freeze.

1. The Mid-Atlantic and Lower Northeast

While parts of the Northeast may have been getting dustings since the beginning of autumn, its lowermost locales and the region just below are likely to get their first taste of the white stuff.

According to the Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC), December marks the first average measurable snowfall for places like Bridgeport, Connecticut; Allentown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York City and Long Island in New York; Newark and Atlantic City, New Jersey; Wilmington, Delaware; Baltimore, Maryland; Dulles Airport in Virginia; and Washington, D.C.

Many major cities in the region also see the beginnings of significant accumulation before January. Providence, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Charleston, West Virginia all typically get their first inch of snow before the middle of December. Meanwhile, the areas around New York City tend to see their first inch of snow closer to the New Year.

2. The Central Appalachians

Moving just barely due southwest, part of the central interior is also slated to see its first white stuff of the season this month. While some of the higher altitude areas in the region have likely already seen some snowfall, the lower-lying areas surrounding the eastern mountain chain could soon get some flakes.

Places like southwestern Virginia, western North Carolina, southern West Virginia, and northeastern and central Tennessee are historically likely to get their first snowfall before January, according to historical averages reported by the Weather Channel. Practically all of Kentucky is included in this zone, too.

RELATED: 4 U.S. Regions Where Winters Are Getting Shorter the Fastest.

3. The Lower Plains States and Ozarks

Pushing further west, there’s a small band across states that could see their first snowfall of the winter in the coming weeks. Southern Missouri is one area where flakes could start falling, while northern Arkansas could also be getting its first look at winter weather. Central and northeastern Oklahoma and a small corner of southeastern Kansas also typically get their first snowfall this time of year, per the Weather Channel.

4. The West

The high elevation of the Rocky Mountains and some of the surrounding states tends to produce snow on the much earlier side (including some places that see flakes as early as September). But this month, places like southern New Mexico, central Arizona, and southern Nevada could get their first snowfall.

The interior of the Pacific Coast is another notable locale, with low-lying areas in Oregon and Washington just off the coast getting their first flakes. Inland northern and central California also tend to see flakes for the first time of the season before January, especially in the foothills of major mountain chains that likely already have plenty of snow.

The post 4 Regions Most Likely to See Their First Snowfall in December appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: The Secret Way to Always Get Overhead Bin Space on a Flight, According to Travel Pros.

1. Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

The Windy City may not be a literal nickname (fun fact: it actually came from locals bragging so much about their hometown), but it can sure feel that way during the winter months. Data has shown that Chicago has seen more delays due to weather conditions over the past 10 years, with an annual average of over 26,000, per The Weather Channel.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Chicago receives more snow than any of its counterparts in the Northeast, with an average of 28 days per year that see flakes falling. Windy conditions and frequent fog also factor into schedule issues. Overall, Chicago saw 30.8 percent of its holiday-season delays caused by weather from 2019 through 2024, according to a study by Upgraded Points.

2. Newark Liberty (EWR)

Already facing many of its own scheduling issues due to an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers, EWR is also susceptible to weather-related delays during the colder months. According to the Upgraded Points study, it ranked second in the nation for weather-related flight delays during the holidays, with 42.1 percent of all schedule interruptions related to unfavorable conditions.

Overall, the airport (which also serves as New York City’s “third hub”) also saw the third most weather delays overall during the last decade, per The Weather Channel. It also saw the highest percent of time delayed due to weather year-round, with 62.85 percent of interruptions caused by the elements.

3. New York LaGuardia (LGA)

Similar to Newark Liberty, this other New York City-area airport also suffers from its fair share of weather-related delays in the winter. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), LGA typically sees the bulk of its weather-related delays during the winter: In fact, it was ranked highest in the country in 2022 with more than 30,000 “significant delays” when combined with EWR.

Typically, snowstorms are the most frequently cited reason for weather-related delays at LGA, according to The Weather Channel. It ranked third highest nationwide for weather-related delays with 54.7 percent over the past decade. During the holiday months specifically, it saw 38.3 percent of its delayed flights during the holiday season caused by weather, per the Upgraded Points study.

RELATED: The #1 Reason Turbulence on Flights Will Keep Getting Worse.

4. Seattle–Tacoma (SEA)

Seattle may not be known for its pristine weather, but even with less annual snowfall, it still sees its fair share of winter travel delays. According to Upgraded Points, it ranked fourth nationally with 38.1 percent of its holiday season flight delays caused by inclement weather. Typically, this is related more to rain and fog during the earlier months.

5. Boston Logan (BOS)

Travelers flying through New England have likely dealt with delays in Boston during the winter. The Northeast hub saw 31.3 percent of its holiday season flight delays caused by weather, per Upgraded Points.

Not surprisingly, the city is at a higher risk for more severe seasonal weather due to its geography. There’s a roughly 50 percent chance that BOS will see 10 inches or more of snowfall from one storm at least once every winter, per The Weather Channel. It’s also among the windiest airports in the U.S.

The post 5 U.S. Airports Most Likely to Face Major Delays During a Winter Storm This Year appeared first on Best Life.

Statistical evidence and historical data now point to an abbreviated cold season in certain places—including some that are anything but balmy at other times of the year. In a recent analysis, researchers found that 98 percent of 240 locations considered across the U.S. have seen their longest cold streaks shorten (which is defined as at least two consecutive days in December through February where average temperatures are below the winter averages recorded between 1991-2020) since 1970, according to Climate Central.

And in a separate study, it was found that 91 percent of 231 surveyed locations saw an average decrease of 15 nights per year where temperatures dropped below freezing since 1970.

While this shows there has been a change nationwide, some areas are seeing conditions change even more rapidly. Here are the U.S. regions where winters are getting shorter the fastest, according to data.

RELATED: 3 Regions Where Winter Will Arrive Earlier Than Usual This Year.

1. The Great Lakes & Midwest

The winters that tend to hit the northern central states have become the stuff of legend, with some frigid conditions kicking off well before autumn has finished. But lately, researchers have noticed a troubling trend in seasonal change.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Great Lakes region is already showing signs of a rapidly shortening winter. In a study published last January, scientists used data from buoys across Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior to record both air temperatures and subsurface water temperatures. Results showed that winter conditions decreased by an average of about 14 days since 1995, accompanied by a visible reduction in ice cover on the freshwater bodies in recent years.

The researchers warned that these changes could have effects on local ecosystems, especially in and around the water. However, it could also impact weather regionally, as heavier lake effect snow is generated when colder air moves over an unfrozen lake surface, per NOAA.

2. Mountain West

The states surrounding the Rockies can typically see winters start well ahead of some other areas, especially at higher elevations. But that snowy season seems to be on the downswing, according to recent data.

In a December 2024 study published by Climate Central, researchers analyzed temperature data from 2014 to 2023 and identified any changes. They found that the average number of below-freezing days had dropped in every state in the region, with Idaho and Colorado each losing 4 days, Montana dropping 3, and Wyoming losing two.

While the higher altitudes in the states typically keep them cooler, they’re not at all immune to the changes. “ It’s not like places like Wyoming aren’t warming as well,” Kristina Dahl, the vice president of science at Climate Central, told Wyoming Public Radio. “It’s just that they’re still below that threshold.”

RELATED: 4 Regions That Will Be Unusually Windy This November and December.

3. The Southwest (and parts of the South)

The area just below the Mountain West region also saw significant changes according to the same Climate Central study. Results showed that Arizona lost a shocking 11 days over the course of the decade. It was followed by New Mexico with nine fewer sub-32-degree days, Nevada with eight fewer, and Utah with six fewer.

The region also saw the most drastic drops when it came to a reduction in freezing nights. Reno, Nevada, saw the most staggering drop with 89 fewer nights below 32 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1970s. Meanwhile, Albuquerque, New Mexico, saw 44 fewer freezing nights, while El Paso, Texas, recorded a drop of 41 overall.

4. The Northeast

Even though the picturesque winter landscapes of Upstate New York and northern New England are synonymous with the region, a new reality appears to be settling in. In a study published in the Ecological Society of America journal Ecological Applications in July 2019, researchers from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) analyzed climate data from the previous century from weather stations across the Northern Forests.

The team found that there was a drop in both frost days (which are when temperatures quickly dip below freezing) and ice days (when temperatures stay below freezing) over the period. It also noted that winter conditions appeared to be starting later and ending earlier in the region.

“Winter conditions are changing more rapidly than any other season, and it could have serious implications,” Alexandra Contosta, research assistant professor at UNH’s Earth Systems Research Center and one of the study’s authors, said in a press release. “Whether precipitation falls as snow or rain makes a big difference, whether you’re talking about a forest stream, a snowshoe hare, or even a skier.”

The post 4 U.S. Regions Where Winters Are Getting Shorter the Fastest appeared first on Best Life.

A growing wealth of research suggests that common mental health disorders—including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—can actually shorten a person’s lifespan by 10 to 20 years. A major driver of this alarming gap is the much higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people living with mental health conditions.

RELATED: Your Cup of Coffee Could Prevent Depression, Research Shows—Here’s How.

A Sept. 2025 study, published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, highlights how deeply intertwined mental and cardiovascular health can be. It also explains why addressing both together is essential for closing the life-expectancy gap.

People with mental health disorders face a 50 percent to two-times higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular death compared to those without these conditions, the study says. And, the relationship appears to go both ways: Developing heart disease can also trigger new mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. (It is estimated that more than 40 percent of people with cardiovascular disease also have a mental health condition.)

Perhaps even more shockingly, the researchers found that those living with depression are 72 percent more likely to develop heart disease, while those with anxiety disorders saw a 41 percent higher risk of cardiovascular mortality. Those with schizophrenia were at greatest risk, nearly doubling their odds with a shocking 95 percent increase.

This “comorbidity” happens for many reasons. Acutely stressful life events and chronic stress—which can contribute to the onset of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia—are also powerful risk factors for heart disease. Biological pathways such as inflammation and hormonal stress responses may worsen both conditions, as can depression-linked behaviors like smoking, inactivity, and poor sleep.

Though these risk factors are well known to medical professionals, people with mental health disorders often receive inferior cardiovascular care. “Despite having more interactions with the healthcare system, they undergo fewer physical checkups and screenings,” the study states, noting that they are also less likely to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment.

These gaps stem from social and structural barriers, including stigma and socioeconomic disadvantage. Compounding the problem, people with mental health disorders are frequently excluded from medical research, making it harder to design effective prevention and treatment strategies.

RELATED: Depression Raises Your Risk of These 3 Serious Health Problems by 30%, New Study Finds.

The study authors stress that reducing these health disparities requires integrated, whole-person care, noting that a “large proportion of untreated mental health disorders in the population is likely a combination of system, provider, and patient factors (such as limited access to care, stigma, poor health literacy, lack of social support).”

They further add that these barriers call for “better strategies towards outreach, screening, treatment referral and access to care for mental health problems in primary care and cardiology settings.” These might include:

• Routine mental-health screening in heart-care settings
• Better cardiovascular screening and prevention in mental-health care settings
• Interventions that address stress, trauma, and lifestyle risk factors
• Policies targeting social determinants of health, such as poverty and access to quality care
• Mind-body practices that improve both cardiovascular and mental health risk factors

The findings underscore an important message: that mental health is physical health. Left unaddressed, mental health disorders can dramatically shorten life—often by one to two decades—largely due to preventable cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, strengthening mental-health support, improving heart-disease care, and integrating the two are essential steps toward closing this life-threatening gap.

The post Anxiety and Depression Can Shorten Your Lifespan By 20 Years, Researchers Warn appeared first on Best Life.

A series of coast-to-coast storms will bring “rain, snow, severe thunderstorms, and strong winds” to much of the central and eastern U.S. ahead of Thanksgiving, throwing a wrench “during peak travel days,” per an AccuWeather press release shared with Best Life.

RELATED: 5 Regions With the Highest Risk of Snow This Thanksgiving.

A fast-moving, cross-country storm is forecasted to pick up on the West Coast late Tuesday, possibly disrupting last-minute travel plans. Meanwhile, the Mississippi Valley should brace for “a swath of showers and thunderstorms,” warns AccuWeather meteorologists.

Midwest- and Ohio Valley-based airports could start issuing delays and cancellations as early as Tuesday, depending on Mother Nature’s cooperation. (Travelers going through Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, Houston, and Minneapolis should monitor their flights.) The Upper Midwest and Great Lakes face “snow and slippery road conditions.”

From there, things aren’t slowing down. On Wednesday, frigid temperatures, gusty winds, and snow will hit the northwestern Rockies as well as parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Back in the Midwest, major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland will be treated to a wintry mix storm.

“This precipitation may coincide with a high volume of airport and road traffic ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, raising the potential for weather-related disruptions,” warns AccuWeather.

Annual turkey trots and parades in the Pacific Northwest may be cancelled this year due to a high risk of potential floods. “Difficult travel conditions” are expected along the coasts of Washington and Oregon.

“An atmospheric river will drench the Pacific Northwest, while lake-effect snow is forecast to impact travel across the Great Lakes region,” says AccuWeather.

Travel warning: “Visibility will be reduced and road conditions will deteriorate quickly where persistent snow bands develop along interstates 81, 90, 94 and 196. High temperatures in the Northeast will stay in the 20s and 30s.”

The surge of cold air will continue to build from Wednesday night through Friday, producing “snow squalls” and “localized whiteouts.” Parts of the Midwest and Northeast are under a high wind gust alert on Thursday, with the chance of up to 60 miles per hour winds.

RELATED: 4 U.S. Regions Most Likely to Experience the Harshest Winter This Year.

Suffice to say: Winter is most definitely on the horizon. Those traveling during the Thanksgiving rush should plan for delays and cancellations, and take advantage of flexible travel plans if possible.

The post Massive Thanksgiving Storm Will Disrupt Travel This Week appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 4 U.S. Regions Most Likely to Experience the Harshest Winter This Year.

1. The Northern Rockies

By now, you’ve probably heard your local meteorologist talking about La Niña and its effects on the weather in your area. The anomaly occurs when surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of South America dip below average, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

This ultimately causes the jet stream to dip south, which typically creates warmer and drier winters in the south and colder, wetter weather in parts of the north.

With La Niña conditions currently in place, parts of the Rockies and Upper Midwest are already experiencing some of the effects (as evidenced by an Arctic blast that brought snow to the region earlier this month). According to forecast maps from NOAA, the Rockies are set to see both colder temperatures and higher precipitation than average, putting the region at higher risk for snow overall.

But in the latest six-to-10-day outlook released on Nov. 20 by the National Weather Service (NWS), Montana, northern Idaho, and Wyoming are all shown to have both a “below” to “likely below” average temperature probability and a “likely above” likelihood of precipitation.

2. The Plains States

Just due east, the Plains could also see an atypically bitter fall (and early winter) produce snow ahead of the holiday. North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas are all included in the “likely above” to “above” zones for precipitation probability, while all four are also squarely covered by “likely below” to “below” temperatures.

RELATED: 4 U.S. Regions Most at Risk of “Deadly Flooding,” New Data Shows.

3. The Upper Midwest

As we’ve already seen, winter is in full effect before fall is even over in the northern central U.S. According to the NOAA forecast, the entire region is at a higher probability of below-average temperatures, especially in Iowa, Missouri, southern Wisconsin, and western Illinois. Combined with an “above” to “likely above” probability of precipitation over the coming week, snow is far from out of the question.

According to the most recent NWS 2-week hazard outlook forecast released on Nov. 20, heavy snow does appear more likely in some parts of the region. A “slight risk” of the white stuff is expected across Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois (including Chicago), and Michigan, with much of the Upper Peninsula rated as a “moderate risk” for heavy snow.

4. The West Mid-Atlantic

Keeping up with the contiguous strip of cooler temperatures meeting a higher likelihood of precipitation is the northern edge of the Southeast and eastern fringe of the Midwest (pardon the geographical linguistic gymnastics there). While most of the region is likely to feel chillier weather, western Pennsylvania, parts of West Virginia, northwestern Ohio, western Virginia, and western North Carolina all have a “likely” designation for a higher probability of precipitation.

On the other hand, the NWS 2-week weather forecast shows a “slight risk” of heavy snow for most of Ohio, and a “moderate risk” along the Lake Erie shoreline.

5. The Northeast

The forecast maps don’t show New England or much of the Northeast with the likelihood of higher precipitation or lower temperatures. However, the 2-week hazard outlook does show most of Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine at a “slight risk” for heavy snow. Parts of western Pennsylvania and western New York are also at a moderate risk for heavy lake effect snow.

The post 5 Regions With the Highest Risk of Snow This Thanksgiving appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 4 U.S. Regions Most at Risk of “Deadly Flooding,” New Data Shows.

1. The Northern Rockies

Longer winters are nothing new in this area, where the average first snowfall typically happens early in the fall. But residents could be in for even more of a whammy this year with a double whammy of winter conditions.

In its most recent seasonal forecast, the Climate Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasted chilly conditions ahead for the Northern Rockies. Most of Montana and Northern Idaho are expected to see well below average temperatures from December through February. Meanwhile, Montana is also expected to see above-average precipitation levels, along with most of Idaho and Wyoming.

Part of the reason for the frigid and snow-covered outlook has to do with La Niña, according to CBS News. The weather anomaly occurs when cooler ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific off the coast of South America cause shifts in the jet stream, bringing warmer, drier weather to the southern area and colder, wetter conditions to northern regions.

2. The Northern Plains States

If you live in either of the Dakotas, you might want to prepare for a brutal winter. The NOAA forecast predicts La Niña conditions over the next three months, bringing both more precipitation and lower temperatures than normal.

Things look a little less harsh for places like Nebraska. There, both temperature and precipitation are expected to be right around average.

RELATED: The #1 Sign Your Region Is About to Get Its First Hard Freeze.

3. The Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

Saying a tough winter could be in store for the northern central part of the U.S. is a little bit like saying it’s going to get dark at night. But as far as conditions go, this one might be particularly harsh for the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest.

According to the NOAA forecast, the region could see below-average temperatures in places like Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. However, practically every square inch of the region is expected to see way more precipitation from December through February. And while the NOAA forecast doesn’t specifically look for snow, the combination could all but assure there will be plenty of the white stuff.

4. Alaska

It’s unlikely that anyone assumes winters in the northernmost state are anything but harsh, but this year could bring even worse conditions than usual. Parts of coastal and interior Alaska are expected to receive higher levels of precipitation from December through February. Ironically, this area is expected to also see warmer-than-usual temperatures.

The opposite is true of the state’s panhandle and islands. From around Anchorage east, the southernmost parts of the state could see colder-than-average temperatures, but could also get less precipitation than usual.

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