Table of contents for December 27, 2021 in Woman's World (2024)

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Woman's World|December 27, 2021Fill your weekwith smiles!SATURDAY, JANUARY 1 NEW YEAR’S DAYGreet the new yearWelcome 2022 with a beautiful bouquet of creamy white carnations, which are January’s birth flower and represent good luck.To make this stunning display: Wrap a wide cut-to-fit piece of white-and-gold ribbon around a 6"-tall water-filled vase; tape to secure. Snip handfuls of greenery (like pine and eucalyptus) and 3 cream-hued carnations to 8". Add carnations to the vase first, crisscrossing stems, then tuck in greenery to fill out the arrangement. Hang a mini ornament from one of the pine branches to finish.JOKE OF THE WEEKPrime • ne • siaWhen you order so many holiday gifts on Amazon Prime that you don’t know what’s in the boxes!SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 NATIONAL CANDY CANE DAYSprinkle on funNo need to let those leftover candy canes go…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Creamy, Cheesy Turkey LasagnaPasta resets your body clock to help you unwind1 lb. ground turkey2 cups marinara sauce1 (16 oz.) pkg. partskim ricotta cheese½ cup grated Parmesan1 Tbs. Italian seasoning9 oven-ready lasagna noodles1 In skillet over medium heat; cook turkey, stirring, until browned, 8 min. Add sauce.2 In bowl, combine cheeses and seasoning. In 8" square baking dish, layer 1 cup meat mixture, 1 cup cheese mixture and 3 noodles; repeat layering twice. Bake at 350°F for 30 min. Serves 4Note: Check with your healthcare provider before supplementing…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Prevent ’tis-the-season heartburn✓ Spoon up oatmealEnjoying three to four daily servings of fiber-filled foods like oats, popcorn or wholegrain bread slashes your odds of a heartburn episode by 73%. That’s the word from Russian investigators, who explain that fiber soaks up chemicals that weaken the valve that keeps irritating acid from creeping up into the esophagus. Also smart: sipping marshmallow tea, which coats and protects irritated throat tissues.✓ Pause for prayersTake 2 minutes before meals to breathe slowly and deeply while giving thanks and you’ll curb your odds of “afterburn” by 63%, findings from Eastern Virginia Medical School suggest. Gastroenterologist Chris Mohr, M.D., says premeal calm activates the enteric nervous system, which enhances digestion and speeds movement of food through the intestines.✓ Put your feet upWhile lounging, put your feet up as…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Health boostershiding in plain sight!Catching up with a pal erases worries!While your hands are busy trimming the tree, call a friend to chat on speakerphone or through headphones. Even brief bouts of socializing spur a powerful mood boost that tames tension for hours, University of Minnesota researchers report. Bonus: Scientists say this feel-good effect is enough to counteract irritation triggered by setbacks, like realizing you forgot to grab extra butter at the supermarket.Feel even merrier by taking some breaksReward yourself for that marathon gift-wrapping session by heading to the kitchen to nibble on some gingerbread. A new study from Germany found that folks who frequently break up prolonged sitting time by walking around for as little as 1 minute are up to 33% happier and more than twice as energized as those who don’t.…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Here’s the merry way toget slim!To use this slimming trend, all you have to do is make smart choices for about 8 meals out of 10. Use any healthy approach you like. One popular option: Stick to three meals and one snack, all made with moderate portions of unprocessed food. Then for 2 out of every 10 meals, savor what you crave, aiming to push your plate away once satisfied. Our sample menus show you how easy and delicious it can be!BREAKFASTTop a serving of frozen waffles—keto, Paleo or whole-grain—with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. Enjoy with coffee or tea.LUNCHPile a salad with hearty seasonal toppings like roasted sweet potato, beets, lentils, nuts, cheese and olive-oil vinaigrette.DINNERSimmer up a bowl of chili with your favorite ingredients, including lots of veggies and protein from lean meat…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Other ways sea moss can boost health✓ Speeds weight loss: Sea moss is rich in iodine, a mineral essential to optimal function of the metabolism-regulating thyroid gland. Plus, it acts as a prebiotic and a soluble fiber to restore healthy gut microbes known to boost slimming and help you feel fuller for longer, says nutrition expert Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph.D., author of Pain Erasers. The research-backed dose: 2 Tbs. daily for three months. Note: If you’re pregnant, nursing or have thyroid issues, check with your doctor before supplementing.✓ Protects the heart: Sea moss contains fucoidans, powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that tame the dangerous clotting common to those with heart disease, says Schoffro Cook. What’s more, the seaweed’s alginates restore healthy cholesterol levels, and its antioxidants protect vessels from free-radical damage and disease. “Sea moss gel is readily…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Tips for a fun-filled day!1 Plan a perfect exchangeThe key to throwing a fun and festive “favorite things” party, according to party pro Laura Russell (MakeLifeLovely.com): Ensure a wellstocked gift exchange! Ahead of her party, Russell told each guest to pick one of their favorite things that’s under $8 (like a bath bomb, crystal nail file or a special box of tea), then purchase and wrap four of the same item to bring as gifts. At her party, Russell turned the exchange into a fun game! To play, have guests jot their name on four paper strips and add to a bowl, then have each person pick four strips from the bowl (if anyone gets their own name, they pick again). Next, have guests go to the gift table one at a time, share…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021So easy, so delicious!Gingerbread FolkMake it even more merry—set out red, white and green icings and have a cookie-decorating get-together1 (16.5 oz.) pkg. refrigerated sugar cookie dough, at room temp.¾ cup all-purpose flour2 Tbs. molasses1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice1 (4.25 oz.) tube white decorating icing with writing tipHeat oven to 325°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On low speed, beat cookie dough, flour, molasses and pumpkin pie spice.On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼" thickness. Using 4" cookie cutter, cut out shapes, rerolling scraps as needed. Place 2" apart on baking sheets. Bake until golden and baked through in centers, 10–12 min. Cool. Using icing, decorate as shown, or as desired.Easy variation: Make ’em Chocolate Gingerbread Folk: Sub in ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for ¼ cup of…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021WW DIY: Pretty candlescapeA quartet of candles nestled in a mix of evergreens, citrus slices and spices makes a gorgeous glowing accent—for pennies! Here’s how:What you’ll need:❏ Floral foam wreath❏ 4 taper candles ❏ Evergreen sprigs❏ Dried orange slices1 Set a 10" soaked floral foam wreath atop a serving platter. Next, press taper candles into foam, spacing evenly. Gather handfuls of evergreens from the yard (like pine and fir).2 Press evergreen sprigs into foam until covered. To finish, tuck dried orange slices, in-shell walnuts and whole star anise into evergreens and display on a table.No time to craft? Add 4 taper candles to the holders of the Northlight 12-inch Advent Wreath, $28, BedBathAndBeyond.com…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Win great prizesat WomansWorld.com/WinDec!Win a SISTAIN bundle!Treat yourself to an at-home spa day with six chances to win a Home Spa Essentials Bundle from SISTAIN! This direct-to-consumer marketplace and educational platform makes sustainable shopping easier and more accessible by curating quality products and by empowering consumers to make eco-friendly lifestyle changes one small step at a time. The prize includes everything you need to rest and relax in a sustainable way, from hydrating soaps and refreshing bath salts to gentle sea sponges and invigorating dry brushes. U.S. only. Ends 11:59 PM ET, 1/21/2022Win a Sensate stress-busting device!Beat stress in as few as 10 minutes with one chance to win a Sensate device! This palm-sized, app-controlled device emits infrasonic waves that resonate through the body, targeting the vagus nerve and strengthening the nervous system…2 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021CROSSWORDCandy stripesUse the letters highlighted in the finished puzzle to spell a candy cane flavorACROSS1 Response to goo4 Highly unusual8 Plant stalks13 Kingly address17 Bullfight cheer18 They’re inflatable19 Like some pools20 Helen of21 Sadness22 Visibility reducer23 Yawning24 Ready to pluck25 Kind of court27 Per (daily)28 Deletes30 detector31 Winter comment32 Swear to33 Order of roses36 Female deer37 One way to start38 Tags41 Vast42 Songstress Horne43 Breakfast choice44 Three musicians45 Yoga class need46 Tee follower?47 Runway walker49 Sticker50 Newton-John52 Chip maker53 Looks all over (for)54 Calligrapher’s supplies56 Blasting letters57 Like some pickings59 Moved like a pendulum62 Roll call response64 Goes around68 Conical tent69 Orchestra section71 Towel holder72 good deed (2 wds.)73 They may be wild74 Spill the beans75 America’s Got Talent judge Heidi77 Symbol of happiness78 Whiz79 Word with bobby and bowling80…2 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Circle of kindness“SHE MADE MY CHRISTMAS SWEET!”My husband’s first job as a pastor took us 1,500 miles from my family. We had a lovely home, and the community was welcoming. Still, as Christmas approached, I was feeling a little low. I was eight months pregnant and had ballooned more than 30 pounds. Just when I was feeling homesick and sorry for myself, a box from my baby sister arrived. I opened it to find a tin of my favorite homemade Christmas cookies and a copy of our grandmom’s recipe. Miles and years melted away as I savored the delicious taste of home—all thanks to my loving sister, Joanne. She made my Christmas extra sweet! It is a favorite holiday memory.—Elizabeth Erlandson, Lincoln, NE“HIS ACT OF KINDNESS MADE OUR CHRISTMAS A HAPPY ONE!”The…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021What’s yourfavorite holiday cookie?If you prefer…Sugar cookies: You’re a deep thinkerThe sweeter the tooth, the sweeter the heart. Indeed, sensitive folks prefer these classic cookies. Keenly observant, you’re famous for selecting presents that speak to your loved ones’ hidden passions. No wonder the gift your family cherishes most is time with you, whether that means baking your famous sugar cookies together or simply enjoying them while gathered around the holiday table.Chocolate chip: You’re an optimistIt doesn’t get more classic than this, so it makes sense that you value what the chocolate chip cookie symbolizes: down-to-earth family time. Whether you’re warming up with hot cocoa (and fresh cookies from the oven!) after admiring the holiday lights or are treating yourself after a hard day of shopping, you know that small moments are the sweetest.Gingerbread:…2 min

Woman's World|December 27, 20213 joyful homemade holiday gifts—for pets!1 Bake up a sweet treat!For a fast dog treat: Heat your oven to 375°F. Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of skim milk, 1 Tbs. of baking powder and 1 Tbs. of honey. Roll out dough; use cookie cutter to make shape. Bake 20 minutes; let cool. Put in baggies.2 Crafta fun toy!Put a tennis ball inside a sock and tie a knot for a toy that dogs can use to fetch and play tug-of-war. Or for a cat, make a hole in the top side of a wine cork. Using epoxy, attach feathers, ribbon or jute. Then wrap the toys for even more added fun.3 Make a ‘pillow’!Design a pillow by laying out two pieces of 16" square fleece, one on top…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Merry manicures—for less!Festively adorned fingers❑ Red polish (like Zoya in Hannah, $12, Ulta.com) ❑ White polish (like essie in Blanc, $9, Essie.com)❑ Glittery green and gold striper polishes (like ColorClub in Green Glitter and Gold Hologram, $4 each, ColorClub.com) ❑ Small round silver rhinestones (find them in a kit like Rhinestone Filler, $3, HobbyLobby.com)❑ Toothpicks❑ Red nail art pen (like Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen in Red, $13, Walmart.com) ❑ Clear top coat (like Nails.INC NailPure Top Coat, $15, Sephora.com)STEP 1: Apply two coats of red polish onto the pinkie, index and thumb nails and two coats of white polish onto the middle-finger and ring-finger nails. On the ring-finger nail, use the green striper polish to draw and fill the outline of a small Christmas tree complete with trunk.STEP 2:…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021‘Body clock’ secrets to healthy all winterIn the morning… unwrap a chocolate SantaWhen your circadian rhythm is thrown off, it can be hard to stay energized and think clearly. The fix: Eat dark chocolate at break-fast, and you’ll enjoy all-day pep, a study in Scientific Reports found. The combination of sugar and fat triggers an early uptick in blood sugar and core body temperature that resets the brain’s “master clock,” making you alert during the day and drowsy at night.After lunch… putter aroundStrolling through a supermarket or puttering around the house for an hour between 1 pm and 4 pm blocks an afternoon slump and resets your body clock, say University of California scientists. Midafternoon muscle contractions send a signal to your brain that you’re supposed to be active. That way your body doesn’t release the…2 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Homecures for cold and fluSore throat?Grab the TabascoFor fast relief from a sore throat, just add two dashes of hot sauce to a glass of water, stir and sip. University of Pennsylvania scientists say capsaicin in the drink blocks pain receptors, soothing a raw, scratchy throat in seconds. What’s more, Case Western University research suggests that the compound, which gives chili peppers their heat, eases discomfort as effectively as OTC meds.Nagging cough?Stir in honeyWhen it comes to quieting a cough, Canadian scientists say raw honey is more effective than cough medicine. It coats the throat to alleviate irritation, and it’s an antimicrobial that fights bugs that trigger bouts of coughing. On the go? Tuck a few “honey sticks” in your bag. The honey-filled straws help relieve a cough while you’re out and about. Try:…2 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Kathy lost 103 lbs and 7 sizes!After decades of health struggles, Kathy Sharrah and her doctor discussed gastric bypass. “I couldn’t afford it, but I wanted to feel better,” recalls the Pennsylvania grandmother, 53, who had often dieted and regained. When she read about 80/20, “I liked the idea of no deprivation!” So she began using a free app to track calories and eat nutritious food about 80% of the time. Then she used her 20% for pizza, cookies, even full holiday meals. In 18 months, Kathy dropped from 259 to 156 pounds as her energy and wellness soared. “I was never hungry, and I gave up nothing!”…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Santa PoppersThis healthy holiday appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!2 ½ cups cherry tomatoes4 oz. goat cheese, at room temp.4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature2 Tbs. sour cream2 Tbs. onion or garlic powder Red and black peppercornsSlice bottom off tomatoes so they stand upright. Cut off tomato tops, reserving for hats. Gently remove seeds. Blitz cheeses, sour cream and onion powder. Add to zip-top bag. Snip corner of bag and pipe filling in tomatoes; pipe beards. Add hats; dollop with filling. Make eyes and noses with peppercorns. Makes 20–25 poppersEric Forberger. H&M: Wedding Day Ready Glam. Adobe Stock (2); Getty (3). Text: Allison Nemetz…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021“There’s joy allaround you!”Marilu Henner admits she has always been an early riser—and not just on Christmas morning. “My mother was a light sleeper in a house of six kids, so we learned to be quiet—the phone had four coats over it,” she tells Woman’s World with a laugh. “We still say we went to the Loretta Henner school of being silent in the morning!”Reflecting on cherished memories is one of Marilu’s favorite pastimes during the holidays, but she admits the happy memories often come alongside hard ones too. “Memory is tied to adrenaline, so we remember the highs and the lows,” she says.For Marilu, those lows include the heartache of losing both her parents, a tough divorce and her second husband Michael’s cancer diagnosis. “That was a sucker punch,” she shares. “You…4 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Easiest-ever holiday feastSugar and Spice HamAn apple-kissed glaze infuses the meat with rich flavor in this set-it-and-forget-it centerpiece1 cup brown sugar1 cup apple juice¼ cup Dijon mustard¼ tsp. ground allspice¼ tsp. ground nutmeg1 (4–6 lb.) boneless spiralcut hamIn small pot, combine brown sugar, apple juice, mustard, allspice and nutmeg. Over medium heat, cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar melts and flavors blend, about 5 min.Place ham in 6-qt. slow cooker. Pour sugar glaze over top. Cover and cook on low until tender, about 4 hrs. Transfer ham to platter; let stand 20 min. before slicing. Skim excess fat from pan juices; serve sauce with ham.Servings: 16. Active time: 15 min. Total time: 4 hrs., 35 min. Calories: 214 Protein: 27g Fat: 5g (1g sat.) Chol.: 75mg Carbs.: 17g Sodium: 1,274mg Fiber: 0g Sugar:…5 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Fill your home with cozy holiday style!‘LAYER’ YOUR TREE“When selecting ornaments, play with scale, color and texture to ensure visual interest,” says Manning. Here, ornaments in a variety of sizes, colors and finishes create a lush, layered look. Also nice: “Always add nostalgic photos or heirloom pieces for a meaningful touch.” Tip: Add string lights first, making sure there is a bulb every few inches to create depth and dimension.ADD SEASONAL FLAIR“Bringing the outdoors in boosts seasonal charm for free,” notes Manning. A few cheery, low-cost ideas: Create DIY wreaths from fallen evergreens; pile pine cones, oranges and cinnamon sticks into serving bowls; or pop holly into glass jars. For added coziness, pile soft throws and festive pillows on chairs and sofas.GO FOR A MIX OF HUES“Shades of green are comfort colors,” notes Manning. Not only…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Quick fixes for holiday oops!Fix hairline cracks in dinnerware with garlicIf you discover a small crack in your special china serving platter, just head to your pantry for some garlic! “Grab a clove and cut it in half lengthwise, then rub it over the cracked area and allow the sticky garlic juice to seep in and dry in the crack,” says Joel Phillips, founder of HomeGuideCorner.com. The proteins in garlic have an adhesive quality that acts like a glue to fill in cracks.Lift pine-sap drips with rubbing alcohol“It can be hard to get pine sap out of carpet or a tree skirt,” says Ana Andres, co-founder of TidyChoice house cleaners. Try this trick: Blot the spot with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol—it breaks down sap without damaging fabric.Prevent tree-stand leaks with a sledding…2 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Extra last-minute cash—found!Sell unwanted gift cardsEvery year, $3 billion in gift cards goes unused. But if you’ve got one or more lying around collecting dust, you can sell them for cash in minutes. That’s because many check-cashing stores (such as CheckIntoCash.com and UnitedCheckCashing.com) purchase gift cards for a wide range of retailers, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses—even if a card has been partially used. You can typically expect to get paid 50% to 80% of the card’s value and leave with cash in hand. To get the biggest payout, look for check-cashing stores in your area by searching online or in your phone book’s yellow pages, then call and ask their gift-card buying rate. Tip: Skip online gift-card reselling websites since many have been infiltrated by scammers, which could mean losing…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Fickle holiday pickleRight… there.” Lori hung the family’s heirloom glass pickle ornament deep inside the lower boughs of the Christmas tree. “Shoo, Lord Peter!” She prodded the stubborn, flaxen feline out from under the branches as she tidied the tree skirt.Breathing in the nostalgic pine scent, she carefully collected the fallen needles below the branches she’d jostled. Such an obvious clue to the pickle’s location would make tomorrow’s pickle hunt a short-lived event and would surely disappoint the grandkids.Speaking of grandkids, she decided to check on Olivia. Lori popped into the kitchen to find her 5-year-old grand-daughter sitting at the table, munching away on the baby dills Lori had arranged on the now nearly empty relish tray for tomorrow’s lunch. “How many pickles have you eaten, Livvie?”“Lots!” responded Olivia, unapologetically. “And tomorrow,…4 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Sleigh bells ringing“I’m sorry your Christmas plans didn’t work out,” Monica said sympathetically.Tess’s parents had decided to spend Christmas in Florida. Tess was invited, but with her furnace conking out soon after buying a new car, she’d declined.“Being single’s not for sissies,” Tess sighed. “Especially this time of year.”Instantly, her telepathic Christmas letter was transmitted to the North Pole.Dear Santa,PLEASE send me my Mr. Right! Any decent, funny and kind guy will do.Sincerely, TessP.S. HURRY!The sleigh bells above the front door snapped Tess back to attention as Trevor Brady, a second-grader from her school, entered, his white stocking cap piled high like a snow peak atop his curly hair. “Hi, Ms. Hollister,” his tiny voice squeaked.“What’s up, Trevor?” she smiled.“I want to buy my dad a snow globe!”“A snow globe?” Tess said,…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021“We give people hope—that’s the best gift of all!”Oncology nurse Gerri Neylon stood in the hospital room doorway, her heart breaking watching the young woman in the bed sobbing with her husband and baby. The new mother was battling lung cancer, which is hard enough at any time but even harder with it being right before Christmas.Gerri saw the fear and sadness in the woman’s eyes, and it touched her soul.I have to do something for her, she thought.Gerri told her family and friends what was happening, and they sprang into action with generosity. Within two days, Gerri received gift cards, diapers and clothes for the baby, and she presented the gifts to the very grateful family.Knowing she helped brighten their lives made Gerri’s Christmas brighter too.The next year, Gerri again gathered donations and brought some joy to…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021It happened this week!● Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve first aired in 1972. He hosted the special for nearly 37 years straight.● A recipe for chocolate chip cookies was first published in chef Ruth Wakefield’s cook-book in 1938.● Jenga was introduced at the London Toy Fair in 1983. The tallest structure on record is 40 “stories” high.● Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” hit #1 in 1973. It was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance, plus Record and Song of the Year.● Howdy Doody premiered in 1947. It was the first nationally televised children’s show and one of the first to have a live audience.…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021“Finding our pupwas a true miracle!”“Max! Come back!” 17-year-old Madison Carmichael cried as her family’s 2-year-old German shepherd bolted out of the family’s vehicle at a rest stop near the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on December 2, 2020.“No!” Madison shrieked as Max darted onto the inter-state and got sideswiped by a truck. He scrambled to his feet only to be hit by a car. Again, he got up, but then disappeared into the brush.Community careDistraught, Madison and her dad, Matt, mom, Angelica, and brother, Ryan, 16, joined by Oregon State Trooper Michael Holloran, searched the rocky embankment until almost midnight. “It’s time to call it a night,” Matt reluctantly told his family.No one spoke during the 4-hour drive home to Eugene, Oregon.“We are deeply grateful to all the kind and caring people who offered…4 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021The tasty secret to STRONGER NAILSStrengthening brittle nails from the inside out is easy when you enjoy an omelet for breakfast. Our nails are 98% protein, and a deficiency in this nutrient can sap nails of their strength. Eggs to the rescue! Eating one or two a day supplies needed protein and the amino acid cysteine, which binds the strains of keratin (the main protein in nails) together to add strength. Prefer a topical fix? Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 Tbs. of jojoba oil. Massage into nail beds; rinse after 10 minutes. Doing this three times weekly for 14 days will fortify nails in two weeks!courtesy of Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D.To receive 3 free Wellness Guides, order her new book, Radical Longevity, at RadicalLongevityBook.com…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Outsmart holiday migraines the easy way!✓ When you feel one coming on take a ‘breather’To dodge stress-triggered migraines, take a mini break. Research in Neurology found doing so three times per week cuts migraine risk up to 50%—better than medication alone. Breathing deeply calms the central nervous system, blocking oncoming migraines. Lie in a dark room with a cold compress on your throat (this chills blood flowing to the brain, easing inflammation). Breathe in for 7, hold for 7 and exhale for 7. Repeat for 5 minutes.✓ To ease the pain sip spiced ciderSip ginger-spiced apple cider when pain hits, and you’ll tamp it down as effectively as popular medications. “Studies have shown that compounds in ginger (gingerols and shogaols), have anti-inflammatory properties that work in a similar way to acetaminophen and aspirin,” says neurologist…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Quick relief for dry, cracked handsBest hand sanitizerPicking a sanitizer made with jojoba oil, rich in soothing vitamin E, counteracts irritation caused by drying alcohol. Plus, its wax esters mimic the natural oil skin produces so hands stay hydrated. Try: Organic Hand Sanitizer Gel (Lemyn.com)Best hand soapA soap with probiotics (beneficial bacteria) balances skin’s good and bad bacteria. This keeps skin’s barrier healthy and fortified, warding off dryness and cracks caused by hand-washing. Try: Aunt Fannie’s Probiotic Hand Soap (AuntFannies.com)Best hand lotionSince some thick creams only sit on the skin’s surface, use a light-weight serum lotion instead. It absorbs into skin’s deepest layers, and one with vitamin B-3 prevents future water loss too. Try: Olay Moisturizing Hand Serum (Target.com)…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Sneak off 10 lbs by New Year’s EveWomen around the world are indulging in favorite Christmas treats at this very moment—and shedding spare pounds at the same time. How is that possible? Credit goes to the ‘80/20 secret,’ a trick that has everyone from Hollywood diet gurus to Harvard docs buzzing. The gist is simple: 80% of what you eat is healthy and slimming; the other 20% is what you love. “I’ve been so impressed with how well the strategy works, I use it myself,” reveals popular nutrition expert Kellyann Petrucci, N.D., who routinely ‘prescribes’ the rule. “It’s perfect during the holidays because it keeps you feeling great and moving toward your goals but also makes room for cocoa by the fire or a slice of Grandma’s apple pie.” Bonus: Women using 80/20 say it often works…4 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021“One scoop in mycoffee andall the pain is gone!”Waking one morning in November 2020, Andrea Terry was hit with throbbing pain in her neck, torso and left leg. What is going on? the Palm Desert, California, 68-year-old groaned. As she tried to get up, she fell backward onto the bed in agony. For a couple of days, Andrea lay there, barely able to move.Finally, with help from her husband, Andrea went to the doctor. After blood work and a chest X-ray, the doctor explained Andrea had an infection and systemic inflammation throughout her body, which was not only causing her pain but had compromised her immune system, leaving her vulnerable to other infections.Over the next month, Andrea took two rounds of antibiotics—along with prebiotics and probiotics. While her infection cleared, she still felt unwell. She was constantly fatigued,…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Host a ‘favoritethings’ party!Bring on joy with a gorgeous gift buffetMake a “Secret Santa” exchange even more fun by having guests wrap up a few of their all-time favorite items to share with others! (See party “rules” in sidebar, right.) To set the mood, display wrapped boxes on a festive table, like this one styled by Laura Russell of MakeLifeLovely.com. To get the look, hang a wreath on the wall, then push a bar cart or table underneath. Add presents to cart, then place a letter board sign in front that bears a welcoming message.Add cozy ambience with a fresh twinklerA seasonal candlescape adds a comforting glow to your party. To make, fill a low metal bowl with soaked floral foam, then set a battery-run pillar candle on a saucer and place on…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Merry smiles guaranteed!Chocolate-Peppermint CakeFast ganache glaze1 (15.25 oz.) pkg. dark chocolate fudge cake mix3 eggs⅓ cup oil1 cup round hard peppermint candies, such as Starlight2 cups butter (1 lb.), at room temp.4 cups confectioners’ sugar⅔ cup semisweet chocolate chips⅓ cup heavy cream Oreo cookies, halved crosswiseEasy as 1,2,3!1 Heat oven to 350°F. Coat 2 (8") round cake pans with cooking spray. On low speed, beat cake mix, 1 cup water, eggs and oil 30 sec.; on medium, beat 2 min. Divide between pans. Bake until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean, 28–30 min. Let cool 20 min. Transfer from pans to racks; let cool completely.2 Finely crush ½cup candies; reserve. On medium-high speed beat butter until fluffy. On low, gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until blended. On medium-high, beat until light…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021This week’s WW PICKSSpread good cheerThese light-up stocking holders add a festive glow to your mantel! ($52, Glitzhome Joy Stocking Holder Set, Michaels.com)Lend a little luxeBring eye-catching flair to a shelf or end table with a trio of tree figurines. ($18 each, Broyhill Tree Tabletop Decor, BigLots.com)Greet them gorgeouslyGive a door or mantel an inviting seasonal touch with a sparkling evergreen circlet. ($25, LED Pine Artificial Wreath, Michaels.com)Enhance comfortA sweater-knit pillow is sure to add snuggly joy to any seat. ($16, Merry Green Quilted Faux Fur Throw Pillow, Big Lots stores)…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021“I make 6 figures a year selling holiday decor boxes!”When I became a mom, I left my career in retail merchandising. Then, two years ago, I met Liz Voelker, a full-time working mom who wanted to create a festive home for the holidays but was so busy that she would spend more time stressing over decorating than enjoying herself. We realized that if everything else can be shipped to your door, then so can a box of personalized, curated holiday decor items—and Ready Festive (ReadyFestive.com) was born.“To get the business off the ground, we sourced products at trade shows, determined price points and hired a web developer to create our website, where customers complete a questionnaire about their home, decor style and product preferences.“All of our boxes are customized according to these questions and life stage, such as ‘single…1 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021“Help me save on last-minute gifts!”Save in-store‘Slide’ to get money backOne of the best ways to guarantee deeper in-store discounts is to tap cash-back offers, says expert Andrea Woroch. “One of my favorite cash-back apps is Slide (GetSlide.com) because it links to your credit card, and when you pay at checkout, you’ll instantly earn 4% cash-back on more than 150 brands, on top of store loyalty program discounts and credit card rewards points.” Another app Woroch favors: “Dosh (Dosh.com) also links directly to your credit card—once you earn $25, you can transfer the rewards right to your bank, PayPal or Venmo account.”Snag hidden bargainsMajor retailers, like Target and Walmart, may have a discount online but not in-store, reveals Woroch. “So when shopping in-person, use the store app to see if there’s currently a better price…2 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021Comfort from HeavenMy grandson, Ethan, was 17 when he was killed in a car wreck the week of Thanksgiving 2016.Understandably, the holidays are a sad reminder of our loss.Since his death, I always make a wreath for his grave for special occasions.Last December, as I placed a Christmas wreath on his grave, I told him that we loved him and missed him. Then I asked Ethan for a sign that he knew I was there.I looked all around, in the sky, toward the fields, everywhere. I said, “Ethan, come on, give Grandma a sign!”As I turned back around to face Ethan’s grave, I glimpsed something red in the top of the tree nearby. It was a bright red cardinal. My heart filled with joy! I just knew it was Ethan.I started walking…3 min

Woman's World|December 27, 2021YOUR HOROSCOPECAPRICORN Dec. 22–Jan. 19From the 28th on, enjoy a burst of interest in taking your social life to the next level. Time with friends can be stimulating and fulfilling! On the 29th, you’ll find that heartfelt conversations bring you even closer to the people you adore.Your lucky days: December 29, 30, Jan 1Your lucky days: 3, 6, 8ARIES Mar. 21–Apr. 19From the 28th on, step up your wellness practice. Any spiritual pursuits will feel extra beneficial for your well-being now. Come the 30th, proposing a large-scale project can be empowering and lead to the recognition you desire.Your lucky days: December 29, 31, Jan 1Your lucky numbers: 1, 3, 10CANCER June 21–July 22You’ll be itching for eye-opening experiences come the 30th. Jumping on opportunities to learn boosts your luck! On the…4 min