Home/Women's Lifestyle/First for Women/July 8, 2024/In This Issue
First for Women|July 8, 2024SIMPLEJOYS!THIS WEEK’S DELIGHTLEND YOUR EARS ”Johnny Cash’s music was a staple in my house growing up,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. “From ‘Walk the Line’ to ‘Ring of Fire,’ his music was always on. So when my sister told me 11 unreleased songs appear on Cash’s posthumous album Songwriter, out now, I had to get it. His son, John Carter Cash, brought this project to life and noted, ‘We went straight to the roots…we built it as if Dad was in the room.’ Hearing Cash’s voice on the new album brought me back to my childhood!”For more information on Songwriter, out now, visit JohnnyCash.com.TELL US! Do you have a photo of a happy moment or a story of a treasured item? We’ll send a $25 Walmart or Visa gift…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024Go Tropical!Heidi KlumPalm leaf jumpsuit’s wideleg bottoms skim easily over curves and make for maximum comfort when on the move.Yvette Nicole BrownJungle print two-piece distracts from body bothers. And each piece can be paired with solids for double the wear!Amanda HoldenA pink palette puts a bold and bright spin on the typical tropical pattern. Plus, it helps give skin a gorgeous glow.Myleene KlassBody-elongating vertical buttons and a waist-cinching belt rein in an overwhelming botanical print.TROPICAL PICKS for standout style…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024PRO TIPSQ Do I need to massage in my face serum?In short, no. Massage isn’t the most effective way to ensure serums absorb. That’s because as we age and develop more vellus hairs, or peach fuzz, massaging can cause serums to simply glide over these hairs rather than penetrating the skin. The best method: Gently press your serum into your skin to break through that peach fuzz barrier. But don’t give up on massage just yet! There is one beneficial facial massage called lymphatic drainage that reduces puffiness. If you want to try it, note that many beauty videos suggest massaging upward, when really you should use your fingers or a facial roller to gently massage downward, pushing fluid away from your face.Q: Can I get rid of my deep facial…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024TASTY WAYS TOSTOP HAIR LOSSBeefSTOPS FOLLICLE SHRINKAGEFire up the grill! Burgers, steak and other beefy favorites are rich in zinc, a mineral that inhibits the shrinkage of hair follicles during the regression stage of the growth cycle, plus speeds follicle recovery, according to research in the Annals of Dermatology. The mineral also helps the body produce energy that powers hair growth—and one burger contains 60% of your recommended daily intake.Greek yogurtSTIMULATES GROWTHRich and creamy Greek yogurt is a triple threat for hair: (1) It’s a stellar source of protein, which is key since low protein is linked to hair loss and thinning. (2) It’s packed with B-12, a vitamin involved in the production of red blood cells that transfer oxygen to hair follicles to stimulate hair growth. (3) It contains selenium, a mineral that…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024“I went from size 4X to 12!”While parking in her new, comfy recliner evening after evening, Phoebe Martinson began to feel doomed. Stiff, sore and overweight, she remembers thinking, I am on the same path as my dad who went for a nap and never woke up at 62 years old…As a busy pastry chef, Phoebe never ate breakfast and consumed too much sugar. Ready for a change, she started exercising. Although she hadn’t heard of the 6 to 1 Method yet, she used its principles of eating more whole foods. She says, “I stopped going out for fast food. I figured, I’m a chef. If I can’t feed myself, I shouldn’t be in the business.” She whipped up filling meals like mushroom, onion and spinach omelets. She enjoyed salads with chicken or prawns and Skinnygirl…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024REAL-LIFE ENERGY CUREAm I ever going to feel better again? Tammy wondered as she and her husband sat in their cabin on a longawaited cruise, her stomach filled with gas, pain radiating into her back. “I felt at the end of my rope,” Tammy recalls of another day ruined by her chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). “I just wanted to enjoy my life again.A search for answers“This was in April of 2021. Eight years earlier, I’d started feeling like a big balloon was expanding inside my stomach, pushing air into me with nowhere to go. I took Gas-X until the cows came home and it wouldn’t help. I also developed severe constipation. Every single morning, I woke up with gas and an aching stomach.“I am a financial analyst, and I put on…3 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024MUST READ:Help for a sneaky side effect of dehydrationWhen you’re thirsty, you sip from your trusty water bottle—but it’s not just thirst you’re quenching: You’re healing your whole body, says Joel Evans, M.D., founder and director of The Center for Functional Medicine in Stamford, Connecticut. “Water keeps our joints moving smoothly and our eyes moist, plus it helps with digestion, gets rid of body wastes and keeps our skin healthy,” he explains. “We die from thirst before starvation. That’s how much we need water to live.”When you’re dehydrated—even slightly—the body releases a hormone called vasopressin, which helps it hold on to water. The trouble? Vasopressin also causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to an elevation in blood pressure, according to a study conducted at the Medical College of Georgia.Plus, dehydration can thicken blood, says women’s health expert Mache…4 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024IN FOCUSSWEET CORNGOOD FOR YOUThe kernels are packed with insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion and gut health and helps prevent constipation.STORINGKeep unhusked ears in a single layer in the fridge; chill husked corn in plastic bags for up to 2 days.BUYINGHusks should hug the ear, be dark green in color and feel moist. Silks should be tan or golden.EASY IDEAS❯❯ Savory treatCoat 2 qt. baking dish with ⅓ cup melted butter. Whisk in 2 eggs, 3 cups corn kernels, 2 cups milk, ¾ cup flour, 2 Tbs. sugar and 1 tsp. salt. Bake at 350°F for 1 hr.❯❯ Spicy sautéIn skillet, heat 4 Tbs. butter over medium-high heat. Add 4 cups corn kernels, 3 sliced scallions, 1 diced jalapeño, 2 cloves minced garlic and ¼ tsp. salt; cook, stirring, 4–5 min.❯❯…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024Sweet TreatsMarble Cheesecake BarsActive time: 1 hr.Total time: 7 hrs. or overnightServes: 20Swirls of cocoa mixed into traditional cheesecake batter turn these decadent squares into edible works of art½ cups graham cracker crumbs6 Tbs. + 1 cup sugar7 Tbs. butter, melted4 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, at room temp.2 Tbs. cornstarch4 eggs2 tsp. vanilla extract¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder1 Heat oven to 325°F. Line 13"x9" baking pan with enough foil to overhang sides by 2"; coat with cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 3 Tbs. sugar; stir in butter. Press in bottom of pan. Bake until set, 8–10 min. Let cool.2 On medium speed, beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and cornstarch until smooth. On low, beat in eggs and vanilla. In separate bowl, mix cocoa powder,…3 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024RELAX in an outdoor oasisUnwind with a stylish seating area“An outdoor living area is an extension of the home where you can enjoy fresh air, warm weather and great company in a space that feels personal and special,” says Camille Carter, entertaining expert and founder of CharmedByCamille.com. To add layers of personality and interest to an outdoor sectional, she suggests adding comfy throw pillows to seats and modern vases (made by wrapping craft wire around tapered vases) to an ottoman. Add potted flowering plants and palms to perimeter of seating area to finish.Enhance ambience with lanternsHanging candle-filled glass jars around a seating area offers a gorgeous, sunset-inspired glow—for pennies! To do: For each, wrap a length of twine around the neck of a jar; knot to secure. Slip ends of another length of twine…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024“I FOUND OUT THE HARD WAYHOW IMPORTANT MY CREDIT SCORE WAS”A series of low-paying jobs left Ann Marshall struggling with credit card debt a few years ago. “I remember not being approved to finance a $900 phone from Best Buy,” says the longtime writer. “In an ideal world, you apply for credit and get approved. I wasn’t.”It took changing careers to one that paid better and seven months of working 60- and 70-hour weeks to pay off her debt. Now, Ann boasts an excellent credit score above 800.Ann isn’t the only person who has faced a dip in her credit score, which is an indication of how trustworthy you are to receive a loan. Almost 20% of Americans have a credit score below 580, which is considered “poor.” A “fair” score ranges from 580 to 669 and a “good” score…3 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024ENJOY SUMMER FUN INSTUTTGART!Surrounded by one of Germany’s largest wine-growing regions is Stuttgart. This charming city is known for its vibrant cultural scene and picturesque green spaces.Start your day learning about local history at the Württemberg State Museum. Says a reviewer from California, “The artwork and jewelry were beautifully presented.”When you’re ready to eat, head to Gasthaus Zum Becher for German favorites. Says D4432PPannen on TripAdvisor.com, “The Wiener schnitzel and Kaesespaetzle were excellent!”…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024HoroscopeARIES(Mar. 21–Apr. 19)On July 10, you’ll make strides on a challenging undertaking. Go for it! From July 11 on, sweet Venus moves through your fifth house of romance and self-expression, elevating your desire to connect with friends. Prioritizing down-time brings you even closer!TAURUS(Apr. 20–May 20)Consider planning a group brain-storm around July 10. You’ll come up with a pragmatic plan for moving the ball forward on a shared objective. From July 11 on, artistic Venus in your fourth house of home life amplifies your desire for restorative bonding time with friends.GEMINI(May 21–June 20)You could be feeling adventurous around July 8, when messenger Mercury in your third house of communication harmonizes with lucky Jupiter in your sign. From July 11 on, your calendar is sure to be especially packed with fun-filled social…3 min
First for Women|July 8, 202410 BRILLIANT USES FORCLUB SODA1 FRESHEN YOUR DOG’S COATFor pets with light-colored fur, it can become dull or yellowed, especially around the paws or face. The vet-approved save: club soda! After you give your pup a wash with petfriendly shampoo, do a final rinse with unflavored club soda. The carbonation helps lift away remaining residue. Just be sure to do one final rinse after.2 Revive wilted vegetablesYou hate when you pick up lettuce from the grocery store only for it to wilt before you can enjoy it. What can help: When you notice your leafy greens look soggy, soak them in cold club soda to rejuvenate them. The carbonation in the soda helps penetrate the cell walls of the vegetables, reviving their crispness.3 Get a rusty screw to turnArgh! You finally found time to…3 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024PRO TIPSQ Can you suggest a dessert that won’t worsen reflux?Consider whipping up some “nice” cream. Simply pop a few frozen bananas in your blender until they become as creamy as ice cream. Because bananas are alkaline, they can help neutralize the stomach acid that triggers reflux. Plus, they’re rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that keeps food moving through the digestive tract, which limits acid production to reduce the risk of heartburn, according to a review in Nutrients.Q: Should I take my supplements at a certain time?That depends on what you’re taking. Vitamin D and B vitamins may be energizing, so you should take them in the morning: They’ll help you kick-start your day and won’t interfere with sleep. Magnesium, on the other hand, is best at bedtime because it…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 20246 Do’s and Don’ts of UTIsDOSpend time in the sunSoak up 20 minutes of midday sun daily (without sunscreen) and your skin will produce a full day’s supply of vitamin D-3—a nutrient that can halve your risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). The reason? Scientists reporting in the African Journal of Urology say vitamin D-3 nourishes the bladder lining, keeping it healthy so germs can’t invade, and it prods bladder cells to release bacteria-killing compounds called antimicrobial peptides.DOGet more vitamin CBacteria hide inside biofilms—slippery, protective coatings that help them stay attached to bladder walls and make it hard for germ-killing immune cells to reach them. Thankfully, vitamin C can help. This nutrient quickly breaks down troublesome biofilms and destroys bladder bacteria on contact, Egyptian scientists found. Take 500 mg daily and you’ll cut your…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024The science: Hypnosis heals IBS for up to 71% of peopleWomen are up to 2.5 times more likely than men to develop IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), a condition marked by symptoms like diarrhea, bloat, constipation, stomach pain and more. To blame? Factors like diet, changes in gut bacteria and hormone flux.Stress also plays a big role. “Increased stress can make irritable bowel symptoms flare up, and severe symptoms leave patients feeling more stressed,” explains psychiatrist Daniel Amen, M.D., author of Change Your Brain.Hypnosis helps IBS patients break free of that vicious cycle. The practice calms the pain and emotional centers in the brain, says Dr. Amen, helping to ease symptoms. In one study published in the journal Gut, hypnosis helped 71% of people achieve relief from symptoms, and 81% of those patients maintained the improvement for up to five years.To…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024SIMPLE HEALTHSOLUTIONSVitamin D benefits the brainGood news for women who take vitamin D daily: Doing so can help you dodge dementia, findings in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest. In the study, people with low vitamin D were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease over a period of 13½ years. But regularly taking vitamin D supplements decreased the risk. Credit goes to D’s ability to blunt the buildup of proteins in the brain that are linked to impairments in its function.HELP FOR DENTAL ANXIETYAsk your dentist if you can play music during your visit! Experts in Clinical Oral Investigations found that those who did so while having cavities filled experienced significant reductions in anxiety. Previous research shows music suppresses activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024SIMPLE LIFESOLUTIONSHabit that boosts well-beingI am capable. I am appreciated. Thinking such phrases after a bad performance review or a fraught conversation may be paramount to coping, so says a study published in the journal Motivation and Emotion. Affirming personal values, strengths and relationships in response to self-threatening information led to higher meaning in life for the study subjects, which researchers found acts as a buffer against depression and anxiety.MIND TRICK!How to stay sharp at workA recent Mayo Clinic study suggests that incorporating movement, like a walking pad, a bike or just standing while you work, can give you a mental edge. As the research indicates, blending activity with office work can actually increase your brain function, particularly when it comes to reasoning and concentration. To boot, typing accuracy remains the…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024What’s for Dinner?IDEA #1Veggie EnchiladasActive time: 30 min.Total time: 50 min.Serves: 4Zucchini and corn add freshness to these roll-ups1 (10 oz.) can enchilada sauce2 Tbs. tomato paste3 ears corn1 Tbs. olive oil12 oz. zucchini, diced1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed, drained1 cup crumbled feta½ cup sour cream⅔ cup chopped cilantro8 taco-size flour tortillas1 Heat oven to 400°F. Grease 13"x9" baking dish and nonstick skillet. Mix sauce and paste. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn; cook, turning, until browned, 10–15 min. Cut kernels from cobs; reserve ½ cup.2 In same skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add zucchini; cook, 3 min. Remove from heat; stir in beans, ½ cup feta, sour cream, ⅓ cup cilantro, remaining corn and ½ cup sauce mixture. Spoon into tortillas; roll up. Place in baking dish. Top…4 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024Shopping ListWHAT’S FOR DINNER?Veggie Enchiladas☐ 1 (10 oz.) can enchilada sauce☐ 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste☐ 1 (16 oz.) btle. olive oil☐ 1 (15 oz.) can black beans☐ 8 taco-size flour tortillas☐ 3 ears corn☐ 12 oz. zucchini☐ 1 bunch fresh cilantro☐ 1 (4 oz.) cont. crumbled feta☐ 1 (8 oz.) cont. sour creamGazpacho Shooters☐ 1 (46 oz.) btle. V8 vegetable juice☐ 1½ lbs. tomatoes☐ 1 mini cucumber☐ 2 red peppers☐ 1 jalapeño pepper☐ 1 red onion☐ 1 bunch fresh chives☐ 1 (4 oz.) pkg. goat cheeseChicken Ranch Salad☐ 1 (30 oz.) jar low-fat mayonnaise☐ 1 (2.25 oz.) cont. lemon pepper seasoning☐ 1 (16 oz.) btle. olive oil☐ 1 (5 oz.) pkg. seasoned croutons☐ 1 lemon☐ 1 head garlic☐ 2 heads romaine☐ 1 (10 oz.) cont. red and/or yellow grape…3 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024Breezy Blue BouquetWhat’s hot nowRight now, florists are styling delphinium, July’s birth month flower, into lovely bouquets! “Here, cobalt hybrid delphinium make a bold statement on their own in a vase,” says floral pro Beth Savidge of Beth’s Flower Boutique in Pennsylvania. “Plus, the blooms beautifully catch the breeze for a calming display.”Our take on the trendFill a 10"-tall green vase with water. Next, snip 16 cobalt blue hybrid delphinium to 24". Remove any leaves on stems that will fall below the waterline (this prevents bacteria growth). Insert stems into the vase one at a time at an angle to create a lush, full look. Tuck in leafy greenery (like bupleurum) to fill gaps.Pro tips to keep ’em perkyTo keep hybrid delphinium looking fresh and cheery for longer, place the bouquet in…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024SIMPLE PETSOLUTIONSCreate a DIY tug rope for lessNo need to splurge on rope toys for your pup. Instead, use something you already have on hand: Simply tear old kitchen towels into strips. Braid them together like you would hair, then form a knot on both ends. Your pal will love playing tug with you!FIX A LITTER PAN AVOIDANCE ISSUEIf your cat has been having problems keeping her business inside the box, deposit litter so it’s deep at one end and shallow at the other. Cats prefer litter to be at different levels, depending on their needs, and they may relieve themselves elsewhere if it isn’t to their liking. This “swimming pool” arrangement provides options for your sweetie.CLEANING HACKREMOVE PET HAIR WITH EASEYou love the feel of your fuzzy pal’s soft fur,…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024Handy AnswersHow do I subscribe?You can order subscriptions online at ffw-mag.com/subscribe or write to us at First for Women, P.O. Box 37173, Boone, IA 50037.What if I need help with my subscription?To file a change of address or for other subscription-related inquiries:Visit us online: FirstForWomen.com/csEmail us: FirstForWomen@SubscriptionCustomerService.comCall us: 1-800-938-8312Or send your mailing label with details to the address at left.How do I order back issues?Visit us online at MagazineShop.usWhere do I send questions about the magazine itself?Please send an email to Help@FirstForWomen.com or direct inquiries to First for Women, Reader Services, 270 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632. First for Women will consider unsolicited queries, articles, photos, etc., but accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or return.…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024You Get the Last Word“When I Need a Boost of Confidence, I…”“Wear something red: lipstick, top or dress!”—ETHEL LUZARIO PHOENIX, AZ“JUST LOOK IN THE MIRROR.”—MARY T. LIGHT LEBANON, PA“Douse myself in a strong ’80s designer perfume like Giorgio, Poison or Halston!”—PAMELA HEALY NOGUEIRA MOORESVILLE, NC“Remind myself of hard things I’ve done and tell myself, ‘You’ve got this.’ It usually works.”—DONNIE WOOD LITTLE RIVER, SC“Do a kind deed for someone. It always makes me feel better.”—BECKY FLOYD DANIELS, WV“WRITE MYSELF A MOTIVATIONAL POST-IT NOTE AND STICK IT WHERE I’LL SEE IT THROUGHOUT THE DAY.”—CATHERINE KALLBERG BETHEL, CT“SING AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS IN MY CAR WHILE DRIVING TO WORK.”—KAREN ELLIS CASTLE ROCK, CO“TALK TO GOD. IT WORKS EVERY TIME.”—CHARLOTTE CHAPMAN JACKSON, KY“SIGN UP FOR A FAVORITE CLASS AT THE GYM. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024SIMPLE YOUSOLUTIONSSTAY COMFY ON ROAD TRIPSYou’re excited for your weekend road trip but hate how achy your back gets while driving. To make the seat comfier instantly, try placing a rolled-up towel behind your lower back. The towel supports the spine and keeps it properly aligned to alleviate any backaches, and its soft material makes for a cozy cushion.QUICK POLLHOW DO YOU NIX NECKLACE KNOTS?Argh! Your favorite necklace got knotted up in your suitcase. Here, FIRST readers share detangling tips that won’t harm metals65% ❤ THIS IDEA!Rub the knot with canola oil, then use a safety pin to untangle, says Kim Peterson. The oil lubricates the knots so you can pull them apart.35% ❤ THIS IDEA!Sprinkle baby powder on the chain, says Deborah Smith. The powder adds grip to the chain…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024SUMMER BEAUTY TRICKS THAT SOLVE ALL YOUR PESKY ISSUESAS MUCH AS WE LOVE BASKING IN THE WARM SUN, we could certainly do without the havoc it can wreak on our appearance, from sunburns and chafing to oily skin and nonstop sweat. To the rescue? Dermatologists share the easy fixes that are sure to help you plow through the remainder of the season with beauty, confidence and cool comfort.GOT A SUNBURN? SOOTHE IT WITH AN ALOE LOTIONWe try our best to protect our body by slathering on SPF, but sometimes we miss a spot or don’t reapply as often as we should, leaving our skin scorched. What can help: tried-and-true aloe. The plant’s gel has a natural cooling sensation when applied to skin that instantly soothes it, says New York–based dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, M.D. Plus, aloe’s anti-inflammatory agents reduce…3 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024SIMPLE WELLNESSSOLUTIONSMUST READ!SPICE FIX FOR BETTER VISIONSaffron supplements may protect sight, say University of Sydney scientists, who gave subjects with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 20 mg of saffron daily. The result? They maintained their vision, thanks to anti-inflammatories that fight oxidative stress, a driver behind AMD. One to try: NOW Foods Saffron (iHerb.com).51% NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO PRIORITIZE A HEALTHIER DIET DURING THE SUMMERShineWaterMore reason to snack on guacEnjoy the tasty treat! Researchers in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics say avocados may prevent diabetes in women. Just ¼ of this fruit daily lowered the risk of the disease. Low in sugar and rich in healthful polyphenols, avocados help blunt spikes in blood sugar and enhance insulin sensitivity to keep diabetes at bay.SERIOUSLY!NUTRITIOUS PERK OF EATING LUNCH OUTSIDETo…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024THE SUPERMARKET TRICK THATSaves Money—and Leads to Weight Loss!Necessity is the mother of invention…or of helpful TikTok trends. With food prices up in recent years, people have embraced a clever grocery shopping strategy that promises to save money…helping us tighten our belts in more ways than one.High grocery bills can actually harm our health. According to the International Food Information Council’s annual survey, 91% of people saw an increase in food prices last year and 30% revealed they were forced to make less-healthy food choices as a result. That’s a tough pill to swallow, given that 43% of people also said they wanted to lose weight. And what we toss into our cart has consequences. In one small study, people who ate ultra-processed (often cheaper) foods gained 2 pounds in just two weeks. That could mean 50+ pounds…7 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024PRO TIPSQ What are the best natural tick repellents?The young ticks we encounter this time of year can be as tiny as poppy seeds, so it’s smart to take precautions. I recommend using oregano essential oil: It’s as effective as DEET, thanks to the compound cedrol that’s toxic to the bugs. It also contains carvacrol, a compound that kills Lyme disease–causing bacteria. To make a DIY repellent, pour1 ⁄4 cup each of witch hazel and distilled or boiled water and 40 to 50 drops of the oil in a spray bottle. Spray shoes, socks and ankles generously since ticks tend to latch there. And when you get home, toss your clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 6 minutes—the time it takes to kill ticks.Q: Will CBD help…2 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024Hypnotize your way to better sleep!Countless women struggle with sleep during menopause, where hot flashes and rising stress levels prevent revitalizing Zzzs. But during hypnosis, “the imagery of sleep often nudges the brain to stop focusing on worries and to find a more peaceful state,” says Dr. Amen. Indeed, a Journal of Women’s Health study found that both hypnotherapy performed by a practitioner and at-home self-hypnosis were highly effective treatments, helping as many as 77% of postmenopausal women improve their sleep quality. Study participants also reported reduced severity of sleep-hampering hot flashes and better overall mood.…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024CHANCE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER— LOVEMADE THEM A FOREVER FAMILY!Daddy, there’s a little boy in my class that has a hand just like yours!” Barry Abernathy’s 18-year-old daughter, Chassady, said one day in 2019.Like Barry, the then-4-year-old named Tyler had been born with just a thumb and part of his index finger on his left hand.Chassady often talked about the kids at the daycare where she worked. But there was something in her voice, and when she mentioned that Tyler and his sister, Zoey, then 6, were in foster care…“You’ve brought dogs and cats, even goats, home…don’t talk about bringing in kids now,” Barry quipped with a laugh. But weeks later, Barry felt an undeniable pull to meet Tyler. As Barry approached him, Tyler noticed his hand. “Are you my dad?” Tyler asked. As Barry fumbled for an answer,…4 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024DELICIOUSAlfresco DishesMELON-FETA SKEWERSCut 6 slices prosciutto lengthwise into 12 strips. Gently fold each strip into ruffle. Cut 18 (1") cubes from ½ seedless watermelon; cut 8 oz. feta into 12 cubes. On each of 6 skewers, thread watermelon, feta and prosciutto beginning and ending with melon. In bowl, mix 2 Tbs. each olive oil and white balsamic vinegar with ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper. Drizzle skewers with vinegar mixture; top with basil. Serves 6Crispy Air-Fried ChickenActive time: 20 min.Total time: 3 hrs., 30 min. or overnightServes: 6Cut-up chicken marinates in buttermilk to ensure the pieces cook up moist and juicy, then gets coated in crushed cornflakes for crunch1 cup buttermilk2 tsp. garlic powder4 lbs. chicken pieces3 cups cornflakes, crushed⅓ cup all-purpose flour1 tsp. dried oreganoLemon wedges (optional)1 In bowl, mix…4 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024SIMPLE FOODSOLUTIONSKeep cut avocado greenAdding half an avocado to salads and sandwiches makes them more filling and nutritious…if only the leftover half didn’t brown so quickly. The save: Coat the cut side of the avocado with olive oil cooking spray, then wrap tightly in plastic. The fat in the spray shields the flesh from the oxidation that occurs when it’s exposed to air, so the avocado will stay fresh and green up to three days in the fridge.TRENDING$270 THE AVERAGE AMOUNT A U.S. HOUSEHOLD SPENDS ON GROCERIES PER WEEKU.S. CENSUS BUREAUTART PAN TRICKYour berry tart looks fabulous, but unmolding your creation without losing a chunk of it can be tricky. Skip the stress by setting the center of the pan on an overturned small bowl. The bowl acts as a third…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024SIMPLE HOMESOLUTIONSKeep pesky moles away…If you’ve spotted molehills popping up on your lawn, no need to buy special products to keep the destructive critters at bay. The simple solution: In a spray bottle, combine three parts castor oil, three parts water and one part dish soap, then spritz any visible molehills or raised trails. Repeat for two weeks or until the moles move on. The animals dislike the strong smell of the oil, so when they catch a whiff, they’ll head elsewhere.WHO KNEW?WASHING HANDS WITH EQUAL PARTS LEMON JUICE AND GRITTY SALT REMOVES BERRY STAINS FROM HANDS.MAKE GARDEN TOOLS MORE COMFORTABLEAlthough you love spending time in your garden, the tools can leave your hands sore. Make them easier to hold by wrapping handles with a couple of layers of rubber shelf…1 min
First for Women|July 8, 20247 Books We’re Loving NowRETELLINGTangled Up in Youby Christina Lauren“Books that take a classic story and turn it into a modern tale are some of my favorites,” says Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “And this is a fresh retelling of Rapunzel’s fairy tale.” Ren has always been sheltered from the outside world, but she hopes that will all change when she heads off to Corona College. Fitz, on the other hand, is a playboy who plans to graduate from Corona at the top of his class…and get his criminal record wiped. Soon, the two get paired up for an assignment, which leads them to take a road trip and bond in ways they never saw coming. Says Carissa, “Filled with Christina Lauren’s iconic chemistry and sweet banter, this novel stole my heart!” (Hyperion…4 min
First for Women|July 8, 2024GAMESCROSSWORDACROSS1 “Mandy” singer Barry8 On the ocean13 Completely consumed14 They aren’t everything, they say15 Fifth and more16 French city that inspired Van Gogh17 She got an Oscar for My Cousin Vinny19 Bus. card abbr.20 Rigor_23 A sorehead has a short one26 Unresolved27 “Lord, is_?” (Last Supper question)28 Nyad actress Foster30 L.A. Law star Susan31 Creature that loses its tail33 Sampras of tennis34 _Lee Ralph of ABC’s Abbott Elementary35 Leather worker’s tool37 Katherine Heigl’s Firefly Lane co-star42 Broadway legend LuPone44 Flagstaff setting45 In a tough position46 Family trees47 Run out48 Homeric journeyDOWN1 Hat-tipper’s word2 A, as in Edison3 NY Met or LA Dodger4 Light up5 No-good guy6 Shaquille or Ryan7 Greeley’s direction8 With ice cream9 Bullfight figure10 Me time, maybe11 Barely get, with “out”12 Silly goose18 Prefix with science21 “Tell me…3 min
