“I just wish I knew other kids with dads in heaven,” he said one night.

Christine’s heart ached because she wished the same for herself.

Life

Navy Wife Turns Personal Pain Into Support for Military Families

Crystal knew the stress of being a military spouse — being constantly on the move made it difficult to put down roots or build a steady support network. But when she realized military spouses received far less help and support than their partners, she felt called to action! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s […]

Marine Sergeant Derek Floyd served his country in Iraq and Afghanistan. It had been two years since he was training to become a firefighter in Long Island, New York, when he died of cardiac arrest.

Christine felt overwhelmed by grief, financial woes and parenting two children, Ethan, then 4, and Abby, 2.

Several first-responder organizations stepped up with financial assistance, but when Christine sought emotional help, she was disheartened to learn support for young widows of first responders did not exist.

“I think the only way I’m going to find other widows is if I look for them,” she told her friend Liz Toro, a police detective who also runs a babysitting service for first responders with unpredictable schedules.

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“Let’s get started,” Liz said, and the two made plans.

They spread the word and booked a local play center for their first gathering.

“Do you think anyone will come?” Christine fretted, but before they knew it, more than 100 young widows and their children filled the play center.

While the kids played, the moms shared how it had been since losing their partners.

“My loved ones mean well, but sometimes it feels like pity and that’s not what I need,” said police widow and mother of three Lillian Sivori. “I just want to feel normal again.”

Life

She’s Only 11 and She’s Already a Hero to 230 Veterans!

For this little girl, the secret to happiness is doing good deeds everywhere she goes! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World. Kendelle Reed loves history — and she especially enjoys reading books and watching TV programs about the military. Her uncles Cal and Tim both served, which is why one night, she told […]

Christine decided to turn her new passion into an official nonprofit called Resilient Hope Foundation.

The group met next for dinner, and then they held an event at the Long Island Children’s Museum.

Ethan and Abby made friends who understood why they feel a little sad when missing their dad.

“When is the next meeting?” Ethan asked his mom nearly every night at bedtime.

Kayden Viviano, whose firefighter dad died in 2022 from lung problems related to 9/11, feels the same way. So does Kayden’s mom, Laura.

“I don’t have family nearby, so I spent a lot of time looking for widows’ support groups. I’m so glad I found Christine.”

What began as a little boy’s desire to meet others who understood his grief has blossomed into a lifeline.

“Derek served his country,” Christine says. “Now, he’s still helping others through all of us.”

Life

Your 2026 Horoscope Is Here! Planet Shifts, Eclipse Drama and a New Era

As we step into a whole new year, it’s easy to find your imagination running wild as you consider what your 2026 horoscope will bring. No matter your goals, you can’t help but acknowledge that the next 12 months are sure to host highs and lows, twists and turns, dreams fulfilled, as well as challenges […]

Aries: March 21 to April 19

Life: Fresh momentum helps empower you to take bold steps toward improving your financial outlook.

Love: A playful, passionate vibe encourages you to surprise your partner.

Wellness: Try a new energizing routine to feel revitalized.

Your lucky days: June 14, 15, 18

Your lucky numbers: 1, 4, 10

Life

Your Guide to Mercury Retrogrades in 2026—Learn Which Signs Most Affected

Every new year brings its fair share of highs, lows, challenges and opportunities. How you’ll experience them is bound to change, in part because the astrology of each 12-month cycle is truly unique. But you can count on certain astrological events to occur annually, and in 2026, Mercury will go retrograde three times. The planet […]

Taurus: April 20 to May 20

Life: Clear the air with loved ones for deeper harmony.

Love: Thoughtful gestures spark meaningful moments.

Wellness: Laughter and connection with friends uplift your spirits.

Your lucky days: June 16, 17, 18

Your lucky numbers: 2, 6, 13

Gemini: May 21 to June 20 

Life: Curiosity leads you toward an exciting opportunity to learn something new.

Love: Break from your everyday routine together to bring a refreshing closeness to your relationship.

Wellness: Support from others motivates you to embrace a healthier habit.

Your lucky days: June 14, 15, 18

Your lucky numbers: 3, 5, 11

Cancer: June 21 to July 22

Life: Celebrate your recent wins before stepping into your next goal. It will set you up for success!

Love: Share a meaningful experience together to deepen your emotional bond.

Wellness: Guidance from a trusted expert helps refine your wellness routine.

Your lucky days: June 16, 17, 18

Your lucky numbers: 2, 8, 16

Leo: July 23 to August 22

Life: Allow yourself to open up and strengthen your support system in powerful ways.

Love: Teamwork around shared goals brings rewarding progress.
Wellness: Exercising with a friend boosts both motivation and joy.

Your lucky days: June 14, 15, 19

Your lucky numbers: 1, 7, 9

Virgo: August 23 to September 22 

Life: A small, practical step toward a goal leads to lasting success.

Love: Plan for the future together to enhance trust and connection.

Wellness: Slow down to restore your inner balance.

Your lucky days: June 15, 17, 20

Your lucky numbers: 2, 6, 12

Libra: September 23 to October 22 

Life: Partner with someone to bring exciting progress on a shared vision.

Love: Confidence and warmth help create memorable romantic moments.

Wellness: Explore new wellness ideas that capture your interest and you will energize your routine.

Your lucky days: June 14, 18, 19

Your lucky numbers: 3, 5, 7

Scorpio: October 23 to November 21

Life: Step into a leadership role and allow your talents to shine. You have what it takes!

Love: Lighthearted flirting brings more joyful, affectionate exchanges with someone special.

Wellness: Mindfulness practices help you feel grounded and strong.

Your lucky days: June 16, 19, 20

Your lucky numbers: 4, 11, 15

Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21

Life: Trusting your instincts helps you navigate unexpected changes smoothly.

Love: Honest conversations further deepen emotional intimacy in your closest relationship.

Wellness: A refreshed health routine leaves you empowered.

Your lucky days: June 14, 15, 18

Your lucky numbers: 6, 9, 17

Capricorn: December 22 to January 19 

Life: Your drive to learn opens doors to exciting new possibilities.

Love: Expressing your desires brings clarity and connection.

Wellness: A playful approach makes self-care more enjoyable.

Your lucky days: June 15, 16, 17

Your lucky numbers: 3, 8, 12

Aquarius: January 20 to February 18

Life: Exploring a new financial idea could lead to promising results.

Love: Clear communication strengthens your bond with a loved one.

Wellness: Trust your instincts when refreshing your routine. It will help you decide what’s no longer serving you.

Your lucky days: June 18, 19, 20

Your lucky numbers: 7, 10, 18

Pisces: February 19 to March 20 

Life: Speak up about your vision to earn well-deserved recognition and support from higher-ups.

Love: Creative plans together bring even more excitement and closeness.

Wellness: Letting go of outdated habits makes space for positive change in your everyday routine.

Your lucky days: June 16, 17, 20

Your lucky numbers: 5, 6, 14

This article originally appeared in the June 15, 2026 print version of Woman’s World. 

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond! 

Savor a famous food staple at Gino’s East

Start your visit at one of the city’s many fantastic museums, like the Field Museum. Wander its exhibits to see more than 40 million stunning specimens, including SUE, the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil. Afterward, stop by Gino’s East of Chicago for a taste of delicious deep-dish pizza.

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Enjoy a night of laughs at Second City

As dusk approaches, treat yourself to a night of entertainment at Second City in Old Town, home to renowned sketch and improv comedy. This six-decade-old spot is where comedy actors like Tina Fey, 56, and Steve Carell, 63, got their start and today continues to entertain and delight both locals and tourists.

Catch a game at Wrigley Field

Admire the Cloud Gate sculpture

Locals have given the impressive art piece, located in Millennium Park, the nickname The Bean. As one of the largest permanent outdoor art installations in the world, it continues to attract visitors from all over! 

Life

Visit Lake Geneva, WI! 6 Must-Dos—Gilded Age Mansions to Sunset Cruises

Summer fun is in abundance in Lake Geneva! Located on the 7-mile-long eponymous lake in southeastern Wisconsin, this welcoming resort town boasts not only water sports and beaches but museums, unique shops and award-winning restaurants.  Learn about the past at the Geneva Lake Museum of History Begin your trip by traveling back in time at […]

Bonus: Experience the Windy City at home!

Get whisked away to Chicago with a cocktail inspired by the beloved Irish tavern The Dearborn and a classic romance story set in the city. 

Maple Old Fashioned

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 cups bourbon
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tsp. orange bitters

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Chill until ready to serve. Pour over ice and garnish each with an orange slice and a cherry. Makes 6 drinks.

Read a Chicago-based book: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

In this Chicago-based love story, Henry and his wife, Clare, must navigate their new normal when a genetic disorder causes him to time-travel unpredictably.

This story first appeared in the June 22, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.

Knowing the basics of bathroom etiquette on airplanes is mostly about reading these moments.

According to Sarah B., a flight attendant for a major international airline, there are two ideal windows to target. “The best time to use the lavatory is right after we’ve cleared the first meal service or just before the landing announcement,” she told Travel + Leisure.

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Sarah B. goes on to explain that everyone rushes to the airplane toilet after the pilots’ landing announcement.

“They also run there right after eating, and they can get stuck behind the carts for clearing the meals, and it’s difficult for them to get back to their seats,” she told the outlet.

Here are answers to the most common questions about timing it right.

When is the best time to use the airplane toilet?

The best time is right after the first meal service or about an hour before landing, before the arrival announcement plays. Both windows give you an open aisle and a short line. The quiet, dimmed stretch when most passengers are asleep or watching a movie works well too.

When is the worst time to use the airplane bathroom?

The worst times are during cart service and any time the seat belt sign is on. Carts block the aisle with no easy way around them, and the seat belt sign can mean turbulence is coming even if the air still feels smooth. The rush right after the landing announcement is another one to skip.

Should I use the bathroom before boarding?

Yes. Using the restroom in the terminal before you board is the single smartest move. In fact, it lowers the odds you’ll need the airplane lavatory at all. Going right before beverage service begins, while passengers are still settling in, is a solid backup if you missed your chance in the terminal.

Is it okay to use the bathrooms on airplanes during meal or drink service?

No, this is one of the worst times to go. “If you see carts in the aisle, that is not a good time to go,” Sherry Peters, a flight attendant for a major United States carrier, told Reader’s Digest. A loaded galley cart is heavier than it looks and can wall off the aisle completely.

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Can I use the airplane bathroom when the seat belt sign is on?

You should stay seated whenever the seat belt sign is on. It often means the crew is anticipating turbulence you can’t feel yet. The same goes for when flight attendants are buckled into their jump seats, which signals takeoff, landing or rough air ahead.

Which airplane toilet should I use, the front or the back?

Head to the back. Travel coach Rani Cheema told Travel + Leisure she goes all the way to the rear because forward-facing passengers can see the front occupancy sign and tend to line up for it. The rear lavatories often draw a smaller crowd as a result.

Why is there always a line for the airplane bathroom?

Lines form because passengers get up in waves, all at once after a meal, after a movie ends or the second the landing announcement plays. The crowding also feeds itself, since people line up assuming a line is inevitable. “I promise there will be a lull in the bathroom traffic,” Rich Henderson, a flight attendant at a major U.S. airline, told USA Today. Waiting a few minutes usually clears it.

Can I use the bathroom during takeoff or landing?

No. You should be seated with your seat belt fastened during takeoff, final descent and landing, when only the crew should be moving. Using the toilet while the plane is still on the ground is also bad airplane bathroom etiquette. If they’re servicing the lavatories, the water or flush might not work.

Bethany Van Meter’s throat tightened as she stared at a photo of her friend’s sister’s foster dog. His name was River, and he was a stray pit bull who had just had both eyes surgically removed due to infection. She could sense his pain, yet something still radiated from him that touched her heart.

“Can we have him visit and see how it goes?” Bethany asked her husband, Josh, that day.

They were hesitant. A blind dog would be difficult to care for, but the two had been rescuing dogs and cats for over 20 years. It wouldn’t be foreign to them, and despite the reputation of pit bulls, Bethany loved the breed. The thought of welcoming River into their lives felt destined. Josh nodded his approval.

God has something up his sleeve, Bethany’s spirit whispered.

Life

Disabled Pup Becomes Viral Star for Spreading Joy and Acceptance

When Kimberly Elliott adopted a Goldendoodle with a neurological disability, she vowed to give him a wonderful life. Little did she know, this spirited pup would soon be doling out hope and joy to the world! Here, read Josh the Goldendoodle‘s story. While browsing through online animal rescue sites, Kimberly Elliott came across a Facebook […]

Love to the rescue

On February 27, 2021, while River was still recovering from his eye surgery, Bethany and Josh adopted him.

It was an adjustment at first, but they soon learned how intelligent River was. He used his other senses to navigate his world.

They walked River on a leash, both in the yard and in the house, to help him memorize the layout. Before long, he settled in, finding his own spot on the couch. Bethany fell more in love each day, smiling at his endearing ways.

Soon, she began taking River out and about to see how people would react to him. Many seemed skeptical about his breed and his blindness. But once they got to pet him and spend time with him, they were able to look past his appearance, and everything changed. They fell in love, too.

“You can teach people valuable lessons,” she said to River, petting his ears.

The idea lit a spark inside Bethany that began to burn even stronger.

Life

How a Deaf Therapy Dog Is Inspiring Kids to See Abilities

You are such a sweetie,” Chris Hannah smiled as the 5-month-old pit bull scampered across the shelter floor, leapt into his lap and began licking his face. But the pup couldn’t hear Chris’ words. “He was born deaf,” the shelter worker explained, but for Chris, this wasn’t a problem—it was, in fact, the reason he […]

A tail-wagging teacher

Excited, Bethany began posting on social media about River in the first person, as if he were writing it. People loved it so much that she wrote and published a children’s book called I See With My Heart, which became an instant hit.

Bethany also set up social media pages and a website, which prompted instant requests for River to come visit.

Wanting to teach kids acceptance early on, Bethany set up readings at schools where she could share River’s book and introduce him to students in hopes of planting seeds of kindness.

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Bethany was amazed at the impact River had. Kids who had been scared of dogs felt comfortable petting River. One little boy came up and put his glasses on River, melting Bethany’s heart.

Each student embraced the message of River’s book, coming away more accepting and joyful.

Over the last three years, River has visited more than 100 schools and done more than 200 readings, not just near their Gallatin, Tennessee, home but across the country. A portion of sales and bookings goes toward paying for a therapy dog to work in schools to help students feel calmer and more confident.

Recently, they sponsored their first dog, Fervor, for the Academy of World Languages in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bethany has also written more children’s books about River and how God is using him.

“When I ask the kids what they can learn from River, their answers are overwhelming,” Bethany says. “They learn empathy, perseverance, not to judge a book by its cover and that we can be kind, do hard things and overcome obstacles. River is thriving because he is loved; it’s powerful.”

Here, she shares with Woman’s World her proudest moments as a mother, the heart behind her podcast, and how God kept her going through her family’s darkest moments. 

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The inspiration behind ‘Got It From My Momma’

Ever since her son, Connor, could say words, he had a dream in his heart to be a country music singer. And on May 28, 2023, Jennifer watched him make his Grand Ole Opry debut. Connor, now one of country music’s rising stars, spent his childhood dreaming of becoming a songwriter, filling notebooks with lyrics and performing anywhere that would give him a stage. 

Sitting in the historic church pews of the Opry, Jennifer found herself overwhelmed with emotion as she watched him step into a lifelong dream. “I am doing the ugly cry,” she recalled. “I can hardly contain myself.” As she watched, a thought kept returning to her: “I wonder if other moms also feel this way about their children.” Friends encouraged her to start a podcast, and the idea quickly took root. At the time, Connor was opening for Thomas Rhett, so Thomas Rhett’s mother became Jennifer’s first guest. What began as simple conversations between moms soon grew into something much bigger. Rather than renting a studio, Jennifer chose to record from her Nashville home, inviting guests to sit on the couch in her living room. 

Today, she still finds herself amazed when mothers like Sonya Curry, Donna Kelce and Denise Jonas end up sharing stories in her home. “Within moments before you know it, you’re just literally two moms talking about their kids,” she said. “And what mom doesn’t want to talk about their kids?”

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Leaning on faith through a mother’s hardest season

In June 2025, Jennifer faced one of the most difficult seasons of her life when Connor was the driver in an accident that resulted in the fatality of an elderly woman. As a mother, she found herself confronting a level of heartbreak and helplessness she had never known. 

“It doesn’t matter how old your child is, there’s no greater pain than seeing your child hurt, and you would take on that pain as a mom 100 times over to not watch your child walk through something,” she says. 

During those early days, Jennifer, her husband, Cooper, and Connor leaned heavily on their faith. A trauma counselor offered wisdom that profoundly shaped their perspective. “We had an amazing trauma counselor that came in the first few days,” Jennifer shared. “One of the things that he said was ‘Romans 8:28 doesn’t say that He makes things happen for His good, but He works all things together for His good.’” That truth became an anchor for their family. “Our focus really turned to how this is going to be really hard to walk—especially for my son,” she said. “But how are we going to take this and help it to work together for God’s good?”

Now, a year after the accident, the family’s testimony reveals their strength and the faith they have in God — and how God has brought such healing to Connor’s heart. 

The beautiful gift of growing together in faith

Today, Jennifer sees a beautiful shift in her relationship with both Connor and Cooper. While she spent years encouraging and guiding them, her sons now encourage her, too. Their family has always shared a strong foundation of faith, but Jennifer treasures the way those relationships have deepened as her boys have grown into men. 

Connor continues to build a successful country music career, while Cooper has become another source of wisdom, encouragement and prayer within the family. “I don’t hesitate to ask my boys to pray about something I’m dealing with,” Jennifer said. “That’s a beautiful thing when your children love the Lord, and you can mutually lift each other up.” 

She and her husband openly share their struggles and mistakes, believing authenticity strengthens family bonds. “I think that authenticity as a parent is so helpful as a child,” Jennifer explained. “There’s something beautiful and powerful about being able to say, ‘I probably didn’t handle that the best way. Will you forgive me?’” Their family frequently shares books, discusses faith and challenges one another to keep growing spiritually. “We’re all trying to figure out how to help each other grow in some way,” she said. “Don’t stop growing.”

What Jennifer learned about grief

Those experiences have also transformed the way Jennifer approaches the mothers she interviews on her podcast. While she always cared deeply about their stories, walking through her own season of pain has given her a new perspective. “One of the things I learned is that you can grieve and have gratitude at the same time,” she tells Woman’s World. 

She points to conversations with Mary Beth Chapman, who lost her daughter, and the mother of Christian artist Anne Wilson, who lost her son, as examples of how differently she now relates to stories of loss. “Having walked through the dark and having seen Jesus be so faithful through that gives me a whole different perspective,” Jennifer said. Yet alongside the grief, she has found profound gratitude. “There’s a gratitude in the way I see the Lord using our story,” she says. “I’m so thankful for that.” She believes God continues to bring purpose even from life’s hardest chapters. “God will show Himself,” she urges. “He did for us at every turn of the journey.”

Why being a mom is her greatest blessing

As Got It From My Momma continues to grow through its partnership with UPtv, Jennifer remains humbled by the opportunities that come her way and the stories she gets to share. But for all the famous names who have sat across from her, the role she treasures most is being Connor and Cooper’s mom. Whether celebrating Connor’s accomplishments in country music, cheering on Cooper in his own pursuits, or simply answering a phone call from one of her boys, Jennifer knows exactly where her heart belongs. 

One lesson from Sonya Curry continues to guide her through this season of motherhood: “They need your prayers, and they need your presence.” For Jennifer, that calling remains both simple and profound — and one she considers the greatest honor of her life.

Listeners can watch and listen to Got It From My Momma on UPtv and wherever podcasts are available.

What to know about Mike Johnson’s proposed Social Security cuts 

Earlier this week, Johnson, a Republican congressman from Louisiana, went on a Louisiana radio show to discuss President Donald Trump’s second term, the war in Iran and the federal spending budget that’s currently a big topic of conversation both on and off Capitol Hill. He also took time to share his thoughts on the country’s spending habits and pitched an idea to would change them. 

“The reason we’re in trouble is because over 74 percent of federal spending is on autopilot, mandatory spending. That’s your entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid and things like Social Security,” Johnson said. “They have to be adjusted and fixed. We have a plan to do that next year, and it’s critical.” 

What exactly that plan is remains to be seen, but lawmakers are sounding alarm bells. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine and North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis released a joint bipartisan statement shortly after Johnson’s remarks, urging their colleagues to protect the government-funded program. 

“It’s clear now that Congress shouldn’t delay any longer. Several of us have been coming together to talk about how we can strengthen Social Security for current and future generations of retirees. We say to our colleagues: Join us in doing what we were elected to do—legislate on hard issues and protect this lifeline program for our kids and grandkids,” their press release read. “Congress has no shortage of ideas, we just need to actually debate them and vote.”

Experts also shared their thoughts on potential cuts, with Richard Johnson, AARP’s senior vice president of financial security, telling The Washington Post, “The challenge is manageable. Congress doesn’t have to abandon Social Security. It doesn’t have to rebuild the program from scratch.” 

Others urged people to take a look at the news and think about how these conversations will impact the upcoming 2026 midterm election. 

“It’s important to recognize that the Senators we elect this year will be in office when Social Security becomes unable to pay out full benefits, so this must be a central campaign issue,” Michael Peterson, CEO of the debt-focused think tank Peter G. Peterson Foundation, said in a statement. “This crisis is both highly predictable and fully avoidable, as there are many well-known solutions available. Now is the time for responsible, bipartisan leadership to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, ensuring the stability of these programs for generations of Americans to come.”

Life

Is Your Social Security Safe? What Trump's Budget Means for You

President Donald Trump recently unveiled his 2027 budget, which included a $1.5 trillion defense spending proposal—a 42 percent increase from 2026. To help fund the increase, the President suggested cutting nondefense program spending by $73 billion, or 10 percent. These proposals were met with considerable backlash from Americans and lawmakers, including Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, […]

Can Mike Johnson actually cut federal funding for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid? 

If Johnson’s undisclosed plan does see the light of day, there is a chance Congress and President Trump could vote it into law. If they do, there could be cuts made to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, but based on how lawmakers are responding to the idea, it’s highly unlikely that the Senate and the House of Representatives will vote yes. 

President Trump is a different story: Just a few months ago he proposed cutting federal funding for Medicare, Medicaid and daycare to help pay for the war in Iran. 

“We can balance the budget. We can have a surplus if you can stop that. And that does not include Medicare, Medicaid—that’s even bigger,” the President told an audience at a White House Easter lunch in April of this year. “We can’t take care of daycare. You got to let a state take care of daycare. And they should pay for it, too. They should pay. They’ll have to raise their taxes, but they should pay for it. And we could lower our taxes a little bit to make up for it. It’s not possible for us to take care of daycare, Medicaid, Medicare—all these individual things. They can do it on a state basis. You can’t do it on a federal [level]. We have to take care of one thing: military protection. We have to guard the country.” 

Similar to Johnson’s plan, those cuts would have to be approved by the House and Senate, and given how controversial these remarks were, it’s unlikely Congress will pass any sort of legislation that proposes major cuts to these government-funded programs.

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Will these proposed cuts impact your July benefits? 

Since Johnson’s proposed plan has yet to be shared or voted on, it’s highly unlikely that July Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits will be impacted. And America’s 250th birthday celebration won’t impact payments either. Because the main event—July 4—is on a Saturday, everyone’s benefits will be paid out on time. You can view the full Social Security July payment schedule below.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will get their payments on Wednesday, July 1. 
• If you received Social Security before May 1997 or are receiving both Social Security and SSI, you’ll get both payments on Tuesday, July 2. 
• If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, July 8.
• If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, July 15. 
• If you were born on the 21st through the 31st of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, July 28.

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

The psychology of home scent and why first impressions stick

Scent bypasses the slower, more analytical parts of the brain and goes straight to the emotional core. Erika Stalder writes in The Zoe Report that “like with fragrances worn on the body, there’s a psychology to home scents in that they can stimulate all kinds of emotions and behavior. That’s because the part of the brain where emotion and emotional memory are processed, the amygdala, is activated as soon as we smell something.”

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That immediate activation, Stalder says, helps explain why scent can trigger the recall of specific memories, like the backyard blooms from a childhood home, and conjure general emotions such as a sense of freedom. It’s also why some candles are deliberately calibrated to capture specific moods.

What the science says about smell, memory and well-being

The connection between scent and how we feel isn’t just anecdotal. According to Harvard Medicine, Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist at Brown University who studies the psychological science of smell, said, “Smell can instantly trigger an emotional response along with a memory, and our emotional states have a very strong effect on our physical well-being.”

Harvard Medicine notes that in addition to citing myriad studies that link smell-induced memories to mood improvement and stress reduction, Herz points to research showing that smells evoking personal memories promote slower, deeper breathing than pleasant but more generic smells, and linking odor-evoked memories to significant reductions in markers of inflammation.

In other words, the right home scent isn’t just pleasant. It can measurably calm the body of the person standing in your foyer.

Why luxury spaces prioritize fragrance

Hotels and resorts have long understood what most homeowners are only beginning to appreciate, that scent is a branding tool. Signature fragrances are engineered to be recognizable the second a guest walks through the lobby, and they’re designed to be tied to the experience long after the trip ends.

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That deliberate use of fragrance creates a memorable brand experience. Guests don’t just remember the thread count or the view, they remember the smell. Homeowners can borrow the same strategy by choosing one or two consistent scents for their space rather than rotating through whatever candle is on sale. A consistent signature scent makes a home feel intentional and gives visitors something to associate specifically with you.

How to make a home smell welcoming without being obvious

The biggest mistake people make with home scent is going too strong. Subtle fragrance is usually more effective than overpowering fragrance, which can read as artificial or even cause headaches in sensitive guests. The goal is a background note, not a featured performance.

A few practical approaches.

• Open windows regularly. Fresh air is the foundation of a pleasant-smelling home. No candle can compete with stale air underneath it.
• Use natural scent sources. Simmer pots with citrus peels and spices, fresh herbs on the counter and essential oils in a diffuser create warmth without the chemical edge of heavy synthetic fragrances.
• Focus on entryways and living spaces. These are the rooms where first impressions form. Scenting a guest bathroom is nice, while scenting the foyer is strategic.
• Layer thoughtfully. A lightly scented candle in the living room paired with fresh flowers in the entry creates a more nuanced experience than one strong product working alone.

How to choose a signature home scent

Picking a fragrance for your home is more personal than picking one for your body, because everyone who walks in will encounter it. Think about the emotional response you want guests to have, whether calm, energized, cozy or fresh, and work backward from there. Citrus and herbal notes tend to feel bright and welcoming, while woods, vanilla and amber lean cozy and grounding. Because scent is so closely tied to memory, the fragrance you choose may eventually become the one guests associate with your home entirely.

Fragrance experts and interior stylists call this scent-scaping, and the rules behind it are simpler than the candle aisle suggests.

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How a Signature Home Scent Works

A signature scent is built in layers. Top notes are the first impression, usually citrus, herbs or light florals that register the moment someone walks in. Base notes are what lingers in the air long after, including musk, sandalwood, amber and vanilla.

The method decorators recommend has three steps. Pick one dominant scent family. Add one accent note. Then lock that combination in everywhere, from the entryway to the bathroom.

Simon Constantine, founder of ånd fragrance, told Ideal Home, “A signature home scent is probably as important as any other part of your home’s decor. Done right the right scent should leave people with a warm impression of your home, done wrong and it could be overpowering or off-putting.”

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How to Scent Each Room Without Creating Chaos

The mistake most people make is layering too many unrelated fragrances across the house. Sticking to one or two dominant scent families and matching them to a lifestyle aesthetic (minimalist, coastal, romantic or earthy) keeps a home from smelling cluttered.

The decorator approach breaks down room by room.

• Entryway. This is the first impression, so it should be the clearest statement of your signature.
• Living room. Lean warm and inviting.
• Dining room. Keep it subtle so it does not compete with food.
• Kitchen. Food-forward scents work here, like vanilla, cupcake or something heartier like tomato.
• Bathroom. Reach for something powerful or clean to mask any unpleasant odors.

Franky Rousell, founder of Jolie Studios, told Ideal Home, “‘Scent-scaping is a crucial component in interiors. You can totally transform a room from being plain and bland to something luxurious through the power of fragrance. It’s important to understand the emotion you want to draw out of a space and then find the perfect fragrance to match that.”

When in Doubt, Reach for Vanilla

If picking a personalized fragrance feels overwhelming, science has an answer that works almost universally.

Chiana Dickson wrote in Homes and Gardens, “If you are trying to pick a home fragrance that will appeal to everyone, family and guests included, then vanilla is your best bet. After research spanning multiple countries and cultures around the globe, scientists found that vanilla still came out on top, even when matched against other popular scents. It is a safe and readily available fallback.”

Vanilla doubles as a base note, meaning it lingers and pairs cleanly with citrus tops or sandalwood undertones. That makes it as functional as it is foolproof, and a smart anchor for anyone building a signature scent for the first time.

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Dollar Tree Coastal Decor Is the Perfect Way to Ward off Winter Blues

From seasonal pieces to festive favorites, Dollar Tree has long been a go-to destination for budget-friendly home decor—but this season, their charming coastal collection is making serious waves. Think breezy blues, seashell motifs, nautical touches and beach-inspired textures that instantly brighten any space. And while it may be the middle of winter, there’s actually no […]

Adorn your home with American flag decor

Celebrate Flag Day in style when you decorate the exterior of your home with Hobby Lobby’s adorable and affordable patriotic offerings. The Stars & Stripes Burlap Wreath has a classic, rustic look to it and costs just $12, with one reviewer calling it “Well designed and a perfect size.” 

And one of the easiest ways to show off your love for your country is with Hobby Lobby’s American Flags, costing just over $2 each. Poke the sticks in your grass and line your driveway with them or stick them into your flowerpots for a bit of added patriotic charm this Flag Day.

“I just bought these and they’re the perfect size to put around our deck for the summer!,” shared one reviewer, with another purchaser stating that they “Stand up to Iowa weather.”

Be the host with the most with this American flag indoor decor

Wreaths aren’t just for the outdoors, and for something a little fun and funky for your interior doors, the Red, White & Blue Tinsel Wreath ties in those stars and stripes, offers a bit of extra sparkle and costs just $6.

And clearly the wreath offerings at Hobby Lobby are endless, because the Patriotic Floral Woodchip Wreath ($18) is another great piece of decor that ties in the American Flag on this important day. 

The God Bless America Beaded Wood Wall Decor for $5 is the perfect indoor accent for your walls, as well as the American Flag Wood Decor for just over $2.

Plus, the Patriotic Bows Garland, costing $12, is the perfect touch for your banister, TV stand or mantel. And if you’re hosting something of a soiree, build a charcuterie board or appetizer platter on the American Flag Wood Lazy Susan, costing just over $7.