Tara and Hunter are partnering with IAMS and Strava to give dogs a chance to reach a major milestone of their own through the IAMS Dog Run Marathon. The month-long virtual challenge invites dog owners to walk, jog, or run a total of 26.2 miles with their pups throughout September using the Strava app.

As dogs work toward their 26.2-mile goal, proper nutrition can help support them through every walk, jog and run. IAMS High Protein Dog Food is made with real chicken and beef, with 80 percent of its protein coming from animal sources,* to help support strong muscles, healthy energy and whole-body health.

We caught up with Tara and Hunter to talk about life with Milo and Winnie, how their dogs fit into their active lifestyle and why they want pet parents everywhere to join the challenge.

What roles do Milo and Winnie play in your lives and training routines?

Tara: They are our best friends and always the most excited to see us come home. They fit our vibe and are the best shadows for me and Hunter. Whatever we’re doing, they want to be doing the same thing – whether it’s playing outside, doing recovery, or just relaxing on the couch.

As professional athletes, what have your dogs taught you about staying active and enjoying the journey?

Hunter: It can be easy to get caught up in what’s coming up or the pressure of a big competition, but our dogs remind us that life can also be fun and easy as well. When we’re playing with them or going on runs and walks, they just enjoy it. They have no expectations. They’re just enjoying being able to get active.

What made you excited to partner with IAMS and Strava for the IAMS Dog Run Marathon?

Tara and Hunter: Our dogs are part of so many moments in our lives, so we loved the idea of creating a challenge that puts dogs at the center of the experience. They are often the ones beside us for everyday moments and workouts, but they do not get to join us on competition day. The IAMS Dog Run Marathon gives dogs a chance to cross their own finish line.

How does the IAMS Dog Run Marathon work?

Tara and Hunter: Dog owners can join the challenge through the Strava app and log a total of 26.2 miles with their dog from September 1 through September 30. The miles can be completed through walks, jogs or runs, so it is designed to be approachable for different routines and activity levels. Participants track their activities using Strava’s Pet Tag feature, and daily mileage is capped at 5K, or 3.1 miles, to help prioritize dogs’ safety.**

Why is proper nutrition so important for active dogs like Milo and Winnie?

Tara: Just as nutrition plays a major role in how Hunter and I can recover and continue to get stronger, the same is true for our Milo and Winne. And just like us, our dogs also have a high-protein diet!

What would you say to someone who wants to participate but does not consider themselves a runner?

Hunter: You do not even have to be a runner at all to take part. The challenge is about completing the distance together over the course of the month. Daily walks, weekend adventures, and short jogs can all count toward the 26.2-mile goal. It is about finding a pace that works for you and your dog and enjoying that time together.

Celebrating Four-Legged Finishers

The celebration continues beyond the virtual finish line. One randomly selected grand-prize winner will have their dog crowned the first-ever official IAMS four-legged marathon champion and receive a $10,000 training bonus, 26 bags of IAMS High Protein Dog Food, a custom medal and the chance to have their dog’s face featured on a running shirt worn by Tara and Hunter. Twenty-six randomly selected finishers will also receive a VIP, or Very Important Pup, prize package featuring exclusive IAMS running gear and 26 bags of IAMS High Protein Dog Food.

Ready to get moving? Open the Strava app to join the IAMS Dog Run Marathon and visit iamsdogrunmarathon.com for complete challenge and giveaway details.

*Approximate and derived from an unprocessed state of ingredients.

**Always tailor exercise to your dog’s age, breed, health condition and fitness level. Consult your veterinarian with questions about whether participation is appropriate for your dog.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Full terms and conditions can be found at iamsdogrunmarathon.com.  

When Cathy Angel faced her darkest hours battling breast cancer during a painful divorce, she found solace through thoughtful cards and gifts from loved ones. Once in remission, she decided to pay that love forward and offer the same comfort to others who could use an angel of their own. Here, she shares her inspiring story of strength with Woman’s World and how her nonprofit Boxed By an Angel continues touching lives!

How Cathy Angel faced a double breast cancer diagnosis

In 2015, Cathy Angel was going through a painful divorce and struggling with depression and insomnia, so she went to see her doctor. While there, Cathy mentioned she still had a lump in her right breast. After a mammogram a year earlier, she had been told it was a blocked milk duct. Sharing her concern, her doctor sent Cathy for another mammogram. An ultrasound and MRI followed, then a biopsy. Still, Cathy was unprepared when her doctor called and said, “You have two types of breast cancer…both very aggressive.”

Wellness

One Woman’s Breast Cancer Story That’s Inspiring Women Everywhere (EXCL)

Whether we like to admit it or not, breast cancer is a lingering thought in the back of all women’s minds. In light of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Woman’s World sat down with Cathy O’Brien, a breast cancer survivor, CEO of Naturopathica, and founder of Inside the Wellspace. Having been through it while still working […]

Cathy was at work when she got the devastating news. Driving home, tears streamed down her face. At another time, she would have called her husband for support, so the reality that she was now alone hit her harder than ever.

But the Lakeland, Florida, single mom knew she had to stay strong for her children’s sake. Brandon was 21, Leanna, 15, Kennedy, 7 and Kade was just 6. Cathy sat them down and told them she was sick but stressed there was a treatment and that she would be fine. In front of them, she was always positive. But she found herself crying in private, more scared than she’d ever been. How will I get through this? she wondered.

Turned out, she was surrounded by her very own army of angels.

The “angels” who helped Cathy through treatment

As Cathy underwent a bilateral mastectomy in November of 2015, followed by multiple rounds of chemo that left her battling nausea, dizziness and weakness, family and friends rallied around her.

Her mom became her chemo buddy. She and Cathy’s dad helped with chores and errands. Her friends banded together and formed “Cathy’s Fight Club,” delivering home-cooked meals and helping out with the kids. And gifts poured in—soft blankets, candles, slippers, books, inspirational cards, lip balms, lotions, scarves and cozy loungewear.

With each thoughtful gift, Cathy felt warm and comforted, giving her strength to keep fighting, until finally getting the joyful news that she was in remission in December of 2016.

How she turned her journey into hope

With the ordeal behind her, Cathy reclaimed her life and looked ahead with hope. In 2021, she met the love of her life, Wesley Brad Angel, and they married in 2022. But as happy as she was, Cathy never forgot all she’d been through or the people who had been there for her.

And one morning, while out for breakfast with her new husband, who goes by Brad, Cathy couldn’t contain herself.

“I had so much support throughout my journey with breast cancer…I want to give back,” she said, and shared her dream to curate custom gift boxes for women going through the same battle. “I want to call it ‘Boxed by an Angel,’ as a play on our last name and as a nod to all the ‘angels’ that brought me joy during my darkest hours.”

Brad’s eyes twinkled as he smiled. “Let’s do it!” he said as he held her hand.

Life

A Pair of Fuzzy Socks Turned Into Hope for 3,000 Women

When a neighbor gave Traci Fotorny a pair of fuzzy socks, she never dreamed the gesture would spark a mission touching thousands of women battling breast cancer! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World. When Traci Fotorny’s neighbor knocked on her Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, door with a warm casserole, she was touched — but […]

How ‘Boxed By an Angel’ began

Cathy launched her business during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October of 2023. With Brad’s blessing, she used money from their savings to compile 10 boxes filled with socks, nail polish, handmade soaps by Pixie Suds, earrings made by a friend and rose tea. Then, with help from her local hospital, gifted them to women undergoing treatment.

Feedback was just as Cathy had hoped for. Her boxes made women feel loved and gave them strength to keep fighting. I want to do even more, Cathy thought.

Thanks to a generous donation from her old high school coach, who had lost both his first and second wives to cancer, she was able to buy an inventory of gifts. In less than two months, Boxed by an Angel blessed 90 women, and the momentum kept getting stronger from there.

Inside the personalized gift boxes bringing hope to cancer fighters

Now an official nonprofit and funded by donations and filling orders with sponsors, the organization is blessing lives throughout the U.S. and into Canada, the U.K. and Venezuela. Visitors to BoxedByAnAngel.com can donate to the cause, gift a box to a loved one (boxes are available at different price points) or nominate someone to receive a box. Applications ask for details about the recipient so the box can be packed with personal things meaningful to them.

Boxes also include affirmation cards with inspirational messages, such as:

“I see beauty in parts of me that I used to think were broken…”

“I choose to see my life through a lens of gratitude…”

“I know I was made for something beautiful.”

Today, Cathy also has boxes for caregivers, and she is working on a men’s line.

As Cathy receives touching notes from those who receive their angel boxes, she knows God is using her in a mighty way, and she never plans to stop.

Boxed By an Angel’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month giveaway

Every year, Cathy finds even more ways to spread hope, kindness and a little joy to cancer fighters and survivors. And this October, she’s celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month with something extra special: “Fab Fun Friday” giveaways all month long.

Every Monday, beginning September 28, Boxed By an Angel will unveil a special surprise on Instagram (@BoxedByAnAngel), giving followers the chance to win. Then, each Friday, starting October 2, a lucky winner will be announced!

And there’s an especially beautiful part to these giveaways: Every prize is meant to make its way to a cancer fighter. If a supporter wins, they’ll have the chance to pay the kindness forward by donating their prize to someone fighting cancer—helping Cathy’s goal of spreading love and encouragement reach even more people.

“God has given me a mission that has filled my heart,” Cathy, now still in remission, shares with a smile. “Through Boxed by an Angel, I have met so many incredible women who bless me every day, and I want to encourage and uplift as many women as I can, to help them believe there is always hope!”

Kathy Kramer had just 90 days to step into a role she’d never held before. But as she dove into the whirlwind of planning a massive provincial fair, something unexpected happened as she discovered the work that would become her life’s calling.

Today, as president and CEO of the Central Washington State Fair, Kathy Kramer helps create magical memories for fairgoers. Her story is a journey that proves sometimes the most meaningful paths are the ones we never saw coming. Here, she shares her story for Woman’s World’s “Fair’est of Them All” special series with celebrity chef Sandra Lee.

How a 90-day crisis led Kathy Kramer to her life’s calling

“Kramer, I don’t know who else can jump in and do this,” said Kathy’s boss in 2012.

She was sitting in an executive meeting at Northlands, a large nonprofit agriculture society and multipurpose venue in Edmonton, Canada, where she was vice president of business operations.

The organization produced everything from horse racing and gaming to conventions—and its provincial fair, the Canadian equivalent of a state fair.

But 90 days before the fair was set to begin, the woman managing it had to step away for personal reasons. Suddenly, Kathy was being asked to jump in.

She had a background in conventions and events, but running an entire fair was something new. So she shifted her other responsibilities to her fellow directors and immersed herself in every detail of the upcoming celebration, working alongside the large team responsible for marketing, production and everything in between.

And as Kathy began to see just how many moving pieces went into creating a fair, something clicked.

There was the tradition fairgoers returned for year after year, but there was also the constant challenge of finding what could be new, fresh and exciting. It was a combination of tradition and innovation that energized her — and she quickly discovered something else that made the fair business special.

It was about the community.

Kathy Kramer’s childhood fair memories started in Nebraska

Long before Kathy ever imagined making fairs her career, she knew them simply as a fairgoer.

Growing up in Nebraska, she attended her local Lincoln County Fair with her family. The fair was smaller than the one she would eventually lead, but the traditions were familiar with the same memorable entertainment, rides, fried corn dogs and the excitement of gathering with the community.

But one fair memory Kathy will never forget is cheering on her sister, a talented seamstress, who regularly entered her creations at the fair and won prizes. When her sister was selected to do a demonstration at the state fair, the whole family made the trip to support her.

Years later, those memories would take on a new meaning.

What once felt like an ordinary part of childhood had quietly become part of Kathy’s understanding of what fairs do by bringing families together, celebrating hard work and creating memories that stay with you.

Life

Sandra Lee Honors Pig Showwoman Who Became Wisconsin State Fair CEO

After growing up showing pigs at the Waukesha County Fair and dreaming of being crowned the “Fairest of the Fair,” Shari Black turned her childhood passion into a prolific career — eventually becoming CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair Park and introducing a new generation to family fair joy. Here, she shares her story for Woman’s World’s “Fair’est […]

What it takes to run the Central Washington State Fair

That first experience running a fair in Canada opened Kathy’s eyes to everything happening behind the scenes.

There were thousands of details to coordinate, countless people working together, and a year-round process that culminated in just a handful of days. But the more Kathy learned about fairs, the more she loved the balance between honoring tradition and creating something new.

Every fair may have rides, food and entertainment, but no two fairs are exactly alike. Each one reflects the people, history and traditions of the community it serves.

Eventually, Kathy’s fair journey brought her to the Central Washington State Fair.

Today, she serves as president and CEO of the Central Washington Fair Association, the nonprofit organization that manages the fair. And the fair is no small community event.

Over 10 days, about 275,000 people come through the gates, making it the largest annual event in Central Washington. More than 60 food vendors help create the classic fair experience, while countless staff members, volunteers, exhibitors and community partners work throughout the year to bring everything together.

Because, despite what it may look like to fairgoers, the work doesn’t stop when the rides pack up and the vendors head home.

In fact, planning is already underway for future fairs years in advance.

Why agriculture remains at the heart of the Central Washington State Fair

At the Central Washington State Fair, agriculture isn’t simply one attraction among many. It is part of the fair’s DNA.

The fair has deep roots in Yakima Valley agriculture, dating back to the late 1800s, when Washington established Yakima as the home of the state fair. Through the decades, agriculture has remained central to the fair’s mission of education, commerce and community. Today, that tradition comes to life throughout the grounds.

Local farmers and ranchers bring livestock and create educational exhibits that allow fairgoers to see animals up close and better understand the agricultural industries that are so important to the Valley. FFA and 4-H students spend the year working on projects and displays before bringing them to the fair to showcase what they’ve learned.

And the barns fill with young exhibitors competing with the animals and projects they have poured months of hard work into—from livestock to creative exhibits.

Even the exhibits themselves tell a story.

The fair is fortunate to have nine local granges that transform the perimeter of its historic agricultural building into elaborate displays celebrating the Valley’s harvest and agriculture. Inside, visitors can also find floral displays and thousands of exhibits, each offering another glimpse into the community’s agricultural heritage.

Life

Renee Alexander’s Heartwarming Journey From Fairgoer to State Fair CEO

Minnesota State Fair CEO Renee Alexander’s connection to the Great Minnesota Get-Together began when she was just 8 years old, watching marching bands from the curb. Decades later, Renee has moved from intern to entertainment director to CEO, Renee has helped preserve beloved traditions while welcoming new experiences and creating memories for generations of fairgoers. […]

The new family attraction helping kids discover where food comes from

This year, the Central Washington State Fair (running September 25 through October 4, 2026) is adding a new way for families to connect with that heritage with “The Farmer’s Garden.” The interactive agricultural display will give children a hands-on opportunity to discover crops grown throughout the Yakima Valley and learn where their food comes from.

It’s the kind of experience that represents what Kathy believes fairs do best to preserve traditions while finding new ways to make them meaningful for the next generation.

Decades later, Kathy is helping create unforgettable moments for families across the Yakima Valley. She sees it not simply as putting on a 10-day event, but as caring for something that belongs to an entire community.

“I don’t take lightly that responsibility and am humbled by the opportunity to lead an incredibly creative team, work with a dedicated board of directors and work with hundreds of volunteers and partners to be stewards of this great community asset to carry out our mission,” says Kathy.

“One of my most rewarding experiences each year is simply finding a place during the Fair to sit and watch the crowds as they create lifelong memories with their families, learn and have fun together, and celebrate what makes our community so special.”

Sandra Lee brings food, community and celebration to the fair

“I’m so excited to be joining everyone at the Central Washington State Fair on Saturday, September 26th. I will be spending the entire day at the fair being part of several events and helping celebrate Yakima Valley’s agriculture. There’s nothing I love more than bringing people together through food, celebration, and community—and I can’t wait to share that experience with you.”

Keep an eye out for our “Fair’est of Them All” series in Woman’s World magazine! In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Sandra Lee—chef, creator of Semi-Homemade Cooking and host of Blue Ribbon Bakeoff—is hitting the road with Woman’s World for a special cross-country journey honoring the remarkable women who bring America’s beloved state and county fairs to life. From longtime family traditions to unforgettable fairground innovations, these inspiring stories celebrate the heart, resilience and community spirit woven into fairs across the country.

When Lucy Graham was born with Down syndrome, her family vowed to help her shine. Today, her determination and creativity helped her find success! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World.

When she was in high school, Lucy Graham gave her class a PowerPoint presentation on living with Down syndrome, describing its physical effects, like digestive and heart issues.

“That’s why I needed open-heart surgery when I was 13,” she explained.

When Lucy was born, doctors surprised Susan and Bob Graham with their daughter’s diagnosis, and the Columbia, South Carolina, couple didn’t know anything about the genetic condition.

Life

Adaptive Fashion Line Brings Hope and Style to Women With Disabilities

She looks so uncomfortable and cold, Lady Natasha Fines thought as she looked at her Aunt Emma while she received her chemotherapy treatment during her six-year battle with breast cancer. I wish there were something I could do to help. Going home that night, Lady Natasha thought about the way Emma’s clothes had been stretched […]

“All we can do is try our best,” Bob told his wife, and that’s just what they did.

With assistance from the state’s BabyNet program, Lucy received therapies to help her walk and talk. Her big sister, Grace, also helped. The girls transformed their playroom into a classroom, with Grace the teacher and Lucy the eager student.

At school, Lucy was mainstreamed, though her parents helped launch an in-class special ed program to personalize her curriculum. She was a cheerleader and played on her church basketball team.

After graduation, Lucy went to Clemson University. She lived in the dorms and attended the ClemsonLIFE program, learning independent skills like cooking and banking.

Discovering Her Creative Passion

“She’s doing exceptionally well,” her counselor, Sarah, told her folks. “She’s wonderful with people, she’s creative and loves working with her hands. She would be a perfect candidate to start her own business making and selling jewelry.”

Soon, Lucy was beading bracelets, necklaces and earrings. She named her business The Upside Down Collection, to show the world the upside of living with Down syndrome.

At first, Lucy sold her pieces in the dorms, but when a local coffee shop hosted a craft sale, her parents drove up to surprise her.

But it was Lucy who surprised them.

“I sold $500 worth!” she said.

Lucy’s parents helped her build a website, and along with area pop-up shops, she began taking online orders, packaging each with a handwritten note:

Enjoy your necklace. Thank you for ordering from me.

Life

Her Son's Autism Inspired a Camp Where Every Child Belongs

Inspired by her son, Grayson, who had autism, Valerie Hund joined forces with other moms to launch the Exceptional Needs Network and create an annual camp where children with unique needs can experience friendship, adventure and the joy of summer. Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World. “Hello! Welcome, everyone!” Valerie Hund called and […]

How The Upside Down Collection Gives Back

Today, at 30, Lucy lives independently in an apartment above her parents’ garage. She sells at least 2,500 jewelry pieces every year and donates the proceeds to area special-needs organizations.

Lucy loves her business, and treasures the many customer thank-you letters she receives.

“It makes me feel happy that people like what I do,” she says. “I also like being able to give back to help others.”

Ready to start your week on a positive note? You’ll need to begin by considering what may lie ahead in the coming days. Horoscopes can help make this easier as they predict future life events big or small. This way, you’re prepared for what each day will bring. Here’s what’s happening for your zodiac sign this week, September 20 to September 26, 2026.

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 opportunities inspire you to fine-tune your financial goals.

Love: A heartfelt conversation paves the way for deeper trust and sweeter moments together.

Wellness: Try a calming evening ritual to boost vitality.

Your lucky days: September 20, 23, 25

Your lucky numbers: 2, 8, 17

Taurus: April 20 to May 20

Life: Teamwork helps you make meaningful progress on a cherished goal. Love: A thoughtful surprise rekindles romance.

Wellness: Spending time in nature refreshes the body and spirit.

Your lucky days: September 21, 22, 26

Your lucky numbers: 4, 7, 15

Gemini: May 21 to June 20 

Life: Your curiosity leads to an exciting opportunity to expand your talents.

Love: A playful change of plans brings laughter and strengthens your connection with someone special.

Wellness: Small daily habits create a noticeable boost in your energy. Keep going!

Your lucky days: September 20, 24, 26

Your lucky numbers: 3, 9, 12

Cancer: June 21 to July 22

Life: Trust your instincts as you explore a promising financial or career possibility.

Love: Share a meaningful experience to help your relationship flourish.

Wellness: Learning a new wellness technique leaves you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Your lucky days: September 21, 23, 25

Your lucky numbers: 2, 10, 18

Leo: July 23 to August 22

Life: Your confidence attracts support from people eager to see you succeed.

Love: Working toward a shared dream brings you even closer together.

Wellness: An active outing with a friend lifts your mood and motivation.

Your lucky days: September 20, 22, 24

Your lucky numbers: 1, 5, 11

Virgo: August 23 to September 22 

Life: Organize your priorities to make progress toward a goal.

Love: Honest talks about the future deepen your bond.

Wellness: Make room for rest, and your energy will quickly rebound.

Your lucky days: September 21, 24, 26

Your lucky numbers: 6, 8, 13

Libra: September 23 to October 22 

Life: Creative collaboration opens doors to exciting new possibilities.

Love: Your natural charm makes it easy to create unforgettable memories with someone special.

Wellness: Explore a fresh fitness or wellness trend that sparks your enthusiasm.

Your lucky days: September 20, 23, 26

Your lucky numbers: 2, 6, 16

Scorpio: October 23 to November 21

Life: Your leadership skills shine, making it easier to inspire others and reach shared goals.

Love: Lighthearted flirting keeps romance exciting and uplifting.

Wellness: A few quiet moments of reflection can help you feel more centered and recharged.

Your lucky days: September 22, 24, 25

Your lucky numbers: 5, 11, 19

Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21

Life: An unexpected opportunity encourages you to embrace a bold new direction.

Love: Opening your heart leads to greater understanding.

Wellness: A simple adjustment to your routine brings renewed energy and optimism.

Your lucky days: September 20, 23, 25

Your lucky numbers: 7, 9, 18

Capricorn: December 22 to January 19 

Life: A practical idea helps you move toward success.

Love: Speak honestly about your hopes to strengthen your bond.

Wellness: Add fun to your routine to make healthy habits stick.

Your lucky days: September 21, 22, 24

Your lucky numbers: 3, 8, 14

Aquarius: January 20 to February 18

Life: Smart planning helps you uncover a rewarding financial or professional opportunity.

Love: Clear communication smooths over misunderstandings and brings harmony.

Wellness: Trust your instincts when choosing a fresh approach to feeling your best.

Your lucky days: September 24, 25, 26

Your lucky numbers: 9, 10, 17

Pisces: February 19 to March 20 

Life: Your imaginative ideas earn praise from higher-ups and open exciting new doors.

Love: Plan an adventure together to rekindle warmth and spark joyful chemistry.

Wellness: Release an old habit that’s no longer serving you and you will create space for healthier, happier routines.

Your lucky days: September 21, 23, 26

Your lucky numbers: 5, 7, 15

This article originally appeared in the September 21, 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! 

Sawyer Tinsley felt overwhelmed and lonely—until a foster kitten’s comforting purr inspired her to help others. Now, her mission has touched countless lives! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World.

Sawyer Tinsley rushed home from school and headed straight to her room, sad and frustrated. Her first year of middle school wasn’t going well. Most of her old friends were now in a different school district in Jupiter, Florida, and because of COVID-19, it was difficult to make new friends with faces behind masks.

But the moment Sawyer opened her bedroom door, her mood lifted.

“Hello, little guy,” she said, cuddling her latest foster kitten. Its loud purring instantly helped Sawyer feel less alone.

And then she had an idea!

Life

How One Woman’s Therapy Chickens Are Spreading Comfort and Joy

When Kris Munster noticed her chickens calmed her anxiety, she decided to start a unique foundation to share the magic of her ‘healing hens’ with those who need it most! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World. Drawing in a deep breath with the warmth of the sun on her face, 39-year-old Kris Munster […]

Finding comfort and connection in foster kittens

Ever since she was little, Sawyer had wanted a cat. But the family already had three dogs, and one of them didn’t like cats. But when Sawyer was 10, her parents learned about fostering kittens until they were ready for neutering and adoption. “We can give it a try so long as you keep the kitten in your room,” they said.

Sawyer loved every one of her foster kittens. Not only did the kitten find a forever home, but she also got another furry friend to help ease the loneliness of a strange school year.

But one afternoon, Sawyer experienced a sudden realization after many of her old friends had expressed their own feelings of isolation.

“Hugging a kitten makes me feel so relaxed and less lonely. Maybe it would help my friends, too,” she thought.

After some restrictions lifted, Sawyer called a few friends.

“Would you like to come over and play with a kitten?” she asked, and everyone replied with an enthusiastic yes.

“This is great!” they said, socializing the young animals.

“Can we do it again tomorrow?”

Soon, they were bringing more friends and classmates eager to make connections.

Life

‘Koda the Fluff’: This Convertible-Driving Pup Is Changing Lives One Smile at a Time

This adorable therapy dog inspires millions — and will make your spirits soar!

How yard flamingos raised $25,000 for local animal shelters

Sawyer, now 16, has fostered nearly 300 kittens. She and her friends, new and old, have also come up with a very creative way to raise money for local animal shelters.

Each August evening, Sawyer and a few volunteers quietly “flock” a neighbor’s yard, planting 15 bright pink plastic flamingos alongside a sign that reads, If you donate to help rescue animals, tomorrow you can tell us where to “flock” them next.

Neighbors love the playful tradition, eagerly nominating loved ones for a pink surprise.

Sawyer also sponsors an annual Flamingo 5K run (@FlamingoRunForRescues on Instagram) and, to date, has raised more than $25,000 for local no-kill shelters.

“Petting a sweet kitten is so calming,” she says. “If everyone could do it, I think the world would be a thousand times happier.”

If you enjoy decorating for each holiday, then you know that the price of these festive furnishings adds up year after year. And half the time? The stuff you grab on a whim ends up tossed in the trash once the seasons change. With fall nearly here and folks already filling their home with Halloween and Thanksgiving decor, Hobby Lobby is the place to save big on all things autumnal.

Each week, Hobby Lobby’s ad highlights their biggest sales, and you can shop fall decor for as little as $2! Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fall finds at Hobby Lobby currently available for less than $2. From home decor to hosting essentials, stock up now!

Life

Get the Pioneer Woman Look for Less at Hobby Lobby

Ree Drummond, affectionately known as The Pioneer Woman, has built a home and lifestyle empire that all began with her blog, where the 57-year-old would share bits and pieces of her life and family’s day-to-day living on their massive Oklahoma ranch. Today, in addition to leaving her mark in people’s homes through her television series, […]

Add a cozy touch with Hobby Lobby $2 fall home decor

Decorating your space for the season doesn’t have to be complicated. Keeping it classic can be the way to go, and there’s nothing more traditional than a paper chain. Hobby Lobby’s Pumpkins & Leaves Plaid Paper Chain Craft Kit costs just $1.79, and in addition to providing an immersive activity you can enjoy with someone you love, the end result is a charming chain you can hang in your home. The set consists of 30 pieces you can link together, each piece either having a pumpkin, leaf or plaid pattern on it. 

Hobby Lobby also has seasonal signage for less than $2, and though these finds are on the small side, about the size of a Christmas ornament, their messages still make us smile. The Thankful Framed Wood Ornament costs $1.49 and reads, “‘Tis the season to be thankful.”

The Grateful Hearts Wood Ornament also costs $1.49 and says, “Gather here with grateful hearts.” Hang these ornaments on a hook and put their sweet messages on display. 

Another adorable accent you won’t want to pass up at Hobby Lobby? Their Mini Hay Bales! Though you might be scratching your head figuring out what exactly to do with them, a set of six, which costs $1.19, can be arranged in a fall display alongside mini pumpkins or figurines. Or, if you want to get even more creative, tie a name tag to each bale and use them as place settings at your Thanksgiving table!

Create a tablescape worth talking about!

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, Hobby Lobby makes it easy to create a table setting that doesn’t come with a huge price tag. Set the foundation of each place setting with the Orange Plaid & Pumpkins Reversible Placemat, each one costing only $1.19 with a unique pattern on each side.

Complement these mats with Hobby Lobby’s adorable Maple Leaf Coasters, a set of four felt pieces costing $1.19 and consisting of a green, orange, yellow and maroon option. 

Then, to really elevate things, wrap your favorite cloth (or even paper!) napkins in a fun—and affordable—napkin ring. The Orange Leaves Napkin Ring costs $1.49, and the bright color scheme is a lovely touch.

Similarly, the Velvet Pumpkin Napkin Ring, also just $1.49, will tie your place setting together. Plus, its sage green color is a nice alternative to some of the more traditional fall hues.

This fall, there’s no need to spend big when bringing your vision to life. Fill your home with festive charm that won’t hurt your wallet. 

If you’ve seen white crust on your showerhead or noticed your hair feels coated after every wash, a filtered shower head probably sounds like an easy fix.

Sales are booming. Brands like Jolie, Canopy, Aquasana and FilterBaby are everywhere on social media. But most filtered shower heads are designed to reduce chlorine, not hard water. And for many buyers, hard water is the actual problem.

Here’s what these products can and can’t do, why the confusion exists and what works better if hard water is the issue.

What a filtered shower head actually does

A filtered shower head is either a replacement head with a built-in filter or an inline unit that screws between the shower arm and your existing head. Water passes through filter media before it reaches you.

That media may include activated carbon, KDF, calcium sulfite or a combination of materials. Each targets specific substances. Prices generally range from $50 to $170, with replacement cartridges running $25 to $50 every few months.

The important distinction is not how many “stages” a filter advertises. It’s what filtration media the product uses and which contaminants it has actually been tested to reduce.

Why every shower head filter brand is booming right now

Three forces explain why a water filter for shower use has become one of the fastest-growing product categories in home wellness.

Water quality concerns are rising. A 2023 USGS study estimated that at least 45% of U.S. tap water could contain one or more PFAS, based on testing at 716 locations. A 2026 EWG analysis found that 62.1 million people were served by systems with elevated nitrate levels.

Those numbers fuel the broader interest in filtration. But they don’t mean a shower filter will remove PFAS or nitrates. Most are designed around a narrower set of substances.

Chlorine is driving the most shower-specific concern. Public systems commonly use chlorine or chloramine to disinfect water. The EPA says more than one in five Americans receives chloramine-treated water. It meets safety standards, but some people dislike the dryness or irritation they associate with it.

Board-certified dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, MD, told Allure that chlorine, rust, sediment and excess minerals can contribute over time to dullness, dryness, irritation and itchiness.

“Patients sometimes report that their skin feels less tight and their hair appears softer after switching to a quality filter,” Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, told Allure.

Hard water creates the most visible problem. Calcium and magnesium leave white scale on showerheads, cloudy deposits on glass doors and soap scum on tile. They also make soap and shampoo less effective. A Pacific Northwest National Laboratory report estimates 75% to 85% of U.S. homes have moderately hard to very hard water.

That makes a hard water shower filter especially tempting. The problem is right in front of you: crust on the fixtures, spots on the glass, buildup that keeps returning.

But filtering water and softening water are not the same thing.

Can a filtered shower head actually soften hard water? And what works if it can’t

Usually, no. Hard water is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium. Most shower head filters aren’t designed to remove enough of those minerals to soften the water.

Independent testing makes the gap clear. In a Water Filter Guru review of the FilterBaby Pro, hardness measured 250 ppm before filtration and 251 ppm after. Calcium actually rose slightly from 74 ppm to 74.5 ppm. Water Filter Guru founder Brian Campbell said: “I don’t think the filter itself necessarily added hardness. But this result shows us the filter can’t soften hard water.”

That doesn’t mean the filter did nothing. A shower filter can still reduce chlorine or other substances it’s designed to target. But if calcium and magnesium are the problem, the fix has to happen somewhere else.

Check your hardness level first. Your local utility may publish total hardness in its annual water quality report. You can also use an inexpensive test strip or drop kit at home. Here’s how to check.

For the water itself, use a true softener. The real question behind water softener vs water filter is what you’re trying to remove. A filter reduces specific contaminants. A whole-home ion-exchange system removes the calcium and magnesium that cause hardness. If hard water is the problem, a softener is the tool designed to fix it.

If you can’t install a softener, manage the effects. Renters and people who can’t modify plumbing still have options. A chelating shampoo with ingredients like EDTA, phytic acid or citric acid can help strip mineral buildup from hair. Regular descaling with an appropriate cleaner controls the white crust on fixtures and glass.

A shower filter and a chelating shampoo can solve different parts of the problem. The filter reduces chlorine. The shampoo removes mineral deposits the filter leaves behind.

The clearest takeaway: buy a filtered shower head for what it’s actually tested to do. If hard water is your issue, the answer is a softener, a chelating shampoo or both.

THREE SIGNALS TO WATCH

1. Third-party hardness testing from more brands. The Water Filter Guru test showed one popular model couldn’t reduce hardness at all. Watch for more independent reviews testing filtered shower heads against actual hard-water metrics, not just chlorine.
2. New filtration media designed for calcium and magnesium. Current shower filter technology doesn’t meaningfully soften water. Watch for products that claim to target hardness minerals with verifiable, independently tested results.
3. FTC scrutiny of filtered shower head marketing claims. Many brands imply benefits for hard water without testing to back it up. Watch for regulatory action as the category grows and consumer complaints mount.

There’s something to be said about a home in which the decor is a direct representation of the person who lives in it. Known as the life of the party? Your home may be full of bold colors, bright patterns and eccentric knick knacks. A lover of history and diving into the past? Perhaps your space is filled with vintage finds from days gone by. In the age of cozymaxxing (it’s a thing!), curating a household that’s comforting and speaks to who you are is essential, and as folks are straying from the minimalist styles of the 2010s and opting for more whimsy and personality in their space, the kitschy pieces of the past are hitting shelves once again. 

Cabbageware was a highly popular trend that first stemmed from the work of Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro back in 1884 and rose in popularity throughout the 1960s. These dishes and bowls were painted to resemble the leaves of a cabbage, and today, they’re back on people’s radar.

This style of dinnerware combines retro charm with a bit of country flair, and if you’ve lost track of your grandma’s leafy green plates, Hobby Lobby and other retailers have you covered with affordable alternatives. Hobby Lobby has cabbage plates and cabbage bowls that truly shine, and if you can’t track them down at your local store, we’ve gathered a few alternatives that won’t break the bank. 

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Shop Hobby Lobby’s Viral Purple Mahjong Tiles + Accessories

Over the last few years, Mahjong, the Chinese tile game, has become a phenomenon, with folks forming groups, joining clubs and spending their spare time playing and teaching the game to friends. Hallmark even made a film centered around it! As people search for screen-free entertainment alternatives as well as human connection, Mahjong’s popularity has […]

Hobby Lobby cabbage plates are a collector’s dream

When cabbageware began rising in popularity once again, many turned to Hobby Lobby, who, over the last year, began selling their own version of the style. On their website, a dinner sized cabbage plate cost $13.99 and was available in both traditional green and a fun light pink. These plates were also sold in a salad size for $11.99.

Plus, shoppers enjoyed the matching bowls for $9.99. Though antique aficionados fell hard for this find, so popular were these plates that they sold out entirely online. However, if you’re hoping to snag a set in a potential restock, be sure to enter your email to be notified, or, head to your local Hobby Lobby store in person for a chance at finding them there. 

If your in-person quest leads to a dead end, there’s no need to fret, for countless other retailers have cabbageware sets available at an affordable price. Here, check out some of the best deals. 

Spend less on cabbage plates at Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and Wayfair

At Kohl’s, the Certified International Le Jardin 9-Inch Cabbage Salad Plates are the perfect addition to your hosting arsenal, a set of four cabbage plates costing only $57.79. Shoppers love this set, with one reviewer writing, “These are affordable and excellent quality. We use them year round, great for salads and burgers in the summer.” 

And at Bed Bath & Beyond, you can shop the full setup! The Certified International Le Jardin Cabbage 12pc Dinnerware Set comes with four dinner plates, four salad plates and four bowls, and at $127.09, it’s hard to beat this offering. 

At Wayfair, you can step outside the box with their Round Stoneware Cabbage Shaped Plates, which are sold as a set of four in the most darling pink shade for $53.99. 

Whatever style speaks to you, add a bit of whimsy to your tablescape with these fun finds.