November is Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor the countless individuals who selflessly care for loved ones, often putting their own needs aside to make sure someone they love feels supported, safe, and cared for. To all of our readers who are caregivers, we see you, we appreciate you and we want to celebrate the incredible difference you make, even when your hard work and sacrifices go unnoticed.

This month, we’re shining a light on the stories of caregivers whose compassion and dedication inspire us. One story that especially touched our hearts is that of Susan Hartzler, whose beloved dog became an unexpected source of comfort, strength and companionship as she cared for her father and navigated the heartbreak of saying goodbye.

Life

Her Dad’s Love for Dogs Sparked a Mission That’s Changing Lives

Lisa Zimmerman had always shared a special bond with animals — especially dogs. But it wasn’t until she sat beside her terminally ill father, watching her pups snuggle up to him and bring him comfort in his final days, that she realized just how healing a pet’s love could be. When a hospice nurse mentioned […]

How Baldwin became her partner in caregiving

Despite being a lifelong animal lover, Susan Hartzler, 65, was shocked at the power of a dog’s compassion and ability to help her navigate the emotional journey of caring for—and saying goodbye to—her beloved father. Years later, dogs are still filling her heart with joy and giving her strength as she once again steps in as a caretaker, this time for a dear friend. Here, Susan shares her caregiving story with Woman’s World.

“Twenty years ago, I was heartbroken after losing my dear rescue dog Blondie, my steadfast companion with golden fur and a no-nonsense attitude who had stood by me during the rollercoaster years of dating and heartbreak. To ease my pain, my mother gifted me another rescue puppy I named Baldwin, knowing how much I was grieving and how deeply I connected with my dogs.

“Ironically, Baldwin was her final gift to me — a living testament of her love — as she died unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep just six months later. Little did I know that this furry rescue Puli with a curly coat, soulful eyes and one-of-a-kind personality would turn out to be quite profound. Shortly after her passing, I left behind my high-profile PR career in the travel industry and returned home to take over my mother’s role as primary caregiver for my father, who had been living with Parkinson’s disease for several years.

“Determined to honor my mother’s commitment that my father would remain in his home, Baldwin — who had been my emotional anchor through grief after the loss of Blondie and then as a caregiver to my mom — became my caregiving partner. Managing Dad’s doctor appointments, medications, meals and daily routines like meal prep and grocery shopping, I was my father’s companion, advocate and unwavering voice who ensured he had a life filled with dignity, connection and fun.

Life

Life After Caring For Her Husband: Wife Shares Powerful Story and Advice

The physical, mental and emotional fervor required to be a caregiver is widely understood, but how often do we think about being a caregiver who has retired or decided to take a break? Here, a former spousal caregiver shares her story of Parkinson’s disease intruding on her family, and life after caregiving.  Real-life caregiver: Edna […]

Finding peace in four paws

“When things got rough, as they inevitably did, I found solace and perspective in nature, taking Baldwin on walks that helped me clear my head and reset emotionally. Baldwin had a keen ability to always know exactly what I needed, often before I did. He amused my dad by curling up at his feet or performing some goofy antic and the many tricks I taught him that would bring a rare yet genuine smile to my father’s face.

“Dad’s first Parkinson’s-related hallucination happened when we were sitting in the den, but my dad insisted he needed to ‘go home.’ He was frightened, confused and inconsolable, so after a few minutes I clipped on Baldwin’s leash and guided my dad outside to walk down the driveway. As we returned inside, his panic subsided, and that short outing grounded him back in reality. That moment illuminated how I subconsciously always looked to Baldwin for guidance, and he had an intuitive way of helping me read the moment and respond in ways that actually worked.

“Whether offering Dad comfort or giving me the nudge to step outside and breathe, Baldwin became the calm in my storm. He didn’t just support me — he helped me figure out how to support my dad. He walked beside me through one of the hardest chapters of my life with quiet strength, fierce loyalty and a kind of intuitive wisdom that no training could ever teach. Just watching him do something simple, like catch his beloved frisbee, helped me stay grounded when the days blurred together and emotions ran high. Baldwin reminded me that there was still laughter, light and love — even in the midst of grief and uncertainty.

Life

He Fulfilled His Mom’s Last Wish by Giving Senior Dogs a Loving Home

When Larry Barton’s mother, Jane, shared her final wish to help special-needs and senior pups live in comfort rather than cages, the architect never dreamed it would become his life’s mission. Here, he shares his story with Woman’s World. When Larry Barton flew from Wisconsin to California to visit his mom, Jane, an afternoon outing […]

“When my dad passed, three years after I moved back to care for him, Baldwin never left my side. He helped me create new routines, gave me reasons to get outside and anchored me through the waves of grief. In his quiet, unassuming way, he helped me begin to heal.

“Baldwin taught me how to slow down, how to truly listen, how to show up even when it’s uncomfortable. I discovered strength I didn’t know I had and depths of love that surprised me. He also taught me that you don’t have to go through it alone — and that dogs can be healers in their own right. It inspired me to write the book The Peace Puppy — to honor Baldwin and the lessons he gave me throughout the 13 years I had him.

A new chapter of caregiving

“A year ago, I stepped back into the role of caregiver, caring for the husband of a dear friend who passed away a year ago. This time, I’m supported by my current pack of rescue pups: Rosie, 13; Seven, 10; and Paige Turner, 5. Together, they bring joy, structure and lightness to our days. They offer companionship to me and to my cherished friend on our daily outings to the park, where the dogs amuse us with their antics and offer unconditional affection and a comforting presence.

“Just like Baldwin once did, they help me carry the emotional load and remind me to slow down and savor the small things — the happy dance that says, ‘I’m glad you’re here,’ the warmth of a snuggle, the simple gift of being together.”

Alert, fellow Hallmarkies: Countdown to Christmas is in full swing, which means we’re ready for back-to-back premieres, Lacey Chabert meet-cutes and the small-town mayors who somehow always need saving by a big-city architect. If you already have the schedule bookmarked (we’re looking forward to The Nights Before Christmas with Tyler Hynes and Laci J Mailey and Mistletoe and Mimosas with Tamera Mowry-Housley and Kristoffer Polaha) and a mug of cocoa warming by the opening credits, you know the cozy feeling shouldn’t have to stop when the end titles roll.

Enter Dollar Tree and Dollar General—the unsung heroes of the Hallmark-at-home lifestyle. Between Dollar Tree’s year-round cottage charm and Dollar General’s brand-new Hallmark collaboration, you can build the Countdown to Christmas universe in your own living room for less than the cost of a movie ticket. And keep it going long after the last snowflake falls in December.

What is the ‘Countdown to Christmas’ aesthetic?

If you’ve ever paused a scene just to study the garland on the banister, you already get it. The Hallmark look blends small-town nostalgia, timeless décor and that lived-in coziness that makes you want to move straight into Hope Valley from When Calls the Heart (the new season starts in Janaury!).

The palette leans warm and traditional: deep reds, rich greens, creamy whites and soft neutrals like black, navy and gray. Jewel tones—plum, sapphire, amber—fit right in.

Texture carries just as much weight as color. Natural wood, wicker, cable-knit blankets, tweed and velvet add warmth, while plaid, tartan and gingham deliver the nostalgia. Finish with brass candlesticks, fairy lights, throw pillows and patterned table runners, and suddenly your den looks like the perfect spot for leading lady to curl up with her childhood crush.

Five Below’s Christmas Decor Is Too Cute to Pass Up!

Dollar General’s Hallmark line is a superfan’s dream

Here’s the news that had us speed-dialing our nearest Dollar General: the retailer is launching Simply for You by Hallmark, a 2026 holiday collection landing at approximately 19,500 stores nationwide.

The designs are pure Countdown to Christmas energy—snowmen, Santas, charming woodland critters and plenty of evergreens. Every item is $15 or less, and more than 70 percent are priced at $5 and under.

A few highlights worth plotting your shopping trip around:

Simply for You Candles

With scents like peppermint swirl, Santa’s cookies, forest dew and frosted snow globe, you’ll feel whisked into your favorite movie. Jar candles are $10, printed candles $5.

Stationery and journals

These $5 notebooks (perfect for jotting down which movies you’ve already watched), $3 150-piece puzzles and $5 paint-by-number kits have us feeling creative.

Too-cute kitchen finds

These adorable cooking accessories have you feeling like you’re prepping for the town bake-off: $3 silicone spatulas, $2 oven mitts, $1 spice jars and $3 salt and pepper shakers, placemats and mugs.

Totes and tumblers

Styles include a $15 Santa face stainless steel tumbler and $6 tote bags in red striped with green trim or green holly with red trim.

To see what’s in stock near you, visit the official collection page and enter your ZIP code—or just wander the aisles yourself.

Your Dollar Tree Hallmark Christmas movie starter kit

Over at Dollar Tree, the holiday aisle reads like a Hallmark set designer’s shopping list. Here are a few picks that scream Countdown to Christmas a little louder than the rest:

Elegant wrapped-present décor

These gorgeous $7 boxes look like they were lifted straight off a Hallmark soundstage. Cluster a few under the tree for instant volume.

Battery-operated lanterns

At $1.50 each, they throw pops of red and green around the room—a mini light show for pocket change.

Christmas House mugs

Dollar Tree’s $1.50 mugs are exactly what you’d picture a Chabert or Sweeney character cradling on the back porch. Pair them with a $1.25 six-serving box of Swiss Miss, or grab the $1.25 hot chocolate bombs that explode with mini marshmallows.

Colorful nutcrackers

These handsome nutcracker fellows (just $1.50 each) are sure to make you have an army of cuteness on your mantle or kitchen island.

Ceramic sweater trees

These 8″ elegant ceramic deer Christmas trees bring a touch of understated charm to holiday decorating. Featuring soft colors and delicate cutout details, their clean, modern design makes them a lovely addition to tabletops, dining displays and festive centerpieces.

On the heels of spooky season and on the precipice of the holiday season, we’re moving through an intense astrological moment that calls for you to dive deep into self-reflection and let go of fears and the past in order to move into a whole new lunar cycle. November 8’s new moon in Scorpio, falling at 2:02 a.m. ET on November 9, is a dynamic, emotional astrological event that you can harness to set goals that stoke your passion and align with your inner power. And although the new moon is exact on Monday, you’ll have several days to work with its intense energy. Here’s what to know, based on your sign.

What is the new moon in Scorpio?

The new moon occurs once—and occasionally, twice—a month when the moon and the sun share the same exact spot in the zodiac (for example, this month, they will pair up at 16 degrees Scorpio). Because the sun and the moon sit so close to one another during this point in the lunar cycle, the sun’s light doesn’t reflect off of the moon at all. From our point of view here on Earth, the moon is invisible. 

For that reason, you can think of a new moon as a blank canvas on which you can cast your dreams, goals and intentions. And you can take advantage of new moon energy by getting clear on and setting those goals for four days before and after the event occurs. 

This time around, the new moon is in Scorpio, the fearless, resourceful, laser-focused fixed water sign. Falling annually in either October or November, the Scorpio new moon encourages you to acknowledge anything that’s been happening beneath the surface—whether that’s tensions with loved ones or problematic habits, thought patterns, or dynamics that require addressing. 

It bears noting that Scorpio is also associated with the Eighth House of Intimate Bonds, which involves joint resources, investments, and intimacy—all themes that might play into your new moon experience. 

Here, how the 2026 Scorpio new moon will affect you based on your sign. (Be sure to read both your sun and your rising sign if you know it. If you don’t, you can find it in your birth chart or by using this CafeAstrology calculator.)

Aries

This new moon, falling in your intimacy and shared resources zone, challenges you to address a challenge with your significant other or a loved one, perhaps related to your emotional bond or finances. Your voice and your heart’s desires matter, and releasing a toxic pattern or healing an ongoing wound can make more room for well-deserved romance, creativity, and connection.

Click through for more on Aries.

Taurus

Falling in your partnership zone, this new moon offers you an opportunity to breathe new life into a one-on-one bond by kicking off a new shared undertaking or even having a fruitful conversation about how you can get even more in sync going forward. With your ruling planet, sweet Venus, retrograde in your routine sector until November 13, exploring and opening up about what you need from your significant other, dear friend, or closest colleague on a day-to-day basis could be particularly productive.

Click through for more on Taurus.

Gemini

Whether you’ve been wanting to try a new approach to bolstering your vitality or streamline your everyday routine so that you’re saying “yes” to projects that truly fire you up, this new moon is a wonderful one for getting clear on what that looks like and then going after it full force. That’s because it falls in your health sector. Your ruling planet, messenger Mercury, is retrograde until November 13, so look in the rearview to reflect on strategies that fell short in the past, which can help you brainstorm a winning approach this time around.

Click through for more on Gemini.

Cancer

This could be one of the most magical, heartfelt, and playful new moons of the year for you, because it falls in your self-expression and romance zone. Think about how you’ve been sharing what’s in your heart, and consider infusing even more creativity into how you’ve been connecting with someone special. Though you’re focused on what you want moving forward, you could be swimming in emotions from the past, with both Mercury and Venus retrograde now. Allow whatever feelings come up for you to inform how you envision the road ahead.

Click through for more on Cancer.

Leo

With this new moon falling in your home zone, you’re gaining clarity around a vision for your future home life. What do you want your physical surroundings to look like, how do you want your bonds with your closest loved ones to feel, and what do you need to feel most secure? Carve out space to muse about the answers to these questions, and then let yourself dare to take the first step in whatever direction you’re called to. Own the bold, go-getter vibe that’s fueled by the new moon’s connection to action-oriented Mars and expansive Jupiter in your self-image sector.

Click through for more on Leo.

Virgo

Life is busier than usual right now, and yet, you might feel like you’re attempting to run through quicksand as a result of this new moon hitting your communication zone at the same time as your ruling planet, Mercury, and Venus wrapping up their retrogrades. Allow this frenetic energy to inspire you to get clear on which short-distance trips, conversations, and casual commitments you can scrap. By saying “no,” you’re actually creating space to say “yes” to projects that are truly deserving of your time, attention, and energy. 

Click through for more on Virgo.

Libra

Falling in your money sector, this new moon invites you to make a fearless move tied to your self-worth, values, and, yes, income-generating game plans. Letting go of ties that you’ve been keeping up with for years might be necessary to make space for the opportunities that you’ve been dreaming about. But with your ruling planet, romantic Venus, retrograde in your sign until November 13, your best bet is to reflect, release, and then take slow and steady action toward your intention.  

Click through for more on Libra.

Scorpio

This is your annual new moon, inviting you to call in even more confidence, determination, passion, and laser focus. With Mercury retrograde here since October 24, you’ve been immersed in introspection and reconsidering how you’ve been showing up for yourself, your big picture dreams, and your relationships. Now’s your chance to zero in on a crystal-clear vision of what joy and fulfillment look like six months down the road. 

Click through for more on Scorpio.

Sagittarius

As adventurous as you tend to be, this is a quiet, even reserved new moon for you, because it impacts your spirituality sector. Your dreams could be more vivid and you could feel like prioritizing R&R over spending time out in the world. Listen to your inner voice and carve out space for exploring whatever is coming up for you. You could come away from this moment feeling as though you’re even more focused on what you need to best nurture your emotional and psychological well-being.

Click here for more on Sagittarius.

Capricorn

Falling in your networking and friendships sector, this new moon encourages you to connect—or even reconnect—with groups of people who are aligned with the very same aspirations as you. Whether you’re ideating on a project or brainstorming the details of a big event, take heart that a slower pace is to be expected given that both Mercury and Venus are retrograde until November 13. As we move toward the full moon in your daily routine zone later this month, you’ll notice your industrious work and networking is paying off. 

Click through for more on Capricorn.

Aquarius

With the new moon falling in your career zone, you’re eager to make your mark in a major way, perhaps by stepping into a leadership position or taking on more responsibility. Your one-on-one bonds as they relate to this goal are also sure to be a focus, given that the moon squares off against Mars and Jupiter in your partnership sector. Combine your rational side with whatever your gut is telling you to go after your boldest ambitions.

Click through for more on Aquarius.

Pisces

You have been wanting to get out of your everyday, mundane routine, maybe travel or even pick up new skills, but it’s been tough to gain momentum with Mercury and Venus retrograde falling in your adventure sector. But this new moon presents you with a chance to start building on your wildest, wanderlust-fueled fantasies. How can you invite even more horizon-broadening energy into your world? The answer to that question can inspire a powerful intention now.

Click through for more on Pisces.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you need some tableware and utensils for your get-together, then head on over to your local Dollar Tree. The discount store has dozens of fun and festive items that are perfect for your table and kitchen, including wooden spatulas and serving spoons. To learn more, keep scrolling!

Spatulas

Mixing has never been more festive thanks to these silicone spatulas from Dollar Tree. They cost $1.50 and come in two designs—pumpkins, and orange with the word “thankful” on them—and yes, you get both of them in the same pack.

Paper plates 

Save yourself some time at the sink doing dishes and pick up these paper plates from Dollar Tree this Thanksgiving. They feature gorgeous fall foliage, including pumpkins, gourds and sunflowers, and cost just $1.50 for a pack of 15. That’s 15 fewer plates that you have to wash this holiday season. Now that’s something to be thankful for.

Place mats 

Don’t want to ruin your table on turkey day? Then be sure to grab these placemats on your Dollar Tree run! There are two designs—white with orange pumpkins, and pumpkins with the word “thankful” on them—and you can get both of them in a pack of two for just $1.50. These placemats are washable, so you can reuse them time and time again.

Serving spoons 

Serving can be a task in itself on Thanksgiving, but these spoons from Dollar Tree make it easy! You get two reusable spoons, one with holes and one without, for just $1.50. Both of which will make serving and dining that much easier.

Life

Hobby Lobby Weekly Ad: 7 Thanksgiving Decor Finds

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re in need of some affordable decor, Hobby Lobby has you covered! As part of their weekly ad, the beloved nationwide craft store released tons of fall decor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving and November in general! To see our top favorite items, keep scrolling! A Give Thanks […]

Cups

Get ready to sip in style this Thanksgiving, thanks to these dishwasher safe cups from Dollar Tree. Both of them feature the same fall foliage design, but one of them is for wine and the other is for everything else—water, juice, Diet Coke, you name it—you can serve it in these cups, both of which cost just $1.50. 

Kitchen linens 

Whether you’re cooking turkey, mashed potatoes, pie, biscuits or broccoli, chances are you need some kitchen linens nearby so you don’t burn yourself. Enter these ones from Dollar Tree. For just $1.50, shoppers can get one kitchen mitt and two pot holders, all of which feature the words “thankful” and orange, white and green pumpkins on them. How fun and festive is that?

Cutlery and napkins

Dollar Tree has tons of fall-themed napkins, but these ones are our favorite because they also come with cutlery. There are two patterns—one with a pumpkin and one with leaves—and they come with knives, forks and spoons. There are 16 of each item in the set, and each set costs $1.50.

Life

Marshalls' Thanksgiving Decor Is Too Cute to Pass Up!

If you’ve been searching for the perfect Thanksgiving merchandise for your home, head over to Marshalls! The department store, which is owned by TJX Companies, Inc., the company that also owns T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, HomeSense and Sierra Trading Post, has tons of fun and festive fall decor that is guaranteed to make your home more […]

To-go containers 

Everyone has leftovers at Thanksgiving, and now instead of keeping it all for yourself, you can send some of it home with your guests in these to-go containers from Dollar Tree. There are two designs—a “Hello Fall” one with orange, brown and yellow fall foliage, and a “Thankful” one that features white, green and orange pumpkins. Each design costs $1.50 for a pack of two.

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After seeing wildlife harmed by litter, two brothers built collection bins, cleaned beaches and created nesting boxes to protect Florida’s wildlife. Here, they share their story with Woman’s World.

“Look at all that trash,” John Carl Tilghman, 7, told his brother, Wesley, as the family hiked through Yellowstone National Park.

“Somebody should do something,” Wesley said.

“Maybe that somebody could be you,” the boys’ mom, Nancy, said. “Maybe you guys could start a foundation,” she suggested.

Right away, Wesley and John Carl knew what their first project should be.

Life

Her Daily Walk Sparked a Movement That Removed 750,000 Pounds of Trash

After Jill Mather started picking up litter during her daily walks, it sparked a volunteer movement that’s now removed 750,000 pounds of trash! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World. Jill Mather’s retirement wasn’t going as planned. After decades of 80-hour weeks in the restaurant business, she had dreamed of traveling, relaxing and spending […]

How the Conservation Brothers fight pollution in St. Andrew’s Bay

The brothers loved fishing in St. Andrew’s Bay near their home in Panama City, Florida. They always disposed of their used fishing line properly, but others did not. Too often, they spotted seagulls hopelessly tangled, with hooks and line dangling from their mouths. The boys worked hard to free them.

Once at a local marina, the boys helped Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission workers haul in a 300-pound sea turtle strangled by fishing line. While workers held the turtle steady, John Carl removed every strand before it was returned to the Gulf.

Inspired, the boys called themselves the Conservation Brothers and began constructing sturdy monofilament collection bins. They placed them at marinas with instructions explaining why safe disposal matters.

Every time they checked, the bins were full.

Next came beach cleanups with friends and classmates and collecting water samples from the bay and its feeder creeks so the state could test for harmful red algae.

Life

She Started Helping Teen Moms From Her Car—Now Look What She Built

What are they going to do? Ellen Kogstad thought as she looked around the OB ward at a Chicago hospital. In the early 1980s, Ellen served as a 20-something volunteer outreach worker through her church every Monday. She helped new mothers who had delivered babies over the weekend. She often witnessed young, single teenagers becoming […]

Inspiring the next generation with protection for habitats

When Hurricane Michael toppled all the trees surrounding their backyard pond, the brothers worried: What will happen to the wood ducks? Without trees to nest in, the ducks were easy targets for predators. So Wesley and John Carl built nesting boxes on poles with protective collars to keep them safe. Soon, mother ducks were leading broods of 10 to 12 ducklings in and out of the water.

“Every time we check things out, 50 or 60 wood ducks are swimming around,” John Carl said proudly.

Today, Wesley is a college senior, and John Carl, 16, works summers on a charter fishing boat. He still organizes beach cleanups, collects water samples and builds more monofilament bins and nesting boxes. He’s also training his cousin so the Conservation Brothers mission will carry on when he heads to college.

“We learned you’re never too young to make a difference,” John Carl said. “And if more kids do their share, we can change the world for the better.”

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, November 1 to November 7, 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: A burst of confidence helps you pursue an exciting new opportunity.

Love: Make time for laughter and playful adventures to deepen your connection.

Wellness: A refreshing change to your morning routine can boost vitality.

Your lucky days: November 9, 11, 14

Your lucky numbers: 3, 7, 11

Taurus: April 20 to May 20

Life: Trust your instincts when making an important decision.

Love: A heartfelt conversation can bring you even closer.

Wellness: Savor simple pleasures to restore your sense of balance.

Your lucky days: November 8, 10, 13

Your lucky numbers: 2, 6, 15

Gemini: May 21 to June 20 

Life: An intriguing invitation could lead to a valuable new connection or opportunity.

Love: Try something unexpected together to reignite excitement and affection.

Wellness: Give yourself permission to unplug and recharge when your energy dips.

Your lucky days: November 9, 12, 14

Your lucky numbers: 4, 8, 17

Cancer: June 21 to July 22

Life: You’re ready to take a practical step toward a goal that matters deeply to you.

Love: A cozy experience shared with someone special will strengthen your bond.

Wellness: Nourish yourself with restorative rest and activities that soothe your spirit.

Your lucky days: November 8, 11, 13

Your lucky numbers: 1, 5, 16

Leo: July 23 to August 22

Life: Your natural charisma attracts attention, helping you make impressive strides.

Love: Expressing appreciation for your partner creates a warm, romantic glow.

Wellness: Get moving in a way that feels joyful.

Your lucky days: November 10, 12, 14

Your lucky numbers: 3, 9, 18

Virgo: August 23 to September 22 

Life: Organize your priorities to reveal a path toward a rewarding goal.

Love: Discuss a future dream together and you’ll feel united.

Wellness: Moments of quiet in your schedule ease stress.

Your lucky days: November 9, 11, 13

Your lucky numbers: 4, 7, 12

Libra: September 23 to October 22 

Life: Teamwork helps you turn an inspiring idea into something tangible.

Love: Your charm is especially strong, making this a wonderful week for romance.

Wellness: Explore a relaxing new ritual that helps you feel even more centered and refreshed.

Your lucky days: November 8, 12, 14

Your lucky numbers: 2, 6, 10

Scorpio: October 23 to November 21

Life: A powerful realization gives you the courage to pursue a long-held ambition.

Love: Being vulnerable about what’s in your heart can lead to meaningful intimacy.

Wellness: Make space for restorative alone time to recharge your emotional batteries.

Your lucky days: November 9, 10, 13

Your lucky numbers: 5, 11, 19

Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21

Life: Your adventurous spirit inspires you to explore a promising direction.

Love: Plan a spontaneous outing together and watch your chemistry soar.

Wellness: Experiment with a fresh approach to movement that keeps you energized.

Your lucky days: November 8, 11, 14

Your lucky numbers: 3, 8, 13

Capricorn: December 22 to January 19 

Life: A thoughtful talk could open the door to a career opportunity.

Love: Clearly express your hopes for greater understanding.

Wellness: Create a routine you enjoy to boost your well-being.

Your lucky days: November 9, 12, 13

Your lucky numbers: 1, 7, 14

Aquarius: January 20 to February 18

Life: A fresh perspective helps you see an exciting solution to a lingering challenge.

Love: Sharing your unusual ideas and dreams can spark delightful conversations together.

Wellness: Follow your curiosity toward a mind-body practice that leaves you feeling renewed.

Your lucky days: November 10, 11, 14

Your lucky numbers: 5, 9, 16

Pisces: February 19 to March 20 

Life: Your intuition points you toward a creative opportunity worth exploring.

Love: A tender exchange can deepen trust and make your connection feel magical.

Wellness: Release one unnecessary obligation so you have more room for peaceful moments.

Your lucky days: November 8, 12, 13

Your lucky numbers: 2, 6, 18

Watching her son, Will, sit quietly on the swing while other kids ran and climbed, Teresa De Young felt a familiar ache. More than anything she wished for a playground where Will and other special needs kids could enjoy themselves — and she was determined to make that wish come true. Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World.

“Every playground should be a Will’s Playground,” says Will De Young, whose mom, Teresa, built an all-abilities community park.

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 […]

A mother’s heartache sparks a vision for accessibility

Teresa De Young sat on a bench in a New Richmond, Wisconsin, playground watching Gracie, 2, and Will, 6. Her daughter raced from the slide to the monkey bars, laughing with the other children. Will sat on the swing, silently watching.

Teresa’s son has Down syndrome, which makes the rocky, uneven ground difficult to play on. If only there were a more accessible playground, she yearned, and she soon got to voice her wish.

The start of a dream

When Teresa enrolled in a leadership training program to help advance her accounting career, a group assignment was to design a new program to benefit the community.

“It breaks a mother’s heart,” she told her group, describing Will’s disabilities and explaining how he and other kids with special needs couldn’t fully participate. “They should be able to have as much fun as the other kids,” she said.

Soon, the group was visiting accessible playgrounds in nearby cities, special facilities with ramps, swings and other equipment designed for kids with disabilities. They drafted a full proposal and a budget for nearly half a million dollars.

I’ve come this far, Teresa thought. Feeling inspired, she took the plans to the city parks authority.

“We don’t have the funding,” they told her, “but if you can raise the money, we’ll provide the space.”

Life

This Woman’s Program Uses the Arts to Help Kids with Disabilities Thrive

Elaine Hall sat in her Los Angeles home office, trying to work, but the banging coming from the kitchen kept getting louder. Going to investigate, she found her 3-year-old son, Neal, slamming the cabinet doors, over and over again. Rather than shush him, Elaine ducked behind one of the doors and popped out. “Peekaboo!” she […]

Rallying the New Richmond community for accessible play

That night, Teresa sat down and wrote a heartfelt letter introducing Will and sharing her heartache. I’m sure there are so many others like us, she penned, signed the letter and delivered copies to scores of local businesses.

Before she knew it, contributions began pouring in — including a large grant from a local bank. With the help of some of her leadership classmates, she arranged raffles, 5K races and other fundraisers.

Meanwhile, Teresa researched accessible play equipment and met with parents of children with special needs to learn their children’s requirements.

“Accessible bathrooms close by!” more than one mom agreed.

“Fencing with a gate,” another mom chimed in, explaining, “I can’t take my child to the park unless I want to spend the whole time chasing him.”

It took five years, but finally a $125,000 Kubota Hometown Proud Grant put Teresa over the top.

“We can fence in this entire area, and the bathrooms are right over there,” a parks official told Teresa, showing her the future site of “Will’s Playground.”

The ground was leveled and covered in soft rubber matting that cushioned falls and made walking easier. Ramps were added to the slides and other new equipment, including an adaptive tire swing, a sound board for deaf children and a collection of sensory toys.

A place of fun for everyone

Today, Teresa smiles as she watches from the shaded benches while Gracie leads Will around the playground.

“Every time we go, there are always other parents with children with special needs and siblings playing together, and it makes me so happy,” Teresa says.

“This is a wonderful thing you’ve done,” parents tell Teresa, but her biggest fan of all is Will.

“She built this for me,” he says with a smile. “I think every playground should be a Will’s Playground!”

Enjoy Thanksgiving in “America’s Hometown”, also known as Plymouth, Massachusetts. Best known as the settlement founded by the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620, this New England destination strives to make the holiday a memorable one. Expect special events and homestyle dinners alongside nature walks, immersive museums and historic sites.

Begin your visit watching America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade, the country’s only historically accurate parade. It kicks off Saturday morning before the holiday and features floats and reenactors meant to represent the 17th through 21st century.

For a holiday meal you won’t soon forget, book a reservation at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. This welcoming museum offers two unique options: a dinner-theater experience with the New England Harvest Feast and the educator-led The Story of Thanksgiving Dinner. Those seeking a more laid-back meal will appreciate the third choice: a buffet with Thanksgiving favorites!

Visit Ned’s Point Lighthouse

Perched in Plymouth County, Ned’s Point Lighthouse has stood tall since 1838 nearly two centuries of guiding ships safely home. This historic beacon isn’t just a relic of the past; it remains active today, proudly continuing its mission. A true testament to timeless craftsmanship, it’s a must-see stop for lighthouse lovers and history buffs alike.

Stop by the Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Step back in time at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums complex, where 17th-century history comes alive. Wander through meticulously recreated villages, chat with costumed historical interpreters, and discover the fascinating stories of the Wampanoag people and English colonists. It’s an immersive, educational adventure that transports visitors straight into the heart of early American history.

Life

6 Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts—From Biking Trails to Gingerbread Cottages

Fall in love with “The Vineyard!” Located south of Cape Cod and only accessible by boat or air, this welcoming island is known for its harbor views, diverse beaches, iconic carousel and more. Explore attractions with an audio tour Start your visit with a Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour ($15). Maps and a narrator […]

Step on the Mayflower II

Climb aboard the Mayflower II, a stunning full-scale replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims across the Atlantic in 1620. Docked and ready for exploration, this floating piece of history offers visitors a hands-on glimpse into the cramped quarters and daring journey that shaped America’s story. It’s history you can touch.

Take a mini vacation at home!

Experience Plymouth with a cocktail inspired by Dillon’s Local and a virtual exhibit.

Maple Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups bourbon
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tsp. orange bitters

Instructions: 

1. Combine ingredients in a large pitcher. Chill until ready to serve.
2. Serve over ice and garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

Serves 4.

Life

6 Things to Do in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—From Saltwater Taffy to Boardwalk Games

Make unforgettable memories in “The Nation’s Summer Capital!” Though this charming Atlantic Coast town is less than two square miles, it has plenty to offer with its quaint boutiques, bustling boardwalk, farmers markets and more. Walk back in time at the Rehoboth Beach Museum Start your day getting to know the community as you explore […]

Virtual tour: Women of Plymouth

Learn more about the town’s remarkable women with an online Pilgrim Hall Museum exhibit. Visit PilgrimHall.org/pathfounders-women-of-plymouth/ to see the history.

A version of this article originally appeared in the November 16, 2026 print issue of Woman’s World.

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If you’ve been searching for some good, affordable holiday decor, you may want to head to Five Below. The discount store has dozens of decor items at incredibly reasonable prices. Read on to discover the items we’re picking up at Five Below this holiday season.

A gingerbread village 

Love gingerbread houses but hate the mess decorating creates? Head over to Five Below and check out their wooden gingerbread house lineup for just $5. It features five gingerbread houses lined up in a row. Display it on a bookshelf, desk, dresser or even your kitchen table! How sweet is that?

Door mats

Even Santa needs to wipe his feet before he comes inside, and now he can do that on a fun and festive door mat. There are four designs: a colorful gingerbread village, a pink one with the words “be merry,” one that’s shaped like a peppermint and one that’s a half circle with the words “welcome to a winter wonderland” on it. Each door mat costs $7.

A candy cane pillow 

Candy canes are a Christmas staple, and now you can showcase that in your home with this candy cane pillow at Five Below. The $7 white throw pillow features a variety of candy canes in different positions. Place one (or several!) your couch, office chair, bed or your favorite reading chair.

Life

7 Affordable Hobby Lobby Christmas Decor Finds

Hobby Lobby’s weekly ad just dropped and it’s filled with amazing deals, including 50 percent off all Christmas decor! From snowmen to jingle bells, gingerbread men and more, these finds are guaranteed to turn your home into a magical winter wonderland. To discover our top picks, keep scrolling!  A snowman shelf sitter  Hobby Lobby If […]

A countdown to Christmas sign

Christmas will be here soon and if you want a way to keep count down to the happiest and jolliest day of the year, then pick up this piece of Christmas decor from Five Below. It features Santa atop two wooden blocks that allow you to count down to Christmas. The best part? It’s yours for just $3! 

Animal stockings 

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will love this delightful reindeer-shaped stocking from Five Below. It has antlers, hearts and a little black nose. One stocking is $4.

Not into reindeer? No worries! Five Below also has a polar bear stocking for the same price. That one features a white polar bear with a bright smile.

Life

At Home’s 9 New Christmas Collections Include These 2 Standouts

It may only be the middle of October, but that hasn’t stopped stores from displaying their holiday decor. And one of the chains with a great selection of trees, ornaments, lights and more is At Home, a popular home-decor and furniture store with locations across the country. We got a sneak peek at their newest […]

Bow bowl 

Whether you’re snacking on cookies, candy or carrots, chances are you need something to store them in. Enter this bowl from Five Below. It comes in two color schemes—white and red and white and gold—and features a bow on the front of it. Each paper bowl costs $5.55.

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The first December without your parent can make every string of lights feel like a question. Who carves the turkey now? Who starts baking two weeks early, insists on the same old movie or hangs the ornaments in a very particular order? When the person who held the holidays together is gone, the traditions they built can feel less like comfort and more like weight.

You may feel caught between two bad options. Cancel the whole season, or push through as if nothing has changed. Grief experts say there is a third way, one that lets you keep what still feels like love while gently setting down what hurts too much this year.

Why holiday grief changes the season

Grief doesn’t follow a calendar, and no two people in a family will feel this December the same way. Some relatives will want everything exactly as it was. Others may want to skip the gathering entirely. Both reactions are normal, and both can share the same house.

Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, grief expert and senior bereavement consultant for the Hospice Foundation of America, puts it plainly. “Grief is deeply personal. There is neither one right way to feel nor one correct way to grieve.”

That truth matters most when the family sits down to plan the meal, the gifts or the trip to see relatives. What soothes one person can undo another.

Dollar Tree Christmas Candles and Candle Holders—11 Merry Little Finds to Light Up Your Holidays

How to keep traditions alive without starting over

You don’t have to recreate the holiday your parent built, and you don’t have to throw it out. What’s Your Grief’s guidance on changing holiday traditions encourages focusing on the values behind celebrations, such as togetherness, generosity and remembrance.

If your parent always hosted the big dinner, a smaller meal or a potluck can carry the same spirit of gathering. The jobs they handled, like decorating the tree, planning the outing or making the one dish everyone fought over, can be shared out among the people who are still here.

Traditions aren’t all or nothing. Some can stay. Some can shift. Some can wait another year, until you’re ready.

Meaningful ways to honor someone during the holidays

Remembrance doesn’t have to be elaborate. Cruse Bereavement Support’s remembrance suggestions include displaying meaningful decorations, sharing memories and doing the things your parent loved.

Put on their favorite holiday movie. Play the album they used to play every December. Drive by the place that mattered to them. The Dougy Center’s holiday grief guide also suggests writing a letter to the person you lost, collecting memories in a box or making a donation to a cause they cared about in their name.

Laughter belongs here too. Sharing the funny stories, the kitchen disasters and the way they always fell asleep halfway through the movie can make your parent feel present again.

What to do when a family disagrees about traditions

Grief has a way of surfacing differences that quieter years kept hidden. The Hospice Foundation of America’s Three Cs encourage families to choose how they participate, communicate their needs and compromise when the plans don’t line up.

The organization describes one grieving family that compromised on a smaller Christmas tree placed in another room, so relatives who wanted to decorate could do so without forcing anyone else to join in. Families can also shorten the gathering, change the location or make certain activities optional.

Talking it through before the day arrives spares a lot of hurt. It gives each person room to name what they need, including you.

How to help children remember someone

If there are kids or teenagers grieving a grandparent too, their experience of this holiday may look very different from yours, and even siblings can want different things. The Dougy Center recommends letting children help decide which activities to keep and which to change.

Younger ones might draw pictures, make paper chains filled with memories or pick a special spot for family photos. Older children and teens may prefer digital photo collections, private letters or helping plan a remembrance moment of their own.

Let them opt in without pressure. A child enjoying the presents and the cousins hasn’t forgotten the person who’s missing. Neither have you.