What is Madonna’s aesthetic?

Madonna has had a storied and extensive career, topping the charts throughout the 1980s with her hits “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl.” Considering her style changed often throughout her career, narrowing down her aesthetic to something specific is a bit difficult. But the Madonna aesthetic is all about tasteful and sophisticated maximalism. When choosing colors for your Madonna aesthetic, you can stick to soft neutrals, deep purples, green, charcoal, crimson red and other color pops.

Whatever era of Madonna’s you’re looking to channel, your decor should have a maximalist and avant-garde touch. For materials, think heavy velvet, rich woods, luxurious stone like marble and bronze accents. You can also include some maximalist-inspired art, books, and unique artifacts.

Shopping

Dollar Tree's 'Downtown Girl' Aesthetic for $1.75 and Less!

Blending early 2000s grunge with soft, feminine coquette charm, the “Downtown Girl” aesthetic is one of the biggest style trends to emerge on social media. The look combines effortlessly cool staples—think oversized sweaters, vintage denim, leather jackets and sneakers—with romantic touches like ribbons, delicate jewelry, ballet flats and cozy knits. The result is a style […]

Dollar Tree’s Madonna aesthetic

Antique mirrors

These antique-style mirrors from Dollar Tree is just what the Madonna aesthetic needs, blending that old-world glamour with romantic, religious-inspired decor. Fitting well with her “Like a Prayer” era, these mirrors have the unique bronze accent that the singer’s aesthetic consists of and they will match nicely with other finds. There are six unique styles to choose from in bronze or silver and each mirror is just $1.25, so grab yours now!

Ceramic cross decorations

If you want to stick to her “Like a Prayer” era, these soft colored ceramic crosses are a must-buy. For just $1.25 each, you can snag one in soft blue, pink or white to fit your other decor on display. Whether you place it with candles, on a shelf or on your counter, these cross decorations are a stunning addition for a Madonna-inspired aesthetic.

Iridescent bottles

Grab one of these iridescent glass bottles with a pearly, reflective finish that adds a touch of femininity and glamour to any space. The iridescence works perfectly for Madonna’s Confessions on a Dance Floor era from 2005, as it brings a dreamy quality to your other decor. You can pair the bottle well with the decor above, like the antique mirrors or the ceramic crosses, or these will go well on their own for the romantic, glamorous Madonna style.

There are six available colors of the iridescent bottles and they also come with a crystal stopper, so you can use these to hold your favorite beauty products or even kitchen essentials. Or remove the top and add in your favorite florals for a unique look. Each bottle is $1.25, so grab them while you can!

Glass candle holder

The glass candle holder from Dollar Tree brings on the romantic and elegant quality of a Madonna-inspired aesthetic. Perfect for her “Like a Prayer” era, this candle holder will add a nice touch to your space and can easily be paired with other decor like crosses, pearls or lace. Place this on your vanity, dresser, or another display with your favorite taper candle and get that sophisticated yet maximalist look of her aesthetic for just $1.25.

Check your local Dollar Tree for these Madonna-inspired finds for $1.25 each!

Whether you first fell in love with them on the page or you discovered them when they graced your screen, these book-to-screen adaptation hunks have our hearts. 

‘The Love Hypothesis’

Adam Carlsen 

“You go near her again, you even think about her, I’m going to kill you.”—Dr. Adam Carlsen 

Dr. Adam Carlsen is the epitome of the “black cat boyfriend,” a reader’s term for the brooding, guarded and mysterious romance lead. The character, whether on the page or on the screen, never reveals his softer side—until he meets the quirky and caring Olive Smith, who shatters his rough exterior. 

Everyone first fell in love with the character in 2021 when The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood was published and his recent screen debut in the film earned a much larger fanbase. Portrayed by Tom Bateman, the actor brought all of his beloved qualities to life. 

Entertainment

Lili Reinhart Stars In 'The Love Hypothesis'—Meet the Cast

Back in 2021, fans fell hard for The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. The book combined all the tropes romance readers love best including fake dating and grumpy x sunshine, but it was the characters at the heart of the story, Olive and Adam, that truly made this book what it is. Now, after years […]

‘Off Campus’ 

Garrett Graham

“Now you can blush.”—Garrett Graham

Garrett Graham, the Briar University ice hockey star, has been making fans blush for years. Whether you know him from The Deal published in 2015 or Off Campus, the show heard around the world, he’s been stealing hearts in all media forms. The cool, confident and charismatic character is often considered a green flag to readers and viewers, pushing for open communication and showcasing emotional intelligence and mutual respect. The hockey playboy quickly showcases his soft side after meeting Hannah Wells, whose authenticity and positivity made him fall hard. 

Belmont Cameli’s on-screen portrayal of Garrett only helped to round out the character and earn an abundance of new admirers, which may or may not have to do with lines he said like “Now you can blush”—and maybe the endless abs. If you’ve found yourself falling for this Off Campus hunk, you’ll certainly want to tune into Season 2 for Dean DiLaurentis. 

Entertainment

Best Romances to Read After You Finish the 'Off Campus' Series

Trying to fill the Off Campus-sized hole in your heart isn’t easy—especially when you’ve already binged all eight episodes of the hit TV adaptation and re-read The Deal, the bestselling novel that started it all. Since the series premiered on Prime in May, fans have been eagerly revisiting Garrett and Hannah’s swoon-worthy romance while counting […]

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ 

Conrad Fisher

“No matter what happens, we’ll still be infinite.”—Conrad Fisher

A yearner is described as someone who feels deep and intense longing for a person and The Summer I Turned Pretty’s Conrad Fisher is the blueprint. In both the book trilogy and the TV adaptation, Conrad serves up some of the most charming lines and takes part in ultra-romantic gestures like writing letters to Belly while she’s away in Paris. 

If you hadn’t already fallen for Conrad in the books written by Jenny Han beginning in 2009, then Christopher Briney’s portrayal in the series certainly won you over. When he says things like “I still love you. I don’t think I’ll ever get you out of my system,” it’s difficult not to fall for the fictional hunk.  

‘People We Meet On Vacation’

Alex Nilsen 

“I don’t want to be your f– friend, Poppy… I want you.”—Alex Nilsen

Every grumpy-sunshine romance needs the grump and People We Meet on Vacation gave readers and fans Alex Nilsen. The cautious, reserved rule follower is the complete opposite of his best friend and eventual love interest, Poppy, but it’s not long before readers and fans see another side of him. 

His caring, considerate and supportive side made everyone fall hard for him, especially when he showed his love by skipping an incredible vacation to take care of a sick Poppy. Thanks to Tom Blyth’s portrayal of the character, he’s been one of the most sought after book boyfriends and adaptation hunks of recent years.

Entertainment

Stevie Nicks Performed at Taylor Swift’s Wedding—Their Full Friendship

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially married! That’s right, Swifties. On Friday, July 3, the couple officially tied the knot at Madison Square Garden and the event was attended by several A-list stars, including Swift’s longtime friend Stevie Nicks! The former Fleetwood Mac member also performed at the ceremony, proving just how close the […]

First, what is ‘Patient Zero’ about? 

“Patient Zero” was released on Friday, September 25. It was part of Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore edition and had more than 13.7 million streams globally on Spotify on the day of its release. 

“About a year ago, you guys did a truly unfathomable thing. Something that completely blew my mind… You gave The Life of a Showgirl the biggest first week for an album in history. I took a trip to Sweden to celebrate with Max [Martin] and Shellback, my two collaborators on this album. Really we just wanted to reflect and take in how grateful we were for the moment we were in, but there was a studio there and we did what we do when we feel anything at all: We wrote more songs,” Swift said of the album. “I hope you love them, because they were born out of pure gratitude for your exuberance for and celebration of the album we made.” 

Following that, the Grammy Award-winning singer announced she would be releasing a music video for “Patient Zero” starring A-list actors Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell, and that it would air for the first time at the VMAs, where Swift won Best Direction for her music video “Opalite,” Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and the first-ever Artist Director Honors, which was presented to her by Johnson.

“I want to thank Dakota Johnson and Colin for trusting me with their time, taste, and talent (Giggling with your friend because you’re twinning for an entire shoot was a new and truly delightful experience). And Colin’s turn as a villain is even more impressive when you get to be around him. He’s an absolute light and as kind as they come,” Swift wrote on Instagram. “With the Patient Zero video, I got to explore the cinematic and literary genres I love so much. I wanted to incorporate elements of gothic ghost stories, true crime, psychological thrillers all in a setting I hadn’t really shot in much. The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied.” 

Entertainment

Taylor Swift's Favorite Books Include ‘The Hunger Games’ & ‘Harry Potter’

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially married. While we don’t yet know where they’ll honeymoon, it’s safe to assume it will be somewhere private on the ocean—perfect for the singer to stretch out with a good book. That’s right: Taylor is a lover of literature! Below we share what she loves about reading and […]

Why fans think ‘Patient Zero’ will be in the ‘Verity’ movie 

Following the release of the music video, readers and Swift fans began to speculate that the “Patient Zero” song would be in the Verity movie. 

Verity is based on Hoover’s bestselling book of the same name. It follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is hired to finish a book series by bestselling author Verity Crawford, who is incapacitated due to a car accident. Upon arriving at Verity’s office, Lowen discovers an unpublished manuscript written by Verity that details what exactly happened during that tragic death of her children. The movie will star Johnson as Lowen and Anne Hathaway as Verity. Josh Hartnett also appears in the film as Jeremy Crawford, Verity’s husband and Lowen’s love interest.

So, what does all of that have to do with the music video? In addition to the fact that Johnson stars in both the video and the film, the two have a few other similarities as well. Both feature two women who fall for the same toxic man and the first woman tries to warn the second.

“Why do I feel like this song is going to play in the Verity movie? Dakota Johnson being in the music video wasn’t a coincidence—or am I just crazy?” One TikTok user wrote.

Another said, “Okay, but this video is SO Verity-coded. Not to mention Dakota Johnson (who is in Verity) is in it. Is it connected somehow or just a VERY similar plot?! I’m mind blown.” 

So, what’s the truth? As of publication, there is no news on whether “Patient Zero” will be in the Verity movie, but since the movie releases in theaters this Friday, we won’t have to wait that long to find out.

Prior to this, Swift has released a variety of other songs for movies, including “Safe and Sound” for The Hunger Games, “Carolina” for Where the Crawdads Sing, “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” for Fifty Shades Darker and “I Knew It, I Knew You” for Toy Story 5. 

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

How often should you shower?

Here’s a twist that catches most women off guard: Dermatologists recommend limiting showers to two to three times per week for mature skin, a recent research analysis found. The reason is simple. As we age, skin loses natural oils more easily, and daily showers in hot water strip away the very oils that keep skin soft, smooth and comfortable. If you’ve noticed dry, itchy or flaky skin—or you’ve been slathering on lotion without much payoff—scaling back may help more than any new product.

Not ready to give up showering daily? You don’t have to. A few small swaps protect your skin while keeping the ritual:

• Rinse with water and skip the soap. A quick water-only rinse leaves you feeling fresh without stripping protective oils. When you do lather up a few times a week, choose a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser.
• Turn down the temperature. Cooler water is much gentler on mature skin than hot water, especially if you prefer to shower every day.
• Spot clean where it counts. Focus on your armpits and groin, the areas more prone to body odor, and let the rest of your skin rest.

Beauty

This Winter Skin Care Routine Will Leave You Glowing: Top Dermatologists’ Best Advice

Plus the "magic window" of time when it's best apply your skin cream

How to take a shower after 50

Now that you know the right shower frequency, what should you actually do when you take a shower to keep mature skin soft and healthy and your hair shiny and frizz-free? Our experts share their best tips:

Turn the temperature down

As we mentioned above, “Very hot water can strip the skin of its natural lipids and worsen transepidermal water loss,” confirms Nupur Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Luma Dermatology in Clearwater, FL. “Over time, chronically dry, irritated skin tends to look rougher, duller and more crepey, which can exaggerate the appearance of fine lines.”

An easy check to protect your skin health: “If your skin is turning pink or the bathroom looks like a steam room, your shower is probably hotter than it needs to be,” she says.

Cleanse gently

That familiar squeaky-clean feeling? It’s actually a sign you may have stripped too much away. “Choose a mild cleanser or moisturizing body wash and concentrate it where it’s actually needed rather than aggressively soaping and scrubbing every inch of your body,” recommends Janis Kosma-Covey, PharmD, a compounding pharmacist and founder of Kosmatology.

Exfoliate smarter, not harder

Skin cells turn over more slowly with age, which is what leaves skin looking rough or dull. Instead of a harsh scrub or loofah, Dr. Patel suggests a chemical exfoliant with lactic acid, glycolic acid or salicylic acid. “I particularly like lactic acid for body skin because it exfoliates while also acting as a humectant,” she says, meaning it draws moisture in. Once or twice a week is plenty.

And Kosma-Covey warns against stacking a scrub, acid and exfoliating brush all in one shower. If your skin is red or stinging, skip exfoliation and moisturize instead.

Follow the three-minute rule for moisturizer

The moment you step out of the shower is your ideal window to lock in moisture. Pat yourself dry so that skin is just slightly damp, then apply a body cream or lotion right away. Melissa Croff, a licensed esthetician and founder of Root + Glow, recommends simple, budget-friendly picks: Dermasil Labs Dry Skin Treatment Lotion (you can find it at Dollar Tree!) and Cerave Moisturizing Cream with ceramides. Then layer Aquaphor Advanced Healing Ointment over extra-dry spots to seal in hydration. “You don’t need luxury products to support healthy-aging skin,” Croff says.

Beauty

Skincare After 50: Dermatologist-Approved Secrets for Firmer, Younger-Looking Skin

If you are entering or already enjoying retirement, the last thing you need is a bathroom counter cluttered with expensive products that do not deliver. The good news: effective skincare in your 50s and beyond does not require a dozen steps or luxury brand names. It requires knowing which steps are essential, which are optional […]

The benefits of a cold shower

Okay so you know how to take a shower after 50 now, but there’s one more tip that could be a game-changer—not just for your skin, but for your health: End your shower with 30 to 60 seconds of cold water. It sounds unpleasant at first, but the payoff is real. “Cold showers trigger vasoconstriction followed by rebound vasodilation,” reveals Kavin Mistry, MD, an academic neuroradiologist and author of Primal Health Design. “This ‘vascular workout’ enhances blood flow, strengthens vessel walls and supports overall cardiovascular flexibility.”

The perks don’t stop at your heart. Cold exposure stimulates brown adipose tissue, which burns calories to generate heat and improves insulin sensitivity—helpful when metabolism naturally slows in midlife. It also spikes dopamine and norepinephrine to lift your mood, and one Dutch study of over 3,000 participants found daily cold showers even reduced sick days.

Dr. Mistry’s advice on how to take a shower with a cold blast: Start with your normal warm shower, then flip the water cold for the last 30 seconds. Breathe slowly through your nose, and add 15 seconds every few days until you’re at one to two minutes. If you feel dizzy or short of breath, switch back to warm—the goal is adaptation, not misery.

Why toiletry bottles empty faster than you think

The problem with those pretty pump bottles: They’re designed to give you a generous dose with every press. That’s lovely for the manufacturer, less lovely for your wallet. Most of us push the pump all the way down out of habit, then squeeze a puddle of product into our palm that’s honestly more than we need to get clean, shiny hair or silky skin. Multiply that by a few showers a week, and a $28 bottle is gone before the month is out.

The good news is you don’t have to switch to something cheaper, water down your favorites or start rationing. You just need to slow the pump down.

Beauty

How To Make Finer Hair Look Thicker With Dollar Tree Finds for $3 or Less

Have fine or thin hair and want to add volume fast? We’ve got you covered. While hair-loss treatments like minoxidil are proven to help boost hair growth in the long term, they can take some time to work. That’s where our easy, inexpensive hacks come in. We spoke to a dermatologist to get her top […]

The rubber band trick that stretches every drop

The fix couldn’t be simpler. Slip a thick rubber band around the pump stem—that’s the little cylinder between the top of the pump and the bottle—so the pump can’t be pressed all the way down. When you press, the stopper only travels part of its usual distance, so it dispenses a smaller amount with each push. Less product per pump means more pumps per bottle, and more weeks (or months) of that splurge-worthy shampoo you love.

A few things to keep in mind for the best results:

• Use a thick rubber band, not a flimsy one, so it holds its shape under the pump.
• Wrap it a couple of times if needed to build up enough thickness to limit the pump’s travel.
• Give the band a little test press. You want the pump restricted, but you still need enough product to lather up properly.
• If you’re barely getting anything out, loosen the band a bit. This isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about right-sizing your dose.

Beauty

I Tried Reverse Hair Washing: Results

How the new TikTok trend of using conditioner *before* shampoo can make a huge, positive difference!

It works on more than just shampoo

The same trick works on your conditioner, body wash, face wash, hand soap and even the pump lotion sitting on your nightstand. Anywhere you have a pump dispenser that gives you more than you actually use, a rubber band can rein it in. That’s especially handy for the good stuff—think that rich body cream you save for winter or the salon conditioner you buy once and try to make last.

The bottom line? You don’t need a new routine, a fancy gadget or a subscription to save money on the products you already love. You just need to slow the pour. Once you try the rubber band trick on one bottle, you’ll probably find yourself walking around your house wrapping bands on all of them. And the next time you finish that expensive shampoo, you’ll be surprised by how long it actually lasted. That’s the kind of small win that makes a splurge feel a lot smarter.

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.

What is the Hallmark Christmas movie aesthetic?

We love everything about Hallmark Christmas movies, from the sweet romances and hot cocoa obsession to the constant carols and fake snow. And then there’s the over-the-top decor: lush evergreen garlands, ornament-laden trees, artfully wrapped presents, the warm glow of colored lights, cozy red and green accents everywhere. 

The Hallmark Christmas movie aesthetic is a visual love letter to the most wonderful time of the year. To recreate it, don’t hold back. Mix and match sentimental items, handmade Christmas crafts, natural items like pinecones and pine boughs and any decor from seasons past that gets you in the spirit. Then weave in a few key Dollar Tree pieces. Your motto: The more the merrier! 

8 Dollar Tree finds to make Hallmark-style magic in your spaces

There are so many festive options to choose from, and you can stock up on holiday essentials like strings of lights and multi-packs of ornaments starting at $1.50. But we’re spotlighting items that scream “Hallmark Christmas movie” a little louder than the rest.

Elegant wrapped-present decor

Do these gorgeous boxes look like they were swiped directly from a Hallmark set or what? You can set a grouping of them anywhere for instant volume and impact. At $7 each they’re on the pricey side for Dollar Tree, but you can add just one as the focal point of a group of boxes you’ve wrapped yourself for an affordable wow moment.

Entertainment

Don‘t Miss ‘A Grand Biltmore Christmas‘ and Visit the Real Filming Location!

In 2023, Hallmark fans fell hard for A Biltmore Christmas starring Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha. The film followed Lucy (Lenz), a screenwriter working on a remake of the Christmas classic His Merry Wife! Despite being a skilled writer, Lucy’s ending doesn’t satisfy the studio, prompting them to send her to Biltmore Estate, the setting of the original […]

Lanterns for an instant light show

Dollar Tree’s $1.50 battery-operated lanterns take holiday mood lighting to Hallmark Christmas movie heights. Tuck them anywhere you want extra holiday glow, and they’ll add pops of red and green to your room and create a pretty holiday light display on walls and tabletops.

Shopping

Dollar Tree Magic: Martha Stewart-Inspired Thanksgiving Tabletop Decor

Want to pretend to be Martha Stewart this Thanksgiving—but for Dollar Tree prices? We’ve got you covered! From bold table runners to swanky name cards and expensive-looking place settings, Martha-chic finds abound at the discount store. And since they cost as little as $1.25 each, there’s no need to hold back. You can grab everything […]

It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas!

Jingle bells will ring every time you open the door, and it doesn’t get more Hallmark than that! Dollar Tree’s $1.50 vintage-style door knob hangers give old-fashioned Christmas feels and blend seamlessly into virtually any decor.  

Shopping

Celebrate Cozy Season at Dollar Tree: 9 Best Affordable Fall Decor Finds

The coziest season of the year is almost here, and Dollar Tree is helping us celebrate with a truly epic line of affordable fall decor. We’re talking harvest-themed front-door swag, whimsical woodland figurines and everything you need to create a magical autumn tablescape. With most items just $1.50 each, you can score a huge haul—and […]

Wall decor that spreads good cheer

Cozy plaid is a big part of the Hallmark holiday aesthetic, making Dollar Tree’s $3 oversized ornaments a festive fit. Plus, at 13 inches each, they’re an inexpensive way to fill large walls with Christmas spirit. 

Shopping

Make Your Home Feel Like 'When Harry Met Sally' for $1.50

When Harry Met Sally has been the quintessential fall film since its 1989 release and now that it’s officially the first day of the season, everyone is once again obsessing over the classic. From cozy sweaters to the overall autumnal vibe, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal’s classic rom-com is one everyone adores. You can also […]

Potted poinsettias for seasonal flower power

Abundance is a Hallmark Christmas hallmark, and since Dollar Tree’s potted faux poinsettias are just $1.75 each, you can get three of them for the amount you’d spend on one live poinsettia at the grocery store. That means triple the visual impact—and you don’t have to worry about watering! 

It wouldn’t be a Hallmark movie without a mug of cocoa

Dollar Tree’s Christmas House mugs immediately put us in a holiday mood, and we honestly can’t believe they’re just $1.50 each. That leaves plenty of room in your budget for Hallmark’s signature drink. A six-serving box of Swiss Miss is just $1.25. You can also grab trendy $1.25 hot chocolate bombs, which explode with mini marshmallows as they dissolve in hot milk. 

Hallmark Christmas movies’ signature accents

When Hallmark set designers deck the halls, garland and bows are everywhere. Luckily, Dollar Tree is stocking truly stunning versions: six-foot long flower-studded garland ($5), a seven-foot tinsel garland with ornaments ($1.50) and giant glitter bows ($1.50). Add them to your banisters, mantels and shelves to weave Christmas joy all around. 

The bottom line on Dollar Tree’s Hallmark Christmas movie decor

Hallmark Christmas movies make us believe in magic, and it turns out Dollar Tree can too. Grab the finds that bring a smile to your face and then get creative. Lights, garland, action—your Hallmark moment awaits!

Colton Tazzara, 6, scampered across the driveway clutching his Nerf gun while out playing. His mom, Tara, was inside getting ready while his dad, Jeff, and 2-year-old brother, Cason, were packing the car to head to a family cookout.

Watching from several yards away was Bella, the family’s 11-year-old husky mix. Neither Colton nor Cason ever left the house without Bella tagging along, keeping a protective eye on her boys, barking if they wandered too near the street and patrolling their Torrington, Connecticut, property.

“Go tell your mom we’re ready,” Jeff told Cason, lowering the trunk.

Just then, Bella started barking — and not her usual bark. This bark was furious, sharp and very urgent!

Life

Her Dog Wouldn’t Let Her Sleep—and It Ended up Saving Her Life

Pam Wendtland loved her golden retriever, Murphy. But she never knew he would also be her hero — until the night torrential rains turned her yard into a lake and the water kept rising! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World. “We’re not going anywhere — especially with the rain coming,” Pam Wendtland said […]

The moment Bella became a hero

A black bear had emerged from the woods, and it was lumbering straight toward Colton.

“Colton!” Jeff shouted.

Spotting the bear, the boy made a dash for the open garage. Jeff launched himself toward his boy…but Bella was faster.

In a flash, the husky rocketed across the yard. When the bear paused, Bella launched herself into the air with open jaws, clamping down with all her might on the dark creature’s haunch.

Jeff scooped Colton into his arms, his heart pounding. With his son safe, he shifted his attention to Bella. If the bear fights back, how am I going to save Bella? he worried.

But Bella’s fierce response left the bear confused. Instead of attacking, it backed away, bumping into Jeff’s boat before bolting back into the woods.

Life

Circle of Love: This Hero Dog Alerted His Family to a Fire and Saved Lives — And Then Students’ Donation Saved His Life

This pup's full-circle rescue story will touch your heart — and proves the loyalty of our four-legged friends

The security camera footage that proved everything

Bella gave a final bark as if to say, And don’t come back!

“I’m ready!” Tara announced, stepping into the garage, and when they told her what happened, she rolled her eyes.

“Surely you’re exaggerating,” she said.

“The bear wanted to eat me!” Colton insisted.

When Tara pulled up the security camera footage on her phone, her jaw dropped. “Dear God,” she murmured, contemplating what might have been.

“She is getting a lot of treats,” Jeff declared.

That night, Bella lay in her spot on Colton’s bed. Her family was safe. And so long as Bella was around, that’s how it was going to stay.

The science behind how to improve focus with laughter

A recent study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that watching a short, giggle-inducing video boosts blood flow to the brain, quickly improving attention and memory. That’s a pretty big payoff for a small time investment.

Your brain runs on blood flow. When circulation picks up, so does your ability to concentrate, remember details and stay engaged with what’s in front of you. Laughter, it turns out, is one of the quickest ways to give your circulation a nudge. And unlike most brain-boosting advice, it doesn’t require a supplement, a special app or a trip to the gym.

Aging

How To Boost Your Memory and Reduce Dementia Risk in 10 Minutes a Day

Whether you’re blanking on the name of the character in your favorite Ann Patchett book or struggling to remember the name of your granddaughter’s math teacher, some amount of memory decline with age is normal. But the good news is that you can help sharpen your thinking—and research shows it could take as little as […]

Why four minutes is the sweet spot

If the idea of adding one more thing to your day feels overwhelming, take a deep breath. Four minutes really is all you need. And you don’t need to schedule it, plan it or feel guilty about it. Think of it as a mini reset—the mental equivalent of splashing cold water on your face. When your focus starts to fizzle, that’s your cue to hit play.

How to get the benefits of laughter for better focus

The best part of this brain boost is that it fits right into the life you’re already living. Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Bookmark your go-tos. Save a few favorite clips on YouTube—maybe a scene from The Golden Girls, a classic I Love Lucy moment or a silly TikTok clip that always cracks you up. Having them ready means you won’t waste time scrolling. Anything that tickles your funny bone works.
• Watch with someone if you can. Laughter tends to grow when it’s shared. Text the link to a friend or watch together on speakerphone for a shared laugh.
• Don’t overthink it. The clip doesn’t have to be sophisticated or trendy. If it makes you giggle, it’s doing its job.

Think about the pockets of your day when your energy typically dips. Maybe it’s mid-morning when you’re bogged down in to-dos, or that late-afternoon slump when dinner feels a long way off. Those are prime moments for a laugh break. If you’re staring at a screen trying to answer an email, if you can’t remember why you walked into a room or if you’re about to tackle something that requires real focus, cue it up.

Wellness

The 4-Minute Routine That Helps Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

If you’ve ever caught yourself grabbing the banister a little tighter or hesitating before stepping off a curb, odds are you might be having some balance problems, like so many of us do. Staying steady on our feet becomes more important with every passing year, and new research brings genuinely hopeful news. Just four minutes […]

Laughter is one of the easiest way to improve focus fast

We spend so much time looking for complicated solutions to feel sharper, more present and more like ourselves. This one is refreshingly simple. It’s free. It works quickly. It leaves you in a better mood than you started. And it turns something you already love—a good laugh—into a tool that supports your brain.

So the next time your productivity fizzles, don’t push through. Press play instead. Four minutes of joy might be exactly what your mind has been asking for.

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.

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 encourage you to rethink a financial goal.

Love: A playful surprise brings you and someone special even closer.

Wellness: A simple change to your daily routine restores energy and focus.

Your lucky days: Sept. 28, 30, Oct. 2

Your lucky numbers: 2, 7, 16

Taurus: April 20 to May 20

Life: Your steady approach helps you make progress on a long-term ambition.

Love: Honest conversations deepen trust.

Wellness: Spending time in nature lifts your spirits.

Your lucky days: Sept. 29, Oct. 1, 3

Your lucky numbers: 4, 8, 15

Gemini: May 21 to June 20 

Life: Curiosity leads you toward an exciting opportunity to expand your skills.

Love: A spontaneous outing helps to add even more fresh excitement to your relationship.

Wellness: Try a new, creative hobby to refresh both mind and mood.

Your lucky days: Sept. 27, 30, Oct. 2

Your lucky numbers: 3, 9, 13

Cancer: June 21 to July 22

Life: Pause to celebrate your recent wins before setting your sights on a bigger goal.

Love: Share your dreams to create deeper emotional closeness with someone special.

Wellness: A supportive friend inspires you to adopt healthy habits that stick.

Your lucky days: Sept. 28, Oct. 1, 3

Your lucky numbers: 5, 10, 17

Leo: July 23 to August 22

Life: Teamwork helps you accomplish more than expected.

Love: Your warmth and confidence attract joyful, memorable experiences together.

Wellness: An upbeat fitness class motivates you to stay active.

Your lucky days: Sept. 27, 29, Oct. 2

Your lucky numbers: 1, 6, 18

Virgo: August 23 to September 22 

Life: Practical planning puts a financial objective within reach.

Love: Looking ahead together strengthens your sense of partnership.

Wellness: Carve out quiet moments to recharge your mind.

Your lucky days: Sept. 28, 30, Oct. 3

Your lucky numbers: 2, 11, 14

Libra: September 23 to October 22 

Life: Your natural charm makes collaboration especially rewarding now.

Love: Romantic energy encourages sweet gestures that brighten your connection.

Wellness: Explore a fresh wellness trend in your routine that feels both fun and energizing.

Your lucky days: Sept. 29, Oct. 1, 2

Your lucky numbers: 5, 7, 12

Scorpio: October 23 to November 21

Life: Trust your instincts when stepping into a new responsibility. They will help guide you! Love: Lighthearted flirting rekindles excitement and affection.

Wellness: Meditation or journaling helps you feel balanced and empowered.

Your lucky days: Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 3

Your lucky numbers: 6, 9, 15

Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21

Life: A bold idea deserves your attention, even if it feels unexpected.

Love: Honest conversations strengthen emotional understanding and trust.

Wellness: Refresh your routine with an activity that inspires movement and joy.

Your lucky days: Sept. 27, 29, Oct. 1

Your lucky numbers: 3, 8, 17

Capricorn: December 22 to January 19 

Life: A valuable lesson opens the door to success.

Love: Speaking openly about your hopes brings welcome reassurance.

Wellness: Add more fun to your self-care routine for lasting motivation.

Your lucky days: Sept. 28, 29, Oct. 2

Your lucky numbers: 4, 10, 16

Aquarius: January 20 to February 18

Life: Explore a new financial strategy to boost your confidence about the future.

Love: Clear communication smooths over any lingering misunderstandings with ease.

Wellness: Listen to your intuition when choosing healthy new habits that best suit you.

Your lucky days: Oct. 1, 2, 3

Your lucky numbers: 7, 11, 18

Pisces: February 19 to March 20 

Life: Your imaginative ideas capture attention and earn well-deserved recognition.

Love: Planning an adventure together brings laughter and lasting memories.

Wellness: Release an outdated routine to make room for more positive change.

Your lucky days: Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 3

Your lucky numbers: 5, 9, 14

This article originally appeared in the September 28, 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! 

But before Dorothy returns to Oz on October 2, the network is taking viewers inside the home of someone who never really left. On Sunday, September 27, Collector’s Call host Lisa Whelchel visits Victoria “Tori” Calamito, an Oz historian, social media creator and collector whose memorabilia spans more than a century of Oz history. Among the treasures are a first edition of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, stage-worn costumes from Wicked, autographs from stars of the 1939 film, an Ariana Grande Wicked-themed makeup kit and a vintage Tin Man squeeze toy so rare that Collector’s Call expert John Ragusa says it “barely exists.”

For Whelchel, the episode also offered a chance to revisit a story that has been part of her life since childhood.

Lisa Whelchel’s own trip to Oz

Long before Collector’s Call, The Facts of Life or even her professional acting career, Whelchel had her own role in The Wizard of Oz. At 11, she appeared in a stage production at Casa Mañana in Fort Worth, Texas.

LISA WHELCHEL: “I was in the play The Wizard of Oz, but I was Toto. It was all adults, but they needed a child to be in this full-body dog suit. And so I had to express all of Toto’s feelings just through my body. I was really a shy little girl. And you know what? With shy kids, there’s a contraction of their body, too. There’s a turning in. And I was kind of a protected, shy little girl. Being in that dog suit, completely covered, it was a fully protective suit, and I was asked to really express largely—being afraid or being happy or whatever the dog was. It gave me that opportunity to just inhabit my body rather than try to just stay contracted. So it was a really powerful time for me and also fun.”

“I also think the original book is incredible and so is the 1939 film, but when I was 10 years old, I went with a group from Casa Manana to New York City and we saw The Wiz on Broadway. I love that soundtrack. And then there was Wicked, so I I love all things Oz.”

Stepping Inside an Oz Collection

After seven seasons of Collector’s Call, Whelchel has seen plenty of extraordinary collections. But Calamito’s offered something unusual: a journey through Oz history that stretches from Baum’s original book through the MGM movie, Broadway and the modern Wicked phenomenon.

LISA WHELCHEL: “A collection is a great way to really do a deep dive on a subject and learn a lot in a very short, entertaining bit of time. The thing about Tori’s collection that was really awesome is that she has the first edition of the book, but she also has memorabilia from back in the ’30s. So those are some of the strangest items, items that we don’t use anymore today. But then she also has things from the play, and then even something as recent as she’s got this whole makeup kit from Ariana Grande.”

One item, however, apparently required a particularly gentle touch. Calamito owns a vintage Tin Man squeeze toy, an object that seems to demonstrate both the joy and occasional terror of hosting a television series surrounded by irreplaceable memorabilia.

LISA WHELCHEL: “I think we all feel that way when we go into someone’s home and their collection. There’s a lot of equipment there. They’re bringing in lights, and yet they are surrounded by things of great value—many of them monetarily, all of them of heart value. So I think we are all very, very aware of the fact that these are someone’s treasures. And you’re right, a treasure like that is irreplaceable. But I think we’re always mindful.”

Calamito’s collection may be built around physical objects, but for her, their importance ultimately comes back to the story those objects represent.

TORI CALAMITO: “I think stories that stand the test of time tap into some sort of universal human element that we all relate to. I can say for Oz specifically, I think the deeper themes of found family and finding your tribe, as it were, along your Yellow Brick Road and facing your various Wicked Witches and obstacles along the way and coming to that place of self-actualization, coming home again to your true self, I think that really sticks with people.”

That connection has also been passed down from one generation to another. Through her work discussing Oz online, Calamito says she repeatedly hears from people whose attachment to the story is inseparable from memories of watching it with their families.

TORI CALAMITO: “The universal message that I hear is that it’s a very generational thing. People watched it with their parents or their grandparents or remember seeing it on television when it was only on once a year, and so have this deep nostalgic connection to Oz. It taps into a lot of childhood positive memories and was a coping mechanism for a lot of people. I hear a lot of people echo what I felt about it, which was when they were having a hard day or when things were bad, they would put The Wizard of Oz on and it would bring them joy and comfort.”

That makes MeTV’s decision to restore The Wizard of Oz to broadcast television particularly appropriate. The movie’s October 2 airing will be hosted by Whelchel and accompanied by original vignettes featuring interviews with Oz experts, performers and designers. Additional presentations follow during October, including Svengoolie Presents The Wizard of Oz on October 3.

Insofar as Calamito is concerned, something really was lost when the annual broadcast of The Wizard of Oz disappeared.

TORI CALAMITO: “I definitely think so. We’ve become a little spoiled that we can pop it on whenever we want and because of that, we have kind of lost the community aspect of it. I was raised in the VHS era, so I was one of those spoiled kids who could put it on whenever I wanted. But I hear from a lot of the older generation that it was a neighborhood event. You’d go to the person’s house who had the color television and you’d watch it, and everyone in school the next day was talking about it. It was a community thing. So I think we did lose a little bit of Americana when we lost the yearly broadcast of The Wizard of Oz. I’m so glad that MeTV is tapping back into that and bringing it back, and I hope they’ll keep that tradition going.”

The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion inside all of us

For Whelchel, however, nostalgia only partly explains the story’s staying power, that much of it comes down to the characters at the heart of the story.

LISA WHELCHEL: “The Wizard of Oz is just such a great illustration of the representation of all the parts that are in all of us. There’s a part of us that’s afraid. There’s a part of us that feels like we just don’t know, and we’re not in the know;  and there’s a part of us that can feel like our heart is contracted— like being really shy. There’s a part of us that’s always feeling like, ‘Do I belong? I just want to go home to a place I feel like I belong.’”

It’s an interpretation that fits remarkably well with Calamito’s own explanation of why she continues returning to Oz.

TORI CALAMITO: “For me, I really relate to the journey that we’re all on, and I think we are all initially attracted by the beautiful colors and the music and Judy Garland and her sincerity. But I personally know that I have stayed for the deeper themes—walking your road and walking it with the found family of friends that you’ve gathered around you and chosen as your family in addition to the people you call home. And that journey of fighting through the bad times and coming to the rainbow at the end of it, I think that’s what keeps me coming back over and over again.”

Which may ultimately explain why an Oz collection can fill an entire house — and why, nearly nine decades after Judy Garland first stepped onto the Yellow Brick Road, audiences are still eager to follow her.

Collector’s Call: “Meet Victoria Calamito” airs Sunday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT on MeTV. The network presents The Wizard of Oz Friday, October 2 at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT, hosted by Lisa Whelchel.