A STEP AHEAD FOR THEIR
BEST LIFE Science-led nutrition for differences you can see, feel and trust. HillsStepAhead.com
Volume 33, Issue 26
we put you FIRST
UP SMILES 53 SERVE with an all-American treat
ON THE COVER Jiggly fat dissolves Heal your lymph system to drop 7 pounds in 7 days 26
Hello happy! Melora Hardin shares her #1 secret to worry-free 44
YOUR BEST LIFE 80 LIVE with these clever tips Find us online at
www.firstforwomen.com
COVER, MAIN PHOTO: DIANA RAGL AND. OTHERS: FOOD & PHOTO (4); BACKGRID. THIS PAGE: FOOD & PHOTO; SHUT TERSTOCK; GET T Y; LINES + ANGLES
Festive meals & sweets
20
Make & take mmm 51 Fast, easy 4th of July treats 53, 57, 66, 69
52 56 60 66 69 71
Easy fix for brain-chemical shortfall leaving women over 50 wired and tired 34
Nature’s cures Put an end to embarrassing problems including chafing, body odor, bloat, leaks and more! 6, 33, 42, 94
72 Fourth of July backyard spread 76 Brighten your yard with red,
The best new cuts for women over 50, plus updos right for your face shape 12
Plus…
8 Slimming trendy shorts 10 Stun in sunglasses 18 Keys to beautiful skin
NUTRITION 20 22 23 24
Energizing, bubbly kombucha sips Quick bits Worries solved Renew with nature’s candy
Down-home chicken picnic Fast ’n’ fresh sandwich feast BBQ faves made even better Stars ’n’ stripes red velvet cake Easy fruity treats Smart food solutions
HOME
Summer hair SOS
STYLE
with delicious healing sips
COOKBOOK
End stress + tiredness
The protein powder that burns off 200% more stubborn fat 23 Reverse thinning hair 38
RESTORE YOUR ENERGY
74
CELEBRATE THE DAY with a patriotic bouquet
HEALTH 32 34 36 38 40 41
Blush-worthy bothers—solved! “Tired and blue no more!” 3 ways to sidestep foot pain “I reversed my hair loss!” Quick bits Doc on call
INSIGHT
46 Quick bits 48 Stop sneaky summer stress
78 80 82 84 86
white and blue basket displays Smart home solutions 10 brilliant uses for plastic bottles Your best road trip ever Fresh fruits and veggies for less Turn your idea into $1 million
LOVE 88 90 92 94
4 stories that will warm your heart Smart pet solutions Before-bed read Private health
FUN
96 Dream escape: St. Thomas 100 7 books we’re loving now 102 Relax & play 105 Horoscope 108 5 animal tales to make you smile 110 Last laugh
First for Women (ISSN 1040-9467) is published triweekly (17 times a year). The subscription price for one year (17 issues) is $19.97 for U.S. orders. Canadian orders are $37.97 and foreign orders are $53.97, prepaid in U.S. funds. Bauer Publishing Co., L.P., 270 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632. Periodicals postage paid at Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First for Women, P.O. Box 37173, Boone, IA 50037. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Canada returns to be sent to The Mail Group, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. Copyright ©2021 by Bauer Publishing Co., L.P. Printed in the USA. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
feel-good file Bliss in ever y bite
Festive fruit salad
7 things making us happy …that we just had to share with you! C r a f t i ng u p s mi l e s
Seaside settings “Sun, sea, sand…my family and I just love the beach,” muses Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. “So to bring a little coastal flair right to our dinner table, my kids and I crafted up these cute sailboat plate accents. For each, we cut white paper into a rectangle, then visited Origami-Instructions.com and clicked on ‘boat’ under ‘simple origami’ to find easy step-by-step folding directions. Then we glued a triangle of paper and ribbon to the top and set it on a plate with craft-store shells. Easy!”
FLORA PRESS; GET T Y (3); LINES + ANGLES; ADOBE STOCK
“Our July 4th cookout wouldn’t be complete without a fresh and fruity dessert,” says Charles Grayauskie, FIRST Associate Food Editor. “And this year, I’m surprising loved ones with this mint-infused watermelon salad. First, I add 1 ⁄4 cup of water, 1 ⁄4 cup of sugar and 2 mint sprigs to a pot and cook over medium heat until the flavors blend, then I strain and cool the syrup. Next, I cut 1 seedless watermelon into 1"-thick slices and, using a 21 ⁄ 2" star cutter, cut out shapes. Then I combine the stars with 1 cup each of fresh blueberries and raspberries, divide the fruit among bowls, pour the mint syrup over and garnish with mint. It’s cool, festive and oh-so delicious.”
Da z z l i n g o n a d i m e
“We rise by lifting others”
Blooming runner “A Sunday afternoon is the perfect excuse for putting together an outdoor brunch,” says Lauren Blum, FIRST Associate Editor. “To dress up my table, I made this lovely ‘living runner.’ To do: I cut a long rectangle from fabric and hot-glue twigs along the edges, then I add wheat stalks and garden blooms until the fabric is covered.”
Makeup we
—Robert Ingersoll
Ge ni u s f i n d
Ice–pop lover’s best friend “On summer days, my favorite way to cool down is with a frozen treat,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. “So I flipped for this homemade pop maker. Just pour in fruit or veggie juice and freeze!” (Rui Pop Maker, $17, Amazon.com)
❤
Flawless skin “With soaring temperatures and high humidity, it’s tough to keep my foundation from melting or turning into an oil slick,” sighs Leann Garofolo, FIRST Associate Editor. “But I finally found the key to ensuring skin stays matte and flawless all day—just like Jennifer Garner’s. I dust setting powder onto my face before applying my liquid or cream foundation. This helps soak up oil so it doesn’t mix with makeup, creating a long-lasting, shinestopping effect!”
Phone-friendly: Snap a pic & share with a friend!
✶
✶
“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation evermore!” ✶
—Oliver W. Holmes
smart YOU solutions
Quick tips that keep you looking & feeling great
READER TIP
Mess-free way to a perfect pedicure “I like to save time and money painting my toenails at home, but hunching over with shaky, unsteady hands often results in more polish on my toes than on my nails! I told my sister, and she recommended using a cotton swab to dab a bit of coconut oil all around my toenail cuticles before painting them. The slick texture ensures any slipups wipe right off, and my at-home pedicure looks professional. Nice!” —Connie Hayes, Fort Lauderdale, FL QUICK POLL
How do you soothe painful ‘chub rub’?
Regain focus in a flash
Ouch! We love shorts season, but not so much the friction and rashes between our thighs! Here’s how FIRST readers get quick relief
If you find yourself mentally drained before an important virtual meeting, simply rinse out your coffee mug! Neurologists say that since dishwashing can’t be multitasked, it allows you to fully focus on what you’re doing from start to finish. This helps shift your mind into a “meditative” state that increases alertness, fast!
Dab cold oat milk onto it, says Meg Ford. Its chill and anti-inflammatory properties ease pain and heal skin.
41% ❤ this idea! Rub diaper cream onto rashes, says Sue Garcia. Ingredients like zinc oxide soothe skin and absorb sweat.
MONEY SAVER
Outsmart foggy glasses Stepping from an airconditioned room into summer humidity causes your eyeglasses to fog up within seconds. Prevent it by spritzing a bit of warm water mixed with dish soap onto lenses and let air-dry. Soap’s surfactants leave behind a thin film that prevents water molecules from forming hazy droplets on the lenses. MONEY SAVED: $15 on
anti-fog spray
6 First for women
6/28/21
Up hydration effortlessly! Struggling to down the recommended eight glasses of water per day? Toss a few cucumbers in your glass and munch on them when you’re done drinking. Research shows that electrolytes in plant foods transform liquid water into “gel water,” which is easier for the body to absorb and twice as hydrating as plain old H2O! SHOW-HOW
Stow skin care products in a contact lens case when you travel
JUMP; GET T Y; HBB. ILLO: BARBARA MCGREGOR. TEX T: LEANN GAROFOLO
59% ❤ this idea!
LOOKS INCREDIBLE ON YOU
Power through the day with Depend® Dryshield™ Technology designed to keep you dry and comfortable.
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slimmer in seconds
TRENDY SHORTS
3 style secrets Paperbag
Avoid pleats
Minimizes the hips
The waist-defining design of paperbag shorts helps whittle the middle, but when coupled with pleats, the baggy legs bunch awkwardly so hips appear bulkier. The fix: A more flat-front style pulls the eye vertically, so both the hips and waist appear trimmer. Amanda Holden
Jennifer Aniston Tinsley Mortimer
Adds width By sitting at the hips, low-rise cutoffs emphasize the widest part of the body, widening the torso and shortening legs for a squat, boxy appearance.
style
Cutoffs Bermuda
Pick highwaisted
Fitted works best
Trims the thighs
SPL ASH; GET T Y (3); STARTRAKS; BACKGRID. TEX T: VICTORIA CONN
Because Bermuda shorts scan from waist to knee, an oversize pair causes thighs to appear inches thicker. But a tailored pair hugs legs, for a sleeker, more streamlined lower half. Brooke Shields
Gwyneth Paltrow
FIRST PICKS Brooke Burke
Looks long and lean The combination of a high-waisted style that hits right at the belly button and cascading studs visually “stretch” the torso and the legs so they appear much longer.
Talbots, $55 (Talbots.com, Perfect Bermuda Shorts-Solid)
Caton AtoZ, $32 (AliExpress.com, High Waist Shorts Studded)
KJ Selections, $26 (KJSelections.com, Self Tie Waist Plaid Shorts)
6/28/21 First for women
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style
luxe for less
Heidi Klum
Stun in sunglasses The key to wow-ing in a pair of chic shades this summer? Select them based on your hair color!
Blond? Julianne Moore
Go for mirrored lenses The reflective nature of mirrored lenses bounces shine-inducing light and depth-creating environmental colors onto the lighter locks so they appear full and lustrous. One to try: Hohens, $12 (Amazon.com, Hohens Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses)
Redhead? Pick peach frames Pinky-orange Lucite frames complement the warmth of fiery locks without competing with them. Bonus: A pair that also has brown gradient lenses pulls focus vertically to visually slim the face. One to try: TOMS, $40 (Sierra.com, TOMS Aaryn Sunglasses)
10 First for women
6/28/21
SHUT TERSTOCK (2); GET T Y (2). TEX T: LEANN GAROFOLO
Sandra Bullock
Brunette? Choose black lenses and frames Classic blackon-black shades enhance the richness and depth of darker-hued tresses. Even better? Sunnies with a slight cat-eye flick visually lift features to shed optical years. One to try: Privé Revaux, $30 (Kohls.com, Privé Revaux The Hepburn in Black)
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best you
Your most summer Helen Mirren
Weddings! Graduations! Baby showers! We’re so happy to finally fill our calendars with the joyous celebrations of friends and loved ones. The only downside? With most gatherings being held outdoors, summer’s heat, humidity and wind can turn us and our pretty, party-ready hair into a sweaty mess within seconds of arriving. So we tapped top celebrity hairstylists for the summer’s most gorgeous cuts and updos that not only flatter any face shape and elevate any soiree style but can withstand the season’s elements so you’re cool and confident all night long! Best for heart faces
STRIKING with a cool crop
5"
What to ask for: A jaw-
length crop in back with graduating layers throughout, neatly cut sides and brow-skimming bangs. Get the style: Spritz damp hair with a volumizing spray (we like Not Your Mother’s Plump for Joy Thickening Hair Lifter, Ulta.com) to prop strands up and off of the scalp for cooling lift. Next, blowdry 1" sections of hair with a small round brush until all of hair is dry. Set with hair spray.
GET T Y (4). ILLOS: CARLOS MARRERO. TEX T: L AUREN STACHIW
3"
A crop that hits above the nape of the neck in back and above the ears in front allows the breeze to blow on the face and neck and keeps sweaty strands from sticking to either, says hairstylist Jonathan Colombini, who’s worked with 4" Geena Davis and Christie Brinkley. The shorter cut also pulls attention away from an angular chin, while sideswept fringe conceals a wider forehead.
8 beat-the-heat updos and cuts perfect for YOU
style
beautiful hair
YOUR FACE SHAPE— FOUND!
Your face is ROUND if: The length from your hairline to your chin divided by 3 is longer than the length from the tip of your nose to your chin
Kerry Washington
Your face is LONG if: The length from your hairline to your chin divided by 3 is shorter than the length from the tip of your nose to your chin
Best for square faces
GORGEOUS with a halo pony Pulling the front half of hair up into a high ponytail helps keep the bulk of long locks off of the face to avoid overheating. Plus, the soft waves and angelic style help counteract the harsh angles of a square jawline, says celebrity hairstylist Lee Stafford, who has worked with Naomi Campbell and Victoria Beckham.
Your face is SQUARE if: The width of your forehead from temple to temple is equal to the width of your jaw from ear to ear
What you’ll need: 1" curling iron,
hair tie, bobby pins. Step 1: Curl 1" sections of hair with a curling iron; let cool, then comb through with fingers. Step 2: Pull hair from ear to ear into a crown-placed ponytail; secure with an elastic. Step 3: Wrap a 2" section of hair from the tail around the elastic; pin.
Your face is a HEART if: The width of your forehead from temple to temple is longer than the width of your jaw from ear to ear 6/28/21 First for women
13
best you Best for square faces
CHIC with a mod midi A one-length cut that hits right below the jaw creates 360 degrees of cool from the neck down. Plus, you can tuck it behind the ears to keep sweat-filled strands off the face. The cut’s rounded silhouette helps offset a strong jawline, says hairstylist Jonathan Colombini. Even better? Strands that are styled straight and sleek reflect light onto hair (so it appears two times thicker) and skin (to blur wrinkles). What to ask for: A jaw-length cut with slight graduation through the ends (this gives the cut its rounded shape). Get the style: To keep humidity and frizz at bay, apply a nickel-size amount of a smoothing serum (we like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In, Walgreens. com) onto damp hair. Next, blow6" dry 1" sections using a mediumsize round brush. Once dry, run a flat iron through all of hair, pulling strands inward toward the ends to create a curve-like bend that emphasizes the cut’s softening shape.
Lucy Liu
6"
Best for long faces
A wavy bob that hits mid-neck won’t trap heat when worn down, but strands are still long enough to be swept up into a small pony or bun if the mercury begins to rise, says celebrity hairstylist Lee Stafford. Plus, the movement and depth of the cut’s bouncy, face-framing waves and subtle layers create the illusion of a much fuller and shorter face. What to ask for: A bob that rests just below the chin and has long, sideswept fringe and graduated, choppy layers throughout. Get the style: Wrap 1" sections of hair around a 11 ⁄ 2" curling iron and alternate the direction curls fall (one section going toward the face and the other section going 5" away from the face) so curls look less contrived. After all of hair is curled and cooled, gently comb through with fingers, then spritz with hair spray to lock in the style. 14 First for women
6/28/21
4" Allison Janney
7"
GET T Y (4). ILLOS: CARLOS MARRERO
STUNNING with a wavy swirl
style
Sea-crets to gorgeous hair Prepping hair with potent nutrients from the ocean before styling is sure to help locks look full, shiny and healthy no matter where the day takes you!
Limp, fall-flat hair?
Carrie Underwood
Oil on the scalp’s surface tends to weigh down hair so it looks thin and flat, but a sea salt scrub can help. Sulfur in the mineral absorbs excess oil, while its gritty texture “props” hair up on the scalp so it appears fuller once hair is dry. FIND IT IN: Davines SOLU Sea Salt Scrub (Davines.com)
Lackluster locks? No matter how you style your hair, if it lacks shine, the entire ’do loses its pizzazz. All it takes to restore luster is a serum made with crushed pearls! Luminescent particles from the sea’s gemstone coat strands, giving them a light-reflecting sheen for instant shine. FIND IT IN: OGX Liquid Pearl Luminescent Serum (Walgreens.com)
Best for long faces
FABULOUS with a playful ponytail Like a portable air conditioner, the swinging motion of a long ponytail as it moves back and forth instantly cools down the back of the neck. Styling in volume at the crown and leaving loose tendrils in the front adds optical width to a more narrow-looking face, says Stafford. What you’ll need: Teasing comb, hair spray, hair tie, bobby pins. Step 1: Back-comb hair through
the crown and brush it back, then set with hair spray. Step 2: Leaving out a 1" section of on each side of the face in front, smooth hair into a pony that rests above the nape of the neck; secure with an elastic. Gently tug on the hair above the base of the pony to emphasize the beehive-like bump. Step 3: Wrap a 1" section of hair from the pony around the elastic to hide it; pin into place.
Excessive shedding? If you notice more hair clogging the drain than usual, reach for a kelp-infused shampoo. The brown algae’s magnesium fortifies strands at the root to prevent fallout while also dissolving deposits of calcium on the scalp that come from hard water and cause even more hair to fall out. FIND IT IN: JASON Sea Kelp + Porphyra Algae Shampoo (iHerb.com) 6/28/21 First for women
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best you Best for round faces
PRETTY with a piecey pixie
Tamron Hall
2"
When styled to sit up and off of the scalp, the spiky layers of a textured pixie can create a cooling, vent-like effect for instant relief during a hot day, says hairstylist Daniel Koye, who has worked with Jessica Chastain and Vanessa Williams. “This also gives the shorter ’do a vertical look that pulls the eye up to ‘lengthen’ a round face while tricking the eye into seeing more angular features to counteract its fullness.” What to ask for: A heavily textured pixie that’s longer and layered on top with short, neat sides. Get the style: Use a small round brush on 1" sections of hair and blow-dry, starting at 3" the sides, brushing them down. When working on the top, pull hair up and out from the root to create volume. Once all of hair is dry, work a pea-size amount of pomade (we like Lee Stafford Messed Up Putty, LeeStaffordHair.com) through hair’s ends on top, using leftover pomade on fingers to smooth any unruly strands on the sides.
Best for round faces
A lifted bun allows a cooling breeze to skim the scalp from any angle. “And since this style has volume up top, it visually elongates a rounder face as well,” says Koye. What you’ll need: Teasing comb, hair tie, bobby pins, hair spray. Step 1: Make a side part, then tease hair at the crown. Leaving out a 2" section of hair on each side in front, secure the rest of hair into a low ponytail in back with an elastic. Step 2: Split the hair in the tail into three sections, then take each section, split it in half and twist together into a horizontal figure-8 shape; pin against the back of the head. Layer sections so they crisscross. Step 3: Rope-twist each section of hair in front away from the face, then pin at the back of the head. Set with hair spray. 16 First for women
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Candace Cameron Bure
GET T Y (4); BACKGRID; SHUT TERSTOCK. ILLOS: CARLOS MARRERO
SASSY with a braided twist
style Best for heart faces
LOVELY with a looped bun
Jennifer Lopez
Genius help for fashion uh-ohs Outsmart a dress or skirt malfunction We never know when Mother Nature is going to hand us a blush-worthy Marilyn Monroe moment. The easy fix? Stick-on weights, like Jillies Dress Weights (JilliesDressWeights.com). Simply place them along the inside of your skirt or dress hem. The undetectable steel adhesives add bulk to lighterweight fabric to prevent the garment from going rogue in the wind.
Sweeping hair into a bun allows the breeze to cool off the face and neck. And one that looks “undone” ensures the style appears intentional if the weather messes it up, says Koye. “Plus, the texture from a teased bun that rests at the back of the crown distracts from a small, sharp chin in front, while loose, sideswept tendrils hide a bigger forehead. What you’ll need: A blow-dryer, round brush, 1" curling iron, teasing brush, hair tie, bobby pins, hair spray. Step 1: Create a deep side part, then blow-dry 2" sections of hair using the round brush, lifting strands up and off of the scalp to create even more volume. Step 2: Wrap 2" sections of hair around the curling iron until all of hair is curled. Next, leave out a 2" section of hair on each side in front, then secure the rest of hair into a high ponytail at the back of the crown. Step 3: Back-comb hair in the tail, then fan out the teased strands around the pony’s base. Pin various strands into place for a tousled look. Set with hair spray.
Your hair is styled and your makeup is set, but nothing saps confidence like a pesky wardrobe mishap. To keep you covered and comfortable, try one (or all!) of these oops-proof innovations
Nix foot pain + swelling Thwart a saggy bust It’s been a while since we wore heels, and standing in them for hours can cause foot pain and swelling. To the rescue: an arnica-infused spray, like Still Standing Comfort Foot Spray (StillStandingSpray.com; enter code FIRST10 at checkout for 10% off). The antiinflammatory herb prevents fluids from pooling in blood vessels to ease swelling, and its cooling effect reduces heel pain. Just spritz on feet before putting on shoes.
Thanks to sweat and the weight of our breasts, strapless bras don’t tend to stay in place for too long. What can lift our chest and confidence instead? A heavy-duty adhesive “bra,” like Brassybra (Brassybra.com). When applied to the bust, the skin-safe and waterproof tape lifts, shapes and supports breasts just like a regular bra does without sliding down. Plus, the tape comes in a variety of bosomflattering sizes and colors. 6/28/21 First for women
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beauty now
style
Is your skin too clean? Thinning hair? Pick prebiotics
Body bothers? Try activated charcoal
Shampoo is meant to cleanse hair, but harsh detergents can strip good bacteria from the scalp, causing irritation that can make hair thin and brittle, says New York City dermatologist Julie Russak, M.D. But a scalp treatment made with prebiotics can help. When applied to the scalp before shampooing, these compounds “feed” good bacteria, balancing skin on the scalp so hair can get clean without compromising healthy hair growth. One to try: CurlSmith Super Slip Pre-Biotic Primer (Ulta.com)
The clarifying body washes we cleanse with can actually deplete beneficial moisture, oil and bacteria from skin. If you find your skin is plagued with dryness or breakouts, switch to a wash infused with activated charcoal. The absorbent “dirty” compound acts like a magnet to pull out bad bacteria and other impurities from pores so they can easily be rinsed away—all without disturbing good bacteria or natural moisture levels. One to try: Schmidt’s Activated Charcoal Body Wash (iHerb.com)
Facial redness? Opt for this spritz The abundance of anti-aging products in our skin-care routines has reduced the presence of good bacteria like ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in facial skin, says Dr. Russak. This bacteria, which was commonly found on our ancestors’ skin, serves as a “peacekeeper,” warding off irritation and sensitivity while reducing the inflammation that breaks down skin-firming collagen and elastin. The good news? Skin’s AOB can be replenished with products containing live, soil-derived AOB cultures. They react with naturally occurring elements in your skin to produce nitrite (a compound that controls bad bacteria) and nitric oxide (a skin-soothing antioxidant). Together, they restore harmony to the microbiome, eliminating the need for countless anti-aging products and thwarting new damage. One to try: Mother Dirt AO+ Restorative Mist (MotherDirt.com)
READER POLL
WOULD YOU EVER…USE A CHEEK SCULPTOR? Saggy cheeks and droopy jowls are a dead giveaway of our age. Enter the LUX SKIN Face Sculpting Tool ($49, LuxSkin.co). As the device massages around cheekbones and the jawline, its heat and vibrations are said to instantly lift skin and firm jowls while boosting collagen production over time. But can it really be that easy? Our consensus:
We’re s ke p ti c a l! 18 First for women
6/28/21
“My skin looked immediately less puffy after using it, but I haven’t seen any firming benefits. I did love how the mild pulsating felt like a mini facial massage, which was very relaxing!” —Tara Hans, FIRST Managing Editor
We asked 100 FIRST readers & staffers to weigh in and…
47% said yes!
“I’m up for anything that will contour my chubby, sagging cheeks without diet, makeup or pricey potions! After a week of use, my skin did have a nice glow, but my cheeks remained unchanged.” —Danielle Saliman, FIRST Beauty Director
VICTORIA JANASHVILI. TEX T: LEANN GAROFOLO
These days we’re over-scrubbing everything from hands to hair. While great for killing germs, it can create an imbalance in skin’s microbiome, the outer layer of good and bad bacteria that keeps skin healthy and youthful. The surprise? Restoring bacteria to skin will leave you beautiful!
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sip away stress
HELLO, HAPPY These sweet and bubbly sips help heal your gut to boost immunity, balance blood sugar and more HOW KOMBUCHA HEALS AND SLIMS
+
Powers immunity Sipping kombucha daily increases levels of the “good” probiotic bacteria living in the gut. In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, this effect reduced subjects’ annual sick days by 31%. Bonus: Since more than 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, kombucha recharges that system after it’s fought off infection.
+
Steadies blood sugar Enjoying fizzy kombucha every day for a month can reduce bloodglucose levels by 50%. That’s the word from researchers writing in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, who found that the sip lowered levels of the enzyme amylase, slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates to limit the amount of free glucose in the bloodstream.
+
Melts a menopot The acetic acid in kombucha switches off key fat-storage enzymes, an effect that can help melt a menopot effortlessly. In fact, subjects in a Japanese study who were given acetic acid gained significantly less weight on a diet designed for weight gain than those who didn’t receive it.
nutrition
ENERGY! Orange-Ginger Refresher 4 ⁄2 1 1
1
slices fresh ginger cup orange juice Tbs. honey cup kombucha
In pitcher, muddle ginger, orange juice and honey; strain into ice-filled glasses. Stir in kombucha. Makes 2 servings Per serving: Cal. 75 Pro. 0g Carb. 19g Fiber 0g Sug. 18g Chol. 0mg Sod. 6mg Total fat: 0g
Bonus! Ginger halts pain hormones to ease aches by 50%
Cherry-Berry Revitalizer 1 ⁄2 2 1 ⁄2 GET T Y (3); LINES + ANGLES. TEX T: ALYSSA SYBERT Z
1
cup kombucha cup cran-cherry juice Tbs. lime juice cup berry-flavored seltzer
CucumberCitrus Kicker 1 1 1 1 ⁄2 2
mini cucumber sprig fresh mint cup kombucha cup ruby red grapefruit juice Tbs. lemon juice
Divide kombucha and juices between ice-filled glasses. Top with seltzer. If desired, garnish with raspberries, lime slices and mint. Makes 2 servings
Puree cucumber and mint; strain into 2 ice-filled glasses. Divide kombucha and juices between glasses. Garnish as desired. Makes 2 servings
Per serving: Cal. 46 Pro. 0g Carb. 12g Fiber 0g Sug. 11g Chol. 0mg Sod. 21mg Total fat: 0g
Per serving: Cal. 43 Pro. 0g Carb. 11g Fiber 0g Sug. 9g Chol. 0mg Sod. 6mg Total fat: 0g
Bonus! Limes boost serotonin production to improve mood by 40%
Bonus! Compounds in cucumbers increase energy by 50%
6/28/21 First for women
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nutrition
quick bits
The nutrition news that matters to you
Deliciously sweet way to keep memory sharp Not only does an apple a day keep the doctor away, it may help ward off Alzheimer’s. That’s the word from German scientists in Stem Cell Reports. Their animal study found that the nutrients in apples—quercetin and dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA)—stimulated the creation of new neurons in the brain and reduced brain-cell death that can lead to memory decline. The key to getting the benefits? Investigators advise eating whole apples with the skin, which is where the most memory-boosting nutrients are found.
Tuning into Proof: Mineral wards off this bolsters severe symptoms of COVID Researchers at Pompeu Fabra University in healthy eating Spain found that people with higher levels of
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zinc in their blood had less severe symptoms of COVID-19, spent 68% less time being treated for the virus in the hospital and had better recovery outcomes than folks who were deficient in the mineral. The investigators say zinc slows the replication of the virus so the immune system can more easily fight off illness. Daily supplementation ensures zinc levels stay steady over time. The recommended daily dose: 8 mg.
Safeguard vision with a simple berry toss-in Enjoying 2 Tbs. of goji berries daily may help keep your vision sharp, reveals research in the journal Nutrients. The scientists analyzed previous studies and found that the sweet-tart fruit is rich in zeaxanthin, a nutrient that protects cells in the eyes against damage that can cause a variety of eye troubles, including age-related macular degeneration—vision loss that occurs with age. Tip: Toss goji berries into trail mix or yogurt.
People who say ice cream is their favorite Fourth of July dessert SOURCE: Food Network
6/28/21
More good news for coffee lovers Your morning cup of joe not only puts pep in your step, it can also protect your heart. That’s the word from investigators reporting in Circulation: Heart Failure, whose analysis of three studies that included 21,000 participants found that drinking two cups of the caffeinated brew daily reduced heart failure risk by up to 30%. They did not see the same effect in folks who drank decaffeinated coffee. Researchers say nutrients in java, like potassium, niacin and magnesium, help regulate heart rhythm and lower cholesterol, plus serve as building blocks for a strong heart muscle. In addition, the caffeine promotes improved blood circulation.
GET T Y (2). TEX T: K ATE ARCELL
Diet experts have long cautioned that eating in front of the TV causes overeating. But now British researchers reporting in the journal Appetite say watching a healthy cooking show, like Christina Cooks on PBS, could help you eat better. In their study, they found that people who prepared or watched someone prepare a healthy meal reported a greater desire to eat that meal than subjects who were given a non-foodrelated task. The investigators say the act of cooking or seeing someone else cook makes people more willing to eat nutritious foods that they might normally decline.
worries solved
Your top nutrition questions answered
Can nutrients lower blood pressure?
Q I’d like to add protein powder to my morning smoothies to speed weight loss. But there are so many options! Which one is best?
Q: I just turned 45 and was surprised when my doctor told me I have high blood pressure. She suggested I take hypertension drugs, but I’d prefer something natural. I’ve already cut back on salt, but are there any foods or nutrients that can help reduce my numbers?
A: You’re not alone! More than half of Americans have high blood pressure, which can start to creep up in our 40s. The good news is that a couple of daily add-ins can help get your levels in the safety zone. (1) Boost your omega-3s. Research published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that taking 2,000 mg. a day of the fatty acids works as well as lifestyle interventions like exercise, reducing sodium and cutting alcohol to keep blood pressure healthy—an effect strong enough to reduce the need for medications. We recommend our Origin Omega (CaltonNutrition.com). (2) Enjoy a cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen). Researchers at King’s College London found eating this precise “dose” daily for a month lowered systolic blood pressure as effectively as prescription meds.
GET T Y (2)
Jenna’s secret slimming sauce Busy Today show host Jenna Bush Hager has a spicy trick that boosts slimming: She seasons anything and everything with Red Clay Hot Sauce. Smart, since research published in the journal Appetite finds that the compound capsaicin in the pepper shrinks belly-fat cells and triggers your body to burn an extra 74 calories per meal.
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How can I make my barbecue healthier? Q: I’m looking forward to hosting our family’s traditional Fourth of July picnic, but my sister says grilled meat contains toxins that increase cancer risk. Is she right?
A: While your sister is right that charring meat can trigger cancercausing substances, a couple of smart work-arounds will let you enjoy your picnic without worry. First, marinate your meat. Adding a splash of lemon to a marinade changes the meat’s acidity to block as much as 67% of carcinogens in smoke called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) from sticking, while herbs and spices like onion powder, rosemary and garlic contain antioxidants shown to block HCA formation by up to 94%. Second, turn down the heat. HCAs start to form after your grill reaches 300°F and become very harmful at temperatures above 572°F, so the lower the temperature, the healthier the meal. Also smart: Flipping your meat every couple minutes prevents charring to further reduce HCAs.
Great question! We advise whey isolate protein for weight loss. International Journal of Obesity research found that women who supplemented with whey lost 200% more visceral belly fat (the kind of fat that wraps around vital organs) than women who didn’t consume whey. Credit goes to its complete amino acid profile, which provides the body with all the compounds it needs to maintain muscle tone while triggering fat burn. Plus, it contains such minute amounts of lactose, it won’t trigger symptoms if you’re sensitive. University of Washington researchers found that women who made no changes to their diet other than boosting protein to 30% of their daily intake unconsciously ate 441 fewer daily calories and lost 11 pounds in 12 weeks. One to try: Opportuniteas Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate (Amazon.com).
Put FIRST to work for you! Nutrition experts Mira Calton, CN, and Jayson Calton, Ph.D., are leading authorities on nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. They are also the bestselling authors of Rebuild Your Bones: The 12-Week Osteoporosis Protocol (available at Amazon.com). To ask them a question, send an email to health@firstforwomen.com. 6/28/21 First for women
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delicious healing
Renew with Feel your best with these in-season picks
TIREDNESS TAMER For a caffeine-free energy boost, dip into a heaping cup of strawberries. Stanford researchers say the seasonal gems brim with compounds (pelargonidin and cyanidin) that coax muscle and brain cells to burn fatty acids for fuel, giving you 35% more energy for 3 hours, plus helping you shake off chronic tiredness in just 72 hours if you enjoy them daily.
PAIN SOOTHER
WORRY ENDER
To sidestep aches and pains, work boysenberries into your diet. New Zealand researchers say these berries contain twice as many anti-inflammatory compounds compared to other fruits, and eating a handful of them daily helps tame muscle and joint pain even more effectively than aspirin!
Snack away stress? Yes, you can! Canadian researchers found that noshing on 24 sweet cherries tames tension in 15 minutes, and cuts the risk of chronic stress and anxiety in half if you enjoy them daily. Thanks goes to the fruit’s anthocyanins that quickly calm the anxiety center of the brain. Tip: Ripe, richly colored cherries have four times the anthocyanins than firmer, paler ones picked before their prime.
nutrition
nature’s candy SLEEP DEEPENER The pigments that give blackberries their color (ellagitannins) prompt your brain to release sleep-inducing melatonin. And UCLA researchers say nibbling on 3 ⁄4 cup of them in the evening can help you drift off in just 30 minutes. DELICIOUS IDEAS: Blend 3 ⁄4 cup of berries with 1 cup of slightly softened frozen vanilla yogurt and a little sweetener; freeze and enjoy as a bedtime snack. In the mood for savory? Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the berries, sprinkle with sugar and sliced basil, then toss.
FAT BLASTER Red currants taste like a cross between raspberries and rhubarb (they’re tart, but not so mouth-puckering that you can’t eat them on their own), and snacking on 1 ⁄4 cup between meals could help you shed 6 pounds this month, say Swedish scientists. They credit currants’ fruit acids—compounds that energize the appetite-control center in the brain, staving off diet-sabotaging hunger pangs.
GET T Y (2); ADOBE STOCK (3); GAP. TEX T: BRENDA KEARNS
SKIN SMOOTHER Eating a daily bowl of blueberries can visibly reduce fine lines, redness and flaking in just 10 days. That’s the word from University of Hawaii researchers, who say this fruit contains a rare plant compound (delphinidin) that speeds the formation of firming collagen and elastin, plus prompts the growth of healthy new epidermal cells.
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nutrition
weight-loss discovery
HEAL YOUR LYMPH
JIGGLY FAT Clogs in the body’s detox system stall fat burn, leading to cellulite, jelly belly and wobbly fat. Feel-great strategies clear blockages for fast slimming!
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all to mind the last time you stopped to smell the roses: You admired their beautiful color, soft petals and sweet scent. But you may not have thought about why the flowers looked and smelled so good. And that is thanks to the flower’s nutrient-delivering root system, which requires careful tending so the plant will flourish. Science shows that our own internal “root system”—called the lymphatic system—is similarly responsible for our health and well-being. “When the lymphatic system is functioning, lymph fluid flows through the body, detoxifying tissues, filtering out fat and toxins and maintaining a healthy immune system,” explains Bruno Chikly, M.D., D.O., director of the Lymph Drainage Therapy & Brain Therapy Programs in Scottsdale, Arizona.
WOW! WHAT IMPROVING LYMPH FLOW CAN DO FOR YOU Improving lymph flow is a surefire way to power off excess pounds—and jumping on a small trampoline (or rebounder) for 10 minutes three times a week is a powerful way to get the benefits. That’s because jumping parallels the way lymph ducts function, opening and closing vertically, pumping lymph fluid through the body. Indeed, Finnish researchers report that moderate-intensity activity like rebounding, jump rope or dance increases lymph flow by 400%.
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88% Allover pain
Feel your bes t with thi s ea sy, fun at-home fix! Balance Blood-sugar control
Bone density
26%
29%
75%
Drop 1 lb a day!
Slimming sips that fast-track results
SYSTEM AND
GET T Y (3); ADOBE STOCK. REAL-LIFE TEX T: LISA MA XBAUER.
DISSOLVES Fortunately, it’s easy to get lymph The problem: “When lymph flow moving and flush fat fast. Studies becomes stagnant, waste builds up, and this can lead to stubborn weight show that combining pampering strategies, like self-massage, with gain, cellulite and bloat,” asserts some easy diet tweaks, like drinkwomen’s health expert Jennifer Weinberg, M.D., author of The Whole ing more water, can quickly thin out congested lymph and stimulate flow. Cure. Why this happens: Over time, stress hormones and toxins collect in It’s that simple, Dr. Chikly assures: “Once the lymphatic fluid is moving the system, making the lymph fluid freely, fat can be transported thick and sludgy. “When to be burned for fuel, and your lymph system is “Freely toxins can be flushed congested, it cannot flowing lymph from the body.” Just properly transport ask Marie Collins, 59, fat where it needs fluid detoxes who lost 20 pounds to go,” says Dr. tissues, filters out after incorporating Chikly. So extra fat and boosts self-massage and fat is deposited deep breathing into in fat cells—leading immunity” her daily routine: “My to lumpy, bumpy —Bruno Chikly, whole body changed. I cellulite and jiggly fat M.D., D.O. feel better and look better,” around the belly, hips she cheers. Natalie Kikkenborg and thighs. In fact, Stanford experienced similar benefits when University researchers report that she began stimulating her sluggish a lymphatic slowdown causes fat lymphatic system with low-impact storage to double. And slowdowns exercise and gentle massage. “I never get worse with each passing decade: took inch measurements, but oh gosh! According to researchers in Japan, lymph flow decreases by 39% between You could see the difference,” cheers age 20 and 50 and drops another 20% Natalie, who ultimately dropped an impressive 172 pounds. “I can’t believe between 50 and 70. how much my life has changed.” And weight loss is just the beginning. “Improving the function and flow of your lymphatic system can 300% help clear up your skin, improve your Energy energy and boost your metabolism,” says Dr. Weinberg. Women FIRST spoke to also credit a healthy lymFat burning phatic system with thicker hair, better focus, improved sleep and sunnier moods, as well as less breast tender75% ness and fewer menopause symptoms. Read on for the revitalizing plan that will turn back the clock and transform your health!
Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin congested lymph fluid to transport stored fat so it can be burned for fuel—and these delicious picks come with extra benefits to speed slimming even more
A FRUITY MOCKTAIL Anthocyanins, the antioxidant compounds that give pomegranates their deep red color, break down lumpy deposits of lymphatic waste to speed slimming. A recipe to try: Combine 1 ⁄2 cup of 100% pomegranate juice, 1 ⁄2 cup of seltzer and 2 Tbs. of fresh lime juice over ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
A PEPPERY ENERGIZER Unique phytonutrients in ginger (zingibain and zingerone) emulsify the fats that clog lymph flow, causing waste to build up in cells. A recipe to try: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 ⁄4 cup of orange juice, 3 ⁄4 cup of ginger beer and 4 (1") slices of gingerroot over ice. Garnish with an orange wedge.
A ZESTY ICED TEA Natural plant acids in red clover tea speed elimination of toxins trapped in the lymph system. A recipe to try: Steep 1 red clover tea bag (like Alvita brand) and 1 peppermint tea bag in 1 ⁄2 cup of hot water for at least 10 minutes. Pour into a cup filled with ice.
Turn for effortless slimming
weight-loss discovery IT’S SO EASY! “The lymph system cleanses the body of toxins and waste, regulates the immune system and supports fluid balance,” explains women’s health expert Jennifer Weinberg, M.D. The system tends to slow as we get older, but reviving sluggish lymph prompts the body to burn stored fat. To get the benefits, she recommends pairing self-care practices with simple diet tweaks
Flush fat with feel-great strategies “Adding self-care practices to your routine can get the lymph system flowing,” says Dr. Weinberg. Jumping on a mini trampoline (see page 26) is a great place to start, and consider adding these feel-good strategies for faster slimming. Breathe from your belly. “Slow,
deep breaths activate abdominal muscles to assist lymph flow,” says Dr. Weinberg. To do: Place your hands on your belly. Inhale, expanding your belly as you count to three. Exhale, relaxing your belly as you count to three. Repeat five times, taking deeper breaths each time. Try self-massage. “Lymph flow
increases during lymphatic massage,” asserts certified lymphatic therapist Lisa Levitt Gainsley, author of The Book of Lymph. “You’ll instantly feel refreshed.” To do: Lying down comfortably, massage your abdomen clockwise with the palms of your hands. Next, starting at your navel, massage downward toward your pelvic bone. Then, using your palms, scoop from your right hip toward your navel; from the bottom right of your rib cage toward your navel; from the bottom left of your rib cage toward your navel; and from your left hip bone toward your navel. Finish by massaging clockwise all around your abdomen
again. End with five deep breaths. Repeat at least three times a week, says Gainsley. “This will eliminate congested waste, break up tight connective tissue and keep your bowel movements regular to help you lose inches.” Brush your skin. “The natural
bristles of a dry brush encourage lymph movement to help move built-up toxins,” says Dr. Weinberg. “I dry-brush my body for 10 minutes each morning.” To do: Using a firm-bristled brush, make long, gentle strokes toward your heart, paying special attention to the feet, neck, chest and abdomen. The payoff: Stanford University doctors report that dry-brushing daily reduces bloat within 10 days. Roll it out. A “foam roller,”
which looks like an oversize pool noodle, is a self-massage tool that stimulates movement of lymph fluid. “Foam rolling awakens the lymphatic system,” explains trainer-to-the-stars Lauren Roxburgh, founder of the virtual Aligned Life Studio. “It helps release stuck toxins, oxygenates the blood and reduces inflammation.” Look for a “medium compression” roller for as little as $20, then download Roxburgh’s free foam roller guide at AlignedLifeStudio. com/body-reset-guide.
For detailed self-massage instructions for the whole body as well as additional lymph-healing self-care practices, pick up The Book of Lymph by Lisa Levitt Gainsley (Harper Wave, 2021)
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Fill up on lymph“Choosing what to eat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to impact lymphatic health,” asserts Dr. Weinberg. “Aim to eat more whole foods and fewer processed foods, which create congestion and swelling that slow the flow of lymph fluid.” For speedier weight loss, add these quick tips. Eat the rainbow. Enjoy col-
orful vegetables. “Naturally red foods, for example, contain antioxidants that keep the lymph moving freely,” says Dr. Weinberg. Also smart: Include plenty of raw fruit and vegetables. “They’re rich in enzymes and bioflavonoids that break down toxic buildup and keep the lymphatic system healthy.”
A sample day to get
breakfast Garden omelette Load a 2-egg omelet with your favorite lymphhealing veggies, like mushrooms, red peppers and sprouts.
dinner Salmon dinner Serve 6 oz. baked salmon with an array of colorful vegetables, including broccoli, bell peppers and asparagus tips.
nutrition It worked for me
boosting foods
“I lost 17 inches from my belly!”
Swap your fats. “The more you
cut back on saturated, long-chain fatty acids in dairy fats, palm oil and other vegetable oils, the better it is for your lymphatic system,” says Gainsley. This kind of fat clogs the lymph fluid. To get the benefits, cut back on dairy and processed foods (which tend to contain long-chain fatty acids) and switch to olive, avocado or walnut oil for cooking. Drink plenty of fluids.
“Lymph fluid is about 95% water and becomes thicker when you’re dehydrated,” explains Dr. Weinberg. That’s why she recommends sipping water throughout the day and avoiding soft drinks and alcohol, which are dehydrating.
lunch Summer salad Top 2 cups baby spinach with 1⁄2 cup fresh berries, half an avocado and a handful of walnuts. Dress with olive oil.
dessert Crumble Mix 3 tsp. oats, 1 tsp. sugar and 1 tsp. olive oil. Fill ramekin with 1⁄4 cup berries. Top with oats. Bake at 350°F for 10 min.
GET T Y (3); ARE MEDIA; VIRGIL ODELL. H&M: L AKISHA GREENE
you started
Out of breath, Marquita Wilson helped her disabled sister change clothes, then lovingly placed her back in her wheelchair. Marquita knew: If I’m going to provide the care my sister deserves, I have to get my health under control. After Marquita lost her mom to cancer, she became the full-time caregiver for her sister, who needed 24-hour assistance. “I never realized how much strength and dedication it took to care for her. But I knew without me, she’d be institutionalized.” So this wife and mother of four began making changes. In the kitchen, Marquita adopted a clean-eating approach, reaching for lymph-detoxing foods like cranberries, apple cider vinegar and red peppers. At the gym, Marquita learned to activate her lymph system by jumping rope and using a foam roller. She also sat in a sauna to improve circulation and sweat out toxins. “Even weeks I didn’t lose weight, I lost inches.” Marquita went on to drop 100 pounds, cure her diabetes and trade her 3Xs for 10s. More wins followed, as the doctor happily reported: “Cholesterol, normal. Heart disease, avoided. Everything, changed!” Marquita’s transformation blessed her sister too. “Cheryl’s been in a wheelchair for 42 years, but I strengthened her legs and taught her to stand and scoot!” says Marquita. “I think my mom is dancing in the sky. Second chances are real!”
Marquita lost 111 lbs!
Marquita Wilson, 45, Richmond, VA Height: 5'5"
NOW: 168 lbs
THEN: 279 lbs 6/28/21 First for women
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feel-great update Heals painful breast rash: Diaper cream Perspiration, friction and clothes that don’t “breathe” can make breast creases itchy, rashy and even develop a distinct yeast-like odor. But wash and dry well twice daily, then apply a thin layer of zinc oxide, and you’ll prevent these rashes entirely—plus feel relief in just 10 minutes if you’re uncomfortable right now. Dermatologist May Gupta, M.D., explains that zinc oxide tames inflammation, blocks yeast growth and provides a protective barrier so skin can heal quickly. Tip: An economical diaper rash cream will do the trick.
Breeze through even sticky days feeling confident and carefree!
Blush-worthy bothers—solved!
health
Stops gassiness: This healing sip The physiological strain of keeping cool can disrupt our digestive system, triggering bloat and gassiness for millions of us. But Indian researchers say compounds in licorice-like ajwain seed tea prompt the release of digestion-enhancing enzymes, cutting the risk of these bothers by 70% if you sip 4 oz. after your heaviest meal. You’ll find ajwain seeds in Whole Foods stores and online at iHerb.com. Mix 1 tsp. of the seeds with 2 cups of water and simmer for 8 minutes, then strain and chill. Serve over ice with your favorite sweetener.
Banishes body odor: A touch of toner Fights athlete’s foot: Black tea soaks Summer is sandal season—unfortunately, it’s also athlete’s foot season. Why? The fungi that cause this flaky rash grow rapidly when feet sweat. To erase athlete’s foot in just a week, soak your feet daily in strong black tea. University of Memphis scientists say tea’s tannins are toxic to foot fungi—and the bacteria that cause odor too! To do: Place 6 tea bags in 1 quart of boiling water, remove from heat and steep 15 minutes; when the liquid is cool enough for comfort, immerse your feet and relax for 15 minutes.
Warm weather speeds the growth of underarm bacteria that release smelly wastes. The good news: You can halt that growth in 2 minutes, and for up to 12 hours, by dabbing freshly washed underarms with facial toner before applying your deodorant or antiperspirant. Italian researchers say the toner’s salicylic, alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids reduce skin’s pH so it’s less hospitable to bacteria.
Soothes ruddy cheeks: Clove oil A sun-kissed glow is lovely, but a rosacea flare? Not so much. Thankfully, dabbing skin with diluted clove oil tames the inflammation that causes redness as effectively as OTC creams, suggests research in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, plus halts the growth of the rosaceatriggering Demodex mite. To do: Mix 6 drops of clove oil into 2 Tbs. of jojoba or other carrier oil; dab onto rosacea patches twice daily.
T WINKLE; GET T Y (3); SHUT TERSTOCK. TEX T: BRENDA KEARNS
Ends ‘down there’ itching: Calendula Natural acids in perspiration can inflame delicate skin, making us twice as likely to battle “down there” itching as the temperature soars. For speedy relief, try this: Twice each day, gently wash your vulva, pat dry and dab with calendula cream. British scientists say calendula’s natural plant compounds (saponins) calm irritated nerves and speed tissue healing to cut symptoms by up to 70% in just 24 hours (results comparable to the prescription cream metronidazole). 6/28/21 First for women
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tiredness cure
health
“Tired and blue For years Genene Coté, 70, battled fatigue and insomnia stemming from menopause. Then she found out what was causing those symptoms and discovered a remedy that helped her feel better in days!
H
ow am I ever going to get any of this done? Genene Coté wondered, looking at her to-do list. “I had no idea where I would get the energy to do even one of the 10 items,” she recalls. “My legs felt like they weighed 1,000 pounds and my eyes burned from yet another sleepless night. Not only was I wiped out, but it felt like a cloud was looming over me, making it hard to do anything.
Barely getting by
a nurse. Her first words were: ‘What’s wrong? You sound terrible!’ I opened my mouth to speak and burst into tears. When I regained my voice, I told her, ‘I’m worried! I have zero energy every day and I cry at the drop of a hat. I’m anxious and getting fat.’ There was silence on the line. “Then she asked me, ‘How are you sleeping?’ I told her I hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in months. She asked why, and I explained I was restless, tossing and turning, and having what felt like hot flashes that woke me up multiple times a night. ‘Sounds like your problem is lack of sleep combined with perimenopause,’ Karen said. ‘I had all of the issues you mention.’ She suggested I talk to my doctor. “I felt reassured and hopeful. Karen was knowledgeable about women’s health and sounded sure I could find an answer. She suggested I study alternative treatments for fatigue. That sparked my interest, and I agreed to call my doctor. I still wasn’t sure where I would find the
Genene Coté, New Orleans
“I was 48 years old, in generally good health and my career had taken off. I had a husband who supported me and I was surrounded by fantastic friends. From the outside, it looked as if I had my life under control. But I was worried about the unrelenting fatigue I’d been experiencing—so worried, I wondered if I had a serious disease. But that didn’t make sense. After all, I was packing on weight, not losing it. “For one, it was such an effort even to lift my arms, so I couldn’t imagine doing my regular workout with hand weights. One-minute QUIZ That was especially troubling because I knew that one of COULD A SEROTONIN SHORTFALL the most effective methods BE SABOTAGING YOUR ENERGY? of gaining energy is exercise. If you suffer from exhaustion and two or more But all I could do was sit of the symptoms below, low levels of serotonin in my recliner. I was losing could be the cause touch with the outside world because even carrying on a ✓ Sleep difficulties ✓ Carb cravings conversation was too much. ✓ Anger or irritability ✓ Brain fog “One day, when the phone ✓ Excessive worry ✓ Low self-esteem rang, I accidently answered it and weakly said, ‘Hello?’ It ✓ Trouble switching ✓ Blue moods between tasks or anxiety was my friend Karen, who is 34 First for women
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no more!” energy to set up and go to an appointment, but after a few days, I did.
BRONSON PATE. HAIR: CHRISTINA CATGENOVA. MAKEUP: HEATHER ARNOLD
An answer, at last! “I told my doctor I was exhausted, couldn’t sleep and that I felt like I was being weighed down by sadness. ‘I can’t go on like this’ I said. “She listened carefully, and agreed sleep might be part of the problem. She suggested I try an antidepressant. That was not the answer I was hoping to hear. Many years earlier, I had been treated for a bout of depression with other antidepressants, but I had a bad reaction to them and had to stop. This felt different, though, mostly due to the fatigue and insomnia. It seemed there had to be an answer that didn’t involve pharmaceuticals. I told my doctor I wanted to do more research and went to search for alternatives. “I soon found an article about 5-HTP, a supplement many women use in menopause to help them sleep. I learned that 5-HTP is a precursor to melatonin, which helps with sleep. Plus, research suggests 5-HTP increases serotonin levels, which may improve symptoms of depression. “Excited to have a potential solution, I talked to my doctor, who
suggested I start with a lower dose and work my way up. The first week, I took 50 mg. of 5-HTP every night; it didn’t seem to make any difference. The next week, I tried 100 mg. I felt a little less tired, but still not as effective as I would like. Over the next four weeks, I gradually increased my daily dose. I felt a great deal less fatigue, but I woke up every morning kind of hung over, so I decreased it. The 200 mg. dose seemed to be the sweet spot between no relief and a morning hangover. At about two weeks, something wonderful happened: I slept six hours! A few weeks later, my fatigue and low moods went away. I also used herbs like black cohosh to stop the hot flashes that made insomnia worse. “The most exciting thing besides sleeping was that I started to lose a little weight. Over the next month, I began to feel less anxious and more optimistic. The fatigue began to recede, and I quit crying all the time. I was able to exercise, and the heavy cloud lifted! I was thrilled! “It took some time and patience, but it worked. I still take 5-HTP in times of stress, but now I have my life back, and that time is nothing more than a hazy memory!” —As told to Elisabeth Dunham
Sleep aid proven to quadruple weight loss Supplementing with 5-HTP can do more than deepen sleep and enhance mood as effectively as antidepressants—it can also speed you to your happy weight. “The amino acid is converted directly into serotonin, which blunts physical hunger as well as stress-related urges to eat,” says integrative physician Taz Bhatia, M.D., author of Super Woman Rx. Indeed, in a 12-week study at the University of Rome in Italy, 5-HTP curbed women’s cravings for carbs so effectively, they consumed 42% fewer calories daily and lost four times as much weight as folks who took a placebo. To get the slimming benefits, Dr. Bhatia advises taking 100 mg. of 5-HTP three times daily, 30 minutes before meals. One to try: Swanson 5-HTP 100 mg., Walmart.com.
‘HAPPY HORMONE’ shortfall draining 8 in 10 women Virtually all women are vulnerable to serotonin deficits, says Daniel Amen, M.D., author of Your Brain Is Always Listening. In fact, research indicates women produce 52% less of the feel-good brain chemical than men. That’s a problem since serotonin plays a key role in regulating sleep and mood. Says Aimee Duffy, M.D., founder of Carolina Integrative Medicine in Clemson, South Carolina, “When levels are depleted, sleep disturbances, fatigue and anxiety can result.” Women over 50 are most at risk. Why? Estrogen enhances serotonin production, so hormonal flux at this time can cause levels to dip by 77%. The medication many doctors prescribe to lift serotonin can backfire, worsening symptoms like fatigue and weight gain. The good news: The steps below can replenish serotonin to improve energy, mood and more. Try nature’s Prozac. Taking 5-HTP boosts serotonin and increases time spent in deep sleep by up to 53%. Dr. Amen suggests taking 50 mg. at bedtime. “If you don’t get the results you need, increase the dose by 50 mg. [up to 200 mg. each evening] until you hit the amount that works for you.” Easy exercise boosts serotonin, says Dr. Amen. It also lowers cortisol, a stress hormone that depletes serotonin. Aim for 30 minutes of walking, biking or swimming four times a week. Gardening is a good option too, says Dr. Duffy, and time in the sun also raises serotonin levels. Enjoy quinoa, sweet potatoes, and bananas, says Dr. Amen. “Healthy carbs elicit a short-term insulin response that drives tryptophan (an amino acid the body uses to make serotonin) into the brain.” 6/28/21 First for women
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news you’ll use
health
Found: 3 ways to sidestep foot pain Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, doctors have seen a surge in women with painful foot conditions. To the rescue: simple strategies to ease common symptoms
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he pandemic has affected everything from our mental health to our physical fitness, and it’s also having a surprising impact on our feet. “Over the past year, I’ve seen an uptick in patients with plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and stress fractures,” says Elena K. Wellens, DPM, a podiatrist at Rothman Orthopedics in Philadelphia. How are these concerns related to COVID? “The average American used to spend at least 8 hours of their day outside of their home in shoes. Now, patients have been working and exercising in a more relaxed atmosphere that often includes bare feet,” says Dr. Wellens. Even if you’re not working from home, any changes in habit, footwear or activity can cause pain. Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent and treat foot woes naturally. Here’s how.
quick take
Top struggles people face on a diet
IF YOU’RE WALKING MORE Since early 2020, 72% of people increased the time they spent walking—but many walking shoes marketed toward women don’t have optimal arch support. This can lead to plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot is inflamed, causing stabbing pain. The fix? “Wearing stiff-soled walking shoes can reduce the strain on the foot and arch,” says podiatrist Haseeb Ahmad, DPM. “And over-the-counter inserts (like PowerStep and Superfeet) can be beneficial.” Massaging the arch can also provide relief and prevent fasciitis by loosening the tissues, adds Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist in New York. She suggests massaging the bottom of your foot lengthwise as well as across the arch daily.
IF YOU’RE BAREFOOT MORE Many of us began walking around the house barefoot during the pandemic—a change that can cause Achilles tendonitis, asserts Dr. Sutera. For women who suffer, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone becomes inflamed, causing pain in the calf and the back of the heel. To combat and prevent heel pain, she advises limiting barefoot time to carpet or cork flooring. And since tight calf muscles lead to increased strain, Dr. Ahmad recommends doing daily calf stretches. One to try: Stand with the ball of your foot on a step and hold on to the railing, dropping your heel so it’s below step level. You’ll feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds; repeat on other foot.
Cutting out junk food
44%
Counting calories
42%
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As we’re spending more time at home, studies show we’re moving up to 50% less. This can lead to poor circulation, which prevents the flow of oxygen to the feet and can cause symptoms like swelling, tingling and cramping. But finding time to move around during the day, especially when confined to a small workspace, can help. Dr. Ahmad Limiting suggests downloading a free app (like Stand Up! The Weighing carbs Work Break Timer) that will alert you to get up and portions move around throughout the day. And once your day is done, Dr. Ahmad advises lying on the floor and putting 32% 24% your legs up on the wall. “Elevating your legs and feet at the end of the day can reduce fluid buildup SOURCE: Zero fasting app that may occur over the course of the day.”
ILLO: NATHALIE BEAUVOIS. TEX T: JUDY KOUTSK Y
IF YOU’RE MOVING LESS
PAIN RELIEF
TRUST the PLANT.
health breakthrough
By age 40, 66% of women experience thinning hair. Valentina Karanfilian, 57, was one of them—until she found the inexpensive remedy that helped her regrow thick, shiny strands!
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alentina Karanfilian’s cheeks burned with embarrassment every time she thought back to the moment: She was taking a walk with a dear friend, when the friend asked why Valentina’s hair was looking so thin. “I was shocked—not because I didn’t know that I was losing my hair but because I’d been in denial about how bad it was,” Valentina recalls. “I had been struggling privately with my hair thinning and losing its shine. But when my friend pointed it out, I knew others were seeing it too. I felt like I was losing the thing I always liked most about myself, and I began to fear I would never feel sexy again.”
Feeling self-conscious
Valentina Karanfilian, South Florida
BEFORE
“Shortly before that embarrassing experience, I had noticed the strands of my hair had become weaker and thinner—and it seemed to have happened overnight! At first, I thought maybe it was from stress at work. Then I saw more hair in the shower drain, and when I looked in the bathroom mirror I noticed that some parts of my head had less hair. It was as though the growth, health and shine of my hair had disappeared— it looked so dull and lifeless. I had always loved my fluffy, shiny hair and now it seemed it was gone. At just 57
health
hair loss!” years old, I started to feel like I was losing my identity. “I turned to my hairdresser. She gave me a new style and blew it out from the roots to make my hair look fuller. She also suggested a different shampoo and conditioner, which I used for about a month or two without noticing any difference. “Panicked, I tried just about every recommendation I could find online: applying olive oil to my scalp, eating more almonds, experimenting with hair masks and even putting caviar on my hair. Nothing seemed to restore my hair to its original fullness or luster, and I was wondering why this was happening to me.
L AUREN BRIT Z PHOTOGRAPHY. H&M: COURTNEY CHRISTOPHERSON. SCIENCE TEX T: ALYSSA SYBERT Z.
A surprising solution “One night at dinner, a different friend started talking about how happy she was with her hair and how it looked better than ever—and I couldn’t deny that there was a difference. She told me about a supplement she’d been taking for almost a year, and she credited it for the improvements in her hair. My friend’s doctor had suggested the supplement, astaxanthin because it can reduce
inflammation in the cardiac system and boost immunity, but it has also been shown to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the scalp, which can boost hair growth. Maybe this will work for me, I hoped, feeling excited for the first time. I purchased astaxanthin and started taking one 12-mg. capsule every morning. “After taking astaxanthin every day for a month, I noticed the subtle, first difference: There was less hair on the shower floor. After another 10 to 15 days, my hair started looking healthier. One day while brushing it, I noticed it was a little thicker and looked shinier. I was so relieved, I started to cry. “Now, more than 90 days since I started taking the supplement, my hair has grown back thick, shiny and healthy, and I have a new outlook on life. I also have more energy—a bonus side effect of the supplement! I continue to get compliments on how great my hair looks, which makes me feel so much better and more confident. I hadn’t realized how stressed I was by my hair loss, and now I feel much better about everything in life. It’s such a total sense of relief, and I love myself again!” —As told to Cindy McVey
3 more ways to THICKEN THINNING HAIR Massage your head Rubbing your scalp in circular motions for 5 minutes a day while washing hair prevents the buildup of follicle-harming hormones and enhances blood flow to the scalp, supporting healthy hair growth. Plus, a daily scalp massage boosts volume, “plumping” individual hairs for a fuller-looking mane.
Sip green tea This brew is loaded with polyphenols linked to hair growth. Indeed, researchers say the compound EGCG in green tea decreases the output of follicle-damaging hormones, while its antioxidants prolong the growth phase of hair. Aim to drink 2 cups of green tea (hot or iced) daily to get the full benefits.
Try a rosemary spritz Rosemary essential oil stops stress hormones from attacking hair follicles. To get the perks, mix 2 drops of rosemary essential oil with 4 oz. of water and spritz on your scalp before bed. Research shows 44% of women who do this see new growth, making it just as effective as minoxidil—without side effects!
HOW ASTAXANTHIN PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH Astaxanthin has been found to halt hair loss and help grow thicker locks. “Studies have shown that the carotenoid, which gives salmon its color, blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, its more active form that is associated with hair thinning,” explains dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In one study, taking 10 mg. of
astaxanthin daily lowered DHT levels by 40% in three months. The phytonutrient also calms the inflammation that leads to alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss with age. “Alopecia is caused by the body interpreting hair follicles as intruders and trying to destroy them,” explains Joseph Maroon, M.D., a clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Astaxanthin protects against these responses.”
Astaxanthin also encourages new hair growth, adds Dr. Zeichner. It has been shown to enhance circulation to the scalp. To get the benefits, Dr. Zeichner advises taking a supplement, like Valentina, who takes Naomi Astaxanthin (NaomiW.com). 6/28/21 First for women
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quick bits
health
The health news that matters to you
The surprising upside of a few extra pounds They help you live longer! Ohio State University researchers followed 8,329 people for nearly 70 years and found that young adults with a healthy body mass index (BMI) who gradually became overweight (but never obese) lived the longest— even longer than those who kept a normal BMI throughout their whole life. Study author Hui Zheng, Ph.D., says modest weight gain from age 45 to 55 likely offers a protective effect against nutritional deficiencies, metabolic stresses and muscle and bone loss caused by chronic disease.
Science proves Grandma was onto something with her support stockings. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that donning maximumpressure knee-high socks (with a “firm” rating of 20–30 mmHg) four days a week reduces swollen legs and ankles enough to lower the risk of cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection common in the summer, by 77%. Lead researcher Elizabeth Webb says compression socks fend off bacteria growth, while prior research shows they reduce swelling and pain from varicose veins and the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) by 63%.
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Found: This simple diet tweak reverses diabetes Low-carb diets can help ward off diabetes, but the good news for carb lovers is you don’t have to give them up forever. Investigators reporting in The BMJ analyzed 23 prior studies and found that subjects who kept carb intake to 26% or less of their daily diet (about 125 grams of carbs) for six months were 32% more likely to reverse their diabetes than those following other diets. Study author Grant Brinkworth, Ph.D., says the diet’s higher protein levels help suppress appetite, so you can enjoy fewer carbs without craving them.
Fast goodbye to fatty liver Reversing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease doesn’t require medicine or losing lots of weight. U.K. researchers found that up to 60% of subjects with the condition—where fat accumulates in the organ, disrupting its ability to filter out toxins— who walked, then cycled every other day for 12 weeks (starting at 15 minutes and working up to 45) stopped the buildup of proteins that lead to damage. The scientists say the research is promising because it shows that fatty liver can be improved without significant weight loss.
People who flush public toilets with their feet to avoid germs SOURCE: Bradley Corporation
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Daily habit tames COVID Your daily oral health habits protect more than just your gums. The Journal of Periodontology reports that in a study of more than 550 COVID-19 patients, those with periodontitis were 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care, 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator and almost 9 times more likely to perish compared to those without gum disease. Like COVID-19, gum disease causes sustained inflammation or swelling throughout the body. Study author Mariano Sanz, Ph.D., notes that oral bacteria in patients with periodontitis can infect the lungs, making the coronavirus infection more severe, and recommends oral care to reduce the risk for severe COVID outcomes.
GET T Y; ADOBE STOCK. TEX T: CYNTHIA DERMODY
Socks reduce swollen-leg risk by 77%
doc on call
Save yourself a doctor’s visit with this advice
What’s causing this eye twitch?
Q I need to lower my blood pressure, and I don’t want to take medicine. I started walking daily, but is there anything else I can do besides overhauling my diet?
Q: I’ve been having trouble sleeping, and a few weeks ago, my eye started twitching on and off throughout the day. I’m starting to think the two are related. What’s going on?
GET T Y
A: You’re right—your symptoms are probably connected. The likely cause? A magnesium deficiency. The mineral helps regulate muscle and nerve function, and it can help you relax and sleep better. But as many as 80% of women are deficient in the mineral. Fortunately, it’s easy to shore up levels and put an end to your eye twitch and sleep problems. First, try supplementing with 320 mg. of magnesium chloride daily. It’s an easily absorbed form of the mineral and should boost your blood levels enough to quickly stop the twitching. In fact, a Canadian study found that magnesium helps soothe the nerves that cause spasms in as little as 72 hours. You can also try soaking your feet in warm water for 20 minutes before bed—a strategy that can help you sleep 123% more deeply, according to research in the Journal of Social Health. The warm water calms sensitive nerves in the feet, which then send signals to the brain to relax. And you can boost that benefit by adding Epsom salts to the footbath since they’re loaded with magnesium that your body can absorb through your skin. Finally, since excess caffeine can also trigger eyelid spasms and make symptoms worse, I suggest cutting back on caffeinated drinks like coffee or switching to decaffeinated varieties. But if the twitching continues for more than a week, your eyelid becomes swollen or droopy or if your eye completely closes when it twitches, visit your doctor for a thorough evaluation.
health
A
Am I at risk for mercury poisoning? Q: I started a Mediterranean diet, and I’ve been eating more seafood. I feel great, but my sister said I could be at risk of mercury poisoning. Is she right?
A: Unless you’re eating fish every day, you should be fine: You’d have to consistently eat high-mercury fish to develop mercury poisoning. Still, I can offer a few tips to put your mind at ease. I advise limiting your intake of low-mercury fish, like salmon, herring or trout, to 12 oz. a week and opting for wild-caught fish (which contains more healthy omega-3 fatty acids than farmed). Avoid large species like swordfish and king mackerel, which tend to have higher mercury levels. You can also sprinkle cilantro on dishes or add it to green smoothies: The herb acts like a magnet for heavy metals and can help your body flush up to 91% of stored mercury. If you notice a metallic taste in your mouth, loss of coordination or changes in vision or hearing, ask your doctor to test your mercury levels.
Kudos for taking the first step! Hypertension does become more common in women after age 60, but there are plenty of ways to keep blood pressure in the safe zone. First, try squeezing a rubber stress ball for 2 minutes four times a day. The simple exercise can lower blood pressure by 15 points in eight weeks—an effect better than some medications, say researchers in Canada. The repetitive movement of hand muscles helps arteries stay relaxed and open, improving blood flow throughout the body. Another easy idea: Add flaxseeds to your daily diet. They’re rich in fatty acids that tame artery inflammation to improve blood flow. A study in the journal Hypertension found that consuming 2 Tbs. daily lowers blood pressure by up to 15 points. Sprinkle flaxseeds on salads or roasted veggies.
Put FIRST to work for you! Heather Moday, M.D., is director of the Moday Center in Philadelphia. She is board-certified in allergy and immunology, as well as integrative and holistic medicine. You can follow her on Instagram (@theimmunitymd), where she shares information on health topics. And to ask her a question here, send an email to health@firstforwomen.com.
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healthy for less
The best oldieThe next time you find yourself sidelined by a rash, burn or other minor health hassle, skip a trip to the doctor’s office (and avoid the price of a copay!) and reach for one of these inexpensive, timetested cures instead
Nix warts with aspirin Rub crushed aspirin on a wart before bed and cover with duct tape; remove in the Money morning. Repeat daily until the saved: wart is gone. How it works: The tape deprives the wart of oxygen, and aspirin’s salicylic acid, on wart an ingredient in many wart treatremover ments, dissolves the wart.
$8
Avoid poison ivy rash with dish soap If you brush up against poison ivy, immediately wash your skin with a liquid dish detergent like Palmolive, then dab on a little more Money and let dry. Degreasing comsaved: pounds in the soap break down the plant’s rash-producing residue, reducing the risk on anti-itch ointment of developing a rash by 60%.
$9
Eradicate nail fungus with this mix If your nails thicken and take on a yellowish tinge, soak them in a solution of Money equal parts mouthwash and saved: white vinegar for 15 minutes. Repeat three times a week. Antifungal mouthwash and on antifungal acidic vinegar work together treatment to help kill fungus.
$12
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health
9 word-of-mouth remedies that will save you $$$!
but-goodie cures Heal skin with lavender
Soften calluses with castor oil
Treating minor injuries with diluted lavender essential oil (which is loaded with the healing compounds linalool and borneol) has been shown to kill germs, reduce swelling and speed the formation of new collagen and skin cells to reduce healing time by as much as 45%, say Australian researchers. To do: Mix 3 drops of lavender oil into 1 ⁄ 2 tsp. of coconut oil or another carrier oil and gently dab on wounds.
If you’ve developed calluses on your feet, try this beforebed remedy: Dampen a few cotton balls with castor oil, place them on rough spots and cover with a bandage before slipping socks on your feet. In the morning, wash the area, then gently buff with a pumice stone and moisturize. According to researchers at the Money University of Virginia in Charlottesville, saved: castor oil’s ricinoleic acid softens thick skin, reduces swelling and strengthens and heals epidermal tissues, on callus smoothing even stubborn calluses in remover as little as five days.
Money saved:
$8
on antibiotic cream
Relieve a minor burn with baking soda To quickly soothe the pain of a minor burn, pour 1 tsp. of baking soda into a small bowl, then add enough water to make a paste (about 1 to 2 tsp.). Use your fingers to gently apply the paste to the affected skin and let dry. The slightly alkaline powder will balance the skin’s pH levels to cut down on blistering and speed Money healing. Plus, the paste contracts as saved: it dries, tightening the skin, which limits swelling. Bonus: This baking soda paste will also soothe the pain on burn of a bee sting: The alkaline powder cream counteracts the acid in the venom.
$10
Adobe Stock; Getty (3)
Eliminate dandruff with mouthwash Thymol (a key ingredient in many brands of mouthwash) destroys 24 strains of fungi— the troublemakers that cause itchy flakes, according to researchers in China. This plant extract even kills the drug-resistant fungi that dandruff shampoos have trouble taming. To do: Pour 1 ⁄4 cup of a Money saved: thymol-containing mouthwash (like Listerine Cool Mint) onto damp hair and massage into your scalp. Wait on medicated 5 minutes, then shampoo as usual. shampoo Repeat daily until the flaking disappears.
$15
$12
Treat canker sores with aloe vera gel Canker sores are the top cause of oral pain. Fortunately, there’s a simple remedy: Dab the sores with aloe vera gel (from the plant’s leaves or a product) three times daily. According to researchers at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Money Jersey, doing so cuts the pain in half saved: and speeds healing by 33%. That’s because aloe’s sterols and polysaccharides (compounds that reduce inflamon canker mation) calm pain nerves and stimulate sore gel the repair of damaged tissues.
$11
Shrink varicose veins with witch hazel Dabbing witch hazel on mild varicose veins twice a day can reduce their appearance—and soothe vein-related pain—in as little as seven days, according to British researchers. The reason? Witch hazel contains astringent, anti-inflammatory compounds that help shrink puffy veins and reduce the darkMoney saved: ness that appears when blood pools in them. Tip: Keep the witch hazel in the refrigerator if your varicose veins on vein tend to itch—applying the liquid chilled cream provides immediate relief.
$20
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instant inspiration
Stress-free— Actor, singer, producer, mom and wife Melora Hardin, 53, shares her tips to staying positive, joy-filled and worry-free By Gina Roberts-Grey
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or actress Melora Hardin, beloved for her roles as Jan on The Office and Jacqueline Carlyle on The Bold Type, this year’s Fourth of July is going to be a celebration of the hope, family and creative spirit that have kept her going over the past year. “Throughout the quarantine, my husband, two girls and I were able to get creative together,” Melora shares with FIRST. “We did art projects and came up with new recipes, which we’re looking forward to re-creating this Independence Day. It’s been uplifting to share that in the midst of everything!” For Melora, creativity has always been a release valve for pent-up worry and her secret weapon in staying positive and healthy. “Artistic expression doesn’t just enhance my mood, it has become food for my soul when times are tough,” Melora says. Here, more ways she stays looking—and feeling—upbeat, radiant and happy.
Beats burnout A soothing pep talk “We all feel overwhelmed, exhausted and anxious at times,” Melora says. “One of my favorite things to recite to myself in those moments is a poem by Mary Oliver, called ‘Everything That Was Broken.’ I say it to myself daily, and its words, like ‘Every day has something in it whose name is forever,’ remind me that every day, even a stressful one, is a true gift!”
Radiance secret: Refreshing hydration “I love drinking bubbly water!” Melora says. “My favorites are LaCroix or San Pellegrino for a treat. It helps prevent dry skin but also makes me feel energized, especially in the summer!”
insight
—Melora’s way! Melts a menopot Do a little dance
Sparks serenity Take a ‘pet pause’ “Of course, cuddling with my daughters and time with my husband are automatic stress-busters, but I also love spending time with my pets,” Melora says with a smile. “Sitting with the cat or walking the dog are really refreshing, but we recently added koi fish and goldfish to our pond and I find myself sitting there, gazing at them for hours. There’s something so relaxing about watching my fish. I really enjoy them!” Studies have shown that watching fish swim, in real time or virtually, can reduce blood pressure, boost mood and instantly dial down anxiety!
“Dance is my favorite exercise—it’s good for the body and the soul!” Melora enthuses. “I’ve been doing it since I was 5, but these days, I rely on dance classes via Zoom to get my workout in and to connect with other people. I’m a person who needs people around me, and I relied on those classes to get that connection and combat anxiety and fear during the pandemic. I’ve also found going for a walk and being able to say hello to neighbors, even at a distance, is wildly helpful—for my body and mind.”
Instant recharge Seeing the good “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized it’s important to stop and smell the roses as much as I can,” Melora confides. “I try to be in the moment and be grateful for everything I have, which is a balance that’s hard to strike at times, especially during moments when I’m asking myself, Why isn’t this working out? But I’ve learned that everything has a purpose, even the challenges, so on tough days, I focus on gratitude for the very basics, like having a roof over my head, a beautiful family and my health. When I do that, I instantly see I actually have a lot.”
DIANA RAGL AND; GET T Y (4); ADOBE STOCK
MELORA’S LATEST HEART-HAPPY PROJECTS! When she’s not starring in iconic television roles, Melora stays busy with plenty of other artistic endeavors, including singing, producing and directing. “I love to create art of all kinds— it’s in my blood!” Melora says. “Lots of people don’t realize I write songs and sing, and for the past four years, I’ve been directing a four-part documentary series, Thunder, Hunter & Me.”
Slated for release later this year, the story chronicles the friendship that Melora forged with a woman named Hunter, who found healing from trauma by watching Thunder, a 1977 television series starring Melora as a young girl as she saved the day with her black stallion. Melora has also recently created products paying tribute to her Office character, including a shirt that reads “That’s what HE said” and the scent
for the “Serenity by Jan by Melora” candle. Find out more by visiting Melora’s Instagram page @MeloraHardin.
Melora has been finding joy lately in directing a four-part documentary series 6/28/21 First for women
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quick bits
The psychology news that matters to you
insight
Surefire strategy for savvier online shopping While comparing ice-cream makers, be sure to read customer reviews on a variety of websites. It can help you make a better decision, say researchers at the University of Florida. They analyzed reviews for vacuums, toasters and digital cameras and found that the item’s first review shaped subsequent reviews and the product’s overall rating for up to three years, creating a positive or negative domino effect depending on the tone of the first reviews. The researchers say checking out a mix of sites can help you arrive at a more balanced sense of how the product performs.
Surprising power of small talk
Discovered: An upside to pandemic stress
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How to be more persuasive Practicing responses to potential questions before a job interview can help in surprising ways, suggests a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Researchers had participants rate the perceived sincerity of someone answering questions (“Did you like your friend’s dessert?”) and found that pausing for even a few seconds before answering made the person seem less sincere. Investigators say we assume a slower response means someone is taking an extra beat to fabricate an answer.
People who said that their pet made coping with lockdown easier SOURCE: PLOS ONE
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Secret to an even happier marriage If you and your partner have been short with each other, check in to see if either of you is disrupting the other’s routine. West Virginia University researchers say coordinating schedules so you both can meet your daily goals (for instance, he times video meetings around your workout and you accommodate his daily check-in with his boss) is key. They surveyed married folks navigating pandemic life and discovered that the greater the disruption of each other’s routines, the more feelings of sadness and anger were triggered. The study authors say assisting each other in maintaining routines during times of instability is a proven way to support a happier bond.
AGEFOTOSTOCK; GET T Y. TEX T: K ATIE HYNES
Engaging in chitchat during your Zoom volunteer meeting has a positive impact on your work, according to a study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Investigators analyzed video calls between people working on a task, focusing on the balance between chatter related and unrelated to the project, then distributed surveys afterward. The results? People enjoyed the task more when their collaborators took time for small talk, since discussing outside topics allows team members to show consideration for one another—a benefit that also holds for in-person meetings.
Though we wish the pandemic never happened, reflecting on any meaning you found during its many challenges can help support your happiness, suggests a study from the U.K.’s University of Bath. Researchers analyzed survey data from the height of the pandemic and found that 88% of people could point to positives, like closer family bonds and a sense of new possibilities. Study authors observed that compared to folks who found no meaning, those who identified silver linings showed better mental well-being.
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WEIGHT LOSS
Eat, drink, & still shrink
Break Through Your Weight Loss Plateau With A Morning Shake BY AMBER RIOS
B
eing a health and nutrition correspondent means that companies frequently send me their products, and ask for my stamp of approval. Most of the time I dive into research, give the product a try, and send the company honest feedback about what they’ll need to change before I’ll recommend it. Plus my hectic job and my determination to stay fit means I’m always hunting for a quick and nutritious way to fill up on nutrients my body needs. So I can confidently say, “I’ve tried it all”. Last Tuesday work was especially hectic, but I’d booked with my $200 an hour personal trainer, Tony, a triathlon winning, organic-tothe-bone fitness guy with a ten mile long track record of whipping the “who’s who” into shape in record time, so I had to go. He noticed that
my set count was down and playfully asked, “Feeling a little tired today?”, as he handed me a bottle from his gym bag. After one sip I figured that there was no way this could be healthy because the creamy chocolate flavor was just too delicious. Still, he’d never risk his reputation. With more than a healthy dose of scepticism I decided to investigate this shake he’d called INVIGOR8. Turns out, it’s a full meal replacement shake, which stunned me because virtually every other shake I’d researched had tasted chalky, clumpy and packed with hidden “no-no’s” like cheap protein, tons of artificial ingredients, not to mention harmful synthetic dyes, additives, sugars, preservatives, and hormones. And even though INVIGOR8’s full meal replacement shake cost more than
many of the shakes I’ve tried, it was about half the price of my favorite salad, and the nutrition profile looked second to none. Wanting to know more, I reached out to a few of the people who were talking about it on trustworthy fitness forums. By the next morning three people got back to me saying, “As a trainer I love Invigor8. It’s definitely helped me to have more all-day energy, plus build the kind of lean sculpted muscle that burns more fat.” “Yes, I’ll recommend it, it tastes great, and I really like how it keeps me feeling full for hours.” “I’m a marathon runner and a friend recommended it to me. Drinking it has become a part of my regular training routine, because my time has improved, my energy is up, and I’m thinking more clearly than ever before.” I decided to take my investigation one step further by researching the development of INVIGOR8. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the company went to great lengths to keep INVIGOR8 free of harmful ingredients. The makers of INVIGOR8 were determined to make the first natural, non-GMO nutritional shake & green superfood. The result is a meal replacement shake that contains 100% grass-fed whey that has a superior nutrient profile to the grain-fed whey found in most shakes, metabolism boosting raw coconut oil, hormone free colostrum to promote a healthy immune system, Omega 3, 6, 9-rich chia and flaxseeds, superfood greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, alfalfa, and chlorella, and clinically tested cognitive enhancers for improved mood and brain function. The company even went a step further by including a balance of pre and probiotics for optimal digestive health, uptake, and regularity and digestive enzymes so your body absorbs the highcaliber nutrition you get from INVIGOR8. As a whole-foods nutritionist with a thriving practice I understand the importance of filling my body with the best Mother Nature has to offer. I have always been reluctant to try new products because I was never sure of the impact they would have on my energy, and weight. INVIGOR8 is different, not only because it’s delicious, but because it helps me to maintain the energy I need to run my busy practice, while helping me to stay fit and toned. Considering all of the shakes I’ve tried, I can honestly say that the results I’ve experienced from INVIGOR8 are nothing short of amazing. A company spokesperson confirmed an exclusive offer for First for Woman readers: if you order this month, you’ll receive $10 off your first order by using promo code “FW10” at checkout. You can order INVIGOR8 today at www.DrinkInvigor8.com or by calling 1-800-958-3392.
stress sos
Stop sneaky With packed schedules, less sleep and more pressure to be fun, social and happy—regardless of how we actually feel—summertime can be deceptively stressful. Here, experts share easy ways to turn that tension into a season of bliss!
Y
ou wake up to greet a beautiful day. The sun is shining and the birds are singing—so why do you feel a vague yet palpable worry stirring inside you? According to psychologists, “summer stress” is a very real phenomenon, caused in part by more obligations and less sleep this time of year. And many of us no doubt feel added pressure to make up for lost time from last summer’s lockdown. “We know that men and women respond to seasonal depression differently, with summertime stress hitting women the hardest,” reveals neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., of Columbia University. Just as the days grow longer this time of year, so do women’s lists of responsibilities, personally and professionally. And with that also comes more guilt. “We’re harder on ourselves, in spite of carrying the lion’s share of many burdens.” This anxiety doesn’t exclusively stem from bona fide busyness: The invisible expectation to be happier in the summer can trigger depression when we feel like we’re falling short compared to our neighbors. Social media, in fact, only exacerbates our insecurities, as we compare our reality to someone else’s “highlight reel.” Thankfully, our happiness can go up along with the temperature. Just read on to discover common summer stressors and their simple solutions, so the season recharges your battery, melts stress and soothes your soul.
insight
summer stress COMPARING?
OVERWHELMED?
FEELING INSECURE?
JUMP STRAIGHT TO THE ‘WIN’
ENGAGE ALL YOUR SENSES
TRY AN EXPOSURE EXERCISE
While surfing social media, you feel a surge of envy as you look at a snapshot of a friend on a sailboat in a pictureperfect locale. Research shows that exposure to social media delivers only a fleeting mood boost before it quickly fades, leaving us feeling even worse than before, as we begin to compare ourselves to those around us.
As you host the first family barbecue in what feels like forever, you can’t help but worry if everyone is having a great time. It’s common for women to feel like they’re responsible for everyone else’s happiness, which can be overwhelming, observes Jenny Yip, Psy.D., founder of the Renewed Freedom Center. If you’re caught in an anxiety spiral, ground yourself using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Look around and notice five things you can see, four things you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell and one you can taste. For example, consider the sound of birds chirping; the sensation of grass between your toes; the fragrance of roses in your garden and the taste of lemonade. This instant sensory input shortcircuits worried thoughts. “It’s impossible to savor this stimuli and still think about what’s making you anxious,” says psychologist Charmain Jackman, Ph.D. “It instantly calms you, bringing you into the present moment.”
Your neighbors invited you to swim in their pool, but you’re worried about wearing a swimsuit after gaining 20 pounds over the past few months. “We tend to magnify our flaws and minimize our value,” says Yip. This self-consciousness is even more acute, because we’ve been out of most social situations for so long, causing a “spotlight effect” that makes us think others are judging us when they’re not.
When that twinge of envy arises, ask yourself what can give you joy right now. We’re conditioned to think
about happiness in a “have-do-be” sequence. For example, once I have more money, I can take vacations, and finally be relaxed. But it’s much healthier to cut out the middleman and proceed straight to the “be” part, says wellness coach Rebecca Cafiero, author of Becoming You. “If what you really want is to feel relaxed, set that as your mental GPS coordinate by asking yourself, How can I have that feeling today?” That could mean anything from taking a walk to getting ice cream with your grandkids. “The way you want to feel is the end goal, and you can get there faster if you listen to what envy is telling you about your life rather than focusing on others.”
JUMP. TEX T: LISA MA XBAUER
FEAR OF MISSING OUT? Every weekend for the past month has been overscheduled with social events. The pressure to say “yes” is wearing on you, but at the same time, you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun after being cooped up for so long last year. You’re not alone: Studies show 40% of us report feeling the fear of missing out
To increase your confidence, briefly imagine or jot down a scenario you’re afraid of facing. For
example, “When I take off my sarong, people will stare at the stretch marks on my thighs.” This type of “exposure therapy” creates a safe space for you to face your fear, explains Yip. Simply envisioning the worst-case scenario lets you see that you can handle it, boosting your resilience. In fact, participants in one study experienced an incredible 90% reduction in their fear and anxiety after just one such exposure exercise. This simple visualization essentially lets your mind build up “immunity” to stressors, allowing you to respond more calmly and confidently in the future.
CHOOSE ‘JOMO’ INSTEAD
(or FOMO) during the summer, a feeling that’s only heightened because we are able to get together again. Simply swap FOMO for JOMO, or the “joy of missing out.” “Taking an opposite action is part of a mindfulness strategy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), proven to help defuse negative thinking and
end emotional dwelling,” explains Jackman. For example, when you feel regret, switch to gratitude by telling yourself, If I hadn’t skipped that event, I never would have discovered that beautiful walking path. By swapping perspectives, you’re reminding yourself just how much control you have in your life. 6/28/21 First for women
49
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Tech neck Blue mood Hot flashes Belly bloat
Do you suffer from ‘sorry syndrome’?
YOU, SO BEAUTIFUL
The $14 drugstore find that slims a double chin Natural ways to shrink varicose veins—fast! NEWS! Stressful times are increasing dental problems by 260%—quick, easy fixes
Com fort c a sse rol es
BEAT STRESS
ABC’s Dr. Jen Ashton The one easy thing she’s doing to end COVID worries
BEST Drop KETO 15 lbs in EVER 14 days Duke MD: New protein swap restores key nutrients your sweet tooth may have sapped
Speeds weight loss Ends sugar cravings Reverses diabetes Gastric bypass didn’t work for Virginia Dials, 63, but this plan did! She lost 114 lbs!
MONEY SAVERS 44 genius tips + the name-brand splurge that saves you $$ ACK! Surprising germ hot spots
page 52 page 56
Festive recipes for delicious Four th of July memories!
page 52
Make-and-take magic!
Toss together a fireworks-worthy bash with these packable, portable eats and treats perfect for barbecues, picnics and more
page 57
page 60
FOOD & PHOTO (6)
page 69
Turn for recipes & how-to 6/28/21 First for women
51
Down-home delicious! Big flav or with just a few ingredients
Crispy Oven-Fried Buttermilk Chicken 52 First for women
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Double-Vanilla Bundt Cake
How we made it healthier
FOOD & PHOTO
Layered California Salad Cups
Beat bloat with asparagus. The veggie adds a bold kick of flavor to our salad cups, plus it can de-puff your belly. That’s because it’s rich in unique carbs that nourish the gut to cut gas and bloat by 55%.
Creamy Dill Pasta Salad
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Pack ’n’ go chicken
Layered California Salad Cups ACTIVE TIME: 15 min. TOTAL TIME: 25 min. SERVES: 6
For even easier make-and-take, layer up our individual salads in Mason jars, then simply screw on the tops for spill-proof transport
Crispy Oven-Fried Buttermilk Chicken ACTIVE TIME: 20 min. TOTAL TIME: 3 hrs. SERVES: 6
No-muss, no fuss! Tangy buttermilk-marinated chicken pieces bake to crunchy grease-free perfection—enjoy it hot or cold
⁄2 1 1 1 1 ⁄4 4 2 ⁄3 1
cup buttermilk tsp. paprika tsp. onion powder tsp. garlic powder tsp. cayenne pepper lbs. chicken pieces cup all-purpose flour
1 In large bowl, stir together butter-
milk, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, 1 ⁄ 2 tsp. salt and cayenne. Add chicken pieces; turn to coat in mixture. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; marinate in refrigerator for 2 hrs. 2 Heat oven to 450°F. Line rimmed
baking sheet with foil. Place rack on top; coat with cooking spray. In shallow bowl, mix flour with 1 ⁄ 2 tsp. salt. One at a time, remove chicken pieces 54 First for women
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from buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off; coat chicken in flour mixture. Transfer chicken to rack and generously coat with cooking spray. Bake until chicken is no longer pink near bones, 25–35 min. If desired, broil until browned, 3 min. Per serving: Cal. 415 Pro. 42g Carb. 13g Fiber 1g Sug. 1g Chol. 129mg Sod. 528mg Total fat: 21g Sat. 6g
2 easy variations Buffalo: Omit cayenne pepper and add 1 ⁄4 cup Buffalo wing sauce to buttermilk mixture. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping. Caesar: Swap in creamy Caesar salad dressing for buttermilk, omit cayenne pepper and add 2 Tbs. Parmesan cheese to flour.
8 oz. asparagus, cut into 2" pieces 4 slices bacon 3 ⁄4 cup bottled vinaigrette salad dressing 3 Tbs. chopped fresh basil 1 ⁄4 cup sliced red onions 1 cup halved grape tomatoes 3 cups baby spinach 4 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, sliced 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, sliced
1 In pot of salted boiling water, cook
asparagus until almost tender, about 2 min. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Pat dry. Meanwhile, in nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, 6–8 min. Drain on paper towels, then crumble. 2 Combine dressing and basil. In 6
individual serving glasses or bowls, layer asparagus, onions, tomatoes, spinach, eggs, bacon and avocado. Serve with dressing mixture. Per serving: Cal. 204 Pro. 8g Carb. 12g Fiber 4g Sug. 4g Chol. 130mg Sod. 604mg Total fat: 15g Sat. 3g
Fast & festive cocktails
picnic
Add a splash of fun to your Fourth of July with these red, white and blue sips that are as tasty as they are easy to mix up
Creamy Dill Pasta Salad ACTIVE TIME: 15 min. TOTAL TIME: 35 min. SERVES: 6
We opted for rotini pasta in our creamy side, but any small to medium shaped pasta of your choosing would work just as well
8 1 1 ⁄3 1 ⁄3 3 1 ⁄2
oz. rotini or corkscrew pasta cup frozen peas, thawed cup mayonnaise cup sour cream Tbs. milk cup packaged shredded carrots 1 ⁄4 cup diced red onion 2 Tbs. chopped fresh dill
Cran-Cherry Gin & Tonic
1 Cook pasta according to package
directions, adding peas 1 min. before pasta is done; drain. Rinse under cold water to cool. Drain well; reserve. 2 In bowl, whisk together mayon-
naise, sour cream, milk, 1 ⁄4 tsp. salt and 1 ⁄4 tsp. pepper until blended. Stir in pasta mixture and carrots, red onion and dill until well coated. Per serving: Cal. 264 Pro. 7g Carb. 32g Fiber 3g Sug. 4g Chol. 12mg Sod. 184mg Total fat: 12g Sat. 3g
ACTIVE TIME: 45 min. TOTAL TIME: 4 hrs. SERVES: 16
ADOBE STOCK; FOOD & PHOTO; GET T Y
Instant pudding makes this mix-easy Bundt covered in luscious vanilla icing extra-moist and delicious
1 Heat oven to 350°F. Generously
coat 10-cup Bundt pan with baking spray with flour. On low speed, beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, 1 cup water, eggs and oil until just blended, 30 sec.; on medium speed, beat until fluffy, about 2 min.
Patriotic Piña Colada Toasted coconut on the rim gives this blender drink an extra dose of nutty flavor. To make: Brush rims of 2 glasses with corn syrup; press into 1 ⁄4 cup toasted coconut. In blender, mix 6 Tbs. coconut rum, 1 ⁄4 cup lime juice, 1 ⁄4 cup pineapple juice, 2 Tbs. cream of coconut and 1 cup ice cubes. Puree until smooth. Divide between glasses. Add skewers threaded with berries.
Double-Vanilla Bundt Cake
1 (15.25 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix 1 (3.4 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix 3 eggs 1 ⁄ 3 cup oil 3–4 Tbs. milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups confectioners’ sugar Red and blue M&M’s candies (optional)
Muddled mint adds a bright note to this sweet ’n’ tart twist on a refreshing summer fave. To make: In cocktail shaker, combine 2 sprigs mint, 2 Tbs. lime juice and 1 Tbs. sugar; muddle mint with handle of wooden spoon. Add 1 cup crancherry juice and 1 ⁄4 cup gin; cover and shake. Strain into 2 ice-filled glasses. Top with tonic water. Garnish with mint.
2 Transfer batter to pan. Bake until
toothpick inserted near center comes out clean, 42–45 min. Let cool 20 min. Transfer from pan to rack and let cool completely. 3 In small bowl, combine 3 Tbs.
milk with vanilla. In large bowl, stir milk mixture into confectioners’ sugar until smooth and pourable. If too thick, add additional milk; if too thin, additional sugar. Transfer cake to serving plate. Pour glaze over cake. Fill center of cake with M&M’s. Per serving: Cal. 246 Pro. 2g Carb. 42g Fiber 0g Sug. 32g Chol. 35mg Sod. 303mg Total fat: 8g Sat. 1g
Sky Blue ’Rita We replaced triple sec with blue liqueur to give this spin on a classic tipple a fun pop of color. To make: In ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine 1 ⁄ 2 cup silver tequila, 1 ⁄4 cup blue curaçao and 2 Tbs. lime juice; cover. Shake until well chilled. Divide between 2 glasses. Garnish with pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries. 6/28/21 First for women
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Good times guaranteed Quick pre
! p means more time for fun Potato Chips with Avocado Dip
Salami, Ham and Provolone Muffuletta
56 First for women
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Strawberries ’n’ Cream Cupcakes
How we made it healthier
FOOD & PHOTO
Stay focused with tomatoes. They add fresh flavor to our muffuletta and can help you concentrate too. How? The reddish pigment in tomatoes (lycopene) nourishes brain cells so you feel 75% more clearheaded.
Apple-Broccoli Salad 6/28/21 First for women
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Fast ’n’ fresh sandwich
Potato Chips with Avocado Dip ACTIVE TIME: 30 min. TOTAL TIME: 40 min. SERVES: 6
We made everyone’s favorite snack healthier by pairing baked potato crisps with avocado-yogurt dip
Salami, Ham and Provolone Muffuletta ACTIVE TIME: 40 min. TOTAL TIME: 4 hrs. SERVES: 6
Our make-ahead sandwich is layered with diced olives, pickled veggies and sun-dried tomato dressing for loads of flavor that gets better as it sits
1 (24 oz.) jar giardiniera (pickled vegetables), drained 1 ⁄ 2 cup drained pitted green olives, chopped 2 tomatoes, seeded, chopped 1 ⁄ 2 cup sun-dried tomato pesto sauce 1 ⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 Tbs. red wine vinaigrette salad dressing 1 (1 lb.) round loaf crusty bread 8 oz. deli-sliced salami 4 oz. deli-sliced provolone cheese 4 oz. deli-sliced ham
1 If giardiniera includes pepperon-
cini, remove seeds. Chop giardiniera, including pepperoncini. Combine giardiniera with olives; reserve. In 58 First for women
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separate bowl, combine tomatoes, pesto, parsley and dressing; reserve.
Olive oil cooking spray 4 medium baking potatoes 1 lime 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, cut into chunks 1 ⁄ 2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 ⁄ 2 cup fresh cilantro and/or parsley 1 clove garlic 1 ⁄ 2 tsp. chili powder
1 Heat oven to 400°F. Coat 2–3 bak-
reserve top piece. Spread giardiniera mixture over bottom bread piece. Begin layering with half of salami and all of cheese, then remaining salami. Top with ham and reserved tomato mixture.
ing sheets with olive oil cooking spray. Cut potatoes lengthwise into very thin slices; pat dry with paper towels. Arrange in single layers over baking sheets; coat potato slices with cooking spray and sprinkle with 1 ⁄4 tsp. salt. Bake, in batches if necessary, until crisp, about 10 min.
3 Cover with reserved bread top
2 Grate 1 ⁄ 2 tsp. zest and squeeze
(sandwich will be very full). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place on large plate; invert small plate over sandwich. Place heavy can flat side down on top of sandwich to weigh it down. Chill 3 hrs. or up to overnight.
1 Tbs. juice from lime into food processor. Add avocado, yogurt, herbs of your choice, garlic and chili powder; process until smooth. Transfer to serving bowl; season to taste with salt. Serve with chips.
Per serving: Cal. 486 Pro. 23g Carb. 34g Fiber 4g Sug. 6g Chol. 66mg Sod. 1,814mg Total fat: 28g Sat. 9g
Per serving: Cal. 184 Pro. 6g Carb. 29g Fiber 5g Sug. 3g Chol. 3mg Sod. 174mg Total fat: 6g Sat. 1g
2 Horizontally split loaf of bread;
Delicious ways to save extra herbs
feast
No need to let a bounty of fresh herbs go to waste thanks to these easy recipes that keep like a dream in your freezer
Apple-Broccoli Salad ACTIVE TIME: 20 min. TOTAL TIME: 20 min. SERVES: 6
Mixed herb butter Prep this refreshing salad up to a day in advance to allow the broccoli time to soak up the zesty dressing
1 ⁄4 2 2 1 1 1 ⁄4 1 1
large head broccoli cup plain Greek yogurt Tbs. olive oil Tbs. red wine vinegar tsp. grated orange zest large apple, cored, diced cup finely chopped red onion Tbs. chopped fresh mint
1 Cut broccoli into florets. In large
pot of salted boiling water, cook
broccoli until just starting to soften, about 2 min.; drain. Rinse under cold water until cool; drain. 2 In large bowl, combine yogurt, oil,
vinegar and zest; add apple, onion, mint and broccoli. Toss until evenly coated with dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Per serving: Cal. 90 Pro. 3g Carb. 9g Fiber 2g Sug. 5g Chol. 1mg Sod. 70mg Total fat: 5g Sat. 1g
Strawberries ’n’ Cream Cupcakes ACTIVE TIME: 40 min. TOTAL TIME: 40 min. SERVES: 12
Easy from-scratch cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit give these patriotic treats extra mmm
6 oz. cream cheese, at room temp. 3 ⁄4 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 ⁄ 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1 ⁄4 cups heavy cream 12 unfrosted baked cupcakes (any flavor) 1 (16 oz.) pkg. strawberries, trimmed, sliced 12 blueberries
GET T Y (2); ADOBE STOCK
1 On medium speed, beat cream
cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth, about 3 min. 2 On low speed, gradually beat in
heavy cream until blended, about 2 min. On medium speed, beat until stiff peaks form, about 2 min.
3 If desired, transfer mixture to pas-
try bag fitted with star tip. Dividing evenly, pipe or spread frosting over cupcakes, layering with sliced strawberries in a star pattern. Garnish each cupcake with a blueberry. For make-and-take: Pack frosting, sliced strawberries, blueberries and cupcakes in separate containers with lids or in food storage bags. Keep containers of frosting and berries chilled by placing in a cooler with ice packs. Top cupcakes with frosting and berries just before serving. Per serving: Cal. 348 Pro. 4g Carb. 35g Fiber 1g Sug. 23g Chol. 77mg Sod. 309mg Total fat: 22g Sat. 10g
Folding tender herbs into butter locks in their flavorful oils so the taste stays fresh for months. To enjoy, simply cut slices and serve on fish, pasta, veggies and bread. To make: Gently fold 1 ⁄ 2 cup mixed chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley and chives, into a stick of softened butter. Roll into a log; wrap in plastic wrap. Chill or freeze for up to 3 months.
Basil pesto sauce Parmesan is the secret to this zingy blend that pairs well with grilled meats and is a tasty sandwich spread. To make: In food processor, pulse 2 cups basil, 1 ⁄ 2 cup olive oil, 1 ⁄4 cup lemon juice, 1 ⁄4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 clove garlic and 1 ⁄4 tsp. salt until thick paste forms. Freeze in 1 ⁄4 cup portions and thaw at room temperature when ready to use.
Rosemary oil Hearty low-moisture herbs like rosemary and thyme are perfect for freezing in oil. Then simply melt a cube in a skillet for a fragrant start to your next sauté. To make: Divide rosemary sprigs among wells of ice cube tray; fill with olive oil. Freeze; transfer to plastic food-storage bag. Seal; freeze until ready to use. 6/28/21 First for women
59
BBQ faves made Celeb chefs reveal their quick-prep tricks for delicious hot off the grill
Guy Fieri The Food Network star infuses barbecue sauce with tequila to ensure these ribs are extra tender
ACTIVE TIME: 20 min. TOTAL TIME: 3 hrs. SERVES: 8
11 ⁄ 3 cups barbecue sauce 1 ⁄ 3 cup tequila 2 Tbs. chili powder 2 tsp. onion powder 2 tsp. garlic powder 2 racks pork baby back ribs (5-6 lbs.), thin membrane removed Per serving: Cal. 518 Pro. 34g Carb. 20g Fiber 1g Sug. 15g Chol. 122mg Sod. 806mg Total fat: 32g Sat. 11g
60 First for women
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1
Prepare grill for medium-low indirect-heat cooking. In pot, combine barbecue sauce and tequila; over medium heat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until thickened, about 5 min. Let cool.
2
Combine spices and 1 ⁄ 2 tsp. salt. Rub over all sides of ribs. Grill, covered and flipping occasionally, until tender, about 2 hrs., brushing several times with 2 ⁄ 3 cup sauce during last 20 min. of cooking time. Serve with remaining sauce on the side.
Guy’s key to flavor-packed ribs For stand-out ribs every time, Guy recommends pulling off the tough membrane on the underside of ribs before adding the rub (it blocks flavor). To do: Use a sharp knife to loosen one edge, then pull across to remove it in one sheet.
GET T Y (2); FOOD & PHOTO (3); LINES + ANGLES
Barbecue Pork Ribs
even better Grilled Pizza
Giada De Laurentii s Sausage pizza is Giada’s specialty—and this pie is a cinch to put together, thanks to precooked seasoned chicken links
ACTIVE TIME: 25 min. TOTAL TIME: 1 hr. SERVES: 4
⁄ 2 cup barbecue sauce ⁄4 cup seedless strawberry jam 3 links fully cooked chicken sausage 1 (15 oz.) pkg. storebought pizza dough 4 tsp. olive oil 4 cups mixed greens 2 Tbs. dried cranberries
1
1
Per serving: Cal. 532 Pro. 20g Carb. 81g Fiber 2g Sug. 30g Chol. 49mg Sod. 981mg Total fat: 15g Sat. 4g
1
Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking. In bowl, mix sauce and jam. Grill sausage, turning, until lightly browned, 5–7 min. Slice.
2
On lightly floured surface, stretch dough into 13" round. Brush with 2 tsp. oil. Place on grill oiled side down; grill until browned, 2–3 min. Brush with remaining oil. Flip; grill until toasted, 2–3 min. Reserve 1 ⁄4 cup sauce; spread remaining over crust. Top with greens, sausage, cranberries and reserved sauce.
Giada’s key to perfect pizza crust You don’t have to be a pro to make pizza like one: First, flatten dough slightly, then roll it out, starting from the center, until it’s 1 ⁄4" thick. Next, try this trick Giada learned from her grandfather: Drizzle the dough with olive oil before adding the toppings. This will ensure the crust stays moist inside and crispy outside.
6/28/21 First for women
61
Pulled Pork
Ree Drummond Adding pan juices to bottled barbecue sauce is the Pioneer Woman’s easy secret to this low-and-slow cooked meal
ACTIVE TIME: 20 min. TOTAL TIME: 7 hrs. SERVES: 10
1 (5 lb.) bone-in pork shoulder roast 2 Tbs. brown sugar 1 Tbs. smoked paprika 2 tsp. garlic powder 1 ⁄4 tsp. cayenne pepper 3 onions, halved 1 1 ⁄ 2 cups barbecue sauce Per serving: Cal. 337 Pro. 27g Carb. 23g Fiber 1g Sug. 18g Chol. 93mg Sod. 732mg Total fat: 14g Sat. 5g
62 First for women
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1
Prepare grill for low indirect-heat cooking. Rub roast with sugar, spices and 1 tsp. salt; let stand at room temp. 30 min.
2
Place onions in roasting pan; place pork on top, fat side up. Place roasting pan over indirect heat; grill with lid closed until meat is very tender and meat thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 195°F, about 6 hrs. Transfer pork to plate; slice onions. Skim and discard fat from pan juices; stir juices into barbecue sauce. Using forks, shred meat; add onions. Serve with sauce.
Ree’s key to fast shredded pork For a pop of extra yum, Ree likes to roast her pork with onions. As the meat cooks, the juices flavor the veggie and make a delicious sauce. Once cooked, remove excess fat from the pork, then press onions into the roast and, using two forks, pull in opposite directions to shred the meat.
Steak with Herb Sauce ACTIVE TIME: 15 min.
LINES + ANGLES; GET T Y (4); FOOD & PHOTO
TOTAL TIME: 1 hr. SERVES: 6
1 1 1 1 ⁄2 1 ⁄2 2 1 ⁄2
lemon cup fresh parsley cup fresh cilantro cup olive oil onion, chopped cloves garlic tsp. red pepper flakes 3 (12 oz.) boneless beef strip steaks
Per serving: Cal. 446 Pro. 36g Carb. 2g Fiber 1g Sug. 1g Chol. 101mg Sod. 662mg Total fat: 32g Sat. 8g
Curti s Stone The Aussie chef says you can make the brightly flavored sauce ahead—just cover, chill, then bring to room temperature when ready to serve
1
Prepare grill for medium-high direct-heat cooking. Grate 1 tsp. zest and squeeze 2 Tbs. juice from lemon. In food processor, combine parsley, cilantro, oil, onion, garlic, pepper flakes, 3 ⁄4 tsp. salt, lemon zest and juice. Pulse until finely chopped; reserve.
2
Sprinkle steaks with 3 ⁄4 tsp. salt. Grill, flipping once, 3–4 min. per side for mediumrare or until desired doneness. Let stand 5 min. before slicing. Serve with sauce.
Curtis’ key to well-seasoned meat To ensure your steaks are evenly seasoned all over, take a cue from Curtis and sprinkle the salt and spices from 12" above the meat. This will give you more control over where the granules fall, resulting in perfect flavor with every bite.
shortcut Save precious time with these shopping lists FAST ’N’ FRESH SANDWICH FEAST
PACK ’N’ GO CHICKEN PICNIC
Crispy Oven-Fried Buttermilk Chicken 1 1 1 1 4 1
(1 oz.) cont. paprika (2.62 oz.) cont. onion powder (3.12 oz.) cont. garlic powder (1.75 oz.) cont. cayenne pepper lbs. chicken pieces (1 qt.) cont. buttermilk
Creamy Dill Pasta Salad 1 (12 oz.) pkg. rotini or corkscrew pasta 1 (30 oz.) jar mayonnaise 1 (10 oz.) bag shredded carrots 1 red onion 1 bunch fresh dill 1 (8 oz.) cont. sour cream 1 (13 oz.) pkg. frozen peas
Layered California Salad Cups 1 (16 oz.) btle. vinaigrette salad dressing 8 oz. asparagus 1 bunch fresh basil 1 red onion 1 (1 pt.) cont. grape tomatoes 1 (5 oz.) cont. baby spinach 1 avocado 1 (16 oz.) pkg. bacon
Salami, Ham and Provolone Muffuletta 1 1 1 1 2 1 8 4 4 1
(24 oz.) jar giardiniera (9.5 oz.) jar green olives (8.1 oz.) jar sun-dried tomato pesto (16 oz.) btle. red wine vinaigrette tomatoes bunch fresh parsley oz. deli-sliced salami oz. deli-sliced provolone cheese oz. deli-sliced ham (1 lb.) round loaf crusty bread
Potato Chips with Avocado Dip 1 4 1 1 1 1 1
(2.3 oz.) cont. chili powder medium baking potatoes lime avocado bunch fresh cilantro and/or parsley head garlic (16 oz.) cont. plain Greek yogurt
Apple-Broccoli Salad 1 1 1 1 1 1
large head broccoli orange large apple red onion bunch fresh mint (16 oz.) cont. plain Greek yogurt
BBQ FAVES MADE EVEN BETTER
Grilled Pizza 1 1 1 1 1
(18 oz.) btle. barbecue sauce (12 oz.) jar strawberry jam (5 oz.) pkg. dried cranberries (5 oz.) pkg. salad greens (12 oz.) pkg. fully cooked chicken sausages 1 (15 oz.) pkg. store-bought pizza dough
Barbecue Pork Ribs 1 1 1 1 2
(18 oz.) btle. barbecue sauce (2.3 oz.) cont. chili powder (2.62 oz.) cont. onion powder (3.12 oz.) cont. garlic powder racks pork baby back ribs (5–6 lbs.) 1 (750 ml.) btle. tequila
Pulled Pork 1 1 1 1 1 3 1
(16 oz.) pkg. brown sugar (1.75 oz.) cont. smoked paprika (3.12 oz.) cont. garlic powder (1.75 oz.) cont. cayenne pepper (18 oz.) btle. barbecue sauce onions (5 lb.) bone-in pork shoulder roast
Steak with Herb Sauce
Double-Vanilla Bundt Cake
Strawberries ’n’ Cream Cupcakes
1 (15.25 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix 1 (3.4 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix 1 (16 oz.) pkg. confectioners’ sugar 1 (1 oz.) btle. vanilla extract
1 (16 oz.) pkg. confectioners’ sugar 1 (16 oz.) pkg. strawberries 1 (6 oz.) cont. blueberries 1 (16 oz.) cont. heavy cream 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese 12 baked cupcakes (any flavor)
1 (1.5 oz.) cont. crushed red pepper flakes 1 lemon 1 bunch fresh parsley 1 bunch fresh cilantro 1 small onion 1 head garlic 3 (12 oz.) boneless beef strip steaks
Kitchen staples: salt, pepper, olive oil, red wine vinegar, vanilla extract
Kitchen staples: salt, pepper, olive oil
Kitchen staples: salt, pepper, all-purpose flour, milk, eggs, oil
64 First for women
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weekend baker
celebrate the USA Stars ’n’ Stripes Red Velvet Cake ACTIVE TIME: 1 hr. TOTAL TIME: 21 ⁄ 2 hrs. SERVES: 8
⁄4 cup cake flour ⁄4 cup cornstarch 1 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder 2 eggs, at room temp. 2 egg yolks, at room temp. 1 ⁄ 2 cup + 2 Tbs. granulated sugar 1 Tbs. red liquid food coloring 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 ⁄ 8 tsp. salt 1 lemon 3 ⁄4 cup seedless strawberry jam 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, at room temp. 2 Tbs. confectioners’ sugar 1 (4 oz.) bar white chocolate, melted 2 cups thawed frozen whipped topping 1 (1 pt.) cont. blueberries 1 cup sliced strawberries 1 1
1 Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat
13"x9" baking pan with cooking spray. In bowl, whisk together cake flour, cornstarch and cocoa; reserve. In separate bowl, on medium speed, beat eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, food coloring, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy, 2 min. On low speed, beat in reserved flour mixture in 2
additions until just incorporated. Spread evenly in pan. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 13–15 min. Let cool 10 min. Place rack over pan; invert cake onto rack and remove pan. Let cool completely. If desired, wrap and freeze up to two weeks in advance; thaw before assembling. 2 Grate 1 tsp. lemon zest and
squeeze 1 Tbs. juice into bowl; whisk in jam. Reserve. On medium speed, beat cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Add white chocolate and whipped topping; beat until smooth. Transfer to pastry bag fitted with 1 ⁄ 2" round tip. 3 Using serrated knife, cut cake
crosswise into 3 (9"x4") rectangles. Place 1 rectangle on serving platter; spread top with 1 ⁄ 3 of jam mixture. Pipe 1 ⁄ 3 of frosting over jam layer. Reserve 16 blueberries; arrange 1 ⁄ 2 of remaining blueberries in single layer over frosting. Repeat layering once. Top with remaining cake rectangle; spread with remaining jam mixture. Pipe 5 white stripes over top. Arrange reserved blueberries in upper left corner to form square. Arrange strawberry slices in 4 rows between frosting to form stripes.
FOOD & PHOTO
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Easy fruity treats Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits
Phone-friendly: Snap and save or share!
ACTIVE TIME:
16 2 3 1 1
15 min. TOTAL TIME: 15 min. SERVES: 4
shortbread cookies, such as Lorna Doone cups strawberries (3.25 oz.) cups snack-size vanilla pudding tsp. grated orange zest cup thawed frozen whipped topping, from 8-oz. cont.
Coarsely crush cookies. Trim and quarter strawberries. In bowl, stir together pudding and zest until blended. Dividing evenly, fill bottoms of 4 (8 oz.) jars or tall glasses with half of cookies, then half of whipped topping, half of strawberries and half of pudding mixture. Repeat layering once. Cover; chill until ready to serve. Per serving: Cal. 304 Pro. 3g Carb. 44g Fiber 2g Sug. 25g Chol. 1mg Sod. 246mg Total fat: 13g Sat. 5g
HEALTH BONUS Speed slimming with strawberries. The berries get their color from plant pigments that boost fat burn to help you lose three times more weight.
Apricot-Raspberry Bars ACTIVE TIME:
20 min. TOTAL TIME: 3 hrs. SERVES: 12
FOOD & PHOTO (2); FOTOLIA; ADOBE STOCK
1 (16.5 oz.) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough 1 ⁄ 2 cup all-purpose flour 5 apricots, pitted, sliced 1 cup raspberries Whipped cream and toasted almonds (optional)
Coat 8" square baking pan with cooking spray. Knead together dough and 1 ⁄4 cup flour. Reserve 1 ⁄ 3 of dough. Press remaining dough into bottom of pan; sprinkle with fruit. Mix reserved dough and remaining 1 ⁄4 cup flour until crumbly; sprinkle over fruit. Bake until pick inserted into center comes out clean, 30–35 min. Let cool. Serve topped with whipped cream and almonds. Per serving: Cal. 196 Pro. 2g Carb. 30g Fiber 1g Sug. 15g Chol. 5mg Sod. 98mg Total fat: 7g Sat. 3g
HEALTH BONUS Sharpen focus with apricots. Nutrients in the fruit increase brain chemicals that leave you feeling clearheaded for up to 2 hours.
Turn for more treats 6/28/21 First for women
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Strawberry Mousse ACTIVE TIME:
20 min. TOTAL TIME: 1 hr. SERVES: 4
1 1 2 2
(3 oz.) pkg. strawberry gelatin mix cup unsweetened cranberry juice cups strawberries, trimmed, diced cups thawed frozen whipped topping, from 8-oz. cont. Fresh mint leaves (optional)
In pot, bring 1 cup water to a boil; transfer to bowl. Stir in strawberry gelatin mix until dissolved; stir in cranberry juice. Divide strawberries evenly among 4 (8 oz.) glasses. Top with half of gelatin; chill. Cover bowl with remaining gelatin; chill until thickened, about 45 min.; fold in whipped topping. Divide among glasses. Chill until ready to serve. If desired, garnish with fresh mint just before serving. Per serving: Cal. 231 Pro. 3g Carb. 40g Fiber 2g Sug. 38g Chol. 0mg Sod. 89mg Total fat: 6g Sat. 6g
HEALTH BONUS Ease aches with cranberries. Powerful compounds in these gems reduce pain-triggering inflammation to lessen joint discomfort by up to 46%.
Peach-Raspberry Crisps ACTIVE TIME: 1
20 min. TOTAL TIME: 45 min. SERVES: 4
⁄ 3 cup peach preserves
2 Tbs. butter, melted 1
⁄ 2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 lb. peaches, peeled, pitted, cut into 1⁄ 3"-thick slices 1 cup raspberries
Heat oven to 350°F. Coat 4 (6 oz.) baking dishes with cooking spray; place on rimmed baking sheet. In bowl, combine preserves, butter and vanilla; stir in peaches and raspberries. Divide fruit mixture evenly among dishes. Bake until fruit is tender, 20 min., topping with cookies during last 5 min. of baking time. Per serving: Cal. 226 Pro. 2g Carb. 40g Fiber 4g Sug. 34g Chol. 14mg Sod. 52mg Total fat: 8g Sat. 4g
HEALTH BONUS Feel cheery with raspberries. These treats can help you feel 45% happier, thanks to nutrients that prod the brain to release more feel-good serotonin.
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FOOD & PHOTO; LINES + ANGLES; ADOBE STOCK; GET T Y
12 Italian amaretti or vanilla wafer cookies, broken into pieces
smart FOOD solutions
Quick tips to help make cooking stress-free
PRO SECRET
Trisha’s key to potato salad with 49% fewer calories
Tame overly harsh garlic
For a healthier take on potato salad, Food Network host Trisha Yearwood subs in sweet potatoes for white spuds and replaces some of the mayo with yogurt. To make: Mix 1 ⁄ 2 cup of mayo, 1 ⁄ 2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 ⁄ 2 cup of chopped scallions, 1 chopped seeded red pepper, 2 Tbs. of chopped chives, 1 tsp. of orange zest, 2 tsp. of cider vinegar and 1 ⁄ 2 tsp. of Tabasco. Add 4 cooked, cubed, peeled sweet potatoes. Season to taste.
Even when you use plenty of basil in your pesto recipe, the taste of raw garlic can still overpower. Next time try this fix: Thread unpeeled cloves onto a skewer and submerge in boiling water for 3 minutes. The quick blanch mellows their bite. Bonus: Now the cloves will pop right out of their skins.
smart swap! Calories cut: 270 Fat grams cut: 33 Fiber grams added: 4 Numbers reflect sweet potato salad instead of traditional
Trick to evenly cook chicken Trisha Yearwood
GET T Y (4); FOOD & PHOTO (3); ADOBE STOCK. TEX T: CHARLES GRAYAUSKIE
Flaky piecrust every time When making piecrust, you do everything right—you start with cold butter and ice water, but the dough still comes out tough. That’s why professional pastry chefs use a combination of equal parts cold water and cold vodka. Water promotes the formation of gluten, a protein that makes dough tough, while the ethanol in vodka inhibits it, resulting in a perfectly flaky crust every time.
Boneless chicken breasts come uneven in thickness, so getting the thicker parts to cook without the thinner edges drying out can be tricky. Next time, place the breast between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Then, starting at the center of the thickest part and working out to the edges, use a heavy-bottom pot to gently pound the meat to uniform thickness.
Toss-together terrific: Truffles in half the time
Using fork, mash 1 very ripe banana
Stir in 1 ⁄ 3 cup almond butter
2 Tbs. cocoa powder; roll into 1" balls
Roll in additional cocoa powder; chill until firm 6/28/21 First for women
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little things
4th of July fun— Set the mood for happy with a patriotic scene The secret to creating an Independence Day tablescape that’s laid-back yet chic: combining red, white and blue tabletop elements, eye-catching patterned accents and casual Americana charm. Here, a patio table is dressed up with a blue cloth and a crisp, classic seersucker runner (snipped from discount fabric!). Layering on sparkling votives, rustic Mason jar cups and party-store star accents furthers the festive look, while plush striped pillows complete the relaxed feel. It’s a perfectly inviting spot to celebrate with loved ones!
Add instant pizzazz with star-spangled settings Styling a stack of textural dinnerware with star-kissed napkins and cute popcorn pails adds a sweet, nostalgic touch to settings. To do: Set a white dinner plate atop a galvanized charger, then lay a folded star-printed cloth or paper napkin over the plate. Top with a red scalloped lunch plate and a white soup bowl. To finish, add a mini pail of popcorn. SECRET SOURCE: Small Red Patriotic Die-Cut Star Pails, $14 for 6, OrientalTrading.com
home
— for everyone! Celebrate the day with a relaxed backyard setting that’s full of classic American charm and surprising extras
Offer fresh-picked flair with a festive centerpiece All it takes to create a dazzling floral focal point is a handful of garden blooms, a pitcher and a few party-store extras. To do: Add 3 blue and 3 white hydrangea stems to a water-filled glass pitcher. Tuck in 4 red gerbera daisies and a mini American flag. Add a star-printed napkin, a candle cup and party-store star accents to a silver tray, then set pitcher on top.
JANET COLL A ZO. TEX T: L AUREN BLUM
Delight everyone with red, white & berry parfaits
Table styled by Janet Collazo, founder of Rosemary-Thyme.Blogspot.com. Follow her on Instagram, @rosemarythymeblogspotcom
These pretty Mason jar cake parfaits serve as dessert and tabletop decor! To do: Bake an angel food cake mix per box instructions or pick up a store-bought cake. Cut into bite-size pieces; add a few to the bottom of six 8-oz. quilted Mason jars. Sprinkle on a few raspberries, blueberries and sliced strawberries, then spoon whipped topping on top; repeat process until jars are full. Top with more berries. 6/28/21 First for women
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flower pow
home
A patriotic bouquet to
celebrate the 4th! WHAT’S NEW This Fourth of July, florists are styling red, white and blue garden blooms in casual baskets for fast, festive centerpieces that burst with excitement. “Here, spiky blue Nigella pops off a bed of ruffled red and white sweet William for a firework-like effect,” says floral pro Gabriele Defrances of Gabriele’s Hand Designs in Connecticut. “The basket adds an Americana feel. It’s a lively display for a BBQ!” 74 First for women
GET THE LOOK Start by filling a 6"-tall vase halfway with water and set it in an 8"-tall basket. Snip 7 red sweet William, 7 white sweet William and 3 handfuls of blue Nigella stems to 10" to 14". Next, insert half of the Nigella into the vase, forming a lush base. Insert the sweet William, spacing stems in a randomly relaxed fashion. To finish, tuck in remaining Nigella stems and display on a tabletop.
INSIDER’S SECRET Sweet William is a relative of carnations, and these durable blooms can last for two weeks or more in a vase if harvested properly from the garden! To do: Choose sweet William stems with just a few open flowers, as they will continue to bloom in the vase. After cutting, drop stems in a bucket of clean water and soak for 2 to 3 hours to “condition” before arranging. Refresh water every two days. LINES + ANGLES. TEX T: L AUREN BLUM
6/28/21
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cross Earrings
Solid Sterling Silver Genuine Blue Sapphires Genuine Diamonds
The Cross Shines with the Beauty of God’s Love Exquisitely hand-crafted of solid sterling silver, these earrings celebrate your faith and the holy trinity in stunning style. Each earring features four marquise-cut blue sapphires forming a cross accented with three genuine diamonds representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The pierced-style earrings feature hypo-allergenic post backs for a comfortable and secure fit. An inspirational poem card with the affirming message, “With God All Things Are Possible,” comes with the earrings. Your earrings arrive in a custom presentation case along with a Certificate of Authenticity. These earrings are an awe-inspiring expression of faith for yourself or a very meaningful gift.
A Remarkable Value, Not Sold in Stores Our “Promise of Faith” Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cross Earrings are an amazing value at only $129.99*, payable in four monthly installments of $32.50, each, and backed by our unconditional, 120-day satisfaction guarantee. To order, send no money now; simply fill out and mail back the Priority Reservation below. You won’t find this custom design anywhere else; it’s available exclusively from The Bradford Exchange. Our solid sterling silver is enhanced with a fine layer of rhodium plating for maximum shine and beauty. This is a limited-time offer; so act quickly to secure a pair in your name today.
A Fine Jewelry Exclusive from The Bradford Exchange Order today at bradfordexchange.com/207882
©2021 The Bradford Exchange 01-20788-002-BI
Uniquely Designed. Exclusively Yours. PRIORITY RESERVATION
The Bradford Exchange 9345 Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-1393
LIMITED-TIME OFFER Reservations will be accepted on a first-come. first-served basis. Respond as soon as possible to reserve your earrings.
Yes! Please reserve the “Promise of Faith” Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cross Earrings for me as described in this announcement.
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( *Plus a total of $11.98 shipping and service.(see bradfordexchange.com) Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of your jewelry after we receive your initial payment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.
garden genius
Perk up a picnic table with a basket of impatiens “Creating a spirited July 4th setting is as easy as styling portable basket planters with red, white and blue flowering plants,” says Angelo Randaci, master gardener and horticulture expert at Earth’s Ally, a line of organic gardening pest-control products. He suggests planting white impatiens in a basket for an easy-made picnic table centerpiece, then hanging the basket later for an eye-catching, elevated new look. To make, simply add a few drainage holes to the bottom of a basket, fill with soil, then remove 4 impatiens plants from their nursery pots and nestle roots into soil. Place in a partly shady spot and water regularly.
Brighten your yard with
red, white & blue
home
LINES + ANGLES. TEXT: L AUREN BLUM
Say ‘welcome’ with hanging hydrangea “A hanging basket of blue hydrangea is sure to add an elegant touch of beauty and charm to a porch,” notes Randaci. “Plus, the cool blue hues of the blooms create a calming, welcoming feel when displayed near an entryway.” For added interest, Randaci suggests styling blooms in a white basket, which will offer a clean finish and enhance the hydrangea’s lovely blue color. To do: Simply drill a few drainage holes into the bottom of a wide basket, add potting soil and drop in a dwarf hydrangea plant. Give morning sun and afternoon shade; water regularly.
Beautify a bare corner with a leveled petunia display
Add a pop of patriotic cheer to your space with these easy-care color-soaked displays
“A tiered stand of fiery red petunias offers an instantly festive, colorful display,” says Randaci. “The blooms will draw the eye in to brighten up a bare corner or highlight a forgotten spot on the patio.” To get the look, start with two white baskets and two pots that are slightly smaller than the baskets. Add soil to pots, remove petunia plants from their nursery pots and nestle into soil. Add a white fan flower plant to one of the pots. Drop pots into baskets, then display baskets on a tiered plant stand. For added interest, fill a third pot with soil, drop in red petunia plants and display on the ground next to the stand. Give full sun; water when top inches of soil feel dry.
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smart HOME solutions
Quick tips that save time and money
Clever on-the-go storage for spices When packing for a vacation rental or camping trip, you want to bring along spices to whip up tasty meals but don’t want to haul bulky spice jars. A better way: Transfer herbs and seasonings into clean Tic Tac containers and mark each with a Sharpie or printed label. The compact, durable plastic containers pack neatly in small spaces, and the easy-pour opening makes it a cinch to measure out just enough seasoning. Yum!
QUICK POLL
How do you keep sand out of your car? After a fun day at the lake or ocean, avoid the hassle of vacuuming sand from your car with these reader tricks:
58% ❤ this idea! Sprinkle baby powder on sandy feet and legs, then brush it off, says Linda Ray. The powder absorbs moisture so the grains come off with ease.
42% ❤ this idea! Brush skin with an old makeup brush before getting into your car, says Carole Huff. This will keep sand outside, where it belongs!
MONEY SAVER
Outsmart mosquitoes for pennies
An all-natural way to stop mosquitoes from spoiling outdoor fun: Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of witch hazel and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil, then spritz around your outdoor space. The pests detest the powerful scent, so they’ll stay well away. MONEY SAVED: $6 for
a citronella candle SHOW-HOW
Easy way to restore faded outdoor furniture If your wooden patio furniture is looking a bit weather-weary, you can revive it in no time with a low-cost, chemical-free fix. To do: Simply rub a moistened tea bag over the wood. The tannins in the tea will act as a dye to stain the faded wood and mask scratches, so your outdoor tables and chairs look good as new! READER TIP
Summer nights can leave mattresses with a funky sweat odor. Whisk it away with this simple trick: Combine 1 ⁄4 cup of baking soda and 6 drops of lavender oil in a sieve and sprinkle on the mattress. Let sit for 2 hours before vacuuming. The baking soda will absorb odors, and the lavender leaves behind a sleep-inducing scent. 78 First for women
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my closet as often as possible to get rid of any items I don’t wear, space can be tight! Then I heard a great tip from a friend who is a professional organizer: Hang clothing on the rod from shortest to longest. This provides open space under the shorter items to add a small rolling cart or even an extra shelf.” —Traci Curtis, Memphis
GET T Y; HBB (2). TEX T: SHAY TROT TER
Freshen up Found! More A muffin tin filled with toppings your mattress makes a genius ice-cream sundae bar closet space for sweet sleep “Even though I reorganize
A Woman’s Strength is Beautiful
Shown smaller than actual size of about 7" L x 5" H
Inspired by the stained-glass style of Louis Comfort Tiffany
2
Hand-crafted and features a sculpted glass butterfly and raised-relief detailing
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ORDER AT BRADFORDEXCHANGE.COM/33741
Glass Sun Catcher Inspires and Delights When a woman believes in herself, she has the inner strength to face any challenge and accomplish any goal. Now you can celebrate a strong woman you know — your daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, even yourself — with this meaningful and beautiful glass sun catcher only from The Bradford Exchange. It is hand-crafted in the stained-glass style of Louis Comfort Tiffany and bears an empowering sentiment, She Believed She Could So She Did, in iridescent glass at the center. Charming blossoms and a lovely butterfly come to life in colorful hues and raised-relief detailing. Plus, a sculpted glass butterfly adds to the dimensionality and beauty. The sun catcher sparkles with three crystalclear faceted jewels, and it shines with silvery trim. It includes a hanging chain for immediate display and enjoyment.
Strictly Limited and an Exceptional Value — Order Now! If you act now, you can order this inspiring sun catcher at only $39.99*each. Our 365-day money-back guarantee assures your complete satisfaction. Strong demand is expected, so don’t delay! You need send no money now. Just complete and mail the coupon today.
©2021 BGE 01-33741-001-BDU
Sparkles with three crystal-clear faceted jewels
Where Passion Becomes Art PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY
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Accept my order for the She Believed She Could Glass Sun Catcher as described in this announcement. I need send no money now. I will be billed with shipment. Would you like more than one? Please indicate the quantity below.
❑ 1 Sun Catcher ❑ 2 Sun Catchers ❑ 3 Sun Catchers ❑ 4 Sun Catchers Mrs. Mr. Ms. Na
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( *Plus $9.99 shipping and service per sun catcher; see bradfordexchange.com. Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipment. A limited-edition presentation restricted to 95 firing days. Subject to product availability and order acceptance.
life made easy
10 brilliant uses for
PLASTIC BOTTLES 2
Separate eggs when baking
Here’s a foolproof way to separate egg whites for that cake you’re making for the church potluck: Crack the egg into a bowl, then squeeze an empty plastic water bottle over the yolk and release. Squeezing the bottle creates a vacuum effect, sucking the yolk right up and leaving the whites behind.
3
Outsmart doggy boredom
On rainy days when he’s stuck inside, Buster chews up all his toys—and it’s a pain to keep replacing them. To entertain him without running to the store, make a fun, safe chew toy. To do: Place an empty plastic water bottle inside a sock and tie a knot on the end. Your furry friend will love the crackling sound his new toy makes, and you’ll save time and money!
Keep dry goods fresh and tidy
No need to shell out for storage containers for pantry staples like rice and beans. The alternative: Repurpose a plastic water bottle. Simply wash and dry a bottle thoroughly, then use a funnel to fill it with grains or beans and screw on the cap. The sealed bottle keeps food fresh plus saves shelf space and allows you to easily spot the ingredient you’re looking for.
4
6/28/21
Create a DIY sprinkler
On hot days when the little ones visit, you wish they had a sprinkler to play in. No need to buy one! Instead, cut three 1"-long slits in one side of an empty plastic 1-liter bottle. Secure the hose nozzle to the bottle top with duct tape, fastening it tight, then turn on the water spigot. Voilà—fun!
Chill picnic foods without a mess
The last time you went on a picnic, the ice in your cooler melted before you arrived and made everything soggy. Not next time! The night before your next outdoor fun, fill a few plastic bottles three-quarters of the way with water and freeze. The frozen bottles will keep your food cold without leaking all over your meal. Bonus: Once melted, you’ll have cool water to drink!
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6
Water plants while away
You want to keep your houseplants watered while you’re away for a long weekend. Fill a clean, empty bottle with water, then nestle the neck of the bottle into the plant’s soil. Repeat the process for each plant. This self-watering system ensures plants won’t go dry.
GET T Y (2); ADOBE STOCK (2); JUMP; SHUT TERSTOCK. TEX T: SHAY TROT TER
1
home
7
Outsmart plastic bag chaos
It’s handy to keep spare shopping bags around, but when you stash them under the sink, they scatter all over the cabinet. What can help: Cut the bottom off a 2-liter plastic bottle and remove the cap. Then stuff the plastic bags through the open bottom. The bottle will keep the bags neatly contained, and you can easily pull one out of the bottle top whenever needed.
8
Nix a fruit fly problem
Argh! Setting out a bowl of fresh fruit on your counter in the summer seems to attract an annoying swarm of fruit flies. To keep them at bay, create an easy trap. To do: Fill a plastic bottle halfway with apple cider vinegar, add 2 drops of dish soap and place near the fruit bowl. The pests will be attracted to the sweet vinegar and will fly inside the bottle, then the sticky soap will trap them there.
9
Easily corral project tools
When you’re working on a project, it can be a pain to have to lug around a bulky toolbox just for the few tools you need. Instead, stash them in a DIY tool toter you can take with you while you work. To do: Cut the top third off of a 2-liter plastic bottle and wrap duct tape around the bottom of the bottle to help reinforce it. Then fill with the tools needed. Problem solved!
10
Soothe tired tootsies
It was a beautiful day to be out at the park, but now your feet are feeling achy and sore. The doctor-recommended trick for fast relief: Freeze a bottle of water, then roll it under your arches for a minute. Pause for a minute, then repeat the roll-andrest cycle for 10 minutes. The cold temperature of the bottle, combined with the rolling “massage,” will help ease inflammation and tightness. Aah! 6/28/21 First for women
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life smarts
home
Your best road trip ever! Planning to hit the road this summer? So are 85% of Americans, according to a survey! Here’s how to make your vacation fun, safe and memorable
To build in fun: App your map As folks say, it’s not just the destination, it’s the journey. And today’s apps help you find charming stops to make along the way. “One great option is the Roadside America app,” says Yulia Saf of MissTourist.com. “It has a directory of the country’s unique attractions—like the Leaning Tower of Niles in Illinois, or Dinosaur World in
Kentucky—and will map them for you.” Another great option is the Roadtrippers app, which offers route-planning tools and lets you connect with loved ones so they can suggest sites to see. Also smart: Stopping at a local farmers market for snacks and edible souvenirs. The American Farmers Markets app will help you find the nearest “fruitopia.”
To visit hot spots: Go early (or late!) early,” says Riley Mahoney, founder of ParksExpert.com. “Or go late! Most guests don’t realize the charm of visiting at night—fewer crowds and the stargazing is amazing.” Also smart: Can’t snag a campsite inside a park? Visit TheDyrt.com or Hipcamp.com for campsites nearby. This way, you can drive into the park for day trips.
To stay safe: Check this ‘key’ battery Water? Check. Roadside kit? Check. But what do experts say we often forget? An extra battery for your key fob, says AAA rep Ellen Edmonds. “When your fob is close to your car, it’s constantly trying to communicate with it,” she reveals. “On long road trips, this can drain the battery until it eventually dies.” Just pop open the fob to 82 First for women
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see the kind of battery it takes. It’s also a good idea to give your tires a daily check. Hot weather increases tire pressure, making gas mileage less efficient. Just get out your pressure gauge— if the tire registers too high, release some air. Also smart: A surprising safety tool? Gum. Says Saf, “It helps you release tension while driving.”
Slash costs on the road! Big gas savings GasBuddy and Waze apps show local gas stations and the prices so you can compare to find the cheapest. Also, aim to fill your tank when it’s half empty, as gas evaporates more quickly when there’s more air in the tank— the more air, the faster it gets used up.
Dine on a dime Download the LocalSaver app to have restaurant coupons sent to your phone. Traveling with kiddos? Head to KidsMealDeals.com. And if you can, stick to lunch hours: Restaurants typically charge 10% less than during dinner hours.
Lodging for less Score steep savings on last-minute accommodations with an app like HotelTonight or Priceline, where rooms are sometimes discounted by as much as 50%.
GET T Y. TEX T: LINDSAY BOSSLET T
The most popular road trip destination? National parks. Reservations often open on a rolling basis; to learn when new dates become available, follow the parks on their social media pages. To ensure you get in, pay entrance fees online ahead of time at Recreation.gov. “If you want to see the more popular sites, definitely get to the lot
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money smarts
Fresh fruits and Shopping at outdoor farmers markets can be so refreshing, but without the coupons and rewards you use to pay less at the supermarket, it can get pricey. Here, the secrets to saving big with each trip
Buy like a chef “Sticking to a shopping list is savvy, but shopping like a chef—they buy what’s freshest and seasonal (and usually cheapest) that week—can help you save too. Adding fresh veggies to any pantry mainstays like pasta, rice, tortillas and beans makes tasty, nutritious meals for practically pennies.” —Jenna Coleman, founder
Join email lists Use all the bits to save more “At farmers markets, produce is minimally processed, which means that you get lots of extras that the supermarket typically removes. And they’re useful! For example, the carrot tops they leave on can actually make a delicious pesto. And when sautéed, beet greens, which they don’t remove, are a delicious dish that Southern cooks have whipped up for generations. I also save peels and tops when preparing veggies and end up saving money by creating sides, soups and stocks for basically free!” —Barb Webb, blogger at RuralMom.com
“These days, farmers have become much more tech-savvy to help increase business. Many offer email lists you can join to get discounts and learn about specials for preorder, like sampler packs with their produce, or farm-made juices and jams, for up to 15% less than if you were to buy them individually at the market. Simply ask your favorite vendor if they have a list you can join!” —Amy Goldsmith, food consultant known as the Grocery Gal
JUMP; ADOBE STOCK (3); GET T Y. TEX T: LORRAINE SULLIVAN
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veggies—for less Tell the farmer your cooking plans “The days of picking up and feeling produce yourself are over in the midst of the pandemic. But the upside in having farmers choose the perfect peach, avocado or pepper is that they know how—and they’re happy to choose a piece to suit your needs. So if, say, you’re not going to cut a cantaloupe for a few days, tell the farmer and have them select a just-right melon that won’t go bad before you’re ready to cut it open.” —Barb Webb
Go for the uncommon
Take a post-shop inventory at home “As you load your fresh produce haul into the fridge, make a list of what you purchased. Post it somewhere prominent, like on the door of the fridge or taped to a nearby cupboard, to make sure you don’t forget what’s stashed away. That way, you’re sure to use up what you bought before it goes bad. You can even make it a family competition to mark off items—whoever notices you’re serving a farmers market item can cross it off the list and win a small prize.” —Amy Goldsmith
“The secret to finding the best deals going at the market usually hinges on two things for savvy shoppers: First, look for stalls that sell ‘seconds’—or produce that’s too small, ugly or otherwise unable to command full price. Unless you plan to display pictureperfect produce, the less attractive ones usually taste just as good as beauties and can be used blindly in pies, jams and soups. Second, skip the vendors with huge tents that you can walk into and opt instead for the smaller stalls operating with a single table. They often have much better prices than their bigger competitors.” —Jenna Coleman
Score deals by attending virtual markets “Many farmers markets are going virtual and doing delivery or contact-free pickup. Simply log on to a website like Food4All.com, input your ZIP code and see what farms are selling near you. You then order, pay online and arrange for delivery or pickup. This cuts out the middlemen, so you can buy the freshest produce for a whole lot less!” —Jane Whitman, mom of three, Portsmouth, MA
Brave bad weather “The best time to go shopping for deals at the farmers market is when the weather isn’t ideal—foggy, misty or rainy weather keeps the crowds away. If the market is short on shoppers, vendors are often more willing to make deals to move their goods, especially if you opt for bundles. For example, hitting the dairy farmer’s booth and buying a gallon of milk, 1 pound of butter and a dozen eggs altogether can get you $2 off the total purchase and maybe a bonus or two for being the only one there. Shopping on slow days also helps keep sellers in business—so slip on your rain boots, grab an umbrella and nab some great deals!” — Alex Tran, wellness blogger at Schimiggy.com 6/28/21 First for women
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easy money
Turn your genius Find a way to make an everyday task easier or discover a solution to a common problem? These savvy women did and took their ideas all the way to the bank! Here’s how
Bonnie Tyler, 71, Southport, CT
“A few years ago, while making deviled eggs for a party, I was frustrated at the time it took to remove the shells. There has to be a way to make this tedious task easier, I thought. Even though I had no experience inventing, I was determined to find it. “My concept was sparked by watching commercial egg peelers. A ride on a conveyor belt shakes the eggs back and forth, and then they get sprayed with water. My business partner, Sheila, knew enough about 3D printing to put a smaller-scale concept into the computer, and the local library had a ‘Makers’ Space’ with the equipment we needed to print our prototype! After two years of trial and error, the Negg (NeggMaker.com) was born! “All you do is open the handheld gadget, add water and a hard-boiled egg. Then you close it, gently shake the Negg four to 12 times, and the shell slides right off. People, like fitness advocates who love this quicker way to get their protein and older folks who suffer from arthritis, have become so passionate about it. It’s amazing to see the pleasure folks get from being able to peel a hard-boiled egg. Plus, I love showing other women that it’s never too late to develop a big idea! “In just 13 months, my part-time hobby turned into a million-dollar company—money that goes toward my retirement.”
CHRISTINE SIMMONS. TEX T: HANNAH CHENOWETH
“My easy egg peeler invention made me a millionaire!”
home
idea into $1 million! “My simple shower cleaning invention brings in over $1 million a year!” “With a large family and four dogs, my showers are in frequent need of a good cleaning! A couple of years ago, while filling a bucket over and over to clean my shower, I thought there had to be a way to make shower and tub cleaning and rinsing easier. I started researching how to get a patent, develop and source a product, create a working prototype and find a manufacturer. One of my best friends is a patent attorney, and she really encouraged me to pursue my idea. “I found an engineer who was able to help me develop the Rinseroo—it’s basically a connector made of thermoplastic that slips on showerheads and faucets to make cleaning and rinsing easy. The lightweight hose is super Lisa Lane, 55, stretchy so it can reach every corner Clarksburg, NJ of the shower. My engineer connected
me to my manufacturer, and in 2019, we officially launched the Rinseroo on Rinseroo.com and Amazon after four years of development. “What started as a side business is now my full-time job. Today, the Rinseroo sells for $25 and is a topselling product on Amazon; it made over $1 million in sales in its first year! Even better, I was able to hire my son as my e-commerce manager handling logistics and shipping, while I do the sales and marketing. I love having him by my side every day. I’ve been continually surprised by how many ways the Rinseroo is being put to use. Beyond cleaning the shower, customers use it to bathe pets and babies, fill portable washing machines and fill fish tanks. It’s amazing to hear how much the Rinseroo is helping people!”
“I earn more than $1 million a year with my cold remedy invention!” “In 2009, we welcomed our adopted daughter from Vietnam. She was recovering from open heart surgery and was considered immunocompromised. Determined to protect her, I learned through my research that most illnesses start in the nose. That’s when my mad scientist phase began. I would like to say it was super-cool and interesting, but it was more like a Lucille Ball episode with a toddler, a cat and the ruination of three carpets. However, I eventually came up with a Manuka honey remedy, which I swabbed in my kids’ noses to help them fight cold and flu symptoms, while also enhancing their overall nasal biome and immune function. “Three years ago, with my daughters a little older and more independent, I decided to try and sell my
product. As a teacher with no entrepreneurial experience, I reached out to my local Small Business Development Center. They assigned me a mentor, who helped me get my company, Buzzagogo, off the ground. I rented a commercial kitchen, launched a website (ColdBeeGone.com) and began selling my Cold Bee Gone remedy. “For a few years, my side hustle brought in $30,000 annually. But when the pandemic hit, demand for nasal immune protection skyrocketed. Retailers like CVS, T.J.Maxx and Marshalls started selling my products, which brought in over a million dollars last year. I was even able to quit teaching to focus full-time on Buzzagogo. It’s a privilege to offer homeopathic Joyce Dales, 48, immune protection that really works Nottingham, NH during this stressful time!” 6/28/21 First for women
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bliss break Un e x p e c t e d g r a c e
Sweet smiles all around “I was grocery shopping with my 6-year-old grandson, Ian, when he spotted Stars and Stripes cupcakes and begged me to buy them. I knew his mom was making a cake for the family Fourth of July barbecue. But seeing the sad look on his face, I bought them anyway. “On our way home, I spotted a car with a flat tire on the side of the road and pulled over. The frazzled mom told me over the sobs of her three children that her cellphone was dead and she couldn’t call for help. I let her use my phone, but the little ones grew more frustrated. It was then that Ian brought out the cupcakes and asked if it was okay for the kids to have some. “The grateful mom nodded and soon the kids sat happily licking frosting from their fingers. ‘Lucky we got those cupcakes,’ Ian beamed. I laughed, delighted at his kind heart, ‘They saved the day!’” —Angela Fleming, 50, Little Rock, AK
4 stories that will warm your heart C oun t r y w i s d om
Home is where the heart is
“When my father passed away, I worried about my mother living alone in their old house. I often asked if she’d want to look at a beautiful new condo, but she’d shoo me off saying, ‘Beauty is seen with the heart, not the eyes.’ “One day, as I stared at the faded pea-green kitchen walls, I was about to suggest a condo again when Mom told me, ‘Your dad painted this as a surprise when we moved in. I admit, it wasn’t the color I’d have chosen, but I loved it because he did it out of love.’
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“From there, she led me to the hall closet, where a line of pencil marks charted my growth. She showed me more dents and stains throughout the house that all held a warm memory. “After that visit, I never brought up moving again. In fact, I began to see things with my heart and not my eyes, and discovered beauty in the most surprising places.” — Gayle Lemon, 48, Somersworth, NH
love
Cir c le of kindne s s
Blast from the past
“It was the Fourth of July, and as luck would have it, I was in the hospital recovering from gallbladder surgery. With no family nearby and feeling a bit low, I shared with my nurse how I missed being a kid and going to the fireworks show downtown with my parents. “Her eyes grew nostalgic as she told me about the grand fireworks show she would go to as a young girl at her grandparents’ lake house. We both agreed those were some of the best times of our lives. “That night, that same nurse came into my room. I knew she was supposed to be off duty by then, so I asked if someone had called in sick. She simply smiled and turned on the TV just in time for the annual televised fireworks
show. Giggling, she turned off the lights, pulled the drapes and sat on the edge of my bed, holding my hand. We both watched in awe as bursts of color filled the screen, each remembering days gone by. We even sang along to the patriotic songs that accompanied the spectacular display. “Once the show was over, I was aglow. I hadn’t felt like that giddy child in too long of a time. ‘Thank you,’ I said. “‘Happy Fourth to you,’ she replied with a grin. “As she said good night to me, I smiled, knowing that because of her thoughtfulness, this had been a special holiday for both of us—one we would always remember.” —Crystal Helms, 61, Lorain, OH
The power of love
GET T Y (4)
A precious lullaby “After my divorce, I adopted a golden retriever puppy named Delilah. I loved her companionship, kisses and cuddles, but she had a hard time at night sleeping in a new place. Nothing soothed her anxiety, until I tried sitting at the piano in the living room, playing lullabies until she drifted off to sleep. It was a ritual that never failed. After a few weeks, she settled into her new home and I stopped my evening concerts. “About a year later, I was laid off from my job and fell into a depression. Worried and unable to sleep, I sank down onto the sofa, battling a rush of tears. Suddenly, I startled as I heard the piano. I looked over at Delilah standing on her hind legs by the piano, hitting the keys with her nose. The notes were flat and clumsy, but it was the most comforting song in the world, a lullaby straight from her heart. “Deeply touched, I gave her a hug and we went off to bed. From that night on, I slept soundly, knowing I’d be okay and could overcome anything with my best friend by my side.” —Madeline Stanley, 65, Lincoln, NE Send us YOUR story! Send to Bliss Break, First for Women, 270 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, or email life@firstforwomen.com
smart PET solutions
Quick tips that help keep pets happy and healthy
Curb your cat’s hunting instincts
QUICK POLL
How do you ward off Soothe your kitty’s summer hair balls? fireworks fears Ack! It’s shedding season, when your cat is constantly coughing up hair balls, and you wish you could ease her discomfort and avoid the mess. We asked readers how they solve the problem:
51% ❤ this idea! Put butter on the side of her paw, says Barb Miller. As she licks it, it will help hair glide through her system.
49% ❤ this idea! Add 1 tsp. of squash baby food to her food once daily, says Maxine Banks. It aids in speeding digestion.
Whiskers gets so skittish with all the Fourth of July festivities and fireworks—and tries to hide in places you’d rather she avoid. Help her feel more secure and keep her safe with an easy hidey-hole bag. To do: Take a brown paper grocery bag, crush some catnip between your fingers and rub it on the inside of the bag. Then place the bag in a quiet, dimly lit room or a closet with the door ajar. The catnip smell will entice her, while being enclosed in the bag will make her feel protected until the loud outdoor celebrations subside.
Keep your sweetie cool, comfy and safe It’s so hot that your kitty has taken to stretching across the bathroom tiles in an effort to stay cool, which makes you feel bad for her and trips you up. To keep her from overheating and out from underfoot, try this trick: Wet four large sponges, slip them into a resealable baggie and toss them in the freezer. Once they’re frozen, you can place the icy sponges on her bed, giving her a perfectly safe spot to lounge and cool down. 90 First for women
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Help Rex melt pudge Your sweet pooch packed on pandemic pounds, thanks to all the treats he earned for being so good. A study in Veterinary Record found that even if you follow the serving guidelines on the treat’s packaging, your pal could be consuming extra calories. The reason: Manufacturers don’t follow standard labeling guidelines, so packages that list calorie counts (and not all do!) may be off. To reward your good dog without filling him with excess calories and chemicals, offer him in-season fruits and veggies like blueberries, raspberries, peaches, watermelon, green beans, sweet potatoes and carrot sticks. He’ll love the fresh treats, and you’ll love saving cash!
End dog park hassles You love to take Fido to the park, but when it’s time to leave, he doesn’t want to come when called and runs away from you! Trainers say the problem is that when you call your pup, the next thing you do is put the leash on and head home—so he associates your calling him as a sign the fun is over! The solution: Call Fido to you, give him a treat and let him return to playing. Repeat a few times. Your pup will continue to happily come, and you can leave when you’re ready.
ADOBE STOCK; HBB. ILLO: BARBARA MCGREGOR. TEX T: LORRAINE SULLIVAN
You love seeing so many birds in your yard, but you worry Fluffy will stalk and capture them. New research from the U.K.’s University of Exeter reveals an easy way to curb her instinct: making sure the main source of protein in her diet derives from meat rather than plant by-products. In the study, meat-rich food reduced the number of prey cats brought home by 36%. Simply check food labels to find ones that list meat as a top ingredient.
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before-bed read
A heartfelt act of true heroism Glory as high as our aching arms could. We ensured she didn’t touch the ground, but our muscles were exhausted. The sun was also rising higher, and it was getting hot. We saw a car pull up, and two Airmen in civvies started to walk We were not incredibly confident toward us. Without instruction, they that we would be successful in gain- each took a spot and bore some of the weight of the massive flag. They ing ample assistance on the early were friends of friends (who were morning of July 4th. It was a Friday actively headed back from the beach and the first day of a three-day holiday weekend. Most of our fellow to help) that we had contacted. They students would be taking advantage informed us that they had contacted a few more of their of the time off for the holiday “We were already friends who were now on their way as well. and be sleepfeeling the extreme About a half hour later, ing in. Many weight of the flag a few more cars pulled would already be headed to the in our six arms and up full of Airmen coming to assist us. beach for the knew this was not With the added peoweekend Fourth going to be easy” ple, the flag was still of July festivities incredibly heavy, but and a muchneeded break from the intense stud- much more bearable than before. As more people arrived, we were able to ies and duties we performed daily. hold the flag out more evenly, which The sergeant arrived about an aided in the weight distribution. hour after we began. He was frantiWe stood, mostly silent, arms cally trying to find someone who shaking, brows dripping from the could fix the straps so we could heat of the sun for more than 4 hours. raise the flag. His attempts were Finally, our sergeant got the call mainly answered with voice mail that instructed us to do our best to that informed him of holiday clofold up the flag as no one was open sures and promises of response on the next business day. Another hour on the holiday that could repair the broken straps, and no Honor Guard passed, and the sergeant took a corwas currently available. None of us ner to aid our aching arms as much were trained in the Honor Guard and as he could. He had exhausted all had no idea how to properly fold the options, and now the only thing he flag. We did our best and folded it as could do was wait. He continued to neatly as we could. Afterward, we all check his phone frequently, hoping for any response or instruction. The shook hands and went our separate ways. Many headed out to celebrate four of us continued to hold Old
I
was a new Airman attending technical school in Monterey, California. I was assigned to Charge of Quarters (CQ) duty on July 4, 2008. An hour into a very long, minimally manned shift, we got a call. The base flag’s straps had snapped in the extreme wind of the early morning, and the flag was falling. Another Airman and I drove to the site to check things out. A maintenance man, who happened to be on base and made the call, was attempting to lift the flag off the ground. The flag was unbelievably large, and the pole stood in a field off to the side of the road. My fellow Airman, the maintenance worker and I each took a corner of the flag and held it off the ground. It was extremely heavy and a difficult task for the three of us alone. My co-worker called our sergeant to inform him of the situation, and he said he would make some calls and be there to assist as soon as he could. We were already feeling the extreme weight of the flag in our six arms and knew this was not going to be easy, but we never questioned the task that had fallen to us. Then we began to take turns using one hand to make calls and texts to friends and colleagues to try and acquire assistance. 92 First for women
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AL AMY. STORY BY CASSANDRA BURNS, CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: MILITARY FAMILIES.©2017 CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
When Airman Cassandra Burns got a call that her base’s flag had broken free from its pole, she spent hours holding it up so it wouldn’t touch the ground— and learned the true meaning of patriotism
Carmen McGinnis
love
our country’s independence with beach barbecues. Some returned to their dorms for some much-needed rest. I returned to my Friday duties. Throughout the remainder of the day, I thought about how those of us who held that flag off the ground never asked why or gave up on a task many would have deserted. We were not trained for this. They did not teach us in Basic Training to keep the flag off the ground. I learned something that hot July day. Seeing many young military members come together for a task many would consider futile taught me that true patriotism is shown
in the selfless actions of those living in a country they love. The irony that this all happened on Independence Day was not lost on me. I think about it every July 4th with a smile on my face. My arms may have ached for days, but I had never been prouder. That gargantuan flag had always been there, but it flew higher in my eyes after that day. I never once passed it again without a smile and the newfound appreciation that I had gained for all that it represented. On that day, I learned the meaning of true patriotism, and that is something I will never forget. —Cassandra Burns
INSPIRATION GUARANTEED For more heartwarming stories of the heroic acts of the men and women who serve our country, pick up a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Military Families, available at Amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
I AM A VETERAN AND THIS IS MY VICTORY.
“My victory was learning to enjoy life again.” Every year, DAV helps more than one million veterans in life-changing ways. Connecting them to the health, disability, and education benefits they’ve earned. Help support more victories for veterans. Go to DAV.org.
private health
Expert answers to your most intimate health questions
Help for embarrassing leaks
Q My mammogram was normal. But now when I press on the front side of my left breast near my chest bone, it hurts. What’s going on?
Q: I started experiencing incontinence 20 years ago during pregnancy, but the leaks used to only happen occasionally, when I coughed. Now that I’m 45, I sometimes can’t even hold it in on the walk to the bathroom. What’s the best way to solve this for good?
A: You’re not alone! This is a combi-
®
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A
Are these spots cause for concern? Q: I recently noticed three small dark purple dots on my labia about the size of pin pricks. I’ve never seen anything like this, and my next doctor visit is months away. Should I be worried?
A: No. It sounds like you’ve developed cherry angiomas, totally harmless mole-like skin growths composed of dilated capillaries or an overgrowth of small blood vessels. Cherry angiomas are usually red and most commonly appear on the chest, stomach and back, but when they’re found on the vulva, they typically appear purple. They also become more common as you age—as many as 50% of adults over 40 have them. Since they’re benign, treatment is generally unnecessary, but if they are frequently irritated or bleed, your doctor can remove them with a simple procedure. Otherwise, like any mole, you should keep an eye on them for changes in appearance, and if you experience discomfort or notice new growths, point them out to your doctor at your annual appointment.
While breast changes can be scary, this is nothing to worry about. Your symptoms sound like costochondritis, inflammation of the area where your upper ribs attach to your sternum. It can lead to tenderness when touching the affected area—and because it’s right behind your breast, it feels as though the pain is coming from the breast itself. Costochondritis is most common in women over 40, and though we can’t often pinpoint the cause, it can be linked to arm overuse, arthritis or the aftermath of a respiratory infection. For relief, try taking an antiinflammatory like ibuprofen, applying ice rotated with heat and doing gentle upper-body stretches. But if the pain lasts for more than a few weeks or you have any new symptoms, like redness or swelling, check in with your provider.
Put FIRST to work for you! Barbara DePree, M.D., is a gynecologist in private practice and director of Women’s Midlife Services at Michigan’s Holland Hospital. A Certified Menopause Practitioner, she is the founder of MiddlesexMD.com, an educational resource for women’s sexual health in perimenopause and beyond. To ask her a question, send an email to health@firstforwomen.com.
GET T Y
nation of stress (leaking with a cough or laugh) and urge (leaking when you can’t suppress the urge) incontinence. But just because 50% of women experience urinary incontinence doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, which can be compromised by pregnancies, weight gain, menopause and aging, is key to preventing leaks. To accomplish this, I suggest doing Kegel exercises: Squeeze your pelvic muscles (as if holding in urine) for 5 seconds, then slowly release. Do 10 reps three times a day. Your bladder is also trainable, and many women inadvertently train it in the wrong direction. In an attempt to prevent leaks, it’s common to use the bathroom “just in case” when you don’t really need to. But this teaches the bladder to feel fuller sooner, leading to urges that are harder to hold in. To counteract this, try waiting for longer periods before urinating, taking deep breaths if you feel an urge and distracting yourself. You can also experiment with your fluid and caffeine intake. And while you work through this resetting process, consider wearing a pad designed for bladder leaks (like Poise Ultra Thin Pads, Walmart.com). But if you’re still experiencing leaks after six weeks, talk to your doctor. She can offer other treatment options or a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist, who will assess your pelvic floor function to correct imbalances and prevent leaks.
love
Make this your sweetest summer ever with the latest Celebrate! with Woman’s World, packed with easy eats and treats perfect for barbecues, picnics, Fourth of July and more!
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dream escape
Find Serenity on St. Thomas
Visual vacations slash stress! Neurologists have found that simply gazing at an image of a beautiful beach floods the brain with calming alpha waves, slowing your breathing and lowering your pulse. So even if you can’t go to Water Bay, you can feel as relaxed and happy as if you had!
fun See the 17th- century castle that belonged to the pirate Blackbeard
Sip a fruity cock tail from XO Bistro
Sparkling blue waters, sugar-soft sand and spectacular sunsets are what await you on this tropical paradise
N
estled in the sparkling Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico, is the stunning and tranquil island of St. Thomas. This 32-square-mile oasis is the second largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and boasts dozens of sunny beaches, picturesque landscapes, duty-free shopping and 18th-century architecture. Plus, its perfect temperatures and calm waters year-round make it the ideal destination for a relaxing getaway for everyone. Begin your day by basking in the sun on popular Sapphire Beach. “We’ve made several trips here and it’s a gorgeous location for families with kids or couples,” says a reviewer from Maine. “There’s plenty of beach for lying out, cool snorkeling areas and a beach bar and grill offering some tasty options. The marina is also adjacent to the beach and offers some boating activities.” 6/28/21 First for women
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dream escape
fun
Stroll up the 99 Steps, a historic ‘step street’ made with bricks from Denmark
End your day with a drive to the top of St. Peter Mountain, where you can shop for locally handcrafted souvenirs, indulge in tasty refreshments like the famous banana daiquiri and marvel at the view as you enjoy the stunning Caribbean sunset.
Great day trip: Water Island Take the ferry ($10 round trip) for a short ride to picturesque Water Island, where you can rent a bicycle or golf cart to explore the island (there is no public transportation available). Once there, tour plantation ruins, see the underground Fort Segarra, unwind on the sun-kissed Honeymoon Beach or enjoy tasty treats at Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill.
St. Thomas in a nutshell Getting there Fly into Cyril E. King Airport, then rent a car to explore all the island has to offer.
Where to stay For a stay with a view, book a room at Olga’s Fancy. Raves Janice from Montreal on TripAdvisor.com, “Right on the water with a beautiful view of the sunrise.” Rates start at $162.
Where to eat Try Caribbean fare at Gladys’ Cafe. Says a reviewer from California, “The jerk pork chops were very, very good!”
Don’t miss: Coral World Ocean Park
Swim with vibrant parrotfish when you embark on a snorkeling excursion to Christmas Cove
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Learn all about the local wildlife that’s found on and around St. Thomas with a visit to Coral World Ocean Park ($23 per adult). Guests can wander the park’s 5 acres to see everything from turtles and stingrays to iguanas and starfish.
USA
British Virgin U.S. Virgin Islands Islands
St. Thomas Puerto Rico
GET T Y (3); ESTOCK PHOTO (2); AL AMY. TEX T: SHAY TROT TER
To see what wonders await below the water, head to Lindquist Beach for a memorable snorkeling experience. Says Hannah W on TripAdvisor.com, “We saw squid, sea turtles and leopard rays—amazing!” After toweling off, enjoy even more tranquil time in nature with a visit to Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden ($10 per person). “You meander along paths through a lush forest of trees and plants punctuated with vibrant orchids and fantasy-like flowers,” says a reviewer from Ohio. “You’ll also see a variety of birds, butterflies, reptiles and small amphibians.”
Spy ixora blooms growing wild on the island
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win it!
you deserve a break
Enter to win at FirstForWomen.com/WinJune
7 books we’re Autobiography Good Apple by Elizabeth Passarella
Summer toys! Gear up for fun in the sun with the little ones in your life with two chances to win exciting summer toys! Valued at $300, the adorable 10-piece prize packs have everything from collapsible sand pails and a musical fountain to a mini waterpark, birdie golf and so much more! Visit our website for official rules and to enter.
“I was discouraged after a personal blunder made me feel like a failure,” admits Maggie Dillard, FIRST Assistant Editor. “So when a friend suggested I pick up this book to lift my spirits, I was eager to stop my sulking and jump in!” In this thought-provoking memoir, Elizabeth Passarella tells entertaining and profound stories from her journey of growing up in a Southern town with a Christian mom and a Jewish dad, then moving to New York City. She debunks stereotypes about Southerners, New Yorkers and Christians and argues that we’re all prone to mistakes as humans, but God still pursues us all—no matter what. “The heartfelt anecdotes and profound wisdom on each page helped remind me that our flaws don’t define us,” says Maggie. “It motivated me to forgive myself, let go and keep moving forward!” (Thomas Nelson, 2021)
Women’s fiction Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“This book has it all: celebrities, secrets and family drama, set in glamorous Malibu,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. “I couldn’t put it down!” Every summer, the four grown children of legendary singer—and infamous ladies’ man—Mick Riva throw a huge party, but in the summer of 1983, oldest child Nina, a famous surfer, is going through a public breakup, brothers Hud and Jay are dealing with their own relationship drama and Kit is about to deliver a surprise, turning the annual bash into a gathering that’s much more than anyone bargained for. “I loved how the story flipped back in time between the 1980s and the 1950s, sharing the ill-fated love story of parents Mick and June through the years, and the unbreakable bond these siblings shared,” says Patty. “Plus, it inspired me to reach out to my own siblings!” (Ballantine, 2021)
Historical fiction The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz
A picnic basket! Enjoy a delicious alfresco meal with one chance to win a G GOOD GAIN Wicker Picnic Basket! The $80 basket comes with everything you need to dine with up to four people in the great outdoors, including stainless steel silverware, ceramic plates, wineglasses, a waiter’s corkscrew and a picnic blanket! Visit our website for official rules and to enter.
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“With all the uncertainty in the world around me, I am often left feeling a little anxious,” admits Lauren Blum, FIRST Associate Editor. “To take my mind off things, I picked up this light, heartfelt read about the connection between three generations of women—and it was the reset that I needed.” Shortly following the 1956 wedding of Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco, seamstress Rose is tasked with creating a replica of Kelly’s iconic dress for a well-to-do bride. Flash-forward to present day when Rose’s granddaughter Rocky is set to be wed in New York City and is expected to wear the heirloom replica gown that was also worn by her mother, Joan. Though the dress already holds so much history, the women uncover secrets about the gown and each other as hidden stories of the past meet the present. Says Lauren, “Seeing the ladies evolve and grow beyond their struggles to find happiness was so inspiring.” (Graydon House, 2020)
fun
loving now Magical realism Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
“Recently, I was able to check off a bucket list goal when I watched a meteor shower,” says Kristina Mastrocola, FIRST Senior Editor. “Longing for that kind of starry escape again, I was drawn to this magical story.” Reeling from her mother’s death, researcher Joanna Teale retreats to the forest to study birds. Then a girl called Ursa appears, claiming to be from a faraway planet in search of five miracles. To find out more, Joanna joins forces with her neighbor, Gabriel, and the trio form a bond. Raves Kristina, “This tale showed me that real miracles are also here on Earth—in the connections we make with each other.” (Lake Union, 2019)
Family saga
Chick lit
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland
The Beach House by Rochelle Alers
“I was planning a family ‘staycation’ when I got into a tiff with my sister about an activity we’d organized,” shares Rachel Cosma, FIRST Deputy Health Director. “To decompress, I grabbed this nostalgic read.” The Golden Hotel was once the place to be in the Catskills. Now, the two families who own it are faced with the choice to sell, and three generations grapple with the decision. “This story reminded me that petty things don’t matter,” says Rachel. “What does? Spending time with people I love.” (Berkley, 2021)
“After long days filled with emails, video calls and texts, my favorite place to unwind is far away from any screen,” sighs Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. “And picking up this read, set by the beach, was the perfect tech detox!” It’s been almost a year since Leah Berkley Kent left her Richmond home to spend two months on Coates Island, North Carolina. There, she found friendship and a fun book club. With her sons now grown, Leah decides to return to the island and possibly leave her old life behind. Says Melissa, “This fun story was like a sweet retreat!” (Dafina, 2021)
Thriller The Hunting Wives by May Cobb
“My girlfriends and I haven’t been able to get together much,” laments Alexandra Pollock, FIRST Senior Editor. “So we started a virtual book club—and this tale was great!” Sophie O’Neill has the perfect house and family, but she is missing out on one thing: excitement. So when she meets Margot, a socialite who is part of a clique called the Hunting Wives, Sophie joins. But soon a body is found in the woods where the group meets. Gushes Alex, “Gripping from the first page, this was an escape in the best possible sense of the word!” (Berkley, 2021)
relax & play Crossword 27 ACROSS
41 ACROSS
51 ACROSS
DOWN
1 Cub scouts, for example 5 Three for Sophia 8 Greeting card feature, often 12 Chin stroker’s words 13 Fortifications 15 Take out of the freezer 16 Flying 17 She had the title role in 2006’s The Queen 19 Lure into wrongdoing 20 Hidden treasure 23 Problem for Sylvester the Cat 26 State south of Virg. 27 Star of Apple TV+’s Lisey’s Story
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32 33 34 36 41 44 46 47 48 49 50 51
Part of, as a plot Horror film effects Crude characters Bull’s-eye site SNL alum who was in Bridesmaids More scrawny Diet successfully Alaskan delicacy Ill-gotten gains Picnic playwright William Football gains (abbr.) Thompson, who played Baroness in Disney’s Cruella this year
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 18 21 22 24
Like a ballerina Visibly shocked Passed out hands Garment worker Treading heavily Shankar of sitar Islamic leader Coach Joe of Penn State Flow” Enya’s “ D.D.E.’s arena Co. with a butterfly logo Go separate ways The Lion King lioness Alternate spelling (abbr.) Previously, in poems Cone starter
25 Makes uneasy 27 Triangular sail 28 Game with “Reverse” cards 29 Imminent 30 Close enough to shoot 31 Anthropologist Margaret 35 Together, after “in” 37 Esther of Good Times 38 Partner of doom 39 Kind of salts 40 Letter after eta 42 Open to the breeze 43 Peer at a page 44 Glide on snow 45 All in the family
GET T Y (4); SHUT TERSTOCK. CROSSWORD: HARVEY ESTES
ACROSS
fun
Spot the difference
There are six differences between the two photos above of singer Kelly Clarkson performing at the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York City. See if you can find them all!
Word search F I E F L A C I R E M A B L U P
R D E H L A T G N I D N U O F A
I N U H T R M P A R A D E I F T
E U C E W A T E R M E L O N I R
N O E D K P F Y R T X B P D R I
D F B N W H I T A I L I S E E O
S B R E Q S R R W U R P T P W T
M W A P S R E E E T A I A E O I
U A B E T E W B S R H T R N R C
S T N D R L O I K W R W F D K I
T E S N I K R L O I G A B E S N
R R S I P R E M O A T A C N R C
E M T O E A Q T L H R P I C N I
A E A R S P I F E B L I B E R P
M L R E R S T R E A M E R S D T
E M S D M E S C A S Y L I M A F
Happy 4th! independence founding fathers fireworks barbecue America white blue red stars stripes liberty flag parade
patriotism friends family sparklers streamers watermelon picnic
Words and phrases can appear horizontally, vertically, diagonally, backward or forward and can overlap. For solutions, tur n to page 106
6/28/21 First for women
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relax & play
fun
Plant tags we need for our garden
2 9 1 5 6 3 9 4 7 7 2 4 3 5 1 7 9 8 2
9 3 8 5 1 9 2 5 6 3 7
Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Digits cannot repeat within the same row, column or box.
SIGN OF THE TIMES
Sudoku
When did I plant that?
Prayers needed
ow Someh e still aliv
t The guy a ry said the nurse kill-proof th is was
Thorns! Watch out!
For solution, turn to page 106
Smile file
Will this red pair well with my kibble? —Teresa Swartz, York, PA
Photo submitted by Barbara Cahill
104 First for women
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, Bayville, NJ
“
”
Send your funny caption for the photo above to Caption Contest, First for Women, 270 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, or email laugh@firstforwomen.com. The winner gets $50, and the caption will appear in an upcoming issue! *If more than one entry contains the same winning caption, the contest winner will be chosen at random from that batch.
JACLYN B.F. ILLOS: GET T Y
+
Make us laugh— and win $50!
CAPTION CONTEST WINNER
horoscope
by Maressa Brown
June 3 through June 28
gemini
libra
aquarius
(May 21–June 20)
(Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
(Jan. 20–Feb. 18)
You’ll be motivated to set a powerful goal on June 8, when the new moon and solar eclipse are in your sign. Writing down the details can set you down an exciting path! Then, from June 22 on, you’ll feel empowered to express your most imaginative ideas. You’ll feel heard by all your loved ones.
Shake up your routine around June 10, when the new moon and solar eclipse are in your ninth house of higher learning. Find ways to pick up new skills for a dose of motivation! And on June 24, a heart-to-heart with a friend helps you achieve mutual understanding.
Experiment with mind-body balancing practices (think yoga) come June 20. Let your intuition lead the way! Then, sharing innovative ideas comes naturally while Mercury moves forward in your fifth house of selfexpression around June 22. Channel emotions into creative outlets to soar!
cancer
scorpio
pisces
(June 21–July 22)
(Oct. 23–Nov. 21)
(Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
While the sun is in your sign from June 15 on, pursue your most ambitious goals. Making room for having fun along the way is the key to seeing the results you deserve. Then, around June 24, connect with a loved one or dear friend. Quality time bolsters your bond!
Get out of your comfort zone while the sun is in your ninth house of adventure around June 20. Whether you’re trying new recipes or walking trails, eye-opening experiences can feel especially satisfying now! On June 25, set aside restorative solo time to stay energized and stress-free!
Boost your sense of emotional security around June 5 by having that challenging but important conversation with a loved one. You won’t regret it! And from June 11 on, everyday routines that feel lighthearted and fun have you feeling even more vital. Dive in!
leo
sagittarius
aries
(July 23–Aug. 22)
(Nov. 22–Dec. 21)
(Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
You’ll enjoy a blast of can-do energy while Mars is in your sign from June 10 on. Whether you want to try a new wellness plan or lead the charge on a team effort at work, you can make your vision a reality. Come June 27, time spent on beloved pastimes and self-care benefits you, heart and soul.
You’ll be reflecting on your closest relationships around June 12. Sharing how you feel can be a game-changer! Come June 25, you’ll be reaching the culmination point of a project. Take time to appreciate what you’ve done before diving into your next endeavor.
Enjoying downtime with loved ones benefits your emotional well-being while the confident sun is in your fourth house of intimate affairs from June 20 on. You’ll make heartwarming memories! And from June 27 on, consider exploring artistic impulses. It could bring you a sense of bliss!
virgo
capricorn
taurus
(Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
(Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
(Apr. 20–May 20)
Share a proposal for a passion project with someone you respect around June 22. Their input can help lay the groundwork for a big win! On June 24, when the full moon is in your fifth house of selfexpression, catching up with loved ones feels rejuvenating. Go for it!
You may want to switch up your routine around June 10, when the new moon and solar eclipse fall in your sixth house of wellness. Making a change can benefit your mind and body! Then, around June 23, devoting time to bonding with loved ones could be especially comforting.
Take care to organize your finances as Mercury moves forward in your second house of income from June 24 on. Getting clear on the details now can feel reassuring. Then, come June 25, take a road trip or plan future travel. You’re in for a thrill! 6/28/21 First for women
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handy answers How do I subscribe? You can order subscriptions online at FirstForWomen.com or write to us at First for Women, P.O. Box 37173, Boone, IA 50037. What if I have a problem with my subscription? For duplicate, late or missing issues, as well as any other questions about subscriptions, send your mailing label with details to the address above, or visit our website. For customer service, call 800-938-8312. How do I file a change of address? Send the mailing label along with your new name or new address to the mailing address above or visit our website.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
How do I order back issues? Send a check or money order ($4.50 per copy for U.S. orders; $7.50 for foreign orders) and issue date(s) to First for Women, Reader Services, 270 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632. To pay by credit card, log on to bauer-mediagroup.myshopify.com/collections. Where do I send questions about the magazine itself? Direct inquiries to First for Women, Reader Services, 270 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, email help@firstforwomen.com or call 201-569-6699. First for Women will consider unsolicited queries, articles, photos, etc., but accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or return.
CAROL BROOKS Patty Bontekoe Tish Hamilton Carey Ostergard Amanda Prost Tracey Solodar Christie Geiger Tara Hans
Executive Editors
Art Director Senior Photo Director Managing Editor
Inspiration Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Director Alexandra Pollock, Maggie Dillard
Health Rachel Cosma, Rebecca Haynes, Kate Arcell
Nutrition Allison Nemetz, Melissa Sorrells, Beth Weissman
Food Julie Miltenberger, Director Betsy Jordan, Susan Chiusano, Charles Grayauskie
Beauty Danielle Saliman, Director Lauren Stachiw, Leann Garofolo
Fashion Jemma Evans, Director Victoria Conn
Relax & play SOLUTIONS pages 102–104 Word search
Crossword
F I E F L A C I R E M A B L U P
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6/28/21
Entertainment Myatt Murphy, Deborah Evans Price
Art Karla Naveira & Todd Slater, Deputy Directors Gia Giacchi, Blake Logan, Mark Iacolina, Erin McCarthy
Photo Tara LeMaistre, Director Ursula Martini, Paula Crews, Cara Bernstein, DeAnn Desilets, Donna Sickels, Barbara DeFranco
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EVP Consumer Revenue Eric Szegda VP Consumer Marketing Holly Oakes EVP Operations Gena Kelly Sr. Director, Publishing Services Jacqui LaMorte Director of Production John Ricotta Director of Operations Michael Pallone BAUER MEDIA SALES INC.
The health information in First for Women is intended to educate. Do not substitute it for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Printed in U.S.A. All prices in First for Women are approximate. Any similarity in stories and articles, other than those indicated to be factual, by characterization or name, to persons living or dead is unintended and coincidental. Mailing Lists: From time to time we make our subscriber list available to companies who sell goods and services by mail that we believe would interest our readers. If you would rather not receive such mailings, please send your full name, mailing address and name of the magazine title to which you subscribe to: Bauer Publishing, Attn: Circulation, 270 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.
106 First for women
Kristina Mastrocola, Melissa D’Agnese, Shay Trotter, Lauren Blum
CEO, PRESIDENT STEVEN KOTOK Chief Financial Officer William P. Houston
GET T Y
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R D E H L A T G N I D N U O F A
Spot the difference
Sudoku 7 1 8 5 2 6 4 9 3
Home & Living
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0[ ^HZ [OL Z HUK YLWVY[Z VM <-6Z ÅVVKLK < : UL^ZWHWLYZ ;OL WPSV[Z& /\THUVPK SPMLMVYTZ VUS` MV\Y VY Ä]L MLL[ [HSS ^P[O NPHU[ ISHJR L`LZ HUK IYPNO[ NYLLU ZRPU 9LZLHYJOLYZ K\IILK [OLZL ILPUNZ ¸3P[[SL .YLLU 4LU ¹ HUK ZPUJL [OLU [OL` OH]L ILJVTL VUL VM [OL TVZ[ PJVUPJ ZWLJPLZ VM HSPLUZ PU <-6 SVYL (UK UV^ VUL VM [OLPY V ZWYPUN JHU IL `V\YZ 0U[YVK\JPUN Lumina H VUL VM H RPUK IHI` HSPLU KVSS H]HPSHISL L_JS\ZP]LS` MYVT (ZO[VU +YHRL 6UJL `V\ LUJV\U[LY Lumina `V\»SS UL]LY IL [OL ZHTL /LY OHUKJYHM[LK ]PU`S ZRPU NSV^Z PU [OL KHYR HUK PZ HJJLU[LK ^P[O YLHSPZ[PJ THYRPUNZ /LY L`LZ [VV HYL [Y\L [V ÄYZ[OHUK HJJV\U[Z·NSVZZ` ISHJR HUK HSP]L ^P[O [OL ZLJYL[Z VM [OL \UP]LYZL ;OLU ZV `V\ JHU WVZP[PVU OLY PU HU` U\TILY VM \ULHY[OS` ^H`Z OLY ¹ IVK` PZ WVZLHISL ^P[O H TV]PUN OLHK HYTZ HUK SLNZ ,]LU OLY OHUKZ HUK MLL[ HYL V[OLY^VYSKS` ^P[O VUS` MV\Y ÄUNLYZ HUK [OYLL [VLZ VU LHJO -PUHSS` [V RLLW OLY ^HYT HUK OPKKLU MYVT YLZLHYJOLYZ ZOL JVTLZ ^P[O H J\Z[VT ISHURL[ [OH[ ZOPTTLYZ HZ IYPNO[S` HZ [OL Z[HYZ ZOL JHSSZ OVTL
She’s sure to abduct your heart. Order today! You can reserve Lumina MVY [OL V\[ VM [OPZ ^VYSK WYPJL VM VUS` WH`HISL PU MV\Y PUZ[HSSTLU[Z VM LHJO IHJRLK I` V\Y KH` N\HYHU[LL >LSJVTL [OPZ \UPX\L ZWLJPTLU OVTL [VKH`
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Lumina is 16-inches long and poseable. Fine adult collectible, not intended for children under 14.
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too-cute news adorable
A doggone good time Minnesota—Are you howling with laughter, cuties? These coyote pups were spotted in the woods with their protective mom, who seemed to be giving her tots a lesson in the proper way to howl. It’s hard to say just how seriously the youngsters took her advice, however, as they appeared far more interested in getting her to play!
sporty
The next great cat-lete Istanbul—This precious lion cub at Aslan Park has been having quite the ball. Staffers noticed the tot was getting a bit restless on rainy days, so they gave him a brightly colored basketball to lift his mood. The cub had a blast rolling it around the room and even tried to keep the toy away from his curious brother. But he seemed to treat it more like a game of football, as there was plenty of tackling involved!
SOLENT NEWS (2); GET T Y (2); COURTESY OF MARYL AND ZOO. TEX T: SHAY TROT TER
5 stories that will make you smile
fun precious
Cuddle buddies Gaziantep, Turkey— Chimpanzee Can and bear cub Boncuk are adorably inseparable. Young Boncuk was brought to the Gaziantep Zoo as a rescue, and keepers were worried about him adjusting to his new home. Their solution? Introduce him to the alwayswelcoming Can to help the baby bear with his socializing skills. And it worked! Now the unlikely friends are like two peas in a pod.
cute
silly
A star is born
Ready to rock and roll
Baltimore—Welcome to the world, beautiful spotted sweetie! Meet June, the newest sitatunga calf to join the herd at Maryland Zoo. Sitatungas are swampdwelling antelopes native to Africa, but this little one is still being cared for indoors for now. Soon, she’ll be introduced to her outdoor enclosure with mom Cricket by her side.
Curitiba, Brazil—An Elvis sighting in Brazil? No, it’s Britney the duck doing her best impression of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll! The 8-monthold crested duck has a unique way of standing as a result of a prior foot injury, but it doesn’t make her any less popular. The funny pose, combined with her stylish hair, has made Britney quite the Elvis impersonator around the farm. But you won’t hear her crying about a hound dog! Her owners say this spunky duck prefers to spend her time with canines instead of other birds.
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fun
last laugh This is just the ‘me time’ I’ve been waiting for
SMILE FILE “Just went to the doctor, my BMI is 40% ice cream”
Did someone say barbecue?!
—Conan O’Brien
THAT’S LIFE!
Things kids say
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Last Fourth of July, my 4-year-old, Richie, spent the entire morning in the pool. When he came out to eat lunch, I mentioned that his eyes were all red. Panicked, he ran to the bathroom and returned a moment later to say, “Don’t worry, Mommy, my eyes are still blue!” —Samantha Cooley, Tamarac, FL 110 First for women
6/28/21
The shoes we end up wearing all summer
We want to hear from YOU! Have a funny photo you’d like to share with other readers? Send it to Last Laugh, First for Women, 270 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, or email laugh@firstforwomen.com. If your photo is selected, we’ll pay you $50!
SHUT TERSTOCK; GET T Y (5)
The shoes we buy for summer
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