Woman's World

fill your week with smiles!

MONDAY, FEB. 25 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE-COVERED PEANUTS DAYIndulge in heavenly yumWhen we asked the pros in the Woman’s World test kitchen the best way to celebrate this holiday, they shared this deliciously decadent brownie recipe. It’s loaded with chocolate and peanuts, which add crunch and a salty flavor that balances out the sweetness.To make: Prepare a box mix of brownies, following directions for cake-like brownies and adding ½ cup chopped peanuts to batter. Pour half of batter into greased 9" square baking pan. Top with 25 halved mini peanut butter cups and ½ cup semisweet chocolate chunks. Spread remaining batter on top; sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped peanuts. Bake at 350°F for 22 min. or until toothpick inserted into center comes out with crumbs clinging.SUNDAY, FEB. 24 ACADEMY AWARDSWin rave reviews!Impress…

start your week with a laugh!

Q What did the stamp say to the envelope?A “Stick with me and I’ll take you places!”Kids are funny!My 4-year-old grandson, Charlie, was asked to be the ring bearer in his uncle’s wedding. On the day of the wedding, I dressed Charlie in his tuxedo and told him how handsome he looked. He looked up, confused, and said, “Where’s my bear suit? I thought I was the ring bear?” ■…

relax and have fun this week

Regina King nabbed a Golden Globe for her role in If Beale Street Could Talk—can she win again?TV: ABCCheer on your favorite movies with the Academy Awards!It’s Hollywood’s most glamorous night of the year, and you’ll get a front-row seat to all the razzle-dazzle when the stars come out for the 91st Academy Awards! Roma and The Favourite lead the pack with the most nominations at 10 each, but can they turn those nods into Oscar gold? And will first-time Best Actress nominee Lady Gaga top Glenn Close, who’s up for the award for the seventh time? Find out February 24.Coach Kelly Clarkson with last season’s winner, Chevel ShepherdTV: NBCDiscover a star on The Voice!Get ready to cheer on your new favorite singer when The Voice returns for season 16!…

it happened this week!

● The Sound of Music opened in 1965 to mixed reviews from critics, yet went on to win five Oscars!● Actor Daniel Craig was born in 1968—he’s the first actor to play James Bond who was born after the series began.● The Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company, now known as Kellogg’s, started in 1906. Today its Frosted Flakes cereal sells more than 132 million boxes a year!● The engagement of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was announced in 1981—her ring featured a 12-carat sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds!● “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips was released in 1990. It spent only one week at number one, but it was named Song of the Year. ■…

this week’s best new books

FictionFANTASYThe Beast’s Heart by Leife ShallcrossIn this enchantingly magical retelling of Beauty and the Beast, readers get to experience the classic tale from the Beast’s perspective. Long ago, a curse turned him into a monster, forcing him to remain inside his chateau—until a lost traveler shows up. Bewitched by the traveler’s dreams of his daughter, the Beast lures her to the castle. When Isabeau arrives, the Beast realizes it will take more than her love to break his spell.ROMANCEDear George, Dear Mary by Mary CalviFilled with rich historical detail and romantic charm, this debut novel, written by news anchor and journalist Mary Calvi, whisks readers off to 18th century New York, where Heiress Mary Louise Philipse is prepping for a ball at her family’s manor. More than 200 guests will be there,…

“a little love and care is all we need to make a difference!”

“Being able to help my brother—and many others like him—is the best feeling in the world!” says Lindy (right), with her brother, Jordan (left), who has Down syndrome“Jordan and I have always been very close. As kids, we’d play together, and I’d always tell him how special he was. We were—and still are—best friends,” says Lindy, here with her brother 25 years agoLindy Cleveland bubbled with excitement as her family helped her move into her college dorm. But then her eyes fell on her big brother, Jordan, who has Down syndrome, sitting off by himself.“I wish I could go to college too,” Jordan sighed, and his sad, yearning expression tore at Lindy’s heart.It’s not fair…there should be a college for people with special needs, Lindy thought. Everyone deserves a chance…