Woman's World October 24, 2022

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24 TAKE BACK YOUR TIME DAY You deserve a break! Steal some time today to take a walk, meet a friend for a cup of coffee or just do nothing—finding a few minutes for you can have a big impact on how you feel, report researchers in the journal PLOS ONE. In their study, people who took breaks for as little as 10 minutes had more energy and performed better on creative tasks after their “me time.” Tip: For the most energizing break, take it midmorning. Previous research shows taking a respite earlier in the day restores vitality and motivation better than late-afternoon breaks! JOKE OF THE WEEK Playing it by ear An elderly gentleman had hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor, who had him fitted for a…

MUSIC Feel your spirits soar with Debbie Gibson’s holiday album! Get your toes tapping this holiday season with new music from pop icon Debbie Gibson, when she releases her first-ever holiday album, Winterlicious, on October 21. The record features reimagined covers of classics like “Let It Snow” and “Sleigh Ride,” along with original songs, like the collaboration “Heartbreak Holiday,” with New Kids on the Block’s Joey McIntyre and a stunning new rendition of “White Christmas” with her father, whom she affectionately calls Daddy Joe. For more information, visit DebbieGibsonOfficial.com. MOVIE Fall into the drama with Armageddon Time! Get whisked back to 1980s Queens, New York, for this coming-of-age story about 11-year-old Paul Graff as he tries to understand his family’s struggles and the complexities of friendship. At the start of sixth grade, Paul and Johnny…

• Halloween, starring 19-year-old Jamie Lee Curtis in her film debut, was released in theaters in 1978. • The Goelitz Candy Company’s (now Jelly Belly) Candy Corn became a popular Halloween treat in the 1950s. • “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper hit #1 in 1986. The songwriters originally offered it to Anne Murray, who passed on it! • The Smurfs were first introduced in the Belgian comic “Johan et Pirlouit” in 1958—23 years before they got their own show. • After Cleopatra debuted in 1963, Elizabeth Taylor’s style from the film became the most popular costume for Halloween that year.…

Fiction THRILLER Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison Known for her enthralling and eerie page-turners, Rachel Harrison delivers a darkly comedic love story in her new thriller. Rory Morris moves back to her hometown, and past memories resurface. After a night out with her old almost-flame, Ian, Rory hits an animal with her car. When she gets out, she’s attacked, but then feels strong and drawn to the moon…and begins to feel like she’s changing into someone, or something, else. COZY MYSTERY Whiskers and Lies by Sofie Kelly This mysterious, spooky-cute whodunit follows librarian Kathleen Paulson and her baker friend, Georgia Tepper. Georgia is hired to bake cupcakes for the Reading Buddies Halloween Party at the library. But when Georgia’s mother-in-law— who recently threatened her with legal action—is found dead, she’s on the list of suspects. Now, Kathleen…

One October evening about 30 years ago, Joel Keefer was driving home from work, when he spotted some enormous pumpkins on display in a nursery. The Halloween lover just couldn’t resist. I have to get one, he thought. Joel owned a tree-removal company and, luckily, could transport the more than 500-pound gourd in his truck. “What are you going to do with that?!” his wife, Wyllie, asked when he got home. “Carve it, of course!” Joel replied. It took some heavy-duty electric saws and creativity, but Joel carved and decorated the colossal jack-o’-lantern and placed it on his Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, porch. Soon, neighbors began coming by to have a look, each of their smiles brightening Joel’s heart. So the next year, inspired by the joy he’d brought, Joel bought another humongous pumpkin. And “The Pumpkin…

1 Start a virtual fundraiser! Help children with cancer by hosting a “lemonade stand” online! Click “Get Involved” on AlexsLemonade.org, then “Hold a Virtual Fundraiser” to explore all the ways to fundraise for cures with digital games, online movie watch parties and more. You’ll even receive a web page to personalize and explain why you’re fundraising. Send your page to friends to spread the word and support kids in need! 2 Upcycle old furniture! Give your furniture a second life by donating it to an organization in your area that helps families in need. Simply add a fresh coat of paint or polish, do any needed repairs, then visit DonationTown.org, type in your zip code and schedule your free and easy donation pickup. 3 Put up a ‘mini pantry’! Visit LittleFreePantry.org and click “Find Out…