Jingle Bells” greeted Sharee Walker when she stepped off the elevator into the festively decorated lobby of the senior living cooperative to meet her neighbor Frannie for coffee. Sharee saw Frannie waiting by a life-sized nutcracker flanking the coffee shop entrance, chatting with Carter Jones, a very attractive silver fox.
Frannie waved her over. “Here’s my replacement now.” Frannie turned from Carter. “I volunteered to help Carter with his charity event. I didn’t realize it involved baking cookies.” Frannie flopped a hand through the air. “Everyone knows I can’t bake. Carter Jones, this is Sharee Walker, baker extraordinaire.”
He offered his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Sharee slipped her hand into Carter’s and a thrill lit her up inside brighter than a Christmas tree. “You too.”
“The twinkle in Carter’s eyes held a note of attraction that warmed her cheeks.”
“I don’t want you to feel obligated to volunteer…”
“It’s no imposition,” Frannie cut in. “She made a Christmas wish list. Baking and volunteering are on it. I must run.” Frannie feigned a glance at her wrist and fled.
Sharee sighed. This was obviously a setup. She’d confided to Frannie how handsome she’d found Carter.
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Christmas morning marvels
Delight loved ones with prep-ahead breakfasts that are as delicious as they are easy to whip up
A Christmas list for love
While volunteering at a charity, Sharee Walker meets a charming 'Santa' with whom sparks fly as they bond over spreading holiday cheer
Veteran gives Christmas trees a second life!
Oscar Morris knows firsthand how disabled vets are hesitant to use a cane, but today more than 1,000 former soldiers get around with his special canes that aid balance and display the story of their service
"God's love is our greatest gift!"
From her breakout role as Winnie Cooper on the hit TV show The Wonder Years to authoring 11 acclaimed math books to being a wife, mother and the star of three holiday films this season, one would think Danica McKellar has success down to a science. But life has dealt her some outliers, like a tough divorce and a fear of failure. Here, how faith and family keep her joy-filled and stress-free during the holidays
"Help! The holidays are exhausting!"
Here, simple ways to boost your energy levels physically, mentally and emotionally
She lost 118 lbs at age 56!
Want to unlock your maximum ability to get lean in 2025? Then find a weight-loss app you like and use it on your phone, tablet or computer. Recent studies show the simple strategy can give you such a huge boost, you'll literally quadruple your results compared to dieting without an app. \"If you want to set yourself up for success, it really is the way to go,\" confirms University of Vermont's Jean Harvey, Ph.D., R.D., who has conducted exciting research on the approach. Meanwhile, California reader Debbie Ramos, 56, says she's living proof of how much apps can help. After struggling on every diet under the sun, \"I tried using an app, and it changed everything,\" she shares. \"I'm down 118 pounds so far.\" Keep reading for Debbie's inspiring story and to find the app that can help you most.
"I'm free of my chronic anxiety!"
After suffering from constant worry that impacted her physical and mental health, Joni Ogle, 52, discovered a natural remedy... and its calming effects soon completely changed her life
Indulge and feel great!
It's time to eat, drink and be merry! And these clever strategies will help you enjoy your favorite holiday indulgences without body backlash
Boost muscle and rev metabolism
Muscle strength naturally declines around 3% each year after middle age, according to University of Pittsburgh research. But simple strategies help counteract age-related muscle loss (known as sarcopenia) by building lean muscle. This boosts your metabolism and accelerates fat burning, all while increasing your strength!
Soothe arthritis aches naturally
Baking cookies with the grandkids, knitting a scarf for a loved one, wrapping gifts-it's the season for fun holiday activities...that may also cause arthritis to flare up. But you don't have to let sore joints stop you from enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. We reveal the easy ways to soothe arthritis pain naturally
