Author: Dennis Hickey

I love to learn and I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned. I hope you do too because learning will nourish your personal growth. I hope you enjoy this website and visit often so you too keep learning too.

Other Ways to say, “Well Done”

 

The phrase “well done” is commonly used to praise someone for completing a task successfully or to a high standard. It is simple, polite, and widely understood across both personal and professional contexts.

However, relying on the same phrase repeatedly can limit your expression. Learning alternatives to other ways to say well done allows you to sound more natural, engaging, and precise.

If you want to express excitement in English or use better professional reaction phrases, expanding your vocabulary is essential.

More ways to say it:

 

 

Dresses for the 2026 Holiday Season

For the 2026 holiday season, three moods that define the moment. First: red — the standout color of the year, radiant, lucky, and unapologetically bold, perfect for a Christmas party dress or a sparkly New Year’s dress. Then there’s black, the quiet seductress of every wardrobe: a satin mini, a sculpted knit dress, velvet tailoring that speaks in whispers — ideal for both a chic Christmas party outfit and a timeless NYE outfit idea. And for those craving softness with intention, coquette elements continue their reign — corseted waists, ribbon details, peplum curves, and jacquard textures that move effortlessly from a Christmas dinner to a 2 a.m. New Year’s Eve dance floor.

5 Steps to Your Ideal Holiday Look

  1. Step 1: Determine the Formality.
  2. Step 2: Select a Flattering Silhouette.
  3. Step 3: Pick the Right Fabric.
  4. Step 4: Choose a Festive Color.
  5. Step 5: Complete the Look with Accessories.

 The Soft-Sequin Dress

Sequins go subtle this year: champagne, liquid silver, and icy tones in clean slips or column silhouettes. A beautiful choice for anyone searching for a refined New Year party dress.

 

FLORAL SEQUIN MIDI SHEATH DRESS

donnakaran.com

The Return of High-Glamour Metallics & Holiday Sparkle

Nothing says festive like shimmer, and 2026 is giving metallics a powerful comeback. Expect to see:

  • Silver mirror-finish dresses
  • Gold embellished gowns
  • Sequins and crystal beading
  • Metallic-coated leather jackets
  • Shimmer knitwear and sparkling bodysuits

Designers are using advanced textile technology to create lightweight sparkle pieces that photograph beautifully, feel comfortable for long holiday nights, and don’t shed glitter everywhere like older sequin fabrics.

Winter Whites: The New Luxury Color Palette

Winter whites continue their reign into 2026, but with more depth, tone variations, and layering techniques. Think:

  • Ivory structured coats
  • Snow-white knit sets
  • Pearl-white tailored suits
  • Cream monochromatic gowns

The effect is minimalist yet ultra-luxurious proving that subtle elegance is sometimes more powerful than sparkle.

Holiday Party Outfits That Define the Season

Holiday party outfits combine festive materials, structured silhouettes, and sophisticated details that transition easily from daytime gatherings to evening celebrations. Each look is designed with versatility in mind, allowing for seamless coordination across events. Rich textures and seasonal hues add depth while maintaining an elegant, modern aesthetic. Popular styling elements include:

  • Metallic fabrics paired with tailored pieces
  • Velvet blazers layered with sleek trousers
  • Satin skirts matched with soft knits
  • Accessories that introduce subtle shine

For a coordinated look, pair the sequin crew neck blouse with the sequin column midi skirt for a sophisticated take on holiday sparkle.

Holiday Dresses Designed for Celebration

Holiday dresses capture the spirit of the season through refined design and elevated fabrics. From sleek midi cuts to flowing silhouettes, each dress offers a flattering shape that moves effortlessly through festive occasions. Details like pleats, shimmer, and lace bring visual interest while maintaining a balanced, graceful look. Key design features include:

  • Midi and maxi lengths that complement every setting
  • Velvet, satin, and chiffon fabrics with texture and depth
  • Jewel tones and metallic finishes that enhance color contrast
  • Tailored fits that emphasize clean, modern lines

Stretch Satin Corset Back Midi Dress in Matador Red

 

adriannapapell.com

Types of Dresses for Christmas Party Women

 

Comparison of Dress Styles for Christmas Parties
Dress Style Best For Typical Length Fabric Trends Price Range Example Brands
Mini Dress Casual parties, nights out Above the knee Sequins, velvet $49–$150 Cinderella Divine, Adrianna Papell
Midi Dress Semi-formal, office parties Below knee to mid-calf Velvet, crepe $69–$250 La Femme, Portia and Scarlett
Maxi/Formal Gown Black-tie, galas Floor-length Tulle, satin, sequins $150–$850 Mac Duggal, MNM Couture

The holiday season is your moment. Whether you choose a sustainable velvet midi, a classic sequin mini, or an unexpected icy blue gown, the right dress does more than cover you: it announces you.

Source:  https://www.adriannapapell.com/

Social Security COLA: 3.6% Increase Announced

Over 76 million Americans will receive larger monthly Social Security payments next year. The Social Security Administration announced Wednesday that beneficiaries will receive a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, in 2027.

The adjustment is the largest in four years and the biggest since the 8.7% increase announced in 2022 for 2023, when inflation reached a 40-year high. The increase applies to Social Security retirement, survivor and disability benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income payments.

Here is what you can expect with the increase:

  • $72 for someone receiving $2,000 per month.

    • $90 for someone receiving $2,500 per month.

      Most Social Security beneficiaries will begin receiving higher payments in January 2027.

      This increase reflects the recent upswing in inflation and was more than the 2.8% COLA for 2026 and the 2.5% adjustment for 2025.

    This increase comes at a time when there’s a lot on the line financially for older Americans.  Basically, 1 in 5 have no retirement savings, and more people feel financially insecure this year than last.

    Chiefly, making Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment critically important. It helps millions of Americans keep up with rising costs for groceries, routine bills, health care and other everyday expenses.

    People are definitely struggling to meet their retirement needs.

    Graphic:  yahoo.com

     

Daylight Savings Time Ends November 1

(Unless congress changes it)

Nov 1, 2026 – Daylight Saving Time Ends

Sunday, November 1, 2026, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1:00:00 am local standard time instead.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on Nov 1, 2026, than the day before. There will be more light in the morning and less light in the evening.

Here’s what we know about a possible permanent change to DST.

Congress is considering a few bills that either make the change permanent or let states decide whether to make the shift, but it’s unclear if one will pass in time to affect the next time change. The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 in July, which would make DST permanent. The U.S. Senate has not considered it or scheduled a vote, and time is running out.

Daylight saving time gives us an “extra” hour of usable daylight through the warmest months, but what happens if we keep it year-round?

The Health Risks of Permanent Daylight Saving Time

  • Permanent DST shifts morning light to evenings, disrupting the biological clock that regulates mood and sleep.
  • The U.S. tried permanent DST in the 1970s and repealed it within a year due to public backlash.
  • Sleep scientists back permanent standard time, not DST, as the evidence-based fix.
  • Permanent DST could exacerbate the existing mental health and sleep deprivation in teens.

Each March, in the week following the clock change where we spring forward, we see a measurable spike in car crashes, heart attacks, and workplace injuries, all driven by the acute sleep loss of a single hour.

The pattern is familiar: the DST idea polls well because people associate it with summer evenings.  However, once legislators and health organizations dig into the winter implications, dark mornings until 9 a.m. in cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, and Seattle, momentum fades.

So, for today at least, plan on falling back to the usual pattern. Set your clock back one hour.  Enjoy the extra hour of sleep, but also say hello to an earlier sunset.

Related:  Here’s what it means if daylight saving time becomes permanent – TUTORING YOU

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October, running from October 1 to October 31.  Basically, it focuses on early detection, education, screening, and support for people affected by breast cancer. It is a global campaign marked by events, fundraising, awareness activities, and health guidance across many countries.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) reminds us that awareness is important—but it’s our actions that save lives.

10 Practical Ways to Help Prevent Breast Cancer

  1. Minimize fragrance or look for companies that fully disclose their ingredients. Fragrance (or parfum) ingredients are often secret and can cause breast cancer, birth defects, air and water pollution, asthma, allergies and more. The good news is this doesn’t mean you can’t wear or use your favorite scents. It does mean you need to look at ingredients though!
  1. Eat organic fruits, veggies and locally sourced foods. It’s not only good for your heath, but it helps reduce emissions and waste. Buy local food to reduce the distance from farm to fork, frequent your local farmers’ market, or join a local food co-op. Buy organic food to keep your body and the environment free of toxic pesticides by supporting farmers and companies who use organic ingredients.
  1. Clean your house with a wet towel. You’ll capture more grime in your house by dusting with a wet towel, and it won’t stir up dust.
  1. Take off your shoes at the door. Thus, keep your home clean by avoiding toxic chemicals tracked in by your shoes.
  1. Ditch plastic! Plastics can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food and beverages – and in turn – into you. Instead, use glass, ceramic, cloth (like beeswax-infused organic cotton), and stainless-steel food storage containers and reusable BPA-free water bottles.

Related:  Hidden two-letter code reveals if your plastic containers are toxic – TUTORING YOU

  1. Skip the print. Shopping receipts, gas pump receipts, and airline boarding passes are coated in BPA or BPA-like chemicals and touching them can result in toxic chemical exposure.

  1. Choose personal care products free of added hormones. Hormones like estrogen or placental extract may be found in hair and skin products.  Chiefly, hair relaxers and anti-aging skin creams increase risk of breast cancer later in life. 

  1. Also, check your beauty, dental, home, and menstrual care products for hormone-disrupting chemical ingredients, like parabens and phthalates. Over time, these can affect several hormone systems in your body. Checking ingredient labels helps you know what you’re putting on your body and breathing in your home so you can make safer choices.

  1. Read ingredient labels! Check for substances with the strongest evidence linked to breast cancer.
  1. It’s perfectly legal for companies to put cancer-causing chemicals in our products. Use your voice to make a change and support brands that use only natural, non-toxic ingredients.

And remember, don’t get overwhelmed! I looked around my house and realized I had to switch out almost everything. But you don’t have to do it all at once! Use your products, and when you run out, find something safer.

Source:  primallypure.com

Related:  6 Breast Cancer Symptoms That Have Nothing to Do With Feeling a Lump – TUTORING YOU

List of Horror Movies on Netflix

Hello!  I just discovered that someone doesn’t want us to watch Netflix on October 31.  Odd, right?  You think it’s because that’s Halloween Day? Can’t let that happen. So, I broke into Drac’s castle and found the missing movies for that day. Actually, OK this is confusing.  There is an actual list of all horror movies on Netflix this month.  The list is called:

List of Horror Movies on Netflix

292 movies on Netflix US as of October 2026, including #Alive, 11:11, and 12 Hour Shift.

Just found this out today.  Better late than never, right? Sorry.  No excuse.  And here’s the other thing about this mess.  You will have to follow a link to see the names all of these 292 movies. I will leave it to you to check out the link. Be afraid, be very afraid.  Kidding, be entertained.  Check it out.  Until next month.  Be safe!

Horror Movies on Netflix – Netflix Library – What’s on Netflix

See Yourself as a Magnet

 

Magnetism requires a fine balance of openness and knowing when to hold back a little, and that’s something a lot of people struggle to master. Here’s how to achieve it in your own life.

1. Master the art of active listening to draw people in.

Truly listening to people makes them feel valued and understood. Focus on what they’re saying, ask thoughtful questions, and make it clear that you actually care about the answers. Doing so encourages people to open up and feel connected to you, without you having to divulge much about yourself.

2. Use humor to create a positive atmosphere.

A well-timed joke or witty comment can lighten the mood and make you incredibly appealing. Develop your sense of humor but keep it light and inclusive. Avoid self-deprecating jokes or humor at other people’s expense, as this can backfire and make you seem insecure or unkind.

3. Cultivate an air of mystery by leaving some questions unanswered.

You don’t need to be an open book. When asked personal questions, it’s okay to give partial answers or deflect with a smile. This creates intrigue and keeps people interested in learning more about you over time.

4. Develop a unique personal style to stand out.

Your appearance is often the first thing people notice. Develop a style that’s authentically you, whether it’s a signature accessory or a particular color palette. This visual distinctiveness can make you memorable without saying a word.

Wow, I could go on but I think you would benefit by going directly to this website for more info: 14 Ways To Be Magnetic Without Revealing Everything – The Sense Hub

Good stuff!

Related:  Taking Time to Discover Yourself – TUTORING YOU

The Fight against Robocalls

 

Robocalls are phone calls made using an autodialer or a prerecorded or artificial voice message.

Robocalls are more than an annoyance, they are often the preferred tool of fraudsters. Stopping illegal robocalls is the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) top consumer protection priority.

To restore trust in our phone networks, the FCC is fighting illegal robocalls at every point of a call’s journey, from its source to your phone.

This includes empowering carriers to block more illegal robocalls before they reach consumers.  Thus, giving consumers better tools to distinguish legitimate calls from scams.  Also, enforcement has been stepped up against disrupting scam calls that originate outside of the United States.

Robocalls rules

FCC rules require a caller to obtain your prior written consent – on paper or through electronic means.   This to be done before they make a prerecorded telemarketing call to your home or wireless phone number. FCC rules also apply before making an autodialed or prerecorded call or text to your wireless number.

These rules do not apply to emergency calls about danger to life, safety, or property.

Types of permitted autodialed calls

FCC rules allow market research or polling calls and calls on behalf of tax-exempt non-profit groups to landline numbers. Calls about school closings or flight information are also permitted to your landline.

Opting out of autodialed calls

Prerecorded telemarketing calls must provide an opt-out option at the start of the message. You may opt out of any robocall or robotext at any time and in any reasonable manner, even if you previously gave consent for such calls.

Prerecorded voice messages

All prerecorded voice message calls must include the caller’s name, number, and business name at the beginning of the message.

Artificial intelligence and voice cloning

AI-generated voice calls are illegal unless the consumer has agreed to receive them or the caller is exempt.

Telephone solicitations

Telephone solicitations are calls that act as an advertisement. Phone solicitations are permissible with prior express permission or from tax-exempt non-profits. Telemarketing calls based on an established business relationship are not permitted to your landline phone without your advanced permission.

The fight against robocalls can even bring telecom rivals together.

AT&T and Comcast said Wednesday that they can authenticate calls made between the two different phone providers’ networks, a potential industry first and the latest in the long-running battle against spam calls.

The system, which uses a method developed in recent years, verifies that a legitimate call is being made instead of a one that has been spoofed by spammers, scammers or robocallers with a “digital signature.” The recipient network then confirms the signature on its side.

The companies said consumers will get a notification that a call is verified, but exactly what that will look like is not yet known.

Both AT&T and Comcast will roll out the system to home phone users later this year at no extra charge.

Filing complaints about robocalls and texts

FCC Complaints: You can report illegal calls or texts to the FCC. Choose the “unwanted calls” category and note if your number is being spoofed, blocked, or mislabeled.

What Happens Next: The FCC doesn’t resolve individual complaints but uses them to guide policy and possible enforcement under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act or the Truth in Caller ID Act. Your complaint may also be shared with other enforcement agencies.

FTC Complaints: Report phone scams or Do Not Call violations to the FTC.

Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry is a list of landline and wireless phone numbers that legitimate telemarketers agree not to call. You can register your numbers for free at donotcall.gov, or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). You must call from the phone number you wish to register.

Under FCC rules, telemarketers calling your home must provide their name along with the name, telephone number, and address where their employer or contractor can be contacted. Telemarketing calls to your home are prohibited before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m., and telemarketers must comply immediately with any do-not-call request you make during a call.

Related:  If you answer your phone and hear this recording, hang up immediately – TUTORING YOU

Bringing Plants Inside for the Winter

Learn how to bring plants inside for winter to keep them safe from the cold. Just a few easy tips will ensure they will thrive in your home until next season.

Tips for Bringing Plants Indoors

1.  Start by gradually decreasing the amount of light the plant receives over a few days to help lessen stress on the plant. You could even bring them inside at night and back outside during the day. Ideally, you want to start this process a couple of weeks before the first frost date.

2. Inspect the plant for insects before bringing them indoors and treat accordingly. This can simply be a good spray with a garden hose or something like insecticidal soap or your own homemade insecticide. Cover the stems and the leaves. Also, be sure to check the undersides of the leaves for bugs. Clean the pots of debris and check to see if any pests are living below.

3.  Prune all leggy plants. Cut off and remove any dead foliage or plant material. This rose scented geranium is very rangy and needs to be pruned.

4.  Once they are inside for the winter, make sure they get adequate light. A full-spectrum light with a timer set to 16 hours a day is a good way to help plants with lower light conditions.

5.  Resist the temptation to over water. Indoor plants need less water and, in many cases, should only be watered once a week. An easy way to check is to stick your finger into the pot a good inch or so, checking to see if the soil is dry.

In addition to bringing potted plants inside consider digging up tender perennials like a rosemary plant. Unless we have a really warm winter rosemary will not make it in my area, so I pot it up and bring it inside. Just make sure that the pot has drainage holes when repotting to avoid root rot.

You can also take cuttings of some of your annuals and bring them inside to root overwinter. Plants like impatiens, begonias, coleus, and geraniums will thrive with decent lighting and you then won’t have to buy them in the spring.

On a closing note, even if you don’t have a lot of light inside your home you may be able to grow some plants very well. A Rex begonia that I bought it a couple of years ago to put on my front porch for the summer continues to thrive even though there is not a lot of light. Last year I even had a few flowers. So, instead of throwing your tender plants in the compost pile try bringing those beauties in. You’ll be glad that you did.

Source: hearthandvine.com©

More tips on overwintering:

How to bring the outdoor plants inside

To build an indoor garden, select plants to bring indoors or purchase some new plants. To move plants from outside to indoors there are a few things to consider for a smooth transition.

  1. Monitor the temperature: Move houseplants inside before night-time temperatures get below 45°F.
  2. Watch out for hitchhikers: Before moving houseplants indoors, check leaves, stems, and soil thoroughly for pest problems. Common pests are aphids, scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. Spray any pests with insecticidal soap. Give plants a good wash with a strong spray of water to dislodge any undetected hitchhikers.
  3. Time to acclimate: Slowly acclimate plants to lower light levels by placing them in shaded areas for a couple of weeks before the transition to indoors. This is also a good time to trim overgrown plants and remove any dead leaves.
  4. Reduce watering and fertilizing: Plants need a period to rest from growth and flowering. During colder months the need for water and fertilizer is lower. Provide enough water so that the plants do not dry out completely.
  5. Provide light and humidity: Bright, indirect light is necessary. Remember, photosynthesis is how the plant makes food. If an area is darker, consider adding grow lights. As heated homes typically have dry air, use a humidifier or mist plants daily to keep leaf tips from turning brown.

Once plants have been successfully transitioned indoors the most important factor in creating a relaxing atmosphere using plants as a backdrop is you.

Tropicals: Tropical plants make excellent indoor plants as they stay green through the winter. These plants can be used to create terrariums or teacup gardens. Propagation of tropical plants is a perfect activity for self-reflection and goal setting as plants have roots that may open the door to help an individual grow new roots in their lives. Create a simple propagation chamber using a zippered bag to provide a humid environment to support the plants in creating new roots. Spider plants, Christmas cacti, peperomia are easy plant propagation selections.

Related: How to Overwinter Your Favorite Garden Plants Indoors – TUTORING YOU

The First Day of Winter: Winter Solstice 2026

When is the first day of winter? In 2026, the winter solstice date is Monday, December 21. So, what is the winter solstice, and why does it happen? Learn all about the shortest day of the year.

When Is the Winter Solstice?

The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is marked by the winter solstice, which occurs on Monday, December 21, 2026, at 3:50 P.M. (EST).

For the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs every year between December 20 and 23, most often on December 20 or 21. (The Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice occurs in June.)

The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight throughout the year, making it the shortest day of the year. Thankfully, after we reach the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and longer again until we reach the summer solstice—the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.

Colder, but sunnier

Think of it this way: Although the winter solstice means the start of winter, it also means the return of more sunlight. It only gets brighter from here!

The winter solstice is significant across cultures, signaling the changing of the seasons. Some ancient peoples marked the solstice using huge stone structures, like Newgrange in Ireland.

The word solstice comes from the Latin sol, meaning Sun, and sistere meaning to stand still. Loosely translated, solstice means “Sun stands still.” Why? The Sun’s path across the sky appears to freeze for a few days before and after the solstice. The change in its noontime elevation is so slight that the Sun’s path seems to stay the same or stand still.

The day after the winter solstice, the Sun’s path begins to advance northward again, eventually reaching its most northerly point on the day of the summer solstice.

How can we observe the effects of solstice ourselves? On the solstice day, stand outside at noon and look at your shadow. It’s the longest shadow that you’ll cast all year! Do this again on the day of the summer solstice, and you’ll see almost no shadow.

Source:  almanac.com