Friday, October 9, 2026
Hey GlowGetter,
Welcome to The Friday Glow Report
Happy Friday! I have something new for you, and I'm so excited about it.
Starting today, you'll get The Friday Glow Report in your inbox every Friday morning. It's a quick look at the trending updates, events, and releases worth knowing about this week. All picked for women over 40.
Here's what you'll find every week:
- Current news and entertainment
- Wellness news and new health studies
- Money news
- Sales from national stores and online shops
- Restaurant specials and food events
- Top 10 U.S. getaways and retreats, 8 weeks out, so you have time to plan
I'll also drop a new podcast episode every Friday morning. Read it with your coffee, or listen on your walk. Your choice.
One more thing. I checked every item here against a real source and added the link, so you can see it for yourself.
Let's get into it.
NEW ON THE PODCAST TODAY
The Friday Glow Report, out loud
Rather listen? My new episode is out this morning. Press play on your walk, in the car, or while you fold the laundry.
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What's Trending: News & Entertainment
Animals on Netflix
Friday, October 9. Ben Affleck directs and stars in this new thriller, with Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson. It's in select theaters and on Netflix starting today. See the detailsβ
The Real Housewives of Potomac, Season 11
Sunday, October 11. The new season starts at 8pm ET on Bravo, and episodes stream on Peacock the next day. Karen Huger is back, and Robyn Dixon returns as a friend of the show. See the detailsβ
The Chicago Marathon
Sunday, October 11. Thousands of runners take over the streets of Chicago. Walker or runner, it's a fun one to follow and cheer on from home. See the detailsβ
Joy Is a Risk Worth Taking by Kelly McGonigal
Tuesday, October 13. A new book from Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal, PhD. It's full of simple "joy experiments" to help you feel more joy in everyday life. See the bookβ
The Diplomat, Season 4 on Netflix
Thursday, October 15. Keri Russell is back with 8 new episodes, along with Rufus Sewell and Allison Janney. Smart, fast, and so good. See the detailsβ
Coming soon: Ina Garten's new cookbook, Simply Ina, comes out Tuesday, October 20, 2026. It has 85 simple, make-ahead recipes. See the bookβ
Wellness & New Health Studies
These are new studies, not advice. Always talk to your doctor before you change anything about your health.
Bloating is really common in menopause
The Menopause Society, October 6, 2026. In more than 1,800 women ages 40 to 60, 65.6% had bad bloating and gas at every stage of menopause. If that's you, you're not alone. Bring it up at your next appointment. Read moreβ
Hormone therapy type and autoimmune risk
The Menopause Society, October 6, 2026. In nearly 110,000 women, estrogen-only hormone therapy had a slightly higher risk of autoimmune disease than estrogen plus progestogen: 4.9% compared with 4.5%. The researchers say the difference is small and needs more study. Read moreβ
A non-hormone hot flash medicine and sleep
International Menopause Society, reported October 1 to 2, 2026. Women ages 40 to 75 taking fezolinetant (Veozah) woke up 2.6 fewer times a night, on average, by week 12. Good to know: the drug's maker paid for this study, and there was no comparison group. Read moreβ
Thinking skills in midlife and stroke risk
Journal of the American Heart Association, September 30, 2026. In a Swedish study of about 5,000 adults, people in their 60s with lower thinking-test scores had up to 86% higher stroke risk over about 12 years. One more reason to care for your brain and heart now. Read moreβ
Menopause leaves a "signature" in the blood
Nature Medicine, September 23, 2026. Researchers found a set of 16 blood proteins tied to menopause. In 2,814 women, it was linked to faster aging in the body, weaker thinking skills later in life, and a higher risk of Alzheimer's. This type of study shows a link, not a cause. Read moreβ
Mark your calendar: The Menopause Society's yearly meeting is October 20 to 24, 2026, in San Diego. Watch for more new menopause research in the news that week. See the detailsβ
Money News
This is general education, not financial advice. Numbers are as of October 6, 2026, and they change every day.
Social Security's 2027 raise comes out Wednesday
Wednesday, October 14. The 2027 cost-of-living raise (COLA) comes out after the September inflation report. AARP estimates about 3.6%, or about $75 more a month for the average retiree. Read moreβ
Medicare Open Enrollment starts Thursday
October 15 to December 7, 2026. If you're on Medicare, or you help a parent who is, this is the time to compare plans. Any changes start January 1. Read moreβ
Savings rates are the highest in years
Early October 2026. The 10-year Treasury rate hit 5.33% on October 5, its highest since 2002. Top 1-year CDs pay about 4.4% to 4.75%, but the national average is only 2.13%. If your savings earn close to nothing, it may be worth comparing. Higher rates can also push mortgage and loan rates up. See CD ratesβ
Stocks hit a record high
October 6, 2026. The S&P 500 closed at a record 7,818.93, led by tech and AI companies. If your 401(k) has grown, it can be a good time to check that your mix still fits your plan. Read moreβ
Your 2026 catch-up savings room
Good through December 31, 2026. If you're 50 or older, you can put an extra $8,000 into your 401(k) this year. If you're 60 to 63, it's an extra $11,250. If your pay was over $150,000 last year, that extra money now goes in as Roth. The IRS usually shares the 2027 limits in October or November. See the IRS limitsβ
Sales & Shopping Events
Walmart Deals
Now through Sunday, October 11. Up to 50% off home, beauty, clothes, and tech. You don't need a membership. See the detailsβ
Use your Kohl's Cash
October 9 to 18, 2026. Did you earn Kohl's Cash during Kohl's Deal Days (October 5 to 8)? This is the window to spend it. Double check the dates printed on your coupon. See the detailsβ
Missed Prime Big Deal Days? Amazon's sale and Target Circle Deal Days both ran October 6 to 7. If you missed them, Walmart's sale is still on through Sunday.
Restaurant Specials & Food Events
The Capital Grille Wagyu & Wine
Now through November 15. A Wagyu burger with a glass of wine or MoΓ«t, served in the lounge. It's about $35, but the price may be different where you live. See the detailsβ
Panera's fall soups
On the menu now. Try the new three-cheese lasagna soup. The autumn squash and baked potato soups are back too. See the menuβ
Cracker Barrel's fall menu
Through Sunday, October 18. Crispy Homestyle Chicken meals start at $9.99. Plus apple treats like Apple Cobbler Cheesecake. See the detailsβ
Dunkin's Halloween menu
Wednesday, October 14. More Halloween treats arrive, including Halloween donuts and a 50-count Munchkins bucket. Fun for the grandkids, or for you. See the detailsβ
National Dessert Day
Wednesday, October 14. Watch your favorite restaurant apps that day for sweet deals. Or bake something small and share it. About the dayβ
Plan Ahead: Top 10 U.S. Getaways for December 4 to 13
Eight weeks out is a sweet spot to plan a trip. You still have time to book, and you beat the holiday rush. Here are 10 real events and retreats happening December 4 to 13, 2026.
Dates come from each event's website as of October 6, 2026. A few 2026 dates aren't posted yet, and I've noted those. Always confirm before you book.
1. Miami Beach, Florida: Art Basel Miami Beach
When: December 4 to 6, 2026
Why go: The biggest art fair in the Americas, plus a whole week of gallery events, pop-ups, and parties around the city.
Where to stay: The Setai, 1 Hotel South Beach, or Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Event detailsβ
2. Charleston, South Carolina: A Lowcountry Christmas
When: Christmas at Drayton Hall on December 4, 5, 11, and 12. The Spirituals Concert Under the Oaks on December 13. The Holiday Festival of Lights runs nightly through December 31.
Why go: You know I love Charleston. Historic homes, candlelight, oak trees, and amazing food. It's pure magic in December.
Where to stay: Hotel Bennett, The Dewberry, or The Spectator Hotel. Event detailsβ
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Winter Spanish Market
When: Winter Spanish Market is December 5 to 6. Las Posadas on the Plaza is December 6 at 5pm.
Why go: Handmade Spanish Colonial art, holiday music, and cozy adobe streets. Ski Santa Fe opens November 26 if you want snow too.
Where to stay: Ten Thousand Waves, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, or Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. Event detailsβ
4. Napa Valley, California: Holiday Wine Country
When: The Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade is Saturday, December 5, 7 to 8pm. The Napa Valley Wine Train's holiday Santa Train runs evenings from November 27 to December 23.
Why go: Quiet wineries, twinkle lights, and small-town holiday fun, without the summer crowds.
Where to stay: Auberge du Soleil, Bardessono, or Meadowood (rebuilt and open). Event detailsβ
5. Escondido, California: Golden Door Women's Week
When: Week starting Sunday, December 6, 2026. Weeks run Sunday to Saturday.
Why go: A women-only wellness week at one of the most famous spas in the country. It's a true reset before the holidays.
Where to stay: You stay right at Golden Door, all-inclusive. Want extra days? Rancho Valencia or Omni La Costa are nearby. See the weeksβ
6. Lenox, Massachusetts: Canyon Ranch "Find Your Flow" Yoga Week
When: December 7 to 13, 2026
Why go: A week of yoga and movement in the snowy Berkshires. It's included with your stay and open to all levels.
Where to stay: Canyon Ranch Lenox. Event detailsβ
7. Tucson, Arizona: A Miraval Desert Reset
When: Miraval's 3-day Immersion with guest teacher Janet Rae Orth is December 3 to 6. Or book any stay for classes, spa time, and quiet desert mornings.
Why go: Sunshine, mountains, and real rest before the holiday rush.
Where to stay: Miraval Arizona, The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain, or Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. See eventsβ
8. Aspen, Colorado: WinterskΓΆl
When: December 10 to 13, 2026, with a torchlight parade and fireworks on December 12.
Why go: Aspen's winter kickoff party. Aspen Mountain also turns 80: lift tickets are $80 on December 12 and 13, and just $3.75 on December 14.
Where to stay: The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, or The St. Regis Aspen. Event detailsβ
9. Savannah, Georgia: Holiday Tour of Homes & Inns
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9am to 5pm. The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside runs daily through January 3.
Why go: Peek inside beautiful historic homes, then shop the riverfront Christmas market. Perfect for a girls' trip or a mother-daughter weekend.
Where to stay: Perry Lane Hotel, The Alida, or JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. Event detailsβ
10. Sedona, Arizona: Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque
When: Usually the second Saturday in December. It was December 13 in 2025, and the 2026 date isn't posted yet.
Why go: Over 6,000 glowing luminarias light up the arts village at dusk, and it's free. Add a red rock hike and a spa day.
Where to stay: Enchantment Resort (home of the Mii amo spa) or L'Auberge de Sedona. Event detailsβ
That's a Wrap
That's your very first Friday Glow Report! I hope you found something fun to watch, try, save on, or plan for.
Tell me what you think. Hit reply and tell me what you'd love to see more of. Events near you? Beauty sales? Travel deals? I read every reply.
Have a beautiful weekend my friend.
With love,
Jax
P.S. Rather listen? My new podcast episode is out this morning. Listen here.
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