Motherhood Moment

Caring Causes - Here Comes Summer Benefit

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) will host its inaugural ‘Here Comes Summer’ Nashville benefit on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Richland Country Club. The evening will honor the life and legacy of legendary entertainer Donna Summer who passed away from lung cancer. The event will raise critical funds for lung cancer research.

This inaugural Nashville event addresses an urgent need for lung cancer research funding. Despite being the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, lung cancer research remains the least funded among major cancers — receiving less funding than breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer combined. While lung cancer incidence among men has decreased, it has increased among women and young people with no known risk factors.

The evening will also highlight how the city of Nashville is already working to improve the lives of people living with lung cancer. Among the guests will be David Spigel, MD, President and Chief Medical Officer at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, who will speak about lung cancer, LCRF, and how this event and its attendees will help accelerate lung cancer research.

As one of the most influential artists of all time, Donna Summer transformed popular culture with her groundbreaking fusion of R&B, soul, pop, funk, rock, disco, and electronic music. A five-time Grammy winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and seller of more than 130 million albums. Summer’s timeless hits include “Last Dance,” “I Feel Love,” “Mac Arthur’s Park,” “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls,” and “She Works Hard For Her Money.” Her Tony-nominated Broadway musical and 2023 documentary continue to introduce her legacy to new generations - most notably when figure skater Alysa Liu skated to Donna’s “MacArthur Park Suite” during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“Donna Summer’s music brought joy to millions. She was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly before succumbing to the disease in 2012,” said Susan Munao, her former Manager and Event Chair. “This event honors her life and legacy while shining a light on the urgent need for early detection and more research funding.”

Organizers plan for ‘Here Comes Summer’ to become an annual Nashville benefit supporting lung cancer research and increasing awareness around the urgent need for early detection, treatment innovation, and expanded research funding.

The sold-out event, held at the Richland Country Club, begins with 6 o’clock cocktails, followed by a 7 o’clock dinner and program.

About the Lung Cancer Research Foundation:
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation® (LCRF) is the leading nonprofit organization focused on funding innovative, high-reward research with the potential to extend survival and improve quality of life for people with lung cancer. LCRF's mission is to improve lung cancer outcomes by funding research for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of lung cancer. To date, LCRF has funded 450 research grants, totaling nearly $53 million, the highest amount provided by a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding lung cancer research. For more information, visit LCRF.org.

About Donna Summer:

Donna Summer was one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of the modern music era, with a career that transcended genre and helped shape the sound of popular music for generations. A five-time Grammy Award winner, six-time American Music Award winner, Academy Award honoree for “Last Dance,” Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Summer achieved more than 130 million albums sold worldwide and remains an enduring cultural icon.

Her historic achievements include becoming the only solo artist to have three consecutive double albums reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts, the first female artist to have four No. 1 singles in a 12-month period on the Billboard Hot 100, the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female, and the first-ever recipient of the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Her timeless catalog includes “Love to Love You Baby,” “I Feel Love,” “Last Dance,” “MacArthur Park,” “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls,” “Dim All the Lights,” “On the Radio,” and “She Works Hard for the Money.”

Her Tony-nominated Broadway musical, ‘SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical,’ continues to celebrate her life and music, and the documentary ‘Love to Love You, Donna Summer’ premiered in 2023.

Amazing Appst: KidHu

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Unleashed Brands recently launched KidHub, a new family app designed to help parents manage their children's activities while giving them greater visibility into the confidence, resilience and life skills being built along the way.

Built for today's busy families, KidHub connects parents to enrichment experiences across the Unleashed Brands platform while bringing classes, camps, milestones, scheduling and free personalized growth insights for kids into one connected app.

Last month, Unleashed Brands released "Beyond the Report Card," research showing parents have fundamentally redefined what success looks like for their kids, prioritizing kindness, confidence and resilience over grades and credentials by nearly 2-to-1.* Yet most parents say they cannot find programs that intentionally build those qualities. Even fewer have a way to know if what they are doing is making a difference. KidHub was built to help close that gap and move families from guesswork to guided growth.

The app brings the full Unleashed Brands portfolio, serving more than 20 million kids across 1,500 locations, together on a single platform. It combines activity booking and family scheduling with something no other app offers: real-time visibility into a child's character development.

"At Unleashed Brands, our mission has always been bigger than activities. We're focused on helping build life-ready kids," said Michael Browning Jr., founder and CEO of Unleashed Brands. "Parents are looking for experiences that build confidence, resilience, leadership and character, not just fill time on a calendar. KidHub gives families one connected place to manage those experiences while helping them better understand how their child is growing along the way."

At the center of KidHub is the ThriveScore a strengths discovery tool developed in partnership with Dr. Michele Borba, Unleashed Brands' Chief Thriving Officer, world-renowned educational psychologist and best-selling author. Rooted in decades of child development research, ThriveScore helps parents better understand and support their child's unique growth journey through personalized insights and strengths-based recommendations.

"Character development is one of the most important predictors of a child's long-term success, but parents have never had a way to truly see it," Borba said. "ThriveScore isn't a grade — it's a window into the strengths that help children succeed in school, relationships and life. Resilience, empathy, self-control and confidence have been linked to long-term well-being for decades. What's been missing is a way to track and celebrate those strengths as they develop. KidHub changes that. For the first time, parents have one place to manage their child's enrichment experiences and watch their character strengths grow over time."

KidHub connects families to enrichment activities across Urban Air Adventure Park, The Little Gym, Snapology, Sylvan Learning, Water Wings, Class 101 and Premier Martial Arts, all from a single platform. Beyond the ThriveScore, the app offers:

Unified family scheduling: Discover, book, and manage classes, camps, birthday parties, and open play across all Unleashed Brands locations in one calendar.
Instructor highlights: Photos and videos captured during class, delivered directly to parents.
Skills and milestone tracking: Personalized growth records for every child in the family, building a longitudinal picture of who they're becoming.
Smart check-in: Faster, frictionless entry at participating locations nationwide.
Smart recommendations: Activity suggestions tailored to each child's age, interests, and development, adjusting as they grow.
Recognizes virtues among kids. Staff at every location can recognize kids in real time for demonstrating one of 23 character virtues – courage, perseverance, kindness, self-confidence, and more. Those moments surface instantly in the app as milestones parents can save, share, and celebrate. The recognition isn't self-reported by parents or reduced to a star rating. It's earned at the location, logged in the app as it happens.

KidHub is available now for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

*Survey methodology: Online survey of 1,001 U.S. parents of children ages 3–15 conducted by Dynata, 4/27/26–5/1/26. Nationally representative; margin of error +/- 3.1 percentage points.

ABOUT UNLEASHED BRANDS
Unleashed Brands currently includes portfolio brands Urban Air, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning, Snapology, Class 101, Premier Martial Arts, and Water Wings Swim School. The platform was founded to curate and grow a portfolio of the most innovative and profitable franchise brands that help kids learn, play, and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform for scaling businesses focused on serving families. Its mission is to impact the lives of every child by providing fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences that help them reach their full potential. For more information, visit UnleashedBrands.com.

Musi Minute - Gibson Artist Spotlight: Black Polish

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of music, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved brands worldwide. As part of Gibson’s commitment to artist-first culture and elevating new music from emerging musicians around the world, the Gibson Artist Spotlight Program highlights an evolving roster of musicians who are celebrated across Gibson’s global channels.

Los Angeles–based alternative artist Black Polish (Jayden “Jay” Binnix) continues to emerge as one of the most imaginative voices in modern indie-alt music, crafting cinematic worlds steeped in angst, identity, and emotional duality. Since first breaking out with their 2020 debut single “Sophie,” Jay has built a dedicated community of listeners drawn to their raw honesty, visual storytelling, and genre-bending fusion of alternative, electronic, and pop.

“I want to build entire worlds for people to dissect,” Jay has often said, a creative mission that has only deepened with the release of their sophomore concept album, YUNA, released via BMG on October 29, 2025. The record marks a major evolution in the Black Polish universe—bold, dark-sided, and thematically rich—reflecting a period marked by anger, mania, depression, and ultimately self-forgiveness. Jay describes YUNA as “a love letter on forgiving my self-destruction,” contrasting their 2024 debut album Forest, which they called “a love letter to going through puberty.”

Listen to YUNA, the new album from Black Polish, available now via BMG HERE.

At the center of the new album is YUNA, Jay’s alter ego—a haunting, hyperfeminine embodiment of their most chaotic instincts. Through YUNA, Jay explores themes of seduction, self-reconciliation, and the parts of ourselves we try (and fail) to banish. The album’s narrative builds through tracks like “LUSH,” “BONDAGE,” “BE WITH YOU,” and its hypnotic standout “ABOUT YOU/SUNRISE,” which received an official music video expanding the project’s growing visual world. Critically acclaimed for its shifting sonics and intense emotional storytelling, YUNA pushes further into the cinematic style that has become Black Polish’s signature. Jay is known for textural, visually-charged songwriting — “I’m trying to paint a whole story in three minutes,” they explained when discussing their work on “ABOUT YOU/SUNRISE.”

To bring YUNA to life on stage, Black Polish announced an extensive North American headline tour, beginning late 2025 in Los Angeles and spanning major cities including San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, New York, and more—marking their most ambitious live itinerary to date.

Raised in Florida and Maryland, Jay began singing early, taking piano lessons at age five before adding guitar and ukulele. Their first song, “Sophie,” inspired by a childhood girlfriend, became a grassroots breakout with millions of streams. Over time, their work, shaped by influences like Halsey, girl in red, and Twenty One Pilots, has been featured on playlists including New Music Friday and All New Indie, and they contributed the original track “Armageddon” to Hulu’s “Love, Victor.”

Despite their growing success, Jay remains grounded in a single artistic purpose: to make listeners feel seen. “I just want to make people feel less alone,” they’ve said. Their music continues to resonate deeply with fans who look to Black Polish as proof that vulnerability, self-invention, and emotional chaos can coexist—and even become beautiful.

Watch the new video from Black Polish for the single “Obsession” HERE.

Read the new interview with Black Polish on the Gibson Gazette HERE.

Black Polish performs with the Kramer SM-1 and Gibson Hummingbird.

Each month, the Gibson Artist Spotlight introduces a new musician or group, connecting them with Gibson’s global audience through Gibson.com, social media, advertising campaigns, Gibson Garage in-store events, features in the Gibson Gazette, and music media outlets, helping their music reach listeners worldwide.

Introducing the Gibson Artist Spotlight musicians for 2026: De Nachtwacht (The Netherlands), Night Traveler (Austin, TX), Charlotte Sands (Los Angeles, CA), Corella (United Kingdom), verygently (Nashville, TN), Black Polish (Los Angeles, CA), jo0ji (Tottori, Japan), Ponpon (Los Angeles, CA), Paula Pera (Bogotá, Colombia), Nieve Ella (United Kingdom), Bandalos Chinos (Buenos Aires, Argentina), and Last Train (Altkirch, Alsace, France).

Listen to Gibson’s Monthly Spotify Playlist to discover new music and emerging artists HERE.

Stay tuned for monthly updates throughout the year as we introduce each new Gibson Artist Spotlight feature. Discover more about the artists HERE.

Caring Connections - Relationship Conflict and Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

When M.D. Psychologist Dr. Laura Dabney sits down with a couple about to go on a trip and asks them if they have a plan for handling the conflicts that arise, they’re often taken aback.

“They’re excited for their vacation and have a very hopeful outlook,” Dabney says. “But when I point out that they nearly always argue on vacation, it’s as if this is new information to them. They haven’t identified or examined the pattern.”

When children are involved, the chance of conflict is even higher. One in three parents reports that the peace is broken within one hour of leaving for vacation, regardless of the mode of transportation. [Source] The reason vacations surface so much conflict isn't bad luck — it's biology and relationship dynamics. Disrupted routines, close quarters, unspoken expectations, and the pressure to have fun are a perfect storm for tension.

Dr. Dabney, author of I Need You…Now Go Away!: Reclaiming Your Life When Someone You Love Has a Personality Disorder has simple, actionable advice for families and couples embarking on summer vacations and a clinical lens that explains why vacation conflict is so predictable, and so preventable.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

Why are vacations such a common trigger for relationship conflict?
Vacations intensify emotional expectations around closeness, relaxation and family harmony. They also remove many normal routines and distractions which often expose existing relational patterns. The trip usually doesn't create conflict, it magnifies patterns already present in the relationship.

What are some of the differences between a conflict due to personality differences and those that stem from a personality disorder?
Healthy personality differences usually involve flexibility and compromise. With personality pathology, the conflicts become more rigid, emotionally intense, and repetitive. The issue becomes less about the actual vacation plan and more about underlying fears involving control, criticism, abandonment, or exposed emotions. The details change, but the emotional pattern keeps repeating.

What do families and couples need to talk about before packing a bag on a trip?
Instead of only planning logistics, couples should look at the emotional patterns that tend to repeat during travel. Do they fight while packing, become stressed about timing, withdraw emotionally, or argue more under pressure? Recognizing these recurring patterns beforehand can help prevent simply repeating them.

What can families do if conflicts arise during a trip to keep it from ruining the whole vacation?
The key is not turning one conflict into a global statement about the relationship or trip. Often the visible argument is not the real issue - exhaustion, disappointment, overstimulation, or feeling unimportant may be underneath it. Healthy vacations are not conflict-free vacations. They are vacations where people can appropriately express, recover and reconnect after tension.

How can families and couples recover if a trip didn't go as planned?
A disappointing trip can become a useful "relationship post-mortem." Instead of focusing on blame or moving on, couples can look at the patterns that repeated during the trip - who withdrew, escalated, felt controlled, or felt ignored. Vations often reveal relational dynamics that already exist at home, and recognizing those patterns can help prevent repeating them in the future.

Laura Dabney, M.D. is a psychiatrist, relationship expert, and founder of Relationship RX, a coaching and education platform focused on clarity in complex relationships. For over two decades, Dr. Dabney has worked with high-functioning adults struggling in painful relational patterns, often involving personality disorders, helping them understand what’s really happening beneath chronic conflict, emotional volatility, and repeated relational breakdowns.

A long-time member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychoanalytic Association, Dr. Dabney has been a quoted expert in national outlets including NBC News, USA Today, Everyday Health, Bustle, PopSugar UK, and The EveryMom, and a repeat guest on widely listened-to podcasts such as Optimal Daily Living and The Mental Illness Happy Hour. Known for her calm, non-sensational approach, she translates psychodynamic insight into practical frameworks that help people move from confusion and self-doubt to clarity, agency, and emotional stability.

Dr. Laura Dabney: www.drldabney.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauradabneymd/
Instagram: @lauradabneymd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauradabneymd/
Relationship RX:https://relationship-rx.com/
Instagram: @relationshiprxcom

Fun Freetime - Villa Family Festival: Ancient Egypt (Getty Villa, LA)

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Villa Family Festival: Ancient Egypt

Sunday, Jun 7, 2026

Drop-in 10am–5pm

Getty Villa

Celebrate the stories, symbols, and spirit of ancient Egypt at this lively, family-friendly festival. Enjoy live Egyptian music that evokes the sounds of historic Cairo, alongside DJ sets, hands-on art workshops, and interactive experiences that bring the past to life in creative and unexpected ways. From crafting your own “Book of Life” to weighing your "heart" on a larger-than-life scale, visitors of all ages are invited to explore, create, and discover together in a day filled with music, imagination, and fun. See the full schedule here.

Website Spotlight - Recess

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Recess, the kids' activities marketplace helping families discover and book camps, classes, after-school programs, and enrichment activities, today announced its expansion into Dallas and Houston following a successful launch in Austin.

Fueled by surging demand from parents, Recess is building on its Austin momentum and expanding into two of Texas's largest metro areas as families look for a faster, more trusted way to find and book camps, classes, and kids' programs. Founded by two moms who experienced firsthand how painful and fragmented summer camp booking can be, Recess first launched in Texas to solve one of the most common challenges in modern family life: helping parents find trusted activities that fit their child's interests, schedule, and needs.

Recess is backed by more than $4 million in venture funding from investors including Baukunst, Wave Capital, Swizzle Ventures, and Laura Modi, founder and CEO of Bobbie and a TIME Women of the Year. The company has partnered with Austin ISD and with schools in Dallas-area districts including Frisco ISD, McKinney ISD, Dallas ISD, and Richardson ISD, as well as schools in Houston-area districts including Cy-Fair ISD, Katy ISD, and Spring Branch ISD. Recess also works with leading children's activity brands and providers such as School of Rock, Snapology, IDEA Lab Kids, USA Ninja Challenge, and The Little Gym.

"We love Recess and saw a significant increase in camp registrations after joining the platform," said Allison Phillips, Owner of Austin Youth Fitness. "The Recess team is amazing, deeply connected to the local community, and genuinely wants to support both program partners and the families who use their service. Their partnership and support have been invaluable."

Recess also works with child development and parenting experts to help families make more informed enrichment decisions. Collaborators include experts such as Dr. Mona Amin, board-certified pediatrician and founder of PedsDocTalk, bringing trusted guidance to parents as they choose programs that support their children's growth and well-being.

"Every child deserves access to experiences that help them discover who they are and what they love," said Amy Kiska, co-founder and CEO of Recess. "But for parents, finding those opportunities is overwhelming, fragmented, and time-consuming. Recess makes it easier for families to access trusted programs and for high-quality activity providers to reach the families who need them. Expanding into Dallas and Houston is a major milestone as we build toward making kids' activities easier to discover and book nationwide."

The expansion comes as working families face growing demand for care and enrichment outside of school hours. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66.3% of two-parent households with children had both parents employed in 2025. With U.S. public schools typically in session about 180 days per year, families navigate roughly 80 non-school weekdays annually, along with summer break, school holidays, early release days, after-school hours, and last-minute schedule gaps.

Through the Recess Giveback Program, participating schools and parent organizations can offer families a trusted way to discover and book camps, classes, and after-school programs while receiving a portion of proceeds from bookings. The program helps schools support busy families, connect parents with high-quality enrichment options, and generate funds for their communities.

"Parents are piecing together camps and after-school care across dozens of websites, calendars, emails, and spreadsheets," said Molly Morse, co-founder and COO of Recess. "We are building Recess to be the trusted starting point for families — a place where they can easily discover programs that fit their child's interests, schedule, and needs, while also helping bookings support local schools."

With summer break underway, Recess is launching in Dallas and Houston at a critical time for families searching for seasonal programs. The platform features options across art, dance, languages, music, outdoors, sports, STEM, tutoring, and more. As Recess expands across Texas, the company is building toward a larger vision: becoming the national destination for families to find the activities, camps, and classes that help children grow, explore, and thrive.

About Recess

Founded in 2024 by Amy Kiska and Molly Morse , Recess is building the go-to marketplace for kids' activities. The platform helps families discover and book high-quality camps, classes, after-school programs, and enrichment experiences in one trusted place, while helping activity providers, schools, and community partners better reach and serve families.

By combining local inventory, school calendar data, real-time availability, and family-first discovery tools, Recess is solving one of the most persistent pain points in modern family life: coordinating children's schedules outside of school.

Recess is currently live in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, with plans to expand nationwide.

Parenting Pointers - Back-to-School Shopping Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

New TeacherLists 2026 parent survey data highlights a growing but often overlooked dynamic in the back-to-school experience: for many families, the challenge is not just what to buy or how much to spend but efficiently accessing and managing accurate school supply information.

Families aren’t just struggling with shopping itself—they’re struggling to get the right information at the right time.

While back-to-school season is typically framed around spending and shopping behavior, the data points to a parallel layer of logistical friction shaping the experience for parents.

Key findings:

59% of families describe back-to-school shopping as stressful, financially challenging, or something they dread
36% of families say it takes three or more trips to complete back-to-school shopping, underscoring the time and coordination involved in what is often viewed as a simple seasonal task
36% have had trouble finding their child’s school supply list, highlighting a recurring access challenge at the start of the school year
19% say finding the list each year is difficult, suggesting the issue persists even for returning families
85% would use a verified supply list if it were available through retailers, indicating strong demand for a more centralized and reliable experience

Taken together, the findings show a simple reality: one of the most important back-to-school tools is still not easy for many families to access. Improvements in how this information is shared and standardized can meaningfully reduce friction for families during a high-pressure seasonal window.

In response, digitized, verified supply lists are making it easier for families to quickly find accurate, up-to-date school supply information in one place.

TeacherLists works with schools and districts to digitize millions of supply lists each year, helping improve accessibility for families while also enabling retailers to integrate verified supply lists directly into the shopping experience.

If helpful, we can also share additional insights into how families are approaching back-to-school shopping in 2026.

Healthy Habits - Braces Are Back: Cooper Orthodontics Says Today’s Patients Are Embracing Orthodontic Care Instead of Hiding It

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

For years, many orthodontic patients wanted one thing above all else: treatment no one could see.

That may be changing.

Clear aligners remain a popular choice for teens and adults who want a discreet path to a straighter smile. But traditional metal braces are enjoying a cultural comeback. Recent national media coverage highlights how some Gen Z and adult patients are embracing braces as a visible sign of self-care, individuality, and personal investment.

For Cooper Orthodontics, the trend points to a larger and healthier conversation: orthodontic care is no longer something patients have to hide.

“Whether someone chooses clear aligners or braces, we want patients to feel confident about taking care of their smile,” said Dr. Bryn Cooper of Cooper Orthodontics. “The exciting part is that orthodontics is more personal. Some patients want nearly invisible treatment. Others are proud to show their braces. Our job is to help them choose the option that is best for their teeth, their bite, and their long-term health.”

Comeback for Braces

The renewed attention around braces comes at a time when orthodontic care is shaped by technology, consumer choice, and changing attitudes about appearance. Digital scans, 3D treatment planning, clear aligner systems, remote monitoring tools, and modern braces give patients more options than ever before. But these options make expert guidance even more important.

“Clear aligners are an excellent option for many patients, but they are not right for everyone,” Dr. Cooper said. “Braces are not outdated, and aligners are not automatically better. The best treatment depends on diagnosis, tooth movement, bite correction, patient habits, and stability.”

Candidates for Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are appropriate for many patients with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or alignment concerns. For others, braces offer more precise control, especially in cases involving significant rotations, complex bite correction, severe crowding, or situations where removable aligners may not be worn consistently.

Cultural Shift for Braces

The cultural shift around braces creates a positive message for younger patients and adults who once worried about the look of orthodontic treatment.

“Braces used to be something many felt self-conscious about,” Dr. Cooper said. “Now we are seeing patients with different opinions.” Braces can be colorful, expressive, and even fun. Most importantly, braces demonstrate an investment in themselves.

Transparency and Rationality

That sense of openness is important, because orthodontic treatment is not simply cosmetic. A healthy smile depends on properly aligned teeth, a functional bite, healthy gums, and a treatment plan that respects the biology of how teeth move.

Dr. Cooper encourages patients and families to ask several key questions before beginning orthodontic care:

Is my treatment being supervised by a licensed orthodontic professional?
Have I had a complete evaluation, including appropriate records and imaging?
Do I understand whether aligners, braces, or another option is best for my specific case?
How will my bite, not just my front teeth, be corrected?
What happens if my teeth do not move as planned?
What retention plan will protect my results after treatment?

“Modern orthodontics gives patients the freedom to choose treatment that fits their lifestyle,” Dr. Cooper said. “But the foundation should always be professional diagnosis and personalized care. A great smile should be beautiful, healthy, and built to last.”

About Cooper Orthodontics

Cooper Orthodontics provides advanced orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. Led by Dr. Bryn Cooper, the practice offers clear aligners, braces, retainers, early orthodontic treatment, accelerated orthodontics, and modern treatment options designed to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. Cooper Orthodontics is committed to patient education, professional diagnosis, and personalized treatment planning.

Money Matters - Overspending on Car Loans

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

With average auto loan debt reaching as much as 45% of median income in some states, the personal finance company WalletHub has released its updated report on the States Where People Overspend the Most on Car Loans, shedding light on where financial strain is most evident.

To determine these rankings, WalletHub compared median car-loan debt to residents’ income across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Highest % of Income Spent

Lowest % of Income Spent

1. Mississippi (44.60%)	42. Washington (25.82%)
2. New Mexico (43.60%)	43. Michigan (25.23%)
3. Arkansas (43.17%)	44. Minnesota (25.17%)
4. Louisiana (42.30%)	45. New Hampshire (23.91%)
5. Oklahoma (41.75%)	46. Rhode Island (23.57%)
6. West Virginia (40.57%)	47. New York (23.57%)
7. Texas (40.27%)	48. Connecticut (21.91%)
8. Alabama (40.24%)	49. New Jersey (21.71%)
9. Tennessee (38.39%)	50. Massachusetts (19.85%)
10. Nevada (38.27%)	51. District of Columbia (17.02%)

For the full report and to see where your state ranks, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-where-people-have-the-highest-income/136995

Key takeaways and WalletHub commentary are included below in text and video format. Feel free to use the provided content as is or edit the raw files as you see fit.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to arrange a phone, video or in-studio interview with one of WalletHub’s experts.

Best,
Diana Polk
WalletHub Communications Manager
(786) 383-3351

“With vehicles having become progressively less affordable in recent years, many consumers have unfortunately been forced to take out auto loans that are too large relative to their incomes. Borrowing too much for cars has led to many people having trouble paying back their debts as a result. This is evident in the fact that the states where the average auto loan debt is the highest relative to the median income are also among the states with the highest auto loan delinquency rates.”
–
“Mississippi is the state where people overspend the most on cars. Mississippians have the seventh-largest average auto loan debt, at $21,635, while also having the lowest median household income, at $48,509 per year. As a result, the average car loan debt in Mississippi is 45% of the median income, the highest ratio in the country. For comparison, the average auto loan debt in the District of Columbia is only 17% of the median income.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

Expert Commentary

What tips do you have for consumers looking to buy a car without putting a strain on their finances?

“Walking into a dealership without a preapproved loan from a credit union or bank is essentially handing the salesman a blank check to inflate your interest rate. WalletHub financing studies reveal that Americans hold over 1.67 trillion dollars in car loan debt, and buyers who do not check their credit ahead of time routinely get slapped with interest rates up to several percentage points higher than necessary. Greg Brannon, AAA director of automotive research, warns consumers against rushing into a purchase blindly, stating, It might be tempting to rush to the dealer for a new car when you notice a drop in ownership costs this year; however, consumers should factor in all the expenses involved before making any commitments. AAA data confirms that the average cost of driving a new car remains a massive financial burden at $11,577 a year, which breaks down to about $965 every single month.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

Is leasing a smarter option than buying? Why?

“Leasing a car is the financial equivalent of renting an apartment forever, meaning you get all of the monthly bills but none of the property equity when you decide to leave. Proponents love that new-car smell every three years, but they pay a massive premium to absorb the steepest part of the asset depreciation curve. Financial experts frequently call leasing the most expensive way to operate a vehicle because it locks you into a perpetual loop of never-ending payments. Buying may feel less glamorous upfront, but eventually the monthly payments vanish completely, the debt is erased, and you get to retain the residual trade-in value of the physical asset.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

What are the most common mistakes among car buyers?

“The single biggest blunder a buyer can make is uttering the phrase I want to keep my monthly payment under 400 dollars because a clever finance manager will simply stretch the loan term out to 84 months to hide a bloated purchase price. WalletHub automotive experts warn that this exact monthly payment trap is why residents in over 160 US cities now carry auto loan debt equal to half or more of their annual income. Buyers also consistently fall for high-pressure dealership add-ons like extended service contracts, paint sealants, and nitrogen-filled tires, which are heavily marked up by finance managers and can be purchased for pennies on the dollar from independent providers.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

What percentage of take-home pay should a consumer preferably aim for on a car payment?

“Consumers should aim to cap their monthly car payment at exactly 10 percent of their net take-home pay to avoid becoming car poor and financially suffocated. Once you pile on the real-world operating costs of auto insurance premiums, fuel, and routine maintenance, your total monthly vehicle overhead should strictly top out at 15 percent of your net income. WalletHub auto loan data shows that the national average interest rate for a new car sits above 7 percent at commercial banks, meaning that exceeding these baseline constraints runs an incredibly high risk of squeezing out critical long-term financial priorities like retirement contributions, emergency cash savings, and housing payments.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

Tips for Saving Money on Car Loans

Buy a used car: Since used cars are less expensive than new cars, you won’t need to take out as large of a loan, and your down payment will go further. However, interest rates on used cars can be higher than those on new cars, so make sure that you will actually end up paying less in the long run before signing a loan.
Make a larger down payment: The more money you’re able to put toward the car upfront, the less you’ll have to borrow, which means you’ll also pay less interest over the life of the loan. In addition, the larger your down payment is, the lower your interest rate is likely to be.
Get a shorter loan: Paying your car loan off over 24 months will require much higher monthly payments than paying it off over 72 months, for example. But you’ll also accrue far less interest, saving yourself potentially hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Practice good budgeting skills: In preparation for buying a new car, strive to set aside money in your budget each month toward a down payment or future installment payments. It’s also a good idea to build an emergency fund you can dip into if you suddenly need a new car or car repairs. In order to build a significant amount of savings, you may need to at least temporarily cut back on some luxury spending.
Shop around: Different car dealerships can have vastly different prices for cars. You should also consider a variety of different car models if you’re not loyal to a particular brand. In addition, you may want to shop for cars around holidays when dealerships tend to offer big money-saving promotions.

More From WalletHub

Healthy Habits - WeNatal Releases Clinical Study Results for Both Women and Men, Reinforcing That Fertility Is a Shared Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

WeNatal, the first prenatal supplement company designed for both women and men, today announced the results of two independent clinical studies evaluating the effects of WeNatal For Her and WeNatal For Him over a three-month period.

Conducted by Citruslabs, an independent clinical research organization, the studies followed a combined 80 participants and evaluated changes in biomarkers, well-being, sexual health, and reproductive wellness. The findings demonstrated statistically significant improvements across multiple measures related to energy, mood, libido, sexual health, and overall well-being.

The release of the studies represents an important milestone for a category that has historically focused primarily on women, despite male factors contributing to nearly half of infertility cases.

“Fertility has traditionally been treated as a women’s issue, even though healthy sperm is part of the equation in approximately half of all infertility cases,” said Ronit Menashe, Co-Founder and CEO of WeNatal. “We created WeNatal because we believed fertility should be approached as a shared journey. These studies are exciting because they provide independent data supporting what we’ve heard from our community for years: when people consistently nourish their bodies, they often feel meaningful changes.”

One of the most notable observations across both studies was the progressive nature of the results. Participants frequently experienced improvements within the first month, with many outcomes continuing to improve over the full three-month study period.

“The biggest changes rarely happen overnight – they build over time, and consistency is what drives them,” added Menashe.

WeNatal For Her Study Results

The WeNatal For Her clinical study followed 40 women between the ages of 18 and 45 who consumed three capsules daily over three menstrual cycles. Researchers evaluated blood biomarkers alongside validated questionnaires measuring energy, mood, fatigue, bloating, anxiety, vaginal dryness, and overall well-being.

By the end of the study, participants experienced statistically significant increases in both Vitamin D and Vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D plays an important role in reproductive health, hormone signaling, immune function, and overall wellness.

Researchers also found statistically significant improvements across all eight measured well-being and sexual health parameters by Cycle 3. Many improvements appeared early: by the first cycle, participants were already reporting statistically significant improvements in energy, mood, fatigue, bloating, anxiety, and vaginal dryness.

Participant-reported outcomes included:

84% reported improved overall well-being
75% reported increased energy
75% reported less fatigue
72% reported less bloating
81% said they would recommend the product to family and friends

WeNatal For Him Study Results

The WeNatal For Him clinical study followed 40 men aged 30 and older who consumed three capsules daily for three months. Researchers evaluated outcomes using blood testing, semen analysis, validated questionnaires, and participant-reported assessments related to vitality and reproductive wellness.

By Month 1, participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in:

Energy levels
Libido
Satisfaction with sex life
Ability to achieve and maintain erections during sexual activity
Muscular strength and endurance

By Month 3, eight of nine evaluated vitality and reproductive wellness parameters showed statistically significant improvement from baseline.

Participant-reported outcomes included:

65% reported improved mood and well-being
54% reported increased libido and sexual arousal
65% said they wanted to continue using the product after the study concluded

A Different Approach to Fertility

WeNatal was founded by Menashe and Vida Delrahim following their own experiences with pregnancy loss and frustration with a fertility conversation that often overlooked men. While most prenatal products are designed solely for women, WeNatal developed complementary formulations for both partners based on the belief that reproductive health is a shared responsibility.

“Most people are never taught how much their daily nutrition and overall health can influence their fertility journey,” said Vida Delrahim, Co-Founder of WeNatal. “We started WeNatal because we lived that gap ourselves. These studies are our way of giving couples the kind of evidence they deserve when making decisions about their health.”

The Citruslabs clinical studies provide an independent assessment of how WeNatal’s formulations may support nutritional status, vitality, well-being, and reproductive wellness when used consistently over time.

For more information, visit WeNatal.com.

About WeNatal

WeNatal is the first prenatal supplement company designed for both women and men. Founded by Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim after their experiences with pregnancy loss, WeNatal is redefining fertility as a shared journey through science-backed nutritional support, education, and community. The company’s products are designed to support couples from preconception through postpartum.

About Citruslabs

Citruslabs is a clinical research organization specializing in clinical studies for health and wellness brands. Through rigorous study design and independent evaluation, Citruslabs helps brands validate product claims and generate credible scientific evidence.

Smart Safety - Radon Monitoring For Health and Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

By Insoo Park, CEO & Founder – Ecosense

When it comes to creating healthy spaces, most people think about diet, exercise, or medical checkups. Yet, the air we breathe inside our homes can quietly influence our well-being just as much as any of these.

One of the most significant (and often overlooked) threats is radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into homes through the ground. It’s invisible, odorless, and estimated to be responsible for 21,000 lung cancer-related deaths each year in the US alone. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer diagnoses and deaths among non-smokers.

Our homes are meant to be sanctuaries — places where we feel secure and protected — but without realizing it, the environment inside them can sometimes expose us to unseen dangers. Everyday materials, weather changes, and the natural breakdown of soil beneath our foundations can all contribute to shifts in indoor air quality.

Understanding what’s in the air we breathe, particularly when it comes to long-term, cumulative risks like radon, is an essential part of safeguarding our families’ health.

Why continuous radon monitoring matters

Radon forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down, releasing gas that can enter homes through cracks in foundations or gaps around pipes. Outdoors, radon disperses harmlessly into the atmosphere. Indoors, however, it can accumulate to levels that pose serious health risks.

What makes radon so dangerous is not just its presence, but its persistence. The gas doesn’t announce itself with a smell or a sound, and you can’t see it collecting in basements or crawl spaces. Plus, it’s not constant - radon levels are changing all the time: day and night, season to season. The only way to know whether your home is safe is to continuously monitor it.

From one-time radon testing to continuous insight

Traditional radon testing involves placing a device in your home for a few days or weeks, then mailing it to a lab for analysis to provide a snapshot of your home’s radon level. However, radon concentrations fluctuate based on weather, pressure, and seasonal changes, so what’s safe today may not be safe next month.

Continuous radon monitoring changes that approach. With new sensor technology, homeowners can now track their indoor radon levels in real time and receive instant alerts if concentrations exceed safe levels. With that approach, homeowners can spot seasonal radon fluctuations or even common nighttime radon elevations. Continuous monitoring empowers families to take timely action, providing the peace of mind that a single test cannot.

This type of real-time data does more than measure; it informs. By understanding how radon levels shift over days, seasons, or even hours, homeowners can recognize patterns and take preventative steps, such as improving ventilation or sealing foundation cracks — taking action to reduce their risk of radon-related lung cancer.

A national concern

Radon is not confined to a single region; it is found across the United States. The highest levels are typically detected in areas with uranium-rich soils, including parts of the Midwest, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Rocky Mountains.

However, every area and home is different, and even neighboring houses can have drastically different radon readings. That’s why the EPA recommends testing every home, regardless of location or foundation type.

While regular monitoring is essential for families in states like Iowa, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, where radon levels are known to be especially high, no homeowner should assume their home is immune. Radon doesn’t discriminate by zip code or construction style.

Health impacts that can’t be ignored

The relationship between radon and lung cancer is well established. When inhaled, the radioactive particles from radon’s decay process attach to lung tissue, damaging DNA and increasing the likelihood of cancer over time. The EPA estimates that radon causes roughly 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the US — a staggering figure for a hazard that is entirely preventable with awareness and technology.

For families, especially those with children or elderly members, long-term exposure poses an even greater concern. Continuous monitoring is not only about compliance but also about protection and prevention.

A smarter, healthier future

Health and safety are no longer about reacting to dangers but about anticipating them. Just as wearable devices have changed how we monitor our physical health, continuous environmental monitoring is changing how we protect the spaces where we live, work, and raise families.

Radon may be invisible, but the solutions are not. By embracing continuous monitoring and acting on data, homeowners can take control of their indoor environment and safeguard their loved ones from one of nature’s most silent threats.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to reduce risk but to build awareness. Because when more households understand the importance of ongoing environmental monitoring, communities as a whole become healthier and more resilient.

Every test, every data point, and every act of prevention brings us one step closer to ensuring that safety and health are not left to chance, but secured through knowledge and care.

– Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, Ecosense is a leader and trusted provider of radon-detecting and monitoring solutions that are easy to use, accurate, and fast. The company's smart real-time radon detectors utilize a patented detection technology with a high-accuracy performance, which delivers results in minutes, not days. The EcoQube was named one of the Top 100 Inventions of 2021 by TIME and is available for purchase on Amazon. Ecosense’s patented ion chamber technology performance has received independent validation from the University of Michigan (Dept. of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Science) and the Kansas State University Radon Chamber. Both studies concluded that Ecosense’s patented technology performed comparably to premium research-grade detectors.

Money Matters - Where People Have the Highest Income

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

With the median yearly income in the U.S. around $83,700, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the States Where People Have the Highest Income to get a feel for how well-off Americans are across the country.

WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key metrics: the average annual income of the top 5%, the average for the bottom 20%, and the median for all of each state’s residents.

Highest Incomes		Lowest Incomes
1. Virginia		42. Alaska
2. New York		43. Kentucky
3. New Jersey		44. Vermont
4. Washington		45. Alabama
5. Connecticut		46. Rhode Island
6. Utah		47. Maine
7. Colorado		48. Louisiana
8. Minnesota		49. Mississippi
9. Illinois		50. New Mexico
10. Massachusetts		51. West Virginia

For the full report and to see where your state ranks, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-where-people-have-the-highest-income/136995

“The highest-earning 10% of individuals in the United States earn over 12 times more than those in the lowest-earning 10%, based on the latest Census data. By measuring the income of various percentiles against a state's median income, we can better identify where income disparities are more prevalent, which could help us better understand why residents of certain states struggle more to make ends meet.”
—
“Virginia is the state where people have the highest income, when balancing between the median, top 5% and bottom 20% of earners. The top 5% of earners in the state make an average $545,097 per year, while the bottom 20% make an average of $19,671 – the top 5% ranks as the second-highest in the nation, while the bottom 20% ranks fourth. The median annual income in Virginia is $95,339, which ranks as the 17th-highest in the country, so it seems like many people are skewed to either side of the wealth spectrum.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

More From WalletHub

Travel Tidbits - Malta

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

You clients think you've seen Europe you might not have truly seen Malta yet! Citrus has curated an itinerary that reads more like a dream and here's a taste of what's inside:

Chauffeur meet & greet at the aircraft — they never even see the terminal queue
Sunset sailing charter from Ta' Xbiex with a three-course dinner on deck
Private cooking class with Pippa Mattei — celebrated cookbook author, 35 years of Maltese culinary mastery, in her own home, with wine she made herself
Half-day eco food tour through rural Malta — private olive groves, real farmers, a lunch that no restaurant could replicate
Wine tasting at a family estate beneath the walls of Mdina — underground cellars, vineyard views, Maltese nibbles
Night tour of Mdina by vintage car — the Silent City after dark, with a storytelling guide and streets that feel medieval because they are
Dinner at De Mondion + Noni— 2 extraordinary Michelin-starred eateries
Pastizzi-making workshop with Ġulinu — a lifetime master of Malta's most beloved street food, in his own traditional home
Three Cities tour by Dghajsa — ancient harbor craft, Knights of St. John history, superyacht marina coffee stop

Movie Minute - A Mosquito in the Ear

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Starring Jake Lacy (The White Lotus, All Her Fault), Nazanin Boniadi (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Hotel Mumbai), and newcomer Ruhi Pal, the film is based on the true story chronicled in Andrea Ferraris’ graphic novel of the same name. A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR follows Andrew and Daniela as they travel to Goa, India to bring home their newly adopted four-year-old daughter, Sarvari. But when Sarvari refuses to leave the only home she’s ever known, their long-awaited journey takes an unexpected turn—unraveling into a volatile, deeply human struggle marked by emotional upheaval, marital strain, and the unpredictable realities of forming a family.

The film is directed and co-written by BAFTA Newcomer Nicola Rinciari in his directing debut. The film is produced by Emily Dillard, Darren Dean (The Florida Project, Tangerine), Ali K. Rizvi (Human Capital, Skin), Frank Hall Green (Run Amok, Gonzo Girl), and Stephen Stanley (What Lies Below, They live in the Grey) and Jomon Thomas (Monkey Man, Hotel Mumbai). Production in India was helmed by Laurens Postma (Exitz, The Interview: Night of 26/11) and Sunitha Ram (The Archies, After the Wedding) of Lasutra Pictures, a division of YOYOGOA Communications PVT LTD.

A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR opened the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and received the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema.

“A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR is a thoroughly lovely film-- compelling, well-made, gently funny, and emotionally resonant, highlighted by nuanced performances and an astonishingly talented child actor, " said Claudia Puig, Santa Barbara International Film Festival Program Director. “It convincingly explores the complexities of overseas adoption and the many challenges that parenthood presents in relationships. It never sugar-coats or romanticizes any aspect of the adoption process, and thoughtfully depicts the complex cultural dynamics involved. As directed by Nicola Rinciari, it is just the movie we need in these times: humanistic, culturally enlightening and warmly engaging.”

Mealtime Magic - Cheese Recipes from Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

As spring gives way to summer and the pace of entertaining picks up, three Dutch cheese brands are making a quiet case for themselves as the most versatile, most giftable, and frankly most interesting cheeses in the case. They’re not loud about it. They don’t need to be. The cheese speaks for itself.

“At FrieslandCampina, we see cheese as more than just an ingredient—it’s a catalyst for connection,” said Josh Rosen, Brand Manager, FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy. “Whether it’s elevating a simple weekday meal or anchoring a memorable gathering, our brands are crafted to deliver both everyday versatility and exceptional quality that brings people together around the table.”

A Dutch Masterpiece® is the one that makes you look like you know things. Rooted in the Dutch Golden Age—inspired by the same tradition that gave us Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals—it treats cheesemaking as a form of art, which honestly it is. The flagship Rembrandt® 12-Month Aged Gouda carries a PDO certification, which means every wheel is made from milk sourced in North Holland, produced using methods that haven’t changed because they don’t need to. Twelve months of aging gives it a bold, complex flavor and a smooth, faintly crystalline texture that lands somewhere between impressive and unforgettable. Put it on a board, bring it to a dinner party, or give it as a gift to someone you actually want to impress. All of the above work.

Royal Hollandia® plays a different game—it’s the brand that makes specialty cheese feel like something you reach for on a Wednesday. The range runs from Mild Gouda to Maasdam to a Mediterranean Herb Gouda, and the Limited Flavors Collection goes further: black garlic gouda, very berry goat cheese, and more It comes in bulk wheels, and retail wedges which means it fits neatly into a professional kitchen, a home fridge, or a picnic bag. It’s the kind of cheese that quietly elevates whatever it touches.

Then there’s Gayo Azul®, which interests anyone who cooks across cuisines. The brand was built on the premise that Dutch cheesemaking heritage and Hispanic culinary tradition don’t just coexist—they actually make each other better. The result is a lineup that includes Queso Fresco, Cotija, Queso Para Freir, Dutch Edam, and a Gouda that melts beautifully into just about anything. Tacos, ramen, a classic cheese platter—Gayo Azul moves between worlds without breaking a sweat.

Together, they cover a lot of ground. And this season, they’re the reason three very different recipes all taste like exactly what a spring or summer table should feel like. Try these gems just in time for Spring:

A DUTCH MASTERPIECE® CREAMY GOUDA FONDUE

Serves 6

Ingredients

14 oz Gruyère, finely grated

10 oz aged A Dutch Masterpiece® Rembrandt Gouda, finely grated

1½ cups dry white wine

1–1½ tsp lemon juice

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp Dijon mustard

¼ tsp nutmeg

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, heat wine and lemon juice over medium heat until gently simmering.

Toss both cheeses with cornstarch until evenly coated.

Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly in a slow figure-eight motion, allowing each addition to fully melt before adding more. Keep heat at medium-low.

Stir in Dijon mustard and nutmeg.

If needed, thin with a tablespoon of warm wine at a time. Transfer to a fondue pot and keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.

ROYAL HOLLANDIA® POTATO, ZUCCHINI & ASPARAGUS FRITTATA WITH MAASDAM & GOUDA

Serves 4–6 | Cook Time: ~30 minutes

Vegetables

2 tbsp olive oil

1½ cups zucchini, sliced

1½ cups asparagus pieces

1 cup baby spinach, chopped

1½ cups cooked baby potatoes, sliced or cubed

1–2 tomatoes, cubed

Salt to taste

Egg Mixture

12 large eggs (or plant-based alternative)

½ tsp black pepper

Pinch cayenne (optional)

½ tsp salt

Cheese

¾ cup shredded Royal Hollandia® Maasdam

¾ cup shredded Royal Hollandia® Gouda

Optional Garnish

Chives or green onions

Extra cracked pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Heat olive oil in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add asparagus and cook about 1 minute. Stir in spinach and tomatoes; cook until spinach wilts.

Add potatoes and cook another 3–4 minutes until heated through.

In a bowl, whisk eggs until fully combined. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.

Pour egg mixture into skillet and gently stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

Sprinkle cheeses over the top.

Transfer skillet to oven and bake 15–20 minutes, until eggs are set and top is lightly golden.

Garnish and serve warm.

GAYO AZUL® CHEESY RAMEN

Serves 1 | Prep: 2 minutes | Cook: 5 minutes

Ingredients

Gayo Azul® Gouda, grated

1 tsp oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 spicy ramen noodles packet

1 tbsp green onion, sliced

1 soft-boiled egg

Directions

Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.

Add ramen seasoning, noodles, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and cook until noodles are tender.

Stir to separate noodles, then turn off heat and add grated Gouda.

Cover and let cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.

Garnish with green onions and serve with a soft-boiled egg.

The beauty of cooking with cheese like this is that it does the heavy lifting without announcing itself. A fondue that draws everyone around the pot. A frittata that works as well at a brunch table as it does cold out of the fridge the next morning. A bowl of ramen that goes from late-night impulse to something genuinely satisfying just by adding a handful of grated Gouda.

Whether it’s a slow spring afternoon or the full heat of a summer cookout, these are the kinds of dishes—and the kinds of cheeses—that make the table worth gathering around.

For more information go to www.gayoazul.com www.royalhollandia.com and www.adutchmasterpiece.com

About Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. 

Gayo Azul, Royal Hollandia and A Dutch Masterpiece stand as proud brands under the umbrella of Royal FrieslandCampina. The company enriches millions of lives across the globe by delivering dairy products infused with the essential nutrients of milk. FrieslandCampina products grace over a hundred countries, with its Central Office situated in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. The company's endeavors span four global market-focused business groups: Food & Beverage, Specialized Nutrition, Trading, and Ingredients. Fully owned by Zuivelcoöpate FrieslandCampina U.A., which represents 16,995 dairy farmers across the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, FrieslandCampina is one of the world's most prominent dairy cooperatives. For further insights, explore: www.frieslandcampina.com. Gayo Azul is proud to be a part of FrieslandCampina, enriching lives worldwide with dairy products infused with essential nutrients from milk. 

House & Home - Backyard Pest Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

As summer ramps up, Americans are planning to spend more time than ever in their outdoor spaces — but mosquitoes, ticks, and wasps are threatening to ruin their plans.

A new survey of 1,004 Americans from Modern Pest Services reveals 72% have backyard gatherings or barbecues on their summer calendar, and 61% plan to spend time gardening or doing yard work. Backyards and home outdoor spaces ranked as the #1 place Americans expect to spend time this summer — above parks, beaches, and hiking trails.

However, almost half of Americans with yards (47%) say mosquitoes prevent them from fully enjoying their outdoor area. Here’s how they are tackling pest problems around their homes:

Over half (54%) use citronella candles, and 40% turn to natural oils
30% turn to professional mosquito treatments
22% turn to professional treatments for stinging insects (bees, wasps, and hornets)

Take a look at the full report for pro tips on protecting your home from summer pests.

Music Minute - Bree Taylor: More

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Spotify I Website I Facebook I Instagram I TikTok

Canadian country-rock artist Bree Taylor has released her new single "More," out now, arriving on the heels of a milestone May run that placed her as direct support for US country-rock band Lakeview on two consecutive nights: The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on May 15th, and Thunder Valley Semi Races 2026 in Nipissing, Ontario on May 16th.

"More" lands in the window of that run, adding yet another chapter to a catalogue that has already crossed 2.6 million streams. For anyone who discovered Taylor for the first time at the Horseshoe or at Thunder Valley, there's something brand new waiting the moment they get home and search her name.

The single arrives at a moment when the right people are listening, and in Bree Taylor's case, they've been listening for a while. A 2026 CMA Ontario Songwriter of the Year nominee for her original song "I Regret You," Taylor backs "More" with her latest project "Worship" also out now, national airplay on SiriusXM Top of the Country radio, and more than 2.6 million catalogue streams behind her. She writes the way she performs: all in, nothing held back.

The momentum is hard to miss. Being handpicked as direct support isn't something that happens by accident, and Taylor's May run proved the point. The Horseshoe Tavern has been the heartbeat of Toronto's live music scene since 1947, the room where Canadian careers are made and legends are cemented, and on May 15th she took that stage as direct support for Lakeview. The following night, May 16th, she brought a main stage outdoor performance to Thunder Valley Semi Races 2026 in Nipissing, one of Northern Ontario's most anticipated events of the summer. From an iconic Toronto club to a Northern Ontario main stage in the span of 24 hours, with a CMAO Songwriter of the Year nomination in the same season, Bree Taylor is not slowing down.

Bree Taylor is a Toronto-based country-rock artist with a body of work that speaks for itself and a live show that closes the deal. A FACTOR-funded independent artist with national airplay on SiriusXM Top of the Country radio, Taylor has built a streaming catalogue surpassing 2.6 million plays across multiple releases and a reputation as one of Ontario's most compelling performers. Her collaborators include Nashville's most respected production talent, and her songs, rooted in real emotion and lived experience, have earned her a fiercely loyal and growing fanbase across Canada and the United States. With "More" out now, a CMAO Songwriter of the Year nomination, and two consecutive nights as direct support for Lakeview behind her, 2026 is her year.

Music Minute - Kelly Lang: This Too Shall Pass

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Acclaimed singer-songwriter, producer, and author, Kelly Lang, is excited to release her powerful new single, “This Too Shall Pass,” from her forthcoming album, Jealous Green Eyes, arriving later this summer. Sponsored by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms, the heartfelt single delivers a timely message of hope, strength, and perseverance during a season when so many are facing different challenges around the world. Through Kelly’s signature emotional storytelling and soulful delivery, “This Too Shall Pass” offers comfort and encouragement to listeners from every walk of life, serving as an uplifting reminder to keep faith through life’s challenges and trust that brighter days are ahead. “This Too Shall Pass” was premiered digitally by GodTube, featured on My Mornings With Vanessa Broussard on Lindell TV, and will make its television premiere on American Country Network on Sunday, May 31, at 7:00 AM ET.

To see “This Too Shall Pass” premiere on Godtube, visit HERE.
To purchase/stream: KellyLang.lnk.to/ThisTooShallPassPR

“It seems like everyone is carrying some kind of storm these days. I wrote ‘This Too Shall Pass’ as a reminder to hold on just one more day because brighter days are ahead. But one of my favorite parts of the song is the reminder to hold on to the good times, too, because they also pass by so quickly. At its heart, it’s a song of hope, encouragement, and resilience, something I think we could all use a little more of these days.” - Kelly Lang

Kelly Lang’s previous single, “HollyWould,” did not shy away from controversy, offering an unfiltered look at the darker side of the entertainment industry and the high cost of chasing fame. Exploring the kind of storylines often reserved for movies and tabloid headlines, the song follows someone willing to do whatever it takes to make it in Hollywood. “HollyWould” was featured on Whiskey Riff’s New Music Friday and Taste of Country’s Video Countdown.

Her new album, Jealous Green Eyes, features eleven self-penned or co-written tracks that leave no stone unturned, exploring life, love, heartbreak, and divorce through her signature storytelling style. The project may even include a surprise “answer song” to one of country music’s most iconic hits, “I Loved Em Every One,” recorded by her legendary husband, T.G. Sheppard, which adds an extra layer of intrigue fans won’t want to miss. Additional singles will roll out throughout the spring and summer ahead of the album’s official release date, which will be announced soon.

For more information on Kelly Lang, visit KellyLang.net or follow her on social media:

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website | Twitter/X

About Kelly Lang:
Kelly Lang is a celebrated songwriter, singer, producer, author, and performer whose songs have been recorded by country legends including Ricky Skaggs, Lorrie Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, George Jones, B.J. Thomas, Jimmy Fortune, Jerry Lee Lewis, T.G. Sheppard, and Johnny Lee. She has recorded duets with icons such as Barry Gibb, Olivia Newton-John, Paul Shaffer, and Lee Greenwood, and has released a string of acclaimed albums, including ‘11:11,’ ‘Shades of K,’ ‘Throwback,’ ‘Obsession,’ ‘Old Soul,’ ‘Old Soul II,’ ‘Dragonfly,’ as solo albums and ‘Iconic Duets,’ ‘Chemistry: The Duets Collection’ and ‘Tender Tennessee Christmas’ with T.G. Sheppard. A member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Lang’s music has also reached national audiences through television, with her song “I’m Not Going Anywhere” serving as the official anthem for Ascension Hospital, and her autobiography of the same name available in print and audiobook. Her popular song “Under a Tennessee Moon” was named an official state song of Tennessee, and she made her solo debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 2023. Beyond music, Lang is a painter, speaker, and entertainer, drawing inspiration from her journey as a 20-year breast cancer survivor to create music and art that inspires and uplifts audiences nationwide. Her album, ‘Jealous Green Eyes,’ will be released later this summer.

Tech Tidbits - Screentime Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

- Lingokids, the No. 1 online entertainment platform for young children, found that while most parents set screentime limits for their children, the vast majority extend those limits, at least occasionally. The finding comes from the Kids Interactive Entertainment Report, a detailed look at screentime trends of kids ages 8 and under.

According to the report, which is based on surveys of over 2,000 U.S. parents, as well as usage data from 20 million families on the Lingokids platform, 93% of parents limit their kids' screentime, either by using built-in time limits on apps or devices, or by just watching the clock.

How do you limit your child's screentime?

I watch the clock and oversee it myself — 40.4%
Time-limit function on devices — 31%
Time-limit function on apps — 21.6%
I don't actively limit my kid's screentime — 7%

The report also found that more than 95% of parents exceed the limits they set, at least occasionally, with about 1 in 6 overriding the limit every day or almost every day.

How often do you override/extend the screentime limit for your kid?

Sometimes — 44%
Occasionally — 34.7%
Almost every day — 12.3%
Every day — 4.6%
Never — 4.4%

The report found that kids' screentime is part of life for almost all families — 98%, with 44% allowing more than 2 hours per day. Though kids can ask for additional screentime, the report found that parents are more likely to offer additional screentime if they need to finish a task, or for a special occasion.

Reasons parents override screentime limits

So they can finish a task — 41%
Special occasion — 29.1%
Child's request — 22.3%
Boredom, nothing else to do — 6.5%

"I've granted extra screentime if my kiddos have gotten chores and homework done, or for my younger one if she's done something creative, helped someone and read something, then she can have extra screentime depending on the app :)" said one parent who took the survey. "Lingokids is our FAVORITE. I'm a stay at home mom though so I can only do the free version at the moment but we love it regardless!"

The survey also asked parents which apps they are most likely to approve for extra screentime. For families that have tried Lingokids, it emerged as the clear winner with 92.9% of parents saying they are likely to say yes if their kids ask for more time on Lingokids, followed by PBS Kids with 64.4% of parents indicating they are likely to say yes when a request notification comes in.

"This data is really reassuring that we're delivering on our mission," says Lingokids COO & CMO Mikael Journo. "Our goal is to be the platform kids genuinely love spending time on and that parents trust completely. Boundaries are important, but we're glad to be the go-to platform for when families need a little extra screentime as a reward or to get through the day."

Read the full Kids Interactive Entertainment Report at lingokids.com/research.

About Lingokids

Lingokids is the No. 1 kids' interactive entertainment platform, loved by kids, designed by educators, and trusted by parents worldwide. Used by over 20 million kids each month, Lingokids turns fun screen time into safe, high-quality play that sneaks in learning.

Lingokids sparks curiosity and creativity, helping kids explore who they are and who they can become. With over 4,000 activities, shows, and songs, more than 30 awards, and nearly 200 million downloads worldwide, we partner with the biggest names including Disney, Blippi, NASA, BBC Earth, and Oxford University Press.

To learn more, visit lingokids.com. Everything kids love.

Shopping Savings - MOBI Smart Home Clinic

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

MOBI Technologies Inc. (MOBI https://mobiusa.com/), a leading developer of connected home health devices, announced today the new Smart Home Clinic for Father’s Day, an all-in-one smart wellness solution designed to help dads stay healthy, safe, and independent, giving family members greater peace of mind. The ultimate Father’s Day gift, available now through Father’s Day, June 21, 2026, the MOBI complete health bundle keeps dads connected to family and caregivers through one app for multiple devices for better health maintenance and to easily share the responsibility of caregiving between multiple family members to keep track of their health, even at a distance. The MOBI Smart Home Clinic is available at a special discount of 44% off for Father’s Day at only $149 with free shipping (44% off - normally priced at $269.96) with coupon code “DADCARE” at https://mobiusa.com/pages/fathers-day.

The MOBI Smart Home Clinic includes:

Smart Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor: The arm blood pressure monitor’s cutting-edge technology tracks, saves, graphs, and shares blood pressure and pulse rate information with family and doctors. With its advanced Bluetooth connectivity, the monitor can be used independently or paired with a smartphone, giving dad the ability to sync readings and share them.
Smart WiFi Pill Dispenser: reminds dad to take medications and detects when medications have been taken with up to 28 medication slots holding up to 35 tablets each. Additionally, it comes equipped with a flashing LED light and audio alert that reminds him when to take medicine, with an app for daily reminders that can be viewed locally and activated remotely to easily track progress, providing a history of when medications were taken or missed. The MOBI Smart Pill Dispenser also has a UV protection lid that protects light-sensitive medications and two safety locks to prevent children or others from accessing meds.
Smart Bluetooth Pulse Oximeter: connects to the MOBI App to monitor trends and share readings with family and healthcare providers. It shows blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and pulse strength with results displayed in just 10 seconds with an OLED high-resolution color display for a clear visual graph.
Smart WiFi Scale: tracks 18 body measurements to stay at a healthy weight, including weight, BMI, body fat rate %, muscle mass, fat mass, body fat index, obesity level, ideal weight, weight control, visceral fat index, weight without fat, body water %, bone mass, protein rate, BMR, metabolic age, body type, and body score.
MOBI Smart App: allows dads and family members or healthcare providers to stay informed, maintain routines, and share important health data. Instead of using separate apps, devices, and disconnected systems, with the MOBI Smart App, everything works together in one simple ecosystem designed to share the responsibility between family members for convenience, confidence, and smarter everyday care.

“I founded MOBI based on my firsthand experience in the healthcare and pharmacy industries, where I saw many elderly individuals struggle to manage their health and often forget to take their medications,” said David Naghi, President & CEO, MOBI Technologies Inc. “That experience inspired me to develop MOBI’s cutting-edge technologies to bring accessible, easy-to-use connected healthcare solutions directly into the home.”

Pricing & Availability

Available immediately until June 21, 2026, the MOBI Smart Home Clinic is priced at $149 (normally priced at $269.96) with coupon Code “DADCARE” and includes the Smart Blood Pressure Monitor, Smart Pill Dispenser, Smart Pulse Oximeter, Smart Scale, and MOBI Smart App. MOBI products are also available through major retail channels, including Amazon, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Target, Albertsons, Best Buy, and others. For more information, see https://mobiusa.com/pages/fathers-day or https://mobiusa.com/.

About MOBI

Founded in 2003 in Los Angeles, California, MOBI Technologies Inc. is a leading US innovator of smart health, wellness, baby care, and AI-powered connected home technology products. The company specializes in feature-rich, affordable solutions designed to simplify everyday life for families and caregivers. MOBI’s product portfolio includes thermometers, blood pressure monitors, baby monitors, pulse oximeters, smart health devices, and connected home products distributed through major retailers, including Walmart, CVS Health, Walgreens, Target Corporation, and Best Buy across North America.

With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and user-friendly technology, MOBI continues to expand its connected ecosystem through smart app integration, AI-powered solutions, and home health monitoring platforms that help consumers stay informed, connected, and proactive about their wellness. For more information, see: https://mobiusa.com/.

Music Minute - The Malpass Brothers: He Touched Me

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

The Malpass Brothers, country music duo Chris and Taylor Malpass, released their new single, “He Touched Me,” from their forthcoming live album and DVD, Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics, available June 26 through Gaither Music Group. The track premiered digitally with Dillon Weldon and the Drifting Cowboy Podcast and is available now as an instant download with album pre-order.

New Single, “He Touched Me,” Available Now — Stream Here
'Satisfied: Country Gospel Classic' Album Available for Pre-Order Now

"These are the songs we were raised on,” said The Malpass Brothers. “They were always playing at home, on the road, and backstage. We wanted this project to feel true to the music and present the songs the way we’ve always loved hearing them. Recording them live made the experience even more meaningful.”

The second single, “He Touched Me,” premiered digitally on Dillon Weldon's Drifting Cowboy Podcast and is available now as an instant download with album pre-order. The performance captures the spirit that defines the duo's straightforward, harmony-driven country music grounded in faith and timeless storytelling.

"Chris and Taylor have a deep respect for the traditions that shaped country and gospel music, and they bring that to life every time they step on stage,” said Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group and Gaither Music Group. “This project captures that authenticity in a powerful way, and we’re proud to partner with them in sharing it with audiences everywhere.”

Filmed live at TBN Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee, 'Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics' features a collection of beloved hymns and gospel standards performed in an intimate concert setting. Backed by a seasoned band, the project showcases the warmth, simplicity and reverence that have become hallmarks of The Malpass Brothers’ sound.

Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics will be available as an audio album, full-length DVD, and television special. The television special will air on TBN, RFD-TV, The Word Network, Vision, TCT, The Walk TV, TLN, HopeTV, The Miracle Channel, CTS, CTN, and Heartland. Tune in times are located on the Gaither.com website here. Pre-order the album here.

The full-length project will also be available to stream at Gaither TV+, or fans may purchase the DVD and CD at Gaither.com.

Watch the performance video for “He Touched Me” on the Gaither Music YouTube channel here.

The Malpass Brothers were recently honored by their hometown of Goldsboro with an official proclamation presented by Mayor Charles Gaylor IV in recognition of the duo’s hard work, dedication to country music, and continued efforts to bring national attention and pride to their community. Known for preserving the timeless sounds and traditions of classic country music, The Malpass Brothers have become celebrated ambassadors for Goldsboro, carrying the spirit of their hometown with them on stages across the country and beyond.

The duo was also recently surprised backstage at the Grand Ole Opry with the announcement that The Paramount Theatre in Goldsboro will name its annex after The Malpass Brothers later this year.

"We commend Chris and Taylor Malpass for their dedication to their craft and wish them continued success as they share the rich tradition of country music with audiences everywhere,” said Mayor Charles Gaylor IV.

The Malpass Brothers on tour:
JUN 03 - Country For A Cause / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 05 - The Farm Jamb / Kirksville, Ky.
JUN 06 - Cherokee Bluegrass Festival / Cherokee, N.C.
JUN 19 - The Reeves Theater / Elkin, N.C.
JUN 20 - Rudy Theatre / Selma, N.C.
JUN 24 - 75th National Square Dance Convention / Waco, Texas
JUN 25 - Greenville Municipal Auditorium / Greenville, Texas
JUN 26 - The Lantex Theater / Llano, Texas
JUN 27 - The Texas Theatre / Seguin, Texas
JUN 28 - Main Street Crossing / Tomball, Texas
JUL 17 - Little River Bluegrass Barn / Radford, Va.
JUL 19 - The Nashville Palace / Nashville, Tenn.
JUL 25 - Spartansburg Fairgrounds / Spartansburg, Pa.
JUL 29 - Keller Centre / Colborne, Ontario
AUG 06 - Pickin’ In Parsons / Parsons, W. Va.
AUG 07 - James H. Garner Conference Center / Troy, N.C.
AUG 14 - Huntingdon County Fair / Huntingdon, Pa.
AUG 21 - Alabama Theatre / North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
AUG 23 - Private Event / Clare, Mich.
AUG 28 - Sibyl Center / Stanley, N.D.
AUG 29 - The Lakes Bluegrass Festival / Backus, Minn.
SEP 05 - Stonington Farms Music Fest / Kinston, N.C.
SEP 11 - The Historic Ritz Theatre / Toccoa, Ga.
SEP 12 - Liberty Showcase / Liberty, N.C.
SEP 17 - Nothin’ Fancy Bluegrass Festival / Buena Vista, Va.
SEP 20 - American Music Theatre / Lancaster, Pa.
SEP 21 - Amish Country Theater / Millersburg, Ohio
SEP 25 - The Lincoln Jamboree / Hodgenville, Ky.
SEP 26 - Kentucky Opry / Benton, Ky.
SEP 30 - Blue Gate Performing Arts / Shipshewana, Ind.
OCT 03 - Lucille Tack Center / Spencer, Wis.
OCT 05 - Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with David Frizzell)
OCT 06 - Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with Dion Pride)
OCT 07 - Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with Tony Booth, Mary Lou Turner & Barbara Fairchild)
OCT 08 - Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with Moe Bandy)
OCT 09 - Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with T. Graham Brown)
OCT 10 - Meramec Music Theatre / Steelville, Mo.
OCT 11 - 4th Street Theater / Moberly, Mo.
OCT 15 - Georgia Mountain Fall Festival / Hiawassee, Ga.
OCT 17 - R-S Central High School / Rutherfordton, N.C.
OCT 30 - Paramount Theatre / Goldsboro, N.C.
NOV 20 - The New Granbury Live / Granbury, Texas
DEC 02 - Amish Country Theater / Millersburg, Ohio

For additional tour dates, visit themalpassbrothers.com.

About The Malpass Brothers:
Rooted in the timeless sounds of classic country, The Malpass Brothers—Chris and Taylor were inspired early on by their grandfather’s LP collection and the legendary harmonies of duos like Jim & Jesse, the Louvin Brothers, and the Wilburn Brothers. Mentored by steel guitar legend Don Helms and later handpicked by Merle Haggard as an opening act for seven years, the brothers have carried the torch for traditional country across stages nationwide. Their debut album, 'Memory That Bad’ was produced by Haggard, followed by projects with Bluegrass Hall of Famer Doyle Lawson. Their latest release, ‘Lonely Street,’ co-produced by Lawson and Ben Isaacs, showcases the Malpass Brothers’ authentic songwriting and deep reverence for the golden era of country music. They are currently working on multiple projects, a new live album for 2026, and filming Season 3 of The Malpass Brothers Show.

About Gaither Music Group:
One of the largest Independent Christian music companies in the world and a household name for millions of fans, Gaither Music Group (part of Sun Label Group, which encompasses Gaither Music, Sun Records, Green Hill, emeraldwave by Green Hill, and Rural Rhythm), in partnership with Primary Wave Music Publishing, is known worldwide for its award-winning and top-selling recordings, including the Gaither Gospel Series, of which 133 products have been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum.     

Fun Freetime - Summer at the Getty

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Getty is gearing up for another busy summer at the Getty Center and Getty Villa. Starting this month, the Getty Center will host viewings of featured soccer matches with special food and drink menus, and will have extended hours on select Fridays for the viewings. Visitors are also invited to enjoy free concerts, family programs and exhibitions.

Summer at the Getty Center

From June 11 to July 19, the Getty Center will host viewings of soccer matches on newly installed screens at the Trellis Bar & Lounge and Garden Terrace Café, and will have extended hours on June 12, June 19, June 26 and July 3 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. to accommodate evening games. Normal Friday hours will resume on July 10. Visitors arriving after 5 p.m. can park for free throughout the viewings. Learn more about the watch parties and view the complete schedule online.

Special cocktails for the viewings include the Yellow Card, premium vodka mixed with honeyed syrup, candied ginger mint and lime, the Getty Gridlock, made with Amaretto, bourbon, lime juice, cranberry juice and sparkling water, and Summer Breeze, made with aged rum, a ripe banana slice, banana liqueur, fresh lime juice and simple syrup.

Food options include popcorn, all beef hot dogs, and Italian meatball subs at the Garden Terrace, and mini smash burgers, taquitos, guacamole and tajin tostadas, a crispy fish burger and more at Trellis. The Trellis Bar & Lounge is open from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with extended hours on Saturdays until 8:30 p.m. Trellis will have extended hours until 8:30 p.m. on June 12, June 19, June 26 and July 3 to accommodate the watch parties.

The Center's annual free outdoor summer concert series, “Off the 405,” features musicians on the courtyard stage on select Saturdays through August. Artists include Hunx and His Punx on June 13, LEENALCHI on July 11, Horse Lords on July 25 and Laurel Halo on August 22. Ticket reservations are released in advance before each concert online.

A Summer Solstice Celebration kicks off the season’s family events on June 21. The Getty Research Institute will host a day of music and craft workshops, including jazz on the terrace from The Don Brown Collective, choral performances by David Horvitz and Becky Stark with the Sound as Light Choir, and summer-themed treats. Additional events at the center include a collage workshop, drawing activities and artist demonstrations.

During weekends in August, families can attend “Garden Concerts for Kids” to dance and sing along to musical performances on the Center’s grass lawn. This summer’s musicians include Dan + Claudia Zanes with Tyree Austin on August 1 and 2, Flor Bromley on August 8 and 9, and Elizabeth Mitchell on Aug 15 and 16. Free ticket reservations will be available closer to the event dates.

Summer at the Getty Villa

On Sunday, June 7, the Villa Family Festival: Ancient Egypt celebrates the stories, symbols, and spirit of ancient Egypt at this lively, family-friendly festival. Enjoy live Egyptian music by Maqam Band that evokes the sounds of historic Cairo, alongside sounds of Egypt with DJ Passionfruit, hands-on art workshops and interactive experiences. The festival at the Getty Villa complements “The Egyptian Book of the Dead” exhibition. Family programs are always free and offered year-round at the Getty Center and Getty Villa.

Dive into “The Odyssey” with a self-guided tour of artworks that feature the myths and monsters in Homer's epic tale. Available in early July, pick up a free brochure at Getty information desks and the tour meeting place.

Exhibitions at the Getty Center and Getty Villa

At the Getty Center, view “Virtue and Vice: Allegory in European Drawing” by June 7, and “Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985” by June 14. Upcoming exhibitions at the Center include “Lost. Found. Returned” and “Stendahl’s World: Marketing Ancient Mexico and Modern Art in Los Angeles” opening on June 23, “Odilon Redon: Otherworldly Visions” on July 14, “The Making of a Medieval Manuscript” on August 4, “Instante/revelación: Moments in Mexican Photography” and “‘Every minute is history’: Five Views of Los Angeles” on September 1, and “The Holy Family at Home” on September 22.

At the Getty Villa, “The Egyptian Book of the Dead” is open now through November 30.

Visit both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa through the Getty’s Pay Once, Park Twice program, in which same-day parking at both sites is available for $25. Parking is $15 after 3 p.m. and $10 after 6 p.m. From June 11 to July 19th, parking at the Getty Center will be free after 5 p.m. Admission to the free and requires a timed-entry reservation.

For a full list of Getty’s public programming, please visit our online calendar.

As previously announced, the Getty Center will temporarily close for renovations next year, beginning March 2027.

Healthy Habits - The Impact of Medical Record Access

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

How are digital health systems supporting America’s wellness? For many, managing their health now includes managing their medical records. A new survey from Harmony Healthcare IT reveals that difficulties accessing health information are contributing to delayed care, repeated tests, and frustrating healthcare experiences.

Key findings include:

1 in 6 Americans have delayed medical care because accessing their records felt too difficult or time-consuming
46% say they’ve filled out the same medical history forms multiple times at appointments
11% have had to repeat medical tests because previous results weren’t available

These challenges are more common than many realize. 1 in 3 Americans report difficulty requesting medical records, and among them, nearly half (48%) were only able to transfer records with issues, while 8% couldn’t transfer them at all.

While data privacy remains critical, these findings explore the gap between protecting information and making it usable when it matters most.

Take a look at the full report for more insights into how data access is shaping patient care.

Parenting Pointers - Generational Divides Podcast

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

The new episode of Open to Debate's podcast series “Generational Divides" brings representatives from three different generations to debate a few questions about modern parenting:

Has social media made parenting harder?
Does gentle parenting work?
Should kids be free to roam?

If you’ve ever scrolled through r/Parenting on Reddit or a mom support group on Facebook, you know raising kids has become a minefield. Every tip has a counter tip, every method a manifesto, and a quick Google can surface a myriad of new worries. Parents have splintered into camps — sleep train or co-sleep? Hand over the iPad or redirect to the Pinterest-perfect Montessori shelves? Somewhere along the way, older generations started looking at younger generations and asking: Are the parents alright?

The debaters are:

For Baby Boomers: Lenore Skenazy, Co-founder of the Free-Range Kids movement
For Gen X: Reshma Saujani, Founder of Girls Who Code; CEO of Moms First
For Millennials: Kristin Gallant, Co-founder of Big Little Feelings
Guest Moderator: Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large at Reason

Listen/watch the episode on YouTube, Substack, or wherever you get podcasts.

About Generational Divides:
Smart, contrarian, and funny, Generational Divides with Nick Gillespie embodies Open to Debate’s commitment to lively, nuanced discourse in an age of echo chambers. With provocative prompts, generationally diverse guests, and Gillespie’s trademark wit guiding the way, the series invites listeners to question their assumptions and join a conversation that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening.

Book Nook - Walter the Woogobee: The Vortex to Vidza

noreply@blogger.com (Bekah) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:44:55 +0000

Are you ready for an intergalactic journey through the vortex with an alien pup who talks and shape-shifts?

Join Walter the Woogobee and his friends on this whirlwind adventure across mystical planets as they navigate unknown lands, a valley filled with gold, encounter wind that speaks, elephants that fly, and nothing is normal.

They must tackle extraterrestrial threats on a distant world while forming friendships in foreign lands. At risk is not only their own survival, but the fate of the local village they have vowed to defend.

Can Walter and his friends save a distant planet from monstrous threats?

And can they navigate the vortex to find their way home?

Perfect for young readers interested in science fiction and fantasy adventures.

https://brendabeckelmanbooks.com/

Motherhood Moment

Caring Causes - Here Comes Summer Benefit

Amazing Appst: KidHu

Musi Minute - Gibson Artist Spotlight: Black Polish

Caring Connections - Relationship Conflict and Vacations

Fun Freetime - Villa Family Festival: Ancient Egypt (Getty Villa, LA)

Website Spotlight - Recess

Parenting Pointers - Back-to-School Shopping Survey

Healthy Habits - Braces Are Back: Cooper Orthodontics Says Today’s Patients Are Embracing Orthodontic Care Instead of Hiding It

About Cooper Orthodontics

Money Matters - Overspending on Car Loans

Healthy Habits - WeNatal Releases Clinical Study Results for Both Women and Men, Reinforcing That Fertility Is a Shared Journey

Smart Safety - Radon Monitoring For Health and Safety

Why continuous radon monitoring matters

A national concern

Money Matters - Where People Have the Highest Income

Travel Tidbits - Malta

Movie Minute - A Mosquito in the Ear

Mealtime Magic - Cheese Recipes from Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.

House & Home - Backyard Pest Survey

Music Minute - Bree Taylor: More

Music Minute - Kelly Lang: This Too Shall Pass

Tech Tidbits - Screentime Survey

Shopping Savings - MOBI Smart Home Clinic

Music Minute - The Malpass Brothers: He Touched Me

Fun Freetime - Summer at the Getty

Healthy Habits - The Impact of Medical Record Access

Parenting Pointers - Generational Divides Podcast

Book Nook - Walter the Woogobee: The Vortex to Vidza

Mealtime Magic - Cheese Recipes from Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.