Healthy Habits - An Analysis of Fitness Industry Website Visits

 Did you know what's driving the staggering 31.68% surge in online traffic to fitness websites over the past five years? Not only are males increasing this number, but females have their fair share in this traffic surge as well.

The latest Gymnearx.com study delves deep into the digital fitness realm, analyzing data from the 50 most visited fitness websites, which collectively drew over 2.2 billion visits in 2023 alone.

Interestingly, Gender distribution across these websites is nearly equal, with males comprising 51.92% (1116.6M visits) and females 48.08% (1034.0M visits), indicating widespread interest in fitness among both genders.

Delving deeper into user preferences , the study identifies the most popular content categories which are Training with 488.0M visits (23%), Diets and Supplements at 361.6M visits (17%), and Fitness Blogs with 329.5M visits (15%), indicating the preferences of online fitness enthusiasts.

Geographically, America leads with 1274.9M visits (54.37%), followed by the United Kingdom with 196.0M visits (8.36%) and Canada with 107.1M visits (4.57%), reflecting the primary regions of engagement.

The analysis of online engagement in the fitness industry involved using SEMrush to study website traffic of the top 50 fitness websites over five years, categorizing content, identifying traffic sources by country, segmenting by gender, and normalizing data per capita for global comparison.

As Gymnearx uncovers key trends in how people engage with the online fitness space from 2019 to 2023, one burning question arises: What's fueling this global commitment to fitness, and what does it mean for the future of wellness?

As we continue to uncover key trends and patterns in fitness engagement, we invite you to delve deeper into our comprehensive article for a more detailed analysis and discussion. Click here to access the full article on Gymnearx.com. 

Amazing Art - Starting to Quilt

 Starting to quilt can be both exciting and a bit daunting for beginners. 

With the right approach and tools, anyone can start creating beautiful quilts that will be cherished for years. 

Here's Master Quilter Corey Pearson’s advice on the essential steps and tips for those ready to dive into the world of quilting, making the process as enjoyable and rewarding as possible:

“To get started with quilting, begin by selecting a quilt top pattern that you're excited about, ideally one that works well with pre-cut materials like Jelly Rolls or Layer Cakes; the BasiX template is a fantastic starting point. Remember, your first quilt doesn't need to be huge—something around 48” x 49” is perfect for beginners,” he says.

Another aspect of quilting is the tools that are needed.

“Invest in a ¼” foot for your sewing machine since most quilt piecing patterns require a ¼” seam allowance, and this foot will help keep your fabric aligned. Also, acquire a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat; these tools are essential for accurately cutting your fabric.”

There are also resources available that people can use.

“Consider making a Design Wall to assist in arranging your pieces; a simple one can be made with flannel from a local fabric store, saving you money while boosting your creativity. Look up instructional videos, like one I have on using the BasiX template, to guide you through the process of creating your first quilt top. Above all, don't stress—quilting is about enjoyment and expression, so have fun with it!”

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

Why can it be intimidating to start a quilting project?

Starting a quilting project can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, looking up at all the work you have to accomplish to get to the top. It's not just about sewing pieces of fabric together; it's about choosing the right patterns, colors, and techniques, not to mention the precision and patience required. The vast array of choices and the fear of making a mistake can make it quite intimidating. However, it’s important to note that quilting does not have to be hard or stressful. There are tons of kits and tutorials you can get that really make the process easier and even peaceful. 

If you have a quilt that doesn’t “turn out well”, it can always be donated to a great cause, so you won’t feel like you’re throwing away your time or energy. 

What are some ways that people can start with a smaller project to see if quilting is for them?

Smaller projects like placemats, table runners, or even a simple patchwork pillow can be perfect starters. They require less time and material, giving you a taste of quilting without the overwhelming commitment. Baby blankets are also a great way to test quilting without committing to a full size blanket. 

What are some common mistakes beginners often make and how can they be avoided?

A common hiccup for beginners is biting off more than they can chew with complex patterns, which can lead you to feeling frustrated and burnt out. Simple is best for beginners. Simple quilts teach you the fundamentals and the “why” and “how” certain processes work.

Another common mistake is not paying enough attention to cutting and piecing accuracy, which can throw off the whole project. It's like trying to assemble a puzzle with pieces that don't quite fit. Avoid these pitfalls by starting simple, taking your time, and double-checking measurements. Remember, quilting is more of a marathon than a sprint.

Where can people go for more resources on beginning quilting projects?

Local fabric stores often offer classes tailored to beginners, providing a great way to learn in a supportive environment. Online you can find countless tutorials, forums, and video lessons on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. And don't overlook the power of social media groups and quilting blogs, where you can find advice, inspiration, and a community of people who can offer insight and tips. 

Book Nook - Unschool Discoveries

Serial Entrepreneur and first time author Danii Oliver has released their first children's book, ‘Unschool Discoveries’ a whimsical story about unschooled mixed heritage characters who enjoy adventure and natural learning together. "I wrote this book in the hope that my stories will be a gateway to many, many more adventures of unique beings having undocumented human experiences," says Oliver.

In the book, readers meet Danielle & David, two curious kids who learn in the freest way possible - by diving headfirst into the world around them! They’ve said goodbye to big city buildings and hello to wide-open spaces, finding excitement and surprises along the way.

Readers are able to follow Danielle and David’s natural sense of wonder, the joy of discovering new things, and the fun of learning without the confines of school. Every day brings a new adventure, new questions to answer, and a new treasure to discover. Join our fearless friends as they explore their new life and show you the ease of Unschooling. Turn the page to see where lifelong learning begins!

"Unschool Discoveries" is a fresh take on storytelling where the adventure is real and the learning is as natural as play.

"I was inspired to write this story because my family was struggling to find books about the lived experiences of People of Color," said Oliver. "This monoculture display extended to tv shows and indie web series. Learning abc’s, 123’s, shapes, colors and baby sign language from only European characters did the opposite of showing my kids what they were capable of."

Danii Oliver is a wife, mother, queer, creative, tech growth entrepreneur, HCI & Bev anthologist and an unschool advocate for professional moms who enjoys sharing insights, stories and mentorship. Danii goes on to describe how they decided to start at the beginning, telling the story of their family hopes, dreams and accomplished goals. What seems like fiction is actually a memoir, and sets the stage for other stories about the unschool life. In the future, they hope to write more stories about "Unschool Discoveries' is for parents who delight in learning about the unschool experience and for children who are themselves unschooled.

Visit https://unschooldiscoveries.com to purchase “Unschool Discoveries” for additional information or media inquiries, contact Kosi Harris at Kosi@kosiharrispr.com.

About Danii Oliver

Danii Oliver is not just a storyteller; they’re also a wife, mother, queer creative, tech growth entrepreneur, HCI & Bev anthologist, and an advocate for unschooling professional moms. Through their enchanting tales and diverse background, Danii celebrates the joy of curiosity and exploration, inviting both children and adults to embrace learning firsthand. As one of the voices behind the "Unschool Pages of Our Lives" podcast, Danii shares heartfelt stories and insights, fostering a community of lifelong learners. 

Connect with Danii through their newsletter at 

https://unschooldiscoveries.com/community, listen to the "Unschool Pages of Our Lives" podcast, or follow their journey on social media @UnschoolPagesofOurLives. Join Danii on an adventure of endless discovery and learning without limits.

Freebies!

 Butterly Biome at Lowe's Build & Grow 5/4

Parenting Pointers - 2024's Best Cities for Children's Playgrounds

 

Which cities offer the best spots to take the kids for a fun day on the playground? To mark National Playground Safety Week starting April 22, LawnStarter ranked 2024's Best Cities for Children’s Playgrounds. We compared over 430 of the biggest U.S. cities based on three categories. We considered the number of playgrounds, average visitor ratings, and local crime rate, among 7 total metrics. See the 10 best (and 10 worst) cities for playgrounds below, followed by key takeaways. (Don’t see your city below? Check out the full ranking.)

Best Cities for Children’s Playgrounds Rank City 1 New York, NY 2 Cambridge, MA 3 Somerville, MA 4 Chicago, IL 5 San Francisco, CA 6 7 8 9 10 New Rochelle, NY Boston, MA Waukegan, IL Quincy, MA Jersey City, NJ Worst Cities for Children’s Playgrounds Rank City 1 Pueblo, CO 2 Fayetteville, NC 3 Sioux City, IA 4 Lafayette, LA 5 Richmond, VA 6 7 8 9 10 Gastonia, NC Tyler, TX Macon, GA Independence, MO Flint, MI

Key Insights: Big cities such as New York (No. 1), Chicago (No. 4), and San Francisco (No. 5) landed at the top with the best access to playgrounds. These cities boast some of the highest Walk Scores, making it easy for children and their caregivers to get to the playground. Less populous suburbs like New Rochelle, New York (No. 6), Waukegan, Illinois (No. 8), and Johns Creek, Georgia (No. 24) have fewer playgrounds to choose from when compared with NYC, Chicago, and Atlanta (No. 220). However, they scored near the top thanks to their high playground ratings and safe communities. Richmond, Virginia (No. 427), finished near the bottom of our ranking not from an absence of playgrounds — the city claims 58 — but due to a lack of safety. Richmond has the highest rate of sex offenders out of the cities in our ranking with 295 registered offenders per 10,000 residents at the time of writing.   Read the full story here: http://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/best-cities-playgrounds/ Other helpful links: Methodology Hire a local LawnStarter pro to handle all of your lawn care and landscaping tasks while you make memories with your children at the playground.    More from LawnStarter:  11 Ways to Make Your Yard a Safer Place for Kids 10 Tips for Gardening with Kids Pickleball and 15 Other Fun Yard Games for Kids Best Cities for Single Moms Best Cities for Single Dads to Live Best Cities for Cornhole Lovers

Mealtime Magic - Fresh Spring Recipes from Stemilt

Apple Quinoa Lentil Salad

 

 

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions, cutting cook time to between 8 and 10 minutes, to render a firmer grain. Drain, as necessary, fluff with fork and set aside.
2. Cook French green lentils according to package directions, cutting cook time to between 10 to 15 minutes, to render a firmer lentil. Drain, as necessary, and set aside.

Note: test quinoa and lentils before pulling off heat and adjust cook time, as preferred, to achieve a firmer bite.

1. Meanwhile, toast chopped walnuts in a skillet set over medium high heat, stirring intermittently.
2. After about 2 minutes, drizzle nuts with maple syrup; stir consistently for approximately 1 more minute to coat nuts thoroughly. Remove from heat to cool.
3. Whisk ingredients for vinaigrette in a large bowl.
4. Add sliced apple to vinaigrette and mix well to coat (this helps keep apples bright). Add parsley and “cooled” maple-sweetened walnuts to bowl.
5. Then add cooled quinoa and lentils. Mix salad thoroughly and season with salt and pepper.
6. If desired, allow salad to sit in fridge for 15 to 20 minutes so flavors can mix and mingle.
7. Plate salad with a topping of fresh arugula and serve.

Note: If you plan to store salad in fridge, keep arugula separate until ready to plate. Salad, without arugula mixed in, will keep nicely in fridge for 3 to 5 days.

For the main course:

Easter Ham with Apple Glaze

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat-side up. Optionally, you can score the fat. Press the cloves into the fat, spacing them evenly across the ham. Bake for two hours.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. Place the apples, apple cider vinegar, and water in a large saucepan.
4. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Cool briefly, then puree in a blender.
5. Press the mixture gently through a fine mesh strainer to remove thicker pieces of pulp, so that what remains looks smoother and less like applesauce.
6. Place the mixture in a medium saucepan along with the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and ground cloves.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat, stirring periodically, for 15-20 minutes to bring the flavors together.
8. After the ham has cooked for 2 hours, pour the apple glaze over it and continue to cook for another hour to 1 1/2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
9. For the last 30 minutes, slice the remaining 3 Fuji apples and spread them around the bottom of the roasting pan, coating them with the apple glaze. Let rest 10 minutes or more before carving.

Book Nook - God's Earth is Something to Fight For

 God's Earth Is Something To Fight For is a Christian, faith-based picture book about why human beings are responsible for fighting climate change and how kids can help. 

Through Bible verses, author Amy Houts explains to kids that everyone, all human beings, must work together to save the Earth by reversing the effects of hundreds of years of human-created environmental damage.

 

From organizing peaceful protests and writing letters to elected officials to recycling and saving water at home, kids are encouraged to make change and to ask others to do so as well. And that they should not feel discouraged if they can’t convince everyone.

 

From the book:

 

Did you know?

 

“The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.” (Ps. 24:1)

 

We are thankful we can live, work, and play here.

 

God didn’t ask us to care for the earth—

He commanded us!

 

So, what are you waiting for?

Let’s get started!

 

The book includes suggestions on how readers can reduce their carbon footprints and a bibliography.

Book Nook - Here I Am, I Am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health

 I recently had a chance to review the book Here I Am, I Am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health. 

I consider myself fortunate that my kids are pretty comfortable with talking about mental health. However, I know there are a lot of parents who don't really bring up the topic - either because they don't feel they know enough about it, or because it's not a topic they feel comfortable discussing.

This book can help with that. It's a graphic novel, which means it's written in a way that is accessible to readers with many different abilities. The writing style makes it comfortable and helps destigmatize the conversation around mental health. It's also a good way to start conversations between adult and child, or at least to give kids language to use in discussing their feelings.

It manages to cover a lot of topics in a concise yet thorough way: mindfulness, substance abuse, depression, suicide, and a lot more. If you aren't quite sure how to start a discussion with your kids about mental health, this is a good resource.

Caring Causes - Northwest Battle Buddies

 

Recent statistics show that as of 2024, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet. They provide unconditional love, companionship, and more. 

Some dogs do even more. Specially trained service dogs from Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB) help Veterans live the life they deserve. 

Battle Buddies enrich their partners’ connections to others. Here is what NWBB Veteran Ryan has to say about his Battle Buddy dog Twitch: 

“After serving two tours in Iraq, I had all the signs of a Veteran in distress. I was socially withdrawn, chronically anxious, and had little hope for my future. NWBB changed everything. My service dog helped me improve my marriage, find better jobs, and even buy a house. Dreams I thought were unattainable started coming true...I was finally happy and comfortable.”

22 Veterans a day, over 8,000 a year, commit suicide on American soil.  The 212+ NWBB dogs that serve as companions for Veterans have been lifelines to these American heroes, and we can proudly say that every pairing is a success.

Veterans facing the challenges of PTSD find solace and support in their remarkable canine companions, known as Battle Buddies. These extraordinary dogs are paired with Veterans coping with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, providing invaluable assistance in their journey towards healing and resilience. From accompanying them on routine errands to enjoying leisure activities, these faithful companions enable Veterans to engage in everyday experiences that may otherwise seem daunting. With over five months of training, NWBB dogs can do so much for their partners, including waking their Veteran from nightmares, interrupting anxiety attacks, redirecting flashbacks, alerting on adrenaline, providing a social barrier in public, performing pressure therapy, and providing a constant feeling of safety.

Music Minute - Tucker Wetmore: Wind Up Missin' You

 

Breakthrough Country artist Tucker Wetmore released the highly-anticipated follow-up single “Wind Up Missin' You” March 29. Penned by Wetmore with Thomas Archer and Chris LaCorte and produced by Justin Ebach, “Wind Up Missin' You” has already garnered significant traction prior to its official release as its surpassed 26M views, 34K+ Shazams and over 100K user-generated videos online. Anticipation for the song carried over to release day as the song holds strong at No. 4 on the iTunes all-genre and Country charts, only behind Beyoncé.   LISTEN: “WIND UP MISSIN' YOU”   “I'm incredibly proud of this song,” shares Wetmore. “It paints a picture of young love to me, something we've all had a taste of at some point. Me and my buddies poured our hearts into it trying to capture that feeling just right. When we wrote it, we knew we had something special, but it was the support from the fans that turned it into something bigger than I could've ever dreamed of. You guys changed my life with the last song, and I hope y'all enjoy this one too.”

ABOUT TUCKER WETMORE: Singer-songwriter Tucker Wetmore knows his way around a Country song. His own life has unfolded like one, from his small-town childhood in the rural American Northwest to his time playing college football in Montana. When an injury ended his hopes of a professional career, Tucker headed back home to Kalama, Wash. — population: 2,700 — and dusted off his guitar, channeling his feelings into original songs that are rooted in Country storytelling with modern melodies. Less than a year later, he moved to Nashville to begin chasing down his own version of the American Dream, sharpening his writing skills and crafting a unique Country sound.   With magnetic charm and versatile songwriting, Tucker is striving to make a connection, and so far, it's working. Amassing nearly 1M followers and tens of millions of views online, Tucker's dedicated fanbase eagerly anticipates his next move. He's already notched a spot on Billboard's Hot 100 with his Feb. 2024 debut single “Wine Into Whiskey” as it nears 30M+ streams and spins on SiriusXM The Highway and multiple Country radio stations independently.  Now, with the release of the follow-up track to his head-turning debut, “Wind' Up Missin' You,” Tucker continues to captivate audiences with his authentic sound. Come spring, Tucker will bring his new music to the road for the first time, joining Country powerhouse Kameron Marlowe on his Strangers Tour. From the football field to the stage, he's always brought dedication and drive to his work… and these days, that work is sounding like a singer-songwriter on the brink of putting himself on the map.