Terrific Tech - 8 Most Popular Searches on Instagram Before Mother's Day

“People turn to social media platforms like Instagram not just to wish their mothers but also to find perfect ways to celebrate this special day,” points out Jason Adler, Repocket’s Software Engineer. Extracting Instagram data, Adler notes a surge in specific search patterns preceding Mother's Day. Accessories, gift ideas, recipes, and inspirational quotes dominated the searches, reflecting how much people wanted to make the day unique for their mothers, as per Printful Blog’s report.

Roles change, but mothers' significance and impact remain timeless. Mother's Day, celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May in many parts of the world, is a testament to this universal truth. Soaring search patterns and sentiments on Instagram indicate the massive enthusiasm around this day, highlighting its universal appeal.

A Brief History and Global Anticipation of Mother's Day

Mother's Day goes back to ancient times when Greeks and Romans held festivals honoring mother goddesses. According to History.com, however, the modern-day version of Mother's Day traces back to the early 20th century in the U.S. It sprang from the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who held a memorial for her mother in West Virginia in 1908. Jarvis wanted to find a way to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children, eventually leading to President Woodrow Wilson formally establishing Mother's Day as a national holiday in 1914.

Fast forward to 2022, and Mother's Day, now recognized by countless countries, is celebrated with pomp, style, and emotion worldwide. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have enhanced the enthusiasm, enabling users to celebrate, honor, and remember mothers creatively—from special posts and shares to unique online events and campaigns.

This excitement is reflected in the Instagram statistics. Nearly a billion users pepper the platform with photos, stories, IGTV videos, and now reels, immersing in the festivities. The anticipation is palpable, with an outpouring of relevant content from weeks leading to the actual day.

8 Popular Instagram Searches Before Mother's Day

The distinct searches peaking on Instagram before Mother's Day provide exciting insights. According to data from Upela, ShareThis, and Instagram Help Center, these are the top eight:

1. Mother's Day quotes

Heartwarming and inspirational quotations about mothers dominate the searches. According to a Quora survey, Instagram users look for the best words to express appreciation and love for their mothers.

2. Mother's Day gifts

Storyly’s data states that searches for unique and thoughtful gifts surge, reflecting the desire to surprise mothers with something special. This is backed by a popular Instagram post saying that looking for Mother's Day gifts is the best way to support your mom.

3. DIY cards for Mother's Day

According to a survey from Quora, handmade items hold a unique charm. Users scour Instagram for tutorials and ideas on crafting a personal card for moms. According to a post from a popular Instagram user, many people watch their videos during events like Mother’s Day to ask for help making gifts for their moms.

4. Flowers for Mother's Day

Flowers remain a classic choice, and the search for the best gifts testifies to this. According to an article from EasternSuburbsMums, flowers are a token of love, appreciation, and connection, which is the perfect gift for all supermoms!

5. Mother's Day recipes

Those planning a home-cooked meal hunt down unique recipes for their mothers. SocialInsider’s report states that many users usually search for recipes on Instagram during Mother’s Day since searching on Google will lead you to something ‘common.’ Many Instagram influencers, such as user Khankong, suggest that Instagram recipes are more unique.

6. Home decor inspiration

According to Buffer’s report, Instagram users often search for creative and festive décor ideas to decorate their homes for the special day. AboutInstagram also states that many people love to search for “homemade decor” or “home decor inspos” on Instagram during or before Mother’s Day.

7. Mother's Day hashtags

Using popular hashtags helps broaden the reach of Mother's Day posts and makes them more discoverable. According to SporutSocial’s data, hashtags make your posts appear in search results for keywords you've used.

8. Photography ideas

People search for unique and creative ways to capture the day with mothers, often looking for photography ideas. A study from MDPI states that people use Instagram for their ideas and photos to focus on what they wish to see and experience through framing.

Expert Advice: Account Security During Mother's Day

“Like any significant occasion with heightened online activity, Mother's Day also brings about an increase in cyber threats,” cautions Tsoukalas. Given the surge in online activity, users should prioritize their account security to prevent unwanted breaches. He offers a few invaluable tips:

• Update passwords: Regularly updating and strengthening your passwords safeguards your account.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This provides an additional layer of security and effectively combats unauthorized access.
• Think before you click: Avoid clicking random links or sharing sensitive personal details.

Observing these safety protocols can keep your Instagram experience safe and enjoyable, especially during high-traffic events such as Mother's Day.

Wrapping Up

As Mother's Day approaches, Instagram is a bustling platform for users worldwide who celebrate their mothers in numerous ways. From sharing heartwarming quotes to searching for the perfect gift or cooking that family-favorite recipe, Instagram has become a go-to for many celebrating Mother's Day.

But amidst this flurry of activity, as Jason Adler emphasizes, “Remember to safeguard your online space by updating your passwords, enabling 2FA, and exercising caution before clicking on random links or sharing personal information.”

So, as we immerse ourselves in the warmth of material affection, let's also armor ourselves with these tips for a secure and risk-free Instagram experience.

Post courtesy of https://repocket.co/ 

Music Minute - Brady Rymer on New Single “D Is For Dancing,” Collaborating with Matt Beck of Matchbox Twenty, and Favorite ABC Songs

Brady Rymer is a three-time Grammy-nominated children’s musician who has been playing music for kids and families for more than 20 years. His latest single is “D Is For Dancing,” is a ‘60s-style rocker written to get kids up and moving while learning their ABCs. The new music video is out now! In this Q&A with Brady, he talks about his lyric writing process for the song, favorite memories of teaching his kids the ABCs, and the artist who always gets him up and dancing. 

How did you come up with the lyrics to “D Is For Dancing?”

It all started when I wanted to write a new song that would get kids and parents up and dancing at the end of a show. So, I started singing the simplest thing: “D is for Dancing.” It’s hard to really remember; songwriting is always a bit of a blur. Then I started scatting funny “D” words and silly dance moves. I think I was subconsciously rejecting the obvious, that this song could become a new ABC song. Once I figured that out, I knew I had to start with A and move my way through the alphabet to Z. It became a really fun game after that, trying to piece it all together and find fun ways to use the letters by adding a lot of alliteration, and making the words relate to music and dancing somehow. It all came together pretty quickly once I figured out what I was going to sing about. I even managed to fit in the original ABC song at the end!

Which rock ‘n’ roll artists inspired the song’s sound?

This one has a ‘50s and ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll soul sound. It was some of the first music I loved as a kid: Motown on the radio and my mom and dad’s record collection of Elvis, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. It seemed like this could be a fun, old-school way to dance to the alphabet. Then when we were recording, our keyboardist Seth Farber added glockenspiel (a bell-like xylophone sound). It was a perfect touch and gave the song a bit more of a Springsteen vibe.

Do you have any special guests on the song? 

Yes, Matt Beck of Matchbox Twenty played electric guitar on this. It was cool to have him give it a modern energy and sound. I really like all of the different elements, old and new, working together on this one. 

How did you connect with Matt? 

He’s friends with our engineer/producer Ken Rich. Ken thought he would be perfect for this new song and album, and he was right! Matt was off tour for a few days and popped by the studio for an incredibly inspiring session. He’s an amazing, special player, and an all-around great guy! 

What are you thinking about musically when you’re writing a song to get kids dancing?

The subject has to be relatable kids and also something that inspires me. And then the rhythm is key—making sure it’s a fun and easy groove that they can move along to. It has to have a joyful energy that’s bright and inviting. Then it’s great if you have a musical hook that is catchy and that they can easily grab on to, singing along and letting themselves go!

What do you remember about teaching your kids their ABCs?

I remember the little letters that they would use for bathtime, sticking them on the wall, the tub, and on themselves! We have a few sweet pictures of our kids with their first letters of their names stuck all over them during bathtime.

What are some other songs about learning the ABCs that you like?

Funny you should ask! I just put together a playlist—ABC Songs for Kids—with some of my favorites. Ones I knew as a kid, ones I was introduced to when I had young kids, and some brand new gems that I just discovered. There are some really creative ones out there. That’s what I was looking for when I wrote “D Is For Dancing.” How do you rewrap the same package in a cool, different, creative, personal kind of way?

What kind of music ALWAYS gets you up and dancing? 

Lots of kinds, but James Brown always does the trick! When my wife and I were dating, we were at a party and then James Brown came on and we were up dancing for hours. We were the only ones left dancing! That sealed the deal for me. Motown as well, anything with a swinging beat, and of course, the Bo Diddley rhythm. Just can’t stop my legs from wobbling, my arms from wiggling, and me acting like a dancing fool!

Freebies

 Free Comic Book Day 5/4

Giveaway - Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur: Journey to the Heart

I have a chance to give away a copy of soon-to-be-published  Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur: Journey to the Heart (4U2B Books & Media, May 28, 2024) by New York Times bestselling author Kimberly Snyder and her husband John Bier.

Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur is a fun adventure story that also teaches kids a simple way to navigate big feelings. In the story, old Chilla Gorilla teaches his young, active friend Lanky Lemur how to use his heart's wisdom to transcend intense emotions, like frustration, anger, and fear, in order to experience peace. The meditation practiced by Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur is a kid–friendly version of the HeartAligned Meditation™, which is an evidence-based tool to manage thoughts and emotions, maintain calmness, focus, and positive energy.

To enter, leave a comment with what makes you excited about the book. Deadline is May 10th.

About the authors:
Kimberly Snyder is a spiritual guide, meditation teacher, and holistic wellness expert. She is the three-time New York Times bestselling author of six previous books and hosts the top-rated Feel Good podcast. She is the founder of Solluna® and the HeartAligned Meditation™. She has worked with celebrities Drew Barrymore, Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Channing Tatum and many more. She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, VOGUE, InStyle, Elle, and on TODAY - NBC, Good Morning America, Ellen, The Dr. Oz Show and many more. More at mysolluna.com and on Instagram and Facebook.

Jon Bier is a serial entrepreneur, strategist, angel investor, and Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Jack Taylor, a full-service public relations and communications agency. More at jacktaylorpr.com and on Instagram.

Jon and Kimberly are married with two sons, and split their time between Hawaii and California.

Smart Safety - Are You Unknowingly Sharing Your Data on Facebook?

 “The most routinely underestimated and overlooked asset in the digital age is data,” says Jason Adler, a Software Engineer at Repocket. We live in an era teeming with digital amnesia, where social media platforms like Facebook offer us free services, and yet, we unwittingly end up paying with our personal information.

With over 2.8 billion users globally, Facebook has become a vast, fertile ground for data collection, even prompting a slew of privacy concerns. While we often hear about data breaches, the reality is, we are, in many cases, voluntarily sharing our data unknowingly on Facebook. A deep dive into the subtle cues and signs could help us gain better control over our digital footprints. So, how do we better understand our data-sharing behaviors?

App Permissions and Settings

One common way we unknowingly share our data is through app permissions. These apps request access to various information from our Facebook profiles, with justifications ranging from ‘enhancing the user experience’ to ‘personalizing ads’.

Jason Adler from Repocket explains, “When you grant permissions, you’re essentially giving away your data to third-party apps, often without realizing the extent of the data you are sharing.” Experts recommend reviewing app permissions regularly and only granting access to necessary data.

Accepting Friend Requests

Each time you accept a friend request on Facebook, you essentially extend access to parts of your profile — your photos, posts, and potentially your friends list, depending on your privacy settings. All this data can be harvested for various purposes, from targeted advertising to crafting sophisticated phishing attacks.

Geo-tagging and Checking In

Geo-tagging photos and checking in at locations on Facebook are influential ways of sharing your data. Each tag and each check-in offers an accurate timestamp and location data about your movements.

Adler notes, “Geo-tagging commonly goes unnoticed as a form of data sharing because it’s a feature people use to share experiences. Yet, it’s an abundant source of data about users’ behaviors, patterns and preferences.”

Profile Completion and Quizzes

Your ‘About’ section gives away more than you’d think. In the pursuit of profile completion, users freely give out crucial data like education, relationship status, and employment history. Participating in viral quizzes is another way that you unknowingly share your information. Although these quizzes seem harmless, they are often designed to collect your data.

Advice from Repocket's Jason Adler

Adler advises Facebook users to become more data-aware. This includes regularly reviewing privacy settings, understanding what data each app is accessing, and being mindful of the information posted. He adds, “Awareness is key. Educate yourself about your digital footprint and take necessary precautions to safeguard your privacy.”

Bullet points for quick reference:

• Regularly review and update your Facebook privacy settings
• Be mindful of the permissions you grant to third-party apps
• Be careful about whom you accept as friends on Facebook
• Avoid unnecessary geo-tagging or check-ins
• Be cautious while participating in viral quizzes

The price of the free services offered by Facebook is indeed the information we knowingly or unknowingly share. A fair trade-off? That's for you to answer. But knowing the mechanisms behind how we end up sharing this data inadvertently, we can be more cautious in how we interact with the platform. As Adler notes, “Data is power. But with power comes responsibility.” Every piece of information shared contributes to the molding of our online personas — if we're writing the story, it's crucial we hold the pens.

Post courtesy of https://repocket.co/ .

Money Makers - Gen X in the Workplace Survey

 While Millennial and Gen Z workers appear to have a consistent stream of articles and studies published about them, Generation X employees seem to have been slightly neglected in recent years. Nevertheless, those born between 1965 and 1980 make up 33% of the workforce in the U.S. and hold over 50% of all leadership roles. 

To gain insight into their unique perspective, Zety, a leading career service, surveyed over 850 Gen X workers about their characteristics in the workplace, values, expectations, professional priorities, top skills, and more.

Here are some of the key findings: 

• Gen Xers chose communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving as their top professional skills.
• 82% of respondents believed Generation X had a better work ethic than Generation Z.
• 76% claimed they would consider leaving their employer over a clash of values in society’s pressing issues (e.g., racial justice, gender equality).
• In the workplace, 35% (40% females vs. 30% males) valued job security the most.
• 84% would pick job satisfaction over job prestige. Also, for a full 71%, doing meaningful work was more important than earning a lot of money.
• Almost 9 in 10 (86%) claimed that a sense of purpose was essential to them in work life.
• 79% agreed that in the pop culture clash of generations, Gen X was the forgotten generation.

“Having a strong work ethic, moral compass, and heads full of innovative ideas, Gen Xers are a workplace treasure chest. At the same time, they work to live, not live to work.” said Jacques Buffett, Career Expert at Zety.

To view the full report with more information, please visit https://zety.com/blog/generation-x-in-the-workplace. 

Music Minute - Allie Colleen: Grass on the Grave

 Allie Colleen gears up for her new single “Grass On The Grave” with lyrics that invoke a powerful ode to resilience amidst loss. With a reputation as a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding, impeccably strong voice, The new music is an emotional journey of healing and was co-written by Allie Colleen, Alyssa Trahan, Krystal Polychronis and Craig Wilson. The new music is scheduled for release on all digital platforms on May 10, 2024 and is available now for pre-save HERE.

While not explicitly dedicated to songwriter Craig Wilson, this song resonates deeply with his memory and the loss felt by those who knew him.

Allie Colleen shared, “This song is a tribute to loss and all that comes out of it. Sonically resembles the resiliency of healing and lyrically it represents the frustration of letting go. I hope it creates a safe space for recovery and pushes the listener forward to the pursuit of ‘more.’"



Stay current with everything Allie Colleen on her website alliecolleenmusic.com. Follow Allie Colleen on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to her YouTube Channel for the latest videos.

Music is available on all digital platforms Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music and Amazon Music.

About Allie Colleen:
Allie Colleen is a Country artist, singer, and songwriter who garnered industry praise with the release of her well-received debut album, STONES. Her music style defines how life shaped her, alongside her lyrics and transparency in her vocals and performance. Allie Colleen is no stranger to the music industry. Since a young age, a passion for singing and songwriting has garnered her a reputation for being a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding voice. Her impeccably strong voice with hints of timeless tradition falls between classic and emerging country sounds. The room never fails to silence as Allie Colleen begins to sing about the layers of love and heartbreak that have shaped her. Unlike most today, some of her newest songs bring witty lyrics and an emotional connection to the song.

Book Roundup - Gift Titles for Women

 Beauty

Finding the New You: Think, See and Feel Beautiful 
By Dr. Dennis Schimpf

Dennis Schimpf, MD, FACS, wrote Finding the New You: Think, See, and Feel Beautiful to help people understand everything they need to know about plastic surgery, including: the different plastic surgery procedures available to patients, how to spot myths and misconceptions about plastic surgery, how culture influences plastic surgery decisions, and the importance behind plastic surgery and its role in medicine. Plastic surgery is an art and a process, and the more people understand about the discipline, the more equipped they will be to handle expectations and limitations.

Dr. Dennis Schimpf (https://drdennisschimpf.com) is the founder of Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery and the author of Finding The New You: Think, See and Feel Beautiful. He practiced plastic surgery as a full-time faculty member for five years at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) before starting his own private practice in 2013. Schimpf is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) as well as a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS). While at MUSC, he founded and directed the Advanced Breast Reconstruction Program at the NCI-designated Hollings Cancer Center.

Self Help

The Ideal Life: 7 Steps To Harness Your Stress, Discover Your Purpose, And Achieve Your Goals
By Mark Congdon

Mark Congdon unveils the truth behind happiness, debunking the myth of fulfillment through mere desires and offering a seven-step framework, the I GOT This framework, to help readers cultivate a growth mindset, find purpose, and achieve their Ideal Life. This book is a guide for harnessing stress, understanding inner rewards, and embarking on a journey toward meaningful action and fulfillment.

Mark R. Congdon (https://theideallife.com/) is the author of The Ideal Life: 7 Steps To Harness Your Stress, Discover Your Purpose, And Achieve Your Goals. He is the founder and CEO of Into the Ideal, an organization helping individuals find their purpose, joy, and the career they deserve. He earned a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the Harvard Extension School and spent 10 years leading operations, sales, and strategic leadership in the transportation logistics industry.

Business/Leadership

Leading for Impact: The CEO’s Guide to Influencing With Integrity

In her book, Jennifer Schielke, CEO of Summit Solutions Group, guides CEOs to rediscover the essence of leadership by prioritizing values as their guiding principles and emphasizing the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships within their teams. Through the lens of Summit Group's core values and Schielke's insights on sacrificial leadership, the book offers a roadmap for leaders to embrace their calling, drive impactful change, and cultivate a culture of excellence and service within their organizations.

Jennifer Schielke (www.summitgroupsolutions.com) is the author of Leading For Impact: The CEO’s Guide To Influencing With Integrity and the CEO/co-founder of Summit Group Solutions, LLC, a multi-year Inc. 5000 awardee and a 2023 Inc. Power Partner. A wife and mother, Schielke helps leaders practice empathy as a key part of their leadership development. Her 30 years of business leadership experience also includes 20 years of life-on-life ministry, which advanced her commitment to serve others generously and to lead with integrity.

The Leadership Attitude: Inspiring Success Through Authenticity and Passion
By Deborah McGee

In The Leadership Attitude, Deborah McGee shares her evolution of leadership from one who led solely from her head, letting only logic and facts guide decisions, to one who now knows how to lead with the heart. That means stepping back and learning to trust others to lead because there are a lot of good ideas out there.

Deborah E. McGee (deborahemcgee.com/) is the founder and CEO of PZI Group, which provides international human capital solutions ranging from international employment setup to payroll in multiple currencies, domestic and international relocation solutions, decision-making for global employee information, and other related human resources services. The author of The Leadership Attitude: Inspiring Success through Authenticity and Passion, she is recognized as an HR innovator and an authority on human capital optimization, international leadership, and driving organizational effectiveness across borders. Before starting PZI Group, McGee spent 13 years as a consultant with Big Four global accounting firms, then a decade in international human resources and global mobility management roles within corporate headquarters of European and Asian-owned companies. 

Female Empowerment

Who Runs the World? Unlocking the Talent & Inventiveness of Women
By Lois Quam

Who Runs the World? explores what happens when we unlock the immense potential of women and girls globally―by recognizing that reproductive health and rights is at the heart of women’s empowerment. Only by effectively addressing reproductive health can we unlock the untapped power of women and girls, giving global efforts the best shot at combatting major threats to survival on Earth.

Lois Quam, author of Who Runs the World? Unlocking the Talent & Inventiveness of Women Everywhere, is CEO of Pathfinder International, a nonprofit that focuses on reproductive health as a way to help women and girls globally reach their full potential. She has been named three times to Fortune’s list of the most influential women leaders in business. Prior to joining Pathfinder, Quam served in the U.S. State Department as leader of President Barack Obama’s Global Health Initiative, with an annual U.S. investment of over $8 billion addressing the biggest health challenges facing millions of people across over eighty countries. In the corporate sector, she was the founding CEO of a division of UnitedHealth Group, providing services to older Americans and low-income families across the United States through the Medicare and Medicaid programs and in partnership with AARP. A Rhodes Scholar from Minnesota, Quam has degrees from Oxford University and Macalester College.

Sustainability

Seeing Green: How to Save the Planet and Profit from Sustainability 
By Angel Lance

Are you looking for a new approach to ESG, environmental consciousness, and going green for business and industry leaders? Seeing Green: How to Save the Planet and Profit from Sustainability combines the pursuit of profit and the urgent need to protect our planet. In this entertaining, educational, and inspirational book, visionary CEO, Angel Lance shares her story and unconventional approach to making homes, businesses, and industries more green for profit and the environment.

Angel Lance (www.motive-power.com/insights) is the founder and CEO of Motive Power Inc. and 10/6 Professional Service, two environmentally-conscious management consulting firms focused on delivering capital projects and advising utility companies. Lance pioneered ESG initiatives at her companies, including training programs at professional consulting firms to more effectively guide clients to make ESG-positive transitions. She is also the founder of the Gulch Environmental Foundation, a nonprofit organization that drives tangible environmental action through projects like the regenerative Rainmaker Farm. Lance created the National Public Utilities Council (NPUC), which unites utilities nationwide to collaborate on decarbonization efforts. She is also the author of Seeing Green: How to Save the Planet and Profit from Sustainability.