Music Minute - Kelly Lang: HollyWould

Singer-songwriter, producer, and author Kelly Lang is set to release her second single, “HollyWould,” from her forthcoming album Jealous Green Eyes, arriving later this summer. Sponsored by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms, the track dives into the kind of storylines often reserved for movies or headlines, exploring the darker side of chasing fame. While many pursue their dreams, “HollyWould” tells the story of someone willing to do anything to make it. The single premiered with The Country Note, while the official music video debuted with Center Stage Magazine. The single was included on Whiskey Riff’s New Music Friday, and the video was also featured on Taste of Country’s Video Countdown.

To stream/download: kellylang.lnk.to/HollyWouldPR

To watch “HollyWould” music video, visit HERE.

“HollyWould is one of the spiciest songs I’ve ever written—it actually sat in a box for a while before I had the courage to release it,” shares Lang. “It fits perfectly with my upcoming, more adult and contemporary album Jealous Green Eyes. The song tells the story of a small-town girl chasing her Hollywood dream, only to realize how much she has to give up. I loved bringing that to life in the video, especially filming at the historic Franklin Theatre in Tennessee, and I can’t wait to share it with fans.”

Lang’s previous single, “I Reach For Red,” blends a modern sound with a nod to the distinctive style of the 1980s, reminiscent of artists like K.T. Oslin. Centered around the idea of a glass of red wine as a go-to companion in any situation, the track captures both nostalgia and relatability. The single and its accompanying music video premiered via Dillon Weldon and Drifting Cowboy.

To watch the music video for “I Reach For Red,” visit HERE.

To purchase/stream: KellyLang.lnk.to/IReachForRedPR

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 includes the “answer song” to one of country music’s most iconic hits, “I Loved ‘Em Every One,” recorded by her husband, country music legend T.G. Sheppard, adding an extra layer of intrigue that 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 | 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.

Caring Causes - National Volunteer Month with the Red Cross

April is National Volunteer Month - so enjoy this interview with Matt Bertram, VP of volunteer services at the Red Cross.

 

Money Matters - Budget Survey and Tips

 With more than 4 in 5 Americans saying that budgeting better is one of their top priorities for 2026, the personal-finance company WalletHub has released its updated report on the Counties With the Best and Worst Budgeters, along with expert insights, to show where residents display strong financial habits and where improvement is needed.

To create the ranking, WalletHub analyzed more than 2,800 counties across 11 key metrics, including the percentage of households without a bank account, credit card delinquency rate, and the share of households with zero net worth.
 

Counties With the Best Budgeters	Counties With the Worst Budgeters
1. Los Alamos, NM	2821. Randolph, GA
2. Clear Creek, CO	2822. Tallahatchie, MS
3. Gilpin, CO	2823. Wilcox, AL
4. Morgan, UT	2824. East Carroll, LA
5. Falls Church, VA	2825. Humphreys, MS
6. Pitkin, CO	2826. Tunica, MS
7. Jefferson, MT	2827. Franklin, VA
8. Stillwater, MT	2828. Perry, AL
9. Custer, SD	2829. Emporia, VA
10. Washington, MN	2830. Quitman, MS

 
To view the full report and your county’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/counties-with-the-best-and-worst-budgeters/145140
 
“Although inflation has continued easing from its earlier peaks over the past few years, price growth has remained moderate in recent months, and many Americans are still struggling financially. As a result, it’s extremely important to have good budgeting skills in order to make sure all your essential expenses get paid while still leaving room for saving, debt payoff, and at least a few ‘wants’ to maintain your mental health.”
–
“Los Alamos County in New Mexico has the country’s best budgeters. Only 6% of households in the county don’t have enough liquid assets to survive at the poverty level for at least three months without any new income. This demonstrates that people are including emergency fund contributions in their budgets, which is extremely important. In addition, people in Los Alamos County leave an adequate amount of money in their budget for paying back debts. This is clear because the county has the lowest share of people with student loan debt in default and the 25th lowest credit card delinquency rate.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst


Expert Commentary

What effective budgeting tips can you give to consumers who want to meet their financial goals?

“Two simple habits make a big difference. First, pay yourself first each paycheck by putting money into a retirement account and building an emergency fund. Ideally, people should contribute regularly to a tax-advantaged account like a Roth IRA and aim to accumulate six to nine months of expenses in a liquid savings account. Second, live within your means. This may mean driving an older car, renting a smaller place, or skipping expensive vacations early on. Those things often become possible later if people build good financial habits first. It’s also wise to avoid gambling or chasing quick returns from stock tips or crypto. Far more people lose money than get rich with these things.”
Chris Douglas – Professor, The University of Michigan-Flint
 
“Meeting financial goals starts with the 50-30-20 rule: half of your income goes to needs, 30 percent to wants, and 20 percent to savings. According to 2026 consumer spending reports, households using automated savings tools are 40% more likely to hit their annual targets than those who save manually. By automating your savings on payday, you remove the temptation to spend money that should be building your future wealth and security. Tracking every dollar through a zero-based budget ensures that your money works for you rather than disappearing into mindless consumption that offers no long-term value. Automating your savings and following a zero-based budget are the most effective ways to reach your long-term financial targets.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
 

What are some of the worst budgeting mistakes and how can we avoid them?

“The biggest budgeting mistake is spending more than you earn each month, especially by carrying credit card balances. Credit cards can make overspending easy, but the interest charges will quickly turn a small balance into a much larger one. Another common mistake occurs when buying a car. Many buyers negotiate over the monthly payment instead of the purchase price. Dealers can make a payment look affordable by stretching out the loan term while charging a higher interest rate, which can significantly increase the total cost of the vehicle. It is a good idea to have your financing already in place prior to arriving at the dealership to look at vehicles so negotiation can be limited to the purchase price.”
Chris Douglas – Professor, The University of Michigan-Flint
 
“The most damaging budgeting mistake is failing to account for irregular expenses, such as annual car registrations or holiday gifts, which often lead to high-interest credit card debt. Facts from WalletHub 2026 indicate that the average American is just one $400 emergency away from a financial crisis, leaving them vulnerable to a single medical bill or car repair. Another common error is lifestyle creep, where spending increases at the same rate as a salary raise, effectively preventing real wealth accumulation over a career. Avoiding these traps requires a dedicated buffer for unexpected costs and a commitment to living below your means even as your income grows through the years. Maintaining a robust emergency fund and avoiding lifestyle creep are essential for protecting your financial stability against unexpected life events.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
 

What are some key steps to reduce or better manage debt?

“The first step is to stop adding new debt. That may require temporarily cutting spending or adjusting your budget. Second, consider consolidating debt into a lower-interest loan if possible. Even reducing the interest rate by a few percentage points can save a significant amount over time. Finally, create a clear repayment plan and stick to it. Consistency matters more than speed when paying down debt.”
Chris Douglas – Professor, The University of Michigan-Flint
 
“Managing debt effectively requires a strategic choice between the snowball method, which targets small balances for quick wins, and the avalanche method, which saves money by paying off high-interest rates first. Facts from WalletHub's 2026 data show that total United States credit card debt has surpassed $1.3 trillion, making interest payments a massive drain on the middle class. Contacting creditors to negotiate lower rates or consolidating high-interest loans into a single lower payment can save a household thousands of dollars over the life of the debt. Prioritizing extra payments toward your most expensive debt while avoiding new charges is the fastest path to total financial independence. Choosing a strategic repayment method and negotiating lower interest rates will drastically accelerate your journey to becoming debt-free.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University


5 Tips for Better Budgeting

1. Plan things out: If you take the time to draw up a detailed plan, your odds of sticking to it will increase. Before you start, be sure to familiarize yourself with the basic process of making a budget, including gathering information about your finances, setting long-term goals, ordering your expenses by priority and assigning them an appropriate amount of your income. The better you understand the importance of budgeting, the more you’ll be able to improve your credit score, avoid overspending, and prepare yourself for the future.
    
2. Leverage free budgeting tools: There are some great free budgeting tools online that can help you build your perfect budget using a variety of templates. Sometimes, these tools can even sync with your accounts to automatically track your spending and make it much easier to see your progress.
    
3. Try different budgeting strategies: Different budgeting methods work best for different people. For example, you might want a budget that focuses on making sure every dollar is assigned to something specific (zero-based budgeting), one that sets specific percentages for needs, wants and savings (such as the 50/30/20 budget rule), or one that sets strict limits on individual spending categories (envelope method). You may need to try out a few types before deciding what works best for you.
    
4. Prioritize the right things: Your first priority should be making payments on your debts. Next, you should focus on paying your essential monthly expenses and saving money for the future. Once you’ve put money toward all of those things, you can set some aside for “wants.”
    
5. Stick to your budget: The best way to track your progress is to sync your bank accounts and credit cards to a budgeting app so you can easily see changes day by day. It’s also good to remind yourself of your long-term budgeting goals often by having them written down in a prominent place. You can ask a friend or family member to help keep you accountable, too!

More From WalletHub

• States With the Best & Worst Budgeters
• Cities With the Best & Worst Budgeters
• Cities Where People Have the Best Money Management Skills
• Most & Least Financially Literate States
• Financial Literacy Statistics

Parenting Pointers - Same Page Parenting

I recently had a chance to interview Martina Nova, author of Same Page Parenting: Align with Your Partner to Raise Happy, Confident, and Resilient Kids .

Why is it important for parents and guardians to be on the same page when it comes to taking care of kids?

What I see in my work is that kids are constantly scanning their environment for cues about safety and stability. When the adults around them are aligned, even loosely, it lowers the amount of emotional work the child has to do. They’re not trying to figure out who to listen to, who to appease, or how to navigate two very different sets of expectations in the same moment. It’s less about having identical parenting styles and more about having a shared understanding of what matters, such as how you respond to big emotions, what your boundaries are, and how you repair after conflict. When that foundation is there, kids can relax into being kids. When it’s not, they often take on roles they shouldn’t have to, like becoming the mediator, the rule-tester, or the one who adjusts themselves depending on which parent they’re with. Being “on the same page” is really about reducing that burden on them.

How can parenting partners resolve differences of opinion in child-raising, especially if they aren’t living in the same house?

One of the biggest shifts is recognizing that you don’t actually need to agree on everything to co-parent well. What matters more is clarity and predictability for the child. I often encourage parents to separate things into categories: what are the core values or non-negotiables, and what are the areas where each household can do things their own way? This is true for me as well as a divorced parent who parents across two homes. It also helps to stay really grounded in the present instead of letting old dynamics take over the conversation. A lot of co-parenting conflict isn’t just about the child, it’s layered with history, hurt, and different ways of feeling respected or dismissed. If those conversations can be brought back to something simple like, “What does our child need in this situation?” it can shift the tone quite a bit. And practically, less is often more. Clear, direct communication, fewer emotionally loaded back-and-forths, and consistency in how decisions are made. You’re trying to create something steady enough that your child doesn’t feel the tension behind the scenes.

How can parents make sure they’re raising kids to adapt to our current society, not just falling into patterns of how they were raised?

A lot of parenting is inherited, especially in the moments where we’re tired, overwhelmed, or triggered. So the first step isn’t necessarily changing everything, it’s noticing. Noticing when a reaction feels automatic. Noticing when something feels off but familiar. That awareness creates a bit of space to choose something different. Kids today are growing up in a world that asks for skills many of us weren’t explicitly taught, like emotional awareness, flexibility, navigating constant input from technology, and understanding boundaries in a more nuanced way. So parenting now often involves learning alongside them. Being willing to say, “I don’t think this is working, let’s try something else,” or “I was raised this way, but I’m not sure I want to pass that on.” It’s less about getting it right and more about staying open. Holding onto what felt supportive from your own upbringing, while being honest about what didn’t, and being willing to adjust in real time. That kind of flexibility is actually one of the most important things we can model for our kids. 

Martina Nova is a registered clinical counselor, trauma-informed therapist, speaker, and author based in British Columbia, Canada. She specializes in ADHD, attachment wounds, people-pleasing, early trauma, and the emotional realities of motherhood and relationships. Martina is the founder of NovaCare Therapy and regularly speaks at conferences, writes educational material for clinicians and parents, and creates practical, compassionate resources. She is also the author of Supporting Your Partner Postpartum and Therapy Buddy. Originally from Slovakia, Martina immigrated to Canada as a child. She is also a mother of two, blending clinical expertise with lived experience to help people feel seen, supported, and more connected. Find her online at novacaretherapy.ca and on Facebook and Instagram (@novacaretherapy).

Consumer Critique - Spry Gum and Mints

Spry gum and mints are a parent-approved addition to snacking that helps protect little smiles while still feeling like a treat.

I had a chance to try out some products from Spry. Sweetened with xylitol, a natural sweetener known for supporting oral health, they products offer a proactive way to help reduce the risk of cavities after sugary indulgences. Unlike traditional candies, xylitol doesn’t feed the harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay.

Besides improving breath, gum and mints can help boost concentration. They have a great flavor that is sweet but not too sweet, and my kid who loves chewing gum was satisfied with the texture, mouthfeel, and taste. I liked the fact that it uses natural sweetener instead of artificial.

You can find Spry products at a variety of retailers, as well as online if they aren't located at a store near you.

Book Nook - Mom's Book of Wisdom: Timeless Advice from My Mother & Yours

I recently had the chance to review a book that would make a great gift for Mother’s Day and beyond for the special women in your life: Mom's Book of Wisdom: Timeless Advice from My Mother & Yours from Norah Lawlor.

The book is filled with reflections and life lessons, in anecdotes and quotes, all from the viewpoint of a mother passing down wisdom to a child. The lessons are timeless and will appeal to a wide range of people, including those who appreciate quotes, those who are looking for nuggets of wisdom, and more.

Filled with grace, warmth, humor, and practical wisdom, it speaks across generations and makes a meaningful keepsake for Mother’s Day and beyond.

Going Green - Earth Mama Organics Available at Target

Earth Mama Organics, the trusted herbal care brand behind some of the most recommended breastfeeding and baby care essentials, today announced a major retail expansion with Target, rolling out a curated assortment of breastfeeding, postpartum, and pregnancy products on Target.com beginning March 15, 2026, and in Target stores nationwide in late March. This launch significantly grows Earth Mama’s “village,” making it easier for parents to find the clean, effective support they rely on throughout the entire breastfeeding journey, as well as pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

On Target shelves and Target.com, Earth Mama will feature a mix of beloved hero items and brand-new innovations designed to support comfort, recovery, and milk supply in simple, everyday ways:​​

• Booby Soothe Cabbage Cream – A first-of-its-kind cabbage cream at Target, formulated with cabbage leaf extract and soothing botanicals to help cool and comfort breast discomfort, including the tender transitions of weaning or when feeding routines suddenly change.​​

• Organic C-Section Balm – A gentle, herbal balm formulated for c-section incision areas, with carefully selected ingredients to nurture the look and feel of healing skin and support everyday comfort.​

• Cradle Cap Cream – A thoughtfully formulated cream for dry, flaky baby scalps, made with carefully chosen ingredients for delicate newborn skin and designed for easy, no-fuss application.​

Earth Mama is also introducing a new trio of multi-tasking lactation support products at Target, created as “multi-tasking products for the ultimate multi-tasker” - nursing and pumping moms who need targeted support that fits into real-life routines:​

• LactaHYDRATE Organic Lactation Hydration Drink Mix – A raspberry-lime, USDA Certified Organic hydration mix packed with organic herbs traditionally used to support breast milk supply, including organic moringa leaf, organic ginger root and organic fennel seed, plus organic coconut water powder for hydration support. Each single-serve stick simply mixes with water, offering lactation support and hydration in one on-the-go drink.​

• LactaGLOW Lactation Collagen Drink Mix – A raspberry-lime drink mix made with herbs traditionally used to support milk supply, such as moringa leaf, nettle, and shatavari, along with non-GMO, grass-fed collagen to support hair and skin “glow” potential as part of a daily postpartum routine.​

• Organic Milkmaid Lactation Bars – Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter – USDA Certified Organic bars made with ingredients traditionally used to support milk supply, including organic moringa, organic flax seed, organic oats, and organic peanuts. Each Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter bar delivers 6g of protein and is made without gluten, dairy, soy, or fenugreek, offering a convenient, “no time to brew tea or swallow pills” option for nursing and pumping moms.​

For parents looking for instantly giftable support, Target will also carry two new “ready-to-give” kits:​​

• Belly Bundle – Their already popular pregnancy skincare duo featuring Belly Oil and Belly Butter, formulated with organic herbs and oils to encourage skin’s natural elasticity and provide layered hydration for growing bellies, breasts, and hips, all packaged in a ready-to-gift box.​

• Take Care Down There Postpartum Recovery Kit – Their best-selling three-piece postpartum essentials kit featuring Herbal Sitz Bath, Herbal Perineal Spray, and Organic Perineal Balm, thoughtfully formulated with herbal blends to help provide soothing comfort before and after childbirth, now in a beautifully boxed, easy-to-gift format.​

All Earth Mama products are crafted using carefully selected ingredients, with safety and efficacy for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding people at the forefront.​

For more information about Earth Mama Organics and its full line of herbal care for pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, baby care, and beyond, visit EarthMamaOrganics.com.​

Consumer Critique - Tonnino Tuna

My family enjoys eating seafood in a variety of different ways, and tuna is a staple we always keep in our pantry, so I was excited to be able to try out products from Tonnino.

Tonnino has a variety of wild-caught tuna and salmon products, packaged in several different flavors such as lemon & pepper, garlic, basil & sun-dried tomato, and more. We tried them out in several ways. I added the lemon pepper flavor to a bagged alfredo dinner, which was a delicious way to add extra protein. We tried the basil & tomato as a spread for crackers. The jalapeño flavor makes fish tacos with a little bit of a kick. All of the varieties we tried had great flavor and texture, and elevated our experience over traditional canned tuna.

You can find Tonnino online, at Walmart, and at select other retailers near you.

Book Nook - Clutter Rehab

When Laura Wittmann’s kids were little, they had a saying that would trigger an instant flurry of activity around their house.

“As is normal for most homes, items seemed to magically wander from their normal ‘place of residence’ to another area of the house,” Wittmann said. “So when I would holler out, ‘Time for a walkabout!’ the kids knew it was time for them to walk around the house picking up any of their stray items that were out of place. It could be a stray sock, books, toys, hair elastics, paper, anything. It’s not a huge overhaul, but it simply means that items are collected from one room and put back into their proper home in another room.”

Wittman shares another 100 tips and tricks to declutter your home in her book, Clutter Rehab [Ulysses Press; April 2026]. In this compact, practical hardcover, she provides bite-size, doable strategies that help busy families regain control without spending an entire Saturday reorganizing the garage.

Here are a few parent-friendly tips from the book:

• No. 10 REMEMBER IN PICTURES: Take a snapshot of sentimental keepsakes you don’t use, then donate or even sell them for cash.
• No. 25 BE GROCERY SMART: Save fridge and pantry space—and money!—by buying only those items on your weekly meal planner.
• No. 32 GO GREEN: Repurpose empty cardboard, plastic, and glass containers into free organizers for all your stuff.
• No. 56 CHILDHOOD ARCHIVES: Sort homework, artwork, and other kid creations into easy-to-shelve, keep-forever binders.

Clutter Rehab also shows parents how to involve their children in the organizing process. Organizing is a skill (like cooking or reading) and kids need practice making decisions. Instead of secretly purging their rooms (and creating trust issues), Wittmann teaches parents to set boundaries (like a designated Lego bin that must close, or a treasure box with limited space) while empowering kids to choose what stays and what goes. Fewer power struggles. More ownership. Sometimes, surprising results.

Laura Wittmann is the founder of the popular blog I’m an Organizing Junkie (www.orgjunkie.com), a website dedicated to providing encouragement and education for organized living with a good dose of fun. She loves to help overwhelmed families learn to manage their clutter and chaos so they can experience the joy that comes with peaceful, organized homes. Laura lives in Alberta, Canada, where she is addicted to the “high” that comes from living a life of simplicity and order and is always on the lookout for her next “fix.”

Movie Minute - He Calls Me Daughter on Angel Guild

I've previously reviewed He Calls Me Daughter, a film that explores the "father wound" through personal stories, and how they can affect self-worth. The film also offers a path forward toward healing, based on God's perfect love for His daughters. Even when relationships with human fathers fail, God's love is constant.

This film is for both women who are hurting due to their own father wounds, and also to encourage fathers to build strong relationships with their daughters.

He Calls Me Daughter is streaming on Angel Guild, a service that provides a home for stories that go beyond entertainment and into transformation.

Watch He Calls Me Daughter now on Angel and experience a story of healing, identity, and restoration, and join the Angel Guild to support more stories that bring hope, healing, and truth to the screen.

To help celebrate the launch of He Calls Me Daughter on Angel, I have a chance to give away a$10 Amazon giftcard (limited to US winners only.) To enter, leave a comment about why you're most interested in this film or in Angel Guild.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Angel for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions

are 100% my own.