Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Music Minute - Todd'n'Tina: (Not Another) Dinosaur Song

Todd'n'Tina have a new album The Color Weasel!  One of the songs on it, (Not Another) Dinosaur Song is a fun little tune about how as children's musicians it doesn't matter what they sing about as long as we mention dinosaurs!!  (Obviously, it's a bit tongue-in-cheek!)  They were lucky enough to film at the Science Museum of Minnesota in front of all the dinosaur bones!!!  




Learn more:
toddntina.com
facebook.com/toddntina

House & Home - AI Tech Survey

Smart features have grown wildly popular in homes across America, with a new report finding 93% of Americans own smart home devices. However, while 1 in 3 would trust a home entirely run by AI, others are wary of the dangers brought by cameras and listening devices. 

America’s top-reported smart home fears include:

  • 57% are concerned about privacy
  • 46% are nervous about hacking
  • Over 1 in 3 worry about recording without permission

The top devices people own are related to convenience and home security, with smart speakers/assistants, smart doorbells, and security cameras taking the lead. However, those who are considering smart upgrades to improve resale value of their home should be warned: the added value is just $2,633 on average, falling short of the $3,026 homeowners typically invest in smart tech.

Take a look at the full report for more insights on smart device usage in the home.

Travel Tidbits - Croatia

 Croatia is bursting with immersive, decadent luxe adventures that are pure bliss.  Via Croatia curates unforgettable journeys full of rich flavors, authentic encounters, and luxurious local charm.

Cook With A Croatian Culinary Legend- Treat your foodie clients to a private cooking class with Croatia’s top Michelin-starred chef, Rudolf Štefan. Held at his renowned restaurant or a private villa, this hands-on experience includes expert wine pairings and showcases the best of local cuisine—an unforgettable taste of Croatian gastronomy.

Test Drive the Fastest Electric Car in the World -For your clients who crave cutting-edge technology and thrills, a private visit to the RIMAC factory is a must. Located just outside Zagreb, RIMAC produces the fastest electric car in the world—and your clients can get behind the wheel. This VIP experience offers a rare glimpse into the future of hypercars, all handcrafted in Croatia.

Dine Like Royalty –Picture a private, chef-led dinner atop the iconic walls of Dubrovnik, with panoramic views of the Adriatic and the city’s ancient rooftops. From personalized menus to bespoke wine pairings, this exclusive experience is perfect for proposals, milestone celebrations, or simply a night to remember.

Pickleball at Sea – Private Yacht Charter with a Floating Court- Yes, pickleball—on a yacht. For your clients who can’t get enough of the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., offer a private charter aboard the luxury yacht Aretha, complete with an inflatable pickleball court. Sail the Dalmatian coast, play with a view, and enjoy first-class service aboard one of Croatia’s most unique luxury charters.

Harvest and Craft – Make Your Own Wine or Olive Oil - In the rolling hills of Istria, offer your clients a chance to not just taste the region’s famous wine and olive oil, but to make their own. From hand-picking grapes or olives to bottling their personal vintage or oil, this immersive experience connects them to the land and its traditions in a deeply personal—and delicious—way.


Book Nook - Breaking the Cycle

 At a time where the conversation around body image and mental health is more urgent than ever, Breaking the Cycle by Luisa Mannering is resonating deeply with readers who are exhausted by the endless loop of shame, restriction, and inherited body dissatisfaction.

A book that is offering a lifeline for those determined to stop the cycle of diet culture in their families once and for all, it is the author’s compassionate tone combined with herblend of scientific grounding, personal reflection, and practical, nonjudgmental advice that fosters in readers a determination that this is the start of a new relationship with food.

A book that people will recommend again and again, Breaking the Cycle articulates what so many have felt but struggled to name. It is also more than a timely read – it is an essential one. For anyone ready to break free from harmful dieting habits that have been passed down through the years and families, Luisa Mannering offers not just insight, but a way forward.

 

Synopsis:

Are you ready to break free from the destructive grip of diet culture?

In Breaking the Cycle, Luisa Mannering reveals how deeply entrenched diet culture messaging affects our self-esteem, relationships with food, and-most importantly-our children. A lot of us are victims of this pervasive mindset, conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to our weight and appearance. It doesn't have to be this way. This practical guide shows how we can unlearn the harmful beliefs and behaviours that have been passed down through generations. 

Drawing on research, personal stories, and actionable steps, Breaking the Cycle offers a roadmap to help parents, caregivers, and educators guide children toward a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.

Published by Cherish Editions, Breaking the Cycle - Escaping Diet Culture, Embracing Food Freedom and Inspiring Change is available to purchase on Amazon athttps://tinyurl.com/368de33x and https://tinyurl.com/5h6ecy9r

 

About the Author:

Luisa Mannering, the author, lives in Glasgow and is the joint director of Lulu Maria Fun Spanish, a company that provides fun Spanish lessons for children aged 3-11 years. For most of her childhood and adolescence, she suffered from an eating disorder and was in therapy for 10 years. She now considers herself to be fully recovered.

Although she is not a Health Professional or an expert on the development of body image, she fully understands how and why she developed negative and destructive beliefs about her body and food. It disheartens her to see the vicious body hatred and dieting cycle continue within families today. She feels compelled to do everything in her power to raise awareness and initiate change to break the cycle. Find her on Instagram @ed_recovered

 

Book Nook - The Karma Sequence (Review)

I recently had a chance to review The Karma Sequence by A. O. Wagner, the first in a trilogy, all books are available!

In the book, Dan, a reclusive computer genius and recovering addict, creates a genetic analysis system. But then it begins predicting deaths. After it happens enough that it's clearly not a coincidence, he's forced to grapple with the philosophical and ethical implications. The author's experience with addiction brings a sense of authenticity and depth to that element of the story.

The book begins with an intriguing premise that is really thought-provoking. What would you do if you had the power to be able to predict exactly when people were going to die? It's an interesting read - slightly unsettling, but in the makes-you-think way, not in a really creepy way. If you're interested in speculative fiction that is mostly realistic but with an advanced application of technology, this could be a great read for you.

Book Nook - Starting in the Middle: How Horses, Those Who Study Them, and 265 Minutes with One Colt Helped Me Find Myself at Midlif

I recently had the chance to review a new memoir about self-discovery, second chances, and what it means to find purpose in midlife. In Starting in the Middle: How Horses, Those Who Study Them, and 265 Minutes with One Colt Helped Me Find Myself at Midlife, bestselling author and professional horseman Tik Maynard shares a raw and relatable story of midlife transformation.

Tik had a successful equestrian career, a loving family, and life on a picturesque horse farm - yet he still felt adrift, which led to a journey of self-discovery that included mentors and an hours-long encounter with an untrained colt.

“While this book is about starting horses, I hope it will also offer guidance applicable to whatever your passions are,” Maynard says. “It’s about being strong enough to listen, brave enough to question, and real enough to return to your own counsel.” 

Although I'm not really into horses, the memoir was still enjoyable to read. It's an inspiring book that can encourage readers to take chances and make changes to their own lives if they need to get out of a rut and find meaning.

About the Author
Tik Maynard spent much of his twenties competing full time in the sport of Modern Pentathlon (running, swimming, shooting, fencing, show jumping). He was on the Canadian National Team and won the National Championships twice, and he competed at multiple World Cups, World Championships, and at the 2007 Pan-Am Games in Rio de Janeiro. Maynard has evented at the Advanced level and been Long-Listed and Short-Listed for the Canadian National Three-Day Event Team. He won the Freestyle twice at the Thoroughbred Makeover (2015, 2018) and judged it once (2017). Maynard won the Road to the Horse 2024 World Championship of Colt Starting and has been invited to compete for the title again in 2025. Maynard travels year-round, teaching clinics in the United States, Canada, England, and Scotland, and is an online instructor for The Horseman’s University and the Noelle Floyd Equestrian Masterclass. He is a regular guest on podcasts and a contributor to many equestrian magazines and online news sources. He is the author of In the Middle Are the Horsemen, published by Trafalgar Square Books (2018). Maynard lives with his wife Sinead, a top American eventer, and their two children in Citra, Florida, where they run Copperline Farm (copperlineequestrian.com).

Book Nook - The Financial Abundance Blueprint

I recently had the chance to review The Financial Abundance Blueprint by Amanda Henry. It's a great book for young adults who are on their way to college, work, or other post-secondary options. The book has a roadmap for financial independence, increasing wealth, and progressing up the corporate ladder, while still living life. It's targeted toward Black women and women of color, and definitely tailored towards those who are in more of a typical business environment, but anybody of any background or any industry can get some tips from the book.

Topics including defining your personal brand, networking, maximizing benefits, and side hustles, all of which are relevant to most young adults. The tone of the book is modern and instructive, easy to read and thorough.

Music Minute - BJ Sam: Don't Worry, Everything Will Be Fine

 "Don't worry everything will be fine”;  a beacon of hope. It’s so beautiful to see people from all the continents of the world singing and performing together in harmony despite their differences in language, race, creed, and color to create awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. 


The song is a fusion of rhythms from around the world to create a fresh, euphonious, and smooth sound that resonates with global audiences, making it a crossover appeal for various radio formats. In order to strike the right chords and make the production an impeccable top-notch, BJ Sam invited incredibly gifted musicians from each continent of the world to contribute to the production, blending rhythms from around the world to create a fresh, euphonious, and smooth sound that resonates with global audiences, making it a crossover appeal for various radio formats. And the cinematic music video is mind-blowingly beautiful.  

YouTube: https://youtu.be/WpmMWcjYBZo

iTunes: https://music.apple.com/au/album/dont-worry-everything-will-be-fine-feat-martha-paredes/1817295043?i=1817295049

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1zaFdWaTY2U6xJV8rqaaBM?si=nDPegOyKQ7qBYadtSLUR7w 

Publisher: ℗ BJ SAM GLOBAL MUSIC

Composer/ Author:  SAMUEL ANIEKAN BENJAMIN 


About BJ Sam!

BJ Sam is an international visionary artist known for his exceptional ability to create music that transcends cultural boundaries, uniting singers and musicians from all continents in harmony. His work as a vocalist, composer, and educator reflects a rare blend of artistry and cross-cultural communication—qualities that deserve to be showcased. His notable songs include; “Mon Amour”; featured in the Hollywood movie "Heart of Fartness”,  "Show Some Love”; a global anthem advocating for peace featuring 23 artists from all the continents, "Merry Christmas”; featuring hollywood legends Paul Raci, bollywood legend Jaspinder Narula, and monaco screen diva Lorena Baricalla. 

   The French television network TV5Monde also invited him to perform at their tv Star parade show.

 BJ Sam has worked with over 100 musicians from every continent, including Grammy voting pianist Charu Suri and Bollywood legend Jaspinder Narula. 

BJ Sam has become a featured subject of broadcast segments on several  television networks who are curious to know how he is able to unite musicians from all the continents. His music has been placed on rotation on several major international radio and tv stations. 

Mon Amour: https://youtu.be/ERHd3u8xp5w  

"Show Some Love," a global anthem advocating for peace. https://youtu.be/3SljGj79klY?si=y2f96Vw4mbmOJXGE

Global Christmas songhttps://youtu.be/TiyopRf6KsE?si=yKO--bLVv--weDY1

I will be loving you till the end: https://youtu.be/FhzoB_24Tls?si=ql6RuAQ5_H70q-mV


Connect with @bjsammusic on YouTube, Spotify for more updates.

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/BJ_Sam 

Consumer Critique - Old Trapper Beef Snacks

 We go camping and hiking a lot in the summer. And my younger kid is an athlete with long tournaments, so we're often on the lookout for snacks that are portable, lightweight, and filling.

I had a chance to try several options from Old Trapper, and they definitely fit the bill. Because they're meat snacks, they're full of protein, which keeps us full for longer. Jerky is very lightweight and doesn't take up much space in a bag. Plus, many of the snacks are resealable or single-serving, so they're easy to pack along. Bonus - jerky is fairly allergy-friendly, since it's free of nuts, gluten, and dairy (except the ones packaged with cheese). 

Savory, low in sugar, and high in protein, jerky is a healthy alternative to really sugary granola bars. It tastes good too (our family really likes the teriyaki variety).



Some of the options available:

Old Trapper Kippered Beef Single Serve Sticks 

Old Trapper Beef Jerky Resealable Bag (Peppered, Hot & Spicy, Old Fashioned, Teriyaki) 

Old trapper Beef-n-Cheese Single Serve (Original or Jalapeno) 

Old Trapper Deli-Style Beef Sticks Resealable Bag (Teriyaki, Jalapeno, Original) 

**Available at grocery and convenience stores nationwide.  Some products also available on Amazon. 

Music Minute - Alyssa Flaherty: Know You By Heart

 

Country newcomer Alyssa Flaherty reveals the next chapter in her healing journey with the release of “Know You By Heart,” available everywhere now. Written by Flaherty, Michael August and Nicole Croteau, today's release highlights the rising artist's powerful vocals and ability to paint a vivid picture through her storytelling lyrics. 
 
“This song is super special to me because I have been waiting to put it out since the day I wrote with Nicole and Michael!” shares Flaherty. “It really focuses on the person that you knew like the back of your hand who is now a complete stranger. Whether it is a friendship, relationship or a family member, that absence is something that can be so tough. I hope to connect with whoever has experienced this too and hopefully be a part of their healing process.”
 
 
Accompanied today by a new visualizer, “Know You By Heart” captures the aftermath of heartbreak – when knowing someone by your favorite things about them shifts into knowing them by their absence, mistakes and pain. The release captures the bittersweet transition from loving memories to lingering ones, ultimately serving as a reflection on a love once deeply familiar.
 
Last month, Flaherty released “Broken By You,” which detailed the beginning of her moving-on journey, starting with a full confession of heartbreak. Written by Flaherty, Grant Gilbert and Adam Hambrick, “Broken By You” tells the story of red flags ignored, time wasted, trust misplaced and the emotional fallout of loving someone who didn't deserve it. 
 
Flaherty's musical career started in her hometown of Annapolis, Md. before moving to Nashville in 2020 to follow her dreams full time. Her big break came when Oscar-winning actor Kevin Costner tapped her to record a rendition of “Amazing Grace” for his movie Horizon: An American Saga. The milestone moment paved the way for her debut single “Under The Influence” in June 2024.
 
With a bright future ahead, Flaherty's year is stacking up with more new music on the way and robust tour runs. After joining Kendell Marvel, Jo Dee Messina, LeAnn Rimes and Brad Tursi of Old Dominion for select dates this year, Flaherty will join Jake Owen for his show on June 28 before heading overseas for her first international shows this fall.

Keep up with her exciting announcements on InstagramYouTubeTikTok and Facebook.
 

ABOUT ALYSSA FLAHERTY:
Alyssa Flaherty's musical journey began long before she picked up an instrument. Her innate passion for performing grew stronger with every passing day, compelling her to share her God-given voice with the world. From a young age, Flaherty captivated audiences with her powerful vocals, performing at local schools, charity events, talent shows and even professional sporting events. While the applause affirmed her talents, Flaherty was quietly chasing bigger dreams. With unwavering determination, she confided in her family about her aspirations to write songs and pursue a career in music, earning their steadfast support.
 
This encouragement led her to make a bold move from her hometown of Annapolis, Md., to Nashville, Tenn. — the heart of the songwriting community. There, she immersed herself in her craft, mastering the guitar, refining her songwriting skills, and delivering compelling performances. A defining moment in Flaherty's career came when she shared the stage with the legendary Kevin Costner and his band, Modern West. Flaherty's talent also found a place on the screen in Costner's highly anticipated series, Horizon: An American Saga, with her stunning rendition of the classic hymn “Amazing Grace.”
 
Based in Nashville, she continues to create soul-stirring melodies and stories that resonate deeply with audiences, leaving no doubt that her voice will inspire for years to come.