Are Americans Walking More Now? This Survey Has Answers

by Erica LoopApril 8, 2021

Have you upped the ante when it comes to family walks this year? If you’re hitting the sidewalks and trails more now than ever before, you aren’t alone.

According to a new survey conducted by Rockport, more than half of Americans walk between one and five miles more per day now than in years past. Why are so many people walking more these days?

photo: Daniel Reche via Pexels

Other than the obvious pandemic-related lack of anything else to do, it turns out Americans are walking to relieve stress. Fifty-seven percent of the people surveyed said they walk as a stress reliever and 67 percent agree walking can help clear the mind. Thirty-six percent of survey respondents walk one to two miles daily and 21 percent walk between three and four.

Along with stress relief, Americans are also walking more to take a break. Thirty-three percent of people surveyed said they use walking as a way to take a break from the daily grind of work and 28 percent use this form of physical activity to catch up and reconnect with their family

Lisa Laich, Chief Marketing Officer at The Rockport Company, said in a press release, “For 50 years, Rockport has celebrated walking and comfort, helping people power their lives from morning to night. And while routines have changed this past year, 2020 has shown us the clear value and importance of walking – even if it’s just one mile each day.”

Laich continued, “This survey shows that Americans of all ages and across geographic locations are more interested than ever in getting in their daily steps, and we’re excited to help people navigate each step of their walking journey.”

Even though the uptick in walking may seem like a popular pandemic trend, the survey revealed this activity is here to stay. A whopping 93 percent of people surveyed said they’re very or somewhat likely to continue their walking routines after Covid-related restrictions are lifted.

—Erica Loop

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How Much Kid-Made Artwork Do Moms Get? This Survey Has Answers

by Erica LoopApril 7, 2021

Do you have mountains of kid-made art your littles bring home from daycare or school? If you answered “yes,” you aren’t alone.

According to a new survey from OnePoll conducted on behalf of Canvaspop, the average American mom gets 45 pieces of homemade art as gifts from their kiddos. The poll, which included 2,000 moms, revealed mothers reported getting an average of six drawings, four finger paintings and four watercolor paintings as holiday presents over the course of their mom-ing life.

photo courtesy of Canvaspop

If you’re into displaying your child’s mini masterpieces, you’re in good company. A whopping 76 percent of moms surveyed reported framing their kiddo’s artwork.

Even though moms are obviously into framing kid-created art, the survey’s stats also show parents want more than finger paintings and collages on their walls. Sixty-seven percent of the moms surveyed wish they have more photos of their fam to hang on the walls too.

Brittany Norris, Brand Marketing Manager for Canvaspop, said in a press release, “Moms are amazing about making sure that their family’s biggest moments are captured.” Norris added, “That’s why it’s important to take the time to go through your favorite photos and print the ones that say thank you for always being there.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

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Kirsten Dunst & Jesse Plemons Are Expecting Their Second Child

by Erica LoopMarch 31, 2021

Actress Kirtsen Dunst recently revealed her second pregnancy in a stunning photo shoot for W magazine’s Directors Issue.

Photographed by Sofia Coppola, the pics of a pregnant Dunst feature the actress in swank designs from Valentino, Armani Privé and Rodarte. Fans of fashion and Dunst may remember her first pregnancy announcement—an artistic photo layout for Rodarte’s fall-winter 2018 line.

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A post shared by W Magazine (@wmag)

Dunst dished to W about her photo shoot for the magazine, saying, “Every shot was on the floor.” She continued, “I was like, ‘I can’t get up.’ I felt like Urkel.” The issue, which also includes non-pregnant actresses Rashida Jones and Elle Fanning, will debut Apr. 6.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNDc-N4J-Ty/

This pregnancy will turn Dunst’s family of three into a fam of four! The actress and fiancé, actor Jesse Plemons, had son Ennis in 2018.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: DFree / Shutterstock.com

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You Are Forever Loved

By Ali Flynn

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 31, 2021

Photo: Ali Flynn

Sweet girl, can I tell you a few secrets?

You are forever loved and cherished for being you.

Your giggle is imprinted on my soul.

You may feel lost at times, finding your way, but hold on tight and have the confidence to know your path will be revealed.

Your perseverance is admirable and forces me to reach towards my goals.

You are my first born and my first true love.

The first moment I held you, I lost my breath with sheer joy.

You radiate positivity and I pray you continue this throughout your life journey.

Your smile is infectious and one not to be judged or quieted down.

Your words need to be heard.

Your unique self is perfect just as it is.

Your strong will is admirable and makes me realize you are equipped to take on the world.

You, my girl, are one of life’s greatest blessings.

You. Me. Us. We.

Always connected. Forever bonded. Continuously loving one another.

This post originally appeared on Hang in there mama by Ali Flynn.

Ali Flynn

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Ali Flynn Is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of motherhood with an open heart, laughter and some tears. Ali is a monthly guest contributor for Westchester County Mom and has been seen on Filter Free Parents, Grown and Flown, Today Parents and Her View From Home.

Krispy Kreme’s Spring Mini Donuts Are Back!

by Karly WoodMarch 26, 2021

Are you looking to bring a touch of spring to your breakfast table? Krispy Kreme can help you get into the spirit!

The donut brand just revealed the cutest lineup: Spring Minis. The adorable tiny treats are available for a limited time beginning Mar. 25 and include three versions returning from last year.

photo: Business Wire

Get ready to sink your teeth into the new Mini Blue Bird donut, a mini Original Glazed with bright blue icing and decorated like a bluebird. Also newly designed this year is the Mini Flower donut, am mini Original Glazed Doughnut dipped in yellow icing and yellow sanding sugar and decorated with a white icing flower.

Finally, you can’t pass up the Mini Bunny Bum donut, a mini Original Glazed dipped in green icing, topped with green sprinkles, a dollop of Kreme and two bunny feet sugar pieces.

You can get these donuts in 20-count boxes as part of your pick-up, drive-thru or delivery orders. To be sure your closest Krispy Kreme is making these adorable treats, check out their store locator online.

—Karly Wood

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Mindy Kaling to Join the Cast of “Monsters At Work” on Disney+

by Erica LoopMarch 18, 2021

Disney+ recently revealed a new addition to the Monsters At Work cast. Actress Mindy Kaling will voice the character of Val Little in the soon-to-be streaming service series.

Monsters At Work chronicles the the change over from screams to laughter as a way to generate kid-powered energy. Along with Kaling’s character, the animated series brings back fan faves such as Mike (voiced by Billy Crystal), Sulley (John Goodman) and Celia Mae (Jennifer Tilly).

Rounding out the series’ cast are John Ratzenberger (as Bernard), Bonnie Hunt (as Ms. Flint), Bob Peterson (as Roze), Stephen Stanton (as Smitty and Needleman), Aisha Tyler (as Millie Tuskmon), Lucas Neff (as Duncan) and Henry Winkler (as Fritz).

The series follows a young, eager, new grad from Monsters University—Tylor Tuskmon. With the changeover from screams to laughter, Tylor’s dream of becoming a Scarer is suddenly an impossibility. Instead, he’s assigned to the MIFT (Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team) as he learns to become a Jokester.

Kaling and the rest of the Monsters At Work crew start streaming on Disney+ Friday, Jul. 2.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Disney+

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This Study Reveals Just How Much Americans Have Cleaned in the Past Year

by Erica LoopMarch 11, 2021

Does it seem like you’re cleaning your home more than ever? OnePoll recently conducted a survey on behalf of Bounty of 2,000 American’s cleaning habits pre- and during-pandemic times.

Pre-pandemic, Americans spent an average of five hours and 37 minutes per week cleaning. Now that everyone is more aware of the germs around them, Americans have added a whopping three hours and 12 minutes per week to this number. This means 71 percent of adults are spending more time cleaning than ever.

photo courtesy of SWNS

The survey’s cleaning statistics show that the average American has spent nearly three weeks cleaning in the past year. This equals 458 hours or 19 days!

Increased cleaning time isn’t the only issue the survey revealed. According to the OnePoll stats, 79 percent of people were more aware of bacteria and cleanliness in general after the pandemic started. Seventy-eight percent of respondents reported they were more aware of their own cleanliness.

The survey also revealed the home spaces and places Americans believe are the dirtiest. These include handles and knobs in the kitchen (44 percent) and kitchen hand towels (18 percent). Jessica Rivera, infectious disease expert said, “Used dishcloths can provide a flourishing environment for bacteria. And what many do not realize is, when you wipe up a mess or dry your hands with a used, reusable cloth, you may be helping to spread bacteria.”

When it comes to other “dirtiest” areas of the home, the survey revealed that Americans also ranked kitchen sponges, bathroom faucet handles, kitchen faucet handles, coffee makers and bottled water dispensers at the top of the list.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo Karolina Grabowska via Pexels

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Disney+ Unveils Huge List of Premiere Dates, Including New “Loki” Series

by Karly WoodFebruary 24, 2021

Disney+ revealed some exciting info for tons of new programming at today’s Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. The streaming service not only shared spring and summer premiere dates for brand new scripted series, but also first-look images at upcoming shows.

Some of the new Disney+ Original Series include Big Shot, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Marvel Studios’ Loki, The Mysterious Benedict Society, Monsters At Work, Chip ‘N’ Dale: Park Life and Turner & Hooch. Keep scrolling to catch all the details!

March

Mar. 19 – The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

March 26 – The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers

April

Apr. 16 – Big Shot

May

May 4 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch

May 14 – High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 2

June

Jun. 11 – Loki

Jun. 11 – Zenimation Season 2

Jun. 25 – The Mysterious Benedict Society

July

Jul. 2 – Monsters at Work

Jul. 16 – Turner & Hooch

Jul. 23 – Chip ‘N’ Dale: Park Life

To sign up for your own Disney+ subscription, just click here.

––Karly Wood

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Lupita Nyong’o’s “Sulwe” Is Getting a Musical Makeover

by Karly WoodFebruary 18, 2021

Lupita Nyong’o’s number one New York Times bestselling book, Sulwe, just keeps getting better. In addition to being released in an audio version, Netflix has just announced the children’s story will be turned into a new animated musical feature. The film will be produced by Nyong’o and based off the book.

The story follows Sulwe, a young girl with skin the color of midnight. One night, she heads out on a magical journey where she learns the story of the sisters Night and Day and a subsequent lesson in self-esteem, colorism and true beauty.

photo: Courtesy of Netflix

Nyong’o shares, “The story of Sulwe is one that is very close to my heart. Growing up, I was uncomfortable in my dark skin. I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in the aspirational pages of books and magazines, or even on TV. It was a long journey for me to arrive at self-love.

Sulwe is a mirror for dark-skinned children to see themselves, a window for those who may not be familiar with colorism, to have understanding and empathy, and an invitation for all who feel different and unseen to recognize their innate beauty and value. I am thrilled that the book is being adapted into an animated musical that we hope inspires children all around the world to celebrate their uniqueness.”

Netflix has not revealed details as to the release date.

––Karly Wood

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Hello Bello’s Newest Collection Will Make Cleaning Feel Less Like a Chore

by Erin LemFebruary 9, 2021

A study conducted in late 2020 revealed that Americans spend an average of 23 hours and 36 minutes on cleaning and housework each month—and as moms, we think that number is conservative (raise your hand if your post-bedtime routine is spent doing dishes and picking up toys). While cleaning may never truly go away, Hello Bello is trying to make cleaning and tidying up just a tad bit more…dare we say…enjoyable. They just released a brand-new plant-based cleaning line whose vibrant packaging, environmentally-friendly design and pleasant scents will hopefully make cleaning feel like less of a chore. Read on for all the details.

Hello Bello’s plant-based cleaning line includes three products: a Glass Cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner and Wood and Floor Cleaner. You’ll love that each product comes in a reusable bottle and interchangeable scent pods. When you’re ready to clean (or you’ve run out of solution), simply add water to the reusable bottle, load your scented pod and shake. And, you’re good to go!

The entire line is plant-based and made without synthetic fragrances or dyes, bleach, ammonia, MIT & BIT, gluten or phosphate. Plus, Hello Bello’s reusable bottles results in a 90% smaller carbon footprint and 80% plastic use reduction.

The 3-Pack Cleaning Starter Kit is available in lemongrass sage and cucumber scenes and retails for $24.98. If you’re already a Hello Bello subscriber, the starter kit can be added to existing or new diaper bundles.

Online at hellobello.com

—Erin Lem

photos: Hello Bello

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