Women are riding motorcycles more than ever. Women riders currently equal 20 percent of all riders nationally, is nearly double the female riders of ten years ago. Millennials make up 26 percent of women riders! In Gen X, 22 percent are female. What do women want in a bike? Most women like their creature comforts and are willing to spend more for them, citing such items as a comfortable seat, a low-to-the-ground cycle and lighter bikes than those more suitable to a taller, heftier man. Women riders value aesthetics, cost-efficiency, reliability and comfort. As the women’s share of the motorcyc ..read more

Maybe you’ve seen it on TV or in a viral Tik Tok. Your favorite NFL star takes a dip in a huge vat of ice water after a big game, or perhaps your coworker takes cold, short baths a few times a week. It’s called a cold plunge and its gained a big following. Cold plunging is sweeping tubs, buckets and showers all over the country and people are touting the results. Here’s the tea on this cold-water immersion kick and why people are diving into the trend. Acold plunge, known as cold therapy or cold-water immersion, is just what it sounds like, an ice bath, very cold bath or open water, around 50 ..read more

Kids and sports, sports and kids; in many homes, it’s the norm. While almost all kids can participate in sports or run and play with friends without the thought of any heart problems, a small percentage of young people may have a known or unknown heart condition. Because athletes are often regarded as very healthy, if a child experiences sudden cardiac arrest or even death, it can lead to fear and confusion about how safe it is to participate in sports. Estimates vary, but some reports suggest that about 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 80,000 young athletes die of sudden cardiac death each year. In compar ..read more

Heritage pork is a culinary delight. The term “heritage” means “practices or characteristics that are passed down through the years, from one generation to the next,” according to Oxford Languages. So, how does that relate to heritage pork mentioned on restaurant menus? In the United States, according to the Livestock Conservancy, only the Ossabaw Island and the Berkshire breeds are considered heritage swine breeds. In addition, crossbreeds bred from these two purebred lines may also be considered heritage swine. The Ossabaw Island pigs are descendants of the Spanish Iberico pigs imported by H ..read more

Spring is here, the time to put into action the plans you made during dreary winter months to beautify your garden and improve your landscape. Designing and creating a beautiful rain garden will accomplish both goals—and begin your spring fitness program to boot! In today’s urban and suburban neighborhoods, rainwater gushes off roofs, through downspouts, across sidewalks and pavement, frequently carrying with it fertilizers and pesticides from lawns. This water may be diverted into storm drains and into our streams, rivers or bays. A rain garden can create a natural filter that will protect th ..read more

April showers bring May flowers, or so we’ve all learned over time. In a couple of months, it will be a most interesting time for agricultural products such as honey, tomatoes and wine. The fates of wine country and farm country intertwine when so much of the weather and soil conditions have an immense impact on both. We have all heard of “good years” and “bad years” referenced in wine ratings and conversations. Whether it’s drought conditions, record-breaking rainstorms or recurring snow and ice storms, the flowers of May will be the topic of conversation at nearly every aisle in the grocery ..read more

Sing, Wild Bird, Sing: A Novel by Jacqueline O’Mahony is the epic story of a young girl born under a piseog, a curse, during the Irish Famine. There was nothing Honora could do. The curse was declared because a robin flew into the house during Honora’s birth and her mother died. The tragedy isolates Honora from her father, who, at best, is indifferent to raising her. The superstitions of the village people further isolate Honora. She grew up living in the woods around the house and was generally left alone. She survived by closely observing nature and, because of her freedom to roam the fields ..read more

Sleep experts recommend from seven to nine hours sleep on a regular basis for good health in adults. Restful sleep is essential to improve health, cognitive functioning, mood, productivity, well-being, quality of life, athletic performance and safety. Since we spend around a third of our lives in bed, it makes sense to invest in quality equipment. One of the best ways to achieve a good night’s sleep is with a mattress that provides for your individual sleep needs. Luxury mattresses can help you achieve your sleep goals, whether you need extra lumbar support, enjoy a cuddly feel from the mattre ..read more

Your parents will escort you, friends and relatives will support you, and on the biggest day of your life, consider incorporating another important family member: your beloved pet! Assigning Rufus the role of ring bearer and allowing your fur baby to attend the ceremony and/or reception is a big decision. It requires a little extra planning and a lot of practice, but the end result and the adorable photos are definitely worth finding a place for your pet on your big day. First Things Fur-st Before you start shopping for your pet’s matching suit or a color-scheme-clad collar, make sure that you ..read more

Floral creations reflect your personality and leave a lasting impression on your guests. This year’s floral design trends range from classic to vibrant, monochromatic to bursting with colors, minimalist to extravagant. It’s less about tradition and more about personal expression and creativity. Sustainability, local sourcing, textures, bold color palettes and unexpected inclusions give brides and designers a no-holds-barred opportunity to express themselves. An emphasis on supporting local growers reflects a broader societal shift toward responsible consumption. This trend is driven by growing ..read more