from the publisher
Marlanea McGraw
We know it’s one of the busiest times of the years for mom, grandmas, aunts, etc., so we appreciate you spending some time with us in this winter’s issue of Michigan Parent!
There’s some heavier but important content this time as we look into the latest statistics on tobacco and vaping use by youth, but we’re also offering some tips to help reduce the chances that your child will get into the vaping habit.
But, there’s also the fun stuff like our book recommendations, learning about what pets are the most popular in our country, and the lovely Danish practice of hygge with ideas for how you can incorporate this gentle, nurturing, cozy way of life into this winter and many winters to come!
Melissa McCance
sales editor
Cyndi Young
Hannah Sayles
Sherry Sheffer
Kristal Johnson
Dakota Harding
Elyse Apel
Melissa McCance
Michigan Parent Has Something for everyone in the Family!
Marlanea McGraw at (517) 320-9235 or email sales@simplyhers.net
Whitley Harding, age 3, found quietly browsing through her favorite magazine!
Discover Hillsdale Academy
A tried-and-true education
KNOWLEDGE IS JUST THE BEGINNING
At Hillsdale Academy, a K-12 school located on the campus of Hillsdale College, we believe that education is about more than just preparing for college or getting a good job. The mission of Hillsdale Academy is to train the minds and develop the hearts of young men and women through a content-rich, Christian classical education in the liberal arts and sciences with instruction in intellectual, moral, and civic virtue.
THE CLASSICAL EDUCATION DIFFERENCE
Hillsdale Academy’s classical curriculum is based on traditions of the tried and true, offering a strong educational foundation that makes all the difference. We discuss big ideas and ask big questions as we study history, literature, math, science, languages, and fine arts. Through these classroom conversations, students learn how ideas from all disciplines build upon each other to provide a coherent and interconnected understanding of the world and how we ought to live. They learn how to embody what is good, pursue
what is true, and cultivate what is beautiful. This approach to education equips students to continue learning well beyond their school years.
FAITH FLOURISHES HERE
At Hillsdale Academy, we offer a classical education that helps students grow not only in mind and body, but also in spirit. Through daily prayer, weekly chapel services, and studying the Bible and great figures in the Judeo-Christian tradition, students find a supportive environment that nurtures their faith life.
STRONG BONDS OF COMMUNITY
We intentionally cultivate meaningful relationships and connect the Lower School (grades K-6) and Upper School (grades 7-12) in ways that are transformative for all students. You can see the strength of Hillsdale Academy’s community everywhere: in our hallways between classes, at our lunch tables, by our turnout for school plays and athletic events, and in the friendships among students and families.
CREATING BEAUTY THROUGH THE FINE ARTS
At Hillsdale Academy, the fine arts are thriving! All students take a variety of fine arts courses because we believe that artistic expression brings our community together in a powerful way. Through the fine arts, our students learn to recognize beauty, order, and harmony in the world around them and express it themselves through music, drama, or visual art.
ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE
The Hillsdale Academy Colts have a long record of athletic achievement, boasting more than 100 conference championships and dozens of district, regional, and state championships across sports. But athletics is about much more than winning; we focus on self-discipline, perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and integrity. We offer boys’ cross country, basketball, golf, track and field, and soccer, and girls’ cross country, basketball, track and field, and volleyball, as well as a co-ed clay target shooting club team. More than 90 percent of students in grades 6-12 participate in a sport at Hillsdale Academy.
A SHARED MISSION
We share more than a campus with Hillsdale College. We share a belief in what is noblest and best: helping our students to grow in virtue and wisdom through a classical education that fosters a strong work ethic and leads to self-government.
Because of our affiliation with Hillsdale College, Hillsdale Academy students have access to the facilities and programs offered by the College. Juniors and seniors in good standing have the opportunity for dual enrollment, where they can earn college credit. Visiting speakers and College faculty occasionally present lectures or performances for Academy students, enriching their academic experience.
A PRICELESS EDUCATION WITHIN REACH
Hillsdale Academy’s tuition is significantly less than the national average for private schools. We are committed to making this extraordinary education affordable by offering need-based tuition scholarships, all made possible by the generous gifts of donors. More than 50 percent of students received financial aid last year.
LEARN MORE!
The best way to learn about Hillsdale Academy is to schedule a visit. Come tour our new expansion, meet our teachers and students, and discover how a classical education can develop a love of learning in your child that prepares them for success. CALL US TODAY! (517) 439-8644 | academy@hillsdale.edu Scan QR code or visit hillsdale.edu/discover
Come Grow with Us at Hillsdale Academy!
HILLSDALE ACADEMY, a private K-12 classical school on the campus of Hillsdale College, has expanded with a new building addition to reach new students in our community and surrounding counties, allowing more students to experience an excellent Christian classical education.
HILLSDALE ACADEMY OFFERS:
• Personal attention from excellent teachers who are subject-matter experts
• Classroom instruction; no supplemental online programs
• Traditional liberal arts curriculum taught through the lens of the Christian faith
• A safe, structured, and caring environment
• Competitive athletics, performing arts opportunities, and student life activities
• Affordability, with need-based scholarships available
Apply for enrollment in the 2025-26 school year at academy.hillsdale.edu. February 15 is the deadline for priority and scholarship consideration, with rolling admissions as space allows.
CALL HILLSDALE ACADEMY TO SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY! (517) 439-8644 | hillsdale.edu/discover
“Not many schools offer the support, culture, and community of Hillsdale Academy. It’s been a fantastic experience for us.”
—HILLSDALE ACADEMY PARENT
Help Us Reach Every Child!
Every child in foster care deserves to have a CASA volunteer to advocate for them.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we run completely off of grants and donations. We do not charge for our services. You can help us in this quest by providing
Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers are needed now more than ever. For more information please contact Heather Upton by calling (517)797-6020 or email director@hillsdalecasa.org #changeachildsstory
Tobacco Use by Youth is Trending Down
by Elyse Apel
The number of middle school and high school students using tobacco products is at a 25-year low, according to a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cigarette smoking in particular has seen a steep decline.
In 1997, the National Youth Tobacco Survey reported that 36.4% of students stated they had smoked a cigarette in the past 30 days. In 2024, only 1.4% of students reported current use, which is a 96% decrease. Yet, the number of teenagers consuming tobacco products is still high. In 2024, 2.25 million, or 8%, of all middle and high school students reported they currently use one of the nine nicotine products included in the study. Current use means the students used it one or more days in the previous 30 days.
To put this in perspective, in 2024, one of every 19 middle school students (5.4%) and one of every 10 high school students (10.1%) said they currently use a tobacco product. Even worse, one of every eight middle school students (12.9%) and nearly one of every four high school students (23.6%) said they had ever tried a tobacco product.
Middle school students include children as young as 11, with grades ranging from 6-8. Most high schoolers are also minors. So, while the CDC said the overall decrease is good, parents must still remain aware of the risks and vigilant for the safety of their children.
“Reaching a 25-year low for youth tobacco product use is an extraordinary milestone for public health. However, with more than 2 million youth using tobacco products and certain groups not experiencing declines in use, our mission is far from complete,” says Deirdre Lawrence Kittner, director of the CDC’s office on Smoking and Health. “We must remain committed to public health efforts to ensure all youth can live healthy, tobacco-free lives.”
The CDC pointed to a number of potential factors for the decrease, including price increase, mass media campaigns, and education initiatives. Even though electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes, vapes, JUUL, etc.) remained the most commonly-used tobacco product for the students studied, a significant drop in the number of students who use e-cigarettes is likely the driving reason for the overall decline in tobacco product use.
The study found that the fewest number of students in a decade, 5.9%, reported currently using e-cigarettes. In 2023 to 2024, the number dropped from 2.13 million youth to 1.63 million.
Yet, even with the drop, e-cigarettes remained the most popular tobacco product with middle and high school students for the 11th year in a row. While tobacco products like the hookah saw a decrease in the past year, nicotine pouches saw a rise in use, coming in at the second-most commonly used.
As the CDC says, “youth use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe.” There is not a safe way to consume tobacco and it often becomes addictive for youth, who then go on to continue that established habit into adulthood. In fact, nearly nine out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily first try smoking by age 18.
So, while experts have found solace in the declining numbers that the measures they are taking to decrease nicotine use are working, they encouraged parents to remain alert.
“We’re headed in the right direction when it comes to reducing tobacco product use among our nation’s youth,” explains Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “But we can’t take our foot off the gas. Continued vigilance is needed to continue to reduce all forms of tobacco product use among youth.”
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OUR STORY
The Litchfield Training Regional Center (LRTC) is a cutting-edge facility designed to cater to your specific education needs. We offer tailor-made curricula and courses that align with industry standards. Whether you're already employed or an individual looking to advance your career, the opportunities at the LRTC can take you to the next level.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to equip and educate both today's and tomorrow's workforce. We achieve this by collaborating with organizations to offer up-to-date training resources for both companies and individuals.
8 Tips for Staying Active as a Parent
skyfitnesschicago.com
Parents and exercise are not usually words you see in the same sentence. From the moment you step on the physical and emotional roller coaster known as parenthood, your needs often must come second to the needs of your children. Exercising, as a parent, becomes a much more difficult task. This is true whether you’re in the throes of sleep-deprivation with a newborn or stay busy driving your children from school to soccer practice, tennis matches, and piano lessons. Even people who had a strong commitment to exercise before having chil dren will struggle to find consistent time to stay fit once they become parents.
Being a parent “wreaks havoc with your schedule,” says Betsy Keller, PhD, professor of exercise and sports sciences at Ithaca College. Indeed, a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh confirmed that new parents really are more sedentary than singles or married couples without children. The study tracked physical activity levels of more than 800 young adults for more than two years. It found that while physical activity declined among all participants during that span, it took the biggest hit among new parents. That’s despite the fact that new parents often feel like they are always on the go, says researcher Ethan E. Hull, MEd, an exercise physiologist candidate at the University of Pittsburgh.
“The priorities of a family just change,” says Hull. “The focus isn’t with your friends, it isn’t with yourself, it isn’t with your spouse; it’s with that child. Your own physical activity just isn’t as important as the attention you’re giving that child.”
But when it comes to abandoning physical activity, you’re not just hurting yourself, say experts. “Now that you have kids, you want to be around for the kids,” says Jon Chipko, a certified strength and conditioning coach from Montclair, N.J. “You want to be healthy, to be able to play with them, to be around when they get older.”
Time constraints, lack of sleep, and selflessness are all perfectly valid excuses for the short term, says Hull. But, he warns, be careful how much time you let go by. “It’s easy to sit on the couch,” Hull says. “It’s not easy to get out and exercise. [But] down the road, if parents have lost all this physical activity for years, they’re not going to snap back.” Whether you are a mom or a dad, a parent of a newborn or a teenager, here are some effective ways to incorporate exercise back into your life and fight the tendency to become more sedentary.
Continued on page 14
Exercise Tip for Parents No. 1: Be Active All Day
You don’t have to be athletic to be physically active, says Keller. Move around, walk to your neighbor’s house instead of calling, take the stairs, park farther away from your destination. All these things help burn calories and keep you moving — and they all add up. “You are tied to the child. You can’t leave them, but you can get up and move around,” Keller says. “There are lots of ways parents can incorporate physical activity into their day, or just as importantly, as a family activity,” says Hull. may take more preparation for parents, but physical activity can and should be balanced back in.”
Exercise Tip for Parents No. 2: Defy the Myth of Time
Granted, children take up a lot of time you previously had for yourself. But here’s the great part, says Brad Schoenfeld, a fitness trainer in Scarsdale, N.Y.: “It does not take a lot of time to achieve a basic level of fitness. “People tend to think they need to spend hours on end at the gym. It’s the quality, not the quantity. With a 15- to 20-minute weight workout, you can achieve great benefits.” Schoenfeld, author of two fitness books, says that even the advanced athletes he trains complete their workouts in about 3 to 3 1/2 hours a week.
Exercise Tip for Parents No. 4: Cultivate Social Support
Having a parent, a friend, or a neighbor to whom you can entrust the care of your children will pay dividends. “A lot [of what happens with an exercise routine] depends on the opportunity [a parent] has to leave the child and do exercise outside the home,” says Keller. If you don’t have family nearby, says Hull, “establish a network of friends that you trust and can trade off child care with.”
“You don’t need 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day in one continuous bout,” says Hull. Shoot for 10 to 15 minutes a couple times throughout the day, he recommends. Exercising in small
Exercise Tip for Parents No. 5: Establish Family Fitness
If you want your children to know the value of fitness, exercise with them. With infants and toddlers, go for brisk walks with the baby in the stroller, says Chipko. While they nap during the day, fit in some fitness — like doing basic lunges, squats, push-ups, and crunches. “These are all things that don’t require any equipment or space and don’t take a lot of time,” Schoenfeld says. With preschool to school-aged children, strive for family fitness. Go to the park, ride bikes, hike, and swim while the weather’s nice. In the winter, ice-skate, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or go sledding.
“Physical activity time also provides a great opportunity to talk with your kids,” adds Keller. “But sometimes, just doing something with them is worth more than we realize.” Bottom line? “Your desire to be physically
let's read!
written by Melissa McCance
When it’s too blustery to go out or you’re back inside after enjoying the snow, reading is the perfect quiet time activity. Here are some selections to consider when you’re ready to cozy up on a winter day. Although these books are highly recommended by parents, educators, and readers, you know your children best. We recommend reading (or at least skimming) the books for younger children to see if they’re appropriate for your child. Online reviews are available for the longer books to help you decide if they’re a good fit.
the more that you READ the more things you’ll KNOW the more that you LEARN the more PLACES you’ll go.
` Dr. Seuss
GRADES K-2
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
When Duncan opens his box of crayons, he discovers it’s empty except for letters . . . from his crayons! They’re sick and tired of always coloring the same things and want a change. If Duncan ever wants to color again, he’s going to have to figure out a way to appease his runaway art supplies and get them back to doing what they do best!
Harold Hates to Hibernate by Vern Kousky
Every young child can relate to wanting to dodge bedtime when it comes! Harold is a little bear who wants to keep playing outside and does NOT want to hibernate. So, he tries many things to stay awake. Will he manage it, or will he end up settling in for that long winter’s sleep?
GRADES 3-5
The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth
First published in 1956, this book has become a young reader classic. One of the hens on the Twitchell farm lays a truly enormous egg, but what hatches out of it is not a giant chick. It’s a dinosaur! Enjoy the adventures of the family as they raise this unexpected critter and figure out how to cope when he becomes one big fella!
No Talking by Andrew Clements
It starts as a boys versus girls competition: which group can go the longest without talking? As the rivalry continues, the school goes into an uproar. Then, a creative teacher sees a way to use the competition to explore how we communicate. From there, some special things begin to happen.
GRADES 6-8
Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Growing up can be hard, and Delsie is running into some of those inevitable rough patches. She’s more aware that her family situation—living with her grandmother—isn’t like that of most kids. Also, a former good friend seems to have outgrown her and is moving on. But, there are kind neighbors and a new friends who offer support and strength while she sorts things out.
Chasing Lincoln’s Killer: The Search for John Wilkes Booth by James L. Swanson
History can be dull and dry, or—if told well—as exciting as any great mystery. This book is carefully researched and details the wild twelve-day chase that led from the streets of Washington, D.C., through the swamps of Maryland, and into Virginia’s forests as many worked to pursue and capture Abraham Lincoln’s assassin.
Vaping— Take It Seriously!
by Elyse Apel
“Our guard is up. We . . . are closely monitoring the evolving tobacco product landscape for threats to public health, particularly when it comes to kids,” said Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products.
All parents must continue to have their guard up to protect teens and preteens from being exposed to tobacco products. Electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes, vapes, JUUL, etc.) are quickly growing in popularity with America’s youth, with one out of every 29 middle school students (3.5%) reporting that they had used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. The numbers are even more concerning with high school students, with one of every 13 high school students (7.8%) reported that they had used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. Currently, e-cigarettes remain the most popular tobacco product with middle and high school students for the 11th year in a row.
This is all according to a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics reported on the top reasons that youth use e-cigarettes. The number one reason was “to relax or relieve tension,” which was closely followed by the desire to “experiment.” Rounding out the top three reasons was “boredom, nothing else to do.”
“This represents a shift in adolescent vaping reasons over the past decade,” the AAP reports. “In 2015, relaxation was the fifth-most common reason.”
For many youth, it has become a coping mechanism for stress which will likely lead to a long-term addiction. Nicotine can permanently harm brain function, especially in a youth.
Yet, there are steps that parents can and should take to prevent their children from forming an addictive habit that could stick with them for the rest of their lives.
According to the American Lung Association (ALA), it is important for parents to understand the misinformation driving the rise of e-cigarettes.
“There is a misconception that vapes are just flavors and steam. Not true. Vaping is highly addictive,” it says. “In fact, one JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes, or about one pack of cigarettes.”
Many e-cigarettes also contain toxins and carcinogens, including formaldehyde, propylene glycol and acrolein, which can cause irreversible lung damage.
One of the other dangers with e-cigarettes is that they are very easy to conceal, especially as they don’t leave the normal residual scent of tobacco. To know if your child is using e-cigarettes, the ALA recommends keeping a close eye on your child’s behavior.
“They might start cutting back on caffeine or getting frequent nosebleeds,” it recommends. “Also look for signs around the house. Vape pens can look like markers or USB flash drives and have disposable flavor pods, so look for discarded pods in the trash.”
Thankfully, most middle and high school students who vape do want to quit, which could be an open door for parents to be able to help. Having healthy conversations with your teens and preteens about the dangers of tobacco, and e-cigarettes in particular, are also important, even if you do not think your child is at risk.
The ALA recommends parents consider three things before having a conversation.
1. Choosing the right place or time: “By choosing a place you both feel comfortable, you’ll both be more inclined to open up.”
2. Appealing to their good judgment, especially by giving honest facts about the dangers.
3. Asking open-ended questions: This will help lead to an open and honest conversation, possibly even encouraging your child to open up in a way they haven’t before.
This should not be a one-time conversation, but an ongoing one between parents and their children. The ALA says that will be the most effective way to stop the spread of e-cigarettes.
“Tobacco firms are targeting your kids,” it explains. “Parents are in the best position to protect their kids against such powerful and dangerous opponents.”
Welcome to Somerset Beach Campground and Retreat Center, a non-profit nestled in 226 acres of scenic beauty in Southern Michigan, where you can create unforgettable memories. Since 1982, we’ve proudly offered diverse lodging, food services, and recreational activities tailored to families, youth, and professional groups. Whether you’re here for a retreat, youth camp, or a camping adventure, you belong here.
Local Local
STUDENT
ACHIEVEMENTS
A new feature showcasing the outstanding achievements of local school students.
Ava Kramer
Jonesville High School
Senior
Ava has been an incredibly solid leader in our mezzo-soprano section. She leads sectional time with the group regularly and always knows her parts well. She is very talented and consistently demonstrates a high level of skill during class. Every choir teacher needs a student like Ava!
WANT TO HONOR A STUDENT YOU KNOW?
Email Hannah@simplyhers.net for a chance to submit a student(s) in our next issue!
ACADEMICS
SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
by Elyse Apel
Post-pandemic Academic Deficits Continue
Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic, many students are unfortunately still showing considerable and concerning deficits in academic performance.
Recovery from that loss has just barely begun, reported the Education Recovery Scorecard, which is a collaboration between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and The Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. The scorecard looked at academic recovery in 30 states across the United States. Michigan was one of those states.
“Many schools made strong gains last year, but most districts are still working hard just to reach pre-pandemic achievement levels,” says Dr. Thomas Kane, one of the study’s co-authors.
In Michigan, students remain more than a third of a grade level behind pre-pandemic levels in both math and reading. Students from more low-income districts were also the most likely to feel the effects of the decline in academic performance.
“No one wants to leave poor kids footing the bill, but that is the path Michigan is on,” Kane explains.
According to the Scorecard, many of the higher-poverty districts across the state lost 75% or more of a grade equivalent in math including Kalamazoo, Lansing and Detroit. In 2023, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Ann Arbor each remained 80% of a grade equivalent behind 2019 achievement levels in math. That comes as students statewide lost 51% of a grade equivalent in math and 45% in reading. Yet, income was not the only deciding factor in how districts fared, as higher-income districts like Portage and Ann Arbor also lost more than 80% of a grade level in math.
In 2023, the Scorecard found that academic recovery had barely begun. In fact, between 2022 and 2023, statewide achievement rose by only 7% of a grade equivalent in math and 1% in reading.
“If Michigan continues improving at last year’s rate, full recovery will require five additional years for students to recover in math, and decades to recover in reading,” the study reports.
For students to recover academic performance quickly, it will take a hands-on approach from parents.
The Scorecard laid out a few simple steps that Michigan schools and parents should consider taking, especially if their students are struggling.
1. Parents should be informed of their student’s progress in both math and reading. That way, if they are below grade level, students can be enrolled in summer school.
2. Summer school programs should be expanded. “Research has shown that six weeks of summer learning produces a fourth of a year of learning, especially in math,” Scorecard says.
3. Tutoring and after-school programs should be expanded.
4. Parents, and schools, must work to lower the number of students skipping school, a number that has remained high since the pandemic.
Even if tutoring isn’t available through your school, parents should seek outside help to improve your student’s understanding of the subject material and grades. There are also endless online tutoring and even free educational opportunities that can help supplement the teaching that students are receiving in the classroom.
KidsHealth recommends a few additional steps that parents should also be taking. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining ongoing and healthy conversations with your children about their grades. Experts also recommend visits to your child’s health care provider and/or a psychologist, in case a simple physical problem like poor eyesight or a learning problem like ADHD might be the root of the academic issues.
Overall, in the post-pandemic world especially, it is critical for parents to be advocates for their children. Whether that is with a teacher, school board, or in finding outside help, parents are the first line of defense in their children’s education.
What is Hygge?
Hygge, pronounced as “hue-gah“, originates from an Old Norwegian word that means well-being and protection from the elements of the outside. It’s a concept and culture that stemmed from Denmark’s very long, cold, and dreary winters and is so important to the Danish people.
By practicing Hygge and filling their homes with love and comfort, it mentally helped the people from there to combat these really hard winters.
So what exactly is hygge?
Hygge is a feeling, not something that is attainable by purchasing something tangible.
Instead, it’s a mix of feeling cozy and comfortable alongside laughter, friendship, family, and homemade food and drinks that are appropriate for the season. glossybelle.com
Want a cozy home this winter? Here is how to make your home hygge for the winter so you can rest, relax, and enjoy your family.
That cozy togetherness, warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you are relaxed, warm, and doing something with others you love. In this cold, unconnected world we live in, anything cozy and comfortable strikes a positive nerve. So, if you’re gearing up to enjoy winter and not just suffer through it, here are some simple ways to do so.
How to make your home hygge for winter
Ready to be cozy, comfy, and warm for the winter?
Declutter the living areas
You’ve taken Christmas down and aren’t ready for spring decoration yet, so take advantage of this time to reset. Reset your space
• Declutter your bookshelves
• Remove extra items off your tables and surfaces
• Take down or update your picture frames/wall art
You don’t want empty or sterile (we’ll get to that, keep reading!) but you do want to give your brain a break!
Removing visual clutter will do that!
Takeaway: Create a blank slate in the living areas.
Pull out cozy blankets and cushions
One of my favorite ways to make the home feel cozy is with thick blankets.
Soften your space
• Curl up in those cozy blankets for family movie night or cartoon hour
• Grab a warm drink and snuggle in
• Enjoy those quality family moments in warmth and comfort
• Use a fabric basket to collect all the blankets and declutter room when snuggle time is over
Takeaway: Family time can be comfy; snuggle up and watch a movie time.
I like thebecausewinter
TALKING IS TEACHING
Diffuse some fragrant essential oils
Diffuse your favorite winter scents in your home to add an instant hygge vibe.
Diffusing essential oils before bedtime or in the evening can add an element of the season right into your home. Need help choosing? Here are some popular Hygge oils!
• Clove
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Northern Lights Black Spruce
• Cinnamon
• Orange
• White Fir
• Myrrh
• Frankincense
• Pine
• Fir Needle
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint
Use softer cozy lighting Hygee lighting can contribute to the mood of any space in your home.
Practical lighting tips
• Use candles for ambiance
• Replace bright lighting with warm glow bulbs
• Utilize your lamps for a cozy vibe
• Minimize harsh overhead lighting
Takeaway: Store away the bright lights and embrace the warm hygee glow (unless you’re cooking, of course).
Stock up on warm drinks for a hygge winter
Sipping on a warm drink while snuggled into your hygee home can really bring the family together.
Create space for precious moments
your kids and telling stories.
• Hygee is having a toasty herbal tea brewing when your friend stops by for a chat.
• With a cup in hand, conversation and sweet memories will be made.
Create
Family traditions
Stock up on the things your family loves to do! A hygee winter is the perfect time to create A family tradition.
Favorites…
• Things that give opportunity for cuddles
• Games that bring out conversation
• Books (especially Christmas- or winter-themed)
• A basket at the end of the couch with some handy books for a quick snuggle and read
• Family board games
• Anything you and I can do with a hot drink in my hand and a cozy blanket on my lap
Get the board games out and start playing those in the evenings if you have time. We usually end up playing games on the weekends, or the kids play games by themselves while I’m cooking dinner.
Takeaway: Set things in order to create family Hygee moments. It’s a great to spend time together!
Print (or save) some winter cooking faves
If you like certain foods during the winter months, don’t let the time go by without having these on regular rotation.
Practical hygee cooking tips
• Print out your fave winter recipes
• Choose some meals that are pantry heavy (like chili, minus the meat) so you can make them easily without having to plan.
Buy some cookie dough (or make some) and have it on hand to pop a few cookies in.
Enjoy your winter hygge moments…
We all have busy family lives
We can get so busy we’re stressed to the max.
Aim for Luxury
After a day on the range at the John A. Halter Shooting Sports Education Center, Hillsdale College’s world-class facility, indulge yourself with a stay at one of the Halter Center’s cottages. It’s a luxury experience right on site!
Enjoy the amenities and comfort of a spacious cottage while taking advantage of everything that the Halter Center has to offer:
• Sporting clays
• Pistol and rifle
• American and International Skeet and Trap
• Archery
• Range instruction
• AcuSport Grille
• Liberty & Co. Outfitters
Custom packages available. The Halter Center is open year-round!
To book your experience, please visit haltercottages.lodgify.com or call (517) 610-5593.
PICKS
SCAN QR CODES WITH PHONE TO VIEW PINS!
Our Favorite Domesticated Friends
Americans have an uncanny love for cats, dogs, and other exotic and interesting types of animals. They make for great companions, are interesting to be around, and offer comfort on lonely days.
Popular pets like dogs and cats have been human companions for as long as we can remember. Even in Paleolithic times, they served as hunting companions and household pets. Their importance cannot be overstated, and that is why 57% of most American households have at least one pet. In this post, we’ll be looking at the top 10 most popular pets in American homes.
all, they’re man’s best friend. They are easy to care for, talk to, and make great companions for both children and adults alike.
2. Cats
Cats are a close second to dogs. They were originally brought to North America by the English to help control the rodent problems that persisted on the east coast. A few hundred years later, they are widely domesticated and favored by most animal lovers because of their innate curiosity, cuteness, and playfulness.
10 Most Popular Pets in America
1. Dogs
2. Cats
3. Freshwater Fish
4. Small Animals
5. Birds
6. Reptiles
7. Horses
8. Saltwater Fish
9. Poultry
10. Ferrets
1. Dogs
To the surprise of no one, dogs are the most popular pet in America. Approximately 45% of U.S. households own a dog, which translates to about 65.1 million households. Looking at the statistics, their popularity makes sense. After
Approximately 25% of American households own a cat, with an estimated 46.5 million households having at least one cat. However, keep in mind that 24% of pet-owning households in the United States have both dogs and cats. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, 49% of pet owners have dogs only, while 23% have cats only.
3. Freshwater Fish
In what may be a mild surprise, the third most popular U.S. pet is freshwater fish. 11.5 million households—or 9.6% of domestic households—own freshwater fish, with goldfish being the ultimate beginner fish. However, guppies, betta fish, angelfish, molly fish, and neon tetras are all common freshwater species you’re likely to see in American aquariums. Speaking of which, aquariums are lovely as home decor and they’re fairly easy to care for and maintain.
4. Small Animals
This category includes hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other similar animals, totaling around 7 million households. These pets are particularly favored for their small size and ease
of care. In some cases, these animals are relatively long-lived. Chinchillas, for example, can live up to 20 years, while rabbits typically live between 8–12 years.
and the complexity of their care. Clownfish are probably the most popular saltwater fish, partly because they’re easy to maintain and partly because of the 2003 Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.”
Birds come in fifth place. They are not quite as popular as fish or cats, but they are just as fun and rewarding to nurture, and 5.7 million (or 4.8%) of American households keep them as pets. Cockatiels, parrots, parakeets, and other birds with some capacity to mimic human speech are particularly popular among bird owners.
6. Reptiles
Reptiles, which include snakes, salamanders, iguanas, and all types of lizards, are in sixth place. They’re the ultimate “love it or hate it” animal, given that so many people have fears of snakes, crocodiles, and alligators. Apparently, reptiles are particularly loved by millennials because they have an exotic flair and aesthetic.
What’s interesting about reptiles is that though they’re only in about 4.5 million (or 3.8%) of American households, owners have multiple reptiles. So, there are probably close to 10 million reptiles kept as pets in the U.S.
7. Horses
9. Poultry
As unlikely as it might seem, poultry—chicken, turkey, ducks, and geese—are popular pet choices in a lot of households in the US. They are a more pragmatic choice for some pet owners, seeing as some of them lay eggs which could be sold. AVMA estimates that chickens are more popular than small mammals and other typical pet choices. Actual percentages are tough to nail down because the popularity of
In 2017, the American Horse Council reported that 1.3% of U.S. households owned horses, which amounts to 1.6 million households and roughly 7.6 million horses. It’s worth mentioning that in another study, 89% of horse owners considered their horses to be either pets (42%) or family members (47%), with only 11% considering them property.
8. Saltwater Fish
Another aquatic option, saltwater fish are kept in roughly 2 million households, which represents approximately 1.3% of all households. Like their freshwater counterparts, saltwater fish like clownfish (Finding Nemo), wrasses, gobies, damselfish, and blennies are known for their vibrant colors
10. Ferrets
Ferrets are a natural choice for most exotic animal lovers. They are spritely, fun, and cute. In addition to that, most pet stores keep and carry food for them, so sustaining a few ferrets long-term should not be an issue. While the exact number may fluctuate, the most current estimate suggests that around 326,000 U.S. households own ferrets, with a total ferret pethelpful.com
Recipes For Recipes For Giving! Giving! Cookies in a jar Cookies in a jar
A fun & hands on activity for kids!
M&M Cookies in a Jar
1¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup (100g) plain mini or regular size M&Ms
*gift recipient will add: 10 Tablespoons (145g) softened unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
To make the jars: Whichever cookie jar recipe you’re making combine the first 3 ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt). Now it’s time to layer the ingredients in 32-ounce mason jars. I suggest layering the dry ingredients into the jars in a thoughtful way so each layer stands out. Dark (cocoa powder), light (granulated sugar), dark (brown sugar), light (flour + baking soda + salt), dark (chocolate chips), then the peppermint bark or M&Ms.
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Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in a Jar
1⅓ cups rolled oats
½ cup packed brown
sugar
½ cup white sugar
½ cup chopped pecans
1 cup semisweet
chocolate chips
1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Double Chocolate Toffee Cookies in a Jar
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
1¼ cups flour
⅔ cup chocolate chips
⅔ cup toffee bits
⅔ cup white chocolate chips
(The measurements for the chips are approximate. Use what works to fill your jar.)
Directions
Layer the ingredients in a 1-quart jar in the order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next layer.
Already in Jar: Rolled oats, sugar, pecans , semisweet chocolate chips, allpurpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, & salt.
You Will Need: 1/2 C Butter, 1 Egg, & 1 Teaspoon Vanilla.
DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
1. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in the entire contents of the jar. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing.
2. Shape into walnut-sized balls. 3. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven. 5. Transfer from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
Giving!
Already in Jar: Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Salt, Baking Soda, Flour, Chocolate Chips, Toffee Bits, & White Chips.
You Will Need: 1/2 C Butter, 1 Egg, & 1 Teaspoon Vanilla.
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
1. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in the entire contents of the jar. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing.
2. Shape into walnut-sized balls.
3. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. 5. Transfer from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
