Shopping Savings - TIRTIR

 K-Beauty brand TIRTIR is offering up major promos from now until Valentine’s Day on Amazon. For a limited time, consumers can purchase their favorite TIRTIR products at steep discounts. 

 

This includes:

• The NEW Lip & Blush Mood Glider, now 36% off

• Up to 60% off the Mask Fit Cushion

• 30% off the Milk Skin Toner

• AND MORE

Enriching Education - Science Comes Alive During Science Week at WonderWorks Destiny

 Fun is in full swing at WonderWorks Destiny as the team gears up for their annual Science Week event, from February 16-20, 2026. Winter break is right around the corner for CNY schools, making it a great time for families and locals to check out WonderWorks and all it has to offer. The upside-down house helps keep the fun and learning going all throughout winter break and beyond. From interactive science demonstrations to a 50% off ropes course ticket deal on select days, WonderWorks has everything you need to make the most out of a Syracuse stay-cation.

 

“Take your family’s February break to the next level with a visit to WonderWorks!” said Jon Cascella, general manager at WonderWorks Destiny. “Our entire team looks forward to this special week every year, and we’re ready to have a blast with guests at both our regular attractions and our exciting science sessions throughout the week.”

 

Guests will not want to miss all the fun offered during Science Week. Young explorers can unleash their inner scientist with five exciting days of interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) sessions, demonstrations and activities. This annual event offers students and families the opportunity to engage their mind and spark creativity during the school break, in a fun affordable way.

 

The schedule of events for the week includes:

• Meteorology Monday on February 16, 2026 – Get blown away on Meteorology Monday from 1 pm to 3 pm to kick off Science Week. This day will be dedicated to learning more about wintery weather facts, trying DIY weather experiments, exploring natural phenomena and more.
• Egg Drop on February 17, 2026 – Watch out below! Take part in WonderWorks’ annual Egg Drop Contest from noon until 2 pm to see if you’ve got what it takes. Participants will put their engineering skills to the test and attempt to prevent their egg from breaking as it hits the ground. Supplies will be provided and participation is free.
• Destiny USA’s Winter Break Bash on February 18, 2026 – Swing by the WonderWorks table at Destiny USA’s Winter Break Bash, taking place from noon until 2 pm in the Canyon area of the mall (right below the Canyon Climb Ropes Course). The WonderWorks team will be helping attendees create dancing art through an electrifying science experiment, handing out Professor Wonder activity sheets, giving away special coupon offers, and more. This is a free event hosted by the mall and will feature lots more fun activities from other stores.
• Color Me Curious on February 19, 2026 – The Science Week fun heads back inside WonderWorks on Thursday from 1 pm to 3 pm. With a stroke of genius, put the “A” back in STEAM! Guests can try their hand at creating pop art, watch a mesmerizing, colorful elephant toothpaste explosion, and more on this creative, hands-on day.
• Animal Wonders with Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Feb 20, 2026 – Science Week will conclude with a special guest session from 1 pm to 3 pm that participants will not want to miss! Guaranteed to get guests up close and personal with animal biofacts, this event will examine animal tracks, pelts, skulls, teeth, and more. This session is held in partnership with Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Monday, Thursday, and Friday’s Science Week sessions begin at 1 pm and cost only $5 to participate in, while Tuesday and Wednesday’s sessions begin at 12 pm and are free for all. WonderWorks Destiny Annual Passholders can experience all five sessions for free as a perk of their pass. Guests can pre-register to reserve their spot online: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny/science-week/.

 

“It may be cold outside, but it’s always warm in the mall! Winter is one of the best times to experience WonderWorks, with special events like Science Week, great ways to save on tickets, and more,” said Jon Cascella, general manager at WonderWorks Destiny.

 

Mark the family calendars now for your next WonderWorks visit! With winter being one of the best times to visit the upside-down house, locals and visitors alike will want to check out the best indoor amusement park in Central New York. The indoor attraction provides a place to stay warm, stay active, and explore.

 

Be sure to take full advantage of the exclusive Wonder Wednesdays deal, running through the end of February 2026. Wonder Wednesdays provides guests with the opportunity to score 50% off tickets to the Canyon Climb Ropes Course at the door, every Wednesday through February 25, 2026. Guests will not want to miss this chance to check out the Canyon Climb at a great rate The Canyon Climb ropes course is the world’s largest suspended indoor ropes course, standing 70 feet tall. Climbers will get to explore three levels of ropes as they take on over 81 different obstacles. Closed-toed shoes and proper dress is required to go on the ropes course, and there are height and weight restrictions in place. To get more information, visit the site online: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny/the-experience/canyon-climb/.

 

WonderWorks Destiny offers a variety of educational programs and promotions throughout the year for local students and families to enjoy. They provide group rates, birthday parties, homeschool days, corporate event packages, and an annual pass. They have over 100 interactive exhibits covering topics such as extreme weather, space exploration, light and sound, and more. The upside-down laboratory is also home to a thrilling laser tag arena, an imagination lab, a youth art gallery, and a physical challenge zone, including the 4D XD Motion Theater, the Astronaut Training Challenge, and more. For more information and current hours of operation, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny.

 

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment into one venue. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 71 mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Get the NASA treatment and experience zero gravity in the Astronaut Training Gyro. Nail it by lying on the death-defying Bed of Nails. WonderWorks is in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information, visit WonderWorksDestiny.com, and follow @WonderWorksDestiny on Facebook, @WonderWorksDUSA on X (Twitter), @WonderWorks_dusa on Instagram, and @WonderWorksOfficial on TikTok.

 

Book Nook - A Tragedy of Riches

A captivating story of beauty, ambition, and the sacrifices demanded by loyalty. Elena, born into a modest immigrant family, is taught early that her extraordinary beauty is both her greatest gift and her sole value. Driven by her mother's relentless ambition, Elena rises from her humble beginnings to the heights of wealth and power, yet she cannot escape the shadow of familial expectations and exploitation.

Beneath the veneer of privilege, A Tragedy of Riches reveals the daily emotional and psychological abuse Elena endured at the hands of her own relatives. As deception and deprivation closed in, lifelong friends stepped in—doing what they could to help her escape a web of control built on lies and withheld necessities.

Through vivid characters and elegant prose, Tony Cointreau explores themes of resilience, betrayal and unflagging friendship. A Tragedy of Riches is a poignant meditation on the cost of loyalty, the allure of power, and one woman's quest to define her worth beyond what others demand of her.


Born Jacques-Henri Mercier-Cointreau in New York City on February 7,1941 to a French father and a Boston-born mother, Tony was heir to the Cointreau liqueur dynasty. Despite the prestige that surrounded him, he grew up emotionally adrift, shaped by a family culture that prized appearances, discipline, and perfection above emotional intimacy. His childhood oscillated between Paris, the Loire Valley’s Château Brillant, and the family’s home on Park Avenue in New York City—beautiful settings marked by loneliness, anxiety, and the pressure to be the “perfect” son.

Tony went on to build a career as a singer and performer, appearing in New York nightclubs and on Hollywood stages, and moving within the orbit of cultural icons including Vincente Minnelli, Tony Bennett, Fred Astaire, and Mae West. Yet throughout his artistic life, he remained clear-eyed about the limits of fame, believing applause and access were always secondary to genuine human connection.

That belief led him to Calcutta, where he met Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity. Through his work with the destitute and later with men dying of AIDS at The Gift of Love hospice in Greenwich Village, Tony learned not only to witness suffering, but to give the love he had long sought. These experiences shaped his earlier award-winning books, Ethel Merman, Mother Teresa…And Me and A Gift of Love: Caring for Loved Ones in Their Last Days, both praised for their compassion, insight, and humanity.

Tony Cointreau’s life is one of transformation—from a child raised amid privilege yet longing for affection, to a performer embraced by legends, to a writer and volunteer committed to dignity, care, and compassion. He carries with him Mother Teresa’s enduring words: “Life is not worth living unless it is lived for others.”

Travel Tidbits - Long Weekend in Lisbon

 

Lisbon is compact enough for a long weekend, yet layered enough to feel like a true cultural immersion. Between its privileged position on the coast farther out west in Europe plus increased airlift, it's an easy jaunt from the east coast or midwest making it perfect for those that crave authenticity without sacrificing luxury. Why is it the ideal short haul European capital? Well, a lot of reasons. It's effortly stylish yet deeply authentic, an irresistible mix of culture, cuisine, coastline, and curated luxury experiences by Inside Tours. How does it look? We'll tell you... Day One: Arrival in Style​ Arrive in VIP style with a private transfer to an exclusive 5 star Lisbon retreat (think Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon or the boutique luxe Valverde). And set off with a private guide through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods like Chiado, Alfama, and Bairro Alto to set the tone. (NB- it's a lot of fun by Tuk-Tuk!). The evening unfolds with a chef-led tasting food tour, weaving through hidden taverns and gourmet hotspots, sampling petiscos, world-class Portuguese wines, and artisanal delicacies. Day Two: Culture & Coastline​ The morning begins with a private electric bike tour through Lisbon’s hills, gliding effortlessly between panoramic viewpoints, tiled façades, and riverfront promenades. Afterward, guests venture beyond the city with a chauffeured excursion to the storybook town of Sintra. Here, they enjoy VIP access to Pena Palace before the crowds, explore mystical gardens at Quinta da Regaleira, and savor a leisurely lunch at a heritage estate. The journey continues along the dramatic Atlantic coastline to Cascais, where golden beaches, a charming marina, and chic seaside cafés offer the perfect late-afternoon interlude. For those seeking something extraordinary, consider a private yacht charter along the coast or a sunset champagne moment overlooking the cliffs of Cabo da Roca. Day Three: Authentic Lisbon​ Back in the city, the day is tailored entirely to your passions—options include a private tile-painting workshop with a master artisan, a behind-the-scenes pastry session crafting the iconic pastéis de nata, or a curated shopping experience with a local stylist showcasing Portugal’s emerging designers. The weekend concludes with an intimate Fado evening in a historic palácio or exclusive venue, complete with a gourmet tasting menu and premium wine pairings. This deeply moving musical tradition provides the perfect emotional finale to a sophisticated Lisbon escape. Let's do Lisbon!

Money Matters - Where Consumers are Adding Debt (and Tips)

 Americans owe more than $2.9 trillion on their auto loans and credit cards alone, and the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the States Where Consumers Are Adding the Most Debt to show where people are having the toughest time. WalletHub ranked the states where credit card, auto loan, and personal loan debt increased the most from Q3 2025 to Q4 2025 based on its proprietary data. This report comes on the heels of our recent analysis of the Household Debt Report.

 

Largest Increase	Smallest Increase
1. Maine	41. Michigan
2. Wyoming	42. Kentucky
3. Hawaii	43. Ohio
4. Montana	44. New Hampshire
5. Georgia	45. Connecticut
6. New Mexico	46. Iowa
7. North Dakota	47. Missouri
8. Florida	48. Delaware
9. Texas	49. Oregon
10. Vermont	50. West Virginia

 
For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-where-consumers-are-adding-the-most-debt/133119
 
National Stats (Inflation Adjusted)

• Year-End Debt Results: Total household debt increased by $257 billion during 2025. That is 810% more than the increase in 2024.
   
• Household Average: The average household owed a total of $155,594 at the end of 2025, which is $11,639 below the all-time high.
   
• Total Debt-to-Deposits Ratio: The ratio of total household debt to deposits indicates consumers are in a stable position. It's still below pre-Covid levels and roughly 47% lower than the early-2000s peak.
   
• Total Debt-to-Assets: The ratio between total household debt and assets, at 9.28%, continues to be at a very healthy level.

For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/d/household-debt-report/120725

 
 
“At a time when interest rates are very high, it’s especially important to minimize the accumulation of debt. Americans have added a staggering amount of new debt in the past decade, and it can be very easy for that debt to become unsustainable, leading to future issues like default and major credit score damage.” 
---
“Maine residents added the most debt than those in any other state, at least in percentage terms. The average credit card balance in Maine increased by 8% from Q3 2025 to Q4 2025 – by far the second-biggest increase in the country. The average Maine resident’s auto loan balance also increased by nearly 2%, and their average personal loan balance went up by around 0.5%, both of which were the third-biggest increases in the country. A number of states saw decreases in either the average auto loan balance or personal loan balance, so Maine’s increase in both is notable.”

- John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor  


Expert Commentary

What are the main reasons why people add more debt?

“People add more debt for a mix of economic, situational, and behavioral reasons. The one driver is a cash-flow mismatch: insurance, childcare, the purchase of a new vehicle, and property or income tax payments may require annual, semi-annual, or quarterly payments that the individual doesn’t have sufficient resources to cover. They could also be taking advantage of discounts for paying in advance that exceed the interest that would be paid on the debt. Many households also have volatile or irregular income that makes monthly budgeting difficult. Debt also increases after unexpected shocks – medical bills, car repairs, family emergencies, job loss, or other disruptions – especially when savings are thin. Finally, easier access to credit, buy now pay later options, and lifestyle inflation can normalize financing everyday spending and push consumers toward borrowing as the default solution.”
Colin Slabach – Clinical Assistant Professor, New York University
 
“There are many reasons why people add more debt. The general main reason is because people want or need something they cannot afford…yet. The most famous example is a mortgage for buying property. Few people can pay cash for a house so loans are used and paid over time. This general concept of getting it now and paying for it later applies to all debt. The trouble with more debt occurs when the interest rates are too high and/or what we use debt to purchase does not provide a return. Whenever possible, use debt to pay for assets (degrees, houses, cars, major repairs), not expenses (shopping, vacations, bills).”
Raymond Kowalczyk – Professor, Illinois Central College
 

How can people minimize the accumulation of debt? 

“To minimize debt accumulation, create a ‘rainy day fund.’ With every paycheck, put money in a special account for emergencies. I would recommend a goal of 6 months' salary in a high-interest savings account for optimal results. It’s important to leave that account only for emergencies.”
Dr. Sandra Poirier – Professor, Middle Tennessee State University
 
“Inflation has definitely caused prices to increase, and it seems like wages are a bit more stagnant than usual. Accumulating more debt feels inevitable. There are a few things people can do to try and minimize debt. The most important thing to do is to create a budget and a spending plan. With these, people can see their current financial position and also get an idea of where money is being spent. A popular saying is that knowing is half the battle. Once spending is known, cuts can be made in areas and the extra money saved can pay off debt. Also, try not to use your credit card if you know you can’t pay off the purchase in the next 60 days.”
Raymond Kowalczyk – Professor, Illinois Central College
 

How does unsustainable debt damage your credit score?

“Unsustainable debt can damage credit scores primarily through missed payments and elevated revolving utilization. Payment history is the most important factor in most scoring models, so late payments, collections, charge-offs, and bankruptcies can result in large score declines and remain on reports for an extended period of time. High credit card utilization – especially when balances remain near limits – can also depress scores because it signals stress and reduces perceived borrowing capacity. When consumers are under strain, they often apply for more credit, which can lead to more inquiries and shorten average account age, further weighing on scores. Lenders may also respond by reducing credit limits or closing accounts, which can raise utilization even if the borrower’s spending remains unchanged. Even when a credit score does not fall immediately, high debt burdens can still reduce approvals and increase borrowing costs because lenders evaluate overall affordability in addition to the score.”
Colin Slabach – Clinical Assistant Professor, New York University
 
“If you don’t pay your loans, you will get a negative mark on your credit score. Remember, unpaid federal student loans will also impact your credit score in a negative manner. Also, too much credit utilization can impact your credit score negatively.”
Dr. Sandra Poirier – Professor, Middle Tennessee State University
 

More From WalletHub

• States With Largest and Smallest Debt Increases
• States With Largest and Smallest Credit Card Debt Increases
• States Adding the Most Personal Loan Debt
• States Where Auto Loan Debt Is Increasing Most
• 2026 Credit Card Debt Study

Caring Connections - Get Your Relationship Back On The Road This Valentines With A Love MOT

 This Valentine's Day, give your relationship the attention it deserves, take this opportunity to strengthen your bond, communicate better, and reignite the spark that brought you together. Don't wait until there's a breakdown to address any issues - be proactive and invest in the health of your relationship. Show your significant other how much you care by ensuring your relationship is running smoothly and efficiently. Just like a car needs regular maintenance, relationships also require a tune-up every now and then!

Mental health expert Noel McDermott looks at what makes a relationship roadworthy, focusing on three crucial areas that can significantly contribute to the success and longevity of relationships. By understanding and addressing these fundamental aspects, couples can strengthen their relationships and promote overall well-being.

1 - Set the right emotional tone – this is key to staying the distance. Conflict is a part of life but in our love relations we want in general the emotional background noise to be about kindness and love. Oxytocin is a hormone produced when we are safe in our relationship to another. It produces a sense of wellbeing, a feeling of being bonded and contributes to our health. It’s produced when we look into another’s eyes, when we touch skin to skin in a non-sexual way and when we hug etc. Make time to look at and touch each other, cuddle on the sofa and hold hands, these actions promote bonding creating a loving tone to our relationship. Dropping the tone of our voices also produces wellbeing and affection. 

2 - Learn better conflict skills -  having good conflict resolution skills keeps our relationships on track. Sometimes we must learn to let things go but in other cases it’s better to get it all out in the open. Verbalising how you are feeling is so much more productive than being angry as is owning our part in a problem. Creating emotional distance from conflict issues to problem solves helps. Stress from everyday life impacts us but it doesn’t indicate our relationship is in trouble. Assertive communication is essential for effective conflict management.

3 - Put flexible role boundaries in place - it's important to establish flexible role boundaries to foster authenticity and openness in our relationships. By embracing our unique roles and allowing ourselves the freedom to express our true selves, we create a more fulfilling and genuine connection with our partners. Accept that you have different skills and roles, don’t try to force one person to take it on because it’s a societal norm for example. Find out what works for your relationship. Discuss what you want in all aspects of the relationship. 

So what does ‘healthy love’ look like?

The keys to a healthy and successful relationship are well known and they fall into three areas of functioning, it comes from the global assessment of relational functioning (GARF)

1. Problem solving: not just dealing with conflict when it arises but also how effective one is at letting go of conflict that is not helpful. 

2. Ask yourselves - Is the ’structure’ of the relationship clear? Are boundaries understood? Are tasks allocated fairly? Is power shared appropriately? Are roles adopted with personal autonomy?

3. Is the emotional climate and feelings towards each other generally in the arena of love and positive regard, are positive views held by members about being in the relationships? Is sexual functioning healthy and positive? 

Dealing with Life’s Challenges Together 

In any intimate relationship, understanding external stressors that may impact the relationship is crucial. It is important to recognize that challenges from outside factors do not necessarily reflect the quality of the relationship itself. Distinguishing between internal and external sources of problems can help individuals navigate difficulties in a healthy and constructive manner. By acknowledging and addressing these stressors, couples can strengthen their bond and foster a deeper connection. It’s about normalising stress responses to stressful life experiences rather than saying they are signs of danger or problems.

External circumstances can challenge the perception that our current love relationships are not meeting needs effectively, it is important to recognize that this can cause a sense of internal stress. However, it's crucial to understand that experiencing this internal conflict doesn't automatically mean that the love relationship is bad. It's a normal part of the human experience to face challenges and reevaluate our needs and expectations. By acknowledging and addressing these feelings, individuals can work towards strengthening their relationships and achieving a deeper level of understanding and connection with their partners.

Mental health expert Noel McDermott comments: 

"We know a lot about how relationships work these days and it’s possible to improve all the time how we work in partnership with our loved ones. The X factor in romantic relationships isn’t what you think it is. It’s not the butterflies in the stomach, the X factor is the willingness to forgive. We forgive someone because we want to keep them in our lives.”

Mental health expert Noel McDermott is a psychotherapist and dramatherapist with over 30 years’ work within the health, social care, education, and criminal justice fields. His company Mental Health Works provides unique mental health services for the public and other organisations. Mental Health Works offers in situ health care and will source, identify and co-ordinate personalised teams to meet your needs – https://www.mentalhealthworks.net/ 

Book Nook - Hangry the Bear

In Hangry the Bear, life is sweet in the Kingdom of Honey, and so is the food! But Prince Hangry has an appetite that honey alone can’t satisfy. And the hungrier Hangry gets, the grumpier he becomes! Desperate to fix his bad temper, Hangry embarks on a global culinary adventure, trying fantastic new foods from Italy to Acapulco in search of the meal that will fill him up for good. But no dish can delay Hangry’s hunger for long, and he worries that the minute he gets home, his grumpy mood will return. Soon, though, Hangry’s adventures lead him to an important discovery: that food is about more than just filling your stomach—it’s about following your dreams!

Wolfgang Yuck (AKA Steve Rogge) is a restaurant owner with a diverse background in both economics and culinary arts. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in economics, he worked as a financial modeling analyst at Standard & Poor’s. In 2010, driven by a passion for food, Steve began attending culinary school while still juggling his finance career and working in fine dining. In 2012, after graduating from culinary school, he, like Hangry, took a significant leap by opening his first restaurant alongside his lifelong friends, Bill and Kevin. Since then, Steve has opened and operated successful restaurants all over the Richmond metro area and beyond. Also like Hangry, Steve attributes his success to the support of his amazing parents. Outside of his restaurants, you can find Steve on the golf course, pickleball court, or watching MasterChef Junior with his beautiful wife and their three amazing children.

Enriching Education - The Airport Adventure

The Airport Adventure, a Philadelphia-based, minority-owned social wellness brand, uses aviation industry principles, procedures, and philosophy to help children, families, and communities navigate social and emotional challenges. Through books, theatrical productions, workshops, and speaking engagements, founder Cleous “GloWry” Young provides practical, real-world strategies for resilience, connection, and trauma recovery — turning complex emotional challenges into actionable frameworks, much like mapping a flight plan.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

- Why is it important for kids of all ages to be able to work on skills like resilience and connection?
It is important for kids of all ages to be able to work on skills like resilience and connection for the effectiveness and sufficiency of their future. Otherwise, they become ineffective and insufficient adults. Meaning, their adult life challenges will plague them rather than enhance them. Areas of their adult life where they should be prospering or giving to others, those areas will become increasingly insufficient, which is like going to the bank to withdraw money but did not deposit any money inside the account. The teller or ATM will share that you have insufficient funds. Thus, this is parallel to practicing skills such as resilience and connection. If you don’t deposit (practice) it in your childhood account, then you can’t withdraw it in your adulthood circumstances of difficulties and challenges that will arrive. Period!

- How can aviation principles help with these skills?
Aviation principles work best with these types of skills as a parallel life approach. The main philosophical idea of aviation is to bring people and things to new destinations. Thus, adulthood is a new destination from childhood. Hence, certain principles are utilized daily in the aviation industry that safely bring over 4.3 billion passengers and other items to their destination annually. The number one prioritized principle in aviation is safety. Now, parallel this to a child’s life. If he or she is not safe, then just like the airplane that takes off and is not safe, there will be catastrophe in the end, and the same for the adult’s life of a child that grew up unsafe. There are no skills that can be enhanced in a child’s life if the child is not safe, and this is the main reason to parallel one’s life with aviation principles. These are successful principles that are tested, tried, and proven for decades within the aviation industry, and they can help all children, not some, all children get to their adulthood destination safely, just as it did for me.

- Why is it important for families and classrooms to have a variety of mental health tools for children?
The classroom is not just about learning facts and figures. It is also an evidence-based environment that can be used to help structure the lives of students to be best prepared for their adult life, lifestyle, and livelihood. Without the mental health tools to begin to hash things out at a young age in this type of environment, then we are creating ANOTHER crisis in future generations to come. I used the word ‘another’ to emphasize that many of our adults today are suffering immensely because they didn’t have the mental health tools as children when they were growing up, which has now been proven by the latest breakthrough studies in ACEs; adverse childhood experiences. We can either uphold the past mishaps, or we address these mental health issues while the students are learning how to obtain the adult skills they will need.

Music Minute - Taylor Jo: 4394JO

 “4394JO” YouTube and Spotify

Website I Facebook I Instagram I TikTok

Taylor Jo, the genre-bending country artist from Neffs, Ohio, officially announces the release of her debut EP, "4394JO," out now. A raw fusion of Americana, outlaw, folk, and bluegrass, the project is anchored by the lead single "What Do You Want From Me," a defiant confrontation of deceit and romantic games. Blending her identity as a frontline nurse by day and a neurodivergent voice in country by night, Taylor Jo crafts a sound that is as relatable as it is gritty, capturing the true spirit of small-town Ohio.

The title "4394JO" is a deeply personal nod to her roots, combining the zip code of her hometown, Neffs (43940), with her middle name. The album serves as a sonic map of her life, with artwork featuring the street she grew up on, the bar where she played her first gig, and even the location of a past DUI. "Nothing on this album was invented," Taylor Jo shares. "It is all real life, even the parts I didn’t think I wanted anyone to know". From the opening track "Livin’ Out Of A Change Jar"—designed to introduce listeners to her personal history—to songs written on her bedroom floor, the record is an unfiltered look at poverty, grief, and healing.

For Taylor Jo, music has always been a survival mechanism. "I make music for the version of me who didn’t think she’d survive," she says, noting that these songs were her therapy long before she spoke her truths out loud. The project also serves as a powerful platform for mental health and neurodivergent advocacy, reflecting her lived experience with Autism and ADHD. This authenticity has fostered a thriving online community of over 40,000 TikTok followers who tune in to witness her use "music as medicine". Whether she is writing about the frustration of a job she hated in "Sick of This Shift" or paying tribute to her late best friend in "Ally’s Song," her goal remains to help others feel less alone.

The recording process at Tony’s Treasures studio in Cadiz, Ohio, saw this intimate voice memos transformed into high-quality productions under the guidance of producers Mark Puskarich and Cody Romshak. Taylor Jo is backed Roger Hoard on guitar, Jan Roll on drums, bassist John "Buck" Allemond, and Jonathan H. Warren on fiddle and Anna Blanton on fiddle and mandolin, who together bring over 150 years of collective performing experience to her live shows. Having already shared stages with country stalwarts like Joe Nichols and Whey Jennings, Taylor Jo is ready to bring her "messy truth" to audiences across the region.

Fans can experience the raw energy of Taylor Jo and The Copper Creek Band live during their upcoming 2026 tour dates:

• February 14, 2026: Elm Grove Eagles Steak Fry – Elm Grove, WV (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
• June 13, 2026: Elm Grove Eagles – Elm Grove, WV (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

"4394JO" and the single "What Do You Want From Me" will be available on all major streaming platforms on April 26, 2025. For Taylor Jo, the release is the culmination of a lifetime of overcoming obstacles. "I did it poor, I did it grieving, I did it heartbroken, I did it tired," she reflects. "Now I want to encourage others to keep going".

Amazing Art - Peace Boxes

 With labels that read "Fragile: Contains Peace, Love or Hope," visual artist Franck de Las Mercedes began sending abstractly painted and seemingly empty boxes to anyone, anywhere in the world — completely free of charge. What started as a simple experiment in 2006 quickly became a global movement.

For over a decade, these hand-painted "Peace Boxes" traveled to more than 60 countries, reaching classrooms from PreK to college, appearing in galleries, museums, and libraries, and even lighting up Times Square's iconic LED screens. Each box did not contain a physical object, but it did contain something much more urgent: a symbolic invitation to reflect on peace, courage, and our individual ability to influence change.

  

Franck painted more than 18,000 boxes without ever charging for the work or shipping. The project was sustained by the artist's own resources, the generosity of followers, and a sponsorship of Pébéo's painting. Each box became a unique abstract painting and a platform for dialogue, merging contemporary art with social engagement.

 

Educators, community centers, and art therapy counselors in the United States and several countries adopted the Peace Boxes as an educational tool. In 2014, the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly recognized the bill with a joint legislative resolution for its cultural and humanitarian impact.

 

"We always expect something of value to come inside a box, but what if the box was empty and still contained something symbolic with a positive, challenging or inspiring message? I wanted to provoke reflection and create dialogue, so I started sending painted boxes to anyone who requested them — for free. Peace should be priceless. And art can be inclusive and accessible." — F. de las Mercedes

After ten extraordinary years, the project concluded in May 2016 — but its message continues to expand, inspiring new generations to create, question, and imagine peace as a shared responsibility.

 

Join the celebration by bringing the project to your classroom or community:

Download the Priority Boxes Project Lesson Plan, which includes free printable label templates, and create your own Peace Boxes with students, friends, or community groups.