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2026 – Year of Internal Growth and Flexibility
It is not lost upon me that so many brands I have written about no longer exist. I have witnessed launches, blooms, and quiet foldings across beauty, fashion, and the food scene. Though I started this blog nineteen years ago, I’ve continued to use it as an outlet for lifestyle trends, revenue, and reflection. I’ve grown—so much. My baby dog is 10, my baby boy is 7. How did it all happen so fast?
Watching decades pass alongside new technology and AI, tools that could surely edit this for me, I feel deeply grateful. In the early years, I made it a ritual to recap and summarize all that I saw, did, and ate. From that reflection, I set intentions for what the next year would bring—what I would manifest. It was always about looking backward and forward at the same time, and being immensely grateful for it all.
Everyone has a writing style, and it improves with practice. But I stopped practicing. Not journaling is like not brushing your teeth—it all catches up to you. You forget… yourself. The most important part. The entire point. I am making it a priority to pick up where I left off and hope that the readers who have enjoyed the sponsored posts, all the content from Lulu, will be glad, your girl is back.
Imagine my delight when I rediscovered old photos on Tumblr and Flickr, lo-res videos on Vimeo, and events long forgotten. I’m so glad I habitually wrote, filmed, photographed, and blogged my life. Life zooms by fast, and I had forgotten so much of it—much to my dismay.
Now it’s 2026, and this marks the nineteenth birthday of my first baby: my blog, heydoyou! My online journal. My style guide. My brand book, so to speak. Remember Polyvore? Pinterest? I tried every platform, and pieces of my existence are scattered across the internet. Within that net are moments I lived, laughed through, and even forgot.
Many of you knew me through the blog, connected with me on Facebook, watched my stories on Instagram, and became both online friends and friends IRL. Thank you for tuning in. I know it’s not always exciting, but I try to give you the highlights—with a filter.
So here we are. A current update from the original influencer who grew up right in front of your eyes.
Today is Groundhog Day—sunny and in the 70s. It’s our tenth year in Las Vegas, and I continue to be amazed by what blooms in the desert. Both my husband and I are now in hospitality. After seven years as a stay-at-home mom, two as a substitute teacher, four as a soap maker, I am— for the first time in my life—joining a corporation. I am 41 and starting a whole new chapter and I wonder what’s in store for me. I have been reading and all this reading has just prompt me to write. I forgot how important this is, how writing hugs people when they didn’t realize they needed it. February is the month where it all happens – Chinese New Year, Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, my engagement, my wedding anniversary. The shortest month, packed in with the most. This reminds me of what Maya Angelou once said. A bird does not sing because it knows the answer, it sings because it has a song.
The Year of the Fire Horse will be about keeping a steady pace, moving forward, and making an impact. New strides. Forward motion.
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The Art of Banksy: Without Limits — Finally in San Diego
A surprisingly family-friendly art experience at Del Mar Fairgrounds
When it comes to street art, there’s no avoiding the name Banksy. He’s arguably the most famous—and most mysterious—graffiti artist in the world. Known for sharp satire, political commentary, and emotional punch, his work often lives on city walls, not inside traditional museums. That’s what makes The Art of Banksy: Without Limits so exciting: it brings over 200 works together in one immersive exhibition, and for the first time ever, it’s coming to San Diego.
I had the chance to attend a preview of the exhibition at Del Mar Fairgrounds, and yes—I brought my 15-month-old baby with me. I went in curious (and slightly skeptical): would this be overwhelming? Too intense? Too “adult”? Surprisingly, it turned out to be a thoughtful, accessible, and even family-friendly experience.
What You’ll See
The exhibition features more than 200 pieces, including original works, prints, photographs, sculptures, and large-scale installations. You’ll recognize iconic images instantly, but seeing them up close—and in context—adds layers you don’t get from scrolling online. The show does a great job of walking visitors through Banksy’s recurring themes: war, consumerism, authority, love, hope, and resistance.
It’s bold, sometimes uncomfortable, but also playful. There’s humor here. There’s irony. And there’s plenty that simply invites conversation—which felt especially meaningful walking through it as a parent.
Visiting With a Baby (or Kids)
I was genuinely impressed by how manageable the space felt with a stroller. The venue is fully accessible, paths are wide, and nothing felt rushed or cramped. While some of the themes are complex, the visuals themselves are engaging enough that even little ones are stimulated by the scale, contrast, and movement in the artwork.
For me, it was a quiet reminder that art doesn’t have to wait until our kids are “older.” Exposure matters—even if they won’t remember it consciously. And for adults, it’s refreshing to experience a major art exhibition without feeling excluded as a parent.
Why This Exhibition Matters
Banksy’s work hits differently in person. The textures, the scale, the imperfections—it all reinforces the roots of street art as something meant for everyone, not just collectors or critics. Bringing this exhibition to San Diego feels timely and relevant, especially in a city so connected to culture, borders, and dialogue.
Having seen it firsthand, I can confidently say this is more than a pop-up art show. It’s an experience that sparks questions, invites reflection, and—unexpectedly—welcomes families too.
Practical Info
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Date: From January 2026
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Duration: 60+ minutes
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Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds
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Age Requirement: All ages
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Price: From USD $28
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Accessibility: Fully accessible for people with disabilities
If you’re an art lover, a Banksy fan, or even a parent wondering whether exhibitions can still fit into your life—The Art of Banksy: Without Limits is absolutely worth your time.
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The Rise of AI-Planned Travel in 2026
TakeUp, a revenue engine for independent hospitality properties that pairs collaborative AI with dedicated human oversight, today released The Rise of AI-Planned Travel in 2026, a new consumer research report based on a survey of 300 U.S. travelers who took at least one overnight leisure trip in the past year. The study explores how travelers are using artificial intelligence to plan, research, and book their trips, and what that shift means for hotels and lodging operators.
Powered by survey platform Pollfish, TakeUp gathered responses that reveal a traveler audience that is highly aware of AI (90 percent), increasingly comfortable using it, and already relying on it to compare prices, evaluate accommodations, and make booking decisions. The research also surfaced key points of friction – 55 percent of respondents have yet to use an AI tool for travel planning activities – including concerns around accuracy, real-time pricing, and personalization, which will shape how AI tools evolve next.
“Travelers are no longer just browsing with AI, they’re using it to make real decisions about where to go, where to stay, and what to book,” said Bobby Marhamat, CEO of TakeUp. “This research makes it clear that AI is becoming a primary gateway for travel discovery, and if your property is not showing up in AI recommendations, you are losing visibility and bookings.”
The research shows that AI is already shaping how travelers discover hotels and experiences, with a large majority of travelers (86%) having used AI to find or book accommodations. It’s also shaping conversion. When travelers receive a hotel recommendation from an AI tool they trust, a clear majority said it directly increases their likelihood of booking that property, with 60% reporting they would be somewhat more likely to book and another 23% saying they would be “much more likely.” This underscores how quickly trusted AI is becoming a meaningful driver of bookings.
The Rise of AI-Planned Travel in 2026 revealed that:
- AI Awareness Is Nearly Universal: 90% of travelers are aware that AI tools can help plan or book travel, signaling broad familiarity with AI-powered planning.
- Once Travelers Try AI, They Keep Using It: Among travelers who have used AI for trip planning, 63% rely on it for most or every trip, and 96% say they will probably or definitely use it again.
- Price Comparison Is a Primary Use Case: 35% of travelers say AI is most helpful for comparing prices across flights, hotels, and activities, highlighting pricing as a critical decision driver.
- Strong Trust and Satisfaction: 94% of AI users trust AI-generated travel recommendations at least as much as other sources (e.g., search engines, travel sites) and 96% report being somewhat or very satisfied with the recommendations they receive.
- AI Influences Booking Decisions: More than three-quarters of AI users have booked travel based primarily on an AI recommendation and 84% say a trusted AI recommendation would make them more likely to book a specific hotel.
- Non-Users Are Open to Adoption: Travelers who have not yet used AI cite satisfaction with existing methods and lack of awareness as top barriers, but most say they would try AI if it saved time or money.
The survey also highlights how traveler expectations are evolving. Future demand centers on more proactive and personalized AI capabilities, including real-time price alerts, smarter recommendations based on past travel behavior, and tools that adapt plans as conditions change.
“This data makes one thing clear,” said Kourtney Thomas, Head of Customer Success at TakeUp. “AI is changing guest behavior faster than most independent properties expect. The properties that win will be the ones that make it easy to understand what’s included, what’s unique, and why the stay is worth it.”
The full The Rise of AI-Planned Travel in 2026 report is available for download here:
https://cxpho.share.hsforms.
com/2pxCONR1qSPK_VXiG4AuJwQ About TakeUp
TakeUp is the AI-powered revenue optimization partner for independent stays. Purpose-built for properties without data science teams or big-brand budgets, TakeUp stands apart by pairing enterprise-grade AI with dedicated revenue experts, driving an average 20% revenue increase and saving operators up to 15 hours a week on manual pricing. Founded in 2022, TakeUp’s mission is to give independent stays powerful, approachable tools to help them compete and win in a fast-moving market.
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New STEM Graphic Novel Blends Adventure With Real Hands-On Science
The gap between science fiction, graphic novels and hands-on, experiential science is finally being bridged with the introduction of The Spark Experiment, a groundbreaking full-color interactive graphic novel that promises more than just adventure. The Spark Experiment releases on April 28, 2026.
Created by High Touch High Tech – SCIENCE MADE FUN!, a global leader in hands-on science enrichment programming for children, this high-energy sci-fi adventure includes safe, fully guided innovative STEM experiments that readers can perform at home—turning scientific concepts from the story into exciting, immersive experiences. This unique format fills a long-standing gap in the children’s graphic novel market, offering educators, librarians, and young readers an engaging, science-driven adventure that inspires curiosity and makes learning interactive.
Fifth grader David Patel and his spirited second-grade neighbor Marta Martinez, uncover a science experiment gone wrong and are suddenly transported to the mysterious Micro Universe—a strange dimension where the laws of physics no longer apply. With the help of a curious creature named Spark, they manage to return home… not realizing they’ve accidentally brought back a dangerous threat: Negatrons, energy-draining beings intent on invading their town. As they spread, David, Marta, and Spark must use creativity, problem-solving, and 18 real do-it-yourself science experiments—all of which readers can perform themselves—to save their community and learn to “spark” their own imaginations along the way.
Known for bringing dynamic, experiment-based science programs to students worldwide, High Touch High Tech’s mission aligns perfectly with the book’s commitment to making science fun, accessible, and experiential. Written by acclaimed authors Matthew K. Manning and Matthew Loux, The Spark Experiment marks an exciting step forward for STEM-based graphic storytelling, opening the door for a new generation of readers who crave exploration, creativity, and discovery.
ABOUT HIGH TOUCH HIGH TECH
High Touch High Tech – SCIENCE MADE FUN! is a global leader in hands-on science enrichment programming for children. With 35 franchise locations in 12 countries, High Touch High Tech brings engaging, curriculum-aligned science experiences directly to schools, camps, preschools, and special events. For over 30 years, the company has empowered children to explore science through interactive experiments that spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Through long-standing partnerships with family-focused brands like Royal Caribbean, JW Marriott, and Beaches Resorts, High Touch High Tech continues to make science meaningful, accessible, and FUN for millions of young learners worldwide.
High Touch Entertainment was created by founder Daniel Shaw as a way of offering additional science content to kids beyond the High Touch High Tech franchise territories. To differentiate from other science books on the market, Shaw instead landed on the development of a science comic book, with real science experiments wrapped in a compelling story.
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Perricone MD Relaunches the Neuropeptide Collection, Spotlighting Two Targeted Serums for Visible Lifting and Deep Wrinkle Reduction
Perricone MD today announces the relaunch of its Neuropeptide Collection, marking a new era of intelligent skincare engineered to visibly reduce the most advanced signs of aging. With nearly 30 years of research, clinically proven results, and a holistic philosophy rooted in beauty from the inside-out and outside-in, the reimagined collection delivers skincare with experience through formulas created to support skin shaped by time and expression.
At the core of the collection is Perricone MD’s long-standing expertise in neuropeptide science, an approach pioneered by founder Dr. Nicholas Perricone, one of the first to use neuropeptides in topical skincare for their high-performing benefits. These powerful, protein-like building blocks help unite surface cells and visibly reduce wrinkle depth. Formulated with the brand’s most advanced neuropeptide technology and next-generation biotech ingredients, including biomimetic growth factor peptides, this targeted collection improves elasticity, lift, and contour in areas prone to sagging or creasing. Together, these precision-driven actives deliver visible results that honor both the skin and the story it tells.
The Neuropeptide Deep Crease Serum is designed for areas most prone to etched-in, repetitive movement, addressing frown lines, smile lines, nasolabial folds, and creases around the eyes, lips, and forehead. It works to smooth the appearance of deep-set wrinkles, improve surface uniformity, and reinforce the skin’s look of density and structural resilience, particularly in high-movement zones. Plant Stem Cells, derived from a rare Swiss apple, work alongside the peptides to further promote thickness and support overall smoothness and resiliency.
The Neuropeptide Eyelid Lift Serum is an ultra-lightweight, fast-absorbing formula created for one of the most delicate and expressive areas of the face: the upper eyelid. It visibly smooths eyelid creases, crepiness, and uneven texture, while reducing the look of drooping or sagging lids. Over time, the eye area appears lifted, defined, and more awake. In addition to the core peptide technology, the serum features Perricone MD’s patented Acyl-Glutathione, which helps to replenish fragile skin, reduce the look of creases, and reveal a smoother, more youthful appearance.
“The reimagined Neuropeptide Collection represents what Perricone MD has always stood for, skincare guided by experience, science, and results,” said Lance Patterson, Global President of Perricone MD. “With decades of research behind our neuropeptide technology, this relaunch marks a new era of intelligent skincare designed to support skin as it evolves. These formulas are created to visibly lift, smooth, and define, addressing the realities of mature skin with precision, respect, and proven expertise.”
The Neuropeptide Deep Crease Serum (1 US fl. oz. / $189) and Neuropeptide Eyelid Lift Serum (0.5 US fl. oz. / $129) are now available for purchase on PerriconeMD.com and select retail partners. Both products are suitable for all skin types.
About Perricone MD
For nearly 30 years, Perricone MD has been a holistic, three-tier skincare and wellness system. This consists of diet, essential dietary supplements and potent topical skincare solutions backed by powerful ingredients, cutting-edge research and extensive clinical and consumer studies.
Perricone MD was created by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, world-renowned author of New York Times bestseller, The Wrinkle Cure. Dr. Perricone’s seminal work challenged the prevailing norms of the skincare industry with its visionary approach to aging and introduction to the advantages of a healthy lifestyle.
Perricone MD is driven by the pursuit of fearless innovation and a stubbornly uncompromising spirit of excellence. Good enough has never been good enough—a belief that drives our commitment to consistently deliver targeted results. We continuously seek the truth in unlocking the powerful science behind healthy-looking skin, from the inside-out and outside-in.
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Zesty Paws Expands into Veterinary Channel with Launch of Professional Line Featuring Digestive and Healthy Aging Innovations
Zesty Paws, an H&H Group brand and award-winning leader in pet supplements, today announced its official expansion into the veterinary channel with the launch of Zesty Paws® Professional™, a new product line developed exclusively for veterinary recommendation. The Professional line debuts with two targeted innovations—Native Canine Probiotic™ for digestive support and Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor for longevity—each supported by dedicated veterinary distribution partnerships.
This milestone marks Zesty Paws’ first formal entry into veterinary-exclusive channels, extending the brand’s science-first approach beyond retail and e-commerce into clinical settings.
Zesty Paws® Professional™ Native Canine Probiotic™
Zesty Paws® Professional™ Native Canine Probiotic™ is a veterinary-formulated digestive solution designed to support dogs experiencing occasional diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. The formula features canine-native probiotic strains originally sourced from healthy dogs, allowing them to effectively function within the canine digestive system. Currently, it is the only probiotic on the market developed with this canine-native approach and will be distributed in partnership with epiq Animal Health to their veterinary network.
Targeted benefits include:
- Clinically Studied Digestive & Stool Support: Studied for its ability to support a healthy gut microbiome, improve stool quality, and help manage occasional diarrhea.
- Fast-Acting Diarrhea Support: Because the probiotics are native to the canine digestive system, they are designed to work quickly and efficiently.
- Immune System Support: Provides 6 million CFU per packet in a veterinarian-formulated meal topper suitable for small, medium, and large dogs.
It is powered by Zesty Paws’ proprietary Canine TripleShield™, that has been scientifically studied* to support healthy fecal scores and digestive balance within 7 days, the formula is designed to help balance gut bacteria and strengthen the gut’s cell lining.
In preclinical trials, the majority of dogs developed healthier intestinal microbiome populations, and improved stool consistency and fecal scores. This science-driven solution is introduced through a vet-exclusive 7-day protocol for dogs experiencing occasional diarrhea, with a complementary daily maintenance option available through retail and e-commerce to support ongoing digestive health and flexible, long-term use.
With the introduction of Native Canine Probiotic™, Zesty Paws® further expands its portfolio as the official probiotic line of the American Kennel Club®, reinforcing its commitment to canine-specific digestive health.
*based on early clinical data conducted on a small sample, 2025.
Zesty Paws® Professional Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor
The Zesty Paws® Professional Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor, powered by Niagen® and distributed in partnership with Durvet to their extensive national veterinary network, is designed to deliver targeted benefits aligned with the needs of aging dogs such as:
- Cellular Support During the Aging Process: It is developed to provide the fuel cells needed to help support cellular tissue and muscle health as dogs age, addressing foundational aspects of longevity and vitality.
- Supporting Energy and Metabolism: It helps provide energy for healthy cell metabolism while supporting cells at the molecular level, contributing to overall metabolic efficiency.
- Supporting Muscle, Neurological, and Immune Health: It may help support cellular energy production that benefits muscle maintenance, neurological function, and immune health—key areas of concern in aging dogs.
NAD+ declines as dogs age, which impacts cellular function. Supplementation with Niagen® (Nicotinamide riboside) helps restore NAD+ levels to support healthy aging. This supplement can be integrated into a patient’s daily regimen to help maintain physiological resilience and promote healthier aging outcomes in canine patients.
Strategic Expansion into Veterinary Channels
“At Zesty Paws®, innovation starts with science and delivers tangible impact, and our entry into the veterinary channel is a natural evolution of that commitment,” said Akash Bedi, CEO for North America, Middle East and India at H&H Group. “With Zesty Paws® Professional™, we’re bringing veterinarians clinically informed solutions that address real-world needs—from acute digestive care to long-term healthy aging—while maintaining the quality and trust pet parents already know.”
For Zesty Paws®, the professional line complements its existing portfolio and will be available starting January 2026. The launch builds on the brand’s established credibility while allowing Zesty Paws® to thoughtfully broaden its reach into professional settings, creating new opportunities for collaboration with veterinary partners, while its existing portfolio, will continue to serve millions of pet parents through retail and e-commerce.
*based on early clinical data conducted on a small sample, 2025.
About Zesty Paws
At Zesty Paws®, we are wellness nerds with a non-stop obsession for pet health—meaning we do the research, sweat the small stuff, and skip the junk. The result? Bite-Sized. Pet Science.™ As an award-winning pet supplement brand beloved by besties and trusted by pet parents, helping pets live a Zestful life is more than just a promise—it’s our science-driven method for everything we do.
Zesty Paws® is proud to be the official probiotic line of the American Kennel Club®, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to canine-specific science and trusted standards in pet wellness. Zesty Paws® is also a member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and proudly displays the NASC Quality Seal on its products.
For more information about Zesty Paws®, visit ZestyPaws.com or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
About epiq Animal Health
epiq Animal Health is a solutions provider, value-added distributor, and strategic partner for manufacturers in the animal health industry. They create efficiencies for the supply chain, partner for success with product management, and deliver on the go-to market strategy. By using industry insights and relationships, they find paths to success in distribution channels. Learn more at epiqah.com.About Durvet
Founded in 1970, Durvet is a leading animal health distributor and pioneer of the centralized OTC supply chain model. The company offers a diversified portfolio across livestock, equine, and pet health categories and operates from a 150,000-square-foot headquarters in Blue Springs, Missouri, with advanced logistics capabilities. Durvet supports more than 50 member distribution points through a nationwide network of 750+ sales professionals, delivering animal health solutions to customers across the United States.You May Also Like
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