10th January 2025 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Asian Paints continues to celebrate the stories behind remarkable homes with Season 8 of ‘Asian Paints Where the Heart Is’. The latest episode invites viewers into the warm and inspiring world of Manu Bhaker, an Olympic medal-winning shooter and Indian sports icon. A young icon who has brought immense pride to the nation, Manu offers a heartfelt glimpse into the values that shape her life and her home.

Rooted in humble beginnings in Goria Village, Haryana, Manu Bhaker’s story is one of grit and gratitude—shaped by cherished memories of growing up with her mother and brother while her father worked at sea in the merchant navy. Her home beautifully reflects this journey, combining modern minimalism with traditional warmth. “I have come a long way, and I’ve realized that it’s not just the athlete who wins a medal for the country, but the entire family that makes sacrifices to make it possible. This house is my way of honoring their love and support,” Manu shares with heartfelt emotion.

Transformed with the expertise of Asian Paints Beautiful Homes Service, Manu’s home radiates warmth and love. Designed as a tribute to her parents, the makeover seamlessly blends minimalism with personal touches, creating a truly special space. “When I think of home, it means comfort, belonging, and most importantly, my mom,” she adds with a smile.

The living room, a cozy yet elegant space, features the Gokul Pichwai wallpaper from the Asian Paints Sabyasachi for Nilaya range. The striking wallpaper adorns motifs of cows and trees, paying homage to her rural roots and her mother’s fondness for these symbols. Muted ivory tones complement the centrepiece, creating a calm and sophisticated vibe. “Mom absolutely loved this wallpaper. It’s the only bold element here, while everything else is subtle,” says Manu.

A corner of the home proudly displays Manu’s sporting achievements, including a selection from her vast collection of medals. “”These medals represent just 10% of what I’ve achieved, but they hold immense sentimental value,” she remarks. Thoughtfully, she has left room for more medals, symbolizing her ongoing journey as an athlete.

Manu’s bedroom is a sanctuary of pastel hues that reflect her personality and preferences. “I wanted the vibe of my room to flow seamlessly from the wallpaper, with colours that are soothing and close to my heart,” she says. Accented with green tones and a hand-painted doodle wall, the space mirrors her calm and focused approach to life. The doodle reflects her creative side serving as a unique focal point in the room. Manu shared, “This doodle wall makes the space feel truly mine. It’s playful, lively, and every time I look at it, it reminds me of the joy and creativity that I wanted in my home.”

For Manu, her home embodies strength and love, values she attributes to the women in her life. A striking line she holds dear says it all: “Strong women raise strong girls.” Her journey, much like her home, is a story of determination, resilience, and family.

Manu’s home is more than a space—it’s a sanctuary that reflects her personality, values, and journey. Designed with her family’s involvement, it embodies strength, creativity, and love. From the soothing pastels of her bedroom to the sophisticated living room design, every detail tells a story of shared memories and resilience. Her home stands as a heartfelt haven, inspiring others to infuse their spaces with personal touches and meaning.

10th January 2025  Pimpri Pune, Maharashtra, India  Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre Pimpri Pune is set to launch a unique value-added course in Bharatnatyam for its medical students, commencing in December 2024. This initiative integrates the classical Indian temple art form into medical education, offering students a creative outlet to relieve stress, focus their minds and enhance overall well-being.

This 9 Week course, guided by the esteemed Guru Dr. Swati Daithankar, will be offered currently for MBBS students. This Value Added Course offered by the Department of Physiology will have classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Bharatnatyam, a classical dance form rooted in Indian cultural heritage, is celebrated for its ability to cultivate poise, stability and mindfulness. By incorporating Rasa, Taal, Abhinay and mythological stories into the curriculum, this course aims to deepen students’ appreciation for the art form while promoting mental peace and balance amidst rigorous academic schedules. The course also aims to mark World Dance Day on April 29, 2025, with a celebration featuring performances by the student.

Guru Dr. Swati Daithankar, who will lead the course, shared, “Bharatnatyam is not just a dance form but a medium for self-expression and inner balance. This course will introduce students to its profound aesthetics, teaching them the importance of rhythm, coordination and focus.”

Highlighting the vision behind the course, Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, said, “Through this initiative, we aim to provide students with a meaningful break from their rigorous academic schedules while fostering their overall development. Bharatnatyam’s blend of physical movement and cultural depth makes it an ideal addition to their educational journey.”

Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee and Treasurer of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, remarked, “This value-added course in Bharatnatyam reflects our commitment to creating a well-rounded learning environment. It not only connects students with India’s rich cultural heritage but also equips them with tools to manage stress and enhance their overall academic performance.”

Emphasizing the student-centric benefits, Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, stated, “Medical education can be demanding and initiatives like this help students find balance and build resilience. Bharatnatyam, with its focus on rhythm and expression, encourages mindfulness, discipline and creativity, which are essential for personal and professional growth.”

The course combines theoretical and practical aspects, covering rhythmic patterns, hand gestures, foundational dance steps and breathing exercises. Students will also explore the history and aesthetics of Bharatnatyam, enriching their understanding of this classical art form.

This initiative underscores Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre’s commitment to holistic education, empowering students to achieve academic excellence while maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

10th January 2025  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx”), the world’s largest express transportation company, has further expanded the reach of FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP) in India, now connecting customers to a wide range of destinations across the Asia, Americas and Europe. This cost-effective, day-definite international shipping solution is designed to deliver cross-border e-commerce shipments within 3-4 business days*.

FedEx aims to empower India’s growing e-commerce sector, projected to reach USD 325 billion(1) by 2030. With third-party logistics anticipated to manage nearly 17 billion(2) shipments over the next seven years, dependable, flexible, and affordable international shipping has never been more essential. FICP meets this demand by simplifying cross-border logistics and enhancing customer satisfaction with flexible delivery options.

“E-commerce is accelerating cross-border trade, and businesses need smart, cost-effective solutions that expand reach without compromising speed and flexibility,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President of Marketing and Air Network, MEISA, FedEx. “Our focus is on creating efficient, agile supply chain solutions for India’s evolving e-commerce landscape. By combining our advanced physical and digital networks, we aim to better serve our customers—especially the small- and mid-sized businesses that drive growth in today’s competitive economy.”

Other benefits of FICP for E-Commerce

• Seamless E-commerce Integration: Easy integration with major e-commerce platforms ensures a smooth, paperless shipping process for businesses and customers.
• Enhanced Customer Control and Visibility: Through FedEx Delivery Manager®, customers can track shipments and adjust delivery schedules in real-time. Additionally, Picture Proof of Delivery (PPoD)* provides visual confirmation of delivery and reassure recipients that their package has been delivered, boosting convenience and satisfaction.
• Flexible Delivery Options: Customers can select from multiple delivery choices, including residential delivery or pick-up at a nearby retail location or locker.
• Weekend and Evening Delivery~: Enables delivery at times that best suit customer schedules, avoiding delays.
• Added Savings^: Includes waivers on the ‘Residential Delivery surcharge’ and the ‘Remote Area Delivery’ surcharge, providing additional cost savings for businesses.

FedEx also supports global commerce with a suite of digital solutions designed to streamline logistics. Tools like FedEx Delivery Manager, FedEx One Stop Shop, and the FedEx Import Tool simplify processes with centralized documentation, online payment options, and customized delivery preferences, further enhancing the value and convenience for businesses looking to expand their international reach.

*Availability of services and transfer times may vary depending on origin and destination. For more details, please contact your sales representative or visit fedex.com.

~Availability of services in select destinations. For more details, please contact your sales representative or visit fedex.com.

^ ‘Residential Delivery’ surcharge waiver available in all destinations and ‘Remote Area Delivery’ surcharge waiver applicable for select destinations. For more details, please contact your sales representative or visit fedex.com.

10th January 2025  Barmer, Rajasthan, India  Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage takes center stage as STAGE OTT proudly presents the Rohidi Music Festival—a grand celebration of the state’s vibrant musical traditions. Scheduled for January 12, 2025, this one-of-a-kind event will transform the enchanting sand dunes of Rohidi in the Sheo region of Barmer into a pulsating arena of soulful rhythms and melodies. Timed to coincide with Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary and National Youth Day, the festival promises a day of unforgettable performances and cultural immersion, starting at 2:00 PM.

The festival brings together over 350 Manganiyar artists, revered worldwide for their electrifying performances and their unique ability to preserve Rajasthan’s folklore, history, and traditions through music. Known for their appearances on international platforms like Coke Studio, the Manganiyars will captivate audiences with their powerful vocals and intricate rhythms, using traditional instruments such as the khartal and dholak.

The event will feature prominent dignitaries and chief guests, further amplifying its significance. Speaking about the festival’s purpose, Vinay Singhal – CEO & Co-Founder, shared, “The Rohidi Music Festival is our tribute to Rajasthan’s timeless musical legacy. Through this initiative, we aim to bring the Manganiyars’ artistry to a larger audience, while fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional art forms. Visitors can look forward to an immersive cultural experience, complete with mesmerizing performances and the majestic beauty of Barmer’s desert landscape.”

Beyond music, the Rohidi Music Festival serves as a movement to uplift and empower Rajasthan’s border communities. By providing a platform for local talent, creating employment opportunities, and fostering cultural pride, the festival contributes to the social and economic development of the region.

Mark your calendars and join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of Rajasthan’s heritage, hospitality, and artistry. Together, let’s celebrate the living history of the Manganiyars and take a step towards preserving our nation’s cultural treasures.

10th January 2025  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Wonderful® Pistachios, the world’s largest grower and processor of pistachios and distributor of California Pistachios, is celebrating the launch of California Pistachios’ first international advertising campaign, “The Better Nut”. This initiative communicates the nutritional benefits of California pistachios, aiming to increase category awareness and position them as a delicious, guilt-free and complete protein snack.

The campaign’s centrepiece is a striking visual featuring an arm flexing its muscles crafted entirely of California pistachios in their vibrant green hue. This imagery will be showcased across billboards, unipoles, newspapers, and in-app promotions on Amazon. The messaging highlights California pistachios as a tasty and guilt-free snack boasting essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that promote well-being.

The Better Nut draws insights from a global study conducted by Wonderful Pistachios across ten countries, revealing a rising demand for healthier snacks and plant-based protein among urban Indians. Key findings include:

• 86% of consumers seek protein in their diets.
• 58% of India consumers perceive health to be more important than taste
• Nuts are the second most popular snack in India, with 86% of shoppers buying them and 66% of urban Indians snacking on pistachios.

The ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), recommended including nuts like pistachios as a healthy snack and an essential source of plant protein in a balanced diet. A serving of 28 grams of California pistachios contains 6 grams of protein, fibre, and unsaturated fats, making them ideal for mindful snacking.

Diana Salsa, Vice President of Marketing at Wonderful Pistachios, stated, “India is a dynamic and growing market with a deep appreciation for nutritious and versatile foods. With its rich culinary traditions and a rising focus on healthy lifestyles, The Better Nut offers an incredible opportunity for us to connect with consumers who value the quality, taste and benefits of incorporating pistachios into their daily diet. Over the last six years, pistachio consumption in India has doubled, driven by a growing awareness of these nuts’ nutritional benefits.”

The campaign is a collaboration between Wonderful Pistachios’ in-house agency, Wonderful Agency, DDB Mudra for creative adaptation and PHD India, part of the Omnicom Media Group, for media execution.

Michael Perdigao, President of The Wonderful Agency, The Wonderful Company’s in-house agency, commented, “The Better Nut campaign inspires us to see that making a healthy snack choice is simple. This new campaign uses clean and impactful visuals that make it easy to understand why pistachios are a smart snack for any time of day.”

Harshada Menon and Siddhesh Khatavkar, Executive Creative Directors, DDB Mudra added, “We are excited to collaborate with California Pistachios on this campaign. Our strategy blends to adapt global brand consistency with local adaptation to resonate with Indian audience. In addition to the striking imagery created by TWC, our 3D installation of a giant pistachio will draw eyeballs to the powerful health benefits of pistachios.”

The campaign will run for three weeks, targeting high-traffic locations across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Select billboard sites in these cities will feature the 3D installations of a giant pistachio to enhance engagement. The print advertisements will appear in a leading newspaper, while a customized Amazon storefront will elevate category visibility, featuring QR codes on creatives to streamline purchasing from leading brands in India offering California pistachios.

Pune, January 09, 2025: Gera Developments Private Limited (GDPL), pioneers in premium residential and commercial real estate in Pune, Goa, Bengaluru, and California, today released the January 2025 edition of their bi-annual report, The Gera Pune Residential Realty Report. Pune’s first and only census-based report, it spans over 3 Lakh under-construction units and covers 2,300+ projects. With 14 years and 28 issues of circulation, this report provides in-depth insights into Pune’s residential real estate market, focusing on the sector’s performance from January–December 2024.

Market performance:

The rise in home prices continued for a 5th consecutive year. On an already increased base, the average rates across the city increased by 10.98% to an all time high of Rs. 6590 per sf.

There has been a slow down in sales as well as a reduction in the inventory brought to market by developers. The overall sales have dropped from 1.03 lakh homes sold in 2022 to approx 94,500 homes in 2023 and further down to approx 90,000 homes in 2024. While the absolute number of homes sold continues to be high, the reduction in the total sales volume is something to be cautious about.

Developers have responded by bringing in less homes into the market over the last 2 years. A total of 1.03 lakh new homes were added in 2022. This dropped to approx 96,350 homes in 2023 and a further drop to approx 91,400 homes in 2024.

The year saw an increase in the inventory in the luxury segment. 5 years ago, (in 2019), 3 & 4 bedroom apartments constituted 6.2% of the market. In 2024, the 3 & 4 bedroom apartments constituted 34.15% of the market. Clearly, there has been a shift towards the larger homes. During this time, 1 bedroom homes went from a share of 49.10% down to 11.58%.

This was also evidenced in the average size of newly launched homes reaching 1,261 sq ft, offering a carpet area of 934 sq ft. This represents a 43% growth over five years, reflecting a clear preference for larger and more spacious homes, catering to modern lifestyle aspirations.

Commenting on the findings, Mr Rohit Gera, Managing Director, Gera Developments Private Limited, said, “Pune’s real estate market reflects the dynamics of a classic boom cycle that began in 2020, with prices steadily climbing by 40% over the past five years. While the sector remains robust, the tapering of sales in 2023 & 2024 signals the need for cautious optimism. Normally, the steep increase in prices of homes (as we have seen) should also see strong home sales, however, a drop in home sales seems to indicate a resistance at current price levels. The reduction in the new inventory added to the market by developers seems to have kept the market in a stable state.

Developers must prioritise a balanced approach to supply and pricing to ensure market stability. With stable interest rates and potential RBI interventions, affordability could see marginal improvements, but aligning price increases with inflation is crucial to sustaining steady demand. For homebuyers, investing in projects by reputable developers with a proven track record and strong execution is the best approach in today’s evolving market” he concluded.

The market’s replacement ratio remained stable at approximately 1 over the past three years, highlighting a balanced approach to new supply and sales. In 2024, the ratio stood at 0.97, showcasing that sales closely matched the introduction of new inventory, ensuring a healthy equilibrium.

The affordability index reached 4.04x, signifying ongoing demand despite evolving price dynamics. With robust growth in luxury sales, increasing home sizes, and a steady replacement ratio, Pune’s real estate market continues to present exciting opportunities for buyers and developers alike.

The report also highlighted significant trends:

1. Luxury segment growth:

• Units launched in the Luxury segment grew by 50%, from 5,753 in 2023 to 8,645 in 2024, now accounting for ~10% of all units launched.
• Of the 644 new projects launched in 2024, ~22% were in the Luxury segment, a significant rise from 4% in 2019.
• Sales volume in the Luxury segment increased by 14% to 6,807 units in 2024 compared to 5,971 units in 2023, highlighting the growing preference for premium homes.

2. Price surge:

• Average home prices increased by 10.98% in 2024, reaching Rs 6,590 per sq ft, the highest annual rise in the past decade.
• Luxury segment prices averaged Rs 13,027 per sq ft, while PremiumPlus and Value segments saw annual price increases of 10.9% and 11.8%, respectively.

3. Sales Decline and Inventory Overhang:

• Sales volume declined by 5% in 2024, with 90,127 units sold compared to 2023.
• Inventory overhang increased to 9.94 months, up from 9.31 months the previous year, marking the third consecutive year of rise.

4. Sales and inventory dynamics:

• Annual sales declined by 5% to 90,127 units in 2024 compared to 2023.
• Inventory available for sale rose by 1.7% to 74,656 units compared to 73,379 units in December 2023.
• Inventory overhang increased to 9.94 months, with the Budget segment facing the highest overhang at 11.39 months.

5. Affordability index:

• The affordability index rose to 4.04x in 2024 compared to 3.81x in 2023, highlighting affordability pressures.
• The average ticket size for new homes doubled from Rs 41.37 Lakhs in 2020 to Rs 83.09 Lakhs in 2024.

6. Larger homes in demand:

• The average home size of new projects launched grew by 43% over five years, reaching 1,261 sq ft in 2024.
• Homes larger than 1,201 sq ft accounted for 35% of total sales in 2024, reflecting a preference for spacious homes.
• The share of 3BHK units in new launches increased to 30%, further highlighting this trend.

7. Sales value growth:

• Total sales value reached ₹75,019 Cr in 2024, a 13% increase compared to ₹66,680 Cr in 2023. The growth was driven by larger-sized homes and higher price points.
• Over the last five years, sales value has grown at a CAGR of 18%.
• The total sales value increased by 13% year-on-year to Rs 75,019 Cr in 2024, driven by rising prices and larger unit sizes.

In the 14th edition, The Gera Pune Residential Realty Report provides an exhaustive analysis of the city’s real estate market, emphasising the need for developers to adopt prudent pricing strategies, and optimise inventory management to maintain stability. With rising prices and evolving buyer preferences for larger homes and premium living, Pune’s real estate market is at a pivotal juncture, requiring careful navigation to sustain its growth trajectory.

Mumbai, 9th January 2025: Spiralling residential prices notwithstanding, ultra-luxury homes (priced >INR 40 Cr each) continued to sell briskly in 2024. The number of sales as well as the sales value of such assets hit new peaks. ANAROCK data indicates that 2024 saw a 17% yearly surge in the total sales value of ultra-luxury homes against 2023.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “Overall, 59 ultra-luxury homes were sold across the top 7 cities in 2024, for a collective sales value of approx. INR 4,754 Cr. In contrast, 2023 saw 58 ultra-luxury homes sold in these cities for a total sales value of approx. INR 4,063 Cr. The yearly increase in both the number of deals and their overall sales value underscores the enduring demand for ultra-luxury properties across the top cities.”

Since the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the demand for luxury and ultra-luxury properties.

“HNIs and ultra-HNIs are purchasing these trophy residences for personal use, investment, or both,” says Puri. “This is a noteworthy market dynamic, given that home prices are surging nationwide due to increased input costs and robust buyer demand. Although there was only a one-unit increase in the number of transactions closed in 2024 compared to 2023, there was a 17% annual increase in value during the same period. Some of the most prominent Grade A developers have been upping ultra-luxury inventory in response to the growing demand.”

Of at least 59 ultra-luxury properties sold across the top 7 cities in 2024, Mumbai saw 52 units sold at price tags of over INR 40 crore each – an 88% share of the total deals across the top cities. At least 3 separate ultra-luxury home deals worth >INR 40 crore each were closed in Delhi-NCR – two in Gurugram and one in New Delhi. Both Bengaluru and Hyderabad saw two deals each with price tags of over INR 40 Cr.

A deep dive shows that out of the 59 ultra-luxury homes sold in 2024, at least 17 were priced >INR 100 Cr each. The total value of these 17 homes sold alone was INR 2,344 Cr.

• Of the 52 deals in Mumbai City, at least 16 were at price tags above INR 100 crore each. Of these, 14 were apartments (Worli, Malabar Hill, and Pali Hill) and two bungalows at Cuffe Parade and JVPD.
• One ultra-luxury home priced >INR 100 Cr was sold in Gurugram in Delhi-NCR.

Apartments clearly remained the preferred property type for ultra-HNIs – of the 59 deals, 53 were for apartments and the remaining six bungalows.

Ultra-Luxury Homes – A 2022 & 2023 Retrospective

The COVID-19 pandemic generated a substantial demand surge for luxury and ultra-luxury housing, which shows no signs of slowing down. If we consider the collective data of 2022, 2023, and 2024, the top seven cities saw at least 130 ultra-luxury residential deals worth approx. INR 9,987 Cr. concluded.

• In 2022, 13 deals worth approx. INR 1,170 Cr were closed, of which at least 10 were for apartments and the remaining 3 for bungalows. Mumbai accounted for 11 deals and the remaining two were in Delhi-NCR. Interestingly, none of the remaining 5 top cities saw such large ticket-size deals in 2022. Of the 13 ultra-luxury homes sold in 2022, at least 9 units were priced between INR 100 – 150 Cr – all in Mumbai City.
• In 2023, 58 ultra-luxury homes (priced >INR 40 Cr) were sold across the top 7 cities with a cumulative sales value of approx. INR 4,063 Cr. Of these, Mumbai alone sold 53 units priced >INR 40 crore each – a 91% share of all such deals across the top 7 cities. At least four separate ultra-luxury homes worth >INR 40Cr each were sold in Delhi-NCR – two apartments in Gurgaon and two bungalows in New Delhi. Hyderabad saw one ultra-luxury deal worth >INR 40 Cr. In Jubilee Hills.

Parsonsburg, MD, 8th January 2025– Fulton Books author Brenda Benning, a licensed family therapist who holds a master’s in social work and works exclusively with adoptive families raising children with trauma histories, has completed her most recent book, “A Journey of the Soul”: a compelling and thought-provoking novel that follows a young man who, after years of looking for his biological family, finally does so in the form of a half-sister. But as he fails to get to know his birth family and is terrified of how they might react to his past, Braxton runs instead of opening himself up to potential hurt once more.

“After years of searching for family, someone to hold on to, Braxton Ross finds a half-sister,” writes Benning. “He tries to integrate into her life, family, and friends. For a while, he believes he can be this person—stable, reliable, calm, and worthy. But he realizes as he gets closer and closer to what he wants, his body reminds him it can never be. His soul has been broken by the rejections and losses of his past. It has become a dark force blocking light from shining through. He is convinced he is not redeemable or worthy of anything positive or good in his life.

“To make things even more difficult, someone is out to ruin the fragile reputation he has tried to rebuild with the help of his adoptive father and boss. But who will really stand by him when they know the truth about his past?

“Determined to keep his darkness away from his newfound light, Braxton runs. He’s good at it after all. It has kept him from being rejected again, and it keeps him from ever being hurt like he was all those years ago. But it would also protect those new to him from his overwhelmingly dark soul. He had to protect them from him after all, didn’t he? He was dangerous, unlovable, and unredeemable. He’s known this since he was six years old.

“Will Braxton be able to heal from his past traumas and find the pure and lovable soul he lost decades ago? Will he be able to recover from yet another betrayal? Or will he have to run again?”

Published by Fulton Books, Brenda Benning’s book is a stirring tale that will captivate readers as they follow Braxton’s journey to not only find himself but his place in the world. Expertly paced and character-driven, “A Journey of the Soul” is sure to keep the pages turning, inviting readers to discover what unconditional love can do for even the most broken of souls.

Readers who wish to experience this enthralling work can purchase “A Journey of the Soul” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

Urbandale, IA,8th January 2025 Fulton Books author Lori Crabb, who has spent the last thirty-four years working with funeral homes to help them build a strong preneed division, has completed her most recent book, “Snacking the Betsy Way”: charming tale that follows Betsy, a little Maltese who has a unique approach to mealtime that promises to entertain and inspire readers of all ages.

Raised on a cattle-and-grain farm in Northwest Iowa, author Lori Crabb loved every minute of her animal interactions. She learned early in her life to respect animals and to treat each one with respect. Lori gravitated to the Maltese breed of dogs years ago and finds their personalities are very similar to small children in their insecurities. In her books, Lori tries to show that a lot of the anxieties that come may not be as bad as one thinks they are.

“Betsy loves to snack on her food rather than eat from her bowl of food,” writes Crabb. “In fact, you will see in her book that she frequently wakes up at 2:00 a.m. to grab a snack or two.

“Betsy’s message in ‘Snacking the Betsy Way’ is you may get the same nutrients that your body needs without having to sit and eat. Plus, Betsy feels that it saves a lot of time in her day.”

Published by Fulton Books, Lori Crabb’s book is perfect for young readers and their families, sparking conversations about food habits, independence, and the importance of learning to do what is right for one’s own body. With vibrant and colorful illustrations to help bring Crabb’s story to life, “Snacking the Betsy Way” is a perfect addition to any family’s library.

Readers who wish to experience this adorable work can purchase “Snacking the Betsy Way” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

New Port Richey, 8th January 2025 Fulton Books author Diane Elia, who graduated from Pasco-Hernando State College in Dade City, Florida, with an associate of arts degree in English and history, has completed her most recent book, “Surviving High School”: a captivating story that centers around four high school friends, Kendra, Amber, Bonnie, and Griselda, as they each face separate challenges in high school.

A native of Long Island, author Diane Elia began writing short stories, essays, and poems in middle school. Over the past few years, she has worked with the Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team. In her free time, Diane enjoys arts and crafts, movies, sporting events, and festivals. She is an avid reader and supports her local SPCA animal shelter and is also a member of the Maas Brothers Lunch Group, which her mother helped start in the 1990s.

“‘Surviving High School’ is a book of short stories about four friends (Kendra, Amber, Bonnie, and Griselda) who deal with being high school teenagers,” writes Elia.

“Kendra must deal with a bully and an overprotective friend. As she stands up for herself, she learns that she can do great things.

“Amber is teamed with a homeschooled student, Julian, who thinks he’s a musical prodigy. In the end, she learns how to work with different people, and he learns that he’s not perfect.

“Bonnie and her twin brother, Barry, are very competitive. After a series of school-related events, they both learn that they are equally good students and athletes.

“Griselda competes against her sister Anna in a scholarship pageant. At the end of the pageant, Griselda learns that she has a lot of potential. Anna learns that she can use her intelligence and creativity to become a better person.

“During homecoming week, all four friends enjoy the festivities and make new memories that will last a lifetime.”

Published by Fulton Books, Diane Elia’s book will captivate readers as they follow along on Kendra, Amber, Bonnie, and Griselda’s journey through high school, facing both the highs and lows of adolescence. Character-driven and engaging, “Surviving High School” is sure to resonate with readers from all walks of life, offering a poignant look at what high school life is really like.

Readers who wish to experience this enthralling work can purchase “Surviving High School” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.