Displaying items by tag: lifestyle

Pickleball has continued its meteoric rise, maintaining its title as America’s fastest-growing sport for the fourth year in a row. In 2024 alone, participation surged nearly 46%, with the number of U.S. players estimated at 19.8 million by SFIA, and some alternative estimates from the APP suggesting that number could be as high as 48 million. 

The sport is becoming increasingly popular among younger demographics, with the 25–34 age group now leading participation and the average player age dropping to just under 35. Infrastructure is racing to keep up, with over 68,000 courts now in the U.S. and a projected $855 million investment needed to meet future demand. 

While challenges like court shortages persist, the sport’s rapid growth has attracted significant attention from manufacturers, with over 1,200 new paddles and 476 brands registered in 2024 alone. 

Finsum: With cross-generational appeal and increasing institutional support, pickleball has evolved from a niche pastime to a defining part of the American athletic landscape.

The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college basketball has significantly tilted the playing field in favor of blue blood programs, further eroding the chances for mid-majors to make deep tournament runs. 

Top talent from smaller schools is increasingly being poached by power conference programs offering far more lucrative NIL deals, making it harder for underdogs to retain breakout stars. As a result, teams like George Mason or Loyola Chicago may soon become relics of a bygone era, replaced by a tournament field dominated by historically elite programs. 

Jay Williams and other analysts have pointed out that the transfer portal and NIL have created a new recruiting pipeline where even mid-level Power Five schools can outbid and outshine mid-majors. The evidence is showing on the court—while some smaller programs still challenge the big names, they rarely break through to the Sweet 16. 

Finsum: Ultimately, the NIL era may not have killed Cinderella, but it’s certainly made her invitation to the dance much harder to come by.

Spring doesn’t have to involve expensive travel—there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy time together at home. One idea is to “travel the world from home” by learning about different countries, cooking their traditional dishes, and watching related movies. 

A family pilgrimage to a nearby holy site can also be a meaningful experience, especially during this Jubilee Year, with many designated pilgrimage locations across the U.S. For a fun night in, kids can enjoy a "sleep-under," wearing pajamas, playing games, and watching a movie before heading home to sleep. 

Cozy reading time can be made extra special with a library trip followed by building a blanket fort to read new books inside. A family bake-off adds a competitive twist to baking, letting each child pick a recipe to make and everyone vote on the tastiest creation. 

Finsum: Whether through cultural exploration, faith-filled experiences, or simple at-home activities, spring break can be both memorable and affordable.

In 2024, travel transformed with AI-assisted trip planning, a resurgence of luxury train journeys, and a growing emphasis on wellness through solitude and stargazing. Urban explorers embraced green spaces and foraged dining, while music enthusiasts traveled extensively for live performances. 

As 2025 approaches, the focus will shift toward deeper, experience-driven adventures. Literature-inspired tourism is on the rise, with book festivals attracting larger crowds and hotels celebrating their literary connections. 

Astrocartography is gaining traction, guiding travelers to destinations aligned with their personal astrological charts. Meanwhile, honeymoons are becoming more immersive, with newlyweds favoring extended, meaningful getaways over traditional weeklong retreats.

Finsum: While everyone is implementing AI to improve efficiency, don’t forget to leverage it for personal matters such as gift and vacation ideas. 

Food trends in 2025 continue to evolve, with diners seeking immersive experiences that go beyond just a meal, especially as inflation encourages them to prioritize restaurants offering unique events or entertainment. 

Global flavors have become an expectation rather than a novelty, as Asian and international influences seamlessly integrate into American cuisine, expanding culinary possibilities for chefs and consumers alike. Spice levels are rising on menus, with diners embracing bolder flavors, following the chili crisp craze and the growing popularity of Nashville hot dishes. 

Sandwiches remain a social media favorite, with chefs elevating them through inventive ingredients and international inspirations, proving their staying power in the dining world. Meanwhile, mocktails continue to thrive, with house-made syrups and fresh ingredients transforming them into sophisticated, health-conscious alternatives to traditional cocktails.

Finsum: Also locally sourced ingredients are more valued than ever, with farm-to-table offerings shaping restaurant menus even as they incorporate global flavors as people search for sustainable alternatives.