Month: December 2018

2018-12-04T17:45:00

(BPT) – Over one hundred million people around the world are Prime members, but how do they enjoy the best of shopping and entertainment from Amazon? Just in time to provide inspiration for the holiday season, Amazon’s annual Best of Prime celebrates what members shopped for, watched, read, played and listened to between Oct. 1, 2017 and Sept. 30, 2018, unless otherwise noted. 

Undeniably, fast delivery defined the last year. Around the world, two billion products were ordered by Prime members for delivery in one day or faster. Some members even received orders ranging from wine to Nintendo systems in as quickly as nine minutes with Prime Now.  

Curious to know more? Drumroll, please … Prime members’ highlights from the past year include: 

Prime Member Favorites

When shopping, Prime members’ in the U.S. were definitely interested in technology and Alexa. Members’ most popular purchase of the year in the U.S. was the Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, followed by the Echo Dot. Other favorites include:

• Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Ear buds Headphones (Electronics)
• Chuckit! Ultra Dog Ball (Pets)
• Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster (Toys & Games)

Whole Foods Market

Prime members have adopted the new savings benefit at Whole Foods Market at one of the fastest rates in the history of Prime:

• Outside of Prime Day, the best-selling Prime member deal saw members scoop up enough organic apples to bake more than 350,000 apple pies.
• Prime members experienced ultrafast delivery from Whole Foods Market stores through Prime Now. Prime members in Austin, San Francisco and Boston took advantage of this service more than any other city. 

Prime Video 

Throughout the last year, Prime members were also curling up on the couch with their TV, tablet or smartphone watching Prime Video:

• This just in: The two most binged Prime Original series worldwide included Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan starring John Krasinski and Homecoming starring Julia Roberts. (data through Nov. 2018)
• Prime members loved The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and so did the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The series won more Emmy Awards than any comedy series ever has for a single season, including “Outstanding Comedy Series.”
• Early risers in the U.S., U.K. and India streamed more Prime Video than any other country between the hours of 7 and 9 a.m. local time.
• Night owls in Japan, Germany and Spain streamed more Prime Video than any other country between the hours of 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. local time. 
• The nine NFL games thus far on Prime Video and Twitch combined to reach 20 million total viewers in over 200 countries and territories as well as all 50 U.S. states. (data through Nov. 2018) 

Prime Music

In the past year, members worldwide tapped their feet to the hits on Prime Music:

• The most streamed artist was Justin Timberlake.
• Members’ favorite albums included Man of the Woods by Justin Timberlake, Camila by Camila Cabello, Astroworld by Travis Scott and Mitchell Tenpenny EP by Mitchell Tenpenny.
• Members’ favorite 2018 songs included: “The Middle,” by Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey; “Lose It,” by Kane Brown; “Idgaf,” by Dua Lipa; “Better Now,” by Post Malone; and “Done For Me,” by Charlie Puth, featuring Kehlani.
• The most requested song via Alexa was “The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey. 

Twitch Prime

Prime members around the world couldn’t get enough of the free video games and in-game content with Twitch Prime last year: 

• Members claimed a total of more than 50 million free games worldwide, with hundreds of hours of free gameplay available for each member.
• Members also made their favorite games better with Twitch Prime, downloading 55 million pieces of in-game loot across 17 blockbuster games worldwide, including League of Legends, Overwatch and PLAYER UNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS.

Prime Reading

Prime members in the U.S. also loved a good page-turner:

• They say the book is always better than the movie, but what about the comic book? Prime members tested that theory out with “Black Panther,” Prime Reading’s most beloved comic-to-movie adaptation.
• Members love mysteries — half of Prime Reading’s top 10 most read books this year were Mystery novels, including “Say You’re Sorry,” the most read book of the year.
• The top five most borrowed titles by Prime members in the U.S. included “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Milk and Honey,” and “Say You’re Sorry.” 

Amazon’s Best of Prime 2018 can be found at www.amazon.com/bestofprime and new members can sign up for a free 30-day trial at amazon.com/prime.

2018-12-04T14:01:00

(BPT) – Amazon’s Best of Prime 2018 celebrates how Prime members around the world enjoyed their benefits throughout the last year.

2018-12-04T16:05:00

(BPT) – Winter driving can pose a real threat to your safety. From slippery roads to a lack of visibility, you need to be ready for lots of dangerous conditions. But a little preparation can go a long way to keeping you and your family safe. Here are the hazardous weather conditions you’re most likely to face this winter and how to prepare your car for the driving challenges they present.

Rain

Not every state gets blanketed by snow once winter rolls around. Much of the U.S. is more likely to encounter heavy rains during the colder months. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t precautions that need to be taken.

Tips:

* Check that your windshield wipers are functioning properly to maximize visibility.                  

* Avoid using cruise control as it can increase your chances of losing control of the car.

Sleet/freezing rain

Sleet and freezing rain can be tricky to navigate, especially in late fall and early spring when the temperature hovers around freezing. What starts out as rain can quickly turn to ice on the road or on your windshield. When winter hits, play it safe and treat any wet road just like an icy road.

Tips:

* Fill up on de-icing windshield washer fluid to make sure you can clear your windshield.

* For those transition times of year, use all-season Yokohama tires to be best prepared for changing conditions.

Snow

It’s fluffy, it’s beautiful and it’s a nightmare to drive in. Snow is difficult to prepare for because it can come in so many different forms. A light dusting presents a much different challenge than a foot of wet, heavy snow. Make sure you’re prepared for any amount of snow by taking the right precautions ahead of time.

Tips:

* Keep a shovel in your trunk in case you get stuck or need to clear snow behind your wheels for better traction.

* Put on winter tires like Yokohama iceGuard tires that are specifically designed to give you better traction in snowy conditions.

Ice/black ice

Ice is the most treacherous winter driving condition because it’s also the hardest to prepare for. Black ice can be nearly invisible and often occurs on seemingly dry roads. This means most people don’t know they’re driving on black ice until it’s too late. Slow down (always a terrific countermeasure for any adverse condition), monitor the weather and look for signs of icy roads before heading out.

Tips:

* Check if you have anti-lock brakes and know what they feel like before driving in icy conditions.

* If you drive a pickup truck, add weight to the bed to keep your rear wheels anchored to the road.

2018-12-04T07:45:00

(BPT) – During the holiday season, everyone is looking for a creative gift that requires more thought than a simple candle or ornament. This year, Newell Brands, makers of Ball^® home canning jars, partnered with lifestyle influencer WhipperBerry to create a handful of DIY gift ideas perfect for everyone on your holiday list. Check out how Ball^® Jars can provide thoughtful gifts that everyone will enjoy!

1. Snowflake Lanterns

These snow-covered lanterns elevate any holiday display by adding a pop of coziness to home décor and tablescapes. Easily crafted using Ball^® Holiday Keepsake Jars, these luminescent gifts will be sure to impress everyone!

2. Cold and Flu Rescue Kits

With the holidays normally comes cold weather, shopping and preparations, and unfortunately, flu season. These cold and flu rescue jars provide everything one could need to battle a cold or flu. These extra thoughtful gifts are also perfect for individuals who simply love to pamper themselves at home when it’s too cold to adventure outside. The size and shape of the 16oz Sharing Jars work perfectly for this.

3. Scone Mix In A Jar

Baking and the holiday season go hand-in-hand, because what’s better than coming home to a house that smells like a hot oven filled with baked delectables. This DIY gift is as simple as dressing up a cute Ball^® Jar and filling it with your favorite baking recipe. These white chocolate ginger scones are delicious and fill the house with the scent of the holidays.

4. Do-It-Yourself Activity Jars

Moms and dads are always extra busy around the holidays, so this gift is perfect for helping their kids cope with the craziness. The activities are extremely easy to make, and this is a gift kids will enjoy, and mom and dad will be extra thankful for!

5. Soup Mix In A Jar

Another great gift to help your loved ones stay warm this holiday season is beautifully decorated Ball^® jars filled with your favorite soup mixes. These make meals simple and are as easy as just adding boiling water. These jars feature Lentil, Tomato Noodle, Split Pea and Black Bean Soups, but they can of course be tweaked to include your personal favorites! The Ball^® Sharing Jars work perfectly for this and their shape is perfect for adding a bow!

You can find more inspirational gift ideas at pinterest.com/ballcanning. Stock up on Ball brand jars for your next DIY project, available here.

Ball^®, TMs Ball Corporation, used under license by Hearthmark, LLC, a subsidiary of Newell Brands Inc.

2018-12-04T10:31:02

(BPT) – Get a handle on germs this season with these helpful tips and tricks.

2018-12-04T07:01:00

(BPT) – Books have it all, when you think about it. Especially if you’re seeking the perfect gift for the child in your life. Books are enriching, mentally and emotionally. They have the power to hold young minds in thrall with colorful illustrations and exciting storylines. Best of all, books are the key to linking minds and hearts, at home and beyond.

As great as that sounds, books aren’t worth much more than the paper they’re printed on if they don’t captivate the child. Finding books that are well-suited to a young reader’s interests and age can be tricky. This is why many parents, grandparents and other family and friends opt for book subscriptions as a convenient way to take the guesswork out of finding the right titles.

A new subscription service that’s worth a look for readers up to 12 years old is Amazon Prime Book Box for kids. To get started, select the child’s age, choose the preferred delivery frequency, and review the books selected for the first box. The books are hand-picked by a team of experienced editors and include a mix of fresh new titles and familiar favorites. You may preview the books in each box and choose alternate books from a curated list of titles.

Starting from infancy, sharing books with kids yields a host of benefits. When the perfect book falls into the hands of a child, the “magic powers” from reading and sharing stories are activated. The following are just a few reasons why the right books are your go-to during the holiday season and beyond.

Books are building blocks to literacy: Throughout childhood, from infancy and upward, reading books together builds a child’s literacy skills. A key time for reading together is during a child’s preschool years. During these picture-book story sessions, young kids can pick up important pre-literacy skills, such as letter recognition, and identifying that letters and words have meaning, understanding that text moves from left to right. Reading together also builds vocabulary. These skills are foundational to learning to read in elementary school, according to a National Institute for Literacy report. Tip: During these sessions, ask kids questions, such as what they think will happen next.

Books build lasting connections: When you’re small, what’s better than being nestled up with someone who loves you very much and reading from a pile of books? Even reading chapter books out loud to an older student, or having them read one to you, can be a wonderful shared experience and launch thousands of discussions. Whatever stage in childhood, these warm and cozy sessions create positive associations with the act of reading — which isn’t a bad thing when it comes to building a lifelong habit.

Stories help shape better humans: Kids who read and hear fictional tales gain empathy, according to research. Because of the way stories invoke real experiences, they also help kids gain understanding of how things work in the world. Stories are so much more than idle amusements. They help us develop the qualities that make us human.

A beloved book lasts a lifetime! When you visit a bookstore or look through a chest of childhood mementos, nothing triggers warm memories like seeing the title of a childhood favorite. The books you give as gifts to children today may end up becoming a portal to the past — and you’ll be a part of that treasured memory.

Give the gift of reading by trying Amazon Prime Book Box for kids. The subscription service delivers editorially selected hardcover books every month, two months or three months (and you have the flexibility of skipping a box at any time). At $19.99 per box, Amazon Prime members can save up to 40 percent off the list price, making this a tremendous value and wonderful way to help encourage the children in your life to experience the many joys of reading. To learn more visit amazon.com/PrimeBookBox.

2018-12-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Kids instinctively love animals. Children begin learning about animal species, their habitats and behavior during elementary school, and this is when children also become more interested and involved in caring for family pets. They may even become pet owners for the first time at this age. Learning about animal care is fun for kids, while also teaching them life lessons about empathy, compassion and responsibility.

Here are five important facts that children need to know about pet care.

* All pets need water

Water is essential for every pet, every day (some even live in water). Keep water dishes or bottles clean so their water is always good to drink.

* Pets need particular food

PetSmart is a great place to find the right food for any pet. While some (like rabbits) eat fresh vegetables like you, most pets don’t thrive on people food. Feeding them scraps from your plate is not a good idea, as some food might be bad for them.

* Each pet needs a different habitat

While cats or dogs share our homes, others require special houses. Fish need aquariums with water that’s filtered, at the correct temperature. Smaller pets need cages — they’re not litter-trained, and they’re small enough to get lost in your house. Reptiles need glass enclosures called “vivariums” and require heat to be comfortable. Birds need cages to prevent them from escaping. Whatever habitat your pet requires, it’s important to keep it clean and give them toys to entertain them.

* Pets need socializing

Just like people, pets can get lonely. Dogs need lots of human time, and walks to go to the bathroom and exercise. While cats seem like loners, they’re actually quite social. Even a cat who doesn’t want to cuddle may sit nearby. Fish or gerbils are more contented with the presence of an animal of the same species. Adopting two pets together can prevent loneliness.

* Just like you, pets need check-ups

Finally, most pets need regular check-ups. Vet visits can be costly, so before becoming a pet owner, make sure you’re prepared. Pet ownership is a serious responsibility — their health and care is now up to you.

Understanding these important facts about pet care for each type of animal can help every family find the right pet. According to the ASPCA, about 3.2 million cats and 3.3 million dogs are brought to shelters each year. Whenever you’re looking for a pet, remember that there are always many more available than human families to give them homes. Individual pet owners, families, communities and companies can all play a part in ensuring that animals are provided shelter while they wait for their forever homes, and in encouraging their adoption. Animal companions give so much to the families who love them, and communities can help more pets get adopted by providing know-how.

Learning which type of pet may be right for you and your family can start with a program such as Pets Like U at PetSmart stores around the country. Specially designed and supported by the Field Trip Factory for grades K-2 or 3-6, the program teaches children about the needs, care and behavior of different types of pets, whether furry, fishy or scaly.

“Our experiential programs teach students important life skills within real life environments in a fun and engaging way. We receive consistent feedback from educators that their students show greater retention of the key learning concepts and higher interest in the corresponding curriculum subject,” says Field Trip Factory president Etienne Veber.