Month: May 2019

2019-05-15T14:04:23

(BPT) – Building strong credit is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It can affect everything from getting a loan, to renting an apartment, to even getting your own cell phone plan. But building or repairing your credit doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time.

If you’re committed to improving your financial wellness, it could be time to consider a secured credit card.

Secured cards can help establish credit for the first time and can even help you repair credit if needed. Secured cards are funded by the cardholder. So instead of a bank or credit union extending you a line of credit, you front a deposit that’s then used as your credit line. However, not all secured cards are created equally.

Here’s what you should be looking for in a secured credit card:

1. A credit limit that feels right.

Secured cards require a security deposit from the applicant, usually from $200 to $500.

“Let’s say you put down a $500 deposit. If approved, the issuer will then extend a $500 credit line,” said Justin Zeidman, manager of credit card products at Navy Federal Credit Union. Borrowing against your own money may seem pointless, but the reward for good behavior is priceless.

“Like a normal credit card, your activity will be reported to the credit bureaus, so make sure to make on-time, monthly payments. By using your card responsibly, you’ll prove to the issuer that you understand how to handle credit,” said Zeidman.

2. Avoid being bogged down by fees.

The last thing anyone should have to worry about while trying to build or repair credit is a fee. Avoid secured cards that charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees.

3. A credit monitoring tool.

Look for a card that provides you with free access to your FICO score so that you can track your progress as you use your secured card responsibly. “Seeing the impact that responsible credit can have on your credit score helps to reinforce positive habits and makes it easier to celebrate your progress as you work toward your credit goals,” said Zeidman.

4. Ability to earn rewards.

Rewards aren’t a guarantee with secured cards, but some financial institutions offer rewards opportunities for secured card holders. Take Navy Federal’s nRewards Secured credit card, for example, which allows you to earn rewards for the purchases you make. Those reward points can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise or cash. Although a decent secured card doesn’t require this kind of rewards program, if you’re working to build up your credit you might as well get rewarded while doing it.

5. A chance to upgrade.

A secured card is a great introduction to building credit, but eventually, you’ll be ready for something a little more advanced. Some issuers will automatically upgrade you from a secured card to a non-secured card if you continue to practice strong financial habits. For example, starting at six months, Navy Federal will review your account monthly to see if you’re eligible to be upgraded from their nRewards secured card to their cashRewards unsecured card.

Secured cards often act as a stepping stone into the world of credit cards, but they come in all shapes and sizes. Do some research and find a card that fits your needs. Finding the right secured card could be just what you need to get things back on track.

2019-05-15T09:54:57

(BPT) – The changing seasons, environmental factors, overuse of harmful products and ingrained grooming habits can damage your hair. Getting the strong, shiny hair you want can be as easy as following a few simple tips for hair and scalp health.

1. Wash in lukewarm water. Washing your hair in overly hot water can strip too much of the hair and scalp’s natural oils and moisture, and leave your hair looking and feeling dehydrated. Using lukewarm or even cool water while you shampoo and rinse helps protect your hair and scalp.

2. Dry with warm or cool air. Blow drying daily using the hottest air setting can damage hair over time, causing frizz and split ends. First, air dry for a while or gently towel dry the hair then choose the warm or even cool setting when drying. You can also get a diffuser attachment to use on the hair dryer to help reduce damage while styling.

3. Treat hair before washing. To help replenish moisture and give your hair a healthy boost, use a pre-shampoo treatment such as Monat’s Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive to provide nourishment that washing alone may remove. A pea-sized drop of this product will nourish your hair, and it can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, intensive hydrating treatment or leave-in finishing treatment. The oil’s ingredients include Abyssinian oil (selected for its rejuvenating properties), antioxidants, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids to balance and benefit the hair.

4. Don’t over-wash. Depending on your lifestyle, hair type and personal styling needs, giving your hair a rest from daily washing can help further protect your hair from damage. Try a good quality dry shampoo to maintain hair’s natural bounce and beauty.

5. Use naturally based products. Avoid potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, polyethylene glycol, petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin wax, plastic microbeads, formaldehyde releasers, and harmful colors or fragrances. Monat offers dermatologist-tested, naturally based shampoos and conditioners that do not contain these harmful ingredients.

Treating your hair with the same gentle care you give to your skin will show visible results. It will also maximize your hair cut and style giving you the strongest and most vibrant locks you’ve ever had.

2019-05-15T05:01:00

(BPT) – Most people may be unaware how much Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become part of their lives. From GPS and predictive text on smartphones to search engines and customer service chatbots, AI is changing the way people live and work. AI involves the process of using algorithms to make sense of large amounts of data beyond human capacity to manage, with the potential to tackle more tasks than ever before imagined.

Researchers at Oxford University asked AI/machine-learning experts for their future predictions, and they said AI will replace truck drivers by 2027 and do a surgeon’s work by 2053. They said there is a relatively high chance AI will beat humans at all tasks within 45 years, and that AI could automate all human jobs by 2063.

AI is increasingly used in the workplace, including for productivity tracking and numerous HR functions. Virtual assistants use proprietary AI algorithms to identify and screen candidates.

Employees first using AI may have difficulty making this transition, according to director of research and thought leadership for Dale Carnegie Mark Marone, PhD. In his publication, Preparing People for Success in the Era of AI, Marone discusses issues employees encounter adapting to AI, and steps leadership can take to help employees prepare for working alongside machines.

Marone outlines three ways leaders can ensure employee success in embracing AI: instilling trust in organizational leadership; providing transparency for employees to understand what AI does; and increasing employee confidence in their own skills to adapt to AI.

Trust.

Employees may worry about the true purpose of using AI in their company. If a solid foundation of trust in leadership is already established, it’s more likely changes will be accepted positively. Trust is gained by leaders exhibiting honesty and consistency in what they say and do.

Without underlying trust, implementing AI could be perceived as a threat. Marone recommends assessing the level of trust employees have in leadership using tools like engagement assessments, pulse surveys and exit interviews. If the trust level is not optimal, leaders must improve their consistency of communication and demonstrate the organization’s stated values in deed as well as word. Building trust is vital to helping employees accept challenging transitions.

Transparency.

Related to trust is transparency. Employees must understand what AI is and how it will be used in their workplace. People often fear what they don’t understand. While employees may not comprehend every technical detail, leadership should explain the use of AI as clearly as possible.

Marone gives an example of employees’ willingness to accept an appraisal given by AI rather than a human supervisor. In their research, 62% of respondents were more willing to accept an AI appraisal if criteria for the appraisal were completely transparent. Without transparency, only 32% of respondents would accept that appraisal. Marone explains, “People want to be sure that AI is delivering decisions that are fair and in a way that can be explained.”

Transparency contributes to employees’ perceptions of fairness. In the survey, 63% of respondents expressed concern about human biases built into AI systems, such as the inappropriateness of using predictive power for HR applications. Marone cites the example of an AI algorithm determining potential hires based on current company leadership, which “may suggest the desirability of hiring more white males.”

Employees who trust the role of human leaders to provide AI oversight, and who perceive transparency in how AI is used, will more likely accept these new technologies.

Confidence.

Employees feeling threatened by technological advances may be insecure about their own skills to adapt. Marone found that what makes an organization more agile in the face of change is the ability of employees and leadership to adapt, learn and assess new information, ask questions and analyze situations. Agility in the age of AI requires soft skills that machines cannot replace: creativity, social skills and judgment.

With sufficient training and development of those soft skills, employees demonstrate increased confidence in accepting and using AI effectively.

It’s vital that organizations lay the foundation for employees to cope with technological change. With preparation, gains achieved by adapting new technology won’t be offset by losses in employee engagement. Preparing the workforce with the right attitudes, understanding and skills will make future changes more successful.

2019-05-14T17:20:14

(BPT) – For the science, technology and sci-fi enthusiasts in your family, there’s no better way to truly experience the excitement of the modern-day space race than to view a rocket launch in person during the yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, which in 1969 landed humans on the moon for the first time.

Searching for a vacation destination that’s out of this world? Look no further than Florida’s Space Coast — the primary home of NASA rocket launch operations and the origination point for numerous historic missions that have defined U.S. space exploration.

And there is a whole lot more for the family to enjoy along the Atlantic coast. Here are some of the best reasons to travel to this vacation destination before the year runs out.

1. Join the space race. Plan your visit around one of the several scheduled rocket launches in 2019. You can view a launch from public beaches and parks, inside the Exploration Tower in Port Canaveral, along the landmark Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier and countless other locations. Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to examine the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close, gaze upon the legendary NASA launch pads, walk beneath a gargantuan Saturn V moon rocket, meet an actual U.S. astronaut and even train in a space flight simulator. Check out a 3D space film in the IMAX Theater, then take a short journey up the road to Space View Park in Titusville, where you can admire the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle and “In the Line of Duty” monuments. From the park, you can peer across the Indian River to spot NASA’s massive, emblematic Vehicle Assembly Building, which stands tall in the middle of the space center property.

2. Hit the beach. Florida’s Space Coast goes on for 72 miles north to south and is dotted with numerous inviting beaches. Families can enjoy the sun, surf and sand at beachside locales such as Alan Shepard Park (named for the first American in space), which provides picnic, shower and restroom facilities for visitors. To experience one of the area’s many secluded and undeveloped beaches, head to the beautiful dunes of Canaveral National Seashore, on the region’s northern tip.

3. Shout “surf’s up!” With warm water temperatures year-round and plenty of wave action, enjoy the surfing capital of the East Coast. Novices can take quick classes at a local surf school and enjoy riding some easy breakers; there are ample challenges, as well, for more experienced surfers. Board rentals and lessons are available at the famed Ron Jon Surf Shop or Cocoa Beach Surf Company. Serious fans of surfing can visit the Florida Surf Museum and attend prominent local surf events, such as the National Kidney Foundation Rich Salick Pro-Am Surf Festival in late summer.

4. Enjoy a cruise. Port Canaveral is home port for major cruise operators such as Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. You can plan a Caribbean cruise, or just take in the awesome sight of these magnificent cruise ships as they arrive from sea or depart on their next adventures. In addition, there are a good number of dining, entertainment and recreational options in the port vicinity.

5. Get in touch with nature. Nearby nature preserves and wildlife attractions for the whole family include the nationally acclaimed Brevard Zoo in Melbourne and the Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary in Titusville. Go on a guided sea turtle walk at the Barrier Island Sanctuary in Melbourne Beach or spend time roaming the expansive Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares land with the adjacent Kennedy Space Center. For the more adventurous, an airboat ride, kayak trip or fishing excursion might be just the thing. Or simply enjoy plunking down amid some family-friendly commons such as Riverfront Park in historic Cocoa Village, where the kids can frolic on the playground and in the refreshing splash fountain.

Up and down this beautiful stretch, every member of the family will find something extraordinary, fun and exhilarating to do. And there’s never been a better time to discover the adventurous spirit in us all.

2019-05-14T16:39:01

(BPT) – This time of year, as our focus turns to spring cleaning, there’s an aspect of tidying up that most of us may be forgetting: our digital clutter. Women’s lifestyle outlet How Does She partnered with Walmart Family Mobile to share some excellent technology tidying tips (say that five times fast!). From Christmas pictures that are still taking up memory on your phone, to hundreds of old texts that are eating up your gigabytes, to needless folders that make your computer desktop messier than a 10-year-old’s room, there are plenty of things you can digitally declutter, and once you get started, you’ll be amazed at how zen you’ll feel.

1. Organize your photos: Photos are notorious for taking up a ton of space, and can add up quickly if you don’t regularly back them up. To get started, find a free cloud-based service to help organize your pictures. As you upload, make sure to select “delete after uploading” to kill two birds with one stone and save a little time. No matter the method you chose, take the time to protect your photos and get them in order. You can even go one step further and make it a monthly routine to make your storage easier to maintain!

2. Delete old texts: Text conversations can pile up fast and take up valuable storage, especially if they contain images or videos. There’s no need to keep unimportant ones around. As you go through your messages, save only the vital conversations you’d need to keep as a record or for reference, otherwise, send them to the trash! For the messages with images and videos, use the advice in the first tip to stay organized and limit storage use. Take five minutes right now (that’s all you need!) and pare down your texts.

3. Get your family on one mobile plan: With all the running around your family does, it’s hard enough to keep schedules straight, let alone keep up with different mobile plans. Make it easy on yourself by getting the whole family on the same affordable plan. Did you know Walmart Family Mobile has a multi-line family plan? You can get two Truly Unlimited lines with unlimited talk, text and high-speed data for less than $75 per month. (Video typically streams at DVD quality.) And you can add more lines to suit your family’s needs at a great bargain! Not only is this an amazing deal, but with Walmart Family Mobile you also get non-stop nationwide coverage on one of the nation’s largest, most reliable 4G LTE† networks. It’s great for busy families who are always on the go. You’ll be able to keep in touch with your kids when they have practices, extra-curricular activities, are out with friends, and more.

How it works: Switching to Walmart Family Mobile is quick and easy. With no contract and no activation fees (awesome!), you simply pick a phone (or bring your own), pick a plan, activate and go. It’s that simple. You can either head into your local Walmart store or check out MyFamilyMobile.com.

4. Tidy up your email: The depths of some email accounts can be a dark and scary place. Email is a primary means of communication in the world today and there’s nothing worse than not being able to find an important message when you need it. Tidy up your inbox by taking some time to delete all junk and trash messages, and then organize further by adding folders where you can store like-minded emails. Work emails go in one folder, PTA emails in another, and so on and so forth.

5. Delete unused apps: Apps not only take up your device’s memory, but can make for a cluttered screen too. If you find yourself consistently scrolling left and right trying to locate an app, that may be a sign that you have too many, or just need a little organization. Pare down your apps by deleting the ones that you never use. Then move the ones you use most frequently to the first screen, leaving lesser-used apps toward the back. You can also group similar apps into folders to further clear up your screen.

6. Clean up your desktop: Finally, find a quick 15 minutes to clean up your computer’s desktop. Having rogue folders labeled “miscellaneous” and random icons cluttering up your screen can make it difficult to find what you actually need at a moment’s notice. Once you sort through everything, you’ll free up space and have a great new system in place to find files with ease.

So this season, when you’re gearing up to spring clean your home, don’t forget to digitally declutter too! To find out more about Walmart Family Mobile’s unlimited plans and multi-line discounts, visit MyFamilyMobile.com or your local Walmart.

If congested, customers may notice reduced speeds vs T-Mobile customers that may be further reduced for small numbers of customers who use >40GB.

† To get 4G LTE speed, you must have a 4G LTE capable device and 4G LTE SIM. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. During periods of congestion, Walmart Family Mobile customers may notice reduced speeds versus carrier branded customers. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

2019-05-14T11:51:01

(BPT) – When the warm weather finally arrives, it’s easy to get excited about leisurely days spent in the company of friends and family, enjoying delicious, fresh, seasonal foods. At the top of the list are crisp, juicy and delicious California grapes, which are always a favorite snack. For the home cook, grapes are also a versatile ingredient for summertime entertaining — a simple way to elevate any dish.

For a crowd-pleasing meal, go Mediterranean. Experts agree that the Mediterranean diet is one of the best for overall health and long life. Greek Chicken and Grape Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing captures so many classic flavors, textures and colors of the Mediterranean — lemon, sesame, grilled chicken, grapes, feta cheese, hummus and fresh, crisp vegetables.

Asian-inspired cuisine also is festive, fun and flavorful. Green Beans with Grapes in Wasabi Dressing is an easy side dish that complements all things grilled, making it a backyard barbecue basic — with a twist. This dish kicks up the flavor with a dressing made from soy sauce, wasabi horseradish, oil, mustard and shallots. The touch of spiciness from the wasabi gives a surprisingly cooling effect.

Finish the meal with finesse by setting out a colorful platter of fruit, chocolate, cookies or ice cream for a no-fuss, delicious end to a perfect meal.

Greek Chicken and Grape Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup tahini

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1/4 cup water

1 clove of garlic

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to uniform thickness

1 tablespoon olive oil

Coarse ground pepper to taste

1/3 English cucumber, trimmed, quartered and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 cup)

1 1/3 cups halved red California grapes

1/2 cup chopped scallions, green part only

2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

3/4 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 cup hummus

16 romaine heart leaves

1 large whole wheat pita round, quartered

Directions

In a blender, combine tahini, lemon juice, lemon zest, vinegar, water, garlic, honey and 1/4 teaspoon of salt; puree and set aside.

Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season the chicken with olive oil, remaining salt, and pepper. Place chicken on grill and cook, without flipping, for 4-5 minutes on the first side. Flip and then cook for another 4 minutes on the second side. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice.

In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber, grapes, scallions, feta and chickpeas; add 1/3 cup salad dressing and toss to combine.

To serve: Portion 1/4 cup hummus on four separate serving plates and place four romaine leaves in the hummus. Top with the cucumber-grape salad mixture and sliced chicken and serve with a triangle of pita bread.

Nutritional analysis per serving, without pita: Calories 540; Protein 37 g; Carbohydrate 47 g; Fat 24 g (40% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 5 g (8% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 75 mg; Sodium 720 mg; Fiber 2 g.

Green Beans with Grapes in Wasabi Dressing

Prep time 15 minutes. Cook time 10 minutes.

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 teaspoons wasabi paste

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon grapeseed oil

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 shallot, thinly sliced

1 1/4 pounds green beans, trimmed

1 cup halved California grapes

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, wasabi, mustard, oil and pepper. Stir in the shallot and set aside. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil; add green beans and cook until beans are crisp tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain beans and transfer to the bowl with wasabi dressing. Add in the grapes and toss with the dressing; sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 90; Protein 3 g; Carbohydrate 15 g; Fat 3.5 g (35% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 0 g (0% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 290 mg; Fiber 4 g.

2019-05-14T09:15:01

(BPT) – If you’re considering a home warranty plan, you are probably doing your due diligence — as you should — on how they work, who the different providers are and what to expect from the experience. This article is meant to help you understand home warranty plans, as well as separate fact from fiction.

Go the extra mile to protect your home

Myth: “I don’t need a home warranty plan because I have home insurance.”

Investing money, time and love into a place to call home can be scary, especially knowing that things don’t always go as planned. You may have homeowners insurance to protect your home against unexpected disasters, but these plans typically don’t cover the issues that come with the everyday wear-and-tear your home systems and appliances go through. The reality is that unexpected breakdowns will happen, and they can be costly.

Trusted connections and expert service

Myth: “It’s hard to know who you can trust these days, and I need someone who knows what they’re doing and is looking out for me.”

When an appliance or home system needs repairing, choosing the right person to bring into your home can be a daunting task. If American Home Shield is your home warranty provider and you need service, it’s like getting a recommendation from a trusted neighbor (if that neighbor had facilitated over 65 million in-home service requests in their lifetime).

Contractors for American Home Shield must meet certain criteria, including background checks, company training and living up to high customer-service standards.

“Our network of over 16,000 local professionals are in homes making quality repairs for our customers over four million times a year,” said Dave Quandt, vice president of field services with American Home Shield. “Along with convenient access to qualified service contractors, we also provide our customers with valuable protection against costly repairs when major home systems and appliances break down.”

Smart budget protection

Myth: “I’m already saving for unexpected breakdowns, so I don’t need extra coverage.”

Many home warranty plans offer varying coverage levels so that homeowners can choose the level of protection that’s right for their individual home and budget needs. Considering that 58% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings, an unexpected repair cost could cause serious financial strain. American Home Shield plans cover components of up to 21 major home systems and appliances that are most likely to break down over time due to normal wear-and-tear.

“Every homeowner knows that it’s just a matter of time before something breaks down, and no one likes unexpected repair costs. That’s part of what makes home warranties a smart choice for so many consumers,” said Tim Meenan, executive director of the Service Contract Industry Council. “However, coverage varies by plan and provider, so it’s important to do your homework and ask questions.”

Meenan says with most plans, customers pay a predetermined service fee to diagnose and repair a covered item, but there can be non-covered expenses such as permit and disposal costs, refrigerant, necessary code upgrades and more.

If you’re in the market for a home warranty, keep in mind that some companies offer additional home-related services and discounts to their customers. Those with American Home Shield, the largest provider in the nation, can also take advantage of services such as seasonal HVAC tune-ups and upgrades, lock re-key services (real estate customers only), appliance discounts and more.

Home warranties can help save homeowners from many of the headaches that come with owning a home. The plans are growing in popularity as more and more consumers take advantage of the convenient access to professional service contractors, valuable budget protection, and now, the additional services that providers like American Home Shield offer.

2019-05-14T11:01:00

(BPT) – Like a first kiss, first car or first day of school, entrepreneurs and home renovation experts Ashley and Andy Williams will never forget completing their first home renovation project.

“That day began as all our days do — with organized chaos,” Ashley said. “We got our two kids ready for school amid a mad dash of ensuring book bags were packed, homework was done and items for after-school activities were all in their proper places. We also made sure that our own go-bag for the day was filled with almonds, water and fruit in case a hot property hit the market. As busy parents and entrepreneurs, we need the energy that almonds provide so we can stay on our A-game from school drop-offs, house hunting and everything in between.”

They took the scenic route around town looking for a project to take on. That’s when they saw it: a home that had been sitting on the market for 236 days, looked like a time capsule from 1976 (complete with wallpaper and original kitchen appliances) — but had incredible potential to be transformed into a place that any family would want to call home. Just like the feeling of falling in love, they said they knew it was the right project for them. They immediately called the listing agent to arrange a meeting with the sellers and sketched out their proposed vision. The sellers felt their passion for the property, and the deal was sealed.

Then, the work began. It turned out that the 1970s charm they loved about the house was the same thing that threw them curveballs at every turn. From the outdated plumbing and HVAC systems to the decades-old wiring to the foundation and flooring — the house needed a huge overhaul to conform with modern building codes. Those first few weeks of the renovation were long and tiring, but productive.

Once the bones of the house were up to code, they turned to the interior. From choosing family-friendly, durable kitchen appliances to finding the perfect color laminate that would run from room to room, they poured their hearts into this renovation — just as they had with their own home years prior.

Then finally, after five months of hard work, it was time to put what had become their second home on the market.

“We brought our kiddos over to put the finishing touches on the staging and by the end of the week, we sold the home to a young family who appreciated the charm and design of the home as much as we did,” Ashley said.

Passion. Hard work. Positivity. Family. That’s what “owning their everyday” means to the Williams family. How will you turn your everydays into memorable moments?

See below for a recipe created by Ashley and Andy to help you fuel your everyday. For additional tips and recipes visit the Almond Board of California website.

Power Packed Almond Maple Granola

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3/4 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons honey

2 cups oats

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup chopped dried apricots

1/4 cup roasted and salted sunflower kernels

1/4 cup roasted and salted pumpkin seeds

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 F and line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine butter, maple syrup and honey in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until butter is melted, but not boiling. Remove from heat. Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Pour in the butter mixture, and stir to combine. Spread onto the prepared cookie sheet, bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring after 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Enjoy as a snack or with yogurt and fresh fruit. Store in an airtight container.