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How to throw a fun themed holiday party

2019-10-16T00:01:00

(BPT) – This year, why not choose a fun theme for your holiday party? You can create a great atmosphere while providing entertainment for all ages with a little creativity — and local resources.

You could do the usual “white elephant” gift swap, or hold an ugly sweater competition, but that’s so last year — why not brainstorm a few new ideas?

Silver screen soiree

How about designing your party around a favorite movie? Choose a film or movie franchise that means a lot to you and your crew. Is it something you all grew up on? Or a current favorite?

Whatever cinema theme you choose, let guests know ahead of time so they can choose outfits to represent a character or idea from the movie. Offer a link to an online trailer in your invitation for guests who may not have seen the movie. Plan decorations, food and beverages to go with your movie theme. Get the movie soundtrack to play during your party and create the right ambiance by renting a popcorn machine for your guests.

Small screen inspiration

Along the same lines, a TV show theme could be fun. Again, pick a show that you and your family or friends grew up with, or that’s an obsession, a guilty pleasure or even a current fad show you all love to hate! Encourage guests to dress the part, and create a trivia game based on the show, with prizes for the best-informed partygoers.

For entertainment, rent a projector to play episodes on a big screen or on the wall.

Take a “journey” with your party

Choose a place — city, state or country — to be the “locale” for your party. Let the food and music you play be inspired by the location that’s meaningful to you. Your hometown, where you went to college, your first overseas trip or honeymoon location would be good choices. Serve foods from the location you have in mind, whether they’re homemade or purchased.

Or you could journey to another time, since there’s nothing like time travel to spice up a party. Choose an era from the past, or even go with a futuristic, sci-fi theme for your party this year, and tell your guests to dress accordingly. Have fun and get creative with your ideas for the decor, music and entertainment!

Step into the pages of a book

Let a favorite holiday storybook or novel inspire your party’s attire, snacks and decorations, whether it’s a childhood favorite or a recent bestseller. You can find games to complement the theme of your book, ranging from giant chess boards or carnival games to sumo wrestling and casino games, at rental locations near you. Give guests a chance to give back to the community by asking everyone to bring a children’s book to donate to a local library or children’s hospital.

Break free from the party clock

Shake up your usual entertaining routine. Do you usually host a dinner party? Make it a festive brunch. Always serve a lunch buffet? Offer your friends or family a late-night, post-theater get-together instead. Don’t have matching dishes, stemware or flatware for a fancy do? No worries — it’s possible to rent what you need rather than spending a ton on items you might only use a couple of times a year.

No matter what creative idea you come up with for your themed party, the good news is that you can rent anything you might need to make your unique party happen. Find your party supplies at a rental store near you by checking out Rental HQ.


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A New Way to Achieve Defined Arms and Contoured Thighs

2019-10-15T09:41:00

(BPT) – Picture this: You’re sporting a sleek, black sleeveless tank or maybe a pair of denim short shorts. Your arms are defined and trim, and your legs could stop traffic.

This may seem like a vision board exercise, but thanks to advances in noninvasive body contouring technology, such transformations are increasingly possible. Cutera®’s new truSculpt® iD offers one-and-done sculpting of your upper arms and inner and outer thighs in one 15-minute session.

Sound too good to be true? It’s not, says facial plastic surgeon Dr. Arash Moradzadeh in Beverly Hills, CA.

“truSculpt iD utilizes radiofrequency energy to target the problem areas and give you the enhanced appearance and definition you are looking for,” says Dr. Moradzadeh. “The deep tissue heating of skin can provide improvements even on areas with compromised skin quality for an overall contouring effect.”

Unlike the applicators used with other energy-based devices, the six truSculpt iD applicators are roughly the size of a deck of cards, so they fit perfectly on smaller areas such as the upper arms or inner thighs. “This precision makes a big difference in the results we can achieve,” he says.

”Maximum contouring results are visible in 6 to 12 weeks, and there is no downtime except for some redness or warmth immediately after the treatment,” according to Dr. Moradzadeh. It’s relatively painless, too, and some patients compare the sensation to a hot stone massage.

Not everyone is a candidate for truSculpt iD. “If you have too much excess weight to lose, you may not get the results you are looking for, “says Kimberlee Smith, NP, owner of Coastal Aesthetics in York, ME. “Sometimes additional treatments may be required to achieve the desired results, but your results should be long-lasting,” she says.

The beauty of this treatment is that it can be personalized, says Smith. “We can create a bespoke treatment plan based on a patient’s concerns. For example, we can treat the upper arms with four applicators (two on each arm) and then use the remaining two to target belly fat or another area of concern such as love handles,” she says.

To schedule a consultation with a truSculpt iD provider near you today, visit https://trusculpt.com/find-a-provider.


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Five ways to support shelter animals if you’re not ready to adopt

2019-10-15T15:03:00

(BPT) – The winter months, which are often considered some of the busiest for animal shelters, are approaching. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters every year. Adding a shelter pet to your family can be fulfilling, but what if you’re not ready or able to adopt?

Hartz Loving Paws is committed to supporting companion animals in shelters through product donations and volunteer events. October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month, and Hartz is partnering with the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area in Texas to share opportunities for you to give back to pets in need if you’re not ready or able to adopt.

1. Donate money or product.

Many animal shelters and rescue organizations have direct donation links posted on their websites. Monetary donations go toward pet food, medical attention and vaccines for the animals. Animal shelters and rescue organizations also often create Amazon wish lists with desired products. Shelters typically ask for pet treats, toys and grooming supplies.

Sarah Hammond, executive director of the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area in Texas, said she is grateful for donations from Hartz Loving Paws, which has given more than $2 million worth of product to shelters and organizations, including her own, since its inception in 2016.

2. Provide a temporary home.

An increased number of animals placed in shelters need foster care before they are ready to find their forever homes. Foster needs range from post-op surgical care to puppy growth care and medical support.

Food, medication and other supplies are typically provided when fostering, and the length of time a foster pet may stay in your home varies depending on the animal’s needs. Contact your local shelter to fill out an application. Once approved, your local shelter will work closely with you to find the right foster pet for your household.

3. Volunteer at your local shelter or rescue organization.

Animal shelters and rescue organizations offer numerous volunteer roles, such as dog walkers, adoption support and training support. Many positions don’t require prior experience and can be applied for on your local shelter or rescue organization’s website. Volunteer positions vary in expectations and demand, so there is a position for everyone.

You can also volunteer to participate in a shelter rebuild project. Hartz Loving Paws renovates shelters twice a year in partnership with GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Rebuild program. These teams work with shelters to create playful and welcoming environments for animals.

4. Take photos of adoptable pets.

Help animals find homes sooner by taking adoption photos for local shelters. Many people search for adoptable pets online, and with a great profile picture, animals have a greater chance at being adopted. If you’re new to photography, there are free training videos available on the One Picture Saves a Life website that show how to take better photos of shelter pets.

5. Become an advocate.

Follow animal shelters and rescue organizations on social media and reshare their content. Talk to your family and friends about the importance of caring for shelter pets while they await their forever homes and share how they can help.


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3 surprising ingredients to boost flavor in your recipes

2019-10-15T07:55:00

(BPT) – Looking for easy ways to add zing to snacks and meals, as well as holiday entertaining? Adding just a few flavor-packed ingredients can revamp recipes with very little effort. Consider adding dried fruits to your daily meals and snacks, as they’re not only full of flavor, but packed with nutrition, too. Because dried fruit needs no refrigeration, it’s also a great on-the-go snack for packing in school lunches, gym bags or keeping in your office desk.

Did you know a serving of dried fruit counts as one serving of fruit toward your daily nutrition goals? That’s just one more reason to sneak dried fruit into lots of recipes, for a pop of flavor that gives every dish more depth and appeal. These dried fruits also contain no added sugar — they just provide natural sweetness to your recipes.

Here are three dried fruits to try for maximum taste and nutrition.

1. Apricots

Plump, sweet and delicious, one serving of dried apricots is only 100 calories. Apricots are a good source of vitamin A and potassium, and they can be eaten as a snack or added to a variety of recipes. Mediterranean and Indian dishes are great uses for dried apricots. Try chopping them up to add zing to rice pilaf, or to balance the spice and heat in an Indian meal. Baked goods like muffins or oatmeal cookies are enhanced by adding chopped dried apricots.

2. Prunes

Prunes are a great addition to many baked goods, like cakes, cookies and bars. Compared to other dried fruits, prunes are lower in naturally occurring sugar and have a low glycemic index of 29. Prunes are an all-natural source of fiber, with 3 grams of fiber per serving. Studies suggest that 5-6 prunes per day can help to support bone health. Their richness adds a lot of texture and flavor to any dish. They complement pork dishes well, and they can add sweetness to your holiday stuffing recipe.

3. Dates

Perfect for sweet and savory dishes, one serving of dates is a good source of dietary fiber. Dates have a rich sweetness that makes them a valuable asset to desserts like bars and cookies. Dates pair well with nuts, pork and squash.

This recipe from Sunsweet Growers Inc. using dates can be served with a family meal or for holiday entertaining.

Acorn Squash Date Bowls

Prep time: 4 minutes

Ingredients

2 small acorn squash
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 cup water
1/2 cup dry quinoa
3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
6 Sunsweet Pitted Dates (or more to taste)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cut acorn squash in half and scoop out seeds. Brush coconut oil over inside of squash halves.
Roast in oven on baking sheet, cut side down, 30 minutes. Turn cut side up and season with salt and pepper; roast 20 minutes more.
Place garbanzo beans in rimmed baking dish and toss with 2 teaspoons coconut oil and a pinch of salt. Roast 15 minutes, then stir lightly and add rosemary; roast 5 to 10 minutes more.
Place water and quinoa in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, 15 minutes. Remove from heat with lid still on and let stand 10 minutes, then fluff with fork.
Chop Sunsweet Pitted Dates and roasted rosemary. Stir together dates, rosemary, quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds.
Scoop into acorn squash and serve warm.
Makes 4 servings.

Picked fresh off the trees at the peak of ripeness, these fruits are then dried to preserve the nutrients so you can enjoy seasonal fruit all year long, versus only when they are in season. For more recipe ideas using dried fruit, visit sunsweet.com/#Recipes.


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7 budget-friendly tips for smart holiday gift giving

2019-10-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is full of celebration, social activities and spreading good cheer by exchanging gifts. The problem is gift giving can get expensive if you’re not making a plan and monitoring your spending. A happy holiday doesn’t have to mean stressing about finances or going into debt. You can enjoy the holidays and save money with some smart strategies for gift giving on a budget.

Create a gift list: Are you feeling pressure to get gifts for everyone? Thoughtfully consider who’s on your list this year. While a gift may be appropriate for some people, others might simply prefer to spend some time together rather than exchanging gifts. Perhaps invite someone over for lunch or plan a cookie exchange with friends.

Make a budget early: Deciding on budget limits for your holiday gifts will help guide your spending. You might have an overall holiday budget and then a specific budget to target for each person on your list. Then, with your gift list in hand and budget in mind, you can shop for appropriate and affordable gifts. What’s more, by starting early, you can take advantage of sales and other promotions that can help you save even more.

Stop worrying about perfect presents: Worried about finding the ideal gift? Coinstar’s recent holiday survey found about one-third of people don’t recall what gift they received last year, so stop feeling pressure to get the perfect present. Ultimately, it’s the thought that counts. Whether it’s a card or small, reasonably priced gift, the recipient will be glad you took the time to show you care.

Use change to stretch your budget: You probably don’t think much about coins, but the holiday survey found that people believe they have about $71 in spare change in and around their home! Collect and cash in that spare change at a supermarket Coinstar kiosk to boost your holiday budget. This can also be a fun activity for kids who can gather coins or dip into the family coin jar for spending money and then buy gifts for family members. Visit www.coinstar.com/findakiosk to find a location near you.

Create a group gift exchange: If you have a large, extended family or a group of friends that you typically buy for, consider a gift exchange. It’s fun and budget-friendly because you’re not buying a separate gift for each person. Smart tip: Set a price limit per gift to keep everyone in the same ballpark for presents and prevent any competition of one person outdoing another.

Opt for services as gifts: Rather than giving a physical present, is there something you could do that the recipient would appreciate? Consider an act of kindness like cleaning a family member’s home or watching their children. If you have a particular talent, consider how that can be incorporated into your gift. Know how to play the piano? Offer to give children lessons. Do you have a snowblower? Offer to help clear a neighbor’s driveway after a snowstorm.

Consider charitable donations: Giving to charity on behalf of someone else can be a nice holiday gesture. Whether it’s animal welfare, disaster relief, a children’s charity or something else, think about what the person is passionate about and select an appropriate charity.

The Coinstar holiday survey revealed that if there were no obligations or expectations around gift giving, about 10% of people would give to charity. Keep in mind, Coinstar kiosks in supermarkets allow you to donate your change to certain charities, making it easy to put your change to good use and give a meaningful gift.

No matter what you choose, gift giving can be meaningful and affordable. Let these ideas inspire you to stay on budget and shop wisely this holiday season.


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Simple ways to support causes in your daily life

2019-10-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – We are all busy and distracted these days, and it can often be difficult to find ways to make a difference to those less fortunate in our communities. However, today it is simpler than ever to give back, and you do not have to alter your hectic routine to make an impact.

Give back while you shop

If you want to make a difference with your shopping dollars, look for retailers that give a percentage of their profits to those in need.

For example, Walgreens gives one percent of sales from participating vitamin products to nonprofit Vitamin Angels. Through Vitamin Angels, undernourished pregnant women and children under five receive life-changing nutrients to combat the devastating effects of malnutrition. When customers purchase they support Vitamin Angels’ mission to improve child and maternal health in the U.S. and around the world. The partnership between Walgreens and Vitamin Angels has already reached more than 200 million children and mothers throughout the U.S. and worldwide with essential vitamins and minerals. To learn more, visit www.walgreens.com/vitaminangels.

Many retailers and grocery stores also provide shoppers the opportunity to donate to causes when they are at the checkout register. With just a couple of extra clicks, you can opt to add a small contribution to your total bill to provide resources to a worthy cause.

Give while you work up a sweat

You can get exercise and support a cause you care about at the same time. Several apps on the market allow you to donate to your charity of choice for every mile you walk, run or bike — the miles can even add up as you carry your phone around all day. All you have to do is download an app, create an account, select your favorite charity and get moving!

You can also join organized walks and runs that suit all fitness levels to support your cause. Turn it into a social event by rallying friends, coworkers and family members to join you, or ask them to sponsor you (and cheer you on!) for each mile completed.

Give back while you de-clutter

Next time you join in on the Marie Kondo craze to clear out your closets, consider sparking even more joy by donating gently used items to a local nonprofit. Clothing and goods you no longer use can be life-changing for those in need. Check before you donate to make sure your charity of choice actually needs your donations. Some organizations will even come to your home at no charge, making it even easier to give back.

Give your time

With crammed schedules, it can seem like a big commitment to volunteer, but today’s nonprofits offer flexible arrangements. Most nonprofits welcome any level of assistance, even one-­time engagements or a couple of hours a month. Contact a local nonprofit you are interested in to ask about volunteering opportunities. Some employers will even allow you to use PTO (paid time off) for volunteering, so it’s worth asking your employer’s HR department.

Making a difference with your dollars or giving your time can feel great, and it can also be effortless. Find a way to make a difference that works for you — and then go for it! Even small actions can make a huge impact to your community.


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5 ways to add luxury and style to your bathroom

2019-10-14T17:35:06

(BPT) – Today’s homeowners are increasingly expecting their bathrooms to mirror some of the spa-like features previously seen only in hotels, resorts and luxury vacation rentals.

Home TV shows and websites showcase these once aspirational luxuries, while technical advances have made them more attainable.

The baby boomer population is among the most active of renovating groups. Those wanting to remain in their current homes longer have an eye toward safety and accessibility, but also luxury and style when upgrading their bathrooms.

Here are some of the latest features transforming modern bathrooms.

1) Towel warmers

On a cold morning, nothing is more pleasant than reaching for a warm towel as you step out of the tub or shower. To help make your bathroom feel more like a luxury spa, a heated towel warmer keeps towels at just the right temperature for optimal comfort. If you don’t have enough space for a towel warming drawer or cabinet in your bathroom, space-saving towel warmer racks are also available. Some are free-standing, while others are wall-mounted.

2) Heated floors

Another option for warming up on a cold morning is to install a heated bathroom floor. Radiant floor heating can supplement your home’s overall heating system, making you feel warmer when standing on a tiled floor in January. Because these systems warm objects and people in a room, radiant floor heating systems are more energy efficient than conventional forced-air. In fact, more people are comfortable with radiant floor heating at a lower thermostat setting than with forced-air heating at a higher thermostat setting.

3) High-tech mirrors

From mirrors with automatic, built-in LED lighting options or fog resistance to magic-like mirrors incorporating built-in clocks, TV panels or digital assistant-connected features, the bathroom mirror has gone way beyond a simple place to shave or check your look. Bathroom mirrors with automatic sensors light up as your face approaches the mirror. Some high-tech mirrors include touch-screen controls, some are controlled by remotes and others are responsive to voice commands. If it’s connected to an advanced security system, you can use a smart bathroom mirror to check who’s at the front door while brushing your teeth. With a smart mirror that connects to the internet, you can watch tutorials on your favorite makeup app while getting ready for that big date. You can also check the news and weather or tell your digital assistant to turn on your coffee maker while you’re fixing your hair. The latest mirror features make all your simple grooming tasks easier.

4) Standalone bathtubs

Homeowners with the space and resources are increasingly choosing to separate the bathtub from the shower, opting for a much larger and more stylish soaking tub. While whirlpool-type spa tubs are not as popular as they have been in recent years, larger tubs for luxury bathrooms — disconnected from the shower — are considered much more desirable.

5) Curbless showers

As showers are increasingly separated from tubs in modern bathrooms, curbless showers with linear drains, such as those designed by QuickDrain USA, are gaining in popularity. A curbless entrance makes showers easily accessible for all ages and abilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. They can also accommodate a freestanding bench, wheelchair or other mobility aid because they require no center drain where water may pool or make users feel unbalanced. Usually located against the edge or back of the shower, linear drains are more hygienic, as they are most often designed with larger format tiles, reducing grout joints and seals where mold, mildew and grime can accumulate. Because of the larger tiles and the elimination of a center drain, more diverse materials can be used, including ceramic, porcelain or stone tiles, plus a range of solid surface materials like marble, granite or engineered stone products.

Find more remodeling tips at QuickDrainUSA.com.


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Cutting the chaos out of your morning routine

2019-10-14T17:56:07

(BPT) – Mornings can be chaotic as you fight the clock to get out the door on time. This is especially true if you have a big family. Wouldn’t it be nice if rather than feeling like a stressful race, your morning routine was something you looked forward to?

Starting your day on a high note is simple when you adopt some tips and tricks for simplifying your morning routine. You’ll save time, be more efficient and learn to cherish the first part of the day.

1: Select clothing the evening prior

Check the weather forecast and figure out what the kids should wear the next day. Set out outfits in their room so they are empowered to wake up and get dressed without you even having to ask. Select your own outfit, too. Review what’s on the schedule for the day and dress up for that meeting or down for that yoga class as necessary. Don’t forget to set out accessories. Socks, shoes, jewelry — having everything ready to go will save you and your family lots of time.

2: Pack bags early

Whether it’s backpacks, work bags or even lunchboxes — the more you can prep to pack everything you need for the day, the quicker you can head out the door. Consider making backpacks a part of the evening routine so when kids brush their teeth and put on jammies, they also gather up everything for their backpacks to eliminate last-minute runarounds in the morning. Pack lunches the evening before. Make sure to ready your own bags (laptop, purse, workout) early and set everything at the door for easy grab-and-go.

3: Enjoy quick and convenient coffee

A stellar morning starts with coffee, but let’s face it — twiddling your thumbs while you wait for coffee to brew is not ideal for anyone’s morning routine. With the Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker exclusively available at Walmart, you can quickly brew a single cup or a carafe depending on how much coffee you want — perfect for any occasion. Need coffee quick? The single reservoir is shared between single serve and carafe brewing, making refilling easy and less frequent. Now you can get back to enjoying your morning coffee to kick-start your day without wasting any extra time.

4: Plan a breakfast bar

Breakfast is the fuel you need to start your day and “break” your evening “fast,” but this doesn’t mean it should be a time-consuming or stressful meal. Save time and make mornings fun by setting out supplies for make-your-own creations, such as a yogurt bar. For example, set out yogurt, granola, dried fruit and the rest of your family’s favorite toppings — this way everyone in the family can quickly grab a bowl and make custom healthy creations that will fight those morning hunger pangs.

5: Stay organized with lists

Lists are a great way to remind your family of various things to simplify the morning. For example, create a list of things that should be in your kids’ backpacks so they never forget to pack necessities. This can be helpful for you as well, especially if you need something for a big event, like a work presentation. Even a checklist is a fun way for kids to remain focused. Create a laminated chart and use dry-erase markers so kids can check items off as they work through brushing teeth, combing hair, etc.

6: Utilize alarms to stay on task

You likely use an alarm to wake up, but those little beeps can be useful beyond the first moments of the morning. It’s easy for the morning to get away from you, which is why alarms can be helpful reminders for you and your kids to stay on task. Set them to help everyone remain focused on their lists. For example, set one for a time when breakfast should start, another for when kids should be fully dressed, and a final as the five-minute warning before it’s time to hit the road.

These six tips and tricks will help streamline your morning routine so every day starts on a high note.


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5 reasons to encourage your child to eat school lunch

2019-10-14T10:01:00

(BPT) – For millions of Americans, particularly those in lower income communities, access to healthy foods remains a challenge. However, when it comes to building healthy, happy kids, proper nutrition is essential to helping them succeed later on in life. School lunch is important for student health and well-being because it ensures students have the nutrition they need throughout the day to learn. Kids’ minds and bodies are also constantly developing, so healthy habits developed in the school cafeteria directly impact future decisions.

Whether your child is eligible for the National School Lunch Program or not, parents can support their schools’ lunch programs by encouraging their children to participate. By doing so, you’re not only positively impacting your kid’s future, but you’re also investing in the next generation to ensure they receive the same essential nutrition during the school day. Plus, a school’s partnership with a healthy school meal provider saves busy parents a lot of time previously dedicated to preparing those daily school lunches.

As the nation’s leading provider of healthy school and community meals, Revolution Foods’ mission is to build lifelong healthy eaters by making kid-inspired, chef-crafted food accessible to all. The company understands, and studies have shown, that proper nutrition and healthy food can drive positive academic outcomes and can be a tool of empowerment to help children achieve their potential.

In honor of National School Lunch Week Oct. 14-18, Revolution Foods’ team of nutrition experts and chefs compiled a list of reasons why parents should motivate their children to eat school lunch:

1. It’s good (and good for you)

Gone are the days of greasy pizza slices and preservative-laden packaged treats. “At Revolution Foods, we ensure taste and flavor are at the forefront of any meal we create,” said Michael Roddey, regional product development chef at Revolution Foods. “The menu is looked at through a chef’s lens. We also engage with students at every step of the development process to guarantee we are creating foods that they will love and because they helped create it, they’re also more inclined to try it!”

After a Revolution Foods’ meal has the chef stamp of approval on taste, Roddey and his team then work to ensure it exceeds the federal nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) which are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. “School lunches must include a variety of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grain-rich products, and low-fat or non-fat milk,” said Kim Doyle, Revolution Foods’ senior director of nutrition and compliance. “Additionally, they must stay within specific age-appropriate nutrient ranges for calories, saturated fat and sodium, and be free of artificial trans fats.”

2. Increases exposure to new foods

A great way to increase children’s exposure to new foods is by reviewing the school lunch menu with them and talking about the offerings before the school day. This way, you can discuss any meals that are new to them beforehand, using the internet for some help if needed, and encourage your child to give them a try. Trying new things is key to broadening a kid’s palate, which can only help them to continue healthy eating habits as adults. Revolution Foods even works with the districts and schools that it serves to incorporate ethnic and regional fare into their menus, such as Latin-inspired tamales and chilaquiles or Southern jambalaya. “We love incorporating foods and flavors into our menus that are outside the box, and oftentimes aren’t being served at home,” said Roddey.

3. Drives academic outcomes and improved behavior

Studies have shown that nutritious foods drive improved health and academic outcomes. According to a recent paper published by UC Berkeley, students at schools that contract with a healthier school-lunch vendor perform better on tests. Doyle said this is because school meals are required to provide balanced nutrition throughout the day. Students who eat breakfast and lunch have been shown to have improved cognitive function, higher test scores and better attention spans. Additionally, recent research has found schools that serve Revolution Foods meals saw an improvement of 13.1% in English Language Arts (ELA) test results.

Nutritious meals also impact student behavior and are associated with better classroom behavior, fewer absences and improved mood compared to children who do not eat during the day. “You know what they say — you are what you eat. If you put good, wholesome food into your body, it will produce better results, which is important for anyone but especially kids whose bodies and minds are developing so constantly and rapidly,” said Roddey.

4. Is convenient and affordable

Most schools have their menus and student lunch accounts accessible online so you can easily see what is on the menu and load money to your child’s account before they arrive to campus. By planning on your child eating school lunch you can free up time in your morning routine and avoid worrying about them forgetting lunch as they run out the door. The average school lunch cost for an elementary-aged student is $2.48, while an average high school lunch is $2.74. Depending on where you shop, you’ll be hard-pressed to pack a lunch that includes all components of a healthy meal for this price. If your child qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, contact your school administrator to complete the necessary application for your child to start receiving meals at no or low cost.

5. Supports the school nutrition program

“Nearly 100,000 schools participate in the National School Lunch Program serving 29.8 million students each day!” said Doyle. “Most school lunch programs are operated independently from their school district’s budget meaning that they must be self-sufficient. The more students that participate in their program the more revenue they earn. This allows the nutrition program to expand and impact a greater number of children.”

For more information, visit RevolutionFoods.com. Follow @RevolutionFoods on social media throughout the school year for more tips and tricks on healthy eating for the whole family.


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5 hacks to save money while traveling for college football games

2019-10-14T12:01:00

(BPT) – The fresh air. The roar of the crowd. The sweet smell of looming victory. Is there anything better than rooting your favorite college football team to a big win? Being at the game is an energetic experience like no other, but for many people, traveling to see college football is expensive.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to cut down on costs while still enjoying a full and memorable experience on game day.

Buy tickets early

While there’s no way around having to purchase a ticket, you can buy one in advance. Not only does this help so you don’t have to worry about the game getting sold out, but it also can be cheaper to buy ahead of time rather than day of. Now that’s a touchdown for your wallet!

Find affordable accommodations

Save money by focusing on thrills, not frills when searching for accommodations. At Motel 6, comfort and convenience are affordable no matter where your favorite team is headed. Bringing Fido to bark your team to victory? At Motel 6 pets stay free. Have kids? The whole family will enjoy the competition and save, because kids 17 and under stay free when accompanied by an adult family member.

Ask about discounts

Whatever you do, ask about discounts. If you’re a student you may get discounted parking or other perks. Or maybe your employer partners with restaurants to give employees discounts. At Motel 6, seniors (60 years of age or older) and active/retired military members receive up to 10 percent off. Score!

Stock up on tailgate supplies

What’s the best playbook for a winning tailgate that doesn’t break the bank? Bringing your own discount supplies. Stock your car with everything you need to cook and cheers to a big win. Hit up your local dollar store to get plates, napkins and utensils on the cheap. Buy other items in bulk to feed a crowd for less. Want to save more? Suggest a potluck and have your whole group bring something.

Carpool and caravan

Road-tripping to the game? Get a group together to make that long drive become its own adventure — not to mention you can split fuel costs. You might even have enough people to have a few vehicles that can follow each other, creating a caravan ready to watch your team crush the competition.