Month: November 2019

2019-11-26T11:03:00

(BPT) – Before you know it, you’re knee-deep in preparing for holiday celebrations and family visits. If you’re hosting guests with allergies — and you have pets — you have a few more things to consider when getting your home guest-ready. No problem! Here are eight cleaning tips to help allergy-proof your home for the holidays.

1. Bare the floors

Carpets and rugs are notorious for collecting dust mites, pet dander (dead skin cells that are naturally shed by your pets) and other allergens, which can trigger allergy-sensitive guests. If possible, remove rugs and carpeting from your guest room. Plus, wooden or bare floors are easier to clean!

2. Don’t be blind to your blinds

Those window blinds that protect your privacy are also dust magnets in need of regular cleaning and dusting. Here’s an easy DIY dusting solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to a spray bottle of mostly warm water. Spray the blinds until they’re fully soaked (make sure you have a towel underneath to catch the drippings!) and then wipe clean.

3. Love your lamp shades

Lampshades are tricky to dust, so they’re often skipped over during cleaning. Want an easy way to wipe away dust? Use a lint roller or packing tape; their sticky surfaces work faster than a cloth to collect dust on lampshades, holiday décor and other neglected areas.

4. Come clean with your pets

Contrary to popular belief, pet dander, urine and saliva are the main culprit to allergies — not pet hair. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says pet hair isn’t an allergen, but since dander can stick to hair and hide underneath a furry coat, it’s partially to blame for allergy misery. A weekly wash and scrub — using warm water and a dander-reducing shampoo — can greatly reduce allergens! You can also put your pet in a cute holiday sweater to keep fur from flying.

5. Designate pet-free zones

Pet hair can get everywhere, but you can dramatically reduce these fly-aways by keeping your pets out of certain areas of the house where your guests will be. This can help keep pet allergens from getting into fabrics and rugs all over your home. Be sure to close the doors to guest rooms and install pet fences where appropriate.

6. Defend against dander

Dander can get everywhere and affect your allergy-sensitive guests. Run your clothes and bedding in the dryer before you wash them to remove pet hair, which carries dander. And before making up the guest room, wash blankets and duvets to make them fresh and dander-free. Consider using a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic detergent that’s gentle on skin and free of dyes and perfumes, like Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear detergent.

7. Put out some plants

The American Society of Horticultural Science and other organizations have performed studies that show how indoor plants significantly improve and clean a room’s air quality. Setting out plants like aloe, golden pathos and bamboo palm can help filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air; bright flowers like azaleas, chrysanthemums and peace lilies can do the same. Unfortunately, floral plants like poinsettias (yes, your favorite holiday décor) can trigger skin reactions for those sensitive to latex or rubber.

8. Freshen the air

Air purifiers and filters can work wonders in reducing airborne allergens and keeping your surroundings feeling fresh through the holidays. Purchase air filters that have a small-particle or HEPA filter for your guest room and common areas and start running them a few days before guests arrive for best results.

While these eight tips can help, it’s impossible to eliminate all the allergens in your home. Just in case, have some Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Instant Relief on hand to help your guests stay comfortable. Its drug-free formula safely flushes out contaminants, quickly relieves congestion and is safe to use along with their allergy medications. Now, with all your bases covered, you can make the holidays even happier for you and your guests.

2019-11-25T12:01:00

(BPT) – We all love the idea of having a washer, refrigerator or smart appliance that gives us important messages and guides our next steps.

But not all smart technology is alike. The last thing you want from your investment is a gimmicky gadget that does nothing more than turn your mobile device into a glorified remote control. So how do you identify the brands with game-changing technology that will be relevant and useful for years to come?

The most advanced smart home technology is equipped with artificial intelligence and allows for a great deal of helpful tools to make your everyday life easier.

AI and the vision of a more connected living experience were highlighted at the recent AI & Big Data Expo North America event in Silicon Valley, at which key speaker Samuel Chang, corporate vice president of LG’s Silicon Valley Lab, discussed the company’s innovations and its focus on improving quality of life. LG’s vision is manifested in LG ThinQ(R), the AI technology embedded into each of the brand’s smart products and solidified through three pillars guiding the company’s artificial intelligence aspirations: Evolve, Connect, Open. These tenets outline LG’s easy to use, proactive products and services that offer a connected experience through personalized and efficient AI for users with diverse needs and tech preferences in their homes.

The goal is always focused on elevating the quality of life at home and beyond, Chang said, “so users can live free and stay focused on what matters.”

Here’s a look at how this highly evolved smart technology equipped with AI is transforming how people are living.

• Easy, intuitive, effortless: Smart devices shouldn’t be complicated, period. Along with operability that’s practically self-evident and mistake-proof, well-designed AI should be smart enough to fit seamlessly with your existing smart home technology. So, if you have a favorite voice-assisted technology, your new AI-enabled appliance should be easily integrated into your system of choice.
• Personalized to your needs: One of the cornerstones of AI is learning, which means the more you use these smart devices, the better they operate for you. Because they use the data to learn your preferences and routine, they create a customized user experience that best meets the needs of you and your family.
• Responds proactively: The most intelligent smart devices on the market also alert you of issues before they turn into full-fledged, costly problems. For example, ThinQ(R) on all LG devices is connected to the brand’s exclusive customer support program, Proactive Customer Care, which provides useful tips to keep the appliance in good condition and sends timely alerts about potential problems. For example, users can receive tips on when to clean the drum of a washing machine and recommendations on which detergent is best for their clothing.
• Uses energy efficiently: Many users of intelligent devices appreciate saving energy. Not only do AI-enabled products track energy usage, but some can also be programmed to maximize your energy conservation. For example, LG ThinQ(R) devices come with settings, such as Save Mode and Vacation Mode, that synthesize the analytics, sensors and usage data to maximize both your energy savings and pocket savings.

These individual benefits of AI intelligence — from learning your behaviors to proactive alerts and energy savings — come together to transform your daily life! This technology streamlines your routine, takes the guesswork out of everyday tasks, and frees up time for things you’d rather be doing.

To discover more about the LG ThinQ(R) difference, visit lg.com/us/lg-thinq.

2019-11-25T13:35:00

(BPT) – When it comes to passing down family memories, there’s nothing like the visual impact of a photograph.

Photo frames, custom ornaments, and other similar memorabilia make some of the most popular gifts during the holiday season. Family photos can remind us where we came from, preserve valuable information, and bring up warm, fun, and often comforting thoughts of times and people gone by. Sometimes, they just make us smile.

“Capturing a moment in time isn’t just about securing a memory — it can help you appreciate your life more every day,” advises Gretchen Rubin in Good Housekeeping. “Photos tilt your memories toward the good experiences you’ve had, simply because you’re more likely to take photos of joyful times.”

These days, Americans enjoy capturing photographic images more than ever; in fact, they took some 1.2 trillion digital photos in 2017 alone. While most of those are safely stored in digital files, we often aren’t as efficient when it comes to preserving the analog photos and negatives taken before the advent of digital cameras and smartphones. For many, that can mean those irreplaceable memories are at risk of fading into obscurity as they’re stored away in some damp basement or dusty attic.

Fortunately, preserving your old analog photos without professional assistance need not be difficult, especially with some of the user-friendly tools now on the market. Consider these tips for making sure your personal history is saved for future generations.

Handle them with care. You may be used to carelessly flipping through your older photos, but the truth is the dirt and oil on your hands can easily accumulate and cause damage to old images. Experts recommend wearing non-scratching, microfiber or nitrile gloves as you sort and process them. Don’t write on them at all (even the backs), and avoid grouping or attaching them with paper clips, rubber bands, tape, glue or other fasteners.

Store them protectively. Store loose analog photos and negatives separately from each other in acid-free boxes or in archival-quality photo albums (avoid albums with color pages and/or those labelled “magnetic” or “no stick”). Keep the boxes or albums in rooms that are stable, dry (with only 30% to 40% relative humidity) and clean. Minimal exposure to light, radiators, vents and atmospheric pollutants is ideal, and color photos and film negatives are best stored at temps of 40°F or below.

Convert analog to digital. Of course, the safest way of keeping your photos safe is to make them digital, so they can be safely stored in the cloud. Fortunately, Kodak lists several scanners on Amazon that can help you make that switch efficiently and effectively, including the self-contained Kodak Scanza, which can almost instantly process shots taken on analog film (in sizes of 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 and 8mm) and convert them to a digital JPG format without need of a flatbed scanner, processing lab or even a computer. Other handy tools include Kodak’s lightweight, collapsible Mobile Film Scanner which can instantly store old negatives and slides in your smartphone, and Kodak’s Mini Digital Film Scanner, which performs like the Scanza but is palm-sized for easy transport.

Make sure your new images last a lifetime with the Kodak Photo Printer Dock. The dock allows you to print out special shots to place in a handmade or other decorative frame, or give as gifts. When you wish to go from digital to analog, simply connect your smartphone, iPad, digital camera, or USB Memory Stick to edit and print colorful, detailed 4×6 photos. The photos won’t bleed or fade — and they will be waterproof — because photos printed from the Dock feature a special laminated protection layer.

Your analog photos are irreplaceable and well worth keeping safe, for your enjoyment and the enjoyment of future generations. Consider investing in the materials and tools that can make the preservation process easy and efficient for all. The holidays are a special time for reflection on our families and family memories, and restoring photographs can be a great way to put a little extra magic into a heartfelt gift.

2019-11-25T14:01:01

(BPT) – Looking for fresh inspiration on what to gift this holiday season? A great rule of thumb is to stick to crowd-pleasers you know your friends, family and colleagues will love. Fortunately, Pretzel Crisps^® pretzel crackers has done the hard work for you. With its exceptionally thin shape and versatile range of flavors, Pretzel Crisps are perfect for all types of gifts and holiday snacks.

Here are 10 ideas for gifting with Pretzel Crisps to give people what they really want this season!

1. For the holiday party:

Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Pretzel Crisps Appetizer

Instead of spending your holiday party in the kitchen or prepping all day, try these easy-to-make goat cheese and fig jam Pretzel Crisps appetizers. Grab your choice of Everything or Original Pretzel Crisps, smear with a layer of goat cheese and finish with a dollop of fig jam. They’re easy, festive and delicious!

2. For the family:

Pretzel Crisps Ornaments

Looking for a simple, family-friendly activity this holiday season? Pick up a few festive sprinkles and ornament hooks and snag a bag of Original Pretzel Crisps for this holiday crafting idea. Personalize your Pretzel Crisps with decorations and hang them on the tree. To make these ornaments even sweeter, swap the Original flavor for the Dark Chocolate and Peppermint variety, coated in rich, velvety real dark chocolate, and sprinkle with a delicate burst of refreshing peppermint candy pieces.

3. For the neighbors:

Sweet & Salty Holiday Gift Bags

Share the love around your neighborhood this holiday season with these sweet-and-salty holiday goodie bags. Package a few sweet treats together (cookies, marshmallows and peppermint bark are all tasty options) and pair with Original Pretzel Crisps for the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Tie it up with a bow and deliver with a festive handwritten note. For an extra touch, add a bag of Holiday Indulgents — Dark Chocolate and Peppermint or White Chocolate and Peppermint — they’re dippable, toppable and stocking stuffable!

4. For the kids and their friends:

Pretzel Crisps Garland

Having lots of family at your house this year? We all know it can be helpful to keep the kids occupied. Try a gift they can actually participate in, like this Pretzel Crisps Indulgent Garland that they can thread onto a ribbon and place on the tree. You can get creative and swap your go-to Pretzel Crisps with one or both Holiday Indulgent flavors — Dark Chocolate and Peppermint and White Chocolate and Peppermint. Make sure to save a bag to snack on while you string!

5. For the girlfriends:

Pretzel Crisps Charcuterie Board

Switch up your go-to gift for friends this season and get crafty with a DIY charcuterie board or basket, packed with all the essentials. Try Original or Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Crisps, and package up with gourmet meats, cheeses, spreads and olives for a truly unique gift. If you really want to get fancy, try pairing your Pretzel Crisps with different cheeses — Garlic Parmesan goes great with smoked gouda!

6. For the teachers:

Pretzel Crisps Blondies

Since homemade gifts are often the most memorable, your kids’ teachers are sure to appreciate this creative and delicious treat — Pretzel Crisps Blondies! Set up a blondie-making station in the kitchen, complete with Original Pretzel Crisps and plenty of edible decorations for you and your kids to get creative!

7. For the coworkers:

Chocolate Chip Pretzel Crisps Cookies

A batch of chocolate chip Pretzel Crisps cookies is the perfect gift to bring to the office. A festive take on the classic treat everyone loves, simply add Pretzel Crisps Minis to your signature chocolate chip cookie recipe for an added crunch and salty twist. If you use the recipe on the box, it’s OK — we won’t tell!

8. For the parents:

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Treat your parents or grandparents to an extra delicious chocolate and Pretzel Crisps combination they’re guaranteed to love: chocolate-covered strawberries. Just as the chocolate-dipped strawberries are cooling, place each slice on an Original Pretzel Crisp to finish setting. These treats are easy to stack and pack on your way to those last-minute family gatherings.

9. For your party guests

Cheesy Festive Snacks

Treat your holiday party guests to festive hors d’oeuvres with these cheesy snacks. Cut your favorite cheese into small wedges and place on top of Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Crisps. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and your preferred spices. Finish each off with a piece of yellow bell pepper for a festive finish. They are sure to be a hit with your guests!

10. For yourself

Pretzel Crisps S’mores

Holidays can be a daunting time for some, which is why it’s important to remember to treat yourself! Kick your feet up, relax and indulge with snackable s’mores by your fireplace. Simply apply a chocolate spread to the top and bottom of two marshmallow halves and sandwich between two Original Pretzel Crisps. Warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds to create that campfire-like taste — you deserve it!

For more recipes, products and inspiration, visit www.pretzelcrisps.com.

2019-11-25T15:31:00

(BPT) – Consumers say they will spend an average of just over $1,000 during the holiday season this year, according to an annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. With holiday spending on the rise, consumers are looking for ways to balance spending, save money and focus on being with loved ones.

To help alleviate some of the holiday expenses, credit card providers have several benefits cardmembers can take advantage of when shopping for gifts. For example, Chase provides Chase Ultimate Rewards — a program that leverages one of the most valuable rewards currencies out there at a one-stop shop where points can be redeemed for gifts, travel, experiences, cash back and more — for those who have a Chase Freedom, Chase Sapphire or Chase Ink card.

Farnoosh Torabi, Chase Financial Education Ambassador and personal finance expert, recommends using Chase Ultimate Rewards to shop for gift cards. The platform offers more than 195 gift cards at places like Macy’s, J. Crew, Target and more — and many of them come at a discount. Plus, consumers can redeem their points to purchase the gift cards so their wallets are off the hook.

“Gift cards remain one of the most popular items on wish lists,” Torabi said. “There are so many gift cards on Chase Ultimate Rewards — you can find something for everyone, or even purchase one for yourself to help you shop for gifts in-person.”

In addition to redeeming points for gift cards, consumers can also shop for Apple products right on the rewards platform.

“For the tech-lover in your life, get them the latest and greatest right on Chase Ultimate Rewards,” Torabi said. “Plus, you can use points to pay for part or all of the order, including tax and shipping.”

Beyond gifting, holiday shoppers have several ways to get the most buying power out of each dollar spent on their credit card when crossing items off their gift list. Directly on Chase Ultimate Rewards, cardmembers can earn bonus points on their purchases when using Shop Through Chase, which has more than 400 popular retailers to choose from.

“Shop Through Chase is a great way to earn bonus points on purchases you’re already planning to make,” Torabi said. “Simply log into Ultimate Rewards and choose the store where you wish to make a purchase, then you can rack up points to redeem for gift cards, travel and more, making your money and points work harder for you every time.”

Eligible cardmembers have easy access to the rewards they’ve earned by logging in to their Chase Ultimate Rewards account, where they can get the most out of their Chase credit card. Learn more at Chase.com/UltimateRewards.

2019-11-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – The fall of 2018 was life-changing for U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Phillip Hayes. Not only did the season mark his retirement from a 33-year-long service in the Air Force, it marked the beginning of the fight for his life. Phillip’s health had been declining for some time, but he did not anticipate the news from his physician that his kidneys had failed, leading to the diagnosis of end stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Immediately after Phillip’s diagnosis, he was rushed to the Mike O’Callaghan Military Hospital located on the Nellis Air Force base in Clark County, NV, for dialysis treatments and received more tough news. Doctors informed him that his fistula, the safest access point for most people receiving dialysis, had become inoperable. To continue his treatments, Phillip would need a catheter surgically inserted into his right jugular vein, which is less safe due to its location and the associated risk of blood stream infections. The surgery and catheter would require Phillip and his care team’s close attention.

Phillip hoped his condition would improve, but after a month of dialysis in the hospital, his health worsened. With constant sickness and significant weight loss, Phillip became extremely weak. His treatments were not easy and began to chip away at his positive mindset. The week of Veterans Day, Phillip was transferred to the DaVita Summerlin Dialysis Center to start in-center hemodialysis.

The DaVita care team immediately recognized the agonizing pain and frustration in Phillip’s eyes. Stephanie Carter, former U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. in the personnel career field and DaVita administrative assistant, recognized the familiar agony in Phillip’s eyes as the same struggle faced by her mom. For seven years, Stephanie supported her mom as she fought a battle against kidney disease. When Stephanie learned that Phillip was a fellow Veteran, her empathy and compassion grew.

On Veterans Day, Stephanie was honored to have the privilege of recognizing Phillip, amongst other Veteran patients, for his strength and commitment with a commemorative pin. She thanked him, on behalf of her team and all of DaVita, for providing safety and protection to our nation.

What Stephanie and Phillip both understood during this exchange was the underlying commitment in the Army Warrior Ethos, “leave no man behind.” The moment shared between them reassured Phillip that he would not have to fight this battle alone.

The bond between Stephanie and Phillip continued to form, as they discovered multiple shared experiences. Stephanie, the daughter and wife of Air Force veterans, served for 21 years. Not only did she understand Phillip’s career but also she deeply understood the challenges ESKD presented to his health — both as a 6-year-long DaVita teammate and a care partner to her late mother.

The center’s environment was fundamental to Phillip’s life-sustaining treatments and served as a positive catalyst in his relationship with other patients, teammates and community members. This new home and Summerlin family ignited a renewed feeling of hope that pushed Phillip forward.

“I am very happy to be a part of the DaVita Summerlin family. I would not want to be at any other facility than this facility,” said Phillip.

Today, Phillip continues to dialyze three times a week for nearly four hours per treatment at the DaVita Summerlin Dialysis Center, and takes roughly 14 pills a day. Phillip’s routine has become his new normal and his care team helps him stay motivated and engaged as he manages his kidney disease. His new goal is becoming an eligible and active candidate for a kidney transplant, with Stephanie and the rest of the DaVita team cheering him on.