Month: January 2020

2020-01-31T10:35:00

(BPT) – Are you planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics, Americans plan to spend more than ever on Valentine’s Day in 2020, mostly because they’re including an increasing number of people on their gift list. If you plan to share the love with people beyond your sweetheart — like other family members, friends and even co-workers — it helps to get creative.

As much as your loved ones mean to you, gift-giving can be challenging. If you want to make an impact with your gifts this year, consider making an impression by customizing them. Personalized gifts speak volumes about the thought and care that went into choosing the gift.

Here are some ideas on how you can make a personal statement with your gifts this year.

Name it

You can put initials on just about anything today. Whether you want to give someone a teddy bear, bathrobe, bag or jewelry, chances are you can find a company online that will put your loved one’s name or initials on it. There are so many options, and if you find a local resource, monogramming could be completed in days.

You can opt for engraving a matching pair of gifts with both your names (like his and hers wine glasses), or even a short message, depending on the type of item. Make sure to check how long it takes to get items engraved, printed or monogrammed so you’ll have your gift in time.

Pictures speak a thousand words

Share special memories and life events with the people you care about with a one-of-a-kind photo present. Thanks to Kodak Moments, you can create a variety of meaningful gifts sure to bring a smile to their face.

It’s quick and easy to customize photo and décor panels that can be ready in one day. First, choose your favorite image or images on your phone. Then visit a Kodak Moments Kiosk at your local CVS store to create a variety of photo panels with one or more of your photos. Photo panels are suitable for display or hanging on a wall. Décor panels can even be customized with text that you choose, and you can order them in store or online for pickup that same day.

The Kodak Moments Kiosk workflow is so easy to use that your kids can create gifts for family members. Your child can choose photos to showcase favorite memories with Mom and Dad, or Grandma and Grandpa, to make into a fun — and unique — gift they are proud of and that the favorite people in their life will cherish.

Craft it

If you’re handy with any type of craft, whether it’s painting, woodworking, clay or knitting, most people love to receive a handmade gift. Even if it’s not perfect (or maybe because it’s not), a handmade item shows your time and effort in thinking about them and creating something special just for that person, with your own hands. From painted rocks to needlepoint, you can create something that reflects your individual style and interest.

A gift that keeps on giving

Subscription boxes are all the rage, mostly because they allow you to show not only that you “get” your special person, by understanding what they enjoy, but also that you want to surprise them month after month. Everything from consumables like coffee, tea and treats to books, household goods, beauty and self-care items can be found in subscription boxes online. Most services allow you to choose a limited subscription if preferred, such as three months, and you can customize what types of items your gift recipient will enjoy.

The best way to show your loved ones you care is to give them a gift that’s tailored just for them. Choosing a personalized gift this year will touch their heart, and they’ll remember your thoughtfulness for years to come.

2020-01-30T15:21:09

(BPT) – It’ll happen to every driver and likely at the most inopportune moment — like when you’re running late, on a family road trip or commuting to work. A familiar dashboard light will flick on in your car. Sometimes, the low tire pressure indicator can mean it’s time to add more air, caused by regular wear-and-tear or a sudden change in the weather. But other times, the light leads drivers down a road that requires them to buy a new set of tires. So how do you know?

Hankook Tire offers four things to consider when the tire light turns on to help determine the next steps to get you back on your way:

1. Kick the tires

Seventy-eight percent of drivers say that checking their tires is a regular part of their maintenance routine, according to Hankook’s latest Gauge Index survey. If it’s been awhile since the last time you checked your tire pressure, the light could just be indicating that it’s time to add air. Luckily, 86% of drivers consider themselves confident in putting air in their tires in a proper manner with the right amount of pressure. If you aren’t in that majority, look for a tire dealer that offers a free air check, and refer to the panel of your driver’s side door, or your owner’s manual, for your vehicle’s ideal pressure reading.

2. Don’t pause after pressure

Tire pressure checks can be an opportune time to examine the overall health of your tires, so don’t stop inspecting just because your pressure is perfect. Look at your tread, too. An easy way to check the tread is to insert a penny upside down into the groove of your tire. If Lincoln’s head is fully visible, it’s time to drive to the dealer to buy new tires. Many drivers need to purchase a set of tires at some point; one-in-four has had to purchase new tires more than four times.

3. Know what you’re looking for

If your pressure light eventually leads you toward a point of sale, there’s plenty to consider, like where to make the purchase, and what is most important for your vehicle, and your wallet. The survey found that when deciding where to go to buy their tires, consumers most consider price (45%), where they can get their preferred brand (20%), and the tire dealer’s product knowledge (14%). And once they find a dealer they like, most Americans (78%) will return to the same location when they must make another purchase in the future.

4. Talk it out

Once you’re at the dealer, knowing which tires to buy can be an overwhelming choice. Over a third of drivers (35%) do their own research on brands and where to get the best deal. But the tire dealer and its repair team can also be a great resource — in fact, a quarter of Americans base their decision on the recommendation of a mechanic. Regardless of who influences your decision, communicate your priorities: whether that’s getting the best price, ensuring that your tires have a top safety rating or that they’re the right tires for your driving habits.

It’s also important to consider that the tire pressure indicator could have gone on for a completely different reason: It could be a sign that your vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) needs replacing. Your owner’s manual will provide details on what that alert looks like for your vehicle, but oftentimes, if the low-pressure light is blinking, it’s an indicator for the system, not necessarily the tire itself. And while 30% of drivers say the TPMS sensors are the element of their vehicle they’d be least likely to replace, Hankook recommends getting any issue checked out by a certified mechanic before hitting the road.

2020-01-30T15:37:52

(BPT) – Feeling disconnected from members of your own family lately? You’re not alone — a 2018 study by 72 Point for Visit Anaheim found that 60% of parents with kids between 4 and 18 described their daily lives as “hectic.” The survey also found that today’s families only spend about 37 minutes of quality time together per weekday. Between digital distractions and our often over-scheduled lives, even sitting down for dinner together can feel like a miracle to pull off, especially as children head toward the tween and teen years.

What’s a solution? Gather around the table together for a good old-fashioned family game night. Even if you start out monthly, chances are it will soon be popular enough to enjoy more often. Putting your family’s game night on the calendar will ensure everyone keeps their schedules clear for a night of fun — and connection — together.

Today’s games provide a range of choices to suit any age, interests or gaming styles, so there’s something for every family to explore and enjoy together. Kids can learn important lessons about sportsmanship and fair play, develop communication and collaboration skills, increase their fine motor, logic and strategic thinking abilities — and have a blast doing it.

Here are some examples of how games can boost specific skills, while also providing plenty of giggles and excitement.

1) Test your knowledge, quick thinking and creativity

A game that’s always up-to-date, kNOW! uses the latest technology to help test the brain power of three to six players, ages 10 and up. Games go beyond trivia — there are also puzzles such as identifying a sound provided by Google Assistant, or creating a question to ask Google Assistant to prompt it to say a provided word or phrase. This fast-moving game provides constantly changing questions depending on where and when you play.

2) Enjoy the wicked side of strategy

For a fun twist on everyone’s favorite movies, Disney Villainous: Evil Comes Prepared allows two to six players age 12 and up to choose a sinister character to play: Scar from “The Lion King,” Ratigan from “The Great Mouse Detective,” or Yzma from “The Emperor’s New Groove.” Players put strategy and logic to the test to achieve their own diabolical goals — and stop other villains from completing their own dastardly objectives. Games like Disney Villainous can be expanded and played with other characters in the series. Players can choose from a treasure trove of villains including Maleficent, the Queen of Hearts, Ursula and more.

3) Create suspense while working cooperatively

JAWS brings the classic movie and infamous shark to life in your very own living room. In this asymmetric, two-act board game, one player takes the role of the shark while others take on the parts of Chief Brody, Quint and Hooper and work together to defeat their toothy foe. For two to four players ages 12 and up, JAWS recreates the excitement and tension of the blockbuster film.

4) Boost problem-solving and small motor skills

A brain-bending game for all generations, Invasion of the Cow Snatchers is an introduction to playing games at different levels of skill while challenging players as they learn how to follow directions and maneuver their flying saucer around obstacles. Though designed to be a one-player game, others can join in on the fun too by collaborating to solve puzzles and taking turns being the magnetic “UFO.”

Schedule a family game night and turn that 37 minutes into an entire hour or more! Enjoy hanging out together, and reconnecting as a family.

For more games and puzzles to enjoy, visit Ravensburger.com.

2020-01-29T14:25:31

(BPT) – Caring for a loved one with a chronic illness is something millions of Americans do every day. Whether it is a parent, spouse, extended family member or friend, the stress of caring for another adult can take a toll.

“I have to do absolutely everything for her,” explains Anthony Cowels, whose 71-year-old wife, Florence, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986. As he watched her disease progress, his caregiver responsibilities grew. What’s more, for some of the years Cowels also cared for his elderly parents, compounding his responsibilities.

“It has been a long journey of caregiving,” says Cowels, 70. “I try not to let it overwhelm me. I always look for ways to do better.” Cowels learned to care for both himself and his wife better through useful tools, education and friendship and by joining a caregiver support group. He says he can “interact with others who identify with my situation.”

Family caregiving: A growing trend

Cowels represents a growing number of Americans who care for older or aging loved ones. About 41 million family caregivers in the United States provided an estimated 34 billion hours of care to an adult with limitations in daily activities in 2017, notes the AARP report Valuing the Invaluable: 2019 Update. What’s more, as the population ages, caregiving demands are increasing while the pool of potential caregivers is decreasing.

As the Valuing report states, “Americans will have more older relatives or close friends to potentially care for than children in about 15 years. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that, by the year 2035, adults ages 65 and older will outnumber children under the age of 18 for the first time in U.S. history. This fundamental demographic shift is the result of the aging of the U.S. population, increasing longevity, and a declining birth rate. “

Caring for yourself

In addition to helping with self-care activities like bathing, dressing and going to the bathroom, family caregivers today often perform complex medical tasks, including wound care, giving injections and handling medical equipment. The tasks that were once provided in hospitals and health care clinics are increasingly the responsibility of family and friends, who are often given little training or support.

While many family caregivers often report positive feelings in their role such as a sense of purpose or connection with their loved one, it often comes with feelings of being overwhelmed. Exhaustion, worry, loneliness and financial stress are common challenges caregivers face. If you also work a full-time job, it can be even more difficult to balance your needs and responsibilities.

While you may not achieve perfect balance, it is important to prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing, so you can be there for the person you care for. These first steps can help you find some balance as you navigate your caregiver journey:

• Join a support group. Ask your health care provider about local options. Community centers are another good resource. If you live in a remote area or have difficulties commuting, online support groups are another useful way to connect with others in similar situations.
• Make time for yourself. When you care for another person and have your own life demands, it can feel as though there is little time left in the day for yourself. Even if it is just 15 minutes, make time to do something you enjoy, such as walking or reading.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one person can do it all. It takes a team to care for someone, especially those with complex medical conditions. You can start by asking your provider about local health care resources and reach out to family and friends for assistance.

It is important for family caregivers to stay mentally and physically healthy so they can provide the best care possible to the growing number of people who need support. For helpful tips and caregiver resources, visit www.aarp.org/caregiving.

2020-01-29T15:01:00

(BPT) – You work hard for your money. Unfortunately, crooks work hard as well, attempting various tactics to take your money. If you fall for a scam, little can be done to help you get your money back. In order to keep your financial and personal information safe, it’s necessary to look for red flags and be proactive about security.

Know the red flags

From classic methods to using sophisticated technology, criminals will try a variety of strategies to gain access to your money. If you experience any of the following, consider it a red flag and pause before you act:

• A person calls or emails, pretending to be someone you trust, such as a family member, government official or a well-known business or nonprofit organization. The intention is for you to let your guard down immediately.
• They push you to make decisions in a hurry, ask for personal information such as an authorization code, often threatening legal action or using intimidation tactics to get you to act. They know fast action can mean you won’t think things through, causing you to make mistakes.
• They will ask for money through undetectable methods such as wire transfers and gift cards, or they may even send a check and ask you to return some of the money through these methods.

Learn the do’s and don’ts

The Bank of America Privacy and Security Center provides key actions you can take to help protect yourself from becoming the victim of a scam:

• Don’t send money or give out your personal information in response to an unsolicited text, phone call or email. Companies will never call you and ask you for an authorization code.
• Don’t be rushed to respond to unexpected requests. If they tell you not to tell anyone or they provide you with talking points to say to your bank or family, you can be absolutely sure it is a scam. Research, validate or talk to someone you trust. Look up the business and phone number online and contact them directly.
• Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can fake caller ID information so don’t always trust the name and number that appears on-screen. If the caller asks for money or personal information, hang up and call back through a validated number.
• Don’t deposit a check and immediately send back funds. Scammers will send a check and ask you to send a portion of it back by wire transfer, gift card codes or a form of cash payment. You might send the money back right away, but their check could still be returned unpaid, leaving you without any money.
• Don’t fall for work from home scams. No legitimate company will require you to buy things or pay for equipment up front. Car logo, mystery shoppers, baby-sitting services are a few ways consumers are targeted.
• Do protect your devices by keeping your phone, tablet and computer updated with the latest browser, operating system and antivirus software. If you see a Microsoft pop-up claiming you have a virus on your computer and receive a phone call stating they need to take control of your computer to get rid of the malware, absolutely DO NOT fall for it. Take your laptop to a trusted company to physically clean your device.
• Do use secure methods of payment such as Zelle^® and Bill Pay. Zelle is a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money in minutes¹ with friends and family and others you trust. It only uses your U.S. mobile number or email so your account information remains private. Bill Pay allows you to manage all your bills securely in a single place online, so you can pay bills with confidence.
• Do stay on top of account activity and ensure all contact information is up-to-date. With Bank of America’s mobile app, turn on alerts and enable security features such as Face ID or Fingerprint Scanner to allow for simple and secure login.
• Do trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Your intuition is usually correct, so take the time to pause and evaluate before sharing personal info, sending money or revealing private data.

Learn more and find out about the latest scam and fraud prevention news by visiting www.bankofamerica.com/security.

¹Transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle.

Zelle and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

2020-01-29T14:38:14

(BPT) – Whether the length of your drive is three hours or 30 minutes, it can seem an eternity with a bored child in the car. A little planning will ensure your next road trip with one or more children will be happy and safe, no matter where you’re going.

Here’s how you and your kids can stay safe and enjoy the journey almost as much as the destination.

1. Factor in time for pit stops

Don’t try to crush a several-hour driving marathon to get there quickly. Children need frequent breaks to use the restroom, have a healthy meal — and release their pent-up energy. Look for signs of restlessness and stop before kids get too out of sorts.

When you stop, find a safe spot where your kids can stretch their legs and run around a little. If they’re sluggish, organize a quick game of tag or catch, or encourage them to do a jumping-jack competition.

If frequent stops are making you later than expected, call ahead to let people know you’re off schedule. Better to take your time and arrive safe and happy.

2. Make sure kids stay buckled up, the whole time

Help keep your kids safe by making sure your child is buckled up every time, for every ride. As older kids get restless, they may unbuckle themselves during a long drive. Make sure you’re checking periodically throughout the trip, not just when you first pull out of the driveway. After every rest stop or meal, ensure kids are buckled up before you head back on the road.

3. Bring games — and dust off your creativity

Age-appropriate hand-held games and books can be good diversions for your children on long trips. Find audiobooks the whole family can listen to during the trip.

Recall games you played during road trips with your parents. Did you spot license plates from different states? Say a certain word when you saw an animal or certain type of car? How about a game of I Spy? Start a guessing game like 20 Questions, or use yes-or-no questions to guess a famous person one of you thinks up. Stock up on knock-knock jokes or silly riddles to keep kids engaged with you and each other.

4. Keep kids under 13 in the back seat

No matter how long your trip is, children under 13 should never sit up front, for their own safety. Car safety standards and features, like air bags, are developed and tested with adult bodies in mind. Air bags can be inflated at speeds of up to 200 to 400 mph, and because kids’ bodies are still developing, they are safest in the back seat. Additionally, most crashes impact the front of the car, and the back seat is farthest from this impact.

5. Pack healthy snacks

Make sure each child has a refillable water bottle for the journey, plus healthy snacks they enjoy, like fruit, cheese sticks or yogurt. Choose age-appropriate snacks that won’t be a choking hazard, so you can focus on the road.

6. Bundle up safely

For the best protection in a car seat, your child’s harness should fit snugly. A bulky coat can create extra space between the child and their harness, increasing risk of injury in a crash. To keep your child safe and warm on the ride, dress your child in a lighter jacket and place a blanket over the harness if needed.

7. Before you go: Check that they’re in the right seat

A car crash can happen anywhere, anytime — so the right car seat for your children’s age and size is always important. Any upcoming road trip can be a good reminder to double-check that they’re in the right seat for their safety — and that it’s installed correctly.

Enter your child’s age, weight and height at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to check if they’re in the right seat. On the website you can also get installation tips and find a location near you where a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can help you check the seat’s installation.

Enjoy your road trip with the family using these tips, and you’ll all be safer and happier. Trips like these can be memorable for all the right reasons, and you and your kids may even have fun along the way.

2020-01-29T04:01:00

(BPT) – 2020 outdoor living trends are all about enjoying your backyard alfresco — but with the comfort and ease you expect from your indoor spaces. Today’s outdoor spaces are transforming into an extension of the home. The current outdoor design also takes into account the look and feel of your entire home, including the interior and exterior, building materials and surroundings.

Connecting with nature: Biophilic design

Biophilic design is achieved when natural elements are incorporated into the space, helping people feel connected to the natural environment. It creates a calm, tranquil space and reduces stress. Biophilia makes sense for indoor urban environments needing to bring the outdoors in, but how does it work when you’re already outside?

Biophilic design for outdoor spaces means integrating natural elements with constructed elements to create a harmonious space. A plant wall or raised garden bed can integrate greenery and pops of color with the built elements of your outdoor space. It also means using natural materials, like wood and stone, to complement the surrounding environment.

Create greener, more sustainable spaces to celebrate the environment, which can help encourage pollinators, grow healthy food and forge a cohesive outdoor space. You can also use materials such as Belgard’s permeable pavers, which allow water to drain through the surface, replenishing the soil and aquifers beneath your path, walkway or driveway.

More than just a grill

Today’s homeowners want much more than a grill in the backyard. With aspirations to cook and entertain guests outdoors with everything the best outdoor kitchen can offer, the possibilities are endless — from grills to cooktops and ovens or even a wine cooler and an outdoor bar.

Homeowners also have many options when it comes to the design and price point of their outdoor kitchen. Some may lean toward a grill island, adding prep and storage space to their grilling station, while others might create a full-on outdoor kitchen with a grill, smoker, refrigerator, sink, seating area and more.

Either way, homeowners can get a feel for exactly what their space will look like before breaking ground through Belgard’s design resources. The Belgard Design Studio takes a simple sketch, some dimensions and a couple of photos and turns it, using design software, into 3D animations and virtual reality experiences to give homeowners a sense of the finished product in their backyard.

Sleek, modern design

While it may seem contrary to the more organic approach of biophilic design, the contemporary trend toward sleek, modular furniture can enhance your outdoor space.

Modular, sectional pieces with clean lines and streamlined design can be arranged and re-arranged to accommodate any natural elements you want to incorporate in your space, or to handle different numbers of guests when entertaining.

The minimalist approach to furnishings also allows the natural elements around you to take center stage.

Multifunctional spaces

Whether your home is in an urban area with limited green space, or you want to optimize your outdoor living, get creative:

• Add vertical planters
• Hang hammocks for lounging
• Create built-in seating
• Build raised garden beds

Here’s where some of that modular seating can come in handy, too. Some urban homes make good use of their front porches and yards, instead, which invites more neighborhood engagement and a feeling of community.

Entertaining both night and day

Regardless of the time of day — or year — you and your family can relax comfortably in your outdoor sanctuary, thanks to modern technology and the latest outdoor installations:

• LED lighting is installed in a variety of ways. You can install strips of light and/or spotlights, even using multiple colors, to add flair at night.
• In the harsh sunlight, large umbrellas and movable shade walls or screens can keep your space cool and more comfortable.
• For cooler climates, an outdoor fireplace provides heat and light for cozy evenings in the yard.

Whether you have a straightforward vision for a patio or dream of elaborate outdoor living spaces, these ideas can help you create your oasis. For more information on how you can upgrade your outdoor space, visit Belgard.com.