Beyond pumpkin spice: How to spruce up fall snacks

2020-09-17T13:31:00

(BPT) – When fall arrives, a whole new array of taste possibilities opens up for snacking and entertaining. But if you’re tired of the same old pumpkin spice everything, why not try something new? Offer friends and family a bold new chip flavor that brings out the best in seasonal favorites — and is perfect to add to meals and for straight up snacking.

Just in time for colorful leaves and cooler weather, Kettle Brand® is bringing back a fan favorite from last year for a limited time — Kettle Brand Apple Cider Vinegar potato chips. With a vibrant crunch to satisfy any snacker in your family, this innovative take on the classic salt and vinegar chip features a complex flavor that will leave you reaching for more.

Want some creative new ways to enjoy Kettle Brand Apple Cider Vinegar potato chips this fall? Start with these ideas.

1. Pair chips with a crisp cocktail or mocktail

Mix up this fall-themed twist on the popular cocktail for 21+ (or mocktail, without the alcohol) from lifestyle expert Maureen Petrosky, who recommends a crisp and flavorful Sparkling Apple Sangria as a perfect pair for the chip. Aside from highlighting fall’s love affair with apples, this pairing works so well as the bubbles in the sangria help cut the acidity in the chips.

Sparkling Apple Sangria

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 apple, sliced into matchsticks
  • 4 ounces bourbon
  • 3 ounces apple cider
  • 6 ounces Cava (or other dry sparkling wine), chilled
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

Instructions: In a shaker half filled with ice, add half the apples, add the bourbon, apple cider and chilled Cava. Stir. Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice and top with remaining apple matchsticks and sprinkle on pomegranate seeds.

Makes 2 drinks

Zero Proof Sparkling Apple Sangria (Mocktail)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 apple, sliced into matchsticks
  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 4 ounces apple cider
  • 6 ounces club soda, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

Instructions: In a shaker half filled with ice, add half the apples, lemon juice, apple cider and chilled club soda. Stir. Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice and top with sliced apple matchsticks and sprinkle on pomegranate seeds.

Makes 2 drinks

2. Create a crunchy topping

Use the unique taste and bold crunch of Kettle Brand Apple Cider Vinegar chips to garnish seafood dishes, adding a burst of flavor reminiscent of the fish-and-chips combo that everyone loves. Crumble up some chips to sprinkle on top of your seafood salad, shrimp scampi or clam chowder. You can even use them to add fun texture to your family’s favorite tuna casserole recipe.

3. Upgrade fall backyard grilling

The crisp fall weather is the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy a backyard grill night, and what better way to upgrade the experience than with fall-inspired snacks. Whether you’re enjoying a snack while preparing the meal or pairing the chips with grill essentials such as hamburgers or hot dogs — the fall festive crunch of Kettle Brand Apple Cider Vinegar chips is the quintessential way to upgrade backyard grilling this season.

4. Choose a flavorful dip

When you’re entertaining friends or family out on the deck or patio this fall, serve this easy-to-fix dip from Pizzazzerie.com to enhance the tangy, salty flavor of Kettle Brand Apple Cider Vinegar potato chips. Make it as mild or as spicy as you like it!

Spicy Parmesan and Onion Dip

Ingredients:

8 ounces sour cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon hot sauce (more or less based on preference)
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced green onion

Directions:

Stir all ingredients together and serve.

5. DIY fall snack mix

To create a zesty snack mix nobody can resist, blend your favorite salty snacks with Kettle Brand Apple Cider Vinegar potato chips, like small pretzel twists or pretzel sticks, cereal squares and nuts. Add a touch of sweetness with a fall-themed treat like mini marshmallows or dried apple pieces — or even a smattering of festive candy corn for pops of color. Serve your one-of-a-kind party mix with a playful fall twist in a squash or pumpkin shell lined with wax paper. Or take it on-the-go for some extra fuel on your next outdoor adventure.

To find Kettle Brand Apple Cider Vinegar potato chips at a store near you, visit www.kettlebrand.com.


How to boost mood and memory at home

2020-09-17T14:41:00

(BPT) – Society has become much better at recognizing the importance of mental wellness practices. It’s now common knowledge that exercise, a healthy diet and quality sleep are essential to both physical and mental health. This is great progress, but many people overlook other ways to take care of mind and mood besides treating the body.

Mental hygiene practices directly improve mental wellness and go beyond simply managing stress. A wave of new research has demonstrated that implementing practices like meditation can increase mind-body awareness/mindfulness, raise self-esteem, improve concentration, strengthen memory and prevent depression.

An example that is trending for its effectiveness and accessibility is the Kirtan Kriya meditation. A type of meditation from the Kundalini Yoga tradition, Kirtan Kriya has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and dementia, while being beneficial to both mood and overall mental wellness.

Scientific support

Recent studies show the numerous mental health benefits of this non-religious, meditative practice. For example, researchers out of UCLA, West Virginia University, and the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation have used functional imaging studies, genomics, biomarkers, and neurocognitive testing to study the effects of Kundalini Yoga and Kirtan Kriya on individuals with cognitive decline over six months.

Intervention groups practicing Kirtan Kriya saw improvements to memory and cognitive functioning as well as improved mood and quality of life. These findings are supported by other research studies on the practice, with Kirtan Kriya meditation shown to improve blood flow to the brain, reverse memory loss and ease depression. The results demonstrate how Kundalini Yoga and meditative practice are beneficial for memory and may even stave off the symptoms of cognitive decline, which are often a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.

Practice from anywhere

Experiencing the benefits of Kirtan Kriya can happen in just six minutes of practice each day. Since yoga and meditation techniques can be done at home, it’s something that anyone can do to support their mental wellness. To make Kirtan Kriya meditations part of your mental hygiene routine, follow these steps:

Position:

Sit comfortably in a chair with feet flat on the floor or sit on the floor with legs crossed. The key is to be comfortable with the spine straight. Keep eyes closed and breathe naturally as the meditation unfolds.

Mantra or Chant:

The chant uses the basic sounds, “Sah, Tah, Nah, Mah”, taken from the Sikh words “Sat Nam,” meaning “my true identity.”

Mudra or Hand Position:

The thumb is touched to each of the other four fingers in sequence. Both hands perform the same sequence simultaneously.

When you chant Sah, touch the index fingers of each hand to the thumbs.

On Tah, touch your middle fingers to your thumbs.

On Nah, touch your ring fingers to your thumbs.

On Mah, touch your little fingers to your thumbs.

The Timing:

Sing the sounds “Sah, Tah, Nah, Mah” while performing the mudras sequence with the fingers of both hands. At the same time, visualize the sound flowing in through the top of the head and out the middle of the forehead.

For one minute, sing the sounds out loud.

For one minute, use a loud whisper.

For the next two minutes, repeat the sounds silently to yourself.

Then whisper the sounds for one minute and then sing out loud for one minute, for a total meditation time of six minutes.

To come out of the exercise, inhale very deeply, stretch hands above the head while stretching the fingers wide. Stretch the spine and take several deep breaths. Relax.

To learn more about the mental benefits of Kirtan Kriya and Kundalini Yoga, please visit kundaliniresearchinstitute.org.


The benefits of biking for kids

2020-09-17T18:37:15

(BPT) – For kids, biking is one of the gateways to growing up. Popular films and TV hits such as “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Stranger Things” highlight the joy a bike can bring as a fun way to explore or spend time kicking around the neighborhood. Yet, according to a study from the Outdoor Industry Association, bike riding among kids declined 19% between 2007 and 2019.

There are plenty of good reasons for anyone to get outside and ride a bike. Especially during this time of social distancing, bike riding offers the perfect opportunity to shake off cabin fever and safely enjoy the fresh air.

Benefits of bike riding

For tweens and teens, there are many benefits of owning and riding a bike, including:

  • It gets kids outside away from screens to enjoy fresh air and vitamin D–giving sunshine.
  • It promotes cardiovascular health.
  • It builds muscles, while improving balance and coordination.
  • It improves mental health by helping to reduce anxiety or stress.
  • It is good for the environment, offering an emissions-free mode of transportation.
  • It helps build self-confidence and relationships with others who like cycling too.

Help for foster kids who need bikes

Unfortunately, not every kid has the opportunity to enjoy the many positive aspects of bike riding. Children in foster care, tweens and teens in particular, don’t always have access to a bike, so they aren’t able to experience this important milestone of growing up.

To help address this issue, Honeycomb cereal recently donated $50,000 to Together We Rise, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping improve the lives of youth in foster care. The donation will provide 600 bicycles to tweens and teens in foster care nationwide, helping them to build their confidence and experience the many physical and emotional benefits that having a bike brings.

Bikes have been part of Honeycomb’s history since the 1970s, featured in its advertising and promotions. Kids growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s fondly remember collecting Honeycomb bike-sized state license plates, which were given away free inside cereal boxes each year.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Together We Rise to give kids in foster care the chance to experience the fun and joy that biking brings,” said Michelle Titus, senior brand manager of Honeycomb cereal. “This donation will make the dream of owning a bike a reality for these kids.”

Safety tips

Kids heading out on their bikes should follow basic guidelines to protect their health and safety. Remind your tween or teen to:

  • Always wear a helmet, even for a short trip.
  • Be visible by wearing bright clothing and using reflectors or lights to ensure others can see you, especially in the early morning or around sundown.
  • Always use sunscreen to protect exposed skin from UV rays.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Stick to bike paths, if possible, rather than riding on the street.
  • Obey all traffic laws.
  • Stay alert while riding.
  • Don’t use ear buds or headphones that could prevent you from hearing traffic or other dangers.
  • Don’t use your phone or text while riding — stop and get off the trail to use any device.

Now is the perfect time to get your kids biking and consider helping foster kids do the same. For more information about the Together We Rise Bikes for Foster Children program or how to sponsor a bike for kids who need one, visit TogetherWeRise.org.


How to help your student upgrade their college experience with Amazon Prime Student

2020-09-17T08:01:01

(BPT) – Now that summer is behind us and the new school year is finally here, students are preparing for an untraditional year. Whether students are heading back to campus, attending the semester virtually or anything in between, Amazon has a great deal to help them out — Prime Student.

Prime Student is designed for college students and offers convenience, savings, and entertainment for half the cost of a Prime membership. Members can get fast, free delivery on millions of Prime-eligible items, ad-free music, thousands of movies and TV shows on Prime Video, free games and loot on Prime Gaming, exclusive savings and discounts on college essentials, and more.

Here are some ways students can utilize a Prime Student membership to upgrade their college experience:

Fast, free delivery: Get fast, free delivery on millions of items, including college essentials from Amazon’s Off to College store. Plus, members enjoy free two-hour grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market in more than 2,000 cities and towns.

Binge-worthy entertainment: Stream thousands of movies and TV shows on Prime Video, including popular Amazon Originals like The Boys and Chemical Hearts. Plus, eligible Prime Student members can get up to 1 year of SHOWTIME® for 99 cents per month from Prime Video Channels, perfect for movie nights and exploring SHOWTIME® original series in their dorm or at home.

Music on demand: Stream two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations at no additional cost with Amazon Music. Plus, Prime Student members can access Amazon Music Unlimited at just 99 cents per month. The ad-free streaming tier includes over 60 million songs including the latest releases, and thousands of playlists and stations so they can always find something to fit their mood.

Page turner: Prime Reading offers unlimited access to more than 1,000 books and magazines. Plus, Prime Student members can access a free two-month trial of Kindle Unlimited and read over a million titles on any device with the free Kindle app— bookworms, delight!

Textbooks made easy: Prime Student members can enjoy free shipping and savings up to 90% on textbook rentals for class. Amazon Textbooks allows you to buy or rent all of your textbooks without ever leaving the comfort of your couch — making it easier than ever for students and parents.

Game on: With Prime Gaming, members can enjoy tons of free, exclusive content for their favorite games, including Apex Legends, Destiny 2, and Red Dead Online. Plus, they can claim a collection of PC games for free every month that are theirs to keep forever, and a monthly Twitch channel subscription.

Memories at your fingertips: Prime Student members get unlimited, full-resolution photo storage and 5 GB of video storage that’s accessible across their devices. Plus, with Amazon Photos, students can personalize Echo Show and Fire TV devices with their favorite photos, create custom prints, photo albums or wall décor, and share selected photos and videos with friends and family.

Students enrolled in two- and four-year colleges can learn more at amazon.com/primestudent and enjoy a six-month trial when they sign up for Prime Student.


Premixed chemotherapy mitigates risks of drug exposure for healthcare workers

2020-09-17T07:45:00

(BPT) – Medication is essential for cancer patients in treating their disease. However, there are inherent risks associated with compounding and administering chemotherapies for intravenous infusion. Risk mitigation is important for the well-being of healthcare workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials.

“Cancer patients receive a treatment plan that typically includes multiple medications, often with chemotherapy as the foundation,” says Jeffrey Lombardo, PharmD BCOP. “Taking proper precautions with compounding is essential to protect the pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare workers who handle these materials, as well as the patient. It’s very important that the patient receives a high-quality chemotherapy preparation at the right dose.”

Smart practices for cancer medication safety

Dr. Lombardo says patients, caregivers and healthcare team members must remain vigilant and follow industry standards and guidelines that are designed to mitigate risk. These include taking the following basic steps:

  • Check the spelling of the medication and the patient’s name every time a dose is administered.
  • Verify the correct doses of each medication every time it is administered. Use a zero in front of any decimals to avoid number confusion.
  • Cross-reference all information to ensure consistency. For example, make sure electronic records match paper records in treatment centers.
  • Document every dose of medication and other treatments in the patient’s medical record.

“Chemotherapy continues to be an essential part of cancer treatment. Based on the size of a clinical practice and resources available, intravenous solutions are typically compounded by a pharmacist or nurse,” explains Dr. Lombardo. “Premixed options introduce more engineering controls to further protect against unintended exposure.”

INFUGEM™ (gemcitabine in sodium chloride injection)

One option uses engineering controls to mitigate safety risk with the compounding process. INFUGEM is the first and only ready-to-use, premixed formulation of gemcitabine, a commonly used chemotherapy agent.

INFUGEM uses advanced technology that allows the medication to be premixed in a sterile environment and supplied to prescribers in ready-to-infuse final dosage bags. This eliminates accidental exposure to toxic substances that may happen through mixing. INFUGEM, which is made by Sun Pharma, is the first in a portfolio of premixed chemotherapies.

Dr. Lombardo notes that INFUGEM is stable at room-temperature storage conditions for two years, even without the use of alcohol and other preservatives in the bag. By contrast, other gemcitabine products require compounding for patient use, and remain stable at room temperature for only 24 hours.

For more information on INFUGEM, visit www.infugem.com.

Important Safety Information

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

INFUGEM (gemcitabine in sodium chloride injection) is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated:

  • in combination with carboplatin, for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer that has relapsed at least 6 months after completion of platinum-based therapy
  • in combination with paclitaxel, for first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior anthracycline-containing adjuvant chemotherapy, unless anthracyclines were clinically contraindicated
  • in combination with cisplatin, for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
  • as a single agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Schedule-Dependent Toxicity: Increased toxicity with infusion time greater than 60 minutes or dosing more frequently than once weekly
  • Myelosuppression: Monitor for myelosuppression prior to each cycle and reduce or withhold dose for severe myelosuppression
  • Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure: Discontinue INFUGEM for unexplained dyspnea or other evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity
  • Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Monitor renal function prior to initiation and during treatment. Discontinue INFUGEM for HUS or severe renal impairment.
  • Hepatic Toxicity: Monitor hepatic function prior to initiation and during treatment. Discontinue INFUGEM for severe hepatic toxicity
  • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception
  • Exacerbation of Radiation Therapy Toxicity: May cause severe and life-threatening toxicity when administered during or within 7 days of radiation therapy.
  • Capillary Leak Syndrome: Discontinue INFUGEM
  • Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Discontinue INFUGEM

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions for the single agent (≥20%) are nausea/vomiting, anemia, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), neutropenia, increased alkaline phosphatase, proteinuria, fever, hematuria, rash, thrombocytopenia, dyspnea, and edema.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed

Please see Full Prescribing Information by clicking here


Hairy Hometowns: Top 10 Cities for Fans of Facial Hair

2020-09-17T09:27:00

(BPT) – They’re infiltrating social media, they’re making surprise appearances in video calls — one might be looking back at you in the mirror. Don’t worry, they’re hairy but harmless — they’re ‘Quarantine Beards.’ Be it boredom or experimentation, 2020 is seeing more men jump on the bearded bandwagon. So whether you’re new to the beard-growing game or a long-time enthusiast, you’ll want to check out the seventh annual ‘Top 10 Most Facial Hair Friendly Cities in America’ list from men’s grooming leader Wahl.

“This year has been like no other, so we decided to fine-tune our annual research and focus on the trend of beards becoming at-home staples,” said Steven Yde, division vice president for Wahl. “After analyzing social media conversations, we were pleasantly surprised to find that in 2020 the compass for facial hair enthusiasm was pointed at small-town America.”

1. Palm Beach, Fla.

Coming in hot, and in first place, is Palm Beach. Known for beautiful beaches and glitzy estates, the posh place is also home to more than 30 billionaires. In this town full of the rich and famous, it appears beards are a commodity worth investing in.

2. Pelham Manor, N.Y.

Taking silver is this Big Apple suburb. Just blocks from the Bronx, Pelham Manor is full of family-friendly finds like parks, restaurants, coffee shops … and guys with welcoming whiskers.

3. Hoboken, N.J.

Directly across the Hudson River, you’ll find Hoboken. While the city provides the best views of the Manhattan skyline, residents don’t have to look very far to see fantastic facial hair.

4. Cape May, N.J.

While it may technically be a part of the Jersey Shore, Cape May is the antithesis of what you’ve seen on TV. This seaside town is full of charming Victorian mansions, a famous lighthouse and bearded necklines that run as long as its shorelines.

5. Cranbury, N.J.

New England is known for its delicious seafood and tart cranberries. It’s also home to the city of Cranbury, which is a prime place to perfect the power of the flavor saver.

6. Piedmont, Calif.

Maybe it’s the moderate year-round climate or maybe it’s the town’s annual Bird Calling Contest. No matter the reason, friends of facial hair have flocked to this West Coast town.

7. South Bay, Fla.

Facial hair not only makes you look cool, it also provides UV protection. With an average of 237 days of sunshine per year, South Bay residents have figured out beards are like a sexy coat of armor for your face.

8. Coos Bay, Ore.

Coos Bay is a coastal town known for its shipbuilding and lumber products. It’s also home to rugged cliffs with breathtaking views and rugged men with even more breathtaking beards.

9. Washington, N.C.

This Washington might not be as well-known as its D.C. cousin, but the southern town has just as much follicular fortitude.

10. Ames, Iowa

Head 30 miles north of Des Moines and you’ll find the town of Ames. It’s home to the Big 12’s Iowa State University. These college kids know the ladies like a little scruff. And besides, who has time to shave when you’re burning the midnight oil studying?

Didn’t see your city in the Top 10? Don’t worry, you and your town can still earn beard bragging rights in Wahl’s first-ever ‘Most Talented Beard in America’ contest. Prizes include a total of $40,000, not to mention an arsenal of Wahl grooming gear to keep those beards looking (and performing) their best. For more information on how to participate and official rules, visit WahlUSA.com.


Tips on Getting Your Kids (of All Ages) Involved in Planning Travel, According to a Family Psychologist

2020-09-17T09:51:00

(BPT) – With travel mostly on pause, many people are spending time at home with their families, dreaming about their next vacation. This time together creates the perfect opportunity to engage the whole family in planning the next adventure and make memories before the trip even begins.

While, traditionally, parents take the lead in travel planning, a new family travel survey[1] revealed that three in five parents believe children are important resources for inspiration and ideas in planning family vacations.

Further, one-third of those who don’t involve their children in travel planning say they would like to. Luckily, there are many ways to get your kids (from toddlers to teenagers) involved in the planning process, including a new family travel planning website.

The site, BoldFamilyTravel.Chase.com, was created by The Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card in partnership with renowned family psychologist Dr. Jennifer L Hartstein, PsyD to engage and empower the whole family to be a part of the travel planning process.

Families can start by creating their own personal travel profile or “VACAVATAR” (pronounced vei-kei-vuh-taar, VACAVATAR is a mashup of the words “vacation” and “avatar”) on the site. After each family member has designed their own “VACAVATAR,” the website generates a list of recommended vacation destinations that best fit the family’s preferences. From there, users can explore other resources like tips for parents and kid-friendly content including coloring pages, travel-inspired word games and book and movie recommendations.

On the site, Dr. Hartstein provides parents with tips on how to involve children of all ages in travel planning, including the below:

Pre-schoolers and younger: Get inspired

Before the trip, find books to read to your children or movies you can watch about different places and a variety of cultures. Young children are naturally curious, and you can help them begin to understand how diverse the world is, and how — through travel — they will be able to see and experience everything other places and cultures have to offer.

School-age children: Collaborate, then assign

With older kids, you can include them in collaborating to choose your family’s destination. Then you can assign each child a particular vacation day to plan. Allow them to use online tools to choose where to go, what to do and where to eat. This gives them a sense of freedom and control, knowing that they are able to help make the trip memorable.

Teens: Planning ownership

Once you’ve chosen a destination together as a family, you can allow teenagers to be an active part of the planning process by not just making plans, but by actually setting them in motion. Whether it’s learning how to make dinner reservations or buying tickets to an event, giving teens ownership provides them with their first glance into the magical world of planning — as well as valuable life skills.

Planning travel together as a family not only provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships and bond but allows children to build on core life skills like cooperation, compromise and communication. The survey found when children get involved in the planning process, the majority (68%) became more excited about the upcoming trip — and most respondents (81%) agreed planning ahead helped the family relax more when on vacation.

While it will take some time for people to begin traveling again, most consumers (85%) surveyed anticipate traveling domestically again in the next 12 months, with 44% reporting that they would take a road trip and 43% saying they would stay in a hotel in the next six months. So if you’re one of them, you could benefit from involving your whole family in planning your next vacation together and creating new memories while you wait to travel again.

To start planning together, visit BoldFamilyTravel.Chase.com to learn how everyone can get involved in dreaming about and designing your next trip, together.

BoldFamilyTravel.Chase.com is empowered by The Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card, a no-annual fee travel rewards credit card, which offers 3X points on purchases at more than 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 2X points on other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases.


[1] Conducted by The Marriott Bonvoy BoldTM Card among 1,000 American parents or grandparents in 2020


Expert tips and tricks you need to know to make every brunch your best brunch

2020-09-17T13:43:00

(BPT) – For many, regular brunch gatherings may have fallen by the wayside in recent months. With the changing of seasons, it’s time to bring brunch back to create warm memories as the weather cools. If your go-to brunch plans are no longer possible, start thinking about creating a new routine and hosting a fabulous brunch in the safety and comfort of your home, outdoor living space or virtually.

Whether entertaining a small group of family or friends in your bubble or gathering the whole gang online, pro tips and tricks can help make any brunch your best brunch. From creating a beautiful tablescape and ambiance to pairing Insta-worthy drinks and dishes, insights from expert entertainers will help you create the ultimate elevated brunch experience.

Do your prep work

To avoid a last-minute time crunch, make a plan. Nail down your menu and shop for the essentials a few days in advance of your soiree; make a quick shopping trip or online grocery order the day before for items that are best purchased super fresh. Also the day before, take care of as much slicing, chopping and assembling as you can, and start laying the foundation for your gorgeous table by setting out your linens, china and glassware. Pull out any other kitchen tools, serving ware and essentials you may need. The more you can do ahead of time, the more energy you’ll have to welcome and attend to your brunch guests, whether virtually or in person from a safe distance.

Create fun and functional centerpieces

Creating a chic table doesn’t need to be complicated or break the bank. You can create a stunning look with flavors you’ll be featuring in your menu. Fill small vases with overflowing aromatics and herbs that accent dishes or garnish cocktails — think fresh mint, thyme or lavender. Use glass pitchers to showcase other key accouterments, such as sliced or whole lemons, limes, oranges and berries. This hack adds bursts of vibrant color indoors or out, while getting your guests involved in crafting and customizing their own drinks. Plus, budget-minded entertainers can make use of these fresh ingredients later in the week.

Keep it light

Nothing says brunch like a pretty, sparkling cocktail. Whether guests are joining in person or virtually, an elegant and effervescent drink helps elevate the occasion. For your next 21-and-older get-together*, the Lillet Spritz is a simple and ideal accompaniment to any brunch menu. With low alcohol by volume, this light and refreshing concoction is perfect for sipping during daytime festivities. Just mix three ounces of Lillet (Blanc or Rosé) with three ounces of tonic water over large ice cubes in a tall wine glass, and garnish with cucumber, mint and a strawberry.

Pay attention to pairings

When deciding on a menu, think about how each dish will work with your accompanying beverages. Look for combinations that will complement one another, provide balance or highlight nuances you want to bring out in your culinary creations. For instance, the classic Lillet can draw attention to the hint of citrus and aromatics in baked doughnuts topped with a Lillet Rosé glaze — even better, these easy-to-make show-stoppers from Vallery Lomas, cookbook author and Great American Baking Show winner, can be prepared in advance.

When keeping these expert tips in mind, hosting a simple yet chic brunch experience in your home, on your deck or in your garden is within easy reach. Especially with one final pro tip: Fill your guest list — online or in person, when safe to do so — with fun family and friends who are hungry for connecting through special moments and making lasting memories.

*Please drink responsibly.


Treat Your Allergy Symptoms from Home and Avoid COVID-19 Fears

2020-09-17T06:07:00

(BPT) – If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, there’s never been a better time to get your symptoms correctly diagnosed, treated and under control.

Why? Thanks to greater accessibility, it’s easier than ever to take care of your symptoms from home, observing safe social distancing without having to regularly visit an allergist to seek relief. And given the pandemic (and the upcoming flu season), it’s increasingly important to maintain your general health so you can better fight off illnesses of all kinds.

If you’re struggling with the misery that can result from seasonal allergies, you’re far from alone. According to the CDC, more than 50 million Americans are now dealing with some kind of allergy, making such afflictions the sixth most prevalent cause of chronic illness in the country. And with symptoms that can be mistaken for the novel coronavirus, seasonal allergies could be causing even more stress and anxiety for sufferers.

The good news? These days, many allergies can be safely identified with minimal visits to healthcare providers and then treated from home. And that could provide better relief from your symptoms as well as greater peace of mind.

“For millions of Americans, the impact of seasonal allergies can extend well beyond just the clinical symptoms — missed work and school days, avoidance of the outdoors, and limitation of desired activities. Currently, allergy sufferers are also facing uncertainty and fear that they might be suffering from COVID-19 due to some similarity amongst symptoms,” says Amanda Hofmann, vice president, clinical at United Allergy Services. “But fortunately, you can get clear answers as to what may be causing you trouble, as well as significant relief. And it’s more convenient and safer than you may think.”

The more you understand about your seasonal allergies, the easier it will be for you to form a treatment plan. Here are some facts to know:

  • Allergy symptoms are not to be confused with those of COVID-19. The main symptoms common to COVID-19 (but not allergies) are fever, cough and shortness of breath, though many COVID patients experience no such symptoms. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology advises that it’s important to maintain overall good health by continuing to manage allergies during the pandemic.
  • Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include a runny or stuffy nose; watery, itchy and/or red eyes; sneezing; coughing; itching of the nose, throat or roof of the mouth; swelling or blueness under the eyes; postnasal drip; fatigue and recurrent sinus infections.
  • Studies show that allergy seasons are growing longer worldwide because of environmental changes, creating a greater need in the medical community for convenient and effective therapies.
  • The most common trigger for fall allergies is ragweed, a wild plant that can grow nearly anywhere, blooming and releasing pollen from August through November.

Thankfully, United Allergy Services (UAS) offers allergy testing and immunotherapy treatment in a safe, convenient way. By working through your general provider to develop a treatment protocol that can be self-administered, relief for allergy sufferers can happen with minimal visits to the provider’s office or pharmacy. In fact, after the initial allergy test, which is administered in the general provider’s office, patients can undergo the majority of their treatment from the safety of their own homes.

“While I can assure my patients that we are doing everything we can to ensure our office is a safe and sterile environment, I understand the fact that currently a lot of people still feel most comfortable staying home,” said Dr. Gregory Fuller in Keller, Texas. “But fear of COVID-19 shouldn’t prevent you from getting quality care. At-home allergy immunotherapy allows me to treat my patients’ symptoms in a way they feel most comfortable.”

This season, there’s no reason to put off taking control of your seasonal allergies. Stay safe, take care of yourself and avoid what could otherwise be a miserable allergy season by seeking help today. Find more information at UnitedAllergyServices.com.


Kid-Friendly, Plant-Based Recipes Help Make Mealtime Less Stressful for All

2020-09-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – It’s no secret that this time of year looks different than in years past. For many families, the differences lie heavily in this year’s “back to school” season. Whether kids are learning virtually, attending classes in person or a mix of both, it’s poised to be a challenging time for both kids and parents. So, as we begin to sort out new schedules and continue to adjust to our new normal, why not make mealtime one less thing to worry about?

Daiya, the pioneer of delicious, plant-based foods, offers easy-to-prepare, kid-friendly recipes perfect for when you need to throw together a quick snack or meal that the whole family will love. Plus, all of their offerings are allergen friendly and completely plant-based, which food experts suggest more and more consumers are opting for. In fact, a new research study found a shift in overall dietary habits, with 20 percent of respondents having seriously considered veganism and 6 percent having tried it, and found that plant-based dishes recently experienced a huge increase in popularity.

Here are a handful of recipes from Daiya and its partners to help make plant-based eating easy on parents this time of year:

Brunch Bagels

These Vegan Berry Cheesecake Brunch Bagels from The Colorful Kitchen are such a treat. Using only six ingredients, they take just 10 minutes to prepare but feel so fun and fancy. Plus, they’re easy for older kids to make themselves. The secret ingredient is Daiya Strawberry Cream Cheese Style Spread, which “tastes just like berry cheesecake filling.” Topped with berries, a little chocolate drizzle and powdered sugar, the end result is dessert-like while still being relatively low in sugar. Daiya Cream Cheese Style Spreads come in three other flavors: Plain, Garden Vegetable and Chive & Onion, so you can easily turn this into a savory treat using one of these varieties topped with avocado, JUST Egg, tomato, hummus, etc.

Air-Fried, Dairy-Free Mozzarella Sticks

Daiya makes it easy to create a dairy-free version of this classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer. First, you make a simple batter using plant-based milk of your choosing, flour (either regular or gluten-free) and seasonings. Then, create a breading station: line up the bowl of plant-based milk batter, the bowl of flour, and the bowl of breadcrumbs. Now comes the fun part — submerge Daiya Cheeze Sticks in the batter, then the flour and end with the breadcrumbs (have your kids help you with this step, they’ll love getting their hands dirty!). Once the coated Cheeze Sticks have settled in the freezer for 30 minutes they’re ready to be baked or air fried, and then enjoyed.

Vegan Potato Skins with Tofu

What’s better than cheesy cheddar and bacon potato skins? Nothing, unless you count this vegan version from My Darling Vegan. With this perfect appetizer or side dish, kids will love building their own with hearty and healthy toppings, such as vegan bacon or tofu, dairy-free sour cream, veggies and Daiya Cutting Board Collection Shreds. Recently reformulated, the Cutting Board Shreds taste even more like dairy cheese than ever before, with similar melt and stretch. My Darling Vegan uses the Cheddar Style in this recipe, but they also come in Mozzarella, Pepperjack and a new 50/50 Cheddar & Mozza Blend.

Vegan Grilled Cheese

Take your grilled cheese game to the next level with these Vegan Grilled Cheeses from My Darling Vegan. Each recipe requires just 3 – 4 ingredients and can be done in a few minutes. These grilled cheeses are rich, creamy, buttery, filled with flavor, and made with a variety of delicious and melty plant-based cheeses. My Darling Vegan uses a variety of Daiya Slices in this recipe; they come in six different flavors: American, Smoked Gouda, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Swiss and Provolone. All are great for someone who is new to eating plant-based to show how delish and melty vegan cheese can be.

Stuffed Crust Pizza

On the top of every kid’s list of favorite foods is pizza, but the whole family will love this 100% plant-based pizza from Liv B, complete with a savory tomato sauce, and topped with dairy-free cheese, vegan pepperoni and red onions. The best part? The crust is stuffed with Daiya Cutting Board Shreds! Liv makes her own homemade crust and sauce, but in a pinch store-bought dough and marinara sauce will suffice. Daiya also offers ready-to-make Gluten-Free and Vegetable Crust pizzas, available in the freezer aisle, for when you’re in need of a quick and easy meal.

To check out more recipes from Daiya, visit https://daiyafoods.com/recipes/.