Posted on

Makeup tips to get holiday glam for virtual celebrations

2020-12-11T07:01:00

(BPT) –

Holiday celebrations have gone virtual! Many people are planning safe alternatives to traditional holiday gatherings and opting to meet up online for seasonal merriment, to sing carols, open gifts, share stories, toast to a new year and so much more.

Just because your seasonal celebrations will be virtual doesn’t mean you should skip the holiday style. You can look and feel your best with glam makeup that conveys the spirit of the holiday and looks incredible on digital platforms. Artistry™ Beauty Squad members Hedieh Valdez and Mimi Johnson offer some tips for getting the perfect glam makeup look for all your virtual holiday celebrations.

Prime for a lasting look

Your first step should include priming to help nourish the skin and prepare it for makeup application. This ensures your look will be fresh and festive no matter how late your virtual party goes! Two must-have products for priming include the Artistry Studio™ Pampered Pout Lip Balm + Overnight Mask that conditions lips and enhances the natural glow, and the Artistry Studio™ 2 in 1 Perfecting Glow Finish Primer that prepares the skin (face, eyelids and lips) for smooth makeup application.

Layer colorful hues for eyes

The holidays are merry and bright, so when it comes to your eyes, embrace color. What’s more, video has a tendency to dull images, so a rich hue will help you stand out at your virtual holiday gathering. Valdez suggests starting with a base shade on the lid and build on the transition, focusing your color of choice on the outermost corner of your eye where your crease is located. Blues are a great choice for winter, so grab the Artistry Studio™ Soft and Silky Eye & Cheek Pop Trio in Shanghai Starlight for all the layering shades you need in one great product.

Define the cupid’s bow

The term cupid’s bow refers to the center section on the curve of the top lip. While it’s a small area, Johnson says it really defines the pout so consider adding just a touch of highlighter or light shadow with your finger or a small brush. This highlights the contour so you’re ready to focus on the lip itself.

Use two colors for a perfect pout

Go bold on lips with vivid reds that are fitting for the holidays! To add depth to your lip, use two shades of color. For example, Johnson recommends using a deeper shade of red to line the lips, such as Artistry Studio™ Light Up Silky Matte Lip Color in Spice Red. Follow up with a lighter red in the center, such as Artistry Studio™ Light Up Silky Matte Lip Color in Cherry Red. This multi-shade application adds variation that works with the lip’s natural curvature to make your pout pop.

Create lush lashes

Full lashes are on trend and you can make your eyes vibrant and flirty in a few simple steps. Enhance your eye makeup by using Artistry Studio™ Liquid Pen Pop Eyeliner to create a natural wing at the outer edge of the eye. Valdez says this opens the eye and give the illusion of more full lashes. Then, a great mascara is essential for defining those lashes and transforming them from blah to bombshell. Check out Artistry Studio™ Lash Boosting 3-in-1 Mascara that provides volume and lifts and separates with each stroke.

Effortlessly erase mistakes

It’s fun to experiment with holiday glam makeup looks, but if you make a mistake, no worries. Use a makeup cloth like the Artistry Studio™ Clean Start Micellar Makeup Remover + Cleanser to easily wipe away any mess. Insider tip: makeup artists love these for defining lines, such as wiping wing lines on eyeliner or shade for a perfect match with the curve of the lid.

The holidays may be different this year, but that doesn’t mean you should simmer your look. It’s still fun to get dressed up and ready with these glam makeup tips that are fun for any virtual holiday celebration. Check out Valdez’s eye makeup video and Johnson’s lip look video for specific steps.


Posted on

There is No Time to Wait When Experiencing Symptoms of a Potentially Serious Condition

2020-12-10T14:01:01

(BPT) – Many people may think that swelling, pain, tenderness or redness in the leg, thigh or pelvis are seemingly minor symptoms, but they could point to a potentially serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).1 It’s critical to not brush off these symptoms.

More About DVT

DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, thigh, or pelvis and can also occur in the arm. A DVT clot, or part of it can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism (PE).1,2 PE may cause difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort, rapid heartbeat, coughing up blood or low blood pressure — and can be deadly.1,3 Symptoms related to DVT/PE can be representative of many conditions. Only a healthcare provider can determine whether these symptoms indicate DVT or another condition.

“It’s understandable why patients may feel compelled to avoid visiting hospitals and healthcare facilities right now. But it’s integral for them to know that not addressing symptoms may have serious consequences,” said Jenice Baker, M.D., associate emergency medicine director in Camden, NJ. “For people with symptoms that may be associated with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, talking to a doctor is imperative.”

Since around 50 percent of people who have DVT may not experience symptoms, it’s also important to know the risk factors of DVT, which can include: fractures, severe muscle injury, major surgery, immobility/limited movement, paralysis, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy for up to 3 months after giving birth, heart disease, lung disease, cancer and its treatment, inflammatory bowel disease, inherited clotting disorders, age (risk increases as age increases), obesity, family history of DVT/PE, and previous DVT/PE.1

According to CDC data from 2010, approximately 900,000 Americans can be affected by DVT/PE each year, so it is important for people to pay attention to symptoms that could be due to DVT/PE and talk to a healthcare provider to learn more.4

If Experiencing Symptoms, Talk to a Doctor

“Seeking medical attention early — by phone, online or in person — may help reduce the chance of DVT/PE becoming more serious,” said Dr. Baker. “If experiencing symptoms, there is no time to wait — contact your doctor.”

To find out more information about DVT or PE, visit NoTimeToWait.com/dvt-pe-explained.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What is Venous Thromboembolism? https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/facts.html. Accessed November 9, 2020.
  2. American Heart Association. What is Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)? https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/venous-thromboembolism/what-is-venous- thromboembolism-vte. Accessed November 9, 2020.
  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Pulmonary Embolism. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pulmonary-embolism. Accessed November 9, 2020.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data and Statistics on Venous Thromboembolism. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/data.html. Accessed November 9, 2020.


Posted on

Give the gift of plasma this holiday season

2020-12-10T15:01:00

(BPT) – It’s no secret that the holidays look much different this year, but those changes may be even more noticeable for individuals who are at high-risk for COVID-19. No one knows this better than Dayna, a mother and caregiver to four children with a rare disease which has caused them to be immune compromised. This leads to an increased chance of an infection, which may be harder to fight off. A diagnosis can be difficult, but once identified, treatments are available, such as therapies developed from plasma. While Dayna and her children — Charlie (20), Kate (18), Thomas (16) and Grace (8) — are taking extra safety precautions this holiday season, the pandemic hasn’t stopped them from raising awareness of the urgency for new plasma donations that will make their therapies possible.

When her children were diagnosed with their rare disease, Dayna was not prepared for a life that revolved around frequent illnesses and near-constant medical appointments. Once her children started on a plasma-based immunoglobulin therapy regimen, she found renewed hope for her family’s future.

“Plasma-based therapies allow my children to live relatively normal lives, from traveling (pre-pandemic) to going to college — something I never thought would be a reality for them,” said Dayna. “Our kids are no longer defined by their disease; for that we are beyond grateful for every single plasma donor.”

Many may be surprised to learn that plasma — the clear, straw-colored liquid portion of your blood — is a lifeline for thousands of people with rare, chronic and complex diseases. Because plasma cannot be produced in a lab, those who rely on continuous therapies developed from plasma are dependent on other people regularly donating plasma. Recently, the need for plasma donations has become more well-known. The plasma from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and now have antibodies to the virus is being used in the development of a potential treatment for COVID-19.

It takes over 500 plasma donations to make a year’s supply of medicine for Dayna’s children, as this resource provides the steady infusion of missing antibodies they need. Dayna’s family is incredibly grateful for the dedication of plasma donors everywhere and they make it a point to visit donation centers regularly to share their gratitude. Unfortunately, they can’t do that this year, in person at least.

Dayna has a message for those who are considering donating their plasma. “The holidays bring people and communities together to enjoy time with family and friends, and I encourage everyone to think of others during these unprecedented times and consider donating plasma. Your kind and generous donation can help change lives, including my kids’.”

How you can help

In the spirit of giving, BioLife Plasma Services will make a donation to Feeding America in honor of people who donate plasma during this holiday season. BioLife is grateful to all individuals who choose to give their time to donate plasma and help provide a healthier holiday season to those who are living with a rare disease.

The need for plasma never goes away for those living with rare and chronic conditions. Plasma gives people living with immune deficiencies the chance to be like everyone else and celebrate the little moments that make the holidays magical. During a single morning or afternoon visit, you can get screened and easily donate plasma to help those in your community.

BioLife Plasma Services has more than 130 state-of-the-art plasma donation centers across the United States. To learn more about BioLife, the donation process and how to schedule an appointment, visit www.biolifeplasma.com.

BioLife Plasma Services is part of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.


Posted on

Underwear through the years: How styles evolved

2020-12-10T20:18:15

(BPT) – From tag-free boxer briefs and seamless bikinis to weightless cotton fabrics and moisture-wicking technology, there’s a go-to type of underwear for everyone. Influenced by notable pop culture moments and the evolving fashion industry, underwear styles have taken huge leaps throughout the years.

Fruit of the Loom, an underwear brand for over 160 years, offers the following look at the pivotal transformations of underwear, one of the most essential pieces of clothing, that also makes a great gift.

1920s: Creating flexible fits was vital for men’s and women’s undergarments. Inspired by the shorts worn by professional fighters, boxers, now one of the most common styles for men, were created to provide men and athletes with flexibility and freedom of movement. For women, an all-in-one revolutionary undergarment style, step-ins were introduced. Like the modern-day romper, step-ins are a one-piece undergarment that combines a camisole and bloomers, high-waisted loose cotton underpants.

1930s to 1940s: Functionality was the dominant factor for men when selecting underwear during this era, while women focused on style. For colder months, union suits, like the modern-day “onesie,” evolved from the ones that emerged in the 1800s to provide men and women an extra layer of warmth. Then, a new type of underwear inspired by an iconic postcard of a model donning a bikini-style bathing suit broke through for men: the classic cotton briefs. These legless, cotton briefs, featured Y-fronts to allow better movement and all-day support.

On the other hand, tight fitting corsets or girdles and decorative lingerie were popular among many women as they embraced shapewear, pulling inspiration from retro pin-up models.

1960s to 1970s: Women continued to celebrate their bodies and personal styles, hence the game-changing bikini and thong. Named after two-piece swimsuits, the bikini featured a moderate rise and coverage to offer comfort and purchasing a pair that matched the bra became the epitome of counterculture fashion. As pin-up models and calendar girls turned into runway models, thongs entered the scene eliminating panty lines while offering a higher cut to reveal more hip and thigh.

1990s: Comfort soon became a top priority as shoppers sought essential underwear for softness and durability. Combining the length of boxers and the snug fit of briefs, boxer briefs were introduced and soon became the most popular selection for men. Providing men with ventilation and support, the first boxer briefs included elastic waistbands for comfort. Seeking comfortable yet flattering options, boy shorts became popular for women as an alternative to a traditional slip.

2000s to present day: With new technology continually evolving, underwear has changed and provided men and women with many options such as functionality, material, shape and design. Now more than ever, shoppers are seeking style, comfort and quality at great value. For example, Fruit of the Loom offers a wide selection of underwear styles for the entire family, one of the most notable is its Breathable underwear for men and women made of micro mesh fabric that promotes airflow to keep you cool. With moisture-wicking technology to distribute sweat away from the skin, the popular underwear is the go-to selection to keep you dry throughout the day.

For more information, and a variety of gift ideas, visit Fruit.com.


Posted on

Top chefs find inspiration close to home

2020-12-10T12:01:01

(BPT) – Celebrated chefs Wolfgang Puck, Nancy Silverton, Gerald Hirigoyen and Martin Yan are known and active the world over, but they all call California home. For their award-winning restaurants, product lines, cookbooks and TV shows, they draw inspiration from the bountiful fresh ingredients the Golden State has to offer.

“California is my favorite place in the world to cook,” said Puck. “The climate is such that we can get the best ingredients — the freshest produce, fish, nuts — with so much flavor.”

It’s this same culinary opportunity that drew French-born Hirigoyen, the chef and owner of Piperade in San Francisco, to California. “The food revolution — knowing where food comes from, how nutritious it is, and supporting the people who grow it — was happening in California, so I came to progress, and with all we have available, continue to progress.”

One California crop that has captured these chefs’ collective imagination of late? Pistachios.

“I find their flavor and crunch irresistible and I love the color,” said L.A.-based chef Silverton. “It’s really easy to add pistachios to almost anything you make. Their flavor enhances other ingredients so well, but they can also be the star of a dish.”

“The great thing about pistachios is they are just the right size, and they add flavor, color and texture to your dish, on top of all the nutritional benefits,” said Yan.

Long a popular snack, the trend of using pistachios for cooking appears to be spreading beyond California. American Pistachio Growers, the trade organization of pistachio farmers in the western United States, reports the sale of pistachio kernels, or unshelled nuts, domestically has risen 14%, and represents 22% of all pistachio sales. Representatives cite the reason as a combination of the increase in people preparing meals at home since the outbreak of COVID-19, and the desire for healthy ingredients.

Pistachios are nutrient-dense and high in protein. Earlier this year, pistachios earned the status of being a “complete protein,” making them popular among people following a plant-based diet. In July, a university study underscored the importance of pistachios as part of weight-loss programs.

With the world’s top chefs adding more pistachio-inspired dishes to their menus, the little green nut is suddenly red hot. But don’t worry about there being a shortage. This year’s American pistachio harvest yielded a record-setting one billion pounds.

Wolfgang Puck’s Roasted Rack of Lamb with Pistachio Sate Sauce

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Pistachio Sate Sauce:

1 cup / 230 g coconut milk
1/4 cup / 60 g lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 cup / 60 g pistachio butter*
1 tbsp. / 16 g soy sauce
1/4 cup / 5 g cilantro
1/4 cup / 13 g green onions, minced
2 tsp. / 30 g Aleppo chiles, or another mild citrussy chile

Method:

In a small saucepan combine coconut milk and lime juice. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until coconut milk is hot and aromatic. Transfer to a blender and add remaining ingredients. Adjust seasonings to taste and set aside.

Rack of Lamb:

2 each lamb racks, frenched
Olive oil, as needed
Kosher salt, as needed
Black pepper, freshly ground, as needed
1/2 cup / 170 g pomegranate syrup

Method:

Rub all sides of lamb racks with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle pomegranate syrup across the top of each rack and even out across surface with a pastry brush.
Roast in a preheated 450°F (232°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes for rare/medium rare, or longer depending on preferred doneness. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

Assembly:

Cut lamb racks between the bones into individual chops. You can plate the lamb on individual plates or a platter. Using your own presentation style, fan sweet potatoes or other vegetable on both sides of plates or platter, arrange 2 chops per person, drizzle Pistachio Sate onto plate, drizzle pomegranate syrup on top of the vegetable and sprinkle with a generous amount of pistachios, finish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro.

*Pistachio Butter:

2 cups / 250 g pistachios, roasted
1/4 to 1/2 cup / 55 g – 110 g grapeseed oil
1/4 tsp. / 1 g sea salt, optional

Method:

Scoop pistachios into a food processor and run for 60 to 90 seconds. Open the processor and scrape the sides. Run for another 60 to 90 seconds. Scrape down the sides and continue processing. Slowly drizzle oil as needed into the butter as it’s processing until you achieve the texture and consistency you prefer. Add optional sea salt and pulse to combine.

Transfer butter to a container with a snap-on lid. Refrigerate if holding the butter for more than a few days.

Equipment Needed: Blender, baking sheets, small saucepan, whisk and pastry brush.


Posted on

Great eggspectations: Surprising holiday gift ideas

2020-12-10T17:10:09

(BPT) – At a loss for new and unique holiday gifts for your loved ones this year? Have you ever considered eggs?

In a lighthearted look at gift giving, the American Egg Board offers two new humorous 15-second films that turn classic gift ads on their heads. One is a spoof on the classic jewelry store “Proposal,” while the other pokes fun at the auto ad favorite driveway reveal of the “Big Bow.”

“Food is ever important during the holidays, and we expect it to be much more so this year as families look for ways to celebrate under challenging circumstances,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “We wanted to give people a laugh because we could all use a little extra cheer this year. We hope these lighthearted digital shorts remind us all that something homemade is sometimes the best gift and a great way to make meaningful new memories, celebrate traditions and bond over incredible food.”

It’s a great idea to consider creating gifts for your loved ones that nourish the spirit and are made with love — that can mean so much more than a store-bought gift.

And eggs are so versatile and affordable that a dozen eggs makes a perfect “present” both for the holidays at home and for food gifting to extended family, friends and neighbors.

Gift cards for eggceptional eateries

You can also help friends and loved ones at the same time as you support your favorite local breakfast spots and restaurants by giving gift cards for takeout, curbside pick-up or delivery meals — especially for that most eggcellent meal: brunch.

Unsure what locales to choose? Check out Google Maps for suggestions of nearby restaurants offering breakfast or brunch gift card giving. Gift cards make giving the gift of eggs easy, and they offer a great alternative for those who need a break from cooking during the hectic holiday season.

Eggscentric baked goods

Fortunately, eggs are also a vital component to help you conjure up all sorts of giftable holiday treats, from the trendiest new recipes to traditional family favorites. Why not make extras to arrange in a pretty box or jar to give to others, including the recipe on a hand-decorated card so they can make more once the treats have been devoured?

Worried about baked goods not surviving shipping to friends and family far away? Mail or email a photo of the finished goods included with a copy of the recipe — plus a grocery store gift certificate to buy the crucial ingredients — including, of course, The Incredible Egg!

Here’s just one eggceptional treat you can make that’s deliciously giftable:

Nutcracker’s Salted Caramel Pecan Shortbread Bars

10 minutes prep time; 60 minutes total time

Ingredients

3/4 cup and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and divided
1/2 cup sugar
1 and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
18 caramel candies (individually wrapped)
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
Pinch kosher or sea salt (to serve)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare a 9” x 13” baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the edges for easy removal.
2. In medium bowl, use electric hand mixer to cream together 3/4 cup butter and sugar. Add flour and mix until combined.
3. Firmly press mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake 15-20 minutes, until edges are just starting to brown.
4. Meanwhile, in small saucepan over low heat, add caramels, milk and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook until caramels are smooth and melted. Allow to cool slightly.
5. In medium bowl, combine brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt. Gradually mix in the caramel mixture, then stir in pecans. Pour filling over warm crust.
6. Bake 25-30 minutes, until filling is set. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate 1-4 hours.
7. Sprinkle with flaky salt and serve. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Makes 20 servings.

Remember, the surest way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and a dozen eggs will get you there! For more eggciting recipes and gift ideas, visit IncredibleEgg.org/Recipes.


Posted on

Did you know some LED replacement bulbs are illegal?

2020-12-10T19:24:38

(BPT) – Safety should be paramount on roads — not only for drivers, but for cyclists and pedestrians. One of the easiest ways to make sure everyone stays safe on the road is to have well-functioning headlights.

Headlights define what drivers can see, and anything that limits their vision increases the risk of accidents for everyone on the road. However, one of the most common issues with headlights today is when they project uncontrolled light, also known as glare. If you’ve ever driven a car, you’ve likely been subject to this glare from oncoming traffic at one point or another — it’s blinding, it’s a safety hazard and it’s often because of illegal LED low-beam replacement bulbs.

How bad is this glare, really? Think of moments when you’ve driven past cars that kept their high beam lights on, even though you were in their field of vision. Those high beams flooded the road with uncontrolled illumination and made it near impossible to keep your eyes focused ahead of you. Using incorrectly designed and low-cost LED low-beam replacement bulbs as headlights in your car can create similar scenarios.

Some of the U.S.’s 40,000 annual traffic fatalities could potentially be averted by cracking down on the sale of these dangerous LED low-beam replacement bulbs, but LED replacement bulbs are being sold by third-party, online retailers for both low-beam and high-beam applications in the U.S., even though they are illegal.

An estimated 60,000 LED low-beam replacement bulbs are sold online weekly, and nearly two million consumers have installed these illegal bulbs in their cars within the past year. That’s two million chances to be on the wrong side of a bad glare. To make matters more complicated, consumers often purchase these bulbs online under the impression that they are legal and in compliance with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) regulations.

When drivers go to install these replacement bulbs, they’re typically putting them in vehicles with either reflector-based or projector-based headlight assemblies. These are designed for traditional lights, like HID or halogen bulbs, which emit very different light patterns compared to an LED bulb. The difference in beam pattern isn’t accounted for in the designs of illegal LEDs, which can be crafted to sub-par standards. Because of this, there tends to be a mismatch between the LED replacement bulb and the vehicle’s reflector — this is what creates that dangerous glare.

For now, there is no regulation in the U.S. that allows manufacturers to design LED low-beam replacement bulbs that pair correctly with vehicles’ reflectors. When the regulations change and provide legal guidance on the design and performance of these bulbs, you will be able to purchase them confidently from industry leaders that offer safe and reliable products.

Until then, your best option is to use the technology that your reflectors were originally designed for, such as HID or halogen. The DOT has made it easy to identify safe, legal bulbs — just look for the mark on the bulb that indicates they are DOT-approved. You can do your part to keep our roads safe by purchasing safe and compliant replacement bulbs from an authorized dealer, and by proactively replacing your bulbs in pairs to avoid burn-outs.

To learn more about headlight-replacing best practices, visit https://www.sylvania-automotive.com/customer-education/faq/index.jsp.


Posted on

5 Trends That Your Operation Can Learn From the Material Handling Industry in 2021

2020-12-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – There has been a dramatic shift in the global supply chain since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of new consumers have flocked to e-commerce websites to purchase everything from groceries and clothes to cleaning products and dog food. With this increased demand, businesses have had to quickly pivot and adopt new solutions, all while every movement is being relentlessly scrutinized by end customers who want their products as soon as possible. Automation is becoming an increasingly popular solution to many problems in businesses; however, there are a number of considerations to think about before investing in advanced technology.

These unprecedented challenges and continuous demands have led warehousing professionals to identify five techniques that can benefit any operation and increase efficiencies — no matter what your business entails.

1. Visualizing Improvements

Visual management aims to make a situation easily understood by obtaining as much relevant information as possible in as little time as possible. Visualization helps ensure operations quickly recognize current conditions and adjust processes accordingly. Some simple, yet effective, ways to practice visualization inside operations include data displays, marking and labeling locations, tool displays, and shadow boards. One example of visualization that has helped organizations is using digital displays that display real-time information, such as production rate, quality defects and machine status. Clear, effective communication among workers can make a big difference!

2. Leaning Into Lean Management

In business, even small enhancements in productivity and efficiency can have a big impact on your bottom line. Lean management methods are based on the philosophies of reduced waste in pursuit of the most efficient methods. This culture of continuous improvement adds value to operations by empowering employees to make improvements and take ownership of the tasks they accomplish on a daily basis. The opportunity to impact organizational change creates a more engaged employee culture, resulting in higher morale and workforce retention. When applied correctly, lean management methods can effectively and efficiently produce processes of sound quality that fully satisfy customer demands. By documenting standards, establishing clearly defined processes and identifying opportunities for improvement, your business will begin to see long-term, sustainable business improvements.

3. Utilizing Data to Optimize and Inform Decisions

In a world where e-commerce customers are becoming accustomed to shorter and shorter delivery times, it’s essential operations leverage data to make faster, more informed business decisions. Before rushing to automation, your business and processes should first be analyzed and optimized. An optimized operation creates more space, increases workforce productivity and leverages assets for the most suitable task. Investing in a tool to collect data can save operations from potential losses in productivity and damage. Data reports can offer you detailed information as to what workers are doing, their productivity, the age of your equipment and projected business growth while creating more space for product and improving workforce productivity and overall efficiency.

4. Determining How to Automate Properly

Investing in automation is a huge trend that is sure to be around for years to come and helps companies do more with less by introducing smart workflows and removing redundant tasks. However, bringing automation into an inefficient process will only result in increased inefficiencies. After you’ve used data to inform your decisions and optimize processes, your operation will be in a better place to consider automating time-consuming or repetitive tasks that do not require skilled labor. Remember: Often, full-scale automation is not necessary. Working with experienced consulting services, application engineers and automation experts is imperative to finding an integrated automated solution that works best for you and your business.

5. Attracting and Retaining the Next Generation of Workers

Using interactive and multimedia-based training programs — such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) — helps create a connection with the next generation of workers. Using these technologies as an educational solution not only meets millennials and even Generation Z on familiar technological terms but also enables all employees to efficiently learn new concepts. Furthermore, these advancements assist with organizational troubleshooting, visualization and accomplishing complex tasks, all of which can help reach organizational milestones faster.

As the world continues to navigate changing customer demands, it’s important to be diligent in evaluating new technologies. After careful analyzation and optimization, operations will find themselves in a better position to determine the appropriate technology that represents the best potential to achieve maximum operational efficiency. Running an efficient operation of any size requires a broad range of solutions, working together to achieve a common goal. It’s important to look for an end-to-end solutions provider that delivers innovation, quality and service in order to empower their customers to run better and manage smarter.

©2020 The Raymond Corporation. All rights reserved.


Posted on

5 digital gifts perfect for 2020

2020-12-10T17:21:03

(BPT) – One of the big challenges of this holiday season is figuring out how to get the right gift delivered on time. How are savvy holiday shoppers solving this problem? They’re sending digital gift cards.

There’s a digital gift card that’s a perfect match for everyone on your list:

1) For the do-gooder: Every time a Giving Good™ card is purchased, a deserving nonprofit receives a donation. Gifting the Giving Good card means the recipient can enjoy spending the card at a number of retailers while also knowing the purchase helped one of America’s top charitable causes including Feeding America®, Habitat for Humanity International, Make-A-Wish®, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and Wounded Warrior Project®. (The 21st Annual Forbes Top Charities List ranks the largest U.S. charities based on private donations received according to the 2019 fiscal year.)

2) For the gamer: Know someone who is constantly beating their high score and wants to keep an eye out — and enough money in their digital wallet — for the next great game? Look at these recommendations from gamers for the perfect eGifts, including everything from the Nintendo eShop and Sony PlayStation Store to spots with the best equipment like GameStop.

3) For the hard-to-please: Everyone has someone on their list who seems hard to buy for. This year, the solution is The Choice Card, which can be redeemed for eGift cards to the recipient’s favorite brands like Nordstrom Rack, Ulta Beauty and REI.

4) For the family: Aunts, uncles and cousins will find something for each of them on the Happy® Holidays card. And, because the card is redeemed online for digital gift cards to any or all of the retailers and restaurants on the card, the family can divvy it up, or choose to spend it all on a family outing or delicious takeout.

5) For your favorite: The Holiday Favorites gift card bundles the season’s hottest brands on to one gift card. It’s like giving your favorite people the gift of a “choose your own adventure” online shopping spree.

Many shoppers are looking for gifts that are easy or free to ship and that will arrive on time. Using GiftCards.com to send eGifts is the perfect solution because there are no activation fees, and you can add a personal touch by including a festive design or uploading your own photo to be delivered with your eGift. And, the eGifts are perfect for planners and procrastinators alike. Planners can finish their holiday shopping now by purchasing eGift cards and scheduling them to arrive on the desired date, while procrastinators can click the purchase button and have the perfect eGift arrive on the same day.


Posted on

Designing beautiful and functional spaces for living, working and playing at home

2020-12-10T15:05:00

(BPT) – Over the last year, life has been synonymous with ongoing changes, and chances are your home has had to adapt to these changes too. Your kitchen table might now be your office, the living room now serves as a classroom and your kitchen island is now a space for virtual social hours with friends. Are you longing for more functional and flexible spaces that work for your evolving needs? You’re not alone.

“Spending more time at home and needing it to work in new ways has caused homeowners to rethink their spaces,” says Leigh Spicher, National Director of Design Studios for Ashton Woods. “With more of your life at home you need spaces focused on how you live with the ability to transform, as necessary.”

While some people are remodeling their homes to accommodate the new normal, others are selling and taking advantage of historically low interest rates in order to build their own home to perfectly fit their needs. No matter which category you fall into, Spicher shares the top trends in home design so you can elevate your home to prioritize agility, functionality, comfort and style.

Design rooms for dual purpose

Gone are the days of single purpose, defined spaces like “living,” “dining” or “bed” rooms. With the need for home offices and virtual learning spaces, families need more room to complete the tasks within their homes. But imagine the functionality your home would have if creative solutions allowed one room to flex for multiple purposes, embracing the practical needs of your home today with flexibility for tomorrow.

Designer tips:

· Carve out space in larger-than-necessary rooms for different purposes. For instance, an open area in the owner suite or extra walk-in closet makes room for a nursery. Or the seating area in a home office may better serve as a home gym.

· Clean out the hall linen closet and add a small desk with playful artwork to serve as a child’s learning space. It will be less distracting than a playroom or bedroom and creates a space all their own.

· Add a built-in or console for office organization in a dining room or clean out old and unused dishware from the china cabinet to make room for office and school supplies. Both solutions offer a beautiful focal point in the home while being utilized for more practical everyday needs.

Usher in light in the new year

Rooms are often not designed with proper lighting. Objective layers of lighting and correct temperatures of that lighting play a key role in not only how your space looks and feels, but also how it functions. A single layer of lighting often leads a room to be too dark or one dimensional, while many layers of different temperatures can make a room feel “off.”

Designer tips:

· Ensure each room has the four layers of fundamental lights as needed. Each room should have a main source of lighting like recessed can lights. Then add task lighting like a reading lamp or under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Accent lighting such as small track lighting should be used to illuminate a focal point. And finally, add a decorative light such as a chandelier or sconce to complete the room.

· First, determine if you want your room to feel warm or cool, and then ensure those layers of light all work towards the same color temperature. When you purchase lightbulbs, the packaging will include this little detail.

Create a space for what’s most important

Functional spaces are made for the way you live while offering opportunities for connection — and trends are following suit. Spicher says homeowners are adopting a “new traditional” style that is both comfortable and contemporary — making way for natural spaces where memories can be made. This means family rooms are designed with group gatherings in mind with furniture and flow that encourages conversation and interactions.

Designer tip: Make sure there is a room or at least a “zone” in your home that is absent of technology. Turn off and cover the TV to create more room for those games, puzzles and good conversation without distractions. Think back to that “traditional” formal living room and design spaces intended for connection and visiting with friends that are a more approachable and comfortable look for everyday living.