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5 ways to treat Mom to a special day

2021-04-29T13:51:00

(BPT) – Mothers are always busy working hard for their families. Especially in the past year, being a mom has taken on new meaning. In addition to her normal role, she’s now an educator, a nurse, an IT specialist, a sanitation expert and much more. Because moms are working so hard, give them a break and show how much she means to you.

Your family can go beyond the breakfast in bed to really make her feel special. Here are five ways to show Mom you care:

Convey gratitude

Make sure Mom knows how much you appreciate her by conveying your gratitude in a special way. This could be as simple as writing a heartfelt letter. Another option is making a gratitude jar, where everyone in the family can add a note to share why they are thankful for Mom. For fun décor, these notes could be written on longer strips of paper and taped into circles to create a chain of gratitude. No matter what you choose, showing gratitude for all that Mom does is sure to make her feel appreciated on her special day.

Plan a friends’ night out

Research shows satisfying friendships are connected to mothers’ well-being and sense of self, so consider planning an evening when she can go out with the gals and enjoy some time away from the house. This could be reaching out to a few friends to plan a picnic dinner and walk at a beloved park. Maybe she’d prefer a visit at a favorite coffee spot followed by a movie with her bestie. Whatever it is, set it up and plan all the details to relieve any stress and show her that you support her and know that breaks away from home are important so she can be her best when she is at home.

Do the dirty work

Want to lighten Mom’s load and make her smile? Household chores are time consuming, and even though they should be evenly split by the family, the bulk of these often land on mothers’ to-do lists. While she’s out with friends, bust out the cleaning supplies. Pick up clutter, organize toys, do the dishes, dust and wipe down windows. If there is a chore she particularly despises, show you care by getting it done. When she comes home to a clean house, she’ll be surprised and delighted.

Give flower bouquet alternatives

A bouquet of fresh flowers is a timeless gift for Mom, but you can surprise her with an interesting twist on a classic. Flowers made out of fabric or wood are trending because they are unique, customizable and never wilt, and can be displayed proudly as part of her home décor. If you have kids, you can create these on your own. Get colorful cardstock to trace their hands and cut out to create flowers you can adhere to craft sticks. If you prefer live flowers, you can give her long-lasting blooms by opting for a potted plant instead of a cut bouquet. This allows her to enjoy the blooms indoors or replant outdoors, depending on the variety.

Surprise her with sweet treats

Many moms’ selflessness is unparalleled, so consider giving yours something as sweet as she is. Delicious chocolate, like new rich and creamy DOVE® Deeper Dark Chocolate (70% cacao) and Deepest Dark Chocolate (82% cacao) PROMISES®, are a treat moms can savor now or save for later. Each silky-smooth dark chocolate comes with a special message inside the wrapper, plus they come in a resealable bag for lasting freshness.

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15 minutes a day can help prevent student learning loss

2021-05-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Distance learning, hybrid models, social-distanced in-person — school has looked very different over the last year, and this interrupted learning has understandably impacted kids. While some children thrived learning at home, many others struggled staying on top of their learning and have fallen behind.

Cumulative learning loss from the pandemic is still unknown, but experts worry it could be substantial, especially in mathematics. According to research by McKinsey & Company, students on average are likely to lose five to nine months of learning by the end of this school year.

“Between the learning loss from the pandemic and the typical learning loss associated with summer break, many parents are concerned about their children falling behind, now more than ever,” says Shannon O’Reilly, a dedicated teacher of 15 years. “Children can lose up to two months of learning over summer break alone, and that can make it even harder to catch up.”

Fortunately, there are many ways to combat interrupted learning loss and help students stay on track for the upcoming school year in just 15 minutes a day:

Read together

In addition to supporting educational development, reading just 15 minutes a day can have many benefits, including boosting brain connectivity, increasing vocabulary and comprehension, and reducing stress. Check out books or download e-books from the local library. For younger kids, read out loud and ask questions to get them thinking deeper about the story. For older kids, both read the same book and then discuss it after each chapter.

Engage in grade-level skill practice

Summer Bridge Activities all-in-one workbooks from Carson Dellosa Education are affordable and packed with tons of activities to keep the learning going during the summer and to support learning during the school year. These teacher-recommended workbooks are available in preschool through grade 8. Each book features over 60 days of standards-based activities that can be completed in 15 minutes a day. Additional activities also help kids set goals and stay mentally and physically active. You can learn more at carsondellosa.com/summer-bridge-activities.

Embrace math in your world

Think about how often you use math in daily life. Now, use these examples as learning opportunities with your children. Select a recipe and cook it together, taking time to explain fractions, measurements and counting. A trip to the corner store can be fun and educational, by counting items in your cart or explaining how tax works at checkout. Even balancing a checkbook or talking about paying bills can be eye-opening and educational.

Explore armchair travel

Many museums and other historic places have extended their offerings to include free virtual visits to help encourage learning while people are at home. For example, no passport is needed when you make a virtual visit to the Louvre in Paris at louvre.fr/en/online-tours. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers virtual tours of current and past exhibits at naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour. Google Arts and Culture has numerous opportunities to learn about people, art and important places, including virtual tours of the White House.

Try STEAM activities

Have fun doing science, technology, engineering, art and math activities together. Who can build the tallest tower out of mini-marshmallows and toothpicks? How about creating tie-dye shirts and learning how primary colors mix to create beautiful new hues? Fill up a pool and play a game of “Sink or Float.” Try growing a container garden of fruit, vegetables and herbs. Keep track of their growth daily in a garden journal.

“When activities are fun and achievable, kids will only focus on the smiles and won’t even realize the important learning that is happening,” says Shannon. “Whether it’s an engaging workbook or a visit to a museum on the other side of the world, just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference in your child’s education now and in the future.”

the Louvre also offers virtual tours on its website.

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Essential services for growing your business in a post-pandemic world

2021-05-10T05:01:00

(BPT) – After a year unlike any other, it is time for businesses across the country to start thinking about building back. Despite the chaos and change small businesses have faced, new business filings in 2020 were 25% higher than in 2019. Strength, innovation and resilience are out there, and small businesses are finding new ways to remain profitable and serve their customers.

Investing in resources that drive successful outcomes

Growing any business, especially after this past year, will take research, planning and investment. But when you invest in the right resources and talent, you can focus on what’s important to you and let other experts take care of the rest. According to Fiverr’s Small Business Needs Index, based on millions of searches, these are some of the services you should consider investing in to help your business grow in a post-pandemic world:

1) Optimizing your digital storefront

Your website should clearly show who you are, why you’re unique and what you have to offer. According to joint research from Fiverr and CensusWide, 33% of businesses are investing in website development due to the pandemic.

Because of this, your website needs to be clear and reliable, containing linear information that prioritizes your brand’s image and value adds. It should also encourage customers to take some kind of action. For example, Rooted, a plant company, created a quiz for their customers.

Finding the right design, mapping and branding can be challenging. However, a freelancer who specializes in Shopify or WordPress Design can help you make a lasting impression on customers, increase traffic to your site and boost sales.

2) Developing an app that connects with customers

It’s also important to make sure your small business is mobile-friendly. Having a mobile app allows your customers to engage with your business on the go, provide feedback in real time and promote your business in new ways. For example, restaurant owners are increasingly searching for freelance developers to build them “food delivery apps” as a way to avoid high fees from other delivery apps and increase profitability.

That said, many small business owners put off app development because they are not programmers and often don’t want to learn how to make them.

3) Generating income through crowdfunding

Crowdfunding can be a helpful tool for new and existing small businesses. Crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs to generate cash for new business initiatives by delivering a compelling case for new products and services.

When deciding to crowdfund, it is important to create a strategy, choose a campaign platform and establish your funding goals. Tile, the Bluetooth finding tool, was started as a crowdfunding campaign.

Luckily, there are numerous freelance professionals who specialize in crowdfunding that can help with these tasks. From targeting the right donors to setting up a functional pay portal and helping you craft a strong funding proposal, they can worry about the details to help your business raise the funds it needs.

There’s no better time to take the leap

Whether you’re looking to grow your business after a tough year or looking to start something new, there is no time like the present to take the leap.

With the help of freelance services to promote the growth of your business, you can let someone else handle the details so you can focus on what you do best.

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How to prep for hurricane season

2021-05-10T08:05:00

(BPT) – Ahead of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has updated its Hurricane Ready guide, adding a downloadable checklist to make it easier for homeowners to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

Hurricane Ready translates years of insights from IBHS field and lab research into a series of projects homeowners can tackle ahead of the season, as well as last-minute actions to take when a storm nears. To ensure projects are completed by the start of hurricane season in June, it’s best to begin preparations now.

“We are now in a critical window ahead of hurricane season for homeowners to complete projects to strengthen their homes and ensure they are better protected against high winds and heavy rain before a tropical system hits,” explains Dr. Anne Cope, chief engineer at IBHS. “The entire hurricane coast felt the impact of an active 2020 hurricane season, and many families are still displaced from damaged homes or dealing with costly repairs. That’s an important reminder of why giving your home the best opportunity to withstand a storm is so important.”

Hurricane Ready provides recommendations for several projects to strengthen your home against tropical weather and help you recover faster after the storm passes. Those include:

Reviewing your insurance policy

Before hurricane season, get in touch with your home insurance provider to confirm what is and isn’t covered under your policy and determine if your area is at high risk for storm damage. Use your phone to capture photos and video of the contents of your home and the exterior.

Inspecting your roof

IBHS researchers recommend prioritizing a roof inspection because roof repairs may take longer than other projects and require professional assistance. The roof is also your first line of defense against severe weather, so it is critical that it is in good condition before a storm. Homes along the hurricane coast and inland areas that may experience high winds should be re-roofed to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard. This roofing method has shown in lab studies and real-world events to provide much-needed protection against winds up to 130 mph. To help keep the roof on, it includes stronger connections, and more of them, locked down edges, and it requires that seams in the roof deck are sealed so that even if shingles blow off, water won’t get inside the home and result in extensive damage and costly repairs.

Trimming trees

Healthy native trees are beneficial, but high winds can rip off weak branches, which become dangerous flying projectiles that can damage your home and property. To avoid this, it’s crucial to remove branches that hang over your home, and if you have any diseased, dying or dead trees, these should be removed.

Resolving leaks

If you already have existing leaks in your home, the damage from those could be exacerbated by a severe storm like a hurricane, resulting in high repair costs. To resolve these leak problems and prevent further damage, you can:

  • Install flashing around skylights to keep water from leaking into your home.
  • Remove and replace the flashing and ice/water barriers from your chimney.
  • Have leaky flashing removed or replaced.
  • Remove and replace leaky valley metal on your roof.

Installing wind-rated garage doors

Hurricane winds can push your garage door inward, allowing pressure to build and push up on the roof and surrounding walls causing a cascade of structural damage to the entire home. A wind-rated garage door with a code-conforming label confirming it has been tested to withstand likely storm pressures is a strong investment in the resilience of your home. If getting a replacement isn’t possible before storm season, you can temporarily reinforce your garage door with a brace to minimize the likelihood of damage.

Getting a whole home generator

Hurricanes are notorious for knocking out power sometimes for extended periods of time. A whole home generator can be a good investment to keep your power on and ease the aftermath of a storm.

Investing in hurricane shutters

Like garage doors, your windows are also vulnerable to powerful hurricane winds. Choose and install code-conforming hurricane shutters to cover your windows and best protect against high winds. While many people choose to cover windows with plywood, this method offers less protection and should only be used as a last resort when hurricane shutters are not an option.

You can find more information on the best protection for these vulnerable parts of your home in the IBHS Opening Protection Guide.

Get a head start on your hurricane season prep

The Hurricane Ready guide also includes small but important last-minute actions to take when a tropical system nears. Those include bringing in loose items from the yard or patio, like outdoor furniture, grills, and recreational gear, and closing all interior doors before evacuating.

“The larger investments, like installing a FORTIFIED Roof or a wind-rated garage door, are improvements that will better prepare your family for many hurricane seasons to come, while others, like trimming trees, are ongoing maintenance projects that must be refreshed often,” adds Cope.

The downloadable checklist helps homeowners more easily schedule and keep track of tasks to complete all preparations. The checklist and Hurricane Ready guide are available at disastersafety.org/hurricaneready. The companion Hurricane Ready—Business guide, also found on disastersafety.org, is available for small business owners to guide preparations unique to commercial properties and business operations.

About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)

The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss. Learn more about IBHS at DisasterSafety.org.

About FORTIFIED Home

Please visit fortifiedhome.org to learn more about the IBHS FORTIFIED Home program, including the designation process, how to identify a certified FORTIFIED evaluator and other valuable resources.

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5 Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas for the Delicious Meal Mom Deserves

2021-05-07T10:15:00

(BPT) – Mother’s Day is all about brunch. Why not prepare a decadent Mother’s Day brunch that she deserves at home? Whether you enjoy it together, or you plan to drop off a favorite dish this year, here are some Mother’s Day brunch recipe ideas that will show her how much you appreciate her.

1. Bake fresh homemade bread

Nothing says, “I love you, Mom” like something baked from scratch. Show Mom how much you care by making her a loaf of homemade bread. Baking bread is actually easier than you might think. Plus, it’s the gift that keeps on giving: a slice for breakfast, one for an afternoon snack, and maybe another before bedtime. Win Mom’s heart by making Braided Sesame Egg Bread that’s just as delicious as it is beautiful with its glistening golden brown crust and three-strand braid. Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, salt and Lee Kum Kee Pure Sesame Oil, this slightly sweet option has a delicious nutty flavor from adding a bit of tasty sesame oil.

2. Treat mom with a sumptuous spring salad

Moms love when you make healthy choices. Make her a delicious salad to show her you’ve been listening. Made with bright, colorful ingredients like grapefruit, oranges and avocados, this cheerful Citrus Panzanella Salad made with Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Triple Citrus Grilling and Dipping Sauce makes for a brilliant salad. Lee Kum Kee makes it easy to elevate everyday salad recipes by adding a delicious twist of flavor. Combine onion, lemon juice, Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Flavored Oyster Sauce, and maple syrup for an easy and delicious vinaigrette.

3. Win over mom with an egg-cellent, effortless dish

Making a good egg recipe is one of the easiest and tastiest things you can do for Mother’s Day brunch. Show Mom she taught you something right with a deceptively easy Spinach & Beet Quiche that’s sure to wow. (Pro tip: use Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Cooking Soy Sauce to give your quiche a delicious twist of flavor.) Incredibly simple, these Ham & Egg Cups are also easy to make and customize, and incorporating Mom’s favorite ingredients won’t go unnoticed.

4. Bring her bagels in bed

If your mom is a fan of bagels in the morning, she’ll love a twist on the classic bagel on her special day. This loaded breakfast bagel sandwich is the ultimate way to kick off Mother’s Day. Caramelized onions tossed in Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Sweet Soy Sauce gives this bagel recipe that something extra that Mom deserves on Mother’s Day.

5. Kick her avocado toast up a notch

Avocado toast is one of life’s simplest pleasures so why not celebrate Mom with a unique twist on this popular dish. A few secrets are starting with WHOLLY Diced Avocado, for perfectly ripe avocados, anytime and anywhere, and topping it with Lee Kum Kee Lime Cilantro Hoisin Sauce for an umami splash.

For more recipes or inspiration, check out https://usa.lkk.com/en/recipes.

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As Americans venture out post-pandemic, they’re stepping into a digital savvy world

2021-05-07T17:01:00

(BPT) – More than a year after the pandemic began, Americans are realizing that almost every facet of life has changed. Suddenly their linear, analog world with a digital dabble has become a full-blown digital whirlwind. And that’s especially true when it comes to how they handle money.

The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way consumers shop — from the products they’re buying to the ways they’re paying for them. It’s made everyone revise their shopping habits and many of these trends appear here to stay. One obvious change is the explosion of online shopping, but there’s also been a focus on shopping local.

When it comes to consumer spending, the National Retail Association’s recent 2021 forecast anticipates retail sales to grow between 6.5 and 8.2 percent as more people get vaccinated and the economy reopens. And, as people venture back into brick-and-mortar stores in their communities, finance journalist Vera Gibbons says consumers can feel confident as they return.

“Americans are excited to return to brick-and-mortar stores but many are already looking for touch-free payment options to avoid handling cash, touching keypads and signing receipts at checkout,” Gibbons said. “We saw this trend really take off during the pandemic and this is now the preferred payment method for many businesses and their customers. So the idea of paying with touch-free options like QR codes has moved to the forefront as a safe, secure solution when shopping in-store.”

In fact, research from PayPal shows that 57 percent of consumers surveyed said merchants’ digital payment offerings impact their willingness to shop in their stores. And more than a third said they would not buy from merchants at all if QR code-enabled payments were unavailable.

“PayPal and Venmo QR Codes are convenient, easy, touch-free payment options that allow for a sense of security, and enable consumers to shop safely and with ease,” Gibbons said. “They incorporate the safety, security and convenience of using PayPal and Venmo in-person and enables ongoing social distancing requirements and safety preferences for in-person commerce.”

Purchasing with QR codes from companies like PayPal and Venmo allow customers flexibility when it comes to their preferred method of payment at checkout.

“You can choose to pay how you want, using stored debit or credit cards, bank accounts or funds from your PayPal Cash Plus Account. Similarly for Venmo QR codes, customers can pay using their stored debit or credit cards, bank account or funds from their balance with Venmo,” Gibbons said. “Plus there’s no tech to touch — just aim your own smartphone camera at the QR code when presented at checkout or show your code to the cashier at participating retailers. The process is very easy and exceptionally convenient.”

After a year of doing without vacation travel, concerts, dining out, etc., many may be itching to splurge, but the experts say this is the time to be savvy, not emotional, while shopping.

“There’s a lot of optimism going forward in terms of economic growth, but don’t go too crazy and go on a spending binge. It might make you feel good to buy yourself a little something or two or three, but you’ll likely regret it when the credit card bill arrives,” Gibbons said. “And more than ever, comparison shopping is key. Prices have probably shifted on all of your favorites as a result of rising demand, diminishing supplies, or both! So it’s never been more important that you check prices and comparison shop so you can find the best deals.”

For more information on making purchases safely using QR codes, visit www.paypal.com.

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5 last-minute ways to satisfy Mom’s sweet tooth for Mother’s Day

2021-05-06T17:33:00

(BPT) – She’s the rock-solid foundation of your family, the one everyone turns to when they need help or comfort, and who always seems to know the right thing to do or the best words to say.

When you’re searching for the perfect last-minute gift to show your mom and any of the other mothers in your life how much you appreciate them, there’s no better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than by appealing to her sweet side. This Mother’s Day, show her how much you care with homemade gifts, premium chocolate and wonderful experiences that you know she’ll love.

1. Bake it from the heart

Moms love when you bake them something sweet, so add Nutella to your shopping list to make these tasty Cookies with Nutella® in time for Mother’s Day! After they’re cool, wrap them up in a decorative box or jar. Visit https://www.nutella.com/us/en/get-inspired/recipes for more Nutella recipes.

Nutella Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup Nutella
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
With electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add sugar and beat until fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Add egg and beat until combined.
Beat in Nutella, baking soda, baking powder, salt and vanilla until well combined.
Beat in flour until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts by hand.
Scoop dough by large tablespoons and form into balls. Place about 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes, until edges are crispy and center is still slightly soft.
Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes on baking sheet. Finishing cooling on wire rack.

2. Impress her with a dazzling box of chocolates

Everyone’s favorite hazelnut chocolates, Ferrero Rocher, are beautifully presented in an impressive transparent gift box that reflects light to create a dazzling diamond effect and makes for the perfect gift for mom to transform the moment into a celebration of her. Each fine Ferrero Rocher chocolate is wrapped in gold foil and is a multi-layered combination of a luscious creamy filling within a delicate crisp wafer, all enveloped in milk chocolate and crunchy hazelnut pieces with a whole hazelnut at its center. You can find it on Amazon.com and at major retailers nationwide.

3. Delight her with a chocolate work of art

Surprise the special moms in your life with Ferrero Golden Gallery Signature, the premium assortment of expertly crafted chocolates known for high-quality ingredients. Each chocolate work of art is meant to delight the senses and is presented in an elegant golden tray within a luxurious gift box. Discover together a captivating array of taste experiences with flavors spanning dark, milk and white chocolate, and remarkable ingredients such as soft buttery caramel, crispy cocoa shavings and Arabica coffee. To make your time with mom extra special this Mother’s Day, create a tasting experience you both can enjoy together in person or virtually. Whether mom is a coffee enthusiast or purveyor of fine wines, a box of Golden Gallery Signature Chocolates and a few different roasts of coffee or varieties of white and red wines will make for an indulgent and flavorful journey. You can find the collection on Amazon and at major retailers nationwide.

4. Gift her a classic

For the moms in your life who love caramel and nuts, Fannie May Pixies are the perfect blend of hand-poured caramel, lightly roasted pecans and chocolate. As Fannie May’s most popular treat, these classic chocolates will be the perfect treat for any moms in your life who have a sweet tooth. They are available on Amazon and at your local Fannie May store (check their website for store locations near you).

5. Don’t forget the sweet words

No matter what gift you choose to celebrate your mom, aunt, grandma, wife or daughter in honor of Mother’s Day this year, don’t forget to include a heartfelt, handwritten card. Nothing will mean more to her than your own words, telling her how much you love her and that you appreciate everything she does.

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Refresh your kitchen with an easy DIY tile countertop that requires no demolition

2021-05-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – The kitchen is the heart of the home and many people have been spending much more time at home. If you look at your laminate countertops and long for something new, consider a refresh rather than a replacement. A new countertop can cost thousands of dollars depending on material, but updating an existing countertop with ceramic tile costs far less and is an easy weekend DIY project with big impact.

Keep in mind, a minor kitchen remodel is a worthwhile project, with over 72% return on investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report. A new countertop can be part of a remodel or a single project with eye-catching appeal that will instantly transform a kitchen. Plus, because you can do a ceramic tile project yourself, you’ll save money while enhancing your home’s value.

Ceramic tiles refresh for less

Ceramic tiles are ideal for the kitchen because they are durable, affordable, stain-resistant and come in a variety of colors. Plus, these tiles are often sold with complementary bullnose pieces, which are rounded to make edging the countertop easy and with professional-looking results.

For a clean, classic look, consider white tile that will brighten the space. If that’s not your style, look for other ceramic tile options available in a rainbow of colors and glazes that can complement your interior design and personal taste. Blue hues, for example, provide a pop of color, while gray hues add a more modern touch. No matter what you select, updating laminate with tile is sure to make your kitchen feel new and elevate the space.

Tools and tricks of the trade

Installing a tile countertop might seem intimidating, but with a few tips and the right products, even a novice DIYer can be extremely successful. To start, consider using high-strength installation alternatives like SimpleMat to replace messy thin-set mortars and mastics for bonding tiles to a surface. SimpleMat is the quickest, easiest, cleanest way to set tile.

How does it work? The double-sided adhesive mat is designed so you can install at your own pace — in sections over several days or all at once. Once the tile is set on the section you’re working on, grout within 24 hours. To simplify the grouting process and save time, opt for ready-to-use SimpleGrout Pre-Mixed Grout that doesn’t require mixing, is stain-resistant and won’t shrink in grout joints.

Steps to install a tile countertop

1. Remember to put safety first when working on home projects. Follow manufacturer recommendations and wear eye protection and gloves as needed.

2. Measure your counter to determine the amount of tile, setting mat and grout needed for the project.

3. Ensure that your chosen tile meets the size and weight requirements of the mat.

4. Wipe the countertop clean to remove any food, dust or contaminants.

5. Cut the two-sided adhesive mat to size, peel the back to expose the adhesive and apply to the countertop, overlapping sheets according to the instructions.

6. Lay out and cut your tile in desired sizes and shapes. Remove the release liner to expose the adhesive ridges on the front of the mat. You do not need mortar. Set the tile in place on the countertop using grout spacers to ensure straight rows and then firmly push the tile into the mat using your hand or a flat surface like a grout float to lock the tile into position.

7. Grout the tile within 24 hours after setting the tile on the adhesive mat. Apply the grout according to the directions, spread the grout using a grout float held at a 45-degree angle and make sure that grout fills every joint between the tiles. Grout only about five square feet at a time and then begin shaping grout joints and clean up immediately.

8. Remove excess grout with the float and then shape and clean using a lightly damp grout sponge in a circular motion. Rinse sponge with fresh water, wring out fully and repeat the process until all the tile has been grouted and cleaned.

9. Wait 24 hours for grout to dry and then apply SimpleFix Caulk in the grout joint at the right angle where the tile meets the wall to ensure a smooth transition and to protect the tile.

SimpleMat is available exclusively at The Home Depot.

For more information and to learn more about time-saving products for installing a tile countertop yourself, visit Custom Building Products at www.custombuildingproducts.com.

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5 tips to help you take control of your finances

2021-05-06T17:48:04

(BPT) – Many people are reassessing goals in light of the turmoil of the last year. There is a renewed focus on gaining control of finances, especially through increased saving and getting professional advice. Even Americans who did not lose work lost a sense of confidence in the economy.

A new survey by Harris Poll for Empower Retirement and Personal Capital reveals a change in attitudes about finances from April — as the pandemic’s effects were beginning — to December of 2020. Despite the stock market rallying after the initial lockdowns, 22% of survey respondents from December said they felt optimistic about their finances, down from 29% in the April survey.

Two thirds of respondents said they were bracing for financial pain in the event of future lockdowns, with 44% concerned about losing money on investments. Reacting to uncontrollable world events, one theme emerged: People want to feel more in control of their own finances, whatever comes next.

These tips can help you feel more confident financially, no matter your circumstances.

1. Save what you can

There’s no better buffer against unexpected emergencies — anything from car breakdowns to job loss — than an emergency fund. Financial professionals recommend saving at least three to six months of expenses to be prepared for emergencies.

Sound daunting? Start small and consider setting up automatic deposits into a savings account with each paycheck, to save without thinking about it. Even a few dollars per pay period can add up over time.

2. Invest in your family’s future

According to the survey, parents are concerned about the pandemic’s impact on their children’s education, but many believe the crisis will lead to a fundamental shift in higher education. Nearly 6 out of 10 (59%) expect student loan debt forgiveness to become more common, and half believe the pandemic will make higher education more accessible in the long term.

If your children are college bound, have a conversation with a financial professional or your child’s high school guidance counselor about how financial aid works and what strategies may benefit your family. If you have young children, look into a 529 college savings plan in your state, which can provide tax and financial benefits.

3. Don’t forget retirement

Whether you’re approaching retirement age soon or it’s years away, consider taking full advantage of your employer’s matching funds for your 401(k) contributions. Ask your HR department about how to fully utilize all your available employer retirement benefits and increase your retirement savings percentage now if you can. Your future self will thank you.

4. Consider your HSA account as part of your retirement strategy

If your company offers a health savings account (HSA), remember that any unused funds can be saved up to be used during your retirement — adding to your future financial stability. When you do need your HSA for medical expenses, check with your employer to see how it can best be used. An HSA can help pay for qualified medical expenses including prescriptions, medical tests and treatments, including many vision and dental expenses.

5. Consult a professional

Americans are focusing on fundamentals: cutting spending, increasing savings and safeguarding investments. As uncertainly continues, an increasing number are seeking professional help to make financial decisions and plans.

“A good financial professional can provide not just advice on saving and investing, but financial wellness recommendations on everything from building a budget and starting an emergency fund to managing debt,” said Edmund Murphy, president and CEO of Empower Retirement.

A financial professional can help you set priorities and find the best vehicles for protecting and growing your money. Ask your employer if your retirement plan provider offers financial advice through virtual sessions or phone calls with a professional. You may also be able to access digital tools that help you calculate how close you are to your retirement goals, along with ways to monitor your investments.

For more tips about financial planning, visit Empower-retirement.com/empower-insights.

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Going remote permanently? 5 essentials for a successful work-from-home environment

2021-05-06T10:01:00

(BPT) – As the pandemic began, many professionals quickly switched from working in the office to working from home. What started as a tentative few weeks turned into a few months and now over a year later, many people are still working remotely. Furthermore, at increasing rates companies are transitioning indefinitely to hybrid or full-time remote work.

Perhaps realizing the convenience for employees and the cost savings for organizations, leaders at companies nationwide are making the move permanent. In fact, an April 2021 report from Garner found 74% of CFOs intend to shift some employees to remote work permanently. This appears to be a welcome change for most workers. A Harvard Business School survey found 81% of professionals either don’t want to go back to the office or would prefer a hybrid schedule going forward.

If you’re part of the movement and will be working from home more permanently, it’s smart to take a fresh look at your work environment. Many people transitioned quickly to working at home last year and makeshift offices became the norm. Now that you know you’ll be working from home regularly, making strategic updates to the work environment can support productivity, professionalism and overall success.

Create a designated work space

Even if you don’t have the luxury of a designated office, you can still make changes to make remote work a bigger part of your home life. If you have a flex room, designate it as an office during work hours. Some people renovate a closet or corner nook into an office with a desk and other necessities. If space is limited, consider a mobile office such as a desk on casters so you can bring your desk into the kitchen or living room when working, and tuck away at close of business. Monitors, such as LG’s unique Ergo models, can replace a conventional monitor stand with a desk clamp to free up even more room in your work space without sacrificing performance or screen size.

Upgrade technology

Upgrade your old laptop with technology that keeps up with your professional and personal needs. For example, the LG gram lineup is a top choice among premium Windows laptops. LG gram laptops are sleek, lightweight and powerful, with a vivid display. They feature a 16:10 aspect ratio screen which is larger than the typical 16:9 screens found on most laptops, and maximizes work efficiency, whether you use it for your job, side gig or passion project. With a long-lasting battery, you extend time between charges so you never miss a beat. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easily portable, so it can roll with your daily routine.

Assess the light

Proper light when working benefits you more than you think. First, adequate light prevents eye strain and helps you work more efficiently. Good light can also help you look your best on video conferences now that you’ll be meeting digital more often. A good overhead light is a must, so upgrade bulbs if necessary. Natural light is also beneficial, and by setting a desk up to face it, the light will illuminate your face, which is great for video. If no natural light is available, a desk lamp can be helpful. Avoid being backlit as it can cause shadows on video and reflect off your computer to cause visual discomfort.

Implement good ergonomics

Forget the uncomfortable kitchen chair or the too-comfortable bed — it’s worthwhile to invest in some ergonomic office equipment to support your well-being and streamline the work day. Some of the most beneficial include a comfortable yet supportive office chair and a hands-free headset for ease of communication. Be mindful how you type and interreact with technology as well. Ergonomic navigation is essential, which is why LG enlarged the gram’s keyboard and touchpad for extended comfort and efficiency without compromising the portability.

Set some rules

Working from home can come with many challenges, from distractions and interruptions to the temptation to work through lunch and extend the work day into evening hours. Set some boundaries for everyone’s benefit, including designating times for breaks and start/stop times on your digital calendar. To focus, add white noise or use noise-canceling headphones, depending on your preference. Talk with roommates or family members about respecting office hours and your workspace, and never underestimate the value of an old-fashioned do-not-disturb sign on the door.

Most people have excelled at working from home throughout the pandemic. With permanent shifts to remote work on the horizon, many are making updates like these to help them thrive in a remote working environment long term.