Month: October 2021

2021-10-31T12:01:00

(BPT) – Numbering at over 4 million, nurses are the largest group of health care professionals in the United States. It’s estimated that one in every 100 people is a registered nurse. And for 19 years straight, Americans have ranked nursing the most honest and ethical professional in an annual Gallup poll. According to the American Nurses Association, nurses are leading the response to the most challenging issues facing our health care system from ending the COVID-19 pandemic, to alleviating health inequities, improving access to care, developing technologies to improve patient outcomes and more.

Serving all patients and communities

In an era of increasing public health challenges and the persistent COVID-19 pandemic, the nursing workforce is making a dramatic difference from the bedside to the boardroom, providing 24/7 expert clinical care, promoting public health and protecting our well-being. Nurses directly influence the health of communities by providing care and education to reduce the incidence of and to help patients effectively manage chronic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Nurses are providing direct clinical services, collaborating with community members, and leading care in local health departments and community-based clinics. Some nurses, like advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), are primary care providers, caring for patients and families in metropolitan and rural areas.

Advocating for health care

Nurses are considered one of the most trusted voices in health care because they know that where people live, work and play affects their health and quality of life. Because of their deep understanding and unmatched perspective on what works in our health care system and what doesn’t work, nurses are influencing important health policy. Nurses serving in the U.S. House of Representatives address longstanding health inequities, access to affordable care, and issues impacting the nursing profession. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses’ leadership and advocacy for wider availability of COVID-19 testing, steady supplies of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) and increased public education about COVID-19 vaccines as well as equitable distribution helped save the lives of millions of Americans.

Responding to public health crises

The nursing profession has a track record of responding to public health crises and is a driving force behind the colossal COVID-19 response efforts currently underway. Nurses are educating communities about the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, administering COVID-19 vaccines, advocating for relief and aid, and more. For nearly two years, nurses have provided lifesaving treatment and high-quality care, showing unwavering commitment to their patients and communities during this unprecedented pandemic. Nurses were also at the vanguard of combatting many other public health crises such as the HIV and AIDS epidemic, the H1N1 pandemic, the Ebola outbreak and countless others.

Leading scientific research and development

In an ever-changing landscape, nurses are solving today’s complex health care issues and exchanging ideas throughout the health care system. Nurses work as scientists, conducting research and forging innovative solutions to make care accessible and improve patient outcomes. They are developing technologies to reduce the risk of infections during hospital stays and a group of nurses built one of the largest contact tracing endeavors in modern history to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

We can all support nurses

Nurses are demonstrating how their immeasurable contributions extend beyond the crucial role of caring for patients in hospitals and clinics, to community health service and the halls of Congress.

But the pandemic strained a nursing workforce that was already struggling with staffing issues. American’s health will be at risk without a concerted effort to address decades of underlying, chronic challenges. The American Nurses Association is calling on Congress to increase the investment of federal and state resources to support nurses and take immediate action through policy to ensure we have a strong nursing workforce today and in the future.

Today, we can all support nurses by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, encouraging our friends and family to get vaccinated, and following the guidance of public health officials regarding wearing masks and physical distancing. COVID-19 vaccinations are available from your health care provider, at pharmacies and other locations nationwide. Ending the suffering of the pandemic by getting vaccinated is the most effective way to support and relieve nurses during these challenging times.

To learn more about the nursing profession, visit NursingWorld.org.

2021-10-29T19:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Incyte Corporation

Living with eczema can be frustrating, painful, and, at times, a source of some tough days. Just ask Linette Roungchun, who has been living with atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common form of eczema, since she was three years old.

“When you have eczema, your condition impacts every single aspect of your life whether you realize it or not,” says Linette. “The worst thing is that you can’t just ignore it and pretend it doesn’t bother you.”

AD is often thought of as dry, irritated skin, or a rash. And it is simply that for some. But, what many people don’t realize is that AD can have a much deeper impact on some who suffer from this common skin condition. AD affects more than 21 million people in the United States ages 12 and older¹ and is characterized by irritated and itchy skin that can cause bumpy lesions that may ooze and crust.² The majority of people with AD report a cycle of itch and trying different management options with limited relief that can take a toll both mentally and physically.³

“The itch is a constant distraction. All through the day I am surreptitiously scratching behind my desk or out of frame on a web conference,” says Linette. “And guaranteed once I get home and am able to remove my work attire, I’ll have an itch attack, and then another at night during sleep.”

The itch associated with AD can also have a profound effect on a person’s relationships, social life and mental health. In fact, according to a survey of more than 600 adults living with AD, 39% reported avoiding social interaction, one in four rated their health as “fair” to “poor” and more than 16% reported they are “very” or “somewhat dissatisfied with life.”⁴ This impact on daily activities can be extremely isolating for some, but the good news is that help is available for those who want it.

In 2019, Linette began to share her journey with AD on social media after being inspired by others speaking out about their experience with the condition. Since then, she has thrown herself head first into the AD online community, speaking with people living with AD, leading meetups and supporting advocacy groups.

“When I first started looking for support from the online community, about 15-20 years ago, there were limited resources available that weren’t that helpful to me. But now, there are so many different social media platforms where one can readily find support,” Linette said. “The eczema community means everything to me. I’ve looked for this kind of love and support since I was a child, and am now so grateful that I am making these real connections.”

Through her community involvement, Linette has tried to positively impact the lives of those living with AD by providing an avenue for conversation, and reassuring others they aren’t alone in their journey. Through sharing her story online and partnerships with advocacy organizations, including the National Eczema Association, and the Allergy and Asthma Network, she’s been able to gather a global support network within the AD community.

Another key relationship in building a community is ensuring a strong, trusted relationship with a dermatologist. When living with a chronic, inflammatory condition like AD, it’s important to establish recurrent visits with a dermatologist who can help create individualized management plans.

“My journey with eczema has taught me that though my condition can be so unforgiving at times, my skin is a warning that something is off-kilter. I’ve learned a lot from this condition — mainly how to be incredibly loving and empathetic while still looking out for myself.”

Connecting with others in the AD community can make you feel less alone and may lead to an increased understanding about living with AD. Visit Startfromscratch.com to access resources and learn more about AD.

MAT-DRM-00348 10/21

REFERENCES: 1. Silverberg JI, Gelfand JM, Margolis DJ, et al. Atopic dermatitis in US adults: from population to health care utilization. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019;7(5):1524-1532. 2. Boguniewicz M, Fonacier L, Guttman-Yassky E, et al. Atopic dermatitis yardstick: practical recommendations for an evolving therapeutic landscape. J. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(1):10-22. 3. More Than Skin Deep. Understanding the lived experience of eczema. http://www.morethanskindeep-eczema.org/uploads/1/2/5/3/125377765/mtsd_report_-_digital_file_1.pdf. Published March 2020. Accessed October 5, 2021. 4. Silverberg JI, Gelfand JM, Margolis DJ, et al. Patient burden and quality of life in atopic dermatitis in US adults: a population-based cross-sectional study. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;121(3):340-347.

2021-10-29T19:01:00

(BPT) – The breast cancer treatment journey – something nearly one in eight women will experience sometime in their lifetime[1] – can be overwhelming and filled with uncertainty. To hear “you have breast cancer,” or “your breast cancer is progressing” can be incredibly jarring. Often, one of the first things people want to know about their breast cancer is its stage, meaning how extensive the breast cancer is based on tumor size, its location and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.[2]

While stage is certainly important in helping determine how to treat breast cancer, there are a number of other factors patients should consider with their healthcare team. One such consideration is their breast cancer type, which can be determined by the presence of certain proteins or other substances that can lead to the presence of cancer, also known as cancer biomarkers. These biomarkers can provide valuable information about the cancer, including how aggressive it is and whether it may help inform treatment options.[3]

Here are five things to know about human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), one of the commonly seen breast cancer biomarkers.[4]

1. You too should think about HER2.

BRCA genes are the most well-known genes linked to breast cancer,[5] and might be among the first things that come to your mind when you hear “breast cancer biomarker.” But if you receive a breast cancer diagnosis or learn your cancer has returned or is spreading, you should also think about HER2. HER2 is a protein found on the surface of all breast cells, and when an individual with breast cancer has higher-than-normal levels of the HER2 protein, among other factors, their cancer can be considered HER2-positive.[6] This form of breast cancer, which accounts for about one in five cases of breast cancer in the US, tends to grow faster and is more likely to spread and come back compared to HER2-negative breast cancers.

2. There are a number of tests available to detect the presence of HER2.

Testing for HER2 is a routine process that can help patients receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. It’s important to speak with your physician regarding available testing options and what the results may mean for you.

Two of the most common tests to find out if a person’s breast cancer is HER2-positive are:[7]

• IHC (Immunohistochemistry): IHC test works by identifying the level of HER2 proteins on the surface of cells. In breast cancer, a score of 3+ means that the cancer has a lot of this protein and is considered “HER2-positive,” while a score of 0 or 1+ means that the cancer has low levels or no detected levels of HER2, or “HER2-negative.” A score of 2+ means that the levels are in-between and other tests, such as ISH, will be performed.
• ISH (In Situ Hybridization): ISH test is used to find specific pieces of a cell’s DNA. Based on the signal, can inform whether the cell has abnormalities such as extra or fewer than expected copies. A tissue sample with abnormalities will be scored ISH-positive.

3. Your HER2 status can change.[7]

It is important to note that HER2 status can change over time. The change may happen due to certain treatments, or due to cells evolving as the cancer progresses. If your breast cancer returns or spreads to other organs, you and your doctor may have a discussion to see if it would make sense to do a biopsy to retest your tissue.

4. Great strides have been made in research and treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer.[7]

Thanks to ongoing research, doctors have a much better understanding of various types of metastatic breast cancer, and today there are a number of treatments available or in development, specifically for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Historically, patients had chemotherapy and hormonal therapy as treatment options. Today, there are also targeted treatment options available to patients living with this disease.

5. It starts with a conversation.

It is important to speak with your healthcare team about biomarker testing and from there, develop a plan together that best suits your diagnosis and your needs. Breast cancer management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Having an open dialogue with your healthcare team about the characteristics of your cancer, including its subtype, can help empower you to chart your journey forward.

For more information, you can also visit Beyond Pink for helpful resources and support on navigating your journey with metastatic breast cancer.

2021-10-29T07:39:00

(BPT) – UPS, like many other companies, is hiring thousands — in this case, more than 100,000 employees — to help with the holiday season.

To inform what’s driving potential applicants in the U.S., UPS commissioned the 2021 Peak Hiring Survey.

Findings from the survey identified three key themes:

1. COVID-19 changed the attributes and offerings applicants seek in employment, and this is especially true among millennials.
2. Applicants are looking for more than a seasonal job; they’re looking for a job with long-term potential.
3. Offering flexible schedules can be a game changer for applicants with multiple offers in hand.

What applicants seek in employment is changing

With hiring needs at an all-time high nationwide, applicants are now considering what matters most to them when accepting a position, seasonal or otherwise. And this is especially true among millennials.

The UPS Peak Season survey found four in five millennials say the pandemic changed what they’re looking for in an employer, and nearly 90% said they’re more open to the types of jobs they’d accept, compared to the year before. This can be a good thing for employers, attracting talent who may have never considered work as a driver or warehouse worker, for example, if they have the right incentives and benefit packages in place.

Can seasonal turn into permanent?

While applicants have many options when it comes to seasonal work, one thing is clear — they see value in a seasonal position that brings the potential for a permanent role. According to the survey, nearly three in four respondents acknowledged wanting a seasonal position that could turn into a permanent position. Moreover, the potential for a seasonal job to lead to full-time employment would lead more than a quarter of respondents to choose the job over another offer.

“While we know wages can be a major factor, and UPS offers competitive wages across the country, this survey helped confirm a differentiator for UPS — the ability to transition from seasonal to permanent employment,” said Matt Lavery, director of HR for UPS.

At UPS, 138,000 employees, including many senior executives, started in seasonal positions and moved to permanent roles. That’s nearly a third of UPS’s entire U.S. workforce.

“It’s a unique claim we can stake,” Matt said. “It’s something we’re really proud of.”

During times of uncertainty, flexibility is key

The pandemic has shown flexibility is a critical attribute. According to the UPS Peak Season Survey, flexible hours ranked as the most important attribute of a seasonal position, followed by a quick application process, and then benefits. Women, more than men, identified the importance of flexible hours, with nearly one in two noting that a schedule that works with their lifestyle is the most important quality of a seasonal job.

UPS announced in early September it would hire more than 100,000 seasonal workers this holiday season. The company continues to hire tractor trailer drivers, package car drivers, driver helpers, package handlers and other warehouse positions, as well as personal vehicle drivers. Permanent UPS jobs — including part-time jobs — come with competitive pay and excellent benefits, including healthcare and retirement. And at many UPS locations, seasonal hires can earn up to $1,300 in tuition assistance through its Earn and Learn program.

If interested in applying for a job with UPS, visit Jobs-UPS.com.

*Methodology

TRUE Global Intelligence, FleishmanHillard’s in-house research practice, conducted an online survey with 1,000 U.S. workers aged 18-55 who currently hold, have held in the past, or would consider accepting a seasonal or temporary job. The survey was fielded from Aug. 27 to Sept. 1, 2021, and the sponsor of the study was not revealed to participants.

2021-10-29T07:39:00

(BPT) – Many people can remember where they were, how they felt and most of all, how their lives changed on September 11, 2001. Those terrorist attacks impacted our country’s affairs at home and abroad as many chose to step up and serve their country and community that day. Twenty years later, that commitment continues as veterans serve in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity and other challenges facing communities.

“Service above self is ingrained in veterans and it’s why many of us joined the military — we were looking for ways to connect to other people and serve a cause greater than ourselves,” said Mary Beth Bruggeman, Marine veteran and president of The Mission Continues. “But representing less than 10% of the population, veterans alone can’t solve the challenges that exist within our communities. It will take both veterans and non-veterans working together toward a shared goal to create positive change through continued service.”

As Veterans Day approaches, there are several ways to honor veterans and their spirit of service, including:

• Don’t just thank – ask. While thanking a veteran is a great way to show appreciation, consider asking a veteran about their time in service: What did it mean to them to serve and what did they learn from their experience? Taking the time to ask about their service is a great way to engage in conversation and learn more about a veteran.
• Identify challenges and opportunities in your organization. During their time in service, veterans learn many valuable and transferable skills such as leadership and teamwork. Veterans often seek out these types of challenges once their service is complete and would welcome the opportunity to help find solutions. They can bring a unique perspective along with a different type of expertise that you may not have.
• Get involved in the community. This is important for non-veterans and veterans alike. And organizations such as the nonprofit The Mission Continues enlist veterans and volunteers and connect them to under-resourced communities to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity and more.

In reflecting, it’s important to recognize the significance of continuing the mission forward to shape the future. This year, The Mission Continues, an organization dedicated to the empowerment of veterans as community-based leaders, launched Operation Enduring Service, a year-long service campaign to honor the 20th anniversary of the attacks and inspire the next 20 years of service. More than 80 service projects are being held throughout communities all across the country that veterans will lead. Volunteers are needed to support those service efforts to help under-resourced communities. To learn more and join the effort, visit: https://www.missioncontinues.org/enduringservice/.

2021-10-28T13:01:00

(BPT) – Every parent with young children likes to make sure their home is as safe as it possibly can be. Even though you have taken the time to childproof your home, no parent can think of everything. Hidden hazards that pose a potential safety risk to your child may still be in your home without you realizing it. One of these hidden hazards that needs to be brought to the attention of parents and caregivers is corded window coverings.

October is National Window Covering Safety Month. National Window Covering Safety Month is meant to highlight the potential dangers of corded window coverings and increase awareness of the potential strangulation hazard that exposed cords can present to young children. This month, The Window Covering Safety Council is asking you to take a minute to look at your window coverings and the window coverings in the home of any caregivers of your child. If you find any corded window coverings, do what’s best for kids and go cordless!

Below is a list of window covering safety tips you should follow to make sure your kids are as safe as possible.

1. Check your home and the home of caregivers for window coverings with a tassel cord or a continuous loop. These cords could pose a risk of accidental entanglement and should be replaced as soon as possible. In the meantime, move all furniture, cribs, and toys as far away from the corded window coverings as possible and make sure you pull the tassel cord as short as possible while purchasing replacements.
2. Make sure you purchase cordless window coverings. Cordless window coverings are newer, safer window covering products easily available on the market today. They have become the safety standard for window coverings. These safer, cordless window coverings have no cords, no operating cords and inner cords that are not accessible, or if accessible inner cords are present in products with no operating cords, the accessible inner cords cannot create a hazardous loop.
3. Look for the Best for Kids^TM Certification Label when purchasing window coverings. Finding cordless window coverings is easier than you think. Just look for the Best for Kids^TM Label on the package of any window coverings you plan to purchase. This certification shows that the window coverings have gone through a series of laboratory tests to ensure they are safer products to use around children. Products with this label are available at all major retailers.
4. Make sure your cordless window coverings are properly installed. After you’ve purchased your cordless window coverings, the next step is to install them. Make sure your children are out of the room when you are installing the cordless window coverings and properly follow all directions included with the product. After they are hung up, look at them to make sure that everything is set up properly and no inner parts are exposed.
5. Check the window coverings of your child’s caregiver(s). Chances are that your child does not spend all day at your house and may stay with a caregiver from time to time. Check their home(s) to make sure their window coverings are cordless as well. If not, educate them about the potential hazard of corded window coverings and encourage them to go cordless.

Spread the word on cordless window coverings this National Window Covering Safety Month. Remind all your friends with young children to check their window coverings. If they find they have corded window coverings, encourage them to do what’s best for kids and go cordless!

2021-10-28T13:01:00

(BPT) – Paid Content by Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

If you’re looking for a home, you already know that it’s rough out there. With a low supply of homes for sale across the country, prices have skyrocketed, pricing many prospective homebuyers out of the market.

In many of the nation’s hotspots, multiple buyers are competing for each home. Prospective buyers are making all-cash offers, writing personal letters to convince homeowners to choose them, and paying significantly more than asking price.

Home prices have been on the rise for the past few decades, according to research conducted by Fannie Mae^®, while the inventory of available houses has been steadily decreasing. In fact, according to Fannie Mae^®, the average price of a home has risen by almost 47% since 2012, and 76% since 2008. Wages, meanwhile, have gone up 17%.

If you’re worried about being frozen out of the housing market, there’s some good news − there are alternatives to traditional housing. While structures like earth berms, tiny homes, shipping container houses and RVs tend to get more attention, manufactured homes are the unsung heroes of the housing market right now.

While the median home price across the United States in 2021 is $390,900, the average sales price of a manufactured home (not including land) is around $106,500, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is a manufactured home?

Manufactured homes are built to standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), constructed with quality materials, and typically meet or exceed the specifications of site-built homes. There are multiple categories of manufactured housing including traditional manufactured homes, and CrossMod™ homes.

Site-built homes describe homes that are built on location, while off site–built homes are built somewhere else. Manufactured homes are built off-site inside home building facilities, and then completed on your land. Homes built off-site have a number of benefits, including:

• Built more efficiently for reduced cost
• Built more sustainably with less waste
• Inspected by HUD at select points during the build process

Perks of manufactured homes

Manufactured homes built today are stylish and can feature an array of upgrades. Whether you want high-end cabinetry, a standing tub, hardwood flooring or drywall, these upgrades are typically available. A manufactured home can look just like a contemporary site-built home.

Because of innovative building practices, these features can come at a more affordable price point. In many circumstances, manufactured homes can appreciate in value like traditional housing when affixed to land as real property, and manufactured homes can be more energy efficient than a typical site-built home.

Affordability

The average price of a new manufactured home can vary. The average size is 1,184 sq. ft., which is smaller than most site-built homes sold this year.

That’s not a bad thing. Most new site-built housing built today is on average 2,322 sq. ft. and finding something smaller and more affordable is a challenge. For first-time homebuyers or for those wanting to downsize, manufactured housing could be a better fit for your lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a large home with a smaller price tag, multi-section manufactured homes are available for those looking for lots of square footage. The price can still be significantly less than a site-built home.

Manufactured homes hold value

Manufactured homes attached to a permanent foundation appreciate at an average rate of 3.4%, while traditional homes appreciate at an average rate of 3.8%. So, while manufactured homes may not appreciate at the exact same rate, they’re pretty close! That’s a common misconception most people are not aware of. But as with any home, you’ll need to maintain your manufactured home and property to retain long-term value.

Energy efficiency

ENERGY STAR^® certified manufactured homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, which means lower energy bills and less of a negative impact on the environment.

If you own land and are looking for an alternative to a brand new site-built home, a manufactured home may be a great fit for you.

But what if you don’t have land?

Financing tips for manufactured housing

The conundrum many potential homeowners face when considering manufactured housing is finding land. If you own land, no matter how big or small, the process can be a lot easier, especially with Vanderbilt Mortgage. That’s true whether the land is in your name, or if it will be gifted to you at closing. Depending on eligibility, you can even use your land in lieu of a cash down payment.

Vanderbilt Mortgage’s Express Portal makes the loan process easy by keeping all documents online. It tracks where you are in the process and keeps communication flowing smoothly between you and your loan processing team. When it comes to financing your manufactured home, here are just some of the loan options that are usually available in the marketplace:

• Fannie Mae’s^® MH Advantage^® loan offers low down payment options for CrossMod homes, which are a new class of manufactured homes that can appraise like site-built housing and have conventional financing programs.
• A simple land-home loan through Vanderbilt Mortgage allows you to bundle a manufactured home with land, while a construction-to-perm loan will work for you if you’re getting a new manufactured home from the factory.
• You can even work with lenders who are approved to offer government programs like VA and FHA to purchase a manufactured home at lower interest rates.

Buying a manufactured home without accompanying land can be a little more complicated. Typically, without a permanent foundation, a manufactured home is considered chattel, which just means it’s personal property, not real estate. Loans for chattel typically have a lower lending limit than a mortgage, and interest rates can be higher. If you don’t want to own land, you can always lease land to put your manufactured home on.

Manufactured homes are a more sustainable alternative to traditional housing and a smart, fast solution to owning a home. With comparable features to traditional homes and a similar appreciation rate, it just might be the solution the current housing market needs.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

All loans are subject to credit approval.

Vanderbilt Mortgage, and its dba Silverton Mortgage, is authorized to originate FHA and VA loans, but it is not an agent of, or affiliated with, the U.S. Government. Availability for manufactured housing may vary. Contact for details.

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., and its dba Silverton Mortgage, 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law License and Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking, Rhode Island Licensed Lender.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

2021-10-28T12:55:00

(BPT) – The holidays are back, and they’re bigger than ever. It’s time to have the super-sized season you’ve been dreaming of — for less than you’d expect. Live large because more is more. You deserve to celebrate BIG after everything you’ve been through. This year, you can have it all when it comes to holiday décor.

Here’s how to deck your halls without blowing your budget:

1. Shop early and often

Don’t make one ginormous list and force yourself to buy everything at once. Shop in stages. Tackle one room at a time or start outdoors and work your way in. Breaking your holiday décor shopping into smaller pieces makes the whole thing more manageable. Buy it when you see it because global supply-chain issues are wreaking havoc with inventories everywhere. Take advantage of extended store hours to grab a few things before work or after dinner. All Big Lots stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day, so you can start decorating while the turkey’s still in the oven. And let’s be honest, it’s never too early to bust out the glitter and glam.

2. Scope out rockin’ rewards programs

Rewards programs are a great savings hack because they’re valid throughout the year. So why not take advantage of a sweet discount during the holiday season? Keep a sharp eye out for bargains, special purchases and rewards club benefits! Big Lots offers 15% off your entire purchase when you join Big Rewards, and you get a $5 reward every three trips.

3. Lean into “dupes” to save big

Shop smart to save big by comparing prices for similar, sometimes identical items. You’ll find on-trend seasonal décor for less. Big Lots offers a stunning Snowflake Light Set for $8 compared to $89 Snowflake String Lights at a name-brand retailer. And a Gold Resin Tabletop Reindeer for $22 versus a $49 version from another leading brand. The list of duplicates or “dupes” goes on and on. Holiday decorating just feels better when you can get more bling for your buck.

4. Try pops of holiday décor in unexpected places

You’ve hung stockings by the fireplace and wreaths on the doors. Now sprinkle sequin throw pillows on your bed for only $12 a pop. Suspend ornaments from the ceiling over the kitchen table or island — just high enough so people don’t bonk their heads. Drape $10 holiday plush throws over the backs of chairs throughout your house, because cozy is in season, and decorating doesn’t just mean trimming the tree.

5. Use coordinating collections to tie everything together

Free yourself from traditional holiday palettes, and color outside the lines with the cool grays, blues, jewels, pearls and glitter of Big Lots Polar Frost collection. Or try mauve accents and velvet metallics to create a playful and sophisticated balance with your décor. Add natural elements like leather, faux fur, cable-knit and wood tones to heighten luxury and elegance with Broyhill Season’s Comfort Decor. Big Lots offers weekly deals, so you don’t need to choose. You can have it all, all season long.

If you’ve followed some of these tips, chances are your home is the best-looking place on the block. Now you can sit back, relax and bask in the glory of the biggest and best bargains you found this year. You sleighed the season. Cheers to the Have-it-all-idays!