Month: February 2022

2022-02-11T13:21:00

(BPT) – Valentine’s Day has changed a bit over the past few years. Instead of reserving a table at a fancy restaurant or securing tickets to the opera or theater, most people nowadays celebrate the annual holiday of love from the comfort of home. For the many who are staying in rather than heading out this Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a romantic time with that special someone, from cooking up a delectable dish made with the freshest foods, to creating a luxurious home spa for some pure relaxation.

1. The best meal with the freshest food and perfectly kept wine

Top-rated restaurants with star chefs, flawless table service and atmospheric surroundings really set the mood for a memorable Valentine’s Day meal. Flavorful dishes and sumptuous experiences all begin with the freshness of the ingredients.

The good news is, with the LG SIGNATURE Refrigerator, it’s possible to keep ingredients at their freshest at home too, so you can create your own restaurant-quality meal to share and savor on Cupid’s favorite day. And why not complement your culinary masterpiece with a bottle of wine (or two), perfectly preserved in the LG SIGNATURE “Wine Cellar” refrigerator.

Advanced technology known as “linear cooling” ensures the temperature inside the refrigerator remains incredibly stable, maintaining temperature fluctuations to within just 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1-degree Celsius) and helping to keep your ingredients fresher for longer. Meanwhile a fresh-shield thermal barrier of cold air that drops downward whenever the door is opened helps maintain the fridge’s internal temperature and locks in freshness as well. And then there’s the wide, deep storage drawer called a custom-chill pantry with quick, customizable settings for storing a wide range of items, including meat and produce, at the ideal temperature. Struggling for inspiration on what to cook this Valentine’s Day? Why not look up some “can’t-miss” recipes and instructional cooking videos on one of the many smart recipe platforms available.

A glass of Champagne or Rosé is always nice when enjoying an intimate meal for two, and that’s where the Wine Cellar fridge comes in. Chilling wines to perfection, each shelf of the advanced appliance provides the optimal conditions for preserving different wine varieties. With precise temperature, humidity and vibration control, and preventing V+UV light from damaging its precious contents, the Wine Cellar offers everything needed for professional-grade wine preservation.

2. Relax for a Luxurious and Cozy Spa Day

A luxurious spa trip most likely graces the very top of your Valentine’s Day wish list, but many couples haven’t yet realized just how easy it is to create a DIY luxury spa day experience that’s just as relaxing and revitalizing as spending a small fortune on an exclusive resort — not to mention more intimate with the comforts of home helping you feel safe and letting you spend your time together in complete privacy.

But it can’t be called the perfect pampering day without a leisurely soak in the bath — or hot tub if you’re so lucky — accompanied by fragrant bath salts, a bottle of your finest wine and the perfect pairing of drinks and bite-sized canapés. Set out these delicacies on a marble bathtub caddy tray and lose yourself in the tranquil sensations created by the feeling of warm water against the skin and the smells of sweet aromas, because nothing really beats a classic bubble bath with good food and your soulmate close by. Next, try turning the romance up a notch by giving your partner the most unforgettable massage, and gift them aroma oils and hydrating masks to make them feel extra special.

3. Enjoy a Luxuriously Lazy Movie Marathon

Follow up your meal with a romantic movie night on the sofa. Dim the lights, get cozy under a nice, soft blanket, and get set for the perfect, private viewing experience.

And since it’s Valentine’s Day, how about replacing the typical movie-watching snacks like beer and potato chips, with some artisan chocolates and wine? There’s no need to worry about spills either, as they can be easily taken care of by the latest washing machine technology. For instance, a sophisticated new LG SIGNATURE “twin-wash” washing machine comes with a special Stain Care 24 feature, designed for flawless care of 24 different types of stains to keep your finest garments — and blankets — looking great.

Mix it up by watching one of your favorite romantic flicks and then something you’ve both never seen before. New technology called “8K” is TV that has 33 million pixels — 16 times the resolution of HDTV. With an ultra-large 88-inch screen that expresses outstanding colors and details that rival a movie theater, the new LG SIGNATURE OLED 8K makes it feel like you’re watching your favorite movie for the very first time, even if you’ve already seen it a million times. And if you’re not looking to spend most the evening simply selecting your perfect movie list, the AI TV even recommends the best films for a rom-com marathon or a night of endless laughs. Can your local cinema do that? Don’t think so.

Home really is, as the saying goes, where the heart is — so what better place to spend the most romantic of days with your one and only? By transforming your home into that romantic getaway you’ve been missing out on the last few years, let this Valentine’s Day be the most special yet without even leaving the comforts of home.

2022-02-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – The last few years have brought incredible challenges to small and micro businesses (SMBs), plus some amazing stories of tenacity and survival. These businesses have seen enormous changes, fueled by consumer habits that are here to stay.

For many SMBs, digital payment acceptance has become increasingly intertwined with their long-term success. Visa’s Back to Business study conducted in nine countries shows that 82% of SMBs surveyed plan to accept digital payment options in 2022 and 73% said a modern, digital payments infrastructure is fundamental to their growth.

Embrace the digital transformation

If your small business does not yet have an online presence and hasn’t yet mastered ways to accept digitized payments online or in-store, now’s the time to get on board. E-commerce has grown exponentially and it’s not going anywhere. On average, 57% of U.S. consumers’ shopping in the past month was done using digital payments, according to the Visa Global Back to Business Study.

Plenty of tools and tactics are available to help any size business develop and grow their e-commerce capabilities. Here are some tips to help get your business where it needs to be.

Create or improve your website

Developing an attractive, seamless and user-friendly website is not only crucial to compete in today’s marketplace, but it can also be the difference maker in a business’ survival. In fact, on average, 90% of small businesses surveyed with an online presence said they attributed pandemic survival to increased efforts to sell online, the study said.

If you don’t have a website, start here:

• Make sure your web address/URL is easy to say, spell and remember.
• Select a website host and platform. The host allows your website to have connectivity to the internet, while the platform helps you design and build your website.
• If you don’t have a web designer on staff, hire a professional to design a website that’s easy to navigate, and that helps consumers quickly understand your business, its services or products.

Create new ways for customers to make digital payments

To help your customers pay for goods and services using their computer or mobile device, Visa offers a variety of resources and digital tools.

“More than ever, people are engaging across multiple channels — shopping online, in-store and through mobile apps,” said Jeni Mundy, Global SVP Merchant Sales & Acquiring at Visa. “We’ve seen that SMBs who have embraced digital commerce and made changes to the way they operate not only have weathered the pandemic better but are also setting themselves up to thrive in the future.”

Build customer loyalty and engagement

Social media platforms can help you attract new customers, engage with them and reward their participation and loyalty. Creating content like blogs as well as encouraging customer reviews and postings can help build a sense of community with your customer base.

You can also use technology to create a digital customer loyalty program, offering special discounts and promotions for your frequent buyers. Offering benefits like these motivates consumers to do business with you and creates positive buzz about your business.

For more information on the programs Visa has made available to small and micro businesses visit the Visa Small Business Hub and the Visa Small Business COVID-19 support site.

2022-02-10T09:52:46

(BPT) – With cooler weather here for many, it’s important to keep in mind that dropping temperatures and drier air can have an impact on your health, especially the health of your skin. People with eczema may experience additional irritation and flareups during the colder seasons. This can be particularly difficult for children, as the itchy red patches of skin can be bothersome, distracting and even embarrassing.

Eczema — also known as atopic dermatitis — impacts 31.6 million people in the U.S., or roughly one out of 10 people, according to the National Eczema Association. That number includes approximately 9.6 million U.S. children under the age of 18, with one-third having moderate to severe forms of the condition. And the prevalence of childhood atopic dermatitis has steadily increased over the past two decades.

“It can be so difficult to watch a child struggle with eczema if you’re a parent or caregiver,” said board certified pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin. “This complex condition is influenced by many factors, and therefore treating it can be quite challenging. Fortunately, there are several steps families can take during cold weather months to help kids with eczema look and feel their best.”

Dr. Amin shares her top eczema care tips:

Avoid common triggers

Everyone is different, so pay attention to what may trigger your child’s eczema. Fragrances are a common irritant, so be mindful to use fragrance-free soap, shampoo, conditioner and laundry detergent. When washing clothes, you may need to add another rinse cycle to ensure detergents are completely washed away. Additionally, many people use seasonal scented hand soap which smells great but can irritate the hands, especially with the current higher levels of washing.

Wear soft, breathable clothing

As kids begin to layer on clothing to stave off the chill, they may be unknowingly worsening eczema symptoms. Synthetic fabrics or fabrics with textures are often the culprit of irritation. When possible, choose natural, breathable clothing, especially the layer that is closest to the skin. Cotton, silk and bamboo fabrics are good options. What’s more, remember to have kids wear gloves to protect their hands against cold air that can dry the skin and exacerbate eczema.

Relieve the itch

When your child experiences a flareup, it’s important to combat the dreaded itch-scratch cycle as quickly as possible. Reach for Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment, formulated with 1% hydrocortisone (anti-itch ointment) along with other soothing ingredients. “I always recommend Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment to my patients ages 2 and older,” said Dr. Amin. “It is the No. 1 pediatrician recommended brand for eczema, and the Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment is clinically proven to provide significant itch relief for up to 12 hours. It immediately soothes itchy spots to help skin heal. You can find it in either 1-ounce or 2-ounce sizing at your local Walmart or Walmart.com.”

Soothe and nourish skin

Cool, dry air can cause dry skin that triggers eczema. A short 5- to 10-minute warm bath (not hot!) can be soothing and even restorative to the skin. Your child may not even need to wash with soap every time if they aren’t dirty or smelly; just let skin soak up the H2O. Finish by gently patting water off the skin with a towel so it’s still a bit damp and apply a nourishing lotion or cream to lock in moisture.

Stay hydrated

In addition to keeping your child’s skin hydrated externally, remember to have them drink plenty of water so they are hydrated internally as well. This helps the body heal and supports organ health. Make sure kids of all ages have a water bottle filled and accessible throughout the day. To make it more fun, let them choose a style and design that reflects their own personality.

Cold weather and eczema flareups often go hand in hand, but a few proactive steps and mindful measures can help you treat the itch and prevent future irritation.

2022-02-10T10:03:29

(BPT) – When it comes to insurance, there are several myths that continue to persist, like the myth that red cars are more expensive to insure. That’s false, by the way. Car color has no impact on insurance premiums. Instead, factors like your driving history, annual mileage driven, the cost of your vehicle and other things will affect how much your insurance will cost.

Insurance is one of the most useful investments you can make to protect your family, belongings and financial assets, but it’s important to know what is actually being purchased. Here are four things you should know about your auto, homeowners or renters insurance policy to ensure adequate protection in the event of an unforeseen or unexpected loss.

1. Myth: Your homeowners insurance policy covers everything

One of the biggest misunderstandings many policyholders have is that if their home is damaged or destroyed their homeowners insurance policy will cover the cost of everything. Homeowners insurance covers losses or damages to your house and personal belongings in the event of a fire, sudden flooding caused by a broken pipe, or theft, but there are some situations that your policy may not cover.

“Generally speaking, homeowners insurance is designed to help you rebuild your home and replace personal property if it is damaged or stolen,” says Christopher O’Rourke, vice president of property claims at Mercury Insurance. “However, you may need to purchase separate flood or earthquake insurance to protect your home from coastal flooding or seismic activity if you live in areas prone to these events as they are usually not covered by a homeowners policy.”

Renovating your home or installing any expensive upgrades must also be reviewed by your agent to ensure you have adequate coverage.

2. Myth: You only need the minimum auto liability insurance coverage required by your state

Most states require drivers to carry auto liability insurance, but this coverage only provides financial protection if you’re found to be legally responsible for causing injury to another person or their property. Auto liability coverage doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle, items stolen from your vehicle, or damage from a storm or vandalism.

Collision insurance covers you if, while your vehicle is in motion, you crash into another vehicle or a fixed object, like a pothole, guardrail or light post. This coverage is typically required by a lender when you finance a vehicle.

Comprehensive insurance is coverage that protects your vehicle when it is damaged while not in motion. This could include vandalism, theft or weather-related damage like a hailstorm or fire.

“If your vehicle is older and it has been completely paid off, comprehensive insurance may not be the right coverage because a vehicle’s value decreases with age,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of auto claims at Mercury Insurance. “Consider whether the savings of not having comprehensive insurance are enough to offset the risk of potentially having a large repair or replacement bill.”

3. Myth: Renters don’t need insurance

Renters insurance is affordable, however, only 41% of renters purchase it. Without renters insurance, you’ll have to pay out of pocket if your personal belongings are damaged in a fire or are stolen.

“Your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover any of your personal belongings and it won’t provide liability protection if a lawsuit is brought against you because a visitor slips, falls and injures themselves inside your rental unit,” says O’Rourke. “Renters may not be responsible for repairing the home they live in, but there’s always a chance their possessions and valuables will need to be replaced if they are damaged or stolen, so purchasing a renters insurance policy is a smart way to provide financial security.”

4. Myth: If you’re hurt in an accident caused by another driver, their auto insurance will pay

Even if an auto accident is caused through no fault of your own, you may not be able to recover damages if you are hit by someone who is uninsured or underinsured. The best way to safeguard yourself is to have uninsured motorist coverage, which is usually an add-on protection. This can protect you if you are hit by someone who doesn’t have adequate insurance.

Insurance is a sound investment, but can be complicated, so it’s always a good idea to speak to a highly trained agent that can provide expert advice and guidance to help ensure you are adequately protected.

2022-02-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – February is Heart Health Month, the perfect time to think about making simple wellness choices to better your family’s heart health. One of the most important lifestyle aspects you can control is your diet. Take a moment and think about your eating habits. What do you tend to cook for yourself and your family? Are you making the best choices for them? If you are often frying meals or using a significant amount of butter or other higher saturated fat oils, you could be hindering your family’s heart health and increasing their cholesterol levels.

Making smarter choices doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A simple, effective change you can make in the kitchen is to replace butter, margarine or other higher saturated fat oils with heart-healthy* oils. Mazola^® corn oil, for example, has natural cholesterol-blocking plant sterols that protect you from bad cholesterol and is low in saturated fat. It contains four times more cholesterol-blocking plant sterols than olive oil and 40% more than canola oil**.

In honor of Heart Health Month, chef Ana Quincoces has teamed up with Mazola^® Corn Oil to share lighter recipes everyone can add to their weekly family dinner menu. Chef Ana knows firsthand the importance of a balanced diet and heart health as her family has had to make smarter choices. By sharing these lighter recipes, Ana is tackling any negative health perceptions around Hispanic cuisine and demonstrating how easy it is to keep heart health top of mind. Below is one of Ana’s exclusive recipes that is simple, delicious and easy for anyone to make for their family.

Steak tacos

Ingredients

1 pound flank or skirt steak, frozen for 30 minutes

4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) Mazola^® corn oil, divided

3 tablespoons tamari or reduced-sodium soy sauce

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

8 taco-sized flour tortillas heated on skillet lightly coated with Mazola^® corn oil until lightly charred.

Toppings

Cotija cheese

Chopped cilantro

Pickled jalapeno

Lime wedges

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, 2 tablespoons Mazola^® corn oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano.

2. Remove steak from freezer and slice thinly across the grain. Place in the bowl with the marinade. Stir to cover steak slices with the marinade. Marinate for at least 45 minutes and up to 2 hours.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Remove steak from marinade. Reserve marinade.

4. Add steak to the hot oil and sear on both sides for about 1 minute. Immediately reduce heat to medium-high.

5. Add the reserved marinade and cook, stirring often, until marinade has reduced to half, about 3-4 minutes.

6. To assemble, divide steak among warmed tortillas. Top with a generous spoonful of coleslaw, a sprinkling of chopped cilantro, crumbles of cotija cheese and pickled jalapeno.

7. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

To view more recipes and learn more about how you can incorporate heart-healthy* Mazola^® corn oil into your meals, visit Mazola.com. There, you’ll also find health and wellness information that can help you learn about improving your heart health.

DISCLAIMERS:

*Very limited and preliminary scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1 tablespoon (16 grams) of corn oil daily may reduce the risk of heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in corn oil. FDA concludes there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim. To achieve this possible benefit, corn oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day. One serving of this product contains 14 grams of corn oil. See product pages for more information about corn, canola, vegetable plus and corn plus. See www.mazola.com for information about the relationship between corn oil and heart disease.

** Based on analysis of corn oil and 2013 USDA comparison of other cooking oils: Corn oil has plant sterols content of 135.6 mg/serving versus 30.0 mg/ serving for olive oil, 40.8 mg/serving for vegetable oil and 93.9 mg/serving for canola oil.

2022-02-09T15:01:00

(BPT) – Keeping up with your baby’s wardrobe can be a full-time job. From messy mealtimes to unexpected diaper changes, babies can have multiple outfit changes a day. Parents in the know create a versatile and functional wardrobe for their ever-changing and constantly growing little ones.

It’s a good idea to stock up on the essentials — especially with Carter’s semi-annual Baby Love Sale! The brand trusted for more than 150 years is a go-to source for quality baby apparel and essentials, from tried-and-true bodysuits to the convenient Sleep & Plays to adorable matching sets and more.

During this much-anticipated semi-annual event, parents can shop up to 50% off baby apparel staples and accessories, including My First Love collection, new Stylist Picks, 4-piece pajamas, door busters and slogan bodysuits starting at $7 and more.

New mom and actress Jamie Chung knows exactly how important it is to have plenty of essentials on hand. She’s ready for what the day will bring with her twin baby boys with essentials and must-haves from Carter’s that are perfect for play, sleep and on-the-go.

Ready to stock up too? Check out some of Jamie Chung’s must-have items:

Stock up on bodysuits:

Bodysuits are a staple for any little wardrobe and it’s likely that parents will go through multiple bodysuits a day from messy feeding time to diaper blowouts. The overlap shoulders make for easy over-the-head changes, while strong snaps stand up to wear and wash. Stock up on Bodysuits like this set for plenty of options to mix and match a range of sweet looks.

Where style meets function:

Carter’s products are created with style and comfort in mind, so that little ones can go through their day in clothing that is comfy and cozy from day to night. Carter’s 2-Way Zip-Up Sleep & Plays are both adorable and functional with the two-way zipper feature that makes changing time a breeze.

Ready-to-wear sets:

Take advantage of stress-free dressing with precious coordinated outfit sets. Multiple pieces come together allowing for easy layering and mix and matching. Options range from a sweet animal face 3-Piece Little Jacket Set to the Lamb Outfit Sets, Dinosaur Outfit Sets and much more, all in soft and gentle fabrics.

Fashion forward:

Carter’s new Stylist Picks line is a curated assortment of stylish pieces that nod to the latest trends. From an array of neutral palettes to floral motifs, animal prints, food themes and more, there is something for every little one. Check out the new Stylist Picks line including this romper set.

Don’t forget the extra accessories

From mealtime to bedtime, you can’t forget all of the essential accessories that help parents through the day. From bottles to first tastes of new food, bibs are a must, and these Bandana Bibs come in a pack of three. For added protection for both baby’s and parents’ outfits, snag a few sets of Burp Cloths and after a long day, get your little one bedtime ready with the useful Sleep Bags.

For more information and to check out Carter’s semi-annual Baby Love Sale and other great offers, visit www.carters.com.