Month: May 2022

2022-05-26T00:01:00

(BPT) – While you may enjoy warmer temperatures, summer weather also brings dangerous storms. Scientists at Colorado State University predict at least 19 named tropical storms and nine hurricanes this year, while AccuWeather is forecasting an above-average tornado season. These unpredictable events and regular summer thunderstorms can produce unexpected power outages.

You rely on the power grid for everything from working and household chores to all kinds of entertainment, not to mention keeping your home comfortable and secure. An hour without power is inconvenient, but how about several hours, days or weeks? On average, electricity customers have experienced over eight hours of electric power interruptions in recent years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Living without power for that long is challenging today, and sometimes even dangerous.

How can you prepare for extended power outages?

Weather is unpredictable, as is the reliability of the power grid when it is under strain. So how can you be ready? Here are some tips to help you feel more prepared.

1. Store extra flashlights and batteries

The first thing you want when power goes out after dark is to shed a little light on the situation. Stock up on flashlights and batteries for your entire household, making sure everyone knows where to find them. Consider getting headlamps so people can see and have free hands to make other arrangements during an outage. For young children, light sticks and glow bracelets are a fun way to see better while calming the worries a storm can bring. Wireless chargers for cell phones and other devices can also help keep you connected to your family, neighbors and community.

2. Stay tuned to forecasts

The National Weather Service provides NOAA Weather Radio, a nationwide service giving listeners forecasts, watches and warnings 24/7. You can access NOAA Weather online and through NOAA radio apps for your smartphone. A battery-operated radio will give you access, or you can get an NOAA Weather Radio specifically designed to stay tuned to important weather updates.

3. Stock water and non-perishable food

Water purification systems may not function if power in your area is affected. When the power is out and you don’t have a home standby generator to power your stove, you won’t be able to boil water to purify it. Because of this, it’s a good idea to store two weeks of clean, drinkable water in your home. FEMA recommends at least one gallon of water per person in your household.

Another hazard from power outages is food spoilage. According to the CDC, a full freezer keeps food safe for 48 hours (or 24 hours if half-full) if you don’t open the door. Your refrigerator will keep food safe up to four hours without power if you keep the door closed.

To prepare for emergencies, make an emergency kit with enough bottled water, canned goods, dried meat and fruit, powdered milk and any other shelf-stable foods for each person in the family to last at least a few days.

4. Discuss severe weather plans

Don’t wait until extreme weather threatens to explain to kids what to expect during these unexpected — and scary — events. Knowing that you’re stocked up on supplies and that you planned ahead is reassuring to kids. Discuss what to do if power goes out and where flashlights and supplies are stored.

5. Invest in a home standby generator

The best protection against power outages is a home standby generator. When the power goes out, day or night, a home generator takes over within seconds, keeping all your important appliances including your HVAC system, sump pump, refrigerator and freezer running — not to mention lights and conveniences that are helpful during a storm.

Home standby generators such as Briggs & Stratton Home Generators are permanently installed outside your home and connected to a natural gas or liquid propane fuel source. They’re designed to supply power for your entire home and have an automatic transfer switch so that power comes on without any action needed from you.

Although the 2022 storm season is predicted to be above-normal for many types of weather events, you can protect yourself, your family and your home with a proactive plan. Learn more about preparing for weather emergencies at BriggsAndStratton.com.

2022-05-25T09:31:00

(BPT) – After months of snow and dreary rain, warm weather is an opportunity for new beginnings, new growth and deep cleaning. It seems every year that our houses are back to square one when it comes to summer cleaning, leaving us with the task of taking a year’s worth of accumulated stuff and deciding what stays and what goes. Take our word for it: there’s no better feeling than stepping into the warmer seasons with a fresh, decluttered house.

So in an effort to decrease the burden we face every year around this time, we have some ideas and recommendations on how to keep your space feeling fresh all year round, as well as some design additions you can make to ensure your house is as good as new come next summer.

Smart storage

No one wants to hear this, but the trick to keeping your wardrobe from taking over your closet is by building a strategic system of organization that works throughout the year. Luckily, there are some accessible tips and tricks to maximize your storage capabilities and create a space that’s easier to keep organized, which means easier and faster access to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Before you shell out for a pricey closet organization system, consider the things you already have that could be creatively leveraged for storage. Things like baskets, book cases, and cubbies make for perfect storage tools for things like purses, shoes, handbags and other miscellaneous items that need a home.

If you are in search of some new storage units, look for compact, multi-use options that can address more than one area of organization. To best utilize limited wall space, stack mounted shelving or wall hooks over your shoe rack to take advantage of your vertical space.

And if height allows, take advantage of a double-hanging system for tops and bottoms — all you might need in addition is a small step stool to access the top row, and you’ve managed to double your storage while keeping your floor space more clear for navigation.

Smart installation

Anyone who lives in a colder region knows: winter is not gentle on our homes by any means. Come spring and summer, we’re left with endless lists of tasks to clean up both inside and outside the house, and with street salt and dirt quickly melted off with the spring thaw, the impact on your flooring can be damaging.

The best way to ensure your floors make a smooth transition from winter into the warmer months is by installing varieties that are waterproof and resistant to surface damage. Consider products like Duravana’s engineered hardwood, a hybrid water-resilient flooring that locks tight to keep moisture from seeping between planks and wreaking havoc on your floor’s quality. Another option would be the luxury waterproof vinyl of the Harmony Collection, which offers you both hardwood appearance and peace of mind that comes with the durability of rigid vinyl.

2022-05-25T14:01:00

(BPT) – As the weather beckons you outdoors, it’s exciting to start planning get-togethers — from block parties to barbecues. But don’t just settle for the same-old, same-old. If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration for the best food and wine pairings and unique cocktails that will get noticed, take cues from the experts.

“Food and wine are the foundation of fun, summer gatherings and block parties,” said Riana Mondavi, brand ambassador for CK Mondavi and Family and Director of Chains, Western Region with C. Mondavi & Family wines. “No matter the reason for getting together, it is not just the people, but the drinks and the food that help make it memorable. After having to spend so much time apart, people are ready and excited to share their tasty food and wine pairings with their friends and family.”

Mondavi shared her favorite food and wine pairing tips so you can be a master of entertaining without the stress:

Ideal food and wine pairings

1. Chardonnay:

This fresh, medium-bodied white wine complements soft cheeses and cured meats, making it a delicious option for serving with a charcuterie board. Chardonnay also pairs perfectly with delicate poultry and fish dishes, and light desserts. CK Mondavi and Family just launched their first ever Buttery Chardonnay and it pairs delightfully well with salmon and risotto.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon:

Robust, bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to stronger flavor profiles, like roasted vegetables, barbecued red meat, spicy dishes and rich seafood. CK Mondavi and Family recently created a Dark Cabernet and this new wine provides a delightful contrast to soft cheese and bread, as well as cured meats.

3. Moscato:

Sweet and fruity Moscato provides an excellent pairing with sweet desserts, while also complementing spicy food, veggies and flavorful fish dishes.

How to create a refreshing warm-weather wine cocktail

Pleasing your guests on a warm spring day is easy with the right ingredients. Let wine be the foundation for a lovely, refreshing drink that everyone will love. Here’s one example of a recipe using wine to create a thirst-quenching, tasty cocktail.

It’s Five O’clock Somewhere Margarita

Ingredients

750 milliliters CK Mondavi and Family Chardonnay
1 1/2 cups tequila
1 cup triple sec
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
1/2 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 orange (sliced)
2 limes (sliced)
3 stems cilantro (see Note)

Preparation

In large pitcher combine Chardonnay, tequila, triple sec, orange juice and lime juice. Add orange and lime slices, and cilantro. Chill at least 2 hours. Serve over ice. Salt rims of glasses, if desired. Note: The longer the wine sits with the cilantro, the stronger the flavor will be. If desired, add cilantro right before serving.

Learn more about pairing food and wine, plus more recipes at CKMondavi.com/ckm-pairings/.

2022-05-25T10:01:00

(BPT) – Travel is expected to be at an all-time high with vacations and weddings in full swing, which means the perfect opportunity for a summer romance in a new city or country. Dating apps like Bumble, the women-first dating and social networking app, can help you find new people you may be interested in – or at the very least, help you meet some new friends. Making new memories and enjoying yourself is just a bonus!

“We’re excited to see all of the connections that will be made this summer, both abroad and at home, especially as we’re seeing a natural progression and eagerness for folks to meet in person again,” said Shan Boodram, Bumble’s Sex and Relationships Expert. “Though dating while traveling can just be a fun summer fling, we also found in a recent survey that more than one-third of respondents in the U.S. say they are more open to exploring a relationship with someone who lives in another city, so we encourage you to get out there, no matter where you may be!”

Here are tips on dating while traveling, just in time for a summer of fun — and maybe even love.

1. Plan ahead and save time: If you want to make the most out of your dating experience, lean into dating app features that may help you get a sneak preview of who you can connect with — before your trip. For example, Bumble offers a Travel Mode, which allows you to change your location to a new city so you can look for local connections before your arrival. This could save time and give you an opportunity to have a familiar face upon your arrival!
2. Be open-minded: Just like you might be more open to trying a new food or activity when on vacation, apply that same attitude to meeting new people while abroad. If you meet someone who isn’t necessarily your type, don’t immediately dismiss them. Try to have an exploratory mindset and be willing to meet someone different.
3. Update your bio: Every time you travel to a new city or country, updating your dating app bio can be a helpful way to attract the people and experiences you’re seeking. This can include the languages you speak, how long you’ll be in town, and even asking a question about the best local spot in the city. Ending on a question or an itinerary point on your travel list makes for easy conversation starters. Remember that you can change your radius to see people who are between 1-50 miles from you, too!
4. Hop on a video call before meeting: Many online dating platforms provide secure and safe ways for people to connect. In turn, singles everywhere are getting creative, figuring out how to learn more about each other before meeting. On Bumble, you can make voice and video calls directly in the app, so you can speak to your date without sharing any personal information, like a phone number or email address. This can also help check if your new match is someone you want to spend time with on your vacation.
5. Schedule a date as soon as possible: The time it takes to slowly build a connection is a luxury you don’t always have when traveling. Once you connect with someone you’re interested in and feel comfortable and confident with meeting them in person, don’t be shy about suggesting the first date or respectfully following up on a conversation. Also, don’t be afraid to invite this person into your existing plans! People love to delight in their own city and you’d also be surprised at how many people haven’t been tourists in their own town.
6. Take charge when choosing the location: Being in charge of choosing your date location is a simple but effective way to feel safe when dating abroad. Ensure that your first date spot is somewhere in an open and public space, and suggest a daytime date for a first meeting, or if you’re traveling with friends, invite them to join the group and bring friends too!

Before going out and meeting someone new, let a trusted contact know where you’re going, such as your rental home host, the hotel concierge, or a friend, and set time to text or check in with them every so often. If you’re on the date and feel like it’s not for you, pre-plan a natural exit strategy for yourself because if you feel uneasy at any point, it’s important that you trust your gut and put yourself first. Always feel like you can enlist the help of a bartender or server if needed, and ensure that you’re familiar with local emergency contact numbers, too.

For more data-driven tips, expert advice, and resources to help guide your dating journey this summer, visit bumble.com/the-buzz. The app is free and available worldwide within the App Store and Google Play.

2022-05-25T05:01:00

(BPT) – With school out and warm weather gracing cities, summer is the season of outdoor fun for families across America. However, for parents, creating the magic of the summer can be exhausting and it only gets more complicated when you add babies and toddlers to the mix.

To help make the summer something to savor, check out the tips below on how to streamline the kids’ dress code for some of the season’s most popular activities.

Conquering the Playground

The playground can be an oasis in the summer months for parents of small children. With the built-in play area, it gives many moms and dads a way to break the boredom at home without breaking the bank. But one thing that’s inevitable with playgrounds — nature, and all the dirty things that come with it.

When heading to public outdoor spaces, keep the outfits simple. Reach for items like Onesies^® Bodysuits that are lightweight and act as an outfit on their own. The fewer pieces of clothing they wear to the park, the fewer pieces of clothing you find yourself throwing in the wash when you get home.

Look for savings events, like the Gerber Childrenswear Memorial Day Sale, as a way to stock up on playground-ready apparel. These sales events are the best time to grab essentials, like neutral bodysuits and extra burp cloths and bibs you can keep in the car.

Having Fun Poolside

Everyone loves going for a dip in a cold pool on a hot summer day, and the most important clothing item to consider when you’re heading to the pool, beach or lake this summer is, of course, the swimsuit. While there are many suits on the market that check the cute box, be sure to look for options that give baby added protection from the sun, like this one-piece rash guard for girls from Gerber Childrenswear. Keep your eye out for suits that are made from UPF 50+ fabric, as these choices can help prevent sunburn.

Remember that the FDA recommends children six months and younger stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest. Sunglasses and swim hats are also good accessories to have on-hand for days by the water.

Getting Road Trip Ready

The family vacation is an honored tradition for many families, and summer is always an ideal time to hit the road. But with little ones in tow, there are a few extra items you’ll want to pack. First, consider adding a quilt or plush blanket to the car. This can serve as a clean space for baby to stretch out when you need to pull over at a rest stop. It’s also smart to pack a couple of fitted crib sheets to make pack and plays feel more like home to baby. Extra burp cloths can serve as a makeshift blanket or cover when you’re on the road and in a pinch and Sleep N’ Plays with zippers can keep baby comfy in a car seat.

2022-05-24T17:57:00

(BPT) – As the temperature starts heating up and Covid restrictions continue to subside, travelers are amping up to take summer 2022 by storm. But what’s on everybody’s summer agenda? Viator, a Tripadvisor company and the world’s largest travel experiences marketplace, knows where people are flocking and what they’re doing once they get there.

According to a new travel trends report from Viator, these are the four biggest trends among travelers this summer:

Making up for lost time

As more destinations open their borders and restrictions continue to ease in many places, consumers are tapping into the revenge travel trend. In fact, they are seeking out experiences in record numbers. Half of Americans—and nearly 60% of Gen-Z and Millennials—reported the ability to travel again as their biggest highlight of the year.

Opting outside

After more than two years of lockdowns and life postponed, travelers booked outdoor experiences in record numbers. The 10 fastest-growing experiences categories (and 18 of the top 20) were all related to outdoor activities. In fact, nearly half (48%) of the experiences booked in 2021 were predominantly outdoors.

Sticking closer to home

Nearly half (48%) of Americans said they sought out closer, more local experiences in the past year. In fact, all 10 of the fastest growing experiences by bookings are U.S.-based experiences (when compared to pre-pandemic demand). Experiences including the San Diego Harbor Cruise and Boston’s Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour grew by more than 700%.

Water wins out

When you think of summer, you dream about lying on the beach near the water. But this year, Viator knows travelers want to experience the water. From 2019 to 2021, water sport-related experiences saw a 311% increase and cruises, sailing and water-tours saw a 122% growth. Beyond that, five of the 20 U.S.-based experiences named in the 2022 Viator Experience Awards were water-related activities.

With Americans spending 29% more on their average booking in 2022 than they did pre-pandemic, the future of travel is looking bright this summer.

If you are looking to take your travels beyond your own backyard this summer, Viator has compiled a list of the top ranked global experiences to try in 2022 here. To learn more about the trends happening in the travel industry, check out this year’s Viator Travel Trends Report here.

2022-05-25T04:01:00

(BPT) – From weddings and graduations to summer camps and new jobs, there are many of life’s milestone moments this time of year. If you or your family are celebrating significant events, it’s important to be prepared for what follows these moments with the right financial protection.

“Every major milestone brings new things to think about and making sure you have the right insurance coverage for each life change can bring you peace of mind,” said Josh Police, Executive Vice President, Distribution and Business Development, Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company. “Life is always evolving and being financially prepared helps ensure you’re ready for whatever happens next.”

Unsure what life changes might require you to take stock of your insurance needs? Here are four major milestones and insurance options you should consider for each:

Summer camps

Whether it’s your youngster’s first day camp or your teen’s first weeklong overnight adventure, it’s always an exciting time for parents to see their children try new things and make the most of their days off. However, just as you pack them the essentials to stay comfortable and safe at camp, you should also consider extra insurance options.

Children will be trying so many new things and unfortunately sometimes the unexpected occurs. Accident coverage can complement your medical coverage, which can help with out-of-pocket expenses that you may incur as a result of an accident at camp or elsewhere.

Graduations

High school and college graduations bring a wide range of emotions, including pride, joy and nostalgia. It’s a time full of possibilities as a new chapter begins. It might also include starting a new job or moving to a new location, so it’s important to think ahead and plan as much as possible.

If you’re looking for a sensible graduation gift for a young adult, consider purchasing a whole life insurance policy for the graduate that builds cash value. Life insurance isn’t top of mind for many young adults, so this gift is a great way to set them up for success and help them plan for the future. Plus, the sooner a policy is in place, the more time is available for funds to accumulate.

Jobs

First comes graduation and then comes the job. Whether it’s a first job out of college or a career change, many people are starting new positions with eagerness and enthusiasm. A job is meant to help you grow professionally and also pay your bills.

A steady income is a core reason why people work, so what happens if you’re suddenly unable to? Be proactive by getting disability insurance to protect your income in the event you become disabled. Even better, have short-term and long-term disability coverage so you are covered no matter the length of time you’re unable to work.

Retirement

Retirement is a new life chapter that allows you to travel, explore hobbies, learn new things and spend more time with loved ones. It’s an exciting time of life full of changes, and that means making sure your insurance needs continue to be met. Now that you don’t have an employer, you may need to find different types of insurance on your own.

As for life insurance, if you already have a whole life insurance plan, you’re in good shape because often that plan can be continued after retirement at the same premium by submitting payments directly to the insurance carrier. If you don’t have coverage through work, or need to make changes, speaking with an insurance representative can help you identify your options. You should consider adding critical illness/specified disease coverage, which provides a lump sum cash benefit directly to you upon the diagnosis of a covered condition on the plan.

Life’s major milestones are important times to celebrate, but they are also important times to prepare for the future. By exploring your options with a carrier such as Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, you can find different options for each milestone to set up financial protection for the future for you and your loved ones. Learn more at BostonMutual.com.

Policy Series:

WPS-ACC 07/15

END-95(ESO)(20/21)

GDP 100 & GDP 5/10

WS-CI 4/12

335-5000 5/22