Month: July 2023

2023-07-10T11:33:00

(BPT) – If you’re a parent, you know that one of the hallmarks of parenthood is sleepless nights. Whether you have a newborn or a preteen, you may think that you don’t sleep as well as you did before having kids. For its second annual sleep study, “Sleep Uncovered: How Parents Sleep,” Mattress Firm set out to find out just how parents are sleeping. The results show notable differences between parents and nonparents, including in emotional health, how rested they feel and how they value sleep.

In collaboration with SleepScore Labs™, this study surveyed more than 1,400 adults, including 1,047 parents with children ages 1-12 living at home and 368 nonparents. The results found that the more children a parent had, the less they slept: 68% of parents with three kids agreed they slept better before having children. Older parents and single parents also experienced diminished sleep. Of all ages groups, those whose youngest child was between the ages of 6 to 12 reported 50 minutes less sleep per night than parents with the youngest child between the ages of 1 and 5.

The study found that parents were less likely than nonparents to prioritize sleep and more likely than nonparents to fit exercise or taxing activities into their time before bed. In fact, less than 42% of parents said sleep was very important to them, compared to 65% of nonparents; this is likely due to competing family priorities that push sleep to the backburner. It’s crucial for parents to start prioritizing sleep in order to maintain their health and well-being so they’re at their best when caring for their children. While it’s widely accepted that sleepless nights and disrupted rest are just a normal part of parenthood, it doesn’t have to be. If you find it difficult as a parent to sleep well, check out these four tips to improve your sleep hygiene for a restful night’s sleep.

1. Stick to a regular sleep schedule

About 41% of parents reported getting out of bed at different times throughout the week, compared to 23% of nonparents. It can feel like a luxury to sleep in on the weekends when you don’t need to get your kids off to school, but doing so can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, having a consistent sleep schedule reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle. The occasional lie-in is fine, especially if you’re catching up on sleep debt, but if you want regular restful sleep, you should aim to go to sleep and get up at the same time every day.

2. Relax before bed

Many parents establish an evening routine for their children, such as limiting screen time before bedtime, bathing, brushing their teeth and getting tucked in with a story. A similar bedtime routine can help parents sleep better, too. Sleep.com recommends starting your bedtime routine at least an hour before going to bed, reducing blue light (including from phones) and minimizing food and drink. Use this chunk of time to engage in self-care, which many single parents can find challenging to do during the day. According to the survey, 21% of single parents said they make time for self-care throughout the week, compared with 37% of partnered parents.

So, put away the electronics, dim the lights and engage in soothing, relaxing activities like reading a book or listening to a podcast — Chasing Sleep has a whole episode about sleep and parenting — taking a warm bath or drinking herbal tea.

3. Stress when the sun is out

Once your kids are asleep, you may find yourself catching up on bills and other tasks you couldn’t get to during the day. However, anxieties can rile you up and keep you from being able to turn off your mind for sleep. To help keep your to-do list from interrupting your nightly sleep, set aside time each day to tackle the most complex tasks. Behavioral sleep psychologist Jade Wu, Ph.D., also recommends making what she calls a “mental litter box” to hold all of your worries. She recommends letting your mind worry about any looming issues for a few minutes during the day, then putting those concerns back into the mental box so that they don’t pester you while you’re trying to sleep. After all, getting good sleep can help you feel more emotionally resilient to tackle the big stuff. “It’s a lot harder to weather setbacks, feel upbeat, be patient and do all the other things required as a parent when you don’t sleep well,” Wu says.

4. Create a soothing sleep environment

About 61% of parents agree that changing their bedroom setup would result in better sleep. With just a few adjustments, you can create a space that will have you falling asleep quickly and deeply. Dr. Chris Winter, MD, neurologist and Mattress Firm’s Sleep Health Expert, believes creating a soothing bedroom environment begins with the five senses. To create the perfect sleep foundation, Dr. Winter recommends keeping the room dark, cool and quiet, as well as sleeping on a comfortable mattress and linens and using a pillow based on individual sleep needs. It will take time to establish new sleep habits, but with a little patience and effort, you can improve your chances of getting consistent, quality sleep. Using these four tips, you’ll be on your way to better sleep so you can wake up refreshed and ready to take on a new day. To learn more about the “Sleep Uncovered 2023: How Parents Sleep” report, visit MattressFirm.com.

2023-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – It is the season of “back-to-school” checklists, and there is one task that is important to cross off: a checkup to ensure your child is caught up on their routine vaccinations. After a summer of fun, routine vaccines can help make sure your child’s immune system is well prepared to protect them from serious diseases like measles, polio and chickenpox.

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 93% of kindergartners in the U.S. got their recommended routine vaccinations. While the overwhelming majority of children are getting their vaccines, the data also showed a 1 percentage point drop in vaccination coverage for the second year in a row. That means at least 250,000 kindergarteners may lack important protection from preventable childhood diseases. Now is a great time to catch up!

Parents, are you ready to get your child off to a healthy start this school year? Test your knowledge of routine childhood vaccines.

Which of the following is true about routine childhood vaccines?

Many children have missed recommended childhood vaccinations over the past few years.

True. Now is an excellent time to take your child to a well-child visit and catch up on any recommended vaccinations. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children catch up on routine childhood vaccinations and get back on track for school, childcare and beyond.

Getting children caught up with recommended vaccinations is the best way to protect them from a variety of vaccine-preventable diseases and keep them in school and participating in other activities.

True. Children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough. These diseases are extremely contagious and can be very serious, even deadly. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of measles in the United States, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

Children may qualify for no-cost vaccines.

True. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers vaccines at no cost to children who qualify. In fact, more than half of American children younger than 19 years old receive VFC vaccines. Ask your doctor if your child may qualify.

Vaccines are safe and effective against preventing diseases.

True. The United States’ long-standing vaccine safety system ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible. Currently, the United States has the safest vaccine supply in its history. Millions of children safely receive vaccines each year. The most common side effects are very mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site.

Prepare your child for a healthy start to the school year by ensuring your child is up to date on their routine vaccines. Learn more about routine childhood vaccination and schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor today.

2023-07-07T15:01:00

(BPT) – The summer travel season is here! Whether you’re planning an epic trip across the country or stamping your passport for an international adventure, there are plenty of items to pack and tasks to do before you take off. Keeping your family safe online while you travel should be at the top of your to-do list.

More than half of Americans confess to using public hotel networks and 1 in 3 travelers rely on airport Wi-Fi, according to a recent Norton survey. Nowadays, there are plenty of public networks for you to use, but doing so can make you an easy target for hackers. If left unsecured, your sent emails, banking information, credit card details and more could be out in the open for hackers to access. However, you have the power to shield your information from prying eyes.

A simple way to secure your information and provide peace of mind is to use a virtual private network (VPN). You’ve probably heard of a VPN before, but do you know what it does? This digital privacy tool creates a private encrypted connection between you and the internet, giving you online privacy and anonymity even when on public networks. Read on to see why you should add a VPN to your packing list.

1. Hide your private information

You won’t always know if the Wi-Fi networks you access during your travels are secure and safe. Even hotel Wi-Fi networks can be troublesome, as you never know if they were set up with security in mind.

Whether you’re at an airport, train station, coffee shop or hotel lobby, a VPN can hide your online activity from would-be snoops. You can browse, shop, post, bank and view content without worrying that cybercriminals, governments and others can see your location or activity.

2. Access your streaming subscriptions worldwide

Some streaming platforms have region-blocked services. This means you may be unable to catch up on your favorite streaming show or root for your home team during the big game when traveling abroad. Luckily, a VPN can help you keep up with your favorite shows even when you’re at a resort halfway around the world.

3. Avoid geographical restrictions while abroad

Similarly, some VPNs allow you to bypass geographical restrictions imposed in some countries. Depending on where you travel, you may not be able to access certain websites, social media platforms or content.

Using a VPN, you can “appear” to be in a different location, which may grant you access to sites otherwise inaccessible at your destination. Keep in mind that you will need to identify whether the use of a VPN is legal. Before you take off, check the country’s laws before using a VPN.

4. Save on transportation and lodging

Did you know that the prices for flights and hotels can change based on your location? With a VPN, you can find the best deal. Before you book a trip, search for flights and hotels using a VPN and try changing which server you are using to compare if the price is cheaper when shopping from a different location. Then you can use the money you save to treat yourself while on your vacation. A VPN can also keep your credit card information secure while booking.

Finding a VPN that’s right for you

Not all VPNs are created equal. Some are free, while others are paid subscriptions. If you’re willing to put in the time and research, you may be able to find a free VPN that suits your needs. However, most travelers generally use a paid VPN service to preserve internet speed and to have an overall better user experience.

When choosing a VPN, consider using Norton Secure VPN, which protects personal information like passwords, bank details and credit card numbers when you’re using public Wi-Fi. Whether on a PC, Mac or mobile device, you’ll be protected.

Are you ready to escape your everyday and stay safe online while on vacation? To learn more about how you can secure your Android or IOS devices, visit US.Norton.com/Norton-Secure-VPN.

2023-07-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – Dreaming of an amazing European vacation? Perhaps a scenic Italian locale featured in TV shows like “White Lotus”? You’re not alone. Demand for top Italian destinations is high. With pent-up demand, rising costs and crowded venues, it’s not easy to plan visits to hot spots like Amalfi. Fortunately, Italy boasts many less-traveled roads leading to off-the-radar spots well worth exploring.

To help you find the greatest towns you’ve never heard of, Steve Perillo, president and third-generation owner of America’s leading travel company to Italy, Perillo Tours, has you covered.

Here are Perillo’s top recommendations for your next Italian itinerary.

Enjoy the Amalfi Coast vibe in Minori

While the town of Amalfi is one of the most famous tourism locations, there’s plenty of charm in other towns along the coast that are far less expensive and booked up. For example, while Minori is just a mile from Amalfi, it offers a pretty downtown area, gorgeous scenery and truly delicious pasta. Make sure to visit the Villa Romana e Antiquarium — an archaeological site and museum of an ancient Roman villa, then enjoy a scenic promenade along the harbor.

Relish the relaxed, quiet pace of Praiano

Perched on the rocky cliffs of the Amalfi Coast is the charming fishing village of Praiano. Just 15 minutes from the famous town of Positano, Praiano is the perfect spot for a slower, quieter respite. Praiano boasts a public beach, the Marina di Praia, plus small fashion boutiques for a leisurely day of shopping. Want an adventure? Hop on a ferry for a 25-minute ride to the gorgeous Isle of Capri, or enjoy some windsurfing or kayaking.

Get out your camera for a visit to Ravello

The clifftop town of Ravello is known for some of the best views of the Mediterranean Sea along the Amalfi Coast, plus outstanding hiking. The town was decreed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, with beautiful architecture in buildings like the Villa Cimbrone and the Villa Ruffolo. The long history of the town is fascinating, from its 5th-century founding through becoming a coveted vacation spot for actors and celebrities including Greta Garbo, Humphrey Bogart and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Discover the Baroque beauty of Lecce

Until recently, Puglia was southern Italy’s best-kept-secret destination, but it is becoming increasingly popular. Considered the cultural capital of Puglia, the town of Lecce is best known for its Baroque style buildings, churches, palaces and museums. The striking architecture of Lecce has earned it the nickname “The Florence of the South.”

Love pasta? You’ll love Alberobello

Also in Puglia, Alberobello is famous for fairy-tale-like 14th-century white-washed conical-roofed houses called “Trulli,” which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bring your appetite, as the town is also renowned for its long tradition of pasta making. The “Quartiere delle Orecchiette” (Orecchiette district) is lined with women seated outside their homes making orecchiette (little ears) and cavatelli (small shells) pasta by hand, a culinary tradition passed down through generations.

If you’re set on an Italian getaway, you may be surprised to find popular destinations already fully booked through the summer. The good news? The best way to find hotels at relatively affordable rates is by booking guided tours. Since many tour operators pre-negotiate hotel rates years in advance, tour group pricing has not seen the dramatic price hikes found across other parts of the travel industry — and rooms are already pre-reserved for these groups.

Perillo Tours, the leader in Italian travel for over 75 years, offers nine core Italy itineraries ranging from 14 days exploring Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice and Milan, to 9 days in Rome and the Amalfi Coast, providing an ideal balance of sightseeing, free time and activities. A 13-day guided program in Spain, an 11-day Greece itinerary and three Hawaiian itineraries are also available to satisfy your wanderlust.

All 2023 departure dates and pricing are now available for booking at PerilloTours.com. Or for independent travelers wanting to design a customized vacation to meet your individual needs, visit ItalyVacations.com for a helpful planning guide.

2023-07-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – Ready for your next summer adventure? Go boating! There are plenty of ways to get on the water whether you own a boat or you are just getting your feet wet. Boating has seen a surge in popularity as millions of Americans prioritize experiences, outdoor recreation and work-life balance. Being on the water gives people the freedom to explore and is one of the most fun, relaxing ways to escape stress on land. Plus, there is a scientific connection between water and happiness. Boating is a boon for psychological, emotional and behavioral health.

Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced captain navigating best practices, remember boating should be fun — not intimidating. Understanding basic skills and passenger etiquette will boost your confidence and help create a safer environment to allow for an enjoyable, stress-free day on the water.

“Spending time on the water with loved ones away from all the distraction on land is one of the best ways to decompress and create lasting memories,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president of Discover Boating. “Before stepping on board or taking the helm, it’s a good idea to brush up on the safety essentials. There are a variety of educational resources available at your fingertips to not only ensure the safety of you and your crew but also protect other boaters so everyone can enjoy a fun, carefree day on the water.”

Discover Boating is a one-stop resource for all things boating from safety and education articles, maintenance checklists and boating destinations to finding your dream boat, locating verified dealerships in your area, and more.

Below are five tips from Discover Boating to improve your nautical know-how to ensure the best possible experience on (and off) the water.

Watch a video. View Discover Boating’s new Boating Safety Basics Video Series, Presented with Progressive^® Insurance for expert tips to prepare for your captain duties and be the best boat guest including creating pre-departure checklists, designating a sober skipper and checking the weather before leaving the dock.

Take a class. Take the helm and become a confident boater. Sign up for a boating lesson to hone your powerboating, sailing or watersports skills by mastering the basics while having fun along the way. On-water training courses, watersports camps, youth boating programs and more are offered across the U.S.

Visit a boat show. Boat shows are an ideal place to immerse yourself in the boating lifestyle and provide a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with — and shop — a variety of boat dealers and marine product companies all under one roof. Most boat shows also offer educational opportunities whether you’re a seasoned skipper looking to improve your skills or a new boater looking for tips on everything from boating safety to navigation and boat operation. Find a boat show in your area at discoverboating.com.

Look for the seal of approval. When shopping for a boat, whether at a boat show, online or at a dealership, check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat.

Preserve your boat with proper maintenance. Similar to car maintenance, there are a few areas that require regular maintenance by the owner, and a few areas that require maintenance at routine intervals, which most leave to the professionals. Prepare a boat maintenance checklist that covers everything from engine needs to cleaning to electrical systems to ensure your boat has a long lifespan.

Enjoy your next boating adventure and be sure to use the social media hashtag #SeeYouOutHere to share your favorite moments on the water.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com for safety tips, storage options, boat shopping tools, how-to’s for getting on the water and more.

2023-07-06T14:51:23

(BPT) – This year’s milder, warmer winter in many parts of the country followed by an early, wet spring has created the perfect storm: an extra-long, more prolific flea and tick season. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tickborne disease cases in people have increased 25% from 2011 to 2019.[1] On top of that, a warming climate is gradually prolonging and intensifying flea and tick season, so this can be a year-long challenge, depending on where you live.

If you’re a pet owner, you may be at an increased risk of encountering these pesky — and potentially dangerous — parasites on your furry friends all summer. Worse yet, fleas and ticks spread debilitating and sometimes deadly diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, putting you and your family at risk. Whether you have a dog, cat or combination of pets, flea and tick protection should be a top priority.

The good news — pet parents have a variety of options to protect their pets against fleas and ticks with products that are easily available online, in-store or from your veterinarian at a variety of price points. From flea and tick topicals to collars or tasty chewables, well-known brands such as Advantage^®, K9 Advantix^®, Seresto^® and Credelio^®(lotilaner) offer trusted options to fit individual family needs.

“When pet owners ask about the best way to protect their pets from fleas and ticks, I always recommend an individual assessment,” said David Gosche, Senior Veterinarian at Elanco Animal Health. “It’s important to consider your lifestyle and incorporate parasite protection accordingly. Maybe you live in a multi-pet household with dogs and cats, have a small dog that travels everywhere with you or perhaps you’re an avid outdoorsperson with your working dog always by your side. No single product will be the best solution for every pet or pet owner. By evaluating your lifestyle, your pet’s environment, and speaking to your veterinarian, you can identify the best solution to keep everyone protected.”

Here are 3 tips to consider as you build the solution that best suits you and your pet to defend against pests this flea and tick season.

1. Kill Fleas and Ticks on Contact with Great Value

Topical treatments like the Advantage family of products for your pet are often once-per-month, so one of the best ways to ensure your pet is infestation-free is to incorporate pest prevention into your monthly routine. These topical treatments for your dog or cat can kill fleas and ticks on contact — meaning the pest doesn’t need to bite your pet to die. “Topicals like the Advantage products offer easy-to-apply, once-monthly treatments that go on in seconds,” said Gosche. “You simply apply directly to your pet’s skin as directed by the label.” Advantage is available over-the-counter in pet stores nationwide and online.

2. Consider a ‘Set it and Forget it’ Solution with 8 Months of Protection

Already juggling a lot? Then consider a ‘set it and forget it’ option like a flea and tick collar — saving you from forgetting to apply a monthly topical or oral product. Collars like Seresto effectively kill and repel fleas and ticks through contact — no biting required. The easy-to-use, long-lasting, non-greasy collars for dogs or cats offer 8 months of continuous protection against fleas and ticks at an affordable price of $9 a month.

3. Talk to Your Vet

Consulting your veterinarian is always a prudent solution if you need help deciding which solution is best to protect your pet. Credelio provides prescription flea and tick protection for dogs in the form of a tasty chewable. This is a powerful option for flea and tick infestation prevention that’s gentle on your pet. “I like that with Credelio, within 8 hours, it kills 98.7% of ticks[2] in dogs and within 12 hours, kills 100% of fleas in dogs and continues working throughout the month[3],” said Gosche. “Though it is important to remember — Credelio must be administered with food.”

Whatever your life is like, these tips will help safeguard your pets and your household from fleas and ticks all season long. Visit YourPetAndYou.elanco.com/us/parasites to learn more about how to keep your furry family member protected.

Credelio Indications

For Dogs: Credelio kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations and treatment and control of tick infestations (lone star tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick, and brown dog tick) for one month in dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older and 4.4 pounds or greater.

Credelio Important Safety Information

Lotilaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, incoordination, and seizures. Neurologic adverse reactions have been reported in dogs and cats receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs and cats without a history of neurologic disorders. Use with caution in dogs and cats with a history of neurologic disorders.

For Dogs: The safe use of Credelio in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are weight loss, elevated blood urea nitrogen, increased urination, and diarrhea. For complete safety information, please see Credelio product label or ask your veterinarian.

[1] Swanson M, Pickrel A, Williamson J, Montgomery S. Trends in Reported Babesiosis Cases — United States, 2011–2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:273–277. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7211a1

[2] Murphy M et al Parasit Vectors 2017 10:541 (v1.0), Laboratory evaluation of the speed of kill of lotilaner (Credelio™) against Ixodes ricinus ticks on dogs. Parasites & Vectors. 2017;10:541

[3] Cavalleri D et al Parasite Vectors 2017 10:529 (v1.0), Assessment of the speed of flea kill of lotilaner (Credelio™) throughout the month following oral administration to dogs. Parasites & Vectors. 2017;10:529

2023-07-06T08:15:00

(BPT) – Just how important is mealtime with your family? A recent study conducted by Wakefield Research found that the overwhelming majority of families in the U.S. feel more connected to loved ones after sharing a meal together.

However, for families who serve our country in the U.S. military, the opportunity to connect over a meal and reap its positive benefits for well-being presents a unique challenge. Unfortunately, nearly 3 in 4 active-duty military parents (73%) often or always go two or more weeks without being able to enjoy a family meal.

To support military families, Bob Evans Farms, best known for its farm-fresh refrigerated mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, sausage and liquid eggs, is partnering with the United Service Organizations (USO) to give back to those who serve through its Our Farm Salutes^® program. As part of this effort, celebrity chef and U.S. Army veteran Andre Rush is creating simple yet elevated comfort food recipes that the whole family will love.

“I’ve dedicated my life to giving back and supporting the mental health and wellness of our military heroes,” Rush said. “Food has helped me and saved my life. It brings us together and connects us to family and friends like nothing else.”

Chef-crafted recipes bring families together

Here are two dishes perfect for the entire family.

Bob Evans® Macaroni Croquettes with Avocado Sauce

Ingredients:

Macaroni Croquettes
1 container Bob Evans^® Family Size Macaroni & Cheese
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups bread crumbs
2 cups vegetable oil
NOTE: You can substitute 2/3 cup Bob Evans^® Liquid Egg Whites for the large eggs.

Avocado Sauce
2 large avocados, pitted and peeled
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup red onion, diced
2 fresh limes, squeezed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1/2 cup spinach, chopped

Instructions:

1. For macaroni croquettes, start by using your hands or an ice cream scoop to scoop out macaroni and roll into 1- to 2-inch balls. NOTE: You can scoop macaroni balls and put them on a tray in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to become firmer.
2. Next, beat eggs in a bowl.
3. Add flour, salt, pepper and breadcrumbs in another bowl.
4. Roll macaroni balls in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in breadcrumbs.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat and fry the balls until golden brown. Drain excess oil and serve with avocado sauce. NOTE: You can use an air fryer instead of oil for a healthier option. Serves 4-6.
6. To make avocado sauce, place avocado, sour cream or yogurt, red onion and lime juice in a blender. Pulsate until completely smooth, then add salt and pepper along with flax seeds and chopped spinach.
7. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. NOTE: Sauce will last up to three days.

Bob Evans® Sausage Muffin Frittata

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup red pepper, diced
1/4 cup green pepper, diced
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
1 pound Bob Evans^® Original Sausage Roll
1/4 cup tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup spinach, chopped
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
7 large eggs or one 16-ounce carton Bob Evans^® Liquid Egg Whites
1/4 cup milk/heavy cream or half and half
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium and add peppers and onion. Cook a few minutes until transparent, then add sausage and cook thoroughly until no pink remains. Next, add tomatoes and cook 1-2 more minutes. Stir in chopped spinach and set aside.
3. Line a muffin pan with 12 individual parchment muffin liners. NOTE: If you don’t have muffin liners, spray cups with olive oil and put mixture directly in the muffin cups.
4. Arrange the ground sausage mixture in the muffin cups. Add cheese on top.
5. In a bowl, mix together eggs, milk, salt and pepper, then pour the egg mixture into the muffin cups over the sausage and cheese, making sure not to fill to the top, as it may overflow.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until eggs are firm. Serves 12.

Select packages of Bob Evans^® dinner sides and breakfast products and Owens^® Sausage products will proudly turn purple to symbolize all branches of the military in an effort to raise awareness of the need for services supporting the mental well-being of our military heroes. Learn more at BobEvansGrocery.com/Our-Farm-Salutes.

2023-07-05T07:07:00

(BPT) – Pets are like family and they bring deep meaning to life. While summer vacations can be exciting, bringing all family members along for the stay can make travel memories even richer. Are you ready to plan a summer getaway with your beloved pets?

According to data from Hilton, nearly 80 percent of pet owners say their pets influence the activities they plan and the destinations they visit. With scenic dog-friendly hikes across the U.S., outdoor beer gardens, hotels, restaurants and even entire cities catering to furry friends in creative ways, there are new opportunities to make incredible memories together while traveling with ease.

Fur-ociously fun accommodations

When traveling with your pets, it matters where you stay, which is why Hilton’s pet-welcoming hotels make bucket-list travel with your pets easier and better than ever. With more than 5,000 pet-friendly hotels across the United States and Canada, Hilton makes it easy to pair the fun summer vacation with the perfect stay. For example, you’ll find enough room for you and your pets to spread out at Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton’s first-ever pet-friendly brand, a thoughtfully local stay and comfy pet beds at Canopy by Hilton, and homelike accommodations while on the road at Homewood Suites by Hilton.

More than 9 in 10 travelers agree that a hotel stay experience can make or break your trip, and if your pet is happy and feels taken care of, you are too. Hilton’s pet-friendly accommodations provide a seamless hotel stay, from the booking process, where you can search for pet-friendly properties, to arrival, when pets take refuge from the road.

Paws-itively amazing travel ideas

When traveling with pets, seek pet-friendly destinations that allow your furry companion to have some fun, such as those with ample green space to explore together. One of those destinations, the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, is home to one of the largest urban park systems in the U.S., with nearly 10,000 acres to enjoy.

If it’s a beach vacation you’re after, turn to destinations that have dog-friendly beaches, such as Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which provides pet-friendly morning and evening hours on its famous sand and boardwalk.

You can even enjoy some kitsch on road trips with your pet, such as visiting the World’s Largest Fire Hydrant in Beaumont, Texas, or exploring the coastal sand dunes in North Bend, Oregon, in a pet-friendly dune buggy.

With more than half of travelers (56%) concerned about having an easier travel experience in 2023, finding destinations that are heads and tails above the rest is a walk in the park with Mars Petcare’s BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program, which celebrates and supports cities that strive to be pet-friendly. For example, Daytona Beach, Florida, is known for its fun activities for pets and their humans, such as Bark in the Park minor league baseball games, where four-legged friends can enjoy nine innings with a “pooch pass.”

Another popular certified pet-friendly destination is Nashville, a city so pet-welcoming that its airport is filled with amenities to make travel easier, including a dedicated dog park with a dog drinking fountain, indoor relief areas and pet-themed murals in the terminals for selfies with your best friend.

So grab your leashes, pack up your dog beds, water bowls and a favorite toy or two and get ready to hit the road with your pets on the best summer family vacation yet.