2024-02-21T08:01:01
(BPT) – Cointreau, the iconic orange liqueur and essential ingredient in The Original Margarita, is celebrating National Margarita Day by sharing tips from Brand Ambassador Lauren Trickett on how to make or order a Margarita the MargaRight way.
© 2024 Cointreau Corp., Cointreau® Liqueur, 40% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc., New York, NY. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
2024-02-21T08:09:00
(BPT) – Who wants to be the boss? Just 3 in 10 Americans say they aspire to hold a C-suite role, according to new research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing, and advice. Out of all generations, millennials show the highest interest in becoming a top executive (39%), though nearly a third of people don’t want their job description to change — even if it means sacrificing a promotion or raise.
The study reveals that the number one driver of job satisfaction is money (67%), which Americans say trumps being rewarded for loyalty and longevity at a company (40%), recognition for the job performed (34%) and being an inspiring leader or leading by example (32%).
The paycheck paradox
For some, there may be a paycheck paradox — a chicken or the egg dilemma: 38% (and 55% of Gen Z) believe they don’t get paid enough to go above and beyond their current job description. At the same time, nearly 1 in 4 people say they’re not working at full capacity, and nothing will motivate them to work harder (23% overall, 37% Gen Z).
More Americans plan to increase their contributions to their retirement savings in 2024 (34%) than ask for a promotion (23%) or quit to find a higher paying job (14%). Of all generations, Gen Z is looking to make more money by “job zwitching” (16%).
So, if people are placing less focus on rising through the ranks, what do people value at work? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s on the Workplace Wishlist?
Respondents point to greater access to financial advice and benefits as topping the list; over 2 in 5 Americans (44%) wish their employer offered more one-on-one financial help.
Top money goals for the year ahead
Inflation and cost of living continue to be top concerns for Americans, as 6 in 10 say their income isn’t keeping up with rising prices. These economic concerns far outweigh worries about the job market (7%) or career growth (4%).
Despite these challenges, just a third (31%) plan on asking for a raise this year, and the trend of “quiet quitting” seems to be waning: 9% plan to employ this strategy in the year ahead. Some 44% feel they make enough money to live comfortably, and overall, Americans feel optimistic, with 58% of respondents believing they will continue to make more money in the future.
Access the full report on The Currency™.
Methodology: This study is based on online survey responses from 1,117 Americans ages 18+ commissioned by Empower and fielded by Morning Consult from January 3-4, 2024.
2024-02-20T09:01:00
(BPT) – The way you start your morning can significantly impact your entire day. Incorporating healthy habits into your morning routine not only sets a positive tone but also promotes overall well-being. “A healthy self-care routine in the morning can help improve your mood, mindset and energy to name a few,” explains Dr. Kimbra Runyan, who is a chiropractor in St. Charles, Illinois. “I recommend four simple, yet effective, ways to set yourself up for a successful day every morning.”
1. Drink a Full Glass of Water:
After a night of sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. Starting your day with a full glass of water is a crucial step to rehydrate, improve circulation and kickstart various bodily functions. Hydration is essential for overall health, and it also helps flush out toxins and jumpstarts your metabolism.
2. SP Power Mix from Standard Process:
Start your day strong with a nutritious blend of 22 superfoods in SP Power Mix, from Standard Process, a leading whole food-based nutritional supplement company. It’s a convenient way to provide a whole food, plant-based blend of phytonutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, oats and algae. Incorporating SP Power Mix into your morning routine is a delicious and hassle-free way to ensure you kick off the day with optimal nutrition.
3. Breakfast Before Coffee:
A nutritious and balanced breakfast provides sustained energy throughout the morning, preventing energy crashes that can result from relying solely on caffeine. It’s important to note that cortisol levels are highest in the morning, and consuming coffee on an empty stomach continues to increase cortisol levels. Therefore, having breakfast before coffee will help to decrease cortisol and balance blood sugar levels. Incorporate a mix of protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates for a well-rounded start to your day.
4. 5 Minutes of Mobility:
Adding a short mobility routine to your morning can contribute to improved flexibility, joint health, and overall mental and physical well-being. Gentle stretches, dynamic movements or yoga flows increase circulation, reduce stiffness, increase endorphins and enhance overall mobility. This practice not only prepares your body for the day ahead but also promotes a positive mindset.
Enhancing your morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating these simple yet impactful habits, you can set the stage for a healthier, more productive day. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. So, start tomorrow morning with a glass of water, a balanced breakfast, a quick mobility routine and a serving of SP Power Mix to transform your mornings and, ultimately, your life.
2024-02-20T19:01:00
(BPT) – When you want to enhance your outdoor living space, consider building with retaining wall units. Segmental retaining wall (SRW) units are the basic building blocks of landscaping, and you will save on design and labor costs when you do it yourself. Whether you want to level a slope, build a sitting wall or add a raised patio, it’s essential to get informed before starting your project.
1. Check local rules. “Call 8-1-1 before you dig” is essential. Do-it-yourselfers also should check with their municipalities and homeowner’s associations for building codes, permits and/or property variance rules. Some municipalities require permits for walls up to four feet tall, although engineering might not be needed for that height with most SRW systems. A retaining wall taller than four feet might require geogrid for soil reinforcement and an approved design by a professional engineer. A landscaping supply store will know local permitting and can identify plans that might require an engineer.
2. Consider where you will buy supplies. A landscaping supply store is a great place to get educated, purchase landscaping products and rent tools such as a compactor. A dedicated landscaping store can help you choose which wall system is best suited to your project, calculate the materials you will need and offer advice before, during and after installation.
“Do-it-yourself customers are the foundation of who we serve at Patio Town stores,” said David Johnson, who manages one of Patio Town’s three locations in St. Paul/Minneapolis. “We have a team that will listen to what customers are thinking of doing, and then offer solutions and options. Should customers decide a project is more than they want to do, we can refer them to our design-build division, Villa Landscapes.”
3. Learn about retaining wall systems. Some systems are easier to install, and some require specialty pieces for corners, curves and steps. The VERSA-LOK Standard retaining wall system is easy to install, and no special pieces are needed to build features. VERSA-LOK Standard is a solid unit that is renowned for ease of installation as there are no voids in the unit to fill. Splitting the unit allows you to create curves, corners, columns, multi-angled corners, freestanding walls and steps.
4. Mark off, measure and photograph the project area. In addition to giving details about your project to your landscaping supplier, you might need advice to determine soil conditions or stormwater requirements. For example, clay soil retains water so it may need amendment, or the wall might require drainage pipes based on soil and other factors. You can discuss the content of your soil with landscaping store staff, who can offer ideas on remediation if needed.
5. It is all about the base. The base is the most important course. Retaining wall manufacturers and landscape suppliers can offer product-specific details on how to excavate and prep the base. After excavating a trench for the base, the subsoil should be compacted before a few inches of gravel is added and compacted. Make sure the area is level before starting the base course, which should be embedded half of the block’s height at a minimum. With solid units such as VERSA-LOK, there is no need for concrete footings as the base course serves as the foundation.
6. Finishing touches to consider. After each unit is placed and leveled, fill and compact the gravel placed behind the wall. Finish off your wall with capstone units that can be secured with adhesive; be sure your adhesive has elastic properties as modular walls are flexible so they can withstand freeze-thaw cycles.
Another important point to consider is the weather! Bad weather can hinder your installation. With a little planning, know-how and a trusted landscaping store that shares advice throughout your project, you can build successfully with retaining wall units.
2024-02-20T12:01:01
(BPT) – Hot Springs, Arkansas, gets its name from the natural thermal water that flows from 47 ancient hot springs down into the heart of the city each day. The unique therapeutic qualities of the springs have attracted visitors to the city for more than a century to soak in the historic bathhouses.
Today, guests are finding more modern transformative treatments at Arkansas’ first and only spa to achieve the coveted Four-Star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide — Astral Spa at Oaklawn, Hot Springs. Oaklawn also received a desirable “Recommended” rating for the 198-room Oaklawn Hotel.
Forbes Travel Guide is an independent global rating system for luxury hotels and spas. Inspectors, posing as regular guests, visit the facilities unannounced and test approximately 900 standards to determine the rankings.
Louis Cella, president of Oaklawn, says the Forbes rating is quite an achievement for the spa and hotel, which opened in 2021.
“Our hotel is one of the finest hotels anywhere. You would have to get on an airplane and fly outside of Arkansas to see another Forbes Four-Star rated spa,” Cella said. “The standards that we must meet for such a rating are extremely high. However, we look forward to pushing the envelope and looking for opportunities to refine the guest experience even further in the future.”
Astral Spa is an adults-only facility that provides visitors with a luxurious, customized experience. The spa offers all the traditional services that guests expect such as massages, facials, skincare and body treatments. What makes Astral Spa one of only 201 Forbes Four-Star rated spas in the world are the premium amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, dedicated men’s and women’s wet lounges and locker rooms equipped with heated loungers, needle showers, steam rooms, infrared saunas, whirlpool tubs, cold rooms and a dedicated co-ed parlor.
There is also a couple’s suite with a soaking tub and exclusive couple-friendly amenities.
Oaklawn Hotel is located adjacent to one of the country’s premiere Thoroughbred racetracks. Race fans from across the globe travel to Hot Springs to experience racing at its highest level, with the best horses, best jockeys, best trainers and best owners. The road to the Kentucky Derby begins at Oaklawn.
A stay at Oaklawn offers guests valet services, an escort to your room by our friendly bellmen, luxurious room amenities, superb room service and concierge assistance for your every need.
Oaklawn is also home to fine dining, including two 2023 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award recipients — The OAK room & bar and The Bugler.
The OAK room & bar features an innovative menu and one of the most extensive wine lists in the region. The Bugler offers carefully curated seafood and steak options and a spacious outdoor patio where guests can dine overlooking Oaklawn’s historic racetrack.
After a morning relaxing at Astral Spa, a day at the races and dinner at one of the world-class restaurants, guests can test their gaming skills at Oaklawn’s casino. There are several gaming options available including classic slots, table games and sports betting.
As the sun sets, Oaklawn’s resort transforms into a hub of live entertainment, where the Oaklawn Event Center stage comes alive with diverse and captivating performances from some of the biggest names performing today. Whether you prefer a night of soulful melodies or the thrill of a live comedy show, Oaklawn’s entertainment offerings promise to leave you enchanted.
A day at the Forbes Four-Star Astral Spa or a stay at the Forbes “Recommended” Oaklawn Hotel are not merely visits; they are immersions into the soul of Hot Springs, where the essence of the city’s history intertwines seamlessly with the modern allure of a world-class destination.
Indulge in the unique harmony of luxury, history and relaxation that only Oaklawn can provide. Discover a world where Forbes stars align, promising an unparalleled escape in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Must be 18 for race gambling and 21 for casino gaming. Always bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org. Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.
2024-02-20T13:25:00
(BPT) – Multitasking has become the theme of the decade as people try to balance work, family and social obligations in a world where time seems to be shrinking while the number of things to do is expanding.
While multitasking might be a good strategy in some situations, it is potentially disastrous when you are behind the wheel of a car. Why? When you are in control of a multi-ton object going forward at freeway speeds, a little lapse in attention can have very serious consequences.
“We all understand the pressures of trying to do more in less time,” said Mercury VP, Claims, Kevin Quinn. “And in this era where connectivity feels critically important, many people don’t want to wait to field that text, look at the most recent TikTok, or return their boss’s email. But driving should take all of your attention, not just some of it.”
Quinn offers these suggestions to those who might find the temptations of distractions like social media, in-car entertainment and hunger to be difficult to resist:
Why does all this matter? Distracted driving accidents continue to be a national problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. According to DefensiveDriving.org, texting makes you eight times more likely to get into an accident. The impairments associated with using a cell phone while driving can be as damaging as those associated with driving while drunk.
Here are some sobering statistics from Mercury Insurance’s October 2023 survey of 1,000 active drivers on distracted driving behaviors:
While the problem of distracted driving is very real, there are hopeful signs on the horizon. Many auto manufacturers are now making voice-to-text and text reader systems more prevalent in the vehicles they build. Societal pressure is helping to make a dent in distracted driving, illustrated by the fact that 58% of respondents to the Mercury Insurance survey said that they are less likely to be on their phones when they have a passenger in the vehicle.
The best advice is this: When you are behind the wheel of an automobile, driving should be your only task. Everything else can wait.
For additional safety tips regarding distracted driving, visit:
2024-02-19T12:49:00
(BPT) – Straight Talk Wireless commissioned its second-annual survey to understand consumer sentiment around tax time and found that 60 percent of survey respondents say they are more in debt than last year and will file their taxes early.
The sooner taxpayers file, the faster they get their refund, which 61 percent say is vital to their household’s financial stability. But with consumer debt at a new high*, timing won’t be everything as the survey also showed that taxpayers continue to worry the money won’t be enough. Find out more here.
*The total household debt of $17.3 trillion entering 2024 is a new high for the U.S. The largest increase in any category was credit card debt, which swelled by 16.6% between Q3 2022 and Q3 2023, the most recent term for which federal data was available.
Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Straight Talk Wireless between January 16 and January 21, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll.
2024-02-19T08:01:00
(BPT) – Pain. Fatigue. Scars. Depression. These are side effects we often hear about and associate with life-saving mastectomy surgeries. But did you know that total or partial chest numbness is a common and often permanent side effect, as well?
“I remember taking my newborn daughter into my arms and putting her on my chest — but I couldn’t feel her skin. I didn’t know that she was there unless I looked at her,” says Jane, a breast cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy.
During a mastectomy, the nerves that supply sensation to the breasts are cut so that the breast tissue can be removed. For some people, this results in total or partial loss of feeling in their chest.
This can leave some without the ability to feel touch, pressure, or temperature on their chest. Imagine not being able to feel the full embrace of a hug or your child’s head resting on your chest. Moreover, imagine having no awareness that you’re experiencing a wardrobe malfunction or being burned by a curling iron. Not being able to feel roughly 10% of your body is not only a safety concern, but it can also be very disorienting —physically and psychologically.
Post-mastectomy chest numbness and the after-effects come as a surprise for many people. Even if loss of sensation was mentioned or covered in the paperwork leading up to surgery, many still feel like they were ill-informed about what to expect after mastectomy and the impact it may have on their daily lives.
Numbness greatly affects quality of life for many women and is a source of ongoing grief about what was lost, a constant reminder of the trauma they experienced, and a barrier to fully recovering physically, psychologically and emotionally.
Our connection to loved ones often starts with the chest. “It’s part of what we present to the world. It’s our heart space, for women in particular,” says Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a licensed clinical psychologist in Santa Rosa, Calif. “Skin-to-skin contact in the first hour after birth. Breastfeeding. Hugs. The chest is a life-long source of comfort, love, nourishment, and connection. Imagine that connection being severed by numbness following mastectomy.”
“Physical touch and sensation are two senses that help us navigate life. So total chest numbness may result in physical, psychosocial, intimacy, and self-esteem issues,” says Dr. Kristen Casey, a licensed clinical psychologist in Kansas City, Mo. “Numbness has a significant impact on quality of life for a number of people I’ve counseled. For women, breasts often signify an extra layer of safety that protects them and their heart and lungs. And for those experiencing numbness, that protection can feel non-existent. It’s almost like there’s a blank part of them — one missing puzzle piece they can’t find. And that’s really difficult.”
“Feeling whole and connected to oneself has many layers to it. And because our bodies are our home, if we cannot feel a part of our own body, we can feel disconnected from ourselves as individuals,” adds Dr. Manly. “When we don’t feel fully connected to ourselves, that can affect how we relate with others. If we feel less confident, broken, or disoriented, we may be hesitant to let people in. When a woman feels good about herself, she will show up more magnificently in the world.”
The good news is that numbness following mastectomy doesn’t have to be permanent. During breast reconstruction or some revision procedures, surgeons can reconnect the nerves that were previously cut using a nerve allograft to potentially restore sensation.
With advancements in surgical techniques and technology, it’s possible for women to not only look — but also feel — like themselves again after breast cancer. But more people need to be aware of post-mastectomy numbness and be educated on options to potentially restore feeling.
So, tell your family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors: breast cancer may take your breasts, but it doesn’t have to take away your power to feel a hug.
Learn about Resensation®, a surgical technique designed to restore sensation, at Resensation.com.
2024-02-16T15:47:00
(BPT) – Do you want to save money and electricity while modernizing your home? This Presidents Day, you can do both by taking advantage of LG’s deals now through Feb. 28.
LG is committed to providing energy-efficient solutions that are stylish and dependable for a cleaner, greener home. From thoughtful appliance features to groundbreaking technology, the company considers your wallet and the planet every step of the way. Check out these Presidents Day deals on top-rated kitchen and laundry appliances that will make your life easier and help you go green.
Keep your wardrobe fresh with an LG washer/dryer
Laundry has never been easier, thanks to LG’s washer/dryer units! The ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances use ventless inverter HeatPump™ technology, so you can enjoy quiet operation, greater energy efficiency and advanced fabric care.
Take back your time by bringing home an LG WashCombo All-in-One, now $1,000 off. The innovative 2-in-1 appliance washes and dries laundry in under two hours. Once you push start, you can go about your day without pausing a project or show to flip laundry. Built-in AI takes the guesswork out of fabric care, automatically detecting fabric texture and load size and selecting the right wash motions, temperatures and dry motions level.
If you want separate washer and dryer appliances in a single-unit design, consider LG WashTower and save $900. The front-load washer and dryer takes up half the space of a traditional washer and dryer setup. With the saved space, you can add a sink, folding table or organizational storage to reinvent how you do laundry. Plus, unlike conventional stacked pairs, LG’s exclusive Center Control® panel is easy to reach.
Control and monitor both appliances via the ThinQ® app. In the app, you’ll discover ThinQ Care™, which sends usage, maintenance and diagnostic alerts straight to your phone to keep your appliances running smoothly. Meanwhile, ThinQ® UP updates your appliances’ software, adding new features without additional purchases.
Test your culinary skills with LG cooking appliances
Are you ready to take your cooking to the next level? Impress friends and family by cooking delicious meals on an LG Smart Induction cooking appliance. The energy-efficient induction technology transfers heat directly to your cookware instead of the cooktop surface for fast heating, quick and even cooking and precise temperature control.
This Presidents Day, check out LG’s LSIL6334FE Smart Induction Slide-in Range with ProBake Convection® and Air Fry. As the first EnergyStar-certified cooking model in the U.S., you can quickly and confidently prepare meals using energy-efficient induction. Also, the LG ProBake Convection® oven automatically selects the lower speed for delicate baking or the higher speed for air frying and roasting.
Want even more convenience and cooking options? Look no further than LG’s LSIL6336FE Smart Induction Slide-in Range, now $500 off. You can turn out perfect batches of cookies, air fry hot wings and air sous vide meat, fish and vegetables. Also, the InstaView® Window lets you keep track of your creations without interrupting the cooking process. Just knock twice, take a peek and rest easy.
Like its laundry counterparts, the cooktop and oven are compatible with the ThinQ app, so you can control, maintain and check your kitchen appliances from anywhere.
Bundle and save even more!
You can save up to $500 this Presidents Day when you bundle two or more eligible LG appliances. Some kitchen appliances may even qualify for a $100 instant saving per item on up to four products on installation and/or haul away.
Make this Presidents Day one to remember with savings on top-tier home appliances that offer convenience and energy efficiency. To find more Presidents Day deals, visit LG.com/US/Promotions.
2024-02-16T07:05:00
(BPT) – Whether you’re looking to expand your protein options during Lent or want to try new twists on your seafood favorites, Morey’s Fine Fish & Seafood offers plenty of easy-to-prepare, delicious frozen options that your whole family is sure to enjoy. Look for products from Morey’s for convenient and affordable ways to satisfy your inner “seafoodie” this season and all year long.
Embrace the latest flavor craze: Sweet chili
Did you know almost half of consumers (46%) say they love or like the flavor of sweet chili and, according to Datassential, 42% say that sweet chili is their most preferred Asian-style sauce? Morey’s has found a perfect pairing with Tilapia Sweet Chili, a restaurant-quality entree that features ASC-certified tilapia, frozen at the peak of freshness, along with that beloved sweet and spicy sauce.
To take this new product one step further, try this recipe that highlights Morey’s Tilapia Sweet Chili by combining it with fresh veggies and your favorite Asian-style noodles.
This noodle bowl is packed with savory flavors thanks to ingredients like fresh ginger, sesame, cilantro, and the sweet and spicy marinade featuring notes of honey, soy, peppers and garlic. Snap peas, bell peppers, cabbage and green onions add pops of color and freshness when tossed with flaky Tilapia Sweet Chili and deliciously springy udon noodles. The veggie- and flavor-packed dish makes an easy weeknight dinner, plus you can enjoy leftovers — warm or cold — for lunch!
Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time 15–20 minutes; Serves 2
Ingredients
1 package Morey’s Tilapia Sweet Chili, prepared according to package directions
6 ounces cooked udon noodles or other favorite Asian-style noodle
2 tablespoons coconut, avocado or olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup snap peas, sliced in half lengthwise
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons water
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Lime wedges
Instructions
Cook fish: Prepare Tilapia Sweet Chili fillets according to package directions.
Prepare vegetables: While the tilapia is cooking, heat oil in saute pan over medium heat. Add minced ginger and garlic and cook 1 minute. Add snap peas and bell peppers and cook 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce. Remove vegetables and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce and red cabbage, cooking until red cabbage is wilted, then remove cabbage and set aside.
To serve: Add remaining 2/3 cup sweet chili sauce, soy sauce and cooked noodles to pan. Toss to coat and heat through until noodles start to caramelize. Divide noodles on two plates, arrange cooked tilapia on top and add vegetables on the side. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, squeeze of lime and extra sweet chili sauce.
Dive into a lemony fresh fan favorite
If salmon is one of your favorite varieties of fish, you’ll love Morey’s Wild Salmon Lemon Herb, which is full of fresh flavors that are just perfect for spring. This chef-inspired wild salmon dish is prepared in a citrus-style marinade that is sure to wake up your taste buds. It’s so easy to prepare that you’ll gladly — and quickly — put it together in your own kitchen rather than going out to eat, any night of the week.
Morey’s Fine Fish & Seafood offers a variety of better-for-you, premium seafood options that are easy to prepare and bold in flavor, including fillets paired with chef-inspired marinades and more. Their responsibly sourced, premium-quality seafood is the perfect way to create a five-star dinner at home for all your family and friends this Lent — and all year long.
You can find these and other products at retailers near you, and at Moreys.com.
