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Hosting for the holidays? How to save time and effort

2024-12-17T07:33:00

(BPT) – When you’re planning festive get-togethers, it seems like there’s never enough time. Between menu planning, shopping, prepping and cooking, holiday hosting stress can take some of the fun out of your celebrations. But what if there were ways to help you relax and enjoy every occasion?

Here are tips and tools to streamline your cooking process, from beginning to end.

Keep it simple

Everyone appreciates good food that’s well prepared, so why overcomplicate? When planning your menu, stick to dishes you already know, so you’re not risking an experiment when time is tight. Limit yourself to a main dish and a few simple sides so you’ll have less to stress about.

Then shop online, order groceries for delivery — or at least double-check that your list is complete before heading to the store — to reduce shopping trips, leaving more breathing room in your schedule.

Prep ahead

Whatever components can be prepared ahead, do it! Common items to complete ahead include cutting up vegetables and cooking rice or pasta. They can be prepared in advance in multi-cookers to free up space on your burner and stored in airtight containers, clearly labeled so you know which items go with what dish.

The secret to convenient cooking…multitasking

Nothing saves more time in the kitchen than the PowerXL™ StirMax™ Multi-Cooker. The 360° Automatic Paddle with StirMax™ Technology allows the StirMax™ Multi-Cooker to stir and shred almost any meal. It creates delicious, hassle-free dishes that optimize your time in the kitchen and let you tend to other necessary meal prep.

Because the 360° Paddle rotates automatically, you can create a wide range of dishes without tediously stirring and shredding, like risotto or pulled pork. Best yet, the 7.5 quart family-size capacity can cook a wide variety of recipes thanks to the 9 pre-programmed cooking presets — StirMax™, BraiseMax, Slow Cook, Stew/Soup, Keep Warm, Steam/Boil, Risotto, Saute and Rice — in one compact design, providing convenient and hands-free cooking. Visit PowerXLProducts.com to learn more.

Here’s a crowd-pleasing recipe you can make, mostly hands-free, using the PowerXL™ StirMax™ Multi-Cooker.

Close-up of the Power XL

Pulled Pork with Pork Tenderloin

Serves: 6; Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 4 hours slow cook on High

Ingredients

2 pork tenderloins, cut into 6 equal pieces
3/4 tablespoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. In small bowl, mix all the seasonings and rub on the pork.
2. Select SLOW COOK preset and use the default High temperature setting for 4 hours. Add all ingredients except barbecue sauce. Press START.
3. After 3 hours, select STIR LOW setting and add barbecue sauce.
4. When pork is shredded, serve on rolls or in tacos.

Simplify presentation and clean-up

Reduce clean-up by serving dishes in the same appliance you used for cooking. Choosing attractive cookware streamlines the process and reduces dish washing you’ll need to do later. Fortunately, with the StirMax™ Multi-Cooker you can cook and serve in the same pot, which looks great on your table. And the pot, lid and paddle can all go straight into the dishwasher or wipe clean easily, so you can spend less time scrubbing.

Using these tips will reduce time cooking on party day — so you can spend more time with your friends and family.

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Expecting? How getting vaccinated while pregnant can help protect newborns from RSV

2024-12-16T08:31:00

(BPT) – Expecting mothers have countless preparations to make before their little ones arrive, from decorating the nursery and installing a car seat to picking a pediatrician and thinking about maternal immunizations. For mom and actress Chloe Bridges, who is partnering with Pfizer, navigating pregnancy — and the choices that come along with it — was a little overwhelming.

“Looking back, I was facing so many decisions about how to help protect my baby. Everyone — my friends, my parents, my husband Adam’s parents, social media — had their own opinions,” said Bridges. “It was a lot.”

Now, when reflecting on her pre-birth planning, Bridges says she has ‘new mom clarity.’ One crucial decision she made during pregnancy was receiving ABRYSVO® (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine), the only vaccine given to pregnant people at 32 through 36 weeks gestation to help protect infants from the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from birth through six months.

What is RSV?

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can be dangerous for babies. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants in the U.S, with more than 50% of all RSV-related hospitalizations during the first year of life occurring within the first three months, and more than 75% occurring within the first six months.

The role of maternal immunization

During pregnancy, the mother’s body naturally passes antibodies, including those her body creates after receiving a vaccine, to the infant. That means mothers who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant can help protect their babies from the risk of RSV starting with their first breath by receiving the ABRYSVO vaccine.

“Expecting mothers are doing everything they can to prepare for the birth of their babies. It’s such a transformative and life-changing experience to have a baby,” said Bridges. “For me, speaking with my OB-GYN throughout my pregnancy journey helped me to make decisions that were right for me and Beau. She answered all my questions and provided me with so much information that I needed to prepare.”

Mother holding her adorable 32 week-old child.

An important maternal vaccine

If you’re pregnant and approaching the third trimester of pregnancy, consider asking your OB-GYN or other healthcare provider about ABRYSVO. Pfizer’s ABRYSVO is the first and only maternal RSV vaccine that helps protect newborns against RSV from birth through six months of age. To avoid the potential risk of preterm birth, ABRYSVO should be given at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends ABRYSVO if you are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant from September through January (in most parts of the continental United States). Keep in mind that the recommended months for maternal vaccination might vary depending on your location.

Decide what’s best for you and your baby

“I wanted to help protect Beau from RSV from his first breath,” said Bridges. “I’m so glad I decided to get the vaccine for him while I was pregnant.”

Talk to your OBGYN or other healthcare provider to learn more about how to help protect your baby against RSV.

This article was sponsored by Pfizer. To learn more about the vaccine and deepen your knowledge about RSV and maternal immunization, visit ABRYSVO.com.

Important Safety Information and Use

WHAT IS ABRYSVO?

ABRYSVO is a vaccine indicated for pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) and severe LRTD caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants from birth through 6 months of age.

  • ABRYSVO should not be given to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any of its components
  • To avoid the potential risk of preterm birth, ABRYSVO should be given at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age
  • Fainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including ABRYSVO. Precautions should be taken to avoid falling and injury due to fainting
  • Adults with weakened immune systems, including those receiving medicines that suppress the immune system, may have a reduced immune response to ABRYSVO
  • Vaccination with ABRYSVO may not protect all people
  • In pregnant individuals, the most common side effects (≥ 10%) were pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, and nausea
  • In clinical trials where ABRYSVO was compared to placebo, infants born to pregnant individuals experienced low birth weight (5.1% ABRYSVO versus 4.4% placebo) and jaundice (7.2% ABRYSVO versus 6.7% placebo)

Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of ABRYSVO. Only a healthcare provider can decide if ABRYSVO is right for you. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit http://www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967.

Individuals who received ABRYSVO during pregnancy are encouraged to enroll in a pregnancy exposure registry at 1-800-616-3791. The registry will monitor pregnancy outcomes.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ABRYSVO.

PP-A1G-USA-1849 © 2024 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. November 2024.

Expectant mothers have countless preparations to make before their little ones arrive, from decorating the nursery and installing a car seat to picking a pediatrician. For mom and actress Chloe Bridges, navigating pregnancy — and the choices that come along with it — was a little overwhelming.

“Looking back, I was facing so many decisions about how to help protect my baby. Everyone — my friends, my parents, my husband Adam’s parents, social media — had their own opinions,” said Bridges. “It was a lot.”

Now, when reflecting on her pre-baby planning, Bridges says she has ‘new mom clarity.’ One crucial decision she made during pregnancy was receiving ABRYSVO, the only maternal vaccine approved to help protect her son Beau from the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the first six months of his life.1

What is RSV?

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can be dangerous for babies. In fact, a study published in Infectious Diseases and Therapy journal, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants in the U.S, with more than 50% of all RSV-related hospitalizations during the first year of life occurring within the first three months, and more than 75% occurring within the first six months.2

The role of maternal immunization

During pregnancy, the mother’s body naturally passes antibodies, including those her body creates after receiving a vaccine, to the infant.3 That means mothers who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant can help protect their babies from the risk of RSV before their first breath by receiving the ABRYSVO vaccine.

“Expecting mothers are doing everything they can to prepare for the birth of their babies. It’s such a transformative and life-changing experience to have a baby,” said Bridges. “For me, speaking with my OB-GYN throughout my pregnancy journey helped me to make decisions that were right for me and Beau. She answered all my questions and provided me with so much information that I needed to prepare.”

An important maternal vaccine

If you’re pregnant and approaching the third trimester of pregnancy, consider asking your doctor about ABRYSVO® (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine). Pfizer’s ABRYSVO is the first and only RSV vaccine that helps protect newborns against RSV from birth through six months of age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends ABRYSVO if you are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant, from September through January (in most parts of the U.S.).4 Keep in mind that the recommended months for maternal vaccination might vary depending on your location.

Decide what’s best for you and your baby

“I wanted to help protect Beau from RSV at first breath,” said Bridges. “I’m so glad I decided to get the vaccine for him while I was pregnant.”

Talk to your OBGYN or other healthcare provider to learn more about how to help protect your baby against the risk of RSV.

To learn more about the vaccine and deepen your knowledge about RSV and maternal immunization, visit ABRYSVO.com.

1. [PLACEHOLDER]

2. Parikh, Rohan C, Kimmie K McLaurin, Andrea V Margulis, Josephine Mauskopf, Christopher S Ambrose, Melissa Pavilack, and Sean D Candrilli. 2017. “Chronologic Age at Hospitalization for Respiratory Syncytial Virus among Preterm and Term Infants in the United States.” Infectious Diseases and Therapy 6 (4): 477–86. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28866800/.

3. [PLACEHOLDER]

4. CDC. “Immunizations to Protect Infants.” Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV), 2024, www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/protect-infants.html.

Important Safety Information and Uses

  • ABRYSVO should not be given to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any of its components
  • To avoid the potential risk of preterm birth, ABRYSVO should be given at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age
  • Fainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including ABRYSVO. Precautions should be taken to avoid falling and injury due to fainting
  • Adults with weakened immune systems, including those receiving medicines that suppress the immune system, may have a reduced immune response to ABRYSVO
  • Vaccination with ABRYSVO may not protect all people
  • In pregnant individuals, the most common side effects (≥ 10%) were pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, and nausea
  • In clinical trials where ABRYSVO was compared to placebo, infants born to pregnant individuals experienced low birth weight (5.1% ABRYSVO versus 4.4% placebo) and jaundice (7.2% ABRYSVO versus 6.7% placebo)

Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of ABRYSVO. Only a healthcare provider can decide if ABRYSVO is right for you. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit http://www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967.

Individuals who received ABRYSVO during pregnancy are encouraged to enroll in a pregnancy exposure registry at 1-800-616-3791. The registry will monitor pregnancy outcomes.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ABRYSVO.

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A tea party with a unicorn and a wish granted to child fighting a critical illness

2024-12-16T09:01:01

(BPT) – It was a day that 6-year-old Abbey and her parents will never forget. Abbey, from San Lorenzo, California, has leukemia. But she got to take some time off from hospitals, treatments and procedures to be a princess, complete with a unicorn companion, just for a day.

When Abbey and her family learned that she would receive a wish from Make-A-Wish®, she knew her wish right away: Abbey dreamed of traveling to Hawaii to swim in the ocean with dolphins, and to have a tea party with a unicorn. Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and local Subaru retailer, Capitol Subaru, were on it. They teamed up to make Abbey’s wish come true. The first step, a princess-themed surprise party to reveal that her wish would soon come true.

They surprised Abbey with presents, a visit from a princess, her favorite snacks and even a “unicorn,” a miniature pony all dressed up for a tea party with Abbey. It made one little girl and her parents very happy, taking their minds off of her illness for a delightful moment in time.

It was an emotional day for Abbey and her family, and for the folks at Capitol Subaru as well. Next would come Hawaii and those dolphins. Abbey and her family left for Abbey’s wish trip of a lifetime on Dec. 1.

“Having a child go through difficult medical treatments is stressful on the entire family,” said Fernando Roque, general sales manager at DGDG’s Capitol Subaru. “We hope that by granting these wishes, we can provide a moment of joy for everyone involved and look forward to continuing to support this great cause.”

According to Make-A-Wish, approximately 27,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness each year, and research shows that a wish can lead to better health outcomes and a higher chance of survival.

Subaru shares the love

It’s all part of a long-running partnership between Subaru and Make-A-Wish through the Subaru Share the Love® Event. During the event, which runs from Nov. 21 to Jan. 2 this year, Subaru of America donates $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased to the customer’s choice of participating charities, including Make-A-Wish.

Since Make-A-Wish has become a participating national charity in the Subaru Share the Love Event, the organization has received more than $35 million in donations, helping to grant more than 3,600 wishes to children fighting critical illnesses in the U.S.

Doing well by doing good

The Subaru Share the Love Event is the textbook definition of doing well by doing good. Subaru is donating a portion from each new Subaru purchased or leased, from now until Jan. 2, 2025, to charities its customers get to designate, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®, Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels America and the National Park Foundation. The charities get supported, Subaru customers feel good about the donation and Subaru aligns with what’s most important to its customers. Subaru is the largest automotive or corporate donor to each of those organizations.

There’s a hometown component, too, with local Subaru retailers like Capitol Subaru able to be involved in these lifechanging moments by donating an additional $50 or more to the local charities they’ve partnered with for each new Subaru purchased or leased through Jan. 2.

All of it together is a huge win, a holiday message of kindness and support that everyone involved can feel good about. Especially the unicorn and those dolphins, who had the good fortune of spending a day with a delightful wish kid.

Over the last 16 years of the Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru and its participating retailers have donated over $288 million to causes around the country and supported nearly 2,300 hometown charities. To learn more, visit: https://wish.org/subaru.

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One daughter’s wish: An unforgettable mother-daughter trip

2024-12-16T16:01:01

(BPT) – Like many sisters, 15-year-old Lila and her two sisters share a lot of things, including their love for their family. But unfortunately, all three of them also share the experience of being diagnosed with the same respiratory disorder, which has disrupted their young lives.

To help Lila, her sisters, and many other children with critical illnesses find more joy and hope in their lives, Make-A-Wish helps to grant their wishes — large and small. For Lila and her sisters, they used this opportunity to create lasting memories as they embarked on separate bonding experiences with their parents.

Lila had always wanted to see the West Coast, so when she was told that her wish would be granted, she knew right away that she wanted to go on a special trip to spend time with her mom in Pfeiffer Beach, California.

“Make-A-Wish has been an incredible blessing to our family,” said Lila’s mother Martha. “My daughter dreamed of seeing the West Coast, and it was made into a reality. We experienced so many amazing things — seeing whales and sea lions in the wild, exploring the beautiful California coast, having a day of pampering in a spa — and the list goes on. We were able to forget about the everyday challenges and just enjoy our time together. We will be forever grateful for the gift that Make-A-Wish gave us.”

To make wishes like Lila’s come true, it is imperative to have generous donors and corporate partners like Chase, which joined Make-A-Wish as a national corporate partner in 2024. Because over 80% of wishes involve some form of travel, airfare costs are the greatest expense on travel wishes. In fact, Make-A-Wish would need over 2.8 billion miles to cover every travel wish that they grant each year. To help grant these travel wishes, Chase provided Make-A-Wish with $1.5 million worth of Ultimate Rewards® points and a $500,000 donation to fuel the travel of wish kids and their families.

How you can make a difference to a child

In addition to Chase’s contribution, Chase Freedom, Sapphire and Ink cardmembers can support Make-A-Wish by donating at Wish.org/Chase, then use Pay Yourself Back to redeem Ultimate Rewards points for the value of the donation after it has posted on their statement. To help cardmembers make an even greater impact, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 25-50% more, depending on which card is used.

You can make a difference for a child like Lila. Unwrap the power of a wish today and help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Visit Wish.org/Chase to learn more.

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Fashionistas in your life? Ultimate gifts for effortless style

2024-12-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – For your friends and loved ones who are all about their personal style, you’ll want to give them holiday gifts that not only celebrate their passion for fashion, but truly enhance their everyday life, making it easy for them to look their best every day.

So if you’ve got a fashionista or two (or more) on your holiday gift list, here are some ideas to get you started on your shopping this year.

Hassle-free clothing care

Anyone who values their wardrobe and wants their clothes to impress will jump for joy at a gift that not only simplifies their life, but also cares for their garments like never before. For the ultimate gift, LG Styler Steam Closets are all about saving time, money and energy — taking those all-important tasks like pressing, ironing and sanitizing clothing out of your hands by caring for your garments in a sleek, closet-style unit.

The LG Styler offers impressive features including a deodorizer to keep favorite garments smelling their best, moving hangers that help smooth wrinkles, a versatile rack for multiple storage options and a portable water container that provides water for the LG Styler’s TrueSteam™ technology. Instead of a single heater, Dual TrueSteam employs two heaters to boil water and generate steam, allowing for more precise control of the steam spray’s volume and strength. For delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere, the steam setting uses only one of the system’s two heaters, delivering gentle fabric care through optimized steam-flow control. Dual TrueSteam also enables the Styler’s Sanitary cycle, a specialized cycle that keeps clothes hygienically clean by eliminating over 99.99% of germs and 11 different kinds of harmful bacteria.

Fashionistas can refresh their clothing without the hassle by adding the LG Styler to a bedroom, walk-in closet or laundry space — all they’ll need is to plug it into an outlet, fill the water container and start refreshing — with no plumbing or chemicals required. Even better, they can use the ThinQ® app to check on the remaining cycle time, download cycles and more. The LG STUDIO Styler’s mirror door finish will elevate any space, adding fashion function with a convenient full-length reflection.

Visit LG.com/styler to learn more.

Large changing room with huge windows and an LG styler.

Keep the care going

To help your favorite fashionista further care for their most valued outfits, gift them a new set of high-quality, thick padded clothes hangers for their closets, plus a few garment bags that can keep protecting their clothes all year-round, especially when they’re out of season. Include some cedar balls in your gift to help ward off moths from clothing in their drawers and closets.

The gift that keeps on giving

For that special someone who deserves to receive a wonderful gift month after month, consider signing them up for a top-notch fashion subscription box. Recipients will love having special fashion items and accessories mailed to them periodically — giving them something fun to look forward to, well after the holiday season is in the rearview mirror.

A fashionable experience

Fashionistas who love taking their look to the next level will really appreciate being gifted a personal session with a professional stylist. Even with just one session, an experienced stylist can help guide the recipient to choose the optimal colors, fabrics, accessories and styles of clothing that will suit their taste and best complement the overall look they want to achieve.

Let them shop till they drop

Does your friend or family member have a favorite vintage clothing store, specialty boutique or deluxe department store where they most love to find their treasures? They’ll go nuts when they get a gift certificate for their next trip to restock their wardrobe.

Ready to start shopping for your fashion-forward friends or family members (and maybe yourself, too)? With these gift ideas, your friend or family member will be all set to celebrate in style this year.

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How to celebrate between the holidays: 7 days of indulgence

2024-12-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Looking forward to having some extra days off between the Christmas and New Year holidays? That week may be full of festivities and celebrations — but it can also be the perfect time to indulge in a little relaxation and rejuvenation, with a wintry twist.

“The days between Christmas and New Year’s are perfect for unwinding and recharging after the holiday rush,” says lifestyle expert Hailey Bright. “Why not treat yourself or a loved one to some indulgent self-care? Even simple luxuries or routines can refresh the mind, body and soul — whether it’s a cozy night in with a good book, an ‘everything’ shower with your favorite products like Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash, or taking stock of the past year while setting personal goals for the year ahead.”

So if you’re looking for ways to savor that much-needed break from the hustle and bustle, here are seven ways you can make the most of your between-holiday week.

1. Leftovers and lounge: There’s nothing better than indulging in tasty holiday leftovers and enjoying not-cooking from the comfort of your own dining or living room. If you feel inspired, turn it into a special occasion — even in your loungewear. Consider setting a pretty table with your favorite plates and stemware, so you can transform your yummy leftovers into a private dinner party, complete with mood lighting and relaxing music.

2. Pretend you’re in a snow globe: Hot girl walks can be done out in the cold. You heard it here first. Take a leisurely walk in a nearby park and enjoy that fresh air feeling while you stay warm and comfy with fluffy earmuffs, a soft thick scarf and something new from your favorite athleisure brand!

3. Lather in luxury: Turn your shower into a personal spa retreat with Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash. It’s like a luxurious bubble bath without the tub. Skip the lotion and emerge feeling like the queen you are — moisturized, relaxed and living your best life.

“The Olay Indulgent Moisture body wash is a total game-changer for elevating your self-care routine — I’m obsessed with the Rose & Cherry Crème scent!” says Bright. “Its extremely moisturizing formula eliminates the need for post-shower lotion, making it perfect for combatting extra-dry winter skin and leaving your skin soft and smooth. It penetrates 10 layers deep, leaving your skin irresistibly soft, smooth and hydrated from head to toe. With five luxurious scents to choose from, it’s like treating yourself to a mini spa moment every day. Pro tip: Don’t forget your loofah for the ultimate experience!”

4. Create a cozy movie marathon: Binge-watch a few of your favorite nostalgic holiday classics wearing your coziest pajamas — invite a few of your besties, turn it into a date night or just keep this guilty pleasure all to yourself. Bonus points for snuggling with warm blankets and snacking on hot buttered popcorn.

5. Sip velvety hot cocoa: Whip up your favorite rich hot cocoa, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra holiday vibe. Then make sure to sip it slowly in a large, heated mug — this is your time to indulge, treat your senses and feel warm and fuzzy from head to toe. This may also be the perfect dunking vessel for those leftover holiday cookies!

6. Belt it out: Karaoke nights are fun, but you can take it up a notch in the ultimate no-judgment zone: your shower! Let your shower be your stage and sing along to your favorite holiday playlist. With the help of the two layers of vitamin B3 Complex and shea butter in the Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash, your skin will be singing too!

7. Set your intentions for 2025: As you hit snooze and sink back into your bed, start to dream about what you want the next year to look like. You can begin to envision your goals, so you’ll be ready to set them out in your 2025 planner, along with the action steps to make them happen — but leave the hard work for another day.

After indulging in these holiday comforts, you’ll feel extra cozy, relaxed and ready to embrace the new year with renewed energy, focus and enthusiasm!

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Build credit wisely with these 5 tips

2024-12-16T07:01:00

(BPT) – When you look at your 5-to-10-year life plan, is a new car, wedding, or buying your first home on your vision board? There is one key behind the scenes that you need to unlock access to funds to reach these goals: a good credit score.

A good credit score can make accessing credit easier and less expensive. But how do you build one? Applying for and obtaining a credit card can be a good first step.

“Credit is a powerful tool to help young people manage daily expenses and reach important life milestones,” says Max Axler, Chief Credit Officer of Synchrony. “That is why it is important to learn responsible credit habits well before you apply for your first credit card.”

Here are five tips for responsibly building credit for first-time credit card holders from the experts at Synchrony:

#1. Think of your credit score like a GPA

Credit scores are like grades in school. Just as good study habits can lead to a good GPA, responsible credit habits lead to a good credit score. A higher credit score is like a ticket to financial freedom that can make it easier to qualify for loans and to purchase things you want and need down the line. And just like you improve your grades in school, you can improve your credit score by staying on top of your spending, your payment due dates and staying within your means. You can even set up autopay to make sure you don’t miss a payment just as you would set up specific times each week to study.

#2. Choose your first credit card wisely

When used responsibly, credit cards are often the easiest and most effective way to build a credit profile. There are many different types of credit cards and picking the right one for your needs is important. A store credit card, that can be used at a specific store, is a great option for those with little or no credit history.

“There is typically more flexibility in approving applications for store cards,” says Axler. “They have lower credit limits and can only be used in-store, which is often more manageable for beginners, and also offer special promotions and perks while shopping at your favorite stores.”

Another option is a secured credit card, which employs a simple, responsible spending concept. To open a secured card requires a cash deposit and the amount deposited becomes your spending limit. Because you are using your own money for purchases, it’s like a debit card, but helps build your credit history.

#3. Make good credit habits a lifestyle

Once you’ve got a card, stick to habits that will help boost your credit over time. The most important habits are:

  • Pay on time: Missing payments can seriously hurt your score, so setting up autopay for the bills to automatically withdraw payment from a bank account monthly is a good option. But don’t just set it and forget it. “It’s important to still monitor account activity to keep track of spending,” said Axler.
  • Keep your balance low: Stay below 30% of your credit limit, as this shows you are managing credit wisely and not spending beyond your means.
  • Only spend what you can pay off each month: It might be tempting to splurge, but a credit card is not free money. Carrying a high balance means more incurring interest charges which will cost you more for your purchase.

#4. Use free credit checks to stay on track

Check your balance frequently to track spending and monitor for any errors or potential fraud on your accounts. Balances can creep up quickly if you are not paying attention.

And, checking your credit status is free and simple! The three large credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — offer access to your credit reports on their websites for no charge. You can also get a free copy of each of your credit reports from the three credit bureaus on AnnualCreditReport.com.

Even if you’ve never used a credit card, it’s a good idea to check what’s currently in your credit file to ensure you have not been a victim of identity theft.

#5. Learn responsibility as an authorized user

Not ready for your own card yet? You could ask a parent or family member to become an authorized user on their account. This means you get a card in your name, but it is linked to that family member’s account. It’s a lower-risk way to start using and building credit.

This approach is advisable on a card with a low credit limit, because it is a safeguard from racking up too much debt — which would hurt both of your credit histories.

If you go this route, make sure you understand the boundaries with your family member and spend responsibly. Check in with them and review your spending together to avoid any surprises.

Remember, your credit score is based on a lifetime of transactions. By starting your credit journey on the right foot today, you will pave the way for a healthy financial future and achieving your dream purchase goals of tomorrow.

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Flying high to make a child’s wish come true

2024-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Twelve-year-old Lucas has always loved everything connected with aviation — and learning more about planes is one of the things that keeps him feeling strong and joyful, even when he is dealing with the daily challenges of having congenital heart disease. This chronic health condition affects the way his blood flows through his heart and blood vessels, which can lead to fatigue, difficulty breathing and other serious symptoms that negatively impact his everyday life.

“When I was twelve or so weeks pregnant, we got the news that Lucas’ heart was different, which was tough news to learn,” said his mom, Stephanie. “But we’ve had a couple surgeries, and now we’re at a stage where he looks and acts pretty much like any other kid.”

And when Lucas learned that he would be able to have a wish granted by Make-A-Wish® — which has a mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses — Lucas knew just what he wanted right away. His wish was to have an A380 plane experience. The A380 is Lucas’ favorite kind of airplane, and he already knows a lot about this type of plane, among many others. Lucas shared that he would love to see the landing gear, the cockpit, where the flight attendants sleep, and to learn anything and everything there is to know about the A380.

Thankfully, Make-A-Wish has had a longstanding national partnership with United Airlines over the years, which would make fulfilling his wish possible. Because over 80% of the wishes from children in Make-A-Wish involve some form of travel, airfare costs are the greatest expense on fulfilling their wishes. In fact, Make-A-Wish would need over 2.8 billion miles to cover every travel wish each year. It is imperative for Make-A-Wish to have generous corporate partners like United Airlines to help make wishes like Lucas’ come true.

“Lucas’ wish was absolutely amazing. It was a great day, exhausting. But it was awesome to do all the things,” said Stephanie. “It was fun to have Make-A-Wish involved for familiar faces, and we didn’t realize there were so many jobs outside of the pilot that you can work in the airport. This was more than we could have dreamed of.”

How you can help

If you’d like to join the efforts to help fulfill wishes from more children all year long, United Airlines is inviting their MileagePlus members with the opportunity to donate their reward miles to several charities, including Make-A-Wish, through their “Miles on a Mission” platform.

Even better, during the holiday season, from Dec. 3 through 31, 2024, United Airlines is stepping up their support of Make-A-Wish even more. Customers are invited to donate miles or money to Make-A-Wish, and United will match miles donations up to 5 million miles, and cash donations will be matched with United travel certificates up to $500,000. In addition, $1 from every illy® cold brew purchased in flight will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $25,000, helping to bring hope to more children facing critical illnesses.

You can unwrap the power of a wish today and help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses like Lucas this holiday season by visiting Wish.org/united-donate.

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5 expert tips to create an effortless holiday spread

2024-12-13T11:37:00

(BPT) – Nothing brings folks together during the holiday season like food. Whether you’re hosting a low-key gathering or throwing a festive party, choosing and preparing the right food can make the difference between a good and a great event.

Président® — a leading global deli and dairy brand offered by Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy company — believes there is pleasure in every bite and wants to help hosts like you pull off an unforgettable party with little effort. Check out its five top tips that can help you create a delicious holiday menu in as little time as possible.

1. Watch the clock

Once you have your menu planned, take note of dishes and items that can be made ahead of time and those that need to be prepared closer to the event. For example, if you’re serving cheese spread like Rondelé®, take it out of the refrigerator 15-30 minutes before serving for the best flavor, creamy texture and spreadability.

2. Plan perfect pairings

Classic food pairings are simple to prepare and make your gatherings feel thoughtfully planned. Cheese is a particularly versatile ingredient because you can pair it with a crunchy baguette, flat pretzels or crackers.

For a fresh taste, offer your guests fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, peppers, cucumber, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and dips. You can also serve figs, pears, grapes, berries and other fruits that are tasty on their own or combine well with cheese.

3. Impress with eye-catching appetizers

Do you want food that looks as good as it tastes? Opt for visually appealing appetizers that are simple to put together.

Consider artfully arranging cured meats, cheeses, olives and some of the classic pairings above on a beautiful wooden board. On a separate platter, you can serve bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms, mini bell peppers or other bite-sized veggies.

4. Focus on quick meals

For the main event, you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. Instead, prepare quick meals that are fresh and filling.

For example, serve open-faced bagel sandwiches with smoked salmon or avocado. Swap plain cream cheese for a spreadable cheese like Rondelé for a gourmet touch. You could also prepare sandwiches, wraps and rollups, which take little time and only a few ingredients to create.

5. Have a simple yet delicious secret weapon

Finally, have a tasty recipe that you can bake in minutes but that your guests will assume took much longer to create.

For your next occasion, try this recipe for soft, flaky, cheesy and buttery biscuits with a hint of fresh jalapeño. Rondelé Garlic & Herbs cheese spread is added to the batter for extra flavor and makes the biscuits much softer. Using cold ingredients in this recipe is key to achieving a beautiful, flaky texture.

Herby Jalapeño Rondelé Buttermilk Biscuits

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 10

Ingredients

3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 package cold Rondelé Garlic & Herbs cheese spread

2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1-2 whole jalapeños, seeded and chopped

16 tablespoons cold salted butter cubed, plus melted butter for brushing the biscuits

1 cup cold buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut cold shredded butter into flour mixture and work with hands until mixture clumps together to form larger pea-size balls. You can also do this step in a food processor if you have one.

3. Add Rondelé, cheddar and jalapeños, mixing gently to combine. Drizzle in buttermilk and mix again until combined.

4. Turn dough out onto clean surface and pat it into 1-inch-thick square. Cut dough into 4 pieces. Stack pieces on top of each other. Press down to flatten. Dust surface with flour and roll dough into 1-inch-thick rectangle or square. Cut into 12 square biscuits or use round biscuit cutter. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes to chill.

5. Remove biscuits from freezer and brush with melted butter. You can cover the tops with fresh jalapeño rings (optional). Transfer to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden on top.

And there you have it! Using these five tips, you can turn any occasion into an unforgettable get-together during the holidays and year-round. To find more recipes and tips, visit PresidentCheese.com/Cheese_Category/Rondele/.

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Cancer’s Hidden Healing: How Supportive Care Transforms Lives

2024-12-13T12:01:00

(BPT) – Diego Serna’s life changed forever in January 2020 when what seemed like a normal Saturday morning playing video games turned into a medical emergency for the then 13-year-old. After a frightening discovery of swollen, painful hands led to a devastating leukemia diagnosis, Diego and his family faced not just one challenge, but a series of them—including a heartbreaking relapse nine months into treatment. For Diego and his family, cancer has been more than a medical journey—it has been a battle that has impacted every aspect of their lives.

While leading-edge medical treatments addressed the disease, it was supportive care at City of Hope that helped Diego and his family navigate their new reality. Through counseling sessions with a psychologist, support from a child life specialist and social worker, and dedicated activities even when isolation was necessary, Diego found ways to cope with his treatment journey. “The supportive care team makes it a little easier,” his father shares. “They help you understand what you’re going through.”

What is Supportive Care?

Supportive care encompasses services that ease the physical, emotional and psychological burdens of cancer. These programs are designed to treat the whole person, not just the disease, which helps patients to focus on their recovery and well-being.

For many, a cancer diagnosis triggers a cascade of worries:

  • How do I manage pain?
  • Will I ever look like myself again?
  • What will happen to me financially?
  • How will I explain this to my children?

Supportive care helps address these pressing concerns by offering resources such as pain management, psychological counseling, financial assistance and family support. Research shows supportive care can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and quality of life. Additional health benefits are reduced hospital stays and readmissions and the prevention of complications. The end result: improved overall outcomes.

The Mental Health Perspective

“Cancer doesn’t just impact the body; it profoundly affects the mind and spirit,” says Jeanelle Folbrecht, Ph.D., a psychologist specializing in oncology care at City of Hope’s Los Angeles cancer center. “Supportive care empowers patients to face their fears and uncertainties—whether it’s managing pain, coping with changes in appearance or addressing financial and familial stressors. By tackling these challenges head-on, we help patients build resilience and focus on what matters most in their journey.”

Expanding Access Through National Collaboration

Despite these benefits, fewer than 20% of U.S. cancer patients receive care at National Cancer Institute-designated centers like City of Hope where supportive care is widely available, leaving 80% with inconsistent or limited access to these critical services.

To address these gaps, a coalition of organizations, including City of Hope, is working to make supportive care a standard practice in cancer treatment. Together for Supportive Cancer Care is a national coalition of organizations from across sectors working to support all people with cancer. This effort focuses on improving outcomes and quality of life and lowering the cost of care by expanding early, equitable access to supportive cancer care. Coalition members will be working collaboratively across three focus areas of policy, research and employer support.

The initiative seeks to address inequities and ensure that all patients, regardless of background or location, have access to these vital services. A growing body of evidence shows that supportive cancer care improves patient treatment outcomes and quality of life, while providing higher-value care and lowering long-term health care costs. However, the benefits of supportive care are not currently accessible to everyone with cancer.

A Compassionate Future

Diego’s story underscores the significant difference supportive care can make. Today, he’s back to playing music in a mariachi band—an activity that during treatment seemed impossibly out of reach. As national efforts continue to grow, supportive care is poised to become a cornerstone of cancer treatment—a compassionate approach that puts patients and their families at the center of care, every step of the way.

Photo courtesy “RewritingCancer” / BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions