Author: admin

2024-12-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are all about bringing friends and family together, and there’s no better way to enjoy company than with a festive holiday brunch. With a bit of planning and some creative touches, hosting can be as enjoyable as the celebration itself! Singer, songwriter and cookbook author Jessie James Decker shares her top tips to help make your holiday get-together even more special.

1. Simplify food prep

Get ahead of the game by preparing food in advance so you can relax and savor time with your loved ones. Opt for dishes like breakfast casseroles or quiches that only need to be warmed up before serving. Decker also recommends repurposing leftovers creatively. If brunch follows a big holiday meal, try incorporating leftover elements like protein or veggies into a new brunch dish for an easy, delicious twist.

2. Set up a kid-friendly station

Keep your guests entertained with a festive DIY pancake, waffle or hot cocoa bar. Both kids and adults will enjoy choosing from fun toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles and marshmallows — a sure way to add a unique element to brunch and create lasting holiday memories for the whole family!

3. Create a holiday atmosphere through music

You can make your brunch atmosphere as relaxing, upbeat and joyful as you’d like through a curated playlist of your favorite holiday music. The perfect playlist can set the tone for a warm and festive atmosphere, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the celebration. You can even create a collaborative playlist so your guests can join in and play their favorite tunes!

4. Add personal design touches

Adding thoughtful details to your holiday table can make your gathering even more special. Decker recommends putting out conversation starters or writing handwritten notes and holiday-themed nameplates to make your guests feel welcome. You can even involve the kids by letting them help out with these personalized touches, such as cutting out paper snowflakes to hang around the dining table, adding extra holiday magic to the decor.

5. Start a holiday tradition with a signature recipe

A go-to holiday brunch recipe gives everyone something to look forward to each year. Whether it’s a sweet or savory dish, choosing a recipe that brings comfort and joy to the table can make a holiday gathering even more memorable. Decker’s family-favorite recipe are these King’s Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Sandwiches from Eggland’s Best, which have been a Christmas morning staple in her household for years.

Incorporating Eggland’s Best eggs in your recipes is also a great way to put your wellness at the forefront of the season, as they contain 6 times more Vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs, to help boost your body’s immunity and fight off harmful bacteria. EB eggs also have 10 times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs, which performs as an antioxidant in the body to reduce oxidative stress and protect the cells from damage.

Even more egg-citing, Eggland’s Best has also launched the Season’s Best with Eggland’s Best Sweepstakes! Head to EBFamilySweeps.com now through January 3 for a chance to win $5,000 to take your holiday recipes to the next level, plus Jessie’s signed cookbook, EB cooking swag and more!

Hawaiian Breakfast Roll Sandwiches
Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:

For the eggs:

· 5 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
· About 3 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 tablespoons whole milk
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the rolls:

· 1/2 pound bacon
· 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 2-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

Directions:

1. In skillet, drizzle in a good amount of oil and set pan over medium heat. In medium bowl, whisk Eggland’s Best eggs with the milk until light.
2. When the oil is hot, put beaten eggs into the skillet and watch them sizzle and fry, but don’t touch them. You want them to stay flat and in one piece.
3. Fry scrambled eggs 5 minutes, or until the edges are set, then flip the eggs with a spatula and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and cover while you prepare bacon and rolls.
4. In large skillet, fry bacon over medium-high heat until the strips are browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip with tongs and cook an additional 2 minutes, or until browned and crispy. Lay flat on paper towels to drain while you assemble the rolls.
5. Slightly toast the Hawaiian rolls with a layer of butter on top. Simply slice the sheet of Hawaiian rolls open and brush the butter on the cut sides. Then brown in toaster oven or under hot broiler for a good 3 minutes.
6. Spread 2 tablespoons mayonnaise over the bottom buns, then top with the egg and then the bacon. Finish with another layer of mayo on the top bun, if desired, so it all sticks together, and sandwich them together. That’s it!

2024-12-02T12:17:00

2024-12-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – The fall semester is wrapping up, which means your student will soon be coming home for winter break.

During this time, they’ll leave plenty of important items in their dorm, like a mini-fridge, TV, bike or skateboard, and textbooks. They’ll also likely bring back some thoughtful and useful gifts to campus when break is over, such as a gaming console, headphones, the latest phone upgrade, and new shoes and clothing.

Should anything unintentionally happen to your student’s possessions while they’re gone or when they return, replacing them can quickly add up to a hefty sum. Before the semester ends, it’s a good idea to consider how you can help them protect their current and future belongings with college renters insurance.

A policy like GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance goes above and beyond standard renters insurance and is designed with college students in mind. Check out five ways college renters insurance can provide your student (and you) with security this semester and beyond.

1. Theft is a covered peril

Theft is one of the most common reasons college students file an insurance claim. According to the most recent Clery Act Reports, an average of 2,411 robberies and 20,521 burglaries are reported annually.

If your student lives on campus, their college or university is unlikely to replace stolen or damaged personal property. However, a renters insurance policy can help them quickly replace stolen items like a laptop or bike.

2. So is unintentional damage caused by a covered peril

Your student may not mean to cause damage, but it can happen unintentionally. Perhaps your student hangs clothing on a sprinkler head and sets it off. Or they overheat food in their microwave and start a fire. With a financial liability policy through college renters insurance, your student will be covered, on or off campus.*

3. Get protection from unforeseen circumstances

Without warning, a fire can break out or a pipe can burst. Whether your student is at fault or not, they’ll still need to replace their belongings and possibly repair their abode. College renters insurance can assist your student in replacing waterlogged textbooks and electronics as well as fire and smoke-damaged clothing and more.*

4. Provides peace of mind worldwide

One of the biggest reasons to get college renters insurance is that it also gives students access to features not included in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Personal property coverage is not confined to the dorm room, campus or even the country.

Is your student planning to study abroad next semester or take a trip to visit a friend? Make sure their belongings are covered worldwide, even when they’re visiting home for the holidays.

5. Security that doesn’t break the bank

A policy like GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance is affordable, even for the most budget-conscious student. With deductibles starting at $100 and no credit history required, your student could get a policy all on their own. Best of all, should your student file a claim, their rates won’t go up.

The security you and your student need

You can’t prevent theft, accidents and other misfortunes, but you can set your student up for success with security that counts. With a college renters insurance plan, your student can focus on their studies, social life and the important experiences one can only have at college. You’ll feel better, too.

To learn more about college renters insurance, visit GradGuard.com/Renters. There, you’ll find plans that fit your student’s needs. While you’re there, check out the company’s tuition insurance, another important product that can protect your family financially.

* These hypothetical scenarios are provided for informational purposes only and are not promises regarding any specific claim determination or coverage decision. The sole governing document determining coverage is the insurance policy that will be provided to you upon your insurance purchase. Nothing in this document will supersede or amend the insurance policy you receive.

2024-12-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Melissa Taylor, M.Ed., former elementary teacher and K-12 literacy trainer

Nonfiction is essential in a child’s reading diet. Most children primarily read fiction, but as they progress in their education, they will be expected to primarily read for information. That means they must be able to comprehend informational/expository texts as they progress through the grades. The only way to equalize a child’s comprehension in nonfiction to their fiction reading level is to practice reading high-quality nonfiction. Practice makes progress. Not perfection, but progress! That’s the goal.

As a child reads facts, they’re learning useful new information. This new information builds background knowledge and teaches them new words about the subject matter.

Knowing more vocabulary words and having a greater depth of background knowledge improves reading comprehension in both fiction and nonfiction. How? By providing context and a connection when kids encounter similar reading material in the future.

Hands down, the National Geographic Kids Almanac is a top nonfiction reading choice for kids in elementary and middle school. It’s what children’s nonfiction authors Melissa Stewart and Marlene Correia call “browsable” nonfiction, because readers can start and stop at any page of the book. It’s not a front-to-back kind of reading experience, and most kids love that.

You can also help kids level up their nonfiction reading by explaining how text features like subheadings, photographs and fact boxes help organize and prioritize information, and by sharing specific nonfiction reading comprehension strategies.

General reading skills can be strengthened by using specific nonfiction reading strategies. These include determining importance, accessing background knowledge, asking questions, and summarizing information.

Brainstorm with your reader how to tell if information is important or just interesting. Ask these questions:

The Almanac exposes kids to a wide world of background knowledge in an engaging, accessible way, from spelunking to ice climbing to cave diving and beyond! Here’s an example. A child encounters an article about spelunking. If they’ve never been exposed to the word or concept, it makes comprehension much harder. But, if the reader knows a little about spelunking, they’ll be better able to comprehend the text about it.

Building knowledge, expanding vocabulary, encouraging curiosity, asking questions, forming opinions, having conversations, and developing critical thinking skills about the world … these are just some of the outcomes — and tools for success — that nonfiction provides. Plus, research shows that when kids have access, they enjoy both fiction and nonfiction equally.

Ready to start reading? Grab your own National Geographic Kids Almanac 2025 at any bookstore or library!

2024-11-27T09:01:00

(BPT) – Organizations are increasingly worried about the impact of climate change on their businesses. A national survey by MIT Technology Review Insights, in conjunction with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), asked respondents to identify ways their businesses have already been impacted by climate change, as well as how they’re preparing for an increasingly volatile future.

Every single business that responded agreed they experienced negative impacts. More specifically, the majority suffered business disruption (61%) and damage to physical infrastructure (55%). Many also report that their operational costs (64%) and insurance premiums (63%) are rising.

Because of the effects of climate change, 75% of respondents report that their organization has considered relocating due to climate risk. When considering relocation, it’s critical business decision-makers assess these six factors that should guide their choices.

1. Access to climate-planning resources

According to the survey, 62% of executives say their organizations have created a plan to prepare for climate change effects. Should an organization relocate, it’s crucial that it have access to climate-planning resources to inform and support its existing plans. In fact, 71% of executives highlight the availability of climate-planning resources as among their top criteria, when judging a potential new business site.

For example, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), through its Office of Climate and Energy, developed the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The plan provides recommendations, guidance and assistance on climate change mitigation, adaptation and resiliency strategies. Businesses considering relocating to Michigan can learn about current climate initiatives on the plan’s online portal.

2. Talent

The health of businesses relies on a thriving talent pool. As birth rates decline, states and countries around the world are more dependent than ever on population migration — individuals choosing their place to build a life. Because the most mobile people are between the ages of 20 and 34, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, understanding why these individuals choose to move has never been more important.

Michigan conducted national polling of 18-34-year-olds in 15 cities across the U.S. that are popular among young talent, including Atlanta, Austin and New York City. Among other top factors like access to reproductive health care, diversity, safety, and walkability/accessible transportation, young people also noted they were looking to live in future-focused communities making investments in the fight against climate change. For talent that want to be on the forefront of climate action, places like Michigan offer purpose-driven career opportunities that help meet these desires.

3. Weather events

Existing weather events are worsened by climate change. Extreme heat, drought and wildfires have become serious challenges in recent years while hurricanes are becoming more intense and costly.

Given the continued effects of climate change, businesses should research cities and states that are considered climate havens. While no area is completely untouched by climate change, certain regions of the U.S. fare better than others. The Midwest, for example, was most often selected as the least exposed region of the country by survey respondents. Current and future employees contemplating where to continue to live or relocate may find climate-resilient Midwest states attractive, especially as weather events continue to worsen because of climate shifts.

For businesses focused on climate preparedness, a Midwest state like Michigan may be their best choice for relocation. Michigan ranked as the best state for climate change when considering drought, extreme heat, wildfires, flooding and climate change preparedness. Nearly half of all respondents (47%) choose the Midwest as the least exposed region of the country.

“Michigan is strategically positioned to lead the fight against the climate crisis,” said Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer for the State of Michigan. “We are not only a climate haven — where extreme weather events are less likely to drastically impact our people and businesses — we’re also rolling up our sleeves to establish the state as a leader in climate innovation and purpose-driven work. For talent and businesses that want to be on the forefront of climate preparedness, there’s no better place to be than Michigan.”

4. Grid resilience

Power outages aren’t just inconvenient. They can disrupt business operations to the point that financial losses, productivity and equipment damage can occur. Prolonged outages can also cause disruption to supply chains long after the power comes back on.

Choosing a location that has a resilient grid infrastructure can help businesses continue operations even in inclement weather. One innovation that is powering electric grid resiliency is the implementation of interconnected microgrids.

In 2023, DTE Energy — a Detroit-based diversified energy company — received a $23 million matching grant for research and deployment of two projects designed to protect customers from storm-related and other outage events. One of these projects focuses on creating adaptive networked microgrids (ANMs).

Unlike traditional grids that distribute power in one direction, microgrids can work independently. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Development Office expects microgrids can reduce outages for microgrid areas by 50%-80% and a decrease in outage durations of 15%-30% when extreme weather events happen.

5. Natural resource availability

Conserving natural resources is also a major concern for business executives, with 64% of respondents citing a location’s access to critical natural resources, such as freshwater, as very important. Researching a state’s natural resource management can help make relocation decisions much clearer for businesses.

Businesses may find the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) climate mitigation strategies as a strong reason to relocate to the state. The DNR incorporated climate mitigation as a key pillar in their Public Land Strategy to identify appropriate strategies for emerging climate-based threats to natural resources.

As part of this strategy, the DNR launched the nation’s first carbon sequestration and carbon market program on state forest land. If protected and appropriately managed, this action could limit water runoff pollution and provide habitats that support biodiversity.

6. Financial incentives

Finally, financial incentives are a critical component for organizations seeking to climate-proof their businesses. These financial incentives can lighten the burden of relocation and support future company growth.

LuxWall, a company that manufactures energy-efficient windows, recently evaluated six Midwestern states for two new manufacturing facilities. It compared locations on R&D tax credits and financial incentives, as well as weather events and resource availability. In the end, the company chose Michigan.

It’s not hard to see why Michigan was LuxWall’s top choice. MEDC offers highly competitive, performance-based incentives that can assist existing or growing companies with business expansion or relocation plans in the state. Flagship incentives include the Michigan Business Development Program, Strategic Site Readiness Program and Critical Industry Program.

Businesses can set themselves up for success even with the many variables of climate change. As you scout future locations, review these six considerations. They’re great starting points to help climate-proof your organization.

2024-11-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s tech-driven world, staying up to date with the latest gadgets has become essential, with 77% of Americans prioritizing new technology. If you love everything today’s smartphones or cameras can do, wait until you learn about the specs on another piece of technology that may surprise you: your eyes.

The average smartphone doesn’t come close to what your visual system can do. For example, you may love your phone’s 12-megapixel (MP) camera, but the human eye captures the equivalent of 576 MP, making it 48 times more powerful. Current technology can’t replicate the level of sophistication in your eyes, underscoring the need to protect the most advanced tech you already have in your body.

You probably take care of your smartphone with a phone case, screen protector and a protection plan — but are you protecting your eyes? Even if you think your eyes are fine and don’t need vision correction, it’s crucial to schedule an annual comprehensive eye examination with a doctor of optometry to ensure your eyes are healthy and functioning at their best. They check for common problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism but can detect over 270 other serious health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers.

“As technology use increases, prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, dryness, and noticeable discomfort,” said Dr. Steven T. Reed, President of the American Optometric Association (AOA). “Just like any advanced technology, your eyes require proper care to function optimally throughout your life. A yearly, in-person comprehensive eye exam with an AOA doctor of optometry is essential for safeguarding both your vision and overall health.”

Here are some amazing facts about what your eyes can do, and the best ways to care for them.

Eyes versus Smartphones: Which is the Ultimate Technology?

The specs from the latest smartphones on the market are impressive. They have:

• 8 gigabytes (GB) of RAM (memory)
• 48 megapixels (MP)
• 4K retina display

But compare those stats with what the human visual system offers, translated into technology specs:

• 2.5 M GB RAM
• 576 MP
• 14K retina display

Even with all the advancements in modern tech, it’s impossible to actually replicate the amazing things your eyes can do.

Introducing The Eye

To showcase the sophistication of the human eye and how it compares to latest tech, the AOA developed an online interactive educational tool to illustrate the incredible complexity of the human visual system, which includes these features:

Processor: Recognizes images and processes billions of pathways in parallel with the most efficient, intelligent cognitive engine, processing light and millions of pieces of information about shape, depth and color, while filling in visual blind spots to create complete images.

Memory: Information retrieved from endless memory bandwidth analyzes and contextualizes signals with unmatched accuracy; the brain recalls familiar images instantly and can remember scenes from decades ago.

Health tracker: Comprehensive eye exams with a doctor of optometry can reveal over 270 health conditions throughout your body, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Autofocus: With groundbreaking speed and precision, your eyes’ lenses effortlessly adjust up to 50x per second and can quickly focus on near or far objects.

To explore all the human eye’s incredible abilities in an interactive format, visit SeeTheEye.com.

Caring for the Technology You Can’t Replace

Spending hours staring at screens, environmental irritants and health conditions due to genetics and/or aging can all impact your eye health. To keep the advanced technology you were born with in its best possible condition, keep these eye health tips in mind.

• Recognize symptoms of conditions like digital eye strain: Notice if you’re experiencing symptoms including eye discomfort, vision problems like eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, or neck and shoulder pain. While 104 million working-age Americans spend over seven hours in front of a screen each day, even as little as two hours of screen time a day can induce digital eye strain symptoms.
• Take screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: To give your eyes a rest, take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
• Schedule a yearly comprehensive eye exam: To keep your eyes healthy, an annual comprehensive in-person examination is key. A doctor of optometry checks your visual acuity through refraction and assesses the health of your eyes and eye tissue, checking for diseases including glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.

Are you ready to take good care of your body’s amazing tech? Find an AOA doctor of optometry near you at AOA.org.

2024-11-27T09:31:00

(BPT) – New research from Empower explores how America is “spending” the holidays.

Key takeaways:

• 84% of Americans report there is at least one topic they’d want to avoid at the holiday dinner table this year: politics (57%) and financial topics like how much money they have (51%), spend (44%), or make (33%)
• More than half (55%) hope they don’t get asked to host a holiday party this year due to costs; 42% feel pressured to attend holiday events that are outside their budget
• 51% of Americans don’t know the “right,” or etiquette-appropriate amount to spend on gifts for everyone on their list this year; 56% are reluctant to arrange a gift-giving budget with family and friends
• Nearly half (45%) admit they’d rather spend their money to go on vacation and skip the holidays; 1 in 4 (27%) or nearly 67 million Americans plan to skip Thanksgiving this year to save money
• The perfect gift doesn’t exist — actually, 60% agree it’s cash for the holidays
• 37% admit they spend more on gifts than intended during the holidays trying to impress others
• 42% of people regift to save money during the holidays

FA-LA-LA finances and spending stressors

Nearly half of Americans are worried about money (49%) this season, from the festivities to their financial obligations: In fact, a third (32%) feel the stress over their holiday spending will be more than last year while half (48%) anticipate that their financial concerns will take away from their holiday joy.

More than half are concerned about being able to afford gifts for everyone on their list (59%),¹ finding the best deals (51%) and being able to pay their bills on time (54%). Still, over 2 in 5 are worried about having a money conversation around setting a gift-giving budget with family and friends (45%). Finding the trendy “it” gift this year is a stressor for 36% of shoppers.

Social obligations and hosting can be taxing on the wallet, leaving many wanting to avoid these situations altogether: Half of Americans (55%) hope they don’t get asked to host a holiday party this year because of the associated costs, while 42% admit to feeling pressured to attend holiday events that are outside their budget.

Nearly half (45%) admit they’d rather spend the money to go on vacation and skip the engagements and responsibilities of the season.

‘Tis the season to spend

A third of Americans (34%) don’t think their money will stretch as far this holiday season as it did last year, and 4 in 5 (83%) report their holiday spending will be impacted by economic pressures like inflation (62%) and cost of living increases (59%). About 1 in 3 think their current debt (35%) and uncertainty about the economy (34%) will play into how they’re spending this holiday season.

While the majority (80%) set a holiday spending budget, people are nearly 3.5x more likely to overspend than come in under their budget (45% vs. 13%). Even though half (48%) say they plan ahead by being more frugal most of the year, to afford the holiday splurge, they still overspend. Close to 2 in 5 (37%) Americans admit they spend more on gifts than intended during the holidays trying to impress others. More than half (53%) would rather take on debt than give up celebrating the holidays in a special way, and 1 in 4 (26%) expect to take on more debt this holiday season than last.

Rather than cross people off the gift lists (1 in 5 gift-givers will do this) or curtail their spending, 9 in 10 (89%) are finding ways to save money on presents this year, including:

• Consider only buying items that are on sale (50%)
• Set price limits with loved ones (46%)
• Only give one gift per person on their list (38%)

Others say they’re more likely to shop for sales and deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (37%) and buy less expensive (33%) or fewer (25%) gifts this year than they were last year. More than 2 in 5 (42%) regift to save money during the holidays.

Some people say they’ll make some lifestyle tweaks to help save up for the festivities, including:

• Make food at home instead of eating out (57%)
• Cut back their spending in other areas to put toward gifts and holiday entertainment (49%)
• Dip into their savings accounts to pay for gifts (32%)
• Cancel subscriptions to services like premium channels and streaming platforms (25%)

Giving season

More than half of people (57%) say if they were to receive a $5,000 windfall right before the holidays, they would spend it on gifts. Americans plan to shell out hundreds of dollars across presents, travel, and socializing this year.

On average they’ll spend more than $1,430 during the season on:

• $766.50 on holiday gifts
• $424.80 on holiday travel
• $239.08 on holiday meals and parties

One third of Americans plan to buy themselves a gift this holiday season, spending $241.91, on average. When it comes to others on their gift lists, Americans plan to spend:

• 83% will buy for their spouse, averaging $322.47
• 92% will buy for their kids, averaging $473.71
• 59% will buy for their parent/s, averaging $179.03
• 41% will buy for their pets, averaging $74.85
• 37% will buy for their colleagues, averaging $116.50
• 30% will buy for their boss, averaging $148.95

Gift-giving etiquette

Half of Americans (51%) admit they don’t know the right or etiquette-appropriate amount to gift each person on their list; yet more than half (56%) feel uncomfortable asking others about setting a holiday gift-giving budget, even though it would help create a “worry-free” holiday.

Others (43%) feel uncomfortable buying gifts for people on their list who they think have more money than they do.

The gift of cash

Three in 5 (60%) Americans agree that the perfect holiday gift is cold, hard cash. While close to 7 in 10 (68%) prefer money or gift cards over a gift someone selects for them, cash reigns supreme:

• 63% think gifting money is better than giving someone a gift card
• 77% feel receiving money saves them time from returning items they don’t like
• 84% think gifting money saves them time shopping for items for the people on their lists

While gifting money is a great option, some people hesitate to put it on the wish list:

• 67% think asking for money as a gift around the holidays is impolite
• Some 63% of Americans don’t know how to ask for money as a gift, even though it’s the gift they want or need the most
• And while convenient, close to 3 in 5 (58%) think money seems too impersonal to gift others during the holidays

Hosting for the holidays and off-the-table topics

One in 4 (27%) or nearly 67 million Americans plan to skip Thanksgiving this year to save money. Among people worried about the holidays, 14% are concerned about affording a Thanksgiving turkey. According to the Consumer Price Index, the cost of turkey (and some other uncooked poultry) is down 2.24% versus last year.²

Nearly a third (28%) of Americans will spend more money on the holiday dinner menu than they did last year. This is likely why 1 in 5 (20%) are asking their guests to contribute something to the holiday dinner. Others don’t plan on hosting a holiday dinner at their house this year like they did last year (16%).

While the majority of Americans (87%) agree that spending time with family during the winter holidays is priceless, 84% of Americans report there is at least one topic they’d want to avoid at the holiday dinner table this year. More than half (57%) want to skip talking about politics altogether. Others want to avoid financial topics like how much money they have (51%), spend (44%), or make (33%).

Many people say they can do without the unsolicited advice from around the table (39%), and those “keeping up with the Joneses” conversations (34%).

Methodology:

The Empower “Gifted” study is based on online survey responses from 2,000 nationally representative Americans aged 18+ fielded by Wired Research from October 8 through October 21, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+).

1 The Empower “Gift” study, 2024. Among those who say they aren’t giving gifts.

2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Consumer Price Index,” October 2024.

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2024-11-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMax

As 2024 winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year and set intentions and goals to conquer next year. Whether you’re a small business owner, teacher or remote worker, you have plenty of projects on your front and back burners, just waiting for the right time, tools and services to get them done. To set you up for success in 2025, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a variety of tools and services to help you meet whatever comes your way.

As you plan for the year ahead, here are tips to help you maximize your time and energy for your best year ever.

Save time and money while replenishing supplies

If you’re a teacher, it’s time to take inventory and restock supplies that have been depleted since back-to-school season. For business owners and remote workers, plan ahead for the supplies you need to accomplish your goals. Take advantage of end-of-year promotions to save for next year. It’s also a great time to upgrade your technology. That could mean buying new laptops or accessories like headphones or monitors or using Office Depot OfficeMax Tech Services to help you stay on top of your business’s technology needs.

Optimize your workspace

Whether you work at an office, in a classroom or at home, a setup that helps you be more organized and productive is well worth the investment.

Take a fresh look at your home office or classroom situation and assess where you might be able to improve efficiency with new organizational tools and supplies, storage solutions, tech accessories and even furniture like a height adjustable desk. Personalizing your space can also be an efficiency multiplier as you’re more likely to want to work in a space that is uniquely yours.

Set intentional goals and plans

Use planners, calendars and journals to increase your ability to organize your thoughts, set your budget, and manage your schedule. Office Depot OfficeMax has a large assortment of organizational essentials, so there’s something for everyone. If last year’s approach was not 100% successful for you, it may be time to consider a refresh. Get started with a planner, desk calendar or customizable Happy Planner today.

Prioritize your well-being

Setting aside time and space for self-care can help stave off end-of-year burnout and help you reach your goals. Creating blocks of time on your schedule or special areas of your office or classroom for mindfulness practice or stress-relieving activities makes a huge difference. As you wrap up the year, look for ways to encourage well-being and work-life balance like creating a calming corner or revamping your organizational system to foster a sense of peace and serenity that will help you build the right mindset for next year. Engaging in creative activities such as art, drawing and coloring can be an effective tactic for nurturing mindfulness and reducing stress, serving as a refreshing outlet to rejuvenate your spirit.

Network and build a community

Regardless of where you work or what you do, having a community of support is essential to professional growth. Attend industry events, join online groups or connect with other professionals in your field to share ideas. Establishing a network can lead to valuable opportunities and a trusted support system. It is also a great way to connect with mentors and mentees whose experience and insights can provide valuable perspectives that help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals. Just as connections in your network can guide your career, a well-designed business card serves as a tangible introduction to your personal brand.

Outsource what you can

The saying “time is money” is especially true when it comes to running your own business. Take at least one thing off your plate this holiday season by tapping into help from the Power.Up™ team, presented by Dun & Bradstreet and Office Depot. Think of Dun & Bradstreet as your marketing team — here to help you run your campaigns and target the right audience, so you don’t waste money on the wrong people seeing your ads. Tell the team who you want to reach, and they’ll get to work. The Power.Up™ team can launch your email campaigns, your social media and display advertising, send direct mail on behalf of your business, and even help with your website and design. Plus, Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards Members get up to 30% off Power.Up™ services.

Save time in line by using convenient shopping and shipping options at Office Depot OfficeMax. Enjoy the convenience of Same-Day Delivery on eligible items. Simply visit OfficeDepot.com/samedaydelivery to verify if your zip code is eligible for this same-day delivery service. Office Depot OfficeMax also offers convenient Buy Online and Pick Up in Store within 20 minutes.

With these tips, tools and services, Office Depot OfficeMax is helping small business owners, teachers and remote workers prepare for their most successful new year yet. Visit OfficeDepot.com to find everything you’ll need for an amazing 2025.

2024-11-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – As the holiday season gets underway, millions of Americans are planning road trips to visit loved ones or enjoy seasonal getaways. AAA projects that nearly 80 million travelers will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, with 71.7 million traveling by car—a record number.

Mercury Insurance would like to offer essential tips to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions and ensure safe travels during this busy time.

“Winter and holiday road trips bring unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to heavier traffic,” said Kevin Quinn, Mercury Insurance VP, auto claims. “Our goal is to help drivers prepare for safe and stress-free travels while protecting their vehicles and loved ones during this busy time of year.”

Winter and Holiday Road Trip Facts

• Heavier Traffic: Holiday travel increases congestion, making defensive driving and proper vehicle maintenance critical.
• Tire Performance: Tire pressure drops with colder temperatures, potentially compromising your car’s ability to grip icy or snowy roads.
• Battery Drain: Cold weather can weaken your battery, increasing the risk of breakdowns during long trips.
• Unpredictable Weather: Sudden snowstorms or icy roads can significantly impact your journey, especially in northern or mountainous regions.

Holiday Road Trip and Winter-Weather Preparedness Tips

1. Inspect Your Tires:
   Check tire pressure and tread depth before hitting the road. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, which is especially helpful for long-distance travel. Consider switching to winter tires if you’re traveling through snowy or icy regions.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Road Trips:
   Pack essentials such as blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger. Include an ice scraper, tire chains, and sand or kitty litter for added traction if you get stuck.
3. Check Your Battery:
   Test your car’s battery to ensure it’s road-trip ready. Replace it if it’s over three years old or showing signs of wear.
4. Maintain Visibility:
   Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid with a winter-grade solution to prevent freezing. Ensure your defroster and headlights are functioning properly, especially for nighttime or snowy conditions.
5. Check Your Brakes:
   Ensure your brakes are in good condition before a long trip. Winter weather reduces stopping distances, so well-maintained brakes are essential for safety on icy or snowy roads.
6. Monitor Weather and Traffic Alerts:
   Use navigation apps to monitor real-time weather and traffic updates. Adjust your departure time or route to avoid severe weather or heavy traffic delays.
7. Review Your Insurance Policy:
   Holiday travel can mean driving in unfamiliar areas, so ensure your auto insurance policy provides adequate coverage. Mercury Insurance offers options that protect you from winter-related incidents and roadside emergencies.

“Planning ahead can make all the difference for a safe and enjoyable holiday road trip,” added Quinn. “With a little preparation, you can focus on the joy of the season instead of worrying about unexpected challenges on the road.”

Mercury Insurance offers comprehensive auto insurance policies designed for every season. Drivers can also take advantage of discounts for proactive safety measures like regular vehicle maintenance and winter tire installations.

For more tips on preparing your car for holiday and winter travel, or to learn about Mercury Insurance’s coverage options, visit MercuryInsurance.com or contact your local Mercury Insurance agent.