Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-11-20T09:15:00

(BPT) – Hosting a holiday meal for friends and family is one of the most meaningful parts of the season — a chance to share good food and memories around the table. Yet all the cooking, serving and clean-up can easily pull the host away from the holiday gathering, leaving little time to relax and connect with guests.

With a little planning, you can spend less time preparing a holiday meal and more time around the table savoring the taste of the season. These tips and recipes can help to simplify your holiday meal prep without sacrificing flavor.

Take an inventory of your pantry

Creating a spread of classic and creative holiday meals requires a full pantry of ingredients. Before you go shopping, and especially before you start cooking, take stock of what you already have on hand, what’s expired and what you’ll need to pull off a memorable holiday meal.

Not only will this streamline your grocery shopping and food prep but knowing what you do and don’t have can help you avoid a harried, last-minute trip to the store during one of the busiest seasons.

Ditch the porcelain for disposable cutlery and plates

Ceramic dinnerware can be beautiful and add a touch of luxury to holiday gatherings, but it often requires handwashing. To simplify cleanup without sacrificing style, consider using disposable cutlery, plates and bowls — many come in festive designs that are a perfect fit for the season. Keep a trash can nearby so guests can tidy up after themselves, and you’ll be free to enjoy the after-dinner drinks and conversation, too.

Pick easy-to-prepare holiday dishes

Cooking a tasty holiday spread doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. Bob Evans dinner sides allow you to serve everyone’s favorite comfort foods without the stress. Choose ready-to-heat favorites like Macaroni & Cheese, Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Sliced Glazed Apples. They’re ready in minutes and help keep your holiday meal comforting, delicious and full of flavor. Serve them as-is or incorporate them into seasonal recipes like the three below.

Creamy Comfort with a Twist

Classic macaroni & cheese gets elevated with tart cranberries and the rich, creamy flavor of brie, creating a comforting and flavorful dish.

Cranberry and Brie Macaroni and Cheese

Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 30 minutes; Servings: 6

Ingredients

12 ounces Bob Evans Macaroni & Cheese

1 cup cubed brie

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Combine macaroni and cheese, cubed brie and thyme in a bowl.
3. Spoon half of mixture into a lightly greased 1 and 1/2-quart baking dish.
4. Add half of cranberry sauce. Repeat layers.
5. Bake 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
6. Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme, if on hand.

Warm, Wholesome and Sweet

Sweet potatoes and apples combined with a crunchy pecan streusel for a dish that’s as comforting as it is festive.

Mashed Sweet Potato and Apple Bake

Prep time: 25 minutes; Cook time: 45 minutes; Servings: 8

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter

3 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and chopped

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

20 ounces Bob Evans Mashed Sweet Potatoes

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 cup chopped pecans

3/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add apples, 3 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until apples are tender.
5. Spread both packages of sweet potatoes in bottom of an 11×7-inch baking dish.
6. Top with apple mixture.
7. Stir together remaining brown sugar, flour and 1/4 cup melted butter in a bowl. Stir in pecans.
8. Sprinkle streusel over apple mixture.
9. Bake 30-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
10. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

Sweet and Savory Lunch

Tangy and sweet apples paired with classic sandwich flavors on a butter croissant make for a delicious and easy bite.

Turkey and Glazed Apple Croissant

Prep time: 15 minutes; Servings: 6

Ingredients

6 slices white cheddar cheese

6 croissants, split

2 cups baby arugula

1 pound sliced smoked deli turkey

14 ounces Bob Evans Sliced Glazed Apples

Instructions

1. Layer cheese slices over bottom halves of croissants.
2. Top with arugula, turkey and glazed apples.
3. Cover with croissant tops to make sandwiches.

Find these Bob Evans products to stock your holiday kitchen plus more recipe inspiration at BobEvansGrocery.com.

2025-11-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Do you want to recycle more but are afraid of getting it wrong? You’re not alone. According to the 2024 WM Recycling Report, many Americans want to recycle and want to find more ways to do so, but 45% don’t because they’re not confident about what can and can’t be recycled.

This isn’t entirely surprising given that there’s a lack of education around recycling. Many items that weren’t recyclable 10 years ago can now be collected and turned into other products. If you want to increase your recycling and recycle correctly, here’s what you need to know.

Plastic. You may be familiar with plastic resin codes — the chasing arrows triangle with a number inside a shape. However, this code is to help recyclers sort plastics, not a sign that an item can be recycled. If you’re not sure that a plastic item can be recycled, take a moment to look for recycling instructions on the item and check your recycling hauler’s website.

Cartons. If you were taught that food and beverage cartons aren’t recyclable, it’s time to update your knowledge. Indeed, these items weren’t always widely recyclable, but thanks to the work of the Carton Council of North America that’s all changed. Since its formation in 2009, the council has helped increase household carton recycling access by 240%.

Today, cartons like those from Tetra Pak are accepted in the majority of household recycling programs in the U.S. and are recycled into paper products and even green building materials. All you have to do is empty the carton, keep the cap on or push the straw in, then drop the carton in your recycling bin.

Not sure if your community can recycle cartons? You can enter your address into this handy recycling locator tool to find out. And, new communities are adding carton recycling to their household collection programs. For example, just this year, Austin, Texas, began accepting food and beverage cartons in the curbside program for most residents. Want to know more about how cartons are recycled? Visit Tetra Pak’s carton recycling page to learn more.

Organic waste. Organic waste like food scraps from your plate, spoiled veggies, peels, rinds, egg shells and more can be composted, keeping food out of landfills. While your area may not have previously offered organic waste recycling, the trend is growing in the U.S., with many cities offering curbside composting bins. Check with your local municipality to see if organic waste recycling is available where you live.

Single-stream versus dual-stream. Dual-stream recycling used to be the norm, but many communities are transitioning to single-stream recycling. Now, you can toss plastic, glass, paper, cartons, cardboard and other recyclables into the same bin and sorting technologies at waste centers will separate them by category.

That said, single-stream recycling does increase the risk of contamination. You can do your part to make single-stream recycling work and reduce contamination by quickly rinsing your non-paper recyclables before placing them in the bin.

Electronics. In the digital age, recycling electronics is critical to conserving valuable materials and resources like metals, plastics and glass. It may have been difficult to recycle electronics like phones, televisions and computers in the past, but thanks to sorting technologies and new laws, recycling electronics has never been easier. Check in your area or visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s electronics donation and recycling page for more information on what to do with your old electronics.

Recycling has changed and will continue to in the years to come. By staying up to date on recycling programs and laws in your area, you can keep recyclables out of landfills and make a huge difference.

2025-11-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Many parents worry about food allergies, with peanut products high on the list. The good news is that introducing these foods early is an approach that is already making a difference, dramatically reducing the occurrence of peanut allergy in children over the past several years.

A 2025 study out of the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP) published in Pediatrics found that rates of peanut allergy in children under age 3 have declined 43% over the last several years. This decline corresponds with the implementation of an early introduction method assessed in the 2015 Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) study, which resulted in 2017 Guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. These guidelines encouraged allergists and pediatricians to use a new approach: Advising parents on the careful introduction of a small amount of peanut product early in infancy to help prevent potentially severe allergic reactions later.

The CHOP study analyzed electronic health records from more than 120,000 children, confirming that introducing a small amount of a potential allergen like peanut products early helps an infant’s immune system learn to tolerate the substance rather than overreacting to it.

While it often takes time for research results to make a positive impact for real families in their everyday lives, these early but positive results are a welcome sign that common medical concerns like food allergies can be successfully addressed through the combined efforts of researchers, allergists, pediatricians and parents.

What this means for all food allergies

The CHOP study also found that adopting the early introduction approach corresponded to a 36% reduction in all new cases of food allergies, including other common food allergies in children such as milk, egg and tree nuts, suggesting that the new guidelines are translating to real-world prevention.

“These study results are very promising. They show that as more parents adopt these early introduction practices, it’s less likely their children will develop serious food allergies later in childhood,” explained allergist Cherie Zachary, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “The early food introduction approach can also help parents address other potential food allergies including eggs, which have now become the most common food allergy among children since the decline of peanut allergy.”

The importance of early introduction for children at high risk

If your infant has severe atopic dermatitis (commonly known as eczema), or already has an allergy to eggs, your child is considered to be at high risk for peanut allergy. In that case, introduction of a peanut product, like a small amount of peanut butter (combined with formula or breast milk), under the supervision of an allergist, is recommended to help prevent peanut allergy from developing.

The Addendum Guidelines advise a specific method for introducing peanut-containing foods as early as 4-6 months of age for high-risk infants who have already started solid foods, after determining that it is safe to do so. The first step is to consult an allergy specialist who can perform peanut allergy testing, followed by trying a peanut product for the first time at the doctor’s office.

“If your child is at high risk for allergy, trying the peanut product at the specialist’s office first is the safest way to introduce the potential allergen to your infant, rather than trying it at home,” explained Zachary.

Introducing peanut products to moderate- and low-risk children

Moderate-risk infants are those with mild to moderate eczema who have already started eating solid foods. These children do not need an evaluation by an allergist, and they can have peanut-containing foods introduced at home by their parents starting around six months old. Contact your child’s pediatrician for any questions about how to proceed.

Children considered low risk for peanut allergies do not have any eczema or egg allergy. They can be introduced to peanut-containing foods according to the family’s preference, also at around six months, but only when a child is healthy. Do not do the first feeding of any peanut product if your child has a cold, vomiting, diarrhea or other illness. It’s also recommended to introduce age-appropriate peanut-containing foods only after infants have started eating other solid foods first. In other words, peanut-containing foods should not be the first solid food that your infant tries.

You can watch this video, “Peanuts and your baby: How to introduce the two” for specific instructions on how to introduce peanut products to your child at home.

Remember: Whole nuts should never be given to infants or toddlers, as they are a choking hazard.

“The CHOP study makes it clear that these changes in food allergy prevention over the past several years are already making a huge difference for children and their families,” said Zachary. “Parents can now feel even more confident that early introduction is an effective way to reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy later in childhood.”

Learn more about peanut allergies at ACAAI.org. If you believe your infant or child has had a reaction to a food in the past, a food allergy test may be recommended. Allergists are the best trained medical professionals to treat allergies and asthma. To locate an allergist in your area, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.

2025-11-19T14:31:00

(BPT) – Hosting a holiday meal for friends and family can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You can impress your guests and still enjoy your gathering without breaking a sweat (or the budget). All you need to do is follow these four expert tips to simplify prep and cleanup, so you can join your loved ones in celebrating the season.

Create a festive, inviting party setting

Your home decor can set the vibe for the party and a few simple festive touches can make guests feel at home. Pick a color scheme that fits your space and the tone you want for the party. For example, metallics, like a mix of gold, silver and cream, can give you a luxurious, modern look, while soft neutrals can create a sense of coziness and relaxation.

Layer your table to add warmth and interest. Try a textured table runner or tablecloth, some on-theme napkins, and a festive centerpiece such as a mix of florals and pinecones. Placing a few candles around your home and adding some greenery goes a long way to make your home feel even more warm and inviting.

And it’s the little things that add another level of special — think fun and festive glassware, decorative name cards, or even a sprig of greenery tied around your napkins.

Pro tip: Set your table the night before so that day-of, you can relax with your guests.

Prep ingredients ahead of time for stress-free prep

You may be cooking the holiday meal, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend the whole day in the kitchen. Consider prepping ingredients ahead of time to cut back on day-of cooking stress.

Cut, chop or slice vegetables, fruits and other produce ahead of time and store them in Hefty food storage bags. Similarly, you can combine veggies or meats with a marinade in a bag, seal and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook the dish the next day.

The next time you’re at the store, pick up a couple of boxes of Hefty Press to Close Gallon Storage Bags. These press-to-close storage bags feature a secure double zipper that snaps closed, so you can hear that your food has been securely sealed. Thanks to the bag’s expandable bottom, you can easily fill it with your prepped items. The next day, all you have to do is take it out of the refrigerator and dump it into a pan, pot or slow cooker.

To plan even further ahead of time, try Hefty Press to Close Gallon Freezer Bags, to prep ingredients or meals days in advance — leaving the day before the party free for details like setting up the decor and last-minute errands, instead of cooking.

Serve your holiday meal buffet style

Instead of portioning food onto every dish or placing food on the table, set up a separate table in the dining area, so guests can serve themselves. A buffet-style setup takes another task off your shoulders, and it gives your guests the power to pick and choose their own food and portions.

Without entrees and sides taking up space on the dining table, you’ll have more space for decorations and elbow room for your guests. When they’re ready for seconds, they can get up and mingle in line.

Send guests home with delicious leftovers

Now that dinner is done, dessert’s been served, and your guests are filing out, send them home with leftovers so they can continue to enjoy the holiday meal at home. This tip saves you cleanup time and space in your fridge and freezer.

Don’t worry about getting your food containers back. Instead, leave out food storage bags, so guests can store their own portions of their favorite dishes from the night.

For desserts like cookies or candies, offer your guests Hefty Press to Close Extra Large Sandwich Bags. For the main dishes and sides, make sure to leave out Hefty Gallon Storage and Freezer bags that have the strength and durability to safely store and transport larger portions.

Pro tip: Leave out markers for guests to write their names and what food is in the bag. You can even provide holiday-themed stickers or labels for a seasonal touch.

Host smarter, not harder

This holiday season, don’t just host, use these tips to host like a pro, wow your guests and enjoy the holidays.

Be sure to check out Hefty Press to Close Storage Bags at your nearest Walmart and at Walmart.com.

2025-11-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – Looking for ways to sweeten the holidays with special gifts, treats for gatherings and tasty recipes to bake together? You’ll love creating magical holiday moments with help from Chocolove, makers of high-quality, European-style premium chocolate crafted to surprise and delight with every bite.

For this year’s holiday offerings, enjoy a range of tantalizing flavors to make every occasion more joyful.

Tree-shaped bites

Chocolove’s indulgent, individually wrapped bites in festive tree shapes are back for a limited time in classic seasonal flavors, and two new flavors! Packaged in elegant, stand-up bags (both small and large), they are perfect for stuffing stockings or gifting to teachers and party hosts:

• Dark Chocolate with Peppermint Creme Filling — A cherished holiday flavor profile, vegan-friendly Peppermint Creme bites made with refreshing peppermint oil and luxurious dark chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate with Marzipan Filling — A modern twist on a European classic and inspired by holiday traditions, rich premium dark chocolate and silky almond-forward marzipan combine for a melt-in-your-mouth bite worth savoring.
• Milk Chocolate with Peanut Butter Filling — An elevated spin on a classic flavor pairing: Smooth premium milk chocolate and lightly salted peanut butter create a luscious, sweet-salty balance in every bite.
• Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut Truffle Filling — Fresh ground California hazelnuts combine with Belgian milk chocolate and a hint of sea salt to make a silky truffle filling inside a delicious milk chocolate shell.

Find the bites on shelves at Whole Foods, Target (new), Walmart (new), Walgreen’s (new), CVS (new), Albertson’s, Sprouts, Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, Raley’s, Chocolove.com and more.

Elevated gift boxes to share and savor

These elegant, gourmet offerings handmade by Master Chocolatier Chef Patrick Peeters are gift options for everyone on your “nice” list (including yourself!). Find them exclusively on Chocolove.com:

• Cozy Holiday Moments Chocolate Gift Box — Experience the magic of sipping your favorite warm beverages in this assortment of 12 handcrafted truffles. Milk and dark chocolates are filled with Peppermint Mocha, Apple Cider, Hot Cocoa & Marshmallows and Assam Chai Tea flavors.
• European Connoisseurs Collection Gift Box — Elevate your celebrations with this elegant collection of 12 decadent chocolates inspired by European holiday flavors. Dark, milk and white chocolates feature Coconut & Almond Marzipan, Eggnog Ganache & Gingersnap Cookie, Orange Florentine Ganache and Mincemeat & Almond Streusel Cookie flavors.
• Peppermint Bark Assortment Gift Box — Immerse your senses in a refreshing zest of peppermint with luxurious double-layered bark, boasting a rich dark chocolate bottom with velvety white chocolate top adorned with crunchy peppermint candy pieces.
• Luxe Layers Collection — Whether you’re feeling dazzling or dramatic, find your flavor match with these two limited-edition gourmet bar creations: elegant and vibrant Ruby Chocolate with Mango Passionfruit and Feuilletine, and creamy and crisp Dubai-Style Dark Chocolate with Pistachio.

Bake your way to holiday happiness

Love baking decadent treats with family and friends? Indulge in the festive flavors of this Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bar recipe featuring creamy peppermint frosting that perfectly balances the bold intensity of dark chocolate brownies. These are as easy to make as they are to enjoy.

Ingredients

Dark chocolate brownies

• 2 bars Chocolove Strong Dark Chocolate
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Peppermint cream topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese (brick style), softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
• 9-16 Chocolove Dark Chocolate Peppermint Creme Trees

Preparations:

• Grease 8×8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over each side. Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 350F.

Make the brownie batter

• Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
• Break apart chocolate bars and place in a heat-safe bowl along with the cubed butter and salt.
• Place the bowl over a pot with about 1 inch of simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in espresso powder and vanilla extract. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs and sugars together until sugars have dissolved (about 1.5-2 minutes).
• Pour chocolate mixture into the bowl and whisk to combine (the chocolate should be warm but not hot).
• Add flour and gently fold together with a rubber spatula.

Bake the brownies:

• Bake on the center rack of the oven 22-27 minutes.
• Allow to fully cool in pan before carefully removing with the parchment paper.

Make the peppermint cream:

• Whip the butter and cream cheese together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth.
• Add half the powdered sugar along with the peppermint extract, vanilla extract and salt. Mix until smooth and incorporated.
• Add the other half of the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix again until smooth and fluffy.
• Add an additional tablespoon of milk if the mixture is still too thick and add a little additional powdered sugar if the mixture is too thin.

Frost/garnish the brownies:

• Pipe or spread the peppermint cream frosting on the brownies.
• Top each brownie with a Chocolove Dark Chocolate Peppermint Creme Tree.

Find plenty of delicious treats to help you create moments of joy at Chocolove.com.

2025-11-18T07:25:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly! Or at least it should be. It can be challenging to balance hosting and attending holiday and football season get-togethers with friends and family with the chaos of holiday shopping and year-end obligations. These seasonal stressors can easily lead to a common problem: nighttime teeth grinding (also known as bruxism).

Silent night? Not so much

While it may seem to go against the spirit of the season, the holidays can bring as much stress as they do joy. In fact, an American Psychological Association study found that 41% of U.S. adults say that their stress levels increase during the holiday season compared to other points in the year.

Spending money, finding the right gifts or simply having too much to do during the holiday season can increase stress, which can lead to teeth grinding. Even if you don’t notice that you grind your teeth during the day, it’s very possible you’re grinding away on what’s supposed to be a silent night.

Teeth grinding has become more common over the past few years. According to a 2021 survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, over 70% of dentists noticed signs of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients, an increase of nearly 10% over the previous year.

Grinding your teeth may not initially sound like a bad habit, but it can wreak havoc on your smile and dampen your holiday spirit. Habitual teeth grinding can damage your teeth or jaws, and cause tension headaches along with face and jaw pain.

Stop grinding and start celebrating

How can you protect your smile from the nightly grind so you can spread the holiday cheer? If you know or suspect you’re grinding your teeth at night, consider protecting your smile with a mouth guard like the DenTek Professional Fit mouth guard.

DenTek’s Professional Fit dental guard offers dual-layer, full-coverage protection. The soft, cushioned upper layer molds to the shape of your teeth for a secure comfort fit. At the same time, the protective bottom layer has a strong grind shield layer to prevent bite-through.

You don’t have to book an appointment at the dentist to fit your mouth guard. Molding your DenTek mouth guard is as easy as 1,2,3. All you need to do is heat, shape and wear your mouth guard at night so you can enjoy the holiday season during the day.

Keep the grind at bay all year long

This holiday season, enjoy the festivities and invest in your dental health. Pick up a mouth guard for yourself and consider adding a few more to your cart as stocking stuffers for your friends and family.

Even after the holiday season is over, your mouth guard can continue to protect your teeth year-round from other grind-inducing stress. So, whether you’re concerned about how your favorite college and pro football teams will perform this season or worried about the list of 2026 to-dos, your teeth are covered.

To learn more, visit DenTek.com and head to your local Walmart to find a mouth guard of your own. Happy holidays!

2025-11-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – In grocery aisles crowded with golden hues and vague claims, Busy Bee Raw Honey delivers on a bold promise: delicious, raw, unfiltered honey with full transparency from hive to home.

There are common misnomers in the industry — with honey, “pure” and “local” may not mean what shoppers think it does. In fact, some honeys with those labels are actually blends of multiple sources, often impossible to trace and sometimes adulterated with additives. With Busy Bee Raw Honey every drop of sweetness is sourced entirely from the U.S.A., and tested for safety, quality and three times for purity.

The best part of each squeezable bottle is discovering the full journey of your honey. Each bottle features a peel-away back label that reveals a unique Real Honey Code along with your honey’s fast facts, including when it was made, the hive locations and the flowers foraged. The innovative Real Honey Code allows customers to visit the website and trace their honey from hive to home, featuring mapped hive locations, harvesting and packaging, all completed with a focus on keeping food miles low and producing high-quality, sustainable raw honey.

Packaged by Barkman Honey, Busy Bee Raw Honey carries on a century-long legacy of transparency, ethical beekeeping and high industry standards. The story began in the 1920s when Esra Barkman developed a deep respect for bees and a commitment to honest, sustainable beekeeping. His passion later inspired the founding of Barkman Honey in the 1950s. Still family-owned and operated, the company continues to source honey from its own apiaries and trusted beekeeping partners, ensuring caring practices and delivering pure, sustainable honey from hive to home.

Building on that commitment, Busy Bee Raw Honey’s new signature blue label and Real Honey Code go beyond packaging. They represent a promise of transparency, traceability and uncompromising quality.

2025-11-17T20:01:00

(BPT) – Does your customer experience meet your customers’ expectations? According to PwC, it probably doesn’t, as 54% of U.S. consumers believe the customer experience at most companies needs improvement. The stakes couldn’t be higher because this same study also found that 32% of consumers will walk away from a brand they love after just one bad experience.

So, what’s the secret to keeping people happy when they visit your business? Welcoming, comfortable, helpful environments.

The setting.

While many errands can be completed online these days, consumers still have to visit brick-and-mortar locations on occasion, and this can be a frustrating experience. According to a Waitwhile survey, Americans spend an estimated 37 billion hours each year waiting, whether it be in line at the bank, sitting in the hair salon or waiting at the doctor’s office.

If you know your customers are going to wait, ensure they’ll be comfortable when they walk into your business. Cluttered, cold or rigid furnishings can negatively impact individuals’ mental health. In businesses such as medical or legal offices, this could exacerbate stress in visitors who are already in heightened states of agitation.

What to do: Set the right tone for your visitors by outfitting your reception area with high-quality furnishings from companies such as Steelcase that are functional, comfortable and reinforce how visitors should feel.

The amenities.

According to Deloitte, brands that excel at tailoring and personalizing customer experiences are 71% more likely to achieve stronger loyalty. So when your customers visit, be sure to appeal to their preferences.

What to do: Make sure you are providing snacks and beverages that are tailored to today’s changing tastes. For example, 60% of Gen Z adults prefer iced coffee. That’s why many companies are turning to Peel & Pour Pods by Java House to offer visitors a quick, convenient way to customize their favorite beverages, from barista-quality cold brew coffee and tea to hydration drinks and hot chocolate.

The service.

As PwC shares, “The employee experience is the cornerstone” of customer service. Human interaction matters more than ever, because even though AI and technology provide the convenience people request, 82% of U.S. and 74% of non-U.S. consumers still want to work with a real person.

What to do: For companies seeking to enhance their check-in efficiencies, consider kiosks like those by Meridian, which can be adopted across multiple industries. However, efficient technology can’t stand alone. Ensure a human is nearby to welcome visitors and assist with navigating the technology if needed.

No matter the location, customer experience is only as good as the service provided. Elevate your visitor experience to create happy customers with a welcoming and comfortable environment, quality amenities, and convenient, accommodating service.

2025-11-17T09:01:01

(BPT) – The holiday season is full of activity, excitement — and impatience! One way for kids and families to savor each moment and actually enjoy the anticipation is by counting down the days to Christmas, with the help of special traditions like advent calendars. This year, you can establish new traditions with your kids or grandkids by celebrating the season through family-friendly countdown activities that provide focus and fun, keeping everyone happily engaged and excited about all the coming festivities.

The celebration experts at American Greetings offer these tips for helping your family make the most of holiday anticipation together.

Create a holiday music playlist

Include the whole family in creating a shared family playlist to get everyone in a holiday mood. Ask a family member to add one of their favorite Christmas carols or holiday-themed pop songs each day, and by the end of the month, you’ll have a whole album put together collaboratively by the family. Have fun blending nostalgic songs with modern classics. You’ll end up with the perfect playlist that can serve as the background for your holiday parties, or that you can sing along with as a family.

Need a way to send holiday cheer to loved ones far away? You could record the family singing together and send it to relatives as a holiday greeting!

Put a modern twist on holiday tradition with the new Peanuts^® Digital Advent Calendar 2025

You loved Peanuts as a kid, and now you can share 25 days of new surprises inspired by the world of Peanuts. Create a whole new family tradition that can span miles and generations with this interactive digital advent calendar celebrating the 75th anniversary of the adored Peanuts^® comics. American Greetings partnered with the iconic brand to provide fans of all ages with playful daily immersive experiences featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang.

The Peanuts Digital Advent Calendar 2025 is a fun, interactive and affordable way to make holiday memories for the entire family. The calendar honors the timeless charm of Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts while adapting his beloved characters and their world for the digital age. Unlike passive advent calendars, this digital calendar is jam-packed with hours of themed fun, including interactive games, puzzles, Peanuts trivia, digital holiday greeting cards and creative activities including:

• Christmas tree decorator
• Build a snowman
• Stocking decorator
• Music sequencer
• Coloring comics
• Dress up Snoopy

— and much more, totaling over 30 activities your kids can enjoy. Best of all, fans who order the calendar before Dec. 1 will be granted early access to exclusive Homebase holiday activities in the days leading up to the official Christmas countdown.

Offering so much more than a traditional advent calendar, this option is perfect for today’s digitally savvy kids. They can even open each day’s event together with grandparents and family members near and far creating a whole new holiday tradition. Visit the AmericanGreetings.com website to get started today!

Make a card a day

Get everyone feeling crafty by opening up an art station with art supplies and card stock so kids can create a holiday card for someone new each day, including family, friends, your child’s teacher and neighbors.

Want to send holiday greetings to someone far away? Customize this Bing Crosby Christmas SmashUp to create a fun and festive greeting that takes a nostalgic trip back in time to hear the holiday classic. Or use any one of the other holiday Christmas ecards that can be personalized and sent virtually to brighten someone’s spirits.

Neighborhood night walk or scavenger hunt

Depending on the weather, go for a walk or drive together to discover neighborhood lights and decorations. You can create a scavenger hunt where kids get points for locating Rudolph, Santa or snowmen — along with bonus points for spotting unique, funny or memorable decorations.

Using these ideas, you’ll be spreading holiday joy and fun through the entire month, creating your own unique holiday traditions and memories that will last well beyond the season.

2025-11-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – As we age, there comes a point when many enter what’s known as the sandwich generation, which is when adults who are caring for their own family also step into the role of supporting their parents. This support manifests in a variety of ways, including caregiving, financial guidance, housing, transportation and even technical support. Being “sandwiched” can be challenging, but there are many ways to navigate this phase. One of the most important things to set them up for success is to help them budget.

“The role reversal experienced by children helping their parents navigate later life can be overwhelming,” said Jason Mugg, senior vice president of Business Solutions & Analysis for AARP Services. “One way an AARP membership aims to simplify this process is by making discounts and savings accessible on essential items to support caregivers and their loved ones.”

From deals on everyday appliances and needs, to discounts on security and phone lines, AARP member benefits can help you set your parents up for success both financially and personally.

Finding steals, avoiding move-in ordeals

Are you helping your parents move into a new home? New homes mean new appliances, and that shouldn’t break the bank. An AARP membership can help your parents save 10% or more on the full line of GE Appliances, including GE^®, Profile™, Café™, Monogram^®, Haier and Hotpoint^® major appliances. They also receive in-home delivery, installation and haul-away services.

If you’re looking to move those appliances yourself, AARP members save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals from Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, and receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver with Budget Truck Rentals.

Secure their safety

Ensuring your parents are set up with security is important for their continued comfort. If they’re looking to take a road trip or are making an everyday commute, an AARP membership can help them save on 24/7 roadside assistance with Allstate Roadside. Members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside plans, including Roadside Advantage, Roadside Assist and Roadside Elite, and have access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more.

Feeling safe at home is always important, and AARP members receive a 5% monthly discount* on 24/7 ADT professional monitoring services. This offer can also be combined with select other promotions on ADT smart home products. *Discount applies to monthly monitoring rate. Req. system purchase & pro monitoring plan w/ 1 mo. min. w/DIY or 36 mo. w/pro install (early cancel fees). Not available for online orders. AARP members only. Terms & pricing here.

And, whether it is for safety or companionship, it is a good idea for your parents to have a cell phone. AARP members save 5% on monthly service and 30% off select accessories with Consumer Cellular. Talk, text and data plans start at $20 per month per line. No long-term contract is required and they receive an extended 45-day risk-free guarantee.

The sound (and sight) of savings

Whether you’re driving them to and from medical appointments or frequently repeating what is said, watching parents grow older can be difficult, and even make you feel like roles are slowly reversing. However, helping them manage their health now isn’t just an act of love; it’s an important step that can help them thrive in their later years. Taking advantage of AARP member benefits can help make it even easier.

As hearing loss tends to happen gradually, you can help your parents explore hearing care options to check their hearing and save. AARP members can save up to 50% on prescription hearing aids and up to $200 off over-the-counter hearing aids with AARP^® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare^® Hearing. Members also receive a free hearing exam and consultation, with personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. No insurance is needed to use the program.

To help make sure your parents are still seeing clearly, work with them to get their vision checked annually. If they do need new glasses or lenses, AARP members can receive exclusive savings through Visionworks. Discounts include $200 off a complete pair of glasses when you buy single vision lenses or $250 off with multifocal lenses.

While there is no easy solution to juggling life as part of the sandwich generation, using resources like AARP member benefits can help make setting your parents up for success just a bit easier.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members, please visit aarp.org/save.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.