Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-10-28T06:01:00

(BPT) – Millions are in the throes of navigating the endless holiday gifting gauntlet. Trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list is stressful. And expensive. What do you get your picky teenager? Your kid’s teachers? Your coworker you barely know?

Here’s the ultimate holiday hack: the perfect holiday gift is giving recipients the freedom to choose for themselves. Skip the stress, delight the people you’re buying for and protect your budget with everyone’s favorite present — gift cards.

Gift cards have been the most requested present for nearly 20 years. And for good reason. They’re versatile, thoughtful and empower the people on your holiday shopping list to get exactly what they want.

There’s always a perfect fit

Imagine giving a gift that’s always a hit, never needs to be returned and puts a smile on everyone’s face. That’s the magic of a gift card.

No more worrying if your aunt likes the color sweater you gave her or if your brother has already read the book you picked. They get to choose precisely what they truly want, eliminating the hassle of returns for both of you.

One of the best parts about gift cards is that people can use them however they like. They can splurge on something they’ve been eyeing for a while, save them for a bigger purchase down the road, or even tuck them away for a rainy day. It’s like giving “free money” to use when they want or need.

Personalizing a gift card is easier than you think

Gift cards give you endless ways to make your gift feel personal. Choose brands they love, deliver it however you want (in-person, in a text, through an email or in fancy greeting card), pick the perfect amount and even pair it with a little something extra.

Need a gift for your BFF across the country? Send an animated digital gift card that will arrive instantly and make them laugh. Don’t want to worry about carrying wrapped gifts as you travel out of state to visit family? Gift cards are light and easy to pack.

Some tips to make it personal:

• If you’re not sure of their favorite brand, go for a themed card they can redeem at more than one brand for plenty of options.
• Match the holiday vibe by choosing festive, holiday-themed gift cards.
• Add some flair with fun packaging, like a decorative box or miniature stocking.
• Include a few heartfelt words for the recipient.
• Pair gift cards with another small gift, like a coffee shop gift card with a cute mug or a card to the movies with a bag of gourmet popcorn.
• Don’t overlook experience-based gift cards for people who are less into stuff and more into concerts, spas or dining out.

Gift cards protect your budget

Gift cards aren’t just for giving to others. They’re also a smart budgeting tool for you.

When you’re buying a gift card, you can set your own limits by choosing the exact value on the card to avoid overspending. And the person you’re gifting? They can use it right away, put it toward something they’ve been eyeing or save it for whenever.

You can double down on saving by using gift cards to pay for items that are already on sale or discounted, which helps avoid credit card debt or debit overdraw fees. Many stores offer special gift card promotions where, in addition to buying the perfect gift for someone else, you get rewarded with a gift card to use later on yourself.

Gift cards are there when you need them

Life is busy and convenience is key, especially around the holidays. Gift cards fit right into your lifestyle, making them incredibly easy to buy and use. They’re also available to you anytime, anywhere.

Grab a few gift cards while you’re grocery shopping and avoid extra trips to different retailers. Buy them online while you’re cozied up on the couch binge-watching holiday movies. Scoop them up from a retailer’s app while on the train headed to work.

Gift cards stay convenient from purchase to use and everyone can store them their own way. For example, your dad may want to keep a physical card in his wallet while your techie colleague may want to add a card to their digital wallet. Doesn’t matter their preference — in the end, the choice is all theirs.

Gift cards spread joy

Take the stress out of gifting and give the gift of joy. Gift cards are the thoughtful, flexible, budget-friendly choice that everyone on your list (including you) will appreciate. Happy shopping!

2025-10-27T07:01:01

(BPT) – Sponsored by Merck

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive system. It affects about 10 million people around the world.^[1],[2] The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

Do you or someone you love have moderate to severe UC or CD? You may want to learn about one of two clinical trials. In these clinical trials, researchers are evaluating an investigational medicine to see if it is safe and effective for people with moderate to severe UC or CD.

“Clinical trials help researchers learn how our bodies respond to medicines and other treatments,” said Dr. Richa Shukla, Associate Professor of Medicine-Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine. “Clinical trials, including those for UC and CD, test whether investigational treatments or new uses for existing treatments are safe and work well.”^[3]

ATLAS-UC: Clinical trial for people living with moderate to severe active UC

More than 5 million people around the world have UC.^[4] It is a type of IBD where the immune system attacks the large intestine and rectum, causing sores and inflammation.^[5]

How to qualify

You may qualify for this study if you:

• Are between 16 and 80 years old
• Have had active, moderate to severe UC for at least 3 months
• Have taken other medications that either did not help your UC, or caused side effects you could not tolerate
• Do not have CD or any other type of IBD

ARES-CD: Clinical trial for people living with moderate to severe active CD

CD affects millions of people around the world and is becoming more common.^[6] It causes inflammation that can happen anywhere in the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.

How to qualify

You may qualify for this study if you:

• Are between 16 and 80 years old
• Have had active, moderate to severe CD for at least 3 months
• Have taken other medications that either did not help your CD, or caused side effects you could not tolerate
• Do not have UC or any other type of IBD

“Diseases can impact people differently based on their age, gender, weight, race, ethnicity, and other factors,” said LaShanda Gordon, Clinical Trial Diversity Program Lead at Merck. “Therefore, it’s important for clinical trials to include people from a wide variety of backgrounds.”^[3]

Please note that people may or may not directly benefit from being in a clinical trial. Being in a clinical trial is voluntary, and you are free to leave at any time for any reason. Your personal information will stay private throughout the clinical trial. The study doctor can answer any questions you may have, including those related to potential risks and benefits of participation.

Talk to your doctor to learn more and find out if you may qualify for one of these clinical trials. For more information, visit Merck IBD Studies.

Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

[1] Li Y, Wang Y, Sun Q, et al. Inhibiting the activation of enteric glial cells alleviates intestinal inflammation and comorbid anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in the ulcerative colitis mice. Neurochem Int. 2024 Sep:178:105789. doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105789. Epub 2024 Jun 7.

[2] Pathiyil MM, Jena A, Raju AKV, et al. Representation and reporting of diverse groups in randomised controlled trials of pharmacological agents in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023 Dec;8(12):1143-1151. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00193-0. Epub 2023 Oct 10.

[3] Merck. Let’s Talk Trials. https://www.merckclinicaltrials.com/Lets-Talk-Trials/. Accessed September 16, 2025.

[4] Le Berre C, Honap S, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Ulcerative colitis. Lancet. 2023 Aug 12;402(10401):571-584. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00966-2.

[5] National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Ulcerative Colitis Definition and Facts. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis. Accessed June 20, 2025.

[6] Alatab, Sudabeh et al. The global, regional, and national burden of inflammatory bowel disease in 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Volume 5, Issue 1, 17–30. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(19)30333-4/fulltext. Accessed June 20, 2025.

2025-10-27T07:01:01

(BPT) – Love sharing the thrill of the gridiron with fellow football fans in the comfort of your own home? Take your homegating game over the top by creating an epic atmosphere, before your friends even get out of their cars.

These tips will help you score big with your next watch party, from the experts at Govee, a proud partner of the Miami Dolphins.

1. Set the scene brilliantly

Nobody will have trouble finding your house in time for kickoff when you illuminate your home’s exterior with home team colors. Thanks to the latest smart features, you can easily control and customize your lighting with the Govee Home App, or use voice command as Govee smart lights work with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, and are compatible with Matter for even broader smart home connectivity.

Showcase your team’s colors with the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism, featuring 100 feet of 36 triple-color lighting heads and over 100 scene mode options. Built with custom LEDs, proprietary chipsets, and the LuminBlend™ color management system, it delivers more than 16 million vibrant colors and seamless gradients, turning any home exterior into a personalized canvas for holidays and celebrations. Say goodbye to dull, monotone lighting and embrace a dynamic palette that proudly displays your team spirit. Designed for all-weather performance, these lights remain reliable through heavy rain and extreme temperatures ranging from -22°F to 140°F. It offers an immersive, intelligent lighting experience all year round. Prism offers smart control via Alexa, Google Home and Matter compatibility.

Other options available for decorating your home with lights include Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro, equipped with 100 feet of 60 RGBIC (Red, Green, Blue and Independent Control) LED lights, with a choice of 75 scene modes, or Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2, which offer 50 feet of RGBIC outdoor lights with 36 LED lights for 100 scene modes.

Add a colorful welcome to your yard for an exciting football weekend with Govee RGBIC Outdoor Neon Rope Light along your patio, porch, deck or walkways. Measuring a whopping 32.8 feet, these patio decorations readily bend to fit any desired pattern. These rope lights can even detect music and audio to match the lighting effects in real time to enhance the game-time atmosphere.

Make a visual statement celebrating your home team using Govee Net Lights, with 64 modes to light up your yard. You can even upload pictures and GIFs for instant animated decoration. Thanks to new AI-generated lighting using the Govee AI Lighting Bot or uploading images, you can embrace a world of infinite creativity to celebrate your favorite team and players. Simply lay the mesh net light onto any bush, shrubbery or other place in your yard, use the cable ties to fasten it down and plug in the cable for instant outdoor ambience!

With these options, you can personalize your ambiance easily with a single command to suit any occasion, including the biggest game of the season.

2. Brighten your outdoor watch party

Love watching the game on your deck or patio? Create a festive party atmosphere with Govee Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2, providing 48 feet of Smart RGBIC lights that let you effortlessly fill your patio with vivid team colors. Best yet, you’ll enjoy hassle-free installation without needing pro tools or complex steps.

Help friends navigate your yard as evening falls with Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights 2. These IP66-rated waterproof patio lights offer over 60 scene modes and 8 music modes. You can independently control colors and brightness in upper and lower sections, perfectly blending vibrant party modes with functional white light to create the perfect outdoor watch party ambience, well after the sun goes down.

You can also amp up the fun during your outdoor watch party with Govee Outdoor Garden Lights, sporting a nature-inspired design resembling trees to integrate harmoniously into any garden decor — and millions of color combinations to choose from.

Perfect for gardens, pathways and patios, shine a spotlight on the occasion with Govee Outdoor Spotlights 2, equipped with upgraded RGBWIC beads and a 16-bit LuminBlend™ color management system, delivering 16 million vivid colors that are ideal for making your outdoor party stand out. Enjoy one of 64 preset scene modes or create your own customized personal effects. With both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can adjust brightness, color and scenes with just a tap.

3. Dazzle your guests with curtains of light

Curtain lights help you create distinct visual effects to highlight windows or outdoors spaces like porches, patios and pergolas with gorgeous color and sparkle.

The Govee Curtain Lights Pro offers 960 ultra-dense RGBIC LEDs for smooth animation and complex, detailed visual effects. These curtain fairy lights bring any occasion to life with over 250 preset modes, plus 10 music sync modes to let lights pulse in perfect harmony with sound — perfect for half time! You can go even bigger by combining up to three sets of these curtain lights to create a giant 16.2 × 5.77 ft display.

Govee Curtain Lights 2 is another option that provides 520 LEDs and RGBIC color changing lights to create visualized patterns and a smooth GIF display to fill windows and smaller outdoor spaces with home field vibes.

With this wide array of smart lighting options, Govee provides the ultimate home-field advantage for sports fans everywhere, offering the perfect lights to illuminate the legendary moments you share with your home team. Through the Govee Home App, you can also create custom lighting effects and use Group Control to link all their outdoor lights together, transforming your entire space into a unified display of team pride.

2025-10-27T08:01:01

(BPT) – By Shantanu Bose, DeVry University’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer

In today’s rapidly shifting economic landscape, uncertainty is the only constant. To thrive amid change, it’s increasingly important to identify and master the skills that will lead to success. While it may seem obvious that skills-based learning is critical for career growth, workers who differentiate themselves understand that professional development is less about knowing a little about everything and more about knowing something extremely well.

Employers and workers agree learning is valuable

A recent report from DeVry University and Reputation Leaders surveyed more than 1,500 workers and 500 hiring decision-makers to explore how education and upskilling are shaping today’s workforce. According to DeVry’s research:

• 71% of workers and 81% of employers believe in the value of investing in education
• 86% of employers emphasize the importance of staying current with industry developments

But who is responsible for ensuring lifelong learning in the workplace?

While employers and workers agree on the value of education, their views diverge when it comes to upskilling.

• Less than half (45%) of workers report access to employer-provided reskilling, a decrease from 61% in 2024. However, 75% of employers believe they are doing enough to keep workers’ skills resilient in today’s economy.
• Nearly one-third of workers believe that employers are falling short when it comes to keeping skills relevant for the future. In contrast, 90% of employers say that they provide upskilling or tuition benefits to at least a few workers, a slight increase from 87% in 2024. Many employers express concerns that workers are not taking advantage of these available resources.

The reality is that both sides are left in a state of restless dissonance where workers and employers are quietly pointing fingers. Rather than assigning blame, DeVry’s report emphasizes the importance of unity in preparing for an uncertain future. By addressing the silent standoff between workers and employers, we can build workforce resiliency and accelerate competitive productivity. This process begins with open dialogue, clear direction and a shared commitment to lifelong learning.

Progress starts with partnership

Both workers and employers are responsible for taking proactive steps toward a more aligned and rewarding collaboration. Drawing from the key insights in DeVry’s report, here are actionable ways to progress together:

• Set clear career goals and engage in constructive feedback to align personal growth with organizational priorities
• Create visible career pathways and cultivate a sense of ownership to drive motivation and retention
• Foster open, ongoing dialogue to build trust and align aspirations across the workforce
• Prioritize durable skills development, such as empathy, communication and adaptability, that are essential for navigating change
• Equip workers with durable, future-ready skills in areas like technology and AI

To stay future-ready, cultivate these habits:

• Be ready to adapt to new skill sets
• Continuously look ahead to anticipate what’s next
• Frame everything as a learning opportunity
• Build your resilience through preparedness

So, what does lifelong learning look like in practice?

For professionals like Terance Clement, Manager National Sales Strategy at Comcast NBCUniversal and DeVry Alum, lifelong learning is a career imperative.

“Learning isn’t just about acquiring new skills; it’s about staying relevant as well,” he explained. “Staying curious and committed to learning has been pivotal to my moves across the company.”

Terance’s real-world experiences of navigating the workforce, earning his bachelor’s degree and continuing to grow his career exemplify a commitment to growth through education. Lifelong learning isn’t a one-time event; instead, it’s a continuous commitment to growth, adaptability and relevance.

For almost 95 years, DeVry has empowered students with future-ready skills, building the foundation for a higher education experience where societal change is infused into all its courses and hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. By going beyond traditional degree programs to offer alternative, flexible learning opportunities that cater to a diverse range of learners, the university supports learners at any stage in their academic journey and prepares them for thriving careers in an always evolving talent economy.

In a world shaped by rapid technological change and shifting economic forces, staying curious and committed to learning is the most powerful way to stay prepared. Read DeVry’s full report, Bridging the gap: Overcoming a silent standoff in America’s talent economy, to get ahead.

2025-10-24T12:01:01

(BPT) – New research found Americans are strategic about car maintenance, including when it comes time to replace their tires. Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index Survey found 4 in 10 U.S. drivers replace their tires on a regular schedule, while 5 in 10 replace only when necessary, and 1 in 10 wait for a rebate or promotion.

Trust your eyes, or someone else’s

Most Americans don’t hurry to buy new tires, with more than half (55%) of respondents saying they only purchase tires when they have no other option, like a flat that can’t be repaired. But if the tires are still rolling, how do you know when it’s time to replace them?

For many drivers, the “eye test” is all they need: one-quarter (25%) said visible damage is the main reason they would spring for a new set of tires such as tread that’s worn out after years of driving, followed by 17% of drivers who cited vehicle handling issues as their primary indicator. In other words, the car just doesn’t take the tight corners like it used to.

However, about as many drivers (16%) said that they leave it to the professionals to advise them, reporting that a mechanic’s recommendation on when to replace a tire is what prompts their purchase. More experienced drivers tend to lean toward this approach — Gen X and Boomer drivers are slightly more likely to heed professional advice (20%) compared to Gen Z and Millennial drivers (13%).

Routine or required tire replacement

When deciding the best time to purchase tires, attitudes vary by generation and region. Older drivers are far more likely to replace tires only when absolutely necessary (Gen X & Boomer — 62%) versus less experienced drivers (Gen Z & Millennial — 49%). On the other hand, Gen Z and Millennial drivers are more likely to follow a schedule for tire replacement (40%) in contrast to Gen X and Boomer drivers (31%).

From coast to coast, drivers on either end of the country differ when it comes to tire replacement management. Drivers in the Northeast are most likely (24%) to follow a mechanic’s recommendation, while those in the Pacific region are most influenced by visible damage to their tire (28%).

Regardless of age or place of residence, replacing tires every few years on a set schedule can help drivers avoid unexpected issues down the road.

Performance and safety drive decisions

Beyond price, a quarter (25%) of respondents say performance ratings are the most influential factor when choosing new tires, followed by 20% who say safety ratings are the top priority. Gen Z and Millennial drivers especially value performance (26%) and safety (23%), compared to drivers over 45 who are also swayed by performance ratings (25%), followed by brand reputation (21%).

For drivers in the Midwest where wet and snowy road conditions can be the norm, performance ratings reign (35%), while Pacific region drivers emphasize safety (27%) and warranty coverage (25%) above all else.

Where drivers seek advice

Regardless of when the time comes for Americans to change their tires, search engines remain the top tool for new tire research (21%), followed by 17% of drivers who say they base their tire research on recommendations from mechanics or repair shops.

Younger drivers (Gen Z & Millennial) prefer using classic search engines to research tires across the internet (25%), while Gen X & Boomer drivers chose to visit their local tire retailer website before any other site (21%). Alternatively, an estimated seven million U.S. adults are now turning to AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, as their first source for tire information.

The choices made by American drivers reflect broader shifts in attitudes toward vehicle safety, reliability and informed decision-making. Increasing reliance on both digital tools and expert advice suggests that consumers are looking for value when buying new tires, as well as confidence in their decision. These trends show proactive education, technological innovation and improved access to research will be key factors shaping tomorrow’s tire-buying habits and road safety outcomes.

2025-10-24T10:37:00

(BPT) – Have you ever returned from a grocery run, unloaded your bags and questioned some of your choices? It’s time for a new, more strategic approach to your shopping trips. What you put in your cart will feed your whole family, so better health starts with the selections you make at the store. Smart shopping comes down to planning, and utilizing the store layout to your advantage, as well as education — about food labels and the companies you buy from.

Here are four simple ways to make every grocery trip a little healthier for your family.

1. Plan ahead

Planning meals for the week is the smartest way to shop — it helps avoid impulse purchases and ensures you have everything needed for balanced, wholesome meals. Sketching out weekly meals ahead makes shopping and cooking easier, helping you focus on including plenty of protein, fruits, veggies and whole grains in your plan.

Take a quick inventory before heading to the store and make a list of what you already have — and what you actually need — to avoid getting too much or too little of anything. Once at the store, stick to your list! Don’t be distracted by overly processed, salty or sweet items that may tempt you, especially near the register.

2. Read labels carefully and do your research

Learning what food labels really mean helps you make better choices — and understand how farming practices can affect your diet. For example, many foods claim to be “organic,” but without the USDA Organic seal, there is no guarantee. The seal ensures the product was grown or produced with at least 95% organic ingredients and without unapproved synthetic substances.

When it comes to poultry, look for the “No Antibiotics Ever” (NAE) label, which means antibiotics were never used during the animal’s lifetime. Labels that simply say “antibiotic free” don’t guarantee antibiotics were never used.

Why does this matter? A recent study conducted out of Carleton University raises new questions about antibiotic use in animal agriculture and its potential link to human health. The research found that ionophores — a class of antibiotics long thought to be safe to use in animals — may contribute to making medically important drugs for humans less effective.

“One class of antibiotics commonly used in agriculture, known as ionophores, were long considered safe to use with poultry, but this new study changes that,” said Dr. Alex Wong, who led this research at Carleton University. “When ionophores are used, they can increase resistance in bacteria, which would make that bacteria harder to kill by medicines. This demonstrated impact of antibiotic use can increase the risk of bacterial resistance spreading from animal agriculture to human healthcare systems.”

Perdue Farms has remained committed to its trailblazing No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) promise since 2016, eliminating the use of all antibiotics, including ionophores, from its production. Instead, Perdue supports flock health through natural supplements like oregano and thyme, and by focusing on animal care practices that help chicken thrive without antibiotics.

3. Seek brands committed to transparency

As the antibiotic issue shows, it’s important to choose brands that are open and transparent about their ingredients and processes. Today’s brands all have websites where you can find information about their approaches to food production, ingredient sourcing, animal welfare, processes and quality assurance procedures to help you make informed decisions.

An easy way to learn more is to visit a brand’s corporate responsibility webpage. For example, Corporate.PerdueFarms.com/responsibility shares how Perdue ensures its animals are cared for responsibly and how its food meets the highest standards for safety and quality.

4. Shop the perimeter of your store for building blocks

Most grocery stores are arranged with fresh produce, proteins and baked goods along the outer aisles. Build your meals around the fresh staples found here whenever possible.

Think fresh, organically raised chicken breast with salad and a side of whole-grain pasta. Or potatoes, green beans and air fryer-ready frozen chicken filets.

The way you shop shapes the way you cook and eat each week. Using these tips, you can transform your grocery run into a tool for supporting both your family’s health and a more responsible food system.

2025-10-24T10:01:00

(BPT) – Halloween and the winter holidays are a fun, festive time of year when candy and other sweet treats appear everywhere — at home, in school and at parties and other seasonal gatherings. Because candy is so visually tempting, it’s especially important for parents and caregivers to make sure that any medications, vitamins or supplements that could be mistaken for candy are stored safely: up and away, out of sight and reach of young children.

To young kids, some medicines look just like the treats they enjoy during the holidays. Gummy vitamins and colorful pills often resemble candy, and liquid medicines can look like soda or juice. It’s critical to store and use these products safely, especially during this high-risk season.

Approximately 35,000 young children are brought to the emergency room each year because they got into medicines that were left within their reach. To help prevent these kinds of incidents, the Up and Away Campaign offers practical tips for parents and caregivers to keep kids safer during Halloween and year-round.

Store medicines up and away

Choose a high, secure spot in your home that children can’t reach or see, and store all your medicines, vitamins and supplements — especially those in gummy form — in that place, even between doses. If you carry medicine in your purse, bag, pocket or pill organizer, make sure to keep it out of sight and reach of young kids.

Remind all babysitters, houseguests and visitors to follow the same precautions when they are in your home.

Don’t leave medicine out between doses

If you or your child is ill and needs a dose every few hours, it can be tempting to leave the medicine in reach on a kitchen counter or a sick child’s bedside table. Put it up and away instead to avoid unintentional overdoses.

Keep medicines in child-resistant containers

Always relock the safety cap on medicine bottles every time you close them. If a bottle has a locking cap that turns, twist it until you hear the “click,” or until you can’t twist it anymore. If you must put medicines in other containers, such as pill organizers, check to see if they have child-resistant features. Many do not and can be easily opened by young children.

Teach your children about medicine safety

It’s important to teach your children what medicine is and why you or a trusted caregiver must be the one to give it to them. Never tell children that medicine is “candy,” even if they don’t enjoy taking it.

Be prepared for an emergency

Call Poison Help at 800-222-1222 right away if you think your child might have gotten into a medicine, vitamin or supplement, even if you are not completely sure. Save the number as a contact in your phone so you have it ready in case of an emergency.

For more tools and information to help safeguard children, visit UpandAway.org.

2025-10-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Why more people say it’s time to hire the pros

For decades, moving meant calling in favors. Pizza, beer and guilt-tripped friends were the currency of choice. But times are changing.

According to a 2025 study by UniGroup — parent company of Mayflower — nearly half of Americans (44%) say there’s a time in life to hand the heavy lifting to professionals. The nationwide survey of 1,000 adults found that while DIY moves have their place, many now view hiring professional movers as a smart investment in safety, time and peace of mind.

After all, friends aren’t trained movers. They don’t have the equipment, insurance or muscle memory to protect your belongings. And frankly, they deserve a toast rather than a strained back.

From Obligation to Appreciation

The research revealed a clear shift in mindset. These days, instead of bribing friends with pizza, more movers are celebrating milestones the right way.

Hiring professionals means your loved ones can show up to celebrate, not carry boxes on your behalf. It turns moving day into a moment worth savoring — one that’s less about stress and more about new beginnings.

When you choose Mayflower, that celebration starts the moment your movers arrive. You’re not just changing addresses; you’re reclaiming moving day as something joyful.

Milestone Moves That Matter

A Growing Family
When diapers, naps and feedings fill your schedule, moving should be the least of your worries. Professional movers help new or expectant parents focus on what matters most, ensuring their boxes arrive as intended while taking care of the heavy lifting.

A New Job or Promotion
Starting a new role often means relocating fast. With Mayflower’s full-service options — from car shipping to custom crating — your belongings arrive on time, leaving you to focus on onboarding rather than unpacking.

Retirement
Downsizing or relocating for retirement? This chapter should feel relaxing, not risky. Movers can handle packing, debris removal and storage, helping you transition into a simpler, more comfortable lifestyle.

Protecting What’s Priceless
Some moves come with heirlooms, antiques or fine art — pieces that deserve expert care. Mayflower professionals use specialty packing, custom crating and Full-Value Protection coverage to safeguard your most valuable items. Because peace of mind is priceless.

How Mayflower Makes Transitions Smooth

• Full or Partial Packing and Unpacking: Skip the endless boxes and focus on your next chapter.
• Specialty Moving and Crating: From artwork to antiques, your valuables are handled with care.
• Car Shipping and Storage: We manage the details your friends shouldn’t — and can’t — be asked to.
• Move Coordination: A dedicated pro keeps you informed every step of the way.

Turning Bribes into Rewards
Mayflower makes it so you can still celebrate with pizza and beer — guilt-free. Once the boxes are in place, treat yourself to a curated meal, raise a glass and enjoy the moment. No sweat. No stress. No awkward favors. Just good vibes and a fresh start.

Toast to a New Beginning
Life’s biggest transitions deserve more than a group text and stack of pizza boxes. They deserve care, gratitude and expertise.

In fact, 47% of people say they’d now decline a “free pizza for moving help” offer, often citing health, mobility or safety concerns.

Mayflower makes it easy to move free of nagging guilt. Its pros bring the strength, skill and professionalism. You bring the excitement for what’s ahead. Together, you’ll make your move feel like the start of something worth celebrating. Explore the survey and get the ball rolling with a free quote.

2025-10-21T11:41:00

(BPT) – Every November, millions of families across Mexico and the United States prepare for one of the most meaningful celebrations in Latino culture — Día de los Muertos. Also known as the Day of the Dead, the celebration is far more than a holiday; it’s a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed.

At the heart of this ancient tradition lies the ofrenda, a carefully constructed altar that serves as both tribute and invitation. These beautiful displays aren’t mere decorations, but sacred spaces designed to welcome the spirits of loved ones back for a joyful reunion.

When creating your own ofrenda at home, start by including items that represent the four essential elements of life: water, fire, earth and wind. These components come together to guide and comfort the spirits on their journey. Whether you create an elaborate ofrenda or keep it small, these elements are essential in welcoming and cherishing passed loved ones.

Water: Quenching the spirit’s thirst

Water is offered to quench the thirst of souls returning after a long journey, and many families honor this tradition by placing their loved one’s favorite beverages on the ofrenda. For Mexican and Mexican American families, this often includes beers like Modelo — a gesture that reflects personal memories and cherished traditions.

Born in Mexico a century ago, Modelo Especial has been part of family gatherings across generations, making it a natural choice for ofrendas where families seek to honor their ancestors who emulated the Mark of a Fighter and recreate the moments they once shared. Whether it’s a cold bottle placed alongside fresh water and traditional aguas frescas, or raised in a toast to honor the departed, Modelo serves as both an offering and bridge — connecting families to their heritage while inviting loved ones to share one more drink across the veil between worlds.

“We’re honored that families include Modelo in their ofrendas, making us a part of a heartfelt and meaningful tradition,” said Logan Jensen, vice president of Brand Marketing, Modelo. “We look forward to being a part of the celebration as generations come together to honor loved ones for years to come.”

Fire: Lighting the way for remembrance

Fire is represented by candles, whose flames light the way for visiting spirits. Each candle is often dedicated to a specific loved one, illuminating their path and signaling that they are remembered and cherished. The gentle glow infuses the ofrenda with warmth and hope, embodying the enduring light of family and memory.

Earth: Nourishing connections

Earth is celebrated through marigold flowers, or cempasúchil, and traditional Mexican foods such as pan de muerto. The vibrant orange petals of cempasúchil are believed to attract spirits with their color and scent, while the sweet bread is both a treat for the souls and a symbol of the cycle of life. Together, these earthly offerings ground the celebration in the flavors, scents and beauty of Mexican heritage.

Wind: The breath of life

Wind finds form in papel picado, the intricately cut tissue paper banners that sway above the ofrenda. Their delicate movement in the breeze is said to represent the presence of spirits and the ephemeral nature of life. These colorful decorations add a festive spirit, turning remembrance into a celebration of life’s fleeting beauty.

With these four elements combined, an ofrenda becomes a vibrant reminder of heritage, legacy and tradition. So, raise a glass of Modelo and keep the memories alive. For more info on Modelo, visit ModeloUSA.com.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2025-10-21T08:31:00

(BPT) – Some holiday gifts sparkle for a season. Others last a lifetime. This year, OshKosh B’gosh is making sure parents can give both with the launch of the OshKosh Reissued Collection, a nostalgic assortment that brings back the brand’s most iconic pieces, reimagined for babies and toddlers (up to 5T).

The 130-year-old heritage brand, known for its World’s Best Overalls, is celebrating its milestone anniversary by looking to the past to shape the future. From playgrounds to family portraits, OshKosh has defined childhood style for generations. Now, it’s inviting a new generation of parents to share that same legacy, reimagined for today, and ready to unwrap this holiday season.

With archival prints, heritage silhouettes, and the return of the Josh B’gosh — OshKosh’s hickory-clad bear first introduced in 1998 — these updated pieces combine nostalgic design with modern fabrics, colors, and fits to create new memories while honoring timeless ones.

Highlights of the collection include:

• The Hickory Stripe: A signature of early 20th-century workwear and OshKosh childhoods everywhere, now softer and stretchier than ever. Available in overalls, dresses, and jeans.
• The Return of Josh B’gosh: Everyone’s favorite ’90s bear is back and as adorable as ever, starring on plush sweatshirts and as a velvety-soft teddy bear, ready to be wrapped up and loved all over again.
• The World’s Best Overalls™: Nostalgic ’80s and ’90s corduroy prints, including Nutcracker, teddy bear, and train motifs, reintroduced in brighter, bolder hues. A timeless favorite, refreshed for a new generation.

The timing is perfect. With nostalgia rising in favor among today’s shoppers, the OshKosh Reissued Collection hits the sweet spot between cultural relevance and emotional resonance. It also connects with the holiday spirit, when families look to trade up for meaningful, heirloom-quality gifts.

The OshKosh Reissued Collection will be available at OshKosh.com and select stores while supplies last. Because when it comes to holiday gifting, some traditions are worth repeating.