Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2017-12-20T16:59:00

(BPT) – Between trips to the mall, cross-country travel and never-ending hosting duties, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos of the holidays and forget to experience the joys the season bring. From capturing and sharing their favorite memories to booking flights and shopping for gifts, holiday shoppers rely on their smartphones to power through the holidays and need a dependable wireless network to keep them streaming and snapping all season long.

This year, SIMPLE Mobile has partnered with YouTube personality Jenn McAllister to share her top holiday tips that will help you conquer holiday chaos and successfully ‘sleigh’ the season to bring more joy — and less stress — like never before.

1. Having trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year? Download some fun holiday games on your smartphone to ramp up that holiday cheer. Bonus points if they’re multi-player and you can share the holiday fun with friends and family.

2. Bored this holiday season? Stream YouTube videos! With SIMPLE Mobile, it’s super easy, because their $50 Truly Unlimited 30-day plan will give you all the 4G LTE† data you could ever need! So no excuses. (Video typically streams at DVD quality).

3. Having trouble figuring out the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season? Take the pressure off by ordering them a fun gag gift — they can be cheaper and will bring a smile to the person you give them to!

4. Want to spread a little holiday cheer? Prank your friends and family by texting them lyrics from your favorite holiday song. The reactions will be priceless!

The holiday season is the best time of the year, so why not enjoy it? SIMPLE Mobile $50 Truly Unlimited 30-day plan offers unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE† data so you can share, snap and stream all holiday long without worrying about overages or mystery fees (video typically streams at DVD quality). So, go ahead, spend more on gifts for loved ones, travel and entertaining and truly experience all the joys the holidays have to offer. For more information on SIMPLE Mobile, visit: SIMPLEMobile.com.

Please refer always to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service at SIMPLEMobile.com. Price does not include taxes and fees.

†To get 4G LTE speed, you must have a 4G LTE capable device and 4G LTE SIM. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

2017-12-18T09:05:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a favorite time of year for many. We love decorating our homes, baking cookies, donating to our favorite charities, and listening to those classic songs we only get to enjoy a few short weeks each year. There’s all the holiday parties and celebrations. And of course, a big part of the season includes buying gifts for those we care about.

There’s a lot that’s crammed into the holidays, so finding the time to get to everything we want and need to do can feel challenging. Fortunately, technology can help!

Check out these gifting tips to help you save time and stay within budget this year.

Free up some room in your sleigh.

If you’re traveling for the holidays, the trip itself often has an impact on the gifts you purchase. But it doesn’t have to. If a long flight or drive made you shy away from larger gifts in the past, choose to buy online and ship your gifts to your final destination this year. Many of these services also offer gift wrapping and because the package is already being shipped, you don’t need to delay your trip waiting for your package to arrive.

No minute like the last minute.

This holiday season forget old fashioned cash and checks. There’s a new way to gift money right from your mobile banking app with Zelle^®. Forget about going to the ATM, or having to find a stamp and then wait for the person to go cash your check. Zelle enables you to send money quickly, safely and easily with your mobile phone to almost anyone with a bank account in the U.S. Best of all, the funds are available to your loved one typically within minutes[1] when both parties are already enrolled. Most likely, you already have Zelle as part of your mobile banking app; otherwise, you can still use Zelle by downloading the Zelle app for Android and iOS.

Getting the elves together.

You have that special friend who deserves the designer purse and you know how much it would mean to her. You round up your girlfriends and pool your money together. You can use Zelle to split the cost of the gift with everyone. All you need is their email address or U.S. mobile phone number[2]. Zelle lets you request money with just a few taps on your mobile phone, making it easy to pool your resources and get the perfect gift for that special person on your list.

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be hectic, particularly if you haven’t finished your shopping. Technology can help you make every minute count. Utilize some of the tips above and hopefully your holiday shopping and the festivities will be a littler merrier for you and your loved ones.

To learn more about Zelle and its participating financial institutions, visit www.zellepay.com.

###

2017-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – What do we say about the holiday season? It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Amidst the wonder of the season that includes plenty of shopping and celebrating, spending can get out of control. Before we know it, bills come due and suddenly things really aren’t so wonderful anymore.

So this year, let’s flip the script and come into the season with a plan, one that will allow us to celebrate the season, preserve the wonder and step into 2018 with our finances intact. You can do it and these tips can help.

* If you can’t pay cash, then don’t pay at all. A lot of our spending problems come from putting too many purchases on our credit cards during the holidays. Credit card debt is basically a high-interest loan. Don’t be one of the 65 percent of people that keep this credit card debt going. If you can’t pay for it right away, don’t buy it.

* Make your list and check it twice. When finalizing your gift list, add a dollar amount next to each person, then stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and actually makes you more thoughtful with your gift choices. It’s a win-win.

* Celebrate the experience. Consider gifting experiences like hosting a potluck at your apartment or planning a unique activity for the group to enjoy. These events have the opportunity to create memories for your family and friends that will far exceed those of items they may never use.

* Treat yourself … affordably. We all love to gift ourselves, so set aside a little extra money ahead of time to buy your own present. Just make sure you’ve budgeted for this expense beforehand and don’t overspend on yourself.

* Consider consolidating your debt. If you do find you need a little additional financial support during the holiday season, a personal loan through LendingClub can help. Personal loans are an easy, affordable way to refinance high-interest credit card debt, and offer a lower interest rate at a fixed term so you know when you’ll have your debt under control. LendingClub users on average* save almost $300 per month by consolidating their debt. Sixty-four percent of borrowers report using their loans to refinance existing loans or pay off their credit debit, so do your research to see if this option works for you.

Savor and save this holiday

The most wonderful time of the year doesn’t have to be the most expensive as well. Apply the tips above and stick to your financial plan during all the holiday merrymaking and you’ll set yourself up to make 2018 your best year yet.

*Based on responses from 2,259 borrowers in a survey of 14,049 randomly selected borrowers conducted from 1/1/17-7/31/17, borrowers who received a loan to consolidate existing debt or pay off their credit card balance reported that they saved $287 a month on average.

2017-12-13T10:37:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a time of year when you want to show how much you care with your generosity and thoughtfulness. But as expected, searching for holiday gifts can bring the longest shopping sprees (and lines) of the year. Not only do you have to find the right gift for the right person, you then have to wrap it and mail it. And as your list of recipients to shop for grows throughout December, the thought of getting everything accomplished in time is simply exhausting.

At Staples, you’ll find plenty of gifts and services under one roof that will help you cross off everything on your holiday shopping and “must-do” task lists. You can even wrap, pack up and ship your gifts right in the store; even if you can’t get to Staples before December 14, they can still guarantee the gift’s arrival by Christmas if you choose the overnight or second-day shipping option.

To inspire you, here are a few perfect last minute gifts now available at Staples:

For the new homeowner: There’s almost no one who is easier to shop for, but a set of colorful glass ornaments from Plum & Punch ($12.99) will adorn their new home’s first Christmas tree with style and sophistication.

For your favorite colleagues: Turn their next coffee break into game time. They can knock down a few rounds of ghosts with a PacMan Electronic Handheld Game ($19.99) or get up and moving with a 2-in-1 Bowling Shuffleboard Set ($12.99).

For the techie in your life: The Staples Gaming Chair ($99.99) lets them settle in and stay comfortable during long, intense gaming sessions. The sleek and stylish Lenovo Flex 5 2-in-1 Notebook ($589.99) is perfect for a day spent relaxing at a coffee shop or working from home.

For anyone you love: This year, add a personal touch to your gifts. Whether it’s time to design holiday greeting cards from your family or you’re looking for a simple and beautiful card to attach to your gift, stop by the Staples Print and Marketing Services desk for easy ideas to customize gifts and season’s greetings to perfection. Even better, Staples offers same day delivery on select greeting cards for both Christmas and New Year’s, so you can get the task done on your schedule.

Spread the joy to everyone you love while saving time and stress in the process by turning to Staples for all your gift-giving and shipping needs. To find more tools and ideas, visit Staples.com.

2017-12-13T08:01:02

(BPT) – While hosting the holidays can be a nerve-wracking experience, it doesn’t have to completely derail the rest of the joy of the season. The truth is even the most veteran holiday hosts feel some anxiety leading up to the big day. There’s a ton to do and remembering it all can be hard. To simplify your life and your holidays, renowned interior designer Nate Berkus offers his best tips for entertaining with style.

Make sure your kitchen is ready

Without fail your kitchen becomes command central, and the No. 1 place guests like to congregate. Fact. Embrace it, and use your kitchen island to set up snacks, a bar and add extra seating. You want people to feel at home, especially during the holidays.

Be ready with a pre-stocked bar

As host, you want to make sure you get to enjoy the party along with your guests. Get ahead of things by making sure your bar is fully stocked, and making a pre-mixed pitcher of your go-to holiday cocktail. Have your hors d’oeuvres ready to go and make sure you have enough ice — with LG’s SmartThinQ technology, you can have your fridge make ice from your smartphone, for extra easy party prep.

Create an impressive tablescape

Stick to a neutral color scheme, even during the holidays. Then add in metallic accents for some extra shine; brass candleholders and napkin rings will instantly up the ante. You can also pull in greenery from your garden and finish off your tablescape with candles. Finally, make sure your table linens are fresh, pressed and ready to go. With the LG Styler you can hang your items (from linens to favorite holiday sweaters) and have them steamed and refreshed, in just 20 minutes.

Mix up the seating chart

Have fun with your seating chart. You want guests to get to know each other and spark unexpected connections. It can put people out of their comfort zone, so be mindful of who you bring together, and try to seat guests next to someone you know will share common interests. Use a super chic place card at each setting to finish off the tablescape.

Take something home

Send your guests home with a small reminder from the evening. If it’s a sit-down dinner, it could be their place card setting. It will serve as a sweet memento from the gathering.

2017-12-12T13:01:01

(BPT) – A photo with family and friends — ugly sweaters and all — is a holiday tradition. But getting everyone posed in front of the fireplace is just the first step. From selecting the right settings, to taking the photo, to sending it to our loved ones, so much goes into capturing the moment. At Samsung Electronics America, this got us thinking: How are we capturing and sharing moments this holiday season?

We conducted a survey of over 1,000 smartphone owners in the U.S., and 85 percent of respondents told us smartphones are their top choice for taking holiday photos. That’s why we’ve engineered and designed the Samsung Galaxy family of smartphones with great cameras. With the Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active and Note8, easy photo modes will make your holiday feast stand out on any newsfeed, and voice- and gesture-activated timers make getting the whole family in the holiday card a breeze, especially with the wide-angle selfie mode.

Capturing (and sharing) the moment

We all love sharing holiday photos on social media. In fact, our survey found 50 percent of consumers post more pictures on social media during the holidays than during the rest of the year, and 45 percent say they receive more likes and comments during the holidays. Forty-two percent of those surveyed also noted they are more likely to participate in a holiday activity if there are good photo-taking opportunities.

When taking holiday photos, 60 percent of respondents said that they would be more likely to snap pictures if their cameras had features designed for winter activities such as low-light capabilities, dual cameras, or larger screens/displays.

Here are some tips for expert photo taking this holiday season:

Expert tips for low-light photos:

* When shooting in low-light conditions against an illuminated background, turn your subject toward the brightest point. That way, whatever light there is will hit where you want it — plus you’ll compose a more interesting shot.

* When capturing moving subjects in dark conditions, digital zoom is rarely your friend. Resolution is lost with each level of magnification, so for better close-ups, avoid zoom and move as close to your subject as possible.

* If you’re shooting a skyline or landscape at night on a Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active or Note8, switch to Pro mode. Adjust your camera’s ISO settings and set your shutter speed to a longer time. Opt for a stable surface to keep the shot steady.

Closer together

The holidays are a time to connect and spend time with those you care about: 51 percent of consumers say a picture with family members is their most sought-after photo of the season.

Expert tips for taking quality family photos:

* Whether you opt in to matching ugly sweaters or not, color coordinating or wearing items from the same hue (warm versus cool) will help tie your family’s look together.

* To ensure that everyone is in the shot and one person isn’t stuck behind the lens, opt for a smartphone that has a camera delay timer. On your Galaxy device you can choose a delay of 2, 5 or 10 seconds. If you have Bixby on your device, you can even use your voice. Just say, “Hey Bixby, set the timer for rear camera to 10 seconds.”

* Smartphones that capture portrait shots are great for enhancing your subjects. With the Galaxy Note8, the Live Focus feature lets you capture portrait and wide-angle shots at the same time.

There’s no place like home

Every family has their own traditions but some things are universal — everyone loves cute photos. Parents with children at home and families with pets are more likely — by 22 percent and 29 percent respectively — to take photos of these cute sidekicks. Of course, sometimes kids and puppies don’t make the most cooperative subjects, so how can you capture the moment regardless of their willingness to sit still?

Expert tips for reducing blur:

* If you’re shooting a fast-moving subject and don’t want motion in the shot, use a fast shutter speed.

* The Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active and Note8 feature an enhanced Smart Auto Focus on the front-facing camera that tracks every face in the frame, so all your shots stay sharp and in focus.

A feast for the eyes

The most popular foodie photos of the season are holiday pies and desserts — with 57 percent of respondents noting they’ll take a photo of their sweet treats over other foods.

Expert tips for food shots:

* A straight-on shot over your plate lacks visual interest. Switch it up by taking photos from multiple angles to see what works best.

* Food Mode on the Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active and Note8 is optimized for pictures of delicious treats. Activate it and you’ll get enhanced color, contrast and blue tone effects that make everything more enticing.

Whether you spend the holidays with friends or family, inside or outside, with children or puppies, while eating cookies or pie, the best way to capture and share your memories is right in the palm of your hand, made possible by the unmatched camera quality of the Samsung Galaxy family of smartphones.

For more information on the Samsung Galaxy smartphone family, visit https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy/.

2017-12-12T08:13:00

(BPT) – Although there is plenty of love circulating around the holiday season, the thought of entertaining in the comforts of your home can be a stressful factor that often feels like a massive responsibility. Luckily, culinary and design guru Athena Calderone of the popular lifestyle blog EyeSwoon can provide some advice and tips to transform you into the hostess with the mostest!

Plan and prep your meal in advance

The last thing you want to think about is slaving away over the stove while your friends and family are celebrating in the other room. For starters, always write out the menu! Seeing the entire meal described in one place helps you better spot whether you need to add something — fresh or crisp. Finally, make an ingredient shopping list so your grocery store experience is focused. From plan to prep, this process is paramount in making the most of any holiday meal — with the least amount of stress possible.

Ensure roasting and searing success

The best part about roasting and searing is your oven can do all the hard work for you, if you just keep a few tips in mind.

For oven-roasting or pan-sautéing your meals to caramelized perfection, do not overcrowd your pan. Doing so will steam your veggies or protein — not good for flavor or presentation. Instead, sear on the stovetop in batches, or if you have a lot of ingredients, use multiple sheet pans when roasting in the oven.

Next, always preheat your oven. With LG SmartThinQ technology, preheating your LG oven remotely from your smartphone can keep meal time on track effortlessly and is a great home hack. It’s also super helpful for switching temperature settings from dish to dish. Another tip? Pop the empty pan in the oven as it heats. Starting with a piping-hot pan before you add your veggies helps ensure a swoony sear. Finally, bring any protein to room temperature before cooking. A cold cut of meat will immediately reduce the temperature of your pan and prevent that golden goodness you are after.

Serve family style

Consider a self-serve solution for your holiday meals. Not only does this save you from having to formally plate each dish, but it also allows you to sample more food. The key to creating an eye-catching buffet is to use different colors, textures and heights. Think about the hues of the food beforehand to avoid a monotone palette, and use platters and pedestals to create a multilevel composition on the serving table.

Time and kitchen management

Organizing your time and your kitchen is essential come the holiday season because there is never enough space in the refrigerator and the queue for the oven is always endless. That’s why you need to plan your meal with kitchen efficiency in mind.

Decadent pots de crème, for example, are a perfect holiday dessert, but have to be made at least one night before the party to ensure they set properly. With an LG InstaView refrigerator, you can simply knock twice on the tinted glass panel to see inside without opening the door and losing cold air.

When it comes to the main course, an entree like a braised meat is the smartest choice, since a slow-cooked dish is even more delicious when it has a few days for the flavors to meld together. This also saves precious oven space for more a la minute recipes on the big day.

Follow these tips and you’ll realize there is plenty to love about hosting the holiday dinner after all.

2018-01-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – The countdown to Feb. 4 is on! The biggest football matchup of the year is nearly here, which for many means epic game day planning is now underway.

And while the game is the star, a fabulous food spread is one of your best plays. That’s where Farm Rich comes in.

“These days homegating is the new tailgating,” said Rachael Yerkes of Eazy Peazy Mealz. Yerkes is a popular recipe developer, blogger and mother of four. “You can have all the fun of football, family, friends and food without leaving the comfort of your own home. Farm Rich makes game day easier, and oh so tasty with a wide variety of frozen appetizers that are ready in minutes.”

It’s strategy time. These #HomegatingHero food hacks will help get you through all four stages of the Big Game. And for more ideas, visit the Game Day page at FarmRich.com.

1. Pre-Game: It’s All in the Details

There’s one chance to make a first impression. As guests arrive, wow them with little touches that make a big impact. Turn the food table into a football field complete with pompoms, penalty flags and banners. DIY food cards and personalized drink koozies will break the ice and set the tone for a memorable night of pigskin. Think outside the chip bowl with warm snacks that get folks talking, like Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups made with Mozzarella Sticks from Coffee & Crayons.

Party details by Nibbles & Feasts

2. Kick-Off: Grab & Go Bites for the Win

When the clock starts, all eyes are on the big screen. So, have easy-grab foods that won’t distract from the action — or the commercials everyone will be talking about on Monday! Stock the freezer in advance with three Farm Rich All-American classics, Mozzarella Bites, Jalapeño Peppers and Cheddar Cheese Curds. Ready in minutes, they’ll score extra points with kids and adults alike.

Spread shots by Eazy Peazy Mealz

3. Halftime: It’s All About That Spread

By halftime, everyone will have worked up a linebacker-level appetite and it’ll be up to you to have a fantastic food spread ready. This is the #HomegatingHero moment of glory, so be ready with a table that’ll outshine even the halftime show. Have large platters filled with cheesy snacks and a variety of creative dips, plus other show stoppers. Strut your hosting A-game with Five Dipping Sauces from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.

The Ultimate Appetizer Board by Mom Wife Foodie

4. Crunch Time: Go Big Before They Go Home

To keep folks hanging around until the very end (no matter the score) break out these Instant Pot Italian Meatball Sliders from The Butter Half by fourth quarter. And Farm Rich Loaded Potato Skins, made with Idaho potatoes and stuffed with real cheddar cheese and bacon, will keep everyone fueled, even into overtime.

Loaded Tray by Savvy Saving Couple

Attention Football Food Fans! Got a #HomegatingHero hack you want to share? Post your idea and/or picture at @FarmRichSnacks on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use #HomegatingHero to share your own football food creations.

2018-01-16T10:31:00

(BPT) – “They don’t make movies like they used to.”

You hear that saying all the time and the truth is, it’s hardly a bad thing.

The classics from the early 1900s are just that, classic, representing some of the best love stories, espionage heists and toe-tapping musicals. But we have come a long way since the introduction of the silver screen. Silent movies gave way to the introduction of sound in 1927, and black-and-white films gave way to color in 1918, and later Technicolor in 1939. These initial innovations have led to countless other advancements, from green screen digital composition to HD, CGI and 3D technology. It’s now hard to imagine a movie without them.

The evolution of the movie theater experience has also kept pace.

The film experience has changed drastically and fortunately, so have the theaters in which you enjoy them. In the past few years, conventional theater seating has been replaced with recliners to provide premium comfort as you watch. Getting this perfect seat is also easier than ever because now you can reserve your seat ahead of time ensuring you’re always in the best spot for the season’s biggest releases.

With all these upgrades over the years, is it possible for the modern movie-going experience to get any better? It can, and it all starts with the food.

A bucket of buttery popcorn and chocolate candies have been movie-going staples for years. You can’t beat the smell and taste of freshly popped popcorn, but these traditional movie theater snacks can be a bit stale. Now, traditional movie snacks are taking a back-row seat to the latest blockbuster snack in town, dangerously cheesy Cheetos Popcorn, which is making its debut nationwide at Regal Cinema Theaters.

Just as the introduction of sound and comfort seating refreshed the movie-going experience, Cheetos Popcorn is bringing the concession stand to a whole new level. A deliciously cheesy mix of Cheetos-flavored popcorn with Crunchy Cheetos, it’s an award-winning combination you’ll be enjoying movie after movie. With the first bite, everyone will be raving it is orange movie magic.

This one-of-a-kind taste sensation is available now at participating Regal Cinema theaters nationwide and just one bite will have you saying goodbye to the old-school movie snacks and hello to dangerously cheesy goodness.

From sound and seating to color and snacking, movie-going has evolved into a complete experience to make seeing a movie more enjoyable and delicious than ever before. All that’s missing is for you is to reserve your seat, head to the theater and enjoy your next blockbuster movie with Cheetos Popcorn.

Movies aren’t made like they used to be, they’ve evolved into something even greater. It’s hard to image what will change in the next 100 years.

2018-01-16T08:01:01

(BPT) – Transamerica Center for Health Studies (TCHS), in collaboration with the Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP), prepared the Healthier Traditions Cookbook: Soul Food with more healthy and nutritious alternatives to traditional recipes. Start the year off right with this guide to cooking and eating well at home.

Collard Greens

Bacon and pork fat in traditional collard greens recipes contribute to high saturated fat and sodium, as well as unhealthy preservatives. This version is heart-healthy and uses paprika to create a rich, smoky flavor. Check out how these Collard Greens were prepared.

Oven “Fried” Okra

This baked version of a fried classic makes for crispy, satisfying okra without as much added fat. Learn how to make this Okra.

Red Beans & Rice

Using whole grain brown rice instead of traditional white rice gives it added fiber, vitamins and minerals. This dish can be served with the main course to accompany vegetables or a protein. Visit the video to make these Red Beans & Rice.

Smothered Pork Chops

Choose low-sodium broth or stock to reduce daily sodium intake and help prevent high blood pressure. When possible, look for responsibly raised or organic pork chops for a healthier fat content. Try making these Pork Chops at home.

Pan-fried Catfish

Swap out the traditional batter for a spiced flour mixture and pan-fry the fish to reduce calories while still creating a crispy coating. Try farmed or wild-caught catfish when possible. Check out this delicious Pan-fried Catfish.

Peach Cobbler

This recipe calls for half whole wheat flour and half traditional white flour for additional fiber and vitamins. Learn how to make this Peach Cobbler.