Category: Brandpoint

2024-11-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – Scams are unfortunately a fact of life these days. If it’s not identity or data theft, it’s credit breaches and scam phone calls. Many of us are getting scam texts, too. As the holidays roll in, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) wants you to know we are on the job, working to protect you and your mail and packages.

USPIS’s new holiday campaign, Don’t Get Snowed by Holiday Scams, alerts consumers about crimes that are on the rise this holiday season: counterfeit postage, phishing/smishing, mail and package theft, and letter carrier robberies. It’s all about making sure your holiday season is merry, bright, and safe.

Counterfeit postage

Now is a great time to stock up on stamps so you have them on hand to mail your holiday cards and packages. Looking for Forever Stamps online? You may find some deceptively good deals out there. And that’s the key word: Deceptive. Counterfeit stamps are appearing more and more. If you see stamps at 20% to 50% off their face value, it’s a scam. Fraudsters target consumers online on social media platforms, third-party ecommerce sites, and pop-up ads. These fake, discounted stamps come in a variety of designs that are meant to mimic real postage.

Protect yourself

• Buy your stamps at the post office or from approved postal providers, which include legitimate “big box” retailers.
• Report the sellers of counterfeit stamps at uspis.gov/report.

Phishing/smishing

What’s that? You may have received a text or email about a package delivery gone wrong or unpaid online postage charges. The subject line or headline usually is “Delivery Failure Notification” or something similar. These messages appear to be from the USPS or another government entity, but they’re not. They will likely contain a URL for you to click. If you do, it can activate a virus or lure you into providing personal financial information. If you get a text or email that uses poor grammar, has spelling errors, or asks you for payment or personal information of any kind, it is a scam.

Protect yourself

• Don’t click on any links.
• Block the sender.
• Delete the text or email immediately. If you choose to report it, send USPS-related phishing emails to spam@uspis.gov. You can also send USPS-related smishing texts to 7726. All other phishing/smishing attempts should be reported to the FTC or your local consumer affairs group(s).

Mail and package safety

Thieves are always lurking, getting ready for the busy holiday season, just like you! Your packages may arrive on time but may not truly reach their destination if they’re plucked from the porch before you or your loved ones can get them inside. USPIS takes these cases of package theft very seriously and makes thousands of arrests each year. Thieves commonly cruise neighborhoods at times when people are at work, but they can strike anytime.

Protect yourself

• Don’t leave letters and packages in your mailbox or at your door for any length of time. Use USPS Hold Mail service, a delivery locker, or ask a trusted neighbor to grab your package if you are going to be away.
• Request signature confirmation on packages and add package tracking.
• Don’t send cash in the mail.
• If you move, file a change of address with USPS at www.usps.com and let your financial institutions know as soon as possible.
• If you suspect you may be a victim of mail theft, report it at www.uspis.gov/report.

Letter carrier safety

Thieves are getting bolder. They’re targeting letter carriers and stealing mail, packages, and even employee valuables. USPIS constantly strives to protect those who deliver to your door.

Postal inspectors are on the job, focusing on operations in high-risk areas, increasing awareness through education, and enforcing more than 200 laws designed to protect the nation’s mailstream. Recent operations have led to the arrests of individuals involved in postal-related crimes, and the Postal Inspection Service is committed to making sure every letter carrier returns home safely this holiday season and all year long.

Protect yourself (and your letter carriers!)

• If you see suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 immediately, then postal inspectors at 877-876-2455.
• Secure packages immediately after delivery.
• Have your local post office hold mail/deliveries if you are going to be away.
• Ensure valuables remain out of sight. Whether on your person or at your front door, your valuables are a target for thieves who are always on alert for their next opportunity.

For more information on what postal inspectors are doing to protect employees and customers, visit Project Safe Delivery – United States Postal Inspection Service (uspis.gov).

Holiday cheer is coming your way this season in the form of cards, letters, and packages. By working together to prevent scams and theft, we can all ensure the season is merry and bright.

2024-11-07T09:01:00

(BPT) – Thanksgiving is a holiday known for indulging with family and friends. While traditional dishes are always a hit, a few fresh twists can make the meal extra memorable for friends and family. This year, consider adding a little creativity to your Thanksgiving lineup with simple but flavorful swaps. Among the easiest ways is to switch up classic sides with slight modifications.

Swap Steamed Carrots for Crispy Parmesan Carrots

While steamed carrots offer a tender texture and mild taste, they can become a little monotonous — especially compared to everything else on your Thanksgiving table. Swapping steamed carrots for Crispy Parmesan Carrots sprinkled with 1/2 cup of Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese can elevate your dish with a delightful crunch and rich flavor to make it a standout side. Plus, this cheesy twist on the traditional dish will appeal to even the pickiest of palates!

Kraft Natural Cheese has been a trusted household name since 1950, delivering exceptional quality and flavor to mealtimes around the world. With a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, Kraft Natural Cheese continues to be the go-to choice for families and food enthusiasts alike with its broad portfolio of natural cheeses including shreds, chunks and slices. As part of the Lactalis Heritage Dairy portfolio of brands, a subsidiary of Lactalis USA which offers an unrivaled collection of dairy brands enjoyed in homes across the United States, Kraft Natural Cheese has more than 150+ years of combined dairy experience reflected in its cheesemaking.

Enhance Roasted Veggies with Fresh Herbs or Citrus

To bring extra flavor to vegetables, swap out a traditional green bean casserole for a tray of roasted vegetables brightened with fresh herbs or citrus zest. Think Brussels sprouts, carrots, and squash roasted with rosemary or thyme and finished with a sprinkle of lemon zest or pomegranate seeds for color and flavor. This simple addition keeps things seasonal and delicious without added effort.

Offer a DIY Dessert Bar

Instead of serving dessert all at once, set up a self-serve dessert bar so guests can enjoy their favorite holiday sweets at their own pace. Lay out small portions of classic Thanksgiving treats, like pumpkin pie slices, mini apple crisps, and cookies. It not only reduces the pressure to plate dessert but also lets guests try a variety of small bites instead of full portions.

Pro Tip: Label each dessert item and provide small plates and napkins. This small touch keeps everything organized and makes the dessert station feel welcoming.

Create a Cozy Ambiance with Simple Decor

Thanksgiving decor doesn’t have to be elaborate to set the mood. Try small touches like unscented candles, mini pumpkins, or a vase of seasonal flowers to keep the vibe warm and welcoming. Scattering small gourds or pinecones along the table can also bring out the season’s natural beauty indoors.

These simple swaps and easy hosting tips can help make Thanksgiving memorable without the stress. With a mix of classic comfort and fresh ideas, you’ll have a holiday that feels both familiar and exciting for everyone around the table.

2024-11-06T11:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a great time to take a look back and appreciate everything you have, while also looking forward to the upcoming new year. This also makes it the perfect opportunity to look for ways to clear out some of your kids’ clutter so you can start the next year a little more organized.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way you can give back to other kids throughout the country and declutter your house at the same time. If you’ve got kids who have outgrown some of their favorite LEGO sets, or perhaps have more bricks than they frequently play with, you’ll want to check out a great program that supports sustainability, while also offering toys to children who might otherwise have little or no access to them.

Thanks to the LEGO Replay program, you can easily box up and send in your used LEGO bricks — at no cost to you — so they can be cleaned up and repackaged for community organizations, schools and nonprofits. The program makes it possible for even more kids to have fun while they explore everything LEGO bricks have to offer — powering their imaginations and developing problem-solving skills through active, hands-on play — just as your kids have enjoyed doing while growing up with these favorite toys.

New life for your LEGO bricks

Have any LEGO bricks that you’d like to donate? It’s easy to declutter the kid zones in your home and share the fun at the same time. Simply fill a cardboard box of your choice with your loose, used LEGO bricks, then go online to LEGO.com/replay to print a prepaid label. Then all you have to do is mail it in! The package will go directly to a Lego Replay facility, where the bricks will be individually sorted, inspected by hand, and given a rigorous cleaning.

Your much-loved LEGO bricks will then be repackaged to be sent to educators, schools and charitable organizations. Each LEGO Replay box will include a mix of elements from all sorts of sets, allowing for endless creativity, along with an activity booklet with great building activities for kids to try.

You can be happy knowing that you’re decluttering your home for a more joyful and organized new year, while your actions ensure that even more kids will be able to enjoy playing with these iconic toys for years to come.

Visit LEGO.com/replay to learn more about the program, and how you can participate.

2024-11-05T19:32:43

(BPT) – A staggering 86.9 million U.S. homes share their lives with a beloved pet, according to MarketWatch. From playful personalities to curious instincts, pets enrich our lives by providing companionship, emotional support and a sense of security. Royal Canin, a division of Mars, Incorporated and leader in pet health nutrition, invites pet owners to explore these essential tips to help keep their pets healthy and happy.

“As a veterinarian, I see how preventive care can dramatically improve and extend the lives of our pets. I encourage all pet owners to be proactive about their pets’ health to help them remain happy, active members of your lives for years to come,” said Dr. Todd East, DVM, veterinary affairs director, Royal Canin North America.

Navigating all the online resources for pet care can feel overwhelming and it can be tough to know which is best for your pets’ specific needs. To make that journey easier, try these simple yet effective tips so you can help your pet thrive:

• Make sure they are getting the right nutrients from their food based on their stage of life, breed and specific nutritional needs: From a German Shepherd to Yorkshire Terrier or French Bulldog to Labrador Retriever, every pet is unique, and so are their nutritional needs. That means each one requires a specific balance of nutrients to ensure they are maintaining a healthy lifestyle depending on their specific needs and stage of life. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for their recommendation on proper nutrition that’s specific to your pet, like Royal Canin’s tailored nutrition lines.
• Annual visits to the veterinarian are important: Taking your pet to the veterinarian is a great preventive measure to help them stay as healthy as possible. While going to the veterinarian may be a stressful experience for both pets and pet owners, it is essential to ensure no health issues go unnoticed.
• Exercise is key to staying happy and healthy: Let your pets get their energy out! Whether it’s taking them for a walk or letting them run around in the backyard, fresh air and movement can help maintain a healthy weight for your pet, which can reduce the risk of serious conditions associated with obesity.
• Hydration, hydration, hydration: Water is fundamental to your pet’s survival. It is essential for their everyday functions, and many body processes rely on water to work properly. Always take your portable water bowl wherever you go and make sure clean and fresh water is available to your pet every day!
• Don’t forget grooming: Grooming your kitten or puppy is an important part of ownership, and if done gently and patiently, will help you build a bond with your pet. Frequent grooming allows you to recognize any changes to your pet’s body condition, protect them against fleas or ticks, and maintain healthy skin and coat.
• Enhance their overall health with social stimulation and play: In order for your pet to gain independence, it is important to socialize them at a young age. Both kittens and puppies benefit from socialization, as it teaches them how to react in various situations and enhance their brain development.

“I always make sure I am giving my dog, Max, the care he needs in return for all the love and support he provides me,” said Racquel White, vice president of corporate affairs, Royal Canin North America. “In order to do so, I stay on top of his health to ensure he has what he needs to help him thrive. From the day I brought him home, I made sure he was eating the right foods with tailored nutrients for his unique needs. I also make annual veterinarian visits a priority, focus on preventive care, and never miss our daily walks outside to enjoy the sunshine. And of course, I make sure he gets plenty of playtime in. All these things are important for Max to be the best he can be, day in and day out.”

To continue on your journey of helping your pet with their overall wellness, check out Royal Canin’s pet food finder so you can ensure you are feeding them the right diet based on their specific needs and stage of life.

2024-11-05T07:43:00

(BPT) – Many parents feel a natural inclination to fill their children’s days with activities, often fearing that too much unstructured playtime will lead to boredom. In a recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Kiddie Academy^®, nearly half (45%) of all parents feel like they should be doing more activities with their kids. However, many experts agree that children being bored from time to time may not be a bad thing. In fact, brain development and many other outcomes happen when children have unstructured time to engage in imaginative, open-ended play.

“Boredom will naturally occur with children at times,” said Joy Turner, vice president of education at Kiddie Academy. “Parents shouldn’t put so much stress on themselves to fill that space.”

Boredom expands imagination and creativity

When children say they’re bored, parents often default to using screentime or engaging them in play. Thirty-four percent of parents surveyed said they typically play with their child in this scenario. This can likely be attributed to 56% of them reporting that they feel guilty for not spending enough time with their little one. However, when children are left to explore in their downtime, their minds can get to work, allowing them to use their imagination to find creative ways to entertain themselves.

Parents can facilitate imaginative play and creative expression by setting up a craft station, creating a reading nook and/or providing toys that allow for open-ended play.

Being bored builds resilience and tolerance

Children can often have big feelings about not having something to do. This is a parent’s opportunity to validate and empower their child. They can say something like, “It’s okay to be bored. Sometimes I feel the same way, but now is your chance to explore and learn what you like to do!” A phrase like this helps little ones understand that while feeling uncomfortable is understandable, it can be used as an opportunity to grow and discover new things about themselves.

Sometimes there isn’t enough time between scheduled activities for little ones to engage in exactly what they want to do. This can be used as an opportunity to build patience and tolerance by encouraging children to move through their feelings with the understanding that waiting isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessary part of life. Remind them of things they like to do when they’re being patient, like singing a song or playing with a small toy.

Independence and social skills excel through unstructured time

When children — even those who don’t know each other — are put in close proximity without planned activities, they often engage with each other by inventing games. The skills children develop when they’re free playing with others include things like cooperation, communication and kindness, all of which are essential for long-term socialization.

At the same time, children who have to play by themselves often become more independent. When it’s up to them to provide their own entertainment, they engage in a unique kind of problem solving and creative expression.

Teaching children to embrace unstructured moments when they are without entertainment is crucial to their maturing psyches. When parents support their child in this process, they are sure to see them turn into more capable and self-sufficient human beings as a result.