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5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier Mind, Body, and Spirit

2023-12-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – A new year often brings new plans for healthier living, but research has shown that only 9% of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions actually complete them. Overly ambitious health and wellness goals can often lead to abandoned resolutions. But what if it were easier?

Remember: Health is more than a toned physique. Take it from the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, which focuses on five pillars of readiness — physical, mental, nutritional, spiritual and sleep — for Soldiers to incorporate into their daily routines. By following these 5 simple tips from health experts in the H2F system, you can start making small changes to your everyday routine — so when December comes around, every new habit will add to a difference you can see.

1. Make Moves That Make Sense.

Sticking to an exercise routine is all about finding what works for you. Choose workouts you enjoy or have always wanted to try. Staff Sgt. Andrea Marie Ramos, a Soldier who regularly uses Army H2F programming, recommends incorporating functional movements that mimic daily activities. For example, weighted squats can help with everyday lifting and yoga can encourage better breathing. Functional movements can make your workouts feel less like work, and you’ll reap the benefits in your everyday life.

2. Write it Out.

When our minds get cluttered, putting our thoughts down on paper has been shown to better our mental health. Writing even a few lines regularly about ourselves and our days helps clear space to focus on what matters. According to Maj. Donald Chase, the H2F mental readiness domain expert, practicing gratitude and reflection in this way can help us be more resilient in tough times.

3. Enjoy What You Eat.

Eating healthier can feel like an overwhelming goal, but a better mindset toward food can make it feel more attainable. H2F nutrition expert Capt. Savannah Gideon believes food shouldn’t be judged as good or bad but should be a fun experience. Fill your plate with balanced meals you actually like that also work toward your overall goal, whether it’s performance, energy building or more. A positive relationship with food is the foundation of better nutrition.

4. See Outside Yourself.

There’s nothing like the great outdoors to feed your soul. Maj. Joel Payne, a chaplain in the Army, encourages getting outside daily, even just a quick walk, to tap into your spiritual core. Maj. Payne helps to lead the “Tough in Spirit” program, connected to the spiritual readiness domain, helping Soldiers face adversity through belonging and purpose. You don’t need to be religious to be spiritual — it’s all about finding connection, an important part of everyone’s wellbeing.

5. Save Your Bed for Sleep.

Sleep is an often overlooked but critical piece of your health. One simple habit for a better night’s rest: Avoid working, scrolling your phone, or doing anything besides sleeping in bed. According to sleep expert Maj. Allison Brager, this helps your mind and body associate bed with relaxation, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Find out more about fitness in the U.S. Army and what a Soldier’s healthy habits can do for you and ring in the new year with achievable resolutions that can last a lifetime. It all starts with you.

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5 Cyber Safety travel tips to keep scammer scrooges at bay

2023-12-15T14:11:00

(BPT) – Are you planning holiday travel or looking forward to vacations in 2024? As you make your packing list and check it twice, don’t forget about cybersecurity.

While fraudsters work year-round, holiday travels provide many opportunities for them to steal personal information and dampen your holiday festivities. However, with a little preparation, you can protect yourself and your devices so you can focus on celebrating the season with your loved ones. So, as you gear up to travel over the river, through the woods, and into the skies this holiday season, use the following tips to safeguard your information.

1. Get smart before you leave home

Keep the season jolly and bright by locking cellphones, tablets, laptops and all other devices. Create strong, unique passwords that combine at least eight numbers, letters and special characters.

Don’t forget to get your devices travel-ready by updating all operating systems and apps. This helps ensure your devices are protected from any known vulnerabilities. For an added layer of security, protect your smartphones and laptops with security software like Norton 360.

2. BYOC: Bring Your Own Charger

Even something as innocuous as charging your device in a public area poses a security risk. For example, hackers may have tampered with a USB port at a public charging station, a tactic known as “juice jacking,” which allows them to access your personal information once you plug in.

This holiday, gift yourself a portable charger and a new power cord to keep your data safe. Don’t access or enter any private information and power off your devices when charging.

3. Stay clear of public Wi-Fi and opt for a VPN

Free public networks at airports, hotels, coffee shops, and even airplanes are incredibly convenient. However, they can also make you an easy target for hackers looking to dampen your holiday cheer. Your personal data and passwords — including sent emails, banking information and credit card details — will be exposed, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft.

Protect your identity and other sensitive information by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN allows you to hide your online activity so cybercriminals can’t see your location or activity. Also, be sure to disable automatic Wi-Fi connections to prevent your device from unknowingly connecting to unsecured networks.

4. Beat the Bluetooth bandits

Bluetooth-connected headphones, game consoles, or other devices are a great way to pass the time during long layovers, flights or road trips to grandma’s house for the holidays. However, those connections are also vulnerable to hacker attacks like BlueSnarfing, BlueJacking or eavesdropping.

When not in use, turn off Bluetooth and avoid keeping your device in discoverable mode, which makes it visible to others. Secure your connection by using PINS, passkeys or other secure pairing methods. Disable automatic pairing to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to you.

5. Hold off on sharing

The holidays may be a season for sharing, but don’t share information that can compromise your safety. Broadcasting your travel plans or location on social media can be a risk to your physical safety. Also, sharing your vacation information exposes you to threats like identity theft, phishing and other online scams.

Wait until you return from your trip to post photos to prevent bad actors from accessing your geotag data. If you post to social media while traveling, turn off location services and avoid ‘check-ins’ that reveal your location.

Never post photos of tickets, boarding passes or passports even after you’ve returned home from your holiday adventures. If you do post travel documents, make sure you cover up the barcodes and primary info.

During the holidays and beyond, vacation with peace of mind so you can focus on the spirit of the season. Using these top five tips, you can stay cyber savvy and focus on spending time with those you love most this season.

You can make your travels even more secure by getting comprehensive Cyber Safety protection like Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, which offers antivirus, malware, ransomware, hacking protection, a password manager, privacy monitoring, parental controls, and a VPN to help keep your internet browsing private. LifeLock monitors possible threats and helps you recover should your identity be stolen. To learn more about how you can be Cyber Safe this travel season, visit US.Norton.com.

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Raisin’ the Festive Fun: 5 Recipes from Sun-Maid to Help ‘Pull Off the Holidays’ With Stress-Free Entertaining

2023-12-15T11:45:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the flurry of festivities — parties and family gatherings bring joy and merriment but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the task of entertaining, especially if you’re in charge of cooking.

Luckily this year, Sun-Maid is here to help you pull off the holidays and make decking the halls easier than ever. The secret ingredient? Raisins.

From bite-sized appetizers to delicious entrees and decadent desserts, these dried fruits are a versatile addition that will add the perfect hint of sweetness to any holiday dish. Rediscover the magic of holiday entertaining with these five recipes from Sun-Maid that are as simple as they are scrumptious and, most importantly, let the season be sweet and stress-free!

1. Raisin Puff Pastry Tarte Soleil

If there’s one appetizer that will seriously impress your guests, it’s the French-inspired tarte soleil: A pull-apart puff pastry with a twisted design. This version takes a savory route with artichoke hearts, feta cheese and spinach, while adding natural sweetness with Sun-Maid Raisins. The flaky puff pastry is topped with a homemade gremolata for a vibrant and fresh taste.

2. Pesto Raisin Orzo

This four-ingredient, easy-to-make side dish requires minimum prep time and is a sweet-and-savory addition to any holiday meal. Plus, it makes enough to please a crowd. Simply cook the orzo, mix in pesto, raisins and feta cheese, and you’re done in less than 15 minutes.

3. Pinwheel Cookies

If you’re looking for a new cookie to add to your holiday repertoire, this is an easy one that looks as delicious as it tastes. The pinwheel filling includes the natural, nutty sweetness of raisins and toasted walnuts — and they only take 15 minutes in the oven!

4. Holiday Cinnamon Spiced Popcorn

This is a fun and festive snack that’s perfect for party favors or a unique addition to your next cookie exchange gathering. Don’t forget to sprinkle in raisins at the end for added sweetness.

5. “Forget Fruitcake” Cookies

Created by celebrity pastry chef, TV host and recipe matchmaker Duff Goldman, this slightly more elaborate dessert is sure to wow your loved ones. Since there are a few extra steps in this one, Chef Duff advises prepping the ingredients and dough ahead of time for stress-free baking.

Bid farewell to holiday headaches and let these tasty treats and dishes inspire your time in the kitchen during the holidays and beyond. For full recipes and more innovative ideas, visit www.sunmaid.com/pullofftheholidays.

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5 ways to supercharge your gut health with kombucha

2023-12-14T10:17:00

(BPT) – Are you ready to boost your gut health while enjoying a tasty, tangy drink? Try kombucha!

Kombucha has become an incredibly popular beverage, and it’s not hard to see why. The fermented tea has naturally occurring probiotics and beneficial bacteria that can improve digestion, enhance immune function and even increase energy levels.

If you want to reap the health benefits of this versatile, but often overlooked drink, check out these five fun and easy ways to add kombucha into your daily routine.

1. Straight up

The simplest way to enjoy kombucha is straight on its own. Many grocery stores now carry single-serve bottles or refillable growlers in a variety of flavors. Enjoy a bottle or glass with your meals, post-workout or any time you want!

For those on the go, it can be inconvenient to carry a bottle everywhere. You can drink kombucha any time of day, wherever you roam, by keeping a few stick packs of AdvoCare Harmony™ on hand. Harmony is a portable, powdered kombucha that allows you to enjoy a glass of delicious pomegranate lemonade kombucha wherever, whenever without some of the tanginess found in other products.

2. Mix up a mocktail

Spice up your social gatherings with kombucha mocktails. Simply mix kombucha with freshly squeezed juice, sparkling water or ginger beer as your base, add flavored simple syrup for a bit of sweetness and garnish with herbs and fruit slices. Serve on its own or over ice.

If you need ideas, just pick your favorite cocktail recipe and substitute alcohol for kombucha. For example, you can make a Kombucha Sunrise with orange juice and grenadine. Your guests will love this fun twist on classic drinks.

3. Serve up a smoothie

Want to upgrade your morning routine? Blend kombucha with your favorite fruits, vegetables and yogurt to start your day with a probiotic punch. From a tropical paradise to berry blast concoctions, you’ll enjoy this unique, gut-friendly twist on your regular smoothie.

For added convenience and nutrients, make the smoothie using a Harmony stick pack. The 1 billion CFU of probiotics with added prebiotic and postbiotic, vitamins A, C, E, Zinc and Selenium will help you start your day on the right foot.

4. Stir up a salad dressing

Tired of traditional salad dressings? Give your salads a boost of flavor with a tangy kombucha vinaigrette. Mix kombucha with olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey and your favorite herbs and spices to create a zesty dressing. Drizzle kombucha vinaigrette over your favorite greens to elevate your lunch or dinner and easily incorporate more probiotics into your diet.

5. Sip a refreshing kombucha iced tea

Because kombucha is a fermented tea, it effortlessly combines with other iced teas to create a refreshing, health-conscious drink you can enjoy on a warm, sunny day.

Blend your preferred kombucha flavor with your favorite iced tea in a tall glass with ice. Feel free to add garnishes like citrus slices or herbs. It’s a cooling, hydrating alternative to traditional, sugary iced teas. Also, the added probiotics support your digestive health!

Try any (or all) of these five fantastic ways to incorporate kombucha into your regular diet. You’ll enjoy the taste, and your stomach will thank you! To learn more about the benefits of kombucha and more fun ways to add it to your regular routine, visit Advocare.com/Harmony.

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5 easy, effective ways to make your bathroom more sustainable

2023-12-14T20:01:00

(BPT) – Are you interested in finding more sustainable options when it comes to the products and processes you use in your home every day? Using more environmentally friendly and sustainable products is top of mind for many households, and the bathroom is one place where even a few small choices can make a big impact.

To transform your bathroom into an oasis of sustainability, here are some simple swaps and practices you can try.

1. Start with your seat

Did you know there’s a toilet seat made from 100% recycled material? The Mayfair Greenleaf toilet seat by Bemis is the only seat and lid on the market created entirely from post-industrial recycled plastic, while also offering durability and style. On top of its modern design, its patented Stay•Tite installation system ensures a secure, shift-free fit, along with slow close hinges that eliminate the jarring sound of slamming. All of these elements make it a great choice you can feel good about incorporating into your home.

Mayfair by Bemis Greenleaf toilet seat is available in a classic white finish and elongated design, making green living accessible to every bathroom. You can find it on HomeDepot.com, Amazon.com and ToiletSeats.com.

2. Find better paper

One of the ways you can make your bathroom much more sustainable is through your choice of toilet paper. Instead of selecting paper made from virgin wood pulp, you can save more trees by looking for paper products that are made from recycled paper or bamboo fibers. Today’s marketplace offers more options than ever before, so it’s worth shopping around and trying different products to find one you like best.

3. Use water smartly

If water conservation is a top concern for you, several approaches can help reduce how much water is being used — and your monthly water bills, too. Here are some easy ways to reduce water use in your bathroom:

  • Choose showers over baths. Showers use less water, especially when you keep them shorter. You can also opt for a lower-flow shower head to further reduce water waste.
  • Need to run water to heat it up? Consider putting a bucket in the bathtub to collect some of this water for later use in cleaning or for watering plants.
  • Catch leaks early. Having a plumber stop by to check for leaks before anything catastrophic happens will not only prevent expensive water damage down the road, but can also reduce water waste. Or start by simply updating small things like your toilet flapper if it hasn’t been replaced for a while, as leaks in the toilet tank begin gradually.
  • Aerate your water. Most bathroom faucets come with an aerator today, but if yours doesn’t have one, or if it’s not working well, they are easy to install or replace yourself.

4. Launder towels in cold water

Laundry detergents have come a long way, and most of them will work just as effectively in cold water today. According to the American Cleaning Institute, 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward just heating up the water, so you can wash your washrags, bath and hand towels in cold water to help save a lot of energy. If you’re concerned about sanitizing your towels sufficiently, consider adding laundry sanitizer to your loads.

5. Warm up your floor

An increasingly popular way to reduce energy consumption is by installing in-floor radiant heating, which is very energy efficient as well as long-lasting. While it feels super luxurious to step out of the shower onto a heated floor, it’s actually much more thrifty, because in-floor heating is far more efficient than forced-air heating.

Prioritizing the environment begins with simple changes throughout your home. Using these tips, you can start making a positive impact with small, everyday choices you can feel good about.

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Is your HVAC system ready for winter? 5 things you need to check

2023-12-14T12:01:00

(BPT) – Before the snow flies and the temps get icy cold, you may want to take some extra steps to ensure that your house will stay comfortable all season long — no matter what Mother Nature sends your way. During a time when heating costs are on the rise, another advantage to making sure your HVAC system is working well is that you may save on energy bills.

When should you check your heating system? How about right now, before the autumn rush. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home will be toasty and warm — instead of having to wait weeks or even months to tune up, repair or upgrade your HVAC system.

Here’s a guide to simple steps for checking your heating and cooling system that you can start doing today.

1. Consider a thermostat upgrade.

For any home with an older thermostat, upgrading to a more energy-efficient, smart thermostat can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and energy costs. Smart thermostats allow you to control your thermostat much more easily, even when you’re far from home, so you can regulate your system and keep it running smoothly. Today’s thermostats are far easier to program to provide maximum efficiency and comfort.

2. Check the filter.

When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? Ideally, you should write the date you change it right on the filter, so there’s no question how long it’s been in there. You can also set a reminder on whatever calendar you use for regular appointments.

A dirty furnace filter makes your HVAC system a lot less efficient, not only increasing your energy bill, but also making your home’s air less clean and comfortable — plus full of potential allergens. Check your HVAC system manufacturer’s instructions on how frequently to change the filter, but remember that you can also choose to change it more frequently if someone in your family has allergies or you have pets.

3. Tune it up.

Take a quick assessment of how well your system is working by cranking up the thermostat. Is the heating turning on right away, and can you feel warm air coming through the vents? If it takes a long time for your furnace to get going or the air flow is weak, you may need more than standard maintenance. It could be time to consider upgrading your system.

Early fall is the ideal time to schedule a tune-up by a professional HVAC technician, who can clean and check your system to make sure everything is working as it should. Because techs get busier when temperatures dip below freezing, you won’t have to wait as long if you proactively schedule your tune-up now. Regular maintenance and tune-ups not only mean a warmer winter for you and your family, but also safeguard against problems that could even become safety hazards in the future.

4. Decide if you need a new system.

How old is your heating system? If it’s no longer functioning efficiently, replacing your HVAC with a newer model can offer benefits including a much warmer home all winter long — and potential savings on your energy bills.

During your HVAC tune-up, ask your technician what shape your furnace is in, and whether there are any signs that it needs to be repaired or replaced soon.

5. Assess the concrete pad’s condition.

Your outdoor condensing unit should be placed on a level concrete pad. This will ensure that it works more efficiently, plus making it safer from potential minor flooding. If you have a level, you can easily use it to check the slab that your condensing unit currently sits on. If your old concrete pad is not level and/or is in rough shape, this is something that should be corrected, whether or not you plan to replace your HVAC system.

When you’re ready to replace your condenser, one way to save money is by installing a level and strong foundation yourself. This can be done by using four 24″x24″ square concrete stones from Pavestone, along with paver sand (for leveling) and base, for drainage. Pavestone concrete stones provide a quick and easy solution to creating a solid, level foundation for your HVAC system, and don’t require expertise to install.

Learn how to install your new foundation by checking the easy-to-follow instructions on the product, and check out the similar process in this video for how to install patio stones on the Pavestone website.

By using these tips, you can be sure your home will be ready for winter, well before the season arrives. By acting now, you’ll find better prices on system maintenance or the purchase of a new thermostat or HVAC system — and less time to wait for service.

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How one automaker is granting wishes across the country

2023-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Eleven-year-old Quinn has faced the fears and anxieties that come with a critical illness diagnosis. At 11 days old, she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. However, Quinn’s condition has not dimmed her passion for life. Her desire for excitement and adventure keeps her going despite her challenges.

When Quinn was asked, “If you could have one wish, what would it be?” she did not hesitate. She said she wished to go on a tropical vacation with her family.

In partnership with Make-A-Wish® New Jersey, Subaru of Cherry Hill made Quinn’s wish come true by hosting a send-off party for Quinn. She thought she was going to look at cars with her family at Subaru of Cherry Hill but was surprised by family, friends and community members.

The party included all her favorite things, a Kona Ice truck and fire dancer, plus exciting gifts for her trip. After an exciting limo ride to the airport, Quinn spent a week in the sun, experiencing the local culture and seeking thrills on a zipline. Her trip allowed her to relax, recharge and make lifelong memories with her family.

“We know how physically and emotionally difficult medical treatments can be for children and their families,” said John Daqui, general sales manager at Subaru of Cherry Hill. “As a supporter of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, we hope to provide local children like Quinn with strength and positivity to fight against a critical illness.”

Transforming lives, one wish at a time

Quinn is just one example of the many children across the U.S. whose wish has been granted thanks to the partnership between Subaru and Make-A-Wish. According to Make-A-Wish, about 27,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness each year.

Through the annual Subaru Share the Love® Event, more than 600 Subaru retailers across the country partner with Make-A-Wish to support children and families impacted by a critical illness. Since 2011, the automaker and its retailers have donated more than $32 million, helping grant more than 3,300 wishes in the U.S.

“We are humbled and thankful for the ongoing support from Subaru of Cherry Hill,” said Michael Dominick, assistant vice president of marketing and communications for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. “A wish can be a game-changer for children like Quinn, courageously facing a critical illness. It can restore hope when hope is needed most and serve as a catalyst for renewed strength for entire families.”

Quinn’s wish isn’t the only one Subaru will help grant this year. Now through Jan. 2, 2024, Subaru will donate $250 to the customer’s choice of charities for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at any participating Subaru retailer, and Make-A-Wish is one of the benefitting organizations.

Retailers can select up to two hometown charities in their local communities to receive at least an additional $50 for each new vehicle sold or leased. Also, participating Subaru retailers will donate $5 to their registered hometown charities for every Subaru vehicle routine service visit during the campaign period.

To learn more about the automaker’s long-standing partnership with Make-A-Wish and how you and other customers can bring joy back into the lives of children with critical illnesses like Quinn, visit Wish.org/Subaru.

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LG Brings a ‘Refreshed’ Experience to Sneakerheads at ComplexCon 2023

2023-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – ComplexCon, a global street culture festival held in Long Beach, California, is a popular destination for the world’s growing ranks of sneakerheads. At this year’s event, which took place in November, LG showcased two innovative products that have quickly found a fanbase among the footwear-obsessed — the LG Styler™ ShoeCare and Styler ShoeCase.

To introduce its unique shoe management solutions in the U.S. — the undisputed capital of sneakerhead culture — LG established a partnership with street fashion icon and founder of the STAPLE brand, Jeff Staple. Together, LG and Jeff created a lit vibe at ComplexCon, grabbing the attention of visitors to LG’s boldly-colored booth with a genuinely entertaining game show-themed activation.

On opening day, Jeff made a special guest appearance at the booth, meeting with fans and hosting Spin to Win — an interactive game giving ‘contestants’ the opportunity to win exclusive prizes by answering questions about sneaker culture and the features of LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare. Up for grabs were limited-edition Styler ShoeCase tote bags exclusive to ComplexCon, and for two very lucky contestants, an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City for a sneaker shopping spree with Jeff Staple.

Visitors to LG’s booth also had the chance to see first-hand the convenience, elegance and quality of the LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare. Collectively, the two products offer a total solution for storing, showcasing and caring for one’s shoes. First unveiled at last year’s IFA, the Styler ShoeCase features a 360-degree rotating turntable that presents the perfect stage for displaying sneakers, old and new. Not only does it put users’ prized possessions in the best possible light, it also affords them protection against UV light as well as the damaging effects of humidity.*

Complementing the ShoeCase, the Styler ShoeCare employs LG’s proven TrueSteam™ technology in conjunction with a ZeoDry filter to refresh and revitalize shoes, minimizing the presence of moisture and removing unpleasant odors. To cap off the ‘refreshed’ user experience, LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare can be controlled remotely via the ThinQ™ app.

After joining forces with Jeff Staple to give ComplexCon 2023 visitors an exclusive look at its state-of-the-art Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare, LG will continue to seek out new opportunities to share the value of its latest lifestyle innovations with sneaker collectors and lovers around the world.

Stay tuned to LG Newsroom to learn more about LG’s innovative solutions for a better life at home.

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* An ultraviolet light-absorbing coating has been applied to the transparent panels of the LG Styler ShoeCase to help prevent discoloration caused by exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lighting.

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Take back your free time: 4 expert tips for reducing lawn maintenance

2023-12-13T10:01:01

(BPT) – If you love your outdoor space — but aren’t crazy about weeding, watering and mulching — you’ll be glad to know there are simple ways to minimize maintenance of your yard and garden. With a bit of planning and some up-front investment, you can cut down on the time you spend working in your yard, so you have more time to just relax and enjoy it.

Here are tried-and-true tips for creating an outdoor space that won’t use up all your leisure time.

1. Reduce your lawn

To cut down on the weekly attention a typical lawn demands, consider cutting down on the square footage of grass. By adding more hardscaping — a larger patio, decking, a gazebo or other structure — you may also expand the ways you can enjoy your outdoor space beyond just watching the grass grow.

Another alternative to grass many choose today is artificial turf, especially in areas experiencing water shortages.

2. Plant — or replant — more thoughtfully

What you grow in your yard makes a huge difference in terms of maintenance. To reduce your workload, try to:

  • Choose perennials that are low-maintenance and don’t require replanting
  • Opt for native plants suitable for your region
  • Select hardy plants that thrive on benign neglect
  • Plant in the best spot for optimal growth

For help choosing the most maintenance-free plantings for your yard, start by doing an online search for native plants in your state, along with looking up the USDA hardiness zone where you live. Nursery or garden store professionals can also offer their expertise, as can your local agricultural extension office.

Rethinking your choices of flowers, plants and shrubs can turn a yard that needs constant tending into one requiring minimal effort.

3. Use landscaping stone to beautify your yard and garden

Another great option for simplifying yardwork is using landscaping stone instead of standard mulch. While requiring a bit more investment up front, options like Pavestone Pea, Pond or River Pebbles are much more cost effective over time, because stones are much longer lasting, making them ideal for gardens, pathways, ponds and many other applications around your yard.

Landscaping stone is a very low-maintenance, highly sustainable and attractive alternative, as most traditional types of mulch only last three months to a year. Mulch may blow or wash away (creating a mess you have to spend time cleaning), and also quickly decays, degrades or decomposes — so you have to replenish it again and again to keep weeds under control. It’s also difficult to keep mulched garden beds free from dead leaves and debris, but with landscaping stone you can easily remove unwanted debris with a leaf blower.

Landscaping stone is also very effective at preventing weeds, while providing an attractive bed to showcase your decorative plants, flowers and shrubs. You also avoid concern about importing termites into your yard as compared to untreated wood-based ground coverings — and in drier climates, rocks are the ideal choice as they’re not flammable.

If your lawn or garden experiences drainage issues, mixing and matching landscaping stones of different sizes like Pavestone’s Pea, Pond or River Pebbles helps control water flow and facilitates runoff, while helping maintain your landscaping grading. Pavestone’s landscaping rocks are easy to spread wherever you need them, helping to control soil erosion and retain moisture.

While clearly practical, landscaping stone also provides unique beauty for any project. You’ll see a wide variety of earth tones in landscaping stone from Pavestone that add nuanced color to your garden beds. They come in a variety of shades of tan, brown and gray, depending on where they were derived.

Another option to consider is Pavestone’s Premium White Marble Chips. These beautifully shiny white stones provide high color contrast for your garden beds, or they can be used as a top layer on a bed of Pebbles to create your desired look. Whatever colors you choose, Pavestone landscaping stones resist fading, and they’ll beautify and enhance the appearance of your landscaping beds for years to come.

Find Pavestone Pea, Pond and River Pebbles and Marble Chips at your favorite home improvement store, or visit Pavestone to learn more.

4. Automate watering

Installing an irrigation system also saves a ton of time — and ensures your plants are getting the water they need to thrive. Automated irrigation is also a more efficient, effective use of water than sporadic manual watering. While there is a cost up front (depending on the system, size of yard, etc.), installing a good lawn irrigation system can also help improve your property’s value.

Using these tips can help save you time and effort, allowing you to make the most of your outdoor space with your friends and family.

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Eggs Are MVP Ingredients: See Why This Staple Is Invaluable

2023-12-13T18:07:00

(BPT) – Consumers agree — eggs are an essential staple. According to a recent consumer survey the American Egg Board conducted in partnership with YouGov, more than 4 in 5 Americans always keep eggs in their refrigerator and purchase eggs at least monthly, and 87% of Americans consume eggs at least once per week. It’s true, eggs are an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen and our lives.

Americans perceive eggs as valuable because they are easy to cook, taste good, and are versatile. Americans also appreciate eggs for their ability to support weight management and fitness goals. Those aged 18-35 and 55+ equally agree that fitness support (e.g., muscle development, maintaining muscles, etc.) is a nutritional benefit of eating eggs.

When it comes to cooking, half of Americans agree they are in a cooking rut, and 71% wish they could make faster meals that are more nutritious. In particular, younger Americans feel stuck and are seeking faster, more nutritious, and more inspired meals. If weeknight dinners are a challenge, eggs are the most valuable ingredient in your fridge.

Everyone knows eggs make an unbeatable breakfast, but the multifaceted egg can also rescue the family from routine after a long, busy day — and even better, they’re already in your kitchen. With their versatility, taste and ease, eggs offer dozens (a carton-full, if you will) of delightful ways to deliver unforgettable moments around the dinner table (and impress the pickiest of eaters).

Look no further than these Chicken Cutlets, Easy Microwave Ramen with Eggs and these Scrambled Egg & Stir-Fried Veggie Lettuce Cups for easy weeknight dinners.

For more recipe inspiration and to learn more about what makes the egg so invaluable, visit https://www.incredibleegg.org/invaluableegg.

About the American Egg Board (AEB)
Home of The Incredible Egg, the American Egg Board (AEB) is the national marketing organization of America’s egg farmers. AEB’s mission is to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education and promotion. AEB is located in Chicago. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org.