Category: Brandpoint

2023-12-12T11:01:01

(BPT) – This winter is anticipated to be a significantly wet one due to the climate phenomenon known as El Niño. Developing over the summer, this year’s El Niño event is forecasted to be notably strong and expected to intensify, increasing the likelihood of a wetter-than-average winter.

El Niño is a weather pattern characterized by abnormally warm ocean temperatures around the equator in the Pacific Ocean. For the United States, typical El Niño weather translates to an increase in rainfall for the South and West, increasing the potential for water damage and flooding in these areas.

“Water damage is one of the most common claims filed by homeowners and becomes a huge concern when dealing with these types of storms,” said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims for Mercury Insurance. “The intensity of a storm can impact the structural integrity of houses and wreak absolute havoc on personal property.”

Homeowners insurance does not generally cover flood and mudslide damage, so property owners should do some research to find out if their home is located in a flood plain. If so, you may want to look into purchasing national flood insurance if you are in a high-risk area.

It’s also crucial for homeowners to consider the increased precipitation risk factor in drought-stricken or wildfire-affected areas, due to their potential for mudslides and flash flooding.

“Homeowners need to regularly review their policies to ensure that their home care needs are met and familiarize themselves with what types of damages will be covered,” said Lee. “It’s important to research on flood zones and potential mudslides in your area and talk to your insurance agent about your concerns and protection options.”

Knowing that there is a high probability for persistent rainfall this winter, homeowners should take preventative measures to protect themselves against damages that can occur. Lee suggests the following tips to help minimize water and wind damage to your home and property:

• Sign up for severe weather alerts to stay informed on an El Niño weather-related event.
• While the weather is dry, consider hiring a professional home inspector to evaluate your home. Homeowners insurance will not cover the cost of repairing pre-existing conditions, so cover your bases and address these issues before they lead to bigger problems.
• Inspect window and door seals and make any necessary repairs to prevent potential water damage. Door seals should also be inspected. Strong winds can easily shatter glass, inviting debris and water into your home. Weak seals and small leaks can create bigger issues if the water gets into the walls.
• Evaluate your roof. The roof of your home is an important barrier that protects your property from wind and rain. Walk through your home and check your ceilings and walls for any leaks, water rings or mold spots that might indicate possible roof damage and address any issues immediately. Have the exterior of your roof inspected for missing shingles, holes or weak spots by a licensed contractor.
• Check gutters and downspouts and make sure they are clear of debris to maintain proper drainage.
• Perform routine property maintenance like tree trimming and clearing away dead branches to mitigate roof and gutter damage from severe weather.
• Keep an updated record of your personal property for insurance purposes.
• If your home is situated in a flood plain, consider purchasing flood insurance.
• Consider adding a standby or portable generator to help keep electricity on to run essential appliances, A/C and some lights.
• Establish a family disaster plan and create emergency kits in case you need to evacuate in the event of severe weather conditions.
• Regularly review your homeowner’s insurance policy with your agent to understand what is covered.

Also consider joining your local community’s resource group for additional support.

If your home sustains damage after a severe weather-related event, contact your insurance carrier or agent immediately and file a homeowners claim. If your property has sustained damage from a flood or mudflow and you have flood insurance, file a separate claim under your flood insurance. Evaluate and document all damages in the event that rain or wind causes destruction on your property to help the claim process move forward smoothly.

“Save yourself from any headache and hassle and make the necessary maintenance and repairs you need before inclement weather hits,” said Lee. “A few simple measures can reduce repair costs and may pay off big time in the long run.”

2023-12-12T13:31:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a great opportunity to encourage your child’s creative spirit. However, cleaning up after your little one’s masterpieces can sometimes be tedious. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between letting your budding artist color creatively or a clean home. This holiday season, Crayola is here to help reduce cleanup with its mess-free Color Wonder products. In fact, the Crayola Color Wonder line is the #1 Brand in Marker Paper systems, according to the Numerator Color Wonder 2023 study.

With the Color Wonder markers to paper technology, the markers only show up on specially formulated Color Wonder paper, not on skin, clothing or furniture. This means no stains on surfaces not meant to be used as a canvas. Color Wonder encourages creative freedom, keeping kids busy and engaged while allowing hands-off play for parents. Kids can now explore their artistic side and parents can let them create without worry! Check out three of the latest and greatest mess-free holiday presents perfect for your emerging artist.

1. Crayola Color Wonder Fingerprint Activity Book

Your mini-Picasso can get hands-on with their art using the Color Wonder Fingerprint Activity Book, a new, mess-free way to fingerpaint! The kit offers all the fun of fingerpainting without the messy color mixing or need to wash hands in between colors! Each set comes with an ink pad tray inclusive of five assorted ink colors and a 27-page activity book.

2. Crayola Color Wonder Activity Pads

Take the magic of mess-free creations on the road with Color Wonder Activity Pads! As found in all Color Wonder line products, markers will only reveal color on the specially formulated Color Wonder paper. Your kids will be excited knowing they can take their favorite characters like Spidey & His Amazing Friends, Paw Patrol and Disney Princesses on every car, plane or train trip. Each spiral-bound coloring pad offers 16 coloring pages, three Color Wonder Markers and marker storage.

3. Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Pages & Markers

Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Pages & Markers are great for keeping kids busy and creating all holiday season long. The envelope-style packaging doubles as a unique storage solution, keeping markers and coloring pages all in the same place and allowing coloring activities to be taken on-the-go or used at home. Available in kids’ favorite characters, like Bluey!

Gifts for the holidays and year-round!

These Color Wonder products are three of many great mess-free products Crayola has to offer. Beyond the holiday season, Color Wonder makes for excellent presents year-round, thanks to the convenience, creative fun and kid-favorite characters. According to Crayola, nine in 10 shoppers shared that they planned to purchase again after buying, using and loving their Color Wonder set.

Breathe easy this holiday season with Crayola Color Wonder mess-free gifts. Best of all, kids will love them just as much as their parents! Find Color Wonder and other favorite Crayola products at Walmart, Amazon, Target and additional retailers nationwide.

2023-12-12T14:11:00

(BPT) – What if you could give a gift that loved ones would use every day? Something that would enhance their well-being and comfort with a touch of luxury. Such a unicorn gift does exist: bidet seats.

The average person visits the bathroom multiple times a day and spends more than 90 minutes on the toilet a week. Bidet seats enhance this time, plus their popularity has soared since the pandemic, with people putting a new focus on personal hygiene, luxury at home, and overall self-care.

For years, you could only find bidets in high-end spas and hotels, but more people are upgrading their bathrooms by adding bidets into their homes. Bidet seats come with a wide range of features from basic attachments with cold water to high-tech electronic bidet seats like the line of WASHLETs from TOTO with temperature-controlled warm-water cleansing, heated seats, personal drying, and more.

A bidet seat is the unexpected gift that will thrill your loved ones and totally change their daily routines. Easy to install, TOTO’s line of WASHLET bidet seats are perfect for a variety of people, and with models starting under $500, there is one for everyone on your gift list.

The new homeowner or renter: Bidet seats fit most standard toilets and are easy to install without the need for a plumber. They are great for homeowners and renters looking to transform their bathroom by adding elements of luxury. Installation is as easy as changing out your toilet seat. One option to consider is the WASHLET C2, which has variable air drying, automatic air deodorizer, automatic EWATER+ (electrolyzed water) wand cleaning and bowl PREMIST to keep the toilet cleaner.

The expecting/new parents: Pregnancy can make it awkward to use the bathroom. And post-partum care and cleansing can be a real challenge. TOTO WASHLET bidets offer moms a warm seat and personalized cleansing options that provide gentle warm water cleansing and drying without the strain of trying to reach to wipe with harsh toilet paper. Plus, bidets can soothe inflammation and soreness, and reduce the risks of concerns like UTIs. Moms and dads will love the WASHLET C5 that has dual action spray with oscillating and pulsating water massage features, slim wireless remote and on-demand wand cleaning with EWATER+ option.

The self-care king/hygiene queen: More doctors are recommending washing with water for numerous health benefits. Using a TOTO WASHLET bidet seat is more hygienic and comfortable than toilet paper, offering unparalleled confidence and cleanliness without the itch and discomfort that can come with toilet paper. Using a bidet can even help reduce and ease hemorrhoids and help with issues like Crohn’s disease or IBS. Consider the WASHLET S7 for continuous warm water and energy savings, four users’ personalized memory settings, night light, seamless seat design and automatic open/close lid.

Gifts for environmentally conscious: Bidet seats provide comfort and cleansing while using 75% less toilet paper. Eliminating just one roll of toilet paper saves 37 gallons of water, according to Scientific American. Self-cleaning features reduce the need for frequent cleaning and the use of harsh chemicals. Adding a WASHLET bidet seat to a low-flow, water-saving toilet can make a significant difference in your household’s water consumption. Also, TOTO does not just make sustainable products, it is a global leader in sustainability practices.

Gifts for the traveler/person on the go: People are back in travel mode and want to feel their best whether they’re going near or far. The Travel WASHLET provides a portable, personal version of TOTO’s popular bidet technology for when you are away from the comforts of home or in a less than ideal restroom situation.

Whether a special gift to a loved one or a gift to yourself, adding a bidet seat to an existing toilet is a quick DIY way to turn a bathroom into a personal sanctuary. This accessible luxury provides comfort and hygiene and makes self-care a priority all year long.

2023-12-11T13:34:10

(BPT) – When it comes to language development in young children, there is no substitute for genuine human interaction. Whether it occurs within the nurturing confines of home or at preschool, talking and engaging with children in conversation from infancy through school age plays a vital role in their linguistic growth and is an integral part in the curriculum at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care.

Here are some easy yet effective ways Kiddie Academy recommends that parents can engage their child in conversation at any age:

1. Conversational Approach — Talking to infants and young children as if engaging in a conversation can have a profound impact on their language development. By pausing and allowing them time to respond, we encourage their active participation. For instance, noticing signs of fatigue, we might say, “I see you starting to yawn, are you tired? It looks like it might be time for you to take your nap.” This conversational style not only helps children understand the rhythm and patterns of communication but also instills confidence in their ability to express themselves.

2. Descriptive Language — Taking the time to describe the world around children can greatly enhance their vocabulary and understanding. By pointing out specific details and using descriptive language, we expand their knowledge and help them foster a deeper connection with their environment. For example, we might say, “I notice you have your blue shoes with you today. Let’s put them on before we go outside. Let’s start with your right foot, then we will move to your left foot. These shoes are great for running.” Such interactions promote language comprehension and allow children to associate words with concrete objects and experiences.

3. The Power of Reading — Regularly reading to children is an effective method for building vocabulary and improving language skills. By exposing young minds to a variety of words, sentence structures and storytelling techniques, we stimulate their imagination and expand their linguistic repertoire. Engaging children in discussions about the story or asking open-ended questions can further enhance their comprehension and critical-thinking abilities. Making reading a cherished activity from an early age sets the stage for a lifelong love of books and learning.

4. Discouraging Baby Talk — As children progress into preschool age, it is crucial to discourage baby talk and instead encourage the use of their “big kid voice.” By consistently modeling proper language usage and reinforcing your children’s efforts to communicate effectively, we empower them to express themselves clearly and confidently. Praising their attempts to use more advanced language skills helps them understand the value of articulation and encourages further linguistic growth.

5. Embracing Multilingualism — Exposing children to more than one language from birth to 3 years old can provide numerous cognitive benefits. Contrary to popular belief, young children have an incredible capacity to learn multiple languages simultaneously. By immersing them in a bilingual or multilingual environment, we not only broaden their cultural horizons but also enhance their cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills and overall linguistic competence.

Remember, every interaction is a chance to enhance a child’s linguistic abilities and lay the foundation for a lifetime of effective communication.

For more information and advice, check out the article, Here’s How to Master Parentese and Leave Baby Talk Behind at msn.com.

2023-12-11T14:54:28

(BPT) – During the holidays, hearts are filled with warmth and the spirit of giving. It’s a time to cherish moments with loved ones and reflect on all of life’s positive aspects. While it’s common for families to focus on feasts and football games this time of year, there’s a deeper layer that is often overlooked — the opportunity to instill meaningful values in children.

This holiday season is the perfect time to nurture your little one’s empathy, generosity, compassion and gratitude.

Here are four ways, suggested by Joy Turner, Kiddie Academy^® Educational Child Care vice president of education, that parents can seize the holiday spirit and inspire it year round.

Discuss the reason for the season

Amid the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it’s easy to forget the true meaning behind celebrations. Take some time this year to discuss what really makes this season special — quality time with loved ones and meaningful traditions.

Consider holiday traditions you loved as a child and how you can share them with your own family. Maybe there’s a special recipe, craft or family outing that you always looked forward to. You can also use the occasion to create new traditions — this is a great opportunity to connect your children to their culture and family and foster a deeper sense of self.

Conversations and traditions can help children understand the historical, cultural and familial significance of holidays while creating cherished memories and an appreciation for the season.

Encourage acts of kindness

Encouraging children to perform acts of kindness is a great way to teach compassion and empathy.

Try striking up a family conversation about different ways you can show thoughtfulness to others, and invite your children to be active participants. After discussing, challenge them to put their ideas into action — it can be as simple as sharing their toys with siblings or friends or making homemade cards for a local nursing home. Including little ones in the planning process and acting on their ideas ignites a desire to help others and provides a great way to unite and make a difference as a family.

Alternately, reach out to organizations or charities that need extra help during this season and ask how your young child can support their cause. Family Promise and Meals on Wheels are two examples of national organizations to get involved with.

Fostering these practices of kindness builds children’s self-esteem and instills values that will last far beyond the holiday season.

Redefine gift giving

Inspire your children to actively participate in the gift-giving process — which doesn’t always have to include a physical object such as a toy or a gift.

Giving can also involve discovering methods to bring joy to others through acts of kindness. For example, teach your children that they can display generosity by helping someone build their block tower or soothing a friend who’s sad.

Inviting your child to participate in these types of kind gestures will instill empathy and emphasize the significance and impact that performing acts of kindness can have on others.

Practice gratitude

Conversations of gratitude are often put off until families are gathered around the table. Instead, try to make it a daily activity and kick off a family thankfulness practice. One simple way to do this is by making gratitude jars with your little ones:

• Collect empty jars or containers around your home and decorate them with any craft items you can find: stickers, tissue paper, magazine clippings, popsicle sticks, buttons or even photos. Don’t forget to include a lid with an opening.
• Next, cut paper slips that fold small enough to fit through the opening.
• Once your container is complete, set your gratitude process — try keeping the jar on your children’s nightstands to develop an easy pre-bedtime activity.
• Encourage your children to write down one thing they are thankful for each day and add it to their jar.

This custom helps children develop an attitude for gratitude and appreciation for all that they have in life. Over time, the practice will become a valuable habit that will continue to serve your children long after the holiday feasts have been eaten.

2023-12-11T09:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, people nationwide celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s not just a day off from work and school. MLK Day is led by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, and The King Center, and it is your chance to step up, make your community more equitable, and help create Dr. King’s dream of the Beloved Community through meaningful acts of service. Still not convinced? Check out these five reasons why you should serve on Monday, Jan. 15, and help transform your community.

1. Engage with your community and create constructive action

Volunteering is a powerful way to connect with your community. Service projects bring folks together, uniting neighbors and turning strangers into friends, all while helping others live healthier, safer, smarter, and more resilient lives. This year, educate yourself on local issues and discover how to participate and contribute to positive change right where you live. Every act, great and small, has the power to make a lasting impact.

2. Act on Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equity

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to creating a more just and equitable society where everyone is valued and respected. When you volunteer on MLK Day, you honor Dr. King’s legacy and continue to work toward his dream of justice and equality. Whether you clean up a park, work at a local food bank, or volunteer at a shelter, you can make a difference in the lives of those around you.

3. Try a new skill to further your interests or career

Volunteering provides a unique opportunity to help others while learning a new skill. For students, volunteering can help them gain practical experience. Professionals can use service initiatives to diversify their skill sets. Perhaps by participating in the MLK Day of Service, you’ll find a new interest or career that ignites your passion.

4. Bridge divides and create lasting change

Service can help bring people together. Volunteering for local service projects allows you to meet people in your community you might not otherwise know. When helping others, you can begin to see their humanity and vice versa. Group volunteer projects can build bridges between you and your neighbors to create lasting positive change in your shared community. Working toward a common goal helps to break down barriers and foster unity.

5. Experience the benefits of serving others

Did you know that volunteering doesn’t just do good but is good for you? According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering can improve physical and mental health and increase self-esteem and overall life satisfaction. This MLK Day, experience the joy and fulfillment of serving your community and bettering yourself.

This year, join thousands of people in the U.S. by taking the pledge to serve on MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 15. To find volunteer opportunities near you, visit AmeriCorps.gov/MLKDayofService.