Category: Brandpoint

2023-11-28T07:11:00

(BPT) – Do you love entertaining friends and family with plates of delicious food around the holidays, but feel pressed for time and ideas when it comes to making tasty appetizers? You’re in luck. SeaPak offers a variety of craveable, affordable and easy-to-prep seafood options that come together in just minutes in an oven, toaster or air fryer — perfect for even impromptu holiday get-togethers. Even better, you can use these frozen pantry favorites to create mouth-watering recipes that might just turn into your next holiday traditions.

Here are some ideas for stocking your freezer so you’ll be ready for the busy holiday season:

• Parmesan Encrusted Butterfly Shrimp is SeaPak’s twist on their famous Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp with unique and irresistible flavors. It brings the traditional favorite up a notch with crisp Parmesan, Italian herb breading and a tomato Romano sauce for dipping.
• Shrimp Scampi is America’s No. 1 frozen shrimp scampi and never disappoints! Whole, tail-off Shrimp Scampi comes perfectly seasoned in a delicious garlic butter sauce with a hint of red bell pepper and herbs for extra flavor.
• Calamari is a restaurant-quality appetizer that’s ready in minutes. Wild-caught calamari rings in an oven-crispy breading come with a tomato Romano sauce that everyone will want to gather around — no recipe needed!

These options also provide great opportunities to add more seafood to your diet. Seafood is an excellent source of high-quality protein, along with different nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Eating a variety of seafood ensures that you get a broad spectrum of essential nutrients to contribute to your overall health and well-being — while enjoying the fun and flavor of these family favorites at the same time.

Recipes to amp up the flavor for your next holiday party

If you’d like to bring even more holiday cheer to your next get-together, try these two recipes using SeaPak Shrimp Scampi that will wow your guests with unexpected twists on this seafood favorite.

Merry Shrimp Martinis
5 minutes prep time; 17 minutes cook time. 6 servings.

Pair these festive bites with seasonal cocktails or mocktails for a fun and fast party appetizer that everyone will love.

Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi, frozen
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
6 celery sprigs

Garlic Crostini:
Thinly sliced ciabatta bread
1/2 cup reserved SeaPak Shrimp Scampi butter

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat 1-2 minutes. Heat oven to 400F.
Place shrimp in skillet and saute 7 minutes. Pour off 1/2 cup of scampi butter and reserve for crostini.
Brush reserved scampi butter on bread slices. Place on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes.
Add tomatoes, lemon zest, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to skillet. Stir to incorporate. Bring to simmer.
Portion shrimp and sauce into serving dishes. Garnish with celery sprigs and garlic crostini.

Mini Shrimp Scampi and Spinach Quiches
12 minutes prep time; 13 minutes cook time. 12-15 servings.

Spinach adds a bright earthy note to the savory flavor of Shrimp Scampi in these delightful mini quiches that are perfect for a crowd.

Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi, frozen
2 (1.9-ounce) packages frozen mini phyllo cups
1/2 (5-ounce) package baby spinach, chopped
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 375F. Arrange phyllo cups in mini muffin tins coated with cooking spray; set aside.
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add SeaPak Shrimp Scampi and cook for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook about 1 minute. Set aside a few whole shrimp to garnish; keep warm.
Cut remaining shrimp into smaller pieces. Use a slotted spoon to divide shrimp mixture evenly among phyllo shells.
Whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour egg mixture carefully into shells. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until eggs are set.
Garnish the top of a few of the mini quiches with reserved shrimp. Drizzle quiches with additional pan sauce before serving, if desired.

With these seafood tips and recipes, you’ll have a lot less stress when it comes to hosting holiday celebrations with family and friends. Find these and many more delicious, easy-to-prep products and recipe ideas to elevate your next get-together at SeaPak.com.

2023-11-28T02:01:00

(BPT) – Wireless shopping can be difficult, confusing and stressful, whether you’re shopping for your parents, kids, grandparents, yourself or anyone else on your list. This holiday season, Metro by T-Mobile makes it easy, simple and stress free to find the perfect wireless gifts for everyone on your list. Check out these five ideas for memorable tech gifts for your loved ones (and yourself!) this holiday season.

1. 5G your home internet

You don’t have to break the bank to get your home internet connection. Right now, qualifying Affordable Connectivity Program customers who purchase any Metro phone plan can lock in 5G Home Internet for $20 a month with AutoPay. You won’t have to worry about a contract, exploding bills or sneaky gotchas. You will need to purchase a modem, but it can be returned within 60 days if you’re unhappy. This deal is available in select markets. Any questions, just ask!

2. Keeping in touch with loved ones: A tablet for grandparents or school kids at home or away

A tablet can bridge the generational gap and keep everyone from college kids to grandparents connected during the holidays and all year round. For grandparents, video calls give them a window into their grandkids’ lives. For college students who are always on the go, it’s a versatile gift that helps them stay organized and in touch with their families between classes or after a study session. Make sure to choose a user-friendly device with a large screen and clear visuals so everyone can stay connected with ease.

3. Gift your smart partner a smartwatch

For the special someone in your life who is tech-forward and values style, give them a sleek and sophisticated smartwatch. This wearable technology is not just an accessory. Your partner can track their health and fitness goals, receive notifications, manage calls, texts and emails, and even control supported smart home devices without even pulling their phone out of their pocket. Your partner will be incredibly grateful to receive this fashionable and functional gift this holiday season.

4. Treat yourself to trendy tech

Don’t forget to give yourself something special this holiday. For example, now is the perfect time to upgrade your current smartphone. Use it to capture holiday memories, stay connected with friends and family, organize your day, stream music and videos, and enjoy apps that make life more convenient.

For instance, if you’re not currently a Metro customer, you can treat yourself to a motorola razr. It’s under $100, the lowest price in prepaid. Just swing by your local Metro store, bring your digits and ID and sign up for our most popular plan today. You even get a $100 virtual prepaid Mastercard after the third monthly payment. So, it’s basically free. It’s the gift that keeps giving with no contract, credit check or other nasty surprises.

5. Surprise your tween with their first phone

Now that you’ve upgraded your phone consider passing it off to your tween, who no doubt has been begging for their first phone for quite a while. It will teach them responsibility, allow them to stay connected with you and their friends, and allow you to teach them safe and responsible phone use. They’ll be surprised and delighted by this fun and practical gift.

Take your old phone to Metro and get one line of Unlimited 5G for $25. It’s $30 for the first month and then $25 a month every month after with Autopay. Just make sure to check your network compatibility and unlock your phone online before bringing it in-store.

These five wireless presents are thoughtful and useful gifts that can bring joy, convenience and connectivity to your loved ones during the holiday season. It’s wireless without the gotcha. To learn more about these offers and find your one-stop wireless gift shop near you, visit MetroByT-Mobile.com.

2023-11-28T00:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine a high school where classrooms connect to a barn with goats, students care for alpacas, and cows graze in the distance. You’re probably picturing a rural community, but this is situated in Chicago.

The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences is a magnet high school within the Chicago Public Schools system. Students don’t just graduate with a typical high school curriculum. They also leave with technological skills and agricultural knowledge, giving them a major step up in college and beyond.

Despite the urban setting, the school sits on 73 acres of land, with 32 acres filled with livestock, beehives and a market garden. As part of their studies, students tend to the animals, manage crops and take their harvest to the school’s farmstand to sell to the community.

“In their last two years of education, students have mini-majors: Animal science, agricultural mechanics and technology, biotechnology in agriculture, agricultural finance and economics, horticulture and landscape design, food science and natural resources and environmental management,” said Noelle Coronado, lead agriculture teacher and National FFA Organization chapter adviser. “Everything they do in these ag classes has an instructional portion and a hands-on project that benefit the school, its animals and crops, and the local community.”

Connecting the dots

Many of the pathways overlap in ways the students didn’t consider before attending the school. For example, the school’s alpacas play a key role in the agricultural environment of the school. Kaili Norwood, a senior in the animal science pathway, is responsible for caring for the school’s three alpacas and has seen firsthand how the various areas of study are interconnected.

“Right now, some of the students are working to turn the alpacas’ stool into fertilizer to use in the market garden’s soil, providing great nutrients for the crops,” says Norwood. “I’d never thought about how animal science is agriculture before, but now I definitely get to see how it’s all tied together.”

This isn’t the only connection. The agricultural finance students manage many aspects of the farmstand, like selling the student-grown produce. The farmstand connects to the barn, where students sell the products they’ve created in the hands-on portion of their classes, including soy candles, zucchini bread, goat milk lotion and alpaca wool spun yarn. These experiences have opened students’ eyes to the wider world of farming.

“We’re getting to see what problems farmers face and where the money they spend on their farm goes, including crop protection and general management of their farms,” says Zachary Gonzalez-Murillo, agricultural finance and economics pathway student.

A lasting impact

The students’ studies and projects don’t just benefit their local community at present. The school’s staff believes students will continue to apply their knowledge after graduation in higher education programs and agricultural careers.

“We’re grooming the next generation of farmers,” says Brittney Kee, horticulture science teacher. “We have budding agronomists, soil scientists, greenhouse producers and urban farmers.”

The lasting impact of the high school is evident in alumni’s contributions. A former student donated the school’s most recent addition to its alpaca family, and many teachers remain in contact with former students working in the industry. Also, seven of the 10 agriculture department staff are alumni. They wanted to give back to a place that was so formative in their youth.

“My life-long mentor still works at the school and is a huge reason for my career change that led me back here as an educator,” says Coronado. “I don’t think I would ever want to leave this position. I love watching students have these light bulb moments about how much agriculture plays a key role in their day-to-day lives.”

Moving forward

Schools like this one help students prepare for careers in agriculture, providing them with networking and internship opportunities that many high school students typically don’t receive.

All students are members of their FFA chapter, attend a two-week summer education program after sophomore year and can apply for a paid summer internship before their junior and senior years. When applying for college-level internships or an entry-level position at a company like Syngenta, these activities help them stand out from their competition.

That said, not all students who attend the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences pursue careers in agriculture. However, all leave understanding agriculture’s importance and how they can be better stewards of the land, their food and the industry that keeps the world moving. They also bring an urban voice to a traditionally rural field, offering new perspectives and ideas to the industry.

To learn more about urban agricultural education and the wider ag community, visit SyngentaThrive.com.

2023-11-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Wondering how to get ready for upcoming changes to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? College Ave is helping answer some of the most common financial aid questions to help pay for college. Read on and check out CollegeAve.com for more information on how to plan and pay for life’s next big stage.

2023-11-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether it’s spending hours decorating the house, checking off your shopping list, or even planning your holiday vacation back home, the holidays can be one of the busiest times of the year. With so much always going on, it can be hard for people to enjoy all the intimate moments in between the holiday rush.

No matter how hectic the holidays can be, being able to savor the time spent with family and friends and create meaningful memories is something that always makes the chaos worth it. To make this year’s holiday season even more memorable, try these suggestions to elevate any occasion, courtesy of St-Rémy Signature.

Always Have a Signature Cocktail at Your Gatherings

If you plan to be a host this season, elevate your holiday gatherings by serving a signature cocktail. Whether it’s a twist on the classic French Old Fashioned or an innovative creation like the “French Alexander,” St-Rémy Signature’s unique double aging process brings layers of smooth and oaky flavor to the forefront. Impress your guests with a touch of flair, freshness, and style, making every sip a moment to remember.

Elevate Your Dinner Menu

Take your holiday feasts to the next level by pairing the dishes with a cocktail or spirit that brings out its flavor. St-Rémy Signature’s tasting notes, with hints of vanilla, coconut, almond, and sweet spices, make it a versatile companion for various dishes. Whether you’re serving charcuterie, decadent desserts, or festive appetizers, this brandy’s subtle and round palate ensures a harmonious pairing that delights the senses.

Gift Your Host a St-Rémy Signature Cocktail Kit or Bottle

Show your appreciation to the holiday host with a thoughtful gift. The limited-edition St-Rémy Signature Home for the Holidays Cocktail Kit is the perfect present. Complete with essential ingredients and tools, this kit has everything you need to create a signature twist on an Old Fashioned. For those looking for a simpler gift, try wrapping a St-Rémy Signature bottle or any spirit of choice with a note sharing your favorite cocktail recipe. This simple, yet personal idea will definitely put a smile on your host’s face.

Create Memorable Moments at Home

Embrace the holiday season by savoring the special moments and relaxed occasions spent with loved ones. Whether it’s a cozy evening unwinding with family or festive gatherings with friends, create an atmosphere that fosters joy, laughter, and the true essence of the holiday season.

To learn more, visit https://www.st-remy.com/products/st-remy-signature/ and @stremybrandy on Instagram.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

© 2022 E. Rémy Martin & Co., St. Rémy^® Signature Brandy, 40% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc., New York, NY.

2023-11-27T13:01:00

(BPT) – Planning a trip to Southern California? You could visit well-known cities like Los Angeles and San Diego … or stay in a city where you’ll have many cultural excursions at your fingertips.

Costa Mesa, located in the heart of Orange County, is a cultural epicenter that locals from surrounding cities flock to for unforgettable events, arts experiences, a diverse shopping scene and culinary creativity. It’s hard to believe the metropolitan city used to be a farming town and is a short 10-minute drive to the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Mesa’s dynamic charm is no accident. It’s a natural product of its seven diverse neighborhoods steeped in Latino/Hispanic heritage and home to many pockets of other cultural groups. United, these neighborhoods create the rich cultural fabric that defines the city that solo travelers, couples, digital nomads and families can all enjoy.

1. Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is a residential neighborhood, but don’t let that fool you. It’s home to SoCo (South Coast Collection) and The OC Mix, an innovative shopping center of over 70 showrooms, restaurants, artisan foods, boutiques and creative studios. If you visit during the weekend, stop by the SoCo Farmers Market to purchase organic local produce.

Stretch your creativity and unwind at Inspired Art Wine, an art studio, wine bar and gallery where you can take an art class, no experience needed. All classes include a curated wine tasting with delicious food pairings.

2. South Coast Metro

The South Coast Metro area is home to South Coast Plaza, the largest shopping center on the West Coast, attracting over 20 million visitors every year from all over the world. At South Coast Plaza, you’ll find top designers — like Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Gucci and Prada — plus boutiques and popups.

When you need a break from shopping, stop by Collage Culinary Experience, a global dining collective with the best international and local cuisine. There’s also no shortage of cultural events at South Coast Plaza. The shopping destination goes all-out with holiday decorations, and not just for mainstream celebrations. Costa Mesa is home to thriving Asian American communities and hosts cultural events for Lunar New Year.

3. SoBeCa District

The SoBeCa (South Bristol Entertainment and Cultural Arts) District has expanded over the years but remains an epicenter for creative makers and small businesses. In this neighborhood, you’ll find The LAB Anti-Mall and its offshoot, The CAMP, which provide a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

The LAB (Little American Business) combines diverse cultures with its eclectic array of boutique shops, eateries, art shows, poetry readings and musical performances. Across the street, The CAMP eco-friendly shopping center features health-conscious fitness, creative retailers and mindful culinary options.

4. Theater and Arts District

Costa Mesa is known as the “City of the Arts^®,” and its heartbeat is located in the Theater and Art District. Whether you want to tour a museum, enjoy a theatrical performance or visit the Costa Mesa Art Walk, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Take a trip down the Avenue of the Arts, and you’ll find the Arts Campus where Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located. The center hosts traveling Broadway shows, major ballet companies, international dance troupes and celebrated artists. It’s also home to the Pacific Symphony, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the Pacific Chorale and the Pacific Symphony, all of which perform at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Plus Argyros Plaza hosts free outdoor events throughout the year.

For those who like to mosey through museums, check out the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary and houses 4,500 pieces of modern art and rotating exhibitions. Admission to the museum is free.

5. Central

If you’re lucky enough to visit Costa Mesa during the summer, head to the Central neighborhood and enjoy the OC Fair, which delights visitors with a wide array of events, concerts, carnival rides and super-eclectic fair food. If you miss the fair, don’t worry. The OC Fair and Events Center has more than 150 events year-round.

Afterward, head next door to Costa Mesa Skate Park, where skaters of all ages and abilities can shred some pipes.

At night, make your way to Triangle Square, which features delicious restaurants and casual entertainment. Enjoy a flamenco dance performance and a three-course meal at Sevilla!

6. Westside

The Westside is the city’s industrial center. Its warehouses and garages that once housed boat builders and other industrial businesses have since been transformed into exceptional restaurants, art studios and small businesses.

For example, 2145 Eats was once a vacant gas station but now functions as a restaurant and bar, serving seasonal pizzas, salads, small plates and rotating beer and wine. 2145 Eats’ pizza has been voted Best Pizza in OC, owing to Chef Eduardo Salcedo’s innovative Japanese-style dough.

Don’t forget to check out what’s playing at The Wayfarer’s stage, one of Costa Mesa’s best live music venues.

7. Eastside

Instagram influencers can capture stunning new content on the Eastside, one of the hippest neighborhoods in Costa Mesa.

Stop by The Crack Shack (run by Richard Blais, winner of “Top Chef: All-Stars”) and enjoy fried chicken with a gourmet twist. For specialty craft cocktails and creative pub fare, sit down at The Wild Goose Tavern, which offers rabbit andouille and wild boar burgers and sausages.

Interested in wine tasting? Visit Hi-Time Wine Cellars, a family-owned local wine bar and high-end liquor and beer fridge with one of the largest underground wine cellars in the U.S. After you’ve tasted their wares, buy a bottle to take home and commemorate your trip.

Experience Costa Mesa for yourself and see what’s next in this great SoCal overnight destination. To learn more about this vibrant city, visit TravelCostaMesa.com.

2023-11-27T14:53:00

(BPT) – As highly fluctuating temperatures become the new seasonal norm, homeowners begin to seek optimal HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) performance ahead of winter conditions.

Many homeowners may be surprised to learn their HVAC system should be inspected yearly, as HVAC maintenance is a crucial to-do in order to maintain efficient heating and cooling, prevent costly breakdowns, and ensure consistent indoor comfort.

Navigating the HVAC industry can be perplexing, with its unfamiliar acronyms and specialized jargon. When homeowners better understand HVAC-industry key words, it aids in confident purchasing decisions, and also helps homeowners to better communicate with contractors.

The following is a list of commonly used HVAC-industry terms that homeowners can benefit from knowing.

1. A2L/Refrigerant: Refrigerant is the liquid used to absorb and transfer heat from one part of the home comfort system to another. It’s important that refrigerant levels be properly maintained — neither too high nor too low. Newer to use within the U.S. air conditioning sector, A2L is a group of refrigerants with a lower toxicity and flammability rating compared to A2 or A3 refrigerants. A2Ls have emerged as a replacement for older, high-impact refrigerants. It is anticipated that A2L refrigerants will be required in 2025.

2. Air Handler: An air handler is the part of an HVAC system that circulates conditioned air throughout the home.

3. Furnace: A furnace heats the inside of a home. It uses natural or liquified petroleum (LP) gas, instead of refrigerant, to heat the air inside the home.

4. BTU: British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat required to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Understanding BTU allows homeowners to determine the heating or cooling capacity required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, ensuring the HVAC system is adequately sized for the living space.

5. Condensing Unit: Condensing units are found outside of the home. The unit is connected to the indoor unit, either an air conditioner or heat pump, with tubing to carry refrigerant, which is used to transfer heat. To cool your home, a condenser removes heat from indoor air. To heat your home, it brings natural warmth from outdoor air inside your home. A heat pump can also heat your home.

6. Ratings: The higher the following ratings, the more efficient the unit.

• EER2: The updated metric for Energy Efficiency Ratio, formerly known as EER. The ratio of the cooling capacity of the air conditioner or heat pump in BTUs per hour to the total electrical input in watts. This measure is determined by comparing test units to the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) specifications.
• HSPF2: The updated metric for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, formerly known as HSPF. It measures the efficiency of the heating portion of a heat pump.
• SEER2: The updated metric for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, formerly known as SEER. It is used to express the efficiency of an air conditioner or a heat pump in cooling mode. Similar to miles per gallon in a car, a higher SEER2 number indicates a more efficient unit.

7. Residential Packaged Unit: Equipment in which all heating and cooling components are located in one cabinet. Installed either beside or on top of a home or business.

8. Split System: A home comfort system that uses an indoor and an outdoor component to deliver comfortable air to a living environment. This may involve a combination of elements such as the following: a condensing unit located outside, air handler or furnace positioned indoors. In the case of a system incorporating a gas furnace, an evaporator coil inside the home is also utilized.

9. Stage Systems: HVAC systems designed with various operational stages, including single-stage (on/off), two-stage (two levels of heating or cooling capacity), or multi-stage (variable speed) configurations, enabling them to adjust heating or cooling output to meet comfort preferences while maximizing energy efficiency in diverse conditions.

10. Zone/Zoning: A home may be divided into several different areas, or zones, to better control the temperature. The process of dividing a home into different zones is called zoning.

With basic terminology top of mind, homeowners can seek better optimization of HVAC system performance. Ask questions and gain clarity from trusted contractors. Effective communication with these experts holds the key to precise assessments, improved energy efficiency, and adherence to safety and compliance standards.

Rheem, an innovator in manufacturing HVAC equipment, offers Rheem Pro Partners who are contractors that are well-equipped with resources to provide professional advice and assistance to homeowners throughout the process. Trusted HVAC contractors, like Pro Partners, can ensure customers find the perfect solution for home comfort needs. Additionally, a well-trained contractor should be able to update and inform about cost savings, rebates and energy efficiencies.

It’s not merely about terminology; it’s about increasing the homeowner’s confidence as they create a comfortable, efficient and safe home environment for their family.