Posted on

Don’t Get Caught in Holiday Scams; Protect Your Small Business From Cybercrime

2024-12-03T08:31:00

(BPT) – As the holiday season approaches, cybercriminals are ramping up their efforts to exploit both businesses and individuals. Cybercriminals know the biggest vulnerability in any organization isn’t the technology — it’s the people behind it. Whether you’re working late to finish up projects or just trying to get some last-minute holiday shopping done, it only takes one slip-up to trigger a costly cyberattack.

Humans remain the weak link in the security chain. According to Verizon data, 68% of breaches involve a non-malicious human element, such as an employee falling for a social engineering attack or making a simple mistake. These human errors can open the door to significant data breaches and financial losses. Even more concerning, a 2022 Statista study found many employees are using their employer-issued devices for personal tasks — 50% checking email and 32% shopping online — creating more entry points for cybercriminals to exploit.

This human factor makes small businesses particularly attractive targets. With fewer resources allocated to cyber security, small businesses are 350% more likely to experience social engineering attacks than their larger counterparts, according to a StrongDM study. Criminals know these businesses are often more vulnerable and easier to breach, plus they hold valuable data worth stealing.

The financial impact can be staggering. According to Acuity Insurance data, the average cyber insurance claim costs more than $20,000. The cost can be much higher than just the immediate financial loss — it can damage a business’s reputation and customer trust.

So how can you protect your business? Start by preparing your employees. Ensure they understand what to look for and how to respond if they make a mistake — like clicking on a suspicious link. Implement multifactor authentication wherever possible and reinforce the message that no business is too small to be targeted by cybercriminals.

Add cyber insurance to your business’s insurance policy. It provides protection for businesses by helping mitigate financial losses and covers a wide range of cyber-risks, including fraud, data breaches, identity theft, cyber extortion and system attacks. Beyond financial reimbursement, cyber insurance gives businesses access to expert resources for incident response, like information technology forensics, legal support and public relations professionals. Cyber insurance provides peace of mind by putting you in contact with experts who know how to manage the aftermath of a cyber event, and the financial backing to know that a cyber incident won’t cost you your business.

Posted on

The promise of progress: Advancing awareness and care for neurofibromatosis type 1

2024-12-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – Every parent prioritizes the health and wellbeing of their child. For most, this means regular checkups and tracking their growth and development. But for some parents like Kim, it’s a different story, filled with hospital visits, multiple surgeries and advocacy for their child living with a rare disease.

When her son Quentin was around nine months old, Kim noticed marks on his torso and back, as well as visible tumors. By 12 months, a larger benign tumor had formed on the right side of his face, wrapping around his facial nerves.

“His cheeks were very full, like if you put two clementines on the side of his mouth and heavy and pulling down his right eye,” said Kim.

At 17 months, Quentin was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a rare genetic disorder that affects nearly 1 in 3,000 people worldwide. A lifelong and progressive condition, NF1 commonly appears in early childhood and can include spots on the skin, bone issues and other symptoms in the body. Then, at 22 months, Kim learned Quentin had plexiform neurofibromas (PN) — a type of tumor along the nerves of the body that develops in up to 50% of children with NF1. While PN tumors are noncancerous, they can still cause serious problems that impact a child’s quality of life.

“Because the tumor grew and wrapped around his facial nerve, it made it hard for Quentin to chew,” said Kim. “He couldn’t close his eyes, and his baby teeth were trapped inside the PN.”

Finding a management plan

Like many other children with NF1 PN, Quentin’s care was overseen by a team of specialists. For the first couple of years after his diagnosis, Quentin saw 14 physicians between two hospitals. “Our local hospital had a good handle on it, but the tumor was getting bigger, and we felt there was more we could try,” said Kim.

Over the next couple of years, Quentin underwent several surgeries to remove the PN on his face. Surgically removing PNs can be complicated and may not be an option for all patients. One reason is that the PN may be closely intertwined with critical nerves or blood vessels and located near major organs. Further, the PN may not be completely removed by surgery.

For Quentin, the surgeries were unsuccessful in removing the tumor from his face.

“He’s had 10 major surgeries, some that resulted in major complications,” said Kim. “They didn’t work. It was very difficult.”

When Quentin was five years old, one of his doctors determined he was eligible for a clinical trial evaluating a new treatment, selumetinib. His care team discussed with Kim the specific requirements for participation in the trial, including initial testing and continued record-keeping of Quentin’s symptoms, as well as the possible side effects of the treatment.

“Before the clinical trial, Quentin used to have around 20%-30% tumor growth every 3-6 months,” said Kim. “Once he started taking selumetinib, we noticed a significant shrinking of his tumor, and that the growth has since leveled off.”

This investigational treatment was approved by the FDA in April 2020 as KOSELUGO® (selumetinib) which became the first and only prescription medicine for pediatric patients two years of age and older with NF1 who have symptomatic and inoperable PNs. KOSELUGO has been shown to reduce the size of some PNs, advancing care for children like Quentin who have inoperable PNs.

Quentin did experience some side effects, such as diarrhea, eczema and hair loss, but the progress was visible — his tumors were not growing, and Quentin has been taking KOSELUGO ever since.

The challenges and triumphs

Today, Quentin is 17 years old. He is still managing his NF1 PN, but thanks to his care team and support from his family and friends, he is a social and active teenager living an active life. Whether on the volleyball court or the baseball diamond, he is grateful for each opportunity.

“NF1 has shaped our lives positively and negatively,” said Kim. “Before we started therapy, he was in and out of the hospital and was septic at times. But on the positive side, NF1 made us closer, stronger and better communicators. We don’t take anything for granted.”

Quentin has been aware of his condition since he was four years old. Now, he unapologetically tells people he has NF1 PN and that there’s no cure. “Some days you’re swimming in the ocean, and some days asking for a life preserver,” reflected Kim.

For other parents and caregivers navigating their child’s NF1 PN diagnosis, Kim says that education and seeking resources are key.

“I can’t stress enough to advocate for your child and be educated yourself. Ask the questions. Ask, ask, ask,” she said. “Ask about support networks, what’s available in your community, and ask your doctors all the questions. You need to be educated in order to take care of someone else.”

This article is sponsored by Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What are the possible side effects of Koselugo?

Koselugo may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Heart problems. Koselugo can lower the amount of blood pumped by your heart, which is common and can also be severe. Your healthcare provider will do tests before and during treatment to check how well your heart is working. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: persistent coughing or wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling of your ankles and feet, tiredness, increased heart rate.
  • Eye problems. Koselugo can cause eye problems that can lead to blindness. Your healthcare provider will check your vision before and during treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: blurred vision, loss of vision, dark spots in your vision (floaters), other changes to your vision.
  • Severe diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with Koselugo and can also be severe. Tell your healthcare provider right away the first time that you get diarrhea during treatment. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to help control your diarrhea and may tell you to drink more fluids.
  • Skin rash. Skin rashes are common with Koselugo and can also be severe. Tell your healthcare provider if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: rash that covers a large area of your body, peeling skin, blisters.
  • Muscle problems (rhabdomyolysis). Muscle problems are common with Koselugo and can also be severe. Treatment with Koselugo may increase the level of a muscle enzyme in your blood called creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and may be a sign of muscle damage. Your healthcare provider should do a blood test to check your muscle enzyme levels of CPK before you start taking Koselugo and during treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: muscle aches or pain; muscle spasms and weakness; dark, reddish urine.

Before taking Koselugo, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have heart problems.
  • have eye problems.
  • have liver problems.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Koselugo can harm your unborn baby. Your healthcare provider should verify if you/your partner are pregnant before beginning treatment. Ensure you/your partner use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for 1 week after your last dose if there is possibility pregnancy could occur. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you/your partner think you may be pregnant.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Koselugo passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking aspirin, blood thinners, or other medicines to treat blood clots. Koselugo contains vitamin E, which may increase risk of bleeding.

What should I avoid while taking Koselugo?

Do not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit, or take supplements with grapefruit or St. John’s Wort during treatment.

Most common side effects include: vomiting, stomach-area pain, nausea, dry skin, muscle and bone pain, feeling of tiredness or lacking energy, fever, sores in your mouth, headache, redness around the fingernails, itching.

These are not all the possible side effects of Koselugo. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently ask you to stop taking Koselugo if you have any of these side effects. You may report side effects to AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 or at https://us-aereporting.astrazeneca.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

INDICATION

What is Koselugo?

Koselugo is a prescription medicine that is used to treat children 2 years of age and older with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who have plexiform neurofibromas that cannot be completely removed by surgery. It is not known if Koselugo is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age.

Please see Patient Information in the full Prescribing Information for Koselugo (selumetinib).

AstraZeneca and its Rare Disease Unit, Alexion, are committed to raising awareness of the disease and the need for treatment options. Learn more at Alexion.com and Astrazeneca-us.com. You can also visit Koselugo.com.

KOSELUGO is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies. ALEXION is a registered trademark of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. © 2024, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

US/KOS-NF1/0806 V1 07/2024

Posted on

The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children marks 25 years helping families

2024-12-03T15:01:00

(BPT) – Bright Horizons, a leading education and care company, was built on the belief that doing well is firmly intertwined with doing good. For 25 years, the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children has formalized that mission, with employees volunteering and making a difference in communities across the country where they live and work.

Bright Spaces, the signature program of the Foundation, provide fun, educational, safe environments within non-profit organizations for children to play while their families are accessing the services they need. Created by Bright Horizons Foundation volunteers, Bright Spaces are located around the country in homeless and domestic violence shelters, police stations, sober living facilities, early intervention centers, and other community and non-profit agencies. Bright Spaces unite Bright Horizons employees, clients, vendors, families and friends in the important work of supporting children and families facing adversity, trauma and crisis — serving 130,000 children and their families annually.

“When Roger Brown and Linda Mason founded Bright Horizons, they were intent on extending the proposition that while we are serving the children of working families, we must also support those in need in the communities where we live and work. We live by that principle and the mission they set forth to this very day at Bright Horizons and through the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children,” shared Bright Horizons Foundation President Yvonne Lynch.

She added, “The goal of creating a Bright Space is to give children the opportunities they deserve to develop resilience and form stronger bonds with their families and other caring adults. We strive to promote healing, offer nurturing and stimulating activities and provide a stable, enriching environment for each child.”

Since 1999, the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children has opened 450 Bright Spaces across the United States. One Bright Space, located at the Capital Caring Health Adler Center for Caring in Aldie, Virginia, provides a comfortable and cozy spot for children and families to play, relax and be together while visiting loved ones at the hospice center.

Families who have access to a Bright Space have shared the difference it has made for them. One non-profit partner reported a baby had taken her first steps at their Bright Space. She and her mother were separated during foster care, and without having supervised visitation in a safe, warm, home-like space, the mom would have missed her daughter’s first steps. Another partner shared, “As the Bright Space is located in our overnight emergency shelter where many families are in crisis, it provides a safe and comforting environment where kids can just be kids even if only for a little while.”

These Bright Spaces offer a safe place for families to connect, whether it’s an emergency shelter for families who are in crisis or a place for young children to access needed resources like occupational therapy.

In Colorado, Bright Horizons employees created a Bright Space inside the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless headquarters in Denver to be a welcoming family room for Colorado residents seeking assistance with housing and other crucial services.

Earlier this year, Newton, Massachusetts-based employees came together to create two Bright Spaces at the Eliot Early Intervention Center in Malden in honor of Bright Horizons’ founders Roger Brown and Linda Mason. The spaces are for children 18-36 months of age and feature a gross-motor space for muscle development and a classroom play space for more structured activities like arts and crafts and circle time, much like a typical toddler room at a Bright Horizons child care center.

In 2004 a group of Bright Horizons employees in the Design, Construction and Facilities Department, along with a group of vendors, created the annual Bright Horizons Golf Tournament to benefit the Foundation. As the Foundation’s single biggest fundraiser, the tournament has raised an incredible total of $1,875,000 to date and sponsored 33 Bright Space makeovers over the last 20 years!

“For 25 years, Bright Horizons employees have rallied together to support organizations close to their hearts in their local communities,” said Lynch. “Their passion and dedication is a shining example of bringing the Bright Horizons mission to life.”

For more information on the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, visit: brighthorizonsfoundation.org.

Posted on

Meet Purina’s 2024 Thanksgiving’s Top Dog Winner, Hoagie

2024-12-03T14:09:01

(BPT) – Each year, The National Dog Show, presented by Purina, brings families together by celebrating their beloved furry canine companions. While millions tuned in for the highly anticipated Best in Breed and Best in Show awards, another exciting competition has captured the spotlight: Thanksgiving’s Top Dog Contest, where America’s pups show off their charm and spirit.

Searching for the Top Dog

This is the second year Purina has hosted Thanksgiving’s Top Dog Contest, a national social contest that invites dog parents to showcase their pet’s “Top Dog Energy” on Instagram or TikTok. Whether showing off their playful antics, heartwarming moments or undeniable charisma, pet parents across the country submitted photos and videos to compete for the coveted title.

Top Dog Energy is all about a dog’s unique blend of confidence, charm and playfulness that spreads joy to everyone around them.

While an independent judging panel selected the five Top Dog finalists, it was up to the public to vote for their favorite, ultimately determining who would claim the 2024 Thanksgiving’s Top Dog title.

And the 2024 Thanksgiving’s Top Dog is…

Hoagie!

Hoagie is a Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle) puppy from American Fork, Utah, who is training to become a therapy dog. Outside of training, he loves stealing socks and eating ice cubes.

“Hoagie is the sweetest dog anyone could ask for, and we’re over the moon about winning Purina’s Thanksgiving’s Top Dog Contest,” said Lexi Smith, Hoagie’s owner. “This is such an exciting moment for us and we couldn’t be prouder of our Top Dog!”

In addition to being crowned Top Dog, Hoagie also receives a one-year supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food and a $500 Chewy gift card.

Nutrition Fit for a Champion

Many top dogs, including Hoagie, thrive on Purina Pro Plan, the same nutrition trusted by National Dog Show Best in Show champions for the past 14 years. Nearly 500 experts, including nutritionists, veterinarians, and scientists, backing its formulas, Purina Pro Plan helps ensure dogs of all kinds stay healthy, happy and performing at their best.

“Nutrition plays a crucial role in a dog’s overall health and ability to perform,” said Purina veterinarian Dr. Callie Harris. “Whether your dog is Best in Show, Thanksgiving’s Top Dog or simply the champion of your heart, feeding them quality nutrition like Purina Pro Plan can make all the difference in their well-being.”

To learn more about Hoagie visit ThanksgivingsTopDog.com, and don’t forget to stream The National Dog Show on Peacock.

Posted on

Ready, Set, Entertain! 5 Must-Have Tools for Holiday Hosting

2024-12-03T06:21:00

(BPT) – From big brunches to cozy dinners, get ready for holiday gatherings with kitchen tools that will delight your guests and make hosting easier. Here are five products that will elevate your holiday hosting season.

Start the Day Right with the JURA J8 twin

Are you hosting overnight guests during the holidays? With the JURA J8 twin, everyone can start the day with their favorite hot coffee beverage, from your aunt who loves espresso to your cousin who craves a sweet latte with a hint of hazelnut. This coffee machine has two high-performance grinders and prepares 31 different coffee specialties. Its Sweet Foam function even infuses milk foam with a hint of syrup for truly customized drinks.

Whip Up a Chocolatey Treat with the Capresso froth TS

Kids, and kids-at-heart, love hot cocoa on a cold day. The Capresso froth TS makes it easy to create creamy, frothy cocoa using your favorite chocolate chips, syrup or powder — quickly transforming dairy or non-dairy milk into a sweet beverage. For coffee drinkers, it also prepares frothed milk for cappuccinos or lattes.

Big-Batch Baking with the Ankarsrum Stand Mixer

If holiday bread-making and cookie exchanges are part of your tradition, the Ankarsrum stand mixer will help you breeze through pastry recipes. With its large-capacity bowl and powerful motor, it can produce more per batch than traditional stand mixers. Built in Sweden to the highest standards, the Ankarsrum Assistent Original mixer is beloved by baking enthusiasts.

Serve in Style with Tramontina Fiora Ceramic Pan

Holiday meals or side dishes will be the center of attention with the elegant Fiora Ceramic Nonstick Pan, ideal from stovetop or oven to table entertaining. This pan’s construction ensures even heat distribution, and its ceramic nonstick interior makes cleaning a breeze, so you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends.

Sweet Results with the CDN Digital Candy Thermometer

Homemade candy, caramel and deep-fried doughnuts are holiday favorites that require exact temperatures for the best results. The CDN Digital Candy Thermometer ensures you hit the right temperature for perfect texture and flavor. This handy tool has a long stainless-steel stem, preset candy stages, and offers visual and audio alerts for foolproof cooking.

This holiday season, make hosting easier with these essential kitchen tools. Whether you’re brewing coffee specialties, baking for a crowd, or serving up family favorites, they make your time in the kitchen more efficient so you can focus on creating memories with the people you love.

Posted on

Tech the halls: The perfect smartphones for everyone on your list

2024-12-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list doesn’t have to add to the holiday season’s hustle and bustle. Flip that stressful script by picking one theme and sticking to it. Smartphones are a hot trend for gift giving this year — wouldn’t your friends and family love a fun upgrade? There’s a device for everyone, and once you find it, tie it up with a bow, then enjoy holiday parties, building a snowman, sitting in front of the fire with a chai latte and a holiday favorite movie, or whatever else brings you joy this season.

The secret to making this strategy truly stand out? Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, choose the right phone based on the interests and personality of who will be receiving it.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

For the style icon into cutting-edge tech

The motorola razr+ is the perfect gift for that special someone who craves cutting-edge technology paired with a sleek, stylish design. The innovative features and modern aesthetic are the ideal choice for someone who loves staying ahead of the curve while making a statement. Flipped closed, the phone folds completely in half, allowing you to access all your favorite apps — including Google Gemini — from the interactive 4.0″ external display. When you want to view things on a bigger screen, just flip it open for an ultra-smooth, incredibly vivid full-sized display. But here’s the coolest part: the razr+ is sure to help you take content creation to the next level with its advanced camera system and versatile Flex View modes — giving you the ability to use your razr+ like a camcorder or a hands-free tripod, or your own personal photo booth. Plus, it’s easy to find a razr that fits your vibe with on-trend color options including Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Peach Fuzz, the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, and the iconic Hot Pink. Find the razr+ at motorola.com, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.

For the timeless trendsetter

They’re all about keeping it cool while staying practical. If you’re looking for a foldable device that offers an iconic design and advanced features for great value, the new motorola razr is an excellent choice. With its 3.6″ external screen you can still access your favorite apps and accomplish more without even needing to flip it open. The razr also comes in a range of stylish colorways including Beach Sand, Koala Grey, Spritz Orange, and features a premium vegan leather finish. Find it at motorola.com, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.

For tech-savvy adventurers

Do you know someone with an outdoorsy lifestyle, whose phone may have taken a beating a time or three? The new motorola edge is your go-to. It was created for tech-savvy users looking for a reliable smartphone with a striking design and advanced features, including a great camera system and battery life. Not only is this device built to handle all of life’s adventures — boasting an IP68 underwater rating and meeting military standards for durability —it’s elegant too, with a premium vegan leather finish that adds a stylish touch. Find the latest generation of the motorola edge at motorola.com, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.

For the creative artist

The moto g stylus 5G is the ultimate gift for the creative spirit who loves to bring their imagination to life, all while being incredibly affordable. With its built-in stylus, this device becomes a canvas for sketching ideas, crafting animated messages, or capturing moments in unique ways. Its stunning 6.7″ display and advanced camera system ensure every creation is vibrant and true to your vision. Perfect for anyone who thrives on artistic expression, it’s a playful and powerful tool to inspire endless possibilities. Find it at motorola.com, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.

Wrap up these great smartphones tailor made for everyone on your list and then get out there to enjoy the season!

Posted on

Elevate Your Holiday Gatherings with Organic Tequila: Tips, Cocktails, and Cheer

2024-12-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is the perfect time to create lasting memories with family and friends, whether at an intimate dinner or a lively gathering. One of the simplest ways to impress your guests and celebrate the season is by incorporating craft cocktails into your festivities. This year, tequila-based drinks are stealing the spotlight, offering a versatile and sophisticated base for your signature holiday cocktails. With Casa Azul Organic Tequila, you can delight your guests and ensure every toast is as exceptional as the moment.

Why choose Casa Azul Organic Tequila for your holiday celebrations?

Not all tequilas are created equal. To make your gatherings truly unforgettable, elevate your bar selection with a premium tequila like Casa Azul Organic Tequila. Here’s why it stands out:

Choose premium craftsmanship

Premium 100% USDA certified organic tequilas like Casa Azul Organic Tequila offer richer and smoother flavor, which creates memorable cocktails. But what makes a brand premium? It’s not about price, it’s about perfection — which doesn’t come easily. Casa Azul is crafted from fully mature 100% single estate blue agave grown in the Tequila Valley Lowlands, where mineral-rich volcanic soil imparts unique character to each batch. The tequila is made using pure, deep well water from 885 feet below ground. Their agave is baked over two to three days immediately after harvesting in traditional stone ovens, then extracted with a traditional roller mill. A natural, open-top fermentation in stainless steel tanks with wild yeast follows, an approach that enriches the tequila’s depth and complexity. Finally, the tequila is twice distilled then rested, allowing it to aerate naturally for a smoother, softer profile before aging.

Choose certified organic

While all tequila comes from agave, the key differences between organic and non-organic options lie in farming practices. Casa Azul’s 100% USDA organic certification reflects the brand’s dedication to quality. Each agave plant is carefully tended to by hand, using time-honored traditions passed down through a multi-generational family of distillers and agave farmers. These organic practices ensure their tequilas are completely free from any pesticides or chemicals, with nothing added or taken away.

The perfect gift for any host

The holidays are all about presentation, and Casa Azul’s stunning bottle is as memorable as the tequila inside. Whether as a hostess gift or a centerpiece on your bar, its iconic frosted bottle brings a festive touch to any occasion. While these considerations are important, they’re not the only factors involved in choosing the perfect tequila for your gathering. Casa Azul Organic Tequila offers three distinct varieties of tequila that cater to every taste and cocktail style:

Casa Azul Organic Tequila Blanco

Crisp and zesty, Casa Azul ages this tequila for two to three months in stainless steel for bright citrus and white pepper notes with the pure essence of baked agave.

Close up of a woman holding a drink glass next to a bottle of Casa Azul Blonco

Casa Azul Organic Tequila Reposado

Velvety and rich, aged four to six months in bourbon casks with notes of vanilla, caramel and oak, balanced with the warm essence of agave.

Casa Azul Organic Tequila Añejo

Bold and balanced, aged over 15 months with flavors of caramel, oak and vanilla, finished with a touch of seasoned oak.

Create your signature holiday cocktail

Now that you’re familiar with tequila, how do you craft a signature cocktail for your event? Here’s a festive, refined recipe from Casa Azul Organic Tequila that is a zesty take on the classic mule, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

Casa Azul bottle next to a glass with orange peel and bar tools.

Casa Azul Season’s Salud Mule

1.5 ounces Casa Azul Reposado

0.5 ounces grapefruit liqueur

0.75 ounces fresh lime juice

1 dash grapefruit bitters

3 ounces ginger beer

Add all ingredients except the ginger beer to a highball glass. Fill the glass with ice and top with the ginger beer. Gently stir it to combine. Garnish the drink with an expressed manicured grapefruit twist.

This holiday season, elevate your gatherings by serving (or gifting!) high-quality, premium tequila from Casa Azul Organic Tequila. For more information, visit https://casaazulspirits.com/.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

Posted on

Ultimate gift guide to spark endless creativity in kids

2024-12-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – The best holiday gifts keep kids engaged and creatively entertained for hours. So, if you’re looking for exciting new gifts to spark the imagination of the kids in your life, check out the latest offerings from Crayola, the #1 creative arts brand on wish lists for kids.*

Parents and kids alike will love the inspiration of the Scribble Scrubbie Pets Collection where kids can transform their favorite creatures into one-of-a-kind creations. Also, if you haven’t seen Color Wonder in action yet, you’ll definitely want to give this a try, as there are plenty of no-mess gift ideas for kids and toddlers.

Here are great gift ideas to get you started.

Endless creativity with the Scribble Scrubbie Pets Collection

Kids who love animals and art will have endless fun decorating these lovable pets over and over again, as they scribble colorful decorations, clean them under the faucet with the provided scrub brush — then scribble again. Whether you’re adding to your child’s collection or starting a new one, they’ll love the opportunity to express their creativity by drawing and coloring on their fuzzy friends, recommended for kids aged 3 and older.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets Jumbo Wilbur: These kid-friendly favorites had a super-sized makeover with new Scribble Scrubbie Pets Jumbo Wilbur. At 6 inches tall, this loveable jumbo pet has the same fuzzy exterior as original Scribble Scrubbie Pets, and a head and legs that are poseable too! This charming, cuddly French Bulldog can be colored with the included 5 Ultra-Clean washable markers or any Ultra-Clean Markers you already have at home.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets Spray Boutique: Kids will love to use this brand-new marker airbrush to give their pets fresh designs while learning the fun of spray art! Kids can explore whole new design ideas to decorate Scribble Scrubbie Pets in a completely new way, plus they can also draw directly on pets with the 8 washable markers for even more personalization.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets 1ct: These add-on toy packs contain one adorable mini pet, two washable Crayola markers and a scrub brush, perfect for expanding your existing Scribble Scrubbie Pets collection — and are perfect stocking stuffers.

Discover the mess-free magic of Crayola Color Wonder

Kids and parents alike love Color Wonder for its mess-free creativity, as the marker ink or paint only appears on specially formulated Color Wonder paper — not on skin, clothing or walls. Parents can let kids explore the magic of Color Wonder mess-free art tools without worry. Color Wonder is the dream gift for every sprouting young artist.

Color Wonder Magic Light Brush: Interactive and fun — though Color Wonder paints are clear, the special brush lights up to indicate the chosen color! Watch as little ones unleash their creativity with paint, celebrating the season in vibrant color, all while parents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with mess-free entertainment. Designed to prevent paints from drying out, so kids can use it again and again throughout the holiday season!

Color Wonder Activity Kits: Color Wonder Activity Kits combine kids’ favorite preschool licensed characters with a multidimensional role play twist! Kids will love interacting with their favorite licensed characters like Bluey, Gabby’s Dollhouse and Spidey & His Amazing Friends while extending play with colorable cardstock pieces. Parents will sit back and relax knowing this mess-free activity will not color on skin, furniture, or walls.

Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Pages & Markers: Continue your mess-free holiday journey with 18 fun-filled coloring pages depicting characters and scenes by kid-favorites like Bluey, Paw Patrol and Princesses, and 5 Color Wonder markers to make them your own. The convenient folder-style packaging works as reusable storage for coloring pages and markers. Little artists will love expressing themselves in this smaller set perfect for travel and snowy days this holiday season.

These gifts will help you complete your holiday list, so you can bring a smile to the faces of the little ones in your life.

*Source: Suzy Consumer Panel // 845 HH’s with Kids 3-12 yrs // November 11, 2024.

Posted on

Contributing to college funds could be this year’s best gift

2024-12-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know the cost of a four-year college education has increased 38% at private schools and 32% at public colleges/universities over the past decade?[1] Between these increasing college costs, lingering inflation and market uncertainties, many families are rethinking the gifts they’re giving for the holidays, birthdays, graduations and more.[2] Many are asking: Would a contribution to a family member’s college savings account for their children be a more appreciated gift this year?

Apparently, most parents are on board with thinking outside the gift box. According to Fidelity’s 2024 College Gifting Study, a whopping 74% of parents say they would welcome a contribution to their child’s college savings account instead of traditional gifts and 62% would even prefer it. Looking back on their own experience, nearly 7 in 10 parents also say they would have been OK receiving fewer gifts as a child in exchange for more money in their own college funds.

When asked specifically about the holidays, parents in the “sandwich generation” are more likely to say they prefer more money be allocated to a college savings account instead of traditional gifts or experiences, with two-thirds of millennials and more than half of Gen X preferring those contributions for their kids (66% and 59%, respectively). In contrast, 47% of Boomers and 55% of Gen Z say they would prefer this kind of gift.

The study reveals the growing popularity of receiving gifts toward a child’s college fund. Although parents say their friends and family typically spend about 61% of their gifting budget on traditional gifts or experiences, they would prefer gifts be split 54% versus 46% between traditional gifts/experiences and college savings account contributions for their children.

If a contribution to a college fund sounds like a gift you’d like to give or receive, you may want to learn about the advantages of a 529 education savings plan.

Benefits of gifting contributions to a 529 plan

For parents planning for their children’s future, 529 plans are flexible, tax-advantaged accounts designed specifically for education savings. Funds in a 529 plan can be used for qualified education expenses at schools nationwide, including college expenses at postsecondary schools, tuition for K-12 schools, certain apprenticeship costs, vocational schools and student loan repayments. While your money is in a 529 account, no taxes will be due on investment earnings, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are free from federal income tax.

If you want to contribute to a friend or family member’s 529 plan, contributions up to $18,000 annually are not subject to the federal gift tax, and some states may even offer tax incentives for contributions by state residents.

Even better, in the event that the 529 account is not used for education (such as a child who chooses another path), legislative changes have determined that under certain conditions, 529 plan assets can now be transferred to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, giving them a retirement boost. Parents can also transfer unused funds to another family member, such as another child, their spouse, extended family, or even themselves.

“A contribution to a 529 plan is a great option for anyone who wants to help give the gift of college this holiday season,” said Tony Durkan, vice president, head of 529 Relationship Management at Fidelity Investments. “It speaks volumes about the importance of education, and helps families achieve their long-term goals in a real, tangible way.”

There are no account minimums required to open a Fidelity-managed 529 account, and you can choose from a menu of portfolios managed by professional fund managers. All five Fidelity-managed plans are also rated Gold or Silver by Morningstar.[3] Learn more about the firm’s award-winning 529 plans and how to financially prepare your family for college at Fidelity.com.

How friends and family can participate

Ahead of the holidays or for any other special occasion, head to Fidelity.com/CollegeGift to learn more about gifting to a 529 plan.

Need assistance understanding your college savings options? Call Fidelity at 1-800-544-1914 for complimentary access to dedicated college planning representatives or visit Fidelity.com/529-plans/overview for more information.

Methodology

This survey was conducted by Big Village among a demographically representative U.S. sample of 3,008 adults 18 years of age and older. 874 respondents have children under 18 living at home and celebrate the holidays. This survey was live on October 1-10, 2024. Fidelity and Big Village are not affiliated.

The generations are defined as: Boomers (born 1946 – 1964), Gen X (born 1965 – 1980), Millennials (born 1981 – 1996), and Gen Z (born 1997-2012; only those ages 18+ were considered for this study).

Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and may be subject to market volatility and fluctuation. Please carefully consider the plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information on any 529 college savings plan managed by Fidelity, contact Fidelity for a free Fact Kit, or view one online. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

529 distributions for qualified education expenses are generally federal income tax free. 529 assets may be used to pay for (i) qualified higher education expenses, (ii) qualified expenses for registered apprenticeship programs, (iii) up to $10,000 per taxable year per beneficiary for tuition expenses in connection with enrollment at a public, private, or religious elementary or secondary educational institution. Although such assets may come from multiple 529 accounts, the $10,000 qualified withdrawal limit will be aggregated on a per beneficiary basis. The IRS has not provided guidance to date on the methodology of allocating the $10,000 annual maximum among withdrawals from different 529 accounts, and (iv) amounts paid as principal or interest on any qualified education loan of a 529 plan designated beneficiary or a sibling of the designated beneficiary. The amount treated as a qualified expense is subject to a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual. Although the assets may come from multiple 529 accounts, the $10,000 withdrawal limit for qualified educational loans payments will be aggregated on a per individual basis. The IRS has not provided guidance to date on the methodology of allocating the $10,000 annual maximum among withdrawals from different 529 accounts.

Any earnings on distributions not used for qualified higher educational expenses or that exceed distribution limits may be taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty tax. Some states do not conform with federal tax law. Please check with your home state to determine if it recognizes the expanded 529 benefits afforded under federal tax law, including distributions for elementary and secondary education expenses, apprenticeship programs, and student loan repayments. You may want to consult with a tax professional before investing or making distributions.

Under current law, the annual gift tax exclusion amount is $18,000. Annual contributions up to $18,000 from an individual tax filer ($36,000 for married-filing-jointly) per beneficiary are not subject to the federal gift or estate tax consequences.

Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.

Views expressed are as of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market or other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments or its affiliates. Fidelity does not assume any duty to update any of the information.

Fidelity Investments and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 500 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, 500 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

National Financial Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110

1174696.1.0

©2024 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

[1] The College Board Trends in College Pricing 2024; Table CP-2

[2] Fidelity 2024 College Gifting Study

[3] November 2024, Morningstar assigned analyst ratings to 59 plans, which represent more than 90% of assets invested in 529 plans. Morningstar identified 32 best-in-class plans, assigning these programs a Morningstar Medalist Ratings of Gold, Silver or Bronze. The Medalist Rating uses a scale of Gold (highest), Silver, Bronze, Neutral, and Negative (lowest). Plans were rated across four key pillars: People, Process, Price and Parent. For the full rating methodology, click here.

©2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Posted on

Buy Smarter: The Consumer Guide to Smart TVs

2024-12-02T15:13:00

(BPT) –

This infographic is called

Has it been a while since you purchased a new TV? You might be surprised by how far TV technology has come since you bought your last set! Today’s smart televisions offer dramatic improvements in picture quality and home screens that are far easier to navigate. Plus, they come with a host of cool features like voice control that you may not even know about.

It’s time to discover what you’ve been missing — and if you’re asking yourself where to start, the Fire TV Buyer Insights Report can help.

This independent study surveyed over 2,000 recent purchasers of smart TVs to learn everything from where they did their product research to why they decided to buy. With the holidays almost upon us, the insights in this report can help guide you as you kick off your seasonal shopping. Whether you’re buying a gift, hosting a holiday gathering or looking for the perfect game-day screen, read on to find the best TV for your needs.

How do you find the right TV? Here’s how recent purchasers did it.

When it comes to buying a new TV, there are several factors you’ll want to consider, starting with who’s going to be using it. The study found that spouses (36%), kids (13%), and even grandparents (1%) were involved in the purchase process, so be sure to keep your home’s audience in mind. Beyond that, you’ll also want to think about:

Room size

Smart TVs range in size from a 32-inch screen all the way up to a whopping 100 inches or more. To determine the right screen size for your room, follow this guideline:

Small rooms: 32″–43″ screen

Medium rooms: 43″–55″ screen

Large rooms: 55+” screen

As for viewing distance, divide the screen’s diameter by 8 to get the ideal viewing distance in feet. For example, a 32-inch screen should be watched from about 4 feet away, while you’ll want to be about 8 feet away from a 65-inch screen.

Usage

How you plan to use your new TV should play a large part in your decision-making process. If you’re always looking for the latest show or movie to watch, your smart TV should offer optimal access to the latest streaming services. Gamers will experience better play on a TV with a high refresh rate, while sports enthusiasts will want to watch the big game on a set with smooth motion handling.

Connected TV experience

One of the most important considerations is how you’ll use TV. In the study, 83% of TV purchasers said that easy access to content was one of the things they liked best about their new TV. But beyond being an all-in-one source for entertainment, your smart TV should also play well with other smart home devices. For instance, Fire TV allows you to pair compatible devices seamlessly like video doorbells, smart home devices, and more. And with select models, Fire TV’s Ambient Experience can turn the biggest screen in your home into a beautiful, always-on smart display rotating through beautiful art, personal photos, and glanceable information like calendars and reminders.

Knowledge is power

Before you land on the perfect TV, you’ll need to do a little research first. The study found that only 12% of shoppers bought their TV on an impulse, while 65% engaged in some form of product research. Most (82%) respondents conducted some or all of their research online for instant access to smart TV reviews and feature comparisons. In fact, over half of respondents who searched online mentioned digital retailers like Amazon as a great source for honest ratings and buyer reviews.

Timing is everything

According to the study, the time from research to purchase takes about two weeks, so plan ahead — especially if you’re thinking about giving a TV as a holiday gift. There are also some great deals available during this time of year, so keep an eye out for sales and promotional offers.

The big picture

A new TV is a big purchase, so don’t make it an impulsive one. Take the time to do your research and remember that everyone takes a different path to finding the perfect TV. Whether your search begins online, offline, or with a mix of both, it will end with a next-level viewing experience that’s just right for the way you watch.