How to design your holidays with love of nature

2024-11-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you love everything about the natural world, from the colors and textures to the smells and sounds? Have you considered incorporating your love of nature more in your home design, especially around the holidays? If so, you’re right on trend with biophilic design, a popular approach to home decor that celebrates elements like earth tones, natural materials and plants.

This holiday season, you can embrace both biophilic design and the joy of the holiday season through thoughtful choices in decor, accessories and appliances.

Bring the outdoors inside

One of the easiest ways to blend biophilic design with holiday cheer is through traditional decorations derived from nature like wreaths, tree decorations and wall hangings made from spruce and fir boughs or holly branches.

Consider using homemade and handcrafted tree decorations made from wood, straw, pinecones and other natural materials for an authentically outdoor look that also evokes the nostalgic feeling of holidays from years gone by.

Embrace biophilic design in your kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of your home and the heartbeat of holiday traditions, so consider bringing your love of nature into this all-important space over the holidays. The KitchenAid® 2024 Design Series Stand Mixer: Evergreen provides a beautiful and practical appliance that’s a trusted partner for all your holiday baking while also offering a stunning countertop statement for your seasonal entertaining.

The Evergreen stand mixer combines the best of culinary, design and nature through its deep forest green body with lush matte finish, along with a gorgeous true walnut wood bowl, plus accents like a unique debossed leaf design on its brass-plated hub cover and more.

“The Evergreen design marks a first for the brand, as it introduces outdoor elements to the iconic Stand Mixer like never before,” said Chad Ries, global brand director for KitchenAid® small appliances at Whirlpool Corporation. “KitchenAid appliances are designed to engage all your senses and rekindle the excitement, connection and inspiration found all around us. Evergreen was inspired by the natural elements that make us feel connected to the outdoors. By bringing those powerful emotions into the home, Evergreen inspires makers to come alive every time they set foot in the kitchen.”

Adding an Evergreen stand mixer to your home provides an easy way to incorporate biophilic design into your home and can enhance your holiday entertaining.

Think natural colors

You can embrace biophilic design in your holiday décor by drawing colors from nature. Whether you’re decorating your tree, hanging holiday pictures, adding throw pillows or blankets or choosing festive tabletop decorations, consider colors that draw on elements of the natural world: wood and earth tones like browns, beige, taupe, gray and greens. For colorful accents, choose shades of blues, reds or yellows that you’re likely to see in nature.

Celebrate light during the darker months

Wintertime brings shorter days and longer evenings, which can fuel a need to bring brighter touches into your home celebration. There are plenty of options to brighten your ambiance, such as using candles for your table setting or having crystal glassware and shiny tableware to reflect light in the room and bring more sparkle to any event you’re hosting.

Need even more brightness? Have fun by decorating with string lights in any room of your home — not just on your tree — to lighten up your next occasion.

Come to your senses

And don’t forget scents: Natural potpourri, evergreen boughs, eucalyptus and other natural sources can bring the best aromas of the outdoors inside, without using artificial ingredients. Need an easy DIY option for scent? Consider creating a simmer pot on your stove by adding spices like nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon to water and boil for a while. Before you know it, your house will feel cozy and warm, and smell like you’ve been baking up a storm — and may just inspire you to conjure up some holiday goodies.

With these tips, you can make the most of the holidays this year by celebrating everything you love about the season and the natural world, combined. Let your imagination be your guide, and your home will become a haven of beauty and joy this special time of year.

How to know if you can trust your supplement: 4 things to look for

2024-11-12T08:03:00

(BPT) – A multivitamin. Calcium. Vitamin C. Chances are, you’ve taken at least one of these today, along with three-quarters of American adults.

There are hundreds of brands and thousands of products to choose from. So, how do you choose a quality vitamin, mineral or botanical supplement, and how do you know whether it will do what you hope?

You may be shocked to learn that the FDA does not approve dietary supplements that are on your store shelf. In fact, according to the new “Habits and Healthspan” survey, sponsored by Amway, 47% of U.S. adults ages 18 to 70 mistakenly believe their supplements are FDA-approved.

The good news? Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to research products and there are four easy ways to ensure you are putting a high-quality product into your body.

1. Do you recognize the ingredients?

  • 87% of Americans want to know exactly what they’re putting into their bodies.

Although manufacturers are legally required to use safe ingredients, the FDA does not approve dietary supplements. The bottom line? It’s up to consumers to research and know what they’re putting in their bodies. This is where ingredient traceability — the process of tracing the origin and journey of ingredients through the supply chain to ensure safety, quality and transparency — comes in.

  • 67% are more likely to purchase dietary supplements that are traceable from the seed to the shelf.
A collage of two photos. One photo of a mom and two kids are in the kitchen and the other photo of a farmer in a field and type that says

2. Do you understand where the ingredients are grown?

  • Over half (60%) of consumers agree it’s important to know the seed-to-production path to ensure quality.

Consumers are looking for products they can trust. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to dig into product ingredients and see the seed-to-supplement pathway. This has led to consumer demand for product transparency where companies are being pushed to be more open not just about their ingredients, but their production practices as well. This extends beyond supplements, too:

  • 87% of consumers agree that clean and sustainably made skincare and cosmetic products are superior.

3. Is the company you’re purchasing from environmentally conscious?

In addition to what’s in the products they consume, there is a growing concern amongst Americans about how products are made and what impact is made on the environment.

  • 78% say they’re concerned about how pollution and chemicals can affect their health, with 29% “very” concerned.

With that, consumers are opting for products that are both good for their health and wellbeing as well as the planet.

One way companies can be more environmentally conscious is by practicing regenerative agriculture, using farming methods that conserve water and protect the soil. Companies like Amway, which owns and operates nearly 6,000 acres of certified organic farmland in the U.S., take pride in:

  • Avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
  • Saving energy and water

4. Does the product have a certification or seal of approval?

Having an objective, third-party assurance that the product you are using meets quality standards is another way to ensure reliability.

Only 6% of consumers do not prefer using a sunscreen that is certified with a third-party assurance. When it comes to personal care products like sunscreen, you can check the packaging to note which ones have certifications such as the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Care Foundation, which provides assurance that the product meets a third-party’s criteria for safe and effective protection.

Setting the bar for quality, sustainability and integrity

Ultimately, consumers are driving the shift toward higher quality, more sustainable products. The expectation falls on companies to change their ways and meet expectations. Americans want products that not only work but also align with their sustainability values. The brands that rise to the occasion and meet these demands stand to create deeper, more loyal relationships with their customers.

As a health and well-being industry leader, Amway is working to set the bar high for quality, sustainability and product integrity. By forging partnerships down its supply chain and making strong commitments to transparency, Amway is among many other companies leading the charge in corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Three things to know about gut health in America

2024-11-12T08:03:00

(BPT) – Have you ever felt uncomfortable after a meal? Maybe you know that certain foods upset your stomach, so you avoid them altogether. Gut issues are more common than you think with more than half (62%) of Americans having experience with occasional gut issues, according to the 2024 Habits and Healthspan Survey sponsored by Amway. In fact, one in three adults is experiencing a common gut issue right now!

1. Gut health is a significant issue in the U.S.

Your gut does more than just digestion. Did you know it’s foundational to overall health and wellbeing? That’s because there are trillions of bacteria in your gut that make up your microbiome. About 70% of your immune system is located in the gut and a balanced gut microbiome helps support not just digestive health, but also your immune system.

You might be surprised to know that emerging science indicates your mood might even be linked to your gut microbiome. Neurotransmitters like serotonin are produced in the gut, which can affect our mood.

  • 42% of survey respondents say they or someone close to them have experienced a gut issue that a doctor was unable to properly diagnose.
  • Common gut issues seem to be more prevalent among younger Americans with 54% of respondents ages 18 to 34 years reporting that they or someone they know had undiagnosed gut issues, compared to 38% of those over age 35.
Collage made of two images. One image of people putting their forks into a plates full of vegetables and the other photo is of a family of four enjoying a outdoor walk together. The type above the photos says

2. A lack of education is a major factor in America’s gut gap.

Stress, pollution, poor diet and lack of sleep all can negatively impact your gut’s good bacteria causing an imbalance.

However, the gut microbiome is still not well understood.

  • Less than half (41%) of Americans feel they understand what constitutes a healthy gut biome.
  • This gap is even wider among older adults aged 55 to 70, with only 28% feeling confident about their gut health knowledge.

Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising and staying hydrated can support gut health and a balanced gut microbiome. However, studies show supporting gut health takes consistent effort over several weeks to several months.

As research progresses, scientists are learning more about how to support the gut. Here’s what you can do. In addition to your diet, probiotics — good bacteria — can support your microbiome. You can also use other supplements designed for daily use and that provide plant-based ingredients, fiber and prebiotics to help support your gut health and your gut microbiome.

3. Overarching healthy habits build a foundation for gut health.

By establishing healthy habits early in life, we can proactively help support our gut and ultimately support our healthspan. Just like any resolution, the key is to be consistent over the long term.

Establishing healthy habits from a young age is a great approach to health & wellness. Of course, maintaining these habits for the long term can be hard to do, but that’s why community is so important.

  • Only 36% of adults ages 18 to 70 who had engaged in healthy lifestyle behavior within the past 12 months say they started their healthy lifestyle behaviors because they learned it at a young age from a parent or loved one — and not in response to a pressing health issue.

Surrounding yourself with family, friends and like-minded individuals creates an environment where knowledge is exchanged, accountability is encouraged and a supportive network is woven into the fabric of daily life.

Taking control of supporting your gut.

The findings from this year’s Habits and Healthspan Survey highlight two critical areas of concern: the prevalence of gut health as an important issue for consumers and the knowledge gaps. Education and long-term habit formation are the keys to supporting overall gut health. By addressing these gaps and building healthy lifestyle behaviors — with the support of those around us — we can promote health and wellbeing for all. For more information, visit AmwayGlobal.com.

3 reasons younger Americans have an easier time maintaining healthy habits

2024-11-12T08:03:00

(BPT) – Most parents agree that it’s important for children to establish healthy habits before they turn 18 years old. Building a strong foundation and taking a preventive approach to health early on will help people avoid illness and improve our healthspan, or the number of years spent in good health.

Simple, right?

Well, findings from Amway’s 2024 “Habits and Healthspan” survey of U.S. adults reveal that different generations have varying success in long-term habit formation.

Overall, only 29% of adults carried over healthy habits learned from their childhood.

  • Within this group, 46% of 18- to 34-year-olds started healthy habits because they learned to do so at a young age, compared to only 31% of those ages 35 to 70.
  • A shocking 57% of adults admit they only started healthy habits because their doctor advised them, or because they had health issues already that had to be addressed.

Amway scientists are delving into why different generations have varying degrees of success maintaining healthy habits and are using this survey data to identify the three factors that impact different generations’ ability to maintain these behaviors for the long term.

Collage of two photos. One photo has a couple with their two children eating snacks on the couch and the other photo shows a child doing yoga with a parent. The photos have type that says

1. The internet and social media are helping you get healthy.

Between the internet and social media, younger generations have access to more health and wellness information from a young age than any generation before them. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X. Between these platforms and more, social media hosts a wealth of health and fitness influencers who promote a healthy lifestyle and make information more engaging and relatable.

  • 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds were influenced to engage in healthy habits from social media compared to only 9% of 35- to 70-year-olds. There is an even larger drop in older generations (55- to 70-year-olds) where a mere 3% were influenced by social media.

2. Getting by with a little help from your friends.

Having a community of like-minded friends focused on achieving a healthier lifestyle and improving healthspan creates a sense of support and accountability. These communities exist both online and in the real world.

  • 33% of Americans aged 18 to 24 engaged in healthy habits thanks to the encouragement of a friend, compared to only 25% of 35- to 70-year-olds.

Together, you can share your goals, experiences and expertise in a collective knowledge pool and encourage long-term habit formation.

3. Financial disparities play a role.

Lower-income households can encounter barriers when it comes to instilling healthy habits in their children.

  • 31% of Americans with a household income under $50k learned their healthy habits at a young age compared to 40% of those with a household income over $100k.

There are many reasons why income can impact your ability to teach your family healthy habits early on in life. Healthy food is often more expensive than processed or fast foods, leaving many to opt for the cheaper option as opposed to the healthier choice. These households also may not have access to affordable fitness resources such as organized sports, gym memberships or fitness programs, making it harder for them to afford structured physical activities for their kids.

Putting findings into action

These findings from the Habits and Healthspan survey reflect a generational shift, with younger individuals more likely to have been taught healthy habits. By understanding what factors influence your ability to create and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors over the course of your life, you can instill these practices in future generations and prevent health issues before they arise.

How you can make the most of multi-generational travel

2024-11-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re looking for ways to enjoy travel with family from multiple generations, you’re not alone. According to sources like Skift Research, multi-generational trips are on the rise, making vacations prime opportunities to create lasting memories with kids, grandparents, and extended family.

To maximize family travel, seek out a destination that offers a wide range of amenities, activities, and adventures for all ages, combined into one great getaway.

A resort with something for everyone

When planning your next family vacay, check out Hawks Cay Resort, the largest resort in the Florida Keys. Just two hours south of Miami and halfway between Key Largo and Key West, this 60-acre tropical destination offers a mix of ways to stay and immersive experiences to satisfy the whole crew.

Whether you’re traveling as a party of two or have the entire clan in tow, there’s something for every type of family. Take your pick from guest rooms and suites with picturesque water views, spacious rooms with bunk beds, or private 2- and 3-bedroom villas with kitchens and outdoor decks that take multi-gen getaways to the next level.

During their Season of Discovery, Hawks Cay offers 3-, 5-, and 7-night experiences year-round, featuring seasonal activities and events tailored to your family’s interests — from wellness retreats to adventure-packed experiences.

Here are just a few of the activities you can enjoy with your family on your next trip.

Choose your own ocean adventure

Experience the Florida Keys’ world-famous fishing from Hawks Cay’s full-service marina, the home base of Discovery Channel’s Saltwater Experience show. Head out on a guided tour for a shot to hook a mahi mahi, yellowtail, or snapper. For those looking to sharpen their skills, the resort offers interactive masterclasses where you can learn the art of bait selection, knot tying, how to maneuver your rod and reel like a pro, and a variety of casting styles.

The resort also offers access to some of the world’s best diving, snorkeling, and eco-adventures such as kayaking and paddleboarding on both the ocean and bay sides. You can even book a sunset cruise, island tour, or private boat charter with a captain.

Outdoor exercise for all ages

If you’re looking to stay active, check out Hawks Cay’s Cliff Drysdale tennis program, suitable for all ages and skill levels, with four lighted tennis courts and eight lighted pickleball courts for all day play. Schedule a private group lesson for maximum family bonding.

Find your inner Zen

Relax at Hawks Cay’s Calm Waters Spa where you can indulge in full-body rejuvenation in a laid-back, serene atmosphere. The spa offers eight treatment rooms, including two couple’s suites, three facial rooms, and a tropical rain room with a Vichy shower. The spa menu features Elemis products, and guests can enjoy a fitness room with group exercise classes and sound bath sessions, a relaxation room, candlelit whirlpool, eucalyptus steam room, and dry sauna for the ultimate relaxation experience.

One-of-a-kind kids’ adventures

Kids of all ages will have a blast at Hawks Cay with activities like family scavenger hunts, a soccer field, basketball courts and putting greens. Kids’ Night Out on Fridays and Saturdays offers a way to meet new friends and enjoy access to entertainment, PlayStation, foosball, and board games, plus pizza and movies.

At Coral Cay Activities & Adventure, Hawks Cay’s hub for family fun, there’s something for everyone. From swimming with mermaids to hunting for hidden treasure with pirates, arts and crafts, interactive games, and daily activities, there’s no shortage of things to do. Hawks Cay’s kids’ program, Camp Hawk, designed for ages 5-12 and named one of “Best Hotel Kids’ Programs” by Travel + Leisure, ensures younger travelers are cared for by trained counselors when the adults want to enjoy time on their own.

Flavors to bring the family together

Mix and match your dining experiences with six restaurants and bars across Hawks Cay. Savor the ultimate catch-of-the-day with the Hook and Cook experience at Angler & Ale: have your own fresh catch made to order by the chef. Or, kick back with cocktails, sandwiches, and salads at Tiki Grill, perfect for relaxing poolside. Adults can enjoy stunning ocean views with a laid-back vibe at Pilar Bar in Oasis Cay, an adults-only spot inspired by Ernest Hemingway. Enjoy rum flights, great cocktails, and a fresh raw bar menu.

With all these amenities and adventures, Hawks Cay Resort offers something for every member of the family, no matter their age or interests, making it the perfect destination for a multi-generational vacation and a place to build traditions year after year.

Ready to plan your getaway? Explore the new packages available during the Season of Discovery at HawksCay.com.

4 reasons why parents should consider an online school

2024-11-12T05:01:00

(BPT) – Are you considering enrolling your child in an online school? Virtual schooling has changed the educational landscape, offering students an innovative and somewhat customizable path to learning and exploration. This format of schooling also provides families with the ability to structure their days outside of traditional school constraints and broadens access to advanced courses and unique curriculums.

Of course, switching your student from a brick-and-mortar school to an online school is a big decision. To help you decide if online school is right for your family, check out these four benefits.

1. Unique and Advanced Learning Opportunities

For students seeking challenging coursework and specialized subjects, online schooling may be the best option. Instead of being tracked into a standard curriculum, they can explore advanced academic material or unique course offerings to reach their full potential. An online school can allow students to pursue academic interests that could not be served in a brick-and-mortar school. Course offerings in subjects such as advanced math, philosophy, college-level physics and time period-specific literature can grow your child’s academic passions.

An institution like Stanford Online High School (OHS) serves as an entry point into educational exploration beyond a standard curriculum. Stanford OHS offers rigorous middle school and high school classes as well as 32 college-level courses to challenge students at every level.

2. Different Online School Formats

Online education is offered in a wide spectrum of formats, allowing for tailored learning experiences that suit various family needs. With the option for live or recorded classes, intimate discussion seminars or lectures with thousands of students, and short-term or yearlong classes, your family’s needs will dictate which approach to online education fits you best — whether a structured application-based format or open online education.

Stanford OHS provides live, synchronous courses where students engage directly with their instructor and a small group of classmates via video and audio. This structured approach allows for active participation in class discussions and collaboration in small-group breakouts. At schools with live, synchronous class meetings like Stanford OHS, getting to know the instructor, making friends with other students, and completing group projects enrich the online class experience. The interactive nature of Stanford OHS supports real-time questions from students and feedback from instructors, building an exciting social community across grade levels, countries and cultures.

3. Global Community

Online schools draw students from all over the world. Your child will have the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures, broadening their horizons and making friendships that can last a lifetime.

Stanford OHS prides itself on being a global community with students from 48 U.S. states and 45 countries around the world. Collaborative projects and seminar-style discussion classes give your child the opportunity to become a global citizen and see the world from viewpoints different from their own.

4. Enhanced Lifestyle Autonomy

In-person education can limit where your family lives, travels and spends time. A key benefit of online education is that it provides families with the freedom to choose where to live without disrupting their child’s education. Whether you decide to move for better job opportunities, a change in climate or to live closer to extended family, online schooling allows your child to remain in the same school after a relocation. Your student can also maintain their schooling if they need to travel for a significant extracurricular activity such as a sport or artistic pursuit. Beyond academics, online schooling empowers families to pursue the possibilities beyond the constraints of traditional school hours.

Interested in exploring online schooling? Visit ohs.stanford.edu/take-tour to learn more.

Traveling for the holidays? Tips to protect your home while you are away

2024-11-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a time for joy and relaxation, and the last thing you want to worry about is your home while you’re away. To ensure a worry-free trip, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your property and enjoy peace of mind.

Prioritize your home security

If you’ve been considering installing security cameras but haven’t gotten around to it, now is the perfect time to act. Investing in home security cameras will help keep you and your loved ones safe, whether you’re traveling far or staying close to home this season.

There are many innovative and affordable home security solutions available that seamlessly blend into your décor. One of our favorites is the Blink Mini 2, a plug-in smart security camera with exceptional value. Its weather-resistant design makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (with the addition of a weather-resistant power adapter sold separately), making it ideal for winter. The compact camera offers high-resolution video, a wide field of view and an LED spotlight for night view in color so you are able to monitor your home during the day or night.

Stay connected for peace of mind

To stay informed about who’s at the door, the Blink Video Doorbell allows you to keep a watchful eye from anywhere. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or at home preparing for gatherings, this smart doorbell offers 1080p HD video both day and night, two-way audio, customizable motion alerts and privacy settings. While you’re away, you can easily manage deliveries and welcome guests, and when you’re home, it serves as an extra set of eyes, ensuring you never miss a moment while multitasking and getting ready for holiday festivities.

Illuminate your property

Lighting can deter unwanted visitors at night. The Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera features motion-triggered LED lighting, up to two years of battery life, wire-free install and real-time alerts. With HD day and infrared night video, motion detection, two-way audio and more, you can ensure that what matters most is protected around the clock.

For added security, consider Amazon smart lights. With the help of Alexa Routines, you can schedule the lights inside to turn on and off while you’re hundreds of miles away, creating the illusion that someone is home. If you’re staying local and hosting at home this season, guests always appreciate a little extra light walking up a dimly lit driveway!

Simplify your home security

Keeping your home secure has never been easier with smart home devices. The Blink Home Monitor app puts control at your fingertips, allowing you to monitor your entire security setup right from your smartphone. With multi-system support and simple setup, you can effortlessly manage multiple Blink cameras within one single app. Receive alerts about what matters most, day or night, no matter where you are. With Blink, staying connected to your home is just a tap away.

Be discreet about your travel plans

While sharing your vacation in real-time can be tempting, it can inadvertently make your home a target for unwanted visitors. Instead, inform a few trusted people — like a close neighbor or family member — about your plans in person or by phone. They can help keep an eye on your home and packages. Consider asking the post office to hold your mail while you’re away or have someone you trust pick it up for you.

With multi-system support, you can use Blink to watch your home, vacation home or business all at the same time — allowing you to enjoy worry-free travel this holiday season.

Learn more at BlinkForHome.com.

Get the timeless look of an Italian grotto in your home

2024-11-12T02:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever walked through a rustic, stone piazza in Italy — or dreamed of it — and wished you could bring a little of that look into your own home? You can. It’s a new design trend, using weathered stone and brick, which are normally associated with outdoor spaces, in your interior designs, creating warmth, timeless beauty and even a bit of drama in your home.

But stone and brick are heavy, oftentimes requiring structural reinforcements when using them in design. The solution? Manufactured stone veneer, or MSV. Its lightweight composition simplifies installation without the need for those additional structural reinforcements. Simply put, it’s easier to use and gives the same look, feel and warmth.

What is MSV? It’s a concrete mixture that is hand-colored with iron oxide pigments and cast in flexible molds taken from natural stone or traditional brick. Use it for focal points like exterior entrances, interior foyers, mudrooms, fireplaces, walls or kitchen backsplashes.

MSV innovations like those from Westlake Royal Building Products help bring timeless architectural features like archways, fireplaces and textured accent walls into homes. You can use it outside, too, to bring character to patios and outdoor entertaining areas. Stone and brick veneer integrates well with a variety of other materials, adding an organic component that enhances both interiors and exteriors.

Here are some ways to add the timeless look of stone, brick and wood to your interior designs.

Ancient inspiration. Infuse your home with Italian amorè! Turn your family room into an Italian grotto or your bathroom into an elegant spa with LoreioBrick, by Eldorado Stone. This linear brick veneer was inspired by ancient Roman architecture and lends a timeless air to the space. Pair it with beamed ceilings, wrought-iron fixtures and candles and you’ve got a modern bathroom with its roots in antiquity. Imagine earthy tones and neutral colors, blending classical and modern design.

Eledorado stone Loreio Brick wall beyond the archway of a blue room with plants and rustic pots.

The warmth of wood. Transform your den or family room into a contemporary lodge with Rivenwood, also by Eldorado Stone. Inspired by slender lengths of saw-cut barnwood, it’s rustic modern, with authentic wood details like nails, breaks and knots. It lends the feel of wide, open spaces, luxury ranch life and relaxing in front of the fire at the end of a long ride through the countryside.

Close up of Eldorado Stone wall in Rivenwood Shore Breeze color.

A mosaic of color. Country Ledgestone by Cultured Stone is ideal for creating a textural mosaic around a fireplace or on an accent wall. Think “organic modernism” that combines organic textures and nature-inspired elements with minimalist design to create warm, relaxed spaces. The look is long and sleek, offering a relaxing, yet upscale feel to your indoor spaces.

Wheaton Country Ledgestone Cultured Stone as accent wall in a livingroom with rustic furniture and plants.

A whisper of winter. Dutch Quality Stone’s Handformed Brick is a new, tumbled brick veneer. It brings to life old world craftsmanship, with every brick having a unique texture and artisanal charm. The attention to detail adds a rich sense of lineage to the look of your new or renovated space. Handformed Brick is available in three colorways, including the new Snowpack color that was inspired by the crisp, clean essence of freshly fallen snow.

Snowpack handformed bricks on rustic wood table with plates of homemade pie, a basket of blueberries and flowers.

The look of brick, stone and wood will infuse your walls with color, warmth and life, evoking images of ancient Italy, the open frontier or even a blanket of new snow.

Holiday humbug because of allergies?

2024-11-12T00:01:00

(BPT) – The magic of a snowy winter’s day and the joy of savoring holiday meals with friends and family can easily dissolve if you suffer from allergies or asthma. All of that sneezing and sniffling and coughing and wheezing can make you as grumpy as Scrooge.

“The winter holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are a joyous time for many of us, but that joy can turn into frustration if you have allergies or asthma,” says allergist James Tracy, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “It’s a common misconception that allergens disappear after the first hard freeze. People can suffer year round, and the holidays can be especially taxing.”

Here are some tips from ACAAI for enjoying winter weather and the holidays with allergies and asthma.

Bundle up outside. Making holiday memories with family means outdoor activities like sledding, ice skating on a frozen pond and building a snowman. Do it all this year, but don’t forget a face mask or scarf if you or your child has asthma. Cold, dry air can be a trigger. Keep asthma flares at bay with a cozy scarf around your mouth and nose, and get out there and throw some snowballs!

Indulge in the bounty of the season … carefully. Half the fun of holiday parties are tables loaded with the special dishes everyone brings. Savory stews, salads, latkes like your grandma used to make, your mother’s mac and cheese, desserts of all kinds. Don’t worry about the calories this once — but make sure you know what you’re eating if you or your children suffer from food allergies. It’s easy for allergens to slip into food someone else has prepared, so when in doubt, bring dishes you know your family can enjoy.

Prep for staying at grandma’s house. Many people travel for the holidays. Whether you’re staying at a hotel or with family or friends, remember there could be triggers like dust mites, mold and pet allergens. Make sure to pack your medicine, including injectable epinephrine, and bring your own pillow or dust mite-proof pillow cases.

Reconsider scented candles. Love a pine- or spice-scented candle filling your home with holiday aromas? You might want to rethink that. Scented candles and air fresheners can be an asthma trigger.

A snowstorm of sniffles? See an allergist. If your child is seemingly bringing home bug after bug during the holiday season, they might have undiagnosed allergies. It could be anything from pet allergies to dust mites to mold, and a host of other triggers. They can even be allergic to the Christmas tree! Have your child tested for allergies by a board-certified allergist. Knowing what they’re allergic to is the key to controlling symptoms and helping them enjoy the holidays (and every day) a whole lot more.

Uncouple from the bustle. The holidays can be a busy, hectic time with parties to host and gifts to buy and school performances to attend. But stress can make asthma symptoms worse. This year, slow down, take a deep breath, listen to favorite music and enjoy the simple things that the holidays are all about.

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, or suspect that you do, see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are trained to diagnose and treat your symptoms, and to work with you to create an individual action plan. To find an allergist in your area, use the ACAAI allergist locator tool.

About ACAAI

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3 ways you can help tackle food insecurity this holiday season

2024-11-12T02:01:00

(BPT) – While some people are pulling out their favorite family recipes this holiday season, millions of others are wondering where they will get their next meal. More than 44 million people, including 1 in 5 children, experience food insecurity each year, according to the USDA’s annual Household Food Insecurity in the United States report. This staggering number includes anyone who doesn’t have enough food to eat and people who are unsure of where their next meal is coming from. Food insecurity is more than just an empty plate, it’s a crisis that affects the health, education and well-being of our communities.

This critical need is one reason Charles Schwab has committed employee volunteers and financial resources to help provide hunger relief this holiday season. “When you start the day with a nutritious meal, it’s so much easier to focus on the things that will help you achieve in school, excel at work, and thrive in life,” said Kristine Dixon, managing director of Charles Schwab Community Affairs. “At Charles Schwab, one way we help build stronger communities is by working with local food banks and hunger relief organizations to help make a meaningful difference in so many lives.” Given its pervasive nature, food insecurity needs champions in all corners. As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, here are a few ways you can help address hunger relief and support your neighbors.

Donate to a local food bank

Inflation has driven up the cost of groceries, stretching paychecks thin and leaving more Americans struggling to make ends meet. Compounding that, 40% of food banks face a budget deficit, making it even harder to meet increasing community needs. Donating basic food items is a great way to help bridge the gap.

Most food banks accept dry packaged and canned food donations that are nonperishable and not expired. This can include items like canned soup, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and rice. Some locations also accept personal care items like toothbrushes and shampoo if they are unopened and in their original packaging.

If you’re not sure what to donate, monetary donations can go a long way. This funding can help food banks to stock exactly what they need, reduce waste, and help finance their organization.

Volunteer your time

The gift of your time can also be crucial, as most food banks rely on volunteers to keep their programs running smoothly and ensure that items are distributed to those in need. Volunteering responsibilities can include everything from loading food into boxes, serving hot meals to community members, delivering food, or packing meal kits.

Volunteering may seem like a big commitment, but by setting aside just a few hours, you can make a meaningful impact for families in your community who need support this holiday season.

Learn more about community initiatives

Food banks aren’t the only organizations working to tackle food insecurity, and organizations nationwide are teaming up to address this issue. Thousands of Charles Schwab employees will volunteer with Harvest Pack, a humanitarian hunger relief nonprofit, to pack nearly one million nutritious meals that will be donated to families in need across the country.

“One in ten Americans lives in a household with food insecurity,” said William McNally, executive director of Harvest Pack. “It’s a pervasive issue, and through the support of companies like Charles Schwab that are deeply invested in their local communities, we can make sure every family has a nutritious meal on the table.”

While no single person can solve the challenge of food insecurity, collective action — driven by companies, community leaders, nonprofits, volunteers and neighbors — can make a meaningful difference. As you prepare for the holiday season, consider how you can help your neighbors through donations, volunteering and community outreach.

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