XMWare

2017-12-12T08:13:00

(BPT) – Although there is plenty of love circulating around the holiday season, the thought of entertaining in the comforts of your home can be a stressful factor that often feels like a massive responsibility. Luckily, culinary and design guru Athena Calderone of the popular lifestyle blog EyeSwoon can provide some advice and tips to transform you into the hostess with the mostest!

Plan and prep your meal in advance

The last thing you want to think about is slaving away over the stove while your friends and family are celebrating in the other room. For starters, always write out the menu! Seeing the entire meal described in one place helps you better spot whether you need to add something — fresh or crisp. Finally, make an ingredient shopping list so your grocery store experience is focused. From plan to prep, this process is paramount in making the most of any holiday meal — with the least amount of stress possible.

Ensure roasting and searing success

The best part about roasting and searing is your oven can do all the hard work for you, if you just keep a few tips in mind.

For oven-roasting or pan-sautéing your meals to caramelized perfection, do not overcrowd your pan. Doing so will steam your veggies or protein — not good for flavor or presentation. Instead, sear on the stovetop in batches, or if you have a lot of ingredients, use multiple sheet pans when roasting in the oven.

Next, always preheat your oven. With LG SmartThinQ technology, preheating your LG oven remotely from your smartphone can keep meal time on track effortlessly and is a great home hack. It’s also super helpful for switching temperature settings from dish to dish. Another tip? Pop the empty pan in the oven as it heats. Starting with a piping-hot pan before you add your veggies helps ensure a swoony sear. Finally, bring any protein to room temperature before cooking. A cold cut of meat will immediately reduce the temperature of your pan and prevent that golden goodness you are after.

Serve family style

Consider a self-serve solution for your holiday meals. Not only does this save you from having to formally plate each dish, but it also allows you to sample more food. The key to creating an eye-catching buffet is to use different colors, textures and heights. Think about the hues of the food beforehand to avoid a monotone palette, and use platters and pedestals to create a multilevel composition on the serving table.

Time and kitchen management

Organizing your time and your kitchen is essential come the holiday season because there is never enough space in the refrigerator and the queue for the oven is always endless. That’s why you need to plan your meal with kitchen efficiency in mind.

Decadent pots de crème, for example, are a perfect holiday dessert, but have to be made at least one night before the party to ensure they set properly. With an LG InstaView refrigerator, you can simply knock twice on the tinted glass panel to see inside without opening the door and losing cold air.

When it comes to the main course, an entree like a braised meat is the smartest choice, since a slow-cooked dish is even more delicious when it has a few days for the flavors to meld together. This also saves precious oven space for more a la minute recipes on the big day.

Follow these tips and you’ll realize there is plenty to love about hosting the holiday dinner after all.

2017-12-12T13:01:01

(BPT) – A photo with family and friends — ugly sweaters and all — is a holiday tradition. But getting everyone posed in front of the fireplace is just the first step. From selecting the right settings, to taking the photo, to sending it to our loved ones, so much goes into capturing the moment. At Samsung Electronics America, this got us thinking: How are we capturing and sharing moments this holiday season?

We conducted a survey of over 1,000 smartphone owners in the U.S., and 85 percent of respondents told us smartphones are their top choice for taking holiday photos. That’s why we’ve engineered and designed the Samsung Galaxy family of smartphones with great cameras. With the Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active and Note8, easy photo modes will make your holiday feast stand out on any newsfeed, and voice- and gesture-activated timers make getting the whole family in the holiday card a breeze, especially with the wide-angle selfie mode.

Capturing (and sharing) the moment

We all love sharing holiday photos on social media. In fact, our survey found 50 percent of consumers post more pictures on social media during the holidays than during the rest of the year, and 45 percent say they receive more likes and comments during the holidays. Forty-two percent of those surveyed also noted they are more likely to participate in a holiday activity if there are good photo-taking opportunities.

When taking holiday photos, 60 percent of respondents said that they would be more likely to snap pictures if their cameras had features designed for winter activities such as low-light capabilities, dual cameras, or larger screens/displays.

Here are some tips for expert photo taking this holiday season:

Expert tips for low-light photos:

* When shooting in low-light conditions against an illuminated background, turn your subject toward the brightest point. That way, whatever light there is will hit where you want it — plus you’ll compose a more interesting shot.

* When capturing moving subjects in dark conditions, digital zoom is rarely your friend. Resolution is lost with each level of magnification, so for better close-ups, avoid zoom and move as close to your subject as possible.

* If you’re shooting a skyline or landscape at night on a Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active or Note8, switch to Pro mode. Adjust your camera’s ISO settings and set your shutter speed to a longer time. Opt for a stable surface to keep the shot steady.

Closer together

The holidays are a time to connect and spend time with those you care about: 51 percent of consumers say a picture with family members is their most sought-after photo of the season.

Expert tips for taking quality family photos:

* Whether you opt in to matching ugly sweaters or not, color coordinating or wearing items from the same hue (warm versus cool) will help tie your family’s look together.

* To ensure that everyone is in the shot and one person isn’t stuck behind the lens, opt for a smartphone that has a camera delay timer. On your Galaxy device you can choose a delay of 2, 5 or 10 seconds. If you have Bixby on your device, you can even use your voice. Just say, “Hey Bixby, set the timer for rear camera to 10 seconds.”

* Smartphones that capture portrait shots are great for enhancing your subjects. With the Galaxy Note8, the Live Focus feature lets you capture portrait and wide-angle shots at the same time.

There’s no place like home

Every family has their own traditions but some things are universal — everyone loves cute photos. Parents with children at home and families with pets are more likely — by 22 percent and 29 percent respectively — to take photos of these cute sidekicks. Of course, sometimes kids and puppies don’t make the most cooperative subjects, so how can you capture the moment regardless of their willingness to sit still?

Expert tips for reducing blur:

* If you’re shooting a fast-moving subject and don’t want motion in the shot, use a fast shutter speed.

* The Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active and Note8 feature an enhanced Smart Auto Focus on the front-facing camera that tracks every face in the frame, so all your shots stay sharp and in focus.

A feast for the eyes

The most popular foodie photos of the season are holiday pies and desserts — with 57 percent of respondents noting they’ll take a photo of their sweet treats over other foods.

Expert tips for food shots:

* A straight-on shot over your plate lacks visual interest. Switch it up by taking photos from multiple angles to see what works best.

* Food Mode on the Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active and Note8 is optimized for pictures of delicious treats. Activate it and you’ll get enhanced color, contrast and blue tone effects that make everything more enticing.

Whether you spend the holidays with friends or family, inside or outside, with children or puppies, while eating cookies or pie, the best way to capture and share your memories is right in the palm of your hand, made possible by the unmatched camera quality of the Samsung Galaxy family of smartphones.

For more information on the Samsung Galaxy smartphone family, visit https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy/.

2017-12-13T08:01:02

(BPT) – While hosting the holidays can be a nerve-wracking experience, it doesn’t have to completely derail the rest of the joy of the season. The truth is even the most veteran holiday hosts feel some anxiety leading up to the big day. There’s a ton to do and remembering it all can be hard. To simplify your life and your holidays, renowned interior designer Nate Berkus offers his best tips for entertaining with style.

Make sure your kitchen is ready

Without fail your kitchen becomes command central, and the No. 1 place guests like to congregate. Fact. Embrace it, and use your kitchen island to set up snacks, a bar and add extra seating. You want people to feel at home, especially during the holidays.

Be ready with a pre-stocked bar

As host, you want to make sure you get to enjoy the party along with your guests. Get ahead of things by making sure your bar is fully stocked, and making a pre-mixed pitcher of your go-to holiday cocktail. Have your hors d’oeuvres ready to go and make sure you have enough ice — with LG’s SmartThinQ technology, you can have your fridge make ice from your smartphone, for extra easy party prep.

Create an impressive tablescape

Stick to a neutral color scheme, even during the holidays. Then add in metallic accents for some extra shine; brass candleholders and napkin rings will instantly up the ante. You can also pull in greenery from your garden and finish off your tablescape with candles. Finally, make sure your table linens are fresh, pressed and ready to go. With the LG Styler you can hang your items (from linens to favorite holiday sweaters) and have them steamed and refreshed, in just 20 minutes.

Mix up the seating chart

Have fun with your seating chart. You want guests to get to know each other and spark unexpected connections. It can put people out of their comfort zone, so be mindful of who you bring together, and try to seat guests next to someone you know will share common interests. Use a super chic place card at each setting to finish off the tablescape.

Take something home

Send your guests home with a small reminder from the evening. If it’s a sit-down dinner, it could be their place card setting. It will serve as a sweet memento from the gathering.

2017-12-13T10:37:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a time of year when you want to show how much you care with your generosity and thoughtfulness. But as expected, searching for holiday gifts can bring the longest shopping sprees (and lines) of the year. Not only do you have to find the right gift for the right person, you then have to wrap it and mail it. And as your list of recipients to shop for grows throughout December, the thought of getting everything accomplished in time is simply exhausting.

At Staples, you’ll find plenty of gifts and services under one roof that will help you cross off everything on your holiday shopping and “must-do” task lists. You can even wrap, pack up and ship your gifts right in the store; even if you can’t get to Staples before December 14, they can still guarantee the gift’s arrival by Christmas if you choose the overnight or second-day shipping option.

To inspire you, here are a few perfect last minute gifts now available at Staples:

For the new homeowner: There’s almost no one who is easier to shop for, but a set of colorful glass ornaments from Plum & Punch ($12.99) will adorn their new home’s first Christmas tree with style and sophistication.

For your favorite colleagues: Turn their next coffee break into game time. They can knock down a few rounds of ghosts with a PacMan Electronic Handheld Game ($19.99) or get up and moving with a 2-in-1 Bowling Shuffleboard Set ($12.99).

For the techie in your life: The Staples Gaming Chair ($99.99) lets them settle in and stay comfortable during long, intense gaming sessions. The sleek and stylish Lenovo Flex 5 2-in-1 Notebook ($589.99) is perfect for a day spent relaxing at a coffee shop or working from home.

For anyone you love: This year, add a personal touch to your gifts. Whether it’s time to design holiday greeting cards from your family or you’re looking for a simple and beautiful card to attach to your gift, stop by the Staples Print and Marketing Services desk for easy ideas to customize gifts and season’s greetings to perfection. Even better, Staples offers same day delivery on select greeting cards for both Christmas and New Year’s, so you can get the task done on your schedule.

Spread the joy to everyone you love while saving time and stress in the process by turning to Staples for all your gift-giving and shipping needs. To find more tools and ideas, visit Staples.com.

2017-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – What do we say about the holiday season? It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Amidst the wonder of the season that includes plenty of shopping and celebrating, spending can get out of control. Before we know it, bills come due and suddenly things really aren’t so wonderful anymore.

So this year, let’s flip the script and come into the season with a plan, one that will allow us to celebrate the season, preserve the wonder and step into 2018 with our finances intact. You can do it and these tips can help.

* If you can’t pay cash, then don’t pay at all. A lot of our spending problems come from putting too many purchases on our credit cards during the holidays. Credit card debt is basically a high-interest loan. Don’t be one of the 65 percent of people that keep this credit card debt going. If you can’t pay for it right away, don’t buy it.

* Make your list and check it twice. When finalizing your gift list, add a dollar amount next to each person, then stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and actually makes you more thoughtful with your gift choices. It’s a win-win.

* Celebrate the experience. Consider gifting experiences like hosting a potluck at your apartment or planning a unique activity for the group to enjoy. These events have the opportunity to create memories for your family and friends that will far exceed those of items they may never use.

* Treat yourself … affordably. We all love to gift ourselves, so set aside a little extra money ahead of time to buy your own present. Just make sure you’ve budgeted for this expense beforehand and don’t overspend on yourself.

* Consider consolidating your debt. If you do find you need a little additional financial support during the holiday season, a personal loan through LendingClub can help. Personal loans are an easy, affordable way to refinance high-interest credit card debt, and offer a lower interest rate at a fixed term so you know when you’ll have your debt under control. LendingClub users on average* save almost $300 per month by consolidating their debt. Sixty-four percent of borrowers report using their loans to refinance existing loans or pay off their credit debit, so do your research to see if this option works for you.

Savor and save this holiday

The most wonderful time of the year doesn’t have to be the most expensive as well. Apply the tips above and stick to your financial plan during all the holiday merrymaking and you’ll set yourself up to make 2018 your best year yet.

*Based on responses from 2,259 borrowers in a survey of 14,049 randomly selected borrowers conducted from 1/1/17-7/31/17, borrowers who received a loan to consolidate existing debt or pay off their credit card balance reported that they saved $287 a month on average.

2017-12-18T09:05:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a favorite time of year for many. We love decorating our homes, baking cookies, donating to our favorite charities, and listening to those classic songs we only get to enjoy a few short weeks each year. There’s all the holiday parties and celebrations. And of course, a big part of the season includes buying gifts for those we care about.

There’s a lot that’s crammed into the holidays, so finding the time to get to everything we want and need to do can feel challenging. Fortunately, technology can help!

Check out these gifting tips to help you save time and stay within budget this year.

Free up some room in your sleigh.

If you’re traveling for the holidays, the trip itself often has an impact on the gifts you purchase. But it doesn’t have to. If a long flight or drive made you shy away from larger gifts in the past, choose to buy online and ship your gifts to your final destination this year. Many of these services also offer gift wrapping and because the package is already being shipped, you don’t need to delay your trip waiting for your package to arrive.

No minute like the last minute.

This holiday season forget old fashioned cash and checks. There’s a new way to gift money right from your mobile banking app with Zelle^®. Forget about going to the ATM, or having to find a stamp and then wait for the person to go cash your check. Zelle enables you to send money quickly, safely and easily with your mobile phone to almost anyone with a bank account in the U.S. Best of all, the funds are available to your loved one typically within minutes[1] when both parties are already enrolled. Most likely, you already have Zelle as part of your mobile banking app; otherwise, you can still use Zelle by downloading the Zelle app for Android and iOS.

Getting the elves together.

You have that special friend who deserves the designer purse and you know how much it would mean to her. You round up your girlfriends and pool your money together. You can use Zelle to split the cost of the gift with everyone. All you need is their email address or U.S. mobile phone number[2]. Zelle lets you request money with just a few taps on your mobile phone, making it easy to pool your resources and get the perfect gift for that special person on your list.

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be hectic, particularly if you haven’t finished your shopping. Technology can help you make every minute count. Utilize some of the tips above and hopefully your holiday shopping and the festivities will be a littler merrier for you and your loved ones.

To learn more about Zelle and its participating financial institutions, visit www.zellepay.com.

###

2017-12-20T16:59:00

(BPT) – Between trips to the mall, cross-country travel and never-ending hosting duties, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos of the holidays and forget to experience the joys the season bring. From capturing and sharing their favorite memories to booking flights and shopping for gifts, holiday shoppers rely on their smartphones to power through the holidays and need a dependable wireless network to keep them streaming and snapping all season long.

This year, SIMPLE Mobile has partnered with YouTube personality Jenn McAllister to share her top holiday tips that will help you conquer holiday chaos and successfully ‘sleigh’ the season to bring more joy — and less stress — like never before.

1. Having trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year? Download some fun holiday games on your smartphone to ramp up that holiday cheer. Bonus points if they’re multi-player and you can share the holiday fun with friends and family.

2. Bored this holiday season? Stream YouTube videos! With SIMPLE Mobile, it’s super easy, because their $50 Truly Unlimited 30-day plan will give you all the 4G LTE† data you could ever need! So no excuses. (Video typically streams at DVD quality).

3. Having trouble figuring out the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season? Take the pressure off by ordering them a fun gag gift — they can be cheaper and will bring a smile to the person you give them to!

4. Want to spread a little holiday cheer? Prank your friends and family by texting them lyrics from your favorite holiday song. The reactions will be priceless!

The holiday season is the best time of the year, so why not enjoy it? SIMPLE Mobile $50 Truly Unlimited 30-day plan offers unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE† data so you can share, snap and stream all holiday long without worrying about overages or mystery fees (video typically streams at DVD quality). So, go ahead, spend more on gifts for loved ones, travel and entertaining and truly experience all the joys the holidays have to offer. For more information on SIMPLE Mobile, visit: SIMPLEMobile.com.

Please refer always to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service at SIMPLEMobile.com. Price does not include taxes and fees.

†To get 4G LTE speed, you must have a 4G LTE capable device and 4G LTE SIM. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

2017-12-21T14:41:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is the most wonderful (and busy) time of year. While the season means plenty of quality time spent with loved ones, it can also bring chaos and stress when it comes to buying gifts, coordinating travel and planning family functions.

Luckily, there are some simple ways to tackle the holidays with confidence. Just ask mom, TV personality and blogger Ali Fedotowsky-Manno. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year — and, I tend to take on way too much. That’s why I depend on Total Wireless to get me through it all with my smartphone, so I can focus on spending time with the people I love.”

Here are Ali’s top tips for managing the chaos of the holidays:

1. Plan Ahead: Planning ahead doesn’t just mean buying all your gifts early. Instead of scrambling to bake cookies or wrap presents right before a holiday party, I like to make checklists of things I can prepare ahead of time. That way, I can actually enjoy holiday get-togethers, whether I am a host or a guest.

2. Stay organized: As my family grows, I’ve learned how easy it is to get lost in the clutter of holiday wish lists, activities, events and travel, and a paper to-do list is way too easy to lose. My smartphone has become an essential tool that gives me the confidence to tackle the holiday season. I create lists for each family member, keep track of my holiday to-dos, coordinate travel and schedule reminders in my calendar for holiday events and parties.

3. Shop anywhere: Honestly, I probably do 95 percent of my shopping online. Holiday shopping in-person means dealing with bumper-to-bumper parking lot traffic and crowds that never end. Great plans from Total Wireless and my smartphone gives me the confidence to shop from the palm of my hand, wherever I am.

4. Focus on what really matters: When I make time for family, friends, exercise and sleep, my mood is one hundred times better. Taking the time to unwind is so helpful — I like to take walks with my family or even just snuggle in bed with a cup of tea! Take some time to slow down, breathe and remember this time of year is about the people you love.

Total Wireless gives you the confidence you need to break free from the hassles of the holidays. Its four line Shared Family Plan is just $25/line per month with Unlimited Talk & Text, plus 25GB of shared* data, keeping the entire family connected on America’s largest and most dependable 4G LTE† network.

Learn more at TotalWireless.com.

*The 30-Day cycle for Shared Data Family Plans begins on the day the first line/device is activated. Any line(s)/device(s) activated later in the first 30-Day cycle will receive only the number of days remaining in that cycle. A month equals 30 days. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions of service at TotalWireless.com

†To get 4G LTE speed where available you must have a 4G LTE capable device and a 4G LTE SIM card. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions of service at TotalWireless.com
Prices do not include fees or taxes

2017-12-22T09:19:00

(BPT) – For many people, the holiday season means extra visits with family and friends, creating fun memories, sharing traditions and enjoying the warm glow of family.

With all the decorating and activities, it’s easy to let safety slip off your to-do list. But this is an excellent time to make sure powerful medicines don’t fall into the wrong hands.

Prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies we rely on can be dangerous to others, and not just to children. It is true that about 60,000 young children are taken to the emergency room each year because they got into medicines left within easy reach. Unfortunately, older kids and teens often experiment with drugs they find in someone else’s medicine cabinet.

A surprising number of heroin users started abusing drugs by taking opioid pain killers stolen from a family member. In fact, drug addiction crosses ALL age groups, and it often starts with prescription medicines.

Here are six ways to safeguard your prescription drugs — and your loved ones:

1. Keep all medicines and over-the-counter items — especially cough syrup, sleep aids and motion sickness medicine — locked up, or move them to a place where they won’t be easily found.

2. Sort through all your medicines and get rid of old or unused ones. The label will tell you how to dispose of them. Before you put them in the trash, mix them with something that tastes bad, like cat litter or old coffee grounds, and then put them in a sealed bag or old container and place it in the trash. (Most medicine should not be flushed because it gets into creeks and rivers.) Ask the pharmacy or police department about “drug take-back” programs for an even safer method of disposal.

3. Keep track of your medicines on a regular basis (weekly), especially opioids or other pain killers, including how many pills you should have.

4. Check around your home for old medicines. Purses, coat pockets, kitchen cupboards, bureau drawers and hall closets are common places to find old medicines.

5. If you take prescriptions with you when staying in someone else’s home, quietly ask your host or another trusted adult to lock them up or find a secure place to store them. Suitcases and purses are not safe places to keep powerful prescriptions.

6. Keep the Poison Help number handy in case of emergencies: (800) 222-1222.

More information on how to avoid becoming an “unwitting supplier” of prescription medications is available from the Food and Drug Administration.

2017-12-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – For people around the world, New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the joys of the past 365 days while looking forward to the fun year ahead!

When Roman leader Caesar Augustus designated Jan. 1 as the first calendar day in honor of the two-faced god Janus, who could simultaneously look back into the past and forward into the future, Romans celebrated by exchanging gifts, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending raucous parties.

Today, Americans similarly celebrate by gathering together with friends and family to mark time and renew valued relationships. But how exactly do Americans celebrate the New Year in the modern age? According to a new survey from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, the Official Bubbly of Times Square New Year’s Eve:

* We’re looking forward to 2018.

Fifty-six percent of Americans feel optimistic about what the New Year will bring.

* We dream about partying Big Apple style.

Seventy-four percent of millennials and half of all Americans place “Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square” on their bucket lists. The tradition started in 1904 and has been ongoing every year since, with the Times Square crowd now witnessing more than a million revelers in attendance.

* We like to break open the bubbly!

More than 75 percent of Americans prefer to toast the traditional way, with a sparkling alcoholic beverage such as a Brut Cuvée or Moscato. “Fizzy wine on Dec. 31 is like chocolates on Feb. 14, flags on July 4 and pumpkins on Oct. 31,” writes food critic Michael Austin in the Chicago Tribune. “It’s hard to imagine one without the other. Besides being a great aperitif — possibly the best aperitif we have — sparkling wine is also good with just about every kind of food, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert.”

* Oh yes, we will bust a move.

Nearly two thirds of Americans agree with the statement, “It’s not a party until the dancing starts.” Dancing is one reason that through December, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly hosted multiple “Bring the Bubbly” pop-up dance parties in different cities, bringing the official bottle of bubbly across the country. That journey, which benefited several nonprofits, culminates with the grand finale — the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, slated to be the biggest, best dance party in the U.S. Look for party officials to pop bottles of bubbly onstage as the clock strikes 12.

* Champagne snobs? Not.

Fifty-seven percent of Americans would prefer a few bottles of reasonably priced champagne to one bottle of luxury champagne. That may be because there are so many affordable, yet festive and delicious options from which to choose. “There are lots of styles to explore, and few things in wine exploration are as satisfying as figuring out what you like and don’t like,” Austin writes.

With multiple varietals of bubbly affordably priced at just $10 each, Barefoot Bubbly, the Official Bubbly of Times Square New Year’s Eve, is sure to offer the perfect bottle for your celebration. Here’s to a joyful 2018!