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Bee responsible! How to attract pollinators to your garden and help them thrive

2018-06-20T07:01:15

(BPT) – It’s been in the news for years now: the decline of pollinators such as honeybees and butterflies, and how it’s upsetting our world’s healthy ecosystem. We need pollinators for the growth of many of the foods we eat each day – according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, some scientists estimate that one in three bites of food we take result from the work of pollinators. Berries, apples, oranges, almonds and scores of other foods, not to mention flowers, rely on pollinators. If they disappear, those foods will fade along with them.

So, why are pollinators declining? They can’t find enough food because their habitats are disappearing.

Fortunately, we can all help protect pollinators. Ortho, a leading brand in lawn and garden, recently teamed up with the Pollinator Stewardship Council for a consumer education campaign, “Bee Responsible,” aimed at helping home gardeners protect the pollinators in their yards, attract more of them and help them thrive.

In 2016, after evaluating the risk to honeybees and other pollinators, Ortho also announced plans to phase out neonicotinoid-based pesticides from all its outdoor gardening products and is investing in alternative pest control solutions. Ortho’s parent company, Scotts Miracle-Gro, has funded 125 pollinator-friendly gardens throughout the country.

Want to attract pollinators to your yard and help them thrive? Here are some tips.

Make your garden pollinator friendly. Nectar and pollen-packed plants attract honeybees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Choose colorful flowers, such as alyssum, aster, delphinium, flax, lavender, liatris, lupine, phlox or zinnia. Check with your local garden store for native plants and flowers that thrive in your climate and choose a range of plants that bloom in different seasons.

Encourage neighbors to do the same. If one pollinator-friendly garden is good, a network of them dotting your neighborhood is better. This could provide enough habitat and resources to help restore and bolster the pollinator population in your community.

Control pests in your garden. Insects and mites can bring disease and destruction to your garden, undoing all of the good you’re trying to do for pollinators. Ortho’s neonic-alternative 3-in-1 Insect, Mite & Disease control will help banish the bad bugs in your garden. To use responsibly, avoid spraying when it’s windy, apply the product at dusk and dawn when pollinators are less active and avoid using the product on blooms. Another tip: Use native plants whenever possible. They usually require less pesticide than plants from other zones.

Provide shelter. Bees and butterflies need shelter, so make sure your yard has some cozy nesting sites, like leaves, moss, piles of grass or a patch of yard you just let go wild. Also, check out bee houses in your neighborhood garden store. They’re artistic and fun, and they provide bees with shelter for their offspring to thrive.

Don’t forget the water. Your garden will provide the nectar and pollen. But bees, birds and butterflies need water, too. A decorative bird bath, water feature or even a shallow rain catcher will give your buzzing friends the water they need.

Install a hummingbird feeder. Imagine sitting outside with your first cup of coffee in the morning and watching those magical hummingbirds dart around the feeder. You’ll be nourishing your garden and your spirit at the same time.

By providing pollinators with friendly habitats, backyard gardeners can help these vital components in our ecosystem regain a foothold.


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Travel spotlight: Titletown is a touchdown for sports enthusiasts

2018-06-19T08:01:01

(BPT) – Some travel trends come and go, but others have staying power. Sports-themed travel is gaining momentum in 2018, and experts predict that it’s only going to get bigger. If you like the thrill of competition, the history of the game and the joy of being a fan, consider sports-themed destinations for your next vacation.

Location

A prime example for sports-themed travel is Green Bay, Wisconsin. Whether you are a Packers fan or a football fanatic, this distinctive area is ideal for couples, families or guy-and-girlfriend getaways — particularly the new Titletown development, which offers travelers an array of sports-themed activities to explore, with something to tempt all of the senses.

A 45-acre development adjacent to Lambeau Field, Titletown is the place to be, boasting a variety of amenities, a big brewery and an impressive outdoor park experience with year-round programming. Check out a concert or start a pickup game of football on the artificial turf. Everyone feels welcome here.

Accommodations

Located just yards from Lambeau Field, LODGE KOHLER gives you a home field advantage in the heart of the action. The hotel design is rugged yet refined, and it commemorates the game with historic Biever family photos of the Green Bay Packers throughout the timeless brick building.

Revel in the convenience and comfort of boutique-style hotel offerings, featuring warm and spirited accommodations, on-site dining, encapsulating spa, family pool and a fitness center featuring yoga classes from the resident yoga instructor. The authentic Midwestern hospitality will make you feel at home no matter how far you’ve traveled.

Attractions

Of course the time-honored draw of Green Bay has been and always will be Lambeau Field — one of the most storied and hallowed stadiums in the United States. At the Packers Hall of Fame in the Lambeau Field Atrium, visitors can discover interactive displays, guided tours and the seasonal Packers Training Camp.

Explore more of the sports team’s past on the Oneida Nation Walk of Legends or the Packers Heritage Trail, which pays homage to the buildings, businesses and people that have historical significance to the team. Team history abounds around every corner of Green Bay’s scenic and extensive urban trail and may be traveled by foot, Segway or trolley.

Celebrations

There’s even more worth celebrating this year in Green Bay: The Packers have spent a century on the gridiron. The 100 Seasons celebration will feature numerous events in Titletown and throughout Green Bay, culminating with an epic 100th birthday party on Aug. 11, 2019.

Want more than football? Neighboring Lambeau Field, the Resch Center — home of the Green Bay Phoenix men’s college basketball team and USHL Green Bay Gamblers hockey team — offers year-round entertainment, as it hosts an onslaught of spectacular national touring artists and family entertainment on and off the ice.

Eats and sweets

Hunger will lead you to LODGE KOHLER for memorable dining. Meet at Leaps & Bounds Cafe for a quaint breakfast, lunch or coffee perk-up featuring signature Nitro Draft Coffee. Revel in the sweeping views of the stadium from the outdoor terrace and panoramic windows at Taverne in the Sky, which features modern rotisserie cuisine for lunch and dinner. For dessert or a sweet treat, get a taste of artfully crafted KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates.

Craft your perfect sports-themed travel experience to Green Bay for a game day or any day. Learn more at https://www.lodgekohler.com.


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Protecting your peace of mind, and your bottom line

2018-06-19T09:09:00

(BPT) – How big is your retirement nest egg? Is there a chance you could outlive it? Even if you’re socking money into your 401(k) every paycheck like clockwork, that’s a question worth pondering. Americans are living longer, more active, younger lives. They say that 60 is the new 40, and if you look around at who we used to call “senior citizens,” you’ll see people in their prime. That’s the good news.

It also presents a problem. We’re all facing a silent, growing crisis. Study after study, including financial research organization LIMRA’s 2016 Secure Retirement Study, shows that many Americans underestimate their retirement expenses. Today, retirement isn’t the end of your life, it’s a transition point. It’s about enjoying the fruits of your labors without the stress of your 9-to-5. Will you have enough money to do that for the rest of your life?

Kent Sluyter, president of Prudential Annuities, says the first step toward achieving that goal is to change your mindset. We’re all programmed to think about retirement savings, contributing to that 401(k) and accumulating wealth month after month and year after year. That’s important, no doubt, but it’s only one part of the retirement puzzle. It’s also about generating regular income during retirement, so you’re not simply depleting your accumulated retirement savings with nothing coming in to replenish the pot.

One way to get a regular “paycheck” during retirement, Sluyter says, is with annuities. But they’re not top of mind for many people, and misinformation and confusion is floating around out there, even in financial advisors’ offices.

“The annuities market is at an inflection point,” says Sluyter. “Annuities are passed over by many consumers and investors because they are often perceived as expensive and unnecessary.”

Annuity sales fell 8 percent in 2017, according to LIMRA data. Observers attribute much of the drop to the Department of Labor’s Fiduciary Rule that governs the way financial professionals sell and market annuities. The rule made it less attractive for many to sell annuities and created a great deal of media coverage that amplified existing negative perceptions of them. Annuities have a reputation of being complex, which only increases the risk of their being misunderstood. However, annuities can serve a critical purpose within a retirement portfolio among a combination of strategies, investments and products.

That’s why several companies, including Prudential, recently established the Alliance for Lifetime Income with the goal of promoting greater understanding of how annuities can protect retirement income and help grow retirement savings.

“Through the Alliance, we’re fostering clarity and simplicity, so consumers have confidence in lifetime income solutions such as annuities,” says Sluyter.

Annuity 101

What are annuities, exactly, and how do they differ from other retirement savings? Here’s a short course in Annuity 101.

An annuity is an insurance product that guarantees income. Just like an insurance policy, you pay into it, often in a lump sum, and it guarantees you monthly, quarterly or yearly payouts for the rest of your life. There are three different types:

Fixed annuity. These allow you to lock in a rate of earning that, even over lengthy periods of time, remain unaffected by market ups and downs.

Indexed annuity. This is tied to a stock index, giving the annuity the potential to grow if the index goes up. If it goes down, you still get any minimum rate of return you agreed to when you bought it.

Variable annuity. If you’ve got high risk tolerance, this may be the best choice for you. Your lump sum is invested, there’s no minimum interest rate guarantee and you may lose money.

Why are more consumers investing in annuities? Sluyter explains:

  • Recent equity market volatility is making consumers nervous. Combine that with better clarity from the U.S. Department of Labor about the Fiduciary Rule, and annuities are once again becoming more attractive. Current industry expectations are for a slight uptick in sales this year.
  • The 2017 Language of Retirement study found most Americans favor financial strategies that offer guaranteed lifetime income. Ninety percent of all consumers who responded to the survey are very or somewhat interested in receiving lifetime income, which is what an annuity can provide.
  • The industry has evolved beyond traditional variable annuities, offering new, more flexible options such as fixed indexed annuities, which can provide protection and are tied to one or more indexes, rather than direct equity performance.

The bottom line is that protected retirement income can help provide much-needed peace of mind for many Americans.

Annuities are issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pruco Life Insurance Company (in New York, by Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey), located in Newark, NJ (main office), or by Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation located in Shelton, CT. (main office). Variable annuities are distributed by Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc., Shelton, CT. All are Prudential Financial companies and each is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.


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Paint like a pro in 5 easy steps

2018-06-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – Nothing transforms a home quite like a fresh coat of paint. In fact, painting your own house is one of the smartest and easiest DIY upgrades a homeowner can accomplish on their own.

“Summer is the ideal time to tackle a painting project, as the warmer temperatures lead to faster drying times, and you can comfortably leave the windows open for better ventilation,” said Megan Youngs, Product Manager at DAP. “Just remember, a little bit of preparation goes a long way toward creating a professional look that will last for years to come.”

Before reaching for a paintbrush, follow these paint preparation tips from the experts at DAP.

Clean Up Your Act – Paint adheres better to a smooth, clean surface. While living room walls may only need a dry dusting, kitchens and bathrooms, where dirt, grease, oil or mildew can build up, need extra attention. Wash surfaces with soap and water, rinse well and allow them to fully dry. For bathrooms, remove mildew by applying a solution of one-part bleach to three-parts water and allow the solution to sit for 20 minutes. Then scrub the mildew with a soft-bristle brush, rinse the surface and allow it to dry. Be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when working with this bleach-and-water solution.

Scrape and Sand – Now that the surface is dry, smooth down the surface with a bit of fine-grit sandpaper. This is particularly important if painting over a glossy finish, as paint applies more evenly to dull surfaces. In addition, going over the area with sandpaper will help uncover any cracks, holes or dents that could diminish the final look of your project. Another pro tip is to shine a bright light at a low angle across the surface to spot any problem areas. After you have sanded or scraped the area, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue.

Don’t Forget the Details – Anyone can paint over a wide, smooth surface, but it’s the attention to detail around windows and doors that truly separates a mediocre job from the pros. Use painter’s tape to protect window sills, molding, baseboards, door hinges and the ceiling perimeter, taking your time to ensure that every corner is properly protected. These areas are also prone to gaps and cracks. Remove any loose or cracked caulking from windows, doors and trim, and apply a fresh bead of sealant for a smooth, sealed surface. Alex Flex Premium Molding & Trim Sealant is specifically formulated for use on molding and trim applications. The sealant is paintable in just 30 minutes with latex or oil-based paints, saving time and resulting in a seamless, more professional finish.

Fill It Up – Now it’s time to tackle the main surface. Cracks, holes and dents will mar the finished project, so apply spackle to fill in these areas. Open a container of pre-mixed spackling compound and scoop up a small amount with a putty knife. There’s no need to pile it on. Instead, start with a small amount, and with a shallow knife strike, spread the compound over the hole or crack in a smooth, downward motion. Repeat until the hole is completely filled in. Want to get rid of those stubborn recurring cracks? Reach for Alex Flex Flexible Spackling, which provides maximum flexibility and moves with the repaired surface as problem areas expand and contract with changes in weather and humidity. It’s also easy to sand to a smooth, feathered-edge finish and is paintable for a seamless repair.

Paint with Precision – Make the job go easier and faster by having a variety of brushes and rollers on hand. Rollers are great for covering large, wide surfaces, but for a professional look around edges and corners, you’ll need smaller brushes for the right amount of detailed work. Moisten rollers and brushes in water beforehand, as this will help the paint glide more smoothly onto the surface. Allow the first coat of paint to completely dry, and then apply a second coat to ensure smooth, even coverage. Once the second coat is dry, carefully pull up any painter’s tape and voila! Your space is transformed!

For more information on DAP products for your next DIY project, visit DAP.com.


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Classic cardigan? 5 tips for caring for your vintage wardrobe

2018-06-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – As environmentally aware Americans join the movement to reduce, reuse and recycle, many are turning to the past to find unique, well-made vintage pieces to complement their wardrobes.

The hunt for great vintage wear has become so popular that we’re spending some $4 billion annually on such fun finds, reports the Huffington Post.

“For many it offers individuality, affordability, and that feel-good moment of rescuing an item from the landfill and reducing the environmental footprint,” writes Kate Black in that article. “This also makes it the retail unicorn, that rare occasion when a single store can appeal to stylish fashionistas, value-conscious consumers and passionate environmentalists.”

Building a distinctive, one-of-a-kind vintage wardrobe can be fun and easy once you learn a few guidelines for finding and caring for your collection. LG Electronics and luxury vintage clothing purveyor What Goes Around Comes Around recently partnered to bring the LG LaundROO Lounge and Vintage Clothing Swap to Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Tennessee. Festival-goers were invited to peruse 3,000 pieces of vintage gear and exchanged their own clothes for a new look. The swapped pieces were then washed in LG washers and dryers onsite and put back into the closet for another attendee to choose. If LG and What Goes Around Comes Around can handle the danced-in duds of 60,000 festival-goers, they can definitely help you take care of your vintage finds! Co-founder and chief creative officer at What Goes Around Comes Around, Gerard Maione, shares these tips to best maintain your vintage and hard-to-care-for pieces so you can keep festival style season going all year round:

1. Aim for versatility with fabrics such as cashmere and silk that can be easily layered to work well through every season. Look for well-cut pieces that can transition from day to night with simple shifts in accessories.

2. Choose quality over quantity. Whether you’re opting for vintage or new clothing, pieces featuring high-quality fabrics and construction will stand the test of time — as long as they’re well treated.

3. Read and carefully follow cleaning recommendations, ensuring that you’re using appropriately gentle wash cycle or steam options. Making that process easier than ever is the LG TWINWash washing machine with SideKick pedestal washer, dryer and LG Styler offered by LG Electronics, a package Maione calls “the ultimate laundry room.” Its ultra-convenient design features a front loader stacked onto a pull-out wash compartment, allowing you to simultaneously run one cycle for your heavier items and one for your specialty items such as delicate vintage pieces.

4. Narrow wire hangers can create wrinkles, bumps and bulges in aged, delicate fabrics. Instead, choose wider and/or padded hanger styles that better distribute the weight of each garment. Vintage fashionistas often prefer heavy-duty wooden hangers, while others swear by the velvet-covered varieties that keep silky fabrics from slipping off. For pants and skirts, seek out specially designed hangers that ward off unnecessary creases.

5. Care for your treasured vintage items between wearings by folding sweaters onto shelves or in drawers, storing handbags and shoes in dust bags, then freshening items up between cleanings. The LG Styler steam clothing care system makes it effortless, using chemical-free steam-based cycles that can handle anything from sanitizing and removing allergens to eliminating odors and reducing wrinkles.

Vintage clothing can be a unique, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient means to add flair to your wardrobe. Know how to care for your vintage pieces so you will continue to enjoy the past far into the future.


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Simple ways to earn extra money without owning a car

2018-06-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re new to a city and are getting on your feet, or you don’t want the commitment of a longtime lease or loan, there are countless ways to put some dough in your pocket without the need to purchase a car. Working with a flexible schedule doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to be tied to traditional car ownership. Here are five simple ways to make money on your own time.

Pet sitter

If you love animals, consider offering your services to people in your area. Depending on your schedule, you could become a dog walker or pet sitter, where you visit the animal during the day while the owner is at work. Another option is pet boarding out of your home. This can be particularly great for dogs. Kennels are expensive, and many dog owners will consider qualified and trustworthy home boarding options as an alternative to kennels when they are out of town. Advertise and build up your own clientele or use a site like Rover.com to network.

Driver

Want to try out ridesharing but don’t own a car? Or maybe you don’t want the commitment of a longtime lease or loan? Car ownership and contracts can be expensive, but you can curb or even eliminate the cost and earn money by participating in the Lyft Express Drive. The program provides affordable access to rental cars through partners like Hertz and Flexdrive. Drivers have access to a Lyft-exclusive starting weekly rental rate of $209 per week (plus taxes and fees). However, this cost can drop with Express Drive Rental Rewards, a program designed to make each rental more affordable. If a renter gives a certain number of Lyft rides each week, some or all of the rental costs can be covered by Lyft’s Rental Rewards bonus. Learn more at www.lyft.com/expressdrive.

Tutor/coach

What skills do you have that others could benefit from? Do you speak another language? Have a degree in mathematics? Play an instrument? Did you go to college on a gymnastics scholarship? Whatever your specialty, your skills could be in high demand. Many parents pay top dollar for their kids to get private tutoring or coaching lessons. Create a resume that stresses your specialty and begin advertising on neighborhood websites and other local places. Once you start successfully tutoring one or two students, create a referral program to encourage word-of-mouth recommendations and grow your business.

Freelance

The gig economy refers to the labor market of short-term or freelance workers, and it’s growing quickly in the United States. Some people find so much success with freelancing that they quit their full-time work and do contracts as their schedule allows. You may not be ready to do that, but you can make extra money using your professional skills for short-term telecommuting gigs. Upwork and Indeed.com are just two websites where you can find short-term employment that fits into your spare time. You could also consider advertising your skills on your own by creating a professional portfolio online and reaching out to potential clients.

House cleaner/handyman

Everyone loves a clean house, but not everyone loves to clean. If you enjoy getting down and dirty in order to make rooms shine, consider housecleaning as your side gig. Whether you’re sprucing up a kitchen or tackling a pile of laundry, this can be incredibly lucrative and easy to flex around your schedule. If your skills are more with a hammer or screwdriver, you might consider becoming a part-time handyman. As America’s baby boomer generation ages, the need for help around the house like this will grow. Start building your clientele list now.


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Simple ways to earn extra money without owning a car

2018-06-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re new to a city and are getting on your feet, or you don’t want the commitment of a longtime lease or loan, there are countless ways to put some dough in your pocket without the need to purchase a car. Working with a flexible schedule doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to be tied to traditional car ownership. Here are five simple ways to make money on your own time.

Pet sitter

If you love animals, consider offering your services to people in your area. Depending on your schedule, you could become a dog walker or pet sitter, where you visit the animal during the day while the owner is at work. Another option is pet boarding out of your home. This can be particularly great for dogs. Kennels are expensive, and many dog owners will consider qualified and trustworthy home boarding options as an alternative to kennels when they are out of town. Advertise and build up your own clientele or use a site like Rover.com to network.

Driver

Want to try out ridesharing but don’t own a car? Or maybe you don’t want the commitment of a longtime lease or loan? Car ownership and contracts can be expensive, but you can curb or even eliminate the cost and earn money by participating in the Lyft Express Drive. The program provides affordable access to rental cars through partners like Hertz and Flexdrive. Drivers have access to a Lyft-exclusive starting weekly rental rate of $209 per week (plus taxes and fees). However, this cost can drop with Express Drive Rental Rewards, a program designed to make each rental more affordable. If a renter gives a certain number of Lyft rides each week, some or all of the rental costs can be covered by Lyft’s Rental Rewards bonus. Learn more at www.lyft.com/expressdrive.

Tutor/coach

What skills do you have that others could benefit from? Do you speak another language? Have a degree in mathematics? Play an instrument? Did you go to college on a gymnastics scholarship? Whatever your specialty, your skills could be in high demand. Many parents pay top dollar for their kids to get private tutoring or coaching lessons. Create a resume that stresses your specialty and begin advertising on neighborhood websites and other local places. Once you start successfully tutoring one or two students, create a referral program to encourage word-of-mouth recommendations and grow your business.

Freelance

The gig economy refers to the labor market of short-term or freelance workers, and it’s growing quickly in the United States. Some people find so much success with freelancing that they quit their full-time work and do contracts as their schedule allows. You may not be ready to do that, but you can make extra money using your professional skills for short-term telecommuting gigs. Upwork and Indeed.com are just two websites where you can find short-term employment that fits into your spare time. You could also consider advertising your skills on your own by creating a professional portfolio online and reaching out to potential clients.

House cleaner/handyman

Everyone loves a clean house, but not everyone loves to clean. If you enjoy getting down and dirty in order to make rooms shine, consider housecleaning as your side gig. Whether you’re sprucing up a kitchen or tackling a pile of laundry, this can be incredibly lucrative and easy to flex around your schedule. If your skills are more with a hammer or screwdriver, you might consider becoming a part-time handyman. As America’s baby boomer generation ages, the need for help around the house like this will grow. Start building your clientele list now.


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Top tips to help first-timers navigate the fast-paced housing market

2018-06-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Across the U.S., the housing market is picking up pace moving into the peak of the summer homebuying season.

In city after city, home prices are on the rise, up 2.3 percent on average between April 2017 and 2018, according to the RE/MAX April 2018 National Housing Report. And there are fewer houses on the market to choose from, with total housing inventory down by 11.3 percent.

Based on home sales in April 2018, the national supply of inventory was at 2.5 months, making it a strong seller’s market. (A 6-month supply of inventory historically indicates a market that is balanced equally between buyers and sellers.)

What’s fueling the demand? More members of the millennial generation entering the housing market, among other factors.

If you’re ready to stop renting and start enjoying the benefits of home ownership, finding the perfect house within your price range can seem daunting, especially in a seller’s market. Keep these things in mind to find and close on that special home.

1. Keep an eye on your credit score

The interest rate of your mortgage matters a great deal. Even a fraction of a percentage can add (or subtract) thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year loan. One thing that can influence your interest rate is your credit score — it’s just one way for the lender to determine how likely you are to repay the loan. Well before you begin browsing properties online, take steps to get your credit score in the strongest possible position. Review your credit report and report errors immediately. Make on-time payments and put off opening new credit accounts until after the mortgage is finalized.

2. Work with a full-time, experienced real estate agent

Plenty of online services claim you can save money by completing the process without a real estate agent. But as many buyers discover, the savings don’t always come through as promised. In fact, going through this complex process without professional guidance can definitely lead to costly problems later. If you work with an agent, you’ll get to work with a pro who’s in touch with the local market and can lend a helping hand every step of the way. Their expertise can help you find that perfect house and help you craft the right strategy for your offer. Visit remax.com to find a professional agent in your area.

3. Play to your strengths

When you find the right house, you may not be the only one making an offer on the property. That can be intimidating. But keep in mind it’s not always about coming in with the highest dollar amount. Buyers have different motivations to sell. Some may be in a situation where they want to close and move out as soon as possible. They’ll be less likely to work with buyers who have their own houses to sell, making first-time buyers more attractive candidates.

Buying a house is a big step, and in the heat of a seller’s market, it takes extra patience and perseverance. Find the right real estate agent to help you through the process, and moving day may arrive sooner than you expected.


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Keep entertaining fun and easy with a make-your-own-pizza party

2018-06-15T11:01:00

(BPT) – Pizza night is something the whole family can look forward to, especially after a long week of work, school and activities. Fortunately, pizza night doesn’t need to be fussy or a lot of work. And for parents of picky eaters, it’s a great way to help kids get a balanced meal by incorporating vegetables into a food that they love. One of the easiest ways to enjoy time with the family on pizza night is to get everyone involved in decorating the “rainbow pizza”!

With a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to save time, serve delicious pizza with fresh flare and get kids involved in the activity:

Step 1: Stop by your local supermarket for supplies

On pizza night, there’s no need to start from scratch! Grab a Tombstone Original 5 Cheese Pizza from the freezer aisle and you’ve got the perfect base of crisp crust topped with mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago and Romano. No need to worry about sticky dough or getting sauce everywhere — all you need to do is figure out what toppings to use!

Step 2: Pick your toppings

Research shows that most Americans are not meeting the MyPlate recommendation for vegetables, fruit, proteins, dairy and grains, so pizza night is a great opportunity to have some fun while helping your family get the nutrients they need. Incorporating both prepared and fresh foods is a huge time-saver, and you can feel good about what you’re putting on the table. While shopping, stock up on seasonal vegetables to top the pizza. Choose colorful vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers and broccoli to use for pizza decorating.

Step 3: Get creative with decorating

Have kids join in on the meal prep fun. Big kids can help chop fresh veggies and children of all ages can make their own pizza creations. Kids will have fun arranging all the colors into shapes and patterns and parents will love how easy it is to make sure their kids eat their veggies. This rainbow recipe is a time-saver with a nutritious boost of veggies that is ideal for brightening up your family pizza night:

Rainbow Pizza

Ingredients:
Tombstone Original 5 Cheese Pizza
Your choice of colorful chopped vegetables
1 teaspoon olive oil
Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions:
Warm oven according to package instructions. Then place unwrapped pizza directly on center rack and bake for two to three minutes until cheese softens but doesn’t melt. Remove from oven and help kids arrange the veggies in a rainbow pattern starting along the crust of the pizza. Then, drizzle with one teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Return to oven and bake pizza 10 to 15 more minutes. Remove and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

With these few simple steps and time-saving tricks you’ll be hosting a pizza party to remember. Whether it’s four guests or 40, have fun making memories while enjoying good food! For more delicious recipes for balanced meals, explore the Nestle Balance Your Plate website at www.nestleusa.com/nutrition/balance/recipes.