Month: July 2018

2018-07-26T17:22:00

(BPT) – Whether a five-course social event, laid-back barbecue or progressive dinner party, what separates average from impressive entertaining is innovative and original ideas. One way to catch the attention of your guests while tempting their taste buds is to feature chocolate pairings in your entertaining itinerary.

Fine chocolates add decadence to any event, but they are relatable and broadly enjoyed. Chocolate platters have replaced cheese platters at soirees, but what’s really on trend is chocolate pairings. This interactive offering is a conversation starter that will delight guests — the perfect way to conclude a meal with friends or family.

These tips from Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates will help you pair fine chocolates with beer, wine and spirits so you can impress guests at your next event.

Offer an array of flavors

To ensure you have something for all guests no matter their preferences, opt for a variety of chocolates. White, milk and dark chocolate selections offer an array of flavors. Some guests may gravitate to one over others, while other guests may choose to sample all three. Suggest sampling from light to dark to balance the palate.

Pairing 1 suggestion: White chocolate

White chocolate is sweet and buttery, integrated into numerous types of confections, many of which feature fruit.

Consider serving with a stout beer that will bring out that buttery goodness. If selecting a wine pairing, opt for a zinfandel or another variety that won’t overpower those delicate flavors. Spirits can be a nice pairing addition, too, like a classic bourbon.

Pairing 2 suggestion: Milk chocolate

Americans adore milk chocolate and expert chocolatiers can transform this delight into virtually endless tempting flavors. The Kohler Butterscotch Hop is one such example. The smooth, creamy butterscotch filling is enhanced by a custom blend of premium chocolate to elevate this flavor combination.

Milk chocolate is smooth and sweet, and drink pairings should complement that element without overwhelming. A light crisp beer or a refreshing chardonnay brings out the buttery undertones of silky-smooth milk chocolate. If you decide to serve butterscotch, it’s sure to be unique as it’s a pretty rare find in the chocolate world. A honey whiskey is the perfect pair for butterscotch chocolates.

Pairing 3 suggestion: Dark chocolate

Rich and undeniably decadent, dark chocolate is the ideal final pairing to offer guests. The flavors of coffee and dark chocolate are often fused together as they mingle together well.

A bold, rich beer or heavy ale matches dark chocolate well. A tawny port that isn’t too fruity can be a nice complement to coffee flavors while bringing out the dark chocolate elements. Finally, a sweeter bourbon with a smoky finish pairs nicely with the dark chocolate, which in turn brings out the barrel notes of the spirit.

Serving

You can serve chocolate pairings in a variety of ways. If you prefer to set up a beautiful buffet, you can display chocolates on a platter and place drink pairings nearby, each labeled appropriately. Guests can help themselves at their leisure. You may also opt to serve guests by bringing out each pairing one by one and offering guests their choice of beverage to pair with the featured chocolate. No matter how you choose to serve, it’s bound to be a memorable event.

2018-07-26T14:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re the curious sort who enjoys exploring historic sites in your free time, you’re far from alone.

Because people are fascinated with learning more about how Americans lived, thought and dreamed in the past, many seek out such cultural enclaves anytime they travel. That helps explain the $762 million in revenues logged by U.S. historic sites in 2013, according to Statista. Other research predicts the revenues realized by U.S. museums and historic sites will more than double between 2018 and 2022.

“Historic places create connections to our heritage that help us understand our past, appreciate our triumphs and learn from our mistakes,” the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently noted. “Historic places help define and distinguish our communities by building a strong sense of identity. When you visit a historic site, you learn from their stories.”

One fascinating and culturally rich historic site you may not have visited is The American Club, a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort hotel in the heartland of Kohler, Wisconsin. The iconic hotel owned by Kohler Co., global leader in plumbing, was built in 1918 as a dormitory for its immigrant workers. This year the multifaceted national attraction celebrates its centennial anniversary in grand style, with even more activities and offerings for its guests.

Year-long features of the celebration include a new history exhibit, guided tours and a new cast iron sculpture installation, “The Immigrant,” created by artist Stephen Paul Day. Day took part in the Arts/Industry program and was inspired by the company history. The four-star restaurant, The Immigrant, will offer a tasting menu featuring dishes from France, the Netherlands, Germany, Normandy, Denmark and Great Britain — the primary homelands of original Kohler employees. Group Director Lodging for Kohler Co., Christine Loose explains, “The concept of gracious living and creating a sense of belonging has always been important to the company and our heritage.”

With its trademark red brick, striking Tudor architecture and soaring roof peaks and slate tile, the landmark is recognized by both the Historic Hotels of America and the National Register of Historic Places.

Aside from the historic elements of The American Club, visitors and guests can partake of several other features offered in or near the surrounding resort known as Destination Kohler. Key attractions include the Forbes Five-Star Kohler Waters Spa; a lakeside boutique hotel known as the Inn at Woodlake; cycling and yoga studios; four championship golf courses (Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits, the latter hosting the revered 2020 Ryder Cup); 12 dining establishments, renovation inspiration at the Kohler Design Center, and daily factory tours led by retired Kohler employees spotlighting the evolution of day-to-day manufacturing operations.

Destination Kohler is an hour north of Milwaukee and 2.5 hours north of Chicago. Learn more about its many attractions at DestinationKohler.com.

2018-07-26T15:01:00

(BPT) – It’s easy to appreciate the sights and smells afforded by lawns and landscapes, but when it comes to your yard there is much more to consider besides pleasing aesthetics and aromas. Many would even be surprised to learn that the benefits of a lush lawn and stunning landscape design extend well beyond a yard’s perimeter.

That’s right, well-managed landscapes offer tremendous benefits for the community and environment. Here are just a few:

* Scrubs the air: Beautiful greenery, including grass, catch dust, smoke particles and other pollutants to make the air you breathe fresher and cleaner.

* Protects waterways: Well-maintained yards and lawns help prevent soil erosion and unwanted runoff into nearby lakes, streams and rivers.

* Adds oxygen: A 50-by-50-foot lawn produces enough oxygen to supply a family of four.

* Boosts home values: The yard is the first thing a potential buyer sees, and it sets the first impression. If you plan to sell your home in the next few years, investing in your landscaping now can pay dividends later. A recent study by the National Association of REALTORS and National Association of Landscape Professionals found that investing in landscape maintenance recovers 100 percent of the cost at the time of sale!

* Makes you feel good: Having a nice yard with lush turf and well-tended landscapes delivers some mood-enhancing properties as well. Looking at plants and trees, even through a window, has been found to lower stress and blood pressure, while walking among plants and trees improves attention and memory.

Ideas to enhance your yard’s natural benefits

Now that you know the benefits of your lawn and landscapes, you may be inspired to try some of these simple improvements to make it look and feel even better. Some of these can even save you time and effort, so you have more hours to spend outdoors.

* Mow properly: Raising the deck height of your lawn mower is one simple thing you can do right now to improve your green space. When mowing, the blade should remove no more than a 1/3 inch from the blade of grass.

* Mow at the right time: Professionals recommend to not mow right after it rains. Mowing wet grass will cause clumping and ruts. This also leaves the lawn more susceptible to certain diseases.

* Let the clippings drop: “Grass cycling” your clippings allows nitrogen and other nutrients to return to the soil. Even better, it eliminates the step of hauling around heavy bags of yard waste.

* Invest in smarter watering tools: An irrigation system saves time on watering chores, but one that uses smart technology and weather-based data will apply water only when your lawn and garden need it.

* Consider natural landscaping: The next time you choose flowers, shrubs or trees, opt for species native to your region. These plants have adapted to the climate, so they’re more resilient to your region’s weather patterns, and require less watering than exotic species.

With these tips, you have plenty to get started on creating a beautiful lawn and landscape that looks and feels even better. If you’re seeking fresh ideas to amp up your landscaping or want to maximize its full environmental and enjoyment benefits, consider turning to the expertise of a lawn care or landscape professional. With help from a professional, you can have the outdoor oasis of your dreams. To find a professional in your area, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.

2018-07-26T15:31:00

(BPT) – Every summer evening or afternoon spent outdoors, there always seems to be one person that mosquitoes are more attracted to than others. As it turns out, there may be a good reason why. According to the pest management professionals at Terminix, there are a number of factors that can attract the pesky pest and could contribute to making one person more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than others.

Water

Mosquitoes need water to survive. It’s essential for their breeding process, so sources of standing water such as bird baths, flower pots or dog bowls may play host to hundreds of mosquito eggs. This is also why mosquitoes thrive in humid environments, making living by water an invitation for unwelcome itchy bites.

Color

Surprising to most, mosquitoes have a fashion sense! Yes, it is true, mosquitoes are more attracted to certain people based on the color of clothes they are wearing. According to entomologists at the University of Florida in Vero Beach, mosquitoes at night can more easily see people wearing dark clothing, such as black, navy, blue or red.

Breath

Even breathing can attract mosquitoes. They can detect carbon dioxide, which is produced when humans exhale, and a high concentration can indicate the presence of a potential host. Mosquitoes are so attuned to the chemical that they’re able to track a host from about 150 feet away.

Sweat

Similar to detecting carbon dioxide, mosquitoes can sense several of the compounds present in human sweat. That’s why you may find clusters of bites around feet, ankles, wrists and hands, as these areas are more likely to sweat.

Blood type

Even your genetics can attract mosquitoes. According to researchers in Japan, people with Type O blood are more likely to be bitten than those with Type A.

If your mosquito problems still won’t quit, it’s important to call in a professional like Terminix. With the right effective outdoor mosquito treatment, technicians can help ensure your backyard isn’t an oasis for these flying pests.

2018-07-26T10:05:00

(BPT) – Sponsored Ad Content by Clayton.

Plants are an easy way to liven up a space and improve a home’s interior. Along with the pops of color and beauty they provide, plants are also natural air purifiers and have practical uses. Local florist and veterinarian Mary Alford of Rockford, Tenn., visited two Designer Series homes to offer some tips on finding the right flora for interior living spaces.

Clearing the air

Commonly used chemicals and household cleaners can contaminate your home’s air with toxins. Aloe, Peace Lilies and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue are just a few plants known to help clear toxins like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Breathe easy and add some beauty to your home.

Natural remedies

In addition to its air purification benefits, Aloe also contains anti-inflammatory components that can help relieve pain and heal minor burns. Alford suggests keeping an Aloe plant near the oven for a practical pop of color, as well as keeping it handy in case things heat up while cooking.

Thriving in low light

Ferns and orchids are both beautiful examples of flowering plants that thrive in low light conditions. Alford’s favorite is the Phalaenopsis (Phals). According to the American Orchid Society, you should place Phals in an east window to get the proper amount of sunlight.

Caring for cut flowers

Alford says “heat is the enemy of cut flowers.” These types of arrangements thrive in darker, cooler spaces. You will also want to regularly clean the flowers’ vase and water supply to keep harmful bacteria from contaminating their veins.

Designer series

Alford’s plant suggestions and helpful advice complement the interior spaces of the Designer Series homes. For more information and pictures, visit designerseriestinyhomes.com.

2018-07-25T14:01:00

(BPT) – This summer, don’t be surprised if dietitians point you to one of Mother Nature’s sweetest treats to remedy a variety of ailments: sweet cherries. These bright, glossy orbs are in season for only a short time, so don’t pass them up while they’re at their freshest and, arguably, most flavorful. Not only do they make a refreshing snack that beats the heat when eaten chilled, but they pack a mighty nutritional punch for their compact size.

Containing high concentrations of nutrients and bioactive components — such as fiber, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin C and potassium — sweet cherries have long been touted for certain health benefits. A new review of nearly 30 published studies confirms that this small stone fruit can help tackle some big wellness issues. Read on to learn how sweet cherries can play a part in improving five common concerns.

1. Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals and antioxidants are out of balance in your body. Under normal conditions, free radicals help the body by fighting off pathogens that can lead to infection or disease. But when antioxidants are far outnumbered, free radicals can go rogue and attack the body’s fatty tissue, protein or even DNA. Once compromised, the body becomes more susceptible to various diseases over time, such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, to name a few.

Sweet cherries are rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, which have powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that eating sweet cherries can increase antioxidant capacity and reduce oxidative stress, bringing the body back into a healthy balance.

2. Inflammation

If you’re among the 54 million Americans who suffer from arthritis or another rheumatic disease, sweet cherries may be able to provide some relief. Research shows that the anti-inflammatory properties of cherries can have the same effect as ibuprofen. “While fresh sweet cherries are hard to beat, frozen or dried cherries are a great alternative for incorporating the health benefits of sweet cherries year-round. They retain the sweet cherry nutrients and are a beautiful addition to everything from salads to cocktails!” said Mia Syn, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

3. Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis, and sufferers tend to experience severe pain, redness and tenderness in their joints. The condition is associated with elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, levels that have been reduced with a diet incorporating sweet cherries. A recent study with gout patients found a 35 percent lower risk of gout attacks among those who consumed sweet cherry products over two days. When eating sweet cherries was combined with their prescribed medicine, specifically allopurinol, the risk of a gout attack was 75 percent lower.

4. Sleep

A good night’s sleep is essential to functioning at top form during the day. With sweet cherries, you have a reliable source of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan is necessary to the development of serotonin, which, in turn, plays an important role in regulating sleep as well as mood and appetite. Adequate levels of serotonin can contribute to feelings of well-being, while depression has been linked to low measures. Additionally, melatonin helps maintain your body’s internal clock, regulating your sleep and wakefulness patterns.

Studies have shown that the consumption of sweet cherries enhances sleep quality and quantity, and mood and anxiety also show improvement. What’s the best time to eat sweet cherries to get this boost? Researchers say enjoying the fruit about an hour before bedtime can help stabilize your sleep cycle.

5. Blood pressure

Finally, studies point to a link between the consumption of sweet cherries and a lowering of blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic measures. Prolonged consumption of cherries is connected with a decrease in a potent vasoconstrictor, a compound that narrows blood vessels and restricts blood flow. Sweet cherries have also been shown to increase the effectiveness of vasodilators, which help widen blood vessels and bring blood pressure down.

Small steps toward big pay-offs

Making small dietary and lifestyle changes can result in big health pay-offs. Adding sweet cherries to your diet can make a near-term impact on common complaints, and it can reduce risks for other illnesses — such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes — down the road. Best of all, sweet cherries add color, flavor and nutrition to your life without adding guilt.

2018-07-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Warm weather means it’s time to get outside! As you channel your inner explorer, don’t forget that small, biting insects are also looking for adventure. Ticks can hitch a ride on skin and clothing when you least expect it, and mosquitoes are setting up home-base in your backyard. New data from the Centers for Disease Control reports cases of tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses have more than tripled since 2004, which is why it’s important to take steps to prevent bites from these bugs.

Whether your adventure is in your backyard, or across the country, RISE (Responsible Industry for Sound Environment) is sharing tips on how to stay bite-free:

For your adventures at home:

Seek and treat hiding spots.

Keep your grass mowed and trim shrubs around the perimeter of your home to reduce areas for ticks and mosquitoes to live. You can also treat your property, focusing on the areas that can harbor ticks and mosquitoes. Use an EPA-approved product available at your local home and garden center or hire a professional to do it for you.

Remove standing water.

Mosquitoes can breed in water trapped in containers as small as a bottle cap. Survey your home and yard for places mosquitoes could be hiding, such as puddles of accumulated rainwater or standing water in your bird bath.

Put up personal barriers.

Once you’ve applied sunscreen, use EPA-approved bug repellent on your exposed skin to keep ticks and mosquitoes away. Look for bug repellents with DEET, Picaridin, IR355 or other EPA-approved active ingredients recommended by the CDC as proven and effective. Re-apply both sunscreen and bug repellent according to label directions while outdoors.

For your adventures away:

Dress to protect.

Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug repellent for your adventures away from home, too! Dress in light-colored clothing and layer up with long sleeves, pants and tall socks to make it harder for ticks and mosquitoes to reach their target. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks for an extra layer of tick prevention. Also consider EPA-approved permethrin-treated clothing, or treat your clothes at home according to label directions, as an extra step to ward off biters.

Don’t invite ticks on your adventure.

Ticks love to hide in tall grass and piles of leaves, brush and firewood. Out on the trails, avoid those hiding places by staying in the middle of the path.

Never miss a tick check.

After an adventure-filled day outdoors, be sure to check for ticks on your skin and clothing. Common hiding spots include around your ears, behind your knees, under your armpit and on your scalp. Be sure to give your pets a check too! Look in and behind their ears, under the collar and on their feet.

Protect yourself, your family and pets from nature’s most infamous, but uninvited, summer visitors with a little preparation and proactivity. Visit http://www.DebugtheMyths.com to learn more.

2018-07-24T10:25:00

(BPT) – Parenthood is made up of long days and short years. Eventually, as your kids get closer to adult-sized, it hits you how much they’ve changed … and how quickly the years of their childhood flew by.

Then, something else hits you. It won’t be long before the kid will be living on their own. If that’s a scary thought, you’re not the first parent to wonder how they’ll ever manage to do stuff like pay bills, do laundry and troubleshoot car noises.

Now’s a good time to check in on how your teen is coming along in the life skills department. So, Mom and Dad, here’s a short list of questions you need to ask yourself, along with some ideas on how to get them up to speed.

Can your teen balance a checkbook?

Few people graduate high school as financially literate — and perhaps you were one of them! The main thing is helping teens understand how checking, savings and credit cards work, and how they can avoid financial pitfalls with good budgeting and planning. For a low-stakes real-world practice run, let them plan an entire family activity from start to finish while keeping costs under control.

Can your teen plan and cook a meal?

What kid didn’t daydream about growing up one day and ordering pizza and hamburgers for every meal of the week? That high volume of takeout, though, will quickly drain a bank account, not to mention expand a waistline. Help them get comfortable in the kitchen and show them how to make easy meals they love to eat. Tacos and pasta make great entrees for beginning chefs. Along with that, show them how to plan and shop for the weekly meals, and enlist their help in finding the best deals at the grocery store.

Does your teen know basic car care?

Those who don’t understand how to take care of a car are doomed to pay big money at the mechanic. A great place to begin is with the tires. Young drivers need to know how to make sure these are properly inflated and when to recognize the signs of excessive wear. For a helpful checklist, Yokohama Tires’ “Tires 101” guide has all the information and visuals you need to start the one-on-one seminar with your teen.

Can your teen take care of their living space?

Whether they own or rent, knowing tenets of maintenance can extend the life of structures, appliances and systems. The next time you take care of something in the house, treat your teen like an apprentice. Show them things like changing the furnace filter, purging the hot water heater and caulking cracks and gaps in the foundation.

Can your teen fix a small leak?

Plumbers make excellent money, and man, does that ever show up in the plumbing invoice. But learning a few basic home plumbing skills to fix smaller issues now can save lots of dough throughout one’s life. (Plus, apartment landlords are not always reliable about getting to these pesky problems.) Now’s a good time to teach them how to clean clogged drains, fix a leaky faucet and troubleshoot a running toilet.

Can your teen maintain their car through all seasons?

When cold/rainy/snowy weather hits, having the right tire is super important. Tires are the only part of a vehicle that actually touches the road and they affect everything from braking and steering to comfort and handling. Teach your teen about the different types of tires, especially the all-season variety. Discover how Yokohama Tires can prepare any driver to maneuver through all-season weather conditions.

If you show your teen the ways of making it in the world now, they’ll feel confident later about being on their own, plus they’ll save a lot of trouble and expense from making rookie mistakes. Even better, you’ll know you’ve reached the ultimate goal of parenthood: Helping them reach independence.

2018-07-24T12:01:00

(BPT) – Screen time. You’ve heard the phrase before, and if you’re a parent, you’ve probably agonized over creating a screen time policy for your family. You understandably want a policy that reflects your family values, and you also want to consider your child’s wants, needs and expectations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a go-to resource for parents on screen time guidelines, has determined that not all screen time is created equal. New research is changing the way parents look at screen time, and challenging parents to examine the quality of the time spent in front of devices. Quality is especially important when your children are seeking screen-based entertainment — games, shows, social media — and this is where family policies get tricky.

How much online entertainment is too much? Can there be too little? The team at Star Stable Online — makers of the world’s most popular online, horse adventure game — recommends parents get involved with their children’s online activity, monitor their online behavior, explore their favorite games, shows and activities, and create a family screen policy that is more than just “hours or minutes.”

The conversation around screen time is less about time and more about active digital engagement. If you do not recognize all the activities they’re enjoying online, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and create a dialogue about their digital habits. To help you determine whether your child is enjoying quality screen time, the team at Star Stable Online recommends these questions to get the conversation started:

* Do you interact with other kids online? This question helps you determine if the child is building social skills in a safe, online environment. Parents must determine if the game or online activity promotes positive social and collaborative play. Star Stable believes collaborative play, along with a safe environment, is more beneficial and inspires kids to become content creators, not just passive media consumers.

* Do you solve problems in the game? This question helps you determine how the child interacts with the game and what he/she learns from playing. Determine if your child faces challenges in an environment that is constantly changing and expanding, forcing them to adapt. Find out if they need to use their best reasoning skills to complete challenges independently or as a team. Star Stable believes that unique challenges that force kids to think outside the box are preferable to games that serve up constant repetition.

* What does success look like and how do you feel when you succeed? This line of questioning helps you determine if the game is building your child’s personal character. Does the game include storylines and activities that promote responsibility and respect for others? If your child interacts with other players, ask how that makes him/her feel (happy, motivated, helpful or strong).

* Have you learned new vocabulary while playing the game? This question helps you determine if reading is a big part of the game or if it’s all visuals. Reading is a fundamental life skill and any screen time your child is involved in should provide an element of age-appropriate reading. This will push your child to expand their vocabulary and even help to grow a lifelong love of reading.

* Have you learned anything about money management? While this seems like an odd question, screen time solutions should do more than simply provide children a way to spend money, they should teach kids how to manage money or currency. It’s not a “must” for all screen time choices, but games or activities that provide a weekly allowance certainly help reinforce money management skills (spend, save and budget).

Finding the right screen time solution for your child

The screen time debate is no longer a matter of hours or minutes, but how your kids are investing time interacting with a screen. Ultimately, it’s a balancing act of time and quality that will help your child build a positive digital footprint and smart screen time habits that can serve them their entire life.