Month: July 2018

2018-07-12T13:51:00

(BPT) – Whether your vacation takes you on a hiking adventure in the mountains, to the beach, to explore a new city or vineyards, chances are you will end up with a bunch of photos.

With advanced lens technology on smartphones and professional-grade cameras now affordable and available to consumers, it’s easier than ever to capture memories from travel and adventures. However, it’s not enough to have great equipment.

Before that big trip, it’s important to get familiar with a camera’s settings and its capabilities. In addition, everyone can unleash their inner photographer and ensure their vacation memories look better than ever with a few tips on how to shoot like a pro.

1. Take a lot of pictures. Many people wait for just the right moment to carefully take one picture. This is a throwback to the days of film, when people had to be careful to conserve their rolls. Those days are long gone. Take 10 or 25 shots at a time. The more pictures someone takes, the more likely they’ll get just the right shot.

2. Some tips on portraits. Portrait photography is one of the simplest, yet most challenging, styles to master. A few points of advice that will make portraits look great include:

* Get in close so the subject’s face is the focal point.

* Check the background: Are there people walking by or a trash can in view? Waiting a few seconds or shifting the angle can remove a distraction.

* Finally, a natural smile or expression makes a good portrait, so have a conversation or tell a joke when taking photos.

3. Take pictures outside. Natural light is just easier to work with. Take advantage of overcast days for soft colors and that evening glow. The diversity of natural light can create some stunning effects, and it’s easy! Just remember to shoot with the sun to your back.

4. Fall in love with the magic hour. The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset are what photographers call the magic hour. This is when the low light creates soft shadows and spectacular, natural colors that make the best photographs. Avoid taking pictures in the middle of the day, when the sun is high and casts harsh shadows. This can lead to squinting and unhappy subjects.

After capturing and editing, chances are there are many great shots. While posting them on social media is a wonderful way to share with all your family and friends, you can also celebrate and commemorate your vacation memories with prints and display them on a canvas or in photo books. It’s easy to print your photos in-store by visiting one of the thousands of Kodak Picture Kiosks, which can be found at most CVS and Target locations. Photo books and photo gifts are available at KodakMoments.com or on the Kodak Moments App, which offer options to pick up in store or deliver.

It’s never been easier to snap a photo at a moment’s notice. With these tips, you’ll be able to turn good photographs into great ones for sharing and reliving your vacation memories.

2018-07-12T14:11:00

(BPT) – The words home improvement usually conjure up images of major undertakings like tiling your bathroom or kitchen or tearing down a wall, taking hours or even days to complete. The fact is there are some meaningful home improvements you can finish in under two hours.

1) Need more daylight? Have you ever wished your home had more daylight? Maybe you want to bring light to a small place like a closet or laundry room. Or maybe you have a room with a window but still not enough light. One solution is a daylighting system from Solatube. This product can be installed in under two hours and floods the interior with natural light.

2) Concerned about security? Installing a video doorbell takes just a few minutes and you can monitor visitors at your front door on your smartphone through an app. This is a way to add some security to your home. You can be anywhere with your phone but answer your front door and see who’s there. They have no idea where you are, home or otherwise.

3) Dealing with poor indoor air quality? The upstairs can often be hotter than the downstairs. Air can be humid and wet. House odors from cooking, pets, etc., can hang around. A Whole House Fan is quiet (with a light white noise) and can be installed without reframing. When you open the windows with the whole house fan on, it strips out the heat from the home as well as the unwelcome smells. In summer months it keeps the house cooler and it eliminates stale air in the winter.

4) Considering a new bathroom fan? Another product that installs quickly is an upgraded bathroom fan. It comes with a variety of options such as heaters and lights. An upgraded bathroom fan can dramatically reduce bathroom humidity and odors and run more quietly.

5) Still using outdated light bulbs? An easy home improvement project is to swap out light bulbs for LEDs. Even CFL bulbs can’t hold a candle to LED bulbs, which, while more expensive, last up to 20 years or more.

This gives you an idea of some ways to spruce up your home in under two hours. But the changes will be long-lasting!

For more easy home improvement ideas, visit www.solatube.com/residential.

2018-07-12T17:01:00

(BPT) – National Grilling Month is here, making it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor barbecues with friends and family and trying out brand new recipes with savory pork favorites.

Pork, the classic crowd pleaser, is the move for any barbecue menu given not only the juicy, savory possibilities of a pork-centered meal, but also the countless nutritional benefits that can help support a healthy lifestyle. Our tips and recipes from the National Pork Board (NPB) can help you accomplish that.

In fact, grilled pork is more than just a tradition for Hispanic and African-American families — it’s their natural, go-to choice for grilling season. According to a recent NPB study, these demographics popularly choose pork chops and ribs as their protein of choice this time of year. It’s no surprise that many people prefer pork as their favorite source of sizzling protein given that it’s packed with vitamins and is now leaner than ever before, helping consumers stick to their diets.

Not sure how to turn on your grilling mode? Cooking pro Eddie Zamora, also known as the Yum Yum Foodie, has some savvy tips that experts and beginners can easily follow to master any pork recipe:

* Clean and oil the grill prior to use.

* You can never have too much flavor, so generously glaze the pork on the grill.

* Make sure to flip chops and/or ribs for succulent flavor and to create grilling lines on chops.

* After removing the pork from the grill, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to guests.

To prepare one of our favorite, mouth-watering recipes, “Costillas de Cerdo a la Parrilla con Mojo Canario,” for four people, follow these simple steps and learn more about the recipe’s ingredients at http://porkessabor.com/receta/costillas-de-cerdo-a-la-parrilla-con-mojo-canario/:

For Ribs (can be done a day in advance):

1. Mix all the ingredients that can be found by following the link listed above, rub them together with the ribs, and make sure to evenly distribute and massage them into ribs.

2. Cover and refrigerate for 8–24 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

4. Place ribs meat side up on baking tray and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 3.5-4 hours until very tender but not quite falling off the bone. This can be done a day in advance.

For Mojo Canario:

1. Blend all ingredients — except oil and water — in a food processor until they become a fine paste.

2. Add oil slowly to emulsify. Adjust thickness to your liking by adding a little bit of water. Note: When adding the oil to food processor for the mojo, it is possible that the sauce “splits.” Adding a couple drops of water can help to bring it back together.

3. The final sauce should have the consistency of a thin mayonnaise.

For Potatoes:

1. Preheat grill to 350-375 degrees.

2. Toss all ingredients for potatoes in a mixing bowl ensuring all potatoes are well coated.

3. Use heavy duty aluminium foil to make a sealed package of potatoes. Place on grill, flipping and shaking every five minutes for 20-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a paring knife.

At the same time, grill ribs for 10-15 minutes, or until nicely charred, flipping every few minutes.

To Serve:

1. Cut ribs into half slabs.

2. Sauce with mojo (it’s ok if it’s slightly separated).

3. Serve with potatoes.

Taking time to plan the key elements of your cookout allows you to relax, savor your meal, and enjoy the company of your guests. For a range of other delicious, Spanish-language pork recipes and nutritional information, log on to Porkessabor.com.

2018-07-12T07:01:00

(BPT) – As marathon season approaches, many people are focused on training. Building up endurance is key, but you can’t do that without the fuel your body needs. Wholesome energy-boosting snacks are essential for keeping up the pace, whether you’re focused on a 5K or full marathon.

There are a variety of runs across the country to suit every type of runner. Fun runs vary in size and can be found in communities from coast to coast. Themed runs are also plentiful. For example, people across the country signed up for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend this November (Nov. 1 to 4) and it is supported by some great sponsors, including Chiquita.

Whether you’re a new or experienced runner, completing your goal will make you feel accomplished. To help your body feel and perform at its best, you need to give it the right foods. These smart, tasty snacks will help give you sustained energy with loads of nutrients important to any fitness practice.

Bananas: The cheerful color and built-in packaging are just the start. Bananas are a good source of potassium, which helps prevent cramping. Plus, they are a wonderful source of natural sugars (the good kind) and carbohydrates, which help provide sustained energy. It’s a common misconception that bananas aren’t as healthy due to the higher sugar content; however, the natural sugars in bananas come with fiber, which slows digestion and gives the body time to use it as fuel instead of storing it as fat. Grab a bunch of Chiquita bananas at the store and you have a convenient pre-workout snack or perfect addition to your recovery shake.

Cottage cheese: Scoop up some of this white wonder and enjoy with your favorite fruit or a sprinkle of your preferred herbs. You can also add a satisfying crunch by sprinkling in omega-rich cashews or almonds. Cottage cheese is packed with protein, so it helps you feel full longer, essential for long runs (or simply long days full of to-dos). For fitness folks, this protein helps assist in rebuilding and repair of muscles during training periods.

Smoothies: Refreshing, energizing and perfectly customizable, smoothies feel more like a treat than a healthy snack. Yet these cold concoctions are perfect as pre- or post-workout foods or even as a meal replacement when on the go. You can use milk or juice as a liquid base and then add in fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables as desired. For a lip-smacking smoothie with just four ingredients, follow this recipe:

Quick Protein Power Chiquita Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 whole Chiquita Banana, sliced
1.5 ounces low-fat Greek yogurt
1/8 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/4 cup orange juice

Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Makes one serving.

Edamame: More than just a delicious appetizer at your favorite sushi joint, edamame is an ideal workout snack. The tasty green soybeans you pluck from the pod are a good source of protein, iron and B vitamins. What’s more, the heart-healthy isoflavones support bone health. So dig in and enjoy with a dash of sea salt and a big glass of water. It’s perfect when you’re craving a salty snack so you can avoid the junk.

Chocolate milk: If you don’t run, you probably think chocolate milk is just for kids. In reality, chocolate milk has almost a cult-like following in the endurance sports world. It’s rich in calcium to keep bones strong, particularly important for runners. Plus it has protein and carbohydrates to keep you fueled. Reward yourself with this sweet treat after a run and you’ll feel satisfied all around.

With these snacking tips top of mind, you’ll be fueled and feeling your best to start aiming for your personal records!

2018-07-12T07:29:00

(BPT) – Did you know July is National Ice Cream Month? To celebrate, Blue Ribbon Classics^® has come up with three cool twists on summertime favorite dishes and treats to enjoy with your family and friends. All recipes start with Blue Ribbon Classics^® ice cream flavors, available at mass retailers nationwide.

Follow Blue Ribbon Classics^® on Facebook for more great recipes, or visit us at BlueRibbonClassics.com to learn more about our products and flavors.

1. Ice Cream S’mores

Try a chilly twist on campfire s’mores with Blue Ribbon Classics^® Vanilla Ice Cream to cool down after a hot day in the sun. View the full recipe here.

2. Sugar Cookie Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches

Want to take homemade ice cream sandwiches to the next level? Grab your favorite cookies and a carton of Blue Ribbon Classics^® Chocolate Ice Cream, assemble sandwiches and roll through chopped pistachios and mini chocolate chips for a cool, crunchy treat. Learn how to make your own here.

3. Buttered Pecan French Toast with Ice Cream

Start the day on the sweeter side with our Buttered Pecan French Toast recipe, served with Blue Ribbon Classics^® Vanilla Ice Cream and a caramel drizzle for the ultimate decadent breakfast or brunch dish. Get the full recipe here.

2018-07-12T10:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season creates dinnertime dilemmas for moms, from added stress to navigating expectations, as well as the increasing impact of technology use during meals. With the launch of new RAGÚ^® Simply, the flavorful pasta sauce made with 100 percent olive oil and no added sugar, the brand connected with real moms across America to explore the impact of the back-to-school season on weeknight mealtime. The study revealed how moms, especially millennial moms with young children, feel about the everyday dinner experience.

2018-07-11T17:16:00

(BPT) – One hundred years ago, the poet Carl Sandburg famously called Chicago the “hog butcher of the world,” and the “nation’s freight handler.” The character of the city has changed with each decade, and throughout the years.

Chicago has established itself as an educational hub, with world-class research universities, robust community colleges and ample opportunity for people to earn degrees and get ahead in life.

A force of change

During uncertain times, Chicago’s colleges and universities have stood as a guiding light for the city, signaling hope, change and opportunity.

In a city that has long had neighborhoods underserved and marked by economic hardship — one university has had a particularly strong impact on the community and the city as a whole: St. Xavier University (SXU).

For more than 170 years, a mission to serve the community and inspire future generations to succeed and make a difference has guided the university.

As the city has changed, this core mission has adapted to serve students in the 21st century. Through the dedication of students, faculty and staff, the university has been acknowledged as a source of growth in the community in the following ways:

* Ranked No. 4 in Illinois for helping underserved students overcome barriers to complete their bachelor’s degrees, according to the Illinois Education Research Council’s 2017 report.

* Stable and optimal student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1.

* Two-thirds of the student body are the first in their family to attend college.

* As part of the university’s mission, SXU directs academic programs and units to partner with local, national or international nonprofit, public, private or faith-based organizations to provide opportunities for engagement, scholarship or service/service learning for students, faculty and staff.

Degrees that open doors

While Chicago’s universities and colleges are the pride of the city, the question on almost every parent’s and incoming student’s mind is: What will I get out of the financial investment?

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at SXU offers top-ranked programs in the high-demand fields of nursing, speech pathology, exercise science and more. The job market for certified nurses is expected to grow by 16 percent during this decade.

This combination of high-ranking programs in growing career fields has led U.S. News and World Report to call SXU one of the best-value schools for students.

St. Xavier University is a strong example of how universities are reviving the city of Chicago and opening doors for those who may have thought those doors were closed.

2018-07-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – After nearly 30 years of making mac and cheese goodness, the experts at Annie’s set out to solve one of the greatest debates of the century: What utensil makes for the perfect bite of mac and cheese? In honor of National Mac and Cheese Day — July 14 — a recent national consumer survey revealed some deliciously cheesy findings.