Month: August 2018

2018-08-08T13:01:00

(BPT) – Whether it’s traveling solo or a girlfriends getaway, Hawaii is becoming a prime destination for single female travelers. This lush paradise offers plentiful opportunity to experience a vacation of your lifetime, with many ways to customize your trip to match your personality perfectly. Adventurous, educational, indulgent — whatever fits your tastes, Hawaii has even more to offer than you think.

Security and convenience

When thinking of vacation options, Hawaii rises to the top of the list for many reasons. Compared to other tropical destinations like Mexico and Central or South America, it’s much safer for females to freely explore. What’s more, it’s a convenient flight from many big cities in the U.S., and of course you don’t have to deal with a passport, money exchange or language barriers. When you feel confident you’re safe and have fewer vacation to-do’s, you can truly relax and enjoy your trip.

Stay where you play

From the lush landscapes of Kauai’s north shore to the pristine Kohala coastline of Hawaii Island, Marriott International – Hawaii offers travelers an expansive selection of hotels and resorts across Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Recently acquiring Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the now 35 Marriott properties cater to the varying tastes and preferences of even the most discerning travelers. From historic to luxurious, you’ll find just what you want in a resort.

Experience history

If you crave culture and history, you can start by staying in two of Oahu’s most famous resorts. Nestled oceanfront in the heart of Waikiki Beach, the Moana Surfrider introduced the world to Hawaiian hospitality in 1901. Lovingly referred to as the “First Lady of Waikiki,” this legendary hotel is one of Honolulu’s most vibrant destinations. Also on Waikiki beach you’ll find the majestic pink hotel you’ve seen in countless photographs and movies: the Royal Hawaiian. With a rich history and strong connection to Hawaiian culture, this historic Honolulu hotel opened its doors in 1927 and still offers guests an unforgettable experience. On the Big Island? The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel opened in 1965 as Hawaii Island’s first resort and today offers the same idyllic shores and an expansive Pacific Rim art collection that begs to be explored.

Of course history flourishes throughout Hawaii. Stay at a legendary hotel and then plan some day trips to delight even the most curious history buff. Visit the various historical sites dotting the islands. Some notable places to explore on Oahu are the Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, and of course, Pearl Harbor.

Shopping and dining galore

Shop ’til you drop in your favorite pair of flip-flops! Many people don’t realize the extent of shopping available in Hawaii, particularly in Honolulu. From luxury brands to handmade goods, you’ll adore exploring store after store. You can enjoy Hawaii’s amazing weather and shop over 350 stores at the stunning open-air Ala Moana Center. For breaks on beach days, visit the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, just minutes away from Waikiki Beach. Finally, the International Marketplace is a delight to explore, with over 80 stores and eateries where you’ll discover Michelin-starred meals and locally sourced dishes.

Yoga in paradise

Find your Zen and give your body the workout it craves by exploring numerous yoga class options throughout the Hawaiian islands. In the Honolulu and Waikiki area, many of these classes are free or by donation. Wine and yoga? Yes please! Check out the Vino and Vinyasa program at the Moana Surfrider. Yoga in the park? Explore Yoga For My Homies. Another popular option is the free open-air yoga offered by Fabletics. Now that’s namaste done right.

Get active outdoors

The Hawaiian sunshine is calling: Bask in the beauty of Mother Nature by spending some time outdoors. Look for classes where culture meets exercise at your resort, such as hula or ukulele lessons. Beyond your hotel are myriad opportunities with something guaranteed to pique your interest. Get active on the water by taking surfing or paddle-board lessons. Fancy yourself a photo buff? Check out Oahu Photography Tours where you’ll spend the day exploring some of Hawaii’s most photo-worthy hidden gems.

Ready for rest and relaxation

Of course, you can fill your day to the brim with activities or choose to do nothing at all. If relaxation is more your vibe, it might be perfect to book a few appointments at the spa. Westin hotels offer excellent spas and wellness programs so you can book one session or a whole day’s worth of pampering. From luxurious facials to massages that will melt any stress completely away, you’ll certainly achieve a new level of relaxation.

Whether you book a long weekend, a week or more, Hawaii is the ideal destination for single female travelers. Isn’t it time you satisfied your wanderlust?

2018-08-08T09:29:00

(BPT) – As you stand in the chocolate aisle of the grocery store, have you ever stopped to think about the story behind each bar?

Knowing that your choice of chocolate has a positive impact on the farmers who cultivated the cocoa beans can sweeten the entire experience. When choosing your favorite treat, make sure it is one that combines pleasure with purpose. Here are three things you might not know about chocolate, and how each one could impact your decision in the candy aisle:

1. The cocoa industry affects over 5 million small holder cocoa farmers around the world. The majority of cocoa is grown on small farms operated by independent farmers in developing countries in West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas. Your choice in the chocolate aisle can go a long way toward supporting these households: DOVE Chocolate partners with CARE, an organization dedicated to fighting global poverty. This partnership powers the development of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs): savings-led, community-based programs that allow members, such as cocoa farmers and their families, to support each other with low-interest loans and savings plans. The loans help cocoa farming households access capital to improve their farming practices, expand and diversify their businesses, and invest in education and health for their families and enrich their local community.

2. Fifty percent of cocoa farming activities are completed by women, yet women rarely benefit from cocoa-related income. While women play a key role in cocoa farming, many of them do not receive the income benefits they deserve. The VSLA initiative provides women with ways to save money and access small loans. In turn, women in cocoa farming communities can increase productivity on their cocoa farms and even achieve greater equality with their male counterparts. Within the past year, female representation in VSLAs has risen to 80 percent, and many members have increased their initial investments by 58 percent since joining a VSLA.

3. Cocoa is produced by farming households in developing African countries who often lack affordable financial services, according to CARE. Rural Africans have been forced to use whatever high-cost lenders are available in their area. By choosing chocolate that supports VSLA programs, you’re helping women in cocoa growing communities find a safe and community-supported way to access loans and put their money into savings. What’s more, these programs have further evolved with the linkage of many VSLAs and their members to formal Micro-Finance Institutions (MFI). This linkage gives VSLA members opportunities to access more modern financial tools that can increase profitability.

“Today’s consumers are savvy in that they are increasingly conscientious about their impact on the world based on their purchase decisions,” says Leslie Philipsen, Brand Director, DOVE Chocolate. “For example, we are finding that people appreciate knowing that their favorite brands stand behind real commitments to the people who create the products they know and love, and are doing what they can to help them succeed. That’s why we continue to partner with CARE to positively impact thousands of women in the cocoa growing communities of Cote d’Ivoire through the VSLA program.”

“We know when a woman joins a VSLA, her involvement creates ripples of positive change that extend past herself to include the people in her community,” says Marcela Hahn, Executive Director of CARE’s Strategic Partnerships team. “VSLAs are about more than giving women financial opportunities. They are about transformation. We are honored to stand in partnership with DOVE Chocolate, changing the lives of thousands of women and their families in Cote d’Ivoire.”

From now through August 18, DOVE Chocolate will donate $1 to CARE for every purchase of specially marked DOVE Chocolate PROMISES at CVS Pharmacy locations. To learn more about the effort, visit www.dovechocolate.com.

2018-08-07T09:31:00

(BPT) – Adding a cosigner to your student loan application can be a smart financial move, according to a new analysis from online student loan marketplace Credible.com. The research found that borrowers who added a cosigner to their private student loan applications were more than five times more likely to be approved for a loan. In addition, borrowers applying with a cosigner reduced their interest rate by 2.36 percentage points, on average, opening the door to rates that were 28 percent lower than those available to borrowers applying without a cosigner.

Private student loans are often used to cover funding gaps when families hit their federal student loan limits. Banks, credit unions and online lenders provide private loans at rates that can be competitive with the federal government’s Parent PLUS loans, depending on the borrower’s (and cosigner’s) credit worthiness.

Save thousands with a cosigner

Credible’s analysis of more than 90,000 student loan requests submitted through the Credible.com marketplace in the last year found that for a freshman deferring loan payments until after graduation, adding a cosigner saved them an average of $3,505 when taking out a $10,000 fixed-rate loan paid back over 10 years. Adding a cosigner helped borrowers across the entire credit spectrum get lower rates — even those with good or excellent credit.

Because students often have little to no credit history, many, if not most, private student loan lenders require a cosigner in these situations. In cosigning a loan, a cosigner agrees to take responsibility for paying back the loan in full if the borrower is unable to pay it back themselves.

“Taking on student debt is a serious long-term obligation, so it’s important that students and their cosigners enter into it wisely,” said Stephen Dash, founder and CEO of Credible.com. “Cosigners may be underappreciated as a group. They deserve tremendous credit for helping many students get the loans they need to further their education at a significantly lower rate.”

Not all cosigners are equal

Not all cosigners are equal, however. The benefits of applying with a cosigner are tightly correlated with the cosigner’s credit score. The higher the score, the lower the interest rate offered by lenders. To help students identify their strongest cosigner, the Credible.com marketplace allows students to request rates from multiple lenders and compare potential cosigners to see how each cosigner affects their available rates.

Although parents usually serve as cosigners, anyone with good credit who wants to help a student can fill the role. Credible found that more than one in four undergraduate students turn to other relatives or a spouse, friend, or employer to serve as a cosigner.

Credible.com offers the following tips for students seeking to minimize their student loan debt:

* Shop around. Do your research and comparison shop. Private lenders offer different types of loans on rates and terms that depend on the borrower. In general, it pays to shop multiple lenders before you commit to one. Credible’s online comparison tool shows you the actual rates and loan products you could qualify for with multiple, vetted lenders.

* Keep an eye out for discounts. Many student loan lenders offer discounts to borrowers who agree to have payments automatically deducted, for example.

* Thank your cosigner. Your cosigner puts their own credit on the line to help you get a lower interest rate. Why not thank them for all they do for you? Credible offers a series of cards at no charge designed to thank cosigners for all they make possible.

2018-08-06T14:57:00

(BPT) – Most of us are conscientious with our diets — trying our best to keep a balance between getting a fill of veggies, but still wanting to also enjoy that occasional treat. And even better if we can savor the taste of a favorite decadent dessert or fancy coffee drink without feeling guilty.

Consumers have a love for sweetness but, at the same time, are seeking more low-sugar, low-calorie foods and beverages. According to a recent International Food and Ingredient Council study, 76 percent of consumers said they were trying to limit or avoid sugars in general. So, how can consumers “have their cake (or yogurt, bread, granola bar) and eat it too”?

The good news about alternative sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose and saccharin, historically have been a go-to ingredient in food and beverage products to reduce added sugar in the diet, and in turn reducing calories and lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. More recently, though, many consumers are shying away from artificial sweeteners. Alternative sweeteners are finding their way into soft drinks, dairy products, cereals, healthy snacks and more. The next time you select your favorite treat or staple, watch for these two sweeteners when you’re checking the labels.

Steviol glycosides

For hundreds of years, people have used the leaves of the stevia plant to naturally sweeten their foods. Steviol glycosides, and specifically Reb M and Reb D, are the best-tasting, sweetest components of the stevia leaf. Just like sugar, these compounds react with the sweet receptors on our tongues, but without the calories or blood sugar spikes negatively associated with sugar.

Unfortunately, Reb M and Reb D steviol glycosides make up only a tiny fraction — less than 1 percent — of the stevia leaf. With such small quantities available in the plant, it would require significant land use and produce too much waste for food or beverage manufacturers to use Reb M or Reb D as a viable sweetener in their products.

But what if the same calorie-free sweetness of these two steviol glycosides could be produced in large quantities through a fermentation process — the same age-old process used to create your favorite beers, cheeses and breads? Through fermentation, Cargill produces these Steviol Glycodies without overusing the land. This means that food and beverage companies have a sweetener option to use in your favorite beverage or snack that provides the same taste-bud pleasing sweetness you crave, with zero calories, zero sugar and with an eye to sustainability. Just look for steviol glycoside on the label.

Don’t shy away from Erythritol

Erythritol: The name might sound scientific, but you can feel confident knowing you are getting a natural*, sweet ingredient when you see it on the label of your favorite treat. In fact, Erythritol occurs in many fruits, including watermelon and pears.

Also created through fermentation, this natural*, zero-calorie sweetener looks and tastes a lot like sugar but does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels. It’s another ideal sweetener to look for on the label of your favorite juices, chocolates or caramels, ice creams or yogurts, to name a few.

If you’re searching out foods and beverages that help meet your dietary needs or goals, whether for a diabetic diet or simply reducing calories and sugar intake, it’s worthwhile to pay attention to the label. You can still indulge in a sweet beverage or dessert knowing there are two new sweetener alternatives that are safe, great tasting, zero calorie — and are kind to our land and natural resources.

*FDA has not defined natural. Contact Cargill for source and processing information.

2018-08-06T11:05:00

(BPT) – Mahatma Gandhi once famously said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” If you count yourself as a believer in this statement, your health is more important to you than any material possession and you do your best to protect it every single day. That’s why you eat right, exercise regularly and support your total health with supplements.

But did you realize that, if you are already taking medications for an existing condition, the supplements you mix with these medications could actually be hindering your overall health instead of helping it? It’s an all-too-common occurrence and one many people are unaware of.

“Nutrient deficiencies and diagnosed health conditions often require the use of vitamins and prescription medications, but they can interact. It is critical that users understand potential interactions,” said Michael Roizen, M.D., chief wellness officer, Cleveland Clinic and Persona medical advisory board chair.

Research from Persona, the leading personalized nutrition brand combining smart science, data and the highest quality supplements, shows that nearly 40 percent of survey participants — those already taking vitamins alongside prescription medications — did not know vitamins and supplements can impact the effectiveness of their medications. Forty-five percent assumed they didn’t need to tell their doctor before they started taking a new vitamin or supplement. This eliminated the possibility for doctors to warn them of potential negative effects of the two interacting.

Examples of common negative reactions

The market is flush with myriad medication and dietary supplement solutions and while many will not interact with each other, those that do cannot be ignored.

One common area for a negative reaction is with those who take a blood pressure medication and combine it with an iron supplement. In many cases taking the supplement two hours before or after the medication can decrease its absorption rate significantly, making the prescription med less successful.

People who take a synthetic thyroid hormone should also be wary of taking their medication in conjunction with any supplement containing soy, iron or calcium. Taking both the medication and supplement within four hours of one another will decrease the absorption rate and effectiveness of the thyroid hormone.

Identifying situations where the pairing is successful

Combining a supplement and a medication isn’t always a hindrance; it can be successful as well. For example, if you are taking a statin, you will want to add Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) because the average blood concentration of CoQ10 in blood plasma decreases.

In another instance, if you take medication to treat allergies or inflammation, adding a vitamin D and calcium supplement will support bone health and calcium absorption.

Finding the right supplement solutions for you

With so many supplement options available, it can be difficult to determine which choices are right for you, and if you are already taking a medication, choosing the proper supplement becomes even more important.

Persona can help by cross-referencing more than 650 prescription medications when making supplement recommendations. This thorough cross-referencing ensures you’ll receive the full benefits of the supplement without having to worry about negative reactions. In addition, Persona’s customer service team of dietitians and nutritionists will work with you to determine the right supplement plan for you based on your needs and medical considerations.

With a single subscription service, Persona delivers customized vitamins and nutritional supplements to you in daily packs based on needs and it all starts when you take your free Nutritional Assessment. Visit www.personanutrition.com to learn more, because you should expect your supplements to support not only your existing medications but your total health goals as well.

2018-08-03T12:59:00

(BPT) – Curb appeal is important to homeowners for many reasons. Some people take pride in keeping up the exterior appearance of their home and enjoy the process of doing so. Others want to be the envy of the neighborhood or are meeting property guidelines required by the local homeowners’ association. Curb appeal can also determine whether a homeowner sells his or her house quickly or watches it sit on the market unsold for months. Whatever the reason, an easy and affordable way to significantly increase the curb appeal of any home is the addition of a concrete lawn border.

Used to define and protect lawns, flowers beds and paths, concrete borders can be customized with color and contoured to match the landscape of any front yard. In addition, using QUIKRETE Crack Resistant Concrete is a more durable and less expensive option than wood, pavers and other common lawn border materials. In fact, this do-it-yourself project can be completed by homeowners with even modest skill and experience for less than two dollars per linear foot.

Steps for making a concrete lawn border:

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.

• Remove any landscaping materials like straw and mulch, and create an outline of the lawn border path with a shovel.
• Excavate the outlined area by digging a trench 1/2” to 1” deeper than the border, making sure the sides of the trench are as vertical as possible to help support the forms.
• Construct the forms using 1/4” plywood strips secured in place by hammering wooden stakes into the ground snugly on the outside and inside of the strips. Screw the stakes into the strips from the inside to create the forms. To maintain a consistent width of the forms, place wooden spacers at regular intervals.
• Once the forms are complete, compact the ground under the forms and pour a base layer of all-purpose gravel into the forms.
• Mix QUIKRETE Crack Resistant Concrete Mix, following the directions on the bag, and pour into the forms. The concrete should slightly overfill the form.
• Pouring one section at a time, use a wood float to consolidate and level the concrete even with the top of the form. Sculpt the sides of the border and further consolidate the concrete with an edging tool.
• Cut in control joints about every eight feet using a margin trowel.
• Water cure the concrete for three to five days using a fine water mist or apply QUIKRETE Acrylic Concrete Cure N’ Seal with a brush, roller or garden sprayer. In addition to expediting the curing process, the sealer will protect the concrete lawn border from stains.
• Carefully remove the forms starting with the stakes and then the plywood strips. A pointed shovel can be used to help pry up stingy plywood strips, but be careful not to crack the concrete by applying too much force.
• Backfill with soil and replace any landscaping materials.

A concrete lawn border can be further personalized to match a home or fit a homeowner’s personality by using QUIKRETE Liquid Cement Color in the concrete mix. For full detailed project instructions, watch the concrete lawn border how-to video at QUIKRETE.com.

2018-08-03T14:57:00

(BPT) – If you’re like many Americans, you’re planning an outdoor party to celebrate the warm-weather season. That may be especially true if you’ve made recent improvements to your outdoor spaces; according to a recent Houzz survey, 51 percent of homeowners conducting such upgrades plan to throw more parties, and 67 percent plan to spend more time outdoors.

Of course, part of the fun of hosting is taking pride in the home and yard you’ve worked so hard to maintain. That’s why you’ll want to take steps to ensure the grass is fully green, landscaping looks neat, air smells fresh and guests can enjoy the food and company without interruption from bugs and rodents. Consider these tips for making that happen.

1. Create a lush mix of plants. This is the time of year to show off your gardening skills. If you haven’t already optimized this year’s landscaping, take advantage of seasonal sales to create a wealth of gorgeous, colorful blooms and lush emerald foliage. Be sure to pamper your plants with Miracle-Gro(R) Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food so they can grow to their glorious full potential.

2. Show off a carpet of green. Create a yard your guests want to walk on barefoot by creating an appropriate watering schedule for your region and keeping the grass mowed to a height of 3 to 3.5 inches (but no less than 2 inches). You can make your blades greener in as few as three days by applying micronutrient-rich Scotts(R) Green Max(TM) Lawn Food.

3. Harvest homegrown herbs and produce. Nothing adds fresh flavor to a summer meal like fruits, vegetables and herbs straight from your garden. Once your plants are fully grown, wow guests by featuring your home-grown produce in salads, sandwiches, dips, desserts and other crowd-favorite dishes.

4. Repel the bugs. Help prevent mosquitoes from bothering your guests by building a protective perimeter of citrus-scented Ortho(R) Home Defense(R) Perimeter Protection Repellent Candles. These effective candles work on your behalf by using fresh-smelling essential oils that repel twice the mosquitoes as citronella. Other DIY tips for warding off insects: remove standing water in places like trash can lids, bird baths and pet dishes and strategically situate unscented or beeswax candles infused with drops of spearmint or lemongrass oil.

5. Keep unwanted guests away. Throughout the party, clean up spills and trash to prevent critters like raccoons, skunks and deer from running toward the food. Music (although not too loud to disturb the neighbors!) can also deter animals that don’t like the noise. Keep serving dishes covered and out of reach, and, once the party’s over, dispose of garbage in mint-infused trash bags like Tomcat(R) Dual Action Outdoor Trash Bags. The mint oil helps ward off pesky raccoons that search trash cans for leftovers.

By taking the time to make your yard pleasant before your guests come over, you can kick back, enjoy their compliments and make memories once they arrive. Here’s to a great outdoor season.