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5 reasons to visit Florida’s Space Coast this year

2019-03-14T10:55:00

(BPT) – Searching for a vacation destination that’s out of this world? Look no further than Florida’s Space Coast — the primary home of NASA rocket launch operations and the origination point for numerous historic missions that have defined U.S. space exploration. For the science, technology and sci-fi enthusiasts in your family, there’s no better way to truly experience the excitement of the modern-day space race than to view a rocket launch in person during the yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, which in 1969 landed humans on the moon for the first time.

And there is a whole lot more for the family to enjoy in this subtropical paradise along the Atlantic coast. Here are some of the best reasons to travel to Florida’s Space Coast before the year runs out.

1. Join the space race. Plan your visit around one of the several scheduled rocket launches in 2019. You can view a launch from almost anywhere along Florida’s Space Coast — at public beaches and parks, inside the Exploration Tower in Port Canaveral, along the landmark Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier and countless other locations. Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to examine the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close, gaze upon the legendary NASA launch pads, walk beneath a gargantuan Saturn V moon rocket, meet an actual U.S. astronaut and even train in a space flight simulator. Check out a cool 3D space film in the IMAX Theater, then take a short journey up the road to Space View Park in Titusville, where you can admire the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle and “In the Line of Duty” monuments. From the park, you can peer across the Indian River to spot NASA’s massive, emblematic Vehicle Assembly Building, which stands tall in the middle of the space center property.

2. Hit the beach. Florida’s Space Coast goes on for 72 miles north to south and is dotted with numerous inviting beaches. Families can enjoy the sun, surf and sand at beachside locales such as Alan Shepard Park (named for the first American in space), which provides picnic, shower and restroom facilities for visitors. To experience one of the area’s many secluded and undeveloped beaches, head to the beautiful dunes of Canaveral National Seashore, on the region’s northern tip.

3. Shout “surf’s up!” With warm water temperatures year-round and plenty of wave action, Florida’s Space Coast is known as the surfing capital of the East Coast. Novices can take quick classes at a local surf school and enjoy riding some easy breakers; there are ample challenges, as well, for more experienced surfers. Board rentals and lessons are available at the famed Ron Jon Surf Shop or Cocoa Beach Surf Company. Serious fans of surfing can visit the Florida Surf Museum and attend prominent local surf events, such as the Ron Jon Beach ’N Boards Fest (March 14-17, 2019), the Cocoa Beach Easter Surf Fest (April 20), or the National Kidney Foundation Rich Salick Pro-Am Surf Festival (late summer).

4. Enjoy a cruise. Port Canaveral is home port for major cruise operators such as Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. You can plan a Caribbean cruise as part of your trip to Florida’s Space Coast, or just take in the awesome sight of these magnificent cruise ships as they arrive from sea or depart on their next adventures. In addition, there are a good number of dining, entertainment and recreational options in the port vicinity.

5. Get in touch with nature. Nearby nature preserves and wildlife attractions for the whole family include the nationally acclaimed Brevard Zoo in Melbourne and the Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary in Titusville. Go on a guided sea turtle walk at the Barrier Island Sanctuary in Melbourne Beach or spend time roaming the expansive Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares land with the adjacent Kennedy Space Center. For the more adventurous, an airboat ride, kayak trip or fishing excursion might be just the thing. Or simply enjoy plunking down amid some family-friendly commons such as Riverfront Park in historic Cocoa Village, where the kids can frolic on the playground and in the refreshing splash fountain.

Florida’s Space Coast offers an exciting, one-of-a-kind opportunity to get up to speed on all the latest developments in space exploration, and to personally experience so much more. Up and down this beautiful stretch, every member of the family will find something extraordinary, fun and exhilarating to do. And there’s never been a better time to discover the adventurous spirit in us all.


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Top Three Kitchen Advancements for Today’s Technicurean Home Chefs

2019-03-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Today’s home chefs are smart and sophisticated. They want the latest tools to simplify their lives and make their culinary dreams a reality. This year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, North America’s premier industry event, highlighted the top kitchen design innovations, including smart technology that helps the modern home chef achieve professional-level results in their own kitchen. Other top themes included sustainability and ways integrated technology can improve food and drink preservation, plus overall wellness.

Here’s what we learned:

1) Smarter appliances offer restaurant-worthy results

All that practice and preparation won’t get the best results without professional-grade appliances offering the ultimate in culinary precision. Today’s home chefs want what professional kitchens provide, from multiple ovens to stovetop griddles and more. There’s also a rise in progressive home chefs called “Technicureans” who are socially conscious consumers who are passionate about cooking as well as technological innovation. One of the luxury kitchen appliance brands that caters to these individuals, Signature Kitchen Suite, offers an industry-first 48-inch dual fuel pro range with built-in “sous vide” modality right on the cooktop, along with gas and induction. Its multiple cooking modalities and innovative technology earned the prestigious “Best of KBIS 2019” Gold Award.

The sous-vide cooking technique has been the go-to method of the world’s best chefs for years. In sous-vide cooking, food is vacuum-sealed and submerged in water, then slow-cooked at a precise temperature to achieve perfect doneness, every time.

“Sous-vide was the exclusive domain of top chefs for a long time,” said Mark Bittman, food author, educator and host of the True to Food film series. “Now, there’s sous-vide in a pro range for the home.”

2) The next generation of wine storage

Wine connoisseurs and home chefs alike recognize the importance of proper wine storage. At this year’s KBIS, new 18- and 24-inch integrated column wine refrigerators captured another top award from the show — the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s inaugural “30s Choice Award.” Based on new “Wine Cave” technology these new wine refrigerators from Signature Kitchen Suite are designed to significantly reduce vibration — a major factor that can cause chemical imbalances affecting wine quality, flavor, aroma and texture — in addition to minimizing temperature fluctuations, limiting light exposure and locking in humidity.

The refrigerators feature the True Sommelier app, powered by Wine Ring, helping wine collectors manage their personal cellars in a truly modern way.

“There are a million wines in the world, so which ones should be in your wine cellar and which should accompany your dinner with friends tonight?” asked Pam Dillon, CEO and co-founder of Wine Ring. “Wine Ring makes recommendations based on your personal ratings, using its patented software — the first of its kind in cellar technology.”

3) Integrated technology can improve overall wellness

“We’re continuing to see a convergence of technologies and design trends come together in the kitchen,” said Brian Pagel, senior vice president, Emerald Expositions/National Kitchen and Bath Association, producers of the annual KBIS show. “High-end cooking is of growing interest to consumers, and that will only continue.”

In fact, leading appliance manufacturers now offer a variety of smart cooking platform integrations, including Innit, SideChef, Tovala and Drop, illustrating an emphasis on effortless meal preparation — whether it’s step-by-step guided cooking or automated precision cooking programs proposing better nutrition.

“Home chefs can now customize meals that fit their lifestyles and dietary preferences, all at their fingertips,” said Kevin Brown, CEO and co-founder of Innit. “Paired with the culinary precision of their appliances, we work to elevate the at-home meal prep and cooking experience.”

In today’s kitchens, luxury and intuitive smart technology merge to produce new capabilities that were once limited to the pros, proving that better cooking is possible through better thinking.


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3 ways to empower women in your community and worldwide

2019-03-13T17:26:53

(BPT) – Female entrepreneurs make up approximately 1/3 of all entrepreneurs worldwide, and it’s always a great time to highlight, support and applaud women in business, in your community and across the globe.

Here are a few easy ways you can celebrate and support businesswomen and female entrepreneurs.

Shop women-owned businesses. Know about a restaurant, shop or service-oriented business in your area that’s owned and operated by women entrepreneurs? (If you don’t, do a little online research to find some.) Go out of your way to shop at their location, refer friends and family members to their businesses and be sure to let them know that you support their efforts in your community. Give them a boost by posting a positive review of their business on social media. Helping female-owned businesses thrive is a great way to empower women in your own backyard.

Mentor women and girls in your industry. Find ways to offer female students and younger employees a chance to learn more about educational and employment opportunities in your own field. Contact career counselors at high schools or local colleges and offer to let students shadow you at work, or give them a chance to do an informational interview with you to learn more about your business. Help them get connected within your business network and share your experiences. If your employer is willing, develop an internship or on-the-job training program to encourage and empower up-and-coming women in your industry.

Support companies actively involved in projects that empower women. Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S. and Dove Chocolate have pledged $1 million to CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, specifically to empower women in West Africa. Dove Chocolate and CARE partnered to empower women in the cocoa growing communities of Cote d’Ivoire after an assessment of women’s involvement in West African cocoa farms found that women were not benefiting from cocoa production, even though they participate in more than half of cocoa-farming activities. The first stone was recently laid on a new marketplace for women-led businesses in the village of Gueyo, a centrally located commerce area nestled among the cocoa fields of Cote d’Ivoire. Consumers can help support these efforts, as $5 will be donated to CARE with every online purchase of qualifying Dove Chocolate Promises.

This year, find special ways to celebrate and support the women in your neighborhood and around the world who are working hard to create better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.


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What kind of potato chip are you?

2019-03-13T12:15:00

(BPT) – Did you know that Thursday, March 14, is National Potato Chip Day? For years, potato chips have been America’s go-to favorite snack and Lay’s, the classic potato chip brand from Frito Lay, is giving you a few great ways to celebrate the holiday!

But before you begin planning your perfect potato chip party, you might want to ask yourself: What kind of Lay’s potato chip are you?

1. Are you a lighthearted, spontaneous person with a knack for finding the fun in the everyday? Then you might be Lay’s Poppables White Cheddar.

Your party could include some crazy party games that people of any age will find hilarious. Remember playing the old favorite “hot potato” as a kid, where you pass a potato quickly around a circle while music plays? When the music stops, don’t let yourself be caught holding the potato! Other classics to revive include the game where pairs of players stand back-to-back with a potato between them. The teams must race each other or go through a specially designed course without losing their potatoes. Or, try racing while holding a potato (or a single Lay’s Poppable) in a spoon, but don’t drop it, or you’re out! Either of these games can be made into a relay race.

2. Do you enjoy being creative and love to try new things? If so, you could be Lay’s Classic Wavy Original.
Your potato chip party can offer a wide selection of store-bought dips to enjoy or, better yet — feature a dip-making contest with Lay’s Classic Wavy chips. Have your party guests bring their own favorite dip recipes to share! Designate first-, second- and third-place winners for the best dips and make sure to come up with fun prizes for the champion dip makers. You could shop for unique bowls to hold dip as an appropriately themed prize for the winners.

3. Are you a person who often believes less is more? You may be Lay’s Classic Lightly Salted.

Your party can explore simple yet tasty recipes with potato chips. Create your own or encourage your guests to bring creative potluck dishes to share that use potato chips as ingredients or garnishes. Perhaps include a crunchy layer of Lay’s Lightly Salted chips within a sandwich. Or even use potato chips in a dessert, like on top of a cupcake for that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

4. Are you interested in appealing to your guests with a fun, new experience? If so, you may be Lay’s Classic Kettle Cooked Jalapeño.

Host a chip tasting party! There are dozens of types of potato chips and flavors to choose from, age-old favorites and new, fun flavors. Invite your friends and family over to try out several varieties and have everyone guess the flavors! It’ll be fun to see who has the most discerning palate and discover which chips everyone likes best.

5. However, if you like all things tried and true, Lay’s Classic is the chip for you.

If that’s the case, keep the party going. Make life’s moments a celebration of potato chips and include packs of Lay’s in your family’s lunch boxes, or snack on them while enjoying family movie night or hanging out with your friends watching a game together.

Put March 14 on your calendar from now on so you’ll always remember to celebrate everyone’s favorite snack on National Potato Chip Day. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a party with your friends and family that nobody will forget.


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5 smart ideas to refresh your deck

2019-03-13T11:17:00

(BPT) – As seasons turn, your focus begins to shift to the outdoors. Your deck or patio becomes your new living room — an ideal setting for memorable moments with friends and family. If you look at these spaces and long for a refresh, the time to start planning is now. You have options, and many you can do yourself with minimal effort.

To start, if you don’t have a deck or patio, research materials carefully before making an investment. One prevalent building trend involves making the smart choice toward natural, environmentally friendly materials that will never end up in landfills. As such, more homeowners are choosing Real Cedar because it is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects. It’s low-maintenance and easy to work with, being durable yet lightweight, laying straight and taking fasteners easily. Plus, nothing looks, feels or smells quite like cedar.

To refresh your deck with style and functionality, consider these five trending outdoor-living projects:

Planter boxes: If you want to add beauty and functionality to your deck, construct planter boxes and put them in sunny spaces. From small boxes that house herb gardens to larger boxes that allow vegetables to thrive, you can have a bounty of fresh flavors right outside your door. No need for a garden plot! Planter box designs come in a variety of sizes and can be built low to the ground or at waist height for easy tending.

Outdoor sectionals: Built-in sectionals are becoming a focal point and favorite hangout spot on the deck. Perfectly set into a corner, these multi-directional couches can be built as large or small as you desire. Use Real Cedar for your project because it is pitch- and resin-free, so accepts and holds a wide variety of finishes beautifully so you can customize the look to your tastes. Finish with cushions for that decorator touch and you’ll have your new favorite cozy outdoor corner.

Water features: As homeowners look to make their decks and patios a true retreat from the stress of everyday life, they want to add elements of Zen, which is why fountains and water features are becoming so popular. New decks are often built to incorporate these features, including pathways where water provides a calm ambiance. If a pond is too significant an undertaking, fountains provide a more affordable alternative that can be used in any size space.

Pergolas: These beautiful semi-shelters can be built in a number of useful configurations depending on how much shade you require, what you wish to situate beneath it (A dining set? Outdoor couches and chairs? Grilling equipment?) and whether you want to incorporate climbing plants. For complete project plans and instructions on how to make your own pergola over a weekend, visit www.realcedar.com.

Lighting: When the sun goes down that doesn’t mean the fun should stop. Add lighting to extend the functionality and enjoy special moments under the stars on your deck or patio. Stair, railing and pathway lighting add a necessary safety feature, while under-table lighting and deck-post sconces provide the perfect illumination for the space without being overwhelming. For a touch of twinkle, add a few outdoor string lights in white, or for a more festive atmosphere, go for the color of your choice.

These five outdoor living ideas are sure to enhance any size deck or patio space. Make plans today so you can enjoy many seasons of fun outdoors with loved ones.


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Fact or fiction? 5 common car insurance myths debunked

2019-03-12T11:01:01

(BPT) – Trimming costs is, hands down, the easiest way to put more dollars in your pocket. When looking at the major expenses in your life, insurance is often seen as a big one. While there are well-known tips for saving on insurance, like bundling home and auto, a good first step is to have accurate information. “There are a lot of myths out there about what impacts insurance rates,” said Eric Madia, vice president, product design, Esurance. “Dispelling some of those myths upfront will not only save people money, but will also help ensure they’re properly protected.”

Esurance is on a mission to make insurance simple, transparent and affordable. To that end, Madia is shedding light on five common insurance myths and misconceptions, helping to make insurance surprisingly painless by clearing up some of the confusion.

Myth: Full coverage covers everything.

Here’s the truth, “full coverage” doesn’t actually exist. It’s a phrase that people often use, but since it’s not an official coverage package, it has a different definition to everyone. Some people expect “full coverage” to include every layer of protection available, while others may be looking for the most common or basic levels of coverage. To avoid confusion, the best approach is to work directly with your insurer to understand your coverage options and tailor a policy that’s right for you.

Myth: Opting for the minimum coverage will save you money.

It’s true, the less coverage you have, the lower your premium will be. That said, if you’re not covered properly you could end up losing a lot of money. For instance, while you may not drive an expensive car, you’re financially responsible for the damage you cause to another car. There are a lot of expensive cars on the road, so just think how much you may be paying out of pocket if you accidentally hit one of them. Property damage (PD) coverage is what protects you in this situation, but the total coverage you get should be determined by where you drive, not what you drive. “Increasing your PD coverage could cost you less than $1 per month, which is minor compared to how much you could end up paying if you’re responsible for totaling someone else’s car,” said Madia. “It’s easy to think about what’s going to benefit you most in the present moment because you never expect to need the coverage, but when you do it’s too late.” What does this mean? It’s worth paying a little more now to save a lot later.

Myth: Car insurance rates decrease at age 25.

Auto insurance rates don’t necessarily drop automatically when you turn 25, but most drivers do start to see decreases in their car insurance premiums as they gain experience. If you’ve been licensed since you were 16 and maintain a clean driving record, you’ll likely start seeing lower car insurance rates when you hit your mid-20s, and that may continue into your 30s. If you didn’t get your license until later in life, you’ll need to gain additional driving experience before you can expect any cost reductions.

Myth: Car insurance premiums rise automatically after an accident.

There’s no hard-and-fast rule that says an accident leads to a higher rate. Insurers consider many factors before deciding to adjust your rate. They look at things like the total cost paid for a claim, your driving history and whether or not you were at fault. All of these considerations mean that while it’s possible your rate will change after filing a claim, there are also many reasons your rate could stay exactly the same.

Myth: It costs more to insure red cars.

Color is not a determining factor in calculating your auto insurance premium. It doesn’t matter if you drive a black, red, or neon green vehicle. What does matter is the year, make, model and body style of your vehicle, as well as your driving record, how much you drive and the drivers listed on your policy.

To get the best rates and the best coverage, it’s important to know the facts. Esurance works hard to make sure those facts are easy to understand, so you feel confident you’re getting the protection that’s right for you. See for yourself at www.esurance.com.


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3 easy ways to increase the life and value of your deck

2019-03-12T10:01:00

(BPT) – Building a deck is one of the best home improvement investments you can make. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2019 Cost vs. Value Report, a homeowner can expect to recoup about 76 percent of the cost of building a wood deck and 69 percent of a composite deck when the time comes to sell their home. No matter what material you choose, following are some tips for building a deck that delivers maximum enjoyment and ROI.

Your investment needs protection

Homeowners today have access to high-performance deck boards warrantied to last for decades. But, unless the proper steps are taken from the start, the deck’s foundation could begin decaying within the first 10 years. This is because the vast majority of substructures are built using wood, which is susceptible to damage from the outdoor elements.

Easily one of wood’s worst enemies, moisture contributes to mold growth and can accelerate structural deterioration. When joists and beams are exposed, water seeps into screw holes and sits on the wood causing it to rot and the screws to rust. Additionally, the natural expansion and contraction of wood due to seasonal freezing and thawing can cause beams to split and weaken over time, posing serious safety concerns.

1. Deck flashing tape is an affordable solution

Deck flashing tape is a simple and cost-effective way to protect wood from both weather and time. Designed to shield wooden joists and beams from moisture that can lead to rot and decay, it also acts as a barrier between wood and galvanized metal, helping deck screws and fasteners hold longer and stronger.

Even better, it’s affordable. To protect an average 20-by-12-foot deck with flashing tape costs less than $100, making it a no-brainer for DIYers and contractors who want a substructure that lasts as long as the decking it supports.

2. Think long term when selecting materials

There are two primary options when it comes to deck flashing tapes — asphalt-based and butyl tape. Although asphalt-based tape is generally less expensive than butyl tape, it tends to dry out more quickly, curl up and hold water. Butyl tape, such as Trex Protect, has several advantages over asphalt-based tape. It is stickier, endures less staining and performs better in a wider range of temperatures. Butyl tape also is more pliable than asphalt-based tape, which allows it to create a tighter seal around screws to prevent water from infiltrating the screw holes.

3. Leave elevated decks high and dry

To protect an elevated deck from moisture, consider installing an under-deck drainage system. Using a network of troughs and downspouts, these systems capture and divert water away from a deck. They also allow homeowners to double their outdoor space by protecting the area below the deck from rain, sun and other elements, making it usable for storage or as an additional living area. Once protected, dry space beneath an elevated deck can be outfitted with everything from furniture to lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, gas lines and entertainment components. You can even finish it with a stylish ceiling of your choice.

For maximum protection, select a deck drainage system that is installed above the joists, such as RainEscape. This will protect the entire substructure from water damage and deterioration.


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Fashionista Shares Her Inside Perspective on Plaque Psoriasis

2019-03-12T13:59:00

(BPT) – Never judge a book by its cover: for TV host and fashion journalist Louise Roe and the millions of people living with psoriasis in the United States, it is more important than ever to understand this chronic condition.

Roe has teamed up with Celgene for Inside Perspective, a campaign that aims to raise awareness about plaque psoriasis — an autoimmune condition that appears on the surface of the skin but starts inside the body.[1]

While working at a fashion magazine in London at the age of 25, Roe was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis. Initially, she struggled with the diagnosis and managing the condition — planning her wardrobe and work events around hiding plaques on her skin.

“It was quite tough for me at first given the fashion industry is very focused on outward appearances,” said Roe. “At times, when the symptoms were too severe to hide, I canceled plans and social events — it definitely affected my confidence and my life in general.”

After working with her dermatologist, she was able to better understand plaque psoriasis and found ways to help manage the symptoms, all while building a successful fashion career as a journalist, author and blogger. Because of her personal experiences with her condition, Roe is speaking out to further educate the psoriasis community to treat the condition from within.

Through Inside Perspective, Roe also had the opportunity to swap worlds for a day with Alycia, one of her fans who lives with plaque psoriasis. Their experiences are chronicled in an inspiring video where they share heartfelt insights about living with the condition, as well as the importance of looking beneath the surface and embracing who they are both inside and out. The full story and video can be viewed at http://www.psoperspective.com.

“What I’ve learned through this experience is that there’s always more to the story,” said Roe. “By opening up about my experience, I hope the campaign will help inspire and empower others.”

Roe is one of the estimated 7.5 million people in the United States living with plaque psoriasis — an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin as red, itchy patches but starts inside the body.[1], [2] Though often seen as a skin condition, plaque psoriasis can have both a physical and an emotional impact on those living with it.[3]

To learn more about the Inside Perspective campaign and Roe’s personal story, visit www.PsOPerspective.com.


[1] What is an autoimmune disease? Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/research/science-of-psoriasis/immune-system

[2] Psoriasis Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/content/statistics

[3] Life with Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/life-with-psoriasis

© 2019 Celgene Corporation 02/19 US-OTZ-19-0172


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5 ways to customize a bathroom space

2019-03-12T09:05:00

(BPT) – Bathrooms are one of the most frequented rooms in a home. It’s where you start and end your day, and can be a room to relax and recharge in. This special space should reflect your personality and unique preferences. If you don’t feel it adequately does, there are a few simple ways to refresh this room so it feels one of a kind.

If you want to update your bathroom with customized features that suit your personality, consider the following five ideas:

Lighting: Bathroom lighting should be functional and fashionable, enabling you to get ready for the day while also allowing you to relax in the evening, for example, while taking a calming bath. General lighting provides the bulk of illumination in the bathroom space, but consider adding accent and task lighting for more flexibility. For example, wall sconces can provide extra light for personal grooming tasks while a strategically placed pendant light provides an adjustable accent glow by the tub.

Faucets: Both the sink and bath faucet can add style and functionality to the bathroom. KOHLER’s Components Collection of interchangeable spouts and handles, as well as bathroom accessories, offers a wide range of timeless, modern options that allow you to create a personalized faucet configuration tailor-made for any environment and decor. Choose your spout, then handle and finally finish — in a variety of offerings — for an ideal update that suits your design ideals.

Hardware: Vanities serve a utilitarian purpose in the bathroom, offering storage necessary for bathing, grooming and more. The vanity also is a focal point of the room, becoming a key part of the overall aesthetic. If your vanity is dated, consider updating before replacing. Hardware is one affordable option for an instant refresh. Remove old, dingy knobs and handles and replace with modern ones found at your local home improvement store for a fast, notable makeover.

Flooring: You probably don’t put much thought into your bathroom floor, but it offers a wonderful opportunity for a refresh. Dated linoleum or tile can easily be replaced with modern options that are sure to impress. Tile is always a good choice for the bathroom. Ceramic and marble tiles come in every color imaginable, and can be laid in various patterns to add visual interest to the space. What’s more, consider adding heated elements under the tile for a luxurious touch that keeps toes toasty.

Mirror: Front and center on the main bathroom wall is a large mirror that helps you get ready for the day or prepare for bedtime. This mirror also creates a visual illusion of a larger space, reflecting the light and tricking the eye into thinking the wall is larger and more open than it is. Analyze your current mirror and consider updating it to a modern style. Size is another consideration. Is your bathroom mirror too small? A good general rule is that it should measure several inches smaller than the vanity.

These five simple updates will have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of your bathroom. They will help you create a personalized space so you feel comfortable and at home every time you use it.

KOHLER’s new Components line of interchangeable faucet elements offers a wide range of modern, minimalist options for composing a finished product.


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Sneaky ways to get your kids eating healthier

2019-03-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – Every parent knows it can be a challenge to get kids to eat healthy foods. Serving piles of vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins might be our goal, but it might not guarantee that children will actually eat them.

Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner offers tips for upping the nutrients in family meals without your kids suspecting a thing.

Pack the meatloaf with vegetables. If meatloaf is a family favorite, you’re in luck. It’s easy to add finely grated vegetables like carrots into your meatloaf mix without anyone being the wiser. Carrots are loaded with nutrients such as fiber, potassium and beta-carotene. Or try adding minced celery, green peppers or spinach to meatloaf (or meatballs!) for a nutrition boost. You can also combine cooked lentils with your ground beef for a leaner meatloaf without sacrificing flavor.

Italian favorites with added veggies. When cooking Italian dishes like lasagna, adding chopped broccoli or spinach to one of your layers is an easy way to increase its nutritional value. Boost nutrition of jarred pasta sauce for any Italian dish by pureeing in your favorite cooked veggies like broccoli, carrots, squash or peppers without anyone noticing. This powered-up sauce is great for making homemade superfood pizza, too.

Asian stir fry at home. Instead of relying on Asian takeout meals, make stir fry at home. It’s quick and easy, and you can buy pre-cut chicken or beef to speed up your prep time. Get fresh or frozen veggies like sugar snap peas, grated carrots, broccoli florets and peppers and stir fry with soy sauce and a bit of ginger and garlic powder. It’s a high-veggie, craveable meal loaded with vitamins and fiber. Serve with brown rice instead of white for even more nutrition.

Use the best ingredients. Choosing your ingredients with care makes a huge difference in nutritional value. Blatner says that using Eggland’s Best eggs makes any recipe more nutritious, as they contain more than double the vitamin B12 when compared with ordinary eggs. “Vitamin B12 transforms food to energy that kids need to play and grow,” says Blatner. They also contain more vitamin D, which helps a child’s body absorb calcium, a mineral that bones need to stay strong and grow properly, according to the National Institutes of Health. Compared to ordinary eggs, they have 25 percent less saturated fat, plus contain more than double the omega-3s and 10 times more vitamin E.

To celebrate National Nutrition Month this March, Eggland’s Best and Life Time 60day are challenging families across America to Plus It Up when it comes to their overall nutrition and wellness routine. For the chance to win prizes such as free product coupons, gift cards, fitness trackers, cooking equipment and more, enter the Eggland’s Best “Plus It Up” Instant Win Sweepstakes at EBPlusItUpSweepstakes.com. One grand prize winner will receive $5,000 to plus up their family’s fitness routine!

Try this family favorite recipe:

Baked Chicken Nuggets

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Recipe by: TermiNatetor Family Kitchen

Ingredients

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (roughly 1 pound total), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works too!)*
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour*
3 Eggland’s Best eggs (large)
Cooking spray

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450 F.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and seasonings.

In two separate bowls, add the flour in one and whisk the eggs in the other.

Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly coat rack with cooking spray.

In batches, coat the chicken in the flour, shaking off excess, then in the egg wash, then in the bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

Place on rack.

Bake until chicken is fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

*Dawn’s Healthy Swap: Use whole grain instead of regular bread crumbs and all-purpose flour!