Month: June 2019

2019-06-17T16:01:00

(BPT) – If you love entertaining, warmer weather brings up images of visiting with friends on the patio or deck, and enjoying light summer fare with a delicious, refreshing rosé wine. Now’s the time to make plans, and nothing is more fun than planning a soiree. All you need are the best pairings for summer dishes with wines you and your guests will love.

Rosé wines are lighter than their fully red cousins, often with a fruitier aroma and palate. Many of the best rosés originate from Southern France and Italy, so dishes that complement these wines well are often found among various Mediterranean cuisines, including French, Italian and Greek recipes.

Within the rosé family, there’s a wide variety of choices, each with its own special qualities, so enjoy trying many that pair well with light summer dishes.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Fresh, delicious salads

You can’t go wrong with a delicious summer salad, using fresh local produce, but then going in your own direction by choosing different proteins or fruits. First decide whether you’re making it as an appetizer, side or main course.

If you’re keeping your salad light to serve as a starter or side, you may want to choose a rosé that goes especially well with fresh produce. One great choice is Il Poggione Brancato Rosato 2018, derived from Sangiovese grapes, which offer a fresh taste and pleasant roundness on the palate, evoking the flavor of strawberries, cherries, spices and flowers. You could serve it with a light salad niçoise, melon and prosciutto or Greek salad.

For a main course, such as a seafood salad featuring crab, shrimp or lobster, or a salad using hearty ingredients like roasted corn, avocado or quinoa, you might want to choose a Provencal variety. Mathilde Chapoutier Provence Rosé uses a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes. While the Grenache grapes add a fruity flavor with bright grapefruit and apricot notes, the Syrah grapes add more body and round out the texture. This is a fresh but well-balanced rosé that will complement a variety of salads, light pasta and rice side dishes, plus lightly cooked seafood. Mathilde Chapoutier Provence Rosé tastes a little more refined, crisp and fresh than other rosés from the Provence region.

Fire up the grill

For meats, chicken or seafood grilled on the barbecue, you’ll want to try a more medium-bodied rosé that can stand up to bigger flavors like the spice and heat in your barbecue sauce. Southern French rosés, like those from the Rhone valley, often pair well with grilled and cured meats. You could try serving M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rosé 2018 with your barbecue. While still relatively delicate and fruity on the palate, with strawberry notes and a silky mouthfeel, this rosé offers a well-balanced acidity for a fresh, prolonged finish.

To pair with grilled vegetables, fish and lighter white meat dishes, the intense, brightly colored Feudi di san Gregorio Rosaura 2018 provides a fresh, lively taste, with notes of freshly picked berries. This is a wonderful complement to slightly less spicy entrees.

Finish sweetly

Whether you’re serving a sweet dessert, a fresh fruit salad or a cheese plate, you’ll want to end the meal on a refreshing note, perhaps by serving your guests a sparkling rosé. There’s nothing like bubbles — whether dry or slightly sweet — to top off a delightful summer evening. Even if you’re serving a decadent dessert like chocolate mousse or cake, be sure to add a little fresh, seasonal fruit like berries as a garnish, to delight the palate and enhance the light, summer feeling of your soiree. Edible flowers also make an excellent dessert garnish that provides a feast for the eyes.

Whichever rosé varieties you choose for your guests, make sure to serve them chilled. Rosés are best served from around 45-55 degrees F, but also remember that the wine will warm up quickly in the glass, especially if the outdoor temperature is high. You may want to err on the side of serving it cooler, or chill the wine glasses for a while before pouring. Find your new favorite wines at terlatowines.com, and let the summer soirees begin!

2019-06-17T08:01:02

(BPT) – People living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and their loved ones may feel less alone thanks to a new online community where they can gather information, share joys, sorrows and advice with others. The program, #ThisIsMBC Elements, sponsored by Eisai Inc. and METAvivor, provides the MBC community with a new resource to help guide them through their journey.

The campaign, which lives on MBCInfoCenter.com, features males and females of all ages and ethnicities who are living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). They tell their personal stories through powerful, avant-garde portraits conveying the impact of the disease on a person’s mind, body and spirit. The photos portray the subjects in water to symbolize the feeling of being “surrounded by” or “under water” with MBC.

Now people living with MBC and those who support them can get involved by sharing a photo or video about their story using the hashtag #ThisIsMBC. The goal of the program is to share personal stories to inspire others and change the misperceptions about the disease.

“For us, fighting cancer means we undergo treatment for as long as we live, carrying the physical and emotional weight that comes with it,” explains Halli Lannan, an MBC patient featured in Elements. “We work every day to overcome these challenges and hope to inspire others to do the same through the portraits and messages of Elements.”

The Elements portrait exhibit will live on MBCInfoCenter.com where people can view the patient model portraits, hear their inspirational stories, find helpful resources and draw support from those living with MBC. Each month, a new portrait, accompanied by a theme such as “friendship,” “perseverance” and “dignity,” will be unveiled and added to the online gallery.

“Research has shown that two-thirds of women with MBC find it helpful to read or listen to other peoples’ experiences with breast cancer,” said Beth Fairchild, president of METAvivor, the only nonprofit organization that supports the MBC community. “Through this portrait initiative, we hope to bring these women and men closer together by offering an avenue to creatively express their feelings.”

Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage of the disease that occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. In 2018, an estimated 266,120 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States and an estimated 40,920 women will die from the disease. It is estimated that approximately 6 percent of women with breast cancer will have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Women diagnosed with metastatic disease have an estimated 5-year relative survival rate of about 27%.

To learn more about #ThisIsMBC and find helpful resources on metastatic breast cancer, please visit METAvivor.org or MBCInfoCenter.com.

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2019-06-17T08:15:00

(BPT) – After 30 years of painting commercial buildings, Mario Martinez of San Jose, California, had experienced days like this before — grueling hours under a sun-soaked sky, doing back-breaking work. He loved his job, but after spending hours outside he was ready to go home.

Mario bent down to pick up his paintbrush, roller and can. Turning back to look at his day’s work, he paused. His heart sank. He knew something was wrong.

“Mario came home and told me he had painted the wrong side of the doors on the building,” his wife Veronica said. “It was alarming because he’s been painting buildings for years and never made this kind of mistake. It worried us both.”

The couple had both noticed that Mario seemed to be more forgetful recently, but neither had shared their concerns with the other. Now that Mario’s memory lapses were interfering with his work, it was time to talk.

Take action through conversation

“Veronica told me I was asking for more and more help,” Mario said. “I told her that I was forgetting a lot of the things she asked me to do. The more we talked, the more I realized I had a problem. I was forgetting many moments in my life and not enjoying activities that I had enjoyed before.”

The couple’s difficult conversation led Mario to his doctor’s office and he was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mario is not alone. He is one of more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s — a fatal brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease and it’s the country’s sixth-leading cause of death.

Despite Alzheimer’s growing impact, many families struggle with discussing the issue. A recent Alzheimer’s Association survey reveals that 72 percent of Americans say that talking to close family members about cognitive decline would be challenging for them. However, having these difficult, but important conversations sooner can prevent a crisis and improve health options and outcomes.

Reach out for help

To encourage and help more families discuss cognitive problems sooner, the Alzheimer’s Association, in partnership with the Ad Council, has launched the “Our Stories” campaign. “Our Stories” features real stories of people who noticed cognitive changes in a family member and took the first, difficult step to initiate a conversation.

“It’s understandable that many families are reluctant to express their concerns and start a conversation, but there are good reasons to do so,” said Ruth Drew, director of information and support services, Alzheimer’s Association. “Initiating conversations sooner can enable early diagnosis, which offers many important benefits, including allowing more time for critical care planning, better disease management and providing diagnosed individuals a voice in their future care.”

The “Our Stories” website (alz.org/ourstories) offers families tools and resources, including customizable conversation starters, a list of early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, benefits of early diagnosis, a downloadable discussion guide and other resources.

Whether you’re noticing changes in yourself or a loved one, starting a conversation about Alzheimer’s can be difficult, but it can make a big difference and there are resources to help. When something feels different, it could be Alzheimer’s — now is the time to talk.

2019-06-17T11:01:00

(BPT) – Having a conversation about Alzheimer’s can be difficult — but it is so important. Early detection can offer significant benefits for the person diagnosed and their loved ones, including more informed decision-making and planning, better medical care, greater respect for patient’s wishes, and access to services and support. Family members know their loved ones best. If something feels different, it could be Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org/OurStories to learn how to start the conversation.

2019-06-14T14:34:00

(BPT) – Replacing an aging or damaged roof is an important step to protect your home from the damage the elements can dish out — heat, wind, rain, snow, sleet and hail. But homeowners may not realize that the type of shingle they choose can make a big difference, not only in the protection it offers to the home, but also in the cost of their homeowners’ insurance.

Here are a few things homeowners should keep in mind when looking to save money with a new roof:

1) Roof replacement can save money

Even though it’s initially costly, homeowners in large parts of the country can actually save money by installing a new roof.

For years, insurance carriers have been incentivizing homeowners to install shingles that are rated for impact resistance in an effort to reduce the number of roof claims. As a result, using qualifying impact-resistant roofing products may qualify for significant premium discounts on homeowners’ insurance in some states.

“Insurance companies are spending so much each year replacing roofs that we’ve started to see some companies change their straight deductible to a percentage of the home’s total value,” said Curt Boyd, owner of Academy Roofing in Aurora, Colorado. “Homeowners see a $4,000 deductible and they don’t want to spend that to replace their roof every two years. They start looking for ways to buy value.”

The nudge toward impact-rated shingles (sometimes called “IR” shingles) is increasing. Recently, some municipalities in Colorado went as far as mandating UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance classification for all new roofs, a trend that’s anticipated to continue in other severe weather-prone areas.

2) The type of shingles you use matters

Most major shingle brands now have a UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance classified shingle available, but the way the shingles are reinforced differs widely. The newest IR asphalt shingle on the market, the Heritage IR shingle from TAMKO Building Products, Inc. reinforces the entire back of the shingle with a strong polyester fabric. Other methods used to reinforce IR shingles include using fabric over portions of the shingle or coating the shingle with another substance.

While they are distinctly different than traditional shingles because of their reinforcement, these UL 2218 classified options still offer the pleasing aesthetics homeowners have come to expect from modern asphalt shingles.

3) Check with your insurance carrier

Many major insurance providers offer premium discounts for UL 2218 Class 4 classified shingles, but the percentage of savings and the areas of the country where the discount applies vary by carrier. Homeowners should check with their insurance carrier online to see a list of pre-approved shingles and regions, and get a quote from their local agent. Boyd said that he’s seen premium discounts close to 30 percent in Colorado for Class 4-rated products.

Learning about the newest and most effective shingles on the market can help save money and worry, by protecting the home from the top down and potentially reducing insurance costs. Homeowners contacting their insurance carrier and getting educated about roofing options can make a smart choice for their homes and their wallets.

2019-06-14T14:01:01

(BPT) – Developing the women entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow is all about showing the way — and increasingly, the sweat of sports competition is a key training ground for women’s career and business success.

Research conducted by Ernst and Young and ESPNW shows the important role sports play at every stage of professional women’s lives: 74% of executive women say that experience in sports can help accelerate a woman’s career.

Involvement in team sports can help women gain a sense of personal accomplishment and self-confidence. They can also learn key skills that make for strong leaders in the workplace or as entrepreneurs, including the ability to think quickly, thrive under pressure, learn and grow from defeat and collaborate with teammates to reach a common goal.

The huge opportunity for sports to empower women and girls is the driving force behind Visa’s major investment in women’s soccer and its signature role at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, with a five-year sponsorship of the U.S. Soccer Federation in support of the U.S. Women’s National Team, partnership with UEFA Women’s Football and ongoing support of FIFA Women’s competitions.

“Visa has long been committed to fostering an environment that enables women to thrive and challenge the status quo. That commitment comes to life in many ways, both on and off the field,” said Mary Ann Reilly, senior vice president, North America Marketing, Visa. “There is no better way to show that commitment than to make a substantial investment in the future of women’s soccer and move the needle on gender equality.”

When the best women’s soccer players in the world compete in France, they will dominate the world stage amid a global cultural movement centered on gender equality and women’s empowerment. It’s a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the many ways to support the success of women on and off the field.

Here are four simple ways you can, too:

1) Support participation in athletics. Encourage sisters, nieces, daughters and granddaughters to participate in team sports, and be sure to go to games or matches and cheer them on when they do.

2) Show them their teams matter! Be a sponsor, mentor, coach or an unofficial cheerleader for girls’ teams — even if you don’t have a family member participating. Go to games and support the players even if you don’t know anyone on the team.

3) Show your team spirit. Be a season ticket holder, or go to as many games as you can, when your local women’s teams — high school, college and professional — are playing, in whatever sports most interest you. Wear their jerseys and show them you’re a fan!

4) Encourage women entrepreneurs. Shop at or invest in women-owned businesses and show them you applaud their efforts.

Companies like Visa are helping women overcome barriers to success through their global initiative She’s Next, Empowered by Visa, which helps to support women small-business owners as they build, sustain and advance their businesses. Visa is also listening to and learning from women, with a multi-million-dollar campaign in the U.S. called Money is Changing, which builds on the experience of millennial women to highlight practical steps women business owners have taken to change the game and challenge existing money taboos.

Inspiring girls and young women means equipping them with the tools, resources and experiences they’ll need to succeed. Supporting and encouraging women’s athletics provides a positive way to make that happen.

2019-06-14T14:43:21

(BPT) – A one-of-a-kind, all-seasons deck is possible in any climate — if the right features are included in the design. The key is to combine features that protect from the elements, and use the right materials to make it happen.

Whether you’re revamping an existing area or creating a brand-new outdoor living space to enjoy all year long, the following deck additions can turn any project into an all-seasons oasis to enjoy with family and friends.

1) Overhead covering on a deck can shield guests from the elements directly, as well as provide a scaffold for features such as a ceiling fan, which can cool the area in the warmer months and improve heated air flow during cooler months. Homeowners can choose from deck shades or awnings in a variety of materials to defend against rain and wind, or to reduce sun exposure and cool the area. A pergola is also a beautiful addition to a custom deck that doesn’t provide full coverage like a roof or awning but can serve as a solid framework for other features such as climbing vines or hanging plants that provide cover and ambiance.

2) Retractable walls are a high-tech option that allows for free air movement during the mild spring and fall, and protection from sun, wind, rain, snow and even bugs during the extreme summer and winter. Some luxury decks and patios utilize retractable glass walls for a defense against wind or rain that doesn’t obstruct the view. A more common tactic is to install retractable screen walls, which can be motorized, and are meant primarily to keep insects out of the patio area. Retractable privacy walls, usually in the form of canvas or polyester fabric horizontal shades, can provide a respite from weather and enhance the feeling of a private sanctuary.

3) Low-maintenance materials are a must for any outdoor living space when homeowners would like to spend time enjoying, rather than performing backbreaking annual maintenance. Taking care of traditional wood decking can be a difficult and frustrating process since it is subject to staining and splintering and may require annual sanding and painting. Composite decking is growing in popularity across the U.S. for its lower maintenance requirements and unparalleled beauty that can emulate anything from the rustic beauty of reclaimed wood to the high-impact look of exotic hardwoods.

“What kind of decking you choose makes a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your outdoor living space,” said Shara Gamble, director of sales and marketing for TAMKO’s Envision Decking. “One of the best things about composite decking is it’s easy to preserve its beautiful appearance throughout the seasons, which means you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your outdoor spaces with family and friends.”

4) Incorporate the elements into the deck in a controlled way to boost enjoyment of an outdoor living space regardless of the season. For colder months, adding a fire element can provide a cozy and mesmerizing focal point. Arranging comfortable seating around a fireplace or fire pit provides a great place to gather with friends and family and provide warmth on a cool summer night or fall weekend. During the hotter months, installing a water element can provide a cooling touch and a visual centerpiece. Fountains, misters or even a lap pool can provide a welcome respite from the heat during the summer, and a soothing, meditative backdrop for the rest of the year.

Although decks are generally a mild-weather attraction, there are many ways to make an outdoor living space functional and enjoyable during the rest of the year, regardless of the geographic location. Transform a deck into an all-seasons sanctuary with special features and low-maintenance composite decking to make the most of the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing the comfort and style of your outdoor retreat.

2019-06-14T15:22:00

(BPT) – When the temps heat up, home cooks look for lighter, more refreshing food and drinks that still pack a nutritional punch. The cranberry is just the thing — a tangy fruit that adds flavorful zing to sweet and savory recipes. Available dried, frozen, as juice or sauce, cranberries are a good source of Vitamin C and have fiber and antioxidants as well. Offering big health benefits in a little package, cranberries are full of polyphenols not commonly found in other fruits. You can enjoy their robust flavor while boosting your health.

Here are some ideas for hosting a summer BBQ.

1. Quench your thirst

Cranberry juice makes a delightfully refreshing drink on its own or mixed with sparkling water and served on ice. For those who enjoy adult beverages, make a statement at your party with a festive, colorful pitcher of sangria served with fruit. Add cranberry juice to red wine for a zesty, delicious 21+ punch, with orange juice, orange slices and a little extra liquor like brandy or rum.

2. Keep your cool

Cranberry juice boosts the flavor of a fruit smoothie with its sweet and tart flavor. Combine with fruits, such as bananas or strawberries, and your favorite milk or yogurt, adding a little honey or agave if desired. Blend with crushed ice for a healthful smoothie for breakfast or any time you need a quick pick-me-up. The kids will love it. In preparation for extra hot days, make cranberry juice ice cubes or ice pops in your freezer.

3. Fire up the barbecue

A sure-fire hit is to combine cranberry sauce with mustard, vinegar and brown sugar to create a mouth-watering barbecue sauce for all your summer grilling. You’ll have your guests trying to guess the secret ingredient providing delicious tang.

4. Satisfy your sweet tooth

For a refreshing summer treat, create a cranberry parfait in a glass by alternating layers of refreshing ingredients. Get creative and start with a base like crushed cookies, vanilla wafers or graham crackers (reserving some for the topping), then alternate layers of whipped cream, vanilla pudding or your favorite yogurt with jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce. Add a layer or two of fresh blueberries or strawberries for a red, white and blue dessert. Make it family-sized or create individual parfaits to offer your guests a personal treat.

5. Have a cranberry party

The robust cranberry can handle some heat, so create a salsa for your next party. Combine thawed, chopped frozen cranberries with Mexican flavors such as jalapeno, green onions, lime juice and cilantro to create a zesty salsa. Season with salt and sugar to taste.

6. Add zing to your snacks

Combine dried cranberries with nuts and seeds to make trail mix for your barbecue that all your guests will love to munch while you prepare the entrée. Add toasted coconut flakes or chocolate chips for a dose of sweetness.

7. Spruce up your salads

Adding dried cranberries gives any veggie or fruit salad an extra pop of flavor. This whole grain salad recipe from the Cranberry Marketing Committee shows one great way to use America’s Original Superfruit, cranberries, in an “#AllAmeriCRAN,” colorful summer dish.

Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad

• 2 cups water
• Pinch salt
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 cup sweetened, dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup minced carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch ground red pepper

In a small saucepan, bring water and pinch of salt to a boil over high heat. Stir in quinoa, reduce heat and bring to a low simmer. Cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed (about 13 minutes).

Remove from heat and transfer to a medium bowl. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

To the bowl of quinoa, stir in cranberries, carrots, peppers, onion and cilantro until mixed.

In a small bowl, mix together lime juice, oil, salt and ground red pepper and pour over quinoa-cranberry mixture; toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Does not have to be served cold.

Can’t get enough cranberries? Check out uscranberries.com for more recipes.

2019-06-14T06:01:00

(BPT) – School is out for the summer, and parents everywhere are worried about their kids spending too much time staring at their screens. If you are one of those worried parents, take a moment and determine what your child is actually doing with their screens. It’s one thing if they’re just consuming content, it’s another if they’re actually using their screen to be productive. Screens actually can be tools to enhance learning, spark creativity and teach new skills. The key is to tap into your child’s interests and discover screen-time options that provide a balance between consuming and creating.

Digital parenting expert Leticia Barr has been helping parents navigate the digital age for years. Her award-winning blog, called Tech Savvy Mama, advises a big part of managing summer screen time is being able to distinguish between active and passive screen time. When kids are actively engaged, they’re learning through the content on the screen whereas passive screen time is all about consumption. As parents, it’s critical that we know the difference between the two and recognize when our kids are just consuming content versus using technology as a learning tool. It’s easy to see them on a screen and harp on them to get off when really, they might be learning a useful skill.

Barr offers guidelines to help parents search out ways kids can actually learn through screens this summer to keep their minds active and avoid the summer slide.

1) Find games that challenge kids to think.

Games involving problem-solving help kids feel a sense of accomplishment. When they analyze a problem and resolve it successfully, it boosts confidence. Many games today incorporate problem-solving as part of the adventure, such as multi-player games that introduce quests or challenges to solve.

2) Look for games that require collaboration and teamwork.

Games can encourage collaboration, communication skills and create a sense of community. In-game friendships (sometimes with players many states away) can expand the world around them. Games rooted in a positive, shared social experience and teamwork encourage collaboration and friendship.

3) Find games that involve reading.

Believe it or not, there are games where reading is a healthy part of the process. Barr points to Star Stable, an online horse game geared for today’s tween/teen girls that has more words than the Lord of the Rings series, and in fact, the storyline for the game evolves each week.

4) Discover a game that encourages design and art.

Kids can use games to explore their creative side this summer. In fact, the first step of playing Star Stable requires players to design their own character and horse. These kinds of games can spark a new interest and keep the creative juices flowing during the summer weeks.

“Playing video games is not simply entertainment or an escape; playing video games can be a form of learning and active thinking. The best games offer intellectual challenges, social interaction and a creative outlet,” said Barr. “Games like Star Stable provide opportunities for players to think boldly and express themselves, so it is no surprise that the right game is also ideal for summer learning and fun.”

Since not all screen time is created equal, Barr advises parents to help guide kids toward activities during the summer months to keep them learning. Seek out activities, including video games, to help foster interests, learn new skills and prevent the dreaded summer slide.

Learn more about parenting in the digital age by visiting www.techsavvymama.com.