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5 easy ways to be a more active dad

2019-07-25T10:57:00

(BPT) – For children, having an engaged dad makes a huge difference — fathers play a critical role, and research tells us just how important that role is. In fact, studies show that children who feel close to their fathers are two times more likely to go to college or find a job after high school.

Despite all the evidence that shows the benefits of an involved father, whether children live with their fathers or not, 63% of fathers say they spend too little time with their kids.

How can you spend more meaningful time with your children? Here are some simple ideas from the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and the Ad Council that can help you make a moment with your children:

1. Read to your children.

A bedtime story is a meaningful bonding activity that is not only fun and comforting for children, but dramatically increases their ability and interest in reading over the years. Even children who can read chapter books on their own still enjoy being read to. For older children, take turns reading chapters or pages aloud to each other, and enjoy making up funny voices for the characters.

2. Stay connected.

Whether you have long work days, travel frequently, or if you live apart, find ways to stay connected when you’re unable to see your child in person. Text often, video chat or call. Find creative ways to connect, like playing an online game together. Lastly, don’t forget the power of something you can hold in your hand — send an occasional handwritten letter or postcard your child can treasure, even if you just live across town.

3. Use errands as an opportunity to bond.

Fathers are less likely to take children to necessary appointments, such as dental and medical checkups. Making the effort to be the comforting presence during a possibly stressful appointment can really strengthen the bond with your child. You can also enjoy making conversation while you’re going to and from appointments. Other types of necessary errands to share include going for a haircut together or going to soccer practice. All these crucial activities are ways to strengthen that connection with your child.

4. Be a positive role model.

Share something that you love to do or care about with your children. Introduce them to a hobby you enjoy, take them to a park or other location you have an attachment to and share your memories with them. Volunteer together for a cause that’s important to you. Show your children what you are passionate about in life, and they will learn a lot about you. They’ll also feel more comfortable sharing what they love and care about with you.

5. Dance like a dad.

Let yourself play and be silly together sometimes. Turn on your child’s favorite upbeat music and #DanceLikeADad with your kids. Teach your kids your favorite dance moves and let them show off their own.

“Fathers are important to their children’s lives and well-being. Research shows children who feel close to their fathers do better in school and show higher self-esteem and empathy. Whether you live with your children or not, it’s the time you spend together and the memories you create that have made the biggest difference,” adds Kenneth Braswell, Project Director for the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and Chief Executive Officer for Fathers Incorporated.

For more information and ideas about how to be a more active dad, visit fatherhood.gov.


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True confessions: Which skin sins have you committed?

2019-07-25T07:33:00

(BPT) – From catching your favorite team at a ballgame to swimming in a pool, summertime brings no shortage of outdoor activities. All this time outside, though, can wreak havoc on your skin if you don’t follow a proper routine to rid your skin of the dirt, oil and residue it encounters throughout the day. While a daily cleanse may seem obvious, some people tend to forget the step — then wonder why they suffer from breakouts and other skin problems.

In a new online survey from CeraVe conducted by OnePoll, Americans confessed to committing common skincare sins, revealing habits that may be sabotaging their dreams of healthy and hydrated skin. With nearly half of respondents (47 percent) admitting to behaviors that are bad for their skin and more than one-third (35 percent) confessing to having poor skincare habits, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein is here to help clean up these common skin sins.

1. Skipping the daily cleanse

Among the 2,000 survey respondents, more than half (55 percent) admitted that they don’t cleanse their skin daily — an ultimate skin sin! Of those who do wash their face, 53 percent said that they only used water, which doesn’t actually cleanse the skin.

Dr. Marchbein recommends daily cleansing as an important step in a regular skincare routine. “Breakouts and other skin problems can be caused by the buildup of dirt, oil, residue and makeup left on the skin, especially overnight,” says Marchbein.

2. Misunderstanding the purpose of a cleanse

Cleansing can be confusing, from knowing what type of cleanser to use to how often you should be cleansing for healthy skin, but that’s no reason to skip it.

A common misconception is how skin should feel after cleansing. More than one-third (37 percent) said clean skin feels tight, while another 33 percent said dry. Dr. Marchbein warns that this tight sensation is a sign of moisture loss and thus improper cleansing. “When shopping for products, look for cleansers with gentle, moisturizing ingredients,” she says.

3. Using the wrong products

Despite being a skincare essential, nearly half of respondents (48 percent) said they have never used a facial cleanser to wash their face. Surprisingly, 47 percent of respondents said they have used shampoo or conditioner to wash their face, and 41 percent said that they have used hand soap instead of a facial cleanser.

“None of these are appropriate or effective substitutes for a face cleanser,” explains Marchbein. Instead, she recommends a gentle cleanser with hydrating ingredients like the dermatologist-developed CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which features three essential ceramides to help repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture, while sealing out irritants and impurities. The cleanser is non-irritating and non-drying and in addition to ceramides, it features hyaluronic acid, so it leaves skin feeling cleansed and soft without disrupting the skin barrier.

4. Not cleaning items used on your skin

Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs a regular cleanse though! Any products that come in regular contact with your skin should also be kept clean to protect from bacteria or other residue that could cause irritation or breakouts. Yet, 69 percent of survey respondents say they didn’t realize that not cleaning makeup brushes could harm their skin, with 26 percent admitting they have gone more than one month without washing them.

Further, among those who use washcloths for cleansing their face, 42 percent said that they have used the same washcloth up to four times without washing it, and 16 percent will even reuse one up to seven times without washing.

5. Unhealthy habits

Many daily habits people indulge in can have a harmful effect on their skin. Among those surveyed, over half (51 percent) said they did not realize not drinking enough water could have an impact on skin health, while eating greasy food (45 percent) and smoking (43 percent) also ranked among the top behaviors listed.

“While a skincare routine is essential, healthy habits beyond skincare, like eating nutritious food and getting enough rest, are also important for overall skin health,” says Marchbein.

To help turn your skin sins around and develop healthy habits, be sure to follow a regular skincare regimen. If you’re confused about what kind of cleanser and moisturizer would be best for your skin type, visit cerave.com to learn about products specially designed to address particular skin concerns.


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5 things to know about securing a business loan

2019-07-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re dreaming about starting a business, or if you’re already a business owner looking to grow your business, chances are that you’ll need a loan at some point to help your vision become reality. And if you’re a veteran or active-duty servicemember, you already possess the skills and vital experience needed to make your business a success.

“From resourcefulness and determination to the ability to take smart risks, military experience teaches skills that translate well for business ownership,” says Tony Pica, vice president of business services at Navy Federal Credit Union.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2012 Survey of Small Business Owners found that 2.52 million businesses in the United States (or 9.1%) are majority-owned by veterans. And fortunately, there are many resources available for veterans who are interested in starting or growing their business, including those from the SBA.gov.

What are lenders looking for? Here are five considerations to keep in mind before securing a loan for your business:

1. Do your market research and prepare a solid business plan.

Doing research on the industry and preparing a solid business plan is an important step to take when seeking financing for your company. If you can demonstrate to lenders that you’ve done your due diligence — created a detailed business plan, have a trusted team, know the demand for your product or service, and developed a sales strategy to show the viability of your business — you’ll be much more likely to convince them to take a chance on you and your company.

2. Review your overall financial profile.

“Your complete financial health demonstrates your creditworthiness to lenders, so it’s best to review your credit history before applying for a business loan,” says Pica. “You’ll also want to know the amount of money you need to borrow and what exactly it will be used for.”

Additionally, presenting your complete background, such as your education and experience, including whether you’ve worked at or managed a similar business in the past, can also make a big difference.

3. Be willing to invest some of your personal money.

Depending on the lending request, you might need to provide a cash injection and/or collateral. This may include your home, a vehicle, marketable securities, or tangible inventory. By doing so, the lender wants to make sure that you’re willing to put your own skin in the game. In many cases, a certain amount of capital may be required by law.

4. Expanding an existing business? Demonstrate evidence of continued success.

Lenders will want to see evidence of your past and projected cash flow as a result of expanding your existing company. If the loan is for a new business, you’ll need to show lenders your ability to repay it by providing a detailed explanation that includes projected expenses and income, based on solid research.

5. Partner with your trusted financial institution.

Once you’ve done your market research and developed a concrete business plan, talk to your trusted bank or credit union about the business lending products and services available to you.

For example, Navy Federal Credit Union Business Services provides much more than just loans for equipment, vehicles and commercial real estate for its members. They provide a whole suite of options, such as business checking and savings accounts and business credit cards, as well as assistance with bill pay, payroll processing, insurance policies and retirement coverage for employees.

Financing your budding business can be a smooth process with these considerations in mind.


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6 back-to-school tips every parent of kids with allergies should know

2019-07-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – For kids who live with allergies and asthma, back-to-school can spell trouble with symptoms.

Late summer/early fall is the height of ragweed season. When you add in exposure to environmental factors found in school classrooms, playing fields and eating areas, you have the perfect recipe to jump start your child’s otherwise-under-control allergy and asthma symptoms.

These six steps from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) can help get your child off on the right foot for the school year. Feeling as good as possible means being able to stay focused on learning.

1. Schedule an appointment with your child’s allergist

Before the first bell rings, make an appointment with a board-certified allergist. Allergists have the best training and medical expertise to offer the most effective treatments for your child’s allergies and asthma. Your allergist can work with you to create an allergy action plan to help your child’s teacher understand your child’s triggers, as well as how to control allergy flares. According to ACAAI, children who see an allergist have fewer missed school days! Use the ACAAI Find an Allergist tool to locate an allergist in your area.

2. Be aware of potential problems in the school building

As anyone who lives with allergies can attest, a school building can be a minefield of allergens. New carpeting can release volatile organic compounds, open windows let in pollen, classroom pets can release dander and bathrooms can harbor mold. It can be helpful to take a tour of the school ahead of time and discuss your child’s triggers with their teacher or school administrators. They can work with you to minimize the impact on your child.

3. Make sure ragweed doesn’t cut your child’s game short

Even with allergies or asthma, your child should be able to enjoy the activities they love — on the playground, in the gym and on the playing field. The key is to follow your allergist’s advice. For seasonal allergens like ragweed, it’s especially important to think ahead to avoidance and treatment, so if your child has a reaction, your child’s coaches and teachers know what to do.

4. Know how the school responds to allergy emergencies

Knowing how the school handles allergy and asthma emergencies can bring peace of mind. What happens if your child can’t find their rescue inhaler? Does the school keep extra supplies of asthma medications? Which teachers are trained to respond to a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis from a food allergy or bee sting? Who calls 911 and when? Review your district’s policy and, if needed, set up a meeting with the school nurse. Who knows? You may be the one to call attention to a critical missing step!

5. Consider long-term treatments like allergy immunotherapy

Many kids with moderate to severe allergies can benefit from allergy immunotherapy — regular treatments delivered through shots and under-the-tongue tablets. These treatments gradually “train” the body’s immune system to become less sensitive and reactive to the things that make your child wheeze and sneeze. Talk to your child’s allergist to learn more and find out if it’s a good option for your child.

6. Don’t have an allergist for your child? Find one!

A board-certified allergist can set your child on the right track, for the long term, to handle their allergies or asthma in school and at home. To find one, visit the ACAAI allergist locator. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.


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5 types of diamonds and how to choose the right one

2019-07-24T11:30:04

(BPT) – Diamonds are extolled in movies and songs for good reason — their romance, allure and durability make them a symbol of love and fidelity. Diamonds are in demand from purists and romantics alike who want to indulge in the most coveted of gemstones.

But did you know that there are many alternatives to mined diamonds? The following information on five gemstones comes from Jewelry Television (JTV).

1) Mined diamonds. The standard for engagement and wedding rings, but also heirloom quality fashion jewelry, is the traditional mined diamond. These gems formed deep below the Earth’s surface over millions of years, making them rare, unique and intrinsically highly valuable. The variety of designs, cuts and settings available using traditional diamonds make them the ultimate complement to any wardrobe choice.

2) Lab-grown diamonds. An increasingly popular gemstone is a lab-grown diamond. These are actual diamonds, with the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds, but are produced in a laboratory. The complex, highly technical process of growing diamonds in a lab creates these treasured gemstones that are cut, faceted and polished in the same way as mined diamonds. Innovative lab-grown diamonds are a great choice to show you’ve found a beautiful, authentic diamond at a great value.

3) Moissanite. Originally discovered in 1893 in a crater created by a meteorite, natural moissanite is composed of carbon and silicon, making it one of the hardest known minerals on Earth, second only to diamonds. It is extremely resistant to scratching and chipping. Natural moissanite for jewelry is incredibly rare, but moissanite has now been synthesized in a laboratory, making it more affordable and accessible. Moissanite fire has a higher dispersion value than diamond, and JTV’s skilled cutters facet the crystals to maximize the brilliance and enhance the exceptional fire. It offers a brilliant, sophisticated appearance for everyday wear and glamorous evening looks, with a wide selection of styles and price points available.

4) Strontium titanate. This man-made diamond simulant, which is an oxide of strontium and titanium, also has a significantly higher dispersion value than diamonds. While it appears similar to a diamond, it has a different composition. Fabulite Strontium Titanate offers a kaleidoscope of colorful fire and sparkle to make any wearer stand out. It’s a showstopper.

5) Cubic zirconia. Possibly the best-known man-made diamond simulant, cubic zirconia is an affordable alternative for adding bling to your everyday wear or for a statement look. To ensure the highest level of craftsmanship and quality, look for a reputable brand such as Bella Luce. Cubic zirconia jewelry enables the wearer to be playful and creative with their style and experiment with different looks, due to the versatility and affordability of this popular gem.

To learn more about all of these gemstones, from mined or man-made diamonds to diamond simulants and much more, check out JTV’s broadcast network, with experts to help educate and inform you on your decisions, or visit JTV.com.


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5 last-minute strategies to help cover college costs

2019-07-23T23:01:00

(BPT) – It’s been a whirlwind year so far, with events and parties for your graduated teenager. You couldn’t be prouder, or more excited, about what’s to come. Then you face the tuition bill: the college expenses financial aid doesn’t cover. Besides the cost of tuition, room and board, you also have to factor in expenses you may not have anticipated. How about transportation to and from school? Books and other supplies? Not to mention keeping up a phone data plan, laptop and other expenses.

Or perhaps your son or daughter has been at college for a couple of years, and something’s changed — he or she lives off campus but lost a roommate, has car payments, new or different lab fees, or transferred to an out-of-state school — or your own financial situation has changed. Suddenly, costs you thought you were managing are increasing.

Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can use to help mitigate some of those costs.

PARENTS

Talk to the college financial aid office

Ask if the college or university will set up a monthly payment plan for tuition, rather than expecting a lump sum at the beginning of each semester. Many schools do this for a very modest fee.

Consider appealing your child’s financial aid offer, which you can do at any time. According to a recent College Ave Student Loans survey of 1,019 college students conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights, about 1 in 3 (34%) students wished they would have reached out to the financial aid office and asked for more financial assistance. Generally speaking, your aid offer will be unlikely to change much unless your family’s financial situation has changed since you last filled out the FAFSA. If a parent has been ill or laid off, for example, that would be a demonstrated reason why you would need more aid consideration.

STUDENTS:

Look for on- or off-campus work

According to the same survey, more than 1 out of 3 (37%) students plan to use their own income and savings to pay for college. If work study is part of your financial aid package, your college should be able to help you find part-time employment on campus. It can take a little legwork, but talking to the financial aid office and student employment office — plus other students who work on campus — can help.

To find off-campus work, consider nearby businesses like coffee shops or restaurants that hire part-time employees, or look into flexible jobs such as babysitting or dog walking. Tell everyone you know you’re looking for a job — you never know when your roommate’s cousin’s best friend might know about an opening.

Keep hunting for scholarships

No matter where you are in the education journey, there are many scholarships, large and small, still out there. It’s just a question of doing some research. Even small scholarships can help pay for books and other incidentals, so it’s worth applying. Those are often the ones with fewer applicants, so the odds are in your favor. Check with your high school guidance counselor and financial aid office for scholarships you may have missed.

Try websites like the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop scholarship finder, or Scholly, Cappex, Unigo or Fastweb to find available scholarships. Some scholarships allow students to apply repeatedly. For example, you could apply monthly for a $1,000 scholarship with College Ave Student Loans.

Crowdsource

It seems like everybody has a GoFundMe page these days. But it can be a great way to get help from friends and family without feeling like you’re asking for too much. Set a realistic goal for a specific item (like a round-trip plane ticket to get you home and back from school for the holidays) and make it more fun by offering special “prizes” for large contributions, like baking cookies for the donors when you’re home in December.

PARENTS AND STUDENTS:

Shop Private Student Loans

Both students and their parents have the option of applying for a private student loan to help offset college costs, especially when the loan limits on federal student loans have been reached. To access funds in time for next semester, consider applying with a lender like College Ave Student Loans, which makes the process simple and personalized and offers competitive rates. Before borrowing any amount, it’s a good idea to make sure that whoever is taking out the loan can handle the debt obligation. You can easily calculate the cost of monthly payments and ways to save with the College Ave Student Loans calculator tool, whether you’re a parent cosigning the loan, or the student.

Whatever your strategies, know that you’re not alone. With these tips, parent and child working together can make the child’s education goals a reality.


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3 smart steps to protect your vacation home when you’re away

2019-07-24T05:01:00

(BPT) – Whether it’s a cabin up north, a villa down south or a quaint cottage near family, many people in the United States own second homes. There are seasons you may spend more time at these vacation properties, but for many people, much of the year they remain empty. That’s why it’s important to take precautions to ensure your property and belongings stay safe even when you’re not there.

Not only are vacation homes a target for thieves, but empty homes are often vulnerable to the elements and the unexpected. For example, can you imagine the damage that a water leak would cause a home if it remained undiscovered for weeks … or months? With a proactive approach you can keep your investment safe and give yourself important peace of mind.

To keep your second home secure, consider these smart steps:

1) Create the appearance of a lived-in home

It doesn’t matter if your home is in a well-traveled section of the city or a remote part of the forest, you want it to stay secure from criminals. Vandals and robbers scout for empty homes, so one of the best ways to deter them is to make your property appear to be lived in. If they think someone is home, they’re more likely to stay away.

To create the appearance of a lived-in house, stop mail and newspaper deliveries immediately. Nothing screams “empty house” like a few weeks’ worth of papers at the front door. Next, keep the lawn mowed and trim the landscape, so the home is well maintained plus doesn’t have overgrown shrubs where criminals can hide. Finally, alert a trusted neighbor that you’ll be gone, so they can keep an eye on things. Don’t know anyone nearby? Or is the property isolated? Consider hiring a property manager to check on the house periodically.

2) Consistently monitor water use

Even small water leaks can cause big damage, and if you’re not living in a home, that damage can multiply quickly. From leaks that cause terrible mold growth to burst pipes that flood entire floors, it’s easy to see why water is a top concern for owners of second homes while away. One simple solution is the Phyn Plus: Smart water assistant + shutoff. This intelligent device is installed on the main water line after the meter by an authorized Uponor Pro Squad team plumbing expert. Once installed, it uses programmed data and learns the home’s water-use habits, so it can proactively detect leaks and water problems in real time.

Phyn Plus has no moving parts that are susceptible to breakage or blocked by particles in the water, so it consistently monitors the home’s water use 240 times per second to detect tiny changes in water pressure. If a change is detected, you are alerted through a smart app on your phone, so you can take appropriate next steps. Phyn Plus will even shut off the water when an emergency is detected. You then have the ability to monitor or turn the water back on from any remote location. Learn more at www.phyn.com/installation.

3) Implement multiple security measures

Of course, you want to ensure you secure all doors, windows and other points of entry. But to really keep tabs on your second home, consider investing in a security system with an app or program for easy remote monitoring. With a live-monitor feature, you can check your home at any time. Additionally, programmable lights that turn on at set times inside give the illusion of people being home, and motion lights outdoors eliminate dark corners.

Finally, you might consider registering your home as vacant with the local police. Some cities offer a free service where an officer will come periodically to check your home while you’re away. Keep in mind this might not be available in your area and there may be a time limit for how long you can request these checks, but it’s worthwhile to call your local law enforcement and ask.

Put worries aside and keep your second home safe and secure by following these simple steps. That way you can feel confident that every time you visit your vacation property, you can enjoy it to the fullest.


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Bringing a message of the importance of financial education to youth and community leaders

2019-07-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – How do you identify future leaders? Is it GPA? Test scores? Another metric? There are all kinds of formulas to predict who among the nation’s youth will become our country’s leaders. But trying to decipher them can leave you lost in a sea of analytics.

Fortunately, there’s an easier way to discover those who will set the bar in the years ahead. It’s students and leaders who are applying a creative approach to help uplift their communities. These students are developing a unique set of skills that combine the power of sport, financial literacy and leadership development to help create a winning formula for the success of our future leaders.

In support of this innovative approach, MUFG, a global financial institution, has made a multi-year commitment to support Laureus, a global nonprofit organization that uses sport as a force for good. As part of its support, MUFG Union Bank foundation participated as a Bronze sponsor at this year’s Laureus Youth Leadership Summit, which took place in Los Angeles this past July 8-9.

At the event, more than 200 youth and leaders from across the U.S. gathered to share insights about the best ways to design youth-serving programs. The findings discovered during this conference were then made available for attending youth to take back to their communities to help create positive change.

The convergence of sport, financial literacy and youth leadership were highlights of the two-day Summit. MUFG, which is the parent company of Union Bank, had an opportunity to shine the spotlight on an initiative that sets them apart from many of their industry peers, student-run bank branches inside high schools.

Financial education and youth empowerment are part of the foundation’s Stewardship and Sustainability strategic initiatives, and therefore the Laureus Youth Summit was a perfect partnership for the MUFG Union Bank Foundation.

Real-world skills put into practice

In 2011 the Fresno Unified School District, in partnership with MUFG Union Bank, opened the doors to its very first student-run bank. The branch was inside McLane High School in Fresno, California — a region where poverty and dropout rates among high school students continue to be high. The branch was the first student-run bank of its kind west of the Mississippi River and since that initial creation, four more student-run branches have opened in high schools around Southern California, in predominantly low-to-moderate income communities. Each of these branches offers students the opportunity to learn lifelong money management skills by working in the bank and by sharing what they learn with fellow students and their communities.

In fact, recent graduates from Lincoln High School, along with incoming student bankers from Crenshaw and El Monte, attended the Summit and presented a Financial Literacy workshop to youth attending the conference.

Financial education, a catalyst for positive change

Teaching the next generation of leaders about responsible money management isn’t just a lofty aspiration, it’s essential for helping develop future leaders. But for the skills learned to be fully practiced and ingrained in young people, education alone is not enough. Future leaders must be allowed a place to put these principles into practice every single day. Instead of focusing on formulas and trying to predict who might grow up to be a leader, you could simply look at who is leading now. The world leaders of tomorrow are often those leading in their high schools today. They are the captains of their sports teams, the valedictorians of their graduating classes and they are active in extracurricular programs from athletics to a math league to those that teach financial education.

“MUFG Union Bank supports The Laureus Foundation in its belief that sport has the power to develop and nurture young leaders,” said Julius Robinson, MUFG Union Bank Managing Director and Group Head Corporate Social Responsibility for the Americas. “MUFG Union Bank is pleased to support the Laureus Youth Summit here in Los Angeles, and we are even more excited to be able to share this opportunity with some of our incoming and graduate student bankers from our student-run branches in Southern California.”

To learn more about MUFG Union Bank’s corporate social responsibility efforts and financial education, visit https://www.unionbank.com/Images/CSR-Annual-Report.pdf. You can also follow Laureus Sport for Good USA on Instagram to see highlights of this Summit and follow future events.

2019 MUFG Union Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

Union Bank is a registered trademark and brand name of MUFG Union Bank, N.A. unionbank.com


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4 ways to get the indoor/outdoor living look for less

2019-07-22T16:53:00

(BPT) – Have you ever seen images of beautiful homes with wide expanses of open walls, leading out to sun-drenched patios with infinity pools that fade into the bright blue sky, and thought, “I want that”? If so, you’re like many people in a growing trend to bring the outside in.

When designing homes, architects often start from the inside out with the focal point of the home, which is commonly the room with the best view and outdoor connection. To maximize this part of the house, it’s important to start with the right door to frame the view and maximize the available light into your home. As you can see from these examples, large format sliding glass walls are the perfect way to bring the outside in.

Weiland® aluminum Liftslide doors

14-foot-tall Weiland® Liftslide doors

Big doors or large-sized sliding glass walls typically demand a higher budget. If you’re working on a tighter budget, however, you can create a comparable look for less using regular hinged or gliding patio doors. With options of hinged patio doors in sizes up to 9 feet wide and 10 feet high, and gliding patio doors up to 15 feet, 10 inches wide and 10 feet high, you can get a similar look. Let’s look at some options.

Add sidelights to a hinged patio door

By simply adding sidelights of up to 3 feet, 2 inches wide to a hinged patio door, you increase the glass size and therefore the light able to enter the room. Andersen® hinged patio doors go up to 6 feet, 4 inches wide, meaning you have all that space open to the outdoors, plus the extra 3 feet, 2 inches on either side to allow more light in, providing a bright and airy feel.

Andersen® E-Series hinged patio doors, with sidelight windows. Painted White interiors; specified equal light grille pattern; Bright Chrome door hardware.

Add a 4-panel gliding door

Another way to maximize light and create great flow from inside to outside is by using a large gliding patio door combination. Andersen offers these in sizes up to 15 feet, 10 inches wide, allowing you to create a huge wall of glass similar to the indoor/outdoor living inspiration images you see everywhere, but on a lower budget. The drawbacks of this are that not all panels slide open. However, on a tight budget, this option gives you the closest look to the indoor/outdoor living style.

Andersen® 400 Series picture and transom windows; 200 Series Narroline® gliding (bi-parting) patio doors; Black exteriors and interiors.

Add a 4-panel gliding door with picture windows

In this example, the homeowners really maximized the wall of glass look by using a large gliding patio door and adding picture windows on either side to give the effect of a sliding glass wall. This combination would require structural support through headers and vertical supports. Always consult a qualified structural engineer if you’re unsure of what can be achieved.

Andersen® E-Series casement and picture windows and gliding patio doors (bi-parting); Pre-finished pine interiors; Black hardware.

Install multiple patio doors

Another great way to increase the flow from inside to outside is simply adding more doors. In this example, the owners added multiple patio doors and windows, allowing more ways to get in and out of the space. You could install them closer together to get even more of that indoor/outdoor living feel.

Andersen® A-Series hinged patio doors with specified equal light, full divided light grille pattern in Black prefinished interiors.

There’s never been a better time to buy your new patio door than now. When you buy an Andersen patio door from 84 Lumber you can get 10% off all 400 Series windows* using code SUMMER84. So why not create the indoor/outdoor space of your dreams before the summer is out?

Click here to find out more.

*Offer valid on any Andersen® patio door purchase and any Andersen® 400 Series windows. Minimum order quantities apply. Offer valid July 1, 2019, to Aug. 31, 2019.


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Before You Swipe Right: 4 Ways To Stay Safe When Online Dating

2019-07-22T13:15:00

(BPT) – Dating in the digital age is rough. While the swipe right revolution may have delivered a faster, more convenient way to make a date, it has also delivered a faster, more convenient way for individuals to lie about who they are. In fact, as much as 84% of online daters are falsifying some portion of their profile, and as many as 10% of profiles are downright fake, according to Psychology Today. But it isn’t only our hearts and egos at stake; our wallets are at risk too. The FBI reported $324 million was lost in online relationship scams last year. And here is the scariest part: dating apps are doing virtually nothing to stop it.

Jeff Tinsley, the entrepreneur and visionary behind MyLife, is determined to answer the call for a safer way to date online. Today, he shares the top ways individuals can set the stage for a safer digital dating experience:

View Their Reputation Score

With a database of more than 350 million people in the U.S., MyLife allows you to view a person’s Reputation Score in seconds. Never heard of a “Reputation Score?” Think of it like a credit score for your character. Ranging from 1 to 5, the score factors in several aspects of a person’s history and relationships, including criminal and court records, social media posts, and feedback left by individuals who know them.

Review Criminal, Court and Legal Records

Each dater’s MyLife page offers access to their unique Reputation Profile, which can provide visibility into criminal and court records, lawsuits, liens, bankruptcies and sexual offenses. While many sites say they do background checks, only MyLife’s Reputation Profiles allow you to see those findings for yourself. With dating app fraud on the rise, this tool offers powerful protection against likely scammers or even potentially dangerous individuals.

Get the 411 from People Who Know Them in Real Life

MyLife has created a platform where persons who know you, be it friends, family members or work colleagues, are able to leave personal and professional feedback on your profile. Before heading out on that date, you might read all about that time your date rescued a child who was choking, or how they donated to a friend’s Kickstarter when they needed it most, or how they excel at their profession. And if for some reason they haven’t been sincere in their social interactions, you can learn that too.

Gain Insight into Their Social Media Patterns

We’ve all done it — we scroll through their photos, read their comments, see what their friends are like. Social media can offer a valuable look into a person’s personality and social patterns. For instance, you may learn your prospective date constantly mentions drug use or uses derogatory terms. Depending on your own boundaries and values, the details you learn here could be essential in stopping a bad date before it starts.