Month: September 2019

2019-09-05T14:40:00

(BPT) – From cooking to conversing to entertaining, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s also a space that homeowners often dream of renovating. A growing trend in kitchen design is personalization, where thoughtful updates go beyond stainless-steel appliances and standard cabinetry to incorporate a host of interesting design elements.

By adding splashes of personality to your kitchen, you make the space one of a kind, and you’ll enjoy it more because it reflects your preferences and style. Consider these key ways to breathe new life into any kitchen.

1) Switch up your cabinets

Want to give your cabinets a fresh look and add pizzazz without refacing or installing new ones? Try replacing existing hardware. Just as jewelry completes an outfit, hardware adds a finished look to cabinets. The variety of styles and materials for drawer and cabinet pulls — metals, ceramics, crystal, glass, stone — makes it easy to update your cabinets with little cost and effort. Don’t be afraid to mix and match hardware styles or experiment with shapes to add character.

Another idea is to update a few key cabinets. For instance, you can paint the cabinets above or directly beside the stove in black chalk paint, allowing you to add fun words and phrases — or even a favorite recipe — with chalk markers. You could also remove the face of several cabinets from the frame and add a clear or opaque glass insert for added visual interest and an unexpected touch of beauty.

Don’t forget about the often-overlooked toe-kick space — the recessed area just below the cabinets — which can be enhanced with subtle styling. Consider painting this area a statement color or adding tiles for a clever update you won’t see elsewhere.

2) Add vintage-style appliances

While stainless-steel appliances are popular in modern kitchens, distinctive appliances are a great way to add personality. Elmira Stove Works offers several vintage-inspired appliance lines in a variety of designs and colors. Whether you opt to update all your appliances or choose a single statement piece, your kitchen will feel inspired.

For those who lean toward a retro or midcentury modern look, the Northstar line delivers conversation-worthy style to any kitchen. Add a fun pop of color with classic hues like tropical blue, mint green and candy red, or choose from a broad selection of custom colors. Learn more at www.elmirastoveworks.com.

The Antique line features intricately detailed appliances with historic styling. These appliances are available in a range of traditional and custom colors, and can complement any vintage home design, including a rustic cabin, country cottage or lake house. For a turn-of-the-century feel, the Fireview stove has a visible wood-burning component that can also be used to heat rooms.

3) Light up the room

Proper lighting is essential for performing kitchen tasks, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Lighting provides an opportunity to get creative and bring touches of personality to the kitchen. By blending practical task lighting with decorative ambient lighting, you can inject the right balance of function and fashion.

Overhead and under-cabinet lighting make it easy to chop, cut, cook and more. Add a bit of flair with a layered approach — for example, strategically mix pendant and wall lights with recessed lighting. The globes that surround light fixtures are another great place to sprinkle in some character. From glass designs in vivid hues to textured metal looks, these surrounds come in myriad shapes and sizes.

You can find your favorite kitchen lighting options at local home improvement stores or boutique lighting shops. For something truly one of a kind, visit antique shops, flea markets and home decor reclamation stores. Whether an amazing art deco chandelier or an adorable Victorian decorative table lamp, you’ll discover unexpected gems for your kitchen.

When you add personal touches, you’ll enjoy an updated, customized space that will have you cooking and entertaining in style.

2019-09-05T11:01:01

(BPT) – The back-to-school season comes with its share of excitement — including new classrooms, friends and routines — but it’s also a time to be thoughtful about safety. As schedules change and daily life takes on an added layer of complexity with trips to and from school, after-school activities, appointments, play dates and more, back-to-school is the right time for parents to think proactively and have important conversations with their kids about safety.

Whether it’s a child’s first year attending preschool or final year of college, here are some important safety tips to help keep them safe and provide you with some peace of mind:

Preschool

The years before formal education are full of wonder for children, but it’s also important to be cautious and respectful while letting their little imaginations take flight. Talk to small children about important things like looking both ways before crossing the road and always asking the teachers for permission before leaving a room. This is also a good time to have them start learning critical information like your phone number and the family address.

Elementary

Many elementary school students take the bus or walk to school, so transportation safety is essential at this age. Finding buddies to walk or ride bikes with, and practicing routes before school starts, are great ideas. It’s also important to discuss never leaving with a stranger or getting into an unknown vehicle. If your child is a buser, remind them to stay behind the curb for the bus and always wait for the bus to fully stop before approaching it to board.

Middle school

As tweens become teens, they begin to learn more about themselves, and part of this is flexing their independence. Parents can encourage independence and growth while still keeping communication open, and a recent survey conducted on behalf of Life360 found that 78% of them report believing that they can find a balance between giving their kids freedom and keeping them safe. First, consider maintaining a family calendar so you can be aware of your child’s travels, and vice versa. An app like Life360 is also a simple way to stay connected, allowing you to view family members on a private map and communicate with them via private, invite-only in-app chat. The technology also shares alerts when family members arrive or leave destinations like home, school or work. Learn more at www.life360.com.

High school

High school is the time when many teens are learning to drive and getting their driver’s licenses. The Life360 survey also found that parents who currently have, or previously had, a high school-aged child, worry about driving-related issues such as accidents (27%), drunk driving (25%) and distracted driving (26%). Be a role model for safe driving habits and enroll your child in driver’s education. The Life360 app is also great for young drivers and their parents because it has features like crash detection that alerts emergency contacts immediately, roadside assistance so drivers can get the help they need for that flat tire or other issues, and Driver Reports that allow parents to see how their young drivers are acting on the road.

College

Even when your child is legally an adult, you can and should still have a positive influence on their well-being. Heading to college is a big step, so this is a good time to go over general safety reminders. Start by helping your child familiarize themselves with campus security features, such as escort services and blue-light emergency phone stations. Understanding campus layout and taking suggested routes that are well lit is helpful.

A few simple conversations can help kids of all ages keep safety top of mind, and that’s something any parent can feel good about. Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play to download the Life360 app.

2019-09-05T08:03:01

(BPT) – It’s said life is a journey, not a destination. That should especially be true when you and your family are planning your next cruise vacation.

Often overlooked as a key part of that journey is the original port you’ll be sailing from — the real beginning of your adventure. When planning a family cruise, remember that the home port area can be a fun getaway unto itself.

Consider starting your vacation a little earlier and arriving at the port a day or two before your cruise, so you can explore everything the vicinity has to offer. Since you’ll already be near your ship’s departure site, you’ll also feel less rushed and ready for recreation.

Favorite port of call

Port Canaveral, on Florida’s Space Coast, has been voted “Best North American Home Port” by Cruise Critic, and for good reason. Many of the top cruise lines call Port Canaveral home, and 4 million passengers a year sail out to sea from that sunny location.

The surrounding area offers tons of activities for all ages, making Port Canaveral the perfect one-stop spot for kicking off your cruise vacation. From its laid-back, beachy atmosphere to the thrills of its indoor and outdoor recreational offerings and its proximity to U.S. space program facilities, Port Canaveral truly has something for every member of the family. Here are just a few of the elements that make it everyone’s favorite port of call.

Sun, sand and surf

With more than 72 miles of coastline, Florida’s Space Coast has beaches galore. Let the kids build sandcastles and hunt for seashells while you soak up the sun at any of the dozen-plus beaches near Port Canaveral. You can find secluded beaches at Canaveral National Seashore or enjoy a recreational beach such as Sebastian Inlet State Park, which is popular for fishing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and more.

Feeling adventurous? Get your gear at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach and take a surf lesson or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. You also can rent a boat and take advantage of the excellent saltwater and freshwater fishing the area is known for.

The final frontier

For the space geeks and sci-fi aficionados in the family, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must. Learn all about space exploration from the myriad exhibits, then take the “Behind the Gates” bus tour to see the launch sites. You can even eyeball the historic Space Shuttle Atlantis and dine with an actual astronaut.

There are opportunities to attend a rocket launch at the space center for an additional cost, or you can check out the latest rocket launch schedule and catch a liftoff from a greater distance at a nearby beach or park.

Fun for the grownups

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the adults. Port Canaveral and Florida’s Space Coast boast excellent shopping, relaxing spas, spirited nightlife, top-notch golfing and some of the best seafood dining anywhere.

So, when you’re thinking about cruising with the family, factor in the where and when of your home port embarkation. You can make the most out of your trip to Port Canaveral by checking out VisitSpaceCoast.com.

2019-09-04T14:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school means back to the daily routine of after-school activities and snacks. To help usher in the season, Lance^® Sandwich Crackers, the maker of Lance^® Minis, is unveiling hacks for making the most of a convenient after-school snack routine – from prepping, to snacking, to munching on-the-go.

With the hustle and bustle that comes with the back-to-school season, time is a scarce commodity for families today. New research from Lance Minis reveals just where the time is going. The majority of parents today are shuttling kids from one after-school activity to another – 62% say their children do more extracurricular activities than they did as a child. And the average parent surveyed spends 86 hours a year prepping snacks for the family.

So what are the best ways to make your snacking routine a breeze, while also using that time to connect as a family?

Tip 1: The Secret Ingredient Is Preparation

The majority of parents (70%) agree that planning ahead snacks and meals for the week makes their family exponentially more productive – in fact, the average parent reports being twice as productive when they do so. However, only 32% of parents say they’re actually in the habit of doing this.

Use preparation as your secret weapon. Set aside one hour on Sunday nights (or a night that fits well in your schedule) to get your snacks and meals in order. Pick out crowd pleasers that are easy to pull together, and as an added bonus, you can set up an “assembly line” right in your kitchen to involve the kids and turn a “chore” into a bonding moment.

Take it from actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher, in partnership with Lance Minis Sandwich Crackers, who says, “Snack packing is all about preparation. I like to block off an hour on Sunday nights, crank a playlist the whole family loves and get into a snack packing zone. It’s a fun opportunity to connect as a family, and sets us up for a successful week!”

Tip 2: Make Snack Time Special

Family traditions like snack time can mean so much more than meets the eye! The majority of parents (55%) say they have nostalgic memories of snack time as a child, and 59% say today snack time is an unexpected moment when they find time to connect with their children.

Amidst the hectic schedules and after-school itineraries, you can use snack time as a moment to pause and connect. It’s a great cue to remember to take a step back and make the most of each other’s company – all over a shared treat!

Tip 3: Listen to the Experts

Who better to break down family snack hacks than parents themselves? The top 5 tips today’s parents have for snack packing are –

1. Stock up on grab-and-go snack options to help save time (62%)
2. Try different varieties of snacks you know your children already love to keep snack time fresh and introduce them to new flavors (55%)
3. Bite-sized is key with families always on the go (35%)
4. Grab crowd-pleasers to work around picky eaters (33%)
5. Use snack packing and preparation as moments to connect with your child (28%)

And as Swisher says, “Part of parenthood is having picky eaters! One of the best ways to get into a good routine is to find crowd-pleasers that everyone in the family loves. Lance Minis are a surefire win for all of us, so they’re perfect to stock up in the pantry!”

No matter how you plan to tackle this season, the important thing is to hone in on routines that work best for you and your family. And in the midst of everything, don’t forget to make a little time for some family fun.

To learn more about Lance Sandwich Crackers and Lance Minis, visit www.lance.com.

Methodology: This online survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Lance in July 5-8, 2019 among 1,003 parents with kids aged 4-12 across the United States.

2019-09-04T13:50:40

(BPT) – According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms — often due to missing alarm batteries or expired alarms.

A new generation of home safety technology — combined with tried-and-true safety practices — can help keep homes and families safer from the threat of home fires. The following are tips to keep your family safe and healthy:

Be safe, replace: If you can’t think of the last time you installed a smoke alarm, chances are, it’s time to replace your old ones. All smoke alarms — including battery and hard-wired models — are tested to function for 10 years. Installing new alarms ensures you are protected with the most advanced smoke-sensing technologies and latest safety features available. Conversely, by neglecting to replace alarms, you could be putting yourself, your family or tenants at serious risk.

Go for a 10: One of the greatest advancements in smoke alarm technology in recent years has been the development of new 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms, such as First Alert’s 10-Year Atom Smoke & Fire Alarm, which consumers have used to add fire protection to their homes. The Atom features an advanced smoke entry system designed to reduce the chances of false alarms, along with a loud, penetrating siren. In addition, 10-year alarms provide hassle-free protection so homeowners, property owners and renters no longer need to remember to replace costly batteries for the life of their alarms. They also eliminate the risk of having an alarm deactivated due to battery removal.

In many areas of the country, upgrading to 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms is also the law. Several states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Louisiana, New York and Oregon, as well as the cities of Phoenix, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and New York City, have passed laws requiring 10-year battery smoke alarms in residential buildings. Other states and municipalities are considering similar legislation.

Double-up on safety: There are two main types of smoke alarms — photoelectric and ionization — which utilize different technologies to sense smoke and fire. Ionization smoke alarms are more responsive to fast-flaming fires, while photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called “smoldering fires”). Rather than relying solely on one, install both — or a dual-sensor alarm — to maximize your protection. The NFPA and other safety advocates recommend having dual-sensor alarms because they provide the best potential for early detection of all types of common household fires.

The First Alert 10-Year Alarm Life Dual Sensor Smoke & Fire Alarm provides the peace of mind of a dual-sensor alarm with the convenience of a 10-year sealed lithium battery. The alarm better detects real threats and helps to combat false or “nuisance” alarms that may lead to device deactivation — all while providing a decade of protection without battery replacement. It also signals an end-of-life warning, notifying consumers when it needs replacement.

Cover your bases: Even if you have smoke alarms in your home, you and your family may not be sufficiently protected if you don’t have enough devices. To ensure the highest level of protection from smoke and carbon monoxide, the NFPA recommends installing smoke alarms at the top of each staircase and in every bedroom or sleeping area. To put this into perspective, the average-sized home in America — a two-story, three-bedroom house — needs a minimum of five smoke alarms.

To learn more about 10-year alarms and alarm laws in your state, and for more tips for protecting your family from smoke, fire and carbon monoxide, visit http://www.firstalert.com.

2019-09-04T16:01:00

(BPT) – Women are desperate for solutions to their frequent urinary tract infections, and they’re equally tired of the stigma that comes with them, reveals a new national survey.

Key findings of “UTIs: The Burning Truth” by ellura, the urinary tract supplement, found that 3 out of 4 women (76 percent) feel they are judged from others as lacking good hygiene and living a promiscuous lifestyle, common misconceptions attached to UTIs that contribute to emotional trauma, often as frustrating as the physical pain UTIs cause. The truth? Sex is a common risk factor associated with UTIs, but estrogen loss from menopause and various medical conditions also increase risk.

Traditional over-the-counter remedies and behavioral changes like drinking more water, practicing better hygiene and urinating after sex are not sufficiently reducing the number of UTIs women experience, leaving them on a roller coaster of treat and repeat with antibiotics, according to the survey. An alarming 52 percent of respondents said they use “just in case” antibiotics as their go-to for UTI prevention, relying on these pharmaceuticals not just for treatment, but for prophylactic use an average of four times over the previous year.

Of 1,000 women surveyed, 31 percent have gone to more extreme measures and abstained from or limited sex entirely to prevent their UTIs, further highlighting that women will try everything in the book to be rid of UTIs.

“This survey reflects what I hear from patients who feel frustrated that the cycle of UTIs is inevitable, mostly because they are trying many unproven products to reduce these infections with limited success,” notes urologist and ellura medical advisory board chair, Dr. Sophie Fletcher.

So, what do you need to know if you’re a woman with frequent UTIs? You’re far from alone. UTIs represent nearly 25% of all bacterial infections in women worldwide, and account for more than 10 million doctor visits annually.

A few other truths derived from the study:

• Antibiotic overuse is not the answer. The cure is what ails you, according to the survey, as 80 percent of women admit having experienced a negative side effect from taking antibiotics, including yeast infections, digestive and skin issues, and antibiotic resistance — when these drugs no longer work to fight off UTI-causing bacteria. The study found 24 percent of women have experienced antibiotic resistance issues. “Many women have a bad habit of calling their doctor and getting antibiotics before they even know if they have a true culture-proven UTI,” notes Fletcher. “Urinary symptoms, like pain and burning, can often be relieved without antibiotics, which are needed to treat infection, but also can kill the good bacteria in the body.”
• Your emotions are real. Fifty-three percent of study respondents report anxiety related to their UTIs and 33 percent have experienced depression from this often stigmatized health issue. Women over 50 years of age specifically feel judged as having “old age” issues, according to the research.
• More positive dialogue and education is needed. Forty-seven percent of respondents report leaving their doctor’s office with negative emotions, including a sense of hopelessness and a certainty that their UTIs will return, suggesting a need for more meaningful conversations about this stigmatized health issue. “As healthcare providers we can be a valuable resource for UTI prevention and antibiotic education to help women reduce UTIs with fewer antibiotics,” concluded Fletcher.

The nationally representative survey was conducted by Wakefield Research and commissioned by ellura, the medical-grade urinary tract supplement that identified and advanced the science of 36 mg PAC (proanthocyanidins) from cranberry juice concentrate and its role in UTI prevention.

For more about how women really feel about UTIs, visit www.UTIburningtruth.com.

2019-09-04T16:50:33

(BPT) – It’s the night before your long-awaited vacation. You’ve triple-checked your suitcase, checked into your flight and notified the bank of your travel plans. Everything is ready to go, but even the most experienced travelers can’t predict the unexpected health hiccups that might arise along the way.

Before heading off, keep in mind these minor, but common, health concerns and be sure to pack the right items to help protect yourself and stay comfortable once you arrive.

Motion sickness

Whether traveling by plane, train, car or boat, sometimes just the slightest bit of constant movement can trigger motion sickness, suddenly making you feel queasy, dizzy and nauseous. Typically, motion sickness occurs when your senses receive confusing signals from your environment. The first thing to do is stay calm, relax and try to focus on something else, such as counting backward from 100. Natural remedies to provide relief include raw ginger and mint, so bring along a pack of flavored teas or mint-flavored chewing gum to help soothe your symptoms.

Hemorrhoids

Extended time sitting during long travel days, sudden diet changes and destinations that may have you further away from the usual bathroom amenities can all lead to backside discomfort and the potential onset of hemorrhoids. Pack Preparation H Rapid Relief Totables Wipes with Lidocaine for portable pain relief from hemorrhoids when you’re on the go. The individually wrapped wipes provide rapid numbing relief, reduce swelling and are flushable, making them a perfect, discreet item to bring along.

Sunburn

It goes without saying that using sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays is crucial. But let’s face it — sometimes sunscreen application can be spotty and reapplying every two hours can fall by the wayside when having fun, which can ultimately bring on a painful sunburn. In addition to the sunscreen you already had in your bag, be sure to pack a moisturizer with aloe vera to help soothe skin and ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling, redness and discomfort caused by sunburn.

Blisters

If your travel plans involve walking or hiking long distances, you may experience blisters while on the move, as it only takes a little friction and moisture for them to pop up. Whether you’re climbing a mountain solo or trekking through an amusement park with the family, make sure to pack adhesive bandages and extra socks to help prevent and treat blisters. The bandages can act as another layer of skin, preventing the formation of blisters, while extra socks can help reduce friction.

Planning for these minor health issues is as easy as tossing items in your purse or bag. Vacation is supposed to be fun, spontaneous and relaxing, but keeping these extra precautions in mind before you leave ensures minor health inconveniences don’t get in the way of enjoyment during and after your trip.

For more information on hemorrhoid relief, visit www.preparationh.com.

2019-09-04T15:27:15

(BPT) – One of the South’s best-kept secrets for years, pimento cheese is catching on with the rest of the country. While pimento cheese and things made with it are still only on 4% of U.S. restaurant menus, according to www.datassential.com, that’s an increase of 65% in the last four years.

Still, people in the South expect puzzled looks when the subject comes up. It’s just so simple: Grated cheese (preferably the sharpest cheddar you can find), diced pimentos and mayonnaise. That’s it.

There’s still room for debate in those three basic ingredients: How coarse to grate the cheese, what kind of mayonnaise and whether it’s OK to substitute roasted red peppers for the pimentos. Additions like hot sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika or cream cheese can all cause arguments.

Kathleen Purvis, North Carolina-based food writer and author of two “Savor the South” cookbooks, calls pimento cheese “the duct tape of party foods.

“You can nuke it, spread it, mix it with something else or slap it on a tray surrounded by crackers.”

If you’re just encountering pimento cheese, there really are endless things you can do with it. Stir it into hot pasta for a shortcut macaroni and cheese, stir it into cornbread batter before baking, and put it between two flour tortillas to make fast quesadillas. Or try these:

• Hot cheese dip: To make a southern twist on queso, just bake or microwave a small bowl of pimento cheese. If you want something more substantial, stir in cooked black-eyed peas first.
• On a biscuit: Try spicy pimento cheese on a warm biscuit. Even better, Bojangles’, the chicken and biscuits chain known for its real deal southern flavor, has debuted pimento cheese on its signature Cajun Filet Biscuit. Pro tip: You can also add the pimento cheese on anything you order, like ham biscuits and Bo Rounds, the little hash brown bites. For a location near you, go to Bojangles.com.
• Fried bites: Take an idea from a popular bar snack. Roll very thick pimento cheese into balls, coat them in flour, then beaten egg and finally in Japanese-style panko crumbs. Freeze them before dropping them in hot oil, so they don’t fall apart before the outside browns.
• P.C. deviled eggs: Beat the cooked egg yolks with pimento cheese, then pipe it into cooked egg-white halves. Garnish with a small slice of pickled jalapeno if you want.
• Instant appetizer: Fill frozen phyllo cups with a dab of pepper jelly, top with pimento cheese and bake just until bubbly.
• Grilled cheese: If you want to elevate a simple hot sandwich, use pimento cheese instead of sliced cheese. If you really want to make it special, try spreading a little raspberry jam or pepper jelly on the bread before you add the pimento cheese.

You get the idea: If you’re just getting to know pimento cheese, the options are endless.