Month: December 2019

2019-12-10T12:01:01

(BPT) – Technological advancements are helping aging adults stay safe, comfortable and connected as they age in place. And, families can feel more confident about mom, dad and the grands living independently, especially around the holidays.

“The year 2020 brings new innovative technologies to enable us to address the unique challenges we face as we age,” says Lisa Cini, president/CEO, Mosaic Design Studio and BestLivingTech.com. “Even the simplest tasks, like going to the bathroom, turning on the faucet, or cleaning up afterward can be difficult or dangerous for aging adults, but by integrating the latest gadgets into our home designs, seniors can remain safe, connected and independent.”

Lisa’s 2020 tech trends include:

• Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa can be used for a multitude of activities like listening to music and audio books, appointment and medication reminders, and hearing the weather. These gadgets can even make calls and respond to a simple “OK Google” or “Hey Alexa,” which can be useful after a slip or a fall (if within hearing range).
• A bidet eliminates the need for assistance in the bathroom by allowing users to clean up after themselves, providing independence and removing the embarrassment of asking for help.
• Hestan Cue Chef’s Pot measures the surface temperature of the pan via Bluetooth and is great for braising, poaching and perfecting dishes.
• Roomba the robot can vacuum multiple rooms daily and is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. It travels back to its charging dock and can be customized to clean when you want it to.
• Moley Robotic Kitchen is a fully automated kitchen that acts as a MasterChef to cook thousands of meals. This smart robot takes away the hassle of cooking and cleaning and does everything at the touch of a button.
• Nest Smart Thermostat makes homes energy efficient, with a display that can be read from across the room or remotely by cell phone and works with Amazon’s Alexa for voice control.
• Loop keeps you connected to friends and family through a loop of photos, video and video chat.
• The Human Charger light therapy device enhances energy levels and helps you get restful, sustained sleep.
• The Dementia Day Cycle Clock displays the day of the week and morning, afternoon, evening or night, to help you distinguish between days of the week and cycles of the day.
• Med-Q Automatic Pill Dispenser will flash the corresponding day slot with a bright red light and blast an alarm that increases in volume until you take your pills at the scheduled time.
• A One Button Dementia Radio allows you to turn the radio on and off without confusing buttons and dials.
• The Wander Alarm Security Alert chimes or vibrates to let you know that the door or window has been opened.
• iGuardStove and FireAvert prevent burnt pans or fires by automatically shutting off power to the stove when the smoke alarm goes off.
• Joy for All Companion Pets provides joy without the headache as it responds to hugging, petting and motion like any typical cat or dog, mimicking the movement and purring sound of a cat to bring comfort and companionship. No need to clean the kitty litter or walk the dog in the snow with this companion pet.

BestLivingTech.com offers many of the available products above to help seniors embrace aging and independent living. As a boomer living designer, Lisa searches the world for the best technology to help people age in place and brings them all together in one online store — think Sharper Image meets AARP.

By keeping the home retrofitted with the latest technology, we can help our parents and grandparents stay safe and comfortable at home and eliminate some of the worry when we’re not around.

Lisa Cini, ASID, IIDA, is an award-winning, internationally recognized designer with decades of experience developing interiors that improve quality of life for seniors. She is the author of The Future is Here: Senior Living Reimagined, Hive: The Simple Guide to Multigenerational Living, and BOOM: The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology, so that you can Preserve Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive.

2019-12-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – One of the best things about technology today is that there’s a huge variety of items to choose from that can suit anybody on your list, for a surprising range of prices.

From the practical to the just-for-fun, shopping for the hottest in tech this holiday season does not have to be complicated. Once you determine what category of item you want, it’s easy to find gifts bound to please — without blowing a hole in your budget.

For music lovers

Who wouldn’t want to listen to their favorite music not only anywhere in the house, but also while in the yard, hiking or camping? The latest wireless speakers offer lots of choices in terms of size and portability, at a variety of price points. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are standard for most devices to connect to your phone, tablet, laptop or TV. Wireless speakers are great for boosting music for a party, or listening while taking a bath or cooking. Some can clip on a backpack or be worn on your arm. That way you can listen to music on-the-go safely.

Check out the latest wireless headphones, which many find more comfortable and with a superior sound quality than earbuds. Recent models have come down in price, and there are brands with kid’s sizes.

For gamers

Avid online gamers love quality wireless gaming headsets. Players competing against others can communicate and experience good quality sound — hearing the game and players clearly without bothering everyone in the house.

Other great options are top-notch wireless controllers for gaming consoles, or a specialized gaming mouse for those who play on their computers.

For everyone

What if there were a high-quality smartphone that also offered helpful life services, like access to telemedicine, pharmacy savings, roadside assistance and more?

Now there is. ROKiT Phones offers 5 different models, available with a variety of ROKiT Life Services, a package providing essential services free for 3 months (with the option to continue desired benefits after that time for a fee):

• Telemedicine — Don’t freak out on internet medical websites every time you think your fever is the plague. Talk to a doctor from the comfort of your home to clear things up (literally), over the phone or via video chat. Receive a diagnosis with a personalized treatment plan, including prescriptions for common medications, with no fee or copay. The service covers the phone user and their household.
• Pharmacy savings — With ROKiT’s prescription savings card, save on average 70% on prescriptions for the entire household, including your pets. There is no enrollment fee, nor limits on usage.
• ROKiT Talk — Call for free any number in the U.S. and 60 countries.

• ROKiT Roadside — Roadside assistance including towing, jump start, tire change, fuel delivery and locksmith services.
• Family legal services — Legal Club users receive assistance with simple will and living will preparation, representation in small claims court, assistance with government programs like INS and Welfare and more.
• ID Theft — In event of fraud, get up to $1,000,000 of ID theft protection, plus help with cancellation and re-issuance of cards.
• Accidental death insurance — Through Sirius America Insurance Company, $100,000 will be given to a designated beneficiary.
• Burial and cremation insurance — $20,000 reimbursement to help pay for funeral costs.

While the ROKiT One and F-One phones provide 3G service at affordable prices, iO 3D and iO Pro 3D offer even more — including glasses-free patented 3D technology that plays stereoscopic side-by-side videos, so the movies jump out of the screen for immersive enjoyment. Through the ROKFliX 3D app, users have access to a huge, exclusive catalog of glasses-free content with something for all ages. For more information about the innovative new technology, visit RokitPhones.com/us/phones/iopro3d.

With all their smartphones, ROKiT Talk ensures users can connect with loved ones worldwide. The international and domestic calling platform enables unlimited outbound domestic and international calls to 60 countries.

Consider all the possibilities for tech-related gifts this year to make your holiday shopping easier. The latest high-tech devices not only make life more fun and interesting, but some can even help people stay connected, as well as offering vital services everybody needs.

2019-12-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – With the drastic drop in temperatures also comes the most festive time of the year. The holiday season isn’t just the cheeriest time, but also the busiest. With so many upcoming holiday celebrations to look forward to, you’ll want to make sure you not only look your best, but also feel your best! We can all use some extra fuel during the holiday season, so here are a few tips to help you create your own pre-party ritual this holiday season to help you do more all season long!

PLAN AHEAD

Taking the time to plan ahead will alleviate last-minute stress and make you feel super organized as you get ready. Best practices to consider adding to your pre-party ritual include:

Drink More Water: Staying hydrated helps maintain both your energy levels and mood, so that you can feel your best.

Eat Clean: Trying to eat clean the day before or on the days leading up to your event will allow you to feel less bloated, more energized and overall healthier.

Get Enough Sleep: Hitting the hay early the night before a big party is a must-do. Getting enough sleep will help prevent dull and dehydrated skin, dark circles and a fuzzy brain — it’s something you will thank yourself later for!

Pick Your Look Ahead of Time: No one wants to be running around before an event finding nothing to wear, so pulling your final look together in advance of the party is crucial to your pre-party ritual!

THE DAY OF

The things you decide to do or the items that you use on the day of your event can really set the tone for how much you enjoy your holidays — so be selective! Recommended must-haves for your pre-party ritual include:

Me-Time: Incorporating me-time when you wake up in the morning is a must. A 20-minute yoga or meditation session will help you feel centered and refreshed and provide you with a clear mind to take on the rest of your day.

Choose Makeup Fueled by Skincare: Using makeup with added skincare benefits can go a long way when it comes to looking good this holiday season, and for your overall skin health. The new Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer is the flawless fix to your skin’s imperfections!

This lightweight, skin-perfecting concealer covers dark circles, acne and blemishes and blurs the look of fine lines for a smooth, creaseless finish for those moments that you need a little more as you’re bouncing from holiday party to holiday party. Use it as you get ready or throw it in your clutch and take it along for a mid-celebration touch-up!

The Perfect Ensemble: Dressing for the holidays is always fun because you can step away from your everyday look and wear your finest for some extra glitz and glam. From festive attire to a classic LBD paired with favorite festive jewelry, to a standout red dress with fun heels — pick out an outfit that expresses your personality or your mood.

RIGHT BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT

As you head out for the night, make sure you’re ready with the necessities and for emergencies. Pack mints or gum, pain meds, bandages and remember to bring a phone charger. Make sure you’ve packed your concealer and all necessary beauty products for quick touch-ups throughout the night.

Creating your own pre-party ritual for this holiday season will help you relax and enjoy the celebration.

To learn more about the new Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer and the latest Makeup Fueled by Skincare, visit Neutrogena.com.

2019-12-09T11:55:00

(BPT) – It’ll happen to every driver and likely at the most inopportune moment — like when you’re running late, on a family road trip or commuting to work. A familiar light will flick on in your car’s dashboard. Sometimes, the low tire pressure indicator can mean it’s time to add more air, caused by regular wear-and-tear or a sudden change in the weather. But other times, the light leads drivers down a road that requires them to buy a new set of tires. So how do you know?

Hankook Tire offers four things to consider when the tire light turns on to help determine the next steps to get you back on your way:

1. Kick the tires

Seventy-eight percent of drivers say that checking their tires is a regular part of their maintenance routine, according to Hankook’s latest Gauge Index survey. If it’s been awhile since the last time you checked your tire pressure, the light could just be indicating that it’s time for a top-up. Luckily, 86% of drivers consider themselves confident in putting air in their tires in a proper manner with the right amount of pressure. If you aren’t in that majority, look for a tire dealer that offers a free air check, and refer to the panel of your driver’s side door, or your owner’s manual, for your vehicle’s ideal pressure reading.

2. Don’t pause after pressure

Tire pressure checks can be an opportune time to examine the overall health of your tires, so don’t stop inspecting just because your pressure is perfect. Take a look at your tread, too. An easy way to check the tread is to insert a penny upside down into the groove of your tire. If Lincoln’s head is fully visible, it’s time to drive to the dealer to buy new tires. Many drivers need to purchase a set of tires at some point; one-in-four has had to purchase new tires more than four times!

3. Know what you’re looking for

If your pressure light eventually leads you toward a point of sale, there’s plenty to consider, like where to make the purchase, and what is most important for your vehicle, and your wallet. The survey found that when deciding where to go to buy their tires, consumers most consider price (45%), where they can get their preferred brand (20%), and the tire dealer’s product knowledge (14%). And once they find a dealer they like, most Americans (78%) will return to the same location when they have to make another purchase in the future.

4. Talk it out

Once you’re at the dealer, knowing which tires to buy can be an overwhelming choice. Over a third of drivers (35%) do their own research on brands and where to get the best deal. But the tire dealer and its repair team can also be a great resource — in fact, a quarter of Americans base their decision on the recommendation of a mechanic. Regardless of who influences your decision, it’s important to communicate your priorities: whether that’s getting the best price, ensuring that your tires have a top safety rating or that they’re the right tires for your driving habits.

Of course, it’s also important to consider that the tire pressure indicator could have gone on for a completely different reason: It could be a sign that your vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) needs replacing. Your owner’s manual will provide specific details on what that alert looks like for your vehicle, but oftentimes, if the low-pressure light is blinking, it’s an indicator for the system, not necessarily the tire itself. And while 30% of drivers say the TPMS sensors are the element of their vehicle they’d be least likely to replace, Hankook recommends getting any issue checked out by a certified mechanic before hitting the road.

2019-12-09T15:07:01

(BPT) – Whether the length of your drive is three hours or 30 minutes, it can seem an eternity with a bored child in the car. If you’re planning a road trip with one or more children, plan ahead so you’ll have a happy and safe trip, no matter where you’re going.

Here’s how you and your kids can stay safe and enjoy the journey almost as much as the destination.

1. Factor in time for pit stops

Don’t try to crush a several-hour driving marathon to get there quickly. Children need frequent breaks to use the restroom, have a healthy meal — and release their pent-up energy. Look for signs of restlessness and stop before kids get too out of sorts.

When you stop, find a safe spot where your kids can stretch their legs and run around a little. If they’re sluggish, organize a quick game of tag or catch, or encourage them to do a jumping-jack competition.

If frequent stops are making you later than expected, call ahead to let people know you’re off schedule. Better to take your time and arrive both safe and happy.

2. Make sure kids stay buckled up, the whole time

Help keep your kids safe by making sure your child is buckled up every time, for every ride. As older kids get restless, they may unbuckle themselves during a long drive. Make sure you’re checking periodically throughout the trip, not just when you first pull out of the driveway. After every rest stop or meal, ensure kids are buckled up before you head back on the road.

3. Bring games — and dust off your creativity

Age-appropriate hand-held games and books can be good diversions for your children on long trips. Find audiobooks the whole family can listen to during the trip.

Recall games you played during road trips with your parents. Did you spot license plates from different states? Say a certain word when you saw an animal or certain type of car? How about a game of I Spy? Start a guessing game like 20 Questions, or use yes-or-no questions to guess a famous person one of you thinks up. Stock up on knock-knock jokes or silly riddles to keep kids engaged with you and each other.

4. Keep kids under 13 in the back seat

No matter how long your trip is, children under 13 should never sit up front, for their own safety. Car safety standards and features, like air bags, are developed and tested with adult bodies in mind. Air bags can be inflated at speeds of up to 200 to 400 miles per hour, and because kids’ bodies are still developing, they are safest in the back seat. Additionally, most crashes impact the front of the car, and the back seat is farthest from this impact.

5. Pack healthy snacks

Make sure each child has a refillable water bottle for the journey, plus healthy snacks they enjoy, like fruit, cheese sticks or yogurt. Choose age-appropriate snacks that won’t be a choking hazard, so you can focus on the road.

6. Bundle up safely

For the best protection in a car seat, your child’s harness should fit snugly. A bulky winter coat can create extra space between the child and their harness, increasing risk of injury in a crash. To keep your child both safe and warm on the ride, dress your child in a lighter jacket and place a blanket over the harness if needed. Pack the warmer coat for when you arrive.

7. Before you go: Check that they’re in the right seat

A car crash can happen anywhere, anytime — so the right car seat for your children’s age and size is always important. Any upcoming road trip can be a good reminder to double-check that they’re in the right seat for their safety — and that it’s installed correctly.

Enter your child’s age, weight and height at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to check if they’re in the right seat. On the website you can also get installation tips and find a location near you where a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can help you check the seat’s installation.

Enjoy your road trip with the family using these tips, and you’ll all be safer and happier. Trips like these can be memorable for all the right reasons, and you and your kids may even have fun along the way.

2019-12-09T16:01:00

(BPT) – Don’t know what to get the gamer in your life? No idea what the hottest games are, or what gaming products are trending? Don’t despair — there is one gift that any gamer will love, whether they’re a novice or a veteran gaming aficionado.

Here are the many benefits to getting your favorite gamers the gift that keeps on giving — a monthly gaming membership with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Perfect introduction to the world of gaming

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provides everything players will need to have a great gaming experience, for the low monthly price of $14.99.

Members get access to tons of great games and receive all of the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, including access to online multiplayer with the most advanced network.

Access to over 100 high-quality games

New and experienced gamers alike can explore a large and diverse library of over 100 high-quality console and PC games. On top of all that, new games are added all the time, so members will always be able to find fresh experiences and new challenges to discover — and there’s enough variety to interest every player in the family.

Recent popular titles include Gears 5, The Outer Worlds, Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 4, Minecraft and Subnautica.

No more tough decisions about which titles to buy

With the expansive catalogue of games at their fingertips, gamers will have everything they need to start playing — and families won’t have to worry about agonizing over which games they should bring home. With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Members can be among the first to play all the hottest new titles from Xbox Game Studios, available the same day they’re released across the globe. You also have access to select ID@Xbox games through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Exclusive deals and great value

Right now, new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can get their first three months for just $1 — which is their best deal of the year.

Players also get exclusive deals like up to 20% off games in the library, plus up to 10% off related game add-ons and consumables.

For a limited time, eligible members can take advantage of additional perks as part of their Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, at no additional cost, including:

• 1-month membership to EA Access
• 3-month membership to Discord Nitro
• 6 months of Spotify Premium — making it a great gift for the gamer in your life who is also a music fan!

Access to the Xbox ecosystem

Xbox Game Pass members can access the best of what Xbox has to offer, including all of the features and services that are unique to Xbox, like family settings and privacy controls. Their robust lineup of customizable family settings offer you the chance to manage and limit your children’s screen time, social interactions, online spending and access to mature content.

As a part of the Xbox ecosystem, you’re also not limited to just one platform. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members have the ability to access different libraries of games through both their console and their PC — which is something you won’t find anywhere else.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the best answer to what to get your favorite gamers. It offers everything they could possibly want for an outstanding gaming experience, all year round and at a great value, no matter what kinds of games they enjoy.

To learn more about how to thrill the gamers in your life this holiday season, visit Xbox.com/gamepass.

2019-12-09T05:01:00

(BPT) – For a warm and cozy moment of holiday relaxation, froth up some delicious hot chocolate spiced with flavors of the season. The Capresso froth Select makes it easy to create rich, frothy hot chocolate using chocolate chips, chunks, syrup or powder.

Celebrate the season with Peppermint Hot Chocolate, garnished with festive marshmallows and a candy cane — or a Frothy Hot Butterscotch Cocktail with Oat Milk. Or indulge in the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter in this recipe for Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate. From sweet to sophisticated, the possibilities are endless — create your own personalized beverage with your favorite flavorings, toppings, type of chocolate, and type of regular or non-dairy milk.

The froth Select is easy to use, with simple one-button operation and illuminated control. There are four settings to choose from: cold froth, hot froth, hot milk or hot chocolate. Capresso’s special hot chocolate function sets this frother apart by allowing you to add chocolate chips or chunks directly into the pitcher during the frothing process.

This versatile countertop appliance comes with a premium stainless steel pitcher and can also prepare café quality frothed milk for rich cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and other specialty beverages. Or use the froth Select to make flavored steamers, chai tea latte, matcha latte, hot cider and iced fruit lattes. With so many beverage options — froth or steamed, hot or cold, a world of flavors — the froth Select makes a welcome gift that will be used and appreciated all throughout the year.

Attention to detail is a hallmark of Capresso design. The removable stainless steel milk pitcher comes with a large and comfortable stay-cool handle, and it holds up to 20 ounces for heating or 16 ounces for frothing. It is dishwasher safe, for everyday convenience.

Dual auto shut-off ensures safety. The froth Select turns off automatically when frothing or heating is complete, or when the pitcher is removed from the base. Two frothing disks and one heating disk are included, and they store securely in the bottom of the base. By using different disks with different settings, you can control and vary milk texture for a variety of specialty beverages.

Capresso offers innovative coffeemakers, espresso machines, grinders and other kitchen electrics for those who want the best. For more information, visit capresso.com. For hot chocolate and other beverage recipes, visit capressoblog.com.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

4 servings

16 oz. chocolate milk

4 oz. white chocolate chips

1/2 tsp. peppermint extract

Marshmallows and candy cane, for garnish

Insert the frothing disk in the Capresso froth Select. Add milk to frothing pitcher and choose the CHOC setting. Start the cycle by pressing the center of the selector dial. After a few minutes, the illuminated light around the selector dial will start to blink, then remove the lid and add all the white chocolate chips before the illuminated light stops blinking. Add 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract, replace the lid, and wait for the froth to complete the frothing process and then automatically shut off. Pour into glasses, top with marshmallows and garnish with a candy cane.