Month: December 2020

2020-11-30T19:11:00

(BPT) – From canceled plans and trips to work from home and beyond, you’ve likely had to sacrifice a lot in 2020. But while you’re staying at home and doing your best to be safe during a pandemic, there’s one thing you shouldn’t have to compromise on — high-quality wine. And if you’re a seasoned wine drinker, you know that Napa Valley is the place to be.

“Napa Valley’s reputation is globally recognized, but its output is remarkably small,” says Elizabeth Vianna, winemaker at Chimney Rock Winery. “We produce only 4% of California’s total wine production, but that 4% represents the very best California has to offer.”

So, if you can’t have a travel adventure for the holidays this year, Napa Valley can come to you. Here’s how to bring a little luxury to your life and experience wine country without ever leaving your home.

1. Set the mood with music

Turn up the music and get ready to relax. Choose your go-to wine tasting playlist or search for one that’s already been created wherever you listen to music. It’s all about what gets you in the wine-tasting mood.

2. Try a virtual tasting

Escape to wine country with a virtual visit to prestigious Napa Valley wineries. For example, Wine.com is hosting “A Toast to Napa Valley” — a free virtual wine tasting event featuring some of Napa’s most acclaimed wine producers. You can even purchase wine to taste during the session that will be shipped directly to your home or can be sent to a loved one as a holiday gift. To sign up and get your wine for the tasting on Dec. 8, go to wine.com. And if that date doesn’t work, the session will be on the Wine.com website for several months. This is a great way to share a common experience with friends and family tuning in at the same time, all from the safety of your own home.

3. Treat yourself to a cinematic getaway

Wine and film share a profound link: the ability of a single sip or scene to whisk your senses away to a wholly different time and place. After all: Wine, popcorn and a good movie makes for a great time, any night of the week. For inspiration, check out Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 10 Greatest Wine Movies of All Time by visiting www.winemag.com.

4. Get cooking

If you were really exploring Napa Valley, you’d be feasting on fresh, local fare for every meal. For your Napa day at home, consider this sublime recipe for grilled New York Steak with Porcini Mushroom Butter from prominent wine country chef Colin Crowley. Whatever you choose to cook or order in from your favorite restaurant, don’t forget to select wines that pair well with your food choices.

5. Treat yourself to a spa night

Before your dream day at home comes to a close, rest and recover with a little spa time. Light a candle, put on a different kind of face mask, pour yourself a glass of Chimney Rock Cabernet and hop into a steaming tub of bubbly water to soothe sore muscles and promote a restful night of sleep — and dream of a day where you can enjoy wine country in person. It’s the perfect cap to your Napa-themed day.

Grilled New York Steak with Porcini Butter (Serves 6)

1 C. Cabernet Sauvignon

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 shallot, minced

1/2 C. dried porcini mushrooms

3/4 C. warm water

3/4 C. plus 2 T. unsalted butter, softened

1/2 small onion, finely minced

1 T. fresh thyme, minced

Salt and freshly ground pepper

6 NY Strip steaks, 7 ounces each

Put the wine, thyme sprigs and shallots in a small saucepan and reduce until approximately 1 tablespoon of wine is left. Strain and let cool. Rinse and soak the mushrooms 1 hour in the warm water. Drain the mushrooms; strain the liquid through a fine strainer or cheesecloth, reserving 1/4 cup. Heat 2 T. butter in a small sauté pan or skillet over low heat. Add the onion and cook until tender and translucent, about 10 minutes. Pulse the mushrooms in a food processor until chopped. Add the onion, reserved mushroom soaking liquid, wine reduction, minced thyme, and remaining 3/4 cup butter; process until blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Heat the grill or broiler. Lightly sprinkle the steaks with salt and pepper and grill or broil 3 minutes each side for medium-rare. Place a dollop of butter on each steak and serve.

2020-11-24T13:40:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted many people around the globe in some way, and as a result, all eyes are on the biopharmaceutical companies that are working to develop safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. As the Chief Patient Officer at Pfizer, Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron describes herself as “a physician by trade and an advocate by choice.” Her current role is focused on helping to ensure that patients’ voices are heard and their concerns are looked to as a guiding light. Since the start of the pandemic, Richardson-Heron has been speaking with patients and answering their questions, and she wants to share four key things about the commitment and dedication her company has to changing the course of this pandemic.

1. Working at the speed of science

While the COVID-19 vaccine development process is moving with unprecedented speed to find a solution to this pandemic, we are moving at the speed of science. We are committed to always making the safety and well-being of vaccinated individuals our top priority. We continue to adhere to high scientific and ethical standards regarding the conduct of clinical trials and the rigor of manufacturing processes.

2. Focus on diversity in clinical trials

The pandemic has drawn focus on the need for greater racial and ethnic diversity in clinical trials. This is not a new issue — diverse communities have long been underrepresented in clinical research — but I’m encouraged by the progress being made.

We have made intentional efforts to design our studies in a way that is inclusive, which will allow us to generate data from a broad and diverse group of patients. Why? Because we want to evaluate COVID-19 treatments and vaccines in diverse communities, so that these communities have confidence in these potential medical breakthroughs. Our goal is to help address the pronounced health disparities we are seeing with COVID-19. As an industry, we will continue to hold ourselves accountable in this area.

3. Proactive healthcare, especially for the aging population

The pandemic has served as yet another stark reminder of the tremendous value of preventive healthcare. It’s especially critical to help protect vulnerable individuals, including those over 65, who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.¹ So please remember to schedule routine preventive health exams and screenings for you and your family, and stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations for diseases that have approved vaccines.

4. Stronger together

We have made a very intentional effort to mobilize impactful partnerships and collaborations that will continue to endure in the face of this crisis. Our work together has once again demonstrated that we are stronger together. For example, we joined eight other biopharmaceutical companies that are also working toward potential global regulatory filings and approvals of COVID-19 vaccines and signed a historic pledge. The pledge outlines our commitment to always make the safety and well-being of vaccinated individuals our top priority.

Sponsored by Pfizer.

PP-CVV-USA-0041 © 2020 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. November 2020

___________________________

¹ Coronavirus disease – Hospitalization and death by age. CDC. Accessed October 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/investigations-discovery/hospitalization-death-by-age.html. Updated August 2020.

2020-11-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Home baking adventures have been the perfect distraction for many people in an otherwise difficult year. It’s fun to be creative in the kitchen, try unique twists in recipes and even get a little crazy with the results! In fact, baking can be a great way to celebrate the end of the year and look forward to the possibilities in 2021.

If you’ve got your minds open and your whisks ready, these five recipes from Reynolds Kitchens^® Parchment Paper will get you started in the sweetest countdown to next year. Beginning December 1, follow along at Reynolds Brands’ Facebook for a 21-day Cookie Countdown to celebrate in the tastiest, craziest way possible.

Want to think outside the box and try some unconventional flavor combinations in your baking? For fans of spice, this Spicy Hot Sugar Cookie recipe is sure to kick things up a notch. With a dusting of your favorite snack, this one is an awesome combination of hot and sweet for a surprising dessert that is a must try. When baking, remember to use Reynolds Kitchens^® Parchment Paper with SmartGrid^® to space out your dough evenly on the pan. The 1″ and 2″ grid marks make measuring and spacing simple!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Potato Chip Cookies

How many times have you had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a side of potato chips for lunch? The sweet jelly, savory peanut butter and salty chips are a tasty combination that people young and old adore. Why not have it for dessert too? This American classic is made into cookie form in the Peanut Butter and Jelly Potato Chip Cookie recipe. Mashed potato chips are the secret ingredient that make the dough so scrumptious and just like your favorite lunch! This recipe is so good, you may want to make it over and over again in the new year.

Caramel S’mores and Bacon Cookies

Sometimes the craziest combinations can have the most magical outcome in the kitchen! This is true for Caramel S’mores and Bacon Cookies. Beloved on their own, but when each of these foods are combined into one cookie, you’ll be licking your lips and at a loss for words they’re so good. Each soft cookie is topped with a marshmallow, followed by a chocolate kiss and garnished with a salty kick of bacon. Last but not least, a drizzle of caramel elevates this cookie to dream status!

Chocolate Confetti Balls

Baking should be fun and when you make Chocolate Confetti Balls, you’ll be grinning ear to ear along with anyone else that joins you in the kitchen. These tasty balls are packed with surprises including chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles. Roll each ball before dipping into melted chocolate and placing on Reynolds Kitchens^® Parchment Paper with SmartGrid^® to perfectly space out each delectable creation. Garnish with popping candy and when set you’ll be ready to try these little balls that are a big treat!

Red Wine Cupcakes

If you enjoy a warm red on a chilly winter day, you’re going to love this recipe for Red Wine Cupcakes. Your favorite red can be used in both the cake and frosting recipes for an indulgent adult treat that is good any day of the week. Make an extra batch for a festive gift that brightens the day in a sophisticated way. Remember, red wine is fine. Red wine cupcakes are great!

2020-11-30T17:28:56

(BPT) – Bad driving habits aren’t just obnoxious, they’re also dangerous — motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the U.S., with more than 38,000 people having lost their lives and nearly 4.4 million injured in collisions in 2019, according to the National Safety Council.

“Many car collisions are entirely preventable,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of claims and customer experience at Mercury Insurance. “The simple solution is for drivers to be responsible, obey traffic laws and stay focused on the road. Don’t play with your phone while you’re driving, don’t speed and don’t drink and drive. And if you practice these things regularly and keep your driving record free of accidents and traffic violations, it could lower auto insurance rates.”

Quinn recommends the following four tips to stay safe behind the wheel.

1. Remove distractions. Most crashes are caused by distracted drivers. Driver distractions extend beyond texting — anything that takes your attention away from the road is a distraction. While you should put your phone away when behind the wheel, some driving tech can actually help improve your driving habits, such as a usage-based insurance program that comes with a virtual coach to let you know how you can improve behind the wheel.

2. Maintain proper following distance. Following a car too closely reduces the time you have to react if the car you are following suddenly slows or stops. This can lead to a rear-end collision, which is the most common auto insurance claim, according to Mercury Insurance. Make sure you give yourself enough time and distance to react to the car in front of you. You should always maintain at least three seconds of space in between your vehicle and the car in front of you — and during bad weather conditions, five seconds of space is recommended.

3. Be aware of your speed. Speeding is one of the most common causes of traffic-related deaths, so pay attention and stick to posted speed limits — they’re there to keep you safe. Give yourself some extra time for your drive so there’s no need to rush and be sure to exercise extra caution while driving in bad weather.

4. Pay attention to other drivers. Safe driving isn’t just about your behavior, but also depends on those around you. Don’t assume other drivers are being attentive — they may be distracted and not see the stop sign or traffic light ahead of them. Use caution when entering and exiting parking spots, turning, entering intersections and changing lanes on the freeway, especially if you’re driving in heavy traffic or late at night when other drivers may let their focus wander.

“Drivers may also want to consider enrolling in a usage-based insurance program to help improve their driving skills,” adds Quinn. “These apps and devices allow drivers to get a crystal-clear view of their behavior and see which areas need some improvement. Plus, auto insurance customers who enroll in these programs may even qualify for a discount.”

2020-11-30T08:25:08

(BPT) – With COVID-19 cases up in most parts of the country families are weighing the pros and cons of gathering. Experts encourage maintaining a steady flow of fresh, quality air within your home to help slow the transmission of coronavirus.

Proper air circulation is crucial in any home, because airflow regulates temperature and creates a more pleasant and safe breathing environment. By contrast, poor air circulation can actually endanger your health. In fact, the levels of indoor air pollutants are often two to five times higher than outdoor levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Here’s how to improve the airflow in your home.

Open your windows

Only 57% percent of homeowners open their windows in the winter, according to a study conducted by Pella Windows and Doors. However, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments agree — opening your windows is a simple way to help to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“Opening windows is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to encourage air flow and limit the spread of germs, and potentially COVID-19, within your home,” said Nicolle Picray, brand communications and public relations manager at Pella Windows & Doors.

The company says the simple act of opening windows for 15-20 minutes a day, even in the winter months, can not only help to slow the transmission of COVID-19, but it can deliver a powerful lift to physical and mental health, as well as help clear homes of indoor pollutants and odors.

Turn on ceiling fans

Whenever possible, keep fresh air circulating in your home. Turning on ceiling fans can keep air moving, and combined with opening windows, can help cross-ventilation.

Check your air filter

A dirty air filter will reduce clean airflow from your home’s heating and cooling system. This makes your home less comfortable, raises your energy bills and can lead to costly heating and air conditioning repairs.

Add houseplants

Put that green thumb to work. The benefits of adding houseplants to your home decor go far beyond aesthetics. Houseplants are natural air filters that purify your home. And, research shows that greenery reduces stress and creates a more tranquil and relaxed environment.

Rearrange your furniture

Create a direct pathway through and around the rooms of your home, especially gathering spaces like the dining room. Make sure there isn’t anything blocking air flow from the windows or covering any of the vents on your floors, walls or ceilings.

By making simple adjustments you can improve the air circulation and ventilation in your home, ensuring you — and your guests — breathe clean air.

2020-11-30T10:11:00

(BPT) – It’s natural to want to eat healthy and fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to feel good. Figuring out how to actually eat healthy and make smart choices can be difficult if you don’t know where to begin! Start the new year off strong with these five simple tips to introduce better habits into your diet.

1. Plan ahead

Planning ahead is important for healthy eating, and even more so when you’re busy and time is limited. Start by choosing a consistent day to plan all your meals for the week, then check inventory in the fridge, freezer and pantry before making a grocery list. Always keep some healthy and easy shelf-stable or freezer meals on hand for busy days, and if you’re making a meal or snack that is freezable, go ahead and double the recipe so you have it on standby.

2. Build a balanced plate

Easily build a healthy and balanced plate, without pulling out measuring cups or a scale, with these easy to eyeball proportions: fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with healthy carbs, a quarter with lean protein, and a small dollop of healthy fats. Make sure your diet is diverse and eat from all five food groups, enjoying a wide range of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, whole grains and naturally lower-fat dairy foods across each week.

3. Fill up on fruits and vegetables

It’s recommended that adults eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables are healthy snack alternatives to foods like pretzels, sweets and chips. To ensure you always have healthy food options ready for snacking, chop and prep your fruits and veggies using NatureSeal Fresh-Cut Solutions Produce Extender as soon as you get home from the store. It’s the easiest way to keep fresh cut produce like apples, carrots, celery, pears and peaches from browning while maintaining the texture and without altering the flavor. It keeps produce fresh in your fridge for up to one week helping you ensure healthy snacks are always readily available. There is even a similar product for avocados that keeps your guacamole from turning brown! Both products are available on Amazon.

4. Cut down salt and sugar

Regularly eating foods high in sodium and sugar may have an effect on long-term health. However, consuming both of these in moderation is ok! Most dietary sodium and added sugars come from eating packaged and prepared foods, so learning how to read food labels will help you stay on track. Visit the FDA.gov website for more details on how to properly use the Percent (%) Daily Value on the Nutrition Facts label as a tool to determine if a serving of the food is high or low in sodium or added sugars.

5. When eating out, make healthy choices

Despite your best efforts to plan, sometimes you end up getting take-out or eating out at a restaurant. This doesn’t mean you have to abandon your healthy eating habits! A few easy and healthier choices include asking for dressing on the side; choosing baked, broiled or grilled options instead of fried; and asking for water instead of sodas and other sweetened beverages. Finally, if you’re not too hungry or the serving size is large, simply divide your plate into two servings and save half for another meal.

Making dramatic changes to your diet all at once can be hard to swallow, literally. Keep these tips in mind and try incorporating them over time into your daily routine for a healthier lifestyle.