Month: July 2021

2021-07-30T15:11:48

(BPT) – After altering travel plans for over a year, families across the country are ready to satisfy their wanderlust again. With an eye on safety, road trips and traditional family activities are making a comeback as people are hitting the highway to visit states that offer good fun and plenty of room to roam. That’s why heading to Wyoming to experience the best of the West, like rodeo, hiking and fishing, is topping travel itineraries.

Make memories enjoying the best of Western culture

Special events like fairs and rodeos make a trip memorable, but there’s so much more your family can do to experience the Western culture that’s helped define United States history. The great outdoors await in Wyoming, with the same beauty found today as hundreds of years ago when the West was first being explored.

Some of the best ways to experience Mother Nature at her finest are fly-fishing the North Platte River, hiking Casper Mountain, visiting the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center or the Tate Geological Museum, exploring the Platte River Trails or Fremont Canyon — which can fill in the days before or after all that rodeo action.

Offering a small-town feel with big heart, carve out time in your itinerary to wander downtown Casper. Unique boutiques and a host of restaurants, breweries and a distillery are welcoming visitors, so you can kick back, sip on libations and enjoy exceptional cuisine. Finally, head over to Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters to get your gear and feel like a cowboy (even if you haven’t ever ridden a horse). Home to nine floors and 10,000 pairs of cowboy boots, the whole family will be looking the part, plus you’ll have the perfect attire for that next family portrait or holiday card.

Kick up your heels and see the action at a rodeo

Rodeo is the state sport of Wyoming and the mountain town of Casper is host to the biggest rodeo events in the West. At the College National Finals Rodeo — commonly referred to as CNFR, top collegiate rodeo athletes compete in events that include bareback riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, goat tying, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Learn more at cnfr.com.

Learn more about all these activities and get many more ideas for family vacationing at www.visitcasper.com.

2021-07-30T10:25:50

(BPT) – As the pandemic continues, outdoor spaces have become true extensions of the home. From a calm place to escape to an area to work and focus, outdoor rooms are being designed and utilized more frequently than ever before.

“Homeowners have shifted their focus from having spaces to entertain to making their homes more functional,” says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes, Belgard. “With the increased time spent at home, outdoor spaces have become a haven for both recreation and relaxation, as well as a valuable asset when it’s time to resell.”

With over 25 years as an outdoor designer, Raboine has insight into the outdoor living industry. He expects biophilic design trends to gain momentum as people continue craving a connection to nature. This design approach prioritizes customizing spaces that flow with the natural landscape, benefitting human health and environmental wellness.

Some of the most popular room additions that complement a property are outdoor dining rooms, living rooms, kitchens and offices.

Planning the right outdoor room for you

If you are considering adding a dream outdoor space to your property, it’s important to properly plan. Start by exploring designs and building plans that might be right for your needs and space.

Belgard Rooms offers a resource for planning outdoor rooms. The interactive site at Belgard.com/Rooms makes it easy to identify needs, pair designs that complement the style of your home and define your overall plan. Once you find one you like, you can download the plan for free and share it with contractors to get bids on the project.

“[The site] is segmented by room type and structured around how shape, color and texture work together to offer more options and make the design planning process easier,” says Raboine.

Beyond convenience, this is beneficial from a timing and installation perspective. The templated designs can be customized to fit homeowners’ needs and tastes. This means contractors require less time for the design and installation process, and you can enjoy your outdoor space sooner.

4 tips to manage your budget

After you find a plan you like, it’s time to consider budget and connecting with contractors. This insight from Raboine will help you in managing the budget:

1) Research typical project costs in your area

Ask neighbors if they have completed similar projects. Get multiple quotes from several contractors. Go beyond labor costs and determine product costs online to understand the big picture financially. To give yourself options, look for alternative products that are similar in price.

2) Research contractors and gather bids

Get multiple bids from contractors. Given the current circumstances, this year is busy for contractors, in terms of scheduling and inventory. Keep in mind price is only one consideration; experience, licenses, references, turnaround time and satisfaction guarantees are other important factors.

3) Determine a payment schedule

Understand payment options and if materials are included in those fees. You may want to plan the project in phases to meet your budget. Additionally, you can ask about financing options, which may allow you to take advantage of construction efficiencies and avoid a phased build.

4) More complex projects cost more

Make sure you understand specific construction or engineering requirements. Linear design requires less cutting and building, resulting in lower costs compared to circular or winding patterns. Leveling your land can be costly, so consider building down into the slope.

“Schedules for contractors nationwide are filling up, so now is the time to take action with your outdoor projects by finding designs you like, gathering bids and making your dream outdoor room a reality,” said Raboine.

2021-07-28T09:17:00

(BPT) – As kids across the country are gearing up to head back to school, parents and caregivers are looking forward to their children learning new lessons and skills, full of fun and education. While school is a primary place for students to learn, some of the most impactful lessons actually start at home — particularly about money and developing healthy financial habits early.

“A good understanding of how to be responsible with money starts with what kids see and learn at home,” says Radhika Duggal, CMO of Community & Business Development at Chase. “It’s important to bring your kids into conversations about money and include them in family financial decisions to help them understand how to budget, save and spend responsibly. What we do as parents today can help position them to understand money in the future.”

Duggal shares some simple things you can do today to help with the money talk:

Start with the basics

Have an open discussion as a family about how money is earned and spent. Discuss “needs” versus “wants” and how to balance both while also saving money for the future. Kids may realize that it costs money to buy groceries from the store, but may not understand other monthly household expenses, like water, WiFi or electricity.

Build a budget

Discuss budgeting basics in age-appropriate language and get kids involved. For younger kids, bring them into the conversation when making a grocery list and show how you plan, budget and buy ingredients for a family meal. For tweens and teens, discuss how to plan and budget for their summer activities with friends. Show them why it’s important to revisit your family’s budget as priorities or expenses may have changed.

Set goals and make a plan

Share some of your financial goals with your children, whether it’s something in the near future like saving for a new TV or a longer-term goal like saving for 529 plans. Then, help kids make a list of things they would like to save for — an item or experience — and create a plan for achieving those goals. Beyond individual goals, families can also work together to set and achieve common financial goals, like saving for a big vacation or college.

Consider kid-friendly financial tools

Consider helping your kids learn through real financial tools — like a debit card, bank account or investment account. Chase offers Chase First Banking — a debit card for kids ages 6 to 17 with no Monthly Service Fee that gives parents the control they want and kids the freedom they need to learn. Parents can set spending limits, track their child’s purchases and even help them with savings goals. Tools like First Banking offer set parameters to give parents peace of mind, while helping your child learn how to be responsible with their money. Through September 2, receive a bonus when you open a new Chase First Banking account. You just need a qualifying Chase checking account to apply. For more information go to www.chase.com/firstbanking.

Create a system for earning money

Help kids understand the relationship between work and reward by setting up a system for them to earn money. Every family is different in what works best for them, but some common approaches are weekly allowances for chores. Other ways to earn money include setting up a side job like a lemonade stand, mowing lawns or babysitting in the neighborhood. Because the child’s Chase First Banking account is connected to the adult’s checking account, transferring money earned is easy through the app.

Be a role model

Children absorb what you say and do. Kids will often mimic your financial habits, so remember you are a role model. Keep financial topics a regular part of family conversations and ensure your kids feel comfortable coming to you with any money questions they have, no matter how big or small. For example, if you are eligible for the current Child Tax Credit — which Chase and non-Chase customers can cash at Chase with no fee — consider discussing with kids where the money came from and how you wish to spend/save it.

2021-07-27T23:01:00

(BPT) – Many students and parents are preparing to head back to classrooms this fall for the first time in over a year. Amazon has compiled tips and tricks to help students — and parents! — keep back-to-school jitters at bay so they can head back to school with confidence.

1) Create a family countdown calendar. Help your children think of the first day of school as a celebratory moment worth counting down, like the holidays or a birthday. As a family, create and decorate your own calendar leading up to the first day of school. Each day, ask your child to share one thing they are looking forward to this school year. These conversations that focus on positive aspects of the new school year will help you and your child look forward to the new experiences they’ll have when school is back in session.

2) Stock up for success. With every new school year comes a checklist of supply lists and refreshed wardrobe needs. Amazon makes it easy to get all your back-to-school needs in a convenient one-stop-shop with great value and free shipping right to your doorstep. You can even shop by grade level and category so you can find everything on your school list. Include your children in the process of selecting items from fun backpacks and lunchboxes to crayons, pens and notebooks. Enlist their help in checking off their school supplies list so they can feel good about how prepared they are for the first day of school.

3) Take the stress out of shopping with Amazon Prime. Forgot an item on your school supplies list? No problem! Prime members can take advantage of unlimited Free One-Day Delivery, with no minimum purchase amount. To help you stay even more organized leading up to the first day of school, Prime members can choose when to have their orders arrive with Amazon Day delivery — simply pick a day that works for you, shop the supplies you need throughout the week, and Amazon will deliver all your orders together on the day you choose.

4) Practice your routine with a dress rehearsal. To help acclimate your children to a new schedule and feel confident in their morning routine, try having a first day of school “dress rehearsal.” Set alarms early, lay out clothing the night before, and get ready as you would on the first day of school. This way your child will know exactly what to expect. Plus, a run-through will allow parents to anticipate any last-minute needs in advance — a win-win!

5) Give back while you shop for back to school. One of the best ways to feel good, is to do good! Amazon makes it easy to support your favorite charity every time you shop, including education-related charities and PTAs, at no extra cost. Visit smile.amazon.com to find the exact same Amazon shopping experience — amazing deals, wide selection, fast and free delivery options — and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of the eligible purchase price to the charity of your choice.

Find classroom essentials, back-to-school fashion, and more and at amazon.com/backtoschool.

2021-07-27T11:51:49

(BPT) – You’ve heard all the stories about the importance of donating blood, but you might not be as familiar with the other lifesaving substance flowing through your veins — plasma. While the world is focused on the important issue of a blood donor shortage, there’s an equally critical need for plasma donors as a result of the pandemic. The shortage of plasma could impact many people who rely on these lifesaving plasma-based therapies. Your help makes the difference in someone’s life by donating plasma.

Below are 5 frequently asked questions about plasma.

1) What is plasma? Plasma is the fluid component of human blood. It supports essential bodily functions, including red blood cells, white blood cells, clotting factors and other components to fight deadly diseases. Plasma is also used to treat patients with serious diseases and conditions, like burn injury survivors, people with hemophilia, people with rare diseases and people with certain types of cancer.

2) Why is it so important to donate? A lot of plasma is needed for each patient who relies on these therapies to survive. For example, it takes 1,200 plasma donations to treat 1 patient with hemophilia per year. It can take up to a whole year to make plasma-derived medicine, so a decline in plasma donations could impact patients’ ability to access their medications.

3) Do that many people really use plasma? Yes. 125,000 Americans rely on medication made from plasma. These treatments can mean the difference between life and death for patients who suffer from a variety of chronic conditions, like primary immunodeficiency diseases and hemophilia. Without regularly receiving these medicines, patients may suffer chronic fatigue, physical damage or even death.

4) Why are we talking about this now? There is a serious shortage of plasma donors in the U.S. Shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the plasma supply decreasing by more than 20%. The supply has been declining for more than a year, and that trend doesn’t seem to be shifting. The need has never been greater for people to donate plasma.

5) Is it easy to donate? Yes. You can donate plasma twice a week since plasma is replaced within about 24 hours, whereas red cells need between 4-6 weeks to be replaced. In less than two hours, your plasma can make a lasting impact by providing lifesaving medicine for those who need it, when they need it most.

How you can help

“The pandemic has impacted all Americans, but its lingering effects on plasma donations are frightening for those who rely on plasma-derived therapies, including the tens of thousands of immunocompromised patients,” said John Boyle, a patient and health advocate who relies on plasma-based therapeutics to live a normal life. “We haven’t seen this type of plasma shortage before, and that’s why we’re calling on everyday heroes to step up and donate plasma now to help save lives.”

Plasma donation centers are available throughout the country, with more than 800 centers nationwide. Donation centers are staffed with medically trained professionals to help you through the donation process. A list of centers can be accessed at: https://www.donatingplasma.org/.

2021-07-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Gatherings with family and friends are back! Also back? Mosquitoes and other flying insects that annoy, irritate and generally make outdoor activities less enjoyable for everyone. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to keep bugs at bay and the outdoor adventures going strong.

“You don’t have to resort to chemical mosquito repellents if bugs are bothering you,” says Brandon Roach, executive vice president of New Product Development and Engineering at Skeeter Hawk, a brand with a full line of all-natural mosquito and flying insect defense products. “A few smart strategies and natural tools will help you and loved ones keep mosquitoes away.”

Whether you’re going on a walk, relaxing on the patio or hosting a gathering in your backyard, you want to enjoy your time outdoors. Here are seven natural solutions to solve mosquito problems:

1) Avoid standing water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so at home, eliminate places in your yard where water accumulates, such as buckets, pots and lids. Put containers away or turn them over so they don’t catch water. For things like pools and bird baths, remember to keep water fresh.

2) Add perimeter protection

Like an invisible forcefield, a Skeeter Hawk Mosquito Trap can be used in your favorite outdoor spaces like campsites, pools and backyard patios. These effective traps use a whisper quiet fan and long-lasting patent-pending UV LED technology to attract and trap mosquitoes and other flying insects.

3) Circulate air

When air is calm it’s easy for mosquitoes to fly around. When it’s windy, mosquitoes have a more difficult time getting where they want. Therefore, if you’re hosting a gathering at your home and air is stagnant, consider running fans if possible. You may add portable fans to patios, decks and other outdoors areas where people gather.

4) Cover up

Add a barrier between yourself and mosquitoes with your clothing. Even during warm weather you may opt for cotton clothing that breathes to keep you cool. In addition to shirts and pants that cover your skin, consider skipping the sandals and wear socks and closed-toe shoes to protect feet and ankles. Wearing a hat helps protect your head, too.

5) Wear personal repellents

When bugs are bugging you, you don’t need to resort to heavy chemical repellents. Skeeter Hawk offers personal wristbands and carabiners that are portable and easy to wear, repelling bugs with all-natural essential oils not dominated by citronella. Just wear on the wrist or ankle, or add to a belt loop or backpack. No bugs, no foul smell.

6) Wear lighter colors

Research shows that dark colors like black, navy blue and red are more attractive to mosquitoes. When deciding what to wear before heading outside, consider light colors that not only keep you cool, but also help repel these insects. Whites and pastels may be a good option.

7) Avoid perfumes

Strong smells are like a siren call for mosquitoes, so the next time you’ll be heading outdoors, skip the perfume or cologne. Don’t forget about other strongly scented products you may use including deodorant and soaps. You may not be able to limit use of these personal products, but you can opt for light or no-scent versions.

For more information about mosquitoes and natural options for keeping them at bay, visit skeeter-hawk.com. Products can be used independently or in combination for layers of customized protection so you can fully enjoy the outdoors.