Month: October 2021

2021-10-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – With the shift to cooler temperatures, insects like to migrate to warmer weather. For homeowners during the season change, that can spell an uptick in bugs like spiders, lady bugs, cockroaches and more venturing indoors.

These uninvited pest guests can be an unwelcome surprise and cause undue stress for people wanting to create a warm and cozy space for their friends and family, especially during the upcoming holiday season. To help keep homes protected and get rid of bothersome bugs, Raid^®, America’s most trusted insect control brand* backed by 60 years of research, shares five easy tips to help prevent uninvited pests from invading the home.

1) Keep The Kitchen Clean: Bugs are always looking for their next meal, so places where you eat or store food are especially tempting. Avoid leaving food or dirty dishes out for long periods, and clean up food spills immediately. Sweep and mop hard-surface floors weekly, or more often if you notice spills, and consider utilizing a vacuum on hardwood and carpeted floors weekly for anything that may have dropped under or between appliances. For everyday use, consider Raid^® Essentials, which is safe to use in the kitchen, and around children and pets when used as directed.

2) Eliminate Moisture: Standing water in and around your home acts as a breeding ground and drinking fountain for pesky insects. It’s important to identify and repair indoor water leaks, wipe down the insides of sinks and bathtubs and run a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home, especially if you spot moisture-loving critters.

3) Clean. De-Clutter. Repeat: Keeping the inside of your home and garage clean and clutter-free not only makes it more inviting for loved ones, it also makes it less inviting for insects. Remember to recycle old boxes and stacks of newspapers where roaches, bed bugs, silverfish and other bugs like to breed and hide.

4) Block Entry Points: Insects can squeeze through tiny spaces, so check around your vents, utility pipes and other openings from the outside that might not be properly sealed. When temperatures drop, add weather stripping and door sweeps to make it harder for bugs to gain entrance, and use products like Raid^® Perimeter Protection, which kills a wide range of bugs and creates a long-lasting, consistent barrier for up to 18 months, all in one spray.

5) Create A Perimeter: To help prevent unwanted guests from making their way inside, move tree limbs, rocks, shrubs or other debris away from your house, as they can offer an easy bridge for pests to come indoors. These areas are also the perfect hiding spot for insects to hide and reproduce.

By utilizing these simple tips, homeowners can worry less about unwanted guests entering their homes, and more about enjoying their time spent indoors with loved ones. If bugs do make their way indoors, Raid^® has a variety of products designed to help prevent and control infestations. To find the right pest solution for use in and around the home, explore the Raid^® Product Finder — and remember to use as directed. Raid^® is produced by SC Johnson, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of household consumer products.

*Voted most trusted insect control brand by American Shoppers based on the 2019 BrandSpark American Shopper Study

2021-10-28T09:01:00

(BPT) – Savvy consumers today are demanding more from products they love to eat — including ever-craveable chocolate — beyond delicious taste. They want to be excited by new flavors and trends, easily see every ingredient and get great-tasting products that fit within their health and nutrition goals, all while feeling confident their food is ethically sourced and sustainably grown.

If you’re a discerning shopper of everything chocolate, you’re in luck. By carefully reading product labels and doing some research, you can find tasty chocolate with high-quality ingredients — and you can even learn where and how those ingredients were grown and made.

Check the label

Checking the packaging of a tempting chocolate bar can reveal more than just the ingredients and nutrition facts, like looking for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. To earn the seal is a long, detailed process — in addition to verifying products are free of GMOs (genetically modified organisms), companies must also provide a fully traceable supply chain.

In the case of chocolate, for example, Chocolove makes over 50 products that are Non-GMO Project Verified. This verification process, together with the company’s Rainforest Alliance certification, means it can trace its ingredients back to the farms that supply them — a significant food ethics and safety feature.

Explore chocolates without added sugar

For anyone following a lower-sugar diet, and for those wanting to enjoy high-quality, delicious chocolate with fewer calories and less sugar per serving, Chocolove XO is a great choice. Sweetened with isomalt from beets and inulin from chicory root, this chocolate is made without the artificial sweeteners and chemical aftertaste found in other no-sugar-added chocolate. Each large chocolate bar offers three servings, all with 150 calories or less per serving, and 2 grams of sugar or less per serving.

Discover exciting new flavor combinations

There’s something for every palate in the Chocolove XO no-sugar-added line of chocolates. Popular flavors include:

• Salted Caramel in 60% dark chocolate, with a creamy, no-sugar-added salted caramel filling.
• Almonds & Sea Salt in 60% dark chocolate with dry roasted, crunchy almonds and sea salt crystals.
• Fruits & Nuts in 37% milk chocolate for a perfect blend of fruits and nuts, sweet and savory, chewy and crunchy.

Find your new favorites at Chocolove.com/XO.

Feel good about where your chocolate comes from

Before you make any purchase, it helps to do research on the culture and the philosophy of a company. Thanks to the internet, it’s not hard to do. More companies today are publicizing their mission statements and providing consumers with information about the history and origin of their products.

The good news? You can indulge in your chocolate and be happy about where the ingredients are from and how they’re made at the same time. Here’s what to look for:

• Brands that pay competitive wages to cocoa farmers and work with organizations to monitor and protect human rights on cocoa farms
• Brands that ensure sustainable farming practices
• Brands that commit to clean, traceable ingredients from farm to table

For more than 25 years, Chocolove has delivered ethically sourced, responsibly made chocolate made from traceable cocoa. The company sources nearly 90% of its cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, which means it meets all the above criteria.

“My mission for the company is all about happiness — for farmers, for our employees and for consumers of our products,” said Timothy Moley, Chocolove CEO. “Good flavor at a reasonable price also results in secure income for cocoa farmers.”

With a little research and awareness, you can enjoy your favorite chocolate treats and feel good about what you’re eating.

2021-10-27T20:01:00

(BPT) – How much data do you really need on your monthly cellular plan?

To hear most wireless companies tell it, the answer is simple: go unlimited! Mobile data usage has been on the rise over the past decade, even before the pandemic forced us to stare at our phones more than usual. Audio streaming, online gaming and especially HD/4K video streaming have steadily increased; and as apps get more complex, they require more data to run effectively.

But are your individual data needs truly “unlimited”? Recent data would seem to suggest otherwise.

The limits on unlimited

Even with the quarantines and shutdowns of Covid-19 forcing us to rely more heavily on our mobile devices than ever, the average smartphone user consumed about 7 gigabytes (GB) of cellular data in 2020. And whether your personal mobile data usage reaches this 7GB average depends entirely on your needs and lifestyle.

it’s easy to see how mobile data usage can quickly add up. Streaming a full HD game of your favorite sports team will require around 4GB of data. A 10-minute HD video chat uses almost 0.5GB. On-the-spot social media updates, sporting event streaming and remote video-conferencing can quickly elevate a data diet.

But with the rapidly growing availability of Wi-Fi, which lets you access a wireless Internet connection without consuming any data from your cellular plan, it’s possible for a user to stay connected all day long — and not use a bit of cellular data.

In addition, some carriers promising “unlimited data” will actually limit your high-speed data to just a couple of gigabytes per month. Once you use up that allotment, you’ll have unlimited access, but at much slower speeds. This makes it more difficult to load pages quickly, or to stream video, even though you’re paying a premium for “unlimited” access.

Flexible plans keep up with your lifestyle

While the big carriers keep coming up with creative new ways to encourage you to go “unlimited,” real deals can be found that provide more affordable options while delivering data that fits your lifestyle.

For instance, take a look at Consumer Cellular. This 100% U.S.-based provider offers no-contract cellphone plans including data plans ranging from 3GB to unlimited data each month. Best of all, since your data needs can fluctuate from one month to the next, they let you change your plan anytime you need to without paying any additional fees — and even provide free upgrades to the next level plan if you happen to go over your data before you make a change. These budget-friendly features help you keep your costs down while getting the data you actually need.

Start Saving Today

Unlimited anything sounds nice, but in reality, no one wants to buy more of something than they’ll ever use ­– or pay more than they should. But that’s exactly what most people with unlimited cellular data plans are doing.

Cellular competition is fierce, so make sure you’re getting what’s best for the way you really use your data. Check your current bill to find out how much you’re actually using, then shop around. One size never fits all, so with a bit of smart research, you’ll find all the data you really need, and for less.

2021-10-27T16:53:00

(BPT) – Juicy, delicately sweet and refreshing, California grapes are a delicious snack, wholesome dessert or versatile ingredient for a variety of favorite dishes. But there is more: research suggests that eating grapes may support health and wellness in numerous ways.

Natural grape compounds, including beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols, help support healthy cell function, which is critical to good health. Grapes are associated with a variety of potential health benefits throughout multiple areas of the body.

1. Love your heart

Grapes are a heart-healthy food. Grapes also support heart health by promoting the relaxation of blood vessels to help maintain healthy circulation. For instance, in one human study, consuming grapes improved antioxidant capacity and blood vessel function, and when consumed with a high fat diet, grapes prevented the damaging effects on blood flow that were seen with the high fat diet alone.

2. Feed your brain

Heart-healthy grapes may also contribute to brain health. In a recent study, consuming grapes helped preserve healthy metabolic activity in regions of the brain associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, where metabolic decline takes hold.

3. Support a healthy colon

Consuming grapes every day may be good for colon health. In two studies, people who consumed grapes showed a reduction in certain genes responsible for promoting tumor growth in the colon.

4. Eat to maintain immune health

Natural grape compounds, including resveratrol and certain flavonoids, may help maintain a strong immune system. At 82% water, grapes are very hydrating, and are also a good source of vitamin K, which research suggests may help maintain health during COVID-19.

5. Love the skin you are in

Yes, grapes are naturally hydrating and deliver beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols, but there is more. Grapes may support healthy skin even when exposed to UV light. In a recent study, people consuming 2 1/4 cups of grapes every day for two weeks showed increased resistance to sunburn and reduced markers of UV damage in skin cells.

Perfectly portable California grapes are a healthy and hydrating source of energy that is perfect for pre- and post-workouts. Put some in a baggie or container and you’re set with a snack you can feel good about.

7. Snack without guilt

Fresh grapes are a tasty and calorie-smart way to help achieve weight goals. At 90 calories for a 3/4 cup serving, grapes can satisfy without the ingredients and calories found in many processed snacks. Try freezing grapes for an icy treat!

8. Enjoy grapes on your special diet

The good news is that grapes can fit into almost any diet, including a balanced diabetic diet. Grapes are a low glycemic food, naturally gluten free and very low in sodium.

Visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com for more health information, recipes, videos and more.

2021-10-27T14:55:00

(BPT) – Now more than ever, home should be a place where you feel comfortable at all times — whether that’s being focused, productive or relaxed. This is the place where you can be your authentic self, so you want to make thoughtful upgrades that help you live your best life. Home renovations that feature personalized spaces with touches of luxury will help you create the functional, peaceful home of your dreams.

Looking for ideas to solidify your vision? The 2021 House Beautiful Whole Home offers ample inspiration for homeowners across the country. This annual, built-from-the-ground-up property showcases the finest design trends, luxury products and personalized spaces. Located in the rolling hills of Fredericksburg, Texas, the property is designed to capture elements of home life with style and ease.

Carisha Swanson, Market Director for House Beautiful, shares some of the most noteworthy design trends in two of the most functional rooms in the home: the kitchen and the laundry room.

Kitchen design trends

Multifunctional, hardworking products are in high demand in the kitchen. Current design trends feature appliances that wow and designs that last — all elements that help families come together for meaningful connection.

Stephanie Sabbe, The Whole Home kitchen designer and principal of Nashville-based Sabbe Interior Design, removed the traditional island and replaced it with a comfortable six-person family table that intentionally encourages lingering conversations. Warm neutrals blend with cool, gray-hued teal cabinets for an elevated vintage design.

“The centerpiece of the space is the unique 48-inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range from Signature Kitchen Suite,” Swanson said. “It’s the only one on the market with built-in sous vide functionality plus induction and gas, perfect for at-home chefs.”

Nearby are the column refrigerator and freezer, and the panels really help tie together the vintage look of the kitchen. The overall composition feels like maybe it’s a new home or maybe it’s been here for decades. That’s the kind of timeless design we get really excited about,” she said.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the tasting room by Dallas-based designer Jean Liu, owner of Jean Liu Design. “So many of my clients have been asking for entertaining spaces where they can display their wine — or collections of mezcal and tequila — separate from their dining or living rooms,” said Liu.

Her goal was to design a compact space for entertaining efficiently and effectively, so she chose to utilize the innovative Signature Kitchen Suite’s Undercounter Convertible Refrigerator-Freezer Drawers with refrigeration and freezing in both upper and lower drawers.

This compact undercounter refrigerator is just one of the examples of new design trends that have sparked from homeowners’ increased desire for flexibility and versatility in their home, as it is a perfect fit for several rooms in the house, from the home bar, office, gym or rec room.

Laundry design trends

While laundry rooms may not be the gathering destinations that kitchens or tasting rooms are, they certainly are accessed and utilized just as frequently. Investing more into the design and functionality of these spaces is a top design trend for 2021 and beyond.

Making the most of every inch is the best way to create a functional laundry room that can be customized to the homeowner’s style. To maximize space and minimize work, choose appliances wisely. The Whole Home 2021 laundry room features the Energy Star certified LG STUDIO WashTower — a vertical laundry solution that takes up half the floor space without sacrificing capacity. Its sleek steel finish elevates the space while delivering smart convenience with an easy-to-reach Center Control panel (no stepstool needed!) to access the machine’s built-in intelligence and advanced cleaning functions.

To further enhance the functionality of the space, designers included the unique LG STUDIO Styler steam closet for refreshing and drying with chemical-free steam technology. Use it to remove odors and reduce allergens and even lift the wrinkles out of a lucky suit, dress or jacket.

To learn more about these trends and others from the Whole Home 2021, visit HouseBeautiful.com/whole-home-2021.

2021-10-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – The autumn foliage, the holiday season — it’s all upon us. You’re all set to travel, but it may have been awhile since your last voyage. What do you need to bring along for a comfortable, safe and pleasant trip? It’s best to plan ahead for essential items to pack in your carry-on bag, so you can easily access them en route.

Here’s a checklist to get you started.

1. Pouch or wallet to store documents

You’ll need documents such as I.D. for your trip, so make sure they’re secured in a place you can easily access when you need them. Some travelers find that a travel wallet (large enough to house everything you’ll need) and/or passport cover can help keep essential documents safe and handy. Make sure you know ahead of traveling what is required by TSA, the airline and your destination, especially when going abroad. Be sure you have any credit or debit cards you plan to use in a secure location.

2. Noise-canceling earbuds

Plane travel can be noisy, making it hard to relax and enjoy the ride. Whether you like listening to music, audiobooks, podcasts or your favorite meditation app, quality earbuds make a huge difference. With LG’s TONE Free FP9 true wireless earbuds, you can immerse yourself in rich, clear audio through Meridian Technology for up to 10 hours from one charge. Even better, LG’s Plug and Wireless feature enables your charging case to double as a wireless dongle, allowing users to connect TONE Free earbuds to devices that don’t have Bluetooth capabilities — like in-flight entertainment systems. The UVNano charging case also keeps the speaker mesh clean, thanks to the UV-C light built into it, reducing bacteria by 99.9% in just five minutes while charging.

3. Travel pillow

To make the journey more comfortable, many savvy travelers consider a travel pillow a must-have, especially for long flights. There are many different designs and styles currently on the market, so you may want to try one or two while seated in an upright or slightly inclined position at home first, to see what works best for you. Inflatable pillows are one option to consider, as they’re easier to pack if space is tight.

4. Reading material

Especially if you’re not a fan of audiobooks or podcasts, you may want to bring more entertainment along to while away the time during your flight. Packing a lightweight e-reader can be a great choice, as they’re easy to hold and read in any light conditions. Worried about your battery running out? Pack an old-fashioned paperback instead.

5. Extra warmth

Packing or wearing an extra layer is also a good idea, as airplanes can get cold, and sitting still for any length of time makes you feel even chillier. Pack a light but cozy fleece jacket, sweater or sweatshirt that’s easy to take on and off so you’ll be ready for any fluctuating temperatures during your trip.

6. Health and safety items

Check with the TSA, your airlines and your destination (foreign countries in particular) for current protocols regarding health and safety. Be sure to pack a couple of extra face masks, as well as a small bottle of hand sanitizer (follow TSA guidelines regarding liquids and gels) and a pack of disinfecting wipes, so you can clean any items and the area around you.

7. Empty water bottle

Air travel can also be dehydrating, so it can make you feel better to bring a water bottle along and sip as needed. It must be empty to go through security, but then you can fill it up at a filling station in the airport before boarding your plane. If you don’t have a favorite insulated travel tumbler, another handy option is a collapsible water bottle (easier to pack) — and some come with their own filtering system.

With a little planning ahead and the items on this list, you are bound to have a relaxing and comfortable trip.

2021-10-27T09:01:00

(BPT) – For parents of college-bound kids, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be on your to-do list this fall. Get a head start: Of those who have filled out the form, more than half (58%) have found it confusing to complete, according to a recent College Ave Student Loans survey. Test your knowledge with the below quiz and get the basic facts you should know about this important financial aid form.

2021-10-26T23:01:00

(BPT) – Advocating for yourself is one of the most important things you can do when facing a breast cancer diagnosis — but you don’t have to do it alone. You might not be aware that Black women (non-Hispanic) are about twice as likely as white women (non-Hispanic) to have triple-negative breast cancer, or TNBC, a fast-moving and aggressive type of breast cancer. TNBC accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with or is fighting TNBC, don’t give up hope. Here are some ways to empower yourself and build a strong support system.

1. Be inspired by other women. Remember, you’re not alone. Hearing other women’s experiences with TNBC may help you feel connected. Uncovering TNBC is a recent program launched by Merck, in collaboration with the breast cancer advocacy community and Emmy-nominated actress Yvonne Orji, to share the real-life stories of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. In a three-episode docuseries, Sharon, Tiah and Damesha share their TNBC diagnosis stories with Yvonne and how they are making a difference for other women like them.

2. Know that it’s OK to ask for help. A cancer diagnosis is a serious matter. You don’t always have to carry the weight of this alone. Many people seek therapy or the support of friends and family members. Ultimately, it’s most important that you are cared for — both your physical health and emotional health.

3. Look for breast cancer support groups in your area or online. There are several breast cancer groups that can offer support, information or just a listening ear for when you need to talk to someone. If you are struggling to find a group, ask your nurses or doctor to recommend some to try. Everyone has different needs, so it is important that you find one that works for you.

4. Bring a friend or loved one to your appointments. Finding out you have TNBC can be overwhelming — but you don’t have to take this journey alone. Friends and loved ones can help you feel supported and help you to speak up for yourself with your health care team.

5. Visit UncoverTNBC.com to download a Health Care Team Discussion Guide. Your health care team is there to answer your questions and help you understand your options. This list of questions can help you talk with your doctor, nurse or others on your care team to understand your treatment options, and hopefully guide you through your next steps. Consider printing the discussion guide at https://www.uncovertnbc.com/pdfs/TNBC_Dr_Discussion_guide.pdf to take with you on your next visit with your health care team.

2021-10-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – One of the most important times for healthcare coverage — and most dreaded — is upon us: the Medicare Annual Enrollment period. It started Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. A recent poll conducted for ClearMatch™ Medicare, a brand dedicated to helping “de-complexify” Medicare, found that:

• 58% of Medicare members don’t look forward to reviewing their Medicare plan, and
• 23% find reviewing their plan as delightful as having a colonoscopy! (There’s an advertisement for shopping if we ever heard one!)

For folks on Medicare, it can be a confusing time, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are four of the most asked questions (and answers!):

1. How do you get money back every month?

We’ve all seen the TV ads: the football players, former sit-com stars, folks who’ve sold grills or travel services. But, really, can you get $100 or even more added back to your Social Security check monthly? Answer: It’s a big “maybe.”

ClearMatch™ Medicare analyzed hundreds of thousands of Medicare Advantage members in 2020, and about 1% received $100 or more added back to their monthly checks. Approximately 24% did receive some money, though, and the average was about $43. This benefit, AKA the “give back,” AKA the “Premium Reduction” depends on your zip code. And it’s great to get money back, but choosing a Medicare Advantage plan based solely on the availability of the “give back” may mean you miss out on some other appealing benefits. Want to check your options? A ClearMatch™ Medicare insurance agent who’s knowledgeable about your region will check for you, no strings attached. Just the truth.

2. Why should you care about the Annual Enrollment Period?

If you’re not celebrating your 65th birthday this year, or already enrolled in Medicare, for most people, the “AEP” is the only time of year when you can change your plan. Since it’s not quite as fun as eating birthday cake, here are the reasons why you should even consider changing:

• You’ve changed. Ask yourself some questions. Did your health change? Did you start a new prescription? Did you get a new doctor? Did your favorite doctor stop accepting your insurance? Did you move? Do you plan to travel more (or less) in 2022 than you did in 2021? If you answered yes to any one of these questions, there might be a Medicare Advantage plan that suits you better.
• Plans change. Some plans have added benefits for next year (like more dental benefits, or telehealth, or others) and some have lowered their premiums. If you’re curious, you might want to check.

Want an honest, straightforward review? A ClearMatch™ Medicare agent will review your current plan, ask for and assess your current needs, and share your options. If your current plan meets your needs just fine, ClearMatch™ will say so.

3. How can I trust an agent will help me make the best decision for my healthcare?

The truth: A broker like ClearMatch™ receives commission from an insurance company when you enroll in a plan. That’s why they can provide you service at no charge. However, ClearMatch™ Medicare does not alter recommendations based on commission (it’s against their mission). And, since they get commission only if you stay in the plan they recommend, they only win if you’re happy.

4. Can’t I just work with my carrier directly and get it cheaper?

An easy answer. NO. Medicare insurance is not like hotels or airlines. The individual plans and their prices — by law — must be consistent across brokers and insurance companies. If ClearMatch™ offers a plan from an insurance company, it will be the same plan and pricing, regardless of how you enroll. From time to time, ClearMatch™ might not work with a particular insurance company, and they’ll tell you so. If you’re interested in that provider, they’ll even show you how to shop there. The benefit of dealing with ClearMatch™ Medicare is that their agents care, provide open and honest information, commit to listening to your needs, suggest a wide variety of solutions, and make sure you are satisfied.

To learn more about ClearMatch™ Medicare, call 833-522-1596 TTY: 711 Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., or visit ClearMatchMedicare.com, open 24-7.