5 experiential gifts for everyone on your list

2021-11-30T16:55:56

(BPT) – After celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and graduations through video chat, people are excited for in-person connection with friends and family. There is no better way to reconnect with loved ones than through gifting a new experience or favorite pastime to create lifelong memories. Below is a list of five experiential travel gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list — including the person who has everything.

1) Tickets to live events

For the friend or family member who shares new music before it hits the radio or is counting down the days to baseball season:

There’s nothing quite like seeing your favorite band take the stage to play their top hits live or sitting courtside to cheer on your hometown team. Hilton Honors offers fans the ability to pay for thousands of event Tickets with Points, on Ticketmaster.com or LiveNation.com, through its partnership with leading live entertainment company Live Nation. The loyalty program is also offering exclusive packages on its Experiences platform at hiltonhonors.com/experiences, ranging from music to culinary to cultural events. From general admission seats to VIP access, gifting just got sweeter by cashing in on loyalty rewards for these types of experiences.

2) Art class series

For the friend or family member who spends their weekends covered in paint and clay:

From the painting of Mona Lisa in Paris to the sculptures in Central Park of New York City, you can find beautiful art all over the world. Give the gift of craftsmanship through a series of classes with local artisans in their city or a far-flung destination. They can try their hand behind the potter’s wheel or see professional glassblowers at work during a trip to Venice. If your giftee is an interior design fanatic who’s always down for a DIY project, a woodworking or upholstery class could be the winner.

3) Culinary adventures

For the friend or family member who is constantly testing out new flavors in the kitchen:

Culinary tourism is a growing trend as travelers are looking to indulge in unique, palate-expanding experiences. For their next weekend getaway or long-haul jaunt, consider gifting a cooking class that dives into regional dishes and local ingredients. Culinary walking tours offer the best of both worlds as they can explore multiple neighborhoods while trying new cuisines. Whether you choose to delight in a romantic garden picnic or opt for an eight-course wine pairing dinner, you can book culinary adventures that will suit any taste.

4) Action-packed escapades

For the friend or family member who is always seeking their next adrenaline rush:

From jumping out of planes at 14,000 feet to swimming with sharks in the Bahamas, this loved one has nerves of steel. Help them chase their next adventure and give the gift of once-in-a-lifetime moments. Whether that be channeling their inner speed demon with a race car test drive or cheering on their daredevil nature with extreme whitewater rafting, these heart-pumping experiences are available around the globe, making it the perfect addition to their next vacation itinerary.

5) Wellness essentials

For the friend or family member who indulges in self-care daily:

Known as a regular in the local apothecary shop and an avid self-improvement podcast listener, this giftee has mastered their wellness routine. Help rejuvenate their path forward with experiences they have yet to discover. From aerial yoga and tai chi classes to 24-karat gold facials and cupping therapy, spa and wellness packages at hotels around the world will open the door to new cultures and opportunities to boost personal care.

Put a bow on top

Wrap any of these gifts up with a hotel stay! Many hotels offer unique experiences, so be sure to research or contact hotels in your sought-after destination to learn more. Plus, travelers who join Hilton Honors can earn Points — and status — faster when they sign up for the latest promotion and stay at any Hilton around the world.

So, get a head start on holiday shopping and put those loyalty rewards to use by gifting an unforgettable experience.

Debunking insurance myths

2021-11-30T13:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to insurance, there are several myths that continue to persist, like the myth that red cars are more expensive to insure. That’s false, by the way. Car color has no impact on insurance premiums. Instead, factors like your driving history, annual mileage driven, the cost of your vehicle, and other things will affect how much your insurance will cost.

Insurance is one of the most useful investments you can make to protect your family, belongings and financial assets, but it’s important to know what is actually being purchased. Here are four things you should know about your auto, homeowners or renters insurance policy to ensure adequate protection in the event of an unforeseen or unexpected loss.

1. Myth: Your homeowners insurance policy covers everything

One of the biggest misunderstandings many policyholders have is that if their home is damaged or destroyed their homeowners insurance policy will cover the cost of everything. Homeowners insurance covers losses or damages to your house and personal belongings in the event of a fire, sudden flooding caused by a broken pipe, or theft, but there are some situations that your policy may not cover.

“Generally speaking, homeowners insurance is designed to help you rebuild your home and replace personal property if it is damaged or stolen,” says Christopher O’Rourke, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “However, you may need to purchase separate flood or earthquake insurance to protect your home from coastal flooding or seismic activity if you live in areas prone to these events as they are usually not covered by a homeowners policy.”

Renovating your home or installing any expensive upgrades must also be reviewed by your agent in order to ensure you have adequate coverage.

2. Myth: You only need the minimum auto liability insurance coverage required by your state

Most states require drivers to carry auto liability insurance but this coverage only provides financial protection if you’re found to be legally responsible for causing injury to another person or their property. Auto liability coverage doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle, items stolen from your vehicle, or damage from a storm or vandalism.

Collision insurance covers you if, while your vehicle is in motion, you crash into another vehicle or a fixed object, like a pothole, guardrail or light post. This coverage is typically required by a lender when you finance a vehicle.

Comprehensive insurance is coverage that protects your vehicle when it is damaged while not in motion. This could include vandalism, theft or weather-related damage like a hailstorm or fire.

“If your vehicle is older and it has been completely paid off comprehensive insurance may not be the right coverage because a vehicle’s value decreases with age,” said Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Consider whether the savings of not having comprehensive insurance are enough to offset the risk of potentially having a large repair or replacement bill.”

3. Myth: Renters don’t need insurance

Renters insurance is affordable, however, only 41 percent of renters purchase it. Without renters insurance, you’ll have to pay out of pocket if your personal belongings are damaged in a fire or are stolen.

“Your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover any of your personal belongings and it won’t provide liability protection if a lawsuit is brought against you because a visitor slips, falls and injures themselves inside your rental unit,” says O’Rourke. “Renters may not be responsible for repairing the home they live in, but there’s always a chance their possessions and valuables will need to be replaced if they are damaged or stolen, so purchasing a renters insurance policy is a smart way to provide financial security.”

4. Myth: If you’re hurt in an accident caused by another driver, their auto insurance will pay

Even if an auto accident is caused through no fault of your own, you may not be able to recover damages if you are hit by someone who is uninsured or underinsured. The best way to safeguard yourself is to have uninsured motorist coverage, which is usually an add-on protection. This can protect you if you are hit by someone who doesn’t have adequate insurance.

Insurance is a sound investment, but can be complicated, so it’s always a good idea to speak to a highly trained agent that can provide expert advice and guidance to help ensure you are adequately protected.

8 ways to help families around the world on Giving Tuesday

2021-11-30T05:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays inspire people everywhere to make a difference in the world. Giving Tuesday is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, providing the perfect opportunity to shop for loved ones and support organizations that make a positive impact.

On this Giving Tuesday, you can support families locally and globally with World Vision’s 2021 Holiday Gift Catalog. This year, World Vision has partnered with various celebrities to design beautiful, handcrafted gifts your friends and family will love that also empower people to lift themselves out of poverty.

“Wrapped in Hope” dip-dyed scarf by Patricia Heaton

Designed by actor, producer and author Patricia Heaton, this 100% silk three-tone scarf is handmade by artisans in a small Vietnamese village famous for their silk. The artisans use a dip-dye technique that dates to the 13th century. Each artisan receives fair trade wages, a safe place to work and business development training.

“These Three Remain” rose gold-toned bracelet by Melissa Joan Hart

This trio of bracelets, designed by actor, director and producer Melissa Joan Hart, is inscribed with faith, hope and love and bound together with a heart charm. Each piece is handmade by women artisans in India who are supporting their families through fair trade earnings.

“Circle of Strength” upcycled coasters by Breegan Jane

These beautiful woven coasters are designed by television host and interior designer Breegan Jane. The coasters are handmade by women artisans in Tanzania, many of whom are refugees from Burundi. The artisans create the coasters by weaving locally sourced papyrus grass with threads from recycled flour and sugar sacks.

“The Tie That Binds” wrap bracelet by Meagan Good

This gold-tone and taupe double-wrap bracelet was designed by actor and director Meagan Good and made by a group in India using a special knotting technique. These bracelets allow the members of this group to earn fair trade wages and continue to pass on this skill and their resources to future generations.

“Further Together” waxed string bracelets by Kristoffer Polaha

These adjustable waxed-cotton thread bracelets, designed by actor and author Kristoffer Polaha and his wife Julianne, make a unique and fashionable gift. Skilled women artisans in India earn regular wages through hand-braiding these bracelets, giving them the opportunity to achieve dignity, independence and financial inclusion through work.

“Around the Table” color-block salad servers by Leanne Ford

This eye-catching set of two hand-carved mango wood salad servers accented with white resin handles was designed by interior designer, author and HGTV star Leanne Ford. Each unique piece is handcrafted by woodworkers in India earning fair wages that enable them to provide health care and education to their families.

“Love and Grace” silver-toned necklace by Danica McKellar

Actress and author Danica McKellar designed this striking necklace made of two silver-tone chains with ruby-colored glass beads and a stone pendant to look fantastic and make a difference in the lives of women artisans. Each necklace is made by women in India who are pursuing their dream of becoming jewelry designers.

“Bonded Together” tote by Wé McDonald

This beautiful hand-embroidered faux suede and cotton tote is handmade by Vietnamese women artisans with disabilities. The “Bonded Together” tote by singer Wé McDonald is an eye-catching, roomy bag that holds everything you need while making a tangible impact on the lives of others.

By giving a gift with purpose, you and the recipient will know that you are making a difference in vulnerable communities worldwide. Proceeds from these handcrafted gifts go to the World Vision Fund, which helps kids and families around the world and empowers them to rise from poverty.

On Giving Tuesday, you can double the impact and the joy. Any gift given to the World Vision Fund on November 30 will be matched, up to $1 million.

Doing well by doing good: Ways to give back to your community

2021-11-30T14:55:00

(BPT) – With the giving season upon us, people are thinking about how they can give back to their communities. There are numerous ways to give back whether by helping those in need, volunteering your time, or choosing to support businesses in your community. Last year charitable giving reached a record of more than $471 billion.

With the recent launch of its 2020 Global Responsibility Report: Nourishing People and Planet, Erin Richards-Kunkel, senior director of Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility at Herbalife Nutrition, shares tips to help you find ways to give back this holiday season and beyond:

1. Take stock in your community and identify what the biggest issues or gaps are that need support

With the best intentions, many people may decide to donate or volunteer time to an organization without asking the important question: “What is the specific need here?” Different communities, geographically, demographically, etc., have different types of challenges that need to be met, and understanding what those communities or certain organizations need is critical to make a sustainable impact.

When you identify a potential nonprofit or organization you want to give back to, “Ask them what gaps they experience that you can fill,” says Richards-Kunkel. “This is a great way to understand what unique assets you can bring to their team.” If you want to feed the hungry, maybe they only need fresh produce, or instead of donating money to a hospital, perhaps they really need a few hours of your time to spend with children or elderly people that just don’t have family around the holidays, or even cleaning up graffiti to beautify a neighborhood landmark that serves as a place where people gather during this time of year — something you may not think of right away can make a huge difference and create a larger impact than something else that’s so obvious.

2. Find a local organization or small business that aligns with your personal values

There are hundreds of deserving causes that need help and support, but to make the biggest impact, it’s best to stick to the cause that aligns with your beliefs, values and community outlook.

As a global nutrition company that’s been changing people’s lives with science-backed nutrition products for 41 years, it made sense for Herbalife Nutrition to align our company’s global initiative, Nutrition for Zero Hunger (NFZH), with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger, which aims to end hunger in all its forms by 2030.

“Our global responsibility strategy focuses on providing good nutrition and nutrition education to battle food insecurity, solve the many different drivers of hunger, malnutrition and challenges that vary significantly based on socio-political, geographical and cultural needs,” Richards-Kunkel adds.

Socially-conscious purchasing is not a new concept — more people are starting to support businesses that take a particular stance on issues or make a difference in society. Consider purchasing your holiday gifts this year from local businesses that will help bolster the economy in your community, or businesses that give a portion of its profits to a cause you care about.

3. Empower others

Doing well by doing good, and giving back to your community, is more than choosing a cause to support with time and money. Consider taking things a step further by providing tools to your community to empower them to take action themselves.

The best way this can happen is by sharing knowledge and educating people. This can be done through improving healthy lifestyles, growing their own food, creating employment opportunities or even just teaching people how to discard trash properly (reduce, reuse, recycle).

If we learned anything this past year, it’s that health is wealth. Access to good nutrition is the first step people have been taking to improve their wellness. The next step is safeguarding opportunities and improving communities. We also appreciate the unique challenges confronting many underrepresented communities when it comes to starting a business, and we support organizations that provide opportunities for underserved, vulnerable, and minority communities.

4. Set goals to bolster environmental stewardship

Communities should start coming together to see what can be done collectively about bettering the environment. You can organize trash pick-ups, or perhaps you consider yourself an environmentalist and want to start educating people on the positive impacts of proper waste discarding (trash, recycling and composting) or regenerative farming on the environment, or advocate for businesses to adopt wall gardening to help mitigate pollution.

5. Bring friends

Volunteering is great and fulfilling, but it can also be fun, especially when you do it with friends and family.

5 dermatologist recommendations to help care for your skin this busy holiday season

2021-11-30T07:01:00

(BPT) – Now that it’s the winter holiday season again, schedules and to-do lists are fuller than ever. Between work, family and getting ready for all the celebrations, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Remember to take a deep breath and carve out some time to focus on self-care, including that all-important part of you — your body’s skin. After a few moments for yourself, you’ll be ready to conquer the holidays (and dry winter skin) like a boss.

“Winter can be rough on the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elyse Love, “and during the busy holiday season, it’s easy to lose track of your body care routine. The good news is that giving your body’s skin the attention it needs is pretty simple.”

Follow these dermatologist-recommended steps to keep your skin hydrated and healthy-looking so that you can take on the holiday season feeling fearless in your skin.

1. Protect yourself from the elements

Even if you’re spending short amounts of time outside, protect your skin from the cold, dry air. In the winter, the air outside can have less moisture than other times of the year. That means, any exposed skin will lose moisture faster than normal. Grab that coat, add a pair of gloves to protect the delicate skin on your hands, and use a scarf to cover your face and neck.

And don’t forget the sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) for any exposed skin — even on cloudy or overcast days.

“Make sure to re-apply your sunscreen every two hours so you’ll continue to be protected,” says Love.

2. Start moisturizing in the shower

While a long, hot shower may feel fantastic after a chilly day, it can be damaging to your skin. Did you know that hot water actually strips away the skin’s natural oils and disrupts surface lipids and proteins? To combat dryness, decrease shower length and use tepid water instead of hot. Also, use a moisturizing body wash formulated with petrolatum (the number 1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer) to help hydrate while you’re in the shower.

3. Pamper your skin with nourishing, hydrating ingredients

Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and your skin craves moisture even more in the winter. Olay’s new Body Lotion collection combines niacinamide in a proprietary Vitamin B3 Complex with prestige skincare ingredients — collagen, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C — and hydrates to rejuvenate skin’s surface cells for visibly firmer, more radiant skin over time. Crafted by Olay Skin Experts, these hydrating formulas leave you with skin that is moisturized so it feels softer and looks smoother and healthier.

“Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, supports the skin barrier allowing the skin to better hold onto and retain moisture,” adds Love. “Olay’s body lotions feel really great on your skin, and in my experience, they hydrate better than more expensive body lotions.”

Olay’s new Body Lotion collection has three options to choose from to include in your body care routine. Each one will help you keep your skin moisturized over the harsh winter months:

  • Firming Hand and Body Lotion with Collagen hydrates your skin with plumping moisture to tighten skin and diminish fine lines, for visible transformation.
  • Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid visibly replenishes your skin, delivering deep moisture and locking in nourishment for all-day hydration.
  • Revitalizing Hand and Body Lotion with Vitamin C brightens dull skin with a boost of rejuvenating hydration for visible radiance.

4. Don’t get dried out

The cold, dry air outside and the overheated air inside can both cause your skin to lose moisture. In addition to moisturizing your skin with lotions like the ones in Olay’s new collection, help your skin stay hydrated by using humidifiers in your home or office so the indoor air doesn’t get too dry. Portable humidifiers are easy to move from room to room. To keep your skin supple and hydrated from within, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

5. Pucker up

Remember to also care for your lips during the colder months. The skin on your lips is thinner than other parts of the body, so they are even more prone to moisture loss. Keeping a nourishing lip balm handy is a must while balancing cold, dry air outside and indoor heaters.

To learn more, visit Olay.com.

Love to host get-togethers? Here’s your holiday survival guide

2021-11-30T08:31:00

(BPT) – The cold winter months are full of opportunities to celebrate, or just to gather and bring some cheer into everyone’s lives. During this super busy time of year, staying on top of your family’s everyday needs can seem overwhelming, much less having friends or family over for get-togethers. The good news is that with a little planning, you can save yourself stress and have everything you need to be able to relax and enjoy the occasion, whatever it may be!

Take a kitchen inventory

Every family has go-to staples they need on a weekly basis, all year round. To make sure you don’t run out of any must-have items, do a quick tour of your kitchen and list what you know you can’t do without on any given week, along with the quantities you usually go through. Your list will be unique to your family, but may include items like a gallon of milk, a loaf or two of bread, a carton of eggs or boxes of pasta. Hosting guests for more than a couple of days? Double your list.

Plan your menus

For special holidays, dinners or other occasions when you plan to entertain, make a menu well ahead of the event so you can check your recipes and make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need. If your recipes call for fresh ingredients, plan to pick them up close to the event date. Make a note to yourself on your calendar or planner so you won’t forget.

Shop ahead

Make the time to shop these essentials well ahead of any holidays or busy weekends, so you won’t be hustling through crowds to fill your cart while you’re stocking up. This helps relieve stress, even if you need to do a last-minute run for a few key items. Better yet, skip the store all together and order online.

One-stop shop when you can

To avoid running around town, find one grocer you can depend on for value, quality and everyday low prices near you. That way you can get everything you need in one location. For example, Save A Lot is the go-to grocer not only for everyday items, but it’s also the ultimate entertaining destination — with quality ingredients, national brand products, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and USDA-inspected meat cut fresh in-store — plus all the baking items you’ll need for the holidays and beyond! You can find great-tasting, high-quality private label brands like Ginger Evans baking products, as well as a large variety of the biggest national brands. To check out weekly deals or find a location near you, visit SaveALot.com.

Organize your kitchen

Before you begin a big cooking or baking project, it helps to know where everything is. Are all the baking supplies in one cupboard or drawer? Can you keep specialty items such as holiday-specific ingredients in one place, so you’ll see at a glance how much you’ve got? Try posting a notepad or mini whiteboard inside a cupboard or on the refrigerator door for anyone to jot down when you’re getting low on any item — just be sure to get in the habit of checking the list before ordering groceries or going out shopping!

Get some help

You don’t have to do it all yourself. Can you enlist family members to help you with food prep, clean-up, table setting or decorating? Even young children can take on simple tasks, with a little direction — and they love to contribute. It really helps to lessen the load, and also builds a feeling of camaraderie when everyone pitches in.

With these tips, you’re bound to feel more prepared and ready to relax and enjoy more time with family and friends.

4 things to know about acute respiratory illness RSV

2021-11-29T18:16:56

(BPT) – Washing your hands. Covering your cough and sneeze. Staying home when sick. These actions help limit the spread of common respiratory illness like colds, influenza and coronavirus. To help keep yourself and your communities well, there is another potentially life-threatening virus that should be on your radar. Respiratory syncytial virus — commonly referred to as RSV — is a growing concern, especially for infants, older adults and the immunocompromised.

“RSV is a common cause of acute respiratory illness,” said Dr. Bill Gruber, M.D., senior vice president of Pfizer Vaccine Clinical Research and Development. “Symptoms can be similar to a common cold for some people, but for the elderly and the immunocompromised, infection can be serious, even deadly.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  1. RSV is highly contagious and affects the lungs and airways.
  2. RSV affects children younger than 6 months of age or children with lung or heart disease.
  3. The risk of serious RSV infection also increases in older adults and for those with chronic heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system.
  4. Each year, approximately 58,000 children under 5 years of age are hospitalized with RSV and more than 177,000 older adults are hospitalized and 15,000 of them die in the United States due to RSV.

RSV infections occur in people of all ages. The virus can spread in many ways, including through coughs or sneezes from an infected person, virus droplets getting in the eyes, nose or mouth, touching a surface with the virus on it, and direct contact with the virus, such as kissing someone infected, according to the CDC.

“RSV symptoms mimic the common cold but can worsen in some people. Common symptoms include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing,” said Gruber. “Although RSV is discussed frequently in pediatric care, the risks are not as frequently discussed for people ages 65 and older. No matter your age, if you feel ill, contact your doctor. The best way to know if you have RSV or another type of respiratory illness is an evaluation through your health care provider.”

There is no cure or vaccine for RSV. Health care providers are limited to offering supportive care, such as oxygen and fluids, for those impacted by the illness, according to the Virus Research journal. The best ways to prevent the spread of RSV are to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and to stay home if you feel sick, Gruber said.

“We believe there is a clear and urgent global need to develop a safe and effective vaccine to help reduce the incidence and severity of RSV infections,” said Gruber. “A vaccine for RSV has been an elusive goal for over half a century due to scientific hurdles, but Pfizer is committed to developing a potential vaccine for vaccination of adults, as well as pregnant women to help protect their infants from RSV disease.”

For more information about RSV, visit http://www.pfizer.com/RSVcommitment.

6 Wines and Spirits to Welcome All Winter’s Wonders

2021-11-29T11:01:00

(BPT) –

Josh Cellars paired with Christmas Dinner

With snow in the air and Santa on his way, warm up with wine and cocktails filled with cranberry, spice and everything nice. These six spirited selections are a sure-fire way to ring in every holiday moment, and the new year, too.

1. Hanging the Stockings with Care

Girard Cabernet Sauvignon

It’s never too early or too late to decorate for the holidays. Greet the season with Girard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It has red berry and tart cherry aromas, which develop into savory spices, cocoa and black plum flavors on the palate. For more than 40 years, Girard has specialized in small lot winemaking, sourcing the best fruit from vineyards all throughout Napa, including prized locations in St. Helena, Oakville, Diamond Mountain and Pope Valley.

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2. Mingling Under the Mistletoe

Gray Whale Gin

Cozy up under the mistletoe with a favorite someone, and a delicious gin cocktail to make the mood right. To prepare a Mistletoe Medley, combine 2 parts Gray Whale Gin, 1 part cranberry syrup, 1 part lemon juice and egg white. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon. Gray Whale Gin is handcrafted with six sustainably sourced botanicals found on the gray whale migratory journey along the California Coast. And you can feel good about your purchase: Gray Whale donates 1% of all revenue to ocean conservation groups such as Oceana.

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3. Singing Songs by the Fire

The Calling Dutton Ranch Vineyards Chardonnay

The Calling Dutton Ranch Vineyards Chardonnay pairs well with cozy fires, sing-alongs, and buttery popcorn, no string required. Aromas of honeysuckle and lemon give way to beautifully balanced flavors of apple, pear and stone fruit. Created by wine industry expert Peter Deutsch and sports broadcaster Jim Nantz, The Calling was created to honor their fathers and as a reminder to fans of this wine to find their own callings. This award-winning Chardonnay is sourced from one of the best vineyards in Sonoma County, California.

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4. Ringing in the New Year

Josh Cellars Prosecco Rosé

Celebrate the new year with Josh Cellars Prosecco Rosé. It has scents of fresh wild berry and blackberry, complemented by refreshing acidity and effervescence. This wine is light bodied, pairing well with brunch favorites like eggs Benedict. Josh Cellars is a brand rooted in gratitude, making it a perfect fit for toasting accomplishments and all that’s to come in the year ahead. Buy more than you think you’ll need — you can always use it for mimosas during New Year’s brunch.

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5. Making Resolutions Bright

[ yellow tail ] Pure Bright Sauvignon Blanc

Start the new year off with [ yellow tail ] Pure Bright Sauvignon Blanc. It has notes of light citrus and lemongrass complemented by undertones of gooseberry, lime and a hint of passionfruit. [ yellow tail ] — America’s most popular imported wine brand — packed this one full of flavor, but just 80 calories per serving. It is a win-win for whatever January holds, no resolutions needed.

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6. Getting Snowed In

Redemption Rye

An adult snow day is an excellent reason to kick back and enjoy an excellent whiskey. Make a Winter Fling with 2 parts Redemption Rye, ¼ part Cinnamon Syrup, ¾ part Sweet Vermouth and a few dashes of bitters. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. For a finishing touch, rinse a chilled Martini glass with Dry Curacao before adding ingredients and serving. Redemption is on a mission to bring rye back to its pre-Prohibition glory. Its spice and backbone stand up in cocktails like this.

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What federal workers and government vendors need to know about vaccine mandate laws

2021-11-29T14:37:00

(BPT) – On November 4, 2021, the Biden administration released a new federal rule identifying COVID-19 as an occupational hazard and mandating COVID-19 vaccination for workers. The mandate would apply to health care workers at facilities that participate in Medicaid or Medicare, federal contractors and federal employees, as well as businesses with more than 100 employees. It does not apply to employees who work remotely, outside, or otherwise don’t report to workplaces where other people work or shop. While it was set to go into effect January 4, 2022, on November 6, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an order to temporarily stay the mandate in response to a lawsuit filed by opponents on November 5, 2021. The resolution remains forthcoming.

Top-rated and award-winning Washington, D.C.-based federal employment law attorney John P. Mahoney, Esq. has some recognized expert level insights on the legality of COVID-19 vaccine mandates, as well as what he believes the future of this legal battle looks like. Mahoney has devoted his entire nearly 30-year legal practice to representing federal employees, unions, employee associations, contractors and agencies in federal employment law cases, as well as private sector companies and employees in employment law cases in DC and MD. He has garnered the highest level of peer rating of ‘AV Preeminent®’ from Martindale-Hubbell® due to his recognized ethics and legal talent, and he has been named in The Wall Street Journal as a “Top-Rated Labor & Employment Lawyer.”

“Most private sector employees are ‘at will,’ meaning their employment can be terminated at any time — for any reason, no reason, even a factually mistaken reason — as long as the real reason is not EEO discrimination or potentially whistleblower retaliation,” said Mahoney. “Even federal government employees, most of whom have a Constitutionally protected property interest in their continued federal employment — which cannot be taken away without due process — can be fired for failure to follow lawful directives by their employers. Given that, all employees in the U.S. need to realize that they can be fired for failing to comply with their employers’ legal COVID-19 vaccine mandates.”

Under the federal rule, health care workers, federal contractors, and federal workers aren’t given the option to test and mask instead of getting vaccinated. In other private sector businesses with 100 or more employees, employees could be given the option to test weekly and would be required to wear a mask in the workplace if unvaccinated. For those employees, this additional option further challenges the likelihood of legal action success against the mandate.

“Companies, including health care settings, have a legal obligation to keep their workers and customers/patients safe; thus, they can generally require vaccines in the context of setting and enforcing terms and conditions of employment,” said Mahoney. “However, some employers may have to provide reasonable accommodations to those with health or religious reasons for not being vaccinated. That said, accommodations that jeopardize the health and safety of the employee or others in the workplace, such as co-workers or customers, may be deemed an unreasonable accommodation or an undue burden on the employers’ operations, which may thus legally be denied.”

Looking at other legal challenges to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, for the most part, the mandates have stood due to the at-will nature of employment in most areas. Whether state or local laws can prohibit vaccine mandates is still uncertain, though the federal regulation is intended to preempt state and local laws.

Most employers are finding that carrot-and-stick approaches are largely effective for getting employees vaccinated. While employee absences due to COVID-19-related issues have raised legal issues for employers, under the regulations, employers must provide paid time off for their staff to get a shot and recover from any side effects of the vaccines.

Recently, the United Stated Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has been chosen by lottery to decide all challenges to the Administration’s COVID mandates, which could ultimately be appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States, the Bar of which Court Attorney Mahoney is a member.

“All employees, including federal employees, should do the right thing for the country, their neighbors, and public health. Protect their own job security by voluntarily getting fully COVID-19 vaccinated immediately, if possible,” urged Mahoney.

Put your best foot forward with self-care tips for your feet

2021-11-29T06:01:00

(BPT) – Self-care is having more than just a moment, it’s become a movement, and your feet deserve to be in on it.

We spend lots of time nurturing our body, mind and soul with facials, meditation, yoga, luxurious baths and more, but what about our feet? Don’t they deserve some TLC? We expect so much from them in high heels and our quest for 10,000 steps a day.

Showing your tootsies some love has never been easier thanks to Baby Foot®, which is considered the OG of home foot peels. The brand’s foot care package features Baby Foot exfoliating foot peels and moisturizing foot masks to help you get rid of dead skin cells, cracks and callouses while adding moisture back to your dry heels.

The peel is comprised of 16 types of natural extracts that exfoliate and moisturize at the same time. Most of us don’t realize feet can have up to 150 layers of dead skin. Fruit acid, the principal ingredient of Baby Foot, safely penetrates the layers and targets the dead skin cells, breaking down the desmosomes which hold the layers together, giving you healthy, beautiful feet. It’s simple to use, and the results are nothing short of astounding.

“Baby Foot is one of my favorite products for rough, dry feet with calluses on the heels and elsewhere. It works beautifully and always seems to amaze our patients and customers at LovelySkin,” says Board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Joel Schlessinger, MD, FAAD. “The best part of it is that with the great price point, it is quite a bit more affordable than seeing a podiatrist or other specialist for a medical procedure. Our patients love Baby Foot!”

Here’s how to use it: Wash your feet thoroughly before placing them in the two pre-filled plastic booties containing the exfoliating formula. Secure the booties with the adhesive tape provided. Wear for one hour before removing the booties. Gently wash your feet with soap and go on with your day. It’s that easy!

Within five to seven days, voila! Dead skin will begin to peel easily away from the healthy layer beneath, leaving skin undamaged. Experts recommend using a peel every three to four months for maintenance. You’ll be hooked after your first peel so you won’t need any reminders.

According to Dr. Leigh Summer of Lewisville Laser & Aesthetics in Lewisville, NC, “Baby Foot has been a part of our medical practice since 2013. The products provide our patients with consistently remarkable results. They often include Baby Foot as part of their wellness program, and buy it for friends and family who aren’t able to go or comfortable going to a salon for regular pedicures and foot treatments.”

“They also like the fact that it is gluten-free and not tested on animals. The Original Baby Foot is the only brand they want,” she said.

Once the canvas is primed, and your feet are baby soft and smooth, it’s time for a self-care pedicure.

Many of us perfected our home pedicure game during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when widespread shelter-in-place orders were in place, and even though salons are back open for business, you can still show off your skills.

For starters, remove any old polish. Trim, smooth, and shape nails. Apply a base coat if desired, brush on your favorite color, and finish with a protective topcoat.

Remember to treat your feet to Baby Foot, your total foot care package. For extra hydration, add the Baby Foot Moisturizing Foot Mask to your routine. Use after the peeling process and any time in between. When your feet need some extra love, pamper them with this power boost of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Get started on your new self-care ritual today by visiting Babyfoot.com.