Month: December 2021

2021-12-13T09:15:00

(BPT) – The holiday season can be joyous yet overwhelming. Between get-togethers with family and friends, fun winter activities with your kids, decorating, shopping and cooking, it’s hard to find time to take a minute to unwind and relax.

It’s important that you carve out some time for self-care during this busy time of year. Below are three ways you can escape, unwind and recharge in between finishing your holiday to-do list.

1. Create a spa-worthy experience

Finding time for yourself can be challenging, but carving out some time to soak in the tub can be incredibly beneficial to your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Light some candles, play soothing music, put on a face mask, and slip into the tub for some quality me-time.

For the perfect addition to your self-care routine, you can turn it up a notch by adding soothing scents to your bath and creating aromatherapy vapors. Vicks VapoBath bath crystals are activated by warm water and release the signature soothing blend of menthol, eucalyptus, camphor and essential oils. Sit back, relax and let the soothing scents, music and atmosphere help you escape into a personal spa retreat.

2. Get moving and feel the benefits

Exercise has several advantages beyond the physical benefits. According to the National Institute on Aging, physical activity can also reduce stress, enhance your mood, better your emotional well-being and improve your quality of sleep.

Whether it’s a five-minute loop around the block or an hourlong hike, moving your body can transform your day and mood. Dance in your living room, take a yoga class or go for a run. You’ll get some quality alone time and continue to feel good long after you finish.

3. Elevate shower time

If you are someone who feels there just aren’t enough hours in the day, you can still implement a daily self-care routine — even if it’s quick! When you’re crunched for time, a shower gives you the perfect opportunity to take a step away from your busy life. Even a short shower can be rejuvenating!

You can enhance your experience by using Vicks VapoShower shower tablets, transforming your shower into a sauna-like experience. Like the bath crystals, these tablets are activated by warm water and infuse your shower steam with soothing aromatherapy vapors that turn your shower into a mini-retreat. Simply toss one of these non-medicated tablets on the floor of your shower and enjoy a moment of solace.

Take a moment for yourself this holiday season. No matter what you choose to do, self-care helps you avoid burnout so you can enjoy the moments that matter with the people you love.

2021-12-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to lose sight of important safety tips — especially where fire is concerned. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments responded to an average 950 home fires that began with decorations. And trees aren’t the only culprit.

To have more peace of mind this holiday season, here are tips to help keep your home and family safer.

1. Use flameless candles. December is the top month for candle fires, and over a third of all home decoration fires are started by traditional wick candles. Fire safety experts strongly recommend flameless candles that offer the same glow but without the fire hazard. If using traditional wick candles:

• Keep lit candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Make sure candles are at least 12 inches from flammable items like holiday decor, bedding and curtains — and Christmas trees.
• Always blow candles out before leaving a room.

2. Sturdy tree setup. Make sure to set up trees in sturdy tree stands to prevent any mishaps like toppling over when kids or pets try to play near it. To prevent fires, set up your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. For those with live trees, add water to your tree stand daily so it doesn’t dry out.

3. Inspect and replace holiday lights. Before installing those lights, inspect and replace cords with signs of wear or fray, broken cords or loose bulb connections. Make sure to keep cords out of reach of kids (and pets, who might chew on them) and always turn off decorations and lights before going to bed or leaving home.

4. Opt for LED. Because LED lights emit less heat than incandescent lights, they pose less of a fire hazard. Choose LED lights approved by a recognized testing laboratory, and use lights only for their designated purpose — lights are rated for indoor, outdoor or both.

5. Lose the metal hooks. For households with young children and pets, consider losing the traditional metal ornament hooks and opt for fabric and string hangers, a safer option.

6. Hang stockings with care. Everyone loves the look of stockings on the mantel. If you have a working fireplace, shop for fire-resistant decorations and remove them from the fireplace before lighting a fire or turning on the gas logs.

7. Maintain fireplaces. It’s important to have good safety practices with fireplaces. Not just for Santa but for the family (including pets). Have those chimneys cleaned and inspected annually — before lighting for the first time each year — and clear the area, about three feet for safety, of anything flammable.

8. Know when to say goodbye to your tree. If you like to keep the holiday cheer going and still have your tree up after New Year’s … sorry, it’s time to kick it to the curb. It’s likely dried out, which is a major fire hazard. Most Christmas tree fires actually occur after the holidays.

9. Be prepared for snowy weather. If you lose power, take care when using a generator, which can be a major carbon monoxide (CO) hazard. Install your generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from the home, with the exhaust pointing away from the house. Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes and protected from direct exposure to rain or snow. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using generators.

10. Know the age of your alarms. Every smoke alarm must be replaced at 10 years and every CO alarm between 7-10 years, depending on the model. If you have forgotten when the alarms were installed there is a workaround — look at the manufacturing date and add the life span of the alarm. For example, a smoke alarm with a manufacturing date of April 14, 2012 should be replaced near April 2022. Consider installing alarms with built-in 10-year batteries that send replacement signals such as Kidde’s Worry-Free Living Room, Bedroom, Hallway, and Kitchen Alarms and Kidde’s Worry-Free Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Available at The Home Depot, Amazon, Menards and Kidde.com.

For more information about fire and CO safety, visit KIDDE.com.

2021-12-13T09:01:00

(BPT) –

Parties, presents, tidings and tinsel — the holiday season is all about celebration, and a big part of that is festive treats and desserts. And there’s nothing wrong with satisfying your sweet tooth when the cookies come out.

But if you’re looking for another option, enter healthy substitutes. It’s possible for you to indulge in the delicious flavors of the season without going overboard. Here are some dessert ideas perfect for any celebration — and ones you can feel good about eating.

1. Hot chocolate

It wouldn’t be the holidays without a creamy cup of hot chocolate. This year, instead of using a powder mix or melting regular chocolate chips, opt for a lightened version to lower the calories and sugar. For example, GATSBY Chocolate has half the calories and a quarter of the sugar compared to traditional chocolate.

2. Peppermint bark

It’s easy to customize peppermint or chocolate bark to your taste buds’ content. Try using crushed-up candy canes, mini marshmallows, pretzels or whatever else you may be craving. When you’re ready to start melting the chocolate, use GATSBY for a healthier choice.

3. Dessert charcuterie board

Charcuterie boards are a popular party appetizer, but who says they can’t also be dessert? Get creative and put together a holiday-themed treat board with all your favorites and sweet-and-salty combinations. Think pretzels, dried fruit, nuts and more — and make it better-for-you with GATSBY Chocolate.

4. Classic chocolate bars

Sometimes a simple chocolate bar is all you need to satisfy a sweet tooth. Created by the co-founder of Halo Top ice cream, GATSBY Chocolate is a healthier choice without sacrificing taste or texture. There are two flavors to indulge with: Classic Milk Chocolate Style and Almond Dark Chocolate Style. These chocolate bars taste the same as a traditional chocolate bar without all the artificial ingredients.

5. Lower-calorie chocolate fondue with fruit

Get your daily fruit servings in during dessert. Chocolate fondue requires minimal effort and ingredients and can be made festive with sprinkles. When melting the chocolate, opt for a lower-in-sugar option with GATSBY. Each serving has only four to six grams of sugar (making this 75% less sugar than your traditional chocolate). Strawberries, cut-up pineapple, orange slices and kiwi all pair great with chocolatey flavor.

When it comes to holiday desserts, you don’t have to skimp on flavor to stick with your goals. Try any of these treat ideas to brighten your seasonal celebrations. To find GATSBY Chocolate near you, visit the store locator.

2021-12-10T10:29:00

(BPT) – During the holiday season it’s easy to get swept away in the excitement of gifts and entertaining. As you’re enjoying the holiday also bear in mind that some simple shifts can lessen your impact on the environment.

Consider these five easy ways to “green” your holidays so you can enjoy traditions while doing a little bit of good for the planet.

Make your own wrapping paper

Most traditional wrapping paper isn’t recyclable and ends up in landfills. Instead, wrap presents with old maps, newspaper, magazines or children’s artwork. You can also use clothing items or other household items that act as both a gift and wrapping, including a scarf or decorative dish towel. If this isn’t an option, package your gifts in an eye-catching basket or container that can be repurposed after the holidays.

If you can’t avoid traditional wrapping paper and supplies, consider reusing. Save the bags and other wrapping paper to use next year. If you are buying paper, look for post-consumer recycled paper to limit plastics.

Swap out toxic cleaning products

With visitors coming to your home over the holidays you might be cleaning more. Yet many cleaning products contain ingredients that can be harmful to people and animals in your home. Opt for products that are free of parabens, formaldehyde, ammonia, phthalates and phosphates. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Hard-Surface Cleaner (also available in a premium spray mop) are water-based, biodegradable and crafted with plant-derived ingredients. Learn more at Bona.com.

Start by investing in one U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certified cleaning solution and stock up as you run out of other, less safe cleaners. Also, switch out paper towels or other non-recyclable cleaning tools for post-consumer recyclable options like Bona microfiber cleaning pads.

Rethink your lights

LED lights use 90% less energy than conventional holiday lights and last around 200,000 hours. Not only are you helping the environment, but you’ll save money on your energy bills during the holiday season.

In addition to swapping bulbs, put your regular lights on a timer or motion detector to eliminate the amount of time they are on throughout the season. This is especially helpful if you or your family members often forget to turn off lights when not in use.

Green your tree

Millions of fir trees are cut down in the United States each year for the holidays. And while artificial trees can be reused year after year, when it comes time to dispose of these trees, most cannot be recycled. Instead, consider buying a potted tree and then planting it in your own yard or a neighbor’s following the holiday.

If you’re still getting a traditional tree, make sure you search for a recycling program near you to properly dispose of the tree after the holidays. Some people opt to recycle their tree themselves by turning it into something useful, such as mulch or sinking it into a private pond to support the fish habitat.

Rethink your meals

According to research done by Carnegie Mellon University, the carbon footprint of a 16-pound turkey creates a total of 34.2 pounds of CO2 — the same amount produced by turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, rolled biscuits and apple pie combined. Consider ditching the turkey this year or at least substituting for a smaller portion.

If turkey is a must, source and buy local to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum. You could also consider a different way of preparing it. For instance, a turkey cooked sous vide, a method of sealing and boiling food, has less carbon emissions than the traditional methods and also makes for a moister version of this classic that many times dries out in the oven.

As you enjoy this holiday season consider these few small shifts that will be better for your home, family and our planet.

2021-12-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – The sights, sounds, and the cozy feeling that’s hard to describe — the holidays are a delight for all and the best place to enjoy the season is right in your own home.

Whether it’s using Alexa to create a custom holiday Alexa Routine, read a holiday story to your kids, or create a light display that sparks wonder, Alexa can get family and friends into the spirit the moment they step inside. Consider these tips for transforming your home for the holidays with Alexa and Amazon devices:

Play holiday music: Whether you want to listen to holiday classics or something new, music sets the mood in your home. Using your Echo or Alexa-enabled device, say, “Alexa, play holiday music” to start up seasonal hits, including new exclusive Amazon Originals from Leon Bridges, Dan + Shay, Camila Cabello, and more.

Bring the holiday cheer with smart lights: There’s something magical about the glow of holiday lights. As you’re decorating, add Smart Bulbs or Smart Lightstrips for lighting that matches your existing decor. Through a connected Echo device, ask Alexa to change the colors to match your mood or party theme.

Finish your shopping list: Rather than scouring the internet for savings on holiday gifts, you can quickly find out the latest deals on Amazon by asking “Alexa, what are my deals?”

Fire up the yule log: A crackling fire is the perfect backdrop for the holidays. Using your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick 4K Max, try apps such as White Log Fireplace, Curly Wood Fireplace, or Blaze to add coziness to your living room with a yule log screensaver — ideal if you don’t have a fireplace at home!

Create a routine: Turn on all of the above features at once by creating a custom Alexa Routine. Name it whatever you’d like through the Alexa app, then use a simple voice command (e.g., “Alexa, let’s get festive!”) to trigger several actions at once — perfect for hosting and entertaining.

Add touches of holiday magic: Use Alexa to create fun, memorable moments with the whole family:

• Families can say, “Alexa, Call Santa Claus,” and Alexa will connect them to Old St. Nick and all his friends at the North Pole!
• If you say “Alexa, where is Santa?” families can track Old St. Nick before and during Christmas.
• If you say, “Alexa, open Holiday Yule Log” the Yule Log will pop up, specifically optimized for the Echo Show and Fire TV.

If you’re in in New York City this holiday season, check out the interactive holiday window display “Alexa in a Pear Tree.” Inspired by the classic tune with a similar name, the window display will put smiles on people’s faces as they walk and shop through the heart of SoHo, showcasing how Alexa and Amazon devices can help make the holidays more delightful. Open to the public December 3-12, 2021 (12-9pm ET daily), this one-of-a-kind experience is more than just a sightseeing pitstop — it’s an activity for everyone.

For more details visit AboutAmazon.com.

2021-12-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – As people continue to put renewed focus on their wellness, their eating and drinking habits are transforming. Many people are seeking out delicious foods and beverages that are also wholesome. This has directly influenced the top food trends for 2022.

Better-for-you foods and flavors can be found throughout these trends that are gaining rapid popularity. Which will you be adding to your must-try list?

Spice is nice

Bring on the heat in 2022. People’s love of spice is soaring, from interest in growing hot peppers at home to visiting new restaurants known for their spicy dishes. People are searching for new recipes such as those from India, Jamaica, and Thailand and making them at home. When you open pantries and spice cabinets, you can find an array of heat-enhancing items, from hot sauces to pepper blends and beyond. Adding spice to foods for flavor is a healthier alternative to salt and butter, plus hot foods may stimulate your metabolism, so this hot trend is also a healthy one.

Powdered nut butters

Nut butter lovers rejoice — you can get satisfying protein and enjoy your favorite flavors without all the fat and unnecessary ingredients. PB2 Foods is the original creator of powdered peanut butter, now offering a variety of plant-based products such as almond and cocoa butter that are certified gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and non-GMO project verified. Some of their newest innovations are cashew powder and PB2 Pre+Probiotic formula for digestive health. From a healthful addition to your morning smoothie to an ingredient you can feel good about when baking and cooking your favorite recipes, powdered nut butters have many uses in your kitchen.

Super premium beer

When it’s time to enjoy a cold one, more people are putting extra thought into what’s in their glass. Island Brands USA is one example of a company that’s churning out better brews, using only all-natural ingredients, no GMOs, and zero fillers or artificial flavors to create their beers. One of the brands’ clean options is Island Active, a light lager that has just 88 calories and 4.2 percent alcohol by volume, so you can enjoy each sip guilt-free. Cheers to the good life!

Reducitarian diets

Many people want to eat less meat and animal products but don’t want to go fully vegetarian or vegan. This is called reducitarian: making the active choice to reduce consumption of these types of foods. When reducitarians do purchase or consume meat or other animal products, they opt for higher-quality options, such as organic dairy and grass-fed meats. Interested in getting started? Adopt a few days a week to go meatless and try interesting new recipes, such as ones that feature mushrooms, beans, or eggplant instead of meat.

Alternative snacks

You crave the crunch of your favorite potato chips and salty snacks, but you know you could be making a healthier decision. HA! Snacks is your answer. Standing for Healthier Alternative, these snacks are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan, with plenty of flavor and nutrition (and, yes, crunch!). Choose from Churro Loco, Cheddar Cheese, Spicy Chili Lime, BBQ Sauce, and Sour Cream and Onion. The flavor and clean ingredients of HA! Snacks will make you go ah-ha as they’re the rare combination of great taste and good-for-you nutrients.

The common thread that connects these top trends of 2022 are better-for-you foods that don’t sacrifice flavor or pleasure. That’s something everyone can smile about.

2021-12-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – The past year has brought a flurry of changes for many people. Maybe you’ve embraced online shopping and want to start to incorporate meal planning into that experience. Perhaps you’ve gotten into selling things from the comfort of your home or you’re now working remotely with people around the world.

Digital solutions meet modern needs so you can do these types of things successfully, whether you’re a consumer or an entrepreneur. Three of the top digital trends of 2022 showcase the growth of technology solutions by innovative startups focused on making life better.

Trend 1: Simplified online grocery shopping

The food marketplace is an evolving space with two trends poised for continued growth: online grocery shopping and meal planning. Grocery Shopii is the solution for shoppers who want to integrate meal planning into a customized online shopping experience.

Today, meal solutions are helping consumers tackle meal fatigue and save time. Not only are Shopii recipes curated by top bloggers, they’re hyper-personalized to each client’s preferences, offering suggestions that align with existing shopping habits. Plus, Grocery Shopii utilizes machine learning to expedite meal planning and online grocery shopping to 5 minutes or less.

Grocery Shopii is free for shoppers and helps grocers provide a tailored experience, which in turn builds customer loyalty. Learn more at GroceryShopii.com.

Trend 2: Interactive fashion resale marketplace

What people choose to wear defines who they are, and today more people than ever want to stand out in their own unique way. That’s why interest in vintage clothing, upcycled fashion, and handmade accessories is soaring, and Galaxy is connecting passionate sellers with engaged buyers.

Galaxy is the first platform of its kind to fuse live shopping and fashion resale, creating a truly social, entertainment-geared shopping experience with sustainable fashion at its core. With Galaxy, shoppers can have conversations while buying, allowing them to make more informed decisions and understand the stories behind the pieces they’re browsing.

Galaxy enables the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs to find and build their community, plus, unlike other platforms, takes no commission or fees. Visit Galaxy.Live for more information.

Trend 3: Symbiotic solutions to labor needs and economic empowerment

The labor shortage crisis, the Great Resignation, diversity challenges — job economy topics continue to capture headlines. Companies of all sizes are struggling to fill roles with quality candidates who meet their needs.

Meaningful Gigs is one solution that solves many issues that companies are facing today. This tech-packed platform connects skilled African designers with companies seeking high-quality digital design work. Their vision is to create 100,000 remote skilled jobs in Africa by 2028.

Meaningful Gigs provides companies with a way to tap into global diversity while also delivering critical design solutions for their businesses for creative, product and marketing teams. By supplying people in Africa with skilled jobs, the company focuses on continuous economic empowerment and socioeconomic advancement. Discover more at MeaningfulGigs.com.

2022 is sure to be a year of continued change as people increasingly rely on digital solutions. Explore these trends to see how they impact your life, and consider new technologies to meet your needs.