Month: January 2022

2022-01-06T14:01:00

(BPT) – Life at home has changed a lot and, for many people, being “on trend” has taken a backseat to designing around their needs. When it comes to styling your kitchen and bathroom, taking time to choose stylish, yet lasting options, will improve the look and feel of your space for years.

Delta Faucet Company product designers and Delta Faucet lighting partner Kichler Lighting are sharing the timeless kitchen and bathroom trends they’re seeing in real customers’ homes that will last well beyond the next trip around the sun.

2022 Trend 1: Comfort Comes First

“Homes are our safe space from what’s happening in the world,” said AJ Tentler, Delta Faucet Company industrial designer. “Items, colors and finishes need to reflect that feeling of relaxed comfort.”

Sharp edges and harsh lines are out. We’re now craving curves and softer lines to create a relaxing and calming oasis. Warm greys and wood in its natural state are coming together in both kitchens and bathrooms to create spaces that never feel forced.

2022 Trend 2: Hidden Helpfulness

“The features that will gain the most momentum are things that aid your daily function,” said Maris Park Borris, Delta Faucet industrial designer. “It will be more about hidden helpfulness.”

Simple interactions that make daily life easier is the future of technology. Smart outlets and switches add a world of customization to lighting. In faucets, intuitive functions, like technology that turns on a faucet with a simple touch, is just one example of unseen technology that improves daily life.

2022 Trend 3: Designs You Can Feel

“We’ve been in sensory deprivation for the last year,” said Park Borris. “People are craving both visual and physical texture.”

Texture and finish are going to be more in-focus than ever. Wallpaper that adds a tactile and visual texture, or fixture finishes, can create an emotional connection with a huge impact on a space.

2022 Trend 4: Mix and Match

“We can add eclecticism and our own style — like traditional knobs in a modern kitchen,” said Park Borris.

We’re all searching for ways to make a space our own. Mixing and matching styles and finishes is a unique way to accomplish that. Farmhouse blended with Scandinavian styles. A gold-hued shower head with black shower doors. It’s all about what speaks to you.

2022 Trend 5: Timelessly Tailored

“In 2022, customizable sconces are on the rise,” said Greg Martin, Kichler Lighting creative director. “Being able to have moveable arms, pin-up and plug-in options allow you to curate your own look.”

Tailored, purposeful and customized pieces are everywhere. We no longer want to keep up with the Joneses. Instead, we want unique spaces that reflect our individual style. Updates that people can do themselves make homes feel more customized and ownable.

2022 Trend 6: Outside In

“There’s a feeling of connection and warmth derived from the coziness and luxury of plants,” said Ben Stoler, Delta Faucet Company industrial designer.

Plants have a purifying quality and make a space feel fresh and alive. Adding greenery can add a calming and de-stressing feeling to a room, further building your very own oasis.

Craving more kitchen and bathroom trends? Get inspired at deltafaucet.com/blogs.

2022-01-06T08:15:00

(BPT) – Winter can be beautiful, but even infrequent ice and cold can cause dangerous conditions and costly damage around your home. Snow and ice can create slippery conditions while frozen pipes can cause significant water damage.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a non-profit research organization that identifies ways to reduce damage from severe weather, offers tips to help you prepare and reduce the impact of winter weather before and after wintry conditions.

“Taking proactive steps can help homeowners get through the worst of winter with minimal damage or inconvenience,” says Dr. Ian Giammanco, lead research meteorologist at IBHS. “While you can’t prevent everything winter throws at you, a little planning can go a long way to safeguarding your home and reducing long-term impacts like costly and inconvenient repairs.”

While preparing your home, safety is key. If you don’t feel comfortable doing the work yourself, it is best to hire a licensed contractor.

Before a winter weather event

Be weather aware so you have plenty of time to prepare ahead of perilous conditions.

Find a reliable source to monitor winter weather forecasts, such as your local National Weather Service (NWS) office and the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on Facebook or Twitter.

• Tune in to local news often when winter weather is forecast.
• Enable wireless emergency alerts on your cell phone.
• Purchase a weather alert radio that broadcasts emergency alerts from the National Weather Service, preferably with a hand crank.

Ensure you have fuel for generators in case power goes out.

Help prevent pipes from freezing

To make sure your plumbing is protected when temperatures plummet:

• Always keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (12.8°C).
• Open cabinet doors where piping is present, especially when pipes are next to an outside wall.
• Let all faucets drip during extreme cold weather.

Following a winter weather event

Check for damage in and around your home

Watch for signs of snow load damage such as creaking sounds, a sagging roof, cracks in the ceiling or walls, water stains and doors or windows that no longer open and close correctly.

If water isn’t flowing, you may have frozen pipes. If you suspect frozen pipes, shut off the water supply and call a plumber to make repairs.

If you find significant damage to your home:

• Safety first. Get to a safe place if your home is unsafe, and stay away from any damaged areas.
• Document losses. If it is safe to be at your home, use your phone to take pictures and document any damaged or destroyed property. Only enter your home to collect or salvage items if you are certain the structure is safe.
• Keep all receipts and documentation. Consider creating an electronic file for this information in a cloud storage account so you can access the information from anywhere.

Assess downed trees or large limbs

If a tree or large branch is on your driveway or property, call a tree care professional. If it’s on a road or sidewalk call your municipal public works department.

If a utility line is damaged or may become damaged, call your utility company. Stay away from downed power lines.

Use a generator safely in case of a power outage

Using a generator does pose certain risks, including fire, damage to electrical equipment and even injury or death. Proper ventilation is critical to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator’s engine exhaust.

Follow these guidelines for using a portable or permanent generator to help power your home during an outage:

Portable generators

Portable generators should be operated outside in a well-ventilated area — a garage may not provide enough ventilation. Use extreme caution when determining where to operate a generator.

• Portable generators should never run unattended and should be checked periodically following manufacturer recommendations.
• Portable generators should not be fueled while hot.
• Do not let snow accumulate on top of a portable generator.

Permanent generators

Permanent generators are more self-sufficient than portable models but should still be monitored periodically throughout operation.

Stay safe and reduce the chance of damage to your home by planning ahead and then following these tips before and after a weather event. For more information, visit disastersafety.org/winter-weather/.

2022-01-05T09:01:00

(BPT) – Winter can be a beautiful season, but cold and lack of sunlight can wear you down. Consider escaping to a warm and sunny place this year to beat the winter blues, like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! You can explore the 60 miles of coastline that is home to 14 different communities and immerse yourself in beach life to feel rejuvenated.

There’s something for everyone at The Beach, whether you’re looking forward to relaxing by the wide sandy coastline, indulging in incredible eats or soaking in the local scenery.

Here are four ways you can relax and kick the winter blues at The Beach:

1. Head to the shoreline

The pristine white sands, sparkling waters and ocean treasures of Myrtle Beach are hard to resist. Go for a swim, get a healthy dose of vitamin D from the sun or simply walk the shoreline and see what natural souvenirs you can find. Many seashells, sand dollars and other fossils regularly wash up on the beach. Not only are they beautiful, but they can also be a fun educational opportunity for your kids.

2. Cast a line

One of the best ways to enjoy the seaside culture of The Beach is to take a fishing trip. Whether you’re a new or experienced angler, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, including deep-sea fishing on a charter boat, inland fishing on a river or waterway or just standing on a pier and casting a line.

3. Discover scenic attractions

Want to explore some local attractions at the coast and beyond? You can visit Brookgreen Gardens and walk through this luscious, peaceful sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. If you’re interested in historic buildings and neighborhoods, take an afternoon stroll along the Conway RiverWalk. This 1.5 mile-walk is easy for the whole family to participate in and enjoy. If you’re traveling with an art aficionado, take them to see the fine arts collection at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum. Finally, explore Murrells Inlet, a quaint fishing village which includes the MarshWalk, featuring live music and several waterfront restaurants.

4. Go on a culinary tour

A trip to The Beach wouldn’t be complete without exploring a few of the 1,700 culinary options along the Grand Strand. Whether you’re interested in trying low-country cooking, fresh-caught seafood, several dozen international options or American fare, there’s cuisine pleasing for every palate. Make sure to stop by the Myrtle Beach International Culinary Institute at the Market Common, which features its own bakery open daily. If you happen to be there on a Thursday, explore the farmers market, a crowd-pleaser for locals and visitors alike.

Start the new year off right and take a trip to The Beach. Not only will you come back with a sunny glow, but you’ll have plenty of stories and experiences to tell your family and friends about. Maybe they’ll even join you next year!

To learn more and plan your 2022 trip, check out VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

2022-01-05T11:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, groundbreaking innovations premiere at the Consumer Technology Association’s CES conference in Las Vegas, showcasing consumer technology products that aren’t just the latest trends, but can make a real difference in your life. And 2022 is even more exciting than previous years, highlighting products that address today’s needs and desires to enhance your home life.

For example, LG Electronics is unveiling breakthrough technology in home appliances and home entertainment at CES again this year. Here are four new products from LG that will make a big impact on your daily life.

1. Take a deep breath

As cleanliness is top of mind, the LG PuriCare AeroTower Air Purifying Fan combines the benefits of an air purifier with the comfort and functionality of a cooling fan and heater — all within a streamlined, stylish design created for all living spaces.

The AeroTower delivers year-round air purification with three modes of 360-degree air flow so users can enjoy cleaner, more comfortable air that is whisper quiet. With its innovative “Air Valley” technology, the AeroTower creates a powerful airflow that closely resembles a soothing, natural breeze for customized, whole-room purification. Its UVnano technology kills bacteria, while its True HEPA Filtration system captures 99.97% of six different particles for even cleaner, purer air.

2. Level up your home theater

LG’s critically-acclaimed LG OLED TVs keep pushing the envelope year after year. For movie buffs, sports fans and avid gamers alike, the 2022 LG OLED C2 Series will optimize your viewing experience with critically-acclaimed picture quality that delivers realistic images, perfect blacks and rich colors along with lifelike sound and advanced AI features. LG’s new α9 Gen 5 AI processor and cutting-edge AI technologies combine to optimize your picture quality for your preferred entertainment genres. The TVs 120fps Hi Frame Rate delivers your favorite fast-paced content — like sports or video games — with more dynamic, realistic imagery.

The LG Magic Remote connects you to built-in voice assistants including Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant and many of the most popular streaming services so you’re always just a press or voice command away from your favorite services. The C2 series boasts razor-thin bezels around the screen, with a sleek design allowing it to mount closer to the wall. Compatibility with HDMI standards allows you to connect it to external devices like gaming consoles and Sound Bars for a complete viewing experience.

3. Surround yourself with life-like sound

And if you really want to create the most immersive home theater or gaming room experience, pair your LG OLED TV with the new LG S95QR Soundbar. With its perfectly balanced high-quality sound, this sound bar introduces a world’s first upward-firing center channel for clearer audio, and its speaker unit configuration maximizes multi-directional sound projection. The speakers on each side of the soundbar are angled toward the front, and the new six-channel rear speaker layout helps optimize the surround sound effect for the best multi-dimensional, cinema-quality audio. The innovative AI Sound Pro mode also brings content-optimized audio so you can experience powerful, immersive sound effects for enhancing action movies or video games.

4. Washing dishes will never be the same

Let’s face it, nobody likes doing dishes, especially after an evening at home with family and friends. Fortunately, LG’s latest dishwasher innovation — the Wi-Fi Enabled Top Control Dishwasher with QuadWash Pro and Dynamic Heat Dry — offers the ultimate cleaning experience, delivering superior clean in just one hour while eliminating the wasteful need to pre-rinse. TrueSteam penetrates caked-on foods at the start of the cycle, and QuadWash Pro technology uses high-pressure jets to power-clean from multiple angles while soaking dishes with micro bubble-infused water to break down heavy soiling. Steam during the drying cycle and Dynamic Heat Dry improves the drying process, resulting in sparkling dishes and glassware.

Love to entertain or have a large family? The adjustable third rack offers more space, to save time and water by washing fewer loads. The dishwasher also uses the latest technology by connecting to LG’s ThinQ, to help you stay on top of household chores by operating remotely and using AI to automatically order dishwasher detergent before you run out.

Check out all the ways the latest technology can improve your everyday life at LG.com.

2022-01-04T12:31:00

(BPT) – Heading into the new year, you may be thinking about ways to work on your health and wellness. A new year is an ideal opportunity to consider positive lifestyle changes, and what you choose to eat is a big part of that. The good news is, you can focus on nutritional goals while still enjoying the food you eat.

“Think about important nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, like protein, healthy fat and fiber, when choosing what to eat,” says registered dietitian nutritionist Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S. “Focusing on foods with those nutrients, while reducing carbs, can help you stay on track toward your goals.”

Here are Kirkpatrick’s tips to help you limit carbs.

1. Utilize net carbs to your advantage

The great thing about tracking net carbs is that it helps you get the most bang for your nutritional buck, as an essential component of a net carb calculation is to deduct fiber. In the low carb world, fiber is found in nuts, seeds and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli or cauliflower). Fiber is not digestible, which is why you deduct it from the total carbs. Adding more of these foods into your daily routine means you’re getting fewer digestible carbs and more healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

2. Add indulgences to stay on track

It’s much easier to stick with healthier lifestyle changes if you include foods you truly enjoy that also provide nutritional content.

“I advise my patients to indulge but indulge smart,” adds Kirkpatrick.

One great choice is Quest Frosted Cookies, which comes in two flavors: Quest Birthday Cake Frosted Cookies and Quest Chocolate Cake Frosted Cookies. These soft, bite-sized cookies are enrobed in either a birthday cake or chocolaty coating that satisfies your sweet tooth with less than 1 gram of sugar, 5 grams of protein and 1 gram net carbs per serving* — so you can enjoy these delicious treats and stay on track with your nutritional goals.

*See individual product for nutrition information, including calories, total fat and saturated fat content.

3. Understand how soon you’ll see benefits

“When you limit carbs, the results can be seen fairly quickly,” says Kirkpatrick. “That’s because the process of limiting carbs (at least in the beginning) leads to a reduction in water weight. Before the real weight starts coming off, you can start seeing the benefits. Sometimes, just feeling lighter will keep you motivated to continue in the beginning.”

Additionally, limiting carbs means reducing processed foods and sugar. Multiple studies have found these eliminations to be beneficial to mental health. So, limiting carbs can help you with your physical health as well as your happiness factor!

4. Swap dips and sides

Most dips and sides can be made low carb and reinforce your healthy habits. For example, you can make spinach-and-artichoke dip (a source of antioxidants) with almond flour (or no flour at all), snack on an apple with no-added-sugar peanut or almond butter, or dip low carb chips into a healthy fat source like guacamole. These options give you way more nutrient density than the potato chips or pretzels you might be tempted to grab. They also help you feel fuller, longer.

Here are other lower carb dip ingredients to try:

• Mayonnaise. This versatile condiment has zero carbohydrates. You can create plenty of dips combining mayo with mustard and/or sour cream.
• Mustard. Add zing to your dips with mustard, as it contains zero net carbs. Some mustards will have added sugar or honey, so be sure to check labels.
• Sour cream. While you may think full-fat sour cream is not the best choice, it actually contains fewer carbs than the low-fat version — and a lot fewer carbs than non-fat sour cream. It also adds flavor to any recipe and combines well with a variety of herbs and spices.

Meeting your health and wellness goals for 2022 will be easier if you center your goals on nutrition as well as enjoyment of foods you eat that also help give you what your body needs.

2022-01-04T01:01:00

(BPT) – What are your goals for the future? If retirement planning is top of mind, you’re not alone.

According to new research from Empower and Personal Capital, 36% of Americans are making retirement planning a priority this year. That’s more than those who said losing weight (28%), buying a house (14%) or getting a new job (11%).

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to kick it up a notch, here are some of the best ways to save for retirement in 2022 and beyond:

Understand your complete financial picture

It’s important to look at your finances from where you are in the present and where you want to be in the future. Make sure you’re in a good spot now, so you can stay on track to accomplish future financial goals.

One simple way to start is understanding where your money is going and any barriers that are holding you back from meeting your goals. Utilize online tools that can help provide a holistic snapshot of your financial life and commit to making changes where necessary. For example, determine areas you can decrease spending and put more money toward saving.

Maximize retirement savings plan perks

Don’t leave “free” money on the table. If you have an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan (or 403b, 457 or other), enroll and meet your match. This is the money your employer provides to match what you set aside for retirement, so you can save more than if you did it individually.

Additionally, check out the IRS 401(k) limits and consider maxing out your contribution. For 2022 the IRS allows individual contributions of $20,500 per person and $27,000 (including catch-up contributions) for people age 50 and older. If that’s not possible, consider increasing your contribution a bit every year.

Remember to explore all options of your employer’s retirement plan to create a savings approach that is right for you. For example, some employers offer a Roth 401(k), which is funded with taxed dollars. There are no income limits on a Roth 401(k) and withdrawals are tax-free at age 59½ as long as your initial account contribution was made five or more years prior to the withdrawal.

Contribute to an IRA

IRAs are another retirement tool to consider directing savings into. IRAs are great options for self-employed workers, small businesses, teens with their first job and those who are maxing out their employer retirement plan. Even if a spouse isn’t working, they may be eligible to fund a spousal IRA. Remember, you can save in both a 401(k) and an IRA.

Which type of IRA is right for you? A traditional IRA gets a tax break upfront because it is funded with pretax dollars and a Roth IRA is funded with post-tax dollars, so you can pull that money out in retirement and not have to pay additional taxes on the contributions and earnings. If flexibility is important, a Roth IRA might be a good choice because you can withdraw your contributions without penalties at any time if needed.

Contribute to a Health Savings Account

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are a convenient way to set aside money for expenses related to your health, but they are also a smart financial tool. HSA contributions reduce your taxable income so you benefit come tax time. HSA earnings growth and qualified withdrawals are also tax free, rounding out HSAs’ triple tax advantage. In 2022, an individual with coverage under a qualifying high-deductible health plan can contribute up to $3,650, according to the IRS.

What’s more, there’s also no “use it or lose it” requirement, and many programs allow you to invest your HSA money once you hit a certain threshold. This means it’s a great way to save for health expenses now as well as during retirement.

Get help from a pro

Financial planning can be confusing and complex, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. A financial advisor can help you determine exactly what your financial goals are, walk you through your options, and provide a personalized plan. Getting trustworthy advice can have a big impact on how confident you feel about your prospects going forward.

No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s never too early to start saving for retirement. There are plenty of paths you can take, and the earlier you start, the better off you’ll be.