Month: March 2022

2022-03-31T10:01:00

(BPT) – From outgrowing toys, gear, clothing and more, babies grow up too fast, and for parents it’s sometimes hard to keep up. Finding smart solutions for gear that adapts with babies as they get older is key. That’s why Skip Hop, the trusted resource for baby and toddler must-haves made better, offers a wide assortment of items designed to grow with babies at every milestone.

Skip Hop just introduced the Behind The Design series, a new 360 campaign featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the making of more of the brand’s innovative gear and toys.

Part of the series shows an inside look at the design process of the EON 4-in-1 High Chair — an innovative gear item with a modern aesthetic and grow-with-baby design. This high chair is a mealtime must-have with multiple options that can be used for years to come.

“Babies grow up so fast and a lot of their products have such a short lifespan, so we aim to make our designs adaptable to support growing children at multiple milestones,” said Ben Bearsch, Design Director at Skip Hop. “A high chair is a surprisingly complex piece of gear to design, and we needed to work as a team to solve a problem in order to create something that is adaptable.”

The Skip Hop EON 4-in-1 High Chair grows with little ones from baby to big kid in the following ways:

Mode One: High chair

Mode Two: Dining booster

Mode Three: Tableside booster

Mode Four: Big kid chair

For more information on the Behind The Design series, visit skiphop.com. While there, check out the brand’s must-have gear and toys, all at an incredible value.

2022-03-31T12:09:00

(BPT) – When you think about K-12 student success, positive teachers, quality curriculum and classroom size likely come to mind. However, for students to truly succeed they must be healthy and focused, and often that boils down to basics including the very air they breathe while at school.

Air quality in classrooms, and even school buses, has received recent attention due to the pandemic and concerns about keeping school environments clean. Everyone agrees that the air students breathe should support their well-being and prevent spread of illness as much as possible, but the benefits of good air quality extend beyond physical health.

“Maintaining a healthy indoor environment supports the learning process, boosting students’ success,” said Roei Friedberg, CEO Americas of air purification company Aura Air. “Whether it’s students in preschool or young adults in high school, clean air matters because it helps people to focus and be more productive, in addition to reducing the spread of illness.”

Air pollution has a negative impact on the brain, found a recent Harvard University study on air quality in workplaces in six different countries. Scientists found the air quality within an office can have significant impacts on employees’ cognitive function, including response times and ability to focus, and it may also affect their productivity. This same conclusion can be applied to educational settings and cognitive function and productivity among students and staff.

Government organizations are taking note of the importance of indoor air quality, demonstrated by the recently announced Clean Air in Buildings Challenge from the Environmental Protection Agency. This is a call to action to reduce risks from airborne viruses and other contaminants indoors to support the wellness of people within the building, such as students attending school.

Educational leaders are taking a proactive approach by researching and implementing tools and processes for maintaining air quality in schools across the country. This includes optimizing fresh air ventilation when possible as well as investing in air filtration systems. Committees including teachers, administrators, parents and even students are gathering to determine their own clean air action plans.

To help ensure the air in your community schools is high quality so it supports student health and success, consider these steps:

Maintain exhaust systems: Regularly inspect exhaust ventilation systems for proper function and perform required maintenance. Do not block vents and strive to keep several feet of space open around them to facilitate air flow. Moisture can be problematic by causing mold and mildew growth, so report and resolve leaks and spills as soon as possible.

Invest in air purification: Consider Aura Air, a powerful smart air purification system that cleanses and disinfects indoor air through a unique 4-stage purification process while monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality in real-time. The system detects, captures and kills 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, germs and allergens while also eliminating harmful gases, odors and fine particles. In recent independent and clinical trials, it was found to kill 99.99% of COVID-19 particles within 60 minutes. Multiple units can also be managed and controlled through a single dashboard with Aura’s enterprise platform.

Utilize natural ventilation: If possible, open windows when weather allows and when outdoor conditions are safe to add fresh air to classrooms when students are present. If air is humid, however, avoid opening windows to limit moisture levels that can cause mold growth and rely on air conditioning and ventilation systems to circulate and filter air.

Clean for air quality: Classroom cleaning steps should support air quality. For example, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Wipe down surfaces and learning aids with a damp cloth so particles are captured rather than spread into the air. Clean properly after projects, especially those that include moisture or fine particles. Finally, avoid air fresheners and deodorizing products that may smell good, but reduce air quality.

To learn more about indoor air quality in schools and beyond as well as solutions for cleaner air, visit AuraAir.io.

2022-03-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Consumers have more options for digital media entertainment than ever before, but what kind of content are they looking for, how are they finding it and how are they interacting with it? Each year, Deloitte – a global professional services organization – surveys consumers to answer these questions.

In its latest report, titled “2022 Digital Media Trends, 16th edition: Toward the metaverse,” Deloitte surveyed consumers globally and found there is a growing preference for more personalized, interactive, and social experiences, especially among younger generations. Below are five key findings that underscore this trend.

1. Consumers are tired of chasing content

Despite the sizable content budgets of streaming video on demand (SVOD) services, consumers are growing more frustrated with SVOD content discovery and subscription fees. SVOD services often require consumers to juggle multiple subscriptions at increasing costs. But on social media platforms, content discovers the user, offering free passive and interactive experiences with near-infinite streams of personalized content that are continuously refined.

2. SVOD services struggle to attract and retain subscribers

SVOD providers face greater pressure to attract and retain subscribers who have become savvier about chasing content and managing their subscription costs. The average churn rate (the rate at which consumers have cancelled, or both added and cancelled, a service during the past six months) in the United States remains consistent at 37% across all paid SVOD services. In the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and Japan, the average overall churn rate is closer to 30%. In an effort to compete, consumers may find media companies diversifying their approach, offering ad-supported tiers and bundles, or pairing premium content with more immersive experiences.

3. Growing popularity of user-generated content

Short-form and user-generated social video feeds are incredibly engaging. Nearly half (46%) of U.S. consumers say they watch more user-generated content online than they did six months ago. Fifty percent (50%) also say they always end up spending more time watching user-generated content online than they had initially planned. This figure jumps to 70% among the youngest generation, Gen Z. About four in 10 (41%) U.S. consumers surveyed spend more time watching user-generated video content online than TV shows and movies on video streaming services, a sentiment that increases to about 60% among the younger generations (Millennials and Gen Zs).

4. Social media usage continues to rise across generations

In the U.S., 81% of social media users use social media services daily, and 59% use these services several times a day. Across all five countries surveyed, Gen Zs, Millennials, and Gen Xers are consistently more likely to say they use these services. Also, 70% of U.S. respondents say they follow an influencer online, and more than half of U.S. Gen Zs and Millennials surveyed say online personalities influence their buying decisions.

Social media platforms are also affecting consumer spending habits. About 53% of U.S. respondents and around 40% in the U.K., Germany, and Japan say they see ads on social media for products or services they were searching for, a figure that jumps to 72% in Brazil.

5. Younger consumers prioritize interactive experiences

Younger generations who have grown up with smartphones, social media, and video games prefer entertainment experiences that are more social and interactive. User-generated social media streams and social video games may meet their needs better than streaming video.

According to the report, Gen Z respondents prefer playing video games as their favorite entertainment activity in all five countries. In the U.S., Gen Z and Millennial gamers play the most, logging an average of 11 and 13 hours per week, respectively.

Looking to the future

As streaming video audiences juggle more subscriptions and higher costs to chase entertainment, social media is free and available anywhere, anytime.

Deloitte’s report suggests that to prepare for the next generation of digital entertainment, streaming video companies should think hard about how people socialize around entertainment. Will younger generations and the generations to follow them dismiss entertainment that isn’t social or interactive in some way? Or will the passive and somewhat isolated experience of streaming video always offer a meaningful form of entertainment? Only time will tell.

To learn more about the 2022 Digital Media Trends, 16th edition: Toward the metaverse survey, visit Digital Media Trends for the full report.

2022-03-30T13:23:00

(BPT) –

Regardless of whether you’re excited or apprehensive about returning to the office, it’s natural to feel anxious about how “opening up” will impact the routine you’ve settled into over the past couple of years. For some, this is a welcomed change, providing familiar ways to socialize and collaborate. For others, this may feel like an end of an era of unprecedented flexibility and the work-from-home life. A recent study by Expedia.com found that over half of Americans were able to travel more due to flexible work policies and more than one in 10 took a workcation last year. However, the same study revealed that a whopping 72% felt more burned out in 2021 due to the stress of the pandemic and more than half (54%) of working adults felt working from home has made it more difficult to be unplugged from work when off the clock.

The key to combating stress may lie in balance. An overwhelming majority (92%) of working adults in the U.S. agree that regular vacations are important for general health and well-being. Furthermore, over 90% believe regular vacations not only help create new memories with loved ones but strengthen relationships with family. It’s clear everyone understands the value of taking meaningful time away from work, but to get the most out of your time off it’s critical to establish clear boundaries between work and play.

As things go back to “business as usual,” here are a few tips to keep burnout at bay:

1. Keep your cell phone number to yourself. 63% of Americans admitted they include their mobile numbers in their OOO replies. While it’s understandable many feel the need to be readily available to others, this can invite interruptions. Instead, provide “office hours” and when you’ll next be available.

2. Shelve the side-hustle. Nearly half of Americans feel guilty when they aren’t “productive” while on vacation, leading them to use this time on a side-hustle. Remember to give yourself time to rest, relax and recharge. Set (and stick to) a schedule with clear end and start times if you plan to spend some of your PTO on work outside of work.

3. Leave the laptop at your desk. 78% of people enjoy feeling unproductive during their time off, however, half still bring their work laptops on vacation and 41% join zoom calls. Instead of lugging your heavy laptop with you, leave it at your desk where it belongs and limit the temptation to work.

4. Have something to look forward to. People are booking their travel earlier than ever and, beyond the travel FOMO the pandemic created, they may be onto something. Countless experts say having something to look forward to — like a summer getaway, time catching up with loved ones, a weekend to lay by a fancy hotel pool with electronics tucked away — can improve mood and motivation.

5. No excuses needed. 52% of Americans feel guilty asking coworkers to cover their work while on PTO, and 44% feel the need to apologize or make excuses for taking time off. However, most also agree their coworkers are supportive of them using their vacation time. Shed the guilt and enjoy your well-deserved time.

6. Go BIG. 2022 is the year of “no regrets,” the year to take the greatest of all trips (or GOAT). After more than two years of restricting not only when and where we go on vacation but also who we go on vacation with, it’s no wonder the experts at Expedia are predicting people will be going all out this year. Splurge and indulge — whether that means upgrading your hotel room during a staycation or planning a weekend away from the kids to zipline through Costa Rica.

7. Permission to PTO. Believe it or not, Americans take the least amount of vacations compared to the rest of the world. Whether you’ve “clocked out” for the day or requested a week off to travel, make the most of your time by giving yourself permission to PTO.

Want more tips on giving yourself permission to PTO? Check out the Expedia Explore blog for inspiration and unforgettable travel ideas.

With COVID-19, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest travel guidance and restrictions. Find out what to expect, how to find flexible travel and other information on our COVID-19 travel guide.

Data from Expedia’s Vacation Deprivation study, conducted online among 14,544 respondents across 16 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Commissioned from December 14 – December 30, 2021, on behalf of Expedia by Northstar Research Partners, responses were gathered using an amalgamated group of best-in-class panels.

2022-03-30T08:19:00

(BPT) – Doing your taxes is not on anyone’s list of favorite activities, but the good news is, there are things you can do to prepare for tax day that can help make the process a little more efficient. Whether you’re getting ready to do your own personal taxes or helping a family member to do theirs, here are some tips and tools you can use to help make preparing them go more smoothly.

1. Get comfortable

Nothing’s worse than doing a potentially stressful activity when you’re physically uncomfortable. Whether you’re using a home office or the kitchen table, make sure to clear your work area of anything that’s not tax related before getting started. Whatever space you’re using, make sure the height of your chair is appropriate for working over an extended period of time. Use pillows or cushions if needed to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

2. Get your docs in a row

By now you probably know what kinds of documents you’ll need, including, but not limited to, W-2s and 1099s for employment, plus any papers related to things like homeownership, medical expenses, your kids’ college tuition or charitable donations, etc. Gather everything you think you’ll need, then organize all your papers so you won’t have to go sifting through the entire pile at every stage of tax preparation. Use stackable open trays or a vertical slat desktop paper organizer to assemble your paper documents by category, either alphabetically or in an order that makes sense to you — and label each tray or slot so you’ll know where to find everything throughout the process. Make sure to retain your records after tax season, either physically or electronically.

3. Use tools you know how to use

This may not be the best time to break out a new PC or laptop or to borrow someone else’s to help you in connection with preparing your taxes — unless your old one is broken. Using a computer that you’re already familiar with can help reduce your stress levels. Likewise, use the kind of calculator that’s easiest for you, whether it’s on your phone, your computer or an old-school stand-alone calculator.

4. Get help if you need it

If you run into roadblocks while you’re preparing, you can refer to your returns from previous years to help simplify things — a lot of the data may be the same. The IRS offers free online resources to help qualified individuals prepare their tax returns. The agency also has videos on YouTube to help taxpayers. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and call an accountant when needed. Make sure to also be informed of any deadlines and work toward those.

5. Scan and store your documents digitally

One tool to help you organize your documents is a good scanner, like Canon’s imageFORMULA R10 Personal Document Scanner. It’s easy to set up and connects to your compatible PC or Mac with a supplied USB cable. This smaller-sized scanner makes it easy to take with you from place to place so you can prepare your taxes wherever you want. But don’t let its size fool you — the imageFORMULA R10 scanner produces high-quality images, and can scan letter-sized paper, receipts, business cards, plastic cards and legal-sized documents.

If you’re doing someone else’s taxes (or they’re doing yours), you can easily scan paper documents into electronic files so that you can email them rather than having to carry papers back and forth, helping to put yourself at less risk for damage or loss of physical copies of documents. You can also use the scanner to scan documents so that you can save them to your PC, so that you can archive the statements and forms that go into putting your return together digitally, rather than saving paper files. That way you can store your documents electronically where you can find it if the need arises. Plus you’ll have a new lightweight travel companion that can help you keep organized even after the stress of tax season is over!

Visit usa.canon.com to learn more about the imageFORMULA R10 Personal Document Scanner.

2022-03-30T13:01:00

(BPT) – Temperatures are warming up and flowers are blooming, which means it’s time to make a spring-cleaning plan. After a long winter, it can feel good to do a deep clean of your home, clear away the mustiness of the previous year and welcome the change of the season.

With viruses like the flu and COVID-19 still circulating, make sure cleaning and disinfecting your home is at the top of your spring-cleaning to-do’s so you can keep you and your family healthy.

If you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of a deep clean, physician’s assistant and dad Tony Adkins, known on TikTok as the “Dancing Doctor,” has five, easy tips and tricks to help you keep your home safe from illness-causing germs while making it sparkle. By breaking down the process into steps, the whole family will have fun getting involved.

1. Time for spring cleaning

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a time-consuming endeavor. Decluttering starts one room at a time. Do it section by section to make it more manageable. Start by tossing out the trash and putting important things back where they belong. It’s important to clean and disinfect those areas as you make progress. When you’re done, you’ll have a tidy room, and you can move on to the next space on your cleaning list.

2. Spruce up the family room

The family room is where you make memories with your loved ones! Wipe down all surfaces, lifting any picture frames or coffee table books to clear dust from every corner. If you still have winter shoes or jackets lying around, collect those and put them back into storage.

3. Make your home (and health) glisten

Routinely clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, handles, toilets, tables, kitchen counters, remotes and cell phones.* You can do this by using Clorox Disinfecting Wipes that kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria like COVID-19 and the flu. No one wants a cold right when the weather is getting nice! It also prevents odor-causing bacteria growth for up to 24 hours, when used as directed.

4. Get the kids involved

Once you finish the heavy lifting and deep disinfecting, have the kids choose spring flowers to make a bouquet and display it where the whole family can admire their handiwork. Bonus challenge: When the flowers are past their prime, press the prettiest in a book and use the dried petals for art projects with the kids.

5. Have a dance break

Take care of your health by staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet and remembering to have fun! Whether that’s dancing in the kitchen or living room, eating meals together on the patio or other outdoor areas or playing some board games, don’t forget to do what makes you happy. You’ve done the work, now enjoy your clean spaces and relax.

To learn more how to keep your home healthy and prevent the spread of germs that cause illness, visit clorox.com.

*For electronics, refer to manufacturer’s guide for cleaning instructions.

2022-03-30T14:45:03

(BPT) – As homeowners continue to spend more time living, entertaining and working at home, many are finally finding the time and means to get moving on long-awaited updates around the house. In fact, more than half (56%) of homeowners plan to renovate their home this year, according to a recent study by Houzz. Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh — but rest assured a major renovation is not required to give your home a renewed look and feel. Rather, completing just a few small projects can have a major impact on a home’s overall aesthetic.

Here are four trending, and easy to complete, DIY projects to tackle around the house this spring:

Bring a touch of nature in with a fresh coat of paint

Giving your space a new look with a fresh coat of paint is an easy and affordable way to transform any room in your home. Nature-inspired colors such as lush greens, clarifying blues and earthy neutrals like taupes, beiges and warm whites are continuing to rise in popularity for the serene and centered feeling they bring to a space. When tackling a paint project, be sure to choose a high-performance sealant like Alex^® Ultra, which is paint-ready in just 15 minutes and designed to shrink less than any latex sealant on the market for a more durable, long-lasting seal that won’t crack or lose adhesion after painting. This sealant is ideal for providing professional results, regardless of who’s applying it.

Replace hardware on cabinets, drawers and more

If you have builder-grade hardware throughout your home, you’d be surprised by the impact simply switching in new pieces can have on the overall look of a room. Cabinet knobs and drawer pulls come in dozens of styles and colors, so no matter what style or function you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find something that will bring an inexpensive but fresh look to your space. Plus, the only tool you need for this job is a screwdriver. New hardware on kitchen cabinets isn’t the only place where a swap can go a long way to update the look of your home. Consider updating throughout bathrooms, old doorknobs and even electrical faceplates.

Install long & linear backsplash tiles

Subway tiles have been popular for ages, but homeowners are now putting a modern twist on the classic look by using larger 4-by-12-inch tiles. While these long, linear tiles are a current trend, they create a timeless look and feel, making it the perfect home upgrade to keep your kitchen on-trend for years to come. No matter what backsplash tile you choose, it’s important to pair it with a great sealant to make a complete and finished look. DAP’s AMP Kitchen, Bath & Plumbing Sealant is an innovative hybrid technology, providing maximum product performance for kitchen and bath projects. It provides a 100% waterproof seal, is specifically formulated to prevent mold and mildew growth with a lifetime guarantee and is available in white and crystal clear.

Swap outdated light fixtures

Replacing outdated overhead lights, wall sconces and lamps with on-trend styles is a fast and effortless way to elevate your kitchen or entryway. New and bright lighting — especially if you’re switching out from builder-grade lights — can make a huge difference, not just from a design perspective but from a lighting perspective as well. Many homeowners and designers are choosing lantern-style framed pendant lights because they make a statement without obstructing views and sightlines. Plus, lantern-style light fixtures are a rare trend that works for nearly every home design style. From modern farmhouse to boho chic, lantern pendant lights feature a classic silhouette that blends seamlessly in any space. Natural and organic textures such as rattan, linen and wood are other extremely popular styles for light fixtures this year.

For more tips to help tackle your home improvement projects, visit DAP.com.