Month: March 2022

2022-03-01T10:01:00

(BPT) – What better gift is there than getting a fresh new phone, tablet or laptop? Upgrading your hardware can be a very exciting time — there are so many things to enjoy about new technology: Sharper cameras, more memory, faster browsing and clearer screens are just the start, and you probably won’t think twice about getting a resilient new case to protect it all. But it’s important to ensure that your new device stays protected inside and out. It doesn’t take long for unprotected new devices to attract malware or start leaking data. What’s more, as cyberthreats evolve by the minute, protecting your device is a journey that requires ongoing vigilance. So, here’s what you need to know to keep your device as safe on the inside as the day you unboxed it:

1) Install all the updates, straight away: Installing software updates is one of the most important things you can do to stay cybersecure, and downloading software patches is the first thing you should do on a brand-new device. Be sure to check for and install available updates immediately, and set up automatic updates moving forward. And next time an app offers you an update, click “yes” instead of “no,” “cancel” or “remind me later.”

2) Get smart about passwords: Strong passwords keep your data safe, so don’t let yourself choose feeble passwords in 2022, and don’t reuse or share them. Remember, the first rule of passwords is you do not talk about passwords. Focus on creating the longest passwords you can and save yourself the bother of having to remember them by using a password manager. As well as remembering your passwords for you, a password manager will ensure they are hard to guess and stored securely.

3) Two (factors) are better than one: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your new device to ensure only you can unlock it. 2FA means you will be required to verify your identity using two authentication factors, such as a password or PIN in combination with fingerprint or face recognition. This keeps your data safe even if somebody steals your device and guesses your password.

4) Be alert for scams: Scams come in all shapes and sizes, but no matter how they’re dressed up, they always want something valuable, urgently. Be on the lookout for calls, texts, emails or other scams that ask you to click on links or hand over personal information, even if they look like they’ve come from somebody you know.

5) Use protection: Install an anti-malware program on your phone or computer so that you are protected from malware, malicious websites, unwanted tracking, unwanted apps that slow down your device and other threats. Malwarebytes has a popular free tool to scan and remove any malware lurking on your device, as well as proactive protection to keep you continuously safe online. Finally, consider using a VPN to keep your personal information private when you are online.

Keep these tips in mind to ensure that you don’t get into trouble on your new devices in 2022. Whether Apple or Android, Mac or PC, no device is immune to malware. Be sure to apply online protection best practices no matter what device, network or operating system you use for a safe and secure 2022.

2022-03-01T08:01:01

(BPT) – When it comes to shopping for and dressing babies, many parents end up shopping for styles that match the trends hanging in their own closets.

As parents look to update their baby’s wardrobes, they don’t need to look any further than Carter’s new Stylists’ Picks. These picks are a new way to style little ones in trend-driven looks for the season. From bright floral prints, earth-toned gender neutral styles, fresh fruit motifs and more, Stylists’ Picks brings inspiration straight from the design studio to shopping carts, just in time for spring.

Check out a few of these highlights as you update baby’s wardrobe this spring:

Earthy Inspo

This spring, it’s all about the neutrals. In fact, a new study of parents and expectant parents from Carter’s found that neutrals are in favor when it comes to trends, with nearly 50% of parents interested in neutral color palettes. Carter’s design team created styles that blend with earth’s natural beauty, in everything from tie-dye to florals and more.

2-Piece Tie-Dye Sweater & Short Set 2-Piece Tee & Camo Shortalls 3-Piece Floral Outfit Set

Fresh Fruits

Fruits are a trend the design team has been following for a few seasons. This spring, last year’s trending stone fruit will be replaced with oranges, lemons and more that are all bright, ripe and ready to pick.

Fruit Cotton Dress 3-Piece Fruit Little Short Set Strawberry Cotton Romper

Bright Blossoms

Stylists’ Picks also offers a variety of pieces that blossom with fresh flowers and prints, perfect for budding little trendsetters. These pieces are sure to brighten up little ones’ wardrobes for the spring season.

2-Pack Romper & Dress Set Embroidered Jumpsuit 3-Piece Floral Outfit Set

Additional Stylists’ Picks

Shades of blue and green are always in season, so this spring the Carter’s design team incorporated these colorways into best-selling prints and patterns that are perfect for both boys and girls.

2-Piece Floral Sweater & Short Set Chambray Overall 3-Piece Dress-Me-Up Set

The Stylists’ Picks options don’t end here – visit Carters.com to learn more and shop the collection.

2022-02-28T18:17:01

(BPT) – Warm sand between your toes, a cool drink in your hand, the sun setting over the beautiful ocean … these are the dreams of an ideal spring break. It’s time to take that much-needed tropical vacation where bare feet, hammocks under palm trees and swim-up bars are just what you need to make new memories.

With an all-inclusive getaway, planning is minimal so you can focus on enjoying what matters most — your vacation. The best resorts have something for everyone: mom relaxing at the spa, dad having a cocktail poolside, kids playing all day and adventurous friends seeking beachfront activities and entertainment.

And while today’s all-inclusive resorts deliver elevated experiences and offerings for every age and interest, not all are alike. For example, some all-inclusive resorts offer enhanced food and beverage options such as ceviche and handmade empanadas alfresco served in a seaside lounge, while others may offer mojito and tequila lounges or unforgettable views with customized drinks prepared by expert mixologists. But not all resorts offer this level of service. Before you book your all-inclusive spring break, make sure your resort has the following five items:

1. Look for a variety of cuisine, and then some
A vacation means a break from cooking and meal planning, so when looking to book an all-inclusive resort, make sure they offer multiple onsite restaurants to remove the hassle of deciding where to eat with your group, while giving a chance to try various cuisines. Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, offers numerous restaurants and dining experiences. For example, you can savor the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine at Maxal, while Auma, the experiential restaurant, prepares meals with theater in full view of fire and flame.

2. Find all the fun in the sun
Second to plentiful food and drink at hand, the best thing about an all-inclusive resort is all the activities included in your stay. Be sure to find a resort that offers everything you want.

Most Mexican and Caribbean resorts have pools and beaches. But if you need adventure, seek resorts that also include water sports equipment for snorkeling and kayaking. The fun should continue when the sun goes down. Look for resorts offering live music, dazzling shows and dancing.

3. Privacy by the sea
Hilton’s All-Inclusive Resorts offer a range of breathtaking beachfront resorts in coveted locales for families with kids of all ages, and couples. If your spring break vacation is a romantic getaway, you’ll want seclusion and serenity. All-inclusive hotels often cater to couples’ needs by offering privacy options including adult pools, private swim-out suites and jetted tubs, plus romantic restaurants, world-class spas and casinos. Or, choose an all-inclusive resort with a kids’ club, which offers supervised and fun programs for children while giving mom and dad some space to hit the links or enjoy a quiet meal.

4. Education destination via culture
The best all-inclusive resorts integrate local culture into food and beverages, activities and hotel design. According to a recent travel trends report travelers are “looking for unique experiences to immerse themselves in, seeking meaningful ways to connect with the different cultures and destinations whilst discovering something new.” Learning about and enjoying new cultures stimulates the mind and satisfies the curious soul, without leaving the resort. Great all-inclusive resorts integrate the local culture with engaging programs, classes and experiences that will enhance your vacation, such as salsa and merengue lessons, tequila tastings and local crafts.

5. Above and beyond hospitality
You want a place that spoils you yet feels like home. The right all-inclusive resort will have more than beachfront accommodations. Seek world-class spas, personalized concierge, friendly team members and high-end offerings. While looking to experience new places and cultures, you also want the trust and reliability that comes from a well-respected company. The best brands offer loyalty programs with earned points to help book that special vacation.

Once you have selected your resort, book, pay and go. All you need to do is have fun. The all-inclusive resort handles the rest.

2022-02-28T19:09:00

(BPT) – Sweet cherries may conjure images of hot summer days, so who knew that they could be a year-round staple for good health? These sweet snacks provide just the wintertime boost needed to stay on track with any fitness and nutrition New Year’s resolutions.

Winter can pose a challenge to eating right and staying in shape. Certainly, nothing beats the flavor of fresh sweet cherries, but with some preparation and creativity, their goodness can be enjoyed all year long. Those who stocked up on sweet Northwest cherries during their short harvest window and planned ahead to freeze, can or dry them now have a bounty of flavor and nutrients to fuel some of the most grueling months of the year (and for those who didn’t, a trip to the freezer or dried food aisles at the supermarket may work just as well!).

“Maintaining a fitness routine can be challenging during the winter. For many of us, it’s dark and it’s cold, yet despite all the reasons we may want to shake off our routines, paying attention to our health and focusing on nutrition now will set us up for better health year-round,” says Kelly Pritchett, PhD, RD, CSSD, Associate Professor of Nutrition and Exercise Science at Central Washington University.

“As a Pacific Northwest resident and winter sports enthusiast, one of my favorite wintertime health hacks is incorporating sweet cherries into my diet,” continues Pritchett. “Cherries often get overlooked when the warmer months fade, and yet they’re a tremendously versatile fruit and are easy to weave into everything from oatmeal to smoothies. Sweet cherries also offer an abundance of health benefits and can be a great natural health aid for winter sports.”

Sweet cherries are a natural and tasty source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium and melatonin. They also contain anthocyanins — the pigment that gives dark sweet cherries their deep and delicious color — which are linked to anti-inflammatory effects. According to Pritchett, anyone with a training regimen can realize at least three distinct benefits from adding cherries to their daily fruit intake.

A few of Pritchett’s winter training regime tips include:

1. Decrease your muscle soreness: Several studies involving athletes suggest that cherry consumption can reduce muscle soreness and also help return loss of strength. By incorporating fresh, frozen or dried cherries into their diets, fitness fanatics may recover more quickly for the next workout.
2. Improve your quality of sleep: Everyone needs a good night’s rest, and the melatonin in sweet cherries can promote sleep quality. Sleep is critical to everything from restoring energy to boosting immunity to enhancing metabolism. A serving of sweet cherries about an hour before bedtime can help stabilize and regulate sleep patterns.
3. Boost your post-workout recovery: A body that goes through a strenuous exercise routine needs to recover, and dried sweet cherries are an ideal post-workout snack. They provide healthy carbohydrates and help replace glycogen, which gets the body ready for its next go-around.

For those pursuing health and fitness goals, incorporating sweet Northwest cherries into the daily routine is one of the best ways to show some love and stay on track. More information about the health benefits of sweet cherries and the studies that support them is available at sweetcherryhealth.org.