Month: March 2022

2022-03-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – Americans are discovering a long-held European secret: A delicious meal with friends and family is even better when you linger over after-dinner drinks. Whether you’re enjoying restaurant dining or entertaining at home, savoring a drink following a good meal creates a memorable occasion.

Classic after-dinner drinks combine higher alcohol content and concentrated flavor designed to be sipped slowly, allowing guests time to relax and converse at the end of an evening. These drinks are believed to ease the full feeling after a large meal, and sometimes accompany a final course of cheese, fruit or dessert.

Here are some options to try at your next get-together or night out.

1. Single malt scotch

This classic spirit is made for slow sipping. It’s most often served neat, though some add a little water. One example, Deanston Virgin Oak, has a delightful sweetness evoking memories of candied fruits and vanilla toffee balanced with heather honey. This beautiful single malt is first matured in ex-bourbon casks, from a family-run cooperage in Kentucky, giving it a wonderful zesty character. It is then finished in new oak barrels, which gives subtle spiced aromas. This whisky pairs well with apple pie, mixed nuts or aged cheddar.

2. Sherry

Authentic Spanish sherry must be produced in a specific region termed the “sherry triangle.” Sherry is wine fortified with distilled spirit and aged in wooden casks, and can range from very dry to sweet. The dry varieties are briny and savory, while sweeter styles like cream sherry taste of dried fruit, spices and even chocolate, making them ideal for a dessert course.

3. Aged rum

The sweet, tropical origins of rum make it a great complement to fruity treats like grilled pineapple (a perfect finale for your summer barbecue) or aged Gouda. Try one of these:

• Don Pancho Reserva 18 Year Old Rum is distilled in Panama from 100% sugarcane molasses, then aged in barrels for 18 years to create a nuanced, very smooth rum with notes of dried fruit, bourbon and overripe plums.
• Angostura 1919 is a colorful rum with vibrant spices from Trinidad and Tobago. The highest quality molasses and fermentation with traditional 1947 yeast gives this rum hints of roasted nut and creamy vanilla.

4. Brandy/Cognac

A timeless classic, brandy doesn’t rely on herbs and spices to impart flavor, but retains the essence of fruits used in its distillation (grapes, apples or cherries). Barrel-aging helps some brandies develop oak or spice notes. Cognac is one type of brandy originating from the Cognac region of Southwest France. Brandy pairs well with coffee, and both brandy and Cognac complement strong cheeses.

5. Coffee cocktails

While the popular espresso martini may first come to mind, many coffee cocktails provide a delightful end to a wonderful meal. Start with a flavored liqueur like Amarula Ethiopian Coffee Creme Liquor which combines the original taste of Marula fruit with full-bodied, fragrant mocha-chocolate undertones of Arabica beans from Ethiopia. You can enjoy it in cocktails, just over ice or neat. Like a good coffee, it pairs well with biscotti. For an Amarula coffee cocktail, try your hand at the following recipe.

Amarula Coffee Cocktail

Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces Amarula creme liqueur
1 1/2 ounces black coffee
3/4 ounce Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
Chocolate powder to garnish

Method
Brew coffee and allow to cool. Fill glass with ice.
Shake all ingredients over ice.
Put a tumbler of the cocktail in the fridge to chill overnight.
Put 30 grams of chocolate in shallow bowl and melt in microwave in short bursts. Dip rims of chilled glasses in melted chocolate. Strain cocktail to glasses. Return to the fridge until you’re ready to serve in chocolate-rimmed glasses.

6. Classic Italian digestifs

Designed as the perfect after-dinner sipping drink, digestifs are believed to help aid digestion. Here are a couple to try:

• Grappa is made from “pomace” — grape seeds, stems and skins remaining from the wine-making process, making it the ideal zero-waste spirit. Nonino Moscato Grappa uses pomace collected from Moscato grapes when still fresh and soft, resulting in a fresh, light and fruity spirit with hints of rose, sage and vanilla, so it’s great with fresh fruit.
• Nonino Quintessentia Amaro is a liqueur created from grape distillate, then aged in a special barrel called a barrique for 5 years. It is infused with herbs, with notes of spice and citrus peel. Its bitter qualities pair well with chocolate.

One of these after-dinner drinks will be just right to elevate, enhance and extend your festivities the next time you dine out or host a party of your own.

Visit Terlato.com to explore these and other options.

2022-03-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing in popularity as drivers consider the operating cost of owning an automobile as well as the environmental impact of their commutes. The number of electric vehicle models available has nearly doubled in the last few years and the market is getting charged up. The rising demand for electric vehicles has led to a larger inventory of new and used plug-ins in the auto market.

“EVs have high safety ratings and offer a quieter ride,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of auto claims at Mercury Insurance. “Add in low maintenance costs and the opportunity to reduce a vehicle owner’s carbon footprint, and it becomes very appealing to consumers who are looking to buy a new car.”

With more than 2 million electric cars on the road in the U.S., EV owners know that home charging is one of the most important aspects to owning an electric vehicle. Other than driving, cold weather zaps the batteries of energy quickly. Using the air conditioning or heater, as well as uphill drives, also reduce range. Knowing that there might be more frequent charges under these demands makes home charging more appealing.

According to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study, 84% of EV owners regularly charge their vehicle at home. It costs about half as much to charge an EV at home as it does to charge at a public station. Home chargers also offer the convenience of being programmed so they draw power during off-peak hours, saving EV owners money.

Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger allowing drivers to charge at their residence from a standard 120-volt household outlet. This method can take several hours, typically overnight, to get back most of the car’s range. For this reason, many EV owners purchase Level 2 charging stations to be installed in their home. Level 2 charging allows for a quicker charge using a 240-volt outlet.

EV owners looking to install a 240-volt power outlet or hardwired charging station to their home should speak with a trusted electrician who is trained, licensed and insured to install NEMA 14-50 outlets. These outlets are similar to what an electric dryer or oven is plugged into. Once installed, the charger would be considered part of the home and will need to be covered by supplemental insurance in the event of any type of loss.

“A standard homeowners’ policy excludes coverage related to motor vehicles and their equipment, accessories and parts,” said Bonnie Lee, vice president of property claims. “It’s important that EV owners who install a Level 2 charger protect their homes as well as their vehicles. We had a policyholder put 300 battery packs together to charge his car and it didn’t end well. The battery packs overheated and burned down the garage. Fortunately, his homeowners’ insurance claim was covered, but it’s best to have an electrician handle any EV charging station installations.”

EV owners can also charge their vehicles with portable chargers, but how owners obtained those chargers could make a difference on which type of insurance would be needed. If the portable charger came from the dealership with the vehicle, it would be covered by their auto collision or comprehensive insurance. However, if EV owners purchase a portable charger after buying their vehicle, they may need special equipment coverage.

“Those using portable chargers to charge their vehicles should consider carrying comprehensive auto insurance coverage,” said Quinn. “A standard homeowners’ insurance policy excludes coverage related to motor vehicles, which means losses to vehicle equipment, accessories and parts are not covered.”

While reports of fires happening while EVs are parked and charging are rare, owners should always be mindful when charging their vehicles. “Electric vehicles are still relatively new to the marketplace so automakers are still perfecting them,” said Lee. “EV owners need to do their due diligence and make sure they’re properly educated about their manufacturer’s recommendations for proper charging.”

2022-03-22T15:55:00

(BPT) – With Easter only a short hop away, the PEEPS^® Brand teamed up with Wakefield Research to survey* 1,000 Americans on their feelings and preferences towards its iconic Marshmallow Chicks & Bunnies!

*The PEEPS^® Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 nationally representative US adults ages 18+, between January 13th and January 21st, 2022, using an email invitation and an online survey. The data was weighted to ensure an accurate representation of adults ages 18+.

2022-03-22T10:31:01

(BPT) – Americans may be tired of hearing about COVID-19 but a slew of new healthcare regulations are significantly impacting how people are charged for healthcare services. On Jan. 1, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) kicked off the New Year by celebrating the consumer protections included in the 2020 No Surprises Act law. To wit: No more surprise medical bills! At least that’s the goal. Although the new law will be implemented through a series of regulations over the next several years, there are a number of aspects that benefit consumers right now. One company that has been leading the technology behind streamlining the process for providers and consumers with up-to-date physician practice management systems is NextGen Healthcare.

How do the new rules affect your pocketbook?

Everyone has either experienced a “surprise” medical bill that was much larger than expected or knows a family member or friend who has. The new law puts a stop to certain unexpected medical expenses by:

• Banning out-of-network bills for emergency care and requiring that cost sharing for these services (such as copays) always be based on in-network rates, even when care is received without prior authorization.
• Banning any out-of-network bills if a patient goes to an in-network hospital for a procedure (unless the patient waives this right through a formal informed consent process).
• Requiring providers and facilities to share with patients easy-to-understand notices that explain the applicable billing protections and who to contact if they have concerns that a provider or facility has violated the new surprise billing protections.

It’s important to note that these policies only apply to services delivered in facilities such as hospitals and emergency rooms. For physicians in private practice, the more important part of the rules relates to price transparency.

What about uninsured or self-pay patients?

Significantly, the new rules require all providers to offer uninsured or self-pay patients a “good faith cost estimate” for services (including ancillary items or services that are reasonably expected to be provided together with the primary item or service — think lab tests or anesthesia) delivered on or after Jan. 1, 2022.

Physicians will also be held accountable for the cost estimates: The actual charges for a patient’s visit may not exceed $400 from the quoted estimate. What happens if it does? A consumer now has the ability to legally dispute the final charges through a new federal dispute resolution arbitration process that physicians are now subject to.

What’s the takeaway?

A by-product of the COVID-19 pandemic and consumers’ increased reliance on telehealth, technology paired with the integration of provider/patient management tools offered by companies such as NextGen Healthcare, has been a new focus of healthcare. As part of the No Surprises Act, HHS must soon expand the “good faith cost estimate” to INSURED patients as well. That, along with the out-of-network billing provisions that affect all patients, usher in a new era in healthcare, in which the days of surprise medical bills and unplanned financial distress for thousands of consumers are coming to an end.

2022-03-22T11:55:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of having access to safe, reliable and affordable medications. This is especially critical for Americans with underlying medical conditions who struggle to afford medications. To offset rising drug costs, many Americans import pharmaceutical drugs from Canada and other international pharmacies.

According to the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) annual survey, savings on prescription medications are greater than ever — $3,744 a year on average. The CDC estimates that over 5 million Americans personally import medicines from abroad, where prescription drugs are 50-90% cheaper than in the U.S.

“I have been ordering necessary, affordable prescriptions from licensed Canadian pharmacies for over 10 years,” said Linda Bull. “If I hadn’t found this alternative, I couldn’t have afforded my prescriptions for COPD and hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal symptoms.”

Bull is just one of over 131 million Americans who take prescription medications and need immediate and long-term cost-saving solutions.

The CPPI survey uncovered several surprising facts about American personal drug importation. Below are five key findings from the report.

1. Price drives drug importation

In January 2022, U.S. prices increased on over 800 medications, causing unreliable access to affordable prescription drugs for millions of Americans. Nearly one in three Americans say they’ve skipped medical treatment due to costs in the previous three months. Missed medication is a leading cause of rising medical expenses, medical complications and even death.

2. Savings

On average, Americans save 73% by personally importing pharmaceutical drugs from certified online Canadian pharmacies. Personal drug importation resulted in about $3,744 in savings in 2021, an average savings cost of $312 per month compared to U.S. pharmaceutical costs.

3. Drug importation on the rise

Because of access to lower-priced medication, personal drug importation is on the rise. In 2019, 8% of Americans reported ordering prescription drugs from online Canadian pharmacies, which increased to 17% by 2021.

This trend is likely to continue increasing as more and more people experience reliable, affordable access to life-saving medications. Of those surveyed, 98% of respondents would recommend importation to their friends and family members.

4. Cost of prescription drugs affects voting habits

Prescription drug costs aren’t just a personal finance and medical issue. The rising cost of medication in the U.S. is affecting how Americans vote. Over 96% of CPPI survey respondents say that addressing the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. is important to the way they vote. Also, 84% say it is very or extremely important to their voting behavior.

5. Finding a reputable online pharmacy

Finding a reputable, licensed international pharmacy is not as difficult as you may think. About 60% of surveyed Americans who import their prescriptions reported that a trusted medical professional, friend or family member referred them to a reputable pharmacy.

The future of personal drug importation

Unfortunately, new legislation may make it impossible for many to afford their medications. The Domain Reform for Unlawful Drug Sellers Act (DRUGS Act) would prevent Americans from personally importing pharmaceutical drugs from licensed international pharmacies.

“U.S. drug prices continue to grow further out of reach for millions of struggling patients,” said Jack Pfeiffer, executive director of CPPI. “This is no time for Congress to rob Americans of their critical daily medications.”

To learn more about how the DRUGS Act may impact you, visit PersonalImportation.org. There, you can also find certified websites for prescription drugs from licensed Canadian pharmacies.

2022-03-22T02:01:01

(BPT) – Did you know that 83% of Americans are very attracted to someone who cleans their own home? A new study revealed this fun fact and other important insights into how and why people clean. The survey, conducted by Regina Corso Consulting for Casabella, queried three groups of people — parents, homeowners and newlyweds — to uncover attitudes people have toward housecleaning.

What motivates people to clean?

It turns out that there are many reasons people get out the vacuum cleaner and dust rag. Here are the highlights:

• Spring is in the air. Spring cleaning is a strong motivator, with 60% citing the season for deep housecleaning. For almost 3 in 5, that means cleaning out closets, getting rid of unwanted things and decluttering, while over half also say it’s about making sure that every room in the house has a good clean.
• Getting hitched. A trip to the altar changes housecleaning behavior. Over half of the surveyed newlyweds say that they’re cleaning their home more since wedding day.
• Keeping up with the kids. Parents report spending the most time cleaning, prioritizing having a clean home. As many as 4 in 5 (79%) say that they clean house more often since having kids.
• Keeping up with the Joneses. While 1 in 3 say they don’t fear anyone’s criticism, some are motivated by concern about the judgment of others. In the survey, 31% report fearing their spouse’s/significant other’s judgment most, while 18% worry most about what Mom thinks.
• Cheaper than therapy. Surprisingly, over 71% said they found cleaning to be therapeutic. In addition, almost half said they’re inspired to clean simply by their own drive to keep things neat, while 39% say they just don’t like clutter and one-third adding they want to make things neat for their family.

Is there a “right way” to clean?

Apparently, yes:

• 3 in 5 (61%) say there’s a right and wrong way to mop/sweep floors
• Over half (58%) say there’s a correct way to clean rooms
• 53% say there’s a proper way to vacuum
• 52% say there’s a right and wrong way to dust

This could explain why 7 in 10 Americans say they can’t have someone else clean their houses, insisting on doing it themselves.

While “how to clean” leaves much up for discussion, there is one notion that many Americans will be able to agree on: it’s especially beneficial when cleaning products can be used across all rooms, on all types of surfaces. With Casabella Infuse, you can deep clean a variety of floor surfaces, including porcelain and ceramic tile, as well as vinyl, linoleum, laminate and sealed hardwood.

What room is most important?

Almost all Americans (95%) name the kitchen as the most important room to keep clean. And apparently kitchen floors are a crucial part of that goal: One-fourth (26%) say they mop and/or sweep the kitchen floor every few days, with 1 in 5 (21%) doing so once a week and 4% cleaning the floor more than once a week.

For many, however, that’s not nearly enough kitchen floor cleaning:

• 20% do so throughout the day
• 13% sweep/mop the kitchen floor at the end of the day
• 11% clean the floor right after cooking

People are seeking a cleaner clean.

When it comes to the types of tools that people prefer to use when cleaning their homes, non-toxic products top the list. Three in four people (74%) say it’s important to use a non-toxic option, with 40% preferring to use all or mostly non-toxic cleaners.

In addition, almost three-quarters (73%) say, if possible, they prefer to use one complete system that does it all rather than utilize multiple cleaning tools. Luckily, the Casabella Infuse cleaning system offers the ultimate solution: not only is Infuse’s SaferShine™ cleaning formula non-toxic when used as directed, free from phthalates, parabens, BPA and carcinogens, and certified cruelty free by Leaping Bunny, but the all-in-one system also incorporates the best elements of mops, dusting pads and wipes for an evolved, comprehensive cleaning method.

The unique design of the Casabella Infuse Spray Mop also reduces waste by eliminating the need to buy gallons of cleaning solutions in bulky plastic containers, making it a more sustainable option. Because it doesn’t ship water, you transform tap water into the powerful SaferShine™ cleaning formula by using the cartridge concentrate. Casabella Infuse’s microfiber mop pads are also machine washable (at least 100 times), and the spray mop does not need batteries.

Infuse’s reusable spray bottle is designed to deliver over 40,000 sprays — eliminating the need for wasteful single-use bottles. Simply refill, reload and reuse, on any type of floor. An all-inclusive cleaning system, Casabella Infuse cleaning concentrates and spray bottles can be used to clean bathrooms, windows and more.

A clean home is a happy home.

But how clean do people want their homes to be? Nearly half of Americans (49%) say their home needs to be very clean, but they acknowledge that clutter is a part of living. If you are looking for a simple solution for keeping your home even tidier, Evercare Lint Rollers are a tried-and-true method. Featuring an extremely sticky adhesive and an easy-tear design, it’s a must-have for your cleaning kit — whether you’re engaging in a light sprucing up around the house or an in-depth clean. Harder-to-reach sofa crumbs and unsightly window dust will be no match for your lint roller, while your Infuse cleaning system will take care of the rest.

Join the majority of Americans diving into deep cleaning this season. Order your Casabella Infuse Spray Mop kit to get started.

2022-03-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – The number of baby boomers, a demographic with 52 million people who are 65 and older, is projected to double by 2060. Many from this group will want to stay in their homes. In fact, a recent AARP study from November 2021 finds that 77% of older adults want to remain in their homes for the long term. That’s where caregivers come in. They can help seniors gain independence, not lose it. This article busts some myths about caregivers that may be keeping some people from a rewarding profession.

Myth #1: You need a medical background to be a caregiver.

Not true. All you need is a caring heart. Look at this list of people well suited to a caregiving career:

Myth #2: I am a caregiver only if I care for a family member or someone who lives with me.

Caregivers come from different walks of life. Some are teachers taking on caregiving as a part-time way to give back. Some caregivers are retired or semi-retired, offering their unique skills to help older adults with limitations stay in their homes and communities. Some are just starting out in their careers. Some work full time as caregivers.

“There is an increased need for a different type of caregiver — someone who can go beyond daily tasks and form actual relationships with clients to help them thrive and live more purposeful lives,” said Carl McManus, CEO, Comfort Keepers, North America. “We believe in caring for our caregivers because their job is essential in bringing hope, joy and meaning to so many people’s lives. By properly investing in our caregivers, we are offering more than a job — it’s an opportunity for a meaningful, professional, long-term career.”

Myth #3: Caregiving can be too challenging or time-consuming.

We’ve already discussed the unique skills and talents caregivers need. Maybe you love to cook. Maybe technology is your thing. Whatever your expertise, you can offer customized services to meet the needs of seniors or other adults in need of assistance within a flexible schedule. But more important, caregivers provide moments of joy big or small every day. As a caregiver, you can help prepare meals and cook; offer conversation, companionship and transportation; run errands; help with personal care; provide Alzheimer’s/dementia care; and more. The rewards are as tangible for the caregiver as they are for the person receiving care.

Myth #4: Caregiving is viewed as negative at a time when someone is losing independence.

Think of caregiving as a way to help people keep their independence. Aging doesn’t have to mean seniors have to stop living. Caregiving allows older adults to thrive. Comfort Keepers, a leading provider of uplifting care for seniors and adults needing assistance, bases caregiving on the insight that getting older doesn’t change what we all want in life — connectedness, love, purpose, hope and joy. The need for caregivers makes it more important than ever to invest in them, according to Comfort Keepers. In a recent survey of nearly 1,000 Comfort Keepers caregivers, respondents reported being satisfied with the personal fulfillment gained in their job (90%) and the flexibility of being an in-home care provider (93%). For most respondents (90%), the ability to make a difference in the lives of clients is the most important thing about working as a caregiver.

By 2030 the boomer population will outnumber children. The need for caregivers has never been higher, nor more rewarding. In addition to making clients’ lives brighter, safer and more enjoyable, caregivers deliver the companionship, inspiration and happiness people deserve.