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5 fun cookbooks to expand your culinary tastes

2023-04-11T09:01:00

(BPT) – The kitchen isn’t just a space for cooking. It’s also a space to create memories and make decisions that can positively impact your health. Whether you are a home cook or a health-conscious eater, having easy-to-follow cookbooks and recipes is a must. Check out these five books that can help you on your journey to better eating and having fun along the way!

1. The Plant Love Kitchen

Eating with a plant slant and focusing on whole foods — vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts — are key to a longer, healthier life. If you want to switch to a plant-forward diet that can improve your health, check out this easy-to-use guide by dietitian, nutritionist and food blogger Marisa Moore, R.D.N., L.D. Backed by the latest nutritional science, these 75 delicious recipes can help you reach your wellness goals.

2. Gordon Ramsay’s Uncharted

If you’ve watched the National Geographic television series Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, you’ve seen chef Gordon Ramsay travel to some of the most remote locations on Earth in search of culinary inspiration. In this beautifully illustrated book, you can experience his journey through 60 mouthwatering recipes that reveal insights into the cultures and foodways of destinations from Peru to Louisiana.

3. The Official Disney Parks Cookbook

Bring the magic of Disney Parks and Resorts straight to your kitchen! This book of official Disney recipes is the perfect ingredient for sharing similar food, love and laughter with friends and family at home. Written by Pam Brandon, who has worked closely with the Disney chefs for 25 years, this cookbook can help you serve up 101 tried-and-true recipes, tested by real home chefs that are just right for prepping on a smaller scale in home kitchens.

4. The Blue Zones American Kitchen

The blue zones are places around the world where people consistently live to or past 100. In this book by bestselling author Dan Buettner, you can learn from the wisdom of more than 50 food experts and chefs around the country about the traditional roots of plant-forward cuisine in the United States. By cooking these recipes at home, you can follow Buettner’s journey as he uncovers the regions and cultures that have shaped America’s healthiest food landscapes, from Hmong elders living in Minnesota to the Pilgrims in New England.

5. The Golden Girls Cookbook: Cheesecakes & Cocktails!

Are you a Golden Girls superfan? Don’t miss out on these fun and delicious dessert and drink recipes from Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia. Building on the success of the first The Golden Girls Cookbook, this edition includes over 40 new recipes from the Fab Four, including Rose’s The Fall of St. Olaf Pumpkin Cheesecake, Dorothy’s Vodka and Black Underwear drink, Sophia’s Double Fudge Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake and Blanche’s Big Daddy Mint Julep. You’ll also enjoy beautiful photos, fun quotes, jokes and photographs from the show.

These cookbooks make great gifts for all the home chefs you love. You can find these delicious and educational titles from Disney Publishing Worldwide and National Geographic Books wherever books are sold.

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Ready to open your pool soon? Here are the steps you need to take

2023-04-10T18:03:00

(BPT) – When the days get longer and the weather starts warming up, it’s time to start thinking about opening your pool again. Once the temperatures where you live are consistently above 65–70º Fahrenheit and there’s no longer any risk of freezing temperatures, you can consider opening the pool and getting ready for swim season.

Many people open their pools on National Pool Opening Day, which falls on the last Saturday in April. Leslie’s, the nation’s leading supplier of pool and spa supplies, started the holiday eight years ago to help pool owners get their water ready in time for summer festivities.

The experts from Leslie’s recommend the following steps to help you open your pool the right way. A proper pool opening ensures your water will be clean, safe, and beautiful this season!

1. Remove the pool cover

If you have a solid cover, first remove water from the top with a submersible cover pump. Try to remove as much debris as possible to keep it from falling into the pool and making the water dirtier. Then clean and dry the cover to prepare it for storage.

2. Reconnect your pool equipment

Next, get your equipment ready to run. Reconnect any equipment (if needed), and reinstall the drain plugs.

3. Remove the winterizing plugs

Take out the skimmer guard and return line winterizing plugs, and reinstall any return fittings you removed when closing the pool. If you used pool antifreeze to winterize the suction lines, discharge it to waste/backwash or use a wet-dry vac to remove it from the plumbing.

4. Refill the pool

Keep filling water till the pool is up to its normal operating level. This is often about halfway up the skimmer.

5. Prime the pump and get it running

Once the filter pump is primed, set it to run continuously until you’re done opening the pool. Not only will this help circulate and filter the water, but it will also help distribute your chemicals throughout the pool.

6. Thoroughly clean the pool

To make sure your pool looks beautiful and is also healthy and safe for swimming, thoroughly skim, brush, and vacuum all pool surfaces.

7. Balance the water and ensure cleanliness

Investing in a Leslie’s Opening Kit can help your pool opening process go more smoothly. Opening Kits include a stain and scale preventative, pool shock, algaecide, and clarifier. Deluxe and Premium kits also include enzymes to help keep the pool cleaner and prolong the lifespan of your chlorine, as well as a phosphate remover to help prevent algae.

  • Add the stain prevention product first, then wait at least 4 hours.
  • Test the water and balance total alkalinity (80–120 ppm) and pH (7.4–7.6).
  • Add your pool shock to get free chlorine levels up to at least 1–4 ppm, then let the pump continue to run overnight.
  • The next day, add algaecide, then wait for at least 2–4 more hours.
  • A clarifier will help your filter clean up the water faster.

Let the pump continue to run for at least four more hours after adding a clarifier. Then, if needed, vacuum the pool again. While the pump is running, check the filter pressure often. Make sure to clean or backwash the filter as needed during the start-up process. If you have enzymes, add them to the pool once chlorine levels are back under 5 ppm, then let your filter pump continue to run for another 48 hours.

8. Begin regular pool maintenance

Once you’ve followed all the above steps, bring a water sample to your local Leslie’s for a free in-store AccuBlue® water test and customized treatment plan so you can manage the water chemistry after you open your pool. This will help you make any final adjustments before allowing swimmers to jump in and enjoy the pool!

9. Consider your pool’s water temperature after opening

Whether you have a heater, a heat pump, or neither, solar pool covers can help keep heat in the pool. In fact, depending on the thickness of the cover, they can increase the water temperature up to 15ºF on their own.

10. Don’t forget the fun!

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for — it’s time to dive in and enjoy the pool! A freshly opened pool is the perfect excuse to bring home a fun new inflatable float, cozy pool lounger, or some exciting backyard games.

Need help opening your pool? The experts at Leslie’s can help with pool opening services and supplies. Leslie’s Opening Kits contain all the chemicals necessary for getting your pool back up and running. They’re packaged according to pool size for simple application.

For more tips, information, and products to help keep your pool in top operating condition all season long, visit LesliesPool.com.

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How one industry leader is changing the way tires are recycled

2023-04-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – We rely on tires every day to get from Point A to Point B. While you may not think about tires until it’s time to replace them, you can go to work, run errands and visit friends and family near and far because of tires. But what happens to your tires when it is time to replace them?

Most used tires end up in waste dumps and some are even destroyed and burned at end-of-life. According to Tire Review, when tires break down in a landfill, chemicals can leech and contaminate the surrounding ground and water. Also, when stockpiled, tire piles catch water, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. Tires that are burned or accidentally catch fire can burn for several days and emit dangerous smoke with high levels of pollutants.

The tire industry is aware of the issues that end-of-life tires can cause when improperly disposed and wants to find ways to mitigate the environmental impact of their products. That’s why many industry leaders are creating better ways to recycle tires while decarbonizing the industry.

One such leader, American Tire Distributors (ATD), is committed to finding better uses for used tires. According to the company, 235 million tires are produced every year, and today 17% of used tires are sent to landfills. While that may not sound like a lot — and shows an improvement compared to previous decades — 17% year after year adds up.

To create a more sustainable business solution helping tire retailers, communities and the environment, ATD has built a recycling initiative that uses a holistic approach — picking up retailers’ scrap tires while delivering new tires.

Partnering to increase tire recycling

Finding the right recycling partners is integral to the company’s recycling initiative. These recyclers need to be able to identify end-of-life uses that create material re-use. Scrap tires picked up by ATD are not allowed to re-enter the market as used tires. By sending scrap tires to the right end-use, ATD and their partners can create net positive outcomes.

Last year, the company launched its tire recycling program at two of its distribution centers (DCs). Today, Tire Recycling is live in 42 DCs and is serving more than 40 customers out of almost 100 locations. This tire distributor has made it easy for retailers to participate in this recycling program. Participating retailers no longer have excess scrap tires piled up. ATD’s tire collection system allows drivers to collect scrap tires along their route, segregate old and new tires in the delivery trucks and return to the DCs with a full load for recycling on the back leg of their route.

Tire recycling for a better tomorrow

ATD has launched its tire recycling program in more than 20 markets and is adding more every month. During the first nine months, ATD’s tire recycling has resulted in moving more than 65,000 scrap tires.

ATD tracks greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across operations utilizing their specialized emissions platform. With this platform, ATD measures its reductions as the company works toward a 25% reduction in GHG within operations. Through the ATD Tire Recycling program, ATD has made it possible to avoid approximately 640 MT of CO2e in GHG emissions.

This recycling plan has the potential to increase vehicle safety by getting used tires off the road, increasing tire circularity by supplying raw materials for new tires and, most importantly, getting scrap tires to the right place as efficiently as possible.

To learn more about ATD, visit www.atd.com.

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Medicaid and dental care: How to protect your child’s healthcare coverage, dental coverage

2023-04-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – This spring it is estimated that approximately 6.7 million children could begin losing access to dental care, according to the Georgetown Center for Children and Families. Some of those children may lose coverage despite their families still meeting eligibility criteria for the program. With the end of the continuous enrollment provision and Medicaid beginning to disenroll members in certain states, it’s important for parents and caregivers to act now to ensure they still have coverage for their family.

As the leading authority on children’s oral health, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), together with the AAPD Foundation, is committed to making dental care accessible to all children and ensuring families have the right resources and information to prepare them for the upcoming changes in Medicaid this spring.

“Dedicated to advancing optimal oral health for all children, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry wants to help families minimize any gaps or loss in dental or health coverage,” said Dr. Amr Moursi, president of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. “If families or patients are in jeopardy of losing coverage, we are here to raise awareness of additional options, including with your employer or from the marketplace. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pediatric dentist for help and guidance around the dynamics of Medicaid.”

If you are unsure where your coverage stands or want to curtail potential coverage interruption or loss, consider the following:

  1. Update your address and phone number and check your mail: States will be reaching out via mail, phone and text over the coming weeks and months for updated eligibility information, so be sure they know how to reach you.
  2. Complete renewal forms: If a renewal form is received, complete the form as soon as possible and return to your state Medicaid agency to prevent a loss or gap in coverage.
  3. Schedule regular dentist visits: Make sure your family is connected to dental care and visiting the dentist regularly.
  4. Maintain good oral health: Adopting good oral health habits early, such as brushing for two minutes, twice a day, and flossing as soon as two teeth touch will set children up for a lifetime of healthy habits.

To find out if your coverage is impacted, go to Medicaid.gov/renewals. For more information about children’s oral health or to find a pediatric dentist in your area, visit mychildrensteeth.org.

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4 commonly overlooked coverages for business owners

2023-04-06T12:01:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again. Time to renew the commercial insurance policy for your business. When it comes to commercial coverage, liability and property coverages are common but sometimes they’re not sufficient to protect your business from common risks.

“We’re seeing several claims from business owners who incorrectly assumed that their traditional policies covered them for things like cyber breaches or employee theft,” says Brittney Passini, commercial lines product director with Acuity Insurance. “Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.”

With 2022 Acuity data showing commercial claims at a five-year high — up about $3,000 per claim from 2021 and record inflation squeezing businesses tighter — it might be beneficial to put more thought into your commercial coverage this year.

As you think about renewing your insurance policy, consider these four commonly overlooked coverages:

1. Cybersecurity

With larger businesses investing in cybersecurity tools, hackers are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses. In 2021, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 847,376 complaints about cyberattacks and malicious cyber activity with nearly $7 billion (about $22 per person in the United States) in losses, most of which targeted small businesses.

Cybersecurity insurance typically packages cyber liability and data breach coverage. Cyber liability coverage pays if you’re liable for unintentionally spreading malware, and data breach provides coverage to respond to accidental loss or release of customers’ personal and identifying information.

2. Business income and extra expense

After a fire, windstorm or other property loss, a business owner’s immediate focus is usually on repairing buildings and replacing lost inventory. Until those repairs are made and customers start coming back in the door, retailers also may suffer loss of income. This loss of income is not normally covered by a basic business property policy. Business income coverage helps bridge the gap, and extra expense coverage pays for added costs needed to resume operations. Without these additional coverages, businesses that endure a property loss may not have enough capital to keep their business running. While property insurance covers the physical damage, business income and extra expense coverage helps bridge the gap by providing funds to replace the income that is lost while the physical property damage is being restored as well as cover additional expenses, such as rent.

3. Employee dishonesty

A recent study from Zippia shows that 75% of all employees steal at least once, including cash, merchandise and business property. The same study shows that an average of 5% of an organization’s revenue is lost each year due to employee theft, which isn’t covered in typical business property policies. Employee dishonesty coverage protects you against employee theft of money, securities or property.

4. Peak season

While these busy seasons can vary depending on your industry, most businesses experience a few months each year that are busier than most. While some businesses carry extra inventory or have extra staff on hand during these busy months, many business owners overlook these times when setting limits on their property policies. Peak season coverage increases the limit of your business personal property during these times, without needing to carry a higher limit all year.

Ultimately, Passini recommends a collaborative approach to ensure your business is adequately covered.

“Don’t fall into the trap of making assumptions about coverage,” Passini says. “Work with an independent insurance agent who’s dedicated to understanding your business and can provide the right coverages, limits and discounts to fit your business’s needs.”

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Refreshing your routine: 4 ways to prep for the spring season

2023-04-06T14:01:00

(BPT) – Warm weather and blue skies are almost here, which means it’s time to put aside your winter habits and refresh your spring routine! To help you and your family refresh your routine, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares the following four tips to help you welcome the new season on the right foot.

1. Add color to your home

Brightening your home is a fun and easy way to make your space feel refreshed, while also boosting your mood. Colors can affect emotions, and bright colors in particular can help you to feel happy and energized. According to Better Homes and Gardens, bright, warm colors like orange, coral, pink and yellow can make your communal areas like kitchens, entryways and living rooms feel cheerful.

You don’t need to repaint your home to add color to its rooms. Try bringing in fresh flowers, colorful pillows and blankets to brighten up your space and reap the rewards!

2. Get a workout while running errands

It can be difficult to fit a workout into your routine when you’re busy running errands and prepping for the new season. However, you can tackle these activities together by doing both simultaneously! If you live in an apartment on an upper level, skip the elevator and take the stairs with your shopping bags for a quick strength workout. If you happen to live near stores that you frequent, try riding your bike or walk to and from with your purchases.

3. Add citrus to your cleaning routine

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are great for cleaning your home while also getting you into a spring mindset. A solution of lemon and vinegar can degrease your stovetop, or act as an all-purpose spray cleaner. Lemon and coarse salt can also scrub tough, stuck-on food off dishes. Since lemon and lime are also natural bleaching agents, you can use them to clean laundry stains. Plus, the smell of citrus can lift your mood!

4. Meal prep

Although mornings can be hectic, it’s important for kids to eat a balanced breakfast to ensure they kick their day off with plenty of energy! Meal prepping is a great way to make sure your family is getting the nutrition they need, while also helping you to take on the week’s meals with ease. Blatner suggests incorporating Eggland’s Best eggs into your meal prep, which have 10 times more Vitamin E and more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs to provide a natural energy boost and support a healthy immune system.

Try these Breakfast Egg Boxes from Eggland’s Best, a quick and easy way to give your family a nutrient boost in the morning that will vitalize them for the day ahead!

Breakfast Egg Boxes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Yield: 5 boxes

Ingredients

  • 5 Eggland’s Best large eggs
  • 5 whole grain English muffin halves, toasted
  • 2 1/2 cups grapes
  • 5 ounces cheese, cut into cubes

Directions

1. Add Eggland’s Best eggs to a pot of water and bring to boil.

2. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes and remove eggs.

3. Put eggs into a bowl of ice-cold water for 2 minutes. Peel and cut each in half.

4. Evenly split all the ingredients between 5 containers.

5. Cover containers and store in fridge for up to 5 days.

Revamp your routine and win big!

Eggland’s Best has teamed up with the YMCA to encourage families to improve their overall nutrition and wellness routine. From now until May 5, enter the “Recipe for a Healthy Family” sweepstakes daily for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $5,000, a $250 grocery store gift card and more! For Official Rules and how to enter, visit EBFamilySweeps.com.

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Make it a ThursDate: 3 Ways to Date and Save

2023-04-06T12:01:00

(BPT) – With winter finally behind us, it’s time to greet spring. The sun is out longer, the weather isn’t throwing punches and nowadays schedules are packed with work, household chores and family activities. While it’s good to be busy, it can be difficult to plan quality time with others. When it comes to nourishing connectivity with a romantic partner, children, grandkids, or friends, consider setting aside a pre-designated day during the week, like Thursday, to show just how much you care for and appreciate the people in your life.

A regular “ThursDate” can help fill up your cup and be something to look forward to. And, it’s a fun kickstart to the weekend. Planning doesn’t have to be over the top or expensive. In fact, if you’re an AARP member, there are many discounts and benefits available that can help you plan a memorable ThursDate. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Brighten Spirits with Flowers, Chocolates and Gift Baskets

Sometimes it can be difficult to express how much someone means to us with words, so say it with flowers or another gift from FTD. Choose a beautiful bouquet of their popular blooms — from roses, lilies, sunflowers and more — or an additional gift option from chocolates and sweets, fruit and gift baskets, or a charcuterie platter, as an easy way to tell someone you’re thinking about them. If you’re hosting a gathering, a pop of color from a floral arrangement or chocolates for dessert can help make planning a cinch. AARP members automatically save 25% sitewide on flowers and 30% on select items with promo code AARP30 and with same-day delivery available by local florists.

2. Fuel the Start of Your Day with Company

A date doesn’t always have to be in the evening. Shake up your routine by going out for a breakfast date. Good conversation and a warm cup of coffee pairs well with a warm buttery pancake from a place like Denny’s and AARP members can enjoy these delicious treats and automatically save 15% off dine-in and pickup orders*. Or if you’re on the go, meet up to grab a smoothie, juice, or bowl from Jamba, where members can save 10% on in-store, in-app and online orders at all participating locations when they link their AARP membership to their Jamba Rewards account.

3. When a ThursDate Turns Into a Getaway

For a ThursDate to remember, extend the outing into a night or weekend away. For a road trip getaway, consider renting a car from Budget to save miles on your personal vehicle, and taking a new ride out for a spin to make it even more exciting. AARP members save up to 30% off base rates and receive a 3% credit to apply to rentals within 12 months. Plus, you get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), an additional driver at no cost and more. Driving one-way from the Southeast to Northeast? For a limited time, enjoy great deals on daily and weekly rates!

Another fun part of taking an adventurous ThursDate is picking where to stay. North, south, east or west, AARP members can take advantage of savings up to 10% off the best available rate at any of Hilton’s 19 world-class brands including Hampton by Hilton. Members can also choose from more than 1,400 Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations, where you can save 10% off the best available rate and receive a late check-out of 2 p.m., when available, so you can enjoy a spontaneous trip with your loved one without breaking the bank.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your ThursDate, please visit aarp.org/save.

*Offer does not apply to Dennys.com or in-app purchases.

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Not feeling healthy? New data shows you aren’t alone

2023-04-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – In the U.S., people want to improve their health, but many don’t know how. According to data from two national surveys designed by leading human genetics company 23andMe, 55% of people in the U.S. don’t feel healthy and 63% don’t feel in control of their health.*

Patients who want help addressing their medical concerns and improving their health often turn to their primary care physicians (PCPs) for support. However, while many people trust their doctors, they also feel there’s a gap in the care they want and receive.

When it comes to health care, people want more personalized care rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment. Every person has different needs and requires tailored prevention plans that address their specific health concerns. One way to foster a more personalized approach and bridge this existing gap: Genetics.

The role of genetics in personalized care

The survey data showed that 62% of patients want tailored care advice, but only 36% say that’s what they’re getting. Creating a personal care plan can be difficult for health care professionals without a complete picture of an individual’s health. While you may tell your PCPs about your lifestyle choices and share past family and personal medical history, you can’t know all your future health risks. That’s where genetic testing can help.

On at least a weekly basis, many health care professionals encounter a clinical case where genetics plays a significant role, according to the survey findings. The data, which also captured physicians’ attitudes on DNA testing, found 62% of doctors felt that genetic testing could help them provide more individualized care plans. More than half feel using it could lead to better patient outcomes.

Patients agree. According to a survey of people’s attitudes on the role of genetic testing in tailored care plans, 75% of people in the U.S. said they’d be more likely to follow a doctor’s advice if they knew their genetic profile was used to personalize their care.

Bridging the gap

Health care professionals can develop targeted treatment and prevention plans for their patients by leveraging an individual’s DNA, medical history and lifestyle. According to 23andMe, most customers found they had an increased risk for at least one disease or health condition. Knowing this information is empowering, as a 2019 Health customer survey conducted by 23andMe found more than 3 out of 4 customers took a healthier action after receiving their reports.**

Because of genetic data, patients and doctors are more equipped than ever to realize the promise of health care that is tailored specifically to the individual. To learn more about how DNA testing can help build a healthier future together through genetics-based personalized care, visit 23andMe.com.

*Based on 2022 surveys, designed by 23andMe, Medscape and Material Holdings LLC, of approximately 1,000 doctors and approximately 1,500 patients.

**Based on a 2019 survey, designed by 23andMe and M/A/R/C Research, of approximately 1,000 23andMe Health + Ancestry customers.

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5 ways to improve your home’s value and appearance with a spring refresh

2023-04-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – With the arrival of spring comes renewed inspiration to clean out the cobwebs, get out in the sunshine — and tackle much-needed home improvement projects. Too often we limit the “spring cleaning” energy to overlooked closets, but some of the best opportunities are just outside your home’s four walls. Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home’s exterior, not only to impress your neighbors but to boost your pride in your home — as well as its value.

Whether you plan to stay for many years or plan to sell soon, you don’t have to do a major overhaul to make improvements that offer a great return on investment, enhance your home’s energy efficiency and make it the best-looking house on the block.

Here are five high-impact ways to revamp your home’s exterior this spring.

1. Give your landscaping a makeover

Photo courtesy JELD-WEN

Before everything is fully in bloom is a good time to assess what’s working in your yard, and what’s not. Start the season with a clean canvas by picking up leaves, sticks, branches and other debris that may have been collecting in your yard over the long winter months.

You could even make room to add a few colorful new plants or start a vegetable garden. Start planning your flower, vegetable or herb gardens by deciding whether you’ll use containers, raised beds or plant in ground. Use native plants that will thrive in your region all season long and consider the level of upkeep based on your lifestyle. Look for inspiration online and select plants that will complement your home’s exterior or consider coordinating colors with the front door.

2. Welcome visitors to your home with new doors

Photo courtesy JELD-WEN

What’s the first thing people notice about your home? Your front door — also known as the perfect backdrop for those “first day of school” photos coming in just a few short months. Upgrading to a new front door makes a big difference, offering an unmatched opportunity to completely change the look of your home’s exterior with an on-trend paint color or stain and an updated design that’s right for your home. A well-designed door can elevate your home’s style and curb appeal, withstand the elements, and provide better energy efficiency and security.

For example, JELD-WEN fiberglass exterior doors use advanced materials to prevent moisture from getting in the door — which helps prevent rotting, warping and cracking, offering more durability than a wood door. Their high-density polyurethane foam core is energy efficient, offering five times more insulation than solid wood doors, helping you save money on your energy bill. Plus, you can choose your finish hardware and glass for a fully customized look that matches your home’s style.

JELD-WEN Smooth-Pro Fiberglass Doors have a light brush-stroke texture that can be painted any color. For a more classic look, JELD-WEN Design-Pro Fiberglass Doors are created to resemble the beautiful, natural look of real mahogany, oak or fir woodgrains, featuring high-definition panels with wider profiles to provide more depth and authenticity. Find the option that best suits your style at JELD-WEN.com.

3. See the world clearly through new windows

Photo courtesy JELD-WEN

Your front door is only part of the curb appeal equation. New windows can also have a big impact on the overall look and functionality of your home. Window technology has evolved by leaps and bounds in recent decades, and if your windows haven’t been replaced since cassette tapes were in vogue, your home could benefit from the improved energy efficiency and security new windows can provide.

Window choices can be overwhelming, so it helps to consider your main goals in the most important rooms in your home: will you open and shut them frequently? You also want to consider the best overall style to complement the house. If replacing all the windows is too big of a project for your schedule or your budget, consider replacing any showing signs of disrepair, windows facing the front or those most often used. JELD-WEN offers consumers more information about replacing windows to last.

4. Improve your indoor-outdoor living

Photo courtesy JELD-WEN

Does your outdoor space have enough areas to sit and relax? You don’t need a new deck or patio to maximize your yard, but adding shade with a sun sail, pergola or gazebo are just a few options to make your outdoor space more livable. Creating a focal point with a fire pit or water feature can make the space work that much harder for you.

Do you have older lawn furniture that doesn’t exactly invite people to sit and sip tea on a warm afternoon? Ideal furniture is sturdy enough to weather the elements and comfortable enough to keep guests chatting rather than looking for an excuse to call it an early night. Benches and swings are other options to consider for additional seating.

Have you already updated your backyard and outdoor landscaping? Consider remodeling or replacing the entry door between your outdoor and indoor living spaces to maximize the natural light in your home and improve the views of your new outside living area.

5. Shine a light on your home

Photo courtesy JELD-WEN

When did you last update your home’s lighting? Well-designed lighting makes your home more attractive to guests, especially on warm spring or summer evenings, but good lighting choices — including motion sensors — also impact your home’s security. Walk around your home at dusk to notice areas that could benefit from security lighting, as well as spots where you’d like to hang out with friends and family.

No matter your price point or spring-cleaning schedule, there are options to help your home look its best for the new season.

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Want a cleaner, fresher wardrobe? 5 ways to up your laundry game

2023-04-05T16:01:00

(BPT) – Spring is finally here, which means it’s the perfect time to refresh and recharge, and that goes for your home as well. With National Laundry Day falling on April 15, it’s a great time to revise and update your laundry space and routine. Washing and drying your clothing may seem simple, but just a few changes to your routine can keep your clothing cleaner and help it last longer. Take your laundry game to the next level using these five time-saving tips.

1. Have the right accessories on hand

Doing laundry the right way takes more than just using a detergent, washer and dryer. You’ll need the right accessories to properly wash and dry your clothing, especially delicates.

Try putting your delicate clothing in mesh laundry bags before throwing it in the wash. Mesh bags keep delicates from tangling or snagging during washing, preventing damage and premature stretching.

Wool dryer balls are also good to have on hand. They’re an eco-friendly replacement for dryer sheets that create air pockets between clothing while bouncing around the dryer. Not only do they speed up drying and reduce static, but they can also help reduce wrinkles and odors. You can even place some drops of essential oils on the wool balls for a fresh smell.

2. Upgrade your washer and dryer

An efficient washer and dryer can make doing laundry easier and help your clothing last longer and stay cleaner. If it’s time to replace your washer and dryer, look for a durable top-load washer with cutting-edge technology and a complementary dryer.

A reliable and powerful washer and dryer combo to consider is the LG Smart Top Load Washer and Smart Dryer. The washer’s TurboWash3D technology allows you to finish large loads in just 29 minutes, while the 4-Way agitator and TurboDrum technology provide a thorough, gentle clean.

To make things even easier, the LG Smart Pairing feature sends information to the dryer so when you’re ready to move things over, the dryer automatically recommends the best drying settings, saving you time and guesswork.

Both the washer and dryer can be controlled using the ThinQ app. Whether at home or out running errands, you can use the app to manage and monitor your laundry progress remotely. If any appliance issues pop up, Smart Diagnosis will alert you and provide solutions to solve problems on the spot.

3. Sort your laundry with hampers and bins

Before you start the wash, pre-sort your laundry into hampers or bins. You can separate by color, fabric type and care label instructions. This will simplify and speed up the washing process while preventing laundry accidents.

For example, washing darks and lights separately helps prevent darker colors from bleeding into lighter-colored fabrics. Washing delicates on their own on a gentle, cold cycle will extend their life. You can then wash another load of towels and blankets on a hot cycle to thoroughly clean them without damaging other items.

After a round in the dryer, you can use the same bins to separate clothing by type, such as tops, bottoms, socks, etc. or by who it belongs to.

4. Invest in a steam closet

Caring for hard-to-clean items can be time-consuming and tedious to get the results you want. However, investing in a steam closet can make clothing care easier and keep your clothing in better condition.

A steam closet like the LG Styler sanitizes, deodorizes and freshens clothing using chemical-free TrueSteam technology. This means you can easily care for delicates and dry-clean-only items without taking them to the cleaners, saving money and time.

If you have clothing that you’ve worn and plan to wear again in the week, just toss it in the Styler. The steam closet’s unique moving hanger system releases light wrinkles while freshening and removing odors. The Styler also makes it simple to sanitize awkwardly shaped items like throw pillows, jackets, toys and backpacks.

Like the smart washer and dryer, the Styler features ThinQ technology, so you can start and monitor cycles from your phone, troubleshoot problems, and even use voice commands with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to control the steam closet.

5. Use less detergent

A common misconception about laundry is that using more detergent will make your clothing cleaner. However, using more detergent than necessary can leave a soapy residue, leaving clothing looking dull and stiff and can even fade your clothing. Also, if you have sensitive skin, the soap residue may cause irritation. Plus, using less detergent will save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to restock as often.

A few changes can make a big difference. Using these five tips, you can improve your laundry routine for a cleaner, fresher wardrobe on National Laundry Day and beyond.