Month: December 2024

2024-12-02T15:13:00

(BPT) –

Has it been a while since you purchased a new TV? You might be surprised by how far TV technology has come since you bought your last set! Today’s smart televisions offer dramatic improvements in picture quality and home screens that are far easier to navigate. Plus, they come with a host of cool features like voice control that you may not even know about.

It’s time to discover what you’ve been missing — and if you’re asking yourself where to start, the Fire TV Buyer Insights Report can help.

This independent study surveyed over 2,000 recent purchasers of smart TVs to learn everything from where they did their product research to why they decided to buy. With the holidays almost upon us, the insights in this report can help guide you as you kick off your seasonal shopping. Whether you’re buying a gift, hosting a holiday gathering or looking for the perfect game-day screen, read on to find the best TV for your needs.

How do you find the right TV? Here’s how recent purchasers did it.

When it comes to buying a new TV, there are several factors you’ll want to consider, starting with who’s going to be using it. The study found that spouses (36%), kids (13%), and even grandparents (1%) were involved in the purchase process, so be sure to keep your home’s audience in mind. Beyond that, you’ll also want to think about:

Room size

Smart TVs range in size from a 32-inch screen all the way up to a whopping 100 inches or more. To determine the right screen size for your room, follow this guideline:

Small rooms: 32″–43″ screen

Medium rooms: 43″–55″ screen

Large rooms: 55+” screen

As for viewing distance, divide the screen’s diameter by 8 to get the ideal viewing distance in feet. For example, a 32-inch screen should be watched from about 4 feet away, while you’ll want to be about 8 feet away from a 65-inch screen.

Usage

How you plan to use your new TV should play a large part in your decision-making process. If you’re always looking for the latest show or movie to watch, your smart TV should offer optimal access to the latest streaming services. Gamers will experience better play on a TV with a high refresh rate, while sports enthusiasts will want to watch the big game on a set with smooth motion handling.

Connected TV experience

One of the most important considerations is how you’ll use TV. In the study, 83% of TV purchasers said that easy access to content was one of the things they liked best about their new TV. But beyond being an all-in-one source for entertainment, your smart TV should also play well with other smart home devices. For instance, Fire TV allows you to pair compatible devices seamlessly like video doorbells, smart home devices, and more. And with select models, Fire TV’s Ambient Experience can turn the biggest screen in your home into a beautiful, always-on smart display rotating through beautiful art, personal photos, and glanceable information like calendars and reminders.

Knowledge is power

Before you land on the perfect TV, you’ll need to do a little research first. The study found that only 12% of shoppers bought their TV on an impulse, while 65% engaged in some form of product research. Most (82%) respondents conducted some or all of their research online for instant access to smart TV reviews and feature comparisons. In fact, over half of respondents who searched online mentioned digital retailers like Amazon as a great source for honest ratings and buyer reviews.

Timing is everything

According to the study, the time from research to purchase takes about two weeks, so plan ahead — especially if you’re thinking about giving a TV as a holiday gift. There are also some great deals available during this time of year, so keep an eye out for sales and promotional offers.

The big picture

A new TV is a big purchase, so don’t make it an impulsive one. Take the time to do your research and remember that everyone takes a different path to finding the perfect TV. Whether your search begins online, offline, or with a mix of both, it will end with a next-level viewing experience that’s just right for the way you watch.

2024-12-02T09:31:00

(BPT) – Americans are evenly split on their shopping habits, shopping both big and small — 29% favor local or small businesses, while 29% prefer national retailers. Though price remains top-of-mind for many shoppers (62%), speed is a major factor, too: 53% say they want to get an item as fast as possible, no matter where it comes from, according to a new study by Empower, a financial services company.

Shoppers appreciate the personalized customer service (36%), high-quality and craftsmanship (34%) and locally made products (56%) found at the stores in their neighborhood. Lower prices (85%), greater product variety (71%) and more flexible return policies/warranties (64%) motivate consumers to pick big-box retailers.

Key takeaways

• Best of both: 29% of Americans prefer big chains, 29% favor local small businesses; 82% of Americans say they shop at both big chains and small businesses for different items.
• 53% want to get items as fast as possible, no matter where they come from.
• Half of Americans say bigger chain stores offer convenience (56%) and more loyalty programs or rewards (51%).
• 3 in 5 (61%) prefer to buy gifts from small businesses because they can find more unique and personal options.
• Eating at local restaurants (75%) and shopping for produce at local farmers’ markets (51%) are ways consumers support their local economies.
• Monthly spending at local small businesses averages $106, with Gen X ($113) and Millennials ($110) splurging more.

Purchasing preferences

Economic pressures can play a role in where Americans are shopping around: 44% report purchasing items less at small businesses due to inflation. Three-quarters of spenders say they buy online from big box stores to get better deals.

Beyond price, 6 in 10 Americans prefer to purchase gifts for others at local shops because they can find more personal and unique options. Three-quarters support small businesses in their town by eating at local restaurants (non-chains) and shopping for produce at farmers’ markets (51%). Other local finds consumers are on the hunt for include books and media (51%) and home goods or decor (44%).

The return or warranty policies at big chains offer financial peace of mind for many (49%), while shoppers are looking for electronics and appliances (92%) and sporting goods (81%) at national retailers.

Baby Boomers (41%) and Gen X (31%) are more likely to prefer shopping locally, while Millennials and Gen Z are more flexible — 42% and 46%, respectively, say they have no preference. Gen Xers spend the most per monthly average across both local and big chain stores, followed by Millennials, while Gen Z and Baby Boomers report lower spending overall.

Average monthly spending at local small businesses, by generation:

• Gen X: $113
• Millennials: $110
• Gen Z: $96
• Baby Boomers: $88

Average monthly spending at big chain stores, by generation:

• Gen X: $379
• Millennials: $338
• Gen Z: $298
• Baby Boomers: $259

The appeal of small businesses

More than a third (35%) are willing to pay extra at a local store for a product they could also buy at a big chain. On average, consumers are comfortable paying up to $14 more, with 10% ready to spend over $30.

Convenience is another important factor, especially for younger generations. Over half of Gen Zers (56%) would shop “small” more often if faster shipping options were available.

Online platforms like Etsy have also gained traction. About half of Americans (51%), including 54% of both Gen Z and Millennials, use these channels to support small businesses.

Additional reasons shoppers value small businesses include locally handcrafted products (56%), building relationships with owners (39%), and personalized service (36%).

The allure of big chains

Big chains attract shoppers with competitive prices, convenience, and loyalty rewards. Gen Zers are the most likely to seek rewards and discounts — 61% prefer shopping at national retailers to take advantage of these perks. When shopping online specifically, Gen Xers (79%) are more likely to buy from chain stores because of deals offered.

Methodology

Empower commissioned an online survey of 1,009 Americans in October 2024.

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2024-12-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – Winter is nearly here, and the almanacs predict it will be snowier and colder than last year for much of the country. Before those flakes fly and the ground freezes hard, get ahead of the season and make sure your home is snug, cozy and ready for the long winter.

It’s about your family’s comfort, first and foremost. But it’s also about your energy bills. The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates homeowners can save up to 30% on their bills by taking some care with insulation, home heating and seasonal maintenance. That’s a serious chunk of change that you don’t want disappearing out of drafty windows and doors.

Here are a few ideas to get you started to achieve a warmer, more economical winter.

1. Schedule an HVAC checkup

Before your heater roars to life this year, have it checked out by an HVAC pro who will clean and maintain it, making sure you won’t have any surprises on cold nights. Remember to change the filter according to your manufacturer’s directions at least once per season, if not every month. Also consider installing an ultra-efficient heat pump, which is a bit of a misnomer because it heats and cools your home. New federal tax laws are making it extremely affordable, if not free, to make that energy-efficient change.

2. Insulate your garage

Insulating your garage with an insulated garage door can make your home more sustainable and improve energy efficiency, especially if you have an attached garage. If it’s not insulated, you know how chilly those adjacent rooms in your home can be. If your garage door is damaged or doesn’t close all the way, installing a new door is a no-brainer. But even if it seems to be in working order and the garage is still cold, it’s time to upgrade to a new door. Not sure where to start? The pros at Precision Garage Door Service, a Neighborly company, will schedule an on-site visit to examine your door and provide options that best meet your needs. Precision Garage Door Service provides garage door repair, installation and garage door opener solutions. In addition to keeping your car in a warmer garage (you’ll thank yourself on those below-zero mornings) an insulated garage can give you extra living space, like a workout room or a workshop. Win-win!

3. Check your attic

Heat rises, right? If your attic isn’t properly insulated, all of that heat is going right out through the roof, especially if your attic is drafty. The Department of Energy recommends eight to 16 inches of fiberglass or cellulose insulation in your attic, and many homes don’t have that. This is a simple DIY job that will make a big difference.

4. Use the sun

Take advantage of the sun’s rays by opening curtains or shades on the south-facing windows. Let the sun do its thing and warm up your rooms naturally.

5. Seal up drafts around windows and doors

Whether you use window winterizing kits you can find at the hardware store or DIY it with a heavy-duty sheet of plastic, it’s important to stop drafts before they get into your home. Ditto with checking and updating the weather stripping around your doors.

With these tips, you can stay cozy and keep your energy bills down this winter. For more information on insulating your garage, or to find a service professional near you, visit Precision Garage Door Service and pop your zip code into the search field. And stay warm this winter!

2024-12-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – Ready to host for the holidays? Whether you’re planning parties and/or welcoming visitors to your home during this festive season, you probably want to make a great impression. Ahead of this busy time of year, you’ll be glad to know there are some easy upgrades you can make to those all-important rooms — your kitchen and bath — which will delight your friends and family. Even better, you’ll love them, too.

1. Celebrate the heart of your home

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where everyone gathers, and the sink is the workhorse of the kitchen. To make a statement that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing, this Strive^® farmhouse workstation kitchen sink takes a lot of the stress out of holiday hosting.

This sink raises the bar on functionality and professional styling with custom accessories that integrate seamlessly within the bowl’s ledge. With an eye toward food preparation plus cleanup and storage, the included accessories are thoughtful and practical: a cutting board, drain board, colander/drying rack, soaking bin with drain, stainless steel bottom sink rack and drain cover. Strive is made of thick, premium quality 16-gauge stainless steel with easy-to-clean rounded corners and a sound-absorption system that significantly reduces disposal and dishwashing noise for an improved experience as you gather with friends and family to make memories in your kitchen over the holidays.

2. Kitchen detail upgrades

When time is limited, you’ll want to keep kitchen improvements easy enough to execute in a single weekend. For example, swapping out cabinet and drawer pulls for modern touches like mixed metals or matte black hardware instantly update your kitchen’s look. If you have the time and ability, painting cabinets or adding a new tile backsplash are upgrades that make a big visual impact.

Ahead of hosting, one of the best things you can do is clear the clutter from your precious counter space so you’ll have more room for cooking, baking and gathering. Not enough space in your cupboards to put the clutter away? Box up items like small appliances you rarely use to store elsewhere. You’ll be happy to see a lot more counter space to work with when the holidays begin!

3. Boost the power of your shower

One easy swap will transform your shower into a spa-like experience. Kohler’s SpaViva™ Two-function handshower with all-in-one cleansing device features the pore-cleansing power of MicroBubble spray while also offering the full-coverage Katalyst spray that retains more heat with each drop.

The MicroBubble spray infuses tiny bubbles into water to help clean pores and leave skin feeling refreshed, and the all-in-one cleansing device offers versatile attachments including a facial brush, body brush, body scrubber and body massager. The facial brush has small, gentle silicone bristles that help to deep clean pores, the body brush offers full, densely placed silicone bristles to tackle larger areas of the body, the body scrubber features a natural stone surface that delicately exfoliates to remove dead skin from feet, and the body massager provides five pressure-point nodes to target tired muscles.

4. Give your bathroom a quick makeover

Another easy move that instantly gives your bathroom a facelift is switching out window treatments, shower curtain, bathmat and towels for fresh new sets. Consider a livelier color scheme that coordinates well with your existing wall and tile colors, and you’ll be amazed at the difference these details make the moment you walk into the room.

5. Improve comfort and cleanliness

Bidet seats are trending, for good reason. Your family and guests alike will appreciate the comfort afforded by a seat like the PureWash^® E930 Elongated bidet toilet seat, which brings you the freshness of personal cleansing in a slim, low-profile design made to fit most elongated toilets. This heated seat comes with an easy-to-use handheld remote control that allows you to adjust and set all your personal preferences, from water temperature and pressure to seat temperature and air-drying. A built-in nightlight provides illumination of the bowl, and the self-cleaning stainless steel wand uses UV light for automatic cleaning. Plus, you can personalize and control your product through the KOHLER Konnect^® app feature.

With these tips, you’ll enjoy hosting even more this season. Just a few of these updates will help you feel more confident that your home is in the best possible shape for celebrating the holidays with friends and family. Visit Kohler.com for even more ideas to improve your home.

2024-12-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are all about bringing friends and family together, and there’s no better way to enjoy company than with a festive holiday brunch. With a bit of planning and some creative touches, hosting can be as enjoyable as the celebration itself! Singer, songwriter and cookbook author Jessie James Decker shares her top tips to help make your holiday get-together even more special.

1. Simplify food prep

Get ahead of the game by preparing food in advance so you can relax and savor time with your loved ones. Opt for dishes like breakfast casseroles or quiches that only need to be warmed up before serving. Decker also recommends repurposing leftovers creatively. If brunch follows a big holiday meal, try incorporating leftover elements like protein or veggies into a new brunch dish for an easy, delicious twist.

2. Set up a kid-friendly station

Keep your guests entertained with a festive DIY pancake, waffle or hot cocoa bar. Both kids and adults will enjoy choosing from fun toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles and marshmallows — a sure way to add a unique element to brunch and create lasting holiday memories for the whole family!

3. Create a holiday atmosphere through music

You can make your brunch atmosphere as relaxing, upbeat and joyful as you’d like through a curated playlist of your favorite holiday music. The perfect playlist can set the tone for a warm and festive atmosphere, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the celebration. You can even create a collaborative playlist so your guests can join in and play their favorite tunes!

4. Add personal design touches

Adding thoughtful details to your holiday table can make your gathering even more special. Decker recommends putting out conversation starters or writing handwritten notes and holiday-themed nameplates to make your guests feel welcome. You can even involve the kids by letting them help out with these personalized touches, such as cutting out paper snowflakes to hang around the dining table, adding extra holiday magic to the decor.

5. Start a holiday tradition with a signature recipe

A go-to holiday brunch recipe gives everyone something to look forward to each year. Whether it’s a sweet or savory dish, choosing a recipe that brings comfort and joy to the table can make a holiday gathering even more memorable. Decker’s family-favorite recipe are these King’s Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Sandwiches from Eggland’s Best, which have been a Christmas morning staple in her household for years.

Incorporating Eggland’s Best eggs in your recipes is also a great way to put your wellness at the forefront of the season, as they contain 6 times more Vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs, to help boost your body’s immunity and fight off harmful bacteria. EB eggs also have 10 times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs, which performs as an antioxidant in the body to reduce oxidative stress and protect the cells from damage.

Even more egg-citing, Eggland’s Best has also launched the Season’s Best with Eggland’s Best Sweepstakes! Head to EBFamilySweeps.com now through January 3 for a chance to win $5,000 to take your holiday recipes to the next level, plus Jessie’s signed cookbook, EB cooking swag and more!

Hawaiian Breakfast Roll Sandwiches
Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:

For the eggs:

· 5 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
· About 3 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 tablespoons whole milk
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the rolls:

· 1/2 pound bacon
· 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 2-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

Directions:

1. In skillet, drizzle in a good amount of oil and set pan over medium heat. In medium bowl, whisk Eggland’s Best eggs with the milk until light.
2. When the oil is hot, put beaten eggs into the skillet and watch them sizzle and fry, but don’t touch them. You want them to stay flat and in one piece.
3. Fry scrambled eggs 5 minutes, or until the edges are set, then flip the eggs with a spatula and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and cover while you prepare bacon and rolls.
4. In large skillet, fry bacon over medium-high heat until the strips are browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip with tongs and cook an additional 2 minutes, or until browned and crispy. Lay flat on paper towels to drain while you assemble the rolls.
5. Slightly toast the Hawaiian rolls with a layer of butter on top. Simply slice the sheet of Hawaiian rolls open and brush the butter on the cut sides. Then brown in toaster oven or under hot broiler for a good 3 minutes.
6. Spread 2 tablespoons mayonnaise over the bottom buns, then top with the egg and then the bacon. Finish with another layer of mayo on the top bun, if desired, so it all sticks together, and sandwich them together. That’s it!

2024-12-02T12:17:00

2024-12-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – The fall semester is wrapping up, which means your student will soon be coming home for winter break.

During this time, they’ll leave plenty of important items in their dorm, like a mini-fridge, TV, bike or skateboard, and textbooks. They’ll also likely bring back some thoughtful and useful gifts to campus when break is over, such as a gaming console, headphones, the latest phone upgrade, and new shoes and clothing.

Should anything unintentionally happen to your student’s possessions while they’re gone or when they return, replacing them can quickly add up to a hefty sum. Before the semester ends, it’s a good idea to consider how you can help them protect their current and future belongings with college renters insurance.

A policy like GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance goes above and beyond standard renters insurance and is designed with college students in mind. Check out five ways college renters insurance can provide your student (and you) with security this semester and beyond.

1. Theft is a covered peril

Theft is one of the most common reasons college students file an insurance claim. According to the most recent Clery Act Reports, an average of 2,411 robberies and 20,521 burglaries are reported annually.

If your student lives on campus, their college or university is unlikely to replace stolen or damaged personal property. However, a renters insurance policy can help them quickly replace stolen items like a laptop or bike.

2. So is unintentional damage caused by a covered peril

Your student may not mean to cause damage, but it can happen unintentionally. Perhaps your student hangs clothing on a sprinkler head and sets it off. Or they overheat food in their microwave and start a fire. With a financial liability policy through college renters insurance, your student will be covered, on or off campus.*

3. Get protection from unforeseen circumstances

Without warning, a fire can break out or a pipe can burst. Whether your student is at fault or not, they’ll still need to replace their belongings and possibly repair their abode. College renters insurance can assist your student in replacing waterlogged textbooks and electronics as well as fire and smoke-damaged clothing and more.*

4. Provides peace of mind worldwide

One of the biggest reasons to get college renters insurance is that it also gives students access to features not included in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Personal property coverage is not confined to the dorm room, campus or even the country.

Is your student planning to study abroad next semester or take a trip to visit a friend? Make sure their belongings are covered worldwide, even when they’re visiting home for the holidays.

5. Security that doesn’t break the bank

A policy like GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance is affordable, even for the most budget-conscious student. With deductibles starting at $100 and no credit history required, your student could get a policy all on their own. Best of all, should your student file a claim, their rates won’t go up.

The security you and your student need

You can’t prevent theft, accidents and other misfortunes, but you can set your student up for success with security that counts. With a college renters insurance plan, your student can focus on their studies, social life and the important experiences one can only have at college. You’ll feel better, too.

To learn more about college renters insurance, visit GradGuard.com/Renters. There, you’ll find plans that fit your student’s needs. While you’re there, check out the company’s tuition insurance, another important product that can protect your family financially.

* These hypothetical scenarios are provided for informational purposes only and are not promises regarding any specific claim determination or coverage decision. The sole governing document determining coverage is the insurance policy that will be provided to you upon your insurance purchase. Nothing in this document will supersede or amend the insurance policy you receive.

2024-12-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Melissa Taylor, M.Ed., former elementary teacher and K-12 literacy trainer

Nonfiction is essential in a child’s reading diet. Most children primarily read fiction, but as they progress in their education, they will be expected to primarily read for information. That means they must be able to comprehend informational/expository texts as they progress through the grades. The only way to equalize a child’s comprehension in nonfiction to their fiction reading level is to practice reading high-quality nonfiction. Practice makes progress. Not perfection, but progress! That’s the goal.

As a child reads facts, they’re learning useful new information. This new information builds background knowledge and teaches them new words about the subject matter.

Knowing more vocabulary words and having a greater depth of background knowledge improves reading comprehension in both fiction and nonfiction. How? By providing context and a connection when kids encounter similar reading material in the future.

Hands down, the National Geographic Kids Almanac is a top nonfiction reading choice for kids in elementary and middle school. It’s what children’s nonfiction authors Melissa Stewart and Marlene Correia call “browsable” nonfiction, because readers can start and stop at any page of the book. It’s not a front-to-back kind of reading experience, and most kids love that.

You can also help kids level up their nonfiction reading by explaining how text features like subheadings, photographs and fact boxes help organize and prioritize information, and by sharing specific nonfiction reading comprehension strategies.

General reading skills can be strengthened by using specific nonfiction reading strategies. These include determining importance, accessing background knowledge, asking questions, and summarizing information.

Brainstorm with your reader how to tell if information is important or just interesting. Ask these questions:

The Almanac exposes kids to a wide world of background knowledge in an engaging, accessible way, from spelunking to ice climbing to cave diving and beyond! Here’s an example. A child encounters an article about spelunking. If they’ve never been exposed to the word or concept, it makes comprehension much harder. But, if the reader knows a little about spelunking, they’ll be better able to comprehend the text about it.

Building knowledge, expanding vocabulary, encouraging curiosity, asking questions, forming opinions, having conversations, and developing critical thinking skills about the world … these are just some of the outcomes — and tools for success — that nonfiction provides. Plus, research shows that when kids have access, they enjoy both fiction and nonfiction equally.

Ready to start reading? Grab your own National Geographic Kids Almanac 2025 at any bookstore or library!