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The spirit of Día de los Muertos: Building an ofrenda to honor loved ones

2025-10-21T11:41:00

(BPT) – Every November, millions of families across Mexico and the United States prepare for one of the most meaningful celebrations in Latino culture — Día de los Muertos. Also known as the Day of the Dead, the celebration is far more than a holiday; it’s a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed.

At the heart of this ancient tradition lies the ofrenda, a carefully constructed altar that serves as both tribute and invitation. These beautiful displays aren’t mere decorations, but sacred spaces designed to welcome the spirits of loved ones back for a joyful reunion.

When creating your own ofrenda at home, start by including items that represent the four essential elements of life: water, fire, earth and wind. These components come together to guide and comfort the spirits on their journey. Whether you create an elaborate ofrenda or keep it small, these elements are essential in welcoming and cherishing passed loved ones.

Water: Quenching the spirit’s thirst

Water is offered to quench the thirst of souls returning after a long journey, and many families honor this tradition by placing their loved one’s favorite beverages on the ofrenda. For Mexican and Mexican American families, this often includes beers like Modelo — a gesture that reflects personal memories and cherished traditions.

Born in Mexico a century ago, Modelo Especial has been part of family gatherings across generations, making it a natural choice for ofrendas where families seek to honor their ancestors who emulated the Mark of a Fighter and recreate the moments they once shared. Whether it’s a cold bottle placed alongside fresh water and traditional aguas frescas, or raised in a toast to honor the departed, Modelo serves as both an offering and bridge — connecting families to their heritage while inviting loved ones to share one more drink across the veil between worlds.

“We’re honored that families include Modelo in their ofrendas, making us a part of a heartfelt and meaningful tradition,” said Logan Jensen, vice president of Brand Marketing, Modelo. “We look forward to being a part of the celebration as generations come together to honor loved ones for years to come.”

Close up of a Modelo bottle, a Día de los Muertos mask and food on an alter.

Fire: Lighting the way for remembrance

Fire is represented by candles, whose flames light the way for visiting spirits. Each candle is often dedicated to a specific loved one, illuminating their path and signaling that they are remembered and cherished. The gentle glow infuses the ofrenda with warmth and hope, embodying the enduring light of family and memory.

Earth: Nourishing connections

Earth is celebrated through marigold flowers, or cempasúchil, and traditional Mexican foods such as pan de muerto. The vibrant orange petals of cempasúchil are believed to attract spirits with their color and scent, while the sweet bread is both a treat for the souls and a symbol of the cycle of life. Together, these earthly offerings ground the celebration in the flavors, scents and beauty of Mexican heritage.

Wind: The breath of life

Wind finds form in papel picado, the intricately cut tissue paper banners that sway above the ofrenda. Their delicate movement in the breeze is said to represent the presence of spirits and the ephemeral nature of life. These colorful decorations add a festive spirit, turning remembrance into a celebration of life’s fleeting beauty.

With these four elements combined, an ofrenda becomes a vibrant reminder of heritage, legacy and tradition. So, raise a glass of Modelo and keep the memories alive. For more info on Modelo, visit ModeloUSA.com.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

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How to elevate your home using nature-inspired colors

2025-10-22T05:01:00

(BPT) – The desire to bring the outdoors in continues to inspire homeowners and designers alike. Natural, earthy neutrals and a variety of green shades are key to this trend as it encompasses more areas of the home. In fact, according to independent research among homeowners, the vast majority of consumers (88%) are interested in color palettes other than white and chrome for their next kitchen or bath remodel, with a preference toward neutrals and earth tones like greens.

So if stark white kitchens and baths are no longer trending, how can you celebrate natural neutrals and greens in these spaces? To help you get started, Kohler now offers a variety of bath and kitchen essentials in these colors, merging modern and vintage aesthetics to bring a sense of tranquility and timeless style into the busiest rooms of your home.

“The healing power of nature helps explain why we’re drawn to these colors,” said Alex Yacavone, Senior Manager at Kohler, Industrial Design Studio. “Greens and earthy neutrals effectively create a serene, soothing environment to elevate any room.”

Neutral elements for a timeless, nature-inspired style

When you look at what creates timeless interior design, it’s clear that it’s rooted in thoughtful materials, classic silhouettes and livable color. Elements of nature, paired with classic design details, ensure these spaces remain relevant and comforting over time.

Born out of an appreciation for craftsmanship from previous centuries, bath and kitchen options from Kohler embrace the quiet beauty of neutrals that can make an elevated statement in their own right.

Looking for a stylish bathroom addition? The Artifacts Cast Iron Free Standing Bath in Dune is inspired by the charm of turn-of-the-century homes, like a vintage treasure rediscovered but enhanced by the comforts of modern design — such as a gently curved rim for added neck support. You can also customize your Artifacts bath with a set of ornate ball-and-claw feet.

Creating a stunning focal point inspired by studio pottery, the Derring Oval Sink in Bourbon Rutile celebrates the beauty and authenticity of handcrafted ceramics. Each sink is finished with unique artisanal glazes that produce fascinating surface effects, with a hand-carved texture that accentuates the glaze’s subtle tonal variations.

If you’ve always wanted a sink that embraces farmhouse style, the streamlined apron-front Whitehaven Cast Iron in Truffle is perfect for remodeling projects. The Self-Trimming design requires only a rough cut to new or existing 30-inch standard cabinetry for simple installation and beautiful results. Crafted from enameled cast iron, the sink resists chipping, cracking or burning for years of beauty and reliable performance.

In exploring nature, people are drawn not only to the earthy neutrals that bring calm and familiarity to interiors, but also to the pops of green that breathe life into a space without overwhelming it.

Lasting shades of green

With the Kohler Heritage Greens collection, you can transform your kitchen and bath using bold, nature-inspired hues. This collection is inspired by carefully curated iconic greens from the Kohler archives, brought back to life in current kitchen and bath products. Inspired by the beauty of the outdoors, these shades are perfectly suited for classic or contemporary designs, and will blend effortlessly with your existing decor:

  • Fresh Green (1971) is a lively shade reminiscent of a spring garden, ideal for adding bright energy to kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Aspen Green (1978) captures serene tones of mountain pines for a calming color that works as a neutral or makes a statement in any space.
  • Teal (1987) is a deep, dramatic green/blue blend that infuses striking, nature-inspired character into your design vision.

Bringing greens into the kitchen or bathroom allows you to experiment with nature’s neutral hues that pair with a wide range of design aesthetics. Kohler’s Heritage colors showcase the versatility of green by offering a serene, calming atmosphere with Aspen Green and a deeper, moodier tone with Teal. The differences in hue demonstrate how green carries a lasting appeal, showcasing how green can sit in modern and classic spaces alike.

Vintage country sink with green counter tops in kitchen.

Searching for a piece that draws inspiration from traditional furniture and architectural elements? The Memoirs Stately Pedestal Sink in Teal offers crisp, clean lines evoking the splendor of fine antiques.

Similarly, the Memoirs Stately Toilet in Aspen Green features the elegant architectural look of the Memoirs collection along with vintage-inspired Stately design, combining performance with traditional style.

Neutral, nature-inspired colors and finishes can lead to grounded spaces that feel connected to the natural world, evoking a fresh, timeless appeal that’s versatile and welcoming. Come home to the colors of nature at Kohler.com.

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5 expert tips to score the best health insurance

2025-10-22T02:01:00

(BPT) – Open enrollment is here, which means it’s time to review your health coverage options for 2026 and make changes if you need to. With a little prep, choosing a plan through Medicare, your employer or the Affordable Care Act Marketplace doesn’t have to be stressful.

“Health insurance jargon can be confusing, but the details matter,” said Cindy George, MPH, senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. “Taking a little time to understand how premiums, deductibles, networks and medication coverage work for you can help you save money and land a plan that fits your needs.”

If you’re ready to shop smart, start with George’s five expert tips:

Keep your information current

If you use the ACA Marketplace or programs like Medicaid, CHIP or Medicare’s Extra Help, update your income and household details each year during open enrollment. This can change what you qualify for and how much you save.

If you have an employer plan, make sure your dependents and beneficiaries are correct and report life changes like marriage, a new baby or a move, so your coverage stays up to date.

Check your medication coverage

Don’t assume your prescription coverage will be the same as last year. Plans often update which medicines they cover and how much you’ll pay. If you have Medicare Advantage or a Part D plan, double-check that your prescriptions are still covered. A quick review now can prevent costly surprises.

“Put your most important prescriptions at the center of your plan search,” says George. “If a plan doesn’t cover medication you need or moves it to a higher price level, you can check the GoodRx cash price. In many cases, that price may be much lower than your insurance copay.”

Couple sitting at their kitchen table using a laptop to source options for medication.

Think beyond insurance

Insurance alone may not provide the medication coverage you need. GoodRx research shows that plans can exclude some medications entirely or add restrictions like prior authorization. It often helps to compare your copay with prices available outside of insurance. For example, resources like GoodRx let you compare cash prices and savings options for both brand name and generic medications. GoodRx is not insurance, but it can often beat your copay price, so it may be worth factoring that into your plan choice and overall budget.

Adult daughter and her father at kitchen table reviewing medication options.

Don’t auto-renew without reviewing

Insurance coverage shouldn’t be a set-it-and-forget-it process. Because costs and coverage shift every year, it pays to shop around. Letting your plan roll over without a second look could mean missing out on better coverage or lower costs.

“Even if you like your current plan, compare before you renew,” George says. “Check the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum and whether your regular doctors and medicines are covered to avoid surprises next year.”

Use comparison tools like a pro

Free tools can make plan shopping faster and clearer during open enrollment. Use Medicare Plan Finder to compare Medicare Advantage and Part D options, HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace to review ACA plans and see your estimated savings, and GoodRx to cross-check prescription prices so you can better estimate your total yearly costs.

“Don’t wait until the end of the open enrollment period,” George said. “Start now, understand your options and choose a plan with confidence.”

Older couple in a booth in a restaurant with a laptop reviewing their medication options online.

Ready to get started? Visit GoodRx.com to find resources to help you navigate open enrollment and explore savings on prescription medications.

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Heritage is in: OshKosh’s most iconic pieces, reissued for today’s kids

2025-10-21T08:31:00

(BPT) – Some holiday gifts sparkle for a season. Others last a lifetime. This year, OshKosh B’gosh is making sure parents can give both with the launch of the OshKosh Reissued Collection, a nostalgic assortment that brings back the brand’s most iconic pieces, reimagined for babies and toddlers (up to 5T).

The 130-year-old heritage brand, known for its World’s Best Overalls, is celebrating its milestone anniversary by looking to the past to shape the future. From playgrounds to family portraits, OshKosh has defined childhood style for generations. Now, it’s inviting a new generation of parents to share that same legacy, reimagined for today, and ready to unwrap this holiday season.

With archival prints, heritage silhouettes, and the return of the Josh B’gosh — OshKosh’s hickory-clad bear first introduced in 1998 — these updated pieces combine nostalgic design with modern fabrics, colors, and fits to create new memories while honoring timeless ones.

Highlights of the collection include:

  • The Hickory Stripe: A signature of early 20th-century workwear and OshKosh childhoods everywhere, now softer and stretchier than ever. Available in overalls, dresses, and jeans.
  • The Return of Josh B’gosh: Everyone’s favorite ’90s bear is back and as adorable as ever, starring on plush sweatshirts and as a velvety-soft teddy bear, ready to be wrapped up and loved all over again.
  • The World’s Best Overalls™: Nostalgic ’80s and ’90s corduroy prints, including Nutcracker, teddy bear, and train motifs, reintroduced in brighter, bolder hues. A timeless favorite, refreshed for a new generation.

The timing is perfect. With nostalgia rising in favor among today’s shoppers, the OshKosh Reissued Collection hits the sweet spot between cultural relevance and emotional resonance. It also connects with the holiday spirit, when families look to trade up for meaningful, heirloom-quality gifts.

The OshKosh Reissued Collection will be available at OshKosh.com and select stores while supplies last. Because when it comes to holiday gifting, some traditions are worth repeating.

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Don’t Fall for It: Stay Scam-Smart This Season

2025-10-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the air turns crisp and the holidays approach, scammers are gearing up for their busiest time of year. From fake shopping deals to AI-powered deception, fraudsters are finding new ways to take advantage of distracted consumers. According to new data from Mastercard and The Harris Poll, nearly eight in ten Americans (78%) say they’re more concerned about cybersecurity risks than they were two years ago, and 72% admit it’s harder to protect their digital lives than their physical homes.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Mastercard shares tips to help you stay secure while you enjoy the season’s simple pleasures.

Don’t Get Lost in the Corn Maze of Panic

Scammers thrive on confusion and urgency, just like getting turned around in a corn maze. They’ll try to rush you with fake emergencies, “limited-time” offers, or threats to your accounts. But instead of panicking, pause and find your way out with a clear head. Take a moment to verify the situation with a trusted source. Fraudsters often play on emotions, especially through fake online romances or impersonators pretending to be loved ones in distress. If someone you haven’t met in person asks for money, especially via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, don’t fall for it.

Bobbing for Alerts, Not Surprises

Just like bobbing for apples, you want to stay alert and ready. Turn on transaction notifications so you’re instantly aware of any unusual activity. Make it a habit to review your financial statements regularly; think of it like checking your pantry before a big fall feast. Consider setting up credit monitoring services to catch suspicious activity early. A little vigilance now can save you from a rotten surprise later.

Patch Up Problems Before They Spoil the Season

If you spot something suspicious, don’t let it sit like an unpicked pumpkin. Act quickly: Contact your bank to secure your accounts, file a police report, and report the fraud to the FTC, or your local authority. If unauthorized payments appear, request a freeze or reversal right away — many banks can stop fraudulent transfers if caught in time.

Wrap Up with Zero Liability Warmth

Just like layering up for a chilly day, Mastercard’s Zero Liability protection adds a layer of comfort. You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions, as long as you report them promptly and take reasonable care of your card. Whether you’re shopping in-store, online, over the phone, or at the ATM, your Mastercard has your back. It’s a cozy kind of confidence that cash and checks just can’t match.

Savor the Season, Scam-Free

Whether you’re picking apples, wandering through a pumpkin patch, or browsing fall sales from your couch, these tips will help you stay secure. So go ahead, crunch those leaves, not your finances. With a little awareness and a few smart habits, you can enjoy everything autumn has to offer with peace of mind.

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Annual enrollment tips: Selecting the best financial benefits for you

2025-10-20T13:43:01

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again — open enrollment period, when you can review, select or change your workplace benefits. For a number of weeks each year, you can make selections or modifications to your health insurance, retirement plans or other employee benefits for the next year. These choices can impact your finances and give you peace of mind around safeguarding your family’s health. Because changes you make now can be binding for 2026 (outside of qualifying life events), it’s important to select the right benefits for your unique situation.

This is a good time to step back and view the big picture. The driving force behind choosing the right workplace benefits should be your needs and values. What is most important for you and your family’s overall well-being? What events might come up next year? Are you starting a family, looking for a home or facing medical expenses? Choosing benefits that support you throughout these situations can impact your happiness and well-being.

Here are major benefit categories to consider.

Health insurance options

Sorting through health insurance plans can seem overwhelming. It may be tempting to simply choose whatever option is closest to what you already have. But if you have a new employer, if anything has changed in your family — or you simply want to better understand your options — review these factors:

  • Cost: Compare annual premiums, deductibles, copays/coinsurance and OOP (out-of-pocket) maximums in each plan. Ask yourself: How much did you pay in premiums this year? How many trips to the doctor, hospital or emergency room did your family make? Do you anticipate major health care needs in 2026? These answers will help you make informed decisions.
  • Plan type: You may be presented with an alphabet soup of options: HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) and HDHPs (High-Deductible Health Plans), among others. Each plan type has pros and cons. For example, one advantage of an HDHP is pairing it with a Health Savings Account (HSA), which offers tax-advantaged ways to save and pay for qualified medical expenses; and your employer might contribute to it on your behalf, too.
  • Plan networks: Each insurance plan has a group of providers contracted to offer services at a certain cost. The network size and accessibility of providers can affect costs and the ease of getting appointments.
  • Your family’s health needs: How well has your past coverage suited you and your family? What changes might be necessary? Would you rather pay higher costs upfront and lower costs for service, or the other way around? With the HDHP example, you’ll potentially pay less for premiums, and you can use your HSA to help offset higher service costs.

Retirement benefits

If you have access to a workplace-sponsored retirement plan, this can be a great way to help you plan for the future. In most cases, these are defined contribution plans like a 401(k), where you dedicate a percentage of your paycheck to flow directly into your retirement account.

Many employers offer a match, which means they’ll contribute the same amount as you, up to a certain percentage. If your employer offers a 3% match, try to contribute at least 3% of your salary to your retirement savings, or you’re leaving free money on the table.

Student debt assistance

Many employers now offer two versions of repayment assistance for student debt:

  • Student debt direct: Your employer matches a percentage of your loan payments, which helps you pay down debt faster.
  • Student debt retirement: Your employer matches your payments with contributions to your workplace savings account.

“Student debt assistance is a newer benefit many employees may not know about,” said Kirsten Hunter Peterson, vice president, Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments. “This offers a real advantage for anyone still paying student debt, freeing up money for anything from building emergency savings or making a home down payment to starting your own family.”

Ask your human resources department if your workplace offers this benefit.

Additional benefits

Many employers offer financial benefits like emergency savings programs, life insurance and disability insurance to help protect your finances if the unexpected happens. These benefits can make a real difference if they’re ever needed.

Work-life balance

Your employer likely offers other initiatives to help you make time for your personal priorities. Familiarize yourself with your company’s PTO (paid time off) policy, parental leave and flexible work arrangements to see how you might use them in 2026.

Make open enrollment work for you

The open enrollment period is the ideal time to ensure you understand all your benefits. First, ensure you know your company’s enrollment window. Some workplace benefits are offered year-round, while others are only available during the annual enrollment period or for a major life event (like getting married or welcoming a child).

Then think about which benefits are most cost-effective for your needs over the coming year, weighing their cost against the protection and security they provide. If your employer offers a match on your workplace savings plan contributions or HSA, remember the value “free money” can add to your overall benefit plan.

Ask questions

Unsure about choosing your benefits package, or need assistance? Consult your human resources representative or benefits administrators.

Visit Fidelity.com to learn more about workplace benefit options.

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High stakes and holiday cheer: Oaklawn’s new racing era begins

2025-10-20T08:01:01

(BPT) – Oaklawn Hot Springs, one of America’s premier Thoroughbred racetracks and casinos, is making history. Beginning with the 2025–2026 season, Oaklawn’s racing calendar — long recognized for its high-stakes purses and nationally competitive fields — will feature two distinct racing seasons for the first time in its more than 100-year history.

A festive new tradition

The Holiday Racing Season launches Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026, bringing the thrill of Oaklawn racing into the most festive time of year. Guests can pair the adrenaline of live racing and the comfort of the Forbes Recommended Oaklawn Hotel with relaxation at the Forbes Four-Star Astral Spa. Whether it’s a holiday getaway, a New Year’s weekend celebration or simply a new tradition to share with friends, the Holiday Racing Season adds a fun and festive twist to the Oaklawn experience.

Race horses coming around the bend at the Oaklawn track.

Elite racing returns in 2026

After a brief intermission, the spotlight returns with Oaklawn’s iconic Classic Racing Season, running Jan. 30 – May 2, 2026. This stretch showcases some of the nation’s most prestigious stakes races, drawing the sport’s elite horses, jockeys and trainers to Hot Springs. For racing fans, it’s an unmatched opportunity to see championship-caliber Thoroughbreds with the potential of winning horse racing’s coveted Triple Crown.

“Racing in December allows Oaklawn to welcome fans during the Holiday Racing Season, while our Classic Racing Season continues to deliver the elite competition for which Oaklawn is known,” said Louis A. Cella, president of Oaklawn. “We’re excited to offer even more opportunities for both longtime racing enthusiasts and new guests to experience what makes Oaklawn unique.”

Birds eye view of horses racing on Oaklawn Hot Springs track.

A destination beyond the track

This new split-season format is designed to appeal to a broad audience:

  • Racing enthusiasts: More opportunities to follow elite contenders and experience the traditions that make Oaklawn one of the premier tracks in the country.
  • Young adults and new fans: A festive holiday atmosphere paired with approachable entry points to live racing, dining and entertainment makes Oaklawn a perfect first-time experience.
  • Those planning a getaway: Beyond the track and great casino action, visitors can enjoy Oaklawn’s Forbes Recommended Hotel, unwind at the Astral Spa — Arkansas’ only Forbes four-star luxury spa — and indulge at Arkansas’ only Forbes Recommended restaurants, The Bugler and The OAK room & bar.

Experience Oaklawn’s elevated hospitality

Oaklawn’s innovation comes at a time when live experiences are more valuable than ever. The combination of holiday events, premier racing and the backdrop of Hot Springs’ scenic Ouachita Mountains creates an unparalleled destination for both locals and travelers.

Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for Opening Day on Dec. 12, 2025, and join Oaklawn in celebrating this historic new chapter in Thoroughbred racing.

Tips for visiting Oaklawn Hot Springs

  • Check in and stay a while: Enjoy the Forbes Recommended Oaklawn Hotel, home to Arkansas’ only Forbes Four-Star luxury spa, a world-class casino and multiple Forbes Recommended dining options that make Oaklawn more than a day at the races.
  • Explore Hot Springs: Discover the historic bathhouses, hiking trails and a vibrant local dining scene to round out your trip.
  • Fun for the whole family: Holiday race days will feature a festive atmosphere with daily promotions, food, entertainment and family-friendly options.
  • Plan ahead: Visit Oaklawn.com for hotel reservations, ticket information, schedules and special events.

With two distinct racing seasons, Oaklawn is ready to deliver unforgettable memories — whether it’s holiday cheer in December or Derby dreams in the spring.

Founded in 1904 and located in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, Oaklawn is one of the premier Thoroughbred racetracks in the country. Make your reservations and plan your trip at www.oaklawn.com.

Must be 18 for race gambling and 21 for casino gaming in Arkansas. Always bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org.

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Enjoy ‘time tripping’ and create fun new memories in Myrtle Beach

2025-10-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Do you get misty-eyed recalling favorite childhood vacations? Remember watching the scenery roll by from the back seat with the windows down, feeling the warm sun on your back and sand between your toes? Do you remember savoring cool ice cream while the sounds of arcade games echoed around you and the sweet smell of funnel cakes mingled with the ocean breeze along the boardwalk?

Memories like these have inspired the latest travel trend, “time tripping,” where travelers seek to relive the magic of family vacations. There’s no better place to create your own time-traveling experience than South Carolina’s Grand Strand. Stretching across 60 miles of shoreline and 14 unique communities, including Myrtle Beach, this region holds a special place in the American vacation story.

If you love the idea of pairing familiar vacation touchstones with new attractions, you’ll find it all at The Beach. Try these curated experiences combining the best of the past with fun new ways to enjoy your nostalgic getaway.

Gen Z: TikTok meets childhood throwbacks

This itinerary taps into Gen Z’s love of content-worthy moments and playful nods to the early 2000s. After a visit to the beach, check out oversized sweets at the iconic candy store I Love Sugar, then explore the mall-style vibes at the outdoor shopping and dining hub The Market Common.

Ready for a little action? The high-tech mini golf experience at PopStroke, backed by Tiger Woods, is well worth the visit. Then you can throw it back with skee-ball at the Fun Plaza Arcade, race bumper cars at The Track and make sure to catch a candy-colored sunset from the top of the SkyWheel. End the evening enjoying modern live music and rooftop vibes at Tin Roof. You’ll have an amazing time, with plenty of Instagrammable moments.

Millennials: Perfect remix of retro and modern

Get ready for a trip that embraces the “good old days” with grown-up upgrades. First snap some film-style beach photos along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, then satisfy your sweet tooth with bubble waffles and ice cream from The Dolly Llama.

After soaking in some sun and surf, enjoy dinner at The Hangout, a lively burger and seafood spot with dancing servers and throwback tunes. Then, unwind at the sleek new retro-inspired voco the Shelby hotel, featuring modern oceanfront digs with a pool and view that can’t be beat. Not ready to call it a night? Head to Crooked Hammock Brewery at Barefoot Landing for backyard vibes, live music and craft brews under the string lights creating a perfect grown-up twist on those carefree summer nights.

Gen X: Retro cool and chill vibes

For the “MTV generation,” this itinerary pairs throwback cool with laid-back coastal culture. Wake up to pancakes at Harry’s Pancake House, then browse the racks at Retro Active, a funky vintage shop offering everything from your favorite band tees to ’90s windbreakers. Then revisit classic amusement park thrills at Broadway at the Beach’s Pavilion Park or feel the rush of electric go-kart racing at K1 Speed. In the evening, enjoy timeless performances at The Carolina Opry, a tradition since 1986.

You can go full ’80s arcade at the Pinball Museum and enjoy mini golf at tiki-themed Mt. Atlanticus or catch a variety show at the Alabama Theatre, a venue that’s been entertaining visitors with nostalgic hits and classic humor for decades. And don’t forget to make time for a day at the beach that feels blissfully analog before you leave. It’s your soundtrack of summer, set to ocean waves and old-school charm.

Boomers: Classic Myrtle Beach, reimagined

For the timeless traditions Boomers remember and love, start with breakfast at Hot Stacks Pancake House, a longtime favorite serving traditional pancakes, omelets and hearty diner classics, then head south of the Strand to visit Brookgreen Gardens, followed by a treasure hunt for unique, handcrafted gifts and stylish apparel at The Hammock Shops Village. You could go really retro at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm in Conway, showcasing early 20th-century farm life, or plan a picturesque escape to the newly opened Barn View Winery in Loris for a taste of handcrafted wines and sweeping countryside views.

Another day may find you indulging in nostalgia with a scoop at Original Painter’s Homemade Ice Cream, a local favorite since 1952, followed by classic car displays at Wheels of Yesteryear and a throwback live music performance at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre. Before heading home, stroll the famed Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for souvenirs and saltwater taffy, followed by a step back in time with classic Lowcountry flavors and pirate lore at Drunken Jack’s.

No matter your generation, rediscover the magic of Myrtle Beach, where classic vacation memories meet fresh, new experiences. Start planning your adventure today at VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

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How to get cited in AI summaries

2025-10-17T06:01:00

(BPT) – Have a question and want an answer fast? With a quick online search or visit to an AI platform, milliseconds later you’ll receive a handy summary with answers. No clicking needed.

New tools and features like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT and Perplexity are now how people discover and trust content. This change means a new goal for brands: Get into AI summaries and overviews as much as possible.

Where does AI get answers?

AI-enhanced search and AI overviews often contain link symbols and website citations. These are what the AI crawlers have deemed credible and pulled from to write the answer for the search query. This is where brands want their key messages to appear.

“People are no longer scrolling,” said Lisa Jilek, CEO at Brandpoint. “It’s all about the AI summary and positioning your brand’s information to be selected as credible and cited by the bots. This is what people are now seeing and interacting with online.”

The challenge? No single strategy guarantees you show up in AI overviews. But there are things you can do to position your brand for success and make your content more appealing.

How to write content for AI search

Since AI is crawling content online to create responses, start by revamping how you write and publish communications like press releases, blog posts, sponsored content articles and social media posts.

The communications experts at Brandpoint share the following tips to help you write to appeal to AI search and summaries:

1. Organize content in readable formats

  • Q&As
  • FAQs
  • Numbered lists with subheadings
  • Bylines with credible sources

2. Choose intent-rich angles

  • Anticipate audience search queries
  • Answer questions
  • Solve customer pain points
  • Consider topical approaches

3. Select strong visuals

  • Infographics
  • Listicles
  • Lifestyle images
  • Include metadata and descriptions for all visuals

4. Use authentic voices

  • Customer stories
  • Testimonials
  • Subject matter experts
  • Avoid jargon

5. Create parsable snippets

  • Strong headline
  • Short, clear and well-formatted content
  • Subheadings
  • Bullets or numbering when appropriate

Revamping how you create content is a critical first step. To make sure your content is as visible as possible to AI crawlers, you also need to consistently get it on credible websites.

How to guarantee media placements

Branded content is one way to control your message and get it published on high-quality websites. Branded content refers to paid placements that are distributed on media sites, such as a sponsored article on a newspaper website or an infographic on a television page.

“Brandpoint distributes branded content for clients on our network of high-quality publishing partners,” Brandpoint CTO Adam McBroom said. “We have seen some of our clients’ content appearing in AI summaries, which is promising. AI crawlers are looking for credible content on credible websites. The value and frequency of those placements will reenforce a brand’s message and goals.”

USA Today is an example of just one of the high-quality publishers on Brandpoint’s publisher network. To learn more about their robust publisher network visit Brandpoint.com.

The benefits of AI overviews for businesses

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Why more women are turning to Pycnogenol during menopause

2025-10-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – Menopause is a normal stage of life, but the changes it brings can feel anything but. Hot flashes, restless nights, mood shifts and hair thinning are just some of the common symptoms women experience as hormone levels naturally decline. For many, these shifts arrive at a time when life is already busy with family, work and personal responsibilities — making the added stress of physical changes even more challenging.

With World Menopause Day in October, highlighting the importance of awareness and support, it’s a timely reminder that while every woman’s journey is different, research shows there are natural, science-backed ways to ease this transition and feel more like yourself again.

A natural ingredient backed by research

Pycnogenol®, a plant extract derived from French maritime pine bark, has been studied for more than 40 years, including on clinical trials involving 600 menopausal women. Findings show it may help reduce common menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and irritability, while also supporting fatigue, sleep quality and memory.

What makes Pycnogenol® unique is its ability to work on several levels at once — it functions as an antioxidant, circulation booster and natural anti-inflammatory. Many studies have also confirmed that Pycnogenol® is safe and well-tolerated and has no impact on hormonal levels, making it an appealing choice for women looking for natural alternatives.

Proven benefits for disruptive symptoms

Menopause can bring about more than just the well-known symptoms. For example, women face increased cardiovascular risk during this stage of life. Studies show that menopausal women who took Pycnogenol® for six months experienced improved cardiovascular markers, thanks to the extract’s positive effects on vascular function.

Skin health may also suffer due to declining estrogen levels, leading to dryness and reduced elasticity. Pycnogenol® has been shown to improve skin hydration, increase elasticity and reduce pigmentation — benefits that help women feel more confident in their skin.

Another lesser-discussed symptom is joint discomfort. Estrogen loss can cause inflammation and stiffness. Pycnogenol’s® anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to improve mobility and reduce the need for medication.

Supporting hair health

More than half of women over 50 notice hair thinning, and hormonal changes are a big reason why. Reduced estrogen can affect follicle activity, while dryness and scalp irritation make it harder to maintain strong, resilient strands.

Recent clinical research shows Pycnogenol® may help. After just two months, women in one study experienced a 30% increase in hair density. The study also revealed an improvement in scalp microcirculation, or blood flow to the skin, that was associated with improved density. Together, these benefits can make a visible difference in how hair looks and feels.

Simple steps for everyday support

Beyond supplements, small lifestyle shifts can also make a difference in how women experience menopause:

  • Hydrate: Staying well-hydrated helps support circulation, skin elasticity and cellular health throughout the body.
  • Massage: A few minutes of daily scalp massage can boost circulation and help relax tension.
  • Nourish: A nutrient-rich diet with a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants supports whole-body vitality, including skin and hair health.
  • Rest: Prioritizing restful sleep gives the body time to repair, reset hormone balance and maintain emotional resilience.
  • Move: Gentle exercise like walking or yoga can improve circulation and reduce stress, both of which impact overall well-being.

Moving forward with confidence

Menopause may come with challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to refocus on self-care and wellness. From easing disruptive symptoms to supporting hair and skin, natural solutions like Pycnogenol® can play an important role in helping women move through this stage feeling healthier and more confident.

To learn more, visit Pycnogenol.com.