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5 easy, effective ways to make your bathroom more sustainable

2023-12-14T20:01:00

(BPT) – Are you interested in finding more sustainable options when it comes to the products and processes you use in your home every day? Using more environmentally friendly and sustainable products is top of mind for many households, and the bathroom is one place where even a few small choices can make a big impact.

To transform your bathroom into an oasis of sustainability, here are some simple swaps and practices you can try.

1. Start with your seat

Did you know there’s a toilet seat made from 100% recycled material? The Mayfair Greenleaf toilet seat by Bemis is the only seat and lid on the market created entirely from post-industrial recycled plastic, while also offering durability and style. On top of its modern design, its patented Stay•Tite installation system ensures a secure, shift-free fit, along with slow close hinges that eliminate the jarring sound of slamming. All of these elements make it a great choice you can feel good about incorporating into your home.

Mayfair by Bemis Greenleaf toilet seat is available in a classic white finish and elongated design, making green living accessible to every bathroom. You can find it on HomeDepot.com, Amazon.com and ToiletSeats.com.

2. Find better paper

One of the ways you can make your bathroom much more sustainable is through your choice of toilet paper. Instead of selecting paper made from virgin wood pulp, you can save more trees by looking for paper products that are made from recycled paper or bamboo fibers. Today’s marketplace offers more options than ever before, so it’s worth shopping around and trying different products to find one you like best.

3. Use water smartly

If water conservation is a top concern for you, several approaches can help reduce how much water is being used — and your monthly water bills, too. Here are some easy ways to reduce water use in your bathroom:

  • Choose showers over baths. Showers use less water, especially when you keep them shorter. You can also opt for a lower-flow shower head to further reduce water waste.
  • Need to run water to heat it up? Consider putting a bucket in the bathtub to collect some of this water for later use in cleaning or for watering plants.
  • Catch leaks early. Having a plumber stop by to check for leaks before anything catastrophic happens will not only prevent expensive water damage down the road, but can also reduce water waste. Or start by simply updating small things like your toilet flapper if it hasn’t been replaced for a while, as leaks in the toilet tank begin gradually.
  • Aerate your water. Most bathroom faucets come with an aerator today, but if yours doesn’t have one, or if it’s not working well, they are easy to install or replace yourself.

4. Launder towels in cold water

Laundry detergents have come a long way, and most of them will work just as effectively in cold water today. According to the American Cleaning Institute, 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward just heating up the water, so you can wash your washrags, bath and hand towels in cold water to help save a lot of energy. If you’re concerned about sanitizing your towels sufficiently, consider adding laundry sanitizer to your loads.

5. Warm up your floor

An increasingly popular way to reduce energy consumption is by installing in-floor radiant heating, which is very energy efficient as well as long-lasting. While it feels super luxurious to step out of the shower onto a heated floor, it’s actually much more thrifty, because in-floor heating is far more efficient than forced-air heating.

Prioritizing the environment begins with simple changes throughout your home. Using these tips, you can start making a positive impact with small, everyday choices you can feel good about.

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Is your HVAC system ready for winter? 5 things you need to check

2023-12-14T12:01:00

(BPT) – Before the snow flies and the temps get icy cold, you may want to take some extra steps to ensure that your house will stay comfortable all season long — no matter what Mother Nature sends your way. During a time when heating costs are on the rise, another advantage to making sure your HVAC system is working well is that you may save on energy bills.

When should you check your heating system? How about right now, before the autumn rush. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home will be toasty and warm — instead of having to wait weeks or even months to tune up, repair or upgrade your HVAC system.

Here’s a guide to simple steps for checking your heating and cooling system that you can start doing today.

1. Consider a thermostat upgrade.

For any home with an older thermostat, upgrading to a more energy-efficient, smart thermostat can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and energy costs. Smart thermostats allow you to control your thermostat much more easily, even when you’re far from home, so you can regulate your system and keep it running smoothly. Today’s thermostats are far easier to program to provide maximum efficiency and comfort.

2. Check the filter.

When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? Ideally, you should write the date you change it right on the filter, so there’s no question how long it’s been in there. You can also set a reminder on whatever calendar you use for regular appointments.

A dirty furnace filter makes your HVAC system a lot less efficient, not only increasing your energy bill, but also making your home’s air less clean and comfortable — plus full of potential allergens. Check your HVAC system manufacturer’s instructions on how frequently to change the filter, but remember that you can also choose to change it more frequently if someone in your family has allergies or you have pets.

3. Tune it up.

Take a quick assessment of how well your system is working by cranking up the thermostat. Is the heating turning on right away, and can you feel warm air coming through the vents? If it takes a long time for your furnace to get going or the air flow is weak, you may need more than standard maintenance. It could be time to consider upgrading your system.

Early fall is the ideal time to schedule a tune-up by a professional HVAC technician, who can clean and check your system to make sure everything is working as it should. Because techs get busier when temperatures dip below freezing, you won’t have to wait as long if you proactively schedule your tune-up now. Regular maintenance and tune-ups not only mean a warmer winter for you and your family, but also safeguard against problems that could even become safety hazards in the future.

4. Decide if you need a new system.

How old is your heating system? If it’s no longer functioning efficiently, replacing your HVAC with a newer model can offer benefits including a much warmer home all winter long — and potential savings on your energy bills.

During your HVAC tune-up, ask your technician what shape your furnace is in, and whether there are any signs that it needs to be repaired or replaced soon.

5. Assess the concrete pad’s condition.

Your outdoor condensing unit should be placed on a level concrete pad. This will ensure that it works more efficiently, plus making it safer from potential minor flooding. If you have a level, you can easily use it to check the slab that your condensing unit currently sits on. If your old concrete pad is not level and/or is in rough shape, this is something that should be corrected, whether or not you plan to replace your HVAC system.

When you’re ready to replace your condenser, one way to save money is by installing a level and strong foundation yourself. This can be done by using four 24″x24″ square concrete stones from Pavestone, along with paver sand (for leveling) and base, for drainage. Pavestone concrete stones provide a quick and easy solution to creating a solid, level foundation for your HVAC system, and don’t require expertise to install.

Learn how to install your new foundation by checking the easy-to-follow instructions on the product, and check out the similar process in this video for how to install patio stones on the Pavestone website.

By using these tips, you can be sure your home will be ready for winter, well before the season arrives. By acting now, you’ll find better prices on system maintenance or the purchase of a new thermostat or HVAC system — and less time to wait for service.

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How one automaker is granting wishes across the country

2023-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Eleven-year-old Quinn has faced the fears and anxieties that come with a critical illness diagnosis. At 11 days old, she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. However, Quinn’s condition has not dimmed her passion for life. Her desire for excitement and adventure keeps her going despite her challenges.

When Quinn was asked, “If you could have one wish, what would it be?” she did not hesitate. She said she wished to go on a tropical vacation with her family.

In partnership with Make-A-Wish® New Jersey, Subaru of Cherry Hill made Quinn’s wish come true by hosting a send-off party for Quinn. She thought she was going to look at cars with her family at Subaru of Cherry Hill but was surprised by family, friends and community members.

The party included all her favorite things, a Kona Ice truck and fire dancer, plus exciting gifts for her trip. After an exciting limo ride to the airport, Quinn spent a week in the sun, experiencing the local culture and seeking thrills on a zipline. Her trip allowed her to relax, recharge and make lifelong memories with her family.

“We know how physically and emotionally difficult medical treatments can be for children and their families,” said John Daqui, general sales manager at Subaru of Cherry Hill. “As a supporter of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, we hope to provide local children like Quinn with strength and positivity to fight against a critical illness.”

Transforming lives, one wish at a time

Quinn is just one example of the many children across the U.S. whose wish has been granted thanks to the partnership between Subaru and Make-A-Wish. According to Make-A-Wish, about 27,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness each year.

Through the annual Subaru Share the Love® Event, more than 600 Subaru retailers across the country partner with Make-A-Wish to support children and families impacted by a critical illness. Since 2011, the automaker and its retailers have donated more than $32 million, helping grant more than 3,300 wishes in the U.S.

“We are humbled and thankful for the ongoing support from Subaru of Cherry Hill,” said Michael Dominick, assistant vice president of marketing and communications for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. “A wish can be a game-changer for children like Quinn, courageously facing a critical illness. It can restore hope when hope is needed most and serve as a catalyst for renewed strength for entire families.”

Quinn’s wish isn’t the only one Subaru will help grant this year. Now through Jan. 2, 2024, Subaru will donate $250 to the customer’s choice of charities for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at any participating Subaru retailer, and Make-A-Wish is one of the benefitting organizations.

Retailers can select up to two hometown charities in their local communities to receive at least an additional $50 for each new vehicle sold or leased. Also, participating Subaru retailers will donate $5 to their registered hometown charities for every Subaru vehicle routine service visit during the campaign period.

To learn more about the automaker’s long-standing partnership with Make-A-Wish and how you and other customers can bring joy back into the lives of children with critical illnesses like Quinn, visit Wish.org/Subaru.

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LG Brings a ‘Refreshed’ Experience to Sneakerheads at ComplexCon 2023

2023-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – ComplexCon, a global street culture festival held in Long Beach, California, is a popular destination for the world’s growing ranks of sneakerheads. At this year’s event, which took place in November, LG showcased two innovative products that have quickly found a fanbase among the footwear-obsessed — the LG Styler™ ShoeCare and Styler ShoeCase.

To introduce its unique shoe management solutions in the U.S. — the undisputed capital of sneakerhead culture — LG established a partnership with street fashion icon and founder of the STAPLE brand, Jeff Staple. Together, LG and Jeff created a lit vibe at ComplexCon, grabbing the attention of visitors to LG’s boldly-colored booth with a genuinely entertaining game show-themed activation.

On opening day, Jeff made a special guest appearance at the booth, meeting with fans and hosting Spin to Win — an interactive game giving ‘contestants’ the opportunity to win exclusive prizes by answering questions about sneaker culture and the features of LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare. Up for grabs were limited-edition Styler ShoeCase tote bags exclusive to ComplexCon, and for two very lucky contestants, an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City for a sneaker shopping spree with Jeff Staple.

Visitors to LG’s booth also had the chance to see first-hand the convenience, elegance and quality of the LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare. Collectively, the two products offer a total solution for storing, showcasing and caring for one’s shoes. First unveiled at last year’s IFA, the Styler ShoeCase features a 360-degree rotating turntable that presents the perfect stage for displaying sneakers, old and new. Not only does it put users’ prized possessions in the best possible light, it also affords them protection against UV light as well as the damaging effects of humidity.*

Complementing the ShoeCase, the Styler ShoeCare employs LG’s proven TrueSteam™ technology in conjunction with a ZeoDry filter to refresh and revitalize shoes, minimizing the presence of moisture and removing unpleasant odors. To cap off the ‘refreshed’ user experience, LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare can be controlled remotely via the ThinQ™ app.

After joining forces with Jeff Staple to give ComplexCon 2023 visitors an exclusive look at its state-of-the-art Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare, LG will continue to seek out new opportunities to share the value of its latest lifestyle innovations with sneaker collectors and lovers around the world.

Stay tuned to LG Newsroom to learn more about LG’s innovative solutions for a better life at home.

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* An ultraviolet light-absorbing coating has been applied to the transparent panels of the LG Styler ShoeCase to help prevent discoloration caused by exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lighting.

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Take back your free time: 4 expert tips for reducing lawn maintenance

2023-12-13T10:01:01

(BPT) – If you love your outdoor space — but aren’t crazy about weeding, watering and mulching — you’ll be glad to know there are simple ways to minimize maintenance of your yard and garden. With a bit of planning and some up-front investment, you can cut down on the time you spend working in your yard, so you have more time to just relax and enjoy it.

Here are tried-and-true tips for creating an outdoor space that won’t use up all your leisure time.

1. Reduce your lawn

To cut down on the weekly attention a typical lawn demands, consider cutting down on the square footage of grass. By adding more hardscaping — a larger patio, decking, a gazebo or other structure — you may also expand the ways you can enjoy your outdoor space beyond just watching the grass grow.

Another alternative to grass many choose today is artificial turf, especially in areas experiencing water shortages.

2. Plant — or replant — more thoughtfully

What you grow in your yard makes a huge difference in terms of maintenance. To reduce your workload, try to:

  • Choose perennials that are low-maintenance and don’t require replanting
  • Opt for native plants suitable for your region
  • Select hardy plants that thrive on benign neglect
  • Plant in the best spot for optimal growth

For help choosing the most maintenance-free plantings for your yard, start by doing an online search for native plants in your state, along with looking up the USDA hardiness zone where you live. Nursery or garden store professionals can also offer their expertise, as can your local agricultural extension office.

Rethinking your choices of flowers, plants and shrubs can turn a yard that needs constant tending into one requiring minimal effort.

3. Use landscaping stone to beautify your yard and garden

Another great option for simplifying yardwork is using landscaping stone instead of standard mulch. While requiring a bit more investment up front, options like Pavestone Pea, Pond or River Pebbles are much more cost effective over time, because stones are much longer lasting, making them ideal for gardens, pathways, ponds and many other applications around your yard.

Landscaping stone is a very low-maintenance, highly sustainable and attractive alternative, as most traditional types of mulch only last three months to a year. Mulch may blow or wash away (creating a mess you have to spend time cleaning), and also quickly decays, degrades or decomposes — so you have to replenish it again and again to keep weeds under control. It’s also difficult to keep mulched garden beds free from dead leaves and debris, but with landscaping stone you can easily remove unwanted debris with a leaf blower.

Landscaping stone is also very effective at preventing weeds, while providing an attractive bed to showcase your decorative plants, flowers and shrubs. You also avoid concern about importing termites into your yard as compared to untreated wood-based ground coverings — and in drier climates, rocks are the ideal choice as they’re not flammable.

If your lawn or garden experiences drainage issues, mixing and matching landscaping stones of different sizes like Pavestone’s Pea, Pond or River Pebbles helps control water flow and facilitates runoff, while helping maintain your landscaping grading. Pavestone’s landscaping rocks are easy to spread wherever you need them, helping to control soil erosion and retain moisture.

While clearly practical, landscaping stone also provides unique beauty for any project. You’ll see a wide variety of earth tones in landscaping stone from Pavestone that add nuanced color to your garden beds. They come in a variety of shades of tan, brown and gray, depending on where they were derived.

Another option to consider is Pavestone’s Premium White Marble Chips. These beautifully shiny white stones provide high color contrast for your garden beds, or they can be used as a top layer on a bed of Pebbles to create your desired look. Whatever colors you choose, Pavestone landscaping stones resist fading, and they’ll beautify and enhance the appearance of your landscaping beds for years to come.

Find Pavestone Pea, Pond and River Pebbles and Marble Chips at your favorite home improvement store, or visit Pavestone to learn more.

4. Automate watering

Installing an irrigation system also saves a ton of time — and ensures your plants are getting the water they need to thrive. Automated irrigation is also a more efficient, effective use of water than sporadic manual watering. While there is a cost up front (depending on the system, size of yard, etc.), installing a good lawn irrigation system can also help improve your property’s value.

Using these tips can help save you time and effort, allowing you to make the most of your outdoor space with your friends and family.

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Eggs Are MVP Ingredients: See Why This Staple Is Invaluable

2023-12-13T18:07:00

(BPT) – Consumers agree — eggs are an essential staple. According to a recent consumer survey the American Egg Board conducted in partnership with YouGov, more than 4 in 5 Americans always keep eggs in their refrigerator and purchase eggs at least monthly, and 87% of Americans consume eggs at least once per week. It’s true, eggs are an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen and our lives.

Americans perceive eggs as valuable because they are easy to cook, taste good, and are versatile. Americans also appreciate eggs for their ability to support weight management and fitness goals. Those aged 18-35 and 55+ equally agree that fitness support (e.g., muscle development, maintaining muscles, etc.) is a nutritional benefit of eating eggs.

When it comes to cooking, half of Americans agree they are in a cooking rut, and 71% wish they could make faster meals that are more nutritious. In particular, younger Americans feel stuck and are seeking faster, more nutritious, and more inspired meals. If weeknight dinners are a challenge, eggs are the most valuable ingredient in your fridge.

Everyone knows eggs make an unbeatable breakfast, but the multifaceted egg can also rescue the family from routine after a long, busy day — and even better, they’re already in your kitchen. With their versatility, taste and ease, eggs offer dozens (a carton-full, if you will) of delightful ways to deliver unforgettable moments around the dinner table (and impress the pickiest of eaters).

Look no further than these Chicken Cutlets, Easy Microwave Ramen with Eggs and these Scrambled Egg & Stir-Fried Veggie Lettuce Cups for easy weeknight dinners.

For more recipe inspiration and to learn more about what makes the egg so invaluable, visit https://www.incredibleegg.org/invaluableegg.

About the American Egg Board (AEB)
Home of The Incredible Egg, the American Egg Board (AEB) is the national marketing organization of America’s egg farmers. AEB’s mission is to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education and promotion. AEB is located in Chicago. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org.

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Gifts with purpose: How to embrace a regenerative holiday season

2023-12-13T16:01:01

(BPT) – This holiday season, rise above the noise of excess and gift with purpose by selecting presents that champion your values. Consider purchases that restore ecology, improve livelihood and ensure animal welfare for farming communities. To support a sustainable and regenerative future, give clean and nourishing food and beverages. Rather than relying solely on sustainability labels, explore products actively contributing to communities and ecology.

A simple and effective approach is choosing companies certified by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, particularly those holding the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC). These companies employ regenerative organic agriculture practices, meeting stringent environmental standards while upholding specific ethical and social criteria that enhance soil health, ensure social fairness and prioritize animal welfare.

To help you get started, here are some standout companies from the ROC product directory offering perfect gifts that can be shipped directly to loved ones (or enjoyed at home as a well-deserved indulgence) this festive season.

Say happy holidays or thank hosts with a great bottle of wine

Bonterra Organic Estates, nestled in Mendocino County, leads in regenerative organic viticulture. They employ time-honored methods like sheep grazing, cover cropping and compost application to nurture the soil. Situated at an elevation of 2,235 feet in the mountaintops of Mendocino’s rugged North Coast of California, their fruits boast intense and rich, complex flavors — a testament to the interplay of high altitude and maritime microclimate.

Known for exceptional wines, their ROC-certified The Bonterra Estate Collection features favorites like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and limited edition Red Blend. Priced at $22, these wines are widely accessible at retail, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts. Their pioneering position as among the first globally certified Regenerative Organic Certified wines adds an additional layer of distinction to these remarkable offerings.

For those seeking an elevated experience, Bonterra.com offers single vineyard wines, including The Butler Red Cuvee 2020, The McNab Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 and The Roost Chardonnay 2020.

Elevate spirits with premium-quality coffee

Ampersand Coffee Roasters sources 100% organic coffee grown with cutting-edge regenerative organic farming techniques and uses 100% fair trade policies to empower coffee farmers and guarantee a minimum price for their coffee even when markets fluctuate. The organic agriculture practices for their sourced coffee encourage techniques like crop rotation, companion planting, biological pest control, mixed cropping and the fostering of insect predators.

The company also partners with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance and Cafe Femenino to support gender equality in coffee-growing regions. Consider their ground or whole bean coffee for gift-giving, or gift subscriptions for the coffee devotees in your life.

Unearth treasures for tea enthusiasts

If you’ve heard of Jeju Island, South Korea, it’s probably due to their famous women deep-sea divers. But the island’s rich volcanic soil and mild sea mist produce something else noteworthy — excellent tea. Wild Orchard’s exclusive partner farm on Jeju relies on natural sea winds to keep pests at bay, and benefits from fertilization offered by organically raised geese.

Over two decades ago, the first tea trees were grown from seeds (not cuttings) planted directly in the volcanic soil, causing them to develop extremely deep roots. Left largely untouched until recently, the trees grew wild to become larger and hardier than those grown on most traditional tea farms, for a superior final result.

Or surprise a tea aficionado with something truly unique: Yaupon tea, a refreshing brew derived from a naturally caffeinated native American plant that has 60% of the caffeine of coffee and a flavor profile similar to green tea.

CatSpring Yaupon is a woman-led company that uses sustainable practices to produce this flavorful drink. The plants are wild-grown with no added water, and hand-harvested. The company also uses a “people first” hiring policy that works with probation officers to hire individuals looking to create a new future for themselves, as well as hiring women with a history of generational poverty.

Pick up stocking stuffers like the tea sampler bag at CatSpringTea.com and a variety of loose and bagged teas at WildOrchard.com.

Gift single origin extra virgin olive oil

SIMPLi connects people around the world through the joy of food. The co-founders sought to bring the best single-origin ingredients from around the world to the market in a way that equally benefits people, producers and the planet. Simpli’s 100% Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil, perfect for gifting, plays a proactive role in land regeneration, carbon sequestration, and resource conservation on a significant scale.

Knowing that what you give others will benefit the planet makes every gift more meaningful to you as well as to the recipients of your carefully chosen gifts. You can feel good about everything you’re giving this holiday season using these criteria for your shopping.

Bonterra Organic Estates, Hopland, Mendocino County, California. Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

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How employers and employees can benefit from mental wellness resources

2023-12-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re in charge of making the holiday magic happen, you could be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Between organizing gatherings, buying gifts and attending seasonal events, your holiday sparkle may be a little dim. And for many, personal tragedies and local, national and global conflict have made it difficult to feel the joy of the season.

Given all these stressors, it’s critical to practice self-care so you can strengthen your well-being, which is the foundation for good mental health. Only when you take care of yourself will you have reserves to draw upon to take care of what needs to be done for your family and at work. While there are things you can do on your own to unwind and recharge, there are times when you’ll need to tap into expert support.

Seeking out professional help may seem daunting, time consuming or inaccessible. The good news is you may already have mental wellness resources at your fingertips through your employer.

How your workplace can be a mental wellness resource

Many companies have prioritized employee mental wellness by incorporating counseling services into their Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and incorporating trusted clinical partners such as R3 Continuum. In fact, according to Deloitte, organizations with more than 20,000 employees have invested an average of $11 million a year in resources that drive health, well-being and productivity improvement. Typically, these services are available at no cost to the employee.

But even employees at small companies have resources. If you’re not aware of or haven’t used your employer-provided wellness resources, you’re not alone. According to Deloitte, more than two-thirds of workers don’t use the full value of well-being resources offered by their organization. But given how many waking hours Americans devote to their careers, it is becoming increasingly apparent that employers must support well-being at a greater scale, and the demand for mental wellness support has grown. Today, it is easier than ever to access licensed, experienced clinicians who can help employees manage uncertainties, stressors and anxieties, thanks to company leaders who recognize that they must support every employee’s whole self.

Talk to your human resources team about the services offered by your employer. When you connect with a qualified mental health professional, you can feel more confident participating in holiday activities that offer familiarity and comfort, and truly embrace the season.

What employers can do to better support their teams

Resilient employees build, sustain and grow high-performance companies, but offering mental wellness resources isn’t enough if employees aren’t using them. To build an emotionally healthy and thriving work culture, employers should educate their teams to recognize early signs of behavioral health struggles and encourage them to use the resources provided.

Turning to trusted resources like R3 Continuum, experts in behavioral health and recovery after workplace disruption, makes it easy for employers to invest in their employees’ mental well-being. By working with R3 Continuum, employers can fortify their current EAP to deliver a broad range of behavioral health services. Even members of the C-suite can benefit by accessing leadership coaching that helps executives build a sense of resilience and improve decision-making skills, empowering them to lead by example.

“There are several ways workplaces benefit from supporting the mental well-being of employees, such as decreased absenteeism and presenteeism, improved work satisfaction, improved work engagement, increased productivity, greater creativity and innovation, and the ability to retain and attract top talent,” said Dr. George Vergolias, chief clinical officer at R3 Continuum, in an interview with Authority Magazine. “Workplace leaders have a choice to pay now by investing in a reasonable amount of time and resources to support the mental well-being of employees or pay later and squander an unreasonable amount of time and resources managing maladaptive behaviors.”

During the holiday season and every day, tending to your personal well-being is vital. Ensure you are taking time to take care of you. Talk to your HR team about the mental wellness services offered through your workplace.

HR leaders and executives who want to offer clinical-level support and invest in wellness for everyone in the company can connect with R3 Continuum at https://r3c.com/.

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5 festive twists on classic eggnog for the holiday season

2023-12-13T08:01:01

(BPT) – The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic festive drink like eggnog? Shamrock Farms, a family-owned-and-operated dairy brand, has crafted rich and flavorful products, including seasonal favorite eggnog, for 100 years. A timeless holiday drink that has delighted folks since the 16th century, has evolved across cultures worldwide. While sipping it straight is wonderful, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to enjoy this traditional holiday drink.

Now, Shamrock Farms has released a must-try eggnog, perfected over three generations, exclusively at Aldi: Vanilla Spice Eggnog.

Shamrock Farms is no stranger to putting a modern twist on a classic favorite. Check out these five favorite festive ways to use their newest creamy Vanilla Spice Eggnog made from a custom blend of spices and sweet vanilla flavor this holiday season.

1. Eggnog Hot Chocolate

Elevate your hot chocolate by blending it with Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog for a cozy, new holiday favorite. Whether you’re fixing it up for yourself or the kids, eggnog hot chocolate is a great addition to your holiday drinks roster. Make sure your hot chocolate is made with delicious, quality eggnog by shopping for Shamrock Farms Traditional, Lite or Irish Whiskey — and the new Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog available at your local ALDI while supplies last.

Simply heat up your favorite hot chocolate, stir in some Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog and add a pinch of nutmeg. Add an extra dash of holiday cheer with a spray of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy.

2. Eggnog French Toast

Infuse the holiday spirit into your breakfast with eggnog French toast! Swap out milk for Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog in your go-to French toast recipe for a sweet, custard-like breakfast treat. Finish with powdered sugar, syrup, whipped cream, nutmeg and cinnamon.

3. Eggnog Cocktails

Spiked eggnog is a favorite adult holiday drink and serves as a perfect base for a variety of cocktails!

Whether you mix up an Eggnog Martini or White Russian, experience the warm, inviting flavors to pure, great-tasting cream and milk of Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog, a recent addition to the Shamrock Farms lineup. These modern twists on a classic drink will delight your guests. Best of all, you can turn any eggnog cocktail into a mocktail by simply omitting the alcohol.*

4. Eggnog Cookies

Freshly baked holiday cookies are a staple of the season. Add Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog to the mix to take your sugar cookies to the next level. Bring out the eggnog flavor in these sweet treats by adding nutmeg and rum extract to your recipe. Don’t forget to pick up a pack of holiday cookie cutters to make your cookies stand out at the next family gathering or holiday party.

5. Eggnog Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding is a crowd-pleasing dessert that you can bring to any holiday gathering. Make this classic dessert even merrier by infusing it with Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog! Lifestyle influencer, Erin O’Brien, is known for her delicious takes on everyday dishes. Here she upgraded the standard bread pudding recipe with the merry addition of Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog. Follow @Erin O’Brien’s recipe for the most mouthwatering results:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place bread into a baking dish and sprinkle with cranberries.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.

4. Pour mixture over the bread and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

5. Drizzle melted butter overtop and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

6. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium-low heat, add eggnog, butter and sugar. Once warmed and all ingredients are well combined, add rum and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Pour over the bread pudding and enjoy!

Raise a glass (or plate) and cheers to a holiday fan-favorite! Let these five Shamrock Farms Vanilla Spice Eggnog-based holiday treats inspire you to craft your own festive creations!

*Drinking alcohol may be harmful to your health and addictive. Please drink responsibly. If you have a problem with alcohol, please visit Responsibility.org.

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Take Charge of Family Security: 5 Vital Actions for a Safe New Year

2023-12-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Amidst the many New Year’s Resolutions families set at the top of the year, creating household safety habits and ensuring preparation in an emergency should be at the top. With the CDC reporting 48% of Americans do not have first aid kits and 52% of Americans do not have copies of crucial personal documents, it’s evident Americans have a lot of work to do to ensure family members are knowledgeable and have safety plans in place.

This year, to ensure safety is a top priority, check out these five important actions to help keep your family safe.

1. Create a home safety checklist

A comprehensive home safety checklist helps create a home environment that promotes security and peace of mind. The checklist should include checking smoke and CO detectors, including changing out batteries, locking windows, ensuring fire extinguishers are readily available in the kitchen and other shared spaces, and properly storing household chemicals like cleaning products. Regularly review and update this checklist.

2. Enroll in hands-free safety services

Did you know only 28.7% of U.S. households have a landline? Without a landline, it can be difficult to contact emergency services, especially for young children. However, technology can be a valuable ally. The new personal and family safety subscription Alexa Emergency Assist allows anyone in the home to use their voice to call for help, giving more peace of mind with fast access to urgent response agents 24/7 365 days a year — without having to search for your phone in the time of an emergency.

When you say, “Alexa, call for help” on an Echo device, including an Echo Kids device, you will be connected to a dedicated, professionally trained agent who can request dispatch of police, fire, or ambulance, avoiding potentially long call hold or wait times.

Agents also have access to pre-saved critical information during the call — like your home address, medications, or allergies — saving time spent collecting information on the call and allowing first responders to be thoroughly prepared when they arrive at your home. The Urgent Response agent can also stay on the line with you until help arrives.

3. Teach personal safety habits

Encourage and empower your family members to develop personal safety habits. Emphasize the importance of staying aware of surroundings, exercising caution when speaking with strangers, and practicing basic self-defense techniques.

When talking with your family about safety habits, underscore the importance of paying attention to smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and to never ignore them. If you subscribe to Alexa Emergency Assist, Smart Alerts allow Alexa to detect signs of trouble — like if your smoke or CO alarm is ringing — and will notify you so you can take action whether you’re at home or away.

Don’t forget to highlight the importance of trusting your instincts and foster open communication so everyone feels comfortable voicing their concerns. By learning and practicing personal safety habits, you’ll equip your loved ones (and yourself!) with the tools they need to confidently navigate changing situations.

4. Develop a trusted network

When it comes to keeping your family safe, you don’t have to do it alone. Cultivate relationships with neighbors, friends, extended family, and community members to build a strong mutual support network. A network of trusted individuals is an invaluable resource that can help provide assistance during times of need.

If you subscribe to Alexa Emergency Assist, you can quickly notify your network in case of an emergency. The Emergency Contacts feature allows you to save up to 25 family members, friends, or loved ones to be automatically notified and informed when a call is placed to Urgent Response. A reliable network not only improves your family’s safety, it also fosters a sense of belonging and community.

5. Create an emergency plan

A detailed and thorough emergency plan can make a huge difference in a crisis. Sit down with your family to discuss evacuation routes, emergency contact numbers, and designated meeting points. Talk about each family member’s responsibilities during different types of emergencies. Even young children and teens have a role to play in an emergency, just by taking care of themselves.

Once you have a plan in place, review and practice the plan so everyone is familiar with the procedures in case of an emergency. By preparing for unexpected moments, you’ll foster a sense of security and resilience.

Use these five tips to kick-start the new year with a focus on family safety. In doing so, you’re laying the foundation for a safe and secure future and creating peace of mind for you and your loved ones.