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5 ways to help children develop language skills

2023-12-11T13:34:10

(BPT) – When it comes to language development in young children, there is no substitute for genuine human interaction. Whether it occurs within the nurturing confines of home or at preschool, talking and engaging with children in conversation from infancy through school age plays a vital role in their linguistic growth and is an integral part in the curriculum at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care.

Here are some easy yet effective ways Kiddie Academy recommends that parents can engage their child in conversation at any age:

1. Conversational Approach — Talking to infants and young children as if engaging in a conversation can have a profound impact on their language development. By pausing and allowing them time to respond, we encourage their active participation. For instance, noticing signs of fatigue, we might say, “I see you starting to yawn, are you tired? It looks like it might be time for you to take your nap.” This conversational style not only helps children understand the rhythm and patterns of communication but also instills confidence in their ability to express themselves.

2. Descriptive Language — Taking the time to describe the world around children can greatly enhance their vocabulary and understanding. By pointing out specific details and using descriptive language, we expand their knowledge and help them foster a deeper connection with their environment. For example, we might say, “I notice you have your blue shoes with you today. Let’s put them on before we go outside. Let’s start with your right foot, then we will move to your left foot. These shoes are great for running.” Such interactions promote language comprehension and allow children to associate words with concrete objects and experiences.

3. The Power of Reading — Regularly reading to children is an effective method for building vocabulary and improving language skills. By exposing young minds to a variety of words, sentence structures and storytelling techniques, we stimulate their imagination and expand their linguistic repertoire. Engaging children in discussions about the story or asking open-ended questions can further enhance their comprehension and critical-thinking abilities. Making reading a cherished activity from an early age sets the stage for a lifelong love of books and learning.

4. Discouraging Baby Talk — As children progress into preschool age, it is crucial to discourage baby talk and instead encourage the use of their “big kid voice.” By consistently modeling proper language usage and reinforcing your children’s efforts to communicate effectively, we empower them to express themselves clearly and confidently. Praising their attempts to use more advanced language skills helps them understand the value of articulation and encourages further linguistic growth.

5. Embracing Multilingualism — Exposing children to more than one language from birth to 3 years old can provide numerous cognitive benefits. Contrary to popular belief, young children have an incredible capacity to learn multiple languages simultaneously. By immersing them in a bilingual or multilingual environment, we not only broaden their cultural horizons but also enhance their cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills and overall linguistic competence.

Remember, every interaction is a chance to enhance a child’s linguistic abilities and lay the foundation for a lifetime of effective communication.

For more information and advice, check out the article, Here’s How to Master Parentese and Leave Baby Talk Behind at msn.com.

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5 ways to make a difference on MLK National Day of Service

2023-12-11T09:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, people nationwide celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s not just a day off from work and school. MLK Day is led by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, and The King Center, and it is your chance to step up, make your community more equitable, and help create Dr. King’s dream of the Beloved Community through meaningful acts of service. Still not convinced? Check out these five reasons why you should serve on Monday, Jan. 15, and help transform your community.

1. Engage with your community and create constructive action

Volunteering is a powerful way to connect with your community. Service projects bring folks together, uniting neighbors and turning strangers into friends, all while helping others live healthier, safer, smarter, and more resilient lives. This year, educate yourself on local issues and discover how to participate and contribute to positive change right where you live. Every act, great and small, has the power to make a lasting impact.

2. Act on Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equity

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to creating a more just and equitable society where everyone is valued and respected. When you volunteer on MLK Day, you honor Dr. King’s legacy and continue to work toward his dream of justice and equality. Whether you clean up a park, work at a local food bank, or volunteer at a shelter, you can make a difference in the lives of those around you.

3. Try a new skill to further your interests or career

Volunteering provides a unique opportunity to help others while learning a new skill. For students, volunteering can help them gain practical experience. Professionals can use service initiatives to diversify their skill sets. Perhaps by participating in the MLK Day of Service, you’ll find a new interest or career that ignites your passion.

4. Bridge divides and create lasting change

Service can help bring people together. Volunteering for local service projects allows you to meet people in your community you might not otherwise know. When helping others, you can begin to see their humanity and vice versa. Group volunteer projects can build bridges between you and your neighbors to create lasting positive change in your shared community. Working toward a common goal helps to break down barriers and foster unity.

5. Experience the benefits of serving others

Did you know that volunteering doesn’t just do good but is good for you? According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering can improve physical and mental health and increase self-esteem and overall life satisfaction. This MLK Day, experience the joy and fulfillment of serving your community and bettering yourself.

This year, join thousands of people in the U.S. by taking the pledge to serve on MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 15. To find volunteer opportunities near you, visit AmeriCorps.gov/MLKDayofService.

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Use holiday spirit to instill meaningful values in children

2023-12-11T14:54:28

(BPT) – During the holidays, hearts are filled with warmth and the spirit of giving. It’s a time to cherish moments with loved ones and reflect on all of life’s positive aspects. While it’s common for families to focus on feasts and football games this time of year, there’s a deeper layer that is often overlooked — the opportunity to instill meaningful values in children.

This holiday season is the perfect time to nurture your little one’s empathy, generosity, compassion and gratitude.

Here are four ways, suggested by Joy Turner, Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care vice president of education, that parents can seize the holiday spirit and inspire it year round.

Discuss the reason for the season

Amid the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it’s easy to forget the true meaning behind celebrations. Take some time this year to discuss what really makes this season special — quality time with loved ones and meaningful traditions.

Consider holiday traditions you loved as a child and how you can share them with your own family. Maybe there’s a special recipe, craft or family outing that you always looked forward to. You can also use the occasion to create new traditions — this is a great opportunity to connect your children to their culture and family and foster a deeper sense of self.

Conversations and traditions can help children understand the historical, cultural and familial significance of holidays while creating cherished memories and an appreciation for the season.

Encourage acts of kindness

Encouraging children to perform acts of kindness is a great way to teach compassion and empathy.

Try striking up a family conversation about different ways you can show thoughtfulness to others, and invite your children to be active participants. After discussing, challenge them to put their ideas into action — it can be as simple as sharing their toys with siblings or friends or making homemade cards for a local nursing home. Including little ones in the planning process and acting on their ideas ignites a desire to help others and provides a great way to unite and make a difference as a family.

Alternately, reach out to organizations or charities that need extra help during this season and ask how your young child can support their cause. Family Promise and Meals on Wheels are two examples of national organizations to get involved with.

Fostering these practices of kindness builds children’s self-esteem and instills values that will last far beyond the holiday season.

Redefine gift giving

Inspire your children to actively participate in the gift-giving process — which doesn’t always have to include a physical object such as a toy or a gift.

Giving can also involve discovering methods to bring joy to others through acts of kindness. For example, teach your children that they can display generosity by helping someone build their block tower or soothing a friend who’s sad.

Inviting your child to participate in these types of kind gestures will instill empathy and emphasize the significance and impact that performing acts of kindness can have on others.

Practice gratitude

Conversations of gratitude are often put off until families are gathered around the table. Instead, try to make it a daily activity and kick off a family thankfulness practice. One simple way to do this is by making gratitude jars with your little ones:

  • Collect empty jars or containers around your home and decorate them with any craft items you can find: stickers, tissue paper, magazine clippings, popsicle sticks, buttons or even photos. Don’t forget to include a lid with an opening.
  • Next, cut paper slips that fold small enough to fit through the opening.
  • Once your container is complete, set your gratitude process — try keeping the jar on your children’s nightstands to develop an easy pre-bedtime activity.
  • Encourage your children to write down one thing they are thankful for each day and add it to their jar.

This custom helps children develop an attitude for gratitude and appreciation for all that they have in life. Over time, the practice will become a valuable habit that will continue to serve your children long after the holiday feasts have been eaten.

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Installing tile? Pick the right grout for a quality job

2023-12-11T02:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to interior design, nothing can beat the classic elegance of tile. The versatile material can be used in just about any room in a home or office building. Whether you use ceramic or stone tile for kitchen backsplashes and countertops, bathroom flooring and shower walls, fireplace mantles or lobby floors, it has the power to transform and elevate a space’s design.

Because of its timeless style and durability, demand for tile has increased in residential and commercial sectors. According to a report from Technavio, the ceramic and natural stone tile market is expected to grow 7.19% annually through 2028. It’s not hard to see why tiling is so popular. Its versatility, durability and aesthetic appeal make it ideal for interior and exterior applications that will stand the test of time.

As the demand for tile in construction projects increases, contractors will need to find ways to efficiently install tile so they can quickly move from one project to the next. To do so, they’ll need the right products to do a great job on a tight schedule.

A revolutionary product for tile installation

Tiling can be a time-consuming process, and grouting is one aspect of tiling that can take a while. Between mixing, applying and waiting for the grout to dry, contractors can lose a lot of time on a project. That’s why choosing the right grout is crucial for an efficient tile installation project.

To help contractors deliver quick, quality work, Custom® Building Products — North America’s leader in tile and stone installation — has created a revolutionary product that allows commercial and residential contractors to finish jobs faster. Its Prism SCG Ultimate Performance Pre-Mixed Single Component Grout is built on eight years of research and development, delivering convenience and dependability in handling during installation.

“We’re constantly striving to reimagine new and better ways to install and maintain tile and stone products,” said Ian O’Connor, product manager of CUSTOM’s Grout, Waterproofing and Care, “and Prism SCG is the result of our commitment to technical innovation.”

The professional-grade grout is easier to spread than traditional grout and easier to clean than cement or epoxy grout. Prism SCG is a pre-mixed, efflorescence-free and crack-resistant sanded grout that is ready to use straight out of the container for interior and exterior installations of glass, ceramic, natural stone and other tiles on walls, floors and ceilings. Available in 40 designer colors, contractors can use this new grout for just about any residential or commercial installation project.

“It’s extremely easy to work with and cleans easy,” said contractor and business owner Dan Lambert. “You can leave this grout on for up to a half-hour or more, come back and still be able to wipe it off while maintaining full joint and color consistency.”

“Time is money” is a popular phrase in the contracting industry for a reason. With Prism SCG’s stain resistance, perfect color consistency and high performance in wet areas, tile and stone installers can deliver quality work in less time. To learn more, visit CustomBuildingProducts.com.

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Finding Community, Finding Hope: Navigating Metastatic Breast Cancer

2023-12-11T06:01:00

(BPT) – Facing a health crisis was the furthest thing from Melissa’s mind when she discovered her breast cancer. She was only 38 years old and a busy grad student living in Hawaii. “I was going for my masters in planetary geology, studying the surfaces of the moon and asteroids,” Melissa said.

Melissa’s life took a drastic turn when she noticed a change in her right breast. “It looked funny in the mirror,” she recalled. She sought the opinion of the university nurse who chalked up the changes to hormonal fluctuations. When the spot was still visible a month later, Melissa decided to take action.

Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)

“I got a mammogram. I got an ultrasound. I got a biopsy and blood drawn all in one day. Seven days later, they told me I had breast cancer,” she said. “From there, it was just a whirlwind of treatments and scans and doctor appointments.”

Melissa was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma, which the National Cancer Institute defines as a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk glands and then spreads to other parts of the breasts.1 Melissa was shocked. She could not believe she had breast cancer at such a young age and with no family history of the disease.

After undergoing treatment, a few short years later, Melissa learned the cancer had spread even further. “I had a pain in my left shoulder, and I was so tired because I couldn’t sleep. I started to notice changes in my vision and I called my doctor. She scheduled me for an MRI, just in case. And that’s when I found out that the cancer had spread to my bones,” she said.

Melissa learned she had metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as stage IV breast cancer. Breast cancer can often spread to the bones, lungs, liver and brain, according to the National Cancer Institute. While there is no known cure, MBC can be treated to help stop or slow the growth of the disease.2

Being an Active Member of the Treatment Team

Throughout her diagnosis and treatment journey, Melissa wanted to learn as much as possible. As a grad student, researching to learn more about her disease came naturally. “I wanted to find all the information that I could,” she said.

She encourages those navigating a cancer diagnosis to ask questions at appointments and to closely partner with their care team on treatment decisions. “You need to be an advocate for yourself,” she said. For Melissa, that meant meeting her pathologist in order to review her tumor slides together and ask questions about the biology of her disease.

Beyond gaining knowledge, Melissa says it’s also important to be honest with your care team about how you’re feeling; cancer affects each individual differently, so explaining your symptoms and side effects will help you get the appropriate care.

An MBC diagnosis can be challenging, but information and support is available. LifeBeyondPink.com provides resources for those living with MBC and their loved ones, so they can navigate common questions such as determining a treatment plan, understanding biomarker testing and more.


Community as a Source of Support

Life can change quickly with MBC, and your physical health isn’t the only thing that matters.

Melissa experienced a shift in her mental health as well. “It was devastating,” she said. “I couldn’t retain information. I was sleeping a lot. I wasn’t practicing self-care or enjoying the things that I used to enjoy.”

She began to feel cycles of anxiety and started to see a therapist. She also joined a support group with other cancer patients where she experienced the power of community firsthand. This helped her mental health and made her feel less alone on her cancer journey.

“My support group equipped me with an emotional toolbox,” she explained. “Before, it was like all I had was a shovel. You can build a house with a shovel, but it’ll be a lot easier with other tools, too. Now I feel so much more equipped, emotionally speaking, with more resources and concepts that I can use.”

She also found critical support from her personal connections, including friends and family, as well as her church. “My cage of fear was lifted through my church community,” she recalled. She started practicing lauhala, the traditional Hawaiian art of weaving, and adopted a dog named Momi. “She is such a boon to my mental health,” Melissa said.

Today, Melissa is part of an organization that connects young women living with breast cancer in Hawaii. Sharing their stories and experiences helps all of them feel less isolated. For women who have just learned they have metastatic breast cancer, Melissa is a trusted source of support and advice.

“If you or a loved one has metastatic breast cancer, having support is invaluable,” she said.

No one living with MBC should ever feel alone. To hear from others living with MBC and how they continue to live Beyond Pink, visit LifeBeyondPink.com.

References:

  1. National Cancer Institute. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Definition. Accessed November 11, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/invasive-lobular-carcinoma
  2. National Cancer Institute. Metastatic Cancer: When Cancer Spreads. Accessed November 11, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/types/metastatic-cancer

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Tackling Life With Type 1 Diabetes: Shiloh Scores Big on His ‘Diaversary’

2023-12-08T11:01:00

(BPT) – In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, 14-year-old Shiloh Wilmoth had his dream come true: meeting professional football player Noah Gray, who, like Shiloh, lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Their encounter — made possible by Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection), in partnership with Beyond Type 1’s Let’s Talk Lows campaign — highlighted that diabetes should not limit passions or potential.

Through his determination and the support of his family, Shiloh has persevered as a star quarterback on his local league until recently. Unfortunately, the fear of hypoglycemia and a lack of understanding and education of how to help someone experiencing a low blood sugar event have caused concern on his team, and he was recently benched. As you can imagine, this has been a difficult blow for Shiloh, as he loves playing football. This wasn’t an isolated event, either, as Shiloh has often been counted out for living with diabetes and has spent years working to prove himself.

Shiloh recently got the surprise of a lifetime with tickets to see his favorite player play in Las Vegas on November 26. But the real thrill was meeting his idol Noah Gray before the game and seeing that he also carries Gvoke HypoPen®. Noah manages T1D while thriving as a professional athlete, inspiring Shiloh that his own football dreams are achievable. Their meeting was a touching reminder that diabetes does not have to stand in the way of big dreams.

Shiloh’s story exemplifies that diabetes does not have to derail big dreams. It starts with proper education, a solid support system and a fully equipped diabetes toolkit that includes all the tools you need. This includes a ready-to-use glucagon, like Gvoke HypoPen®, that can help you treat very low blood sugar.

“Noah Gray is my hero because he shows me that nothing can stop you from doing what you love,” said Shiloh. “Meeting him gives me the courage I need to follow my dreams, too.”

Gvoke HypoPen® is a ready-to-use glucagon rescue pen that diabetes patients taking insulin or other medications known to cause low blood sugar should carry to be prepared to treat very low blood sugar. “We hope Shiloh’s inspirational story opens minds, touches hearts and rallies communities to champion people with diabetes,” said Xeris Pharmaceuticals Vice President of Marketing Christina Kline. “Through collective efforts in understanding, educating, and encouraging, we create an environment where everyone can flourish. It’s about ensuring that no one feels constrained or diminished due to their condition.”

Learn more about Shiloh’s story and watch the video here.

INDICATION AND SAFETY SUMMARY

GVOKE is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) in adults and kids with diabetes ages 2 years and above. It is not known if GVOKE is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age.

WARNINGS

Do not use GVOKE if:

  • you have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys (adrenal gland), called a pheochromocytoma.
  • you have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma.
  • you are allergic to glucagon or any other inactive ingredient in GVOKE.

GVOKE MAY CAUSE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, INCLUDING:

High blood pressure. GVOKE can cause high blood pressure in certain people with tumors in their adrenal glands.

Low blood sugar. GVOKE can cause low blood sugar in certain people with tumors in their pancreas called insulinomas by making too much insulin in their bodies.

Serious allergic reaction. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have a serious allergic reaction including:

  • rash
  • difficulty breathing
  • low blood pressure

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects of GVOKE in adults include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • swelling at the injection site
  • headache

The most common side effects of GVOKE in children include:

  • nausea
  • low blood sugar
  • high blood sugar
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • headache
  • pain or redness at the injection site
  • itching

These are not all the possible side effects of GVOKE. For more information, ask your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING

Before using GVOKE, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have adrenal gland problems
  • have a tumor in your pancreas
  • have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation)
  • have low blood sugar that does not go away (chronic hypoglycemia)
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

HOW TO USE

  • Read the detailed Instructions for Use that come with GVOKE.
  • Use GVOKE exactly how your healthcare provider tells you to use it
  • Make sure your relatives, close friends, and caregivers know where you store GVOKE and how to use it the right way before you need their help.
  • Act quickly. Having very low blood sugar for a period may be harmful.
  • Your healthcare provider will tell you how and when to use GVOKE.
  • After giving GVOKE, your caregiver should call for emergency medical help right away.
  • If you do not respond after 15 minutes, your caregiver may give you another dose, if available. Tell your healthcare provider each time you use GVOKE. Low blood sugar may happen again after receiving an injection of GVOKE. Your diabetes medicine may need to be changed.

HOW TO STORE

  • Keep GVOKE in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it.
  • Store GVOKE at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F.
  • Do not keep it in the refrigerator or let it freeze.

Keep GVOKE and all medicines out of the reach of children.

For more information, call 1-877-937-4737 or go to www.GvokeGlucagon.com.

Please see patient information here.

US-SM-GVK-23-00082v3

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The Holiday Table’s Most Versatile Ingredient: Eight Ways to Leverage Raisins and Other Dried Fruits at Every Course

2023-12-08T11:45:00

(BPT) – The holidays are nothing without spending time with friends and family — and, of course, decadent treats! Whether you and your loved ones prefer a sweet or savory dessert, there is something we can all agree on this holiday season: versatility is key when it comes to pleasing all taste buds and palates!

Raisins are an incredibly versatile dried fruit and can be used in the sweetest or most savory of dishes. They perfectly complement the flavors of beloved holiday desserts, adding depth, complexity and delicious taste. From cookies and cakes to puddings and donuts, raisins infuse a delicious burst of rich flavor that will elevate this year’s holiday dessert table.

To demonstrate the imaginative possibilities when cooking or baking with raisins, Sun-Maid teamed up with celebrity pastry chef, TV host and recipe matchmaker, Duff Goldman, to create exciting new recipes that put a fresh spin on festive favorites.

“Raisins are a tasty addition to any breakfast, entrée or dessert as they bring a natural sweetness and chewy texture to any dish,” said Goldman. “If your family and loved ones are anything like mine, there will always be opinions on what to include in the seasonal spreads. Using raisins in my favorite dishes and sides this year has been a huge hit, and truly elevated my dinner and dessert tables. This versatile ingredient will not only broaden taste bud horizons but also give holiday classics the burst of flavor they need.”

Must-try holiday menu items from Sun-Maid and Chef Duff include:

  • Forget Fruitcake Cookies: The perfect fusion of apricots and golden raisins with a scrumptious jam filling sandwiched between layers! This indulgent and flavorful alternative is a colorful addition to any cookie tray.
  • Bacon Raisin Cornbread Chicken: If you’re looking for a tasty main dish, look no further than this mouthwatering blend of savory and sweet that will effortlessly become the star of any dinner party.
  • Peanut Butter and Raisin Halvah: This Middle Eastern confection gets an appetizing upgrade with peanut butter, peanuts, milk chocolate and raisins. Each bite-size piece will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
  • Pinwheel Cookies: With a fun swirl design perfect for holiday festivities, pinwheel cookies are an enjoyment for the eyes and the taste buds when they feature your favorite dried fruit — raisins!
  • Sweet and Savory Golden Lamb: Whether it’s a brunch, luncheon or multi-course meal, this recipe featuring ground lamb, dried fruit and a delightful blend of flavors will be the highlight of any gathering.
  • Truce Cookies: Are you a chocolate chip cookie kind of person or do you prefer oatmeal raisin? With this dish, you don’t have to choose. Each cookie features half of each, so you can enjoy every bite to the fullest.
  • Crown Challah: Whether you make it solo or with family, this traditional bread has long been part of holiday gatherings across the world. This version is a subtly sweet take on a classic, thanks to ingredients like raisins, honey and cinnamon.
  • Holiday Biscotti: No matter if you prefer tea, coffee or hot chocolate, these biscotti made with dried apricots are the perfect complement to a hot beverage and meaningful conversation with friends and family.

“Whether it’s a tasty treat or a hearty main dish, let these ideas inspire you in the kitchen throughout the holiday season!” Duff adds.

For full recipes and more innovative ideas, visit www.sunmaid.com.

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Gifts to upgrade your kitchen this holiday season

2023-12-08T14:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season can be hectic, from hosting family gatherings to cooking and gift shopping. Whether you’re a first-time host or your loved ones regularly gather at your home to celebrate the season, you’ll need some help in the kitchen. Make hosting easier this season and beyond with help from stylish and powerful kitchen appliances.

KitchenAid is your go-to partner for all your gifting and hosting needs. This season, check out the KitchenAid Go Cordless System of countertop appliances. The innovative ecosystem eliminates countertop chaos in the kitchen. Every KitchenAid Go appliance is powered by one interchangeable and rechargeable battery for cord-free, powerful making.

These cordless small appliances cater to all lifestyles, unlocking the freedom to make wherever, whatever and however makers choose this holiday season and beyond. Best of all, they double as gift ideas to make even the hardest-to-shop-for loved ones smile.

1. Hand Mixer

With a hand mixer, you can whip up wonderful creations. Compact, lightweight and versatile, a hand mixer can help you easily make smooth cookie batter, perfect whipped cream, tasty icing and decadent chocolate mousse. Its usefulness isn’t limited to baking. Use your hand mixer to whisk eggs, beat potatoes and mix dressings for holiday dinners and everyday meals.

2. Hand Blender

Hand blenders allow you to easily puree and blend without the cumbersome process of transferring ingredients from pot to blender and back. Simply submerge the blending arm into your ingredients to blend and you’ll have creamy soups, smoothies, milkshakes and more!

3. Food Chopper

Chopping can be time-consuming and dull, especially if you make numerous main and side dishes for a holiday get-together. A food chopper allows you to precisely chop, dice and mince ingredients, shortening prep time so you can get on with other cooking tasks. It’s especially useful when chopping onions. With your food chopper, you can say farewell to onion-induced tears and tedious chopping marathons.

4. Personal Blender

Are you always on the move and need quick meals? Can’t start your day without your morning smoothie? A personal blender is exactly what you need. Blend your favorite fruits and veggies directly in the portable cup and go! Your personal blender will quickly become your new best friend and is a great gift for health-conscious family members who value convenience and ease.

5. Coffee Grinder

Pre-ground coffee gets the job done, but freshly ground coffee can elevate your morning routine with a more flavorful cup of joe. Wake up to the fragrance of freshly ground beans this holiday season with a coffee grinder. This game-changing appliance offers one-touch control that quickly grinds whole coffee beans and will delight any coffee connoisseur, who will be happy to make it part of their morning coffee ritual.

6. Kitchen Vacuum

Cleaning as you go is an indispensable kitchen habit, but it can be challenging. Make cooking and hosting easier on yourself with a kitchen vacuum. With this powerful kitchen vacuum, you can easily take care of crumbs, flour and other dry meal prep messes so you can focus on the finishing touches to your holiday meal.

Bonus!

The brand’s iconic Stand Mixer is the champion of the kitchen and a popular perennial gift and kitchen necessity. While hand mixers are great for small to medium-size kitchen projects, a stand mixer is what you’ll need for mixing, kneading and beating when cooking for a crowd. A stand mixer isn’t just an appliance. It’s your trusty sidekick for all your large dinner gatherings.

If you regularly host dinner parties for loved ones during the holidays and year-round, gift yourself the KitchenAid 7 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. With 11 distinct speeds, this Stand Mixer gives you the power and control from high to low and everything in between. It even has a half speed to gently fold fragile ingredients like egg whites for festive meringue cookies.

If you still need a present for a cook or baker in your family, check out the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer in Juniper. Like basking in the lush shade of a towering Juniper tree, this color is the perfect blend of rich green with a touch of balancing blue, finished off with a crisp sparkle, like fresh morning dew.

Any (and all) of these kitchen appliances will make entertaining friends and family a breeze. Whether you gift them to yourself or others, there’s no way you can lose this holiday season with these seven little helpers. To learn more, visit KitchenAid.com.

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Gifts that Deliver Joy and Benefit Kids with Critical Illness

2023-12-08T08:18:00

(BPT) – When Stella, age 7, completed her cancer treatments, she wanted to celebrate. This called for more than just cake — she wanted a “Stella-bration” with her friends, family and the incredible nurses and doctors that helped her during her cancer treatments.

Make-A-Wish® brought Stella’s vision to life, creating a truly memorable celebration after months of grueling treatments. She wanted a carnival-themed party with games, pony rides and a competition where she would finally get to race her dad — a special family tradition that her dad told her could happen once she finished her initial round of treatments.

Life-changing wishes

This incredible celebration lived up to Stella’s vision and then some — and she even won the race against her dad. This one-of-a-kind event was deeply meaningful for Stella and her family. After months of worry while navigating a difficult health diagnosis, they got to enjoy time together while their little girl’s personality shined brightly for all to see.

Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses like Stella. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, operating in every community in the United States and in nearly 50 countries worldwide.

Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 24,000 volunteers across the U.S., Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 550,000 wishes worldwide; more than 350,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone.

If you’re planning your holiday gift-giving, you can embrace the spirit of the season by selecting gifts that provide the opportunity to give back. This sentiment is important in your personal holiday gift-giving but can be equally meaningful for corporate gifts.

A sweet opportunity

For thoughtful corporate gifts, consider Sugarwish, a Denver-based, women-owned and certified gifting company. Sugarwish provides a fun gift experience that allows the recipient to choose the gift they receive including a wide offering from treats to beverages, flowers, plants and more! It’s a delightful experience, combined with a robust Corporate Gifting Platform that makes it the perfect go-to gift for individuals and businesses alike.

Sugarwish is a proud partner of Make-A-Wish, helping make sweet wishes come true. Sugarwish gift recipients can elect to donate their gifts to Make-A-Wish, which can be converted to cash to help grant wishes or used to help enhance life-changing wish experiences for kids like Stella. Through the partnership, Sugarwish has raised $1 million for Make-A-Wish and has helped enhance thousands of wish kid experiences across the U.S.

Available now, Sugarwish has created a give-back link that will benefit Make-A-Wish at Sugarwish.com/us/Make-A-Wish. When new corporate accounts are created through the Make-A-Wish give-back link, the first Sugarwish will be free to send for the new company/account. After that, Make-A-Wish will receive a donation from Sugarwish equal to 10% of the funds loaded into the new corporate Sugarwish account.

You can make a difference for kids with critical illnesses like Stella. When you opt for holiday gifts that support nonprofits like Make-A-Wish, everyone can feel good and enjoy an even happier holiday season.

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Water-saving tips for tenants and contractors

2023-12-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – Water conservation is a topic oftentimes disregarded. If not prioritized by contractors and tenants equally, the ramifications can be costly. As the U.S. population grows so does the need for water, and according to UNICEF, half of the world’s population could be living in areas facing water scarcity by as early as 2025.

Whether you’re a self-made developer, working contractor, or simply interested in getting into the business, the suggestions below can help counsel and ensure multifamily units are suitable for adequate living.

Water-saving tips

The average American family spends more than $1,000 per year on water costs. That translates to about an $83 monthly water bill, according to the EPA. Fortunately, there are simple tweaks one can implement to help cut down on consumption and reduce that monthly spend.

Install a new showerhead

The average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense® labeled showerheads. These types of showerheads can also help alleviate water heater demands and save on energy consumption. Luckily, many of Peerless Faucet’s bath fixtures are proudly WaterSense labeled which denotes the fixtures use at least 20% less water than the industry standard without compromising performance. A great option is the brand’s 5-Function Showerhead with POWERush technology. This showerhead uses larger water drops in a unique wave pattern for a more drenching sensation. With this technology, contractors can promise tenants a rejuvenating experience without increasing overall water usage.

Monitor for potential leaks

Whenever faucets drip, it could be more than just water going down the drain. Faucet leaks waste environmental resources and cost tenants money, which in turn could be requested as a credit from property management. Experts estimate that even a small drip, once every 10 – 15 seconds, can waste almost 15 gallons a month, or nearly half a gallon in a day. You can easily check for leaks by observing the plumbing. It’s important to keep eyes peeled and physically feel exposed pipes to check for any running water. Condensation around pipes can also be a sign of leakage. For toilets, a simple dye test can even verify if the flapper is sealing properly and help prevent silent leaks.

For contractors specifically, ensure all fixtures are installed properly — from the back-of-the-wall pipes to the product itself, each step should be followed with care to avoid future leaks. Most brands will provide an install guide within the packaging, but if that gets lost or misplaced, the brand’s website can also be a handy resource to find these materials.

Change your bathroom habits

Daily routines that are often overlooked can also have a significant impact on your water bill. For example, many may not realize that each time one leaves the water running while they brush their teeth, four gallons of water goes down the drain. Simply turning off the water while brushing is a simple way to save. Other easy solutions for conserving water are turning off the shower while lathering or the kitchen faucet while scrubbing dishes.

Both contractors and tenants should prioritize water conservation best practices. Water is universal, and an element shared by all, so making sure it’s preserved and filtered adequately can ensure a better quality of life and monthly savings.