Author: admin

2023-06-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – There are many reasons parents are choosing to create capsule wardrobes. A slimmed-down wardrobe with a variety of versatile, mix-and-match items for their children, especially littles, has so many benefits.

For starters, babies grow fast. It sometimes feels like they’re outgrowing clothes by the week! Having a curated, pared-down wardrobe ensures parents spend less money over time on their baby’s clothes. Another big seller is the sheer simplicity. Not only does a capsule wardrobe take up less space and help keep closets clutter-free, it also makes choosing outfits a breeze — something every parent will appreciate. (Bonus: Less clothes means fewer items to wash, fold and put away.)

But a capsule wardrobe isn’t just good for simplicity — it can also be more environmentally friendly. If you’re buying fewer clothing items, you can invest more in quality, eco-friendly clothing. Carter’s Little Planet clothing line is a return to simplicity with thoughtful essentials and timeless styles that are made of soft organic fabrics and the purest fibers.

Are you ready to spend less time shopping, washing, drying, folding and organizing clothes? Here’s how to create a baby capsule wardrobe for summer, with styles from Carter’s — the most trusted brand of apparel exclusively for babies and young children — and Little Planet.

Creating a Baby Capsule Wardrobe

1. Bodysuits

Base layers, like Carter’s best-selling bodysuits, are essential to a capsule wardrobe. Opt for a good variety, including short-sleeve, long-sleeve and sleeveless bodysuits; as well as a good mix of colors, including plain white (Carter’s No. 1 bestseller) and neutral styles that can be mixed and matched in endless ways. Pro Tip: Shop Carter’s multipack bodysuits, which come in a slew of colorways and designs.

2. Sets

Every parent knows the beauty of the set. An adorable outfit in an instant with zero thought needed, what could be better?! You can’t go wrong with the 3-Piece Panda Little Character Set or 3-Piece Little Diaper Cover Set from Carter’s new My First Love Collection, which can be mixed and matched to create multiple different looks. Shop Carter’s full selection of baby sets here!

3. Overalls/Shortalls

A must-have for your baby’s capsule wardrobe! Throw Little Planet’s signature Organic Cotton Gauze Overall Jumpsuit or Organic Gauze Shortall over any bodysuit for an easy, instant outfit. Plus, both styles come in several neutral colors, making it the perfect versatile piece.

4. Shorts/Pants

When choosing shorts and pants, go for a mix of casual, everyday styles, like Carter’s Pull-On Bubble Shorts or 2-Pack Shorts, and dressier options such as Little Planet’s Organic Cotton Twill Pants or Carter’s Twill Denim Shorts. Don’t forget leggings, too!

5. Bubbles/Rompers

One pieces are an essential part of every baby’s wardrobe! This loose-fit 1-Piece Flutter Slub Jersey Romper is a great option for summer, and has strong snaps that keep up with wear and wash. Another go-to is the Organic Gauze Bubble, the newest take on Little Planet’s most-loved gauze overalls, and complete with adjustable cross-back straps and snaps for easy diaper changes.

6. Accessories

Round out your baby’s closet with some everyday summer accessories such as sunglasses and a hat to keep the sun out of their eyes while outside; plus socks to keep their little feet warm and more.

Find all you need for your baby’s summer capsule wardrobe (and more!) at Carters.com.

2023-06-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Masters Agility Championship at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan. The Masters Agility Championship is a competition that showcases the incredible speed and agility for dogs as they navigate a series of obstacles on a course they have never seen before.

This competition requires speed, skill and agility, as well as a strong relationship between dog and handler. Over 350 dogs competed, including Trainer Amber McCune, who had not one but three dogs compete in this year’s premier agility competition, named Howie, Kaboom and Shelby Cobra. All three of her dogs are Border Collies and placed in their division — which is a tremendous achievement.

While agility can be a competitive sport, you don’t have to be a champion like Amber to see the benefits. With the right training and proper nutrition anyone can try their hand at this canine sport, which is growing in popularity. Inspired and interested in learning more? McCune shares her expert insight.

Physical and mental health

Agility sports require a high level of coordination, communication and teamwork between an owner and their dog. It can strengthen the relationship between them and help to keep both fit and in peak condition. Sprinting and jumping through an obstacle course is not only fun for your dog but can help build muscle, maintain a healthy weight and provide an energy release. An agility course also exercises a dog’s mind, giving them opportunities to learn and solve problems. This can also make them more well-behaved off the course.

Looking for where to get started? You can do it yourself at home or find a trainer or training school to help your dog develop their skill sets. Once your dog has completed all levels of training, the focus is to stay fit, conditioned and healthy. “Being able to put your dog on a fitness regimen is really important because if they aren’t fit, they can get injured quickly. Just like a person,” McCune said.

She recommends general activities that dogs love like hiking or swimming to stay active without overdoing agility course practice.

Nutrition for healthy, active dogs

“Nutrition is one of the most important factors that goes into a dog’s training and health,” said McCune. “On a daily basis, my dogs Howie, Kaboom and Shelby Cobra eat Purina Pro Plan Sport to fuel their strength and stamina to take on the rigors of agility and to keep them at the top of their sport, especially when competing at this year’s Masters Agility Championship at Westminster.”

Benefits that McCune has seen in her dogs with Purina Pro Plan Sport include increased muscle mass, better acceleration, quicker muscle recovery time and a shiny coat.

Many handlers feed Purina Pro Plan as their nutrition of choice because it is backed by research and Purina experts, including more than 500 nutritionists, veterinarians and scientists. To learn more, visit Purina.com/Pro-Plan.

Relationship building

Building a close bond between owner and dog also helps form a winning team.

“I think owners start to understand that there can be multidirectional language with their dog,” said McCune. It’s a fast-moving, fun, high-intensity and disciplined sport. “I enjoy the challenge and excitement of navigating the course with my dogs and the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing each course.” The time spent training helps create a special bond between owner and dog.

“Ultimately, it’s about having fun together and enjoying the numerous benefits that come with the sport,” McCune said.

2023-06-29T10:01:00

(BPT) – Dining out can be a wonderful experience, but sometimes you just want a night in or simply don’t have the time for a sit-down meal at a restaurant. You could order takeout, but there’s a certain joy and satisfaction in recreating the same delectable dishes within the comfort of your own kitchen.

Making restaurant-style meals at home may seem daunting, but there are several dishes that you can prepare without being a culinary genius. In fact, an easy way to expand your kitchen prowess and eat fresh, tasty, restaurant-inspired meals is to try new salad recipes.

To help you explore your culinary passions and delight your taste buds, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has teamed up with Litehouse Inc. to launch five restaurant-style dressings, including Thai, Ranch, Caesar, Italian and BBQ Ranch that embody the restaurant’s spirit of creativity and convenience with a California twist, just in time for summer!

While you can use these dressings on anything you eat, it’s nice to have simple, quick, tasty recipes to try. Check out these three CPK-inspired recipes that will shake up your mealtime and encourage you to try new, bold, unique flavor profiles.

1. Thai Steak Salad

If you’re looking for a satisfying, fresh summer salad, look no further! CPK’s Thai steak salad recipe is a wonderful mix of tender meat and fresh vegetables that will keep you happy and full long after your meal. A peanut-flavored (yet peanut free!) Thai dressing like CPK’s is a must for a restaurant-style meal. You can also use the dressing for other salads, pasta dishes and as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.

2. Baja Shrimp Fajita Salad

This zesty shrimp fajita salad will have you dreaming of a seaside vacation. Tossing the shrimp in a savory spice creates a wonderful contrast to the salad’s fresh green mix. Topped with CPK’s restaurant-style ranch dressing, this salad will have you dreaming of being by the beach. Keep the bottle of ranch out to accompany your California-style pizza, a fresh Cobb salad, burgers, wings or fresh-cut veggies to elevate your at-home meal experiences!

3. Nicoise Salad

This classic French salad is a filling yet refreshing dish for lunch or dinner with plenty of protein, thanks to the hard-boiled eggs and tuna. Paired with plenty of fresh vegetables, this is a complete meal perfect for hot summer days. Don’t forget the creamy and bold CPK Caesar dressing! Not only is this dressing the key ingredient for this salad, but it’s also perfect for pasta salads and wraps.

Let these three salad recipes spark your creativity for a summer of fun, fresh meals drizzled in delicious, restaurant-style dressings for any occasion. For more inspiration about how to elevate your meals at home with new CPK salad dressings and creative recipes, visit cpkathome.com/recipe.

CPK’s new salad dressings are available at grocery retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Food Lion, HEB and other retailers across the U.S. Use this Instacart coupon and save on these bold and creative dressings.

2023-06-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you love home renovation and design, you’ll be excited to discover up-and-coming trends that are transforming the look and functionality of home spaces today. Home design is continually evolving — inspiring homeowners and design professionals to innovate and reimagine how you can live in and feel about your home.

Here are design trends to explore this year.

1. Embrace sustainability

Concern for the environment and consumer demand is spurring many companies to create more sustainable processes and materials, while ensuring that they don’t sacrifice design or durability.

For example, Cosentino Group, the Spanish global leader in production and distribution of innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, has created Silestone, with HybriQ^® Technology, a high-performance blend of premium minerals, quartz and recycled materials. With HybriQ+, Silestone products have an enhanced product composition and manufacturing method that uses 99% recycled water, 100% renewable electric energy, zero water discharge and at least 20% recycled raw materials. This new technology represents the first sustainable surfacing of its kind.

2. Say goodbye to all-white kitchens

Today’s kitchens provide the focal point for entertaining, inspiring homeowners to express themselves through design, surfacing and materials. Opting for custom cabinetry colors, unique backsplash designs and dramatic countertops are subtle ways to express your personal style through kitchen design.

For more drama and style in your kitchen surfaces, Cosentino’s new Silestone Le Chic collection, launching in July, features contemporary designs in cream and rich-colored shades that are a modern interpretation of Parisian and Victorian inspired styles. Le Chic’s six distinctive colors with expressive veins and metallic accents portray a sense of timeless allure, with a hint of nostalgia.

3. Say hello to wet rooms

Dreaming of a spa-like atmosphere? The European-style wet room might be your next great bathroom reno. Creating a cohesive space for your shower and bath is a great solution to enhance design and functionality, especially in smaller bathrooms.

Durable surfacing that can be utilized for flooring and shower walls — as well as built-in seating and storage to optimize the space — can leave your bathroom feeling luxurious and worry free. Make sure your contractor is experienced in creating a well-designed wet room, including proper drainage, lighting and non-slip flooring to ensure safety.

4. Rediscover industrials

Renewed interest in urban materials like unfinished concrete is largely driven by the desire for clean lines and calm spaces. However, today’s industrials are softened by combining concrete with natural elements like wood, stone and plants.

If this aesthetic appeals to you, check out the Silestone Urban Crush collection out next month, inspired by the diverse textures of industrial and urban style. Materials like concrete, limestone, bronze and ash inspired four new colors with different shades of gray.

5. Explore mixed metals

Using metallic accents in a variety of materials and colors provides visual interest and elevates any room. Thoughtfully choose mixed metals for hardware, lighting fixtures, mirrors or picture frames. Even metallic accessories like vases, trays or artwork can enhance your space. Just a few touches of mixed metals go a long way.

Don’t match metals, but stick with the same family. For the most pleasing effect, choose only from the cool family (like brushed nickel or chrome) or the warm family (bronze, polished nickel, brass) — plus black, which can go with either family.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Learn more about innovative collections for the home at Cosentino.com.

2023-06-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – While some people stay close to home during the Fourth of July, many celebrate the spirit of independence through travel. According to a survey by The Vacationer, 60% of American adults plan to travel for the Fourth of July or Fourth of July weekend in 2023. That’s more than 155 million people! This influx of travelers provides a golden opportunity for would-be vacation rental Hosts.

Fourth of July travel trends

You can find hotels in any city, but many people prefer to stay in short-term vacation rentals, which is great news for would-be rental entrepreneurs. According to AirDNA, demand for vacation rentals in the U.S. increased by 21.1% in 2022 and is forecast to continue growing this year. With continuing and even increasing interest in short-term vacation rentals, now is the time to get into the vacation rental game.

If you’re considering turning your home into a vacation rental, the Fourth of July could be a lucrative weekend. Airbnb’s Fourth of July forecast found that searches for July Fourth weekend stays in early 2023 increased significantly compared to last year. From taking road trips along scenic highways, enjoying a lakeside cabin or lounging on the lawn to watch the fireworks, folks are using this weekend to travel and create unforgettable memories.

To be sure, some U.S. travelers are planning to go to far-off destinations for the Fourth of July. According to Airbnb’s forecast, top trending destinations for Independence Day weekend include Mykonos, Greece; Interlaken, Switzerland; and Italian cities like Amalfi, Florence and Sorrento. However, many will stick to domestic travel, going to Cincinnati, OH; Louisville, KY; Boulder, CO; and Panama City, FL.

Become a Host

A common misconception about vacation rentals is that you need an extra home. However, you don’t have to be in residential real estate to start a rental side hustle. You can easily start hosting guests if you have an extra room in your home, a pool or guest house, or a basement with its own entrance. If you plan to take your family on vacation this Fourth of July, you can rent your home and make money while you travel!

Hosting for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking, but luckily you don’t have to do it alone. If you list your home through Airbnb, getting started is a cinch with Airbnb Setup. You’ll be connected with a local Superhost who can help you sign up and list your space.

For extra peace of mind, you can filter guest requests and welcome an experienced guest with a good track record on Airbnb for your first booking. Additionally, AirCover verifies the identity of all guests and provides $3 million in damage protection, which also covers cars, boats, art and valuables.

Every Host’s experience is different, and earnings can vary widely depending on availability, price, listing type and location. However, last year, private room Hosts in the U.S. earned a total of approximately $1.2 billion, while the typical private room Host earned over $4,800.*

So, if you have a guest house or spare bedroom, becoming an Airbnb Host is a fantastic opportunity to earn some much-needed additional income. You also have the chance to interact with guests eager to explore your city and immerse themselves in the local culture.

Find out what you could earn as a Host and list your space for free on Airbnb.com/Host.

*Median Host earnings for all private room Hosts in the U.S. in 2022.

2023-06-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – Many young people who have recently received their driver’s license look forward to getting behind the wheel and driving to visit friends, attend events and travel in general throughout the summer. However, this time of year is when accidents on the road are more likely to occur. The 100 deadliest driving days of the year fall between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During this period, car accidents tend to increase, including among young drivers.

“During the summer, when school is out and it stays light longer, more teenagers might be on the road driving more miles,” said Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Claims and Customer Experience at Mercury Insurance. “Many young drivers lack experience and may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel. These behaviors can increase the possibility of an accident.”

Some of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on the road which all drivers should be aware of during this time of year include:

• Distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise taking focus off of the road greatly increases the risk of an accident among teens, especially if they are traveling with teen passengers.
• Speeding. Young and inexperienced drivers are still learning how to adapt their speed to traffic conditions, as well as how to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Impaired driving. Driving while impaired affects judgment, awareness and the ability to react.
• Not wearing a seatbelt. Not wearing a seatbelt while driving will increase the likelihood of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.

Quinn offers parents and caregivers the following safety tips to help teens prevent car accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the road this summer.

• Set driving rules. Establish and define clear rules for your teen driver. They will be less likely to make impulsive decisions while behind the wheel.
• Put it in writing. Teens may promise to be responsible drivers, but they may be tempted to break the rules while driving on their own. Parents can help teens keep their word by having them sign a contract stating that they understand the rules for retaining driving privileges, as well as the circumstances under which these privileges would be lost.
• Model safe driving behaviors. Lead by example by always wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed limits and avoiding distractions while driving. Even though they are older, teens are still watching you and modeling their driving behavior after your own.
• Practice supervised driving. Help your teen gain more experience behind the wheel. Supervise your teen while they’re driving and reinforce safe driving habits.
• Review your auto insurance coverage. Make sure you have the right amount of protection for the new, young driver in your household that will protect them in case of an accident or unexpected event.

Summer is a time of freedom and adventure for many young drivers, but it’s also a time when car accidents are more likely to happen. Make sure your teen is extra cautious when behind the wheel to help prevent accidents and ensure a safe summer travel season for everyone.

2023-06-28T07:01:00

(BPT) – Johnny Bench earned nearly every conceivable Major League Baseball accolade and accomplishment during his 17-year career with the Cincinnati Reds. His natural talent paired with his dedication to practice and play for hours every day — often in the hot sun — is why many consider him to be the greatest catcher to ever play the game.

Long days outdoors may have contributed to his legendary baseball status, but they were also silently having harmful consequences on his health. Later, in his retirement, Bench would be diagnosed with skin cancer.

The greatest catcher in baseball history

As the leader of the “Big Red Machine” of the 1970s, Bench led Cincinnati to two World Series titles and four National League championships. On an individual level, he won two Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, one World Series MVP award, Rookie of the Year honors and 10 Golden Gloves. In 1989, he was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Bench hit 389 home runs, but he was perhaps best known for his rocket arm and his endurance, catching 100 games or more for 13 consecutive seasons in the often-blazing sun, before ending his career at third base — a less physically grueling position.

Getting real about non-melanoma skin cancer

Eventually, Bench’s many years of prolonged sun exposure took a toll. In 2012, he was diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the most common type of skin cancer in the United States ¹ — and again recently during a routine doctor visit. Of the roughly 2 million U.S. cases of BCC diagnosed each year, 95% are caught at an early stage² and can be removed like Bench’s case, before becoming advanced. However, in rare cases, BCC can grow deep into surrounding tissue or spread to other organs or other parts of the body.¹ While early-stage BCC may be cured by surgery or radiation, progression to advanced disease is often difficult to treat and associated with a relatively higher risk of returning and poorer outcomes. Treatment options for advanced BCC and CSCC are available and include surgery, radiation and systemic therapy. Patients should speak with their physician to find a treatment option that’s most appropriate for them.³ In retirement, Bench has become a vocal champion for efforts to get real about skin cancer and continues to be proactive about sun protection throughout the year — especially in the summertime.

Bench on how to “catch” skin cancer before it advances

Today, the Hall of Famer has been working with Regeneron since 2022 to share his experience with BCC, raise awareness of non-melanoma skin cancers and help people catch skin cancer before it advances so they can receive appropriate, effective treatment. Bench encourages everyone, especially outdoor enthusiasts, to conduct regular skin exams, including areas commonly exposed to the sun like the ears, face and hands.¹ If a spot or mark is new, changing or unusual, he encourages people to see a dermatologist.⁴ Those who have previously been diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing it again.^1,4 A BCC or CSCC that keeps coming back could be a sign the cancer has advanced.⁵

Bench, now 74, continues to enjoy time outdoors but takes extra precautions to protect himself and encourages others to do the same. “Now I wear my sunglasses and my big hat every time I’m on the golf course or go out fishing,” he said.

1 American Cancer Society. What Are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers? Accessed April 2023.

2 Data on File. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

3 NCCN Clinical Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) Basal Cell Skin Cancer v1.2023

4 Cancer.net. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma). Accessed April 2023.

5 Migden, M. et al. Emerging trends in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Cancer Treatment Reviews 2018 Mar; 64:1-10

2023-06-27T11:01:00

(BPT) –

You may have dreamed of this day for years, and now it’s finally on the horizon: your wedding. What you may not have imagined about your special day was the lengthy to-do list that’s now forming in your mind. Weddings can be wonderful and magical, but also stressful — and pricey.

Fortunately, it’s possible to customize your dream invitations, select the perfect gifts, gift wrapping and favors, then discover unique and beautiful decor that will leave your guests in awe. You can do all this and more by visiting Zazzle.com/weddings, where you’ll find everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable.

Here are some tips to help you start putting your wedding plans in motion.

Make your invitations one-of-a-kind

The most difficult task may be creating your invitation list. That may take some negotiations between you, your spouse-to-be and your families, as well as space and budget considerations. Once that important task is completed, consider the impact your invitation will have on those friends and loved ones who receive it.

You’ll get the best response to your invitations if you can customize them to express your individual personality and style, using one-of-a-kind invitations your guests have never seen before, as well as giving a sense of what the event will be like (ranging from casual to ultra-formal). Whether you prefer retro or ultra-modern, extravagant or streamlined, it’s vital to choose the design, font and color scheme to impress your guests and tell the story of your love and your special day.

Start by browsing the invitation possibilities on Zazzle, where you’ll find all the inspiration you need to make your invitations look just the way you want them.

Identify your style and colors

It’s easier to bring the look of your entire event together if you envision an overall style, along with a color palette to unify all your decor. First, come up with one word to describe the vibe you want, like: vintage, retro, elegant, classic or modern. Then imagine a color scheme to help you convey a mood. Choose from the family of cool colors — blues and greens — for a calm, relaxed vibe. Or you can opt for warm colors — yellows through reds — to convey a romantic, joyful feeling. Prefer a more formal tone? Try the classic look of black and white, perhaps with gold or silver accents.

After selecting your overall style and color family, browse the possibilities for your reception decor. For example, to create an elegant yet natural vibe, consider this Eucalyptus Green Foliage Wedding Welcome Sign to let your guests know they’re in just the right place! Keep your theme and color scheme in mind as you choose everything you need, from signage and tabletop decor to your programs, place cards and more.

Make it memorable

One of the most fun elements of wedding planning is choosing favors for your guests and your wedding party. This is one area where it’s so important to personalize gifts by adding your names, the date and/or a special message to commemorate the occasion.

It’s easy to personalize gifts like these unique monogrammed wine labels for the perfect wedding keepsake, or to create these fun monogrammed shot glasses that your guests can cherish forever as a memento of your awesome event.

Whatever gifts you decide to choose for your wedding party and attendees, you can make them even more memorable with gorgeous gift wrapping or personalized gift tags to mark the special occasion, or use these classic and elegant customizable gift stickers.

Show your love with special gifts

Whether you’re thanking the members of your family and your wedding party with a special memento or attending someone else’s wedding, you can find the perfect gift and customize it just the way you want it.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with planning and designing your decor? Zazzle’s on-demand design service will connect you with design experts, for free. Visit Zazzle.com/live to learn more and to get started. For cost-friendly bliss for your nuptials, you can create whatever you need on your own terms — and with your own sense of style.