Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-10-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the leaves turn and the chill sets in, autumn is the perfect time to savor the rich, comforting dishes that define the season. Elevate your fall meals with Galbani Fresh Mozzarella, a versatile ingredient that effortlessly enhances your favorite recipes with its soft and milky texture and delightful flavor. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner, pizza, salad, or quick snack Galbani Fresh Mozzarella is your go-to ingredient for leveling up any meal.

Discover the ultimate fall comfort with these delicious recipes and tips from the mozzarella experts at Galbani Cheese, Italy’s #1 Cheese Brand:

Steak & Cheese Crostini with Autumn Chutney

Kick off fall gatherings with an elegant Steak & Cheese Crostini. Tender sirloin steak pairs with creamy Galbani Fresh Mozzarella, baby arugula, and a spiced chutney made with pears and cranberries.

Ingredients:

• Chutney: 2 pears (diced), 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 1 minced shallot, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. grated ginger, 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes.
• Steak: 1 small sirloin steak, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. Kosher salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper.
• Crostini: 6 slices of Galbani Fresh Mozzarella—halved, 1 thinly sliced baguette, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 1/2 cup baby arugula.

Directions:

• Chutney: Combine ingredients, and simmer until thick (15-20 minutes).
• Steak: Season and cook in olive oil until medium rare (125-130°F).
• Crostini: Bake baguette slices, add mozzarella and melt. Top with arugula, steak and chutney. Serve.

Fresh & Creamy Pumpkin Rigatoni

This dish combines spicy Italian sausage, tender kale and rich pumpkin sauce, with Galbani Fresh Mozzarella adding a creamy touch.

Ingredients

• 16 oz. Galbani Fresh Mozzarella, 1 lb. rigatoni, 2 Tbsp. butter, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, 3/4 lb. Italian sausage removed from casings, 2 cups kale, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 cups pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. Kosher salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta, drain.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in butter, add sausage, cook until done. Add kale, broth, pumpkin, cream, sour cream and spices. Mix with pasta.
3. Stir in half the mozzarella, transfer to a casserole dish, cover and bake for 25 minutes.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella, broil until melted and browned.

Tips for Working with Fresh Mozzarella

Working with fresh mozzarella can truly elevate your cooking, whether you’re crafting a vibrant salad or a hearty dish. To help you make the most of Galbani Fresh Mozzarella this season, here are some expert tips:

• Storage and Freshness: To keep your fresh mozzarella at its best after opening, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Understanding Fresh vs. Regular Mozzarella: Galbani fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content, resulting in a creamy, smooth texture that’s ideal for adding richness to dishes. It’s perfect when melted to elevate pizzas, pasta and paninis. In contrast, Galbani’s regular mozzarella is firmer and better suited for shredding and slicing.

For a simple way to elevate your fall dishes, let Galbani Fresh Mozzarella be the creamy secret ingredient your recipes have been missing. Discover more recipes and tips at galbanicheese.com/FallForFresh.

2024-10-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to curl up in front of a crackling fire on a dark and stormy night with a spooky read. Here are five spine-tingling books from National Geographic and Disney. They won’t scare you … much.

Go to Hell

By Erika Engelhaupt

Throughout history and across cultures, people have long been spellbound by what lies beyond our worldly realm. Now, in this first-of-its-kind travel guide, National Geographic invites readers to explore the world’s strangest and most hellish destinations. Filled to the brim with intrigue, lore, and plenty of brimstone and fire, readers can now add “hell” to their travel bucket list and embark on an unforgettable journey into Earth’s most mysterious and mythical places, including legendary portals to the underworld, “hells on Earth,” and our planet’s most otherworldly destinations.

Art of Coloring: The Haunted Mansion

by Disney Books

The legendary Haunted Mansion attraction and its ghoulish residents come (back) to life in this bewitching adult coloring book.

Scare up some fun coloring your way through whimsically macabre artwork of the ride’s grim grinning ghosts, scenes, and iconography. From Madame Leota, the Bride, and the Hatbox Ghost, to the Stretching Room, the Endless Hallway, the Graveyard, and beyond, there’s chilling fun for everyone—if you dare to venture inside.

Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disney’s Hocus Pocus

by Shannon Carlin

Hocus Pocus is a movie that has few, if any, equals; it manages to span a generational divide, uniting boomers and zoomers in their nostalgic love for the boundary-pushing supernatural comedy that, in some ways, seemed a little too risqué for its original intended audience of millennial kids. So how did a movie that didn’t catch an initial spark end up casting such a spell on mainstream culture? Witches Run Amok answers that question and more, through interviews from the cast and creative team behind the heartwarming Halloween staple. The book is a love letter to Hocus Pocus’s millions of devoted fans and a fascinating read for anyone who wants to understand how the Disney movie became a pop culture phenomenon.

The X-Files: Perihelion

by Claudia Gray

Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are still reeling from the death of their son William as they struggle to find purpose away from the X-Files. Though their current relationship is tenuous, they hope to seize their second chance to be a family, despite the many questions surrounding Scully’s pregnancy.

Then the FBI asks for their help on a case that hits all too close to home: a serial killer in the Washington, DC, area is targeting pregnant women. The killer appears to possess an uncanny power over electricity, which is enough for the Bureau to re-open the X-Files—if Mulder and Scully are willing. They cautiously agree, committed to finding justice for the killer’s victims. But their return to the FBI sparks the interest of a shadowy cabal, the heirs to the now-dead Syndicate, and Mulder and Scully soon discover that what at first seemed to be just another X-File is connected to a worldwide threat on an unprecedented scale … one with their own future at its heart.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Visual Companion

by David A. Bossert

A deep-dive reflection on the making of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, this enchanting coffee table book features new interviews with the filmmakers and rare images from the Disney and Burton art collections.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas was crafted as a piece of art: a visual masterpiece that blended together the genius of Tim Burton’s simple story and endearing characters with Danny Elfman’s eclectic music, Henry Selick’s stop-motion brilliance, Caroline Thompson’s heartfelt script, and the painstaking efforts of hundreds of artists, animators, and technicians—all wrapped in a world that only Burton could conjure up. Paired with stunning and never-before-released art and photography, this book transports readers into a one-of-a-kind retrospective journey detailing how Nightmare was thoughtfully crafted and all the ways in which the fan community worldwide has embraced the film ever since. This beautiful volume serves as the must-have book for fans of the film, artists and art collectors, and anyone who appreciates some frightfully good movie magic.

Celebrate Halloween this year with these spooky books. The trick is, they’re the real treat!

2024-10-01T08:31:00

(BPT) – Unlimited PTO tops the “workplace wishlist” for many employees, with 1 in 5 Americans saying they’d decline a new job if it didn’t offer the benefit, according to new Empower research. More than 2 in 5 say all companies should offer unlimited PTO (43%), but despite the popularity, there’s not much difference in the amount of time taken off per year, on average: 16 days for those with unlimited and 14 days for those with a limited policy. A two-day difference is small, especially when half (50%) say they’d take off more time if they had an unlimited policy, while nearly 1 in 4 say they’d take less time off (23%).

Over 4 in 5 workers (85%) say using their PTO to go on vacation increases their happiness, but 35% feel anxious requesting the time off. Nearly half of full-time employees (49%) check their work emails while on PTO, and 42% answer them. In the past year, close to 1 in 5 say they’ve taken a vacation without using PTO days or telling their supervisor; on average, they admit to doing so four times.

PTO perks & policies

When it comes to PTO, some employees believe it’s tied to time on the job: 77% say the more tenure a person has at a company, the more PTO they should get, and 37% believe unlimited PTO should only be available to more tenured staff. Over 4 in 10 say new employees should have to wait a year before qualifying for unlimited PTO.

Gen Zers are more likely to support unlimited PTO policies, with 51% believing that all companies should offer it, compared to 32% of Baby Boomers.

PTO strategies and the 4-day workweek

Half of people (51%) strategically schedule their PTO days around national holidays to make the most of their PTO usage. About a third (32%) use their PTO to visit destinations where they may want to retire.

Four-day workweeks are also an attractive benefit, with 16% of employees saying they wouldn’t accept a new job without this perk. One in 4 full-time employees are willing to take a pay cut for this arrangement. Of them, 11% say they’d take a cut of over $1,000, and 5% say they’d give up more than $5,000 for the privilege. Gen Zers show the most interest in taking a pay cut for this benefit (31%), and Millennials are most likely to consider taking a cut of over $5,000 (6%) to enjoy a four-day workweek.

Most desired employee benefits

More than a quarter (26%) would consider a lower-paying job if it offered unlimited PTO, while nearly 1 in 5 wouldn’t accept a new job without it (19%). On average, employees need at least 15 PTO days annually to consider taking a new job.

Methodology

Empower surveyed 1,028 full-time employees on July 24, 2024.

RO3817048-0924

2024-09-30T12:01:00

(BPT) – The fall and winter months bring many challenges to homeowners. Temperature changes and storms can overload the power grid and interrupt your electrical service, but did you know how you use electricity at home daily can also cause overloaded circuits?

For the fall and winter seasons, the professional electricians at Mr. Electric, a Neighborly Company, share tips to help you and your family stay prepared, warm and safe throughout the colder seasons.

Preventing dangerous circuit overloads

It’s probably happened to you: You’re running the dishwasher, then use the microwave, and suddenly, you’re in the dark. It may not be a big deal if you have a modern circuit breaker — you just go to your electrical panel and flip the tripped circuit breaker back on. But that’s not the whole story.

Overloading an electrical circuit by using too many appliances on one circuit is common but can cause problems. If it happens frequently, it could mean your system can’t keep up with your home’s electrical demands. Potential hazards caused by overloaded circuits may include fires, fried wiring, destroyed devices, and electrical shocks.

The best way to ensure your electrical system can handle your home’s current demands is by having a professional, trained electrician conduct a Home Safety Check. When Mr. Electric does a Home Safety Check, they conduct a thorough exam of your electrical system to make sure electrical wires, systems and components meet legal safety standards using the National Electrical Code (NEC) as their primary guideline. This is important for the safety of your home and everyone in it and will offer you peace of mind.

After completing a Home Safety Check, your Mr. Electric service professional will provide a detailed, prioritized checklist of areas needing immediate attention, plus recommendations for improvements and potential upgrades.

Weathering any storm

Being prepared for severe wintry weather involves many preparations. You can start by keeping up with the latest weather forecasts in your area, checking and restocking your home’s emergency kit, and reviewing your family’s emergency plans. You’ll also want to check your property’s exterior to ensure your roof, windows, and nearby trees are in good shape before storms bring wind, rain, snow, or other weather-related issues your way.

An electrical Home Safety Check can help determine how prepared your system is for potential severe weather during the winter months. One of the most common—and potentially most dangerous—aspects of these storms can be power outages due to high winds, fallen tree limbs, ice storms, and more. While a short-term power outage is inconvenient, it doesn’t take long for a nuisance to turn into a serious situation, especially when temperatures are frigid.

A whole-house generator can be a lifesaver to help protect your home from power outages no matter the season. Whenever the power goes out, a whole-house generator provides all the power needed to maintain your electricity, keeping your household safe, warm, and functioning through any storm.

The next question is, what type and size generator is best for your home? To help you determine the right generator for your home’s needs, you may want to consult a Mr. Electric service professional. They can help determine the wattage required for all your appliances so you’re not underestimating or overestimating the size of the generator needed. Getting the best fit for your home is important for safety, and can save money in the long run. A professional electrician can also ensure your generator is properly maintained for years to come.

After the storm

Following severe weather, schedule an electrical safety inspection to ease your mind about potential unseen issues. Always ask a professional before trying to fix or operate storm-damaged electrical devices.

Another way to protect your home from the consequences of outages is with a whole house surge protector. During a power outage, the loss of power is later followed by a sudden surge when power is restored — which is enough to overload your home’s electrical system. Without a whole house surge protector, your electronics can get fried, including everything from your TV and microwave to large appliances. A whole house surge protector helps protect all your electronics and appliances.

Weather is unpredictable, and being unprepared for severe weather can be serious. Take steps now to be better prepared when severe weather strikes. Mr. Electric has the experience and expertise to help prepare your home to keep your family safe, so visit MrElectric.com/prepared to find a trained, experienced electrician near you.

2024-09-30T16:01:01

(BPT) – Crystal clear turquoise seas, lush palm trees swaying in the breeze, powder soft white sand beaches … this is the Mexican Caribbean. From boho chic Holbox to luxurious Costa Mujeres, laid back Bacalar and beyond, the region offers pristine beaches, world-class entertainment, and breathtaking archeological sites steeped in Mayan heritage. It is also the perfect place for travelers seeking to recharge, rejuvenate and restore their souls while absorbing the natural beauty and magic of this signature paradise.

If this sounds like pure bliss, here are five types of Mexican Caribbean wellness experiences to incorporate into your winter escape.

1. Spas and luxury wellness centers

Where to stay in paradise? While there is no wrong answer, the renowned MICHELIN Guide recently unveiled its first-ever MICHELIN Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Mexico. It is no surprise that 18 resorts and hotels in the Mexican Caribbean region were recognized with this distinctive honor, including several with exceptional wellness programs.

The Three Key Hotel Esencia in Tulum connects guests to nature through accommodations in individual beachfront bungalows and an organic spa with treatments incorporating local ingredients and practices inspired by ancient Mayan medicine. Palmaïa-The House of AïA in Playa del Carmen, a Two Key resort, is known for its plant-based culinary program, onsite cenotes, and all-inclusive wellness offerings rooted in local traditions such as meditation, breathwork, and sound healing. The One Key Nômade Holbox is a peaceful retreat surrounded by a nature preserve. Guests at Nômade are invited on a wellness journey through activities such as lucid dreaming, tarot readings, numerology and yoga.

2. Holistic healing and ancient rituals

The spiritualism of the Mayan culture permeates the Mexican Caribbean, and visitors can take part with holistic practices rooted in ancient rituals. Many opt for temazcal ceremonies led by a shaman in an insulated dome designed to promote spiritual healing, connection and physical cleansing. Mia Bacalar, Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, and Xcaret in Riviera Maya are just a few of the properties where guests can experience the Pre-Hispanic rituals of the temazcal. Cacao ceremonies are another popular experience, fostering connection and self-exploration in a group setting through the consumption of pure cacao bean paste. Tulum hotels including Holistika, Dos Ceibas, and Jungle Lodge Boutique Hotel regularly offer cacao ceremonies. Guests at Nizuc, home to the first ESPA-branded spa in the Mexican Caribbean, can become acquainted with the healing properties of cacao during the Mayan Cacao treatment that includes a body exfoliation, soothing facial cleanse and de-stressing scalp massage.

3. Eco-friendly and sustainable fitness

The Mexican Caribbean offers fitness experiences that connect travelers with nature. Visit Tulum Jungle Gym on the beach or in town for a one-of-a-kind workout using equipment made from wood, stone, bamboo and other natural materials. Also in Tulum, Amansala is home of the beach bootcamp. Regular in-house retreats are offered for men and women that take advantage of the outdoors in activities like beach runs, sculpt classes, circuit training and more.

4. Rejuvenation

Hands-on treatments available at the numerous spas throughout the Mexican Caribbean provide truly rejuvenating effects inspired by Mayan culture. At Viceroy Riviera Maya’s Wayak Spa, the Akbal invigorating massage evoking ancestral blanket stretching techniques helps adjust posture and improve flexibility. The Yo’ki’b hot stone massage incorporates copal, a tree resin used as incense in ancient Mayan ceremonies to free bodily tension. At Habitas Bacalar, the traditional Mexican sobada uses cupping techniques and traditional Mexican cotton garments to achieve physical and spiritual alignment.

5. Nutrition and nourishment

Travelers seeking transformation inside and out can visit SHA Mexico in Costa Mujeres, one of only two locations of this renowned wellness center that helps guests regain health and restore balance. At SHA, fully customized programs are built for each guest based upon principles like healthy nutrition, natural therapies, preventive medicine, and more. Personalized healthy nutrition programs, cooking classes and three levels of diets to choose from are available to guests. Visitors in other areas of the Mexican Caribbean can find plenty of healthy dining options including Vegan Style and Herbívoro in Cancun, Vegan Caribe in Bacalar and Raw Love in Tulum.

Whatever the journey, especially if it’s the journey within, let the Mexican Caribbean be the guide.

2024-09-30T15:01:00

(BPT) – Many people have a hard time keeping up with their bills. More than three-fourths of Americans have some type of debt.

Fortunately, there are several options to get out of debt, including working directly with your credit card company or a non-profit credit counselor.

As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau highlights, the best option is to contact your credit card or financial institution directly. Banks can sometimes offer a “hardship program,” also called a lender workout, which is an agreement between you and your creditor to address the situation, for example by lowering your monthly payment or waiving fees. It is in the card company’s best interest to help you with a manageable repayment plan. Working with your lender may offer a solution that does not result in losing your card or damaging credit. Since this doesn’t involve a third-party, these workouts are usually faster and safer than other options.

“When late payments pile up, many people avoid answering the phone when their credit card company calls. But as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes in its own research, it’s the card company that can often get you back on track. Card companies want to protect their greatest asset — their customers,” said Lindsey Johnson, President and CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association.

If you’re struggling with debt across many different creditors, another option is to talk to a credit counselor. An accredited, non-profit credit counselor offers advice on how to manage multiple debts and provides free education. Importantly, these agencies can also negotiate with lenders on your behalf and create a debt management plan that allows for one monthly payment. This option protects your credit and can be less expensive than debt settlement companies because they are not for profit.

Debt settlement companies are a third option; but they can come with some serious risk. Debt settlement companies market and advertise aggressively and, people may think because they offer one point of contact, they’re a good option. The fact is, however, working with a debt settlement company can make your financial situation worse.

Here is what you need to know about debt settlement companies: Debt settlement companies may not resolve all your debt and can hurt your credit score for up to seven years. In fact, the industry itself concedes that 25% of their clients do not settle any accounts. In addition, debt settlement companies charge big fees — sometimes up to 25% of the balance on a card, which can add up over time.

Yet, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, often the “deal” that debt settlement companies are selling is similar to what you can get by talking directly to your credit card company or financial institution — without your having to pay excessive fees. Working with a debt settlement company may also have you paying more in taxes. And sometimes creditors, who are wary of debt settlement companies, may refuse to work with them or file a lawsuit against you.

If you are confused about the options, you can turn to a trusted source such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for reliable information. There is helpful information available on their website and you can find out more about your options at the Consumer Bankers Association’s own website: www.aboutdebtrelief.com.

2024-09-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – Hello, fall! Crisp air, colorful leaves and cozy sweaters are here, marking the perfect time to embrace outdoor activities and family traditions. As you plan your fall adventures — whether it’s carving pumpkins, attending football games or apple picking — the curated selection from Little Planet by Carter’s new fall collection ensures your family will be prepared. With timeless, heirloom-quality pieces that are simple, sustainable and designed to span seasons, parents can focus on enjoying every moment.

1. For the Pumpkin Patch

The arrival of local pumpkin patches signals the start of fall, inviting families to enjoy the mild weather. Dress your baby in heirloom-quality pieces like this Organic Cotton Waffle Knit Jumpsuit or the Harvest Pumpkins Organic Cotton Set. These designs are crafted from so-soft organic cotton and made to last from this little one to the next. And don’t forget to capture the moment with a photo — tag @littleplanet on Instagram to share your family photos!

2. For Apple Picking

Apple picking is sweeter with littles by your side. Little Planet’s new fall collection offers organic and sustainable pieces that are both practical for exploring the orchard and perfect for family photos.

• Organic Cotton Gauze Button-Front Dress: Light and breezy to keep your baby cool while exploring.
• Organic Cotton Chambray Jumpsuit: A functional and simple 1-piece that’s easy to wear for collecting apples.
• Organic Cotton Button-Front Jumpsuit in Gingham: A classic look with a touch of fall charm.
• Organic Cotton Corduroy Dress and Mock Neck Bodysuit Set: Cozy and chic for cooler weather, with options to wear together or separate.

3. For All the Fall Festivals

Fall festivals are a wonderful time for families to gather and enjoy crafts, delicious food and the beauty of the season. These moments are all about creating memories together, and Little Planet’s heirloom-quality pieces make it easy to dress your family in timeless fashion.

• Organic Cotton Herringbone Button-Front Shirt in Plaid: Classic and versatile. Can be worn buttoned-up or layered over a tee for when you don’t have time to fuss with buttons.
• Organic Cotton Herringbone Button-Front Dress in Plaid: Cozy and perfect for photos and fun.

4. For Their First Halloween

Halloween is a holiday for fun and creativity, but it’s hard to find outfits with lasting wearability. Keep it simple in styles inspired by spooky season that can be worn again and again, year after year.

• Spooky Creatures Halloween Fleece Set: Spooky and cozy for daytime fun.
• Fox Cap and Organic Cotton Sweater Knit Bubble: Designed to be worn for Halloween, fall outings and more.
• Spooky Creatures Organic Cotton Pajamas Set: Soft, organic and made for a good night’s sleep after trick-or-treating.

5. For Football Games

Cheering for your favorite team? Comfort and style are key. Little Planet’s collection offers versatile outfits perfect for game day:

• Organic Cotton Cable Knit Sweater: Classic, warm and ideal for layering.
• Organic Cotton Fleece Henley in Stripes: Casual and cozy for a varsity inspired, laid-back look.
• Organic Cotton Essentials Set in Heather Grey: Easy to mix and match with your team’s colors.
• 2-in-1 Puffer Vest Made with Recycled Materials: Provides extra warmth and is reversible, too!

Crafted in the purest organic fabrics and sustainable materials, Little Planet by Carter’s is a return to simplicity. Thoughtful essentials and timeless pieces to gift or to hold on to.

2024-09-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – When you’re on the road in wintry conditions, what you don’t know can hurt you. That’s why it’s alarming that only three in 10 drivers know this vital fact: All-season drivers aren’t designed for winter roads.

Yes, “all-season” is their name. But most tires sold in the United States are designed for durability and performance at the expense of winter safety. When temperatures fall below 45 degrees, their rubber compounds harden like hockey pucks and begin to lose their grip on the road. And all-season tires’ tread patterns are designed to channel water away from the road, not carve through snow or slush.

That’s a problem Nokian Tyres has spent 25 years fighting. This year, the global tiremaker from Finland is celebrating the silver anniversary of a true four-season driving solution — all-weather tires, which it introduced to North America in 1999.

Unlike their all-season counterparts, all-weather tires are certified with the three-peak mountain snowflake emblem that indicates they are equipped for snow, slush and temperatures below 45 degrees. Unlike winter tires, they can be used year-round.

“While all-season tires are great in the spring and summer, all-weather tires are made for all types of weather,” said Nokian Tyres North America Director of Products Steve Bourassa. “If snow is unlikely where you live, all-season tires are an excellent choice. But all-weather tires are an ideal option for drivers who visit winter or have winter visit them.”

All-weather tires can be considered a jack of all trades. They’re capable in wintry weather, even if they aren’t a substitute for dedicated winter tires in areas that experience sustained snow and ice. They’re built to thrive in rain and heat, too, even if they don’t typically have the same tread life as an all-season tire.

To ensure that all-weather tires are as versatile as possible, tiremakers test them in diverse conditions around the globe. Nokian Tyres subjects its all-weather products to frigid temperatures north of the Arctic Circle at the largest company-owned test facility in the world in Ivalo, Finland. It also tests them in the Spanish desert south of Madrid, as well as at remote sites in the U.S.

How can drivers make sure they’re riding on a set of winter-certified all-weather tires? Look for a snowflake symbol inside a mountain peak on the sidewall. The severe service emblem, or three-peak mountain snowflake, certifies that a tire has passed a snow traction test.

What drivers don’t know about four-season driving can hurt them. All-weather tires offer a versatile remedy. Learn more about all-weather tires at NokianTyres.com/Weather.

2024-09-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – By Lisa Grayston, vice president of Commerce Operations, Coveo

The holiday season is a time most retailers, and people who love celebrating and gift-giving, look forward to above all. While making predictions may seem risky, a number of indicators point to a jolly holiday season for shoppers and retailers alike this year. To get our finger on the pulse of 2024 shoppers, Coveo conducted an annual holiday shopping outlook report, “Gift or Grinch? Unwrapping This Season’s Shopper Spending Plans,” based on a survey of 4,000 consumers in the U.S. and U.K., in partnership with Arlington Research. Going a step further, we compared those shoppers’ views with retailer perceptions from last year’s holiday report surveying retail executives from 92 U.S.-based retailers, most with revenues above $250M.

The upshot? Many approaches top retailers are pursuing to improve retail sales — optimizing Black Friday/Cyber Week events, using AI to offer shoppers personalized recommendations and maximizing promotions to improve shopper loyalty — also create what shoppers want: opportunities to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their list while scoring great deals.

2024 consumer shopping outlook

Over three-fourths of surveyed shoppers (76%) say they plan to maintain or increase gift purchases this year, which retailers will be happy to hear. In fact, 59% of shoppers say they plan to cut down on everyday purchases to prioritize their gifting budgets.

While the 2023 retailer survey found that most retailers (84%) feel consumers can get deals anytime, the majority of retailers (58%) believe holiday events remain a powerful source of revenue, with 76% of the above-average retail performers supporting this idea. Retailers say they approach the shopping peak as a coordinated effort to create brand excitement, and shoppers agree.

In the Coveo 2024 Holiday Shopping Report, 68% of U.S. shoppers said they plan to shop at one or more stores on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, with big box/department stores being the top holiday shopping category. Electronic stores (37%) and fashion/apparel (36%) were the top two shopping choices for Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Generative AI and the online shopping experience

There’s no question AI has changed — and will continue changing — how we shop. For retailers, that means learning how technology can create a positive user experience that also drives sales and builds brand loyalty. For consumers, this means making the search for the perfect gift seamless: a quicker, more personalized, more convenient and satisfying way to shop.

The Coveo 2024 Holiday Shopping Report found digital shopping continuing its upward trend, with 80% of shoppers finding special offers purely through digital channels (email, social media, online search and online marketplaces). Shoppers appreciate shopping assistance, with 61% of consumers saying that pre-set search categories like “gifts for dad” or “gifts under $50” are helpful. Nearly one in three shoppers (31%) also say having generative AI provide specific holiday gifting recommendations would be useful — rising to nearly half (44%) for millennials.

When it comes to online shopping, shoppers are only a browser window away from a better experience. Shoppers expect personalized and relevant experiences, similar to what they would get from a knowledgeable store associate. Only AI can effectively help companies successfully deliver individualized, trusted and connected experiences at a scale that meets and exceeds people’s expectations. And if you add GenAI to the mix, you can not only provide shoppers with answers, but you can provide them with a deeper level of advice — such as which lotion is best for your particular skin type or problem area.

Offers and promotions tailor-made for success

The Coveo 2024 Holiday Shopping Report also found an impressive 90% of shoppers are open to adding items to their existing orders during the holidays, presenting a golden opportunity for retailers to boost sales. Offers like free shipping, relevant special promotions and personalized recommendations also delight shoppers by helping them find the perfect gift while maximizing value.

When this year’s survey asked consumers what would compel them to add to an existing order when shopping online, “Meeting the minimum spend to get free shipping” was the top answer (62%). The second highest response was, “Relevant special offers popping up” (48%), followed by “Recommendations for family members” and “Recommendations for other items” (both 26%).

Top-performing retailers from the 2023 study recognized this growing interest in receiving relevant personalized offers. Clearly on track with what today’s shoppers expect, 90% of retail executive respondents said the ability to provide personalized offers was moving from “nice-to-have” to “must-have.”

The surveys of both retailers and consumers make it clear that “one-size-fits-all” thinking no longer motivates sales. In today’s digital, AI-powered shopping landscape, it’s crucial to offer increasingly personalized offers and deals both to please consumers and to stay competitive. Business success during the busy holiday season means creating deliberate, hyper-personalized, focused strategies that reach and delight each consumer, wherever they are on their shopping journey.

To learn how Coveo helps businesses make the most of AI in today’s digital shopping environment, check out the free ebook at Coveo.com.

2024-09-27T15:55:00

(BPT) – Late each summer, we see eager students returning to the classroom with new backpacks, sharpened pencils and a renewed focus — ready to take on the school year ahead. Nowadays, “back-to-school” season can be anytime, especially with the rise of students — specifically working adults — taking up opportunities to pursue new skills on their own time.

For working adults, this leap from career back to a classroom — whether online or in-person — can be daunting, especially if they’ve been out of school for a long period of time. Luckily, there are several simple strategies to help reduce anxiety about becoming a student again. Read on for important tips to help you succeed!

1. Find new opportunities for growth.

Have a few extra hours a week? Consider taking some courses to sharpen your skills and stay current with your career. There are numerous online programs designed specifically for adult learners that cater to your unique learning needs and provide electives that can help you potentially expand your career aspirations. If you’re still not sure where to start, try looking into Sophia Learning’s offerings of over 60 online courses to explore new subjects.

2. Choose a flexible program that works for you.

Fortunately, online learning platforms offer a lot of flexibility compared to on-campus programs. You can complete coursework on your own schedule, whether that’s first thing in the morning, during a quiet afternoon or in the late hours when everyone else is sleeping.

3. Seek out affordable learning.

If you’re employed, check to see if your employer has a formal education benefits program or, at a very minimum, offers discounts on select partner schools.

Earning AP Credits or taking general education courses online at an affordable institution like Sophia Learning may also help you save money. You can then transfer these courses to your chosen college or university to bring down the cost of college. Be sure to check with your school’s advisor about the credit transfer policy.

4. Manage your time.

The ability to manage your time wisely can contribute to your overall success, especially if you’re a learner with full-time employment or family care commitments. Safeguard your time for learning by setting specific goals and schedules, creating calendars for deadlines, and asking for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. For example, consider letting your employer know you are utilizing their education program, and ask if they can allow you greater flexibility to manage both work and school.

5. Develop strong study habits.

It’s important to remember that an all-nighter study session isn’t the most conducive strategy for understanding and retaining your coursework knowledge. Learn about proven study methods and think about utilizing tools like flashcards, practice tests, homework assignments and developing your own study guides to help foster continuous learning — resulting in higher performance!

6. Practice self-care.

Test taking can be stressful for everyone, even if you know the material. Practicing self-care such as getting a good night’s sleep, finding a space with minimal distractions to take the exam, eating a good breakfast, and giving your brain a break with a relaxing hobby can minimize nervousness and garner greater success.

It’s never too late for your own back-to-school season. Practicing these adult learner strategies can help you succeed in opening new doors for your personal and professional growth.

Feeling inspired to continue your education online after reading this? Explore your options with Sophia Learning.