Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-04-03T14:19:00

(BPT) – With the days growing longer and warmer, securing a suitable camp for your child can feel like an impossible task. However, finding the perfect camp experience for your kid this summer doesn’t have to be daunting with these top 10 considerations.

1. Your child’s interests

As parents, you know your child best and can determine which camp experience makes the most sense. But remember to include your child in the process. Decisions about camp are family choices and should be a joint venture; they can help support a more successful camp experience.

2. Accredited camps

Always look for a day or overnight camp that is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). When a camp is accredited, it means they’ve gone through a thorough, voluntary process that supports the health and safety of all campers and staff. ACA collaborates with experts from national youth-serving organizations to guide the practices and policies at your child’s camp, reflecting the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.

3. Your child’s needs

Are you looking for a program that supports your child’s personality and learning style? Does your camper have certain medical requirements, mental health considerations or dietary restrictions? Understanding the strengths in a camp’s focus or programming may help you make your choice. It’s also important to understand that most camps prohibit kids’ access to technology or the internet while at camp. Have an honest and open conversation with your child about this prior to registering.

4. Character development

Many camps are run with an intrinsic focus on character-building skills and traits that help kids grow up to be successful adults. Look for camps talking about this in their mission, staff training and program design. ACA’s recent National Impact Study found that camp experiences support social connectivity, creating communities where young people feel safe, heard and like they belong.

5. Staff training

When researching a camp, ask questions! What kind of training do counselors receive? What types of screening do they require? What is the counselor-to-camper ratio? What are the ages of staff members? The same qualities of trustworthiness and dependability sought by any employer are valued skills and experiences in camp staff.

6. Camp philosophy, policies and procedures

Each camp has its own method of constructing programs based on its philosophy. Does it complement your own parenting philosophy? Ask camp directors about their communication policies. How do they handle homesickness and other adjustment issues? How are behavior and disciplinary problems handled? What is the camp’s dress code?

7. Length and location

Location can be a major factor in choosing a camp. Do you want to attend a camp close to home or in another state? Similarly, think about the length of the camp session. Do you want a short session for your child, such as a few days or a week, or something longer, such as two weeks or a month?

8. Camp provisions

Are there certain amenities or features you’re looking for? Maybe your child is interested in waterfront activities or a ropes course, or maybe you’re searching for a more specialized camp such as a sport- or STEM-specific program. Consider activities, food, lodging and other offerings to decide the right fit for your child.

9. Recommendations

Talk to friends, neighbors, relatives or other parents; often, word of mouth and a recommendation from someone you trust is the best endorsement. Similarly, if your child is a first-time camper, consider planning for summer camp with other parents. Having a friend with them can help children adjust, quiet nerves and build confidence away from home.

10. Certified camp finder tools

If you’re still not sure where to begin, ACA’s Find-a-Camp tool is a free resource with the most extensive directory of summer and year-round camp programs. Filter your search by your exact wants and needs. You’ll also find resources for financial aid, camp scholarships and more.

Finding the right summer camp for your child doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take the time to explore these game-changing strategies to find the perfect summer camp match for your child.

2024-04-02T10:29:00

(BPT) – For consumers, it’s the ‘experience’ that counts. According to PwC, 73 percent of all customers place experience near the top of their checklist when making purchasing decisions, following only price and product quality in order of importance.

LG, a company that strives to ensure that ‘Life’s Good’ for all, has prioritized the art of providing F.U.N. — first, unique and new — core values for customers.

To successfully deliver the types of experiences that customers desire, LG first had to make sure that all parts of the organization were aligned and properly equipped for the task at hand. In 2024, a new CX performance management system was applied to the entire executive organization structure — not just Korean executives at the company’s headquarters but global executives and employees in charge of sales, manufacturing and management — with a view to adding CX to other crucial measurements of overall business performance, such as sales and operating profit.

The data from the CX indicator is analyzed to assess the various teams involved and to instill a ‘customer-first’ mindset throughout the entire company. The definition of ‘customer’ in this equation is not limited to end-users, but includes business partners and relevant internal departments as well.

The company made meaningful changes by promoting various customer value innovation activities. However, it was identified that a process was needed to properly evaluate business performance as well as reward the achievement of increased levels of customer satisfaction.

Accordingly, starting from this year, all LG Electronics executives will be evaluated based on the level of customer satisfaction within the organizations under their purview, and also on whether or not they have achieved their allotted tasks. Customer satisfaction is graded based on LG’s in-house-developed measurement tool, which quantifies the satisfaction level of LG customers during each stage of the customer experience journey.

Now, each organization is charged with the mission of determining how it will go about innovating target customers’ experiences. In this way, each unit or team can give in-depth consideration to the important question of “What constitutes a differentiated experience from the customers’ perspective?” and then gauge whether or not a specific CX innovation can be realized.

For teams that don’t work directly with customers, CX tasks can include identifying the relevant customer groups, such as internal departments or suppliers, for a certain aspect or piece of organizational work, and generating appropriate and actionable innovation activities to drive meaningful results. LG strongly believes that customer value innovation is not just the domain of ‘management’ or select customer-facing teams. Rather, it takes a whole company working together to consistently create it, with each person adopting a ‘customer-first’ mindset and seeking to view all pertinent matters from the customer’s perspective.

This belief reflects LG CEO William Cho’s management philosophy, which states that the start and end of all innovation is the customer. Since taking charge of the company at the end of 2021, CEO Cho has continuously emphasized how accelerating customer experience innovation plays a critical role in improving customers’ lives. As a result of his astute direction, and as underscored by LG’s ‘Future Vision 2030’ document and recent brand reinvention, the company is actively expanding its CX innovation initiatives.

To boost the innovation of customer experience, the company has launched a company-wide project calling on all employees to meet with customers directly to hear their honest feedback and concerns in order to empathize with them. As a part of this internal project that focuses on LG’s commitment to advancing CX, executives partook in an on-site experience program designed to ensure the implementation of customer-centric management practices and policies. Last year alone, more than 280 LG executives from the Korean headquarters visited key offline sites to see firsthand a broad range of customer contact points and associated activities, including product purchase, phone consultation, rental, delivery and after-service care.

Many of these executives even visited Hi-Tele Service, an LG subsidiary that provides remote customer service. While there, the executives had the valuable opportunity to hear feedback direct from LG customers — giving them insight into how and where the CX might be further improved and refined.

On top of these activities, in order to hear from customers, LG hosted seminars where employees could share CX innovation cases as well as programs where they could directly listen to customers’ stories. And, to boost empathy for customers, the company is carrying out company-wide activities that enable employees to set their own customer and determine the value they can provide to these customers.

Customer value innovation is not just a task for management or teams that work directly with customers. It is the job of everyone at LG to make meaningful changes by rethinking and differentiating everything the company does from the customer’s perspective.

LG is committed to providing differentiated customer value. The company will continue to pursue a customer-centric way of working — one that is based on a detailed understanding of and empathy for its customers.

Not limited to HQ, our system of actively meeting, hearing and empathizing with customers is being put into place in LG offices around the world. In a dedicated series on LG Newsroom, we will introduce how various LG teams and subsidiaries are making changes to reinvent CX, so stay tuned.

By Kang Je-nam, director of Customer Value Innovation Division at LG Electronics

2024-04-02T11:01:00

(BPT) – Finances are consistently a top concern for many Americans, with “saving money” ranking among their primary common goals. This year, Americans are more concerned than ever due to the uncertainty created by high inflation, rising interest rates, lack of income growth and dwindling savings. According to investment research site YCharts, the U.S. personal savings rate for January 2024 was 3.8% vs. 19.3% in January 2021, a 15.5% drop in just three years.

Here are some interesting stats on the state of the U.S. economy:

• Per Gallup, 45% rate the American economy as poor; with 63% saying it is getting worse, not better
• 63% of respondents tell Gallup that high prices pose a severe or moderate financial hardship
• A 2023 survey conducted by Payroll.org highlighted that 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, a 6% increase from the previous year. In other words, more than three-quarters of Americans struggle to save or invest after paying for their monthly expenses
• Similarly, a 2023 Forbes Advisor survey revealed that nearly 70% of respondents either identified as living paycheck to paycheck (40%) or — even more concerning — reported that their income doesn’t even cover their standard expenses (29%)
• The Labor Department reported that in October of 2023 nearly 8.4 million people held multiple jobs — the highest level since July 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic began
• According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, U.S. consumer credit card debt topped $1.1 trillion in the last quarter of 2023

The economy and job markets remain in a state of constant flux, which is causing many families to worry about their ability to pay an unexpected bill, continue to pay off student loans, mortgages or credit card debt, or save money for the future.

“Saving money is more than just putting spare change into a coffee can or simply ordering takeout less often,” said Sam Jarman, financial expert, Mercury Content Partner. “Sure, those things can add up over time, but people may find that their greatest savings can come from taking a look at the necessary expenses they pay for every month, such as insurance.”

Jarman recommends these four tips to help protect your finances:

1. Check your auto insurance coverages. There’s no reason to pay for more coverage than you need, but being underinsured can leave you exposed. “The cost of repairs after a collision has grown in recent years, both as a result of more crossovers and SUVs on the road, and more technologically advanced vehicles,” said Jarman. “Beyond paying for more expensive repairs if your insurance doesn’t cover it, if you’re underinsured, you may also be responsible for paying out of pocket for medical bills, which could potentially devastate savings for a down payment on a house, your child’s college tuition or a future vacation. It’s vitally important to make sure you have the right amount of auto insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen events.”

2. Know what your homeowners insurance covers. First and foremost, be sure to read your homeowners insurance policy so you’re clear about what it does and doesn’t cover. It’s a good idea to check in with your agent each year to ensure you have adequate coverage, especially if you’ve made renovations, own collectible or valuable items, or live in an area that’s prone to flooding or earthquakes, as standard homeowners insurance policies typically don’t cover these situations. Also, maintain a home inventory to make sure to have an accurate record of your belongings and property.

3. Be aware of potential gaps in coverage. A standard homeowners insurance policy often doesn’t cover mechanical failures to your home’s appliances, HVAC or other essential systems, nor does it cover a break to service lines on your property that supply your home with electricity, gas or sewer functions. In either of these scenarios, this means you would be responsible for writing a big check to a repair company or having to purchase a pricey replacement. However, adding home systems protection and service line protection endorsements can help provide coverage for costly repairs and replacements, saving you both money and peace of mind. Pennies spent now can save you dollars down the road.

4. Regularly shop for the best coverage and price. Insurance prices can vary significantly from company to company, so it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to see if you’re getting a good deal. Shop around at least once a year — making sure to look for the exact same coverage limits — to see if you can find a more affordable rate. Additionally, check what discounts your carrier may offer. You may qualify for a discount you didn’t know existed.

“Often, regional insurers like Mercury Insurance are more attuned to their policyholders’ needs and can offer better rates,” Jarman added. “For example, the California Department of Insurance found that Mercury auto insurance policyholders save an average of $1,008, which can go a long way in feeling more secure in your savings.”

The most effective way to make sure your finances are minimally impacted by insurance costs is to speak to an independent insurance agent. They can help make sure you have the proper amount and type of coverage to keep yourself, your family and property protected.

2024-04-02T10:01:00

(BPT) – As a parent, it’s normal to be focused on your baby getting enough of the nutrients their little bodies need to grow and thrive. Once babies are eating solid food, it’s the perfect time to start widening their palates by introducing a variety of healthy plant-based options.

Here are three tips from Plum Organics to help you choose foods that will start your baby on a good path toward adventurous flavors and textures for years to come.

1. Introduce bitter and savory flavors early

You may naturally want to choose sweet foods like fruit when you first start feeding your baby solid food, like mashed-up bananas and applesauce. However, it’s a better idea to get your child acclimated to a wider variety of flavors that represent more foods they will encounter as they grow early on, including savory and even bitter tastes. That way they will be more open to liking foods like vegetables and proteins, which are not sweet.

Some parents will opt for baby foods that combine fruits and vegetables to sneak veggies in, but fruits often mask the bitter flavor of vegetables, which defeats the purpose. Instead, try foods that introduce different flavors through vegetables only, so babies learn early that all foods are not — and don’t need to taste — sweet.

“Babies are born with an innate preference for sweet foods and an aversion to bitter foods,” said Whitney English, M.S., R.D. and co-founder of Plant-Based Juniors. “To foster a diverse palate and support adventurous eating, we need to train babies’ palates to enjoy bitter flavors by introducing them early and often!”

To help you get started, leading organic baby food brand, Plum Organics offers a Zucchini, Pea + Kale with Thyme pouch which is organic, non-GMO and contains no added sugars.

“Herbs and spices also contain bitter compounds, and it’s helpful to get babies acquainted with them early too,” added English. “Right from the start, you can add them to meals to create interesting and diverse flavors. The only spices you’ll want to avoid are those with heat, like chili powder or peppers.”

2. Focus on vitamin C to boost iron absorption

According to the Mayo Clinic, iron is a priority nutrient for children, as it aids their bodies in many important ways such as using oxygen and helping to make red blood cells, both of which are crucial for growing children. And unfortunately, many children do not get enough iron, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

“Iron is a critical nutrient for growth and development, which is why needs are high during pregnancy and early childhood to support rapid growth and the production of energy, red blood cells and brain cells,” said Alexandra Caspero, M.A., R.D. and co-founder of Plant-Based Juniors.

But because iron can be harder to absorb in the body, it’s important to include vitamin C in the diets of babies and young children, as that nutrient can better enhance iron absorption.

“Iron is found in two forms: heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron is found only in animal foods like meat, poultry and seafood. It’s much more easily absorbed than non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is found in both animal and plant foods such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and leafy greens and is harder to absorb than heme iron,” explained Caspero. “Fortunately, pairing non-heme iron with a source of vitamin C can increase the absorption of non-heme iron by three to six times.”

For this reason, Caspero recommends serving infant-friendly sources of vitamin C alongside iron-rich meals. For example, many Plum Organics pouches include vitamin C-rich foods like broccoli, sweet potato, blueberries, mango and more.

3. Make it easy to feed your baby healthier food on-the-go

While it may seem challenging to feed your little one nutritious food when you’re running from one appointment or playdate to another, you can make it easier for yourself by picking up some Plum Organics pouches, which are veggie-packed and great for parents and caregivers to make feeding a breeze.

With a variety of flavors your baby is bound to love, you’ll be ready to offer a quick meal or snack whenever it’s needed, expanding your baby’s palate and providing the peace of mind that you’re feeding them well.

Learn more tips about feeding your baby or toddler at PlumOrganics.com.

2024-04-02T10:01:00

(BPT) – After winter’s last gasp, spring is just around the corner. That means it’s time to get out into the yard and tackle some spring cleaning. With a little DIY prep work now, your yard will be your family’s oasis for months to come.

Here are seven spring cleanup tasks from ECHO Inc. to put on your to-do list, along with the right tools to get the job done.

Clean up debris. Gather up any stray branches, twigs and trash that have blown into your yard. Tool tip: Keep two bags handy, one that you regularly use for garbage and a bag specifically designed for yard waste. Garbage services in many cities have specific windows of time in which they’ll pick up yard waste in the spring, so check with yours and make sure you get your debris to the curb on time!

Rake the lawn. Didn’t get to those leaves before the first snowfall? Now’s the time to rake them up. This will let sunlight and air reach your grass, sparking it to grow. Tool tip: They go in that same yard waste bag you’re using for debris.

Do you need to aerate? Take a hard look at your lawn. Is the soil too compacted? Do you have bare patches? It could mean you need to aerate the soil. Tool tip: You can do this job yourself by renting an aerator from your local hardware store. Or, bring in a lawn service to do it for you. This is also the time to apply fertilizer if your yard needs it.

Deal with downed trees or branches. After this unpredictable winter, many people are faced with downed trees or large branches in their yards. Cutting them up and disposing of them now will save lawn headaches later. Tool tip: This is a job for a chainsaw. The battery-powered ECHO eFORCE DCS-5000 chainsaw is quiet, easy to use and you don’t have to mess with gas and oil. Or a power cord. You’ll get 200 cuts on a single charge delivering professional-grade power via the ECHO eFORCE 56V battery system.

Trim up shrubs. Since you’ve got that ECHO chainsaw powered up, take a look at your shrubs. Did you find any dead or diseased branches? Zip them off. Now is also a good time to shape your bushes and plants, cutting away any stray branches for a clean look.

Prune your trees. If you have low-hanging or dead branches, the time to clean those up is early spring, before the leaves start budding out. Tool tip: An extendable pruner is the safest tool for this job. It allows you to prune branches without climbing onto a ladder. Read more about it in this article from Almanac. One important rule to remember when doing this task: Stay away from branches that are anywhere near a power line. That is a job for the pros, period.

Tend your garden. Whether you have an in-ground garden or containers, remove any dead plants and other debris like sticks from those beds. Also, cut your perennials back to just a few inches off the ground. This will facilitate new growth. Tool tip: Turn over or till your soil with a simple hoe if your garden is small. For bigger plots, you’ll want to use a tiller.

With these tips and the right tools, you can spruce up your yard, making it ready for your family to enjoy until the snow falls again. For more information about how to use ECHO’s line of outdoor power tools, visit their website at www.echo-usa.com.

2024-04-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – In a salute to naval history and video game innovation, Wargaming’s World of Warships — a massive multiplayer online naval combat game — is adding the USS Wisconsin to its roster of more than 800 vessels starting April 17, which also marks the ship’s 80th anniversary.

Steeped in history, the USS Wisconsin played a pivotal role in World War II and beyond. From the Pacific Theater battles to its resurgence during Operation Desert Storm, this battleship has left an indelible mark on military history. Today, as part of Nauticus, a Maritime Discovery Center located in Norfolk, Virginia, the Wisconsin serves as a floating museum — a tangible link to the past — by offering visitors a glimpse into its illustrious legacy.

To commemorate the USS Wisconsin anniversary and the upcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day, World of Warships is spreading awareness about this historical vessel, honoring military families, and making naval history accessible to video game and history enthusiasts alike through several USS Wisconsin-focused initiatives.

Active service members and veterans who visit the Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin during April will enjoy complimentary admission courtesy of World of Warships. For those unable to visit in person, World of Warships is offering a virtual alternative.

The game makers recently conducted a livestream providing a tour of the USS Wisconsin, examining the ship from stem to stern and exploring the vessel’s storied past. This stream allowed viewers to delve into the ship’s history. It featured a special appearance by a Desert Storm veteran who served aboard the vessel, offering valuable insights and anecdotes. The 60-minute archived stream is available to view on World of Warships’ Twitch channel.

World of Warships has naval history coded into its DNA and remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving naval history. Through educational initiatives like the “Naval Legends” YouTube series and partnerships with maritime museums like Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin, the game fosters an appreciation for naval heritage. Because many of these museums are underfunded and run by volunteers, often veterans, World of Warships actively fundraises to restore museum ships and raise awareness of their vital role in preserving history for current and future generations.

World of Warships is a free-to-play naval warfare game where players command historical warships from various nations in intense multiplayer battles. The game offers a wide range of vessels, from nimble destroyers to powerful battleships and aircraft carriers. With strategic gameplay, realistic ship mechanics and stunning visuals, World of Warships immerses players in epic naval combat across diverse environments.

And now, with the addition of the Wisconsin (fondly called “Big Wisky”), players will have three months to build a virtual USS Wisconsin, known as a Tier X ship in the game, from the ground up in 30 phases and at each of those phases receive different rewards to ease their progress in the game, as well as another ship, a recreation of the USS West Virginia, a Colorado class battleship. Once complete, players will have the opportunity to captain the ship in naval battles independently and in group missions.

To learn more about how you can visit the USS Wisconsin at Nauticus, visit Nauticus.org/Battleship-Wisconsin-Turns-80/. If you want to build your own Wisconsin and captain the ship in history-altering battles, visit WorldofWarships.com.

Battleship Wisconsin photo courtesy Nauticus.

2024-04-02T06:01:00

(BPT) – At this time of year, kids are itching to shake off winter’s cabin fever and get outside. Spring sports are in session, and kids are heading off to summer camp, riding their bikes with friends, or just exploring the great outdoors.

Along with the fun and adventure, every parent knows this is also the season of skinned knees, bumps and bruises. Some parents will say that it’s not summer without a trip to the ER, and most households have a first aid kit stocked with bandages and antiseptic spray. A little TLC after a minor mishap and your child is good to go.

There is one childhood injury that calls for a different treatment process than parents might be accustomed to — a child’s tooth getting knocked out. The image of your child walking, dazed, into the kitchen, carrying his or her tooth, perhaps bleeding, can strike fear into parents. A skinned knee is one thing, but the loss of a tooth can seem much more serious.

The first thing to do, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, is take a deep breath. Stay calm. You’ve got this, and the big authority on little teeth has got you. Here’s what Dr. Scott Cashion, President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, says to do when your child’s tooth gets knocked out:

For baby teeth:

If it’s a baby tooth, give your child some TLC. This isn’t an emergency situation.

Have your child rinse out their mouth with cool water. No need to put the tooth back in the socket; in fact, that can damage the growing permanent tooth. Wrap it up for the tooth fairy or toss it.

For permanent teeth:

This requires quick, careful action, says Dr. Cashion. The goal here is to save the tooth. But don’t worry. Your pediatric dentist is trained for emergencies like this. Until you get to their office, here’s what to do:

Control any bleeding. Ensure your child is positioned so he or she will not choke. Place a wet cloth into the mouth to control the bleeding and apply gentle pressure.

Locate the tooth. If you can’t find it, it might be pushed up into the gum.

Don’t handle the tooth by its roots. If you have rubber or medical gloves in your first aid kit, this is the time to put them on.

Rinse the tooth gently with water. Don’t scrub it or use antiseptic.

Put the tooth in a small plastic bag with some milk. Yes, milk. Not water! Milk enzymes can help preserve the root and keep it “alive.” Place the bag into a cup of ice.

Call your dentist and let them know you have an emergency and are on your way. If it’s after hours or on the weekend, contact an emergency dentist in your area. It’s wise to have the number of an after-hours or emergency pediatric dentist handy on your fridge, before you need it.

If you aren’t sure whether it’s a baby tooth or permanent tooth, follow the steps above for permanent teeth, and place it in milk rather than reinserting.

Ideally, try to get your child into the dentist’s chair within 30 minutes of the accident. If this isn’t possible, get there as soon as you can. Your dentist knows what to do. For more information or to find a pediatric dentist near you, visit mychildrensteeth.org.

2024-04-02T04:01:00

(BPT) – It’s National Brunch Month, the perfect time to experience the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail! With over 40 stops along the way, the trail offers a self-guided tour of restaurants that serve brunch’s favorite cocktail (usually a combo of juice and sparkling wine) along with a wide array of breakfast cuisine.

“The Richmond Region Mimosa Trail gives visitors and locals alike a new way to explore all the delicious brunch beverages that our region has to offer,” said Tom Loftus, vice president of marketing at Richmond Region Tourism. “We believe the Richmond Region is the first and only destination in the country to offer a mimosa trail, and our trail will always be special because it comes with the unique Richmond Region experience.”

Here are 5 ways to make the most of the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail:

Celebrate a Special Occasion

Don’t wait until dinner — celebrate anniversaries, birthdays or engagements at brunch instead. For a truly memorable experience, consider dining at a rooftop venue like Kabana, with picturesque views of the city. Or in cooler months, cozy up in historic restaurants like Martha’s Kitchen or Liberty Public House. Book your stay at The Commonwealth where you can enjoy a Blood Orange “Moon-Mosa,” crafted with Richmond’s own Belle Isle Moonshine (35 percent ABV), at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Rueger’s.

Enjoy a Unique Experience

For an entertaining day date or an out-of-the-ordinary gathering of friends, the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail has just the thing. Play a round of mini-golf at Hotel Greene, tour historic Hanover Tavern, or enjoy a world-famous Drag Brunch performance at Godfreys, with a side of bubbly. Relax and revive after your lively brunch with spa treatments and a few splendid nights at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump.

Make it a Memorable Meal

When it’s Mimosa time, it’s also time for the most important meal of the day. The Richmond Region has countless options for morning munchies to accompany your tasty beverages. Order the Devil’s Mess alongside a Manmosa at Millie’s Diner, or indulge in a red velvet waffle with tropical mimosas at Lulu’s. For organic, natural ingredients and mimosa carafes, The Daily Kitchen & Bar offers two locations to meet your needs. Treat yourself to luxury and tradition with a stay at The Jefferson Hotel, which offers a decadent Champagne Sunday Brunch and memorable fine dining in its restaurant, Lemaire.

Go All Out for Girls’ Weekend

Gather your besties and raise those glasses for an unforgettable girls’ trip to celebrate friendship or a bachelorette bash. A get-together of gal pals calls for a grouping of the best bubbly, so choose from mimosa flights at Kregger’s Tap and Table, Cooper’s Tavern or Napa Kitchen and Wine, just to name a few. Think pink for your overnight accommodations with a stay at the Quirk Richmond, a light, airy, art-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Richmond — with a restaurant that serves mimosas, of course.

Just Because

Sometimes, the best reason to treat yourself is no reason at all. Toast to the weekend with a traditional mimosa from Capitol Waffle Shop or Joe’s Inn or sample a new flavor from ML Steak or Les Crepes. Keep some extra cash for the trail when you book your stay at one of the area’s newest and highly rated hotels for mid-budget travelers, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chester.

What Are You Waiting For?

Make plans now for your Richmond Region Mimosa Trail adventure with friends and family. No matter the occasion, there’s a stop (or a few) on the trail to start your day in a refreshing, bubbly way!

The Richmond Region Mimosa Trail is presented by Visit Richmond VA. Learn more at www.richmondmimosatrail.com.

Please drink responsibly. Remember to bring along a designated driver or use a ride service for transportation. Find more information at responsibility.org.

2024-04-01T05:01:00

(BPT) – If visions of sunny days, blooming flowers, and warm breezes get you excited to go to new places and do fun things, you may want to shake off the winter blahs by planning a spring getaway or event with family and friends. To help with your spring vacation planning, National Geographic offers books with something for everyone.

Here’s a look at the vacation inspiration you’ll find inside these fun books.

1. Visit a national park

Did you know April 20–28 is National Park Week? To celebrate the occasion, entrance fees to National Parks are waived on April 20, so plan ahead to take advantage of the free admission.

National Parks are an American treasure that could take a lifetime to fully explore. Why not start now? Three helpful books, Complete National Parks, Atlas of the National Parks, and Yellowstone National Park Trail Map, provide valuable information about parks near you and throughout the country—just waiting for you to visit.

2. Plan a unique vacation

A vacation along the road less traveled may be just what you need this spring. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to go to the same places that every other tourist visits, and you love uncovering hidden gems in the U.S. and around the world, Here Not There is the ideal book for you.

You’ll appreciate travel guidance that finds you lesser known locales to discover—which can also help you avoid excessive crowds and costs. For example, you may choose to visit San Antonio, Texas, instead of Venice, Italy, for a city full of colonnades, canals, and carnivals. You could discover that Cleveland, Ohio, offers theater performances rivaling what you can find on Broadway, or that a water-filled excursion through New York’s Thousand Islands offers beauty to match Germany’s Rhine River.

3. Get your pedals turning with ultimate cycling experiences

Geared for everyone from casual enthusiasts to expert riders, this vibrant book offers a wide variety of routes that are suitable for every type of cyclist. In 100 Bike Rides of a Lifetime you’ll discover quick jaunts in your own neighborhood, challenges that belong on every cyclist’s bucket list and more.

This handy guide also provides essential information such as the best times to ride, great spots to refuel, cultural highlights along each route, where to stay, and how to relax post-ride.

4. Try a tasty new treat in every state

Ever wanted to eat your way across the country? Now you can, with help from 50 States 1,000 Eats. You’ll find must-have diner breakfasts and food trucks to can’t-miss farm-to-table dinners and apple farms with the best cider—with flavors and food experiences for every type of traveler.

Whether you just love going on road trips or you’re an avid foodie, you can explore the best dishes in every state, check out expert advice on where to find top meals at local eateries, learn how to schedule your trips around popular food festivals and read about inspiring activities to pair with your favorite dishes.

5. Optimize your staycation with incredible barbecue

Staying at home for your next vacation? Gather friends and family for some good eats with the help of Big Moe’s Big Book of BBQ. Learn about the best kinds of wood, premium grills, and how to concoct the tastiest rubs and sauces. Pitmaster Moe Cason, winner of over 250 barbecue competitions, shares 75 family-favorite recipes for perfect barbecue classics.

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2024-04-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – Refreshing your home in the spring is about more than organizing closets and cleaning floors. As winter melts away and warmer weather returns, proactively checking your home’s systems will help keep it running efficiently while remaining a comfortable and safe space for you and your loved ones.

Upgrade fire and CO safety solutions.

While you’re ticking through your list of spring maintenance to-do’s, don’t forget about the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Proper smoke and CO alarm placement, regular maintenance and alarm replacement are essential to keeping your family safe. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that alarms be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Alarms should be tested regularly, and if the device is battery-powered, batteries should be changed at least every six months.

To make maintaining your smoke and CO alarms easier, upgrade to a 2-in-1 smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, such as the First Alert 10-Year Battery Combination Alarm. This 10-year sealed battery alarm eliminates battery replacement and late-night battery chirps for a decade. Easy to install, 10-year alarms come equipped with a mounting bracket and installation kit — making safety simple for you and your family.

Check for winter wear and tear.

Winter’s extreme temperatures can take a toll on the outside of your home and its appliances. Examine the outside of your house and roof to check for fallen branches or debris that could block gutters or downspouts and cause a drainage problem. Inspect the driveway and sidewalks for new potholes or cracks that may have developed in the cold, and ensure all exterior lights are working properly.

Tune-up your cooling system.

When the weather gets milder, schedule a professional maintenance service to ensure that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are operating optimally and won’t quit after the first heat wave. If you don’t already have one, upgrade to a smart thermostat, like a Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat, which allows you to adjust your temperature from anywhere and set different temperature schedules for various times of the day. ENERGY STAR certified thermostats can provide comfort when you’re home, and energy savings when away.

Change your air filters.

Over a long winter, your heating system’s air filters naturally accumulate dust and other airborne particles, which can clog your air filter, impact indoor air quality and affect system performance. Regularly replacing your air filters is a great way to help maintain indoor air quality and support a comfortable environment for your family. Clean air filters also allow for better air flow, reducing the stress on your home’s HVAC system and promoting energy efficiency.

Secure windows and doors.

Warmer weather often breeds more home break-ins as burglars like when windows are open at night or garage doors are open during yardwork. But you can help lower the threat by hardening the target. Walk around outside of your home to inspect doors and windows for working locks and be mindful not to leave valuables in sight. If you have cars parked in your driveway, keep them locked and garage door openers should be tucked away.

To help protect what matters most and learn more fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert.com. For assistance with HVAC or home security assessments, contact your local professional service.