Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-07-24T10:07:00

(BPT) – For many Gen Z-ers, scrolling on social media has become a primary source of entertainment and a tool for staying connected. In fact, the majority of Gen Z Americans report going on at least one social media platform each day. Reasons for turning to social media include combatting boredom (66%), the desire to laugh or smile (59%) or to see what’s happening in the world (49%).

However, often, when scrolling, the content isn’t necessarily what you were looking for — or worse, it causes stress or anxiety. In fact, over half of Gen-Zers (53%) said they are frustrated because what they see on their social media feeds doesn’t match what they want to see and just as many (54%) believe they have either “some,” “little,” or “no control at all” over the content that pops up on their feeds.

This data, from a new survey by LG Electronics and conducted by Talker Research, found 62% of Gen Z-ers wish they could just reset their feeds and start all over. The survey also found 73% of respondents associate at least one social media platform with a negative impact on their mental health.

According to social media expert and associate professor Casey Fiesler, Ph.D., algorithms play a significant role in the content you see, so understanding how they work is key to improving your feed.

“Algorithms are recommendations that determine what you see on social media by predicting content you’re likely to engage with based on past engagement,” said Fiesler. “These algorithms can send you down ever more specific niches — for good and bad. When left unchecked, you can quickly go down negative rabbit holes and encounter harmful content. The good news? You do have some control over the input for these algorithms: by choosing to engage with optimistic content, you’ll probably see more of it.”

Increasing optimistic content in your feeds

One way to improve your algorithm to include more positive content is to avoid engaging with negative content, and making a point to engage with content you actually want to see.

To help everyone have a positive experience and regain some control of social media feeds, LG created a global playlist called “Optimism Your Feed,” which is designed to bring more positivity to your social media feed.

“Optimism Your Feed” is part of LG’s Life’s Good campaign, introduced last year to inspire and encourage people to approach life with an optimistic attitude. Created in collaboration with global influencers renowned for their positive outlook, including Tina Choi, Victoria Browne and Josh Harmon, the playlist includes over 20 short-form videos full of motivational messages and feel-good content.

“When you see content on your feed that improves your mood, such as LG’s ‘Optimism Your Feed’ playlist, give it extra attention,” said Fiesler. “‘Like’ the content and leave positive comments on your favorite posts or videos. Giving upbeat, optimistic posts increased engagement means you’re more likely to see positive content like that in the future.”

How to get started

Nothing feels better than taking back a little control, so take action to make the time you spend on social media what you wanted it to be — opportunities to check in with friends, see what’s happening in your community and get a little lift to brighten your day.

LG’s global playlist gives you opportunities to see positive, uplifting posts every time you check out your social media. By being more conscious about what you choose to engage with, you can have more optimism, balance and happiness in your life.

It’s easy to start engaging with positive content today! Just go to LG’s global TikTok channel @lge_lifesgood or YouTube channel @LGGlobal to check out the videos and subscribe if you like what you see. You can also visit the campaign page at LG.com/lifesgood.

2024-07-23T07:31:00

(BPT) – Extreme weather events cast shadows of worry, but modern power solutions can keep families safe and connected

Emergency preparedness is a practical necessity for every household, especially nowadays, as natural disasters hit harder and more often.

The first item on your preparedness checklist should be a well-stocked emergency kit that includes essentials like nonperishable food, water, first-aid supplies, flashlights and batteries. The second item should be a power supply to keep all your tech running at the time when you need it most.

While gas generators have traditionally served as the go-to solution for emergency power, they come with significant drawbacks. They’re noisy, emit harmful fumes, require fuel storage and can’t be used indoors. This is where portable power stations come in. These handy, compact alternatives offer a cleaner, quieter, more versatile option for keeping your devices charged and essential appliances running when the electricity goes down.

Portable power: Now more vital than ever

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in extreme weather events, underscoring the critical importance of emergency preparedness. From record-breaking heatwaves to increasingly dangerous hurricane seasons to the arrival of “tornado clusters,” climate-driven disasters have not only torn apart landscapes and lives, they’ve exposed large holes in our power infrastructure. This makes access to electricity critical — for powering medical devices, preserving food, enabling communication and for heating or cooling.

“As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, we’re seeing a rising demand for reliable, portable power solutions,” said Alfonso Chen, CMO at Ampace. “These portable solutions provide backup power for everything from smartphones to household appliances, strengthening the resilience of every household in the face of prolonged outages.”

A range of solutions to keep you safe

Just as technology constantly evolves, so must the modern emergency-preparedness kit. Beyond the essentials like water and first-aid supplies, experts at Ampace now strongly recommend including a portable power station as part of your family’s emergency plan. Today’s solutions go beyond simple backup power, offering multiple layers of protection to ensure reliability in any crisis situation.

Modern portable power stations are built to withstand the toughest conditions. They feature sturdy construction to handle rough conditions and weather-resistant batteries designed for outdoor use. These power stations are also smart. They have built-in safety systems that can detect and prevent potential issues before they become problems. Perhaps most impressively, portable power stations from premium brands such as Ampace can provide stable power output even when temperatures plummet to as low as -4°F.

Steady supply for essential electronics

“Whether you’re dealing with a storm at home or exploring the great outdoors, staying connected and powered up is a top priority,” says Alfonso Chen at Ampace. “Portable power makes it easy to keep your smartphones, appliances and other electronics charged while on the go, ensuring constant connectivity and access to crucial information.”

Here are a few more reasons why having a portable power station like the Ampace Andes 1500 is more important than ever.

1: Large capacity. One of the most crucial considerations when selecting a portable power station is its power capacity, which determines how much electricity it can provide from a single charge. Large portable power stations with over 1000Wh can power most household appliances for several hours, making them ideal for off-grid living or back-up power during emergencies.

2: Fast charging. Cutting-edge portable power stations like the Andes 1500 can achieve a full charge in under an hour through wall charging, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, with flexible options to charge through solar panels or a car socket. This can save time when preparing for a trip, or when access to power is intermittent during emergencies. The Andes 1500 offers a superfast charging speed thanks to its A-Boost technology, going from zero to 100 percent charged in as little as 55 minutes — half the time of comparable power stations.

3: Multiple charging options. Modern portable power stations often feature multiple charging options, including wall outlets, solar panels and car sockets, ensuring users can recharge their devices in a variety of situations.

4: Longevity. The latest technology enables significantly extended lifespans, with some units capable of lasting through thousands of charging cycles. The Andes 1500 can run up to 6,000 cycles, twice that of comparable products.

5: Versatility. Many modern portable power stations can power a wide range of appliances, including those with power requirements as high as 3600W. This makes them suitable for various scenarios, from casual outdoor activities to more demanding applications during power outages.

Consumers should consider power stations that best fit their specific needs and circumstances. For example, options like the Andes 1500, Andes 600 Pro and Andes 300 offer different capacities and features to suit various requirements. Check out more about Ampace’s flagship portable power station Andes 1500 on Amazon and other models at ampacepower.com.

2024-07-22T12:11:00

(BPT) – Drivers have never been more charged up about electric vehicles, but there’s an important factor many don’t know about — choosing the right tires for EVs.

Electric vehicle sales in the United States doubled in 2023, according to J.D. Power. As a growing number of drivers enter the EV market, those consumers should also know that EVs come with unique challenges where the rubber meets the road.

Electric vehicles need tires that will help keep noise levels low. And their heavier weights and quick acceleration require tires that can withstand larger loads and more intense torque — all while delivering an efficient driving experience that gets the most out of each charge.

Global tiremaker Nokian Tyres has been testing tires on electric vehicles for more than a decade, and every tire they make comes with an Electric Fit marking that certifies it’s a seamless fit for EVs. As a leader in EV tire innovation, the company says drivers should look for the following four factors when choosing replacement tires that will help them get the most out of their EVs.

Weight

Electric vehicles are as much as 30% heavier than their internal combustion engine counterparts, according to The University of Tennessee’s Center for Transportation Research. Their heavy battery packs mean tires have to be sturdier.

The added weight can cause the wrong tires to stop too slowly, wear too quickly and struggle on challenging surfaces, such as rain or wintry precipitation. Tiremakers seek to account for the heavier load by constructing tires with heavier-duty materials and formulating rubber compounds to be more responsive to the road.

Noise

While EVs are making a lot of noise in the automotive market, their engines are virtually silent. The main sound drivers notice in the cabin is the noise of tires touching the road. Tire manufacturers seek to mitigate noise frequencies by using tread patterns, rubber compounds and materials that dampen sound waves.

Nokian Tyres inserts acoustic foam into its dedicated EV winter products, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 EV and R5 EV. Other tiremakers are making similar strides to cut down on cabin noise and deliver a peaceful driving experience that matches the smooth and silent nature of EVs.

Torque

Electric vehicles are powerful — Car and Driver reports that many can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in fewer than five seconds. That extra torque presents an extra challenge to tires, since rapid changes in speed can cause them to wear more quickly.

Drivers should pursue tires that can withstand that torque and deliver grip that maximizes their vehicles’ acceleration power. The key: tread patterns and rubber compounds that balance durability and responsiveness.

Range

Range anxiety is real. Numerous studies indicate that uncertain or low driving range per charge is one of the biggest barriers to entry for drivers who choose not to purchase an EV. Tires help deliver more efficient, predictable range per charge. The key: lowering rolling resistance, which is the amount of energy required to propel a vehicle along the road at a constant speed.

How do tiremakers lower the rolling resistance of their tires? Design plays a big role. According to Nokian Tyres, a tire’s sidewall construction, tread pattern and rubber compound play a role in reducing rolling resistance. More than 90% of Nokian Tyres’ products rank in the lowest categories of rolling resistance because the tire manufacturer prioritizes energy efficiency.

There’s little point in buying electric vehicles without also seeking tires designed to unlock their benefits. Nokian Tyres recommends tires that are tailored to handle EVs’ weight, noise levels, torque and range requirements. The result: a supercharged driving experience.

For more recommendations about EV tires, visit NokianTires.com/EVs.

2024-07-19T12:09:00

(BPT) – Getting away from your routine to recharge, renew and reset on vacation is great for your mind, body and spirit. But are you worried about the dent it can put in your wallet? Relax! You don’t need to break your budget to take a vacation with your partner, family or friends. You just need some travel-savvy tips to stretch your dollar.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has long been celebrated as a vibrant coastal destination, and is also a holiday haven that offers incredible value for visitors. Visit Myrtle Beach has even put together a Budget-Savvy Traveler Guide with insider information on things like the best happy hours in the area, free attractions, deals on lodging — everything you need to know to stretch those vacay dollars. They really have your back. It makes you wish every destination had a guide like that, right?

Here are some of their best tips for a cost-effective getaway in Myrtle Beach:

Book directly with the hotel or resort

Third-party booking sites are popular, but many hotels and resorts offer the best rates and even exclusive deals when you book directly with them through their websites. You’re also more likely to get free upgrades, complimentary breakfast and points or discounts on future stays.

Consider flexible dates

If you aren’t locked into a certain time frame, open up your plans to include flexible dates. Late summer or off-peak times may offer better rates and smaller crowds, and midweek stays are often less expensive, too. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals on hotels and flights with an app like Hopper that can find great prices on hotels and flights and alert you it’s time to buy.

Look at discount airlines

Depending on your destination, you may find a discount carrier to get you there. Breeze Airways, Allegiant Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and others can make travel affordable.

Travel with family and friends and consider splitting lodging

Vacationing with a group of friends or family is fun, first and foremost, but it also allows you to save money on lodging. Many resorts in Myrtle Beach offer multi-bedroom units with full kitchens and extra beds. These are perfect for larger groups, allowing you to split the cost while enjoying more space and amenities. You can also explore group discounts on accommodations and activities or consider a beach house vacation rental, which is far more cost-effective than booking multiple hotel rooms. Plus, you’ll have access to a full kitchen for meal prep. And about that kitchen…

Make use of the in-room kitchen

You don’t need to eat every meal out! When you get to your destination, zip to a nearby grocery store and stock up on coffee, yogurt, fruit, eggs, sliced meats and cheeses, snacks for the afternoon, or anything your group loves. Eating in for breakfast and lunch can save a significant amount of money, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Explore the local cuisine for happy hour and dinner and look out for special deals online!

Investigate lodging specials and packages

Before you book, check hotel and resort websites for special offers and packages that include extras like free nights, dining credits or tickets to attractions. Independent hotels, such as Brittain Resorts & Hotels or Vacation Myrtle Beach, often offer additional flexibility and special deals that you may not find with larger chains. And don’t forget to use every discount that’s available to you, including AAA, AARP or loyalty programs and points.

Take advantage of free attractions

In Myrtle Beach, the beach is the main attraction and it’s free! You can spend your days enjoying the sun, sand and surf without spending a dime. Also, look for local events and festivals like free concerts, fireworks and other family-friendly things to do. Does your family enjoy the great outdoors? Explore local parks, nature trails, and scenic spots that don’t charge an entrance fee. From parks and shopping areas to the Boardwalk, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, and local gardens, many of Myrtle Beach’s popular attractions provide excellent value with free activities and events.

Find discounted attraction tickets

Before you go, look online for tickets for popular attractions. Booking ahead ensures you won’t be disappointed when you get there and find they’re sold out, but it also lets you find discounts and combo deals.

With these tips, you can enjoy a wonderful vacation without making too big a dent in your budget. For more information on what’s new in Myrtle Beach and to plan your next trip, head to www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

2024-07-19T08:17:00

(BPT) – According to new research from financial services company Empower, 21% of Americans have no emergency savings at all. With so few able to handle an emergency expense, who IS saving and how does it affect Financial Happiness? Read on to uncover the answers, and visit The Currency to learn more.

2024-07-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Of the more than 60 million decks in the U.S., it is estimated that 50% are “past their useful life” and in need of repair or replacement, according to a report by the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA). If yours is among them, consider this. As long as your substructure is in good shape, resurfacing the walking surface with high-performance composite can be a simple way to breathe new life into your deck, requiring about the same amount of time and energy as resurfacing with wood. And, you’ll never have to stain your deck again.

Composite decking, like Trex^®, has gained popularity among today’s homeowners who relish not having to sand, stain or seal the surface every year and who appreciate the eco-friendly nature of the material, which is made from mostly recycled and reclaimed materials. Better yet, with a little know-how and a few standard tools, even a novice DIYer can install it.

Following are a few tips for taking your existing deck from wood to “wow” by resurfacing it with high-performance, low-maintenance composite decking:

Resurfacing is different than rebuilding — Unlike building a deck from the ground up, deck resurfacing involves removing and replacing the deck boards with new materials to give it a fresh, updated look. Think of it as a facelift for your deck! Installing composite decking will also extend the life of a deck with boards that are warrantied to last anywhere from 25-50 years or more.

A firm foundation is key — Before pulling up any boards, assess your deck’s foundation to ensure it is structurally sound. Start from the ground up by examining the footings, posts and joists. Pay close attention to the condition of the wood. Discolored or spongy wood indicates rot and should be replaced before proceeding. As long as the framing and substructure are intact, you’re good to go.

Use your resources — You don’t need to be a building expert to tackle a resurfacing project. Utilizing online design tools and cost calculators can help you with product selection and budgeting. There are also step-by-step videos, installation guides and how-to articles available to walk you through the process.

Resurfacing an aging or decaying wood deck with new composite decking is a doable DIY project that can be completed over the course of just a weekend or two. You get a brand-new deck for a lot less money than starting from scratch, and a lot less hassle through the years.

For more expert advice and DIY resources, visit Trex.com.

2024-07-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is all about having fun experiences and enjoying special moments with friends and family, so why not sweeten those memories with some extra tasty treats? Indulge in chocolate taste experiences that surprise and delight all summer long thanks to offerings from Chocolove that are crafted with only the best, most flavorful ingredients, free from artificial preservatives and Non-GMO Project Verified. Plus, Chocolove’s sourcing practices support a better future for cocoa farmers and their families, so that you can experience true joy with every bite and feel good about what you’re eating.

Keep your cool, decadently

Add an indulgent chill to your summer days and evenings with new, limited-edition Chocolove Dark Chocolate Gelato Pops — an elevated, gourmet version of a childhood classic made with high-quality Belgian dark chocolate. With 10 frozen chocolate treats in each box, the gelato pops are perfect for pool parties, barbecues and picnics. Get them while supplies last!

Enjoy s’more memories

For the most indulgent, elevated summer s’mores, start with high-quality chocolate crafted with expertise. Here are top Chocolove options for creating new memories with this trusted classic fireside treat:

• Milk Chocolate — This creamy Belgian milk chocolate is crafted from a blend of Javanese and African cocoa beans, with 33% cocoa, that delivers sweetness, creaminess and caramel-like flavors that blend into a light cocoa finish.
• 70% Strong Dark Chocolate — If you enjoy dark chocolate, you’ll love this strong, bittersweet Belgian dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for an exceptionally smooth experience with intense, well-rounded flavors.
• Hawaiian Sea Salt in 72% Strong Dark Chocolate — The velvety allure of 72% strong dark chocolate combined with the subtle crunch of Hawaiian Alaea red sea salt will give your s’mores a unique quality worthy of any luau.
• Salted Caramel in Dark Chocolate — Gourmet salted caramel filling and rich dark chocolate is a mouthwatering delight sandwiched between your favorite cracker and marshmallow.

Can’t get enough s’mores and without access to a fire pit? Have s’more by turning them into a pie with this fun Chocolove S’mores Pie recipe:

Ingredients:
4 bars of Strong 70% Dark Chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
Pre-made graham cracker pie crust
2 egg whites (room temperature)
4 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Start by chopping Chocolove Strong 70% Dark Chocolate and adding it to a bowl.
Melt butter and cream in small sauce pan, stirring until well combined before pouring over the top of the chopped chocolate. Mix until smooth and fully melted.
Add chocolatey mixture to pie crust and smooth with spatula to create an even layer before refrigerating until solid and hardened.
Next, whisk 2 room temperature egg whites in standing mixer before adding 4 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Once fluffy and combined, spread over top of chocolate, then broil quickly in oven until golden.

Top your sundaes in style

You can create spectacular sundaes — or just top a bowl of your favorite ice cream — with these Chocolove options, transforming any everyday dessert into a memorable taste celebration.

• Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate, made from dark semisweet Belgian chocolate with 55% cocoa, whole dry roasted Marcona almonds and sea salt, will satisfy the almond lovers in your household.
• Toffee & Almonds in Milk Chocolate features chunks of buttery sweet toffee, dry roasted Marcona almonds and smooth, creamy Belgian milk chocolate with 33% cocoa.

Refresh with fruity, tropical chocolate

• Ruby Chocolate, which features a smooth taste complemented with natural berry fruitiness, and no added berries or food coloring, is a delightful summer confection. Made from select uncured cocoa beans, ruby chocolate retains its bright pink color, typical of ripe cocoa beans, along with high fruit flavors.
• Or you can take the fruitiness up a notch with Chocolove’s Passion Fruit in Ruby Chocolate that artfully balances fruity ruby notes with the tropical sweet and tart flavor of pure passion fruit purée from the south of France.
• Pro tip: These bars are even more refreshing if you keep them in your refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.

You can find Chocolove at major retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Kroger, Walmart, Target, Sprouts, a variety of independent and natural retailers, Amazon, and at Chocolove.com.

2024-07-18T23:01:00

(BPT) – What kind of fan of the Olympics are you? Love following specific sports, cheering favorite athletes, or just love taking in the spectacle and ambience of the host country? No matter what you love to watch, Xfinity has got you covered this year with a host of new features and functionality on X1 that will make your viewing experience unforgettable.

How to watch the Olympics

For the Paris Olympics, NBCUniversal will be giving you access to more live action and ways to watch than ever before. 5,000 hours of live coverage, 39 sports, 329 medal events … all spread across nine different networks, plus streaming on Peacock.

So how do you find what you want to watch among all these choices? Thankfully, Xfinity X1 makes it super easy. Just say “Olympics” into your voice remote and be taken to a comprehensive destination that brings together everything airing across NBC’s broadcast and cable networks and streaming on Peacock into one place.

The destination is also packed with features and functionality that enable you to enjoy the Games on your terms, no matter what type of viewer you are. Here’s how.

Know your faves? Customize your viewing

In just a few clicks, you can select your favorite sports and create a customized Olympics hub so you can effortlessly find the live coverage you care about most. You’ll also get a personalized playlist of highlights, updated in real-time as all the action from your selected sports unfolds in Paris. Or opt to get notifications to your mobile device, so you never miss a moment, even when on the go.

Olympics superfan? Never miss a minute with the interactive schedule

X1’s interactive daily schedule will give you a comprehensive guide to everything happening live at a given time … no matter where it’s airing. You can scan through everything, or filter by a specific sport. It will even give you a glimpse into upcoming live events, and you can set reminders or schedule DVR recordings so you won’t miss a moment.

Need the best possible viewing experience? Enhanced 4K makes you feel like you’re sitting in the stands

With X1, you can enjoy USA Network’s coverage of the Olympic Games in a 4K viewing experience you can’t get anywhere else. It’s made possible by combining the latest and greatest video, audio and network technology that together delivers the most crystal-clear pictures, vivid colors and immersive audio … as close to live as you can get.

Busy, but want to stay in the know? You’ll love catch-up highlights

While you wish you could take a vacay just to watch the Games, you’ll have the next best thing with Catch-up Highlights on X1. You’ll be able to quickly jump to top moments in recorded primetime and daytime Olympic coverage on NBC, as well as basketball, soccer and golf.

Love the athlete stories? Get to know some of them on X1

Love learning about the extraordinary athletes striving for Gold? You can get to know all 16 Team Comcast Olympians and Paralympians in a new, full-screen interactive experience featuring stats and bios of each athlete, Xfinity-exclusive interviews, competition highlights and more.

Have Paris wanderlust? Be an armchair traveler

Some of the most celebrated landmarks in Paris — like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles — will host Olympic events. You can revel in the beauty and spectacle of The Olympics through venue tours showcasing how events like beach volleyball, equestrian and tennis will come to life at these iconic sites.

Cut the cord? No problem — Peacock has you covered!

Peacock will be the U.S. streaming home of the Olympic Games this year. You’ll be able to stream every sport and event, including all 329 medal events, plus full-event replays, original programming and more, all accessible within one curated destination. Additionally, Peacock is introducing new interactive features to help you navigate all the action of the Games and make the most of your viewing experience:

• Peacock Discovery Multiview. An industry-first four-view experience, Discovery Multiview will you navigate to the most important events, with real-time on-screen descriptions from NBCU’s Olympic experts informing you about what is at stake, such as a medal event, an elimination risk or a first-time Olympian.
• Gold Zone. Streaming daily on Peacock starting July 27, Gold Zone will offer whip-around coverage of the Games, presenting you with the best and most compelling moments happening at any time. Plus, leveraging new technology called Peacock Live Actions, if you see an event of interest while watching Gold Zone, you can quickly jump into that live feed instead of staying with the Gold Zone coverage.
• Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock. Harnessing the power of AI, this new feature lets you build a customized playlist featuring highlights of the events and sports you care about most. Each compilation will be narrated by an AI re-creation of award-winning announcer Al Michaels’ voice.

2024-07-18T23:01:00

(BPT) – When American Airlines Captain Matthew Asdel’s son was diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago, Make-A-Wish^® made it possible for him to go on a Disney cruise. His son, now 24, is working on becoming a pilot and hopes to join American Airlines one day.

Decades later, his 8-year-old granddaughter was also diagnosed with cancer and Make-A-Wish hosted a princess party for her. To show his appreciation for a cause near and dear to his heart, Asdel used his 32 years of experience as an American Airlines pilot to become a WishMaker^®.

An attitude of gratitude

Asdel is no stranger to giving back to the community. Every week, he volunteers to network, mentor and support kids from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Dallas-Fort Worth.

However, Asdel recently had the opportunity to give back to Make-A-Wish by piloting the Wish Flight. He and the entire American Airlines flight crew donated their time to a charter flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Orlando, Florida, helping 27 wish families join a one-of-a-kind flight experience to fulfill their wish to go to Walt Disney World^® Resort.

“It was such a wonderful opportunity to give back to this organization, which has blessed my family so much,” said Asdel. “It was like coming back full circle.”

Like many WishMakers, Asdel understands firsthand how these wishes can transform the lives of children facing critical illnesses and also give their families a way to smile again, given his experience with his son’s cancer.

“I’ve been there. I know how much they’ve been through,” he said. “Not just the patient, of course, but also the siblings that go through so much and the parents trying to juggle family and hospital visits all at the same time. It takes a lot to make it this far, and it’s just a huge victory for all of them.”

How Wish Flight helps transform lives

The flight Asdel piloted was a special collaboration between American Airlines, Make-A-Wish and Disney to celebrate World Wish Month™. Wish Flight was full of unforgettable experiences, beginning with a preflight celebration at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, complete with a breakfast bar and a special send-off by WishMakers who make wishes possible.

Once they arrived in Orlando, the Wish Flight team enjoyed a welcome reception at Give Kids The World Village, a whimsical nonprofit resort, where the wish kids and their families stayed for six days and five nights as part of their wish trip.

These wishes wouldn’t be possible without the help of WishMakers like Asdel. From individual donors to corporate partners like American Airlines, WishMakers are everywhere.

Because of WishMakers, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 585,000 wishes to children worldwide, but it needs more to ensure that every eligible child receives their wish.

You don’t have to be a pilot to help this cause. Anyone can be a WishMaker, and there are countless ways to donate your time, talent or treasure.

Want to make wishes come true? Make-A-Wish and American invite you to make a difference in the lives of wish kids. To learn how to make wishes come true and become a WishMaker, visit Wish.org.

2024-07-18T14:01:00

(BPT) – No matter how old your child is, the back-to-school transition is always exciting, busy and sometimes stressful. Moving from less scheduled summer days to a regular routine takes planning, as well as the best available tools.

To ease your family’s transition, here are some useful tips and tricks to have in your toolkit from Five Star^®, makers of school supplies built to last all year long, including notebooks, folders, academic planners and the Five Star Study App to help your child get back into the school groove.

Evaluate daily schedules

Look back at last year to remember what was successful — and less effective — about your previous routine, so you can make improvements heading into the new school year.

Were mornings always rushed? Build a cushion of time each day by getting everyone up 15-20 minutes earlier. Consider adjusting bedtimes so your kids will not be sacrificing too much of their much-needed sleep. You could also make time every evening to set out tomorrow’s clothes, pack lunches and fill backpacks to save time each morning. As your kids grow older, they may be ready to take on one of these responsibilities themselves.

Did you have too many activities after school, making it harder to get schoolwork done? Limit these activities, perhaps establishing a day or two that are always left open for a bit of breathing room during the week.

Use the best tech tools to aid schoolwork

Technology is a regular part of students’ school days at younger ages, providing opportunity to utilize digital tools to enhance study habits and simplify homework organization.

In time for back-to-school, Five Star has expanded the compatibility of their free study app to pair with Five Star wide ruled notebooks, composition books and filler paper, making it ideal for younger students. This means students in their first days of kindergarten, all the way through college graduation, can benefit from combining paper learning with digital tools to enhance their academic experience.

Handwritten notes are generally accepted as helpful to improve retention, and the Five Star Study App makes it easier for students to take their handwritten notes from Five Star compatible notetaking products and instantly create digital flashcards to study anywhere, anytime. This helps your students organize — and avoid losing — important information on handouts from their classes, making them easily accessible anytime, so they can study during the drive to school, while waiting for siblings at after-school activities and more.

Download the free Five Star Study App in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and learn more at FiveStarBuiltStrong.com.

Discover the best study times

Every child (and family) is different, so experiment with times and places that are best for your child to complete schoolwork. Consider dividing assignments, working on their toughest subjects when they’re at their sharpest and saving less challenging schoolwork for times of day when they seem more distracted.

If your child is a morning person, set aside study time while you’re getting breakfast ready. If they’re hungry and tired right after school, save homework for after they’ve had a snack or meal. Fortunately, the Five Star Study App opens up more possibilities for studying anytime, even when you’re on the go.

Teach children how to plan

Establish a calendar (on paper or digital, whatever works best for your child) to track school events, assignments and tests. Encourage your child to review their calendar each week or whenever their teachers provide information about upcoming assignments, making sure the most important or time-consuming tasks stand out visually.

For major projects, show your child how to divide them into smaller steps to avoid last-minute panic the day before they’re due — and put those steps on the calendar, too. An academic planner like the Five Star Student Planner can help keep track of these smaller steps and with its Study App compatibility provides the best of paper and digital organization.

Helping kids learn to plan ahead and break up larger assignments into more manageable chunks are valuable techniques that will carry them through many years of their educational journey.

Do a dress rehearsal

Especially for younger children, transitions can be stressful. Explain how your routine will change, and do some practice runs by starting the new schedule a few days ahead. This will give everyone (yourself included!) a chance to adjust.

No matter what the school year ahead will bring, taking time to get ready now, and using the best tools available, will help everyone have a more fun, fulfilling and successful year ahead.