Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-12-18T05:01:00

(BPT) – Childproofing your home isn’t just for babies. As kids grow, so does their ability to find new things to explore, some of which can be safety hazards hidden in plain sight. Be sure you know how to spot these hazards and the safety tips to help keep little ones safe throughout the years.

Read on about important safety measures you can take to childproof your home, based on the age and development of your child.

Newborn

Begin childproofing before your child is on the move. Installing safety products helps parents be ready before the baby starts crawling (which happens overnight!) and teaches children what is off-limits.

Begin childproofing your home by doing the following and consider these safety tips:

• Never place a crib, playpen, bed or any type of low-standing furniture near a window. In exploring their surroundings, young children can accidentally fall through an open window or window screen, or become entangled in a nearby window covering cord.
• Dangling or accessible cords on window coverings can pose a ‎strangulation hazard to infants and young children.‎ Replace all corded window coverings with cordless products. It’s easy to know which are cordless — look for the Best for Kids label on products available at all major U.S. retailers. Visit windowcoverings.org for more information.
• Keep baby’s crib free of pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals and blankets as they can be a suffocation hazard.
• Place baby monitors and their electrical cords at least three feet away from the crib.
• Anchor TVs and tip-over furniture to the wall, such as dressers and bookcases.
• Anchor the changing pad to dresser with the safety latch provided.

Crawler

Crawling and cruising children will grab on to almost any surface and may pick up any item within reach. They explore by putting things in their mouths as well. This is a very curious time for children which requires additional supervision.

• Be sure all the items from the newborn section have been completed.
• Cover electrical outlets lower than counter height.
• Keep household cleaners and medicines out of reach. Install child locks on cabinets.
• If you still have corded window coverings, for safety’s sake, replace them with safer cordless options.
• Turn pot handles inward on the stove and use back burners.
• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Never leave your baby alone in the bath; keep one hand on the child at all times.
• Avoid toys with small parts when shopping for children under age three (3) and children who mouth toys. Test the size of toys and other objects around the home with a Small Parts Tester.

Toddler

Be prepared to give lots of clear reminders about safety, as young children don’t always understand safety concerns. Make sure that the steps in the previous stages have been completed, and work on the following.

• Store toys in an easily accessible place. Choose a toybox without a lid which can fall on little fingers or trap little ones inside.
• Adjust your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Curious hands can turn on water sooner than you think and can cause serious burns.
• Place hot foods and liquids on the center of tables and countertops, not on edges or placemats.
• Secure doors that lead to stairways, driveways and storage areas.
• Never leave a child alone in a bathtub, wading pool or other body of water.
• Store dangerous tools and gardening equipment in a locked shed or cabinet.
• Keep all button batteries out of reach. If swallowed, button batteries can cause injury or death.

Early Elementary Age

“Big kids” can understand why some items and actions are dangerous, but still need safety precautions and guidance, as their impulses often push them to do what they know is forbidden or exciting. Make sure certain hazards are contained and they have a good understanding of safety do’s and don’ts.

• Teach your child the right way to use simple kitchen tools and appliances.
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach.
• Teach children how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm at home. Make an escape plan and practice it with your kids.
• Teach them how to dial 911 in case of emergency.
• Teach kids to never play in your parked car.

No matter the age of your kids, your family deserves to feel safe at home. For more tips on childproofing your home, visit The Window Covering Safety Council.

2023-12-18T08:07:00

(BPT) – According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 740,000 people were injured in large-truck crashes from 2016 to 2020, exceeding the previous five-year total by nearly 44%.

To make matters worse, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,788 fatalities resulting from large-truck accidents in 2021.

Drivers of large trucks are often blamed for these alarming metrics due to the sheer size of commercial trucks. However, crash data and analysis indicate that other parties are more commonly at fault.

“Research from the American Trucking Association has revealed that passenger vehicle drivers are at fault in nearly 75% of all fatal car-truck crashes,” says Cliff Johnson, trucking business segment consultant, Acuity Insurance. “This showcases just how important it is for motorists to know how to safely share the road with truck drivers.”

As Johnson indicates, drivers of passenger vehicles can play a pivotal role in mitigating truck collisions. The following tips represent best practices that can help motorists improve roadway safety and reduce future crash totals:

1. How to Pass a Truck

It can take nearly the distance of two football fields for a truck that’s traveling at 65 miles per hour to come to a complete stop. If you need to pass a truck, try to do so on the left-hand side. After confirming that you have enough space to completely pass the truck, use your directional signals and ensure you can see the entire front of the vehicle in your rearview mirror before moving back into the trucker’s lane.

2. Avoid Driving in No-Zones

If you can’t see a truck driver in either of the truck’s side mirrors, you are in the driver’s blind spot. Steering clear of the following areas can ensure your vehicle is always visible:

• Up to 20 feet in front of the hood
• Up to 200 feet behind the trailer
• The area from the driver’s door to the trailer bulkhead
• The passenger side from the front bumper to the back of the trailer up to three lanes wide

3. Keep Your Distance

Driving too close to a large truck can prevent you from having enough time to react to roadway hazards, which can result in serious rear-end crashes. When traveling at highway speeds, keep enough distance to see mirrors on both sides of the truck. In slower traffic areas, you should always be far enough away to at least see the truck’s driver-side mirror.

4. Provide Space on Turns

Due to their width and size, large trucks require significantly more space than a passenger vehicle when making turns. As truck drivers often swing wide to complete right- or left-hand turns to avoid contact with a curb, median or sidewalk, never drive along the side of a truck when it’s turning — even if there appears to be space. Also, be sure your vehicle is positioned behind the intersection’s stop line to ensure trucks have enough room to maneuver through crossroads or intersections.

“Keeping our roads safe is a responsibility we all share,” Johnson says. “That’s why mutual respect and awareness are essential to reducing accidents.”

While these safety tips can help you avoid roadway collisions, accidents still happen. Contact an independent insurance agent to ensure your vehicle and financial future are adequately protected from the effects of roadway mishaps.

2023-12-15T14:11:00

(BPT) – Are you planning holiday travel or looking forward to vacations in 2024? As you make your packing list and check it twice, don’t forget about cybersecurity.

While fraudsters work year-round, holiday travels provide many opportunities for them to steal personal information and dampen your holiday festivities. However, with a little preparation, you can protect yourself and your devices so you can focus on celebrating the season with your loved ones. So, as you gear up to travel over the river, through the woods, and into the skies this holiday season, use the following tips to safeguard your information.

1. Get smart before you leave home

Keep the season jolly and bright by locking cellphones, tablets, laptops and all other devices. Create strong, unique passwords that combine at least eight numbers, letters and special characters.

Don’t forget to get your devices travel-ready by updating all operating systems and apps. This helps ensure your devices are protected from any known vulnerabilities. For an added layer of security, protect your smartphones and laptops with security software like Norton 360.

2. BYOC: Bring Your Own Charger

Even something as innocuous as charging your device in a public area poses a security risk. For example, hackers may have tampered with a USB port at a public charging station, a tactic known as “juice jacking,” which allows them to access your personal information once you plug in.

This holiday, gift yourself a portable charger and a new power cord to keep your data safe. Don’t access or enter any private information and power off your devices when charging.

3. Stay clear of public Wi-Fi and opt for a VPN

Free public networks at airports, hotels, coffee shops, and even airplanes are incredibly convenient. However, they can also make you an easy target for hackers looking to dampen your holiday cheer. Your personal data and passwords — including sent emails, banking information and credit card details — will be exposed, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft.

Protect your identity and other sensitive information by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN allows you to hide your online activity so cybercriminals can’t see your location or activity. Also, be sure to disable automatic Wi-Fi connections to prevent your device from unknowingly connecting to unsecured networks.

4. Beat the Bluetooth bandits

Bluetooth-connected headphones, game consoles, or other devices are a great way to pass the time during long layovers, flights or road trips to grandma’s house for the holidays. However, those connections are also vulnerable to hacker attacks like BlueSnarfing, BlueJacking or eavesdropping.

When not in use, turn off Bluetooth and avoid keeping your device in discoverable mode, which makes it visible to others. Secure your connection by using PINS, passkeys or other secure pairing methods. Disable automatic pairing to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to you.

5. Hold off on sharing

The holidays may be a season for sharing, but don’t share information that can compromise your safety. Broadcasting your travel plans or location on social media can be a risk to your physical safety. Also, sharing your vacation information exposes you to threats like identity theft, phishing and other online scams.

Wait until you return from your trip to post photos to prevent bad actors from accessing your geotag data. If you post to social media while traveling, turn off location services and avoid ‘check-ins’ that reveal your location.

Never post photos of tickets, boarding passes or passports even after you’ve returned home from your holiday adventures. If you do post travel documents, make sure you cover up the barcodes and primary info.

During the holidays and beyond, vacation with peace of mind so you can focus on the spirit of the season. Using these top five tips, you can stay cyber savvy and focus on spending time with those you love most this season.

You can make your travels even more secure by getting comprehensive Cyber Safety protection like Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, which offers antivirus, malware, ransomware, hacking protection, a password manager, privacy monitoring, parental controls, and a VPN to help keep your internet browsing private. LifeLock monitors possible threats and helps you recover should your identity be stolen. To learn more about how you can be Cyber Safe this travel season, visit US.Norton.com.

2023-12-15T11:45:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the flurry of festivities — parties and family gatherings bring joy and merriment but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the task of entertaining, especially if you’re in charge of cooking.

Luckily this year, Sun-Maid is here to help you pull off the holidays and make decking the halls easier than ever. The secret ingredient? Raisins.

From bite-sized appetizers to delicious entrees and decadent desserts, these dried fruits are a versatile addition that will add the perfect hint of sweetness to any holiday dish. Rediscover the magic of holiday entertaining with these five recipes from Sun-Maid that are as simple as they are scrumptious and, most importantly, let the season be sweet and stress-free!

1. Raisin Puff Pastry Tarte Soleil

If there’s one appetizer that will seriously impress your guests, it’s the French-inspired tarte soleil: A pull-apart puff pastry with a twisted design. This version takes a savory route with artichoke hearts, feta cheese and spinach, while adding natural sweetness with Sun-Maid Raisins. The flaky puff pastry is topped with a homemade gremolata for a vibrant and fresh taste.

2. Pesto Raisin Orzo

This four-ingredient, easy-to-make side dish requires minimum prep time and is a sweet-and-savory addition to any holiday meal. Plus, it makes enough to please a crowd. Simply cook the orzo, mix in pesto, raisins and feta cheese, and you’re done in less than 15 minutes.

3. Pinwheel Cookies

If you’re looking for a new cookie to add to your holiday repertoire, this is an easy one that looks as delicious as it tastes. The pinwheel filling includes the natural, nutty sweetness of raisins and toasted walnuts — and they only take 15 minutes in the oven!

4. Holiday Cinnamon Spiced Popcorn

This is a fun and festive snack that’s perfect for party favors or a unique addition to your next cookie exchange gathering. Don’t forget to sprinkle in raisins at the end for added sweetness.

5. “Forget Fruitcake” Cookies

Created by celebrity pastry chef, TV host and recipe matchmaker Duff Goldman, this slightly more elaborate dessert is sure to wow your loved ones. Since there are a few extra steps in this one, Chef Duff advises prepping the ingredients and dough ahead of time for stress-free baking.

Bid farewell to holiday headaches and let these tasty treats and dishes inspire your time in the kitchen during the holidays and beyond. For full recipes and more innovative ideas, visit www.sunmaid.com/pullofftheholidays.

2023-12-14T10:17:00

(BPT) – Are you ready to boost your gut health while enjoying a tasty, tangy drink? Try kombucha!

Kombucha has become an incredibly popular beverage, and it’s not hard to see why. The fermented tea has naturally occurring probiotics and beneficial bacteria that can improve digestion, enhance immune function and even increase energy levels.

If you want to reap the health benefits of this versatile, but often overlooked drink, check out these five fun and easy ways to add kombucha into your daily routine.

1. Straight up

The simplest way to enjoy kombucha is straight on its own. Many grocery stores now carry single-serve bottles or refillable growlers in a variety of flavors. Enjoy a bottle or glass with your meals, post-workout or any time you want!

For those on the go, it can be inconvenient to carry a bottle everywhere. You can drink kombucha any time of day, wherever you roam, by keeping a few stick packs of AdvoCare Harmony™ on hand. Harmony is a portable, powdered kombucha that allows you to enjoy a glass of delicious pomegranate lemonade kombucha wherever, whenever without some of the tanginess found in other products.

2. Mix up a mocktail

Spice up your social gatherings with kombucha mocktails. Simply mix kombucha with freshly squeezed juice, sparkling water or ginger beer as your base, add flavored simple syrup for a bit of sweetness and garnish with herbs and fruit slices. Serve on its own or over ice.

If you need ideas, just pick your favorite cocktail recipe and substitute alcohol for kombucha. For example, you can make a Kombucha Sunrise with orange juice and grenadine. Your guests will love this fun twist on classic drinks.

3. Serve up a smoothie

Want to upgrade your morning routine? Blend kombucha with your favorite fruits, vegetables and yogurt to start your day with a probiotic punch. From a tropical paradise to berry blast concoctions, you’ll enjoy this unique, gut-friendly twist on your regular smoothie.

For added convenience and nutrients, make the smoothie using a Harmony stick pack. The 1 billion CFU of probiotics with added prebiotic and postbiotic, vitamins A, C, E, Zinc and Selenium will help you start your day on the right foot.

4. Stir up a salad dressing

Tired of traditional salad dressings? Give your salads a boost of flavor with a tangy kombucha vinaigrette. Mix kombucha with olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey and your favorite herbs and spices to create a zesty dressing. Drizzle kombucha vinaigrette over your favorite greens to elevate your lunch or dinner and easily incorporate more probiotics into your diet.

5. Sip a refreshing kombucha iced tea

Because kombucha is a fermented tea, it effortlessly combines with other iced teas to create a refreshing, health-conscious drink you can enjoy on a warm, sunny day.

Blend your preferred kombucha flavor with your favorite iced tea in a tall glass with ice. Feel free to add garnishes like citrus slices or herbs. It’s a cooling, hydrating alternative to traditional, sugary iced teas. Also, the added probiotics support your digestive health!

Try any (or all) of these five fantastic ways to incorporate kombucha into your regular diet. You’ll enjoy the taste, and your stomach will thank you! To learn more about the benefits of kombucha and more fun ways to add it to your regular routine, visit Advocare.com/Harmony.

2023-12-14T20:01:00

(BPT) – Are you interested in finding more sustainable options when it comes to the products and processes you use in your home every day? Using more environmentally friendly and sustainable products is top of mind for many households, and the bathroom is one place where even a few small choices can make a big impact.

To transform your bathroom into an oasis of sustainability, here are some simple swaps and practices you can try.

1. Start with your seat

Did you know there’s a toilet seat made from 100% recycled material? The Mayfair Greenleaf toilet seat by Bemis is the only seat and lid on the market created entirely from post-industrial recycled plastic, while also offering durability and style. On top of its modern design, its patented Stay•Tite installation system ensures a secure, shift-free fit, along with slow close hinges that eliminate the jarring sound of slamming. All of these elements make it a great choice you can feel good about incorporating into your home.

Mayfair by Bemis Greenleaf toilet seat is available in a classic white finish and elongated design, making green living accessible to every bathroom. You can find it on HomeDepot.com, Amazon.com and ToiletSeats.com.

2. Find better paper

One of the ways you can make your bathroom much more sustainable is through your choice of toilet paper. Instead of selecting paper made from virgin wood pulp, you can save more trees by looking for paper products that are made from recycled paper or bamboo fibers. Today’s marketplace offers more options than ever before, so it’s worth shopping around and trying different products to find one you like best.

3. Use water smartly

If water conservation is a top concern for you, several approaches can help reduce how much water is being used — and your monthly water bills, too. Here are some easy ways to reduce water use in your bathroom:

• Choose showers over baths. Showers use less water, especially when you keep them shorter. You can also opt for a lower-flow shower head to further reduce water waste.
• Need to run water to heat it up? Consider putting a bucket in the bathtub to collect some of this water for later use in cleaning or for watering plants.
• Catch leaks early. Having a plumber stop by to check for leaks before anything catastrophic happens will not only prevent expensive water damage down the road, but can also reduce water waste. Or start by simply updating small things like your toilet flapper if it hasn’t been replaced for a while, as leaks in the toilet tank begin gradually.
• Aerate your water. Most bathroom faucets come with an aerator today, but if yours doesn’t have one, or if it’s not working well, they are easy to install or replace yourself.

4. Launder towels in cold water

Laundry detergents have come a long way, and most of them will work just as effectively in cold water today. According to the American Cleaning Institute, 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward just heating up the water, so you can wash your washrags, bath and hand towels in cold water to help save a lot of energy. If you’re concerned about sanitizing your towels sufficiently, consider adding laundry sanitizer to your loads.

5. Warm up your floor

An increasingly popular way to reduce energy consumption is by installing in-floor radiant heating, which is very energy efficient as well as long-lasting. While it feels super luxurious to step out of the shower onto a heated floor, it’s actually much more thrifty, because in-floor heating is far more efficient than forced-air heating.

Prioritizing the environment begins with simple changes throughout your home. Using these tips, you can start making a positive impact with small, everyday choices you can feel good about.

2023-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Eleven-year-old Quinn has faced the fears and anxieties that come with a critical illness diagnosis. At 11 days old, she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. However, Quinn’s condition has not dimmed her passion for life. Her desire for excitement and adventure keeps her going despite her challenges.

When Quinn was asked, “If you could have one wish, what would it be?” she did not hesitate. She said she wished to go on a tropical vacation with her family.

In partnership with Make-A-Wish^® New Jersey, Subaru of Cherry Hill made Quinn’s wish come true by hosting a send-off party for Quinn. She thought she was going to look at cars with her family at Subaru of Cherry Hill but was surprised by family, friends and community members.

The party included all her favorite things, a Kona Ice truck and fire dancer, plus exciting gifts for her trip. After an exciting limo ride to the airport, Quinn spent a week in the sun, experiencing the local culture and seeking thrills on a zipline. Her trip allowed her to relax, recharge and make lifelong memories with her family.

“We know how physically and emotionally difficult medical treatments can be for children and their families,” said John Daqui, general sales manager at Subaru of Cherry Hill. “As a supporter of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, we hope to provide local children like Quinn with strength and positivity to fight against a critical illness.”

Transforming lives, one wish at a time

Quinn is just one example of the many children across the U.S. whose wish has been granted thanks to the partnership between Subaru and Make-A-Wish. According to Make-A-Wish, about 27,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness each year.

Through the annual Subaru Share the Love^® Event, more than 600 Subaru retailers across the country partner with Make-A-Wish to support children and families impacted by a critical illness. Since 2011, the automaker and its retailers have donated more than $32 million, helping grant more than 3,300 wishes in the U.S.

“We are humbled and thankful for the ongoing support from Subaru of Cherry Hill,” said Michael Dominick, assistant vice president of marketing and communications for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. “A wish can be a game-changer for children like Quinn, courageously facing a critical illness. It can restore hope when hope is needed most and serve as a catalyst for renewed strength for entire families.”

Quinn’s wish isn’t the only one Subaru will help grant this year. Now through Jan. 2, 2024, Subaru will donate $250 to the customer’s choice of charities for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at any participating Subaru retailer, and Make-A-Wish is one of the benefitting organizations.

Retailers can select up to two hometown charities in their local communities to receive at least an additional $50 for each new vehicle sold or leased. Also, participating Subaru retailers will donate $5 to their registered hometown charities for every Subaru vehicle routine service visit during the campaign period.

To learn more about the automaker’s long-standing partnership with Make-A-Wish and how you and other customers can bring joy back into the lives of children with critical illnesses like Quinn, visit Wish.org/Subaru.

2023-12-13T18:07:00

(BPT) – Consumers agree — eggs are an essential staple. According to a recent consumer survey the American Egg Board conducted in partnership with YouGov, more than 4 in 5 Americans always keep eggs in their refrigerator and purchase eggs at least monthly, and 87% of Americans consume eggs at least once per week. It’s true, eggs are an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen and our lives.

Americans perceive eggs as valuable because they are easy to cook, taste good, and are versatile. Americans also appreciate eggs for their ability to support weight management and fitness goals. Those aged 18-35 and 55+ equally agree that fitness support (e.g., muscle development, maintaining muscles, etc.) is a nutritional benefit of eating eggs.

When it comes to cooking, half of Americans agree they are in a cooking rut, and 71% wish they could make faster meals that are more nutritious. In particular, younger Americans feel stuck and are seeking faster, more nutritious, and more inspired meals. If weeknight dinners are a challenge, eggs are the most valuable ingredient in your fridge.

Everyone knows eggs make an unbeatable breakfast, but the multifaceted egg can also rescue the family from routine after a long, busy day — and even better, they’re already in your kitchen. With their versatility, taste and ease, eggs offer dozens (a carton-full, if you will) of delightful ways to deliver unforgettable moments around the dinner table (and impress the pickiest of eaters).

Look no further than these Chicken Cutlets, Easy Microwave Ramen with Eggs and these Scrambled Egg & Stir-Fried Veggie Lettuce Cups for easy weeknight dinners.

For more recipe inspiration and to learn more about what makes the egg so invaluable, visit https://www.incredibleegg.org/invaluableegg.

About the American Egg Board (AEB)
Home of The Incredible Egg, the American Egg Board (AEB) is the national marketing organization of America’s egg farmers. AEB’s mission is to increase demand for eggs and egg products through research, education and promotion. AEB is located in Chicago. For more, visit IncredibleEgg.org.

2023-12-13T16:01:01

(BPT) – This holiday season, rise above the noise of excess and gift with purpose by selecting presents that champion your values. Consider purchases that restore ecology, improve livelihood and ensure animal welfare for farming communities. To support a sustainable and regenerative future, give clean and nourishing food and beverages. Rather than relying solely on sustainability labels, explore products actively contributing to communities and ecology.

A simple and effective approach is choosing companies certified by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, particularly those holding the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC). These companies employ regenerative organic agriculture practices, meeting stringent environmental standards while upholding specific ethical and social criteria that enhance soil health, ensure social fairness and prioritize animal welfare.

To help you get started, here are some standout companies from the ROC product directory offering perfect gifts that can be shipped directly to loved ones (or enjoyed at home as a well-deserved indulgence) this festive season.

Say happy holidays or thank hosts with a great bottle of wine

Bonterra Organic Estates, nestled in Mendocino County, leads in regenerative organic viticulture. They employ time-honored methods like sheep grazing, cover cropping and compost application to nurture the soil. Situated at an elevation of 2,235 feet in the mountaintops of Mendocino’s rugged North Coast of California, their fruits boast intense and rich, complex flavors — a testament to the interplay of high altitude and maritime microclimate.

Known for exceptional wines, their ROC-certified The Bonterra Estate Collection features favorites like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and limited edition Red Blend. Priced at $22, these wines are widely accessible at retail, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts. Their pioneering position as among the first globally certified Regenerative Organic Certified wines adds an additional layer of distinction to these remarkable offerings.

For those seeking an elevated experience, Bonterra.com offers single vineyard wines, including The Butler Red Cuvee 2020, The McNab Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 and The Roost Chardonnay 2020.

Elevate spirits with premium-quality coffee

Ampersand Coffee Roasters sources 100% organic coffee grown with cutting-edge regenerative organic farming techniques and uses 100% fair trade policies to empower coffee farmers and guarantee a minimum price for their coffee even when markets fluctuate. The organic agriculture practices for their sourced coffee encourage techniques like crop rotation, companion planting, biological pest control, mixed cropping and the fostering of insect predators.

The company also partners with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance and Cafe Femenino to support gender equality in coffee-growing regions. Consider their ground or whole bean coffee for gift-giving, or gift subscriptions for the coffee devotees in your life.

Unearth treasures for tea enthusiasts

If you’ve heard of Jeju Island, South Korea, it’s probably due to their famous women deep-sea divers. But the island’s rich volcanic soil and mild sea mist produce something else noteworthy — excellent tea. Wild Orchard’s exclusive partner farm on Jeju relies on natural sea winds to keep pests at bay, and benefits from fertilization offered by organically raised geese.

Over two decades ago, the first tea trees were grown from seeds (not cuttings) planted directly in the volcanic soil, causing them to develop extremely deep roots. Left largely untouched until recently, the trees grew wild to become larger and hardier than those grown on most traditional tea farms, for a superior final result.

Or surprise a tea aficionado with something truly unique: Yaupon tea, a refreshing brew derived from a naturally caffeinated native American plant that has 60% of the caffeine of coffee and a flavor profile similar to green tea.

CatSpring Yaupon is a woman-led company that uses sustainable practices to produce this flavorful drink. The plants are wild-grown with no added water, and hand-harvested. The company also uses a “people first” hiring policy that works with probation officers to hire individuals looking to create a new future for themselves, as well as hiring women with a history of generational poverty.

Pick up stocking stuffers like the tea sampler bag at CatSpringTea.com and a variety of loose and bagged teas at WildOrchard.com.

Gift single origin extra virgin olive oil

SIMPLi connects people around the world through the joy of food. The co-founders sought to bring the best single-origin ingredients from around the world to the market in a way that equally benefits people, producers and the planet. Simpli’s 100% Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil, perfect for gifting, plays a proactive role in land regeneration, carbon sequestration, and resource conservation on a significant scale.

Knowing that what you give others will benefit the planet makes every gift more meaningful to you as well as to the recipients of your carefully chosen gifts. You can feel good about everything you’re giving this holiday season using these criteria for your shopping.

Bonterra Organic Estates, Hopland, Mendocino County, California. Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2023-12-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re in charge of making the holiday magic happen, you could be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Between organizing gatherings, buying gifts and attending seasonal events, your holiday sparkle may be a little dim. And for many, personal tragedies and local, national and global conflict have made it difficult to feel the joy of the season.

Given all these stressors, it’s critical to practice self-care so you can strengthen your well-being, which is the foundation for good mental health. Only when you take care of yourself will you have reserves to draw upon to take care of what needs to be done for your family and at work. While there are things you can do on your own to unwind and recharge, there are times when you’ll need to tap into expert support.

Seeking out professional help may seem daunting, time consuming or inaccessible. The good news is you may already have mental wellness resources at your fingertips through your employer.

How your workplace can be a mental wellness resource

Many companies have prioritized employee mental wellness by incorporating counseling services into their Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and incorporating trusted clinical partners such as R3 Continuum. In fact, according to Deloitte, organizations with more than 20,000 employees have invested an average of $11 million a year in resources that drive health, well-being and productivity improvement. Typically, these services are available at no cost to the employee.

But even employees at small companies have resources. If you’re not aware of or haven’t used your employer-provided wellness resources, you’re not alone. According to Deloitte, more than two-thirds of workers don’t use the full value of well-being resources offered by their organization. But given how many waking hours Americans devote to their careers, it is becoming increasingly apparent that employers must support well-being at a greater scale, and the demand for mental wellness support has grown. Today, it is easier than ever to access licensed, experienced clinicians who can help employees manage uncertainties, stressors and anxieties, thanks to company leaders who recognize that they must support every employee’s whole self.

Talk to your human resources team about the services offered by your employer. When you connect with a qualified mental health professional, you can feel more confident participating in holiday activities that offer familiarity and comfort, and truly embrace the season.

What employers can do to better support their teams

Resilient employees build, sustain and grow high-performance companies, but offering mental wellness resources isn’t enough if employees aren’t using them. To build an emotionally healthy and thriving work culture, employers should educate their teams to recognize early signs of behavioral health struggles and encourage them to use the resources provided.

Turning to trusted resources like R3 Continuum, experts in behavioral health and recovery after workplace disruption, makes it easy for employers to invest in their employees’ mental well-being. By working with R3 Continuum, employers can fortify their current EAP to deliver a broad range of behavioral health services. Even members of the C-suite can benefit by accessing leadership coaching that helps executives build a sense of resilience and improve decision-making skills, empowering them to lead by example.

“There are several ways workplaces benefit from supporting the mental well-being of employees, such as decreased absenteeism and presenteeism, improved work satisfaction, improved work engagement, increased productivity, greater creativity and innovation, and the ability to retain and attract top talent,” said Dr. George Vergolias, chief clinical officer at R3 Continuum, in an interview with Authority Magazine. “Workplace leaders have a choice to pay now by investing in a reasonable amount of time and resources to support the mental well-being of employees or pay later and squander an unreasonable amount of time and resources managing maladaptive behaviors.”

During the holiday season and every day, tending to your personal well-being is vital. Ensure you are taking time to take care of you. Talk to your HR team about the mental wellness services offered through your workplace.

HR leaders and executives who want to offer clinical-level support and invest in wellness for everyone in the company can connect with R3 Continuum at https://r3c.com/.