Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2026-08-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly one in four vehicles on the road today needs a new battery — most without warning signs of upcoming failure.

Extreme summer heat can quietly weaken your car’s battery long before you notice any issues, putting today’s vehicles at increasing risk. And the 12-volt battery in every vehicle, full electric, gas and hybrid, meets more power demands than ever before.

Many drivers associate cold temperatures with dead batteries, but summer heat has a large impact on battery health. Hot temperatures can cause internal battery components to break down, shortening the battery life, according to experts at Clarios, the Wisconsin-based maker of one out of every three car batteries worldwide.

Today’s vehicles are essentially rolling advanced computers, which rely on the 12-volt battery to power them. Two decades ago, a luxury vehicle might have a simple computer system, power windows and a few electronic modules. Nowadays, most vehicles have more than 50 electronic control units to run large infotainment screens, advanced driver assist technologies and multiple cameras.

All this computing power makes the summer heat even harsher on a car battery.

To help drivers keep up with the growing demands on today’s vehicles, Clarios battery experts offer four simple tips to avoid heat-related battery issues:

1. PARK SMART: Park in the shade to reduce heat exposure

2. CHECK SECURITY: Ensure your battery is securely mounted

3. WATCH FOR DAMAGE: Inspect for bloating or leakage

4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BATTERY: Consider whether your battery is designed to handle higher temperatures and increasing electrical demands. Options such as AGM batteries are well-suited for more demanding conditions

An AGM (“Absorbent Glass Mat”) battery holds electrolytes in glass mats. In traditional “flooded” batteries (EFB) the electrolytes move around freely in a casing, while AGM technology is spill-proof and maintenance-free. This design can offer advantages as vehicles place higher demands on battery performance, particularly in more extreme conditions such as heat, and are ideal for vehicles with higher electrical demands, frequent short trips or idling, harsh environments and start-stop technology.

Battery maintenance tips

As vehicles integrate more electronic features and power-hungry functions, the role of the 12-volt battery continues to expand. The requirements for a traditional car battery have evolved beyond starting the vehicle to support safety critical and convenience features including advanced driver assistance systems. The low-voltage battery provides reliable and dependable power, protecting against failures that could put occupants at risk.

Clarios experts recommend not running accessories with the engine off and avoiding short trips whenever possible. Additionally, drivers need to heed dashboard warning signs. Yet even without obvious signs of battery degradation, vehicle owners should seek a professional battery test if their battery is more than three years old. One easy thing to do is make sure you mark your calendar when you get a new battery.

Selecting the right battery and proper maintenance can make for a summer of fun without worrying about diminished vehicle performance or worse, a dead battery somewhere down the road.

For more battery tips and informative videos, visit AutoBatteries.com.

2026-08-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season is buzzing with possibility. New backpacks, fresh supplies, colorful moments — and for parents and teachers, a long to-do list and rising costs. That’s where Crayola, the #1 brand preferred by parents and teachers*, steps in.

The Freedom to Create Without Limits

Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers give kids — and parents — permission to create with confidence. Proven across hundreds of washability tests to clean easily from hands, clothes, desks, and painted walls, these nontoxic markers deliver vibrant color for everything from coloring books to school projects. Perfect for bold, colorful learning at home and in the classroom — with cleanup you can trust.

Innovative Clicks

Beyond washability, there’s another frustration that derails creativity: lost caps, dried-out markers, and endless sharpening. Crayola Clicks solve these obstacles with retractable design.

Clicks Colored Pencils need zero sharpening with 2.0mm retractable lead with 24 refills included. Clicks Markers feature retractable tips so there are no caps to lose and no markers drying out by tomorrow. Clicks Highlighters deliver smooth, consistent color that washes easily from skin and clothing. Available in Classic, Bold & Bright, New Pastel, and New Neon.

Empowering Essentials for All Students

Did you know that 5.1 boxes of Crayola Crayons sell every second during back-to-school season? They’re the 13th fastest-selling item at retailers — sandwiched between bananas and water on the essentials list.**

From endless creative possibilities at home to classroom masterpieces, 24-count Crayons deliver primary and secondary colors, plus the beloved Dandelion yellow, permanently restored by popular demand.

And when the whole class is ready to create, Crayola has teachers covered. To help educators ensure they have plenty of tools for all the kids in their classrooms this fall and throughout the year, consider gifting one of these class packs of essential school supplies like Crayons, Colored Pencils, and Markers.

Bulk sets ensure that more students will be set for creativity during the entire school year, making them a top choice for teachers setting up classrooms, community donation drives, whole group activities, and collaborative projects that put every student’s imagination to work.

Ready to get the new school year started? You can find all these back-to-school necessities, plus plenty more supplies to fuel your kids’ creativity at Crayola.com and retailers nationwide.

*Source: TeacherList.com (Sept. 2025)

**Source: Numerator TruView// USA Retail (Jul. 2025)

2026-08-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – As backpacks get packed, homework returns and family schedules fill up, many parents and caregivers assume the hardest part of back-to-school season is the initial reentry.

But for many children, the real adjustment happens in the weeks after school begins.

New teachers, academic expectations, social dynamics, extracurricular activities and changing routines can create stress that isn’t always obvious. While some children openly talk about their worries, others show signs through changes in behavior, sleep, mood or motivation.

“Many families focus on getting through the first day of school, but the real adjustment often happens over the following weeks,” said Dr. Sascha Arbouet, child/adolescent psychiatrist and Medical Director, Pediatrics at Bend Health, a national provider of pediatric mental health care. “Children aren’t just adjusting to being back in the classroom. They’re taking on new teachers, new routines, new classmates, new expectations and often a full schedule of extracurricular activities. That’s a lot for any child to process. While the start of the school year is often exciting, it can also be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Paying attention to changes in mood, sleep, behavior or school avoidance can help families identify concerns early.”

Parents and caregivers can play an important role in helping children navigate the transition and build confidence as the school year gets underway.

1. Ask intentional questions

Many children struggle to answer broad questions like, “How was school today?”

Instead, try asking more specific questions:

• What was the best part of your day?
• What felt challenging?
• Who did you spend time with today?
• Is there anything you’re worried about this week?

Small, consistent conversations can help children feel comfortable sharing concerns before they become bigger issues.

2. Watch for changes in behavior

School-related stress doesn’t always sound like, “I’m scared.”

Children may become more irritable, withdrawn, emotional, tired or resistant to school routines. Others may seem less interested in activities they typically enjoy.

Some sadness that summer is over, irritability from feeling exhausted or anxiety about a new routine is completely normal during the first few weeks of school. What becomes more concerning is when those reactions are persistent or begin interfering with everyday life. If a child doesn’t want to go to school several days each week, consistently struggles to sleep or eat, or their mood or behavior continues to worsen instead of improving, it may be time to seek additional support.

3. Prioritize sleep and routines

One of the simplest ways to support children’s mental health is maintaining consistent routines.

Regular sleep schedules, predictable mornings and structured after-school routines help children feel more secure during periods of change. Sleep plays an important role in emotional regulation, attention, learning and overall well-being.

Caregivers should also be mindful of overscheduling. Sports, clubs and extracurricular activities can be valuable, but children also need time to recharge.

4. Stay connected with teachers and other trusted adults

Families don’t have to navigate school transitions alone.

Teachers, school counselors, coaches and other trusted adults can often provide valuable insight into how a child is adjusting. Open communication between home and school can help identify concerns early and create a stronger support system around the child.

This can be especially helpful for children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, learning differences or other behavioral health needs.

5. Know when to seek help

Some adjustment challenges improve naturally as children settle into new routines. Others may persist or worsen over time.

Parents and caregivers should consider seeking professional support if anxiety, mood changes, behavioral challenges, school avoidance or emotional distress begin interfering with daily life, friendships, family relationships, sleep or academic performance.

“The earlier we identify concerns, the easier it is to provide support before small challenges become bigger obstacles,” said Arbouet. “Parents and caregivers know their children best. If something feels different or concerning, it’s worth paying attention to.”

Bend Health provides virtual mental health care, coaching, psychiatry and caregiver support for children, teens and young adults. By working with young people and their families, Bend helps build practical skills that support emotional well-being throughout the school year and beyond.

For more information, visit www.BendHealth.com.

2026-08-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – The back-to-school season is officially here! This time of year is full of shopping and planning to make the first day of school — and the rest that follow — easier on you and your kids. One way to simplify your school-day prep and upgrade your kid’s lunch is by picking up a few cartons of shelf-stable milk at the grocery store.

By using a combination of ultra high temperature (UHT) treatment and sterile aseptic packaging, dairy milk becomes shelf-stable without additives or preservatives. That means it can be stored at room temperature for six months or more when unopened.

Read on to discover five reasons why shelf-stable milk is a total game-changer for your family this school year.

Eliminates the need for ice packs

Have you ever started to pack your kid’s lunch only to discover you didn’t freeze the ice packs the night before? Now you have to choose between sending your child to school with a less nutritious drink or rolling the dice with milk — hoping it stays cold until lunchtime.

With shelf-stable milk, you can kiss those worries goodbye. That’s because shelf-stable milk cartons don’t require refrigeration. You can toss one straight into your kid’s lunchbox, so they never miss their favorite drink. Also, shelf-stable milk cartons are perfect for playdates, road trips and weekend sports!

Encourages recycling

Teaching the next generation to go green can start at home and in the cafeteria. Shelf-stable milk packaged in recyclable containers like Tetra Pak^® aseptic cartons provides an opportunity for kids to start recycling. By encouraging this small daily habit, your family can help the planet in a big way.

Cuts back on food waste

Shelf-stable milk is a great way to reduce food waste! Because Tetra Pak aseptic cartons provide six layers of protection, the dairy milk inside is safe from light, oxygen, bacteria and moisture.

These cartons make it possible to safely transport and store perishable food and beverages, even with limited cold storage. That means kids don’t have to toss out milk that’s been sitting unrefrigerated in the classroom before lunchtime, decreasing food waste, minimizing environmental impact and protecting your budget.

Provides several dietary options

Every child is unique, and so are their dietary needs. Thankfully, shelf-stable milk comes in a variety of formulations, including lactose-free options to suit practically every dietary preference. Now you can rest easy knowing your child can have milk without a tummy ache.

Preserves without preservatives

Because of the UHT method used to create shelf-stable milk, you can make sure your child has consistent access to delicious, nutrient-rich dairy milk without any added preservatives or artificial additives. It’s the same wholesome, nutritious milk you love, just packaged smarter to suit modern families and busy lifestyles.

Get ready for the back-to-school season with these five tips. While you do your weekly grocery shopping, visit the baking or breakfast aisle to find and stock up on shelf-stable milk, so you’ll be ready for the first day of school and the year ahead. Plus, you can use them this summer, no matter where your warm-weather activities take you.

To learn more about the benefits of shelf-stable milk, visit TetraPak.com/EN-US/SchoolMilk.

2026-07-31T12:01:01

(BPT) – Artemis Fowl is back! It’s been twenty-five years since the twelve-year-old criminal mastermind captured the imagination of kids. Now, longtime millennial fans and families new to the series can delve into Eoin Colfer’s wild, chaotic and fantastical world.

From villain to antihero

When Artemis Fowl first hit bookshelves in 2001, children’s literature was overrun with earnest, wide-eyed protagonists destined to save the world, no matter the personal cost. But saving the world is the last thing on Artemis’s mind.

Armed with a super-genius intellect, high-tech gadgets, a sharp designer suit and iconic sunglasses, Artemis begins the series as somewhat of a villain. He enjoys tricking humans and fairies alike and is determined to restore his family’s stolen fortune through heists, mind games and advanced technology that walks the line between science and magic.

Throughout the series, readers embark on Artemis’s journey of self-discovery and growth, as he accidentally grows a conscience, strikes up an unlikely friendship with Holly Short, a fairy captain in the elite LEPrecon unit, and resolves conflicts between humans and fairies, with global ramifications.

Even though twenty-five years have passed, Artemis fits right into the modern literary landscape that is rife with complex antiheroes. Ahead of his time in the Y2K era, the cheeky, sly, and light-fingered twelve-year-old with a penchant for organizing Bond-esque heists and holding tech-savvy fairies captive is now more relevant than ever.

Artemis Fowl also asks fans tough questions that are as important now as they were when the book was first published. Is there such a thing as good versus evil? Can humans and fairies coexist? What makes a family? These questions and more will puzzle and delight readers, giving families plenty of compelling topics to explore together.

A new look for fans past and present

To celebrate a quarter century of Colfer’s tech-forward fairy world, fans of all ages can enjoy Artemis’s antics with two new, nostalgic editions of the novel.

Middle-schoolers (and their parents) can pick up a copy of Artemis Fowl 25th Anniversary Edition. This gorgeous paperback features the original iconic gold-and-holographic cover, updated with intricate blue-and-gold sprayed edges. It’s a must-have for any family library, whether readers are meeting Artemis Fowl for the first time or getting reacquainted with their old friend who is far too clever for his own good.

Die-hard fans can join in on the fun by adding the Artemis Fowl Deluxe Collector’s Edition to their shelves. This beautiful hardcover book comes complete with a foiled slipcase, ribbon bookmark, and foiled cover showcasing Artemis in his infamous sunglasses. This stunning edition is a delightful reason to revisit the magic, mischief, and wit of the series.

A familiar story for parents, an exciting read for a new generation

Whether you grew up deciphering the Gnommish language at the bottom of the book’s pages or you’re just stepping into Haven City for the first time, Artemis Fowl is ready to prove that a villain with a heart of gold (and a pot of fairy gold) can capture imaginations of all ages. Visit Books.Disney.com to preorder and discover (or rediscover) the magic.

2026-07-31T14:57:00

(BPT) – Medicare fraud isn’t just a crime, it’s a direct attack on your benefits, your taxpayer dollars and your personal medical records. That’s why Medicare is taking action to stop fraud before it happens. But even with new tools and record-breaking enforcement efforts, Medicare needs your help.

How you can help fight fraud

One of the most powerful weapons against Medicare fraud is you, an informed person with Medicare who knows how to spot a scam.

Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways to steal Medicare numbers and use them to submit false claims for services that were never provided or never needed.

Your Medicare number is valuable to criminals. If scammers gain access to it, they can bill Medicare in your name and leave false information in your medical records. That misinformation could interfere with your ability to receive the care you need.

When you spot fraud — report it right away by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

The scams are getting bolder

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They use phone calls, text messages, emails, social media and even door-to-door visits to target older Americans.

One of the fastest-growing scams involves hospice and home health fraud. Scammers pose as salespeople and offer seemingly “free” services such as cooking, cleaning, medical equipment, transportation or nutritional products in exchange for your signature. Their goal is to get people with Medicare to sign paperwork that enrolls them in hospice or home health services they don’t need. This allows scammers to bill Medicare while taking away access to care you may need in the future.

Other common scams include:

• Fake genetic testing schemes – Offers for “free” DNA testing at health fairs, community events or over the phone in exchange for your Medicare number.
• Durable medical equipment fraud – Billing Medicare for wheelchairs, knee braces, back braces or other equipment you never received or never needed.

The rule is simple: If someone offers you something for “free” in exchange for your Medicare number, it’s a scam. Hang up. Delete the message. Walk away. And report it.

Protect. Detect. Report.

You can help stop Medicare fraud by following three simple steps:

PROTECT your Medicare card like you would your Social Security number. Only share your Medicare number with trusted health care providers, hospitals or pharmacies. Medicare will never call you unexpectedly asking for your Medicare number.

DETECT fraud by reviewing your Medicare claims statements. Make sure every service listed is one you received. Watch for red flags such as duplicate charges or services you don’t recognize.

REPORT suspicious activity immediately by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting Medicare.gov/Fraud. Reporting concerns quickly helps Medicare identify patterns and stop scammers before they can target others.

Help keep Medicare strong — let’s protect it together

Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year, but the damage goes beyond financial losses. Fraud can compromise medical records, undermine trust in the health care system and harm beneficiaries who depend on Medicare every day.

By staying alert, safeguarding your Medicare information and reporting suspicious activity, you can help stop fraud before it starts.

Get wise. Together, we can crush Medicare fraud.

To learn more, visit www.medicare.gov/fraud. To report potential fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

2026-07-31T08:25:00

(BPT) – When you think of power outages, you may initially imagine a minor inconvenience: You’re grabbing flashlights because you’re in the dark briefly, until power is restored. But recent extreme weather events combined with the aging power grid in many parts of the country have led to extended outages that can last not just hours but days or even longer, with essential appliances like your refrigerator and freezer losing power.

At a time when grocery prices are soaring, the last thing you want is to lose an entire fridge and freezer full of food, not to mention other crucial items that need refrigeration and are hard to replace. If you’ve ever had to throw out a week’s worth of spoiled food, you know how disheartening it can be, not to mention the strain it can put on your household budget.

On top of that, many other systems and devices in your home rely on power that you may not even think about. A gap in power can shut down your home office and Wi-Fi setup in the middle of a workday. Losing power can keep your fish tank’s filtration system and your plug-in recliner from working.

These quiet, everyday essentials depend on one outlet working, so how can you ensure they keep running, no matter what? You need an emergency power supply.

Protecting home necessities with backup power

To make sure you never have to discard all your hard-earned groceries or worry about key appliances in your home not functioning, you need a reliable source of backup power that doesn’t rely on the power grid.

Enter FridgeGuard*, the world’s slimmest smart fridge backup from Jackery, a global leader in portable power stations and solar generators. FridgeGuard is purpose-built to protect your home’s most essential, always-on appliance designed to set up once and remain ready. It switches to battery power in under 10 milliseconds, which is fast enough that your refrigerator’s compressor never registers a gap, and its 1600W peak output is specifically sized to handle the compressor’s startup surge. Thanks to 1024 Watt hours (Wh) of capacity, FridgeGuard delivers up to 15 hours of runtime (or 30 hours with an expansion battery).

FridgeGuard also enables efficient, money-saving home energy planning. Its intelligent remote monitoring tracks energy use in real time, letting you delay output when needed, and craft personalized Time-of-Use scheduling with off-peak charging to keep your energy costs lower.

Best yet, if your FridgeGuard’s battery is depleted but the power grid is still down, FridgeGuard supports recharging via solar panels and even a car to avoid downtime throughout longer-term emergencies.

While your fridge is the focus of this backup battery, the same power can also keep your fish tank filtration system running, ensure that your plug-in recliner or lift chair is still operating, power your home office and Wi-Fi router without interruption.

Using an LiFePO4 battery platform that retains at least 70% capacity after 6,000 cycles, which comes out to 16 years of daily use, FridgeGuard is engineered for long-term reliability. Backed by a 5-year warranty and UL1778, UL1741 and UL1973 safety certifications, the backup battery is made from UL94-5VA flame-retardant materials, plus an integrated surge protection and grid anomaly safeguards.

Streamlined design that can be used anywhere

Space limitations? No worries. FridgeGuard is built with a slim, wall-mountable 2.6-inch profile that’s designed to blend seamlessly and quietly into your kitchen, or wherever its companion appliance is. For placement flexibility, you can tailor its orientation precisely to any kitchen layout with either floor-standing, bracket-mounted or wall-mounted configuration options.

But you won’t necessarily want FridgeGuard hidden away. With four prestigious design awards, including the iF Design Award 2026, it combines form and function all in one, providing the minimalistic and refined look a modern home deserves, along with backup capabilities that give homes the long-term energy backup solution they need.

The setup is easy: Simply connect FridgeGuard to a traditional wall outlet and plug your refrigerator or other essential device into FridgeGuard directly. FridgeGuard’s streamlined, always-ready dependability eliminates the hassle of having to move anything around when a storm hits.

Rising electricity costs, persistent inflation, the increasing frequency of extreme weather and growing grid instability are all prompting more homeowners to rethink the importance of home energy self-reliance. Now you can keep your refrigerator and most essential appliances running, no matter what the grid is doing.

Visit Jackery.com to learn more about FridgeGuard. FridgeGuard has launched as a Costco exclusive, available at Costco.com and at physical locations in select regions.

*FridgeGuard features a single AC outlet capable of supporting a total continuous draw of 800W.

2026-07-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• A recent Accredited Debt Relief survey found that eight in 10 people with at least $10k in unsecured debt skipped at least one event or activity in the last year, including weddings.
• The cost isn’t just financial. According to the survey, 68% of respondents feel anxiety when receiving an invitation.
• A debt consolidation program can help Americans take back control of their finances and allow them to say yes to important celebrations.

Are you considering skipping a loved one’s wedding? You’re not alone. Weddings aren’t just expensive for the happy couple. Guests feel the pinch, too.

Leading up to the big day, there’s a laundry list of expenses: buying an outfit, paying for travel and a hotel room, purchasing a gift and arranging childcare. Given the cost of attending, it should come as no surprise that some Americans are skipping a loved one’s wedding due to already struggling financially.

RSVPs are not a simple yes or no

To better understand how debt impacts a person’s life, Accredited Debt Relief and Drive Research conducted a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10k in unsecured debt. The survey found that nearly eight in 10 respondents skipped at least one event or activity in the past year because of debt, including:

• A wedding
• A group trip or vacation
• Dinner, concert or night out
• Birthday or anniversary celebration
• Holiday celebration with family
• Milestone party (shower or graduation)

The stigma and privacy concerns surrounding debt may also make it harder to explain why an invitation is declined. In fact, 58% have made up a nonfinancial excuse to skip events they couldn’t afford to protect their privacy rather than admit they are struggling. Not only are these Americans carrying debt, but they’re also carrying the emotional weight of guilt and embarrassment.

Moving forward with the right support

You don’t have to keep missing major life celebrations because of debt. One way you can break the cycle and regain control of your finances is through debt consolidation.

When you sign up for a debt consolidation program like one through Accredited Debt Relief, you can replace high minimum payments across multiple accounts with one, lower monthly payment. With more room in your monthly budget, you can start building a financial life that lets you say yes to joyous occasions with friends and family more often.

Every situation is different, and the right option depends on your unique financial situation. To get a free debt evaluation and see what options are available to you, visit AccreditedDebtRelief.com/Free-Quote.

2026-07-31T07:01:02

(BPT) – As the busy back-to-school season approaches, establishing healthy routines now can help students and their families feel more physically and mentally prepared for a successful start to the school year.

To support families as they prepare, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers these helpful tips for reducing stress and boosting energy every day.

Ease into a new schedule

After a summer full of inconsistent schedules, it can be a challenge for kids and parents alike to adapt to the more rigorous school year routine. To make this transition a lot smoother, begin adapting to a back-to-school schedule about two weeks before classes start. By gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up times 15 minutes earlier every few days, everyone will find it a lot easier to wake up energized every morning.

Power down before bed

Building healthy bedtime habits can make it easier to get the quality sleep your body needs. To help wind down at the end of the day, Blatner recommends limiting screen time about 60 minutes before bed.

“Reducing exposure to phones, tablets and other electronic devices in the evening can help promote more restful sleep, which makes it easier to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.”

Wake up the body and mind

A consistent morning routine can help reduce stress and set a positive tone before the school day begins. Blatner recommends incorporating 5 to 10 minutes of dynamic stretching, such as arm circles, leg swings, shoulder rolls or walking lunges to help wake up both the body and mind.

These dynamic movements help increase blood flow, loosen muscles after sleep and improve alertness, helping you start the day feeling energized and prepared for whatever’s ahead.

Start your day with a balanced breakfast

Beginning each morning with a balanced breakfast is one of the best ways to fuel focus, support steady energy and prepare both kids and parents for a busy day ahead. Blatner recommends combining high-quality protein with colorful vegetables to help support overall wellness throughout the school and workdays.

One easy way to put that advice into action is by making these Broccoli & Cheddar Egg Muffins from Eggland’s Best. Made with protein-rich eggs, broccoli, cheddar cheese and red bell pepper, they’re a nourishing grab-and-go breakfast that makes busy school mornings a little easier.

Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs to help support energy between breakfast and lunchtime. Eggland’s Best eggs also contain six times more Vitamin D to support your cognitive wellness and motor function. Plus, Eggland’s Best eggs have 25% less saturated fat, more than double the Omega-3s and ten times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs.

Broccoli & Cheddar Egg Muffins

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 18-20 minutes; Yield: 12.

Ingredients

• 8 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
• 1/4 cup milk at room temperature
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Mix in chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red bell pepper into the egg mixture.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the muffin cups about 3/4 full.
5. Place the muffin tin in a larger baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the larger dish, filling it about halfway up the sides of the muffin tin.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the egg cups are set.
7. Allow the egg cups to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, then garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving.

Pro tips: Bake these muffins the night before and store them in an airtight container for an easy breakfast that saves time on hectic weekday mornings.

Find this and more recipe inspiration at Egglandsbest.com/recipes.

“Positive daily habits and good nutrition can make a big difference to support overall health and well-being, especially at times of transition that can be stressful for both kids and adults,” added Blatner.

By following these tips, you and your family will feel ready to start the school year with more pep in your step.

2026-07-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – Does the back-to-school season feel hectic for your family? If you’re navigating a packed schedule and change in family routine, you’re not alone. A survey commissioned by Bob Evans and conducted by Talker Research found that nearly 8 in 10 parents (77%) say back-to-school season makes everyday life feel more hectic and unpredictable.

One task that increases during the school year is driving. Between school drop-offs and extracurricular commitments, parents spend 6,858 minutes driving kids to and from activities during the school year — that’s about 38 minutes a day which equates to 15 full workdays.

Mealtime is also a big stressor, with 66% of parents saying getting dinner on the table makes them feel overextended. A whopping 90% struggle to come up with appealing new dinner ideas during the school week.

If you’re one of the 53% of parents who say finding easy-to-prepare meals would lower their personal stress levels, Bob Evans has got your back. During this busy season, Bob Evans brings comfort to the table with convenient, quick-to-prepare side dishes that make mealtime — and snack time — easier.

Here are tips and recipes to help you and your family settle into the school year routine.

Keep it simple

Setting up a regular rotation of 5-10 easy weeknight meals simplifies grocery shopping and establishes a familiar routine. On weekends, batch-cook or cut up veggies to have them ready for the week. Plan a couple of meals to be DIY-style, where kids can build their own burgers, pizzas or kebabs.

For weeknights that are especially busy with activities, serve easy staples like tacos or even breakfast for dinner.

Enjoy time-saving sides

Meal prep and cleanup are a breeze with comforting, family-favorite sides that can be prepared in just minutes. Bob Evans ready-to-heat dinner sides provide delicious quick-to-table options in less than 10 minutes, with no mess and no stress. Choose kid-pleasers like Bob Evans Macaroni & Cheese in a family size for everyone to share.

Bob Evans sides can be enjoyed as-is or incorporated in a variety of recipes for added flavor and convenience, giving you more time to enjoy special moments with your family.

Make the most of after-school snacks

After a full day of school, it can be tough for kids to make it until dinnertime without some fuel. Providing a hearty, tasty snack will help give kids the energy they need for homework, chores or playtime before sitting down with the family for a full meal or on weekends between activities. Bob Evans Single Serve Original Mashed Potatoes and Macaroni & Cheese offer convenient after-school options, or try one of these tasty recipes kids are bound to love.

Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Quesadillas

Crispy tortillas, creamy macaroni and cheese and smoky bacon combine for a satisfying, kid-friendly snack that’s ready in minutes.

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 28 ounces Bob Evans Family Size Macaroni & Cheese
• 6 burrito-size flour tortillas
• 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F; place 2 large baking sheets in oven while preheating.
2. Spread macaroni and cheese over one side of each tortilla.
3. Top with bacon and shredded cheese.
4. Fold side of tortillas over filling.
5. Spray preheated baking sheets with cooking spray.
6. Transfer quesadillas to pan and spray tops with cooking spray.
7. Bake 10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
8. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Mashed Potato Cheese Sticks

This fun, kid-approved snack was made for dipping: crispy on the outside and gooey inside, and wrapped in rich, buttery mashed potatoes.

Prep time: 30 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 12-count mozzarella string cheese snack
• 24 ounces Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 15-ounce jar marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Unwrap cheese sticks.
2. Press potatoes around cheese sticks to coat; dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Lightly beat eggs in a shallow dish.
4. Stir together breadcrumbs, cheese, thyme, rosemary and garlic powder in a second shallow dish.
5. Dip coated cheese sticks in beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
6. Dredge in breadcrumb mixture to coat.
7. Place on lightly greased wire rack.
8. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
9. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray.
10. Place coated cheese sticks half-inch apart in air fryer basket.
11. Spray generously with cooking spray.
12. Air-fry in batches 5 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Turn and air fry 3-4 minutes longer.
14. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

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Find products to make your back-to-school meals easier at BobEvansGrocery.com or a grocery store near you.