Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-10-18T23:01:00

(BPT) – Do you know what’s lurking inside the walls of your home? Much of your home’s wiring is located within the walls, and as long as it’s working well, you probably don’t think about it. Yet faulty wiring and electrical issues can be dangerous and occur in both new and older homes, which may leave you, your family and your property vulnerable to fires.

Enter a first-of-its-kind technology from Whisker Labs to add to your smart home — free for eligible State Farm^® customers.

Electrical fire risks

Electrical failures or malfunctions were a leading cause of electrical home fires, according to a National Fire Protection Association report. These fires caused on average 430 deaths, 1,070 injuries and an estimated $1.5 billion in direct property damage per year, according to data from 2015-2019, the most recent analysis available. Arcing was the cause of 63% of home fires involving an electrical failure or malfunction.

Assessing hidden risks

Smart home technology has transformed daily life for many Americans. Video doorbells, smart speakers, intuitive appliances and more — there are many options that keep life comfortable and convenient. Now, a smart plug-in sensor can help predict and prevent electrical fires in the home to help keep you safe.

The Ting plug-in sensor by Whisker Labs monitors your entire home for electrical arcing — including bad wiring, damaged appliances or devices, and faulty light fixtures. It also monitors for dangerous power originating from your electric utility service. Ting alerts users of any risks through an app that is downloaded on a smartphone.

The main precursors to electrical fires, micro-arcs and sparks, happen in faulty wires, loose connections and faulty appliances or devices. These signs usually develop over weeks and months, so Ting is designed to provide you with advanced warnings to help address these hazards prior to the hazard starting an electrical fire.

Want Ting and monitoring for free?

State Farm is offering Ting and three years of service at no cost to eligible customers to help prevent fires before they occur. To be eligible you must have an active State Farm non-tenant homeowners policy, a smartphone and home Wi-Fi. Learn more at statefarm.com.

In addition to the sensor and monitoring, if Ting identifies a fire hazard, Whisker Labs provides up to $1,000 toward the labor repair costs to remediate the electrical fire hazard. This makes it that much easier to take action and help protect your family and property from electrical fire hazards.

You may not have superhuman power to see through walls, but you can help protect your family from hidden dangers when you have timely information from advanced smart home technology. Act today to help protect what matters most.

**The State Farm Ting program is currently unavailable in AK, DE, NC, SD and WY.

2023-10-18T12:23:00

(BPT) – The rise in cyber-attacks in recent decades has reached unprecedented levels, significantly elevating concerns about the security of personal data. This fear stems from high-profile data breaches, such as the infamous Target breach in 2013, where cybercriminals stole millions of credit and debit card records and customer data by exploiting vulnerabilities in Target’s gateway server through a third-party vendor. In the aftermath, Target faced legal action from state attorneys general in forty-seven states and D.C., leading to enhanced data security measures to protect consumers.

Currently, 79% of U.S. consumers trust the security of credit card networks, making credit card payments their preferred method of payment. However, the escalating cyber security threat landscape merits a closer examination of potential risks to personal data.

The digital payments realm is booming. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital transactions, providing faster, more accessible, and sometimes contactless payment methods. Despite the added convenience digital payments offer consumers, they come with certain risks. As digital revenues have increased in popularity, cyber hackers have devised ways to gain access to your personal information associated with your card data. This jeopardizes your personal data, as cybercriminals can expose your information and steal your payment details to cash in on your dime.

Proposed credit card routing legislation could put your data security at risk. The proposed bill would shift routing decisions from banks and consumers over to merchants, decreasing network security and putting companies and consumers at risk of security threats.

Here are three key reasons why your personal data could be at risk:

1. Merchants Would Fully Control Routing: Merchants potentially gaining control over transaction routing could redirect billions of dollars through less secure payment networks, straining American financial institutions. Unlike banks, which already have fraud prevention measures in place, merchants may opt for less secure payment networks, increasing data security risks.
2. Consumers Could Lose Their Network Choice for Payments: Routing mandates could eliminate consumers’ ability to choose the network through which their payments are being routed. This could lead to banks issuing updated credit cards with additional payment networks, shifting routing control from secure banks to potentially less secure, merchant-driven networks, and compromising data security.
3. Less Interchange Revenue Would Impact Fraud Protection Funding Levels: Simply put, less interchange means less money for consumer fraud protection. Capping interchange and network fees would reduce funding for data security and consumer fraud protection. These fees are vital for credit card payment infrastructure, supporting fraud prevention. By paying less to banks and card networks, merchants might opt for less secure networks, putting consumer data at risk.

To address these concerns, it is imperative to continually improve data security measures, emphasizing the need to uphold consumer protection.

2023-10-17T23:01:00

(BPT) – As cyber-attacks surge around the world, millions of consumers’ personal data is at risk of being hacked when they use their credit card. It’s crucial for consumers to take proactive steps to safeguard their financial data. Fortunately, many payment networks and banks provide a range of helpful tools and security measures for consumers and businesses to protect their data. It’s important for consumers to be aware of actions they can take to secure their data and protect themselves against cyber threats.

Below are five tips for protecting your data when making purchases with your credit cards.

1. Choose secure passwords and pins

When it comes to your online credit and banking, don’t use the same password you use for other accounts. To make it strong and unique, be sure to avoid numbers or letters in a row, aim for at least 15 characters, and mix it up with numbers, letters, and symbols. Also, be careful and never use personal information like your birthday or bits of your Social Security number for your secret PIN. Keep it safe and sound!

2. Pay using credit cards with EMV chip technology

Using a credit card with EMV chip technology is like having a little security superhero in your wallet. When you dip or insert your card at the payment terminal, it reads the unique and secret encrypted info from the chip on your card. This encrypted data changes every time you buy something, which makes it super tough for counterfeiters to work their tricks.

3. Utilize your bank app security features

Bank mobile apps offer great features to keep your account safe. Both two-factor authentication and account alerts are helpful tools to add an extra layer of protection against cyber-attacks. Using a two-factor authentication privacy setting creates a special passcode through text or email to make sure it’s really you trying to get into your account. Account alerts can be set up for any transaction and serve as your early warning system to spot anything suspicious and act fast. Many of them have different abilities, such as notifying of “card not present” transactions or an unusual balance. Remember, avoid using the same login info everywhere, especially for your credit card account.

4. Pay using virtual credit card numbers

Many payment networks and banking services offer “virtual account numbers” that are specific to your credit card accounts. You can use these to safely make purchases online without saving your credit card numbers. In addition, third-party digital wallets provide added protection since they don’t give your credit card information to the merchant. Instead, they serve up a one-time virtual account number for each purchase, a process called “tokenization.”

5. Avoid using a debit card or cash

Overall, credit cards often offer better fraud protection. Both debit cards and cash are easier to fall victim to robbery and cyber-attacks. With credit cards you can easily report the loss before the credit card is used. Meanwhile, a debit card could make you liable for many more unauthorized transactions.

Credit cards offer both protection and convenience. Enhanced security features like EMV chips, PINs, and transaction alerts ensure safe transactions, prioritizing the security needs of consumers and merchants.

Proposed credit card routing legislation may redirect consumer spending to less secure payment networks. It’s essential to preserve the security and advancements credit cards bring to everyday transactions.

2023-10-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – COVID-19 is still here, and sadly, we still see deaths due to the virus. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against getting seriously sick from COVID-19 during the fall and winter virus season. The good news? Most people living in the U.S. can still get an updated COVID-19 vaccine for free even if they don’t have insurance or their insurance doesn’t cover all the costs.

Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the worst outcomes of COVID-19:

• Vaccination is still the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to change, and protection from COVID-19 vaccination declines over time. New COVID-19 variants continue to emerge, and with the possibility of another surge in cases this fall and winter, getting an updated vaccine is a safer way to build protection against future serious illness than getting sick with COVID-19.

• People who are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines have a lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated or have not completed the recommended doses. An updated COVID-19 vaccine can help restore protection that has likely decreased since previous vaccination and provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. If you’ve already had COVID-19, the vaccine can offer added protection and decrease your chance of hospitalization with a new infection.

• Most people can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available to most people living in the U.S. at no cost through their private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. Check your insurance plan for coverage details and to find a provider in your network. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program may also receive a vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.

• Even if you’re uninsured or your health plan doesn’t cover all the costs of a COVID-19 vaccine, adults can still get an updated COVID-19 vaccination at no cost through CDC’s Bridge Access Program. There is no enrollment process for eligible adults to get no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through Bridge Access. Providers participating in the Bridge Access Program will ask about your health insurance status during your vaccine appointment to confirm eligibility.

As with vaccines for other diseases, people are best protected when they stay up to date. The Bridge Access Program ensures adults without health insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover COVID-19 vaccine costs have access to this important preventative measure.

No-cost COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program are available in your community at the following locations:

• Select local healthcare providers
• Select HRSA-supported health centers
• CVS, Walgreens, and eTrueNorth partner pharmacies

Visit vaccines.gov to find an updated COVID-19 vaccine and providers participating in the Bridge Access Program.

2023-10-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Smell and flavor are powerful memory triggers. Just smelling a homecooked meal, especially one based on a family recipe, can conjure up fond memories. When you enjoy family recipes, you’re honoring your family’s history and culture.

Culinary historian and bestselling author Sarah Lohman believes in the importance of recipes handed down from generations. “Recipes rely on memory and feeling, instructions from an elder or a handwritten note. The history of your family’s food is a way to access and preserve your ancestors’ stories,” she said.

In fact, Americans take great pride in their family recipes. New research commissioned by Bob Evans in honor of the 75th anniversary of its founder’s signature sausage recipe found that two in three believe their family recipes are worthy of bestselling cookbooks. The research also found that family recipes bring a strong sense of connection for people, evoking feelings of joy (48%), love (46%), nostalgia (35%) and satisfaction (24%).

It’s a good idea to learn about your history and the recipes that tie it all together. Here are five ways to ensure your family recipes (and stories) are preserved for future generations.

1. Learn about your history

By learning about your heritage, you’ll gain insight into the recipes handed down within your family. You may even learn about your family’s immigration story and how they adapted recipes with the available ingredients in their new home.

“A great example of the link between history and food is sausage-making,” said Lohman. “There are various sausage-making traditions from around the world that were carried across land and water by migrants to the United States and recreated here.”

Sometimes these family recipes are even shared with the world. For example, Bob Evans sausage is made with premium cuts of pork and a signature seasoning recipe created by Bob Evans himself. To get inspiration for your own family recipes, visit www.bobevansgrocery.com.

2. Organize recipe gatherings

Hosting a family gathering is a great way to bond with relatives while preserving your family’s recipes. Encourage everyone to bring their favorite recipes and share their cooking techniques. You could even pick a dish to serve or to cook together once the recipes are documented.

Make sure to have recipe cards, a cookbook journal or some method of documenting the recipes digitally or online together. It’s also a good idea to write down the history and significance of each dish. Don’t forget to label recipes with the names of family members who contributed to them and the date the recipes were added.

3. Create recipe keepsakes

Once you’ve collected all the existing recipes, create a family cookbook. Consider adding photos, stories and anecdotes to each page. If using recipe cards, make sure to laminate them using sheet protectors to guard against spills and stains. Or consider digitizing the cookbook. You can easily find templates online, and once you’re happy with the design and layout, you can use an online service to print and bind copies. Recipes can also be printed on items like cutting boards and casserole dishes to gift to family members and hand down as cherished keepsakes.

4. Record a video demonstration

Technology has made it easier than ever to preserve recipes and cooking techniques. Choose a few recipes and record yourself demonstrating how to prepare and cook all the ingredients.

Not only is a recording a great way to pass down your heritage and culture to future generations, but it also helps preserve cooking techniques and nuances that may not be conveyed through written words alone. Make sure to save your recordings to a secure digital archive for future family members to access.

5. Create your own recipes

If you’re a home chef, chances are you’ve adapted or created your own recipes. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

If you dig into your heritage, you may find dishes that haven’t been passed down but that sound delicious. Try cooking them and make changes to suit your tastes.

Preserving family recipes isn’t just about food. Documenting and passing on your family’s history and traditions is a meaningful project for the whole family. Using these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to preserving your family’s heritage and memories.

2023-10-18T08:07:00

(BPT) – Did you know that the first 12 weeks after giving birth are known as the fourth trimester? While you may have just given birth, your body will continue to change just like it did during your three trimesters of pregnancy.

The fourth trimester can have many surprises for first-time mothers. They might experience many physical, mental and emotional changes as their bodies heal and adjust to motherhood. While they may expect certain changes like stretch marks, hair loss and weight fluctuations, many other postpartum adjustments aren’t discussed as much.

First Response™ wants to bring awareness to the changes mothers should expect during the fourth trimester. By learning about these changes and how to manage them, women can embrace and accept them with self-compassion and feel empowered to ask for support during their postpartum journey.

1. Postpartum bleeding

If you’re a first-time or soon-to-be first-time mom, you may not know you’ll experience bleeding after birth. While it may seem scary, this is a very normal part of the postpartum healing process.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this vaginal discharge is known as lochia and contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. It’s similar to menstrual blood and can last several weeks, though the heaviness of the discharge should subside over time.

During the first six weeks after giving birth, use sanitary maxi pads (not tampons) to deal with the bleeding. For the first week, expect to go through several pads throughout the day. Most importantly, remember to take it easy and give your body time to heal.

2. Breast engorgement

During the fourth trimester, you may experience breast engorgement until your milk supply regulates. Your breasts may feel swollen, tight and tender, and you may even leak breast milk until symptoms subside, usually within a few days as you begin to regularly breastfeed. Use a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain. If you choose to breastfeed, you can wear a well-fitting bra to provide support and reduce soreness, according to La Leche League International.

If you don’t plan to breastfeed, it can take up to several weeks for breast engorgement to subside. During this time, do not pump so your body gets the signal that it doesn’t need to produce milk. A cold compress, supportive bra and over-the-counter pain meds can help you manage pain and discomfort until you stop producing milk.

3. Poor sleep

Babies don’t have the same sleep schedules as adults. According to the Sleep Foundation, while newborns sleep up to 18 hours a day, they don’t sleep in one solid block of time like adults do. Until your baby begins to sleep through the night, you will likely be up several times a night to attend to your baby.

To combat sleep deprivation during the fourth trimester, nap during the day when your baby sleeps. If a partner or family member is helping you, trade off middle-of-the-night feedings. Also, ask friends and family for help with house chores or child care so you can get some well-deserved rest.

4. Postpartum depression

You may have heard of the baby blues when mothers feel overwhelmed, irritable and stressed the first couple of weeks after giving birth. This is your body’s natural response to the drop in hormone levels postpartum. However, some women may feel these symptoms more intensely and for long periods, indicating a more serious form of depression.

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in seven women can develop postpartum depression (PPD) within the first six weeks of giving birth. Some symptoms of PPD include:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Insomnia
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Because of the societal expectations of motherhood, it can be difficult for women to admit they need help. That’s why it’s incredibly important for new mothers to have a support system of friends, family and other mothers to help them overcome the stigma of PPD and get the care they need.

If you’re experiencing PPD, reach out for help and contact your doctor. While PPD is serious, it is treatable.

Get connected

These are just four ways your life may change after giving birth. While these changes may sound overwhelming, you can manage them with a little help and understanding. That’s why First Response has launched the Pregnancy Hub by First Response.

This online community aims to connect, inspire and provide resources to those navigating trying to conceive (TTC), pregnancy and motherhood. By joining, you’ll have free access to resources and advice, the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with other members, share personal experiences, and more. To learn more and get connected, visit FirstResponsePregnancyHub.SocialMediaLink.com.

**The content provided on this health blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.**

2023-10-17T11:01:00

(BPT) – Mammograms are important standard health screenings that help detect breast cancer as early as possible, when treatment is typically most effective. Yet for many women, it can be unclear as to when to start getting these screenings and they may face numerous barriers to doing so — such as cost, time or feelings of discomfort and anxiety.

Dr. Allison Zupon, co-owner of Women’s Imaging Center in Kansas City, Missouri, helps shed light on the current landscape of mammograms and breast cancer screening and why it is critical for women to prioritize these appointments. As an imaging specialist, she spends her days reading mammograms and ultrasounds, performing biopsies and supporting women’s access to personalized care.

“Taking care of women has always been a passion of mine because so often they take care of everybody else around them and not themselves. This includes advocating for women to ensure they are getting the proper information and care they need,” said Zupon.

Zupon recommends standard mammogram screenings start for women at age 40. “In order to prioritize women’s health and survival, mammogram age should be 40,” Zupon said. This reflects the recent updated guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that says the same thing, lowering guidance from age 50.

When a woman receives a mammogram, the images are reviewed by someone like Zupon and categorized as normal, abnormal or inconclusive. If not normal, you may require another mammogram or further testing. The reasons can vary greatly — including having dense breast tissue that is difficult to image or an abnormal pattern in the tissue that is flagged.

Traditional 2D mammograms are a fundamental part of women’s health care, but Zupon said, “If you’re getting a mammogram and have dense breast tissue, mammograms are really not enough and a supplemental screening is highly recommended.”

Zupon and her colleagues rely on additional technology to provide timely, personalized care to everyone. “To have effective care, you have to have a suite of imaging options in order to tailor each woman’s screening exam,” she said. For example, 3D mammography provides a more detailed look at breast tissues. They also use GE HealthCare’s contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) which uses an injected dye to examine breast tissue and flag abnormalities with high levels of sensitivity and specificity, as well as automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) which is specifically designed for detecting cancer in dense breast tissue. If required, biopsies — which take a small sample of tissue from the patient — can also provide critical information.

These kinds of technologies give healthcare teams important information to properly diagnose cancers and determine treatment options. As a proponent of personalized care, Zupon and her colleagues try to do as much as possible at the first appointment so that patients can leave with answers in the same day. “Having same-day workups can help get patients that need treatment on the right path as soon as possible,” she noted. “For those who do not require treatment, this can also help eliminate anxiety that can build if a patient needs to come back for additional follow up scans.” However, for patients with dense breasts, this supplemental screening is not always covered by insurance. While there is legislation in progress to help address this, Zupon continues to advocate for this to become a standard of care across the U.S.

“It’s clear to me that if a certain procedure only works for some but not all women, change is needed,” Zupon stressed. “We are trying to find cancers at their smallest, earliest and most treatable stages, and in order to provide the most effective care, it needs to be accessible, affordable and tailored to them.”

Zupon prioritizes having open, ongoing conversations with patients throughout their health care journey, providing options so they can make the right choices for themselves. “I feel good about providing a spectrum of care options to patients and look forward to many more years of supporting women’s health.”

To learn more about breast care options, visit GEHealthCare.com.

2023-10-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that the area of skin around the eyes is one of the most sought-after focuses of cosmetic enhancement surgery today? That’s because the delicate skin around your eyes is 10x thinner than the skin on your face, and therefore the most likely to show early signs of aging. But fortunately, there are non-invasive alternatives to eye enhancement procedures, including proactive steps you can take now to help protect and improve the look of your skin, both above and below the eye.

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to caring for the skin around your eyes:

DO improve your nightly routine to help protect your eyes. Beyond just getting a good night’s sleep every night, consider habits like using an anti-allergy pillow cover, which can help reduce eye puffiness if you are prone to allergies.

DON’T forget the sunglasses — even on cold winter days. The same UV rays that damage any exposed skin can cause even more signs of aging to appear around your eyes over time, and wearing sunglasses can help you protect that skin.

DO use a gentle touch around your eyes. Because this skin is so delicate, you’ll want to avoid rubbing, tugging or pulling this skin. Apply skin care products with a very light touch by dabbing on with your fourth finger or pinky.

DON’T use the same skin care products as on the rest of your face. It may seem natural to just apply the same products to your eye area that you use elsewhere, but this thinner skin will benefit most from products that are specially formulated for both underneath the eyes as well as above the eyes. RoC Skincare’s NEW Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream is a great solution with two separate formulas in one convenient jar:

• A lower eye cream to visibly reduce wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles
• An upper eye gel to lift, tighten and “freeze” the brow area and eyelids

“Many people don’t realize some of their daily practices and habits may actually be further damaging this fragile skin,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo. “Using a two-in-one eye cream, like RoC’s Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream, that addresses the problems commonly seen both above and below your eyes, is an important step toward helping reduce the signs of aging.”

With Advanced Retinol to smooth wrinkles, Peptides to diminish eyelid creases and folds, Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and Dynalift to instantly lift and tighten your upper eye, this 2-in-1 product will re-awaken the eyes and provide a more youthful appearance. In just one week, 96% saw the look of lines and puffiness reduced, and in two weeks, 90% had visibly lifted eyelids and reduced dark circles. After four weeks, 100% felt more confident about their appearance.

RoC was the first to discover the method for stabilizing retinol over 25 years ago, combining it with other ingredients like antioxidants to make it safe and effective for daily use. RoC Retinol products are clinically proven to work quickly and to continue delivering results.

Instead of rushing to get cosmetic surgery to improve your eyes’ appearance, you can discover a non-invasive eye lift using this 2-in-1 cream that was developed with dermatologists and plastic surgeons to help re-awaken your eyes.

Find RoC’s NEW Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream for under $30 at Walmart.

2023-10-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you love Indian cuisine, you’ll be glad to know you can now enjoy awesomely authentic meals and sides without the cost of dining out — and without spending hours in the kitchen.

Thanks to convenient, easy-to-prepare Tasty Bite entrees and rices, you can create a memorable meal full of bold flavors in just minutes. With their wide variety of options, you can enjoy a quick and easy ready-to-eat dish — or incorporate their products into recipes that will soon become family favorites. Tasty Bite makes Indian food accessible to everyone with their All-Natural, GMO-free, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic options — all ready in under two minutes.

Here are tips and recipes for creating outstanding dishes with genuine Indian flair.

1. Up your spice game

Stock your spice cabinet with the flavors of India so you’ll be ready to boost your culinary repertoire. Turmeric, ginger, curry and cumin are popular in Indian cuisine, so these should be at the top of your shopping list.

Pro tip: For best results, “bloom” spices by heating them up in cooking oil first. This will enhance the flavor of your finished dish.

2. Make it easy for yourself

There’s no reason dinner in a hurry has to be bland or boring! When time is short, try an easy-to-prep selection like Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils, Tasty Bite Organic Chickpea Tikka Masala and Tasty Bite Organic Coconut Chickpea & Turmeric Curry — plus a variety of rices that are simple and quick to fix and serve as is, or to use in recipes that make everyday meals an adventure. Their convenient products are chock full of classic Indian aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric and ginger — combined with hearty vegetables and slow simmered to perfection to free you from boring meals.

3. Do some weekend meal prep

To make it even easier to create exciting, flavorful — and more healthful — meals from Indian cuisine on busy weekdays, do some extra prep on the weekend. Cut up veggies and store in air-tight containers so they’ll be ready to go when you want to cook a meal during the week. Commonly used vegetables in Indian dishes include spinach, bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, onion and carrots.

4. Put an Indian twist on an old favorite

Take your nachos to the next level with Madras Lentils in just 20 minutes.

Tasty Madras Lentils Nacho Cups
Total time: 20minutes. Serves 4.

Ingredients
2 pouches Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils
1/2 cup tomato, diced
1/3 cup onion, diced
1/3 cup jalapeno, diced
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. lime, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

Scoop or cup style nacho chips

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps
Mix in a medium size bowl tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, sugar and lime. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Heat Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils according to package instructions.

Fill nacho chip cups halfway with Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils.
Top with tomato mixture and cheddar cheese.

5. Spice up your breakfast

You can even include Indian flavors for a satisfying breakfast with this fun play on the breakfast burrito.

Breakfast Burritos
Total time: 25 minutes. Serves 8.

Ingredients
1 cup Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils
1 cup Tasty Bite Basmati Rice
1 onion, chopped
6 large eggs
8 flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 sliced avocado
2 tablespoons butter (for eggs)
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps
Using medium pan, saute chopped onion with half the butter until golden and translucent.
While onion is cooking, heat lentils and rice according to bag instructions.
Once onions are cooked, remove from pan and place in bowl. Set aside.
Using the same pan, add the rest of the butter and scramble eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble burritos using rice, lentils, onion, eggs, cheese and avocado.

For everyone from college students to busy families, there are plenty of options for convenient meals and sides at TastyBite.com — or look for the colorful new packaging reflecting the bold flavors and ingredients of this awesomely authentic Indian food at a store near you.

2023-10-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – The winter holidays are fast approaching. If you enjoy hosting friends and family for dinners or the occasional happy hour especially during the holiday season, one way to impress your guests is to plan and prepare various drinks for each occasion.

While you likely prioritize getting the best spirits, mixers and glasses, it’s essential not to overlook the significance of ice. Different ice shapes serve distinct purposes, and incorporating the right ones into your beverages will wow your guests and let you flex your skills as a home barkeep. Check out the four main types of ice and how to use them when crafting holiday drinks.

1. Cubed

Classic and versatile, cubed ice is your all-purpose companion. Whether you’re crafting a classic Long Island iced tea or a refreshing gin and tonic, cubed ice will swiftly chill your spirits. It’s also perfect for serving iced teas, rum and cola or mojitos in a highball glass.

2. Crushed

Recognizable by its pebble-like texture, crushed ice brings a unique element to your drinks. The pebble-like ice melts faster than your typical cubed ice. While not all cocktails benefit from dilution, certain creations like the Mint Julep thrive on it, according to Vine Pair. Crushed ice’s ability to thin out syrup and juices is its secret weapon, especially for dessert options like a homemade take on shaved ice.

3. Mini cubed

A generous supply of mini-cubed ice is the perfect answer for filling water bottles or delivering a quick chill. Like crushed ice, mini-cubed ice is fantastic at quickly cooling drinks, making iced coffee or chilling soda and water.

If your plans involve blended drinks or frozen cocktails, mini-cubed ice is the way to go. The small cubes blend smoothly, so every drink you make has a consistent texture.

4. Round

Round ice (also known as sphere or ball ice) isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. It melts slowly, gradually chilling your drink without diluting it. For those who enjoy sipping on whiskey, bourbon or craft cocktails, opt for round ice in a lowball glass. It’s also helpful to keep any cocktail or non-alcoholic drink chilled during long parties.

You can get round ice trays to make them at home, but if you have an LG refrigerator, some make slow-melt LG Craft Ice™, so you can have round ice on demand.

All the ice you need at home

While your fridge may make cubed and crushed ice, you’ll likely have to buy specialty trays to make others, like mini-cubed and round shapes. Even for cubed and crushed ice, your fridge may not make enough to serve drinks to your guests all night.

You can effortlessly enjoy all these four ice options at your convenience with the LG Smart Mirror InstaView^® Counter-Depth MAX French Door Refrigerator. This large-capacity fridge makes these four types of ice to suit any holiday get-together or occasion, including LG’s exclusive slow-melting, round Craft Ice™.

In addition to its spacious interior, the refrigerator offers a sleek, counter-depth design that blends seamlessly with surrounding cabinets and also features LG’s latest Mirror InstaView^® window. With just two quick knocks on the glass panel, you can illuminate the contents inside your refrigerator.

To learn more, visit LG.com/US. Elevate your entertaining with the perfect ice for every occasion.