Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-10-02T15:41:55

(BPT) – While many people look forward to enjoying their golden years, others are delaying or coming out of retirement. According to the Department of Labor, there’s a growing trend of older adults participating in the labor force. The department expects the force growth rate of the 65- to 74-year-old age group to be about 55%, and 86% for the 75-and-older age group’s growth, compared with a 5% increase for the labor force as a whole.

There are many reasons why many older adults are “reverse retiring.” For some, it’s a matter of financial security or generating extra income to fund a comfortable retirement. But beyond financial peace of mind, returning to work allows one to explore passions and try a new path.

These so-called “encore careers” help older adults stay engaged, generate income and find a purpose. If you’re retired or close to retirement and considering changing careers or pursuing a passion that pays, check out these four tips that can set you up for success in your second act.

1. Look before you leap

Before you let the excitement of an encore career overtake you, you’ll need to prepare and create a plan. Take time to evaluate your motivations for an encore career: Is this for my financial security or fulfillment? What are my salary expectations? Is there market demand for my skills and services? Will going back to work affect my retirement plans and current benefits? These are all important factors to consider before starting your second act so you can succeed without the benefits a 9-to-5 may have provided previously.

2. Pick something that excites you

While many folks take on an encore career for financial security, it’s also an opportunity to do something you love and that excites you. Take the chance to test drive a new career or interest you’re passionate about.

For example, if you enjoy spending time with pets, become a professional pet sitter or dog walker. If you love weddings, get ordained and become an officiant. You can start with a few gigs, and with a little patience, you can soon build a reputation and clientele doing what you love.

3. Find support

Working for yourself can seem challenging and isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, if you plan to be self-employed, it’s important to build a support network. If this is your first time working for yourself and heading a business, find a mentor to guide you. Organizations like the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) can connect you with experienced mentors who can help you start and grow your small business.

You’ll also want to identify key players you’ll need to help you succeed in your encore career. If there are areas of your solo venture that are outside your wheelhouse, find freelancers or contractors who can fill the gaps. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr can help share the workload and provide expertise when needed.

4. Plan for your health

If you’re coming out of retirement or putting it off for an encore career, it may mean changing your health coverage. For example, if you’re a retiree on Medicare, you may have to pay higher premiums or choose to pay for private insurance to supplement your existing Medicare plan benefits. Also, some health insurance plans don’t offer important health care services like vision coverage for routine eye exams and eyeglasses or contacts.

Even if you don’t need glasses now, your vision will naturally decline as you age. According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults may have trouble seeing up close, distinguishing colors and adjusting to changing light. Also, your risk of certain eye diseases and conditions increases as you age and they seldom show symptoms. Left untreated, vision problems can impact your ability to work after retirement. That’s why it’s so important to have vision insurance that includes an annual eye exam.

If your health plan doesn’t include vision insurance or your coverage changes and you lose your vision insurance, you still have options. Insurance plans, such as VSP^® Individual Vision Plans, are designed for those who work for themselves. Individual vision plans are simple, personalized benefits that start as low as $13 a month and provide an average savings of over $300 per year. To learn more, visit VSPDirect.com.

Coming out of retirement and working for yourself can seem overwhelming, but with careful planning, you can secure extra income and pursue your passions. Using these four tips, you’ll be ready to start your encore career and succeed in your second act!

2023-10-02T10:27:00

(BPT) – A largely behind-the-scenes network of wholesale banks is making a difference for households from coast to coast. While borrowers may not know the name, the Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLBank System) is very well known among the local lenders — whether it’s a commercial bank, credit union or savings institution — that consumers turn to for financial products and services.

These “Banks for Banks” are 11 independently operated, cooperatively owned, privately capitalized regional FHLBanks, each offering their member institutions reliable access to billions of dollars in low-cost funding so they can meet the changing credit needs of their customers and communities. FHLBank San Francisco is one such bank, serving Arizona, California and Nevada, and advancing that low-cost liquidity to member lenders in those communities. The dollars are deployed by the co-op’s member lenders in the form of home mortgages, business loans, commercial real estate funding and other lending, as well as for a variety of community development activities.

In fact, your local lender is likely to be an FHLBank member, since about 6,600 financial institutions nationwide hold membership in their regional FHLBank. That’s because FHLBank membership gives lenders tangible competitive advantages that benefit consumers, including first-time homebuyers and small business owners.

Here are three ways that a local lender’s FHLBank membership may be helping you save money and achieve your financial goals.

1. Lower interest rates

How much you pay for a mortgage, auto loan or personal loan is directly tied to how much the lender is paying for the dollars they lend out. To be able to lend at competitive interest rates, a lender needs access to reliable sources of appropriately priced funding. Larger financial institutions have a variety of funding sources beyond deposits, including the ability to directly borrow from the global capital markets, where the cost of funds can be most competitively priced. For most community lenders, day-to-day funding options are much more limited.

However, as an FHLBank member, your local lender can access funding from their FHLBank at a lower cost than they would be able to secure in the open market. That’s because the FHLBanks are in the capital markets daily, issuing bonds that enable individual FHLBanks to offer better pricing to all member lenders, no matter how large or how small. These member lenders can then provide their customers with more favorable rates. A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business estimated that FHLBank System lending helped save consumers an estimated $17 billion per year in interest payments.

2. Consistent access to a diverse array of credit products

As a member of an FHLBank, a local lender has access to a prompt and reliable source of funds that helps them manage their own day-to-day funding needs, allowing dollars to be put to work in the communities they serve for a variety of purposes. When a local lender has more capital available, they can offer qualified borrowers a wider variety of products. Along with home mortgages, they can offer a host of lending products that drive community vitality, including personal and small business loans, all while effectively managing their own interest rate risk to ensure their institution can maintain its stability in changing economic environments.

3. More responsive local lenders

Because each FHLBank has a regional focus, member lenders can be confident they have a partner who understands the distinct characteristics of their markets, enabling them to be more responsive to the changing needs of the communities in which they do business.

For example, lenders with FHLBank membership can access housing and economic development grant and credit programs designed for the demands and challenges of their region. At FHLBank San Francisco, a key priority is working to address the persistent affordable housing crisis in its markets. Since 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has directed $1.3 billion to aid the development, rehabilitation or purchase of nearly 150,000 affordable homes.

FHLBank members also have members-only access to grant programs that can provide direct financial assistance to the aspiring homebuyers and nonprofits they serve. Such initiatives include WISH Program matching grants for low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers, a Middle-Income Downpayment Assistance program, AHEAD economic development grants, and discounted credit programs. All of these programs are designed to promote long-term housing stability, expand access to homeownership and drive local economic vitality.

Supporting American dreams for over 90 years

The FHLBank System has been operating quietly behind the scenes for 91 years to the benefit of millions of Americans. Created to support mortgage lending and community investment, the FHLBanks have remained resolute in their purpose while evolving to meet the changing credit needs of their member financial institutions and the consumers and communities they serve, in all economic environments. To learn more, visit fhlbsf.com.

2023-10-02T09:27:01

(BPT) – Do you experience regular back pain? You’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, more than 1 in 4 (26%) working adults experience low back pain.

Not only is it painful, but studies show that back pain can limit your activities and impact your ability to work. In fact, the Health Policy Institute found it to be a leading cause of work-loss days, with 83 million days of work lost per year.

Whether you work from home, the office or a combination of both, it’s important to invest in your musculoskeletal health and protect your back. In recognition of National Ergonomics Month, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers three tips to strengthen and protect your back while working.

1. Practice proper posture

Let’s get back to basics. Sitting properly is the first step to protecting your back. You may not realize how often you slouch or hunch over your desk while working. Practicing and maintaining proper posture may seem simple, but it will go a long way in preventing back pain and injury.

When sitting, keep your back in a normal, slightly arched position and your head and shoulders erect. Adjust your chair so your elbows are relaxed, your hands are resting comfortably on the table, your knees are bent at 90° and your feet are flat on the floor.

2. Set yourself up for success

Your work environment can have a big impact on your comfort and musculoskeletal health. Instead of forcing your body to fit your workspace, set up your workspace to fit your body.

Focus on making your workstation more ergonomic. Make sure your working surface is at the proper height, and your computer screen is at eye level, so you don’t have to lean forward. Consider ergonomic office equipment that is designed to promote proper posture and back support. You can also consider using a Swiss ball (or exercise ball) as your desk chair to work your core and protect your back.

3. Take a break

If you’ve ever been to a baseball game, you know how nice standing up for the seventh-inning stretch feels. Even though it’s a sedentary activity, sitting puts a strain on your back. Once an hour, if possible, take a few minutes and give your back a break by standing up and slowly stretching.

Carefully place your hands on your lower back and gently arch backward. Take a walk to the break room, another room in your remote workplace or take a lap around the office. You can even try some simple desk exercises like neck stretches and shoulder rolls. A break not only protects your back but can also refresh your mind so you can return to your work with sharp focus.

“Good musculoskeletal health is not just about treating problems when they arise; it’s about taking proactive steps to prevent them in the first place,” said Alan S. Hilibrand, MD, MBA, FAAOS, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery. “By maintaining proper ergonomics at our workstations and building the strength of our core stabilizing muscles we can significantly reduce the risk of developing debilitating chronic or debilitating back pain and related conditions.”

For more strategies on how to take care of your back at home and work, visit OrthoInfo.org.

2023-10-01T04:07:03

(BPT) – With the holiday season approaching, it’s time to start making a list and checking it twice to ensure all your loved ones receive a thoughtful gift. This year, take the worry out of gift-giving by choosing books for your friends and family.

Whether you need a gift for a traveler, sports fan, amateur astronomer, comics fan, or home chef, you can find the ultimate page-turner that educates, inspires, and delights them. Check out these five must-have books to give this holiday season.

1. 100 Bike Rides of a Lifetime

Whether your loved one is an expert rider or casual enthusiast, National Geographic’s 100 Bike Rides of a Lifetime will get their pedals turning. This inspiring and beautifully illustrated book reveals the ultimate bucket-list destinations for cyclists, from traffic-free carriage roads through Maine’s Acadia National Park to the challenge of Chilean Patagonia’s peaks.

This guide offers essential information like the best time to ride, the best spots to refuel, cultural highlights along each route, where to stay, and how to relax post-ride. The guide also shares the best routes around the world that fit any rider’s style, from quick jaunts to multiweek challenges.

2. Got Your Number

Help settle once and for all which sports legends flat-out own which numbers. In his bestselling book of short essays, ESPN personality Mike Greenberg (aka Greeny) uses his lifetime of sports knowledge to spin yarns of athletic immortals and tell you who has proven themselves great enough to own each number, 1 through 100.

Whatever the sport, there’s something for every fan. After reading this book, your loved one will come away enlightened, a little enraged, occasionally surprised, and most importantly, entertained.

3. To Infinity and Beyond

If your friend or family member enjoys Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk podcast, they’ll be delighted when you present them with a copy of To Infinity and Beyond. In this entertaining book, readers travel with Tyson and StarTalk senior producer Lindsey Nyx Walker through space and time, starting with the Big Bang and voyaging to the far reaches of the universe and beyond.

Illustrated with vivid photographs and art, this narrative draws on mythology, history, and literature to explain the universe from our solar system to the farthest reaches of space with authority and humor. It even sheds light on the triumphs—and bloopers—in Hollywood’s space blockbusters. Whoever receives this gift will learn and laugh as they explore the universe within the pages of this book.

4. Look Out for the Little Guy

Struggling to find a gift for the Marvel fan in your life? Get them a copy of Look Out for the Little Guy, the in-universe book seen onscreen in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. Written by Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, this in-movie memoir shares stories from life as an ex-con turned Super Hero.

Within these pages, readers will learn about what really happened between the Avengers and Thanos, how shrinking down to ant-size really feels, and challenges of balancing the roles of hero and dad.

5. Delicious Disney: Disneyland

What do you get for someone who enjoys cooking and the Disney Parks? Gift them Delicious Disney: Disneyland, a recipe book with food-related stories from Disneyland’s past, present, and future. The book includes 60 diverse recipes from Disney Chefs, perfect for home chefs of all skill levels.

This cookbook-meets-culinary-history coffee table book features an assortment of appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts, and libations from fine dining and quick-service establishments across Disneyland. Each has been tested by home chefs to help readers re-create cherished vacation memories and inspire them to make new ones.

This holiday season, you can feel confident that friends and family will feel loved when they receive any of these five entertaining and meaningful books. You can find these and other Disney Publishing Worldwide books wherever books are sold.

2023-09-29T13:01:00

(BPT) – It has been three decades since New York City launched the now nationwide phenomena of Restaurant Week. As the trend grew in popularity, cities across the country began hosting their own versions to showcase unique dining establishments with special pricing to boost business and encourage people to try new restaurants. One of the biggest consumer advantages is that you can access a variety of menus at different price points, providing options so guests with varying budgets feel welcome. But, what about the rest of the year when you want to dine out yet still save money?

One of the most delicious benefits that comes along with an AARP membership is the plethora of dining discounts. Whether you’re looking for high-end dining or an affordable night out, AARP members can essentially experience Restaurant Week year-round.

“Prices in the supermarket soared at the start of the year and have only continued to climb. The Bureau of Labor Statistics even reported food prices have risen at a faster rate than general inflation, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t find special deals and offerings while eating out or at home,” said Senior Vice President of Lifestyle and Emerging Businesses Jason Mugg. “An AARP membership offers discounts on such a wide variety of dining brands that there really is something for everyone.”

Here are just a few ways you can save with AARP member benefits:

1. Start the day with a balanced and budget-friendly breakfast.

Whether you’re digging into the most important meal of the day or meeting up for a weekend brunch with friends and family, you don’t have to pay full price for your meal. Whatever your breakfast go-to is, it’ll taste that much better when you can savor a discount. At Denny’s, AARP members can enjoy a balanced meal and automatically save 15% off dine-in and pickup orders*.

2. Capitalize your lunch break

Eating lunch with colleagues can help foster healthy relationships and boost productivity within the workplace. But you don’t have to break the bank to capitalize on your meal breaks. Try your local Corner Bakery where AARP members can save 10% on dine-in and carry-out orders at all participating locations. You’ll get to choose from a variety of delicious treats including bakery sweets, gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, oh my!

3. Treat yourself

Is it date night? Are you celebrating a birthday? Or did you decide to simply treat yourself? AARP members can enjoy a variety of appealing restaurants while staying on budget, whether you’re celebrating or just don’t feel like cooking at home. Any day of the week, members can savor a delicious surf and turf meal at Bonefish Grill while saving 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages.

4. Let your social life bloom while continuing to save

Sometimes life gets busy, and you can’t always see those who mean the most to you as often as you’d like. Why not get together for a sit-down dinner with family or friends at Outback Steakhouse where AARP members can save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages. Enjoy boldly seasoned steaks, spirited drinks, Aussie hospitality and don’t forget to try the famous Bloomin’ Onion.

5. Get the “Mediterranean” diet without the hassle.

You don’t need to travel far in order to have a nice Italian meal. AARP members can have a night filled with fresh food, fun and conversation at Carrabba’s Italian Grill all while saving 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages. Are you bringing kids or grandkids? Keep them entertained with a coloring and activity map of Italy while you save — it’s a win-win.

6. Simple savings from your couch.

These savings don’t stop at the restaurant door either. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your already prepared meals with a home delivery service like Yelloh!™ Frozen Food Delivery. AARP members save $20 on their first customer order of $50 or more.

7. Fine dining at any time.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have your own private chef? With Silver Cuisine™ by BistroMD now you can have your own chef-prepared meals whenever you want. AARP members save 25% and receive free shipping on their first order of $99 or more. Plus, they save 10% and get free shipping on all subsequent orders of $99 or more. Silver Cuisine™ by BistroMD makes eating healthy easy by giving you the flexibility that you need and the variety you crave all with the convenience of home delivery.

With so many tempting food options nowadays, you can turn every week into restaurant week and find your new favorite haunt without breaking your wallet. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you save while eating good, please visit www.aarp.org/diningdays.

*Everyday Value Slam^® is not eligible for any coupons or discounts including AARP member benefits. It is not stackable or combinable with any other offers or promotions, and it does not apply to the purchase of gift cards. Pick-up is available at participating locations only.

2023-09-28T15:33:00

(BPT) – The fall harvest is underway, which means that a fresh new crop of USA-grown pears is coming to grocers’ produce sections. For those looking for a healthy snack with staying power, pears are a natural go-to. Not only are they available fresh almost year-round, but they contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, helping bellies feel full longer while supporting gut health and overall wellness.

Fiber is an essential component of any nutritious diet, and just one medium pear contains 6 grams of dietary fiber, or 21% of the recommended daily value. Fiber is essential to maintaining bowel regularity and gut health, as it helps to absorb water and remove waste and toxins as it travels through the digestive system. But it does much more.

Here are five reasons why adding pears to the diet — whether as a daily snack or as part of a meal — can help meet dietary requirements and keep things moving in the right direction.

Fiber in pears keeps constipation at bay

Pears contain soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which have important functions when it comes to maintaining bowel regularity. Soluble fiber absorbs water and softens stool, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool to make it easier to pass. Adopting a high-fiber diet can help avoid constipation, which is often accompanied by discomfort, and can help keep bowel movements regular.

Fiber in pears reduces risk of developing certain painful conditions

Beyond regularity, fiber may promote bowel health by lowering the risk of developing painful conditions like hemorrhoids and diverticulitis, small pouches that appear in the colon that could tear and result in inflammation or infection. Fiber is also suspected to play a role in reducing the risk of colon cancer. In pears, the majority of fiber is contained in the skin, so it’s recommended to leave the skin on for the full nutritive benefits and for added flavor and texture.

Fiber in pears could support gut health

Pears also contain a type of fiber called prebiotic fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, prebiotic fiber acts “as a food for human microflora.” Prebiotic fiber is thought to help improve the balance of naturally occurring, beneficial microorganisms in the gut. By helping good bacteria flourish, it suppresses the bad and creates a better digestive health environment.

Fiber in pears promotes healthy weight

Foods that are high in fiber tend to have bulk that contributes to making them more filling to eat than low-fiber foods. And, high-fiber foods like pears are not as “energy dense” as other foods, such as processed foods, so they contain fewer calories for the same volume. Such qualities help stomachs feel satisfied longer and reduce the urge to keep eating.

Fiber in pears may aid in managing blood sugar levels

Fiber, specifically soluble fiber, is an important aid for people with diabetes, as it can help slow how quickly the body absorbs sugar and help manage blood sugar levels. For those who are seeking to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes, including insoluble fiber in their daily diet is one way to reduce their risks. As an aside, pears have another secret weapon in controlling blood sugar: a low glycemic index. As a low GI fruit, pears release glucose gradually and evenly, helping to keep blood sugar levels steady.

Adding foods that contain fiber to daily diets is as easy as picking up fresh pears at the market. Flavorful, versatile and readily available, pears can give health and wellness a boost at snack time, dinnertime or anytime. For recipes and inspiration, visit usapears.org.

2023-09-28T10:01:00

(BPT) – Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities. Seasonal upkeep, roof and gutter maintenance, plumbing repairs and more can add up — both on your to-do list and in your budget. But many home maintenance projects are simple and inexpensive, and they can help provide peace of mind.

Take smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, for example. Maintaining these devices is easy — keep them free of dust buildup and test them regularly by simply pressing the test button and waiting for the alarms to sound. On duty 24/7, alarms don’t last forever and need to be replaced at least every 10 years depending on your model.

First Alert, the most trusted name in fire safety*, recommends the following “alarm checklist” to help you and your family protect what matters most.

Test and maintain your alarms. In addition to regular alarm testing, the batteries should be replaced every six months. A good rule of thumb is to change batteries when the majority of Americans adjust their clocks.

Install the proper protection — every level, every bedroom. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and inside every bedroom. Because smoke rises, be sure to install alarms high on the wall or ceiling. Don’t install alarms near doors, windows or ducts, where drafts may interfere with their operation.

Alarms don’t last forever — remember to replace. It’s important to select the right alarms for your home. Newer homes are generally wired for hardwired smoke and CO alarms. When they reach the end of their useful life, replace them with new hardwired alarms. In older homes and apartments without hardwired alarms, when your alarms expire, a convenient upgrade option is a 10-year sealed battery alarm, which eliminates battery replacement and late-night battery chirps for a decade. And, if your alarms are more than 10 years old — or you simply don’t know how old they are — the safest bet is to replace them.

To learn more fire and CO safety tips, or to find a retailer near you, visit firstalert.com.

*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, March 2023 – Results are based on the responses of 1,043 adult homeowners, ages 25 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey asking them to choose from six brands in the smoke, fire and carbon monoxide protection space.

2023-09-28T07:05:00

(BPT) – As your family gets into the full swing of school schedules and other fall activities, it helps to have some easy and delicious meals up your sleeve that everyone will enjoy. To keep mealtimes more interesting — and simple — this fall, consider high-quality, accessible seafood options that you can find in the freezer aisle and can cook up in your oven, toaster oven or air fryer in just 15-30 minutes.

Another great reason to consider adding more seafood to your family’s weekly menu plan is that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend having seafood twice a week because of its many health benefits. Seafood is not only an excellent source of protein, it also offers a variety of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that contribute to your overall health and well-being. With a wide range of irresistible seafood selections from SeaPak, you’re sure to find something that your family will love for after-school snacks, weekday meals and weekend get-togethers.

Here are four favorite recipes to help get you started.

1. After-School Shrimp Fried Rice
5 minutes prep time; 15 minutes cook time; 4 servings. Satisfying your crew’s appetite after school has never been easier than with this super-quick, super-simple and extra-tasty shrimp fried rice recipe.

Ingredients
1 package SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
1 cup frozen cooked vegetables
4 cups cooked rice
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions
Prepare shrimp according to package directions and keep warm.
Bring large skillet or wok to high heat and add oil. Stir in vegetables and cook, stirring continually, 2 minutes. Stir in rice and cook, stirring continually, another 2 minutes.
Add soy sauce and stir to coat. Remove from heat and toss in popcorn shrimp. Serve hot.

2. Shrimp Parmesan Sliders
5 minutes prep time; 14 minutes cook time; 5-6 servings. Sliders are the perfect size for little hands, and these come together in just minutes.

Ingredients
1 9-ounce package SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp
1 cup marinara sauce
3 slices mozzarella cheese, each cut into 4 squares
10-12 slider buns
10-12 leaves fresh basil

Directions
Heat oven to 425F. Bake shrimp according to package directions, 13-14 minutes.
Heat marinara sauce in small saucepan. Spoon a little marinara (about 1 tablespoon) on shrimp and top with cheese slices. Bake 1 more minute until cheese is melted.
Spoon marinara sauce on bottom buns. Top with shrimp, a basil leaf, more marinara and bun tops.

3. Shrimp and Veggie Griller Fajitas
10 minutes prep time; 20 minutes cook time; 4 servings. These fajitas are as full of flavor as they are easy to make, right on your grill. Tip: Prep veggies over the weekend so they’re ready to go on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients
1 12-ounce package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 red onion, cut into strips
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
4 corn tortillas
1 avocado, sliced
1 lime, quartered
1/2 cup prepared pico de gallo or salsa

Directions
Prepare SeaPak Shrimp Scampi according to package directions and keep warm.
Heat oil in skillet and saute peppers, onion and garlic 5-7 minutes.
Mix spices together in bowl. Toss cooked shrimp, sauteed vegetables and spices together in bowl. Scoop mixture into 4 individual foil packets.
Cook foil packets on grill 10-15 minutes.
Heat tortillas on grill until just charred around the edges. Remove to plate.
Serve shrimp and vegetables with corn tortillas, avocado, lime and pico de gallo or salsa on the side.

4. Casino Clam Strip Pizza
5 minutes prep time; 25 minutes cook time; 8 servings. Why settle for the same-old, same-old pizza when these seafood pizzas are so much fun to make and eat?

Ingredients

1 9-ounce package SeaPak Clam Strips
1 12-inch prepared pizza dough
1 jar white pizza sauce
6 pieces cooked bacon, crumbled
1 8-ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions
Cook SeaPak Clam Strips according to package directions and keep warm.
Heat oven to 450F. Place pizza dough onto baking sheet or cookie sheet. Spread white pizza sauce over surface of pizza dough. Top with clam strips, bacon and cheeses.
Bake pizza in oven 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Sound delicious? You can find all of these products, recipes and more at SeaPak.com.

2023-09-28T14:29:00

(BPT) – Halloween is scary soon! In preparation for the spooky season, Carter’s surveyed parents to determine the top 2023 DIY Halloween costume predictions for babies and toddlers. Partnering with their talented design team, Carter’s is unveiling the top trick-or-treat worthy picks, according to parents, that are easy to recreate at home and can even be re-used once the hunt for candy is over!

Check out the top Halloween costumes you can expect to see strolling your neighborhood and how to make them using Carter’s basics and OshKosh B’gosh essentials:

Coach Mustache

America’s favorite soccer coach will be scoring candy this Halloween, sporting a Carter’s track suit and OshKosh polo!

Level of effort: Easy, peasy!

What you’ll need:

• Carter’s navy active jacket or hoodie
• Carter’s active pants
• Oshkosh white polo
• Soccer ball stickers
• Sporty accessories like a visor, sunglasses and whistle

How it comes together:

1. Place soccer ball stickers on the left chest of the jacket, left pocket area of the pants, and one to a hat or visor.

2. Dress in a polo with hoodie overtop and be sure to zip the jacket up most of the way to look the part of a coach.

3. Add sneakers. These are super comfy for navigating the neighborhood on Trick-or-Treat night.

Gothic Schoolgirls

Parents told us this character was going to be so popular that Carter’s designers created two takes on the costume. Go for a classic schoolgirl vibe with a polo dress or a chic dance floor-worthy look with a little tulle.

Level of effort: Medium – basic sewing skills

What you’ll need | Classic Schoolgirl Look

• This OshKosh polo dress
• Small white buttons
• A white collar from an old shirt
• Needle + light thread
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or fashion tape
• White satin gloves
• Headband or knee socks

How it comes together:

1. This polo dress comes with buttons already, so continue the look by sewing more buttons spaced down the dress.
2. Quick collar hack: Cut a collar off an old button-front shirt and tack it over the top of your existing collar with a few stitches or fashion tape.
3. Top with a black wig and add white gloves to complete the look.

Extra style points when you add a retro shoe like this loafer, knee socks and black backpack for the candy haul.

What you’ll need | dance floor-worthy look

• Carter’s black tee
• Carter’s black leggings
• Carter’s chiffon dance skirt
• Black tulle
• Needle and black thread
• Scissors
• Two fancy buttons
• Carter’s belt

How it comes together:

1. Cut two strips, one or two inches wide, of tulle to create an over-the-shoulder ruffle.
2. Gather the tulle, thread it together and tack it all the way around the shoulders and chest.
3. Gather the rest of your tulle, threading it together on one end to create a loose skirt and then stitch it on over the tulle skirt.
4. Attach fancy buttons to the top front neckline.

We’ve added a simple black belt and these sparkly ballet flats to complete the costume.

Costume Hack: This look will work again as a witch or black cat with a quick change of accessories.

The Leveled-up Plumber

Surveyed parents predicted this classic video game costume would be a huge Halloween hit. This plumber is great for any age, but super soft, knit denim overalls from Baby B’gosh^® make this look extra easy for new fall babies.

Level of effort: Easy, peasy!

What you’ll need:

• Carter’s red long-sleeve tee
• OshKosh overalls
• Self-adhesive felt
• Scissors
• Pro plumber accessories

How it comes together:

1. Cut 4, 2” circles of felt

2. Apply to the front of the overalls at the straps and at the waist.

3. Add Carter’s boots

You can power up this look with a squirrel tail and ears, frog flippers and goggles, or a toy wrench. Game on.

Head to Carters.com to grab yourself all the essentials to recreate one of these comfy DIY Halloween looks or check out Carter’s Halloween Shop for additional costume inspiration and spooky-cute styles.

2023-09-28T11:01:01

(BPT) – The rental housing market in the United States has reached a 50-year peak, with more than 114 million Americans living in landlord-owned properties. Renting a house, apartment or condo means that the ownership of that property belongs to someone else — the landlord.

“A common misconception is that a landlord’s insurance policy for the property eliminates the need for renters to purchase their own insurance,” said Bonnie Lee, vice president of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “In reality, your landlord’s insurance does not cover your personal belongings or any liability claims against you. While you may not be liable for repairing the rental property after a covered loss, your personal possessions may still need replacement if they are damaged or stolen.”

Renters insurance is relatively affordable. The actual cost will depend on several factors, such as the type of coverage you choose, how much coverage you buy, and the amount of your deductible, otherwise known as the amount you agree to pay before a claim is paid. Mercury Insurance, for example, offers coverage for as little as $10/month, but the amounts may vary by state.

Renters insurance offers three key areas of protection:

• Theft and vandalism: Renters insurance protects your personal belongings, electronics, jewelry and unique collectibles against damage or theft. In these instances, your rental policy can step in, compensating for losses so that items can be repaired or replaced.

  “Renters should keep an up-to-date inventory of their possessions, including new purchases and gifts,” said Lee. “Smartphones can be a tremendous aid in this process, by simply walking around your place with the video camera on. Take photos, provide descriptions of these items including serial numbers and copies of receipts when possible. Building an inventory of what you own will prove invaluable in the unfortunate event of an unexpected loss.”

• Natural perils: Renters insurance covers damage to property and personal belongings due to natural events like fire, lightning, hail and sudden water overflow. If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to these occurrences, you may be eligible to receive compensation for living expenses. Note, however, that renters insurance does not cover personal property damage from floods or earthquakes. You must purchase a separate policy if you live in an area prone to any of these types of perils.
• Liability protection: You may be protected financially if you cause bodily injury or property damage to others due to a covered incident — either on the rental property or elsewhere — by your renters insurance. You may be covered for legal defense costs if you are sued for injuring someone on your property, such as if a guest trips and falls while in your rental.

Renters insurance can provide peace of mind and protection against other financial losses in times of crisis.

• Coverage while traveling: Renters insurance not only safeguards your possessions at home but may also offer protection while you are away. If a valuable item such as your laptop was stolen from your hotel room while on vacation, your policy may cover the loss.
• Financial protection: An unexpected event, like your dog biting a neighbor, may lead to a lawsuit. Renters insurance may cover damages up to your coverage limit in addition to legal bills.
• Neighbor-related incidents: Despite your best efforts to keep your rental property safe, the actions of your neighbors are beyond your control. For example, if your upstairs neighbor leaves the stove on, resulting in a fire that destroys your belongings, you would bear the loss without renters insurance. A rental policy can provide protection against such an unexpected incident.

“When considering rental insurance, it’s important to understand what it covers and to ask your agent about available discounts, deductibles and coverage limits,” said Lee. “It’s a small investment that gives renters an invaluable peace of mind, knowing that their treasured belongings are protected.”