Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-11-02T17:01:00

(BPT) – NETGEAR leverages nearly three decades of WiFi expertise to deliver the best WiFi performance across your entire home.

Over the years, WiFi has enabled us to do much more than we thought possible – like video call family, game in high definition, and stream music or the latest show on demand. It seems like every new gadget we buy, from kitchen appliances to children’s toys, requires a seamless connection to get the full experience. It’s difficult these days to think of life without WiFi.

Consider all the connected devices you have today, from cell phones and a doorbell camera to the smart grill in your backyard. Or perhaps you have a smart oven or meat thermometer to ensure your favorite meal is cooked to perfection.

We upgrade and buy new connected devices all the time – like the latest iPhone 15 – yet the dusty WiFi router in the corner of your home remains untouched for years. Even the high-speed internet you’re paying for through your provider might not be fully utilized because your router is outdated. If this sounds like it could be you, it may be time for a router upgrade so you can ensure your cool, new devices, including your iPhone 15, are supported the way they’re intended to be.

When you go to purchase a new router, it’s important to know what the latest WiFi standard is – and today, that’s WiFi 7. WiFi 7 unleashes unprecedented speeds and performance, up to 5X greater speeds than previous generations. If you need to upgrade but also want to future-proof your home and connected devices, WiFi 7 also supports the ever-increasing growth of bandwidth-intensive applications such as high-quality live streaming to watch sports and cultural events, high-definition video calls, intricate graphics work, and immersive gaming experiences.

Upgrade to the Latest WiFi 7 Mesh System

In your home, you need WiFi at every corner to maximize the use of all of your connected devices. When it comes to elite performance across your home, the new Orbi 970 Series WiFi 7 mesh system is in a class of its own.

With mesh systems, you have one main router that communicates to additional satellites placed around your home, so you’re always connected to the strongest WiFi signal.

The Orbi 970 Series features a central router and multiple satellites, which can be strategically placed throughout the home to provide 10,000 square feet of coverage (that’s more than two NBA basketball courts), from the front door to the backyard, across all devices simultaneously. To extend coverage even further, just add another satellite. It’s built to keep your devices seamlessly connected no matter the structure or materials from which your house is constructed.

NETGEAR Armor™ Powered by Bitdefender® also provides an unparalleled level of security for your home’s vulnerable smart devices such as a smart refrigerator, smart speaker, and more. Unlike your phone or PC on which you can load the latest security software, these devices can provide cybercriminals with dangerous inroads to invade your home network and access sensitive information. Armor provides an automatic protective shield of security for all of your connected devices. Moreover, if you’re a parent, NETGEAR’s Smart Parental Controls feature allows you to promote healthy internet habits with kids and manage how much time they spend online.

What’s more, the Orbi 970 Series is available in black or white and sports an elegant, cylindrical design. The sleek bodies of the routers and satellites are purposefully designed for optimal performance while gracing the home with their slim profile that fits neatly on a desk, entertainment unit, or shelf.

In today’s world, one thing is clear, WiFi 7 is the latest standard to keep our connected devices in and around our home working the way they should. The Orbi 970 Series ensures the best possible performance, speed, coverage, and security for all your WiFi-connected activities – today and tomorrow.

Need better WiFi? Learn more about Orbi 970 Series from NETGEAR.

2023-11-02T11:13:01

(BPT) – Did you know the most dangerous part of riding a school bus is when children get on or off the bus? Between distracted driving, the end of Daylight Saving Time and the busy holiday season, children are at greater risk this time of year, especially when drivers illegally pass a stopped school bus as it lets children embark or disembark.

The 2023 National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services illegal passing survey found the number of drivers passing stopped school buses is rising, projecting over 43.5 million illegal passings occurring across the 180-day school year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that this is one of the biggest risks to children who take the school bus, and although passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended is illegal in every state, drivers persist in breaking this law. This unnecessarily puts more than 25 million children at risk of being injured or killed every day.

What can be done about illegal school bus passing?

It would be impossible for local law enforcement to monitor all the traffic in and around school zones, as well as neighborhoods, to watch for illegal school bus passing. To confront this problem, one company, Verra Mobility, has developed two different solutions for schools and communities to help enhance their students’ safety in and around school buses and school zones.

1. CrossingGuard. The school bus stop-arm safety solution incorporates all of the services required to enhance student safety, reduce illegal school bus passing, enforce traffic laws and change driver behavior. CrossingGuard provides a high-resolution stop-arm camera, physically attached to the school bus, that is deployed when the bus is picking up and dropping off students.

Confirmed data from the Verra Mobility school bus safety camera programs (32 total) during the 2022-2023 school year shows that 71,386 citations were issued to drivers for illegally passing the school bus stop arm. However, nearly 99% of the drivers who received and paid a ticket did not receive a second citation, indicating that the message was received, loud and clear. Collectively, Verra Mobility’s school bus stop-arm safety programs witnessed a 12% reduction in citations from the beginning of the school year to the end.

How CrossingGuard works: High-definition cameras are installed on the exterior of the school bus, and when the school bus extends its stop arm, the system automatically detects vehicles passing the stopped bus within the enforcement zone. Cameras record a video of the passing vehicle, license plate and extended stop arm. The event data and images are wirelessly uploaded to Verra Mobility’s back-office via a secure VPN, and are then processed according to the customer’s business rules.

Law enforcement then receives and reviews the evidence and determines whether a violation has occurred. If there is a violation, a notice is issued and mailed to the vehicle owner. A bonus of the program is that the cameras for this solution are not funded by taxpayers, bonds or school fees. They are paid through the violations, so the system pays for itself.

2. Safe School Zone Speed Enforcement. Because 17% of children 14 and younger who are killed in traffic crashes are pedestrians, according to the NHTSA, it’s crucial to keep children safe, especially when they’re walking to and around school. School zone speed enforcement encourages traffic compliance to reduce the average vehicle speed and rate of dangerous driving.

This safety solution provides communities with an automated speed safety enforcement camera system to detect dangerous driving and to capture images of drivers speeding in school zones. When implemented, traffic slows before the school zone, improving pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist safety.

“Parents have enough on their plate without having to worry about their children’s safety when they’re going to and from school,” said Melissa Wandall, president of the National Coalition for Safer Roads. “It’s important for schools and communities to use the latest technology available to hold reckless drivers accountable, and to help keep kids safe.”

To learn more about these innovative safety solutions and how they help protect all of the school children in your community, visit VerraMobility.com.

2023-11-02T13:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season brings a sense of excitement and togetherness, but preparing for lively gatherings or traveling can present distinctive safety challenges.

“Anyone preparing for guests should be mindful of how they organize their celebrations and understand the coverage provided by their insurance policies,” said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims for Mercury Insurance. “Homeowners need to identify and address any areas needing extra attention for a safe and inviting environment.”

To guarantee an enjoyable and festive get-together for you and your guests, take time to review some of the more commonly overlooked items in the home.

Keep holiday lights bright and safe

The magic of the holidays often finds its sparkle in glimmering lights. Preserve their charm without risking safety and property. While most lights, ornaments and other decorations are insured for damage from fire, vandalism or theft, they aren’t insured against the wear and tear of normal use.

Before stringing any lights, check lighting cords to make sure there aren’t any tears or deformations. Looking for signs of excess wear on all indoor and outdoor lights, including fading, frayed wiring, or twisted and kinked cords. Replace any damaged bulbs and test each strand of lights by plugging them in before decorating to confirm they are operational and safe. Make sure any cords or lights you are using for outdoor displays are made for outdoor use and never overload extension cords or outlets.

Install and update security systems for peace of mind

Holiday excitement can interfere with awareness of potential risks. Break-ins and thefts increase this time of year since thieves know many families might be distracted with the busyness of the season, or traveling and leaving their homes unattended. Homeowners can significantly reduce their risk by installing surveillance cameras, video doorbells, alarms, deadbolts and other types of home security. Some insurers may offer policies with a theft protective device discount.

“It’s also important to note that if you recently received or purchased an expensive gift, make sure that your insurance policy extends to cover such presents,” said Lee. “Homeowners policies often cover theft, so you’ll be able to file a claim with your insurance company should something happen, but it’s always a good idea to check your insurance policy to see how your personal property is covered, including high-end gifts.”

Share with care

One of the enticing factors thieves consider when scouting for homes to target is whether a home is currently unoccupied. By sharing holiday plans and locations in real time on social media, homeowners unwittingly publicize that their house is vacant. Even with privacy settings on, sharing extensively online still poses a risk due to extended friend networks and other potential breaches.

Consider waiting to share pictures, status updates and check-ins until you return home,” said Lee. “By postponing these posts, homeowners reduce the risk of attracting unwanted attention to their empty property.”

Kitchen safety

Increased cooking times, a higher number of dishes being prepared and a flurry of guests can lead to forgotten stovetops and ovens, or grease fires due to spillover from pots and pans.

“Fire insurance is typically included in your policy and protects the contents and the surrounding property, helping with the cost of replacing or repairing your home in case of such an event,” said Lee. “However, it’s best to stay attentive. Avoid leaving cooking areas unattended when the stove or oven is in use and make sure cooking areas are free of combustible materials like wooden utensils or dish towels. It’s also a good idea to keep a working fire extinguisher that is easily accessible in your kitchen.”

As the holiday season progresses, remember to review your homeowners insurance policy to understand exactly what coverage it offers and that it has been updated to suit your family’s needs, particularly if you’ve made any high-value renovations or purchases.

“The holiday times are for joy and celebrations, not for dealing with unanticipated losses or accidents. Following a few simple precautions will be the best gift you can give yourself for a peaceful and festive season,” said Lee.

2023-11-02T09:15:00

(BPT) – Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are now the dominant vehicles on U.S. roads, making up more than half of new car sales for three years running, according to J.D. Power. The SUV segment has become as diverse as it is large, ranging from three-row luxury vehicles to sporty crossovers to off-roading powerhouses, and similarly, SUV drivers are far from a homogenous lot, putting their cars to a variety of uses.

So if you are among the millions of SUV drivers in the U.S., you need to ensure your vehicle is equipped with the right tires for the job. Hankook Tire’s Dynapro line-up is designed to offer SUV (and light truck) drivers a complete range of tires for all conditions and journeys. Here are five types of tires, from on-road cruising to off-road adventuring, that SUV drivers should consider based on their driving needs.

For the road warrior: A comfortable, all-season touring tire – Dynapro HPX

Drivers who rack up the miles in their SUV don’t want to compromise comfort for performance, or handling for tread life. They need an all-season touring tire that can offer smooth, comfortable driving in a variety of weather conditions, and can stand up to tens of thousands of miles on the road.

Hankook Tire just announced an all-season touring tire, the all-new Dynapro HPX, delivering great braking and handling performance in rain and light snow, while also minimizing tread pattern noise to maximize the cabin experience. It also comes with a 70,000 mile warranty and is designed to last 12% longer than competing tires.

For the daily driver: A reliable highway tire – Dynapro HT

Drivers focused on school runs, office commutes and the occasional road trip for vacation need a tire that can be relied on all year round without breaking the bank. An all-season highway tire that offers a generous mileage warranty ensures the tires will deliver good bang for their buck. And with all-season reliability, these tires can be trusted to keep drivers and their passengers safe in a variety of weather conditions that most of us will face throughout the year.

For the dirt road enthusiast: An on- and off-road all-terrain tire – Dynapro AT2 Xtreme

Some drivers love a mixture of Sports and Utility from their SUV — they enjoy taking their vehicle off the beaten track on weekends and commuting to work on a Monday morning with fresh mud stains on the fender. An all-terrain product that mixes aggressive design with on-road comfort helps drivers tackle gravel and loose surfaces without having to deal with the dreaded tire drone when they’re back in civilization.

For the off-road expert: A rugged terrain tire – Dynapro XT

More dedicated off-roaders might be looking for a tire they can fit to their SUV when it’s time to hit the trails. A rugged terrain tire can handle steep profiles, off-camber environments and even rock crawling, on a variety of surfaces from grass to dirt to sand. The ideal rugged terrain tire will offer rigid block patterns and deeper grooves to handle these conditions, whether they consider themselves overlanders or desert explorers.

For the ultimate outdoor adventure: A tough mud tire – Dynapro MT2

SUV drivers looking to tackle the toughest terrain need a tire that can handle everything from the deepest mud to the roughest rocks. This class of tires should offer extra protection from chips and tears on gravel, massive treads to deliver ultimate off-road traction, and ejectors that release mud and stones to maximize grip.

No matter what drivers are planning with their vehicles, the wide range of SUVs in the U.S. marketplace is now fully complemented by a rich portfolio of tires for everything drivers need. Hankook’s Dynapro line-up offers a broad range of performance characteristics to meet these needs, for drivers keeping their wheels squeaky clean or spending their Saturdays winching through the woods.

2023-11-01T13:51:00

(BPT) – It’s common to hear people say they feel overwhelmed by the idea of being physically active, and that they have no idea where to start. That sense of pressure can be discouraging and cause many people to postpone making positive changes in their behavior.

The unfortunate truth is that physical inactivity takes a significant toll on older adults in America. Rates of inactivity increased 6% to more than 31% nationwide among adults age 65 and older who were in average health between 2018 and 2021. That number has continued to climb in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to America’s Health Rankings Senior Report.

Physical inactivity contributes to many chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes — all of which can reduce a person’s mobility, independence and quality of life.

The good news is getting active doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming or expensive. In fact, almost everyone can take steps to work more activity into their daily lives, even from the comfort of home. The benefits are clear — even as little as five minutes of activity every day can make a difference. Physical activity can help improve your brain health, manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

Regular exercise can also help you feel better and build relationships. In fact, recent research from AARP Services Inc., UnitedHealthcare and OptumLabs showed moderate or high physical activity helps reduce severe loneliness and social isolation by 15% to 30%, and also helps increase feelings of resilience and purpose and improve people’s perception of aging.

Here are five tips to help you become more physically active and put yourself on the road to better health and quality of life:

1. Start small. Remember the old adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? That goes for starting a new exercise regimen, as well as for building strength and stamina. It’s OK to start with just a few minutes at first, and then build gradually — from five, 10 or 15 minutes of movement to eventually 30 or more.
2. Make a plan. Most new routines require some level of preparation. Decide what activity you would like to do — whether it’s walking, following an exercise video at home or taking a fitness class — and plan a regular routine, so it’s easier to follow through.
3. Get comfortable. Choose clothing that’s easy to move in and is appropriate for the environment. If an activity requires lots of extra gear, equipment or skills, consider choosing something you can do with what you have. The important thing is to get moving!
4. Find a buddy. Exercising with a friend can be fun and rewarding. It’s a great way to socialize and build friendships and can also be a strong motivator or cause for celebration when you meet your shared goals.
5. Check out resources that may be available to you. Many Medicare Advantage health plans offer benefits like free gym memberships. Talk to your health plan to see what’s available to you.

For more information about UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, visit www.UHCMedicareHealthPlans.com.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

2023-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – With warm sweaters, hot drinks and the holidays approaching — winter can be a magical season to spend quality time with family and friends. The last thing you want is to become sick with an illness like pneumococcal pneumonia and miss out on precious time with loved ones. Fortunately, there are ways to help protect yourself so you can continue enjoying all this festive season has to offer.

Here are some proactive measures you can take to protect your health this winter:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Wear layers in cold weather
• Exercise regularly
• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat a balanced diet
• And get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia

What is pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and can even put you in the hospital or be life-threatening.

Who is at risk?

If you’re 65 or older, or 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes or chronic heart disease, you’re at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and vaccination can help protect you.

What else should I know about pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike at any time of year and vaccination is available all year round, so the winter is a great time to get vaccinated as we slow down to embrace the joys of the holiday season.

Even if you’ve already had a previous pneumonia vaccine, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination for additional protection.

Be there for the moments that matter this holiday season and help protect yourself today. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination and visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

2023-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

November is American Diabetes Month — a time to come together to bring attention to the different types of diabetes that impact millions of people’s lives. Approximately one in 10 Americans (37.3 million people total) have diabetes. While as many as 95% of these cases are classified as type 2 diabetes, the number of people living with type 1 diabetes is increasing over time. It’s for this reason that moments like American Diabetes Month are critical for raising awareness for the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes, with the goal of ensuring that people of all ages understand the importance of early detection.

To do so effectively, however, it’s important that we begin by expanding our collective understanding of type 1 diabetes, which is distinct from type 2 diabetes despite both being forms of “diabetes mellitus.” While type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder, with lifestyle factors playing a role in development, as well as genetic factors, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that can arise from environmental or genetic factors. Just consider that if anyone in your family has type 1 diabetes, you’re up to 15 times more likely to be diagnosed. Additionally, although type 1 diabetes often develops in children, teens and young adults, it can affect anyone at any age. In fact, recent data show that over 50% of new cases of type 1 diabetes occur in adults. Type 1 diabetes also cannot be prevented or cured.

But what’s perhaps most critical to know about type 1 diabetes isn’t just its prevalence, it’s the fact that it can be detected early through autoantibody screenings.

Because type 1 diabetes develops in stages over time, there are blood tests that can detect type 1 diabetes before any noticeable symptoms arise, before insulin is required and potentially before any life-threatening complications occur. One such example of this is a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious complication that develops when you don’t have enough insulin to let blood sugar into your cells. As a result, your liver is forced to break down fat for fuel, producing dangerous levels of acids called ketones in your body that can lead to coma or even death. Unfortunately, for individuals who have undiagnosed type 1 diabetes, DKA is far too often how they find out they have diabetes — with as many as 40% of DKA cases stemming from those who are newly diagnosed.

When it comes to type 1 diabetes, early screening may give you more time to prepare. The more you know, the more you can plan ahead. This American Diabetes Month, take control of the future by talking to your doctor about getting screened and participating in The 1 Pledge movement, which is being led by Sanofi. Take the pledge to get screened for type 1 diabetes at The1Pledge.com, where you can also find more educational information. Follow and use #ScreenForType1 to join the conversation on social media.

It’s time that we change the story around type 1 diabetes. Not knowing is simply no longer an acceptable option. Get screened today.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

2023-11-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – For many people looking for health coverage, the Health Insurance Marketplaces, also known as Exchanges, may have the options they’re looking for. But managing health decisions is very personal, and with so many plan and benefit options available at different price points, finding affordable health care coverage that fits your needs can be overwhelming.

The open enrollment period held each year gives those looking for affordable coverage the opportunity to shop for health plan options that can help with unexpected costs due to illness or injury. In most states, open enrollment begins November 1, 2023, and ends on January 16, 2024.

Everyone’s coverage needs are different. That’s why there are options available to help choose a plan that not only safeguards your and your family’s health when you’re sick or injured, but also provides preventive care such as annual wellness visits, vaccinations, or health screenings to keep you and your family as healthy as possible and, if there are issues, address them at an early stage.

Many people may be eligible for subsidies to lower the monthly premiums, including plans as low as $0 per month, depending on their income. In fact, 90% of UnitedHealthcare Individual and Family ACA Marketplace Plan members qualified for subsidized coverage in 2023.[1] Finding out if you qualify is easy — just check as you shop for plans.

Individual and Family ACA Marketplace Plans through UnitedHealthcare

If you’re looking for coverage, UnitedHealthcare is expanding its Individual and Family ACA Marketplace Plans into four new states for 2024. Coverage is now available in these 26 states[2]:

Alabama	Arizona
Colorado	Florida
Georgia	Illinois
Kansas	Louisiana
Maryland	Massachusetts
Michigan	Mississippi
Missouri	Nevada
New Jersey	New Mexico
New York	North Carolina
Ohio	Oklahoma
South Carolina	Tennessee
Texas	Virginia
Washington	Wisconsin

UnitedHealthcare’s Individual and Family ACA Marketplace Plans feature affordable coverage, convenient access to care and offer a wide range of benefit options, including[3]:

• $0 unlimited primary and virtual urgent care.
• Prescriptions as low as $5 at over 40,000 in-network pharmacies.
• Adult dental and vision offerings.
• An opportunity to earn a $100 gift card in rewards benefits for completing health- and account-related tasks.
• Complimentary access to digital fitness classes.
• Membership to a network of 17,000 gym locations.
• New Copay Focus plan options with $0 medical deductible and predictable copay for services.

How to get started

To help you find a plan, UnitedHealthcare offers educational resources and 1-on-1 support in English and Spanish at UHC.com/exchange, or seguromedicoaca.com for Spanish support. Shoppers can also call 877-649-9797 to enroll or change plans from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 16, 2024, in most states. Enroll by December 15, 2023 if you want your coverage active on January 1, 2024. If you enroll between December 16, 2023 and January 16, 2024, your coverage will begin on February 1, 2024.[4]

2023-11-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – With the holiday season already underway, your schedule will soon be packed with festive get-togethers, cocktail parties and family gatherings. To help make the upcoming season a little more joyful and a lot less stressful, try taking a more proactive approach by starting your holiday prep and cleaning routines now — with a little help for the home along the way.

Below are some top tips, compliments of the MaidPro PROs to help you get your home holiday-ready so you can relax and enjoy the festivities more than ever this year.

1. Develop a gameplan

Before throwing a party or hosting overnight visitors, identify the main areas in your home that are due for a deep clean — and prioritize the rooms guests are most likely to visit. That may include your living room, dining room and powder room, as well as any guest bedrooms. Focus on decluttering these areas first so you are able to access surfaces in need of a deeper clean.

2. Start with a ground-up deep clean

Typical cleaning routines may include wiping down counters, dusting, mopping and vacuuming, but did you know there is a smart way to vacuum? Vacuuming in a zig-zag pattern is the best way to truly clean carpets. The fibers in carpets are primarily twisted loops that get dirty from all sides, so vacuuming in only one direction isn’t always effective. To fully clean carpets, work the vacuum across a room in one direction in a zig-zag pattern. Repeat the process from a right angle. This pattern provides the best results, saves time and can help reduce symptoms of allergies.

3. Deep clean the kitchen before holiday cooking

Before guests start arriving, be sure to deep clean the kitchen in preparation for holiday baking and entertaining. Deep clean the range, stovetop, surfaces and grates. Clean out the refrigerator to make room for party foods and be sure to dust the top of the refrigerator. Also give a fresh clean to all large and small appliances. Finally, wipe down kitchen cabinets to tackle any forgotten spills.

4. Make your guest room extra hospitable

Is your guest room doing double duty as an office? Has your guest bathroom become a catch-all area for things with nowhere else to go? Now is the perfect time to refresh and refocus. Enter your guest room with a visitor’s eye. Deep clean bathrooms and medicine cabinets (yes, people will look). Wash or spot clean area rugs. Dust all surfaces, including bookshelves, photo frames, and art — don’t forget the ceiling fans! Finally, clean trash receptacles and add fresh liners.

4. Prepare in advance for time-honored holiday stains

Holiday food, beverages and traditions can cause some unexpected spills and spots. To remove red wine, spray water on the stain to keep it wet. Cover it with white vinegar to neutralize purple and red pigments. Follow with liquid detergent and hot water to flush out the stain. For dripped candle wax, rub ice cubes over the wax until it hardens. Scrape up most of the wax and place a paper bag over the patch that has residual wax. Use a warm iron to press over the area to liquefy the wax, allowing it to absorb into the bag. For soot stains from the fireplace, grab a dry brush and scrub off as much of the soot as possible (avoid water). Apply some rubbing alcohol on the edge of a sponge or towel and blot until the last of the stain is gone.

5. Hire a PRO

Chances are you could use assistance to make your home clean, tidy and festive before the holidays arrive, so consider hiring a MaidPro home cleaner (a PRO) to make your life easier. MaidPro PROs are known for their attention to detail and commitment to customer service, using a 49-Point Checklist that offers peace of mind and the comfort that comes from a sparkling clean, orderly home.

Beyond deep cleans in time for the season, starting early will also provide the advantage of getting to know your cleaning PRO (and your PRO learning your needs and preferences) in advance of the busiest time of year. You’ll know what to expect from each cleaning session, ensuring quality and consistency throughout your home cleans, so you can dedicate your time to planning the ultimate holiday events and family gatherings.

Give friends and family a beautifully clean, entertaining-ready home this year — just in time to celebrate the holidays — with a MaidPro gift card. The gift of clean is simple with MaidPro’s electronic gift cards, available at www.maidpro.com/giftcards.

Ready to get started? Visit MaidPro.com.

2023-11-01T02:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is here, which means it’s time to start planning gifts, dinners and more. If you’re looking for a way to add more personal touches to your celebrations, embrace the spirit of homemade holidays.

Making personal dishes, gifts and mementos offers a unique opportunity to connect with friends and family. Mopria wants to help you win at homemade holidays this season by offering the following four tips.

1. Get organized

Stress less and enjoy the holidays more by planning ahead. Stay organized by making lists so you can see everything you need to do and buy as the holiday celebrations approach. With your phone in hand and your printer nearby, you can easily make lists and print them off to keep a hard copy wherever you go.

For example, if you’re preparing a large meal or hosting many guests, print off the recipes you need — or scan them from books and family recipe cards — and make a master shopping list. This way, you can keep track of all the necessary ingredients, even if you have to go to multiple stores along the way. The same idea applies to keeping track of all the gifts you intend to buy for friends and family!

2. Preserve special memories

Honor and preserve cherished moments by creating scrapbooks. The great thing about scrapbooks is that they’re infinitely customizable. Start by choosing a theme. For example, you can create a scrapbook of someone’s wedding and include photos, handwritten notes and quotes to mark the occasion. Or, if you have a traveler in your family, you can create a scrapbook of maps of the places they’ve visited to add more context to their trip photos.

There are plenty of scrapbook designs online and cutouts that you can print, cut and shape to decorate the borders of these special memories. Whether a beginner or a pro, there’s no better way than a scrapbook to honor your memories and let your creativity flow.

You don’t even have to go to your local print shop to get started. Simply download the Mopria Print Service app in Google Play for your Android Device, and don’t forget Mopria Scan on Google Play so you can upload and print non-digitized photos.

3. Create holiday gift tags

Do you like to make homemade jams, bath salts, body scrubs, candles and cookies for friends and family? Personalize and elevate your homemade gifts by creating holiday gift tags.

Gift tags can take a plain Mason jar and turn it into a specialty jam gift someone may find in a boutique shop. Not only will they make your gifts look more professional, but they also add a touch of personality.

Create tags and labels with seasonal or meaningful designs. You can even include a special note with well wishes and suggestions on how to use your homemade food or beauty care product. Add the recipient’s name, date and even the ingredients, so you can track who the gift is for, when it was made and what it contains so you don’t have to guess when handing out presents.

4. Greeting cards

Whether it’s your first year sending one out or an established holiday tradition, sending out holiday greeting cards is a great way to mark the season. Instead of using a printing service, you can design and print your own holiday greeting cards in the comfort of your own home.

By printing your own cards, you’ll have more options for personalization. You can easily find free or affordable greeting card designs and templates online that you can customize to fit your style and message. Print and send the perfect card to your loved ones near and far to let them know you’re thinking about them this holiday season.

Homemade holidays have never been easier. Using these four tips, your holiday shopping, gift-making and gift-giving will be a breeze, so you can spend more time with your loved ones this season.

The Mopria app allows you to print directly to any Mopria certified printer from your Android device. Check to see if your printer is Mopria certified at Mopria.org/Certified-Products. Happy crafting!