Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-06-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Can you recognize the symbol appearing on plastic products denoting they are recyclable? If not, you’re not alone. While many Americans are concerned about recycling, a recent study conducted on behalf of CG Roxane reveals that more education around recycling is still needed. Nearly one-third of Americans (32%) were unable to correctly identify the universal recycling symbol, and only 29% said they try to recycle when they can.

While many companies today are making an effort to contribute to the recycling ecosystem, including using more post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, the study reveals that crucial components are missing in the recycling process: adequate consumer knowledge and participation, and perceived absence of local recycling services. This is partly due to a lack of information and understanding of how easily people can contribute to the recycling effort, and just how vital consumer participation is for the overall process to be successful.

In the study, over half of the respondents (51%) were unaware of initiatives many companies are working on when it comes to post-consumer recycled resin or PCR plastic, which is unsurprising, as 66% did not know what PCR plastic means. Once informed that it is plastic produced from post-consumer recycled resin and used to create new packaging to reduce the impact on landfill waste, 56% noted that purchasing PCR plastic products was important to them.

This summer, CG Roxane reached its goal of producing Crystal Geyser^® Alpine Spring Water^® bottles nationally using a minimum of 50% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) plastic. CG Roxane also uses an “EZ-Open Cap” on 8-ounce bottles, offering Californian consumers easy, one-click convenience while saving plastic. It also ensures the cap will never be lost, and helps to make recycling the bottle and cap simpler while also reducing potential harm to wildlife.

What you can do

Here are simple things you can do to play your part in increasing the success of recycling programs nationwide.

1. Choose products packaged in recyclable and PCR-produced containers

Buying containers created from at least some recycled material — and material that can be recycled again — goes a long way toward ensuring less ends up in landfills. For example, CG Roxane was the first U.S. beverage company to incorporate an in-house recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) program, which allows them to bottle their Crystal Geyser^® Alpine Spring Water^® with a minimum of 50% rPET plastic nationwide between their San Bernardino, CA, and Benton, TN, plants.

By producing Crystal Geyser^® Alpine Spring Water^® bottles manufactured with no less than 50% recycled PET content, it will save nearly 11 thousand metric tons of CO2 per year, or the equivalent of removing 2,510 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the roads.

2. Familiarize yourself with the recycling symbol

If you see the symbol on a plastic bottle or packaging, you’ll know it’s possible to recycle that plastic. Items without that symbol are unlikely to be recyclable. Take a good look at the small number within the symbol, as those also have meanings. Additionally the numbers within the symbol indicate the type of plastic from which the container or packaging is made. While plastics labeled #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics everywhere, not all other numbers are collected in every recycling program.

3. Learn about your local recycling programs

Every city, county or municipality has its own rules and procedures regarding recycling. Go to your local government website to learn what recycling options are available where you live, and how you can participate. Guidelines may include which recycling numbers are accepted, as well as basic rules you may find everywhere, such as making sure plastic containers are clean, rinsed and dry before collecting for recycling.

Beyond bottling at the source and its increased commitment to using recycled materials and making packaging and delivery processes as efficient as possible, family-owned and operated CG Roxane actively participates in supporting its communities through partnerships with American Forests and the California Coastal Commission.

Learn more about CG Roxane’s efforts and how you can make a difference at CrystalGeyserPlease.com.

*Source: EPA.gov.

2023-06-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – Bath time can sometimes feel like a daunting experience, especially for first-time parents. But bath time with your little ones is so much more than just another chore on the list. It provides parents the opportunity to bond with their child while making sure they’re happy and clean.

With some expert advice you can turn bath time into a happy, developmental activity for the whole family. Bath time expert Ashley Sousa, registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Baby Magic ambassador, shares her top five tips to help create a fun and relaxing bath time experience for babies and parents.

1. Choose the right bath time

Routine is essential to baby’s health. A daily routine helps baby transition into a rhythm, which in turn, helps them to feel comfortable and secure. You can help your baby expect bath time by selecting a time in the day when they’re most relaxed and happy. An ideal bath time might be after a long day of play or a delicious (but messy) meal. Once you find a time that works best for your family, do your best to stick to it.

2. Create a bath time ritual

Establishing a bath time ritual creates cues that let your little one know it’s time to relax while you bathe them. As the tub fills, begin play time with your baby so they associate bath time with fun time. After a bath, dress them in their pajamas and enjoy some cuddle time so your little one feels calm and relaxed before you tuck them in.

“My husband has started a new nightly routine with our daughter,” said Sousa. “Every night before bed he uses the Baby Magic Vanilla & Oat Creamy Whipped Butter to massage our daughter’s legs and feet and talk about their days. They giggle and bond while locking moisture in on skin.”

3. Integrate bath toys

Babies love playing with toys, especially in the bathtub. Toys like rubber ducks, squirt toys or water scoops can make bath time fun and stimulating for baby. Having dedicated bath toys builds positive association with bath time so that your baby looks forward to getting squeaky clean.

Be sure to pick out age-appropriate toys that are safe for your baby to use in water. Offer them a variety of toys to choose from so that bath time is always new and interesting. Changing up bath toys from time to time can help keep them engaged during a bath.

4. Soothe fears with bubbles

Water can be a scary element for babies. The sound, temperature and sense of floating can startle them, making them feel unsettled or scared. Help soothe your little one’s fears by adding a playful element like bubbles.

“Sometimes babies can be afraid of bath time. A good way to help with the fear is by adding Baby Magic Soothing Hair & Body Wash to the water for some extra bubbles. Making sure the water is shallow is another great way to slowly introduce bath time,” said Sousa.

5. Sing, talk and bond

Bath time is the perfect opportunity to bond with your little one. Talking and singing to them while they bathe can help them feel secure, entertained and loved.

Try singing nursery rhymes, telling stories or simply talking to your baby. Your presence and voice will help them relax and make the time a more enjoyable experience. The sound of your voice will help you and your baby bond and create cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Exercising these five tips can make bath time a fun part of your daily routine with your baby. When bathing your child, make sure to use wholesome products like Baby Magic’s Soothing Hair & Body Wash and Whipped Butter to cleanse and moisturize hair and skin. The Soothing Collection is specially formulated for sensitive skin with nourishing colloidal oat to leave skin feeling soft and comforted. Best of all, they can be used by the whole family! To learn more visit BabyMagic.com.

2023-06-19T20:29:00

(BPT) – By Hwang Sung-gyul, head of the Design Management Center at LG Electronics

The physical design or look of a product is extremely important in creating a good first impression with consumers. Equally vital to the reception and enduring appeal of a product is another kind of design called customer experience (CX) design. An innovator in both areas, LG is known for delivering lifestyle solutions that provide pleasing aesthetics and memorable customer experiences.

For LG, the CX journey begins with research into all aspects of user-product interactions — work that is conducted at the Design Management Center. The company’s commitment to ‘customer-centered thinking’ informs the Center’s approach to constructing and curating the CX, which has emerged as arguably the most critical component of industrial design.

In the past, designers’ only focus during the product development process was on product packaging and the appearance of the product itself. Today, however, designers are often heavily involved in multiple aspects of the operation, right from the very beginning of planning. Designers can provide much-needed visual references for core concepts and design elements, providing clarity of direction and helping to get every member of the development team on the same page.

The experts at the Design Management Center keep the target customer in mind from the outset, establishing a clear methodology for aligning their decisions and choices with this people-first approach. LG’s designers also act as a liaison between the engineers — who address the technological requirements to make a product work — and the customer; giving a voice to the customer perspective to help guide the CX to exactly where it needs to be.

In some respects, consumers have become more sophisticated than the designers, developers and businesses responsible for the products and services they buy or subscribe to. Influencers, bloggers and YouTubers dig into products with an unprecedented level of expertise, pushing brand designers to up their game and further their understanding of the CX.

This starts with undertaking in-depth research into all aspects of how consumers experience the products they use. Once these ‘aspects’ have been identified, they can then be reverse-engineered and ultimately incorporated into the product and CX design. How a product is received, or whether it is viewed as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ depends on the designers’ ability to address both the seen and the unseen — the things consumers recognize that they want as well as the things they want, but aren’t aware of.

While the impact of the ‘first impression’ is important for a product, lasting fandom is built through a well-considered and optimally delivered CX. Thus, it is very important for designers to consider the intricacies of the CX during the initial development stage. Doing so makes it possible to create innovation that genuinely adds value and enjoyment to users’ daily lives.

Created to strengthen design at LG, the Design Management Center is central to the company’s success in crafting solutions for a better life. The Center also takes the lead on product quality, leveraging its six internal research institutes to determine whether there are any deviations or inconsistencies within a given product line that could detract from or compromise the intended CX.

Over the years, the definition of design has expanded from a single function to a broad scope of activities and initiatives. Companies pursuing innovation tend to prioritize the concept of ‘design thinking,’ which encompasses the discovery and analysis of new problems and the finding of suitable solutions. Not just a useful tool for designers, design thinking is now being employed by various departments at LG to solve a wide range of problems.

LG believes that home appliances should last for a long time and be able to harmonize with a consumer’s living environment and lifestyle. As such, it is essential to the design process to think about the impact or effect an appliance will have on a consumer’s space and daily life. This is why LG endeavors to bring ‘calmness’ to its products — because it has considered and understands that creating a sense of calm can benefit users’ emotional state and well-being. Calm is also associated with ‘warmth,’ an element that has long been a key part of LG’s brand identity.

LG also offers an array of non-hardware products, such as the webOS and ThinQ platforms. In terms of software, ‘good design’ means smoothly integrating customer feedback into each successive version to remedy any pain points and drive greater enjoyment and convenience. Further to this, it is ‘good design’ to analyze the complexity of one’s customers, as this can lead to the targeted improvement of product-consumer interaction, and make any services delivered more convenient (even those that don’t require the customer to control them directly).

Another way that LG is adding convenience to its home appliances is through applying artificial intelligence (AI). Its washer with AI, for example, can consider current weather conditions and advise users in advance when it would be optimal to unload the laundry from the washer. This helpful reminder can prevent clothes from staying in the washer too long after a cycle, especially in hot and humid weather, saving users the hassle — and water and energy costs — of having to rewash them. The ‘intelligence’ that makes AI so useful is built through data gathered from user research, which is often conducted on the design side of product development.

A major area of focus for LG is designing experiences that appeal to Millennials and Generation Z — referred to collectively as Generation MZ in South Korea. One of the challenges of this is that members of ‘MZ’ represent a plethora of characteristics, tastes and ideals. This makes it even more crucial to closely study the different backgrounds and values of MZers, as this can give a brand the insight necessary to relate to younger consumers and meet their continuously evolving needs. By having a comprehensive understanding of new and emerging consumption trends, designers can contribute to the creation of products and services that resonate with Generation MZ.

Another area of emphasis for the Design Management Center is the vehicle component business. Here, it is the Center’s role to help LG’s auto industry clients visualize the possibilities enabled by the vehicle component business’s innovative technologies. Design plays a big role in the business realm, where it is utilized not only to help customers or potential partners comprehend a specific technology, but to illuminate the uses and value of that technology. Also, with new cars released yearly, design plays a significant part in the updating and upgrading of in-vehicle content.

Design that reflects a careful consideration of what consumers want and need will typically enhance a product’s charm, convenience, and the depth and desirability of the CX it offers. LG’s Design Management Center is sincere in bringing the customer’s perspective to the development process. Whether through its devices, platforms or services, LG will continue to offer experiences that provide a sense of comfort and warmth, honoring the trust that it has earned through decades of always putting the customer first.

2023-06-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – Ready to take that long-awaited summer vacay? Before heading out for fun in the sun, make sure you’ll be able to fully relax and enjoy your break by taking a few steps to help keep your home secure — including deliveries that might be made while you’re gone.

Here are some tips and tools to help increase your peace of mind while you’re away from home.

1. Alert your neighbors — but not social media

Before your trip, chat with trusted neighbors to let them know you’ll be on vacation. Those extra eyes on your home can help you feel better about taking off. Just don’t post about your trip on social media — there’s no need to let the world know you’ll be out of your house.

2. Help make your deliveries safe

Instead of worrying about a package arriving while you’re gone, use Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, a convenient, secure way to receive Amazon packages and groceries. With In-Garage Delivery, drivers scan your package to receive one-time access to deliver inside the garage. No need to give out garage codes or let the driver in yourself. Porch pirates don’t stand a chance and it also helps protect from weather damage, so you can keep any packages secure until you’re home.

Amazon Key is free for Prime members and easy to set up. Plus, it gives you more flexibility and control over your Amazon deliveries by allowing you to select a preferred delivery method and choosing when and where you want your packages delivered — inside your garage or to your doorstep. At checkout, just select In-Garage Delivery and Amazon Key will take care of the rest. You’ll receive real-time notifications every step of the way, and by adding a Ring Camera (sold separately), you can even watch your packages be safely delivered in real-time.

3. Monitor your home while you’re away

You can set up Motion Alerts to notify you when there’s activity at your front door with a Ring Video Doorbell or near one of your Ring security cameras. You’ll be able to see what’s happening in real-time and choose to use Two-Way Talk as needed to chat with someone on your property. For additional whole home protection, the Ring Alarm Security Kit works on any house, condo or apartment. You’ll have peace of mind that your home is always protected, so you can just relax and enjoy whatever you’re doing, wherever you are.

“With services like Amazon Key-In Garage Delivery and the Package Detection feature on Ring Video Doorbells, you can worry less about deliveries going missing while you’re away,” said Paul-David Shrader, Head of Amazon Key for Consumer. “Many customers say just the sight of a video doorbell or camera is enough of a deterrent in getting trespassers to leave their properties.”

4. Set timers for lighting

Another important tactic while vacationing is to use lighting to make it appear someone is home. You can connect smart lights to your home security cameras to have lights turn on/off, or set up light schedules with Alexa to turn lights on and off at certain times each night. Even if you just set one lamp near a front window, it will look like someone is home.

5. Pre-set your HVAC

Completely turning your HVAC off to save money can be a bad idea. Not only will it look like nobody’s home if your AC unit isn’t running while it’s sweltering, but you could also damage internal structures of the house due to excessive humidity. On top of that, your AC unit will have to work non-stop to get the temperature back down when you return, eliminating cost savings you hoped for by shutting it off completely. A good rule of thumb is to raise the temperature about 5 degrees from your usual setting when you leave town. To be able to adjust the temperature while you’re away, consider installing a smart thermostat that you can control remotely.

Following these few simple steps, you can ensure your home and packages will be safe and secure, whether you’re on the road or on the beach.

2023-06-16T07:01:00

(BPT) – Booked summer plans? Check. New bathing suits for the family? Check. Swim lesson enrollment? Priority check!

Water safety is essential, yet many people get confused by misinformation that puts kids at risk. Step Into Swim provides need-to-know information to ensure swimming activities are safe and fun for all involved. The program is led by Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Vice President of Partnerships and Development at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.

With a passion for creating more swimmers and expanding access to swim education, Gaines wants to keep everyone safer this summer by debunking some of the most widespread myths about water safety.

• Myth: Splashing and screaming are signs of drowning. While 83% of parents who have a child ages 14 or under are confident in their child’s ability to be safe in the water, many parents (60%) incorrectly assume someone who is drowning will draw attention to themselves by splashing and screaming, according to a Step Into Swim survey conducted by The Harris Poll. Drowning is silent, meaning the person won’t scream or splash because they are struggling to breathe. This underscores the importance of swim safety.
• Myth: Drowning takes several minutes to occur. Drowning can happen in seconds, so it’s critical to consistently watch children in the water — even if they know how to swim. Watch kids closely because drowning can happen in the time it takes to send a text message.
• Myth: Parents can teach their kids to swim and lessons aren’t needed. While supporting your child and encouraging water safety is important, teaching kids to swim is best left to trained instructors. Learning to swim from a qualified instructor reduces the drowning risk by 88% among children ages 1 to 4, according to the medical journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Caregivers can complement the lessons learned from swim instructors by practicing the skills with their children.
• Myth: Floaties and water wings are safe and help kids learn to swim. Parents may think floaties and water wings keep children safe in the water, but they offer a false sense of security. Many children don’t realize that when they remove the water wings, they lose their ability to remain afloat. Two-thirds of parents who have a child ages 14 or under (66%) believe floaties and water wings keep children safe in the water, according to the survey. However, they are not recognized as safe personal flotation devices. Caregivers must keep a constant eye on children in the water to make sure floaties remain on and secure.
• Myth: Dry drowning is a danger. Dry drowning is not a medically accepted term and may be misused to refer to other medical conditions, such as pulmonary edema or laryngospasm. Drowning injury is caused by lack of oxygen and respiratory impairment from submersion in water. It doesn’t refer to the amount of water entering the lungs, according to the American Red Cross. To help avoid drowning, families need to enroll kids in swim lessons and practice supervision.

Water safety steps for everyone

Unfortunately, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause for children ages 5 to 14, according to the CDC. Before jumping into the water, follow these best practices to help keep children safe.

• Enroll your child in swimming lessons. Parents have a responsibility to keep kids safe in the water.
• Keep toys away from water when not in use. These can be distractions for children, who may overreach and accidentally fall in the water.
• Designate a water watcher to keep a close eye on children and put the cell phones down.
• Only practice safe behaviors, such as entering the pool feet first and walking instead of running.
• Avoid breath-holding activities.
• Learn CPR and keep your skills fresh with ongoing training.
• Keep kids hydrated and take frequent breaks from the sun to limit heat exposure.
• If you have a pool, use multiple layers of protection, such as pool covers, fencing and locked doors.

Learning to swim is a lifesaving skill that empowers children to be confident in the water. For more resources and information, visit StepIntoSwim.org.

2023-06-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – Looking to refresh your weary soul with a wellness vacation, but not sure where to start? Wellness travel has seen a boom in recent years so the options can seem overwhelming, but it’s easy to create a wellness escape that matches your personal style. Destinations like Michigan offer a range of relaxing retreats, soothing spas and low-cost nature-based getaways to help you recharge. Read on to find your perfect experience.

1. If affordability is your priority, give forest bathing a go.

Forest bathing is the practice of disconnecting from technology while exploring, walking or journaling among the trees. It has been shown to reduce blood pressure and anxiety. With 20 million acres of forest across two peninsulas that are hugged by the glimmering Great Lakes, Michigan is a forest bather’s paradise. State parks like Huron-Manistee National Forest and Hiawatha National Forest offer abundant, quiet trails.

2. If you’re looking to partake in some self-care, a sumptuous spa day is the thing for you.

Locals and travelers alike sometimes just need a little self-care — but you don’t have to go to an exotic destination to find some. Spas and salons offer services like facials, massages, infrared treatments and tanning, beauty services like hair removal, haircare, and mani/pedis, exfoliating and rejuvenating body treatments followed by rinse under a Vichy shower (like at Crystal Mountain Resort and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa), and often offer packages with multiple services included at a discounted rate. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, spa days are a surefire way to relax and rejuvenate.

3. If you’re looking to get your heart and legs pumping, take a ride.

Cycling is one of the best ways to enjoy nature and explore new sites. With top-rated singletracks and thousands of miles of family-friendly rail trails, Michigan is one of the most bike-friendly states in the nation. Trails can be found within densely wooded state parks throughout the state, carved along the side of vast sand dunes, winding in and around mountain-like terrain in the Upper Peninsula, meandering through downtown areas and more. Various skill levels and trail types are available, with many open year-round.

4. If you follow the latest trends, visit an ethereal salt sauna.

Halotherapy is the latest wellness trend gaining popularity. It is an alternative therapy treatment where guests sit in a salt cave or room and breathe in microscopic salt particles to help ailments like asthma, allergies and skin conditions. Adorned with atmospheric lighting and melodic music, immersive salt spas have emerged in Michigan cities like Kentwood, Rochester Hills and Traverse City, and offer short bookable sessions, series or group retreats.

5. If you’re seeking solitude or creative inspiration, get yourself waterside.

Studies have shown that spending time near water environments promotes relaxation, improves brain health, provides stress relief and can improve social interaction. Not only is Michigan surrounded by over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline, you’re also never more than six miles from a body of water at any location in the state. Lake life is a quintessential part of living in and visiting Michigan, making it a haven for water sports, fishing, rock and waterfall hunting, and more. There’s plenty of coastline to go around.

Michigan has a wealth of wellness experiences that can be tailored to fit any traveler’s interests, from picturesque spa resorts like Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain and Shanty Creek Resort to Mission Point Resort and Grand Hotel on the famed Mackinac Island. Discover top-notch amenities in Traverse City, Saugatuck, Grand Rapids, St. Joseph, Ann Arbor and more. Michigan is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and recharge.

2023-06-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re putting together a quick weeknight meal or having friends and family over for a summer celebration like Father’s Day, the Fourth of July or just a fun pool day, there’s nothing more crowd-pleasing than a good burger. But even better, especially if you have guests with a wide variety of taste preferences — or children with particular palates — is setting out a create-your-own burger bar.

Not only can a burger bar simplify both cooking and cleanup, but it’s also a fun, interactive experience for your family and guests that will ensure everyone can enjoy a burger that suits their exact taste.

To help you assemble the makings of a memorable burger bar — whether that’s out on the patio or right in your kitchen — here are some easy-to-follow tips.

It all starts with the burger

You can’t have a fantastic burger bar without a really tasty burger. To make it even easier, even on a busy weeknight, try BUBBA burgers, frozen burgers that can be cooked right from the box, with no thaw time, in under 15 minutes. Just cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll find full cooking instructions at Bubbafoods.com.

No grill? No problem. You can cook up your BUBBA burgers on the skillet, the air fryer or in the oven. You can choose from Original Beef, Sweet Onion or Angus Beef varieties. BUBBA burgers are made from 100% USDA Chuck, with no additives and no preservatives. To find a BUBBA burger^® retailer near you, visit Bubbafoods.com/where-to-buy.

Say “cheese”!

Nothing puts a smile on everyone’s faces like the word “cheese”! Provide a couple of cheesy choices as the first stop nearest your grill or cooktop, and ask guests if they’d like you to add their cheese right after flipping, to allow it to melt atop their burger. The best options for easy-to-add cheese slices include: American, Cheddar, Swiss or Monterey Jack.

Toppings galore

Here’s where you can let your imagination go wild. You’ll want to include the classics and choices you know your kids will love, but it’s fun to add a few zesty options that will wow your guests and wake up their palates.

Include toppings like:

• Lettuce: Consider offering more than the usual green leaf lettuce, iceberg or romaine — like peppery arugula or crunchy frisée.
• Tomatoes: Large beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes are ideal for slicing.
• Onions: Thinly sliced red onions or sauteed onions.
• Sauteed mushrooms: or other lightly sauteed veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Bacon slices: or crumbled bacon.
• Pickle slices: Offer both dill and sweet varieties.
• Jalapeño peppers or other chiles.
• Avocado slices
• Pickled red onions
• Kimchi
• Pineapple slices
• Coleslaw
• Fried egg

Plus, add any other regional or family favorites — the more creative, the better! For more topping inspiration, be sure to check out @bubbaburger on Instagram.

Sauce it up

Make sure to please your crowd with a wide variety of lip-smacking sauces, ranging from mild to spicy:

• Mayonnaise
• Classic yellow and/or Dijon mustard
• Ketchup
• Barbecue sauce: Choices ranging from sweet to hot.
• Ranch dressing or any other favorite creamy dressing.
• Cocktail sauce
• Hot sauce

Don’t forget the buns

Providing different bun options can also make your burger bar stand out. Consider not only sesame seed buns, but also pretzel buns or sweet Hawaiian buns. Toast the buns lightly with a little butter, cut-side down on the grill, for just 10 seconds — and keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Round out the meal with spectacular sides

You can include classic sides like crunchy coleslaw, creamy potato salad, zesty beans or flavorful french fries, or lighten up the meal with fresh green salad, colorful veggies and dip or a refreshing fruit salad. But anything goes — the burger each person creates exactly to their liking is really the star of this show!

When setting out your burger bar options, make sure to leave enough space for everyone to make their selections without too much crowding. You could even set up different stations or tables for each category, if you have enough room.

Pro tip: Don’t put anything out that requires refrigeration until right before mealtime (especially when eating outside on a hot day).

Ready to get started? For more recipe ideas and dinner inspiration, visit Bubbafoods.com/recipes, and for helpful tips on hosting a BUBBA burger^® barbecue, check out our blog here.

2023-06-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – Unstructured playtime outside of school, like the kind children can experience during the summer, is critical to children’s physical, mental and emotional health. However, unstructured outdoor playtime is drastically declining. According to a study by the Child Mind Institute, the average American child spends only 4-7 minutes of their day playing outside and over seven hours a day in front of a screen — despite nearly endless proven benefits that the outdoors can provide.

With the summer season back in full swing, there is no better time to get outdoors and active, and back on bikes.

This summer, Schwinn wants to encourage families to stop scrolling and start rolling through ‘Let’s Play Bikes,’ a new campaign designed to support parents and caregivers in getting kids back outside and off their devices. Check out these benefits cycling can have for your child this summer and beyond.

1. Encourages independence and community

For kids and adults alike, one of the great pleasures of cycling is doing it with friends or discovering new friends as you bike around your city or neighborhood. In a time when it’s far too easy to be disconnected from other people, biking can help keep people connected, but it’s more than just social connectivity. Bike riding allows kids to explore their surroundings on their own terms. They get to decide where to go, assess risks and learn to trust their instincts. Making these choices helps them become more independent and can build their confidence. Whether exploring the neighborhood, the park, a friend’s house or school, biking allows children to experience self-reliance.

2. A great way to get physically active

Starting the day off with active movement, like bike riding, is beneficial for kids and adults of all ages. For younger kids, learning to ride a bike helps develop balance, coordination, and large motor skills. Physical activity in pre-teen years has shown to improve both mental and physical health. Put simply, bike riding is healthy and wholesome fun for everyone!

3. Regulates mental and emotional well-being

Regular biking can help children (and adults) of any age feel calmer and happier. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, biking lowers stress levels and stimulates the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormone. One study found that young and older bike commuters reported lower stress levels than those who drove or commuted to work by other means.

4. Provides a break from digital devices

Childhood has changed — kids are stuck inside staring at screens all day. Kids view play as an inside endeavor — logging on, streaming, gaming, and digitizing their Saturdays. They need fresh air, sunshine, and a reconnection to the real-world. By logging off and riding on, kids can experience traditional, outdoor, physically active, play. Not to mention, it gives everyone a chance to enjoy the outdoors and breathe fresh air.

Ready to grab life by the handlebars?

Are you ready to teach your little one how to ride a bike, and to help them build a life-long love of cycling and wellness at an early age? Check out Schwinn’s library of educational materials like its “Learn to Ride Guides” and “Guide to Kids’ Bike Sizes,” which can help you teach your children the fundamentals and also find a bike that’s right for them. Don’t forget to check out Schwinn’s SmartStart kids bikes, specifically engineered for children’s proportions and offering greater stability and comfort for young riders. It’s just about time to ride off into that summer sun!

As part of its ‘Let’s Play Bikes’ campaign, Schwinn is offering even more incentives for families to get outside and bike with a SmartStart Sweepstakes. Throughout the month of June, you can enter to win $10,000 to put towards your child’s college fund by posting a photo or video of them bike riding on Instagram. Tag @SchwinnBikes and use the hashtags #SchwinnSmartStart and #sweepstakes in the photo or video caption to enter. To learn more, visit SchwinnBikes.com.

2023-06-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nothing compares to the excitement of welcoming a new baby. From the moment you hold your little ones to the day you watch them take their first steps and beyond, that love only continues to grow as they grow.

Carter’s, the most trusted children’s brand, makes shopping for all the essentials you need for baby’s first months and each milestone simple and stress-free. Whether your due date is swiftly approaching or you need to size up for your baby, Carter’s My First Love collection offers everything you need to dress little ones in style, with fuss-free features that make dressing baby easy.

Here are all the soft, sweet baby starters you need in one place:

Neutrals for Every Occasion

From take-me-home sets with unexpected details to make every milestone extra special, to the 5-star-rated Sleep & Play with convenient 2-way zip design, these gender-neutral essentials are made with soft, 100% cotton and are must-haves for your new little one.

Baby 2-Piece Sleep & Play And Cap Set Baby 4-Piece Take Me Home Set Baby 3-Piece Terry Little Cardigan Set

Adorable Styles for Baby Girl

Filled with florals and fuss-free features (that make late night and on-the-move changes a breeze), the collection offers apparel and accessories in freshly picked pink for the new baby girl in your life. Dress her head-to-toe in these adorable styles not just for playtime or mealtime but also for all of her firsts.

Baby 2-Piece Floral Sleep & Play And Cap Set Baby 3-Piece Little Cardigan Set Baby 2-Piece Bodysuit Dress and Cardigan Set

Sweet Styles for Baby Boy

Dress your new baby boy in dreamy blues and sweet animal patterns for tummy time, bedtime and more. This collection offers playful styles and essentials that will prepare him to take on any first from crawling to walking.

Baby 3-Piece Little Cardigan Set Baby 2-Piece Jumpsuit and Socks Set Baby 2-Pack Sleeper Gowns

Thoughtful Gifts to Give Loved Ones

Don’t know the gender? This collection offers bundles and coordinating sets in neutral prints and patterns that make for great gifts. Stock up on all the essential staples for baby’s first wardrobe, including accessories like tiny booties, caps and sets.

Baby 3-Pack Duck Booties Baby 3-Piece Little Cardigan Set Baby 2-Pack Caps

Back-ups to Save the Day

From spit-ups to feedings, multiple outfit changes are common when you have a new baby. So stock up on all your must-have baby essentials, including extra bodysuits with overlap shoulders, bibs and receiving blankets (good for burping) for those messy mishaps and quick outfit changes when you’re on-the-go.

Baby 3-Pack Bandana Bibs Baby 4-Pack Duck Receiving Blankets Baby 3-Pack Bibs

Head to Carters.com to check out these must-haves made for the simple beauty of baby’s first months.

2023-06-14T07:41:00

(BPT) – Summer is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and live out all of life’s adventures on the open road. From camping, fishing and kayaking to mountain biking and hiking, there is really nothing like enjoying the great outdoors and getting back to the basics with family and friends, or solo this season. For truck enthusiasts, it’s important to gear up for your home away from home. Here are our top five recommendations for truck accessories to make the most out of summer 2023.

N-Fab HVM Bull Bar

The newly released N-FAB HVM Bull Bar’s ferocious design adds essential front-end protection and an aggressive look which creates a unique visual aesthetic for your truck. It features a custom tight fit to the bumper with a matte black powder coat finish that complements the factory trim. The steel frame is anchored by fully integrated dual recovery hooks. With forged aluminum construction, these massive shackle mounts prepare you to handle all kinds of outdoor, trail-worthy adventures.

N-Fab Universal Roof Rack

The N-FAB Universal Roof Rack adds essential overhead cargo capacity and works with most OEM and aftermarket crossbars. Its sleek, low-profile design will unleash your ability to explore “Out in the Real” this season by giving you additional storage space for all your summer toys. The rack is spacious and sturdy, holding up to 180 lbs. of cargo, secured with built-in anchor points. Another unique feature of the N-Fab Universal Roof Rack is that it has integrated front and rear multi-mount light systems, providing the capability to add auxiliary lighting to illuminate the campsite or those late nights on the trail.

Solid Fold ALX Tonneau Cover

The Extang Solid Fold ALX Tonneau Cover is packed with features that are anything but average. Its sturdy makeup resists dents, scratches and fading from various weather conditions. While the cover appears to be lightweight, it’s deceptively strong and can support up to 600 lbs. of evenly distributed weight. Installing this product on your truck bed will allow you to keep camping, fishing and hiking gear clean and dry, as well as give you support to add additional equipment on top of the cover. It’s ideal for traveling with all your outside summer essentials.

The Rampage TrailView Fastback Soft Top

The Rampage TrailView Fastback Soft Top combines unbeatable styling and functionality with all the great features you look for in a replacement top. It fits 2021-present Ford Bronco two- and four-door models. The cover is easy to install and provides a snug, uniform fit. It has larger side windows than most covers which improves overall visibility. The TrailView Fastback Soft Top is two tops in one — a full soft top and an open-air safari top that can be easily opened from inside the vehicle. This combo top is the perfect option for summer, because you can ride with the top down and enjoy the summer breeze while traveling offroad, but can quickly get coverage if harsh conditions appear.

Husky Liners X-Act Contour Liners

Husky Liners X-Act Contour Liners are an easy and practical addition to your truck, van or SUV that’ll keep your interior clean. Venture out on dirt or mud, and don’t sweat getting your shoes wet while trying to snag your next big catch. These liners repel it all and fit like a glove with no edge curls or gaps, ensuring protection. They are easy to install and provide rock-solid stability for any adventure.

Summer is meant to be spent Out in the Real, so grab your gear and get out there!