Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

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!

2023-06-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – From the beach to the backyard, road trips to staycations and so many celebrations, summer is peak season for enjoying time with friends and family. You want to feel your best no matter where you’re going, but digestive problems like stomach pain and cramps, bloating as well as urgent bathroom visits can halt summer fun fast.

Many people dismiss their digestive issues as part of life, but these symptoms may be indicators of more serious gastrointestinal conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, often referred to as IBS. IBS is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation — or both. IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States, according to estimates from the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. IBS comes in different subtypes including IBS-C (constipation) and IBS-D (diarrhea).

Ignoring or self-managing your symptoms can delay diagnosis and development of an effective treatment plan. According to “Patient Perspectives: Impacts of Living with IBS,” a recent report from gastroenterology company Salix Pharmaceuticals, more than half of people with IBS waited a year or more before mentioning their symptoms to a provider. Nearly one in three (32%) felt awkward talking about their symptoms to their doctor, and 43% were not aware that IBS is a chronic condition, meaning it’s something people live with and need to manage.

Open communication with your doctor is key to assessing symptoms, enabling a diagnosis, and developing a treatment plan. The survey found that 9 out of 10 IBS patients acknowledged the importance of their health care provider taking the time to talk about additional symptoms and how those symptoms impact daily living. In addition, 1 in 5 survey respondents are not aware that there are prescription options available to address IBS symptoms. Keeping a log of all the symptoms you experience over time and a list of questions can help facilitate the conversation with your doctor and make the most of your appointment.

Don’t spend your summer trying to self-manage your IBS symptoms. It’s important to recognize your symptoms and talk to your doctor to get an assessment of what could be going on, and to figure out a treatment plan that is right for you. You have more important things to focus on — like enjoying life.

To learn more about IBS symptoms and treatment options for adults, visit Salix.com.

2023-06-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – As today’s leaders in the automotive industry re-imagine what the future of mobility looks like, so too must they prioritize how they invest in their future workforce to ensure they’re up for the challenge and are equipped to carry the industry forward when they’re ready to lead. With an all-electric future quickly on the horizon and autonomous mobility continuing to advance, it is necessary to invest time, money and other resources to provide college students with the training and knowledge of the electric, battery and autonomous trades, coupled with the necessary market skills to hit the ground running after graduation.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), General Motors (GM) and MathWorks are sponsoring the EcoCAR EV Challenge to help fill the talent pipeline with entry-level employees, who bring applied knowledge and hands-on experience they acquired through this competition. Managed by Argonne National Laboratory, this four-year competition and newest edition to the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) series will challenge university students to engineer a next-generation battery electric vehicle (BEV) that deploys connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology to implement energy-efficient and customer-pleasing features.

Throughout the EcoCAR EV Challenge, teams will demonstrate the potential of advanced propulsion systems, CAV technologies and other innovative solutions to analyze the energy efficiency of a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ — a next generation BEV — provided by GM. Students will be tasked with complex, real-world technical engineering challenges, including enhancing the propulsion system of their LYRIQ to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining consumer expectations for performance and driving experience. Year one of the competition kicked off during the Fall 2022 semester and the four-year program will conclude at the end of the Spring 2026 semester.

The participating educational institutions in the EcoCAR EV Challenge include:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University & Bethune-Cookman University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• McMaster University
• Mississippi State University
• Ohio State University & Wilberforce University
• University of Alabama
• University of California, Davis
• University of California, Riverside
• University of Texas, Austin
• University of Waterloo
• Virginia Tech
• West Virginia University

The first year of the competition is dedicated to planning and strategizing for the remainder of the competition. This year’s finale took place in May 2023 in Orlando, Florida, with a joint team of students from The Ohio State University (OSU) & Wilberforce University (a historically Black university) crowned the Year 1 overall first place winner. Rounding out the top three are West Virginia University in second place and University of Alabama which finished third. As we look toward year two, which will kick off this fall, each student team will receive a Cadillac LYRIQ that they’ll reengineer to add new energy-efficient and customer-friendly features designed to address the decarbonization needs of the automotive industry.

At the cutting edge of engineering education, AVTCs empower the next generation of engineers and business leaders through hands-on, real-world technical experience. Working closely with mobility and government leaders on a curriculum specifically tailored to align with future industry needs, these competitions help address the toughest mobility challenges facing our nation, while building a clean energy workforce that reflects the diversity of North America.

Since 1988, AVTCs have served as the auto industry’s most effective proving ground for developing new talent — with over 30,000 students from 95 educational institutions participating over the years. Throughout the program, students broaden their skills and expertise through interdisciplinary collaborations with their respective universities, industry leaders and subject matter experts. They also gain access to state-of-the-art testing facilities, and the latest software tools, equipment and hardware. At the end of their college career, AVTC program graduates are more likely to secure top jobs with North America’s premier employers, and often accept higher starting salaries than their peers.

To learn more about the EcoCAR EV Challenge and to follow along on each team’s journey, visit https://avtcseries.org/ and like, follow and subscribe to the competition’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn channels.

2023-06-12T23:01:00

(BPT) – Amid the excitement of summer travel, one aspect that often poses a challenge is maintaining a healthy diet while on the go. Whether you are responsible for nourishing yourself or a whole family, snacking is a crucial part of traveling! Balancing the complexities of planning accommodations, eating, transportation and packing lists for multiple individuals can make healthy eating on the go seem like a daunting task.

Not to worry! By incorporating a touch of pre-trip preparation, you can guarantee tasty and nutritious snacks for you and your family throughout your entire journey. To help you travel smart this summer and beyond, registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., who has endorsed Quest Nutrition for several years, shares her expert four essential travel tips.

1. Nutrition is necessary

Most travel snacks lack nutritional value and fail to satisfy hunger. Avoid being hangry and tired by packing protein-rich snacks that will leave you feeling full for longer and boost energy levels.

Prepare a personalized trail mix by blending your preferred assortment of seeds, nuts and dried fruits. Also, consider including cheese sticks, fresh fruits and vegetables in your snack rotation.

2. Have options

Whether you like crunchy, salty or sweet snacks, it’s good to pack a variety. Offering different flavors and textures will ensure a satisfying experience during your journey.

It is easy to overindulge in sweets while traveling, so to satisfy your sweet tooth, opt for a protein-forward sweet treat like Quest Coconutty Caramel Candy Bites. These candy bites have coconut, caramel and almonds, are covered in a chocolatey coating and boast 5 grams of protein with less than 1 gram of sugar!* Pair these travel-sized candy bites with a bag of pretzels for the perfect blend of sweet and salty.

3. Convenience is key

Everyone can agree that finding your travel snacks crushed into dust puts a major damper on any trip. To avoid this, pack your snacks in airtight food containers. These containers not only help maximize space but also prevent any flattened goods.

Check your local store for bento boxes. These organized food containers are a great way to portion food and balance snack time. And there are plenty of size options, so you’re sure to find one that fits perfectly into your travel bag.

4. Plan ahead

When life gets in the way, it’s easy to forget to pack the essentials like snacks. Plan ahead by investigating the lay of the land at your destination. By knowing what’s available, you can be confident that you’ll find the options you are looking for.

If you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb, research what food options are nearby. You can stock up on water, fruit, nuts and protein bars at a local grocery store and keep them in your room or seek out healthy restaurants nearby.

Add eating well to your packing list! Using these four tips, you’ll make eating healthy during travel a breeze so your family can enjoy every moment to the fullest.

*See product packaging for complete nutritional information

2023-06-12T13:59:00

(BPT) – While it might not be the first item on your packing list, safety while traveling is just as important as it is at home. Whether heading to the beach or a cool mountain retreat, staying in a hotel or enjoying the campground, simple precautions can help you enjoy your vacation safely from departure to return or check-in to check-out.

One consideration that may slip through the cracks for many travelers is the threat of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, invisible and poisonous gas. CO can be emitted by fuel-burning appliances such as water heaters, stoves, furnaces, grills and more, and it can only be detected by a CO alarm. Organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend travelers pack a carbon monoxide alarm, as recent tragic news stories have reported on travelers exposed to deadly levels of this dangerous gas.

First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety*, now of Resideo Technologies, Inc., offers the following tips to incorporate CO safety into your next trip, no matter the accommodations you choose.

1. Hotel Rooms

Once arriving at your hotel room, regardless of the length of your stay, check to see if your room has a CO alarm. Not all states and cities require CO alarms in hotel guest rooms. Even if your room does have one, it may not be clear when it was last checked or replaced. Bringing your own CO alarm may give you added peace of mind.

2. Rented Homes/Rooms

Booking accommodation through private rental companies and individuals is a great way to experience a different side of your destination — but there can be a lot of variables when booking a private space. Given the uncertainty of available safety amenities that can come with this type of travel, it’s best to pack your own CO alarm for added safety. The First Alert 10-Year Battery Carbon Monoxide Alarm makes an ideal travel companion. Its compact design makes it easy to pack, and it requires no installation — you simply place it on a tabletop.

3. Staying with Friends or Family

It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re in a familiar place. If you notice your hosts don’t have smoke and/or CO alarms in their home, share the benefits of having reliable protection and consider an alarm as a host gift.

4. Recreational Vehicles

Recreational vehicles (RVs) offer the best of both worlds: transportation and accommodation. However, having a full kitchen and bathroom on wheels often means a reliance on propane. While it’s important to regularly check propane-burning appliances like refrigerators, hot water heaters and stoves/ovens for leaks, having a CO alarm is also essential. When you purchase a CO alarm for your motor home or campervan, ensure it is RV certified.

5. Cruise Ships

Although cruise ships typically have safety measures in place, such as well-maintained ventilation systems, accidents or malfunctions can still occur. A travel CO alarm provides an additional layer of protection, alerting you to any CO leaks in your cabin or nearby areas. Check with your cruise line to determine if devices with lithium-ion batteries are permitted onboard. Many other alarm options with standard AA or 9V batteries are available, too, so you can sail the high seas with greater peace of mind.

For more information about CO safety, please visit firstalert.com.

*2023 First Alert Brand Trust Survey

2023-06-12T14:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot

Moving your child into their very first college dorm is one of life’s most exciting new adventures. From meeting new people, to exploring new surroundings, preparing for classes and a new place to live, your college student’s life will undoubtedly get very busy, quickly. To help minimize the stress that can come along with prepping for dorm life, consider these five tips to help set your child up for success.

1. Don’t procrastinate on your packing list.

College students’ schedules are often jam-packed at the start of the year, leaving little time for shopping and organizing. Create a shopping list now with your child and get a head start on purchasing the items they will need. Preparing in advance can help your student avoid scrambling to shop for college supplies at the last minute when their selection might be more limited. Additionally, you may forget important items if you wait until just before the school year begins. Start getting what’s needed now and get it packed so there’s one less thing to worry about when it’s time to move.

The school should be able to give you a list of what’s available in the dorm as well as what you’re allowed — or not allowed — to have. Office Depot has a huge selection of backpacks, technology and more to suit your college student’s style, plus desks, chairs and dorm decor to help them feel at home, while they’re away from home. In addition, you can find expanded product assortments for college students in select Office Depot and OfficeMax stores across the country, including bedding and storage solutions from DormCo. Check out Office Depot’s Ultimate College Packing List for more ideas.

2. Be strategic for extra space.

For many students, the biggest challenge is fitting all their dorm room essentials into a limited space — which they often share with a roommate (or two). Smart, space-saving strategies can help to alleviate this issue. For example, raising a bed off the ground with bed risers creates a lot of room for storage below, and convenient storage carts make organization easy.

Get in touch with roommates ahead of time to make sure you don’t duplicate items that can clutter up a room. And that luggage that was used to pack clothes and other essentials in? Consider storing things in there you won’t need as often, like out-of-season coats and boots or extra towels. The luggage can then be stowed under your bed or on the floor of your closet, so it’s out of sight but easily accessible. Click here for more college dorm space-saving suggestions.

3. Create a budget and stick to it.

Tuition, books, housing — college comes with a lot of expenses. You may want to prepare a budget ahead of time to get the most bang for your buck on purchases of school supplies and dorm decor. Do your research to find deals and other ways to save to help stay on track.

And there’s no need to wait until the last minute. Office Depot is helping parents and students get a jump-start on their shopping now. Buy any backpack, including JanSport^®, at an Office Depot or OfficeMax store and save 25% on qualifying school supplies like notebooks, binders, pens and more, now through July 1. You can also save on thousands of items from PCs, laptops and tech accessories to furniture and chairs during the company’s Sizzling Summer Blowout Sale in stores and online.

Enrolling in free loyalty or rewards programs can also help you stretch your dollars. With a free Office Depot^® OfficeMax^® Rewards program membership, members earn 2% back in rewards on supplies, furniture, technology and more, both in stores and online at OfficeDepot.com, plus take advantage of special promotions, instant pricing discounts and more.

4. Parents, send a care package (or more).

No matter how much planning is done ahead of time, things will likely be forgotten. That’s where care packages from parents come into play.

The perfect care package for a college student includes a mix of necessities (snacks, toothpaste, pens), personal effects (photos, clothes) and gift cards to help support them throughout the semester. And you can shop, pack and ship all in one trip at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores with FedEx^® and USPS^® shipping and mailing services.

5. Savor the moment

With so much change happening, it’s easy to let the stress of it all take over. But remember, sending your child off to college and moving them into their first college dorm is a moment to be remembered. Stop packing and take some photos. Go out and enjoy a meal together and reflect on how far you’ve both come.