How a university commencement celebrates student resilience and tenacity

2023-06-12T10:31:00

(BPT) – Every commencement ceremony celebrates student achievement. But the celebration is even more profound when students overcome obstacles to get to school, then strive to continue learning while working, raising families, and other personal obligations. For students who are first in their family to attend college, the celebration is even sweeter.

That’s the case for many students at DeVry University, which held commencement ceremonies on June 11 in Rosemont, Illinois, and virtually for students unable to attend in person. DeVry also hosted a day-long event for grads to engage in sessions to prepare for their lives post-graduation. The alumni reception and award ceremony celebrated alums who have excelled in their professions and their communities while welcoming new graduates into DeVry’s Alumni Association.

“We are proud of our graduates’ hard work, perseverance and determination to reach this milestone,” said Tom Monahan, president and CEO of DeVry University. “However, our commitment doesn’t end at commencement. DeVry’s mission is different than what some people consider to be higher education — to help learners at any stage of their journey create thriving careers in an economy transformed by technology.”

DeVry’s Career Compact is a unique benefits program that supports alumni beyond graduation. Graduates have access to personalized career advising, online career tools, tuition savings, and lifelong learning resources which can empower their future learning and professional pursuits.

A keynote speaker embodying DeVry’s values

Students from a wide variety of backgrounds who overcome obstacles and break barriers to achieve their dreams are a big part of what makes DeVry unique. Highlighting this kind of perseverance was their keynote speaker: entrepreneur and author of “Empowered to Prosper” Natalie Fikes, founder and CEO of Code Next Generation.

“We were fortunate to have Natalie as our keynote speaker. Her story undoubtedly inspired our graduates as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives,” Monahan said.

Fikes began life in Kingston, Jamaica, during civil unrest. Her family came to New York to seek safety, only to face new difficulties as immigrants. Raised primarily by her mother, Fikes left home at 16, beginning a journey of self-discovery after graduating from high school and finding initial success as a sales representative.

Because Fikes believed deeply in her ability to overcome her circumstances, she founded Code Next Generation (now Teen Vocal), a youth organization that helps teens find, develop and use their voices to make a difference in their homes, schools and communities as they navigate life, career and the successful transition to adulthood. In 2015 she was named one of John Maxwell’s Top 100 Leaders, with participants of her program receiving White House recognition from President Barack Obama for exceptional community service.

“It was a privilege to be invited to speak at this year’s commencement,” added Fikes. “My hope is to inspire DeVry University graduates to use their success to make the world a better place.”

Combatting obstacles, mastering new skills: One student’s journey

Eager to achieve new things and break into the traditionally male-dominated field of technology, Chicago native Corinthia Wheeler graduated with an associate degree in Information Technology and Networking with a specialization in Automation and Electronic Systems — and is one of the first in her family to graduate from college. Wheeler had to continue working while attending school, which meant many long nights and early mornings.

“Trust me, it gets really hard, but I never gave up, and DeVry was definitely supportive,” said Wheeler. “Even when I had to take time off, they always reached out and checked in, gave me advice and support resources to help me out.”

Wheeler hopes more women enter the tech field. “Once you try it, you’re going to love it,” she observed. “This is what most women do all the time. We’re moms, sisters, daughters — we play so many roles. Just like systems, we connect to everything and everyone. If you like that and do that naturally, this is the field to study, because this is all you’re doing: connecting.”

Beyond her technology career, Wheeler has goals including working on elections, shadowing someone in local office to learn about running for alderman — and creating a community center.

“I really want to bring a community center back to my community,” Wheeler said. “When I was growing up we had those, but now they’re kind of obsolete. I want to focus on the youth in my community because I want to show them that your environment doesn’t have to make you who you are — you can grow beyond your environment.”

Wheeler’s advice to other students? “Once you have the focus within yourself that this is something you want to do, just keep on,” she said. “Pace yourself. You don’t have to put too much on yourself at once. But don’t give up.”

Discover your possibilities at DeVry.edu.

Pet expert reveals do’s and don’ts of playing with cats

2023-06-12T09:35:00

(BPT) – Play is instrumental for pets’ overall health and physical wellbeing. However, many cat lovers may not realize that there are positive and negative ways to engage cats in play.

“Positive play can lower pets’ cortisol levels, influence brain development and help them gather information to understand boundaries and different ways of communicating,” said Purina Animal Enrichment Specialist Alex Johnson.

If you’re craving new ways to interact with your cat, Johnson shares additional insights about the value of play, plus do’s and don’ts to maximize your time together.

DO create routines — Cats anticipate what will happen at certain times of day. Try giving your cat 15 minutes of undivided attention at the same time every day, focusing on your cat’s cues. Pet your cat and speak in a calm voice. Connection is the goal, but some cats prefer just hearing your voice as they sit nearby.

DO reinforce positive behavior — Johnson recommends praising good behavior with treats like new Friskies Playfuls, uniquely shaped to roll so cats can have fun with their treats. For example, if they like to scratch furniture, redirect the behavior by giving them a toy or object that’s acceptable to scratch.

DO provide mental stimulation — If your cat seems bored, Johnson suggests rotating toys or introducing new activities:

  • Copycat: Mirror your cat’s actions like you’re playing Simon Says, batting Friskies Playfuls with them like you’re playing catch. Seeing things from their perspective fuels interactive play, creating new ways to connect with your cat.
  • Obstacle fetch: Set up items like scrunched-up paper, paper bags or boxes, then toss a treat among the items to encourage cats to seek out the treat. This activity uses their hunting skills, encouraging mental stimulation by providing obstacles they must maneuver around to get their reward.
  • Lost marbles: Cut holes a bit bigger than your cat’s arm on the top and sides of a box. Cut 2-3 holes at floor level, as this will be where the treats come out. Place a few Friskies Playfuls treats and other movable objects inside (balled-up paper, toys, ping-pong balls), letting your cat bat them around to push the treat out of one of the bottom holes. This problem-solving activity gets your cat thinking and activates trial and error.

DON’T forget to encourage their instincts: Cats love exploring, so making blanket forts or repurposing boxes can be great ways to engage with them. They also love exploring textures and smells, so adding different materials like an old T-shirt or packaging paper in the box or blanket fort each week can help keep them entertained.

DON’T betray your cat’s trust: Cats’ relationships are built around trust, which is vital for their sense of safety. Some social media trends prompt cat owners to seek reactions from cats as a means for entertainment, but this could be damaging to the bonds cats have with their owners.

“A great test to check if you’re crossing a line with your cat is to ask yourself if you would do this to a child or a baby,” Johnson says. “If an adult plays pranks, deliberately annoys, hurts or frightens a child — that can cause confusion, stress and feelings of betrayal, and the same concept applies to cats.”

DON’T overstimulate: Watch for signs of agitation: whipping their tail back and forth, biting, hissing or flattening their ears. If you see these signs, give them space. Avoid raising your voice or punishing your cat for being aggressive. While this may seem a logical way to teach your cat to ‘behave,’ it increases your cat’s stress in an already stressful situation — and could increase aggressive behavior.

Following these guidelines, you’ll learn what works best for encouraging active, positive play with your cat, and you’ll likely have just as much fun as they do!

Learn more about Friskies Playfuls on Purina.com/friskies/cat-treats.

Radiant and resilient: Nourish your skin this summer with top dermatologist tips

2023-06-09T10:23:00

(BPT) – As the sun’s warm embrace calls people outdoors, the beauty of summer weather is undeniable. While there are near endless possibilities for outdoor activities, this season can also have a big impact on skin health. Scorching temps, changing humidity and harmful UV rays can take a toll, so it’s important to be mindful and proactive in your approach to skincare from head to toe.

“While summer activities make for a great time, they can also stress your skin and cause it to lose moisture,” said Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens. “Your body care routine should cleanse and nourish your skin to help it stay hydrated throughout the day. Think of your skin barrier as a leaky bucket, you’re constantly trying to fill it with moisturizers but things like chlorine and changes in humidity can strip the skin of moisture and contribute to leaks. The best solution to strengthening the skin barrier is to repair the holes in the bucket.”

Dr. Stephens provides four simple tips to maintain healthy, hydrated skin this summer:

1. Block the burn

It’s always critical to apply sunscreen daily. Sunscreen helps protect skin by blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, water resistant and has broad-spectrum protection (meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays). Remember to apply to all skin exposed to the sun — not just your face, and reapply approximately every two hours when outdoors.

2. Cleanse and nourish

You may shower more frequently during the summer months, so it’s important to use a hydrating body wash that doesn’t strip the skin. A great option is the Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash that is formulated with premium skin care ingredients like Vitamin B3 Complex that help renew thirsty skin from within, resulting in long-lasting hydration and healthier-looking skin.

3. Seal the deal

After you shower with a hydrating body wash, lock in that moisture with a nourishing body lotion. Olay Hyaluronic Body Lotion is nutrient-rich, fast-absorbing, and lightweight, making this lotion ideal for summer. The moisturizing ingredients penetrate 10 surface layers deep and hydrate to begin the process of surface cell turnover. Use with Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash to boost effects of Vitamin B3 Complex and moisturizing ingredients.

4. Get that H2O glow

Water intake is essential to look and feel your best any time of year, but it’s especially important during warm weather. As temperatures rise and you’re active outdoors, your body dehydrates faster. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to make up for this loss and strengthen cell membranes, including those in the skin, helping to maintain skin health and overall wellness.

“We’re all eager to bask in the summer excitement, but we should first remember to take care of our skin,” said Dr. Stephens. Renew your routine (and your skin!) with these tips for radiant, resilient skin all summer long!

Little heroes, big impact: How a new campaign is empowering kids to make a difference

2023-06-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – The world is changing fast and in ways it never has before, and although kids remain optimistic about their futures, research shows they don’t know how they can actively be participants in positive changemaking.

According to a 2022 survey by Nickelodeon, 46% of children felt that they didn’t have the power to change today’s issues. This isn’t necessarily because of a lack of confidence. The survey also found that 69% of kids said they didn’t know how to get involved in their communities. What it boils down to is that kids need to gain the skills to deal with the change around them. Even though they can’t vote, kids have a voice and can positively impact the world locally and globally.

To give kids a platform and avenues to effect change in their neighborhoods, Nickelodeon has launched the Our World campaign. This global initiative aims to inspire kids and provide the necessary tools so they can make a difference in their communities through actions big and small.

The campaign underscores that kids can exercise their individual and collective agency to address pressing issues in their neighborhoods. Through strategic partnerships, including Ashoka and Aspen Institute, Nickelodeon provides kids access to age-appropriate opportunities to be the change they want to see.

Pathways to participation

In partnership with ChangeX, a fundraising platform, Nickelodeon has set up the Our World US Community Fund to provide resources and support to community projects that would otherwise go unfunded. From the arts to STEM to environmental sustainability, funded projects will be actively led by kids — with the guidance of a grown-up co-leader, to shape their communities for the better.

Nickelodeon and ChangeX have provided project ideas for kids to get started, such as recycling, composting, coding, environmental cleanups and community food pantries and gardens. However, children aren’t limited to these ideas. They can apply for funding of an original or existing project for consideration.

Funded projects will receive a free resource pack, mentorship and technology tools to get started. There are also opportunities for additional impact funding. In funding these projects, the Our World campaign hopes to help children realize their agency and become the changemakers their communities, and the world, needs.

Another Our World partnership is with 4-H — America’s largest youth development organization — which offers kids opportunities to improve the world around them. Children can join a local 4-H chapter and find like-minded peers and mentors while participating in hands-on service activities like an environmental cleanup of a park or highway, collecting and distributing essential items to those in need, planting and tending a community garden or reading to younger kids after school.

Creating a culture of kindness

Beyond working together on local initiatives, Our World also encourages children to take simple actions in their daily lives that can profoundly impact the people they meet and, by extension, their community. For example, an easy way to create change is to be kind to those around you. According to research by Nickelodeon, kids of all ages and demographics believe that kindness is one of the most important factors that help someone make a difference.

For example, at school, kids can look for peers sitting alone at lunch and ask them to join their table. During a sports game, they can compliment their teammates on their skills or offer to play with them after practice to improve. These small actions can have a big impact on someone’s day and foster a positive and inclusive community. Also, acts of kindness may inspire others to be kind, too, creating a culture of kindness at their school and beyond.

Getting started is easy

Nickelodeon believes that through actions big and small, kids of all ages have the power to make a positive impact on the world and wants to help them unlock their potential. The Our World campaign will be rolling out more ideas and opportunities to support and encourage children’s civic engagement locally and globally. To learn more and get started, kids can visit OurWorld.com today.

5 easy, fun ways to keep your cool this summer

2023-06-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – You know they’re coming — those “dog days” of summer when you’d think you could fry an egg on the sidewalk. While some parts of summer are nothing but fun, it’s important to find ways to stay cool so you can keep on enjoying the sunshine.

Here are some tips to help you keep yourself — and your whole family — nice and cool, whatever you’re doing this summer.

1. Have it made in the shade

Especially when you’re being active outdoors, staying out of the bright sun during the peak midday hours can help take the heat down a notch. Take advantage of natural shade like leafy trees or use whatever shade is available where you are. Another option is to bring along a large umbrella to help you get a reprieve from the full sunlight. Even a wide-brimmed hat can help you enjoy a bit of shade. Remind kids to take a break in the shade, too — it’s easy to forget when you’re out playing with your friends.

2. Learn to pace yourself

When you or the kids are exerting a lot of energy doing outdoor chores, exercising or playing sports, it’s important to recognize when you might be overdoing it — before that happens. Remind yourself to take more than your usual breaks from exertion when it’s hot outside, even when you’re having a lot of fun.

3. Enjoy a cold, tasty treat

Nothing tastes better and cools you off quicker on a hot day than a stop at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Churned fresh every morning and throughout the day in each restaurant, a fresh batch of their delicious Frozen Custard always awaits you. It’s slowly churned to create a rich, creamy treat the whole family will enjoy. You can order online or via their app for pickup, drive-through, delivery or to eat in at one of their many locations on Freddys.com/order. Choose vanilla, chocolate or half and half, plus up to 5 of their 26 tasty toppings, from fresh strawberries and pecans to sweet treats like cheesecake pieces, Heath toffee and hot caramel. Freddy’s frozen custard can be topped in a sundae, blended into concrete or mixed into a shake or malt — it’s up to you. Need a whole meal? Enjoy one of their famous Steakburgers made with 100% premium beef and hand-crafted right when you order to ensure freshness. The patties have thin, crispy edges and a thicker, juicy middle. Visit Freddys.com to learn more.

4. Hydrate often

Take frequent sips from your water bottle, no matter what you’re doing in the heat. Be sure to pack extra water bottles if you’re going to be outside for a while, and include ice inside the bottles to help your water stay nice and cool. Kids also need reminders to take frequent drinks while they’re playing.

5. Let water cool you down

Being in and around any form of water is one of the best — and most fun — ways to stay cool, whether you’re swimming, dangling your feet in the water or just splashing around. Try using a portable misting fan to help you stay comfortable in the heat. Or if you’re bringing along a cooler, pack a few damp washcloths along with your cold pack that you can place on your face or neck for a quick cooldown. When all else fails, go ahead and run through the sprinkler! You’re never too old to enjoy that refreshing feeling.

These easy tips will help you beat the heat all summer long, so you can have a blast with your friends and family.

What the brands you love are doing to keep your data safe

2023-06-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly one in four people recently shared they would rather give up chocolate for the rest of their lives than be subjected to digital fraud. Unfortunately, fraud is on the rise, with three in ten consumers sharing that they have experienced fraud in the past three years, according to new research from Telesign. Of those surveyed, 61% reported financial losses and 40% said the stress of the experience impacted their daily lives and changed their expectations of digital interactions.

With fraud losses at an all-time high, 94% of consumers agree that businesses bear the responsibility for protecting their digital privacy. In fact, 43% of those whose personal information was exposed due to a data breach stopped associating with the company that failed to protect their data. The effect of a bad actor is not limited to the original consumer, as 44% of those reported telling friends and family not to associate with the brand, while 30% posted about the fraudulent incident on social media.

Despite the prevalence and consequences of digital fraud, consumers sometimes push back on some common fraud prevention measures. Approximately 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned before checkout, and the most cited reason is the friction created when customers are asked to verify their identities.

Think of friction in the digital economy as anything that gets in the way of someone’s digital or online experience. Consider your own digital accounts for a moment. When you sign up for a new app or service, your interest probably wanes, or you become distracted when you encounter a burdensome registration or sign-up process. And if you’ve decided to jump through all the proverbial safety hoops, you’ve likely asked yourself, “why is this necessary?” before completing the transaction.

Most consumers have grown accustomed to some level of friction even if they don’t fully understand the purpose it serves. Friction adds an additional layer of protection by making it more difficult for malicious actors to gain access to your account or personal data.

But not all friction is bad. Appropriate friction is a new term being embraced in the digital economy, partly because research is showing that the right amount of friction can enhance the user experience. Further, it can actually build trust. Appropriate friction can make consumers more trusting of a brand’s digital app or service, boost loyalty, and enhance the desire to do business with that brand.

But what does appropriate friction look like? And how can consumers spot the brands employing it to keep their identity and data safe?

For digital users, the good news is that appropriate friction doesn’t have to be all that, well, frictional. And for businesses, defending against fraud doesn’t have to come at the cost of a smooth user experience. Take the sign-up or onboarding process, for example.

Onboarding is the process of subscribing or signing up a new user to a digital platform and is a crucial first step in the relationship between a consumer and a brand.

The experience should be designed for ease but also to minimize fraudulent activity and prevent bots from infiltrating your digital accounts. Done poorly, onboarding is frustrating and can drive away potential users. Done well, it establishes trust by verifying your identity and providing access to the platform while reinforcing the assurance of safety and respect for your personal information.

Consumers look for brands that offer a streamlined yet effective digital experience. This is particularly true with digital services like online banking and finance, e-commerce, or gaming. A little more friction in these moments may look like one-time password requests or two-factor authentication. These are good signs of appropriate friction designed to keep your information safe. It can also prevent children from accessing parental accounts and racking up unwanted charges or viewing content that is not age-appropriate.

Deciding whom you can trust in the digital world can be difficult. The most trusted brands are the ones striking the right balance — providing the right amount of appropriate friction at the right time in the short term to build the kind of trust that creates lasting relationships in the long term.

How do college refunds work? Learn how to protect your investment

2023-06-06T12:01:01

(BPT) – It’s graduation season! If you have a high school senior, you’re probably busy planning a party or vacation to celebrate the end of their high school years. Last year, more than 20 million students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs across the U.S. If your child is one of the millions of students attending college this year, you also have a lot to do before the fall. However, it’s important to set aside time, even now, to plan for your college student’s freshman year and have tough conversations about what you’ll do in case they need to withdraw.

After all the effort going into choosing the ideal college experience, families don’t often consider what might happen if their child may need to leave school during their educational journey. But it’s a common enough occurrence that it’s best to be prepared. The National Student Clearinghouse found that one in four first-year college students don’t return for the second year. Often, leaving school is a tough decision for students and parents. It’s even more stressful when families can’t recoup the loss of tuition, housing and fees if their school doesn’t offer a refund.

Families are smart to not be surprised. Read on to see how you can protect your financial investment in your child’s education and receive a refund if they are forced to withdraw midterm due to legitimate reasons including accidents, injuries, or physical or mental health conditions.

1. Learn why students withdraw

Many students have to withdraw for medical reasons, including anxiety, depression, stress, mono, flu and concussions, just to name a few. Even for those who don’t withdraw, nearly half (41%) of students have considered withdrawing in the past year, with 55% citing emotional stress, according to the 2023 Lumina Foundation Gallup State of Higher Education Report.

Even if they feel that they need to withdraw, many students push themselves to the breaking point for fear of placing undue financial burden on themselves and their families. That’s why it’s important to talk with your child about how they’re feeling leading up to their fall semester and to check in with them as the term progresses.

2. Understand your school’s refund policy

Not knowing why and when your student can withdraw from classes can leave you scrambling should your student need a leave of absence. According to the 2022 College Confidence Index, 74% of students and 66% of parents are unfamiliar with their school’s tuition refund policy. Before taking your student to freshman orientation, make sure to review their school’s refund policy.

Most colleges don’t offer tuition refunds after the first few weeks of school and virtually no schools provide refunds for the cost of housing or academic fees, so it’s vital to know important withdrawal dates. Otherwise, you risk losing tens of thousands of dollars if your child is forced to withdraw midterm.

3. Determine if you could afford the cost of an extra semester

If your child’s school doesn’t offer a tuition refund or you want to be prepared in case your student needs to withdraw after the refund period, you’ll need to see if you can afford an extra semester. If you can’t, you’re not alone. More than half of parents (52%) reported it would be difficult for them to pay for the cost of an extra semester, according to the College Confidence Index. As college costs continue to rise, families have difficulty paying for a regular four-year degree, let alone tens of thousands of dollars for an extra semester.

4. Find out if your school offers tuition insurance

Many colleges and universities offer tuition insurance that provides a tuition refund if your student is forced to withdraw midterm. Your school may partner with an insurance provider like GradGuard, the only company in the country that provides up to 100% refunds for students who withdraw for a covered reason during the insured term.

While hundreds of schools from Auburn, Duke, Harvard, NYU, Purdue, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt provide their students with tuition insurance, some schools may not and it is useful for families to ask them for protection. The only alternative to an official school program is GradGuard, which offers plans to any student attending a four-year private or public nonprofit institution in the U.S. To learn more, visit GradGuard.com.

5. Know what tuition insurance covers

Not all tuition insurance plans offer the same coverage. Make sure you sign up for a plan that covers a variety of situations that could cause your student to withdraw from classes. Tuition insurance can reimburse the cost of a covered term, including tuition, housing and fees, in case of a covered medical withdrawal.

GradGuard’s Tuition Insurance plans can cover ordinary but serious medical conditions like mono and concussions. It also covers mental health conditions that can lead to unexpected withdrawals, including anxiety and depression.

Students who are struggling should not be burdened with feeling the need to stay in school for financial reasons alone. By being proactive, knowing your school’s refund policy and purchasing tuition insurance prior to the start of school, your family can have confidence that if your student needs to leave school for a legitimate reason, they can do so. Students can focus on their health and return to school when they are well again.

5 tips to stay organized during the shift to busy summer schedules

2023-06-06T10:01:00

(BPT) – As another school year ends, families everywhere are shifting gears to start preparing for their summer schedules. Between daily activities and playdates, summer classes, camp and family vacations, keeping tabs on your family’s to-do list over the summer can begin to feel as hectic as the school year. Fortunately, there are useful tools and strategies to help you remember important dates, deadlines and schedule changes that are part of every family’s summer plans.

Here are some tried-and-true strategies for keeping everyone in your household on track, from the end of this school year through getting ready for the next one.

1. Set action time each morning

Often feel like small tasks get pushed? When you know you have to schedule an appointment for a family member, do you say to yourself, “I’ll do it later” or “I’ll do it tomorrow,” but then tomorrow turns into a month from now?

No need to fret, set daily “Action Time” to keep you on track! In the morning, take 10 minutes to schedule those appointments and cross small tasks off the list. A little each day will help you to stay productive and maintain organization for the family and yourself.

2. Write. It. Down.

With so much happening every day, your brain is bound to get overloaded, which can cause you to forget things you intended to accomplish. All of a sudden, you’re standing in front of your freezer staring at frozen meat and have no idea why you opened the freezer in the first place.

When something pops up that you need to remember, whether you are on the go or at home, jot it down with Post-it® 100% Recycled Paper Super Sticky Notes. They are convenient enough to keep on hand wherever you are — in the car, your pocketbook, bookbag, office desk, etc. and have 2X the sticking power to stick and re-stick to most surfaces. We especially love that they are made from 100% recycled paper so there is no guilt with use.

3. Use a family calendar

Having a centrally located, family wall calendar is one of the easiest ways to stay organized. Fill out your family calendar using Post-it® Super Sticky Notes which will allow you to easily add or move things around when schedules change. Coordinate different colors for camps, appointments, vacations, family game nights or whatever — and read your calendar with ease whether rushing out the door or during your morning action time.

4. Coordinate by color

To help you stay ahead of the chaos, let each child choose a different color Post-it® Note, so you’ll know which reminders or events relate to each child — and they’ll know how to find their own items on your family calendar. With so many colors to choose from, including collections like Wanderlust Pastels, Oasis and more, kids will find it fun to get involved in the process.

Kids can also use them to write notes to you, and you can use them to leave cheerful, encouraging messages while assigning weekly chores. They’ll last as long as you need, maintaining their sticking power throughout the summer and beyond.

5. Make it a family affair

Get kids involved by having them help manage their summer schedule. Encourage them to fill out their own notes so they can keep up with friends’ birthday parties and any other important dates. They’ll soon get in the habit of organizing themselves, while also helping you stay up to date with important happenings in their life.

Getting organized can be a challenging — and rewarding — task to complete. With the right tools and strategies that work for you and your family, getting organized may be the first thing you’re able to cross off your to-do list this summer. Find more tips on how to stay organized all year long at Post-it.com and follow @Postit on Instagram.

5 tips to make summer entertaining a breeze

2023-06-06T08:05:00

(BPT) – Summertime is all about gathering together and having fun outdoors. The warm sunny days and long, balmy evenings make it easier than ever to enjoy spending quality time with your friends and family. To ensure an easy and nutritious get-together this season, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares some of her tips to help simplify summer entertaining while adding more fun and flavor, too.

1. Pick a theme

To create a memorable gathering and simplify your planning process simultaneously, brainstorm a fun party theme to help coordinate your decorations, refreshments, music and activities. Get creative with themes like “Surfer’s Paradise” or “’80s Night.”

2. Create a seasonal menu

Develop your menu using plenty of seasonal produce. Getting produce that’s in season will be more flavorful and delicious, plus it tends to be on sale and less expensive. There are lots of summertime fruits and veggies that are perfect for parties such as watermelon, berries, corn on the cob, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans and zucchini.

3. Streamline setup and cleanup

Use non-breakable dishes to keep cookouts safe and fun. If you don’t want to use disposable plates and cups, consider getting a set of washable plastic dishes designed for outdoor use. You can also set out containers labeled for trash and recycling so it’s easy for you and your guests to clean as you go.

4. Bring on the fun and games

Help keep your get-together lively and active with a selection of fun outdoor games that are great for all ages, like wiffleball, croquet or badminton. These games add lots of enjoyment and laughs, plus it gives your party a healthy dose of energizing, feel-good fitness.

5. Choose nutritious, easy-to-prep recipes

The best party food is simple to make, nutritious and tasty for both adults and kids. For the perfect outdoor summer brunch or lunch, try these Tortilla Egg Roll-Ups from Eggland’s Best — they’re an easy hand-held snack that adds protein, nutrients and color to any table spread!

Blatner recommends using Eggland’s Best eggs because they contain six times more Vitamin D to support cognitive wellness, immunity and healthy bones and muscles. They also contain more than double the Vitamin B12, which provides a natural energy boost, 25% less saturated fat and more than double the Omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs.

Tortilla Egg Roll-Ups

Prep time: under 5 minutes
Cook time: under 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients
4 Eggland’s Best Large Eggs
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 whole grain tortillas (6-inch)
Optional mix-ins: finely chopped spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers

Preparation

1. Over medium heat, warm a 6-inch skillet.
2. In small measuring cup, scramble one Eggland’s Best Egg.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to skillet, pour in the egg, and swirl so it covers the bottom of the pan.
4. Sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of cheese and optional mix-ins.
5. Let egg cook about 30 seconds, or until the bottom is cooked, but the top is still a little wet.
6. Press 1 tortilla right on top of the wet egg, and cook another 30 seconds (the egg and tortilla will stick together.)
7. Using a spatula, flip the egg and tortilla over, and cook another 30 seconds until the egg is fully cooked.
8. Remove from pan, let cool slightly, then roll it.
9. Repeat for remaining eggs and tortillas.
10. Eat immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to four days.

You can even make extras to keep in the freezer for up to three months. For more recipe inspiration for your next gathering, visit EgglandsBest.com.

Using these tips, you’ll be able to throw a crowd-pleasing get-together that your friends and family will be talking about all summer long!

One program provides great value and support to new parents

2023-06-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – From the moment you find out you’re expecting a baby, your life is forever changed. Having a child is an adventure that brings a mix of emotions — from excitement and joy to anxiety and downright confusion. It’s important to have support, and there are programs specially designed to help you wherever you are in your parenting journey.

One such program is Enfamil Family Beginnings. You can join for free to access a variety of benefits that will help provide important support in the time leading up to baby’s arrival, through the first year, and beyond. What type of benefits does Enfamil Family Beginnings® offer? Here are four of the biggest benefits that only members receive:

Welcome Wonder Box

When you sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings, you may be eligible to receive a Wonder Box care package filled with products for your baby. This adorable box has formula samples and supplies right when you need it most — close to or right after your baby is born. This special box comes from a brand you can trust with over 100 years of experience helping feed infants and providing support to new parents and caregivers.

Discounts, rewards, & promotions

Who doesn’t like saving money? As a member, you can receive discount checks and digital rebates on Enfamil® products, which can make a big difference when it comes to the family budget. There’s plenty of fun stuff, too. For example, get an adorable set of Belly Badges™ that are the ideal prop for infant photos so you can capture milestones and special moments — like ages by month, fun firsts and holidays.

By joining Enfamil Family Beginnings, you also join the Enfamil Rewards program! Earn points on select purchases, referrals, and more. Redeem points for rewards like rebates on Enfamil products.

Weekly tips tailored to you

Whether you’re pregnant and don’t know where to start, or you have a newborn and are starting to get in the swing of things, members receive emails with expert developmental and nutrition tips tailored to your journey. Want even more info about your little one? Read articles, participate in polls and more — every activity earns points toward Enfamil Rewards, which can be redeemed for formula rebates, supplies, and baby gear.

Ask a Nurse help line for fast, trusted support 24/7/365

As the saying goes, babies don’t come with manuals, so it’s common for parents to have a lot of questions. Fortunately, Enfamil Family Beginnings members can get support and expert answers to many pregnancy, pediatric health, and infant development questions through the Ask A Nurse program. From concerns about colic and coughing to breastfeeding, pediatric and OB/GYN registered nurses can help at no cost to you. Whether you’re at home, traveling or visiting relatives, Ask a Nurse gives you access to professional healthcare guidance you can trust, at a moment’s notice. Whether you want to check a symptom, get a second opinion, or simply have some peace of mind, the Ask a Nurse service can be accessed for free from any device at any time, and you’ll get a response within minutes. Ask a Nurse is currently not yet available in the following states: AK, HI, MN, NC, NV, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX VT, WA, DC.

This service is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be used for emergencies.

Enfamil also has consumer resource specialists available to speak with online or over the phone. These specialists are available to answer any product-related questions on Enfamil’s website or by calling 1-800-BABY123.

To learn more and become an Enfamil Family Beginnings member for free, visit Enfamil.com/baby-formula-coupons-samples. Parents and caregivers can receive exclusive rewards, savings, and support for their little one(s).