Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-01-30T16:42:51

(BPT) – Do you love hosting friends and family for game day? With the big game and college basketball championship season quickly approaching, you’ll want to make sure your house is ready for your guests. As you tidy up and prepare to throw the ultimate viewing party, don’t forget to plan delicious appetizers and dishes for everyone to snack on.

Whether you’re keeping it simple with chips and dips, or tackling a larger spread of touchdown treats, Good Foods has provided the following seven recipes to help take your Game Day snacks all the way to the end zone.

1. Game Day Guacamole

Guacamole is a must-have item for your game day gathering. Whether you use it as a dip, spread or side, it’s the MVP — most versatile pairing. This recipe for Game Day guacamole is quick and easy to make. All you need is Chunky or Spicy Good Foods Guacamole, bacon bits and sour cream. Using the bacon bits and sour cream, you can create a football-shaped appetizer that blitzes your tastebuds and spruces up your table.

2. Buffalo Chicken Crunchwraps

Jess Larson, the creator behind the blog Plays Well With Butter, has a great recipe for buffalo chicken crunchwraps. Toss shredded chicken with Good Foods Plant Based Buffalo Dip, then fold into a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Cook wraps until golden brown and you’ll have a mouthwatering, crunchy snack for the big day in no time.

3. Loaded Potato Skins

Like the pros, you’ll need a filling mix of carbs and protein to fuel you during game day. You can prep this recipe for loaded potato skins in just 10 minutes and take care of other preparations for the big day while the dish bakes. Don’t forget to grab Good Foods Chunky Guacamole, bacon, crema and green onion to top the cheesy potato skins.

4. Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring

Huddle up with your guests on the big day around this tasty buffalo chicken crescent ring. Inside the ring of crescent roll triangles, you’ll layer a delicious mix of cheese, chicken, hot sauce, onion and Good Foods Plant Based Buffalo Dip. Finish off this spicy, savory treat by placing a bowl of Good Foods Creamy Ranch Dip in the center of the ring and celery and carrot sticks for dipping.

5. Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Make sure your vegan guests have something fun to eat on game day with this vegan jalapeño poppers recipe. You likely already have all the spices you’ll need to create this tasty, plant-based dish. For the rest, pop by the store and pick up some jalapeños, fresh chives, vegan cream cheese, vegan cheddar shreds and Good Foods Plant Based Queso Dip. In no time, you’ll have a plate of freshly baked stuffed jalapeños that even non-vegans will want to try.

6. Baked Crispy Chicken Tacos

Jess from Plays Well With Butter also created this delicious game day tacos recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Simply toss shredded chicken into an easy homemade taco seasoning, stuff corn tortillas with cheese and then bake until the tacos are golden and crisp. Make sure to have a variety of toppings for your game day guests, like Good Foods Chunky Guacamole, Plant Based Queso Dip and Avocado Salsa.

7. Mini Vegan Taco Bites

Looking for another delicious vegan Game Day snack? Try these mini vegan taco bites created by Zuliya Khawaja of Naturally Zuzu. Stuffed with jalapeño, corn, peppers, tomatoes, beans and plenty of tasty seasonings, these crisp creations will elevate your game day snack table. Pair these bite-sized beauties with Good Foods Plant Based Queso Dip, Chunky or Spicy Guacamole, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

While the recipe calls for vegan ingredients, you can customize the recipe to include animal protein if desired.

Make a few or all seven of these seven recipes and you’ll be sure to have the home field advantage with your guests on the big day! You can find Good Foods products nationwide at Target, Costco and major regional retailers, including Kroger and Publix. Find a store near you using their store locator, or visit the online store and buy party-ready bundles to save time on the big day.

2023-01-30T06:45:00

(BPT) – Make your Big Game food spread EPIC by creating quick twists on classic snacks that pack in the flavor. The nibbles and bites your family or crowd enjoys during the big day are all part of the fun — and everyone knows great food is just as important as a suspenseful ballgame when it comes to that special Sunday.

New flavors and hand-held or snackable options of meals are fun ways to liven up any gathering. And with a few simple pantry, fridge and freezer staples, plus inventive ways of serving, you’ll be able to create a truly epic spread!

1. The Kickoff

Guacamole is always a hit in anyone’s playbook. And this Loaded Guacamole Dip recipe, featured in the new cookbook Delicious Gatherings by Tara Teaspoon, is fast becoming a gameday classic. “‘Load’ the dip however you wish on your platter or layer it in a glass dish,” Tara suggests. And for a smaller gathering, just halve the recipe and use a smaller platter.

2. Snack Boards

Epic snack boards are all the rage and there’s literally no end to your creativity here. Try mixing an array of hot snacks with a variety of fresh veggies and prepared dips, like this one from Reluctant Entertainer. For a more spiced-up version, check out another board idea from Savory Spin.

3. Hand-Helds

Tara loves Asian lettuce wraps for parties too. “These handheld snacks are always a hit. My pantry staple suggestion is to keep Sweet Chili Sauce on hand for dipping — it’s a crowd pleaser. And to make dainty wraps more hearty for game day I use Farm Rich Meatballs in place of minced chicken. The flavor is fantastic, and it’s an easy twist on a classic.” Find the recipe at TaraTeaspoon.com.

4. Taco Touchdown

Another great hand-held option is a mini taco bar, complete with meat and veggie options. These Mushroom Street Tacos from The Baking Fairy are delicious as is, but can also be dressed up with smashed black beans and avocado to add a bit of creamy richness, plus adding some cabbage-cilantro slaw will round out the taste.

5. Small Bites

Mozzarella Caprese Bites, featuring Farm Rich’s popular Mozzarella Sticks, get dressed up with cucumbers, Roma tomatoes, fresh basil and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. These bites would also be perfect for a snack board.

6. Zesty Dips

Whether it’s for a charcuterie board, fresh-cut veggies or crackers, be sure to feature at least a couple of your favorite dips. This zesty Roasted Red Pepper Dip from A Dish of Daily Life is versatile, healthy and packed with fresh flavor — and goes great with a wide array of foods.

7. Get a Little Crazy

Bacon makes everything better, right? Try a crazy delicious pairing: Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks. Just wrap each Mozz Stick with a piece of bacon and bake at 400°F for 15-20 min. Whisk together pineapple juice and cayenne pepper and cook mixture on the stovetop until it comes to a boil. Using a basting brush, spread the pineapple/cayenne mixture on each stick to taste. Truly epic!

8. Big Plays

Every gameday spread needs a key play and these Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs from Cooking in Stilettos will do the trick. Featuring a tangy pineapple Hawaiian sauce, you can grab precooked meatballs from the freezer and give yourself time to get ready for your gathering by letting them simmer in the slow cooker.

9. More Meatballs, Please!

Most folks might expect pigs in a blanket (nothing wrong with those!) but put a spin on the idea with these tiny, tasty Meatball Cups from GoGoGo Gourmet. Bake frozen meatballs in crescent roll dough in mini muffin cups. The result is a hearty hand-held bite you can drizzle with sauce so there’s no dip bowl needed!

10. The Extra Point – Buffalo Bite Sliders

Sliders are so versatile and fun and you can whip up these Buffalo Chicken Bite Sliders “super” fast. Just grab Buffalo Style Boneless Chicken Bites at your local grocer. Cook according to instructions, nestle them in soft potato rolls and douse more sauce on top for that extra kick. They’ll be gone before halftime!

For all these ideas and more, visit FarmRich.com and check out all of Tara’s delicious recipes at TaraTeaspoon.com.

2023-01-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – As a mom of three, Carter’s Chief Mom Officer Hilary Duff knows a thing or two about how to navigate shopping for your baby and how to style them for every season and every occasion.

According to Duff, basics are key to creating easy mix-and-match outfits that make changing babies fast and seamless. As baby wardrobes need to be updated and sized up frequently, it helps to have go-to staples you rely on and restock as your baby grows.

Carter’s, the most trusted brand of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, has all the essentials from bodysuit bundles to versatile jumpsuits, outfit sets and more. With core pieces you trust, Carter’s makes it easy to replenish closets while staying true to the style and aesthetic you know and love, from neutrals to matching sets, colorful items and more. The brand’s semi-annual Baby Love Sale, running now through Feb. 14, is the perfect time to stock up, with up to 50% off select seasonal items and doorbusters starting at $5 for slogan bodysuits.

Ready to start shopping? Here are some of Duff’s picks to curate a stylish and functional wardrobe for baby to grow with.

Stylish Sets for Less Stress

Made-to-match outfits are a major time saver! Two-piece sets are a go-to on mornings when you’re rushing out the door. Carter’s has so many styles to choose from — you’ll never have to question “does this match?” again. Now you can grab your favorite matching sets in a variety of styles and colors for up to 50% off.

Ready in a Snap

Another option that makes changing a breeze is one-pieces, like Snap Up Sleep and Plays and jumpsuits. From play time to nap time, these snap-ups are perfect for whatever the day might bring. Carter’s has so many adorable styles, from color blocking to warm hooded options and beyond — all of which are on sale now starting at only $5 for slogan bodysuits.

Zip It Up

When it comes to dressing little ones, convenience and ease are key — ever try to change a baby on little-to-no sleep in the dark during the night? Carter’s 2-Way Zip Sleep and Plays are designed for all-day comfort, from naptime to tummy time and everything in between. Plus, with the two-way zipper, baby’s arms and tummy stay warm during diaper changes. While solids never go out of style, fun patterns and pops of color spice up the effortless look.

Backup Plan

Things happen — unexpected juice spills and untimely blowouts are inevitable. Always carry a few extra bodysuits or diaper cover sets with you to prepare for anything that comes your way. Bodysuits, which are currently $12+ a bundle from $2.40 per piece, are the perfect layering piece and key for quick and easy outfit changes thanks to the overlap shoulders that make it easy to pull over your baby’s head.

Stock up and save now through Feb. 14 and continue to visit Carters.com to check out other deals and promotions for wardrobe updates all year long.

2023-01-30T10:01:00

(BPT) – On January 28, countries worldwide observe Data Privacy Day, to raise awareness and promote data privacy and best practices. As people across the globe increasingly use online accounts as part of their everyday life, data privacy and security is more important than ever.

Ring, known for its Video Doorbell and other smart home security devices, has tips to help protect your personal devices, accounts and information.

1. Create unique passwords — Use unique passwords for your various online accounts. Do not reuse username and passwords across multiple accounts.

2. Use a password manager — Consider using a password manager to help you safely store all your passwords. Password managers are available as standalone apps and as extensions to popular browsers like Safari or Chrome.

3. Take advantage of two-step verification — Though it may add a little time to your login process, this additional layer of verification provides enhanced security to your online accounts. Taking advantage of this feature when available helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts even if someone has your password.

4. Watch out for phishing scams — Phishing is when a bad actor attempts to trick you with a fake email or text that claims to be legitimate in order to gain access to your login credentials. If you notice a suspicious email or text that falsely claims to come from a company you do business with, contact them to alert them to the phishing attempt. If you’re a Ring customer, you can report phishing attempts to security@ring.com.

5. Stay up-to-date with security — To keep up with the fast-changing cybersecurity landscape, new features and security updates are constantly being added to devices and apps to help protect consumers from threats, including customers using the Ring App. If you use products such as Ring Video Doorbell, make sure you’re always up-to-date with the latest security updates.

Here are some helpful Ring features customers can use to help protect their accounts and information:

• The Control Center in the Ring app that allows customers to manage their privacy, security and account management settings right from the Ring App.
• Video End-to-End Encryption provides an optional added layer of protection to video and audio recordings captured by compatible Ring devices.
• To ensure that the privacy of your neighbors is protected alongside your own, Privacy Zones let you block areas as “off-limits” — such as your neighbor’s front yard. With this feature, you can designate areas you’d like blacked out from your camera’s field of view, so they’re not visible in Live View or recorded in your videos.
• Similarly, Motion Zones let you define a specific area where motion detection will trigger an event, so you can exclude high-traffic areas like busy sidewalks or streets that you don’t want to receive alerts from.
• If you need a secure way to save videos in your Ring account when you move, or when upgrading devices, the Deactivated Device State allows you to access saved events and videos, even after a device is removed from your account or ownership is transferred to someone else.

Taking a few extra steps to reinforce the security features for all your devices, apps and your home security system can help prevent problems down the road, giving you and your family better peace of mind.

All these measures are designed to help protect consumers’ privacy and security, and keep users in control, as they create a customized home security solution. Visit ring.com to learn more.

2023-01-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – Taking care of ourselves and each other is critical at any age. A 2022 survey of members by AARP Services confirmed that adults 50-plus share that sentiment. Seventy-one percent agreed with the statement, “My health is my biggest concern,” while 89% agreed with the statement, “Taking care of my family is my first priority.”

Despite considering it important, though, the pandemic led many to fall behind on regular check-ups. In a Feb. 12-17, 2021 TIME-Harris Poll survey, 78% of respondents reported they had put off at least some medical services during the previous three months. It is likely these appointments seemed non-critical at the time, especially relative to the risk of exposure to more serious illness, but continually neglecting them can lead to other, more significant issues down the road.

With a new year underway, there’s no time like the present to get back into the wellness groove and stay there for good. Fortunately, AARP member benefits offer many ways to help make it even easier.

Did you hear that?

Mild hearing loss is common with age. In fact, it is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. They can also lead to isolation, which in turn might lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, reduced mobility and falls.

Hearing issues are easily corrected with hearing aids, yet only one in four adults who could benefit from hearing aids has ever used them. Fortunately, getting a hearing aid is easier than ever. In October, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids became available for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.

For adults with more severe hearing loss, OTC hearing aids might not amplify sounds enough. Taking a simple hearing test can evaluate your hearing, avoid future issues and improve quality of life. AARP members can save on hearing care and hearing aids. With AARP^® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare Hearing, members receive a no-cost UnitedHealthcare Hearing’s test and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. They can also save 20% on hearing aids and 15% on accessories.

Keep smiling

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes dentophobia, or fear of the dentist, as a specific phobic disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It’s little wonder, then, that in the TIME-Harris poll, dental exams or cleanings were the most frequently missed.

However, regular dental care is an important part of overall health. It can also monitor and prevent disease. Studies have increasingly found a link between dental issues like plaque, gum disease, gingivitis and other more serious conditions in the body, including memory loss. By visiting the dentist regularly, conditions can be monitored or even corrected before they get worse. Learn about dental insurance options designed for AARP members that include regular cleanings and coverage you can count on for the most common dental procedures to make keeping your dentist appointment even less painful.

Stay focused

Eye exams were another commonly missed appointment during the pandemic, ranking third of the listed skipped procedures. Poor eyesight is frustrating and can impact quality of life and safety.

Having an eye exam isn’t just for a vision test. Eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts become more common with age and can be treated if found early. The eyes can also be early indicators of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anemia and cancer.

AARP members enjoy vision care discounts through AARP^® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed to help them and their families save on lenses and frames at participating retailers and independent provider locations nationwide and online. Savings include 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com, and an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Self-care is primary

At one time, skipping that primary care visit may have seemed like a lower risk than a possible COVID exposure. Because people were feeling well, they might not have returned. Effective primary care can provide critical preventive care, especially if health problems aren’t causing symptoms.

AARP members and non-members have access to quality care with Oak Street Health, a primary care provider specializing in older adults on Medicare with a team of doctors, nurses and other professionals dedicated to keeping you well — physically, mentally and socially at more than 160 centers across 21 states. Benefits include personalized preventive care plans, same-day/next-day appointments where available, a 24/7 healthcare patient support line and more. Plus, you can download free comprehensive checklists to help you make the most of primary care visits. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health location.

Keep up the momentum

Now that you’re seeing your provider regularly, you can reevaluate your medication needs and get your prescriptions up to date. Save on prescriptions and never miss a refill with AARP^® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx^®. The program offers a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide on FDA-approved prescriptions. Members receive additional benefits such as deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for dependents and more.

Getting your health in order could also mean more trips to stores like Walgreens. When you link your AARP and myWalgreens^® memberships, you’ll earn 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens branded health and wellness products, 7% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens branded beauty & personal care products and 3% Walgreens Cash rewards on other qualifying beauty & personal care products.

Stay on track by supplementing your visits with a healthy lifestyle — including your mental health along with your physical health.

A great way to step back and focus on your mental health is by traveling and experiencing something new. Booking your next trip is easy and affordable with the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia. Members get an extra 10% off at select hotels and up to 30% off select car rentals, along with many other rebates and credits for cruises, group bookings and more.

The last three years have disrupted our lives and routines in unprecedented ways, and finding our way back may sometimes be harder than anticipated. Take advantage of the new year as a time for a head-to-toe wellness check. By taking advantage of your AARP member benefits, it’s one resolution that will be easy to keep. Visit aarp.org/benefits for more details.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2023-01-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – A urinary tract infection (also called a UTI) is one of the most common infections worldwide and can impact anyone of any age. For some people, infections are easily identified and cleared with treatment from a health care provider. However, for some people, UTIs are an ongoing problem that deeply impacts their quality of life.

What is a UTI?

UTIs happen when bacteria or other microbes get into the urinary tract and cause an infection. According to Mayo Clinic, some of the most common symptoms of a UTI are:

• A strong urge to urinate that doesn’t go away
• A burning feeling when urinating
• Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine
• Urine that looks cloudy, or appears red or pink

UTIs cause more than 8.1 million visits to health care providers each year, according to the Urology Care Foundation. About 60% of women and 12% of men will have at least one UTI during their lifetime.

But for some people, a UTI isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime — or even a rare — occurrence. Some people get UTIs regularly and still others have prolonged symptoms that don’t clear up despite completion of antibiotic treatment.

It’s important to work with your health care provider to learn more about your unique circumstances so you can finally get relief.

Talk to a health care provider

If you continue to suffer from UTIs, speak with a health care provider as soon as possible. It may be helpful to speak with a specialist if you continue to have UTIs or UTI symptoms so you can be appropriately treated.

“If you’ve had a UTI before, make sure to let your health care provider know,” said Dr. Mickey Karram, an internationally renowned urogynecologist and pelvic surgeon. “If you are suffering from recurring UTIs, which means two or more infections in six months or three or more infections in one year, you may need to seek alternative testing and treatments as traditional urinalysis and culture may not be providing accurate information. A specialist will have access to advanced UTI testing which helps with more complex cases and may be appropriate given your specific symptoms and medical history. If you’re suffering from recurrent or persistent UTIs, you should avoid empirically taking antibiotics based only on your symptoms.”

If you struggle with recurrent or persistent UTIs, you may benefit from a specialized test your doctor can order to help you learn more about your condition. Guidance UTI is Pathnostics’ advanced diagnostic testing for the rapid identification and precise treatment of complicated, recurrent and persistent UTIs.

Advocate for yourself and use the time with your doctor to voice your concerns and determine a plan to help you move beyond treatments that may have failed you in the past. Karram recommends these questions to help guide your conversation:

• Why do I still have UTI symptoms if my urine culture came back negative?
• I’ve gotten urine cultures in the past and still have symptoms. Are there other advanced UTI tests that I can get?
• Can multiple bacteria present impact which antibiotic would be most effective?
• Is the Guidance UTI test right for me?

Although UTIs are common, it doesn’t mean they should be a common occurrence in your everyday life. Engage with your health care provider to learn more and find out if advanced UTI testing is right for you.

2023-01-19T15:01:00

(BPT) – It’s easy to catch a case of cabin fever during the dreary winter and spring months. A sure cure: A vacation with the entire family to experience the extraordinary and make lifelong memories. One destination that offers endless potential with access to 10 different national parks, state parks and memorials is Rapid City, South Dakota.

Rather than wait for summer, many people are satisfying their wanderlust now by planning a trip to Rapid City to see Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, Badlands and more. There are many advantages to planning a trip during the off-season. One of the biggest is avoiding heavy summer crowds and traffic. Plus this time of year brings lower costs, making this a budget-friendly getaway.

One of the best ways to enjoy your South Dakota vacation is by making Rapid City the home base for your trip as it is surrounded by parks, monuments and other attractions that are important parts of America’s past and present. Popular destinations you’ll find nearby include the following:

• Black Hills National Forest is a 12-minute drive
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a 30-minute drive
• Custer State Park is a 45-minute drive
• Crazy Horse Memorial is a 50-minute drive
• Badlands National Park is a 60-minute drive

Not only do winter and spring have fewer visitors, it’s also a unique time to visit Rapid City and its surrounding attractions. There is a plethora of special events and activities only available during these months. To make lasting travel memories, there’s no better time of year to plan your trip.

Winter and spring in Rapid City

From ice skating at Main Street Square to hiking while spring blossoms dot the trails of world-class parks, this quieter season is a special time for visitors. There’s truly something for everyone, from foodies and families to outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers.

Feel like a local: When you explore downtown Rapid City, you’ll see for yourself why this town is so special. Main Street Square is the heart of town and a delight any time of year. Art Alley is an area to peruse stunning art in different mediums and styles. While walking through downtown Rapid City, you’ll discover a series of life-sized bronze statues of past American Presidents, bringing history to life with many photo-worthy opportunities.

For families: There are many affordable family-friendly offerings that make Rapid City the ideal vacation destination. Check out the newly renovated WaTiki Indoor Waterpark with 30,000 square feet of slides, a lazy river, Koko’s Kingdom, activity pool and large arcade with prizes your kids will love. Other family-friendly stopping points include Reptile Gardens (reopens March 4), museums, Putz and Go, Black Hills Escape Rooms and Press Start.

For historians: If you’re a history buff, Rapid City is filled with historic museums that include geology, aviation, Native American culture, as well as the only Pawnseum in the world. An added bonus in 2023 is the 75th anniversary of Crazy Horse Memorial. This breathtaking mountain memorial honors the Native American, Crazy Horse and the rich culture that continues to influence South Dakota today.

For foodies: Enjoy fine cuisine, local brews and unique delicacies as you make your way through some of the Midwest’s finest dining establishments in downtown Rapid City. Dig into South Dakota-inspired ramen at Bokujo Ramen, enjoy local-made beer in a historic building at Firehouse Brewing Co. or enjoy high-end cocktails at Windsor Block and Bar.

For special-events lovers: The winter and spring calendar is packed with events in Rapid City. A few to note: Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo runs January 27 to February 4, Road 2 Destruction Tour March 4 (catch monster trucks in action) and motocross excitement at the 4Gmx Indoor Motocross March 11. You can also fill an evening with laughter by catching popular comedian Brian Regan on April 1.

Find more at Events.VisitRapidCity.com and learn about traveling to Rapid City during the spring and winter months at VisitRapidCity.com.

2023-01-19T02:01:00

(BPT) – Taxes can be a daunting task. Some people are so anxious that they put it off until just before the April 15 deadline. According to a survey by IPX1031, 32% of Americans waited until the last minute to file taxes in 2022. Of those who procrastinated on filing, 25% said that they waited because filing taxes is too stressful and complicated.

While you can wait until the deadline to file, you’ll only increase your tax anxiety. If you find tax season intimidating, check out these three tips that can help ease tax time stress.

1. Take a deep breath

It may seem trite, but the first thing you need to do to tackle your taxes is to take a deep breath. You likely already have everything you need to start your tax forms. It’s just a matter of finding all your documents and organizing them so you can easily fill out your information and submit your forms.

Start early to help ease your tax season stress, so you have plenty of time to input and review your information. If you wait until the deadline, you’ll only get more anxious about the prospect of being late or making mistakes on your tax forms.

Another way to manage tax time stress is to tackle your tax forms one section at a time. You can do this over the course of a few days or a couple of weeks. You can enlist the help of a partner or friend to keep you accountable and sit with you while you do your taxes.

2. Get organized

Whether you’re doing personal or business taxes, creating a system with specific categories will help you stay organized throughout the year. That way, when it’s time to tackle taxes, you’ll have everything you need right in front of you.

First, create a deductions and expenses folder. In this folder, you’ll keep cellphone and internet bills, receipts for supplies (like pencils, pens and papers), client dinner receipts and documents of charitable donations.

Next, you’ll set up an income folder where you’ll store your paystubs, bank statements and other records that prove any income you have produced during the year. If needed, you can create another folder for business tax documents like W-2s, property taxes and self-employment forms.

Lastly, make an investments folder. Here, you can save retirement contributions to IRAs or other accounts, tax-deferred investments, nondeductible investments and any other taxable investments.

By setting up and using this organizational system throughout the year, you’ll be able to breeze through your tax forms with minimal stress.

3. Go digital

Now that you’ve got the system in place, it’s time to simplify taxes by going digital. Recreate the organizational system above on your computer. You can also store or sync the folders on the cloud or mobile device so you can access documents on the go. You can also upload invoices, receipts and other documents into digital files as soon as you receive them.

The easiest way to convert physical documents into digital ones is to scan them. Simplify the process by using an application like Mopria Scan. This app allows you to scan directly from any Mopria certified device to your Android device without installing multiple apps, software or drivers for every scanner or printer you use at home or the office.

You’ll also have easy access to scanned pages on your Android device’s cloud storage or other applications. You can even scan your stuff and email it to your professional accountant so they can deal with it! Download the Mopria Print Service or Mopria Scan apps and relieve tax time stress.

Don’t let tax season anxiety get you down. Using these three tips, you’ll be able to complete your tax forms quickly and set yourself up for success for the next tax season.

2023-01-18T12:01:00

(BPT) – By Bryan Baeumler, HGTV Personality & Professional Contractor

So, you are remodeling your basement — smart move! According to Redfin’s real estate experts, a basement renovation is one of the top 10 ways to maximize your usable square footage and in turn, increase your home’s value.

Not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered. I have spent almost 20 years renovating basements from the ground up on DIY and home improvement television shows. Here are three tried-and-true basement finishing projects that will help you create a purposeful, comfortable living space that your family can enjoy now and that will appeal to potential homebuyers down the road.

Create a solid foundation with a high-quality basement subfloor

First, a basement renovation is a major investment into your home, so protect your investment by installing a quality subfloor. A subfloor from a trusted brand like DRICORE provides a barrier between the concrete floor and your finished floors. This barrier not only protects against the effects of moisture, like mold and mildew, but it also helps the basement floor stay warmer underneath your feet and cushions your steps. A DIY-friendly option, DRICORE^® Subfloor has an intuitive tongue and groove design that makes installation quick and easy. You can finish a 500-square-foot basement in just half a day.

Upgrade basement windows to create a more comfortable living space

If you have windows in your basement, no matter how large or how small — lucky you! They allow natural light to filter into an otherwise dark space, making the basement appear brighter and more inviting. But sometimes, a home’s original windows are ridden with gaps and cracks around the glass and frame, causing the room to feel cold and damp in the winter and uncomfortably hot in the summer. Fix this problem and create a comfortable basement living space by installing new, energy-efficient windows. New windows not only help regulate room temperature, but they also offer improved security, reduce outside noise and give the space an updated, finished appearance.

Brighten up the room with strategic lighting and neutral paint colors

If you do not have basement windows that draw in natural light, there are still plenty of easy DIY projects that will help create a bright, inviting living space — whether for your benefit or to appeal to a future homebuyer. Illuminate your finished basement with all-over lighting, which is typically best achieved through recessed ceiling lights or budget-friendly track lighting. To create ambience, go with Nordic-inspired floor lamps or wall sconces that highlight the family photos hung on the wall. Complete your basement renovation by painting the walls in a neutral paint color, like a soft off-white that reflects and absorbs the light in the room. To bring additional warmth into the finished space, go with an on-trend “greige” color (a mix of gray and beige) on the basement walls or ceiling.

What’s next?

Like any home improvement project, remodeling your basement can feel like a daunting task. But with the right foundation and a few DIY projects in your arsenal, you can easily transform your basement into a functional, comfortable living space. Not only will a finished basement optimize your home’s available square footage and in turn increase its value, but it could also make you think twice about selling … it will be hard to say goodbye to the newly remodeled living space!

2023-01-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – You’ve just gotten the news – you’re going to be a parent! As you start researching what is to come, you realize there are countless choices to be made – including feeding decisions and a nutrition plan for your baby. As a registered dietitian, pediatric nutrition specialist, certified lactation counselor and Enfamil’s Nutrition Expert, Alayne Gatto’s passion is working with new mothers and fathers, and supporting them in the care of their infants. She offers the following tips for new parents:

You are entering a new chapter in your life. And throughout the prenatal journey, feeding choices are constant and vast, from choosing if you are providing breastmilk, infant formula or both, to reading about which specific nutrients are most important in your diet as a lactating mother or found in an infant formula. You also may feel a bit uncertain if you are making the right decisions because it is a time where you start to think about how the decisions you make may end up impacting this new baby that is about to enter your world. Just know that every baby is different and that your feeding plans may change once they are born.

For now, it may be best to start with asking yourself, “What are my infant feeding goals?” Are they to:

• Exclusively breastfeed
• Breastfeed and supplement with formula until you establish a full breastmilk supply
• Provide a combination of feeding –

• • on the breast and formula OR
  • pumped breastmilk and formula

• Exclusively formula feed

And after establishing your goal, you need to think about the tools and resources needed to support your goal. Review the following checklist in your months leading up to baby’s arrival:

Remember to:

• Ask about your lactation support.

• • During your prenatal doctor visits, ask about lactation support available at their office, your birthing hospital or in the community.

• Find out which breast pump is covered by insurance.

• • Breast pumps can be expensive. Call your insurance company to find out which breast pump will be covered, and how you should go about obtaining it.

• Discuss feeding times with your partner and/or support system.

• • Discuss the feeding schedule that works for you, who will be feeding the baby during the day versus nighttime. Defining your schedule will help manage stress as roles are established.

And, if applicable:

• Find out about your maternity leave and pumping policies.

• • Reach out to the human resources department to obtain specifics about your maternity leave and the policy regarding a break and private space for pumping breastmilk to make your return-to-work transition much more smooth.

• Research the right formula for you and your child.

• • Choose which infant formula brand you can trust to provide clinically backed nutrition your baby needs.
  • A reputable infant formula brand should list the ingredients and their amounts, as well as the science behind how their products support baby’s development.

• Research feeding resources.

• • If you are enrolled in your state WIC^® (Women, Infant and Children’s) program, ask what feeding support resources they have available to pregnant and postpartum women.

For those of you who made the informed decision to supplement your breastmilk with formula or use formula as the source of your baby’s nutrition, it is important to look for nutrients such as Omega 3-DHA for brain and eye development and other nutrients found in breastmilk, like 2-FL Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), and Prebiotics that support immune health when you are choosing your infant formula. These ingredients are also found in Enfamil’s family of formulas, the #1 infant formula brand trusted by pediatricians (among those with a preference) and parents, with the global expert-recommended amount of brain-building Omega-3 DHA.

“And don’t forget, we often try to plan ahead with great intentions, but even if things don’t go as planned in your feeding journey, all that matters is that you’re doing your best,” Gatto said. “Hug them, kiss them and safely feed them – as this all shows your love to your new baby!”