Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-08-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – Ever wonder what kind of food Superman grew up on? Wonder no more. Continuing a Kent Family tradition, Martha has put together an heirloom cookbook full of Clark’s favorite dishes, with help from his friends and colleagues. Together, they’ve recreated the beef bourguignon and ketchup from Lois and Clark’s first date, Cyborg’s lucky game day potato skins and J’onn’s Chocos. Martha even recreated Plurb, which she hears is wonderfully awful. She wasn’t quite ready to taste that one herself.

In “Superman: The Official Cookbook: Recipes from Smallville to the Hall of Justice and Beyond” you’ll be fully steeped in DC Comics lore courtesy of the authors, comics writer Jermaine McLaughlin and recipe developer and food stylist Elena Craig.

Each chapter revisits iconic moments in Superman’s life, sorted by various places he’s called home: from Smallville and Metropolis to the Hall of Justice and the Fortress of Solitude. The recipes are appropriate for every skill level, with step-by-step instructions, accessible ingredients and deliciously vivid food photography, making this book ideal for home cooks of all stripes.

From custom cover artwork to gorgeous food photography and fun tidbits about your favorite characters, this cookbook was crafted with fans at its heart.

Want a sneak peek? Here are three recipes to bring out the superhero in every home cook.

Argo City Salad
Yield: 6 servings

Martha says: “I designed this family-style salad for you to share with your cousin, Kara, whenever she visits. Kryptonian meals are hard to replicate on Earth, but tend to be nutrient-packed for efficiency, and Kara’s assured me this salad does a nice job of reminding her of life in Argo City.”

Salad:
2 cups sugar snap peas
1 English cucumber
4 small rainbow carrots, scrubbed
5 green onions
1 cup Sungold tomatoes, halved
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained, aquafaba reserved
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 tablespoon lime juice
6 cups mixed salad greens
2 blood oranges, sliced, peeled and pithed

Dressing:
1 cup aquafaba
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper

Special tools:
Blender
Large platter

To make the salad: Trim the ends of the snap peas, cut them into 1/2-inch pieces, and add them to a large bowl. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds, and slice on an angle. Add to the bowl. Thinly slice the carrots and the white and light green parts of the green onion and add them to the bowl. Add tomatoes and drained chickpeas. Add the avocado and lime juice and stir gently to mix. Set aside.

To make the dressing: Add the aquafaba, lime juice, salt, garlic powder and onion powder to the pitcher of a blender. Run the blender on high speed until the mixture is thick, opaque, and has almost doubled in size, 1-2 minutes. Stop the blender and add the avocado and apple cider vinegar. Run the blender on high again until the mixture is completely smooth. With the blender on medium-low, slowly add oil through the hole in the lid until incorporated. Taste, add black pepper, and adjust seasoning as desired.

To assemble the salad: Arrange the salad greens on a large platter. Place the mixed vegetables down the center of the platter. Scatter the orange rounds over the salad. Drizzle with the dressing and serve with the rest of the dressing on the side. Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Black and White Tea Sandwiches
Yield: 18 sandwiches

Apparently, this dish helped welcome Damian Wayne into the family. Alfred insists these black and white tea sandwiches helped convince Damian to put down his sword and indulge in some friendly conversation.

Cucumber Sandwiches:
1/2 English cucumber
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon finely snipped chives
1/2 cup cream cheese spread
6 slices dark rye or black bread

Chocolate Orange Sandwiches:
1/3 cup chocolate hazelnut spread or favorite chocolate spread, divided
6 slices white bread
2 tablespoons orange marmalade, divided

Special tools:
Box grater
Fine-mesh strainer
1 1/2-by-4-inch bat-shaped cookie cutter
Paring knife
2-inch round cookie cutter

To make the cucumber sandwiches: Peel the cucumber, slice it in half lengthwise, and use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds. Using the largest hole on a box grater, shred cucumber into a medium bowl and then combine it with the salt. Transfer cucumber to a fine-mesh strainer placed over the bowl, weight it down with a bowl or plate, and leave it to drain for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, give the cucumber a press with your hands to release any remaining liquid, discard the liquid, and add the cucumber back to the bowl. Add the chives and cream cheese to the bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.

Divide the mixture among 3 slices of the bread, then top each with the remaining slices. Use the cookie cutter to cut three bats out of each sandwich. With an intricate shape like the bat, a small paring knife is helpful to complete the cuts. Arrange on a plate loosely covered with paper towel and refrigerate while making the chocolate sandwiches.

To make the chocolate sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of chocolate spread on each piece of bread, about 1 tablespoon for each slice. Spread a thin layer of orange marmalade on half of the bread pieces, about 1 1/2 teaspoons each. Top with the other bread slices and use circle cookie cutter to cut 3 circles from each sandwich.

Daily Cream Donuts
Yield: 10 donuts

It’s not often that a newspaper gets its own signature donut. When the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce held an open competition to find the best Daily Planet–themed dessert, this dish won in a landslide.

Pastry cream filling:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 egg yolks
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste

Dough:
3/4 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 1/2 teaspoons quick-rise yeast
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla paste
2 quarts canola or peanut oil for brushing and deep-frying

Chocolate glaze:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips, melted
4-6 tablespoons hot water, plus more as needed

Vanilla glaze:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 tablespoons hot water, plus more as needed

Special tools:
Hand mixer
Instant-read thermometer
Stand mixer with paddle attachment
3-inch round biscuit cutter
Deep fryer or Dutch oven
Deep-frying thermometer
Pastry bag fitted with a large writing tip

To make the pastry cream filling: Add the granulated sugar, flour, cornstarch and egg yolks to a large bowl. Whisk with hand mixer on high speed until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring milk to a simmer. Slowly pour about one-third of the milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the egg mixture to the remaining milk in the pan and continue cooking over medium-low heat, whisking and scraping the bottom and edges of the pot to prevent burning. Once the mixture starts to bubble, cook about 1 minute more until it thickens noticeably. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla paste. Transfer to an airtight container, pressing a piece of wax or parchment paper onto the surface and refrigerate until needed. The pastry cream must be completely chilled before filling the donuts.

To make the dough: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and butter and heat, stirring, until butter has melted and the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 125F on a thermometer). Remove from the heat.

Fit stand mixer with the paddle attachment. In the mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, salt and yeast and beat on low speed to mix. Add the hot milk mixture, increase speed to medium, and beat until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla paste and beat until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining 3/4 cup flour and beat until the dough is well blended and smooth, about 1 minute longer. The dough will not pull away from the sides of the bowl and will still be somewhat sticky.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper and brush the paper with oil. Fit a second baking sheet with a wire rack or line it with paper towels. On a generously floured work surface, roll out the dough into a circle 10 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Using a 3-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out as many donuts as possible. Transfer the donuts to the oiled paper. Gather up the donut scraps and repeat rolling and cutting. Cover donuts with a clean kitchen towel and let rise until soft and puffy, about 30 minutes.

Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a deep fryer or Dutch oven and warm over medium-high heat until it reads between 320 and 325F on a deep-frying thermometer. Carefully lower 1 or 2 donuts into the hot oil and fry until dark golden, about 1 1/2 minutes. Turn donuts over and fry until dark golden on the second side, about 1 minute longer. Transfer to the wire rack baking sheet. Repeat to fry the remaining donuts, allowing the oil to return to between 320 and 325F between batches.

Once the donuts are cool, fill a pastry bag, fitted with large writing tip, with the pastry cream. Use a chopstick to poke a hole in the side of each donut, sticking it in about halfway across. Fill each well with pastry cream until you see the center puff slightly.

To make the chocolate glaze: Combine the butter, powdered sugar and melted chocolate in a medium bowl, whisking until combined. Add hot water until you have a glaze that is still thick but ribbons off the spoon. Glaze each donut by dipping the top into the glaze and letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Set on a baking sheet. When all the donuts have been glazed, let them set up for 10 minutes before moving on to the vanilla glaze.

To make the vanilla glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla. Add the hot water until you have a glaze that is still thick but ribbons off the spoon. Place the vanilla glaze into a squeeze bottle with a fine tip or a pastry bag fitted with a small writing tip. Pipe the globe grid onto each donut. Allow to set for 10 minutes before serving.

The donuts are best served day of, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Time to get cooking! From Jimmy Olsen’s go-to food truck gyro wrap to Oliver Queen’s spicy chili, not to mention Martha’s own award-winning apple pie, these meals combine one-of-a-kind design with comfort-food flavors so you’ll feel at home, wherever you might hang your cape.

Check out all the super recipes in the new “Superman: The Official Cookbook,” now available on Amazon.com.

2025-08-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – With back-to-school season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to focus on your children’s health. Appointments for check-ups, immunizations and sports physicals can fill up quickly this time of year, but scheduling now can help you stay ahead of the classroom illnesses and avoid last-minute scrambles down the road.

Prioritizing prevention

It’s easy to let preventive care slide when life gets busy. But taking care of your child’s health now can mean fewer worries later. You’ll reduce their chance of missing out on activities, and most importantly, help ensure your child is protected against preventable illness.

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to help protect your children from serious diseases like measles, meningitis, whooping cough and other diseases that can disrupt daily life and, in some cases, even cause long-term harm.

Following the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule can help protect your child against infectious diseases through all stages of growth, from early childhood through the teenage years.

Talk to your doctor

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your family doctor, pediatrician or a local pharmacist. Talking with a trusted healthcare provider can help you understand which vaccines are recommended, when kids should receive them and answer any questions you may have. You and your family should feel comfortable and supported when asking questions and exploring options.

“Staying on track with vaccines and other preventive care can help avoid unexpected absences from school due to illness, which is something every busy family can appreciate,” said Dr. Luis Romano, MD, Pediatrician and Senior Medical Director, GSK. “That’s why it’s so important to get ahead of it by talking to your doctor or trusted healthcare provider and getting the information you need to make the best care decision for your family.”

From homework to sports and extracurriculars, healthy kids are better prepared to thrive both in and out of class. Don’t let preventative care fall to the bottom of the to-do list this back-to-school season.

2025-08-20T14:03:00

(BPT) – By Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer, Small Business & Wealth Management Banking and Lending Products at Bank of America

The new academic year is here, and for many students and recent graduates, it’s not just about textbooks and new routines — it’s also a crash course in personal finance. From managing tuition and living expenses to navigating first paychecks and credit decisions, the learning curve can be steep. In fact, new data from Bank of America found 88% of Americans wish they’d learned some aspect of financial literacy in school, whether it’s how to budget and save or how to manage debt.

The back-to-school season isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s also a prime opportunity to master your money. Whether you’re returning to campus or embarking on your post-graduation journey, here are five tips to help you build smart financial habits that will set you up for a brighter financial future:

1. Build your emergency fund

Get ahead of life’s unexpected expenses — from medical emergencies to car repairs — by setting aside a portion of each paycheck as dedicated emergency savings. Even small, consistent contributions from a part-time job, internship or even gift money can make a huge difference over time. Aim to build up to at least three months’ worth of living expenses. An emergency fund provides a crucial safety net, preventing you from going into debt when life throws a curveball.

2. Create a realistic budget that evolves with you

Whether you’re just stepping into the workforce or juggling a part-time job or internship, a realistic budget that evolves with you is essential to make the most of the money you earn. More than two in five students (41%) say they expect to have increased financial responsibilities and a tighter budget post-college, making it even more important to plan ahead.

A budget gives you control over your money, reduces financial stress, and lays the foundation for a secure financial future. Start by tracking your income and expenses and be honest about your spending habits. Then, look for areas where you can cut back — maybe it’s dining out less, finding student discounts, or opting for free entertainment. The goal isn’t to deprive yourself, but to create a budget that works for your lifestyle and can easily adapt to your changing needs and goals.

3. Take advantage of automatic savings and digital tools

Automatic savings tools can be a seamless way to build up your savings without even thinking about it. One option is to “pay yourself first” by automatically transferring a portion of every paycheck directly to your savings before you spend on anything else. You can also take advantage of solutions like the Bank of America Keep the Change^® program, which rounds up the price of every debit card purchase to the next dollar and automatically adds it to your savings account. Watching your balance grow can keep you motivated and on track toward your financial goals.

Pair these with digital tools that help you see where your money is going and stick to your budget. For example, Bank of America’s mobile app offers Life Plan, a personalized digital experience that helps you set and track near- and long-term goals based on your priorities, along with step-by-step guidance and educational advice to keep you moving forward.

4. Understand the responsibility and benefits of building credit

Building credit is an important step for milestones like renting an apartment or buying your first car. When used responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history. Start with a student credit card and only make purchases you can pay off in full every month. Since your payment history makes up the largest part of your credit score, it’s important to pay your bills on time and in full every month.

5. Integrate financial planning into your routine

With academic demands and social lives, adding “financial planning” to your to-do list might seem overwhelming. The trick is to integrate it seamlessly. Set aside 15-30 minutes once a week to review your budget, check your balances and track your progress. The more you make it a regular, low-effort habit, the less stressful it becomes, and the more confident you’ll feel about your financial future.

Embracing these smart financial habits will empower you to manage your money confidently and help you build a strong foundation for long-term financial success. Your future self will thank you.

2025-08-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Weight-loss journeys powered by GLP-1 medications like Ozempic^®, Wegovy^®, and Mounjaro^® have helped many to achieve significant changes. Yet, a new challenge has emerged: loose, sagging skin. Despite achieving significant weight loss, many individuals find their skin unable to keep pace, leading to unexpected frustration.

Loose Skin: The Hidden Challenge of Rapid Weight Loss

Rapid fat loss can leave your skin stretched and sagging — particularly in areas like the stomach, arms, and thighs. This is especially true for those who have carried excess weight for a long period, or individuals over the age of 30, when natural collagen and elastin production begins to decline. Achieving a slimmer body is a remarkable success, but often, achieving toned, tight skin requires additional support.

endermologie^®: A Clinically Proven Skin-Firming Solution

endermologie^® is a 100% natural, non-invasive treatment backed by 40 years of cellular science. With LPG^®‘s state-of-the-art Cellu M6 Infinity^® device, your skin can visibly regain firmness, smoothness, and contour without pain or downtime.

We recommend endermologie^® as an excellent complement to GLP-1 treatments. While these medications are effective at helping reduce weight, they don’t act on skin quality. Endermologie^® fills that gap — naturally supporting the skin to firm, smooth, and regain tone, especially in key areas like the arms, stomach, and thighs. The Institute of Endocrinology (IEDHH) offers a proven program combining weight-loss solutions with LPG endermologie^® to help clients look and feel their absolute best.

Dr. Sherief M. Kamel MD FACE ECNU

Institute of Endocrinology – Panama City, Florida

A Perfect Complement to GLP-1 Medications

While GLP-1 medications successfully target weight loss, they don’t enhance skin quality. Endermologie^® fills that important gap, naturally supporting and revitalizing your skin by reactivating dormant fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, essential for youthful skin.

Impressive, Proven Results:

+92% improvement in skin firmness* -2.28 inches in waistline circumference*** +93% cellulite smoothed* -50% heavy legs**

Your Skin’s Journey to Firmness and Confidence

Each relaxing endermologie^® session lasts just 35 minutes, feeling akin to a soothing deep tissue massage. Notice visible improvements after only a few sessions, with optimal outcomes typically seen after 10–12 visits.

Whether you’re starting your weight-loss journey or you’ve already achieved your goals, endermologie^® helps ensure your skin matches your hard-earned new physique. Feel firm, toned, and confident at every stage of your transformation.

To learn more about endermologie^® and find an LPG^® provider, visit lpg-group.com/en.

Follow us on:

· Instagram – @lpgendermologie_america

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* Hausswirth C. et al. study report Institut BeScored 2024. Evaluation of the slimming, redensifying, smoothing and draining effect of the new Cellu M6^® device: As of 12 sessions, 93% of women reported a smoothed orange-peel aspect and 92% reported an improvement in their skin’s firmness.

** 2024 BeScored study: Sensation of heavy legs reduced by 50% after the first session.

*** 2024 BeScored study: Waistline circumference reduction up to 2.28 inches (5.8 cm).

2025-08-19T12:17:00

(BPT) – A two-second glance away from the road doubles your crash risk, yet a new study from State Farm^® shows that over 65% of drivers believe it’s safe to look away from the road for two seconds or longer. Even more concerning is the fact that reading or sending a quick text takes double that time, at an average of more than 4 seconds. How common are these seconds-long glances away from the road? The study found that 80% of drivers admit to engaging in at least one distracting behavior while driving.

In a recent study of over 1,300 survey participants aged 22-40, State Farm captured drivers’ attitudes and behaviors, revealing that nearly half (45%) have experienced a crash or near-miss while engaging in distracting activities behind the wheel.

The hidden danger of “quick” distractions

When reading or sending a text message while driving — which takes an average of 4.6 seconds — drivers travel the equivalent of a football field at 55 miles per hour with their eyes off the road.

“Many drivers underestimate the risk associated with even brief distractions,” said Brianne Jones, vice president of Operations, P&C Claims, State Farm. “These findings highlight a critical safety issue for every driver, passenger and pedestrian on and or adjacent to our roadways. Our goal is to raise awareness and encourage focused driving practices to lower accidents and create safer roads.”

Most common distracting behaviors

The most common distractions include:

• Navigation and communication: 45% admitted to manually entering location data while driving
• Music management: 44% scroll through playlists or manually search for music while driving
• Texting: 39% read or send text messages while driving
• Phone calls: 34% manually dial cell phones
• App interaction: 28% interact with phone apps while driving
• Email: 21% read or send emails while driving

Stress as a distraction trigger

The survey also identified specific triggers that increase distracted driving behavior. Feeling stressed or busy was linked to overall distraction behind the wheel. When drivers have items on their “to-do” list, 27% become more distracted. Additionally, 17% report that being upset or stressed leads to more dangerous behind-the-wheel behaviors.

Taking action during National Traffic Safety Awareness Month

August marks National Traffic Safety Awareness Month, making this an opportune time for drivers to reassess their habits. State Farm encourages motorists to:

• Put phones in “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving
• Set up navigation and music before starting the vehicle
• Pull over safely if urgent communication is necessary
• Recognize personal stress triggers that lead to distracted behaviors

State Farm also offers an opportunity for customers to save money with good driving through their Drive Safe & Save^® program, with auto insurance discounts up to 30%*. State Farm customers are also eligible for a range of other Auto Insurance Discounts that can reward safe drivers and their families.

2025-08-19T11:35:01

(BPT) – Your child’s backpack shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Yet for countless students across America, that daily trudge to school has become a literal pain in the back — and neck, and shoulders. What starts as minor discomfort can quickly escalate into serious musculoskeletal problems that interfere with learning, sports, and daily activities.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is stepping in with guidance to help parents and caregivers transform their child’s backpack from a source of pain into a tool that supports healthy posture and bone and joint development.

“Families everywhere take backpacks for granted as everyday gear needed for school, but they don’t often understand the burden they can place on the body and posture when they’re used incorrectly,” said pediatric orthopaedic surgeon Reid Boyce Nichols, MD, FAAOS. “A few simple steps can give you confidence that your child will be able to get through their school day without the pain or discomfort that incorrect use can cause.”

Here are tips to guide you and your kids when shopping for and using backpacks.

Shop with comfort in mind

The best-designed backpacks are effective at distributing weight so the body’s strongest muscles can carry it safely, without undue stress or strain. While kids may be focused on backpack colors and styles when shopping, parents and caregivers should consider:

• Size: Is the backpack’s size appropriate for your child? If it looks too big, see if you can find a smaller one. Does it feel light when you pick it up?
• Support: Well-designed backpacks should have two wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
• Extra features for heavy loads: This includes a waist strap, as well as wheels — a rolling backpack can make it much easier to handle heavy loads when needed.

Practice injury prevention

Whether it’s your child’s first year of school or their last, it’s never too late to start using best practices for health and safety.

“Teens and older students often resist advice about ‘how to wear a backpack,’ but the reality is they’re dealing with heavier course loads and fewer places to store supplies throughout the day,” said Dr. Nichols. “Once they understand that a few adjustments can prevent the nagging pain that interferes with everything from sitting in class to playing sports, most are willing to make the changes.” To help prevent injury, recommend and demonstrate the following practices:

• Use both shoulder straps whenever you’re carrying a backpack, rather than carrying it on one shoulder.
• Tighten the straps to keep the backpack’s load closer to the back.
• Organize items strategically with heavier items low and toward the center of the backpack.
• Pack light, removing items if they’re too heavy. Carry items only required for each day, and —
• Leave unnecessary books at home or school
• Choose a smaller water bottle
• Bring sports gear in a separate bag that can be stored in a locker
• Lift properly by bending at the knees when picking up a backpack.

Especially if a child has had previous discomfort using a backpack, consider using a cross-body bag as an alternative for carrying books and supplies.

Be proactive to prevent injury

When you’re getting ready for back-to-school season, watch your child put on and take off their fully loaded backpack to see if it’s a struggle. If the backpack seems too heavy, see if your child can remove any books and carry them in their arms to ease the load. Work with them to review the distribution of weight in their backpack, placing heavier items low and toward the center of the backpack. Beyond choosing a different backpack and practicing how to pack and wear it correctly, it may also be possible for your child to stop at their locker as time permits throughout the day to drop off or exchange heavier books.

Finally, make sure to pay attention to any signs of back pain in your child or teenager.

“Encourage your child or teen to tell you about back, neck, or shoulder pain they may be feeling during or after carrying their backpack,” added Dr. Nichols. “The presence of symptoms may indicate a poor backpack fit, or too much weight being carried.”

Learn more about backpack safety and back pain in children at OrthoInfo.org.

2025-08-18T11:51:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season brings early mornings, new routines and plenty of moving parts, but a few simple shifts can make daily life feel a lot more manageable. Actress, cookbook author and busy mom Tiffani Thiessen shares her favorite ways to ease into the season with less stress and more intention.

1. Wardrobe hack

Designate Sunday evening as outfit prep time. Lay out five full outfits for each weekday on labeled hangers or in a divided drawer organizer. This removes daily indecision and morning stress, especially during the back-to-school rush.

Bonus: Get kids involved in the process so they can choose what they feel good in, which boosts confidence and independence.

2. Dedicated drop zone

Establish a clear and consistent landing spot near the door for daily essentials like backpacks, shoes, jackets and lunchboxes. Use bins, cubbies or hooks labeled with each family member’s name. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it also helps reinforce routines and build responsibility.

3. Pack ahead

Turn lunch prep into a shared evening activity. Involve kids in choosing and packing their own meals, giving them a few healthy and fun options to select from like fruit, sandwiches and snacks. This builds decision-making skills and ensures they’re more likely to actually eat what’s packed.

Use bento-style containers to keep everything neat and visible, and store lunchboxes in the fridge overnight so they’re ready to grab and go in the morning.

4. Talk it out

Create a simple daily ritual of checking in with the family by asking about the “highs and lows” of their day. This five-minute conversation opens the door for meaningful connection and allows kids to process emotions, celebrate wins, and discuss challenges. Make it part of the after-school routine, either during snack time or while preparing dinner.

5. Make tasty dinners a breeze

When it comes to dinner on busy nights, Thiessen turns to Fresh Express to get something fresh and flavorful on the table in minutes, like her go-to recipe for Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad Tostadas.

Fresh Express offers a convenient, restaurant-quality salad experience with chef-crafted blends that are ready to enjoy in minutes. From fresh blends to flavorful kits, the versatile salads from Fresh Express are your blank canvas to express yourself and celebrate individuality and spark creativity in the kitchen.

Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad Tostadas
Prep time: 30 minutes; Cook time: 45 minutes; Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Servings: 4

This recipe is bursting with flavor: smoky chili-lime chicken, golden crisp tostadas, melty cheese and a zesty corn and black bean medley crowned with a cool, creamy jalapeno ranch-dressed salad. Every bite is a balance of heat and crunch, spice and cream, boldness and comfort.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (11.1 ounces) Fresh Express^® Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad Kit

Chili Spice

• 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Chili-Lime Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, at room temperature, pounded to 1/4-inch thick
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 small lime, zested (save lime for juicing)
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 2 tablespoons chili spice (see recipe above), divided

Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

• 1 small jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and halved
• 1 package Fresh Express^® Ranch Dressing

Corn and Black Beans

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups (7 ounces) fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon chili spice (see recipe above)
• 1 small lime, juiced
• Kosher salt, to taste

Tostadas

• 4 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 cup neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola
• 8 ounces shredded Oaxacan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili spice

Garnish:

• Shaved radishes
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Cilantro leaves with tender stems
• Charred lime

Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400F.

2. To make chili spice: Add all ingredients to small bowl and mix to combine. Set aside.

3. To make chicken: In shallow baking dish, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, lime zest and grated garlic.

4. Lay chicken breast into baking dish and coat both sides with oil. Season one side of breasts with 1 tablespoon chili spice. Flip and season the opposite side with remaining 1 tablespoon. Set aside to marinate at room temperature 10 minutes.

5. To make jalapeno ranch dressing: Heat medium cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add jalapeno and char 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure skin is blackened and flesh is softened. Remove from pan and place in bowl. Cover with plastic wrap to steam 5 minutes. Using paper towels or the back of a knife, scrape charred flesh off jalapenos. Discard skin and finely chop flesh. Add jalapeno to packaged ranch dressing and stir to combine. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

6. For corn and black beans: Heat olive oil in same hot cast-iron skillet. Add corn and black beans and season with chili spice. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3-5 minutes until corn is slightly blistered. Remove from pan into a bowl. Squeeze fresh lime over top and toss to combine. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

7. To cook chicken: Heat same cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to coat bottom of pan. Add chicken and cook 3 minutes per side until internal temperature reads 165F. Remove from pan onto cutting board and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

8. To make tostadas: Place cooling rack into baking sheet. In medium high-sided skillet, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. In batches, fry one tostada 2 minutes per side until crispy. Remove to prepared cooling rack and immediately season with generous sprinkle of chili spice and pinch of salt. Repeat with remaining 3 tortillas. To each fried tortilla, add heaping 1/3 cup Oaxacan cheese and 1/4 cup corn and black beans. Divide chopped chicken among four tostadas and bake in oven on middle rack 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

9. To assemble salad: Add Fresh Express Farmhouse Ranch salad greens into serving bowl. Drizzle jalapeno ranch dressing over salad and toss to combine. Top with sliced radish, cotija cheese and cilantro.

10. To serve, place tostada onto serving plate. Top with serving of Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad and finish with a squeeze of charred lime.

Thanks to these tips and this crowd-pleasing recipe, your family will get off to a great start this school year. Visit FreshExpress.com for more school night meal ideas and recipes.

2025-08-18T10:39:00

(BPT) – Pumpkin season is here and some are asking for a price check: 44% of Americans say tariffs and inflation are making pumpkin-flavored items cost more and the “pumpkin spice tax” or the premium price on seasonal items is real (39%), according to new Empower research. Still, more than half (54%) say they look forward to purchasing these specialties every season (62% younger generations). Millennials spend the most, averaging around $64 per month on pumpkin spice-flavored products during the fall, more than five times what Boomers spend at $12.

Pumpkin spice prices are on the rise

A third of Americans admit they’re willing to pay more for pumpkin spice-flavored versions of everyday products, and the appetite is even bigger among younger generations: 41% of Millennials and 39% of Gen Z say the seasonal spin is worth the splurge. In fact, nearly half of consumers say pumpkin spice gives products a more premium or exclusive vibe.

While Americans say they spend $32 per month on pumpkin spice-flavored items during the fall, the spending habits vary by generation:

• Gen Z: $45
• Millennials: $64
• Gen X: $29
• Boomers: $12

Why pumpkin spice is still brewing big

For some, pumpkin spice goes beyond flavor: 54% of Americans say buying these products is something they look forward to every fall. Close to half (47%) actively purchase pumpkin spice goods during the season, and among younger consumers, that jumps to 53%.

The excitement kicks off earlier and earlier, as 1 in 3 Americans (34%) say they start buying as soon as pumpkin spice products hit the shelves, often before the official end of the summer season. For Gen Z and Millennials, that number spikes to 45%. The pumpkin effect can be a differentiator: more than a third (35%) say they’re loyal to certain brands specifically because of their pumpkin spice offerings.

Still, not everyone is paying extra for pumpkin: 56% say they avoid seasonal markups, and 58% stick to a budget to avoid spending extra on seasonal flavors. Yet 48% of Gen Z admit they spend more on food and drinks in the fall because of pumpkin spice promotions (34% overall).

What’s getting the pumpkin treatment?

Americans are purchasing pumpkin products across a wide range of categories:

• Baked goods – 40%
• Coffee/beverages – 39%
• Candies/snacks – 26%
• Ice cream/dairy products – 24%
• Accessories/decor – 23%
• Breakfast foods – 22%
• Personal care items – 16%

Younger generations in particular can’t get enough of their seasonal coffee: 51% of Gen Z and 47% of Millennials are sipping on pumpkin spice-flavored coffee. When it comes to motivation, 37% of Americans say they simply love the taste. Another 24% say the limited-time nature of pumpkin spice makes them more likely to buy.

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research report, “The Pumpkin Premium.”

Methodology:

Empower’s “The Pumpkin Premium” study is based on online survey responses from 2,200 Americans ages 18+ from Aug. 9-11, 2025. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults.

2025-08-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s more important than ever for children to build durable skills — creativity, social skills and emotional skills, for example — starting from an early age. In fact, new research from the Modern Family Index (MFI), commissioned by Bright Horizons and conducted by The Harris Poll, revealed that 73% of parents feel the rise of AI has made durable skills just as important as traditional academic skills like reading, writing and math.

Similarly, experts are recognizing this trend and increasingly advocating for play-based preschool experiences that focus on supporting the whole child and emphasize social and emotional development alongside academics. This means that the skills children need to be successful in kindergarten look a bit different than they have in the past.

What does school readiness look like today?

“School readiness” isn’t about memorizing facts from worksheets or apps. Among other skills, being prepared for success in school means children…

• Adapt, learn from mistakes and keep trying after a setback
• Are curious and creative problem-solvers
• Recognize many letters, shapes and numbers
• Engage and have fun with peers and friends
• Use tools like scissors appropriately
• With support, understand and manage emotions and behaviors
• Understand and follow simple directions
• Have a healthy self-concept and are developing confidence

The MFI also found that 71% of parents worry about properly preparing their children for kindergarten, while 80% wish they had resources and support to better understand how to support their children’s development.

“Parents today are navigating a rapidly changing world and want to do everything they can to set their children up for success,” said Rachel Robertson, Chief Academic Officer at Bright Horizons. “This research makes it clear that parents are looking to preschools not just for academics, but for support in building a variety of both social and emotional skills. High-quality early education that fosters curiosity, builds confidence and nurtures the whole child is what truly lays the foundation for kindergarten and beyond.”

What can parents do at home to foster these skills?

Robertson recommends the following tips for parents to help foster durable skills at home.

• Provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy books — go to the library, read and invent stories together.
• Allow time, space and encouragement for creative and imaginative play.
• Ask ‘thinking’ questions: What do you think? How do you think that works? What are you planning?
• Apply skills authentically: Look for shapes on a walk, practice counting when setting the table, find letters in the grocery store, label household items and problem-solve real issues like taking turns, sharing or cleaning up.
• Encourage healthy risk-taking, even if that means making mistakes and trying again.
• Play simple games that require concentrating, adapting in the moment and using working memory (e.g., Chutes and Ladders™, card and matching games, Simon Says).
• Model and practice managing emotions, self-calming, taking others’ perspectives and empathy.
• Allow their inquiries and interests to guide their learning. If they want to talk dinosaurs, help them research what they eat, find items that are the same length as their feet, explore their habitat and build a mini-replica, and provide materials that inspire dinosaur imaginary play.
• Offer rich, diverse, meaningful and authentic opportunities to explore and discover the world, while recognizing that each child develops at their own pace.

Learn more

Visit www.brighthorizons.com for more information and resources to support healthy early childhood development.

2025-08-18T06:01:00

(BPT) – The U.S. aerospace and defense industries are showing strong growth and staying power. According to a market report by Mordor Intelligence, the aerospace and defense market has a current estimated value of over $525 billion in 2025. It’s expected to continue growing at a compound annual rate of 5.76% through 2030, reaching almost $695 billion.

While many regions in the U.S. are contributing to market growth, one state stands out as an industry leader in the aerospace and defense space: Michigan, driven by its Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI). ODAI supports a defense industry that contributes $30 billion in economic activity for the state, with more than 166,000 jobs and nearly 5,000 Michigan businesses serving the defense, defense aerospace and homeland security industries.

How The Great Lakes State leads the way

Michigan has emerged as a national leader in aerospace and defense, leveraging its industrial legacy and innovation ecosystem. To accelerate this momentum, the state launched the ODAI in 2024, building on the foundation of the Michigan Defense Center. ODAI’s mission is to catalyze growth within the state’s defense and aerospace sectors while advancing innovation and research opportunities that benefit Michigan.

The state is home to over 900 aerospace-related companies and seven Federal Aviation Administration UAS Test Sites. Combined, the aerospace and defense industries contribute a staggering $30 billion to Michigan’s economy and provide more than 166,000 jobs in defense, aerospace and homeland security.

In the early years of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called on Americans to step up as the “arsenal of democracy” in support of the Allied powers, and Detroit answered the call. Since then, Michigan has built on its WWII legacy and reimagined the Arsenal of Democracy as the Arsenal of Innovation, the place where history is made and records are broken. For example, Selfridge Air National Guard Base will be home to one of the newest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force, the F-15EX. This and other advances in defense make Michigan uniquely positioned to help the U.S. remain at the forefront of innovation and defense.

The state plans to further bolster its economic and technological presence in these industries through the Michigan Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Initiative. This strategic approach to AAM includes the development of an integrated manufacturing and innovative ecosystem. Thanks to the initiative’s AAM Activation Fund, four new projects will receive over $4.1 million in total funding to scale Michigan’s AAM research and infrastructure.

A robust foundation and state-funded initiatives have helped Michigan draw the attention of several aerospace and defense companies, making key industry investments across the state. For example, AJG Aerospace — a local Michigan startup — is investing over $33 million to produce aerospace Invar bond tools, aluminum vacuum fixtures, carbon fiber bond tools, carbon fiber flight parts, aluminum flight parts and carbon fiber structural parts.

Great Lakes Sound & Vibration, another Michigan-based company, is combining the strengths of both industries. The company announced an $8.5 million expansion at its airpark facility. This key investment aims to support additional growth for projects with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force in addition to contractors that build tanks, trucks, ships and aircraft for the U.S. Department of Defense.

An innovative competition takes to the skies

This year, the inaugural Uncrewed Triple Challenge took place across Michigan’s Alpena Harbor, Thunder Bay and ended at Camp Grayling. This first-of-its-kind competition showcased autonomous innovation across land, air and water and brought together uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs), aerial drones (UAVs) and maritime systems for a live demonstration of next-gen mobility and defense applications.

Participants — which included Mythos AI, SiFly and DataSpeed — were challenged to transport packages across Michigan using unmanned systems without any human intervention. Not only did this event show promising industry innovations, but one company broke a world record.

SiFly’s electric Q12 drone more than doubled the world record for the longest continuous drone payload flight. The multirotor drone carried a 10-pound payload along the 26-mile flight segment without battery swaps or connection loss, even while navigating wind gusts up to 32 mph.

Become part of the future of Michigan’s aerospace and defense sectors

These are just a few examples of why Michigan is at the forefront of the aerospace and defense industries. To learn more about Michigan’s ecosystem and what it has to offer, visit MichiganBusiness.org/Industries/Defense.