Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2018-03-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Spring offers the perfect time of year for outdoor family getaways, and there’s no better place than Arkansas to explore, make memories and enjoy nature together.

Famously known as The Natural State for its extraordinary scenic beauty, Arkansas has 52 state parks, three national forests, and five national parks, along with access to breathtaking mountains, rich valleys, dense woodlands, vast plains, clear waters and abundant wildlife.

This natural wonderland also provides landscapes for world-class mountain biking and hiking, extensive cave exploration, challenging whitewater rafting and world-class trout fishing.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures to get your heart racing, sights that will take your breath away or fun for the whole family, you’ll find it in Arkansas. This year, keep some of these top outdoor attractions in mind:

Blanchard Springs Caverns: This Northern Arkansas attraction is known as one of the most spectacular and carefully developed caves found anywhere. Visitors are led on guided tours through massive caverns filled with ever-changing formations. Guests will explore beautifully lit rooms with handrails and paved trails for walking through the extraordinary sights far below the Earth’s surface.

War Eagle Cavern: Located halfway between Eureka Springs and Rogers, Arkansas, this secluded site was used by the Indians hundreds of years before the first European settlers came to the area. This attraction is fun for the entire family, offering a 40-minute guided cave tour, gemstone panning and even a half-mile-long maze.

LOViT Mountain Biking Trail: Starting from one of Arkansas’ most popular destinations, Hot Springs, this newly developed trail is certified as one of the International Mountain Biking Association’s (IMBA) EPIC mountain biking trails. Expertly designed, it offers a substantial amount of climbing and incredible scenic vistas. The Vista Trail is suitable for all levels of riders.

Lake Ouachita: Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is known for its scenic natural beauty and clear waters. Just a short drive from Hot Springs, this 40,000-acre lake is a water sports mecca for swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating and fishing. Angling for bream, crappie, catfish, stripers and largemouth bass can be enjoyed in open waters or quiet coves along the lake’s 975 miles of shoreline.

Little Red River: Arkansas’ Little Red River is one of America’s premier fly-fishing destinations. Located approximately one hour north of Little Rock, it’s where the world-record largest brown trout was caught, weighing in at 40.4 pounds. And, with more than 9,000 miles of streams, this river is the perfect place to canoe, johnboat, raft or kayak. The Little Red River is a must-visit destination for individuals looking to enjoy a refreshing and peaceful afternoon on the water.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park: This park, located west of Little Rock just minutes from downtown, offers a variety of hiking trails in varying degrees of difficulty. The park’s namesake, Pinnacle Mountain, stands more than one thousand feet above the Arkansas River Valley, providing hikers with breathtaking panoramic views. With more than 2,350 acres of land dedicated to environmental education, outdoor activities, recreation and preservation, there is something to do for everyone.

Check out a full listing of the state’s other many attractions at Arkansas.com.

2018-03-01T13:57:00

(BPT) – –

2018-02-27T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a die-hard wildlife enthusiast but have never taken an Arctic safari, perhaps it’s time you headed north instead of south this summer.

A favorite destination for such adventurers? The remote and highly unique town of Churchill, Manitoba, accessible these days only by plane. Known by many as the polar bear capital of the world, the Canadian frontier town (population: around 800) draws thousands of travelers each fall from across the world seeking to realize their bucket-list dreams of meeting the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

But the bears are far from the only attraction at the gateway to the Arctic; in July and August, visitors can also pursue once-in-a-lifetime activities such as kayaking or swimming among beluga whales, experiencing the local indigenous culture and tearing through the wilderness on canine-powered carts. Lovers of flora and fauna may also seek out the area’s 250 bird species (look for gray jays, falcons, hawks, tundra swans, snowy owls and the rare Ross’s gulls and harlequin ducks) while hoping for glimpses of moose, wolves, caribou, Arctic foxes and Arctic hares.

More details about some of the area’s best attractions:

* Polar bear lair: Scientists place the world’s current polar bear population at a much-reduced 20,000 — 1,000 of which live in the western Hudson Bay area encompassing Churchill. The region is one of few settlements where people regularly encounter the massive-but-speedy “Lords of the Arctic,” which move to shore each July when ice melts on Hudson Bay, then go back out after the November freeze. Specialty tour guide company Frontiers North Adventures offers a number of area bear-watching excursions using massive tundra-hardy vehicles that allow guests ultra-close views from open-air terraces just feet away. Meanwhile, fellow operator Churchill Wild flies visitors to wilderness lodges then takes them through the tundra on foot, letting them view the bears at ground level under the instruction of experienced wildlife guides. And Lazy Bear Expeditions is known for its custom-built boat the Sam Hearne, which transports guests to a remote coastal area for close-ups of the great beasts.

Behold the beluga:

Some 3,000 beluga whales grace the warmer waters of the Churchill River each summer, and guide company Sea North Tours allows adventurers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or snorkeling directly with the friendly creatures. Enthusiasts can also interpret the creatures’ high-pitched vocalizations through listening devices known as hydrophones. Those wishing to see the magnificent mammals out in Hudson Bay might sign up for Lazy Bear Expeditions’ Ultimate Summer Arctic Safari package.

Highly unique landscape:

Churchill is proud of its often-pristine wilderness featuring the merging of three distinct ecosystems: the vast marine life native to Hudson Bay, the conifer-covered boreal forest and the Arctic tundra characterized by permafrost, rock outcroppings and low-growing vegetation. The differences between the three make the area a prime migratory route for many species of animals, allowing for excellent summertime viewing opportunities.

Historic treasures:

Churchill’s cultural jewels include the indigenous-themed Itsanitaq Museum and the Prince of Wales Fort established in 1717 to protect fur-trading employees of the Hudson’s Bay Co. A summertime visit to Churchill must include a guided cultural town and area tour, which is offered by a few different tour companies including North Star Tours and Lazy Bear Expeditions. The excursions introduce visitors to local culture and landmarks such as the historic Cape Merry site and the polar bear “jail” housing wayward Ursus maritimus.

Musher’s paradise:

Canada’s North has a long, proud history of optimizing dogsleds for transportation, and in summer Churchill’s sled dogs train by pulling wheeled carts. Visitors can sign up for tours at Wapusk Adventures or Bluesky Expeditions to meet and greet the energetic and hardworking canines before embarking on an exhilarating ride through the boreal forest.

Light shows extraordinaire:

The Churchill area is considered one of the top three vantage points worldwide for viewing the Aurora Borealis or northern lights, a natural phenomenon of moving color caused by atmospheric atoms mixing with charged particles from the sun. While the lights can be more elusive in the summertime (the optimal time for viewing is in winter), visitors enjoying their campfires at night can often catch a glimpse of their incredible beauty during clear nights.

For more information about the wonders you may encounter on your summer safari to Churchill, visit travelmanitoba.com.

2017-12-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – Dog shows are an extraordinary opportunity to learn more about the nuanced and wonderful things that make dog breeds unique. But while many of us have an idea of what a dog show is — often from what we have seen depicted on television or in movies — there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to these events. Below are some myths and facts that will hopefully set the record straight.

Myth: Dog shows are beauty pageants for dogs

Fact: It’s an active and fun event for people of all ages

Dog shows include an array of activities for dogs and attendees. At the AKC National Championship Dog Show, for example, there are several events including an agility competition, AKC Meet the Breeds(R) and even a Puppy Stakes. The show is interactive for attendees, who can experience more than 190 breeds. Any dog that is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) is eligible to participate in dog shows.

Myth: A dog’s breed isn’t important

Fact: It is very important — and dog shows celebrate breeds!

Just like humans, a dog’s genetic history can have an impact on their health, personality and nutritional needs. Dog shows are intended to celebrate these differences and give dogs a chance to show off the best parts of their breeds and personalities. Every breed is different, and all were designed for a specific purpose to fill a specific need. Knowing the history of breeds and maintaining breeds through future generations can — if done properly — help eliminate some health problems.

There are even breed-specific diets that cater to the unique needs of each breed by tailoring certain characteristics, such as kibble size, nutrients and more.

“At Royal Canin, we love to celebrate the unique differences that make each dog breed remarkable, which is why we produce age- and breed-specific canine diets,” says Kamie Eckert, president of Royal Canin USA, presenting sponsor of the AKC National Championship, the biggest dog show in North America.

Although many recognizable breeds will be attending — such as Golden Retrievers, Yorkies and Bulldogs — the AKC also adds new breeds to the list on an ongoing basis. It can take up to 20 years for a breed to be recognized by the AKC. For example, it may be another 15-20 years before the Labradoodle could potentially be recognized as a true breed by the AKC — even though it’s a recognizable breed to most consumers.

Myth: All dog shows are private events

Fact: Anyone can enjoy the AKC National Championship

While some events may be private, many dog shows like the AKC National Championship are open to anyone to attend. Where else will you be able to see 30 Saint Bernards all in the same place? Or a Border Collie weave through agility poles faster than your brain can process?

For those that are unable to attend in-person, you can catch the highlights on your television screen. This year, the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin will air on Animal Planet on New Year’s Day for everyone to watch! The show will be anchored by Jerry O’Connell, AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo and sportscasters Jason Knapp and Sam Ryan. This three-hour show will allow you to see all that makes dog shows so special, so be sure to tune in!

2017-12-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – For people around the world, New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the joys of the past 365 days while looking forward to the fun year ahead!

When Roman leader Caesar Augustus designated Jan. 1 as the first calendar day in honor of the two-faced god Janus, who could simultaneously look back into the past and forward into the future, Romans celebrated by exchanging gifts, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending raucous parties.

Today, Americans similarly celebrate by gathering together with friends and family to mark time and renew valued relationships. But how exactly do Americans celebrate the New Year in the modern age? According to a new survey from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, the Official Bubbly of Times Square New Year’s Eve:

* We’re looking forward to 2018.

Fifty-six percent of Americans feel optimistic about what the New Year will bring.

* We dream about partying Big Apple style.

Seventy-four percent of millennials and half of all Americans place “Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square” on their bucket lists. The tradition started in 1904 and has been ongoing every year since, with the Times Square crowd now witnessing more than a million revelers in attendance.

* We like to break open the bubbly!

More than 75 percent of Americans prefer to toast the traditional way, with a sparkling alcoholic beverage such as a Brut Cuvée or Moscato. “Fizzy wine on Dec. 31 is like chocolates on Feb. 14, flags on July 4 and pumpkins on Oct. 31,” writes food critic Michael Austin in the Chicago Tribune. “It’s hard to imagine one without the other. Besides being a great aperitif — possibly the best aperitif we have — sparkling wine is also good with just about every kind of food, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert.”

* Oh yes, we will bust a move.

Nearly two thirds of Americans agree with the statement, “It’s not a party until the dancing starts.” Dancing is one reason that through December, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly hosted multiple “Bring the Bubbly” pop-up dance parties in different cities, bringing the official bottle of bubbly across the country. That journey, which benefited several nonprofits, culminates with the grand finale — the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, slated to be the biggest, best dance party in the U.S. Look for party officials to pop bottles of bubbly onstage as the clock strikes 12.

* Champagne snobs? Not.

Fifty-seven percent of Americans would prefer a few bottles of reasonably priced champagne to one bottle of luxury champagne. That may be because there are so many affordable, yet festive and delicious options from which to choose. “There are lots of styles to explore, and few things in wine exploration are as satisfying as figuring out what you like and don’t like,” Austin writes.

With multiple varietals of bubbly affordably priced at just $10 each, Barefoot Bubbly, the Official Bubbly of Times Square New Year’s Eve, is sure to offer the perfect bottle for your celebration. Here’s to a joyful 2018!

2017-12-22T09:19:00

(BPT) – For many people, the holiday season means extra visits with family and friends, creating fun memories, sharing traditions and enjoying the warm glow of family.

With all the decorating and activities, it’s easy to let safety slip off your to-do list. But this is an excellent time to make sure powerful medicines don’t fall into the wrong hands.

Prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies we rely on can be dangerous to others, and not just to children. It is true that about 60,000 young children are taken to the emergency room each year because they got into medicines left within easy reach. Unfortunately, older kids and teens often experiment with drugs they find in someone else’s medicine cabinet.

A surprising number of heroin users started abusing drugs by taking opioid pain killers stolen from a family member. In fact, drug addiction crosses ALL age groups, and it often starts with prescription medicines.

Here are six ways to safeguard your prescription drugs — and your loved ones:

1. Keep all medicines and over-the-counter items — especially cough syrup, sleep aids and motion sickness medicine — locked up, or move them to a place where they won’t be easily found.

2. Sort through all your medicines and get rid of old or unused ones. The label will tell you how to dispose of them. Before you put them in the trash, mix them with something that tastes bad, like cat litter or old coffee grounds, and then put them in a sealed bag or old container and place it in the trash. (Most medicine should not be flushed because it gets into creeks and rivers.) Ask the pharmacy or police department about “drug take-back” programs for an even safer method of disposal.

3. Keep track of your medicines on a regular basis (weekly), especially opioids or other pain killers, including how many pills you should have.

4. Check around your home for old medicines. Purses, coat pockets, kitchen cupboards, bureau drawers and hall closets are common places to find old medicines.

5. If you take prescriptions with you when staying in someone else’s home, quietly ask your host or another trusted adult to lock them up or find a secure place to store them. Suitcases and purses are not safe places to keep powerful prescriptions.

6. Keep the Poison Help number handy in case of emergencies: (800) 222-1222.

More information on how to avoid becoming an “unwitting supplier” of prescription medications is available from the Food and Drug Administration.

2017-12-21T14:41:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is the most wonderful (and busy) time of year. While the season means plenty of quality time spent with loved ones, it can also bring chaos and stress when it comes to buying gifts, coordinating travel and planning family functions.

Luckily, there are some simple ways to tackle the holidays with confidence. Just ask mom, TV personality and blogger Ali Fedotowsky-Manno. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year — and, I tend to take on way too much. That’s why I depend on Total Wireless to get me through it all with my smartphone, so I can focus on spending time with the people I love.”

Here are Ali’s top tips for managing the chaos of the holidays:

1. Plan Ahead: Planning ahead doesn’t just mean buying all your gifts early. Instead of scrambling to bake cookies or wrap presents right before a holiday party, I like to make checklists of things I can prepare ahead of time. That way, I can actually enjoy holiday get-togethers, whether I am a host or a guest.

2. Stay organized: As my family grows, I’ve learned how easy it is to get lost in the clutter of holiday wish lists, activities, events and travel, and a paper to-do list is way too easy to lose. My smartphone has become an essential tool that gives me the confidence to tackle the holiday season. I create lists for each family member, keep track of my holiday to-dos, coordinate travel and schedule reminders in my calendar for holiday events and parties.

3. Shop anywhere: Honestly, I probably do 95 percent of my shopping online. Holiday shopping in-person means dealing with bumper-to-bumper parking lot traffic and crowds that never end. Great plans from Total Wireless and my smartphone gives me the confidence to shop from the palm of my hand, wherever I am.

4. Focus on what really matters: When I make time for family, friends, exercise and sleep, my mood is one hundred times better. Taking the time to unwind is so helpful — I like to take walks with my family or even just snuggle in bed with a cup of tea! Take some time to slow down, breathe and remember this time of year is about the people you love.

Total Wireless gives you the confidence you need to break free from the hassles of the holidays. Its four line Shared Family Plan is just $25/line per month with Unlimited Talk & Text, plus 25GB of shared* data, keeping the entire family connected on America’s largest and most dependable 4G LTE† network.

Learn more at TotalWireless.com.

*The 30-Day cycle for Shared Data Family Plans begins on the day the first line/device is activated. Any line(s)/device(s) activated later in the first 30-Day cycle will receive only the number of days remaining in that cycle. A month equals 30 days. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions of service at TotalWireless.com

†To get 4G LTE speed where available you must have a 4G LTE capable device and a 4G LTE SIM card. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions of service at TotalWireless.com
Prices do not include fees or taxes

2017-12-20T16:59:00

(BPT) – Between trips to the mall, cross-country travel and never-ending hosting duties, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos of the holidays and forget to experience the joys the season bring. From capturing and sharing their favorite memories to booking flights and shopping for gifts, holiday shoppers rely on their smartphones to power through the holidays and need a dependable wireless network to keep them streaming and snapping all season long.

This year, SIMPLE Mobile has partnered with YouTube personality Jenn McAllister to share her top holiday tips that will help you conquer holiday chaos and successfully ‘sleigh’ the season to bring more joy — and less stress — like never before.

1. Having trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year? Download some fun holiday games on your smartphone to ramp up that holiday cheer. Bonus points if they’re multi-player and you can share the holiday fun with friends and family.

2. Bored this holiday season? Stream YouTube videos! With SIMPLE Mobile, it’s super easy, because their $50 Truly Unlimited 30-day plan will give you all the 4G LTE† data you could ever need! So no excuses. (Video typically streams at DVD quality).

3. Having trouble figuring out the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season? Take the pressure off by ordering them a fun gag gift — they can be cheaper and will bring a smile to the person you give them to!

4. Want to spread a little holiday cheer? Prank your friends and family by texting them lyrics from your favorite holiday song. The reactions will be priceless!

The holiday season is the best time of the year, so why not enjoy it? SIMPLE Mobile $50 Truly Unlimited 30-day plan offers unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE† data so you can share, snap and stream all holiday long without worrying about overages or mystery fees (video typically streams at DVD quality). So, go ahead, spend more on gifts for loved ones, travel and entertaining and truly experience all the joys the holidays have to offer. For more information on SIMPLE Mobile, visit: SIMPLEMobile.com.

Please refer always to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service at SIMPLEMobile.com. Price does not include taxes and fees.

†To get 4G LTE speed, you must have a 4G LTE capable device and 4G LTE SIM. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

2017-12-18T09:05:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a favorite time of year for many. We love decorating our homes, baking cookies, donating to our favorite charities, and listening to those classic songs we only get to enjoy a few short weeks each year. There’s all the holiday parties and celebrations. And of course, a big part of the season includes buying gifts for those we care about.

There’s a lot that’s crammed into the holidays, so finding the time to get to everything we want and need to do can feel challenging. Fortunately, technology can help!

Check out these gifting tips to help you save time and stay within budget this year.

Free up some room in your sleigh.

If you’re traveling for the holidays, the trip itself often has an impact on the gifts you purchase. But it doesn’t have to. If a long flight or drive made you shy away from larger gifts in the past, choose to buy online and ship your gifts to your final destination this year. Many of these services also offer gift wrapping and because the package is already being shipped, you don’t need to delay your trip waiting for your package to arrive.

No minute like the last minute.

This holiday season forget old fashioned cash and checks. There’s a new way to gift money right from your mobile banking app with Zelle^®. Forget about going to the ATM, or having to find a stamp and then wait for the person to go cash your check. Zelle enables you to send money quickly, safely and easily with your mobile phone to almost anyone with a bank account in the U.S. Best of all, the funds are available to your loved one typically within minutes[1] when both parties are already enrolled. Most likely, you already have Zelle as part of your mobile banking app; otherwise, you can still use Zelle by downloading the Zelle app for Android and iOS.

Getting the elves together.

You have that special friend who deserves the designer purse and you know how much it would mean to her. You round up your girlfriends and pool your money together. You can use Zelle to split the cost of the gift with everyone. All you need is their email address or U.S. mobile phone number[2]. Zelle lets you request money with just a few taps on your mobile phone, making it easy to pool your resources and get the perfect gift for that special person on your list.

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be hectic, particularly if you haven’t finished your shopping. Technology can help you make every minute count. Utilize some of the tips above and hopefully your holiday shopping and the festivities will be a littler merrier for you and your loved ones.

To learn more about Zelle and its participating financial institutions, visit www.zellepay.com.

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2017-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – What do we say about the holiday season? It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Amidst the wonder of the season that includes plenty of shopping and celebrating, spending can get out of control. Before we know it, bills come due and suddenly things really aren’t so wonderful anymore.

So this year, let’s flip the script and come into the season with a plan, one that will allow us to celebrate the season, preserve the wonder and step into 2018 with our finances intact. You can do it and these tips can help.

* If you can’t pay cash, then don’t pay at all. A lot of our spending problems come from putting too many purchases on our credit cards during the holidays. Credit card debt is basically a high-interest loan. Don’t be one of the 65 percent of people that keep this credit card debt going. If you can’t pay for it right away, don’t buy it.

* Make your list and check it twice. When finalizing your gift list, add a dollar amount next to each person, then stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and actually makes you more thoughtful with your gift choices. It’s a win-win.

* Celebrate the experience. Consider gifting experiences like hosting a potluck at your apartment or planning a unique activity for the group to enjoy. These events have the opportunity to create memories for your family and friends that will far exceed those of items they may never use.

* Treat yourself … affordably. We all love to gift ourselves, so set aside a little extra money ahead of time to buy your own present. Just make sure you’ve budgeted for this expense beforehand and don’t overspend on yourself.

* Consider consolidating your debt. If you do find you need a little additional financial support during the holiday season, a personal loan through LendingClub can help. Personal loans are an easy, affordable way to refinance high-interest credit card debt, and offer a lower interest rate at a fixed term so you know when you’ll have your debt under control. LendingClub users on average* save almost $300 per month by consolidating their debt. Sixty-four percent of borrowers report using their loans to refinance existing loans or pay off their credit debit, so do your research to see if this option works for you.

Savor and save this holiday

The most wonderful time of the year doesn’t have to be the most expensive as well. Apply the tips above and stick to your financial plan during all the holiday merrymaking and you’ll set yourself up to make 2018 your best year yet.

*Based on responses from 2,259 borrowers in a survey of 14,049 randomly selected borrowers conducted from 1/1/17-7/31/17, borrowers who received a loan to consolidate existing debt or pay off their credit card balance reported that they saved $287 a month on average.