Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-11-26T23:01:00

(BPT) – Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, particularly in Los Angeles. The county is home to more than 1.3 million small businesses, which provide the majority of jobs and income to the 10 million residents of this area.

One would think that the number of people driving in LA would be a boon to local businesses. However, the daily rush-hour traffic — not to mention sports and entertainment events — hurt businesses in the long run.

“Dodger fans will often drive up from here, causing tremendous amounts of traffic,” said Su Ling Lei, owner of the Jade Wok restaurant. In his 38 years of operating a business in Chinatown, he’s seen firsthand how traffic negatively impacts his and other businesses in the area. “Our customers are unable to pick up their orders. Some customers want to dine in but are unable to do so because of the traffic issue.”

Given the recent “Carmageddon” caused by fans flocking to Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium and upcoming major events like the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, innovative methods to reduce traffic are sorely needed.

How a novel method can solve a longstanding problem

While no magic bullet can fix LA’s traffic issues, a new project aims to reduce the traffic in Downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) is a proposed zero-emission aerial transit connection between Union Station and Dodger Stadium. The transit system’s aerial gondola could move up to 5,000 people per hour per direction and transport 8,000 to 10,000 fans to Dodger Stadium in the two hours before the start of a game or event.

Rather than sitting in traffic, fans will enjoy a scenic ride from downtown to Dodger Stadium in just seven minutes. Projections suggest that LA ART could eliminate tens of thousands of game-day car trips to Dodger Stadium every season, greatly improve the flow of traffic and reduce the impacts of congestion on nearby freeways and surrounding areas.

Small business benefits

When asked what they thought about the project, many small-business owners see potential benefits to their establishments. In fact, more than 400 businesses in Chinatown, El Pueblo and Lincoln Heights have signed up to support the project.

In his opinion piece published by Climate Resolve, Jason Fujimoto, a Los Angeles Chinatown Corp. Board Member, said, “The gondola will be transformative for the region. As the first permanent transit system to Dodger Stadium, it will allow visitors and locals to travel up and above traffic while increasing economic growth and foot traffic for our local businesses, restaurants and cultural landmarks.”

Don Luis Camacho, owner and operator of the historic El Paseo Inn Restaurant in Olvera Street that sits next to a proposed tram stop, echoes Fujimoto’s sentiment. He welcomes the extra foot traffic and is excited about the resources the project would bring to Downtown LA. “It would change things for the better. This is a rare opportunity, which can actually benefit this area and really bring much-needed resources.”

Beyond the economics, these small businesses are also vital to the continued heritage and vibrancy of their communities.

“Chinatown is home to many unique and diverse small businesses that were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Icy Zheng, owner of Eighty Eight Hair Salon. “We are glad to be welcoming visitors back after a difficult few years and are excited to work with LA ART to find ways to encourage Dodger fans to visit Chinatown before taking the gondola to a baseball game.”

To learn more about the transit project and its benefits, visit https://laart.la/.

2024-11-26T13:05:00

(BPT) – Looking to level up your gift-giving game this year? The secret to inspired holiday gift giving is choosing meaningful things that will uplift, surprise and delight. It’s not about how expensive your gifts are, it’s about finding things that will make an impact and possibly improve your loved ones’ lives, perhaps with something special they wouldn’t think to buy for themselves.

Check all those boxes with an easy choice this holiday — give a bidet seat like the TOTO WASHLET! Though not a typical gift idea, a recent survey from TOTO and Harris Poll found that 58% of people would welcome a bidet seat as a gift, with 60% confessing they do not feel completely clean when just using toilet paper alone after a bathroom break.

Bidets have long been a central feature in European and Japanese bathrooms, and their popularity is skyrocketing in the U.S. Why? It’s easier than ever to upgrade your bathroom with a bidet. You don’t even need a whole new plumbed fixture anymore. Innovative electric bidet seats like the WASHLET from TOTO transform your toilet into a bidet by simply replacing the existing toilet seat!

The WASHLET adds warmth, self-care, convenience and luxury to your loved ones’ everyday routine. And the good news for your holiday pocketbook — there is a bidet for every budget: the introductory WASHLET C2, intermediate WASHLET C5 or top-of-the-line WASHLET S7A.

Here’s how a bidet seat will surprise and delight everyone on your list:

For the environmentally conscious

Why they’ll love it: A bidet seat like the WASHLET can reduce a person’s toilet paper use by up to 75%. That’s good for the environment in terms of fewer trees being used and also less paper waste flushed into the sewer systems. It also reduces the amount of harsh cleaning chemicals people need to clean their toilet bowls because of their self-cleaning functions. With a WASHLET, people can have an eco-friendly bathroom that still feels luxurious. According to that survey by TOTO, 28% of Americans are motivated to consider purchasing a bidet as a way to reduce the environmental impact associated with using toilet paper.

For the apartment renter

Why they’ll love it: Portable and easy to install, WASHLET bidets can upgrade even small bathrooms without requiring major renovation. This is a luxury upgrade for renters who can’t make permanent changes to their bathrooms without losing their security deposit. Because a WASHLET can easily be removed, renters can even take their WASHLET with them to their next place of living.

For the wellness warrior

Why they’ll love it: For those who live by their self-care routine, a WASHLET is a way to level up wellness. WASHLET uses a gentle, effective spray of warm water to cleanse after using the bathroom, which is more hygienic than using toilet paper. WASHLET promotes overall wellness by helping to prevent or ease the symptoms of common health issues ranging from hemorrhoids and Crohn’s disease to jock itch. Many people find that toilet paper can irritate the skin, while the WASHLET’s warm-water cleansing provides a gentler clean. Many brands of toilet paper also contain harsh chemical additives. By limiting your use of toilet paper with a bidet, you are limiting your exposure to these toxic chemicals.

For multigenerational families

Why they’ll love it: According to survey data from TOTO, about 1 in 5 Americans (19%) live in a multigenerational home with at least one shared bathroom. A WASHLET provides a superior bathroom experience for people of all ages, at any stage of life. It supports everything from the challenges of keeping clean during potty training to the struggle of decreased mobility into old age. It’s especially useful for families with multiple generations living under one roof to ease the stress of raising young children while also ensuring elder family members can live their daily lives with dignity, privacy and safety.

For lovers of luxury and the celebrity obsessed

Why they’ll love it: A WASHLET by TOTO is an affordable way for someone to bring the luxury of a high-end hotel spa into their own living space. Many of today’s finest hotels feature high-end bidets in their bathrooms to give their discerning guests a luxurious experience and celebrities have them at the top of bathroom upgrades for their homes. TOTO found more than 3 in 5 Americans (63%) see a bidet as a luxury or status symbol.

And don’t forget to put yourself on that list. A WASHLET elevates any bathroom and turns it into a luxury spa-like retreat, making it a gift you and your loved ones will enjoy long after the holidays are over. You can find WASHLET at retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes and Wayfair.

2024-11-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – Traveling for the holidays? Whether you’re having a Friendsgiving with pals or going to grandma’s house for Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, you’ll find the roads jam packed. According to a survey by GasBuddy, 72% of Americans plan to drive to their holiday destination, up from 41% in 2023. Stormy and snowy weather conditions won’t help matters.

Here are some tips to help you arrive at your holiday destination safely, from the good neighbors at State Farm.

Be prepared: transform your trunk for holiday travel. Is your trunk filled with your kids’ sports equipment, your gym bag and miscellaneous items you found at a garage sale? State Farm recommends clearing all of that out and packing items you’ll need if you get stranded, like hats, gloves, warm socks and blankets for everyone in the car. Also include water, flashlights and high-calorie snacks like trail mix. Don’t forget phone chargers, jumper cables, a shovel and ice scraper, a tarp, snow brushes and a bag of sand or cat litter to give your tires some traction if you need to get out of an icy mess.

Be mindful of distractions. Texting while driving is the top culprit in distracted driving, according to a survey from State Farm. But that’s not the only one. Grooming, checking maps, interacting with kids in the back seat, eating or even rubbernecking at an accident can cause an accident of your own. Also, be alert for wildlife and pedestrians.

Car maintenance is key. Oil changed and tires winter ready? Check! Lights all functioning and fluids topped off? Check! How about the wipers? What about your battery life? Before you go, make sure your car is in tip top shape so you get to your destination and home again safely. Even pop an extra jug of windshield washing fluid into your trunk, just in case.

Check the weather ahead. Monitor the weather along your route to know what you’re driving into. You can arrange to stop in a hotel if necessary or delay your trip. The last thing you want is to be on the road in dangerous driving conditions.

Plan your route. Hop on your favorite mapping app and plan the best route for your trip, including stops for meals or overnights in a hotel. Many apps revise your route based on traffic patterns and accidents on the road ahead, so keep it on for any changes.

Fight fatigue. If you’re driving a long distance, plan to take breaks every few hours or 100 miles to refuel, get out of the car, stretch and walk around for a bit. You don’t want to nod off while driving.

Following these tips can help you feel confident setting out on your holiday journeys. Arriving safely to spend time with family and friends is what it’s all about!

This content is sponsored by State Farm.

2024-11-25T14:19:00

(BPT) – The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, sales, and unfortunately also scams. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Week mean increased online transactions, e-commerce traffic, and a heightened focus on fulfilling customer orders — all of which make small businesses, especially micro-businesses, prime targets for cybercriminals.

According to Bank of America’s Small Business Owner’s Report, more than half of small business owners said cybersecurity threats have impacted their business. Unlike larger corporations with dedicated IT departments, many small and micro businesses lack proper security infrastructure, leaving them more vulnerable to and harmed by threats. A single scam or breach can be costly and can put a business behind during the busy holiday season.

Scammers know how to exploit the season’s hustle and bustle. But don’t let the Grinch steal your seasonal success — arm yourself with these tips from the pros at Norton Small Business to stay protected and keep the holiday cheer intact.

The Naughty List: Common Holiday Cyber Scams

• Phishing: Fake emails or texts disguised as retailers or shipping services claim “Order issues” or “Tracking updates.” Clicking these links can lead to malicious sites or stolen credentials.
• Payment fraud: Increased holiday transactions mean a higher risk of stolen credit card use, chargebacks, and “friendly fraud,” where buyers dispute charges after receiving goods. Physically damaged cards during in-person payments and mismatched addresses for online transactions can be red flags.
• The impact of malware: Cybercriminals target businesses with malware that locks its data or steals customer information, disrupting holiday operations.
• Website vulnerabilities: Unpatched software or weak security measures on your e-commerce site can lead to data breaches or malicious code injections.
• Gift card fraud: Hackers might target or even brute-force codes for digital gift cards, either to steal funds or use them fraudulently, which can result in financial loss and impact customer trust.

In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer optional — it’s a necessity. With cyber threats evolving constantly, safeguarding your business requires vigilance, informed employees, and robust practices. Investing in cybersecurity tools is a simple way to address these concerns.

The Nice List: 7 Cyber Safety Tips for the Holidays

1. Train Employees to Spot Scams: Equip your team to recognize phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links, and adopt the mantra: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
2. Secure Your Systems and Networks: Use strong passwords, enable a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for all remote work, and keep software, operating systems, and drivers up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
3. Guard Sensitive Data: Avoid sharing personal or company information over email and rely on secure payment platforms to handle transactions.
4. Double Down on Authentication: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on critical accounts like banking, e-commerce, and email for an added layer of security.
5. Backup Your Data Regularly: Protect yourself against ransomware and system failures by maintaining up-to-date backups of important business information.
6. Protect E-Commerce and Gift Cards: Use secure payment processors and set clear refund policies to deter disputes. Employ tools like CAPTCHA to prevent hackers from brute-forcing codes and monitor for unusual activity.
7. Invest in Cybersecurity Solutions: Tools like Norton Small Business Premium offer round-the-clock protection for your devices, data, and online activity — no IT skills required.

In a world where scams are harder to detect it is good to have extra help. Owners and employees can check in real time if something might be a scam with the free Norton Genie app. With a simple screen shot, this AI-powered scam detection tool can tell you if a text message, social media post, email or website message is likely to be a scam, what makes the content suspicious, and what to do next.

Beyond just protecting your systems, it’s essential to build trust with your customers by showing them that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. Displaying security badges on your website, being transparent about how customer data is protected, and offering secure payment options can go a long way in fostering customer confidence and retention.

The holidays are a time of opportunity for both small businesses and scammers. By adopting these best practices, you can protect your business, your customers, and your peace of mind this season.

Think of Norton Small Business as your holiday helper, protecting your devices and data while you focus on operating your business. With easy setup and robust features, it’s your always-on IT department working 24/7 to protect your business and employees. Visit https://us.norton.com/products/small-business for more information.

2024-11-25T10:01:00

(BPT) – By Sarah Acton, Chief Customer Officer at BILL

Imagine your neighborhood without any small coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops or craft stores. Would it even have the same feel and personality? Small businesses are what make towns and cities have a truly unique character and sense of community.

Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) make up 99.9% of American businesses and they are engines of the U.S. economy, employing more than 62 million Americans. More importantly, they can help build and strengthen a community. I’ve seen this firsthand, growing up watching my dad own and run a small professional services business.

Years later, I was inspired to start my own small business selling children’s clothing. I worked hard to build connections with local businesses — finding suppliers, vendors and service providers that I trusted and enjoyed working with. This network was essential to my ability to serve my customers, build a community, and drive the success of my business.

My lifelong passion for SMBs led me to join BILL because I truly believe in its mission to be a champion of SMBs. Through our financial operations platform, BILL is dedicated to helping SMBs grow and scale their businesses.

During the holiday season, BILL celebrates our customers by recognizing them as the true pillars of their communities. To that end, we are encouraging people like you to #shopsmall this holiday season with this curated selection of gift ideas from a variety of businesses. Each of these businesses has a unique dream they are passionately pursuing. Take advantage of our special offer codes so you can save big, feel good and uplift these communities.

Food and beverage

BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold aims to unite coffee and tea lovers worldwide through a common interest in investing in the community, specifically for the youth. The brand pledges 5% of its revenue to nonprofit organizations across America that invest in children’s confidence, exposure, and guidance for them to be the best version of themselves. Choose from a variety of whole bean, ground, cold brew and K-Cup pod coffee. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Bobelo

Bobelo is the first and only bubbly drink mix that carbonates itself and contributes to a healthier planet one drink at a time. With each purchase, a portion of the price is donated to the Bobelo One Foundation, which advocates for a better brain, body and biome. The B-Corp Certified Brand has gone through a rigorous process to become carbon neutral so it can continue its mission to provide healthy sodas while contributing to a healthier, cleaner earth. Get 20% off with code BILLHOLIDAY.

Packed with Purpose

Packed with Purpose offers curated gift boxes that delight recipients and strengthen relationships between employees, clients, prospects, families and friends. The brand sources thoughtful and sustainable gifts from over 140 purpose-driven organizations that have positively impacted nearly 1.5 million lives since the company’s start. The woman-owned B-Corp certified company’s gifts support women’s empowerment, sustainability, youth advancement, workforce development, health and well-being and amplify diverse, minority-owned businesses. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Beehive Meals

Beehive Meals is an award-winning meal delivery service with one goal: to simplify family dinner time by offering a convenient meal prep and delivery service for busy parents and families. Each month, the company prepares and delivers 10 freezer meals sealed for freshness. Menus rotate every month, offering a variety of new meal experiences for families across Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Get 10% off with code BILL2024.

Clothing and accessories

Marine Layer

Marine Layer was founded in 2009 by Michael Natenshon who set out to create a T-shirt that feels like an old favorite from day one. In addition to T-shirts made from ultra-soft, low-impact custom fabrics, the brand’s casual apparel for men, women and kids includes knits, outerwear and more. As part of its sustainable mission, the B-Corp company established the Re-Spun program to recycle T-shirts and use that recycled material across its entire line of products. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Blissy

Blissy is the best-kept secret of supermodels, hair stylists, beauty experts and dermatologists around the world. Its 100% pure mulberry silk pillowcases, sleep masks, hair accessories, clothing, face masks and other products are designed to improve skin, hair and sleep quality. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover, established in 2013 by three women, crafts problem-solving bags to help users keep up, stay organized and look good doing it. Rooted in empathy and excellent design, the brand strives to make users’ lives easier while maintaining eco-conscious practices. The eco-friendly brand uses non-toxic materials, has implemented waste reduction strategies and encourages consumer sustainability through resale, reuse and recycling initiatives. Most bags are now 100% vegan. Get 20% off with code BILLHoliday20.

Enso Rings

Enso Rings designs stylish and durable silicone bands that offer a comfortable alternative to traditional rings and wedding bands for active individuals. With a variety of styles from the brand’s Elements collection infused with precious metals, exclusive collaborations and custom rings, there’s a ring for many occasions and lifestyles. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Home and lifestyle

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Brooklyn Candle Studio has a simple mission to create home fragrance products with captivating scents, beautiful minimalist designs and the best ingredients at an accessible price. Candles are made of 100% soy wax derived from American-grown soy beans for eco-friendly, clean burn and lead-free cotton wicks. All products are petroleum-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and 100% vegan. Get 15% off with code BILL15.

BrüMate

BrüMate offers innovative insulated tumblers, drinkware, coolers and more made to empower, inspire and enhance the daily routine. Balancing functionality and beauty, customers can enjoy their drinks, hot or cold, in stylish, leak-free designs to elevate their drinking experience. Most of the brand’s drinkware is made from highly durable, recycled plastic, packaged in 100% compostable/recyclable materials and built for long-term use. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Chatbooks

Chatbooks is on a mission to strengthen families and save the moments that matter most. The affordable photo book platform allows users to customize their very own photobooks online or on the brand’s phone app. In just a few taps, users can add, upload, edit and print their every day magical moments in a custom photo book. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Good Sport

Good Sport seeks to drive equitable access to youth sports and physical activity to support children in high-need communities. Over the past 10 years, the brand has worked around the clock to invent, design and create dozens of new and exciting games that can be played anywhere. Its bestselling backyard games include SmashNet — a cross between ping pong and volleyball. Get 30% off with code BILL30.

KiwiCo

KiwiCo was created to celebrate kids’ natural creativity and curiosity while helping parents who want to bring enriching experiences to their children. Each subscription toy crate includes a creative, hands-on project to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Crates are designed for different age groups, from 0-3 to 12-16+. Get 50% off the Clubs crate or 20% Panda crate with code BUILDFUN.

Beauty and wellness

Tower 28

Tower 28 is a cosmetics brand that offers high-performance beauty products made with non-irritating ingredients designed for sensitive skin so users can feel as good as they look. All of the company’s plastic product packaging is made from at least 50% recycled plastic to help divert waste from landfills and reduce the end-user responsibility associated with recyclable or compostable materials. Get 15% off with code T28XBill15.

Operation Good Boy

Operation Good Boy focuses on providing better-than-military-grade gear, treats, and tons of experiences for military working dogs. The purpose-driven brand is committed to serving this community of military-friendly dog owners and their packmates. That’s why Operation Good Boy provides unrestricted funds to these Military Working Dog Charities. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Kreyòl Essence

Kreyòl Essence brings natural hair, skin and body products from Haiti to the world. Its eco-friendly formulations are made from pure and natural ingredients from Caribbean Farms that focus on combating dry hair and skin. The social brand is dedicated to creating sustainable jobs, protecting and conserving the island’s environment and empowering women. Get 15% off with code BILL15.

MIKUNA

MIKUNA’s goal is to provide consumers with the world’s purest, nutrient-dense, plant-based foods while maintaining the highest consumer transparency, environmental protection and community stewardship. The brand’s name comes from the ancient Kichwa concept of nourishing the body through food. The single-source chocho plant protein is cultivated between 11,000 and 14,000 feet in the Andes Mountains by a network of Indigenous farmers and finely ground in small batches. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Community matters

When you buy gifts by shopping small, you’re not just supporting a business. You’re also supporting the passion, grit, and creativity of these independent business owners and giving back to their communities. At BILL we are dedicated to serving the needs of SMBs and accountants so they can focus more on running their businesses and serving customers. When SMBs thrive, so do their communities. To learn more, visit Bill.com. Happy holidays from BILL!

©2024 BILL Operations, LLC. BILL, the BILL logo, and the “b” logo are trademarks of BILL Operations, LLC. All other company names and brands are the property of their respective owners.

2024-11-25T09:01:00

(BPT) – Holiday gatherings are all about friends, family, and fabulous food — and adding more fruits and veggies to the mix can be a great way to keep the party delicious and nutritious. Only 1 in 10 U.S. adults meet the CDC’s recommended daily intake of 1.5-2 cup-equivalents of fruit and 2-3 cup-equivalents of vegetables. This holiday season, Fresh Del Monte, one of the world’s leading providers of high-quality fresh produce, is sharing creative and easy ways to get your fill of nutritious fruits and veggies during holiday celebrations.

1. Enhance your stuffing with pineapple

Add pineapple to your stuffing for a sweet and tropical twist. Fresh Del Monte’s Gold^® Pineapple Stuffing recipe elevates classic holiday stuffing combining the savory flavors of traditional stuffing with the brightness of pineapple, making it a flavorful way to incorporate more fruit into your holiday spread.

2. Make a flavorful side dish

Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots and sweet potatoes are a great side dish and addition to any food spread. In fact, Fresh Del Monte offers a unique and delicious Skillet Brussel Sprouts recipe with toasted walnuts and dried cranberries that will surely delight your guests!

3. Treat your guests to a delicious and sweet pineapple as an appetizer or dessert!

Did you know that pineapples are a traditional symbol of hospitality? Serving guests a sweet, juicy pineapple as an appetizer or dessert is the perfect way to honor this iconic fruit’s history while offering a delicious starter without extensive preparation. In fact, this year Fresh Del Monte launched “You’re Welcome,” a campaign that reminds people of pineapple’s rich history and Fresh Del Monte’s role in revolutionizing the iconic tropical fruit with a range of innovative new varieties.

4. Create a classic fruit-based dessert

Indulge in your sweet craving and simply add fresh fruit to your dessert. Try Fresh Del Monte’s Buttermilk Peach or Nectarine Cobbler. Loaded with peaches or nectarines, this comforting cobbler is an easy and delicious way to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth while bringing fresh fruit into a holiday dessert spread.

5. Blend veggies into mashed potatoes

Incorporate mashed cauliflower or parsnips into traditional mashed potatoes for a lighter, healthier twist. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also maintains the creamy texture that everyone loves, creating a deliciously satisfying side dish.

6. Offer a colorful vegetable platter with dips

There’s an old saying that “we eat with our eyes first,” so why not dazzle guests at your holiday party with a vibrant spread of colorful vegetables? Present an array of colorful vegetables alongside delicious dips like creamy hummus, zesty guacamole or yogurt-based ranch dressing. This is a great way to provide an easy-to-prepare and nutritious snack before the meal — and it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and enhance your holiday spread.

7. Brighten up your holiday parties with colorful and sweet beverages

Elevate your holiday drinks and add fresh fruit to cocktails or mocktails. Slices of citrus, berries or pineapple add vibrant color and infuse your beverages with refreshing flavors, making them festive and enjoyable. A great option is Fresh Del Monte’s Blushing Oasis Fizz With Pinkglow^® Pineapple recipe, which perfectly combines taste and visual appeal for your holiday gatherings.

For more nutritious Fresh Del Monte fruit- and vegetable-based recipes, please visit https://delmontefresh.com/recipes.

2024-11-24T22:07:00

(BPT) – Have you been a good angler this year? Were you helpful at the boat landing? Did you pick up some trash while you were fishing? Did you introduce someone new to fishing? Did you avoid hogging another angler’s fishing spot?

Santa Bass knows all! He sees you when you’ve been nice and when you’ve been naughty on the water.

So, this holiday season, Santa Bass and his eight flying minnows offer 10 perfect holiday gift ideas for anglers throughout America. Maybe you’ll find one of these gift ideas in your stocking or under your tree this year.

1. Keep your favorite angler warm and dry with a heated jacket – The R12 Series heated jacket is fueled for action! The R12’s battery delivers the strength, durability and reliability to perform day after day, year after year, to keep you on the water longer.

2. Tournament-winning softbaits – To lead CrushCity, you need to be dependable, adaptable and fearless, which is why The Mayor is the perfect candidate to crush big bass. The Mayor is a swimbait you can leave tied on all season long to handle almost any situation on any body of water. Belly and top hook slots help in rigging the bait straight and the top hook slot helps to hide the hook point. Paddle tail soft tail provides instant kicking action at the slowest retrieve speeds and in the coldest of waters.

3. Giant fishing lure for the man cave – Instant storytelling erupts every time anglers get near this massive replica of America’s favorite lure. Makes a natural centerpiece in a woodsy bar setting, any basement, rec-room, log cabin or office. This 29-inch version of the Original Floater is packaged in a giant fishing lure carton with its legend story on back.

4. She loves to fish, too – Women and girls love to fish, too. Surprise them with a high-quality red women’s fleece pullover hoodie that offers the ultimate combination of comfort, function and warmth, and a must-have for when the temperatures head south. Great for cool mornings on the water or evenings fireside with friends.

5. High-quality fishing tools – You’ll never go wrong giving high-quality tools, such as pliers, scissors, forceps, a knife sharpener, clippers, a hook sharpener or a fish counter to your favorite angler. Tools designed specifically for anglers can make fishing that much more productive and enjoyable.

6. An angler can never have enough fishing caps – Let’s face it, anglers love their fishing caps. It’s a no-brainer. So, this year, get your favorite angler(s) a U.S. of Fishing baseball-style cap that they’ll be proud to wear.

7. The fish anywhere backpack – If your favorite angler loves to fish from a kayak or fish from shore, they need a way to easily move with all of their fishing tackle and gear. Now there’s a solution. Built for anglers who are always on the move, the new Venture 13 backpack allows anglers who enjoy shore and kayak fishing to store and organize all of their fishing lures and accessories in one location and take it with them, hands-free, wherever they venture.

8. Keep your angler humble – In today’s social media world, give your angler a digital scale that will let the phone camera clearly see how big their catch is. The readings you see in the screen that this 20 lb. High-Vis Digital Scale delivers are crystal clear — under any light conditions, day or night, even when the sun is at its brightest.

9. Fishing rods inspired by bass tournament pros – Inspired by tournament pros, 13 Fishing rods are tournament-grade rods that consistently deliver the performance that tournament anglers demand, whether you’re competing at the highest levels, or want to dominate your local Tuesday or Wednesday evening bass tournament.

10. Fun after a long day of fishing – When you put down the fishing rod and are ready to relax, you might want to have a little fun sharing stories and enjoying the evening with friends and family. Here are some gift items that can add to the vibe — a deck of playing cards, cribbage board, a bottle opener, a speaker to hear your favorite tunes, and more.

2024-11-22T19:01:00

(BPT) – Parents, does this scenario sound familiar? You’ve worked for hours in the kitchen preparing a beautiful holiday meal. You finally sit down to enjoy it … only to have your kids (and maybe some adults) engrossed in their smartphones. It’s not exactly the heartwarming holiday scene you were hoping for.

The reality is, connected devices have changed the very fabric of our society and are an indelible part of our lives. But here’s the important factor to remember: The true power of a smartphone is its ability to connect, not disconnect. To engage, not disengage. Put us in touch, not out of touch. But only if it’s used with purpose. And most caregivers agree that it’s important to unplug now and then.

That’s why Verizon created the Holiday Rules of Engagement or the 4 Fs. The concept is simple. Consider limiting phone usage during your holiday gatherings to four meaningful categories: Food, Friends, Family and Football. And then unplug and enjoy the day with the people you love.

Here’s how.

Food

Your smartphone is handy in the kitchen when you’re searching for new recipes or traditional favorites. But, the real magic comes from the fun you and your kids can have with your phone during meal prep. Encourage kids to help with cooking and document their culinary adventures. They can make videos of themselves learning new skills or sharing your favorite cooking tips. Even better, get Grandma involved and record her sharing family recipes and traditions. Once the meal is ready, take a quick photo of the spread and then agree to put the phone away until dessert.

Friends

Focus on the smartphone as a connection to friends. A fun activity for you and your kids is to create videos of the holiday bustle to send to those who can’t be there in person. Live video chats can make it seem like the miles melt away, connecting people near and far. Gather everyone around the fireplace and do a video call with your best friend who can’t be with you for the holidays. It will make her day, guaranteed.

Family

That same connection across the miles goes for family, too. While the busiest travel time of the year is always around Thanksgiving, less than half of all Americans travel for the holiday. That means lots of families are apart. If that sounds like yours, have your kids help you create videos of your holiday activities to share with family members who couldn’t make it. Considering having a child act as “moderator,” taking the phone around to let everyone participate. Technology can help bridge the distance and make everyone feel more connected.

Football

In some families, the holidays mean food and football. If you’ve got a football family, use your phone to keep up with your fantasy leagues, check scores and statistics, settle some arguments about who is the best quarterback of all time, then set it aside to enjoy the game with family and friends. And after the game is over, take the family outside to throw the football around. Added bonus: you’ll work off some of those calories.

Follow these 4 Fs and make it easier for kids to put the devices down and enjoy some screen-free time with the family. Remind them that the internet, social media and all their friends will still be there when they’re ready to plug back in.

To learn more about navigating technology in your family’s daily life, check out Verizon Family.

2024-11-22T15:33:00

(BPT) – The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle … and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it’s hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done!

Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list.

Smartphones for the family

T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month. It doesn’t get better than that!

These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you.

High tech spiral notebook for students

We’ve got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here’s the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it’s good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer.

Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be)

Everyone loves smartwatches (if you’re not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here’s the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line.

Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs

Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it’s wireless, it’s small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you’ll never have to thumb-out a message again.

Speakers perfect for hosting and giving

Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9’s sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs.

For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile’s holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts.

2024-11-22T14:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are just around the corner and for many people, that means big plans. It’s about traditional family recipes, new favorite dishes and your loved ones gathered around the table enjoying the bounty of it all. If you’re that holiday host, you know a lot of your time is spent in the kitchen. Along with the joy of cooking for friends and family, it’s important to keep an eye on fire safety as well.

According to the National Fire Prevention Agency, Thanksgiving Day is ground zero for kitchen fires. More fires happen on that day than any other. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day follow close behind. Nobody wants those kinds of holiday memories.

Kitchen fires can be simple to prevent with a little care and preparation. Here are some tips, from your good neighbors at State Farm^®:

Stay alert and attentive. Always keep an eye on what you’re doing and check the food regularly. Don’t wander out of the kitchen to chat with your guests. Instead, create an outpost where they can join you in the heart of your home, or better yet, help out.

Save the wine for dinner. If you’re sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop. The same goes for any medications that might make you drowsy.

Watch for sleeves and oven mitts. Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

Be prepared. Keep a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby and make sure you know how to use it. And, when’s the last time you changed the batteries in your smoke alarms? Make sure they’re working, too.

Do you really need to fry the turkey? Yes, deep fried turkey is delicious. But it’s also dangerous. Each year, deep fryer accidents cause 60 injuries, five deaths and $15 million in property damage. If you’re determined to deep fry your bird, never leave it unattended, do not use the fryer in your garage or in the rain or snow, wear goggles and protective clothing and have that fire extinguisher very close at hand.

If you have a cooking fire, what should you do? Here are some tactics for what to do in case of fire from State Farm:

Turn off the heat source. Immediately turn off the burner for stovetop fires. For oven fires, turn off the oven and keep the door closed.

Cover the pan with its lid. Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you do have a fire in the pan, don’t throw water on it. Instead, slide the lid over the pan. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool until you’re absolutely sure the fire is out.

Do not move the pan. Moving it could cause the fire to spread.

Do not try to extinguish it with water. Using water on a grease fire is not effective and can cause grease fires to splash and spread.

Use your fire extinguisher. For larger fires, use the extinguisher you have close at hand.

When in doubt, get out! If you’re not comfortable doing any of these things, or if the fire hasn’t been suppressed, get everyone out of the house quickly. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you and your family are safe outside.

By following these tips, you can help keep your family, friends and home safe from kitchen fires. For more information on kitchen safety, visit: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/putting-kitchen-safety-first.

This content is sponsored by State Farm.