Investing in early childhood educators made it possible for teachers to achieve their dreams

Early childhood teachers and those who dedicate their careers to the first years of childhood - the time in life with the most brain development - have been lauded as essential, even heroes since the pandemic. Teachers are not just important in the eyes of children, but also for the families who depend on them to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children while they work. Recognizing the ongoing need to care for teachers and caregivers, Bright Horizons, one of the world's largest providers of high-quality child care, continues to support these educators with vital benefits and resources to help them grow professionally. As part of its commitment to professionalizing the field of early childhood education, Bright Horizons is making a substantial investment to increase wages for both teachers and those in leadership within its child care centers. In addition, Bright Horizons offers all of its teachers the opportunity to earn early education degrees absolutely free. The Horizons Teacher Degree Program is a first-of-its-kind program that allows all full-time employees in Bright Horizons' early education and child care centers to earn an associate and bachelor's degree in early childhood education at no cost to them, covering all out-of-pocket expenses, including tuition, fees and books. Teacher Stories Seattle Carol White has been with Bright Horizons Childcare Center in Bellevue, Washington, for 23 years. She began as a KinderPrep Teacher, then Program Coordinator, Assistant Director and has served as the Center Director for the past eight years. "I had wanted to get a degree since I graduated high school," said White. "Bright Horizons made it so easy. I didn't have to worry about coming up with the money to be paid back for my classes. I earned my degree through Rasmussen University and am using the same university for my BA. For me, getting my degree has been validating." Meanwhile, Diane Orr, a teacher at the Kadlec Childcare Center in Richmond, Washington, decided to participate because the program was free, online and offered multiple schools to choose from. "It is amazing to work for a company that cares enough for their employees to invest in their education," said Orr. "My education has helped my confidence as a teacher and a leader. This past year I moved up to the position of lead educator at my center. I am proud of my accomplishments and hope that I can inspire others to keep going. My degree has helped me excel at my job and find new joy in my work." Teacher Story Boston Tina Dolson, the Health and Safety Director at Bright Horizons at University Park in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has always wanted to work with children. She has worked in the Infant and Toddler programs and as a mentor for new employees. "I am the first in my family to get a bachelor's degree and was able to do so with the help of the degree program," said Dolson. Teacher Story Chicago Mayra Pena has had a number of roles within early childhood education. She is currently a Bright Horizons Lead Educator for the kindergarten prep program at Early Discoveries in Abbott Park, Illinois. "I decided to participate in the Horizons Teacher Degree program because I thought it was an excellent opportunity to finally complete a goal I had for many years," said Pena. "I know my parents would be incredibly proud. Their hard work and struggles have motivated me to keep moving toward my goal." Mayra is working toward her associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen University and plans to graduate in June 2023. Learn more about the Horizons Teacher Degree Program at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/horizons-teacher-degree-program.

4 top home tech trends and innovations from CES 2023

If you love being up to date on the latest home innovations, you can't do better than the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) each January. Viewing the highlights from CES lets you explore the newest technology to entertain you and your family or make household chores that much easier. For tech-savvy consumers and anyone seeking great new solutions in home technology, this year's offerings do not disappoint. Here are four outstanding innovations from LG Electronics featured at CES 2023 that can enhance your home. Be ahead of the curve If you've never watched movies or played your favorite video games on a curved TV screen, this belongs on your list for 2023. With the new LG OLED Flex, you get the perfect combination for gaming, productivity and TV viewing - that can switch from a flat to a curved screen at the push of a button. Viewing and gaming on a curved screen offers a more immersive experience, providing more depth and sharper visual contrast. You can sit back and enjoy 4K UHD video content through webOS, streaming services and TV Tuner, or lean into an epic video game with built-in streaming game services. This TV is also tilt and height adjustable, so you can set up the most comfortable space to enjoy your favorite content. Whether flat or curved, this TV's built-in evo technology delivers the same exceptional picture quality and performance that have made LG OLED TVs so popular. Get your serious game face on For the ultimate gaming monitor, the new LG UltraGear™ Monitor is the world's first OLED 240Hz gaming display. Available in 27- and 45-inches, its ultrawide screen provides a rapid 0.1 millisecond Gray-to-Gray (GTG) response time, while the innovative OLED display provides outstanding picture quality and high contrast ratio to help gamers easily detect enemies in any gaming environment, even in the darkest scenes. The anti-glare coating minimizes screen reflections in dark environments, while its curvature maximizes immersion. The V-shape stand offers tilt, height and swivel adjustment to allow gamers to enjoy the large screen just as they want it. This UltraGear monitor's large screen, high refresh rate and fast response time make it the perfect solution for gamers looking to experience next-generation games with cutting-edge equipment. Indulge your shoe obsession If you love shoes but are guilty of leaving them in boxes in your closet, here's your opportunity to show your shoes some love. The new LG Styler® ShoeTower combines LG Styler ShoeCare and ShoeCase, creating a smart, convenient dual shoe care and storage solution to clean and display your favorite footwear. ShoeCare meticulously sterilizes and deodorizes the interior and exterior of any shoe using LG's unmatched steam technology. It features an intuitive 2.4-inch touch LCD display, allowing you to select cleaning mode, operation process and more. The Styler ShoeCase is a welcome addition to any home with its modern, streamlined design. This new storage concept features a technologically enhanced design ensuring the optimum humidity and temperature to keep your footwear looking its best. With a modular design that can be configured in various forms and transparent panels for easy viewing, Styler ShoeCase is a space-friendly solution for storing and showcasing your footwear. Through LG's ThinQ app, the dual ShoeTower system can be controlled remotely via your smartphone, making it a truly innovative must-have, whether you're a shoe lover or just need a shoe maintenance solution for the whole family. Reimagining laundry For those seeking practical solutions to the problems presented by laundry appliances, especially in limited spaces, the LG's newest LG WashTower™ model is the answer. Offering a full-size dryer above a full-size front-load washer, these machines provide increased capacity while lowering the height compared to existing 24-inch stacked washing machines and dryers - so you can clean more without sacrificing space. Unlike conventional stacked laundry pairs, LG's exclusive Center Control™ panel is positioned in the middle of the unit, providing easier access to all functions to optimize your laundry experience. The washer's AI DD™M Technology provides optimal washing performance by detecting load size, fabric softness and soil level of clothes, adjusting the proper detergent amount based on soil level, and even reduces fabric damage by 10% when washing delicate items. Even better: Vent installation is not required in the dryer, allowing for even more flexibility. Thanks to LG's Dual Inverter Heat Pump system, the dryer uses up to 50% less energy than other models and drying at lower temperatures to better protect your clothing. The unit is also compatible with LG's ThinQ Care service, helping ensure optimal performance by providing usage alerts and maintenance tips LG's ThinQ app. Starting in March 2023, the unit will also be compatible with LG ThinQ UP, which provides regular downloadable updates to give users a personalized experience. Explore these and other great innovations for your home at LG.com

We Are ALL Hybrids

These days, we often associate the word hybrid with a vehicle that runs on both a gas engine and an electric motor, but did you know we are all hybrids as well? Allow me to explain. The word hybrid can also be utilized to describe each one of us because, we are all hybrids in one form or another. Whether you're a science teacher and a ballet dancer, or a firefighter and a podcaster, being a hybrid means you celebrate the fact that we all have more than one characteristic and more than one skill or talent that can help us go the distance! Being a hybrid has multiple benefits As hybrids, we are all equipped with various talents and strengths. For example, a science teacher can excel both at school and on stage as a ballet dancer. As hybrids we embrace our strengths to explore and pursue our interests. When we tap into our hybrid nature, we don't fit into one box and can gain a broad knowledge that helps us be more innovative and solve problems differently. In the automotive industry, hybrids are more than just vehicles that run on a gas engine and electric motor, they're also vehicles equipped with a variety of features and options. Hybrids, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid, are built to make the transition into electrification simple and seamless for all drivers, and with their countless options, there's a hybrid for everyone. "As hybrids, one of our greatest gifts is recognizing we all have incredible skills and talents," said Katya Echazarreta, who is collaborating with Toyota and SiriusXM on the We Are ALL Hybrids campaign. "How we use these talents is what makes us unique. As an electrical engineer and a citizen astronaut, I'm very passionate about promoting STEM education, so that others have the chance for future opportunities. That's why I've chosen to work with Toyota and SiriusXM to help celebrate the hybrid spirit in all of us." Living the best of both worlds with a hybrid Just like everyday hybrids, this year's lineup of Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) displays an impressive list of hybrid qualities. Powerful, efficient, and head turning style, that's Camry Hybrid. Offering the best of both worlds, the stylish Camry Hybrid combines 208 total system hp and impressive fuel efficiency with an up-to EPA-estimated 52 mpg combined rating. Add in advanced tech and a drive that makes you want to keep on going, there is a Camry Hybrid for everyone including the new SE Hybrid Nightshade with accents made for a second look. There's also the RAV4 Hybrid, designed for drivers looking for capable performance and bold style. The RAV4 Hybrid has 219 combined net horsepower thanks to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine assisted by electric motors. The RAV4 Hybrid's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) also provides all-weather capability and confident on-road driving dynamics. Whether you enjoy a nice night on the town or a long drive across the country, with a Toyota Hybrid you have the best of both worlds without having to compromise on performance or style. Hybrid listening on-the-go This year, Toyota and SiriusXM® are coming together to launch "We Are ALL Hybrids," a campaign that celebrates everyone and features the 2023 Camry Hybrid and 2023 RAV4 Hybrid. Every new Toyota comes with a three-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM Platinum Plan, which delivers SiriusXM's full lineup of exclusive and curated content, plus access to SiriusXM outside the vehicle on the SXM App and on connected devices and speakers. Now that you've learned we're all hybrids, visit www.Toyota.com/WeAreAllHybrids to learn more about Katya Echazarreta and other hybrids!

5 tips for parents to encourage a lasting love of reading

Reading opens the door to a lifelong love of learning, imagination and adventure. When parents instill a love of reading in their children from an early age, it increases their oral language skills and vocabulary knowledge, which helps to build a solid foundation for later reading ability. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress' recent 2022 Nation's Report Card, reading scores for students across the country are down following years of disrupted learning during the pandemic. Research indicates early literacy skills in the critical years from birth to age five are predictive of a child's literacy skills through fifth grade and beyond. Focusing on literacy during early childhood can help provide children with the skills needed to be a successful reader throughout their life. In addition, focusing on key early literacy skills during the preschool years can help parents and teachers identify potential indicators of learning challenges so early intervention can be provided. Beyond developing early language and literacy skills, reading may also increase a child's ability to understand the emotions of others - a critical life skill that leads to empathy and compassion. Dr. Maria Shaheen, senior director of early childhood education at Primrose Schools®, The Leader in Early Education and Care®, provides five tips to help parents encourage a lasting love of reading in their children during National Reading Month and all year long: 1) Introduce language as early as possible - even before birth. Oral language is the foundation of all other early literacy skills and helps build a child's vocabulary. Speaking and reading to your baby during pregnancy establishes voice recognition and promotes cognitive development. The more words parents introduce their child to, the better. Parents should talk about the meanings of words and use them in everyday conversation to ensure children understand them. 2) Make reading a regular part of bedtime routine. Reading books should be a favorite bedtime activity. With daily "tuck-in" stories and snuggling together at bedtime, infants and young children begin to associate reading with comfort, warmth and security. During the first year of life, sturdy board books with bright illustrations are easiest to handle and invite participation. Books with familiar subjects, such as babies and animals, resonate since babies respond to faces and eyes before other stimuli. 3) Offer a wide variety of stories. This can include nursery rhymes, poetry, nonfiction and fiction from many genres, as well as books that celebrate a wide range of cultures and diverse characters. Parents can ask lots of questions, act silly and try out different character voices to make reading dramatic and engaging. Vivid illustrations, along with rhyming and repetitive text, will encourage lively dialogue. 4) Help children discover the magic of books for themselves. Books can help young children understand their own feelings when characters face similar life events, so parents should pick topics their children may be curious about. In the first five years of life, children form their self-identity, which makes it important that they see themselves reflected in the world around them, including the books at home and in their classrooms. One example found in Primrose classrooms is, "I'm Like You, You're Like Me: A Book About Understanding and Appreciating Each Other" by Cindy Gainer. 5) Make reading a fun learning experience. Parents can reinforce stories through related activities. Preschool children can create books with their own stories about things they do with their families. Parents can encourage their children to write a card to a family member or special friend and have them read it aloud. Many children memorize their favorite texts and pretend to read, which is a wonderful sign that they are identifying their favorite books and building confidence. Parents can also play silly word games that help children play with sounds, such as rhyming games or tongue twisters. "Reading now pays dividends later. Starting a reading routine throughout daily life models for children the importance of reading as a way to gain information and valuable life skills, complete everyday activities, explore new worlds, encourage imagination and have fun," Dr. Shaheen says. To learn more about how parents can nurture a love of reading for their children, visit PrimroseSchools.com.

Taking a holiday vacation with your pet? 4 tips from a veterinarian for keeping them safe during travel

Are you planning to take your pet with you on your holiday travels? You're not alone. According to Lodging Magazine, 54% of pet owners planned to travel with their pets in 2022. Holiday trips and get-togethers can be fun for the whole family but it's important to prepare the four-legged members of the family - whether you are bringing them along on vacation or leaving them with a pet sitter or boarding facility. Be sure your packing list includes prescription medications, toys, leashes, collars, treats and other supplies to keep your pet happy no matter where you travel. Also, check out these tips to keep your furry friend safe and healthy during your vacation - near or far. "Traveling with pets can create many fun memories but it does require a lot of prep work to keep them safe, healthy and comfortable throughout the trip," said Dr. Christine Royal, vice president of the U.S. Companion Animal and Equine business at Merck Animal Health. "I'd encourage pet owners to talk to their veterinarian about travel preparation specific to their pets and their vacation destination." 1. Remember to use a flea and tick preventative Preventive care is an important topic to discuss with your veterinary health care team, particularly if you're bringing your pet into new environments where they could be exposed to different critters. Flea and tick preventatives are especially important if you're traveling with your dog or cat this holiday season. Parasites like fleas and ticks are often associated with warmer climates, but certain species can be active in temperatures as cold as 39 degrees Fahrenheit. No matter where you live or travel with your pet, it's crucial to treat them for parasites year-round, ideally with a long-lasting product such as Bravecto® (fluralaner) Chews or Bravecto® (fluralaner topical solution) treatment. This flea and tick preventive treatment protects your dog for 12 weeks with one dose. Remember, it's important to keep a record of when your pet received the most recent treatment. 2. Check the chip Before you hit the road together, check to make sure your pet's microchip is registered in a national pet recovery service like the HomeAgain® database and that your contact information is up to date. If your dog or cat is lost while away from home, a shelter or veterinary clinic can find your information and reunite you with your furry friend via their microchip registration. HomeAgain Premium members receive free access to a 24/7 medical hotline in case of a health emergency. Should a member's pet be lost and found 500 miles or more from home, the HomeAgain travel assistance program will help with expenses and travel logistics to reunite the lost pet and owner. The HomeAgain pet recovery service has reunited more than 3 million lost pets in the U.S. with their families. 3. Protect your pet against diseases Whether you plan to socialize your pet with other animals while on vacation or board them while you're out of town, you'll want to protect them against common canine diseases. Social dogs that spend a lot of time in places like dog parks, doggie daycares or training camps are at a higher risk for infectious respiratory diseases. To keep your four-legged family member healthy during your travels, it's important to have all their required vaccinations up to date. Talk to your vet about preventive vaccines recommended for active or social pets. They may recommend the Nobivac® Intra-Trac® Oral BbPi vaccine, a new and innovative option that protects dogs against two major respiratory pathogens with a simple oral application. Be sure to have a copy of your vaccination records for travel or boarding. "Respiratory pathogens, such as Bordetella and parainfluenza virus, can spread quickly among social dogs, which is why prevention is critical. Vaccines not only protect a dog's respiratory health but can help prevent future outbreaks," added Dr. Royal. 4. Keep track of your pet's wellness with smart tech There are all kinds of connected tech devices that can help you keep tabs on your pet's overall wellness while traveling. They can be useful in both fun and stressful situations. If you enjoy taking your pet on hikes or walks when you travel, an activity behavior and tracking device from Sure Petcare offers a great option for pet parents on-the-go because it uses smart technology to track a dog's unique activity levels and behavior within a user-friendly mobile app. The device captures important data on things like sleep quality, barking and scratching, and can even send an alert through the app if there are any significant changes in these behaviors. In addition, for cat owners, if you leave your cat at home every now and then while traveling, you may be familiar with the nerves that come with making sure they are eating and drinking regularly. Smart devices like the Felaqua® Connect pet bowl by Sure Petcare can monitor a cat's water intake and report on drinking patterns such as frequency and duration via the Sure Petcare mobile app. Tracking a cat's water intake is especially important because it provides crucial insights into their health and well-being whether you are at home or away. "At the end of the day, pet owners want peace of mind that they are doing everything in their power to care for their pets," said Dr. Royal. "Using these four tips, you can keep dogs and cats of all personalities and needs safe and healthy during your winter travels." IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: BRAVECTO has not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks' duration in puppies or kittens less than 6 months of age. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. BRAVECTO Chew: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, polydipsia, and flatulence. BRAVECTO is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and moist dermatitis/rash. Bravecto is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. For topical use only. Avoid oral ingestion. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, and scabs/ulcerated lesions. BRAVECTO is not effective against American dog ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. For topical use only. Avoid oral ingestion. The safety of BRAVECTO has not been established in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats. Neurologic adverse reactions have been reported in cats receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in cats without a history of neurologic disorders. Use with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders.

Partnering with the pros: How to get your lawn ready for spring

If you enjoy time at home these days, you're not alone. According to TruGreen's new survey conducted in collaboration with OnePoll, 69% of Americans spend more time at home than two years ago. And because homeowners enjoy being at home, it's no surprise home improvement remains a priority, with lawns as a top investment in both time and money. While lawns are valuable to homeowners, so is their time. Rather than tackling lawn maintenance, homeowners would rather be with family and friends (49%), doing outdoor activities (36%) or reading a book (33%). But with spring around the corner and warmer weather approaching, now is the first - and best time for homeowners to prepare their lawns for the season ahead. Homeowners should partner with a professional for their lawn care this season so you can spend more time doing things you love - while still achieving the lawn of your dreams. TruGreen®, the nation's leading lawn care provider, breaks down tasks you can do, and those better left to professionals to save time and money. What to tackle as the homeowner Here are the top items to have on your spring lawn maintenance checklist: * Prep your lawn mower for a fresh first cut. After a long winter, your lawnmower needs some love to work at its best. Clean or replace the air filter, change the oil, sharpen the blades and check the spark plug. Once your mower is ready, the first cut is critical to remove dead blades of grass from the past season to wake up the lawn. Always mow grass at the correct height, making sure you don't cut over a third of its height during any single mowing. Most grass types should be kept at least three inches tall, as longer, thicker turf helps combat weeds and conserve water in the soil. * Clear debris to allow your lawn to breathe. As temperatures climb, you may discover your lawn is covered in fallen leaves, sticks and other debris. If you don't remove this debris, your lawn could get smothered and develop unsightly patches, since your lawn and its roots would be prevented from accessing sunlight, air, water and nutrients needed to thrive. Clearing debris also helps professional lawn services be more effective. * Quench your lawn's thirst. Every lawn requires a healthy amount of high-quality H2O. While some will come from rainfall, during drier months you may need to use your garden hose or sprinkler system. Aim for about one inch of water per week. An easy way to measure is by spreading a few empty tuna cans across your lawn as you water. When they're full, that's an inch. When to call in the pros The spring season brings new beginnings and memories with loved ones outdoors. Partnering with the pros for your lawn maintenance lets you maximize your time, so you can do what you love without compromising your outdoor space. "Research shows 68% of Americans trust and hire professionals for home improvement tasks, and with the winter blues behind us, don't miss out on this critical season to nurture your dream lawn," said Brian Feldman, director of technical operations at TruGreen. "Whether it's clearing weeds or providing a boost of nutrients to your lawn, partnering with a professional service can help ensure you're on track for a healthy, green lawn all year." Let the experienced professionals help, here are three tasks better left to the pros: * Tackling weeds before they attack your lawn. No one wants a lawn covered in weeds. Preventive treatments are vital to help fend off annual weeds before they start growing. Starting your lawn care at the right time and under the correct conditions - such as temperature and humidity - is crucial to prevent weeds from germinating, so consult a professional to identify when to start treatments. * Fertilizing your outdoor space. During winter, lawns stay in a hibernating state. Come springtime, they wake up with an appetite, so give your lawn a boost of nutrients with an initial dose of fertilizer. A lawn care professional can ensure this treatment occurs at the best time and in the right amount to bring out the best in your lawn, trees and shrubs. * Tailoring a plan for pesky weeds. Despite your best preventative efforts in the spring, annoying weeds may still pop up. When this happens, a specialist can tailor a post-emergent solution specifically for your outdoor space. Questions about recovering your lawn after being dormant all winter? Visit TruGreen.com to ensure your lawn is on track for a healthy spring season.

This Heart Health Month, Keep Your Family's Heart Health Top of Mind with These Recipes

When cooking for your family, do you consider the beneficial value of the ingredients you use? This February, as part of National Heart Health Month, prioritize your heart by making simple changes! According to the American Heart Association, more than half of Hispanic men and almost 43% of Hispanic women have some form of cardiovascular disease. While there are many factors for developing heart disease, one of the areas you can control to reduce the risk is your diet. Chef, TV personality and entrepreneur Ana Quincoces shares her views on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. "After my mother's heart attacks, heart health has been a top priority in my family," says Quincoces. "Prioritizing heart health is easier than you think! One of the many reasons I prefer to use corn oil, like Mazola® Corn Oil, is because it helps me maintain stable cholesterol levels for myself and my loved ones! In fact, even a 1% reduction in bad (LDL) cholesterol has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease by 2 to 3%*. The Journal of Clinical Lipidology has published a study that found that corn oil, like heart-healthy** Mazola®, can help lower cholesterol 2x more than extra-virgin olive oil***!" Hispanic foods sometimes get a bad reputation for being unhealthy, but it's ultimately dependent on how you go about creating these dishes. With just some simple ingredient substitutions, you can transform traditional family recipes into delicious meals that could help you keep your family's heart healthy. In honor of Heart Health Month, Mazola® Corn Oil and Celebrity Chef Ana Quincoces are sharing some recipe variations on delicious Hispanic dishes your family can eat this month and beyond. Check out this delicious and easy Stuffed Peppers recipe that uses leaner meats, plenty of vegetables and Mazola® Corn Oil, a cholesterol-free**** choice for your family. Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey, Brown Rice, Raisins and Almonds Prep time: 25 min Cook time: 25-30 min Servings: 4-6 Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground turkey 1/4 pound lean ground deli ham 3 tablespoons of Mazola® Corn Oil, divided 1 cup of white or brown rice, cooked 6 large bell peppers (any color) 3/4 cup of onion, diced 3 teaspoons of garlic, minced 1 cup of cooked white rice 1 teaspoon of salt 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes 4 ounces of tomato sauce, divided 1/4 cup of golden raisins 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds 1 teaspoon of salt to taste 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon of dried leaf oregano Chopped cilantro for garnish Instructions: * Preheat oven to 350°F * Bring a large pot of water to a boil * Cut the tops off your peppers and set aside. Carefully pull out the seeds and membranes, creating a cavity inside * Dip the peppers into the boiling water, letting them cook for just 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, and drain on a paper towel * Meanwhile, sauté the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of Mazola® Corn Oil in a skillet for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent * Toss in the cooked rice, half of the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, raisins, toasted almonds, seasonings, salt and pepper * Stir to combine and cook until just heated through * Lubricate a casserole dish by using a paper towel and the remaining tablespoon of Mazola® Corn Oil to prevent sticking * Place the peppers in the casserole dish and spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into each of the prepared peppers * Top each pepper with about a tablespoon of the tomato sauce * Sprinkle with a little oregano and chopped cilantro, and cover the dish with foil * Bake for 10 minutes, remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes * Carefully remove from oven, let cool and enjoy! Heart health is often a problem within the Hispanic community, but you can make more conscious decisions about your family's health one recipe and meal at a time. To view this recipe (and others), find more inspiration, and learn more about how you can incorporate heart-healthy* Mazola® Corn Oil into recipes this Heart Health Month and beyond, visit Mazola.com. *Studies show that, when consumed as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, plant sterols can help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut, which can lower LDL blood cholesterol. USDA and USDHHS 2010; FDA 2000, 2010; Wu et al. 2009; Demonty et al. 2008, Ellegard et al. 2008; Mensink et al. 2010. To achieve cholesterol reduction, one serving of corn oil must be part of a healthy diet and replace a similar amount of butter or other higher saturated fat oils. For more information, see Mazola.com. **Very limited and preliminary scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1 tablespoon (16 grams) of Corn Oil daily may reduce the risk of heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in Corn Oil. FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim. To achieve this possible benefit, Corn Oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day. One serving of this product contains 14 grams of Corn Oil. ***Maki K, Lawless A, Kelley K, Kaden V, Geiger C, Dicklin M. Corn oil improves the plasma lipoprotein lipid profile compared with extra-virgin olive oil consumption in men and women with elevated cholesterol; results from a randomized feeding trial. J Clin Lipidol. Article in press. Accessed December 10, 2014. Study sponsored in part by ACH Food Companies, Inc. ****Corn oil is a cholesterol-free food that contains 14g of total fat per serving. See nutrition information on product label or at Mazola.com for fat and saturated fat content.

Strong, Stylish Spring Home Upgrades

5 renovation projects where brick takes center stage

Springtime is a perfect opportunity for homeowners to begin planning renovations to enhance the interior and exterior of their living space. Because of its strong performance capabilities, low maintenance and design flexibility, brick is a popular building material choice when looking to improve or refresh your home in time for warm-weather hosting season.

Often selected for its functional benefits, brick is available in a wide array of colors, textures and sizes that can match varying design styles, from modern to traditional and almost everything between. If you’re considering adding brick to your home’s aesthetic, consider these five projects to tackle this spring from the experts at Glen-Gery, one of the largest brick and stone manufacturers in North America.

Basement or patio bar – As homeowners spend more time at home, they often look to maximize livable space. One way to take advantage of unused living space is building a basement or patio bar, which provides an area for entertaining. Using an exposed brick wall can help designate the bar area and separate it from the rest of the basement, or lining a bar counter with brick can create a rustic contrast against the bar’s seating.

Fireplace – To change the look and feel of a room almost instantly, you can use brick to give a fireplace a facelift or make it a focal point of your home. Available in a variety of colors and textures, Glen-Gery’s diverse, premium portfolio of more than 600 brick and stone products can elevate your living room’s style in a big way and create a more inviting area to share with family and friends. An outdoor fireplace is another option for extending livable space in a cozy way that can be used throughout the year.

Accent wall – Create a statement in or outside your home with a brick accent wall. Accent walls can help bring color, texture and beauty to homes by breaking up the monotony of monochromatic color or decor, creating visual interest and dimension. While brick in a running bond pattern is expected, you can spice up rooms with an unexpected bond pattern like a stacked bond for modern appeal or herringbone for a rustic look.

Kitchen backsplash – One of the most overlooked areas of kitchen design is the backsplash. While its job is to protect your kitchen walls from the never-ending assault of kitchen splatters, there’s no reason it can’t look good, too. Brick backsplashes can accommodate most home designs and styles thanks to the versatility of shapes, colors, finishes and sizes available.

Black or white glazed brick works well with more modern kitchens while irregular brick containing an abundance of texture and a messy mortar application can complete rustic farmhouse kitchens. An option like Glen-Gery’s virtual design tool, Picture Perfect, can help you visualize projects in your home to see what fits your style and needs.

Brick skirt – For added curb appeal, consider adding a brick skirt around the foundation of your home. Given its resilient, durable and energy-efficient qualities, brick can help provide better insulation and protection while also adding visual appeal to the exterior of your home through texture, color and contrast. The skirting can also continue through to the front porch floor and steps, helping balance out the elevation of your home.

For more inspiration for your next home renovation project, visit glengery.com.

 

 

SOURCE:
Glen-Gery

5 hábitos de sueño esenciales para la salud del corazón

En los días posteriores a un cambio de hora debido al horario de verano, las investigaciones muestran un marcado aumento de los ataques cardíacos y accidentes cerebrovasculares. Sin embargo, perder el sueño en cualquier momento puede ser un importante factor de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular.

“Dormir bien todas las noches es vital para la salud cardiovascular”, afirma Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, M.D., Sc.M., FAHA, ex presidente voluntario de la American Heart Association y director del Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, catedrático Eileen M. Foell de investigación cardiovascular y profesor de medicina preventiva, medicina y pediatría en la Facultad de Medicina Feinberg de la Universidad Northwestern. “Los adultos deben aspirar a un promedio de 7 a 9 horas y los bebés y los niños necesitan más dependiendo de su edad. Desafortunadamente, sabemos que 1 de cada 3 personas no duermen la cantidad de sueño recomendada cada noche”.

Según Lloyd-Jones, la cantidad de sueño y la calidad del sueño son importantes, y ambos pueden tener un impacto significativo en la salud cardiovascular, así como en la salud en general. Además de aumentar el riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares como ataque cardíaco y accidente cerebrovascular, la falta de sueño también puede poner a las personas en riesgo de sufrir depresión, deterioro cognitivo y obesidad.

La investigación en el “Diario de la American Heart Association” muestra que mantener un patrón de sueño constante puede desempeñar un papel importante en la prevención de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Los investigadores encontraron que quedarse dormido a diferentes horas o dormir una cantidad inconsistente de horas cada noche, incluso variaciones de más de dos horas por noche dentro de la misma semana, estaban relacionados con el desarrollo de endurecimiento de las arterias, lo que se conoce como aterosclerosis.

“Sabemos que las personas que duermen lo suficiente también manejan mejor otros factores de salud, como el peso, el azúcar en la sangre y la presión arterial”, explicó Lloyd-Jones. “La American Heart Association agregó recientemente el sueño a la lista de factores que respaldan una salud cardiovascular óptima. Los llamamos Life's Essential 8 e incluyen comer una dieta saludable, no fumar ni vapear, estar físicamente activo y dormir lo suficiente, además de controlar su presión arterial y mantener niveles saludables de colesterol y lípidos, niveles saludables de azúcar en la sangre y un peso saludable.”

Considere que estos son pequeños cambios en los hábitos diarios que pueden marcar una gran diferencia en la calidad del sueño:

• Haga de la vida saludable un hábito: coma una dieta balanceada, realice actividad física regular y controle el estrés para fomentar una noche de sueño más saludable.
• Establezca alarmas para la mañana y la noche: cumpla con los horarios específicos para acostarse y despertarse todos los días y comprométase con un horario de sueño constante tanto como sea posible. Junto con una alarma para despertarse, pruebe con una alarma para la hora de dormir para indicar que es hora de empezar a relajarse.
• Establezca hábitos a la hora de acostarse: una vez que suene la alarma de la hora de acostarse, pase a un ritual familiar, como cepillarse los dientes, lavarse la cara o tomar un baño tibio.
• Relájese y descanse: tómese unos minutos para desestresarse. Considere leer, escribir un diario, meditar o escuchar música para pasar una buena noche de descanso.
• Tómese un descanso de la tecnología: un dormitorio sin luz ni tecnología equivale a dormir mejor, así que mantenga su teléfono y otros dispositivos alejados de la cama. Intente cerrar sesión en sus dispositivos electrónicos al menos una hora antes de acostarse.

Obtenga más información sobre la importancia del sueño para la salud del corazón en heart.org.

 

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

Monitoring Your Kidney Health

Kidney disease is one of the most common complications of living with diabetes and can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. There are steps you can take to keep your heart, brain and kidneys healthy, including an annual kidney screening. A urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio test is a simple urine test used to identify early signs of kidney disease and give you and your health care team important information to manage your risk. Learn more about taking charge of your health at KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org.

 

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

3 Ways Parents Can Encourage Social Emotional Learning in Children

Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard.

A Harris Poll survey on behalf of KinderCare found 83% of parents believe it’s important for children to be raised with social emotional skills, 84% believe it’s important children learn to treat others the way they want to be treated and 83% believe kindness should be a core value in the way children are educated. Now, parents want a focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences.

Consider these three ways parents can encourage social and emotional learning in their children:

1. Practice Emotional Literacy at Home: Disagreements among parents and siblings are almost inevitable at home. While this can seem challenging to handle, it can serve as an opportunity for children to practice emotional literacy by identifying their feelings and the feelings of others. It also gives children the opportunity to practice their listening skills and put themselves in the other person’s shoes. By using these skills, children can develop a stronger sense of empathy and understand how their emotions drive their actions.
    
2. Practice Mindfulness with a Relaxing Activity: Mindfulness can help children understand and regulate their emotions, especially when it becomes a regular habit. Parents can instill this habit in their kids by picking a set time to do activities in a calm space at home every day such as reading a book, listening to calm music or something as simple as deep breathing.
    
3. Provide Unplugged Opportunities to Connect with Other Children: Activities that don’t revolve around a screen and encourage in-person socialization with peers can provide opportunities for children to practice building their social emotional skills. Programs like KinderCare’s Champ Camp include indoor and outdoor group activities as well as field trips designed to help children use their natural creativity and curiosity to learn and develop important social skills.

To learn more about social emotional learning, visit kindercare.com.

 

SOURCE:
KinderCare

Super Foods for a Nutritious Diet

(Family Features) The health community has long praised the benefits of vitamins and nutrients derived from natural sources. For those looking to improve their health or take preventative measures, these 10 natural super foods can be incorporated into your daily diet to help support your health:

Green Tea – Armed with a special type of antioxidants called polyphenols, green tea can decrease plaque formed in the arteries and can fight prostate cancer.

Rosemary – Studies have shown this powerful spice can reduce the risk of stroke, as well as protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

Almonds – Full of plant sterols and amino acids, almonds can help lower high cholesterol and promote muscle growth. These handheld treats are also rich in vitamin E, which can protect skin from sun damage.

Fatty Fish – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish such as salmon, flounder and sardines can lower the risk of heart disease.

Bananas – This easy, portable snack is loaded with essential potassium, which regulates the nervous system. Bananas also offer loads of vitamin B-6, which aids immunity and metabolism.

Whole Grains – These powerful body defenders have been known to boost immunity, protect against various cancers and reduce cholesterol.

Eggs – These energy-packed breakfast favorites contain a special type of protein that helps build muscle strength more than other proteins. When compared to other breakfast foods, eggs can also keep you feeling fuller longer with fewer calories and fat.

Spinach – Chock-full of magnesium, potassium and various vitamins and nutrients, spinach can prevent clogged arteries and protect against prostate and colon cancers.

Soy – This protein-packed food contains isoflavones, which can aid in treatment and prevention of prostate cancer. Also, research from the Food and Drug Administration shows that 25 grams per day can help lessen the risk of heart disease.

Dark Chocolate – Satisfy your sweet tooth and improve blood flow to the brain at the same time. Dark chocolate can also lower blood pressure and increase skin’s resistance to UV rays.

Find more health-conscious tips at eLivingToday.com.

SOURCE:
eLivingToday.com

Spasticity 101: A debilitating yet treatable common condition after a stroke

In the year following a stroke, about 1 in 3 stroke survivors will experience spasticity, a common post-stroke condition which causes muscle stiffness due to involuntary muscle contractions. Most commonly affecting the elbow, wrist and ankle, the condition may make it difficult to do activities people were able to do before their stroke like dressing, brushing their teeth or walking.

More than 3 million stroke survivors may wrestle with reduced independence and increased reliance on caregivers due to spasticity. The condition is particularly common in younger stroke survivors.

After a stroke, the way your brain communicates with your muscles may change. Muscles may be stiff or resistant to stretching. They may involuntarily contract or have a smaller range of motion.

“While there’s no cure for spasticity, working with your care team to find the best treatment options for you can help provide comfort, relief and independence,” said Richard D. Zorowitz, MD, volunteer past chair of the American Heart Association’s Stroke Council Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee and chief medical informatics officer and outpatient attending physician at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network.

Some common symptoms include painful muscle spasms; difficulty stretching muscles; stiffness in the arm, hand, leg and ankle; an arm folded and pressed against the chest with a curled wrist and fingers; an involuntary tight fist; pointed foot; curled toes; and overactive reflexes.

If left untreated, spasticity can cause painful and debilitating bone and joint deformities. Experts stress seeing a doctor as soon as symptoms develop. Assessment of the condition is critical in developing a treatment plan based on individual needs and goals, the severity of the condition and overall health.

Management plans may include targeted injections of botulinum toxin, oral medications, intrathecal baclofen pump therapy, physical therapy or other methods to improve the muscles’ ability to stretch and regain range of motion. Home modifications such as assistive devices and other adaptations to increase independence and safety may also help.

If you or a loved one is dealing with spasticity after a stroke, talk to your doctor or health care team about options to treat and manage it. Find resources and tools to help at Stroke.org/Spasticity. Spasticity education made possible through funding by Ipsen.

Knowing the Signs of Stroke Saved One Man’s Life

When Herbert “Hub” Miller worked as a global leader for an international agriculture science company, his boss ended every meeting with a reminder of the “FAST” acronym to recognize the signs of stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call 911.

“I’d sit back and think, ‘Here comes the whole FAST speech again; let’s move on,’” Miller said. “I didn’t know I’d ever use it on myself.”

In April 2021, Miller was working from home when he experienced throbbing head pain. As other symptoms began appearing, the 42-year-old remembered those meetings and checked off the symptoms: His face was numb, his left arm drooped and he struggled to form words.

It turned out to be a hemorrhagic stroke, a ruptured blood vessel bleeding into the brain. Miller’s odds of surviving weren’t good, but it wasn’t until he was recovering in intensive care that he understood the full impact of the stroke. It caused abnormal increases in muscle tone causing stiffness, pain and spasms known as spasticity, leaving him with mobility and cognitive challenges.

After the stroke, Miller struggled with once-simple tasks like drawing a clock, completing a word puzzle and playing memory games.

“Spasticity changed my life and added an additional hurdle to my stroke recovery,” Miller said. “Without being able to open and close my left hand, I can’t write, type or drive like I used to. Those are things most of us take for granted until we can’t do them.”

Miller worked on his penmanship at the same time his youngest son learned to write in the first grade. Miller asked the teacher to send home extra worksheets, and father and son did homework together.

“I don’t measure my success day by day, but when I look back to a year ago and where I am today, I am grateful every day how far I have come,” he said.

 

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

Pets for Better Wellbeing

Through trying times, pets continue to play a critical role in people’s everyday lives, easing minds and filling hearts. Ninety-two percent of pet owners feel their relationship with their pets helped improve their mental and physical wellbeing over the last three years, according to the “Pets for Better Wellbeing” report by Mars Petcare, which examined the impact of pet ownership on wellbeing and analyzed potential hurdles to adding four-legged family members. Learn more at BetterCitiesforPets.com/2022Report.

 

SOURCE:
Mars Petcare

4 reasons dairy in school meals is critical to children's health

School meals are a lifeline for many children who face hunger. Nearly 30 million children rely on school meals every day. Also, according to a 2021 peer-reviewed study by researchers at Tufts University and Icahn School of Medicine, food consumed at schools had the highest nutritional quality compared to foods consumed from grocery stores, restaurants and other major food sources.

School meals may be the only nutritious meal children get on some days. Even for children who don't face food insecurity, school meals can fill the gaps in their diet, especially when it comes to nutrients provided by dairy foods. In fact, children who participate in school meals consume more dairy milk, fruits and vegetables than non-participants, and they consume fewer desserts and snacks.

Starting at 4 years of age, many children's diets, especially those from communities of color, do not meet the daily dairy consumption recommended by the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This is significant because nutrient-rich milk provides calcium, vitamin D and potassium, three nutrients of concern many children lack in their diets.

Despite the benefits of dairy, there are misperceptions about dairy foods and the quality of school meals. Below are four facts about how dairy in school meals helps nourish growing and learning students.

1. School meals are a main source of dairy

School meals are a key source of dairy for many school-age children. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foods provided as part of school meals are the richest source of dairy in children's diets. In fact, school meals provide up to 2 of the 3 recommended daily servings of dairy.

For low-income children, school meals provide 77% of their daily dairy milk consumption and 70% of total dairy consumption, according to a 2017 study published in Preventative Medicine Reports. Milk and dairy foods, like cheese and yogurt, provided in school meals are critical to helping ensure children of all economic backgrounds benefit from dairy's nutrients.

2. A variety of milk options are offered and all deliver nutrients

Schools offer a variety of milk options, including fat-free, low-fat, flavored and lactose-free milk. No matter which kind of milk a student chooses, each option provides 13 essential nutrients that benefit health.

A note on lactose-free milk: Contrary to popular belief, a student doesn't need documentation, such as a parent letter or physician statement, to have lactose-free milk. It is allowed in school meal programs to address students' health needs. For instance, according to Donna Martin, EdS, RDN, LD, SNS, FAND, school nutrition director at Burke County Schools in Georgia, "I represent a school district with a high African American population and lactose-free milk is served as an option for any of my students who want it, helping them benefit from milk's hard-to-replace nutrient content."

3. Flavored milk is lower in added sugar than you may think

Many parents and health professionals are concerned about added sugars in the overall diet. The good news is that milk companies have worked with schools to reduce the amount of added sugars in flavored milk available in schools.

According to National Dairy Council, between 2007 and 2021, the U.S. dairy community reduced added sugars in flavored milk in schools by nearly 50%. The average flavored milk served in schools has 126 calories — just 29 more calories than unflavored milk. At the end of the day, according to NHANES data, flavored milk contributes only 4% of added sugars in the diets of children 2-18 years old, with the bulk of added sugars coming from soft drinks.

4. Flavored milk increases milk and nutrient consumption

According to a study published in Nutrition Today, removing flavored milk from schools can lead to a decrease in total milk consumption and negatively impact the ability for children to meet their nutritional needs.

Drinking flavored milk can actually help children meet their nutritional needs. A 2022 study from ACTA Scientific Nutritional Health journal showed that consumers of flavored milk drank approximately 1-cup more of total milk, which contributed to higher consumption of calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins A, D and B-12 and riboflavin than non-consumers. In fact, they consumed 51% more vitamin D, 27% more calcium and 16% more potassium compared to non-flavored milk drinkers.

These are just a few facts that underscore the importance of milk and dairy foods as part of nutrient-rich school meals. Without this critical food group as part of healthy eating patterns provided by school meals, children may not receive all the nutrients they need to grow and learn in their childhood and teen years.

Top health benefits of incorporating fresh pet food in your dog's diet

If you’re worried whether you’re giving your dog the best food for their health, you’re not alone. The newest generation of pet parents consider their pet’s food choices to be just as important as their own. Compared to previous generations, the next generation of pet parents are five times more likely to add a topper to their dog’s kibble to elevate the dog’s mealtime experience, according to a fresh pet food study conducted by Wellness Pet Company with The Valen Group. That adds up to nearly 4 out of 10 next gen pet parents (38%) who are topping their dog’s food each day. The study also shows that millennial and Gen Z pet parents are willing to pay up to 15% more for a premium nutritional choice, driven by their desire to seek higher quality ingredients and nutrition for the health and wellness of their pet — so they can enjoy a lifetime of wellbeing together. This growing interest in providing four-legged family members with better fresh nutrition options led Wellness Pet Food to expand their Wellness^® Bowl Boosters^® line with the launch of Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ in June 2022. These fresh toppers are supercharging dogs’ existing kibble with complete and balanced nutrition that dogs and pet parents love.

Dr. Danielle Bernal, global veterinarian with Wellness Pet Company, knows how high-quality fresh foods make a difference in dogs' overall health and elevate mealtime excitement to a whole new level.

"Fresh, whole-food ingredients help give our dogs what they need, such as all-day energy, strong bones and immunity as we navigate life's adventures together," said Bernal. “With premium protein, rice and a variety of vegetables, our newest recipes are energizing the pet and pet parent relationship at mealtime, supporting all that they love to do together.”

If you’re unsure how to tell if your dog's food provides sufficient nutrition to optimize their health, Dr. Bernal offers some important things to consider.

1. How do you know your dog’s food is supporting their physical well-being? Look for signs like:

• Healthy skin and shiny coat
• All-day energy that keeps them running and playing
• Healthy digestion so you know your pet is absorbing essential nutrients
• Strong teeth and bones that help them eat well and stay active
• Healthy immune system that keeps dogs feeling their best

2. What ingredients in fresh products like Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ benefit your dog’s health and how?

• Guaranteed antioxidants like Vitamins A and E for immune system support
• Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed or salmon oil for a lustrous skin and coat
• Calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones
• Wholesome veggies and grains like carrots and rice for natural dietary fibers to support digestive health and provide the energy your pet needs
• Increased nutrient absorption from highly digestible proteins, fats and carbohydrates to help fuel total wellbeing
• Fresh food toppers like Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ provide increased total hydration to support daily activity and put less strain on major organs, and help aid overall kidney and urinary health
• With a homecooked texture and high-quality fresh ingredients, a fresh topper is the ultimate way to make mealtimes exciting and more bowl-licking delicious for your pup
• “Veterinarians and food scientists at Wellness Pet Company ensure that each recipe delivers more than just the finest quality ingredients,” Bernal noted. “Our recipes provide a complete and balanced meal that meets the nutrient, vitamin and mineral needs of a dog at any life stage to promote a lifetime of shared wellbeing.”

3. Suggestions for how pet parents can use fresh foods in their daily mealtime routine

Pet parents have options on how to feed their dog fresh food, whether they are choosing to top their existing kibble with fresh food or serving as a complete meal. Remember:

• Once thawed, fresh food needs to be refrigerated and enjoyed within five days.
• Choose flavors your dog will love — Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ recipes, for example, offer a variety of ingredients: 1) Chicken and Butternut Squash, 2) Beef and Carrots, 3) Turkey and Sweet Potatoes — and 4) a recipe made specifically for puppies, with Puppy Turkey and Rice.

“With high-quality meats, healthy grains and wholesome veggies, this fresh food delivers a tasty boost that elevates every dog’s mealtime unlike any other, for a delicious meal that even the fussiest dog will love,” added Bernal.

Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ not only supercharges your dog’s bowl but all that you do together: more backyard frolicking, longer walks, more road trips, cozier cuddles, more energetic play dates and of course more meaningful mealtimes.

Wellness^® Bowl Boosters Freshly™ recipes are now available in freezers at PetSmart and Petco, with delivery options via DoorDash, and for purchase online at Chewy.com. Learn more about Wellness Pet Food at WellnessPetFood.com.

A St. Patrick's Day Sandwich

(Culinary.net) In honor of the day when everyone is Irish, welcome family and friends to a traditional St. Patrick’s Day lunch with this Reuben Sandwich recipe.

Find more seasonal recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Reuben Sandwich

Servings: 2

• 2          tablespoons butter, softened
• 4          slices rye and pumpernickel swirl bread
• 4          slices swiss cheese
• 6          ounces corned beef
• 2          tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons, Thousand Island Dressing, divided
• 4          tablespoons sauerkraut

1. Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread 1 tablespoon butter on one side of two bread slices. Place buttered side down in heated skillet. Add two slices cheese to each bread slice. Spread 2 tablespoons dressing over cheese slices. Add 3 ounces corned beef to each bread slice.
3. Spread 2 teaspoons dressing over corned beef. Spread 2 tablespoons sauerkraut over corned beef.
4. Spread remaining butter on one side of remaining bread slices. Place buttered side up on top of sauerkraut.
5. Cook 4-7 minutes each side, flipping once, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Bring On Dessert with Better-for-You Sweets

If healthier eating holds a prominent spot on your list of goals, you may feel it’s necessary to eliminate some of your sweetest favorites. However, committing to a nutritionally friendly way of life doesn’t have to leave desserts by the wayside.

Instead, rethinking nighttime treats with better-for-you ingredients like California Prunes as a quick substitution can make healthier eating easy. As a versatile ingredient that can replace added sugar, fats and eggs in all kinds of recipes, prunes can also add nutrients important for bone and gut health.

Plus, the copper in prunes inhibits bone breakdown, while boron plays a role in calcium metabolism and polyphenols can help decrease bone breakdown through their antioxidant power. As a fruit that’s high in vitamin K, which helps improve calcium balance and promotes bone mineralization, prunes are also a “good gut food,” meaning a single serving (roughly 4-6 prunes) can help support a healthy microbiome.

They’re easy to use in recipes that can become favorites in your household such as these Chocolate Energy Balls. Enjoyed as an easy, on-the-go snack, they’re a perfect way to refuel for an adventure, recharge after a workout or to simply savor as a healthy snack.

Chocolate lovers rejoice: This rich, delicious, gluten-free, grain-free Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake is naturally sweetened using prunes instead of added sugar. If brownies are more your style, prunes can also take the place of eggs in these Vegan Brownies for a family-friendly treat that won’t wreck your eating plan.

To find more better-for-you desserts, visit californiaprunes.org.

Vegan Brownies

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 9

Prune Puree:

• 16 ounces pitted California prunes
• 1/2 cup hot water

Brownies:

• nonstick cooking spray
• 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup California extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 10 ounces California prune puree
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• flaky sea salt, for garnish

1. To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
2. Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
3. To make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper then lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Using double boiler, melt chocolate and olive oil. Whisk in sugar and prune puree; mix until dissolved.
5. Into large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. Gently fold in chocolate and prune mixture then add vanilla.
6. Spread batter in prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake 20-25 minutes, or until top starts to look dry and brownies are just beginning to pull away from sides of pan.
7. Cool in pan. Remove then cut brownies into 3-inch squares.

Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 cake (8 inches)

Cake:

• Coconut oil spray
• 14 tablespoons butter, chopped
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 10 soft, pitted prunes, chopped small
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 cup almond meal

Ganache:

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 1/3 cups dark chocolate morsels

1. To make cake: Preheat oven to 300 F. Lightly spray bottom and sides of 8-inch springform pan with coconut oil spray. Place round piece of parchment paper in bottom of pan and lightly spray with coconut oil spray.
2. In small saucepan over low heat, place butter and vanilla. Use sieve to sift cocoa into saucepan. Stir with spatula until completely smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In bowl of food processor fitted with "S" blade, place prunes and syrup. Top with cooled butter mixture then process until smooth. Transfer to large mixing bowl, scraping all chocolate mixture from food processor with spatula.
4. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip eggs and coconut sugar on high speed 7 minutes, or until tripled in volume.
5. Add one-third of egg mixture to bowl with chocolate mixture. Using spatula, gently fold together until completely combined. Add almond meal and remaining egg mixture to bowl and gently fold to combine.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 55 minutes, or until set. Once cooked through, transfer cake to cooling rack and cool completely in pan.
7. To make ganache: In top of double boiler, melt coconut milk and dark chocolate until completely smooth. Pour prepared ganache over cake. Serve immediately for molten fudge effect or allow to completely set.

Chocolate Energy Balls

Recipe courtesy of Meg van der Kruik on behalf of California Prunes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 pieces

Prune Puree:

• 16 ounces pitted California prunes
• 1/2 cup hot water

Energy Balls:

• 1 cup old-fashioned or gluten-free oats
• 2/3 cup toasted, unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup creamy natural nut butter (peanut or almond)
• 1/2 cup pecan meal
• 1/2 cup prune puree
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
2. Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
3. To make energy balls: In mixing bowl, stir oats, coconut, nut butter, pecan meal, prune puree, cocoa powder and vanilla until completely combined.
4. Cover and chill in refrigerator 30 minutes. Once chilled, use small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to measure equal-sized amounts of mixture then form into balls by applying gentle pressure to dough using palms. Do not roll as balls will break apart.
5. Store covered in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.

 

SOURCE:
California Prunes

Strong, Stylish Spring Home Upgrades

5 renovation projects where brick takes center stage

Springtime is a perfect opportunity for homeowners to begin planning renovations to enhance the interior and exterior of their living space. Because of its strong performance capabilities, low maintenance and design flexibility, brick is a popular building material choice when looking to improve or refresh your home in time for warm-weather hosting season.

Often selected for its functional benefits, brick is available in a wide array of colors, textures and sizes that can match varying design styles, from modern to traditional and almost everything between. If you’re considering adding brick to your home’s aesthetic, consider these five projects to tackle this spring from the experts at Glen-Gery, one of the largest brick and stone manufacturers in North America.

Basement or patio bar – As homeowners spend more time at home, they often look to maximize livable space. One way to take advantage of unused living space is building a basement or patio bar, which provides an area for entertaining. Using an exposed brick wall can help designate the bar area and separate it from the rest of the basement, or lining a bar counter with brick can create a rustic contrast against the bar’s seating.

Fireplace – To change the look and feel of a room almost instantly, you can use brick to give a fireplace a facelift or make it a focal point of your home. Available in a variety of colors and textures, Glen-Gery’s diverse, premium portfolio of more than 600 brick and stone products can elevate your living room’s style in a big way and create a more inviting area to share with family and friends. An outdoor fireplace is another option for extending livable space in a cozy way that can be used throughout the year.

Accent wall – Create a statement in or outside your home with a brick accent wall. Accent walls can help bring color, texture and beauty to homes by breaking up the monotony of monochromatic color or decor, creating visual interest and dimension. While brick in a running bond pattern is expected, you can spice up rooms with an unexpected bond pattern like a stacked bond for modern appeal or herringbone for a rustic look.

Kitchen backsplash – One of the most overlooked areas of kitchen design is the backsplash. While its job is to protect your kitchen walls from the never-ending assault of kitchen splatters, there’s no reason it can’t look good, too. Brick backsplashes can accommodate most home designs and styles thanks to the versatility of shapes, colors, finishes and sizes available.

Black or white glazed brick works well with more modern kitchens while irregular brick containing an abundance of texture and a messy mortar application can complete rustic farmhouse kitchens. An option like Glen-Gery’s virtual design tool, Picture Perfect, can help you visualize projects in your home to see what fits your style and needs.

Brick skirt – For added curb appeal, consider adding a brick skirt around the foundation of your home. Given its resilient, durable and energy-efficient qualities, brick can help provide better insulation and protection while also adding visual appeal to the exterior of your home through texture, color and contrast. The skirting can also continue through to the front porch floor and steps, helping balance out the elevation of your home.

For more inspiration for your next home renovation project, visit glengery.com.

 

 

SOURCE:
Glen-Gery

A Spring Spread Any Bunny Can Create

(Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe.

With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous.

It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress.

Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread!

Chick Cheese Balls

Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com
Yield: 10 chicks

• 1          package cream cheese
• 1/4       tablespoon garlic powder
• 1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2       lemon, juice only
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1          cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
• crackers
• carrots
• whole black peppercorns

1. Using mixer, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate mixture 1 hour.
2. Using fingers, form about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture at a time into balls. Refrigerate 30 minutes on small baking sheet.
3. Before serving, roll each ball into shredded cheddar cheese to cover. Place each ball on round cracker.
4. Cut small triangles from carrots for beaks and feet. Press carrots onto cheese balls. Add peppercorns for eyes.

Carrot Utensils

• Orange napkins
• green plastic silverware
• green ribbon

1. Lay napkins flat on table. Place one of each utensil in napkin facing top corner. Wrap napkin around utensils. Tie ribbon around middle of napkin. Place in bowl or basket on table.

Spring Table Centerpiece

Recipe adapted from Craftmorning.com

• Jelly beans
• chocolate coated candy eggs
• marshmallow chicks
• fresh or fake flowers
• plastic or dyed eggs (optional)

1. Place medium bowl inside large dish. Pour jelly beans and chocolate coated candy eggs around bowl.
2. Add marshmallow chicks around dish on top of candies. Arrange fresh or fake flowers in center. Set on table as centerpiece. Place eggs around dish, if desired.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

ETS Restoration