EUSSI NOITARBELEC 8102 YAM/LIRPA
HAVE 5 MINUTES? EASY TIPS FOR FINDING MOMENTS OF ZEN SELF CARE WITH ANEL-ANGEL ELLIOT
ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT FEATURE ARTICLEMEET HENRY LEE AN INTERVIEW BY CRAIG SHANKLIN
• SWAP THESE 4 FOOD FADS• ARE HIDDEN LEAKS DAMAGING YOUR HOME?- SOLVING THE BLACK WEALTH ISSUE ENTREPRENEURS IN UNEXPECTED PLACES: HOW ONE MIDWEST CITY PROMOTES DIVERSE LOCAL INNOVATION
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IT’S BEEN TWO YEARS AND WE ARE STILL GROWING
2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
CKW TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CKW-THE CHEA K. WOOLFOLK MAGAZINE A DIVISION OF CHEA CHEA MEDIA
1115 Garvin Place Louisville KY 40203 502-337-2680 www..cheakwoolfolk.com
April/May 2018 Table of Content
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 28 31 34 37 40 46 49
TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP EOPLE MANAGE TYPE 2 DIABETES IN REAL TIME 5 TIPS TO KEEP ALLERGY SUFFERS FROM DREADING SPRING KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: GOING MORE THAN SKIN DEEP ON ACNE SCARRING HAVE 5 MINUTES? EASY TIPS FOR FINDING MOMENTS OF ZEN SELF CARE WITH ANGEL-ANGEL ELLIOT THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SALT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU WITH MATTERS OF THE HEART DON’T WAIT TO TAKE ACTION
SPOTLIGHT 60 63 68 72 76 86 91 94
PARADISE ISLAND- SPECIAL REPORT BE CAREFUL WHO YOU LOVE-VALORIE H. LASLEY EXCELLENCE IS A CHOICE-CRAIG SHANKLIN GAY’S PSA ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT FEATURE ARTICLE- “MEET HENRY LEE” an Interview by Craig Shanklin CONFIDENCE AND A SMILE- KOREA HOWARD LIL’ CHEA CHEA’S READING LIST THE SUPORT TOUR 2018
FOOD & BEVERAGES
106 110 115 118 122 127
THE BUSY PARENTS GUIDE EASY SUMMER CHICKEN SALD RECIPIES FORWARD THINKING PROGRAMS GET KIDS TO EAT BETTER HOW TO KEEP YOUR SEAFOOOD WILD CHEF JOSE GARCES FOCUSES ON QUALITY SWAP THESE 4 FOOD FADS
FAMILY & LIFESTYLE 132 135 138 141 144
5 IMPORTANT QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING PAPER 5 PRACTICAL AND FUN WAYS TO SPEND YOUR TAX REFUND 5 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROMOTE LITERACY AT HOME AND BEYOND 6 OTHER COLLEGE COSTS (AND OPPORTUNITIES) TO CONSIDER WHEN FINANCIAL AID LETTERS ARRIVE MARRYING HOUSEHOLDS: 7 SAVVY MOVING TIPS FOR NEWLYWEDS
HOME 150 155 158 162 166 171
TOPS TRENDS TO INSPIRE YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING ARE HIDDEN LEAKS DAMAGING YOUR HOME? HOUSE HUNTING? USE THIS HANDY CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU MAKE THE OFFER THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN WOOD FLOORS MIGHT SURPISE YOU! THE SECRET PLACES PEST ARE HIDING IN YOUR HOME THE TIME IS NOW TO INCORPORATE SCANDINAVIAN STYLE INTO DÉCOR
BUSINESS 177 186 190 193
SOLVING THE BLACK WEALTH ISSUE-BILL HUSTON ENTREPRENEURS IN UNEXPECTED PLACES: HOW ONE MIDWEST CITY PROMOTES DIVERSE LOCAL INNOVATION HOW RETAILERS CAN BUILD TRUST AND PREVALENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES WOULD DIRECT SALES WORK FOR YOU?
Cover Image Credits: Chea Chea Media Inc. Glam Squad Cover photo credits: Photographer: Dee Johnson Photography Hair: All Phases Salon Naturals Stylist/Jewelry Maverick: Myisha Reaves Nail Artist: Sondra Wilkerson of Big City Styles Make Up: MYA DANAYE MCCLAIN Hair provided by: Lavish Life Hair Boutique/ Melinda Dixon Footwear Consultant: Tonya Godsey-Lowe/ Foxy Feet Boutique
Game Changers Editor in Chief Chea K. Woolfolk Assistant Editor Little Chea Chea General Manager Craig Shanklin Executive Art Director Chea K. Woolfolk Staff Writer Chea K. Woolfolk, Craig Shanklin,
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Columnists: Gay Polk Payton-White, Angel Elliot, Bill Houston Contributing Writers for this issue: Korea Howard, Valorie Lasley
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EDITOR'S LETTER APRIL/MAY 2018 Greetings my wonderful global family of readers! I have truly missed the opportunities to connect with you all more so, this issue us an exciting one for me. It marks the 2-year anniversary of the publication and a much larger platform. It has always been my hearts desire to be able to touch lives across the global and build a magazine that anyone can enjoy. Over these last 2 years I have had the honor of interviewing and publishing some of the brightest up and coming people on this planet, I’ve been blessed to spotlight entrepreneurs and visionaries who I know make the world a better place. It has fed my spirit to see so many gain support and expand their dreams after being published in CKW. It has been a joy to see growth across the board for my vision and the people I’ve been blessed to interact with. As you browse this issue I hope you find information, inspiration and motivation. It has been so spiritually energizing to offer what I feel, is an amazing magazine to the world. To share some of my vision, inner most thoughts and ideals with readers. I want to thank my team of talented forward-thinking mavericks and game changers who have helped make each issue rich with content, visual imagery, ideas and motivation. Big thanks to General Manager Craig Shanklin for tolerating all my quirks and seeing the vision. Keeping me calm and helping my see past the clouds of the human species when I felt overwhelmed. My heart felt appreciation to Dee Johnson of Dee Johnson Photography and LG TV Channel for making sure our visuals are always on point and pleasing. To our Glam Squad who make each photoshoot fun and interesting yet, they make sure to pull me in if the look just isn’t working. Asha and Nia’s Jewelrybox, Lavish Life Hair Boutique, Darla Styles, Linda Toogood, Kb Amour. Sondra Wilkerson, Mya McClain and FoxyFeet Boutique. Each of these ladies are a blessing and its an honor to work with them. Be sure to check out their advertisements throughout the issue for more info. Until next issue...
EDITOR'S LETTER APRIL/MAY 2018
“Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved”. -Mattie Stepanek
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TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP PEOPLE MANAGE TYPE 2 DIABETES IN REAL TIME
BPT
THERE IS NO DISPUTING THAT DIGITAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND CONNECTED DEVICES CAN PRODUCE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF DATA. BUT THAT DATA, ON ITS OWN, IS NOT ALWAYS PARTICULARLY USEFUL.
The real value comes from translating that data into personalized and actionable information and putting it into the hands of people, in real time, whose health might depend on those facts and figures. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members with Type 2 diabetes may be eligible to utilize new wearable technology to help monitor their glucose levels 24/7 via the convenience of a cell phone. They can also connect directly with a health coach to seek individual support, share information and make behavior changes to improve their health. Announced in mid-January with DexCom, Inc., the leader in continuous glucose monitoring, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, this innovative pairing - hightech, real-time wearable monitors with direct access to diabetes coaches - will be available to eligible plan participants across multiple regions throughout this year.
Here's how the blend of high-tech and high-touch care supports people managing Type 2 diabetes: 1. Dexcom's Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGM) technology consists of a sensor - usually worn on the abdomen - that continuously reads glucose levels just beneath the skin. 2. A transmitter sends the data to a smartphone, which processes and displays updated data every five minutes and can reveal relationships between eating, exercise and blood sugar that are difficult to observe with only test strips and a glucose meter. 3. Diabetes coaches help participants interpret the transmitted data and give guidance on how to change behavior pertaining to nutrition and exercise to help keep glucose levels in a safe range. 4. Participants also receive an activity tracker to help them understand and act upon data gathered by the wearable device. 5. Glucose data summaries can be shared with participants and their primary care providers to help foster better care coordination, which ideally may result in increased glucose control, reductions in medications and an empowered approach to managing diabetes. "With more than 27 million people nationwide living with Type 2 diabetes, there is urgent need to address this epidemic in new ways," said Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. "Continuous glucose monitoring can be a game changer for people enrolled in our Medicare Advantage plans, as the data can be translated into personalized information that can be acted upon in real time."
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5 tips to keep allergy sufferers from dreading spring Contributed by BPT
From flowers poking through the ground to ditching heavy winter parkas, it's easy to look forward to spring. Unless, of course, you have allergies. Then, the path to warmer weather and additional daylight could be marked with watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. Makes it hard to be excited, right? It doesn't have to. While spring carries its own concerns for allergy sufferers everywhere, there is relief. Now is the perfect time to set plans in place to help ease your allergy symptoms before they begin. "People think they're doing everything they can to battle spring allergies," says allergist Bradley Chipps, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). "But many still find themselves under siege from pollen and other allergens that appear once the weather starts to warm up. What they don't realize is that by following a few simple rules they can make life a lot more pleasant, and their allergies more bearable." As you start your spring allergy planning, keep these five tips from ACAAI in mind. Use them and your spring will be filled with flowers and breezes, not coughing and sneezes.
1. It may not only be allergies. In some cases the symptoms you are experiencing may not be caused by allergies alone but by another complication such as asthma. Research shows twothirds of people with asthma also suffer from allergies, making symptoms worse during the spring season. If your symptoms include a persistent cough or feeling winded quickly, asthma could be the cause of your trouble. If this sounds familiar, consult your allergist. Your allergist can help identify the source of your asthma and help treat your allergies to manage your symptoms. 2. Take a deep dive for spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is a must for many people, but if you suffer from allergies, it's even more important. Clearing dust and cobwebs can ease your sneezing, but for better results, roll up your sleeves and give your home a deep scrub. A thorough cleaning can eliminate allergens such as dust mites and mold, and clear the air. 3. Start your relief early on. Don't wait for your eyes to begin watering before taking your allergy medicine. Start your medications at least two weeks before the season begins, and they will already be in your system when you really need it. 4. Clean your air effectively. When looking for support to clean the air in your home, don't choose an ionic air filter. These filters require more airflow to operate properly than most homes are able to provide. Instead choose a HEPA room air cleaner rated with a Clean Air Delivery Rate. If you have central air, change your filters every three months and use filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12 to keep your air as clean as possible. 5. Resist the urge to breathe in fresh air. After months cooped up indoors, you want a fresh breeze, but before you open your windows, beware. Opening windows allows pollen and other debris into your home where they can settle in your carpet or upholstery. As hard as it can be, you're better off keeping your windows closed during peak allergy season. Use your air conditioning to regulate your home's temperature instead. For people with allergies, spring's annual arrival feels like a mixed blessing. By using the tips above, you can ensure that you have everything you need to make spring great. And you'll do so with less of the coughing and sneezing that can go with it.
Acne, even when it's mild, can result in scarring. In fact, at least 40% of people with acne also have scars. But along with acne and scars come inevitable questions: Who is at risk for scarring, and what can be done to prevent it? What's the tipping point to schedule a visit to the dermatologist? And most importantly, why won't these pesky blemishes just go away? The entire process can be emotional, confusing and overwhelming.
In an effort to "breakdown breakouts," New York City dermatologist Dr. Josh Zeichner, a leading acne researcher and expert advisor for Galderma Laboratories, offers the following guidance:
Knowledge Is Power: Going More than Skin Deep on Acne Scarring BY BPT
Acne is a disorder that affects the skin’s oil glands and hair follicles. The small holes in your skin (pores) connect to oil glands under the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. Inside the follicles, oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A thin hair also grows through the follicle and out to the skin. Sometimes, the hair, sebum, and skin cells clump together into a plug. The bacteria in the plug cause swelling. Then when the plug starts to break down, a pimple grows.
Doctors don’t know what causes acne, but taking care of your skin can prevent outbreaks from becoming worse.
"First and foremost, you're not alone," states Dr. Zeichner. "So many of my patients come in for acne - from one-off breakouts to cystic." Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually and approximately 85% of young people. Treating brown marks as if they're scars? Take a closer look: it could actually just be hyperpigmentation. "Inflammation after a breakout revs up pigment production as part of the normal healing process of the skin, creating a dark spot that is frequently mistaken for a scar," Dr. Zeichner says. "Those with lighter complexions may be left with marks that are red or purple in color."True scars are broken down into two categories: depressed and raised."Depressed scars are 'pits' in the skin and also referred to as atrophic scars," adds Dr. Zeichner. "When speaking to a dermatologist, keep an ear out for words like 'boxcar,' 'icepick' and 'rolling.' These are all specific types of depressed scars." "Raised scars are more common on the back and chest. You may hear a dermatologist refer to them as 'hypertrophic,'" notes Dr. Zeichner. Take notice of the other kinds of "scars" that may result from treating acne. When treating acne scars, individuals have reported feeling embarrassment or low self-esteem (41%), frustration/anger/sadness (31%) and an affect on their professional lives (22%). "There are powerful psychological and emotional effects from acne that should be acknowledged and addressed accordingly," says Dr. Zeichner. "Pay attention to your feelings and don't keep it inside if you need to talk to a friend, family member or your doctor." Concerned about scarring? Nip it in the bud, and leave it to the pros. "Early, aggressive and appropriate treatment of acne is important as it may effectively decrease the risk of developing acne scarring to begin with," stresses Dr. Zeichner. "Everyone's skin is different, and visiting a dermatologist will help establish a personalized plan of action."Above all, always remember that with the right tools, acne can be a manageable, treatable condition. The best path forward is to get a clear understanding of one's acne from a dermatologist, who can help develop a customized treatment regimen. Not only are there trusted prescription treatments proven to fight existing and prevent future acne, but new research is also on the horizon demonstrating how treatment can help reduce the risk of acne scarring. Net-net, don't lose hope! Tackling acne early and quickly using powerful ingredients will lead the way to clearer, healthier skin.
Have 5 minutes? Easy tips for finding moments of Zen Contributed by BPT
From work to working out, kids' activities to household tasks and so much more, modern life has never been busier. The problem is hectic schedules can lead to unnecessary stress. If you're one of the many people who feel frazzled on a regular basis, you're probably longing for a vacation or a day at the spa. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to cut stress that you can sneak into everyday life. From mealtime to bedtime, if you start embracing small moments to be more mindful, you'll be surprised how fast you can cut down on overall stress. Here are five simple examples of how you can find your own moments of Zen today: 1. Take a 5-minute walk. Whether it's getting fresh air or just getting yourself moving, a change of place and pace can reduce stress and give you a few moments to relax, especially during hectic times. For example, take a 5-minute break while dinner's cooking to walk around the block. Weather not right for a walk? Give your body a quick stretch with an at-home yoga session. 2. Find quick-and-easy solutions. If making dinner for your family seems like a daunting task, choose quick-and-easy options designed to take the hassle out of meal prep, like SeaPak's Shrimp Scampi or Popcorn Shrimp. The frozen food aisle is a great place to begin your journey toward finding your happy place in the kitchen. Here, you can find a variety of products that taste great and require minimal prep work, so you can dedicate more time to doing the things you love, like spending quality time with your family.
3. Choose quality over quantity. Make the most of your time each day by being intentional with your activities. Whether it's playing a new board game with the kids after dinner or watching a TV show with your spouse, small quality moments can help you relax and enjoy yourself and your family when at home. 4. Take time to reflect. When using great-tasting, low-hassle products like SeaPak to make dinner, you'll be spending way less time in the kitchen. Take those extra moments to reflect on everything you accomplished during your day or week. This will help give you a sense of pride and is a real confidence-booster. 5. Break from technology. Take a break from technology, even if it's only for 5 minutes. Set down your phone, turn off the television and step away from all electronics. Just giving your mind a break from the active world of technology can reduce stress and help you mentally reset, especially during mealtimes, where being present is particularly important. These are just five simple examples, but moments of Zen can be found anywhere if you take the time to look for them. Remember, the little moments are what make the biggest impact in life, and by embracing mindfulness, you're setting the stage to be able to focus on what really matters.
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Self Care with Angel Angel Elliot
Kiss those winter blues goodbye and let the spring selfcare session began. First let’s start in the make-up department. It’s time to let go. Spring cleaning includes tossing out old makeup. I must confess, makeup is my weakness and I’ll hold on to it forever. I’ll never forget, I was hosting a spa lounge during Christmas season. It was very elegant, formal and upscale. While applying my makeup I opted to use a gel eyeliner that I’d had in my makeup bag for months. Well no sooner had I completed the makeup application than a full allergic reaction occurred. This resulted in my having to work the event with a huge swollen eye!
( epic makeup fail!)
So, let’s do a quick breakdown and analysis of our inventory. There is a life span on makeup ladies and according to (popsuger.com/October 2,2017; j. cruel) the timeline is as follows:
Powders (including bronzers /shadows) -2 years Creams shadows/blushes - 12-18 months Oil free foundations - 1 year Creams compact foundations -18 months Concealers - 12-18 months Lipsticks/Lipliners/Lip-gloss - 1 year Pencil eyeliner - 2 year Liquid/gel eyeliner - 3 months (I clearly didn’t get the memo) Mascara - 3months
Next, check your daily moisturizers. What are you using? If it is a heavy moisturizer try something less heavy. In the spring and summer months you can hydrate less because the skin receives hydration from the atmosphere. (organicauthority.com/january7,2016) As we all know, exfoliation is key to knocking off that dull lack luster layer of skin and revealing that radiant fresh dewy skin.
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Booking a spa date with the girls? Ask about dermaplaning, which is a spa treatment that uses a special tool to remove unwanted hair as well as exfoliate dead skin. The beautiful benefits of this treatment are that it also helps to brighten the skin, eliminate fine wrinkles (last up to 6 months). Women with darker hair will see significant results such as, the removal of annoying peach fuzz hairs. The best part is there is no down time. Ladies let’s get to work, as we declutter our home, workplace and more. Set aside some time to be good to yourself and spring forward with a fresh face because of using these self-care tips and tools. I promise, you will thank me later. Peace and Blessings
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THESE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SALT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU SALT IS THE FLAVOR OF LIFE, AND THIS YEAR WE SHOULD ALL RECOGNIZE ITS MANY BENEFITS WHILE WE CELEBRATE WORLD SALT AWARENESS WEEK. TO LEARN MORE VISIT WWW.WORLDSALTAWARENESSWEEK.ORG.
BPT World Salt Awareness Week is being celebrated this year from March 12 to 18 and is the perfect opportunity to recognize all the many benefits of salt. Salt, or sodium chloride, is essential for life. In fact, no mineral is more essential to human survival than sodium because it allows nerves to send and receive electrical impulses, helps your muscles stay strong and keeps your cells and brain functioning. However, sodium chloride (salt) is a nutrient that the body cannot produce, and therefore it must be consumed. The other component of salt, chloride, is also essential to survival and good health. It preserves acid-base balance in the body, aids potassium absorption, improves the ability of the blood to move harmful carbon dioxide from tissues out to the lungs and most importantly, supplies the crucial stomach acids required to break down and digest the foods we eat.
Because the level of salt consumption is so stable, it is an ideal medium to fortify with other essential nutrients such as iodine. Iodized salt was first produced in the U.S. in 1924 and is now used by 75 percent of the world's population to protect against intellectual disability due to Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). Iodine is an essential element in healthy human life, enabling the function of thyroid glands to produce needed hormones for proper metabolism. When children in the womb don't get enough iodine from their mother, fetal brain development may be impaired. Iodized salt remains one of the greatest public health success stories. Salt is also essential in hospital IV saline, which is standard therapy and the fastest way to deliver fluids and medications throughout the body. This saline drip doesn't just keep patients hydrated, it delivers a 0.9 percent solution of salt. Without this saline drip, patients can end up with low levels of sodium in the blood, resulting in a condition known as hyponatremia. This serious condition can lead to seizures, coma, permanent brain damage, respiratory arrest and death, and it is why the shortage of saline in hospitals is of such critical importance.
Salt is also a vital component of hydration. After exercise, it is critical to replace both water and salt lost through perspiration. That is why all athletes make sure they are consuming sufficient salt during and after a workout. The average American eats about 3,400 mg per day of sodium, according to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and this may be on the low side of the safe range. A 2014 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, tested sodium consumption in more than 100,000 people in 17 countries. The study found that the healthy range for sodium consumption was between 3,000 and 6,000 mg per day. Seniors can be especially susceptible to the dangers of low-salt diets. In 2013 a task force of 12 professional medical, nursing and nutritional organizations assembled by the Pioneer Network published the "New Dining Practice Standards." Their report concluded that low-salt diets were contributing to malnutrition and weight loss among a significant percentage of seniors in assisted living facilities. Low-salt diets can also cause seniors to suffer from mild hyponatremia, an electrolyte imbalance in the blood that can lead directly to walking impairment, attention deficits and a much higher frequency of falls. Salt is the flavor of life, and this year we should all recognize its many benefits while we celebrate World Salt Awareness Week. To learn more visit www.worldsaltawarenessweek.org.
With matters of the heart, don't wait to take action
WITH MATTERS OF THE HEART, DON'T WAIT TO TAKE ACTION The majority of Americans wouldn't think that walking to their car after work is a difficult task, but that wasn't the case for Michele Norris. Before her heart failure diagnosis and treatment, Michele found herself leaning on a co-worker while walking to her vehicle, taking frequent breaks along the short route.
She knew something wasn't right. Michele, a 62-year-old budget director, noticed shortness of breath and swelling in her legs, limiting her daily routines. She decided to take action and talk to her doctor. After a few conversations, Michele was eventually diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, or HFrEF, a chronic and progressive condition affecting millions of Americans, though few know much about it. After discussions with her cardiologist, Michele was prescribed ENTRESTOÂŽ (sacubitril/valsartan), a heart failure medicine that helps improve the heart's ability to pump blood to the body. "Being diagnosed with heart failure was terrifying, but I learned how to trust my gut, and raise a flag when something feels off," said Michele. "Taking steps to change my diet and stay active, and adding ENTRESTO to my regimen has helped me stay out of the hospital, although everyone's experiences are different." Michele is passionate about helping others with HF and encourages them to keep all of their doctor appointments, and to be an active partner with their doctors when choosing a treatment plan - which includes medication and lifestyle changes.
Contributd by BPT
Learn more at www.entresto.com What is ENTRESTO? ENTRESTO (sacubitril/valsartan) tablets 24/26 mg, 49/51 mg, 97/103 mg is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization in people with certain types of long-lasting (chronic) heart failure. ENTRESTO is usually used with other heart failure therapies, in place of an ACE inhibitor or other ARB therapy. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about ENTRESTO? ENTRESTO can harm or cause death to your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat heart failure if you plan to become pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking ENTRESTO, tell your doctor right away. Who should not take ENTRESTO? Do not take ENTRESTO if you are allergic to sacubitril or valsartan or any of the ingredients in ENTRESTOhave had an allergic reaction including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat (angioedema) or trouble breathing while taking a type of medicine called an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)take an ACE inhibitor medicine. Do not take ENTRESTO for at least 36 hours before or after you take an ACE inhibitor medicine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ENTRESTO if you are not sure if you take an ACE inhibitor medicinehave diabetes and take a medicine that contains aliskirenWhat should I tell my doctor before taking ENTRESTO? Before you take ENTRESTO, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have kidney or liver problems or a history of hereditary angioedema; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should either take ENTRESTO or breastfeed. You should not do both. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take potassium supplements or a salt substitute; nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); lithium; or other medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems such as an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or aliskiren. What are the possible side effects of ENTRESTO? ENTRESTO may cause serious side effects including: angioedema that may cause trouble breathing and death. Get emergency medical help right away if you have symptoms of angioedema or trouble breathing. Do not take ENTRESTO again if you have had angioedema while taking ENTRESTO. People who are Black or who have had angioedema and take ENTRESTO may have a higher risk of having angioedemalow blood pressure (hypotension). Call your doctor if you become dizzy or lightheaded, or you develop extreme fatiguekidney problemsincreased amount of potassium in your bloodThe most common side effects were low blood pressure, high potassium, cough, dizziness, and kidney problems. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, available at: https://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/sites/www.pharma.us.novartis.com/files/entresto.pdf. Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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SPOTLIGHT
FEAT of Louisville and the Autism Friendly Community have partnered to create the Autism Friendly Business Initiative – a training & certification program for businesses bringing Awareness, Acceptance and Understanding. In 2012, Mayor Greg Fischer endorsed Louisville as an “Autism Friendly City.” “With the rate of autism rising and currently affecting 1 in 68 children (I in 42 boys), the Autism Friendly Business Initiative not only encourages inclusion in our community, it offers local businesses a simple online training for their staff to effectively accommodate the needs of the growing and underserved autism population. Level 1 Certified is attained when 80% of employees watch the educational video. Businesses will be able to share their logo that we will use on our social platforms. Any business can become certified, but especially businesses who interact directly with customers or clients.
Registering will show your support in our community while impacting your bottom line. It is a win win for businesses!
For more information, please visit https://featoflouisville.org/autism-friendly-community/business-initiative/ https://www.facebook.com/AutismFriendlyCommunity/ or contact afbi@featoflouisville.org
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When I think of game changers, many local and worldwide names come to mind: Just to name a few: I will start by mentioning JANE ELLIOT (Teacher). Her ability and desire to take a stand against racism is truly remarkable and her willingness to sow such needed seeds in a country filled with endless hatred can only be commended. Next, I just have to mention Ms. Chea K Woolfolk! This lady right here is and has been the voice for so many women in Louisville Kentucky. Her passion is displayed in her work..she is definitely a true GAME CHANGER!! Other game changers that come to mind are: Chelsea Ellis, Tenara Taylor, Alisa Means, Janice Means-White, Steve Rembert, Shannon Higgins, Devon Chestnut, Adrian Burdette, Adrena Phillips, Antonio Montanez, Melvin Spencer, Anita Spencer, Aaron Erhardt, Jeannie Robinson, Sylvester Phillips, Robert Phillips III, Brice Moore, Aria Thomas, Audrey Baines, Catrina Hill and Donnisha Hill There are so many others that I've failed to mention. God Bless
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2015 at least 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner every minute. That represents roughly 10 million people every year.
Be Careful Who You
Valorie H. Lasley Empowered Living Institute on Facebook & twitter
Storylines about abuse generally portray the abuser as very charismatic, kind, and even generous. But all these qualities, along with other things always come at a price. Sometimes you find yourself in a relationship that is abusive, and you don’t even realize it. Abuse is not always like an open hit. It can be very subtle while growing into something more powerful. Sometimes you just realize that something is a little “off” or you notice little changes in yourself. For instance, you find yourself walking on eggshells or avoiding conversations. You begin to feel that something is a little off balance, but you can’t really put your finger on it. This type of abuse generally sneaks up on you. You may notice that what is acceptable or unacceptable to you is not the same for the other person. And you begin to compromise your values. You may know the treatment is wrong, but you may also believe that it is your fault, or you deserve to be treated badly. And you may also cling to the hope that the “honeymoon stage” will come and stay. That is the period after an abusive episode that the abusers use to show sorrow for the bad behavior. As an abuse survivor, arming others with information that can assist in abuse prevention is very important to me. Correct and easy to understand information can be empowering. Domestic violence occurs in epidemic numbers. As a society we need all the help we can get to resolve these issues. The numbers speak for themselves.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2015 at least 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner every minute. That represents roughly 10 million people every year. • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical abuse at the hand of an intimate partner • 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner • On an average day 20,800 calls are made to the nations domestic violence hotlines • Domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes • The presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the probability of a homicide by 500%
There are some characteristics that abusers have in common that I will discuss briefly in this article. This is in no way a complete list of warning signs. For the sake of simplification, I will refer to the abuser as “he” or “this person”. However, I fully understand that intimate partner violence occurs in same sex relationships. 1. The Romancer – This person is sweet, kind, and generous. He will make you his entire world, but he fully expects you to do the same. He wants to be your complete world. 2. The Controller – This person must feel that he controls your life. He will tell you when you can come and go and with whom. He allows you to have no friends and isolates you from your family. He becomes your only line of support. He wants you all to himself and is quickly ready to commit. 3. The Financer – This person handles the finances, yours and his. You may work outside the home, but your money is his money. And his money is his money. He allows you a small amount for the household but more than likely a good portion of the money feeds his activities, i.e. other women, drugs, alcohol, or gambling or any combination of these. 4. The Mind Gamer- He enjoys playing games with your mind. If you are looking at a picture, he will say that isn’t what it shows. My ex-husband denied knowing the woman he was having an affair with even when I caught them together in his vehicle. He tried to convince me that I was crazy, and she was not the woman I had asked him about. He could also dismiss the existence of people by simply ignoring them. And not just for a couple of hours but for days or even months. He could be in the same house with me, sleep in the same bed, but not talk to me. This type of behavior only adds to the victim’s feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
5. The Victim- This person does not accept responsibility for anything that is done by him. Getting injured at work was the machine’s fault and had nothing to do with his being high on cocaine and marijuana. It was not his fault that I suffered a black eye, if only my face hadn’t jumped into his fist. “If I didn’t love you so much, it’s your fault for making me crazy”. “I can’t live without you, if you leave I’ll kill myself”. 6. The Humiliator- He gets enjoyment from making you the butt of cruel jokes and demeans you in front of others. He uses words like stupid, ugly, fat, or other terrible words to describe you.
7. The Very Jealous- He is an unreasonably jealous person. It won’t matter if you don’t look at the man passing by, if he looks at you, it is still your betrayal. This is a true story. A woman is standing on the bus line after work because her husband had not arrived to pick her up. Next to her, a few feet away, is a male co-worker, at least 25 years her senior. Just as her husband pulled up, the male said something funny and she laughed. Her husband jumped out of the car and cursed the man mercilessly and accused him of all kinds of things with his wife. He pushed her into the car and drove off. 8. Be Careful Who You Love
I talk to women from all over and I am still amazed at how many women have suffered some form of abuse in their lifetime. I did as a child as I am sure my mother did and her mother before her. We have been damaged, all who have suffered as children but not irreparably so. And it is more reason to learn a new way. We can learn a new song and become champions to fight the war on domestic violence, to create a society in which hatred and self-loathing become a rarity instead of the norm it is today. It is not by accident that one learns to love others by loving self. If one could not do harm to self, how has it become so easy to do harm to others. Having information such as this can be quite helpful. But many times, people see the warning signs and continue to walk in front of the train. If we share this information with our sisters, daughters, and yes, mothers we can save lives and heartache. But if we teach our sons, brothers, and yes, fathers, we can make families stronger by making the men who lead them stronger.
Valorie H. Lasley   Empowered Living Institute on Facebook & twitter Change your mind, change your world.
EXCELLENCE IS A CHOICE CRAIG
SHANKLIN
No matter what you’re doing today, or whatever you did yesterday I want you to stop and ask yourself this simple question? What choices do we really make? Did you choose to be born? If you can remember this choice I have some serious questions for you about the other side, so get at me when you have some free time. Are you a person who believes in destiny, that God has a plan for you? If so, then the choices we make are predetermined and are not yours to make. I know at this point you’re probably going to say that we all have free will to choose and this is part of where we will reside in the afterlife. I don’t know if we get to choose. I only know that it feels like we are making choices and so this leads me to choose excellence in the life that I have. One of my favorite lines from Talladega Nights starring Will Ferrell is a when he proudly proclaims “I’m the best there is plain and simple. I mean, I wake up in the morning and piss excellence.”
Today can be the start of something fantastic! If you’re coming out of a difficult time in your life or have just experienced a financial hardship you may still be reeling from the impact. However, just because you’re down doesn’t mean that you’re out. All it takes is for you to decide. Decide to be better, decide to grab life by the lapels and shake it until your opportunity falls out. When we face challenges and things don’t go our way have a tendency to take things personal, but we never expect our family members or friends to take things that way when they are faced with certain challenges. Life will kick you, and knock you down, but whether or not you stay down is a choice. I’ve experienced feelings of loss, unfair business practices, and situations outside of my control just as many of you have. However, life will never be fair to each of us, and how you react when you get knocked down will ultimately be the end of the story if you allow it to be. We can either choose to get back up and turn the situation into one of the greatest comeback stories ever to be told, or we can choose to stay down and allow the story to be a sad tale of tragedy and woe.
You get to decide which ending takes place every day of your life. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new. You can decide to try new ventures and learn new skills that can open doors to opportunities unseen. It all starts with you, Excellence is a choice, so I want to challenge you to choose it. You are talented, and smart and there is only one you, so whatever you commit to doing well will be uniquely yours if you own it and if you choose it. I choose excellence because it’s far too easy to choose monotony and the mundane. I want to encourage you to live a life that challenges you to be great. One were the rewards outweigh the sacrifices. You can have all of these things when you choose excellence and it all starts with you. So, what are you going to choose today?
Gay 's P SA
I have a PSA for parents of aging kids: Don’t get too caught off guard when your children start to think for themselves and they start to “diss” you. Don’t get in your feelings about that.
If you make your child’s quest for individually about you and not about your child’s instinct to seek grownup independence, then “in your feelings” is where you should plan to take up permanent residence. Why? Because, as time as goes on, signals that your child is distancing him/herself from you will become more and more obvious.
Written by Gay L. Polk-Payton
The secret to dealing with this inevitable phenomenon is finding something else to be excited about. Get a hobby, get a man/woman, take some trips, have spa days, get a second job, start a fitness quest, start a book club, etc. Just find something else to look forward to other than your child sharing everything with you because that WILL NOT last forever. If you become obsessed with your relationship with your children and let them become your “everything,” then when they grow older, your disappointment will become overwhelming about the fact that Y’all aren’t as close as you used to be...about the fact that they don’t seek as much advice from you as much as they use to...about the fact that they don’t call and text as much as they used to...etc. I’m not telling you what I heard. I’m telling you what I know. Y’all all know how much I adore my baby boy and we have always been as thick as thieves...until he started to mature to a point where he began to have a real issue with the fact that mama “thinks” she knows best. Cutting the proverbial apron strings and accepting the fact that he is becoming his own man was the hardest thing I’ve had to do since burying my mom when I was pregnant with him 1997. But as I come to the end of the “create, nurture and release” process of being a parent, I am finding myself being proud of the fact that I taught him how to think for himself.
Gay Polk-Payton, Attorney at Law Forrest County Justice Court Judge P.O. Box 17914 Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39404 (601) 336-5361 (office) (601) 336-5973 (fax) Gpplaw@comcast.net
Finally, give your children the tough love and the room to be adults by preparing them to be on their own BEFORE they move out...and know when it is time for them to move out. After a certain age, living with your parents is not a good look. The stages of parenting are: Protection, Preparation and Prayer. Admitting that you’ve reached the stage that your only power is rooted in praying for your children is the first step to you finding the peace you need to get a life of your own while your child finds his/her way in the world.
When I was single, wise mothers told me, “Don’t worry about the men out in the world breaking your heart, that man in your house that you’re raising...he’s the one that will break your heart.” Kobe hasn’t broken my heart but his quest for independence has often caught me off guard and left me off in my feelings. I just wanted other parents to learn from my journey from creation...through nurturing...to release.
#mommymentor #gayspsa #gaypolkpayton #gaypolkpaytonwhite #parenting
Gay Polk Payton-White, Attorney at Law Forrest County Justice Court Judge P.O. Box 17914 Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39404 (601) 467-9694 (office) (601) 596-6620 (mobile) Gpplaw@comcast.net www.gaypolkpayton.com
ENTERTAINMENT Enjoy our feature entertainment piece presented by Craig Shanklin. In this article he interviews musical mastermind Henry Lee. This is a gentleman you want to keep your eye on!
When sitting down to talk to “Henry Lee” one would assume that he strikes quite an impression with the ladies. However, while many of his songs have themes that cater to the ladies he wants to make it clear that his style of music for everyone. “I want to make music that everyone can relate to, but I’ve found that if the ladies like it then everyone else will follow.” The singer songwriter writes and produces the majority of his music, out of his home studio. It was a great time in an intimate setting
CS: Do you write and produce all of your stuff? HL: I pretty much write the majority of all of my stuff. There may be a song or two that I didn’t write, but the majority of my songs I wrote myself. CS: Are you working with anyone else, do you have a production team? HL: I kind of do my own thing, I have a few different producers that I work with, and I have one engineer that I work with. He knows me and my voice well. So when I get in the booth he already knows how I work and we have a comfortable relationship, which helps me when I record my music.
CS: Do you record out of the home as well? HL: I do have an in home studio where I record using “Studio1” where I can record my voice or make beats, but usually what I do is make my own beats and record and then take it straight to the engineer and get it right. We do what we do. CS: What made you want to start doing music? HL: I know this is going to sound crazy but I’ve always known that I wanted to be an entertainer. I started singing in the choir like most people do. The typical come up, but I’ve always had my heart in music.
CS: What do you call the type of music you write? HL: When I write music I always try to make music that people can relate to. It’s cool to do all types of music, but I like to write with concepts and all of my music, every last one of my songs is real and can be relatable to someone who listens to music. It’s something real for me as well as the listener. CS: Ok, that’s real talk right there. Situational things can be learned by listening to your songs and the vibe is good as well. Ok, so Teddy Riley had New Jack Swing and many others since then have named their style of music. So what do you call your musical style? HL: (Laughs) Well, when you say R&B I think there’s a difference between what they call a singer and a swag singer. Like the Tank’s Tyrese, Whitney Houston, R-Kelley and the Jennifer Hudson’s those are singers. I look at myself as a Swag Singer..cause though I can sing that’s not my style. It’s more of how I move with the music and I’m comfortable within my style. CS: Well who are some of your influences? HL: Okay, I’m gonna name some artists, I really like Tyrese, Tank, Chris Brown, R Kelly, Boys to Men Jagged Edge, and if you really think about it all of those singers have something in common.
CS: Well those are the men who sing to the ladies right? HL: Exactly, that’s the objective! CS: What would you like to do next? HL: I just want to be successful as an artist. I’m not really trying to be the artist in the Bentley, because I’m content now. I mean, I have a Porsche right now and that’s a nice car, but I’m not trying to be defined by what I own the goal is to be successful as an artist and put out good music that people can remember me by, and when I expand out to different parts of the country and world I let my music do the talking. CS: So the goal is to be self-sustaining and only do music for a living? HL: Yeah, because as any well-established financial person does. When you’re making money you let your money work for you. When I make good music my music speaks for me. CS: I know awhile back you showed me a new video you had just completed. Did you have a large role in the production of the shoot? HL: The video turned out great and I’ve gotten some great feedback from the prescreening with people that I’ve let see it. It’s been all love. I knew what I wanted to do and when the director and I sat down to storyboard the song he was right there with me and everything fell in place and the collaboration was great between us. It’s a feeling that I go for, if it feels good it will fall into place and that’s how I work. CS: Ok, now that you’ve been doing your thing are there any artists that you’d like to collaborate with or get in the studio with? HL: Oh man! It would be great to work with any of those artist that I name earlier, but I would love to work with R Kelly because, he’s dope and all of his songs have great concepts. I think this is why he’s still relevant today, and that’s what I want to do. I want to create something that last throughout time. Chris Breezy, or even some rappers like Kendrick Lamar.
CS: So when you work on a cut in the studio, do you just go with a flow or a feeling and try to get the idea down, or when you work are you a perfectionist? HL: No I’m a perfectionist, honestly I listen to the beat and it talks to me and tells me where to put the hook and the lyrics. I normally record the core of the song in three to four hours prior to the mix. Of course the final mix takes time along with mastering. CS: OK, what do you want people to take away from your music that separates you out from some of the other artists? HL: I want to make music that speaks to people and that speaks to what we go through. It has to be reality based and it has to speak to what people go through. I want them to hear things that they aren’t used to hearing in a song, but it’s real. Oh I forgot to mention Linkin Bridge and Bryson Tiller. One of my partners is with Linkin Bridge and my engineer is the same cat that worked with Tiller. I would love to do something with him as well. My engineer told me that Bryson sat in the same chair that I sit in all of the time and he says that it only takes on hit to catapult you to another level. So I stay humble and keep striving. The right people just need to hear me so I’m good. CS: What songs do you have that people are giving you love on right now? HL: The main one that a lot of the ladies are digging is the song “Next Time”, which is the one you like also there’s a cut called “Drunk Texting” and the last one is “Questions”. I have a lot of other songs as well, but those are some of my favorites. CS: Are there plans for an EP coming an album coming? HL: I already have an EP out now. I have CD’s on Amazon. I am on all of the social platforms: Soundcloud – Henry Lee Instagram@ Henry_Lee_Music, Facebook – HenryLeeMusic Youtube Channel - HenryLeeMusiQ CS: Alright, I just want to encourage you to keep moving toward your truth and keeping doing you it’s been a great interview and I’m sure that you will be able to continue to make songs that you believe in and we will be hearing great things from you in the future. It was great having you, we wish you much future success.
Look Good, Feel Better! Positive self image.
There are many opinions regarding how to improve self image but ultimately confidence is the key to a positive self image. We must discover our worth and it is our individual responsibility as part of the human community to build, encourage, and uplift one another. I have found through my years of experience in the beauty industry, we do not truly transform people externally without impacting them internally.
When we share goodness and kindness while providing our services, people’s attitudes and at times, lives are transformed. Be a Blessing today by touching someone’s life with love and kindness. Sondra Wilkerson, Manicurist Big City Styles 312 W Chestnut Street Louisville, KY 40202 502-584-2489
CONFIDENCE AND A SMILE What exactly is confidence? I define confidence as having assurance and believing in yourself when nobody else will. You must know that your physical features or social status is not what ultimately defines who you are. What you do, how you treat yourself, and how you treat others is what defines you. How you feel about yourself is what matters the most.
BY KOREA HOWARD
When you put on that new outfit and it fits every curve like a glove then be sure to hold your head up with confidence and smile. When you buy that new wig in a color that is bold don't forget to wear it with a smile. Don't second guess yourself.
Confidence just basically means that you are sure of yourself in whatever you wear or whatever you do. You are sure that you look great, you feel great, and there isn't anyone who can tell you different. Remember that you are in control. The world is your oyster and your confidence are your pearl. A smile can soothe a soul and help mend a broken heart. You are so much more powerful, bold, and beautiful than you give yourself credit for. Give yourself permission to be you in every way. Here is a little poem to help you start your day. Use it as often as you need. Try it as a selfaffirmation and please share. Go ahead girl and swing those hips and work those thighs Flip your hair and bat your eyes Polish your nails and show those toes Wiggle your butt and curl your nose Put on that skirt or that dress Be who you are and at your best Wave your hand like the queen you are Show your confidence and smile because you are a star - Korea L. Howard You got this, and I can’t wait to see you being your best self!
Korea L. Howard www.koreahoward.wordpress.com eyewriteit4u@gmail.com
Lil' Ch ea Ch ea Re 's ad ing Lis t
Left Hand Of Darkness Ursula K Le Guin Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards A groundbreaking work of science fiction, The Left Hand of Darkness tells the story of a lone human emissary to Winter, an alien world whose inhabitants can change their gender. His goal is to facilitate Winter's inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the completely dissimilar culture that he encounters. Embracing the aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion on an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of intellectual science fiction.
Standing at the Scratch Line (Tremain Family Saga #1) Guy Johnson Raised in the steamy bayous of New Orleans in the early 1900s, LeRoi "King" Tremain, caught up in his family's ongoing feud with the rival DuMont family, learns to fight. But when the teenage King mistakenly kills two white deputies during a botched raid on the DuMonts, the Tremains' fear of reprisal forces King to flee Louisiana. King thus embarks on an adventure that first takes him to France, where he fights in World War I as a member of the segregated 369th Battalion—in the bigoted army he finds himself locked in combat with American soldiers as well as with Germans. When he returns to America, he battles the Mob in Jazz Age Harlem, the KKK in Louisiana, and crooked politicians trying to destroy a black township in Oklahoma. King Tremain is driven by two principal forces: He wants to be treated with respect, and he wants to create a family dynasty much like the one he left behind in Louisiana. This is a stunning debut by novelist Guy Johnson that provides a true depiction of the lives of African-Americans in the early decades of the twentieth century.
New People Danzy Senna New People is a sharp commentary on race disguised as a suspense thriller. The book follows Maria, a biracial New Yorker who seems to have the perfect life. She's a research scholar, she's engaged to an entrepreneur who's launching a new internet venture, and she's the star of a documentary about biracial Americans.
On March 25th, 2018 I had the pleasure of attending an event that was truly to empower the youth. Tiandra Robinson the maven behind T. Marie Management along with Avenue E. , are the visionaries who brought this event to life. The “Tiny Tycoons & Mini Moguls Vendor Fair” was hosted at Avenue E. one of Louisville KY premier art galleries and event venues. The venue located at 536 S. Fourth Street was the perfect space for the collaborative efforts and high energy spirits of the young entrepreneurs. For more information regarding Avenue E. please visit www.avenueeky.com and check out the many amenities of the venue.
Excerpt from the Facebook business page @T.MarieManagement “Tiandra Robinson has a Masters in Media Communication and has been doing freelance PR & Marketing since 2008, after she tried unsuccessfully to land jobs in the marketing field. Hailing from Louisville, KY she became passionate about focusing her skills and talents to PR & Publicity after working with a local Hip Hop artist name JayDoub. Since then she has worked with various artists and organizations leading her PR expertise. Today she continues to work with artists including an R&B group out of New York and CEO and founder of The Urban Fashion weeks. Tiandra loves what she does and is always willing to help people with their marketing and PR needs. She can be found on LinkedIn or email her for rates at teezphib@yahoo.com.”
Visit her site for more information: http://teezphib.wixsite.com/tmarieconsulting
creativecousinsboutique The Creative Cousins Boutique T'Chyane (13) and Teonjhai (12) Douglas and Tamyra Johnson (13). They make handmade fashion and home accessories.
Empowered Living Institute
The shame of abuse Low self-esteem Life after divorce The death of a loved one Setting boundaries Assertive vs Aggressive Personal presentation of self And other areas of expertise
The Battle Is The Lord’s 2006 On A Wing and A Prayer 2014 Releasing Strongholds 2011 The Power of A Woman 2012 The Power of God 2012 The Power of God Devotional Celebration of Life 2013
FOOD & BEVERAGE
THE BUSY PARENT'S GUIDE TO WEEKDAY MEALS
BY: BPT
It's amazing what parents do in a day. You help your kids with homework, drive them to and from practice, whip up a meal everyone will like, make sure they brush their teeth ... the list goes on. Not to mention you have a job to go to. It's a wonder parents can ever find a few minutes to relax. While hectic can be an understatement when it comes to describing a day in the life of a parent, there are some simple and savvy ways you can save time and energy when preparing meals. Here are five tips for providing delicious weekday meals for the entire family.
1. Get in the habit of meal planning. Most people don't realize how much time they spend stressing out about what to make for dinner each night. Something as simple as planning a weekly menu in advance can make things infinitely easier. Try sitting down on Sunday, writing down what you want to eat on each day that week and shopping accordingly. This is a simple and effective way to streamline the whole process.
2. Embrace convenience. There are far more convenient ways of getting a delicious weekday meal than chopping and sweating your way through a home-cooked recipe. You can order take out from most any restaurant these days, but Applebee's adds an extra layer of convenience for timecrunched parents - Carside To Go(R) pickup. You simply place an order online, through the Applebee's app, or by phone and schedule a pickup time that works for you. Then, on your way home from work, the gym or soccer practice, just pull into a designated Carside To Go parking spot outside your neighborhood Applebee's and a team member will bring your food out to you. Deliciously simple.
3. Make food prep a family activity. Parents are always looking for a fun activity everyone will enjoy or a way to constructively engage their kids. You can knock out a few birds with one stone by encouraging your kids to become more involved with preparing family meals. For instance, you can assign them a simple side dish (it can be as easy as defrosting peas or peeling carrots) or have each kid pick a meal they want to help make each week. Whatever your approach, this is an educational and enjoyable way to spend time with your kids.
4. Don't try to imitate the chefs on TV. We would all love to cook like those celebrity chefs on TV who don't miss a beat and saute, grill, bake and broil any and all ingredients into a perfect dish. Don't hold yourself to such impossible standards. Instead, focus on making delicious and nutritious meals that match your skill set and tastes. If you want to wow your family with culinary masterpieces, consider some quick and easy take out options.
5. Embrace leftovers. If you're already in the kitchen cooking, why not add more ingredients to the pot so you can have extra meals to eat through the week? Or, instead of ordering just enough food for one night, order a couple of extra sides or entrees that you can heat up for lunch or dinner the next day.
No one said life as a parent would be a breeze, but with a few easy tweaks to how you plan, order and cook, you can make mealtime into a fun and easy part of your day.
Easy Summer Chicken Salad Recipes Summer is a great time to make chicken salads. They are light, easy to make, and make a great addition to summer picnics and family barbecues. I like to keep extra frozen chicken fillets on hand for easy spur of the moment dinners like these. At Costco, you can buy a large package of individually frozen chicken fillets for a very reasonable price. You can just take out what you need for your recipe and leave the rest in the freezer.
Chicken Salad 5 c. cooked chicken, cubed 2 tbsp. salad oil 2 tbsp. orange juice 2 tsp. vinegar 1 tsp. salt 3 c. cooked rice 1 1/2 c. green grapes 1 1/2 c. sliced celery 1 (13 oz.) can pineapple tidbits 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained 1 c. slivered almonds 1 1/2 c. mayonnaise Combine chicken, salad oil, orange juice, vinegar, and salt. Let stand while preparing other ingredients. Gently toss all ingredients together.
Summer Fruit and Chicken Salad Dressing: 1/2 c. low-fat raspberry yogurt 1/4 c. light mayonnaise or salad dressing 2 tbsp. honey Salad: 4 leaves leaf lettuce 1 c. cooked chicken, cubed 1/2 medium cantaloupe, seeds removed, peeled, cut into very thin slices and halved 1 c. raspberries 1/2 c. fresh blueberries In small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients; blend well. Refrigerate until serving time. To serve, arrange lettuce on large serving platter or on 4 individual plates. Arrange chicken, cantaloupe, raspberries and blueberries over lettuce. Drizzle dressing over salad.
Chinese Cabbage Salad 1 large head cabbage, thinly chopped 1 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds 2 tbsp. toasted slivered almonds 4 green onions, chopped 1 Ramen style oriental noodles, broken Dressing: 3 tbsp. white vinegar 2 tbsp. sugar 1 1/2 c. oil 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Mix all salad ingredients together. Add dressing and re-mix. Tarragon Chicken Salad 1 c. plain yogurt 1 tsp. dry tarragon 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard 3 c. cooked diced chicken 2/3 c. celery 1-1/4 c. halved cherry tomatoes salt and pepper to taste 6 c. mixed greens Combine yogurt, tarragon and mustard. Let stand for 10 minutes. Add chicken, celery, tomatoes, and seasoning to taste. Let stand for 15-20 minutes. Serve over mixed
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an ecookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativeh omemaking.com.
FORWARDTHINKING PROGRAMS GET KIDS TO EAT BETTERÂ Â They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But for millions of low-income children across the country, the low-cost or free lunch they get at school is the most nutritious, most filling meal they will eat. In 2016, over 30 million kids across the U.S. received lowcost or free lunches at their school. With such a wideranging impact, school meal programs play a huge role in the well-being of our nation's young people. According to Wilder Research, nearly one in six children in the state of Minnesota live in food-insecure households. Many of these kids rely on school lunch to get the nutrients they need. To make sure these needs are met, one school district in the state has been blending nutrition with trends in popular culture to create a dynamic program that is getting kids excited about healthy food while also creating better eating habits. Jr. Iron Chef Question: In an urban school district, how can the idea behind a popular television show be used to raise awareness of healthy meal options? In essence, this is what happened when Miguel Lopez, a seventh-grader at Anwatin Middle School, along with seven other teams and 16 other students, competed alongside eight professional chefs in one of Minneapolis Public Schools' "Jr. Iron Chef" competitions.
Modeled after the popular television show, where teams compete to create the most appetizing dish, this three-year-old program was designed in cooperation with Cargill to teach students about good nutrition and meal preparation. Students from across the district were invited to compete - just as popular celebrity chefs on TV do - in live cooking competitions. "This night was not so much about the competition, but about what these students have learned about how to prepare good meals on their own," said Minneapolis Public Schools' Director of Culinary and Wellness Services, Bertrand Weber. "We wanted to apply the Iron Chef concept to help improve our students' health and well-being. Yes, it was a cool night, but the hope is that they will go home and do this for themselves and their families versus choosing less healthy meal options." While the Jr. Iron Chef competition was getting students all over the district revved up, Cargill and Minneapolis Public Schools were weaving another popular culinary trend into the district's nutrition and wellness programs: food trucks. Nutrition on wheels Parked outside the venue where Jr. Iron Chef was held was a shiny, new food truck purchased with a recent $75,000 grant from Cargill to Minneapolis Public Schools. This is the school district's second food truck. The first one hit the road in 2013 and became so popular that it quickly exceeded capacity. The trucks are staffed by the school district's nutrition and culinary staff, to bring nutritious meals to students, especially when school is not in session. The trucks also appear at district-run wellness seminars and cooking demonstrations. "The value of these food trucks has been recognized by Minneapolis Public Schools and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)," said Cargill Vice President of Corporate Responsibility Michelle Grogg. "It's been a successful strategy that community and state partners have found to improve their capacity to reach food-insecure children when school is in and out of session." In the summer of 2017, Minneapolis Public Schools served approximately 400,000 free meals and snacks to Minneapolis youth. This coming summer, Minneapolis Public Schools' two food trucks will operate at a total of eight summer feeding sites in conjunction with community youth and physical activity programming. A new example As school lunch plays such an important role for millions of urban, low-income students, the importance of steering these kids toward eating more nutritious, wholesome meals cannot be overstated. Though it can be hard to get kids excited about fruits and vegetables, the creative and forward-thinking programs put on by the Minneapolis Public Schools point in a fun, and promising, direction. "It's great to see two popular trends in food being applied to the nutritional needs of our students," says Grogg. "We hope it doesn't stop here and we hope other communities around Minnesota and the U.S. learn from our successes."
By BPT
HOW TO KEEP YOUR SEAFOOD WILD (BPT) - Every day, consumers are bombarded with buzzwords when selecting groceries - natural, organic, non-GMO, glutenfree and so on. Coupled with news headlines about the environmental impacts of growing, raising and catching food, it's no wonder many of us are becoming more confused about which choices are right for our diets, our budgets and the environment. And nowhere is this issue more confounding, perhaps, than in the seafood section. Fish and seafood are flavorful sources of protein, and the variety and versatility of the ocean's bounty is no mystery. What may be considered a mystery is whether all the options in front of us are sustainably sourced. Some are labeled wild, others farm-raised, but questions remain given the limited information provided and the fact that mislabeling can occur (an independent study of the open global market found an average mislabeling rate of 30 percent for all fish and seafood).
With the world's growing demand for seafood, ocean environments are increasingly strained. The livelihoods of approximately 10 percent of the global population are supported by the oceans through artisanal and commercial fishing careers. Overfishing - when too few adult fish remain to breed for a healthy population - has been an issue for some species, and it can decimate fish stocks and habitats as well as the fishing communities and economies that rely on a healthy supply.
IIllegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing continues to occur around the world and can exacerbate overfishing problems. IUU fishing generally disregards quotas and the environment, as does destructive fishing, which may expose delicate ecosystems to explosives or chemicals.
Fortunately, industry groups have developed standards and certifications to help us navigate the murky waters and find some clarity. For 20 years, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), for instance, has been refining its science-based standards for certifying sustainable fisheries and introducing traceability in its efforts to keep the oceans wild and teeming with life for generations to come. And, seafood that has been determined to meet the MSC's stringent standards is marked with an easily identifiable blue fish label. By looking for the trusted blue fish label, seafood shoppers can be assured that their purchase: * Represents only wild fish or seafood from fisheries assessed by an independent third party to meet strict science-based criteria. * Supports sustainable fishery practices and good management that adapts to changes in the environment. * Traces back to a certified sustainable fishery and is kept separate from noncertified fish and seafood. * Features correct labeling, providing peace of mind while selecting food for the dinner table. Of course, not all certification labels are the same. To make a truly informed choice, you might consider doing a little homework before deciding which label to seek and support with your shopping and dining-out dollars. Several well-regarded international organizations maintain best practices for food production, sustainability and traceability, providing recognition of certification and ecolabeling programs that meet them. Organizations like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), ISEAL Alliance (the global memberships association for sustainability standards) and the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) are all considered reputable sources for more information. With a little research, you can gather information that helps ensure the seafood you put on the table can be traced to its source and verified as wild and sustainable. At the same time, its enjoyment can be guilt-free: each purchase provides incentive for more fisheries, retailers and restaurants to join the movement to support transparency, traceability and sustainability in our food system. By speaking with their wallets, consumers have the power to track their seafood from ocean to plate and keep it wild.
CHEF JOSE GARCES FOCUSES ON QUALITY AND VERSATILITY AT THIS YEAR'S SOLD-OUT SOUTH BEACH WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY BPT
(BPT) - There are few foods that span a variety of diverse culinary styles more than fresh pork. Fresh pork is known by both leading chefs and home cooks as a flavorful, versatile solution for any night of the week.
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 Smithfield Fresh Pork is proud to partner with the National Pork Board and 20 award-winning chefs at this year's South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF). These chefs will create high-quality pork dishes for attendees featuring Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork, an allnatural premium line of fresh pork. Each recipe will showcase the superior quality and versatility of the Smithfield Prime collection and inspire consumers to cook with only the best ingredients at home. Eventgoers will have the opportunity to experience these recipes at the following NPB-sponsored events: Tacos After Dark on Thursday, February 22; Burger Bash on Friday, February 23; Spanish Dinner on Saturday, February 23; Swine, Wine & Spirits and Coca-Cola Beachside BBQ, both on Sunday, February 25. Chef Jose Garces, one of Smithfield's Chef Partners, will host two pork-centric events at SOBEWFF. Garces, a James Beard award winner and Iron Chef, prefers to cook with Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork due its high quality and flavor. "As a chef, there is nothing more important to me than the quality of the ingredients I choose for my dishes," said Garces. "That is why I love to work with Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork. They understand that quality leads to flavor and flavorful dishes create the best experiences and memories."
The most discerning chefs, championship pitmasters and home cooks alike seek quality, flavorful fresh pork, and that is why they trust Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork. Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork is a line of premium, all-natural fresh pork that is certifiably 20 percent more tender than other leading brands of all-natural pork. The Smithfield Prime collection is handtrimmed and sourced from America's most trusted farms, using a specialty breed of Duroc hogs and some of the most stringent quality standards in the industry. Thus, Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork products naturally have exceptional color, increased marbling and enhanced flavor, creating an elevated eating experience. You can catch Chef Garces in action at the Spanish Dinner event taking place Saturday, February 24; and at the Coca-Cola Beachside BBQ on Sunday, February 25. For those who want to take a page out of Chef Garces' book and try their hand at cooking up one of his signature dishes, below is a recipe he crafted specially for Smithfield.
Grilled pork chops with cognac butter, mustard aioli and mushrooms For the pork chops: 4 Smithfield(R) Prime Bone-In Pork Chops (1-inch thick) 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary 1/4 cup finely chopped garlic Directions: Mix oil, thyme, rosemary and garlic in large mixing bowl. Add pork chops and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. Heat grill to medium using hickory wood charcoal. Remove chops from marinade and grill 7 to 9 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145 F to 160 F. Remove from heat and immediately brush with cognac butter. Let stand 3 minutes before serving. For the cognac butter: 1 cup good-quality cognac 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots 1 cup butter, room temperature 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Directions: Combine cognac and shallots in a small saucepan. Simmer until cognac is reduced by two-thirds. Strain and let cool. Mix together with butter and parsley; let stand at room temperature until ready to use. For the mustard aioli: 3 eggs 1 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup whole grain mustard 3 cups vegetable oil Directions: Combine eggs, Dijon mustard and lemon juice in food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle in vegetable oil, while food processor is running, until emulsified. Remove from processor and fold in whole grain mustard. Season to taste. For the mushrooms: 2 lbs. mixed fresh wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, hen of the woods, porcini and morel) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon lemon juice Directions: Toss together mushrooms and olive oil. Place in grill basket and grill until tender and cooked through, turning occasionally. Remove from heat and toss with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately. This recipe yields four servings; total prep time is 25 minutes (plus two hours marinade time), and total cook time is expected at 35 minutes. Visit SaborSmithfield.com for more of Chef Garces' recipes and inspiration for your next meal and to learn more about Smithfield's quality and freshness. And visit sobewff.org for more details on the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. For more information about National Pork Board, visit porkteinspira.com.
SWAP THESE 4 FOOD FADS WITH NUTRITIOUS KITCHEN STAPLES BPT
With new so-called "healthy" food trends popping up all the time, it's hard to keep track of what's actually good for your health and what's just a fad. Luckily, new research continually shows consumers which fads to ditch and which kitchen staples stand the test of time and should be kept in our diets. For example, did you know that coconut oil, a recent consumer favorite in health and beauty circles, has been found in a new study to actually increase cholesterol? If you are looking for simple changes that have a big impact on nutritional health, consider clearing some unhealthy eating habits from your diet. Here are a few health fads that aren't as nutritious as you may have heard, and helpful swaps that can benefit your health. Cooking with coconut oil Over the last few years, coconut oil has gained prominence on grocery store shelves, in the news and on social media. Long considered a multipurpose beauty oil, coconut oil began to make its way into recipes, and consumers hoped its health benefits extended to the kitchen. However, a recent study has found that coconut oil increases cholesterol. Adding corn oil to one's diet, on the other hand, was found by the study to result in better cholesterol levels compared with coconut oil. Similarly, a previous study published in The Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that corn oil can help lower cholesterol two times more than extra virgin olive oil. With a high smoke point, versatile usage and a neutral flavor, corn oil makes a great staple for any pantry.
Juice diets and cleanses While it's important to include fruits and vegetables in your diet, "cleansing" your body with a diet limited to cold-pressed juices won't provide enough essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy diet. According to research by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is no real evidence that juice cleanses work. The human body is great at keeping the good stuff in and filtering out the bad, and a varied diet is important for maintaining energy throughout the day. Plus, according to Vive Nutrition, juice diets tend to make people feel hungrier and lead to overeating. If cold-pressed juices are something you enjoy, go ahead and include them in addition to your meals. Skipping dessert Everything in moderation! Indulging every once in a while is an important part of a balanced diet. Harsh dietary restrictions, especially on the foods you love, may lead to short-term results, but aren't sustainable in the long run, according to research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Rather than cutting sugar completely, avoid binges by allowing yourself a treat every once in a while on a cheat day to maintain balance in your diet. Snacking on granola bars Packed with whole grains, granola bars seem like the perfect healthy snack, but many contain an unhealthy amount of added sugar, which creates a caloric and less-than-nutritious food choice. In fact, according to a survey in the New York Times, less than 30 percent of nutritionists would call granola a healthy food. Replacing granola bars with healthier options like whole nuts will greatly benefit your health. This snack choice is less sugary, more filling and full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Whether your guest is staying short- or long-term, Terry offers these six tips to help you transform your home into a more senior-friendly environment so you can focus on what matters most: making memories with your entire family. Outdoors The walkways to many homes are cracked or uneven, which is a risk factor for falls. Make sure the pathway is cleared and easy to see, shovel show in the winter and sweep leaves in the fall. Stairs can be tricky to maneuver as well. If possible, add a ramp that leads to your door. If there are stairs, install handrails on each side. Entryways divided by a threshold can be tricky for someone with mobility issues. Eliminate this common tripping hazard when seniors visit. Clutter The easiest thing you can do is remove clutter (especially on the floor) to allow sufficient space for senior guests who may be in a wheelchair to maneuver around rooms. Remove or tape down all cords. Rugs may look nice but they are a leading tripping hazard. Remove all accent rugs from your home, and in areas like the entryway where you must have mats, make sure they are secured with non-slip material. Light Seniors need more light than you do in your home, particularly in notoriously dim areas such as entryways, hallways and staircases. Replace existing soft light bulbs with brighter or higher wattage ones and add motion-sensor lights to bathrooms. Adding night lights throughout your home is an easy addition that helps seniors see better, especially at night or on darker winter days. Stairs Ideally, a senior won't have to navigate stairs, but if you have some in your home, you can make the space safer by having railings on both sides. Railings should be at least 1.5 inches in diameter to accommodate seniors with limited dexterity and aging grips. What's more, help each stair be more visible by using contrast strips (available at your local hardware store). Bathrooms Make bathrooms safer by adding well-placed grab bars next to the toilet and in bathing spaces. In the shower or tub, add non-slip strips and a shower seat for comfort and ease of use. For guests who are staying awhile, consider adding a handheld, adjustable-height showerhead. Finally, set the hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees as to avoid unintended burns. Room selection Whether your loved one is staying one night, one month or more, selecting the right room will increase their comfort and safety. One-level living is key, so if possible use a room on the main floor with easy access to the bathroom, kitchen and living room. Furniture, including the bed and chairs, should be at a good height (neither too low nor too high) to be easily used. Knobs can be difficult, so consider replacing round door handles with lever handles. "In addition to these tips, I recommend having a conversation with your loved one before their stay," says Terry. "Talk to them about what will make them feel at home in your home. What's most important is enjoying your visit to the fullest and spending valuable time together."
LIFESTYLE & FAMILY
5 IMPORTANT QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING PAPER BPT
Buying paper and office supplies can seem
Which copy paper is best?
routine, however, these simple choices matter. Choosing the right paper can help save time and money, as well as ensure the quality of documents. So, what exactly should you look for in copy paper? "There are many different performance attributes and categories of paper," said Sarah Yedlick, Boise Paper office expert. "It's important to consider all factors of your paper before making a purchase to avoid unwanted paper jams, reprints, ink smears and just downright low-quality." Here are the five qualities to look for in paper before deciding what is right for you.
1. Brightness - The brighter the paper, the greater the contrast between the printed image and the paper. Most office papers are between 92 and 98 on the brightness scale. Using a paper with a higher brightness makes colors more vibrant and appealing - giving graphics and images the appearance of "popping" off the page. Choose a higher brightness level for important presentations or documents with color graphics.
2. Thickness - Also known as caliper, the thickness is an important characteristic to consider when choosing paper because it determines the sturdiness of the sheet. The majority of everyday printer paper has a 20 lb. weight. Heavier weights, such as 24 lb. and 28 lb., provide more durability, stiffness and opacity for printed material. Choose a higher thickness for resumes or other important documents, or if you want to do a lot of double-sided printing. 3. Jam-free guarantee - Nothing is more annoying than a jammed printer. Look for a paper that offers a jamfree guarantee when making a paper purchase. Without this, you risk running into issues at the printer when you least expect it. 4. Run-ability - The way paper prints and copies doesn't just have to do with the machine, it also has to do with the paper itself. Look for a paper that has consistent performance and excellent run-ability to make the most of your printer and inks. 5. Made in the U.S.A. - Papers that are made in the U.S.A., like Boise Paper, keep jobs and dollars in local communities and also adhere to rigorous quality and manufacturing standards.
"If these paper qualities are confusing, there is a simple shopping solution," said Yedlick. "Choose Boise X-9 or Boise ASPEN America's Top Selling Brand - to receive paper with quality you can trust." For more information about paper attributes to be aware of when looking for quality you can trust, visit www.BePaperSmart.com.
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5 PRACTICA L AND FUN WAYS TO SPEND YOUR TAX REFUNDBPT It's that time of year again when you may find a little bit of extra money in your pocket, thanks to your annual tax refund. There are plenty of practical ways to spend it, such as putting it toward paying off credit cards, loan payments or even starting a college fund, but there is always something tempting about taking that money and putting it toward something just a little bit more fun. Instead, consider something that is both practical and fun that you will use every day and will help you save money throughout the year.
1. Learn something new: Maybe you have been meaning to learn a new skill or explore a subject that you have taken interest in. Your refund is the perfect solution to fund a new hobby. A little bit of cash and a few extra hours a week can go a long way in honing in on one of your new (or old) passion points. Look into your local community college, dance studio, art center, etc. and check out the various classes offered to find one that piques your curiosity. If you are lucky, these courses could turn into something far more fruitful that will last far beyond tax season. 2. Be on the cutting edge: Haven't you always wanted to be the first among your friends with one of the latest smartphones? Often though, it becomes too expensive between the phone, the update charge and the data fees. This year, use your tax refund to purchase one of the latest smartphones and a new wireless plan that allows you to save in the long-term. Achieve balance with Straight Talk's $55 Ultimate Unlimited* Plan, and stay in touch with friends and family, stream the latest videos and navigate while you're on-the-go without worry. While you reward yourself with the latest technology and unlimited* data, you'll also give yourself the gift of saving on your phone bill all year long. 3. Plan a staycation: Planning a vacation can be tough with a hectic family schedule. Between working out the details and packing, the planning process can become overwhelming. Why make it complicated when you can instead vacation from the comfort of your own home? Use your refund to have family-based experiences in your hometown - many museums, zoos, waterparks, etc. offer discounted year-round family memberships, too. Even though your staycation may end once the weekend is over, the new membership will allow for family fun to continue throughout the year.
4. Get fit: Have you faltered on that New Year's resolution to spend a few more hours a week at the gym? Your tax return is your second chance at getting into better shape this year. If the gym isn't for you, put it toward trying a new exercise class, or better yet, do it with a friend or partner! Many workout studios give discounted classes for your first session, so you'll have the opportunity to "try before you buy" - and if you love it, pick up a package of classes to reduce longer-term costs. 5. Cook a homemade family feast: While you could take your hard-earned tax return to a fancy restaurant, you could also make a fancy dinner right at home. Use your extra spending cash to revamp your kitchen with new appliances and ingredients that will allow for more exciting in-home dining. Splurge on a homemade pasta maker or a brand-new mixer, then work as a family to cook up your very own secret recipe. These purchases and new creations will result in a fun night of cooking for the whole family, but also will be around for years to come! You work hard all year and deserve to reward yourself with something fun and practical that can bring a little more balance to your emotional and financial health. For more information and ways to save, visit StraightTalk.com.
 5 simple things you can do to promote literacy at home and beyond Article contributed by: BPT
What was your favorite childhood book? Chances are, you can come up with a title right away. That's because books create powerful memories of stories and characters that inspire kids' imaginations and will be treasured for a lifetime. Unfortunately, some children grow up with limited access to books, meaning they're unable to create those memories so many people take for granted. A lack of books in the home is also linked to lower reading scores and less success in school, according to research by the Family and Community Engagement Research Compendium. Even more concerning, an Annie E. Casey Foundation report found students who can't read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma than proficient readers. Society as a whole pays a high price for low literacy. It costs the U.S. at least $225 billion each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment, according to the National Council for Adult Learning.
Here's the good news: this problem does have a solution. Having books in the home has been proven to improve children's reading performance, cause them to read more frequently and for longer lengths of time, and improve overall attitudes toward learning. It's clear that promoting literacy in your home and in your community are worthwhile investments of your time and money. Wondering where to start? Build reading into the routine: When the kids are small, it's easy for many parents to create the nightly ritual of story time. Don't stop just because they've started school and are reading on their own. Commit to sitting down every night to read together. Or, make reading into an event the whole family can enjoy by reading a chapter book out loud. When the kids see you reading books too, you set a great example. Ask questions: Asking children questions while you read together helps them develop critical thinking skills. For example, you might ask, "How is the family in this book like our family?" or "The girl in this book likes to swim. What do you like to do?" Give books as gifts: The next time you celebrate a holiday or child's birthday, consider giving the gift of a book - especially a title or two that you loved growing up. Be sure to make time to read at least one of them together. It's a great way to bond. Share, share, share: One way to spread literacy is to help make books more available in your community. Every year or so, go through your book collection with the kids and decide which titles should be given a new home. They can be donated to schools and public libraries, or given to other groups that make books available for free or little cost to young readers. Even better, when you buy a book, purchase a second copy to donate or give away. Support literacy causes: Between Feb. 26 and April 15, there's an easy - and delicious - way you can promote literacy. Add a "topping of literacy" to your next Pizza Hut order and your contribution will go directly to the company's fundraising campaign "The Literacy Project," which benefits recognized nonprofit, social sector leader First Book. You can also inspire others to read by entering a Pizza Hut sweepstakes for the chance to win a trip that will bring your favorite book to life. Go to Instagram or Twitter and share the title of your favorite book, and why it touched your life. Be sure to tag @PizzaHut in your post and use the hashtag #HelpStartANewChapter #sweepstakes to enter.
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6 other college costs (and opportunities) to consider when the financial aid letter arrives BPT
The last year of high school is a whirl of activity, and it's no different when it comes to the final leg of college selection. Once the acceptance notifications arrive, it will soon be time to sit down with a different stack of mail: financial aid letters.
As you undoubtedly know, the cost of college is no small investment. In the 2017-18 academic year, the average tuition and fees for four-year public colleges is $25,620, while for private colleges, the costs are $33,520, and public two-year colleges cost $3,570, according to the College Board. At the same time, the College Board reports that more than 70 percent of students receive grants to help pay for college. Hopefully, those financial letters contain some good news. For most families, analyzing the letters is a process of uncovering the college that can offer the best education at the best value for your student. One way to get there is to parse the details of the letter itself so you understand the net cost of your student's education. Still, it's critical to look at other factors and opportunities around higher education costs. Taking a deeper look at these can help you and your student reach the best possible decision. Deciphering free aid vs. other options: Take a close look at each line in the aid column. Key words, such as scholarships, grants and fellowships, signal no-strings money for school. Work-study and student loan packages are options that will need students to find a job or pay the money back. Cost-of-living expenses: Think about those extra costs that come up over the weeks and months of any college year, such as meals, phone, transportation and laundry. Don't forget entertainment. After all, they're not going to spend all their time studying in their dorm room. Does the campus and community offer plenty of low-cost and nocost attractions and entertainment so they can have fun with their friends without breaking the bank? Local economy: One thing worth considering is the local economy of the first-choice school, especially if your student may want to pick up a part-time job along the way. Even better, look for local employers that are compatible with your child's career goals. An entry-level job at one of these workplaces can help make ends meet, while making your student more marketable when it's time to graduate.
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Student achievement: Do a little digging on the success rate for students and graduates, so you have an idea on whether the school has a high job placement rate after graduation. Know the school's graduation rate, along with the average first-year salary for graduates. Ongoing costs: The financial aid letter describes the student's first year. As much as you can, do some forecasting for the next three to four years. It's especially important to understand whether awards are renewable, or if they're available only to first-year students. Negotiation: If the college isn't coming through with enough aid to make college affordable for your student and family, don't give up. You might be able to negotiate more aid. Submit a letter and ask for a follow-up appointment. Be specific about what you are requesting, and be sure to explain if you have specific circumstances such as medical costs or a job loss that may have affected your ability to meet the expected family contribution. If you find the amount of financial aid provided isn't enough (including the amount offered in federal loans), families may want to research and explore private student loans as an option to cover the additional expenses. Look for competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options that match your budget. College Ave Student Loans also offers a calculator that showcases how much families can save with various loan options at www.collegeavestudentloans.com.
MARRYING HOUSEHOLDS: 7 SAVVY MOVING TIPS FOR NEWLYWEDS Launching your pad: 7 savvy tips for newlyweds planning a move IIf you're planning a wedding or you've just tied the knot, congratulations! Getting ready to start the next chapter of your life with the one you love can be an exciting time, filled with anticipation about your future together. That said, combining two households can take considerable planning and preparation, especially if both parties own troves of treasured possessions. As you are getting ready to make the transition into a single house or apartment, consider how the following suggestions may make your move easier.
BPT
* Pare down possessions. After unwrapping your wedding gifts, take an objective look at your collective furniture, household goods, clothing and other items. Where do you see duplicates? Whose dĂŠcor are you more likely to use? Are those old clothes you've had since high school really worth keeping? Now is the time to be generous in donating unneeded items to a local charity (or selling them on Craigslist). * Nix the shopping blitz. Although those wedding checks and gift cards are burning a hole in your pocket, postpone your purchases until after you move so you don't end up needlessly hauling them to your next locale. * DIY on the moving. Rather than shelling out a small fortune hiring a moving company, simply rent a truck that you can drive without a commercial license. As a rule of thumb, seek 150 cubic feet of space for the furnishings of each room in your present house; that means a 12- or 16-foot Penske rental truck should accommodate the contents of a small apartment or condo. Remember to reserve your truck at least two weeks ahead, and ask for the discounts provided to AAA members and military personnel. * Invest in packing supplies. This is not the time to skimp by using flimsy containers, newspapers and cheap tape to pack up your treasured belongings. Save yourself time and frustration later by picking up sturdy boxes, labels, tape and bubble wrap from your truck rental store so you can ensure everything arrives at its destination safe, unbroken and easy to unpack.
* Party on. Inviting friends and family to help you with your move can be a win-win for all; many hands make light work when it comes to loading and unloading your truck, and you can offer incentives by springing for pizza and beverages at your new home afterward. * Learn how to load. Apply logistical strategy to filling up your moving truck, perhaps by following the guidelines offered by Penske's Truck Wizard. In general, heavier items should go in the back of the truck, with lighter items in front and on top. * Practice makes perfect. Driving a moving truck isn't difficult, but it's definitely different from driving a car or pick-up. Take time to familiarize yourself with those differences; for example, you must use your mirrors to navigate turns, you should avoid sudden stops or lane changes and give yourself extra time. Need more information about the advantages of renting your own moving truck? Check out PenskeTruckRental.com for details.
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Top trends to inspire your
Contributed by BPT
outdoor living Outdoor living spaces rank first among special function rooms desired by consumers, according to the American Institute for Architects, and so homeowners are expected to be going all-in for the outdoors in 2018. Trex Company, a maker of premium decking and railing, has gleaned insights from contractors, homeowners and industry experts to compile the following outdoor living trends that will dominate this year:
Year-round enjoyment Among the biggest trends is a shift away from seasonality as consumers adopt more of a year-round mindset, no longer restricting outdoor living to spring and summer. Thanks to new high-performance materials and innovative design approaches, homeowners everywhere are transforming their outdoor spaces into multi-seasonal extensions of their homes. For example, Trex contractors have reported an uptick in requests for its RainEscape deck drainage system by clients looking to add multi-seasonal living space underneath an elevated deck. Minimal maintenance, maximum enjoyment Just because people are spending more time outdoors doesn't mean they're willing to put in extra hours for upkeep. In fact, high-maintenance materials like wood are seeing a decrease in demand as people are opting for offerings that deliver better performance and sustainability. Unlike wood, high-performance composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mold - and won't rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water.
Comfy cozy Among the hottest design influences right now is "hygge" (pronounced hoo-gah) - the Scandinavian term for a feeling of coziness and comfort. This year, outdoor spaces will beckon homeowners and their guests to relax and rejuvenate with hygge-inspired accents, from plush cushions and throws to protective pergolas, cozy warming features and outdoor lighting. Residential goes commercial While railing matched to the decking remains popular, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of the complementary decking and railing pairings afforded by new railing materials in modern, metal finishes, as well as sleek designs inspired by commercial architecture. More homeowners are inspired by outdoor spaces they find in commercial settings, such as hotels and urban rooftops, and want to replicate those looks in their homes. A prime example of this commercial-to-residential trend is the growing popularity of horizontal railings such as rod rail - a sleek, industrial look that's ideal for optimizing a panoramic view. Hide and chic With the increased usage of outdoor living spaces comes higher demand for chic decor and privacy. An easy design trick that adds personal style and functionality, lattice panels are perfect for enhancing privacy and concealing storage areas or unsightly views. With styles ranging from romantic to deco, lattice panels can be integrated into any outdoor area and applied to structures such as arbors, trellises and gazebos, or used as decorative wainscoting or deck skirting. Fun and games Kids are not the only ones who enjoy playing outside. Outdoor play spaces for all ages are on the rise, including everything from swimming pools and embedded sandboxes to regulation cornhole courts, horseshoe pits and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton and bocce ball. Beyond yard games, electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment systems specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, new storage options include durable wallmounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully protect pricey electronics from the elements, while concealing all of the unsightly - and potentially unsafe - cords and cables. For more information about outdoor living trends, go to www.trex.com.
ARE HIDDEN LEAKS DAMAGING YOUR HOME, BOOSTING WATER BILLS AND HARMING THE ENVIRONMENT? Home water leaks waste 1 trillion gallons of water per year, and 10 percent of American homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water a day, according to the EPA. Fixing easily detectable leaks like dripping faucets and malfunctioning toilets can reduce water bills and water waste. But what do you do about the leaks you can't see? Hidden leaks can be dangerous. Leaking pipes within walls can cause mold. Dripping faucets behind appliances can be a fire hazard. Leaking irrigation can cause significant lawn damage. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. In a national study of more than 300 homes, intelligentwater industry leader Phyn found that 17 percent of homes have some type of leak. Of those leaks, half were from a broken toilet flapper. This type of common leak wastes 800 to 1,100 gallons of water each day! Uncovering hidden links is important for your budget, your safety and to protect your property investment. Here are some ways to easily detect hidden leaks so you don't have to worry: Proactive inspections: Look where hidden leaks commonly occur before you see signs of a problem. Early detection could prevent costly damage. Even new homes need this approach, since human error during construction could lead to hidden leaks later.
Home water leaks waste 1 trillion gallons of water per year, and 10 percent of American homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water a day, according to the EPA.
Inspect systems: First check your irrigation system by walking around the yard, looking for signs of leaks, like puddles of water or depressions in the ground near sprinkler heads or lines. Also, inspect around your water heater for moisture. Remember to watch the water meter, too. An unexpected spike in a water bill could indicate a problem. Technology: New advancements help detect leaks using intelligent-water technology, such as the Phyn Plus smart water assistant + shutoff. Installed right after the meter on the main water line, this device analyzes your home's water use by measuring tiny changes in pressure at 240 times per second. This allows the device to shut off the water automatically, so the owners can rest assured that they won't come home to surprise water damage from a burst pipe. Keep age in mind: Older homes have older pipes and systems that may be more prone to leaks, so it's important to keep close attention on your home as it ages. That being said, new homes aren't immune to water leaks. You may have heard stories of new homeowners hanging a picture on their wall, only to find a puddle on the floor the next day right below where the nail had punctured a pipe. Pipes and soldering can fail at any time, whether your home is brand new or 100 years old. Use the pros: When in doubt, hire a professional to get expert insight and workmanship. For example, the Uponor Pro Squad is a group of authorized, intelligent-water specialists, dedicated to installing and servicing the Phyn Plus. Pro Squad members have been trained and certified to provide an expert installation experience, ensuring the quality and workability of the Phyn Plus device. It's important to detect hidden water leaks in your home. Learn more about water leaks and smart home technology at www.phyn.com.
House hunting? Use this handy checklist before you make the offer -
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"Rear-end collisions are the most common claims we see nationwide. We had nearly 60,000 customers report they were involved in rear-end collisions last year," said Vice President of Claims at Mercury Insurance Kevin Quinn.
House hunting can feel like an adventurous new chapter in your life. If you're lucky enough to find the property that checks off all the "must have" boxes - appearance, size, price, location - it's easy to fall in love. Not so fast. Before making an offer on any property, it's smart to take a deeper look at the overall structure and its systems, just to make sure warning signs of major and costly problems are not hiding in plain sight. If the house holds more issues than your budget (and drive to renovate) can handle, it might be best to walk away. Of course, once the offer is accepted, it's always a smart idea to hire a third-party home inspector to take an in-depth look at the property. In the meantime, one last pass-through with this checklist in hand can give you peace of mind about taking the next step. Exterior: Walk around all four sides of the house, scanning it from ground to rooftop. Note the condition of the doors and window frames, and look for cracked or peeling paint or signs of loose siding. Higher up, eye the chimney, making sure it appears straight and is in good condition, while the gutters and drainpipes should be in place and functional. Roof: Ideally, the roof would be 10 years old or less, so scan the roof for the classic warning signs of aging and neglect. Things like curled and missing shingles, dark stains, moss growth and signs of sagging can signal serious issues. (A home inspector can confirm if full replacement is needed, or if a few simple repairs would stabilize things for another decade or so.)
Yard: Take note of the landscaping. Is there a slope angled away from the house, or is there a potential for a flooded basement after a major rainfall? Mature trees provide lots of shade, but watch for overhanging branches, as these can break off in a storm and do major damage to the roof. Finally, take note of the condition of the driveway and sidewalks. Foundation: The sight of a few hairline cracks in the cement is no cause for panic. Do look for telltale signs of serious issues, such as widening cracks, water stains and bulges. It doesn't hurt to bring a level to make sure the walls are straight. Plumbing: In addition to checking basement and under-sink pipes for signs of leaks, scan the ceilings for water stains. Open all the faucets to check the water pressure as well as the time it takes for hot water to reach the tap. HVAC system: Know the age of the heating and cooling systems, and check these for tags and other signs of routine maintenance. If the system is older than a decade, that can spell costly repairs and a replacement in a brief time frame. When it comes to older systems, energy efficiency is another consideration, according to Tom Tasker, product manager with Coleman Echelon Variable Capacity residential systems. "Newer HVAC systems are remarkably more efficient when compared to those from even a decade ago, which means they keep your house comfortable for as little as half the cost," says Tasker. For example, Coleman's Echelon products are rated up to 20 SEER, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Compare these to the 10 SEER systems of 25 years ago, and that can give you an idea of what to expect in potential energy costs, he says. Appliances: Note the age and condition of things like the refrigerator, oven and range, washer and dryer, and hot water heater. As with the HVAC, older appliances tend to consume more energy and you'll face a shorter timeline for needed repairs and replacements. Buying a house is a big decision, but knowing what you're buying can go a long way in assuring you that you've found the right place!
THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN WOOD FLOORS MIGHT SURPRISE YOU
Although most people envision their dream home with shiny wood floors, many consumers are unaware of the best way to care for them, according to a 2017 survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association. "Not surprisingly, many homeowners are unsure of the best way to effectively and quickly clean hardwood floors. Some believe mopping with a bucket of water and a cleaning solution is best while others occasionally sweep or vacuum. Many cleaning methods can hurt rather than help a floor, for example, even a 'damp' string mop can leave excess water on a hardwood floor, and we know that water and wood don't mix," said Bona U.S. Director of Marketing Cate Vanegas.
Want more cleaning tips? Visit Bona's Wood Floors 101 tutorials.
The key findings in the online survey, conducted in October 2017 by Public Opinion Strategies, found that just 24 percent of consumers answered "sweeping" as the correct way to clean wood floors. This answer was closely followed by 19 percent who believe using a soap- or oil-based cleaner is best, and 12 percent who believe using water and vinegar is the best solution. Just in time to open the doors and windows and welcome in spring, Bona has introduced its Premium Spray Mop for Hardwood Floors with a larger mop head for faster cleaning, and a full-size cleaning cartridge of cleaner. The new pressurized cartridge dispenses the perfect amount of solution designed to care for and sustain hardwood floors. Lifestyle and design blogger Jennifer Rizzo (jenniferrizzo.com) recently refinished her wood floors, and notes the simplicity firsthand: "After all the dust bunnies are cleared away, I use a Bona spray mop to clean my floors. It's odorless, non-toxic and doesn't leave any residue. It also leaves my floors looking beautiful." With an estimated 25 million homes in the U.S. with wood floors, understanding how to clean them is essential to maintain and protect the investment. Try the following tips to keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful. Regularly: Dust/sweep. While using a broom can be effective, it also just pushes the dirt around, so using a microfiber mop or cloth is the best daily defense against scratches and surface damage. Often: Dust and mop. After a quick spin around the floor to grab dust, use a microfiber pad mop and residue-free, neutral cleaner. Look for third-party certified cleaners that will be healthier for your floors and your family. As needed: When scratches pop up or the finish looks dull, consider a recoat or refinish to keep floors durable and beautiful. Ask an outside contractor for a water-based finish and dust containment system to ensure the job is VOC and toxin free. Things to avoid: Water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or steam cleaners. Vinegar (remember, it's an acid) and water will damage and dull the floor's finish, while soap and wax leave residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on the floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.
THE SECRET PLACES PESTS ARE HIDING IN YOUR HOME BPT
Pests can be hiding just about everywhere - whether you can see them or not. When you know where to look, there are preventative measures you can take to help avoid a pest infestation problem in your home. Terminix shares details on the unexpected, "secret" places pests can be hiding. Sinks and drains One often overlooked area is the kitchen sink. When not properly sanitized, drains can become a breeding ground for pests like cockroaches, drain beetles and fruit flies. Cockroaches are one of the more common pests found in drains as they can access pipes when pushed up from sewers. Cockroaches survive in drains by feeding on available organic matter like grease, food waste and hair. Other drain-breeding pests include drain flies, which resemble tiny moths, and fruit flies. Drain flies breed in residue found in drains. Fruit flies are attracted to garbage residue found in drains, which can contain damp, organic matter in which to lay eggs, and is a good food source to feed young larvae. Use smaller drain mesh and drain cleaner to create a less appealing environment for drain flies and fruit flies. Ceiling light fixtures
Bugs see UV lighting more clearly than humans, making ceiling light fixtures a common place to find insects. Flies, beetles, cockroaches and wasps are attracted to the warmth and light, which, unfortunately for them, typically results in an early death. Electrical outlets One of the most unexpected places pests hide is inside your electrical outlets. Ants, beetles and bed bugs have been known to hide in electrical outlets and the voids behind the outlet plate. A pest control technician may use a dry residual dust product to reduce any bugs that could be residing there. If bed bugs are found in electrical outlets, it is likely there are more in other parts of the room or home, so call a professional to schedule a full home inspection. The kitchen pantry Equally likely to welcome uninvited guests is your kitchen pantry and cupboards. Pantry pests can include moths, weevils, beetles and mice, all of which are attracted to food stored in the kitchen. Pantry pests can quickly contaminate batches of cooking and baking ingredients, such as flour, grains, spices and pricey nuts and dried fruits. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep them out of your cabinets, including examining all packaging for damage; avoiding storing food in original cardboard and paper packaging and instead choosing airtight containers with sealing lids; buying smaller quantities of products and using them before expiration; consistently organizing and cleaning your pantry; and throwing away all contaminated food. For even more information on secret places pests may be hiding in your home, go to Terminix.com.
The time is now to incorporate Scandinavian style into decor BPT
Functional furniture: Storage and good looks As homeowners look for ways to refresh their spaces, Scandinavian style has become ever more prominent and popular among designers and interior decor experts. The clean, modern, minimalist aesthetic shows up in interiors and exteriors, from streamlined furniture to low-maintenance landscaping. Here's how to achieve a Nordic look in your own home: "Slow design" and minimalist decor Perhaps the most common association with Scandinavian style is minimalist decor. Less is more when it comes to decorating, and the concept of "slow design" focuses on fewer, higher quality pieces collected over time. Melding indoors and out Scandinavian style incorporates materials that meld indoors with outdoors - natural woods, slat walls, leather accents and greenery. "Cottage culture" architecture style draws on these influences and makes interiors feel like cozy cabins in the woods.
Another key aspect of the Nordic style is hardworking, functional furnishings. A piece can be beautiful and also have utility - like eyecatching shoe racks and shelving, or built-in bed storage that creates a unique frame. Cool, natural tones and light woods in flooring Scandinavian style incorporates natural tones of whites, grays and light browns. Pale wood and whitewashed floors create a clean, spacious look. That look can be achieved with oak and maple styles, as well as wood-look tiles and laminates with wood graining. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators, who regularly publish seasonal trends reports, have an array of cooltoned flooring options to choose from, such as Dream Home X2O Misty Morning Oak, a waterresistant laminate with a soft seashell tone and realistic oak graining. If homeowners want to be on trend with Scandinavian style in their home, the key is updating with clean, modern and light-toned accents. Functional furniture will help you organize your space and efficiently use the room. Finish off the room with sunny wood grain flooring and your Nordic look is complete.
5 'SMART' WAYS TO TACKLE YOUR SPRING CLEANING BPT
Pull back the drapes, crack open the window and let in the warm, sun-soaked air. That's right, spring is right around the corner and that means it'll soon be time to chase away the grime and odors that have settled in over the long winter. For many, spring cleaning is something of a tradition, a ritual. But things have changed. The days of dipping an old mop into a tin bucket filled with gray water belong to another era. In the age of smart cars and smartphones, cleaning has become smarter as well.
Here are a few smart innovations that will make your spring cleaning routine much more efficient and thorough.
3. Multitask like never before. By now, most of us are familiar with robot vacuums. Having one of these zoom around your home on cleaning days frees you up to do other things, saving you time and making manual vacuuming a thing of the past. Over the years, the technology has advanced so that nowadays these nifty cleaning assistants are quieter than ever before - some even come equipped with a camera to monitor your home while you're away!
1. Freshen up your style. A change in seasons is the perfect time to change up your wardrobe. Take advantage of this transitional period to purge items you haven't worn in 12 months or more - be honest with yourself! When you're free of unnecessary items, indulge in a trip to a specialty store offering storage and organization products to uncover new spacesaving solutions. Unsure of what to get rid of? If a beloved item just needs a little love, run it through a steam-powered clothing care system like the LG Styler or delicates cycle in the LG TWINWash system - both certified by AAFA as asthma and allergy friendly(R) - to see if it's salvageable.
2. Breathe easy. It's easy to spend the lion's share of your time trying to tackle the stains, dust and smudges in your home. However, one of the most important parts of your home to clean is the part you can't see. We're talking about air quality, of course. Opening windows and placing plants around your home is a good way to start, but if you really want to get serious, put an LG PuriCare Air Purifier to work. With sensors to monitor the air quality, this cutting-edge purifier is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and is perfect for anyone who suffers from allergies.
4. Use the power of light. The battle against germs is a year-round endeavor. This spring, instead of repeating the old routine of a rag and some harsh cleaner, which often can spread more germs than it kills, try a UV sanitizing wand. These simple devices use a powerful ultraviolet light to kill odor-causing bacteria and germs on hard surfaces. It's the same technology used in many hospitals and is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, even cleaning your kids' toys. 5. Let your appliances do more work. Have you ever wondered whether your oven, dishwasher and refrigerator could be doing a little more to reach their full potential? If so, you probably have yet to use the new generation of smart appliances. LG's line of SmartThinQ appliances are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to monitor dishwashing and laundry cycles, remotely clean the oven or even check the air quality at home from your phone or computer while you are out of the house. Far from being a chore, spring cleaning is a celebration, a chance to chase away the stuffiness of winter and bring a fresh, revitalizing feeling into your house. With the help of new technology, it's even easier to get a start on this season of growth and regeneration.
BU SI NE SS
CONFRONTING THE PAST TO REDESIGN THE FUTURE
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SOLVING THE BLACK WEALTH ISSUE BY BILL HUSTON
The Racial Wealth Disparity According to Ebony Magazine, the divide between the wealth of a typical black family and a typical white family today is vast. A median black family has just $1,700 in wealth—total assets minus total debt. Thirty years ago, that same family had $6,800 in today’s dollars. Latino families at the median have similarly small assets, just $2,000, and also saw a decline over the past three decades. By 2020, median black and Latino households stand to lose nearly 18% and 12% of the wealth they held in 2013 respectively, while median white household wealth increases by 3%. At that point – just three years from now – white households are projected to own 86 times more wealth than black households, and 68 times more wealth than Latino households and Black median wealth will drop to zero By 2053 on the current trajectory. The study points to mass incarceration, housing discrimination and a tax system which only benefits the rich to blame for the drop.
Black Home-ownership Home-ownership in the Black community has declined to levels not seen since before the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a major concern among economists and financial planners. Chief among the long-term concerns is the impact this black home-ownership trend will have on the already grim outlook for Blacks as they prepare for retirement. The Black community got hit harder by the housing crisis than other groups. In general, African Americans bought homes at the peak of the bubble at higher rates than whites and were often offered costly subprime loans, even when they qualified for prime loans with lower interest rates. Also, Black families did not benefit as much as white families, overall, from the post 9/11 recovery. Black Business Ownership The last thirty years also have brought the wholesale collapse of black-owned independent businesses and financial institutions that once anchored black communities across the country. In 1985, sixty black-owned banks were providing financial services to their communities; today, just twenty-three remain. In eleven states that headquartered black-owned banks in 1994, not a single one is still in business. Of the fifty black-owned insurance companies that operated during the 1980s, today just two remain. Over the same period, tens of thousands of black-owned retail establishments and local service companies also have disappeared, having gone out of business or been acquired by larger companies. Reflecting these developments, working-age black Americans have become far less likely to be their own boss than in the 1990's. The per capita number of black employers, for example, declined by some 12 percent just between 1997 and 2014.
Black Business Access to Capital Disparities in Capital Access between Minority and Non-Minority-Owned Businesses report Black business owners are far less likely than other entrepreneurs to seek capital when they need it, new government data show and when they do ask, are less likely to get the full amount requested. Black entrepreneurs were three times as likely as whites to say that they needed financing in 2014 but chose not to apply for it, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of the census data. When they did seek to funding, just 47% of black business owners got the full amount requested from banks, credit unions or other financial institutions, versus 76% of whites. Black Labor Market Last year’s solid job growth proved to be especially beneficial to communities of color, whose unemployment rates rose well above 10 percent during the worst years of the recession. In particular, after reaching a high of 16.8 percent in March 2010, the African American unemployment rate fell to 10.4 percent in December 2014. Between December 2013 and December 2014, African Americans had the largest increase in the share of adults with a job and the largest increase in their labor force participation rate, translating to nearly 200,000 fewer unemployed black workers. Despite this progress, the labor market is nowhere near a full recovery, much less full employment. For African American workers in particular, much is at stake in whether the economy is allowed to reach a full recovery and full employment. Mass Incarceration More than 2 million Americans–about a quarter of the total inmates in the entire world–are kept in prisons and jails in this country. The penal state is vast and largely hidden from view. The criminal justice system accounts pay an $80billion annual bill for keeping the 2 million people locked up. Think about the schools, hospitals, tax cuts, and food stamps we could cover with that money instead. Black people account for around 13% of the United States population, but 40% of the incarcerated people are Black. Allow that fact to set in for a moment, and you will see that there is not serious community development conversation that does not include reentry, entrepreneurship, and crowd investing.
What is Crowdinvesting Crowdinvesting has created a new fund raising mechanism for Black entrepreneurs, a group that has long been ostracized from the traditional capital formation. Crowdinvesting requires an entrepreneur to mine his or her social capital using digital marketing to collect small sums of invested capital form large pools of individual investors. There are no credit barriers to clear or wealthy contacts to tap. These long-standing requirement have presented challenges for Black entrepreneurs seeking bank loans and venture capital over and above the ordinary challenges faced by any startup or real estate developer. It’s ,pre difficult for Black-owned firms to raise venture capital than non-minority-owned firms. Only 1 percent of venture-backed firms are founded by African-Americans, and only 13 percent of all venture-backed firms founded by any ethnic minority, according to CB Insights. Blackowned firms are less likely to receive loans, and they receive lower loan amounts and smaller equity investment, and pay higher interest rates than White-owned firms, according to the Department of Commerce. Why Crowdinvesting for the Black Community It is vital to the survival of our Black Communities that we create and implement community economic development strategies that are driven by crowdinvesting platforms that allow us to invest with our peers to create business financed retail business that will address the very specific issues that we face as a community. Redlining refers to a discriminatory pattern of disinvestment and obstructive lending practices that act as an impediment to home ownership among African Americans and other people of color. Banks used the concept to deny loans to homeowners and would-be homeowners who lived in these neighborhoods. This in turn resulted in neighborhood economic decline and the withholding of services or their provision at an exceptionally high cost. The realities of mass incarceration driven by “The War on Drugs” have reversed man of the economic gains of the 1960’s and 1970’s in inner-cities communities. There are hundreds of thousands of Black men that will never be successfully enter the traditional American workforce because they are convicted felons and able to be legally discriminated against in employment, education, the loss of the right to vote and carry a weapon. In the Black community until we deal with the dismal social and economic realities of mass incarceration we can’t begin to have a serious conversation about social or economic recovery. One means of address these state sponsored policies is through education and innovation. We can as a community, create community revitalization plans, based on commercial corridors and investing locally through crowdinvesting with Buy The Block. Crowdinvesting is one means of leveling the entrepreneurial and investment playing field for Black-owned businesses and real estate developers. Black-owned business will have access to much needed capital to create jobs, and wealth in our communities while solving many of the social ills that plague our communities through market principles.
Community Investment Benefits Crowdinvesting provides the best opportunity to transform our communities in the shortest amount of time. Crowdinvesting, like other regular equity investments, allow entrepreneurs to sell shares of their business to private shareholders, shares that can potentially be sold later at a much higher price per share. That’s how you attract real investment capital, and that’s why crowdinvesting will eclipse venture capital funding as the leading source of startup and local business capital by 2020. Today, Black entrepreneurs can directly tap into the $1.3 Trillion spending power of America’s Black Community. This figure would place Black America as the 13th largest global economy, to include the United States. Crowdinvesting allow the Black community to simultaneously tap the immenses of source of capital as bot investor and customers. This will allow our capital to circulate in our communities more times and allow us to build both personal and community wealth. Imagine that by 2020, this new leading source of business and real estate capital amounted to 10 percent of our purchasing power. Our Black startups, community based small businesses, and urban real estate development being able to tap a $1.3 trillion investment pool to create jobs, revitalize commercial corridors, increase homeownership, and build community equity. As these business owners become more successful they will return to the community in the role of wealthy and sophisticated investors that will have the ability to rapidly accelerate the process of business, job, and wealth creation in the Black community through crowdinvesting. Community Transformation Crowdinvesting will not happen by osmosis or by wishing and hoping, but by a well planned and intentional effort by people that are leading the charge to collaborate and to meet our community where they stand to begin the educational process. Today the Black community is a wealthy group of consumers and as a community if we want to be the change we want to see we must embrace the long road of transformation to a community of lenders and owners. Crowdinvesting can be one of the vehicles that can change our community for consumers to business and job creators, real estate developers and start on the long road to wealth creation. Conclusion As a community, we must work in collaboration to expand the crowdinvesting discussion, celebrate innovative ideas, and provide access to networks, mentorship, and crowdinvesting platforme for Black entrepreneurs to showcase their uniquely innovative ideas. There is also plenty of education to do around the dynamics and risks of crowdinvesting. Our communities are filled with nonprofits that are focused on creating programs that engage the disparities in our communities, and we must work with these entities to help them understand market principles that provide increased entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth creation as more relevant solutions to our community specific social and economic issues.
Bill Huston is an Urban Development Consultant that is working to build inner-city economies that work for everyone and provide opportunities for every resident to participate, thrive, and build wealth. To do this, he: • Designs and implement community capital offerings • Help clients raise capital from their own communities in alignment with their values and goals. • Work in collaboration with wealthy investors, government entities, corporate and philanthropic foundations to create impact investment funds Bill founded Our Crowd Rocks Consulting to upend the traditional models for raising capital that has left out vast, untapped numbers of low-moderate income Black inner-city residents who want to invest in the businesses and organizations that provide real value to their communities. Our Crowd Rocks is leading a movement that is bringing new capital — by directly engaging the average person in the Black community as investors, real estate developers, and entrepreneurs — to the new crowd economy — an economy that is open, democratized, resilient, just, and sustainable. This movement of “crowd capitalists” is questioning the old paradigms and bringing new models to the table that expand the capital aggregation options for nonprofits and social enterprises that are more democratic and values-driven. These models allow all stakeholders to benefit as ventures thrive. Bill was named one of the Top 19 Global Crowdfunding Experts by Inc. Magazine in 2014, featured on the Marketing and PR panel at the 2017 Crowd Invest Summit.
Event involvement: • Cadia Startup Exchange Business Engineering for Funding & Growth http://bit.ly/2hLzr4L • The Virtual Crowdfunding Summit 2015 Event Page http://bit.ly/2hJ7bzx • The 2017 Crowd Invest Summit http://bit.ly/2j4S1RG • BDPA Education and Technology Foundation iRadio Show http://bit.ly/2zPWrpz • The 14th annual Bluegrass Minority Business Expo http://bit.ly/2hKS096 • The 15th annual Bluegrass Minority Business Expo http://bit.ly/2mEibA4 • Cincinnati Blacks in Technology: Serving the community through Crowdfunding http://bit.ly/2zOURVc • Crowdfunding consultant Bill Huston share campaign advice http://bit.ly/2zQwHK3 • The digital inclusion video http://bit.ly/2D11enC • The Crowd Invest Summit Video http://bit.ly/2AHPkMP Two Successful Kickstarter Campaigns Louisville BeSpoke: http://kck.st/2mjtgE0 Kens Interactive: http://kck.st/2Fj7eJp
Bill Huston is an Urban Development Consultant that is working to build inner-city economies that work for everyone and provide opportunities for every resident to participate, thrive, and build wealth.
Entrepreneurs in unexpected places: How one Midwest city promotes diverse local innovation BYÂ BPT
In September of 2017, thousands of people from around the world congregated in an unlikely place: Wausau, Wisconsin. This diverse crowd was gathered for the first International Wisconsin Ginseng Festival. While many may be surprised that such an event would be held in the middle of Wisconsin's rolling hills and scenic lakes, it is locally a $50 million industry with a long history. In the mid1970s Hmong immigrants, primarily from Vietnam, brought their entrepreneurial skills and revitalized the local ginseng industry. Welcomed by a friendly community that continues to foster an entrepreneurial spirit, Hsu's Ginseng, now under the leadership of the original founder's son Will Hsu, has grown to be the largest integrated ginseng growing and retailing operation in the U.S. Wausau's industrious self-starters and newcomers grew a multimillion-dollar industry, and the region continues to incubate entrepreneurs across a diverse array of business sectors.
Local innovation Wausau, ranked recently by ZipRecruiter as a Top 10 Job Market for 2018, has a track record of successful public-private development partnerships and hosts a thriving incubator - the Wausau Entrepreneurial and Education Center - to help local entrepreneurs get started and help established businesses grow. For instance, Wausau-based Resilient Technologies, now a business of Bridgestone Americas, was approached by the U.S. government to develop puncture-resistant tires. In an effort to make military vehicles more safe, they used strong local manufacturing ties to develop a first-of-its-kind non-pneumatic tire in Wausau's incubator. Bridgestone is now looking for ways to apply the technology to its consumer and commercial portfolio, and develop next-generation tires that offer extended mobility. "A lot of people don't know these types of projects are happening here, but the city of Wausau is a great partner and the city provides our team with a wonderful place to call home," says Louis Stark, operations manager, Resilient Technologies, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. The availability of an experienced workforce that can develop these specialized tires for the U.S. military is the same workforce that has made an impact on other areas of Wausau's economy. Entrepreneurial workforce Sometimes entrepreneurial opportunities spring from unusual skills. Some residents in Wausau have deep connections to artistic traditions, including sewing. Bob Jacquart, chief executive officer of Stormy Kromer, makers of iconic hats and rugged outerwear, says he now relies on the sewing skills of Wausau's residents to create one of the Midwest's most storied brands.
Stormy Kromer's operations in Wausau have been successful, outpacing production in the company's headquarters in Ironwood, Michigan. "I could not have felt more welcome and city leaders could not have been more accommodating in helping Stormy Kromer find a suitable space as well as skilled workers in Wausau," says Jacquart. "Our business found exactly what it needed and the support from leaders was exceptional." Incubating community The local economic conditions and support environment that allowed these Wausau-based companies to thrive are the very conditions that led Time Magazine to label Wausau a "middleclass paradise" last year. A combination of affordability, welcoming atmosphere and economic diversity is attracting young people, new industries and incubating unlikely entrepreneurs. Aiming to make the most out of these trends, the city is responding in kind. New growth and development hit record levels in 2017 across diverse sectors of growing businesses in Wausau. The city's warm attitude toward entrepreneurs and diversity further complement its traditional economic base in metals manufacturing, building materials, insurance, informational technology and health care. To learn more about how the city of Wausau is attracting entrepreneurs and gaining an international reputation, visit www.wausome.com.
How retailers can build trust and relevance in their communities BYÂ BPT
ARTICLE BY BPT
"Technology provides greater convenience and lower prices," Veber says, "but it is not a replacement for human interactions."
Over the past decade, technology has reshaped the retail industry in profound ways. Ninety-six percent of Americans are now shopping online, according to a recent study from CPC Strategy. Which means today's business leaders face increasing pressure to keep retail spaces relevant and engaging for customers.
How retailers can find success in a digitally driven world
One solution to captivating today's consumer is a simple one: Build meaningful connections with local communities, says Etienne Veber, president of Field Trip Factory, a firm that helps design, schedule and promote interactive learning experiences within retail environments.
The increasing lack of human connections in our daily lives represents a unique opportunity for retailers to thrive in today's environment, he says, by identifying their core values and concerns, and then expressing them through meaningful learning experiences and a deeper sense of community.
"We learn by doing, and retail environments can be incredibly powerful as teaching platforms," Veber says. The value of purpose When companies express a sense of purpose to their customers, it has a profound effect on the confidence in the brand. Eighty-five percent of companies with a strong sense of purpose say they are backed by their communities, because they are seen as "good and helpful corporate citizens," according to a survey by Deloitte. Furthermore, 89 percent of firms with a purpose say clients and customers trust the quality of their products and services - versus the 66 percent of firms that do not have this sense of purpose. As a way to demonstrate its commitment to its local communities, multi-format food retailer Giant Eagle, Inc. developed an interactive program that connects with local school children. "Be A Smart Shopper" helps young students and their families learn about making healthy food choices. Over the years, it has been a very effective way for Giant Eagle's retail Team Members to uphold the company's common purpose to improve people's everyday lives and well-being in a communitycentered way, and so far more than 600,000 families have been reached across Pennsylvania and Ohio. Educators love the program because it supplements the classroom curriculum and gets their students really engaged. Ninety-five percent of them are planning to come back with their students next year! "Our Be A Smart Shopper program is an important part of how we fulfill our commitments to education and health and wellness," says Giant Eagle CEO Laura Karet. "Through the program, our retail Team Members are able to meaningfully impact how the children in our communities think about the foods they eat, and encourage involvement from the children in family meal planning." Expressing purpose in the retail space A retailer can build trust and loyalty by expressing their values in innovative ways. Their stores are more than places to shop. They can build opportunities right in the towns and cities in which they serve. Host in-store classes and events: Business leaders, store managers and longtime employees, with their industry knowledge, are community gurus. With that mindset, what better way to connect with the community than to open the doors for an on-site event? Things like hands-on demonstrations, seminars, consultations and even heading up an ongoing club are all engaging ways to share knowledge and help people solve their most common pain points. Champion local causes: Transform company values and industry knowledge into a community asset, and direct resources to solve problems in the community. Reaching out to local nonprofits, being a major sponsor to make a local event even bigger and better, or paying employees for their time to volunteer are all ways a brand can build a meaningful community presence. Find a partner: Most businesses do not have the in-house expertise to organize, plan and publicize inhouse events and initiatives, which is why some turn to a trusted partner for expertise in that field. For example, as Giant Eagle planned its Be A Smart Shopper Program, Field Trip Factory took the lead with the curriculum (with input from educators), and created the online tool that makes it easy for teachers to discover the program and sign up their class for an event. Each participating store can easily set its availability on the Field Trip Factory platform and these educational events take place without disrupting their day-to-day business activities. Today's retail climate is a uniquely challenging one, due to the rise in technology. To learn more about finding opportunities to engage with customers and communities, visit fieldtripfactory.com.
 Would direct sales work for you? The Federal Reserve Board discovered in a survey of working Americans that nearly half of U.S. adults don't have enough cash on hand to pay for a $400 emergency. If that's a concern for you, you might be thinking about joining the 44 million Americans who have found ways to make money in addition to their main source of income. Common options include waiting tables, working retail, becoming a rideshare driver and direct selling.
BPT
Direct selling, also called direct-to-consumer sales, has been around for over 160 years, and companies like Avon, Tupperware, WorldVentures and Amway have been offering new business opportunities to independent sales representatives since they opened. The direct-sales business is still booming, with a record 20.5 million people involved in the U.S. alone in 2016. The estimated direct retail sales of $35.54 billion in 2016 was the second-highest in direct-selling history. Is working in direct sales right for you? Benefits of working in the industry can include: * Flexibility - You determine your schedule, and you choose to work as many - or as few - hours as you want. If you have a knack for direct selling, you could ultimately make it your main source of income. * Personal growth and development - Take advantage of the tools and training offered by your direct selling company to help you build your business. * Companionship - Connect with fellow sales representatives and prospective customers, which can lead to lasting relationships. Passion for travel and financial freedom prompted Wayne Nugent, founder of WorldVentures, to launch his direct sales business in 2005. "We've been changing the way people take vacations for more than a decade, all while helping our independent representatives discover their potential and experience more in life," says Nugent. The direct seller of travel and leisure club memberships, is just one of many opportunities waiting for you. Whether you decide to go into direct sales, housesitting or part-time bartending, the possibilities for supplemental income are limited only by your imagination.
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