​Nutritional tips for packing brain-boosting school lunches

(BPT) - Parents know kids can't concentrate when they're hungry. But did you know that what children eat - especially in school lunches - can also affect their ability to focus, learn and behave well in the classroom? Packing your children's school lunches is a great way to manage their nutritional intake and help feed their ability to learn.



It will take some creativity, however, to ensure you pack lunches that not only meet a child's nutritional needs, but also his or her taste preferences. Keep these tips in mind as you're packing your child's nutritious lunches this school year:



* Brain-building foods: Research supports the ability of certain foods to enhance cognitive function. Foods like fish and nuts, which contain brain-building omega-3 fatty acids, can support focus. So tuna fish salad not only supplies protein, but is also brain food. Not every child is a fan of fish, so look for other kid-friendly options like a handful of nuts. From pistachios and almonds to walnuts and peanuts, a serving of nuts not only contains healthful fats, but also a healthy dose of fiber and vitamin E.



* Fill-them-up foods: "Empty calories" are empty for several reasons, including how quickly they can leave children feeling hungry again after they've dined on nutritionally poor calories. Foods that are high in protein and fiber, such as a sandwich of deli meats on whole grain bread, can help kids feel full longer and provide them with nutrient-rich calories.



* Liquid power: Sugary sodas are notorious sources of empty calories. One can of regular soda, sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, packs about 150 calories, adding up to the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of table sugar, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Consider packing lunches with more nutritionally valuable beverages like skim milk or water. Skim milk is low in calories and contains calcium and potassium. Water, of course, contains no calories at all and is the best source of hydration.



* The choice is yours: Making sure kids get the nutrition they need while providing the great taste they love can be a challenge. A classic sandwich can achieve both if you choose ingredients wisely. Hormel(R) Natural Choice(R) pre-packaged deli meats provide kids with familiar favorites, such as Honey Deli Ham, Oven Roasted Deli Turkey, Roast Beef and Rotisserie Style Chicken Breast, that are 100 percent natural and free of preservatives and additives. Low in fat and free of trans fats, Hormel Natural Choice meats have no MSG, gluten or artificial ingredients. When paired with other nutritious options like whole grain breads, and a side of fresh fruit with non-fat yogurt as a dip, a sandwich of Hormel Natural Choice deli meats can be the foundation of a nutritious lunch. You'll be amazed how simple making a better choice can be.



* Kid-friendly presentation: How you present lunch can encourage kids to eat it. When it comes to packed lunches, a great presentation could be as simple as having one or two favorite lunchboxes on hand and allowing your child to choose which one he would like to carry today. Or, it could be as inspired as creatively arranging a sandwich and sliced veggies to mimic a smiling face when he opens his lunchbox at school. Remember, kids love color, so providing a colorful mix of foods can be very appealing to them. It also gives you the opportunity to incorporate the concept of a rainbow of nutrition, and the value of eating foods from all colors in the spectrum.



With the right recipe of creativity, fun and nutritious foods, parents can be confident they're packing school lunches that will keep kids full and happy throughout the school year.



Courtesy of BPT

​Nutritional tips for packing brain-boosting school lunches

(BPT) - Parents know kids can't concentrate when they're hungry. But did you know that what children eat - especially in school lunches - can also affect their ability to focus, learn and behave well in the classroom? Packing your children's school lunches is a great way to manage their nutritional intake and help feed their ability to learn.



It will take some creativity, however, to ensure you pack lunches that not only meet a child's nutritional needs, but also his or her taste preferences. Keep these tips in mind as you're packing your child's nutritious lunches this school year:



* Brain-building foods: Research supports the ability of certain foods to enhance cognitive function. Foods like fish and nuts, which contain brain-building omega-3 fatty acids, can support focus. So tuna fish salad not only supplies protein, but is also brain food. Not every child is a fan of fish, so look for other kid-friendly options like a handful of nuts. From pistachios and almonds to walnuts and peanuts, a serving of nuts not only contains healthful fats, but also a healthy dose of fiber and vitamin E.



* Fill-them-up foods: "Empty calories" are empty for several reasons, including how quickly they can leave children feeling hungry again after they've dined on nutritionally poor calories. Foods that are high in protein and fiber, such as a sandwich of deli meats on whole grain bread, can help kids feel full longer and provide them with nutrient-rich calories.



* Liquid power: Sugary sodas are notorious sources of empty calories. One can of regular soda, sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, packs about 150 calories, adding up to the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of table sugar, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Consider packing lunches with more nutritionally valuable beverages like skim milk or water. Skim milk is low in calories and contains calcium and potassium. Water, of course, contains no calories at all and is the best source of hydration.



* The choice is yours: Making sure kids get the nutrition they need while providing the great taste they love can be a challenge. A classic sandwich can achieve both if you choose ingredients wisely. Hormel(R) Natural Choice(R) pre-packaged deli meats provide kids with familiar favorites, such as Honey Deli Ham, Oven Roasted Deli Turkey, Roast Beef and Rotisserie Style Chicken Breast, that are 100 percent natural and free of preservatives and additives. Low in fat and free of trans fats, Hormel Natural Choice meats have no MSG, gluten or artificial ingredients. When paired with other nutritious options like whole grain breads, and a side of fresh fruit with non-fat yogurt as a dip, a sandwich of Hormel Natural Choice deli meats can be the foundation of a nutritious lunch. You'll be amazed how simple making a better choice can be.



* Kid-friendly presentation: How you present lunch can encourage kids to eat it. When it comes to packed lunches, a great presentation could be as simple as having one or two favorite lunchboxes on hand and allowing your child to choose which one he would like to carry today. Or, it could be as inspired as creatively arranging a sandwich and sliced veggies to mimic a smiling face when he opens his lunchbox at school. Remember, kids love color, so providing a colorful mix of foods can be very appealing to them. It also gives you the opportunity to incorporate the concept of a rainbow of nutrition, and the value of eating foods from all colors in the spectrum.



With the right recipe of creativity, fun and nutritious foods, parents can be confident they're packing school lunches that will keep kids full and happy throughout the school year.



Courtesy of BPT

Five things before purchasing a house

One of the main purchases you are going to make is buying a house. You have to think through all of your options before making the decision. Here are some of the things you need to know before you buy a house:



1) It is essential that you have good credit. You will most likely obtain a loan to buy a house. Thus, you should ensure that your credit is good for a smooth sailing application. It would be better to check your credit history frequently for your own security as well.



2) Prepare for long-term debts. Keep in mind that it will take years before you will be able to pay for the house completely. Ensure that you will be able to manage payment for the mortgage. Having a financial cushion is significant. Since the debt is long-term, anything can occur.



3) Most loans need a document from the appraiser so it is better to get their opinion when you see a potential house. The appraisers are experts in giving values to properties depending on the location, structure, features, and added extras to the house. This will stop any sales representative from over pricing the house.



4) It is very attractive to buy a beautiful house at a very cheap price. Before you decide on purchasing the beautiful house, ensure that it has a safe environment. Take note that one of the factors that make a house costly is good location. If you think that the price is much cheaper than it looks, the locations may not be that attractive. Ask the appraiser why the value is low. It could be that the neighborhood is not safe. These factors are very important in your decision-making.



5) Make sure that the house you choose suits your lifestyle. No matter how beautiful the house is, if it does not coincide with your behavior, you will not be comfortable in it. When you choose a house, make sure that it makes you feel at ease.



Your financial state is most important when planning to a buy a house. This makes it essential to monitor your credit on a regular basis. Finally, you have to learn as much as you can about the home before purchasing it.



by: Sheldon Kalnitsky



http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_3792.shtml

Fall lawn tips that keep your yard looking great year-round

(BPT) - Falling temperatures and shorter days don't mean you can retire from lawn care for the year. In fact, the fall season is a critical time to nourish lawns and care for plants so they can survive winter and emerge even more vibrant when next spring arrives.



Before you store your lawn and garden supplies, consider these fall lawn tips that keep your yard looking great year-round:



Fertilize



Your lawn may not look like it's doing much above ground during cool months, but below ground root systems continue to grow. That's why most lawn care professionals recommend fertilizing once or twice in the fall - grass will store and use the extra boost of nutrients throughout winter. Fertilizers high in nitrogen are ideal for fall feedings.



Sweep



Leaves and other foliage left on the ground can rot and deprive grass and other plants of moisture and sunlight. If you dread raking, a blower/vac is the ideal tool. Go eco-friendly with a rechargeable battery-powered option from Greenworks. With no cords and an easy push start, the innovative 40V Brushless Blower/ Vacuum blows up to 185 mph, plus it can vacuum four bags of leaves on a single charge.



Water



Watering during fall is important to foster root growth and give plants a healthy drink before winter arrives. If you're not experiencing at least 1 inch of rainfall a week, supplement with a sprinkler. Continue the same eco-friendly watering strategies you used throughout summer, such as watering in the mornings to reduce evaporation.



Seed



Have a few sparse areas in your yard? Fall is a great season for grass seed to germinate due to the cool, moist weather. Plus, because most seasonal birds have left, the seed is less vulnerable to being eaten. Over-seeding now not only fills in open areas, but it increases grass density to help prevent weeds next year. Loosen and prepare the soil, choose a high quality grass seed and water the area plenty so seeds reach maturity before winter.



Trim



Fall is a good time to trim trees and shrubbery before the harsh weather of winter hits. Save money with the DIY approach. Don't be intimidated by chainsaws - because the easy-to-use GreenWorks 40V Brushless Chain Saw uses a rechargeable battery, there's no gas or oil to mix. No gas means no excessive heat or vibration - the saw runs up to 65 percent cooler and vibrates up to 70 percent less than comparable gas saws. In addition, the innovative brushless motor provides this saw with enough power to cut a cord of wood on a single battery charge.



Aerate



Aerating your lawn in the fall helps to open compacted soil and break down thatch that built up over the summer. The small soil plugs removed by the aerator loosen the ground so oxygen and water can better reach the grass roots. Aerators are available for rent at most rental stores and the job can typically be done in a few hours, depending on yard size.



Mow



As the weather cools, grass slowly goes dormant. Before winter hits, continue to mow as needed. When your lawn seems to have almost completely slowed its growth rate, mow one final time for the year, but set your mower at a higher height. This helps keep grass healthy until warm weather returns. Recommended mower heights for a final mow are 2 to 2.5 inches.



Rather than retreating from the crisp fall air, use the time to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature while helping keep your yard looking its best. A few simple steps now will help your lawn look great today and into next year.





Courtesy of BPT

Top technical accessories for your car

Whether it's traveling during the holidays or commuting to and from work, Americans spend a lot of time in their vehicles - almost 540 hours a year according to a Roland Berger study. With so much time spent behind the wheel, it's worth it to invest in the top gadgets to make your ride safer and more comfortable.



These accessories provide you with some of the latest safety features and allow you to bring all the comforts of home along with you on your ride.



Safety first:



Back-up cameras are a simple installation that can save lives. About 34 percent of all non-traffic car fatalities for children under five are caused by back-overs, according to KidsandCars.org. PEAK Automotive Back-Up Camera Systems allow you to place the viewer on your windshield or install it into your rear-view mirror. Then install the water-resistant camera to the rear license plate of your car, truck, RV or camper so you can see what is behind your vehicle as you back up.



Convenient help:



A dead battery at any time of the year can be a real downer, especially if you are unable to find a person willing to give you a jump start. PEAK Jump-Starters allow you to restart car batteries without the need of another car. This rechargeable and portable system features a low charge alert that sounds when the battery life is getting low. Just plug the system into the wall or your car's cigarette lighter outlet to recharge. Keep it in your car so it's always available in time of emergency.



A handy charging station:



Cellphones, tablets, video games and even laptop computers are all portable and popular accessories for passengers when traveling, but all require charging stations. And everyone knows that road trips with dead video game or e-reader batteries are not fun. The PEAK 150 Watt Cup Inverter is perfect for recharging electronics in the car. It fits into the cup holder, so you won't have bulky items in the front of the car, and two AC outlets and one USB plug-in are available for charging multiple electronics at once.



Wi-Fi on the road:



Once you have the mobile charger, put your electronics to use with a Mobile Internet Router. Passengers can surf the Internet, check emails and play on-line games with a simple plug-in. The coverage area is wide enough to supply a connection to the entire family.



Tailgating supplies:



If you're driving over to the stadium for a picnic before the game, or are in the middle of the mountains and ready for a bite to eat while admiring the scenery, chilling drinks or warming up meals at the drop of a dime is a real benefit. The PEAK 12 volt Can Cooler/Warmer is just the gadget to help you enjoy your tailgating party with minimal fuss. It cools soda cans and sandwiches, or heats up leftovers like soup and chili, and plugs directly into the car's cigarette lighter socket for your meal on-the-go.



These and other products can be found nationwide at retailers such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Pep Boys, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. A lot of time is spent on the road, and these accessories can make your trip safer and more comfortable. Visit PeakAuto.com for more information on the products you need to power your life.



Courtesy of BPT

Top technical accessories for your car

Whether it's traveling during the holidays or commuting to and from work, Americans spend a lot of time in their vehicles - almost 540 hours a year according to a Roland Berger study. With so much time spent behind the wheel, it's worth it to invest in the top gadgets to make your ride safer and more comfortable.



These accessories provide you with some of the latest safety features and allow you to bring all the comforts of home along with you on your ride.



Safety first:



Back-up cameras are a simple installation that can save lives. About 34 percent of all non-traffic car fatalities for children under five are caused by back-overs, according to KidsandCars.org. PEAK Automotive Back-Up Camera Systems allow you to place the viewer on your windshield or install it into your rear-view mirror. Then install the water-resistant camera to the rear license plate of your car, truck, RV or camper so you can see what is behind your vehicle as you back up.



Convenient help:



A dead battery at any time of the year can be a real downer, especially if you are unable to find a person willing to give you a jump start. PEAK Jump-Starters allow you to restart car batteries without the need of another car. This rechargeable and portable system features a low charge alert that sounds when the battery life is getting low. Just plug the system into the wall or your car's cigarette lighter outlet to recharge. Keep it in your car so it's always available in time of emergency.



A handy charging station:



Cellphones, tablets, video games and even laptop computers are all portable and popular accessories for passengers when traveling, but all require charging stations. And everyone knows that road trips with dead video game or e-reader batteries are not fun. The PEAK 150 Watt Cup Inverter is perfect for recharging electronics in the car. It fits into the cup holder, so you won't have bulky items in the front of the car, and two AC outlets and one USB plug-in are available for charging multiple electronics at once.



Wi-Fi on the road:



Once you have the mobile charger, put your electronics to use with a Mobile Internet Router. Passengers can surf the Internet, check emails and play on-line games with a simple plug-in. The coverage area is wide enough to supply a connection to the entire family.



Tailgating supplies:



If you're driving over to the stadium for a picnic before the game, or are in the middle of the mountains and ready for a bite to eat while admiring the scenery, chilling drinks or warming up meals at the drop of a dime is a real benefit. The PEAK 12 volt Can Cooler/Warmer is just the gadget to help you enjoy your tailgating party with minimal fuss. It cools soda cans and sandwiches, or heats up leftovers like soup and chili, and plugs directly into the car's cigarette lighter socket for your meal on-the-go.



These and other products can be found nationwide at retailers such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Pep Boys, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. A lot of time is spent on the road, and these accessories can make your trip safer and more comfortable. Visit PeakAuto.com for more information on the products you need to power your life.



Courtesy of BPT

Strategies for managing and reducing debt

(BPT) - Are you feeling overwhelmed by your monthly bills? Do you only pay the minimum on your credit cards each month, or use several credit cards to spread out your debt? These are all warning signs that your habits may be keeping you from reaching your financial goals. The good news is, you can take steps to manage your debt and gradually reduce it over time.



Before you take any action, however, you need to know exactly where you stand financially. Look over all your outstanding debt - credit cards, car payments, mortgage or rent, student loans - to help you determine where you are and which obligations have priority. These tips from Wells Fargo can help you responsibly manage your debt and strengthen your credit situation.



* Organizing debt: Not all types of debt affect your finances equally. Collect recent statements from all your creditors. Write down the creditor, amount owed, monthly payment and interest rate on your account. Knowing which debts have the highest minimum monthly payments and interest rates will help you determine which debt is costing you the most.



* Prioritizing payments: -Examine where you can cut back on expenses, and put that money toward your debts. Try paying off your debts with the highest interest rates as quickly as you can, while continuing to pay at least the minimum due on all of your other debts each month. Once you've paid off the credit card with the highest interest rate, put that money toward the next highest.



* Calling creditors: If you can't make a payment or need to make a partial payment, talk to your creditors about setting up a payment plan you can afford. You may be surprised - many creditors will be willing to work with you to find a solution.



* Refinancing your mortgage: If interest rates have dropped since you took out your mortgage loan, consider refinancing to lower your monthly payments. If refinancing isn't an option, consider other options to repay your loan more quickly. For example, sending additional principal payments with your regular payments decreases the loan balance and reduces the overall interest owed.



* Seeing a credit counselor: These professionals will need to see all your financial material so that they can help you explore your options and make a plan to get you out of debt. To find a reputable credit counselor, visit the website for the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling, www.nfcc.org.



* Consolidating your debt: You might want to consider combining all of your debts into a single loan. This allows you to pay off your debt with one monthly payment, which could be lower than all of your previous monthly payments combined. It will also make it easier to keep track of your debt. Keep in mind that a debt consolidation loan simply transfers the debt to a new lender - you'll still have debt. Additionally, if your consolidation loan has a longer repayment period, it could increase the total amount you repay. You can pay the loan off faster, of course, by making more than a minimum payment each month.-



There is hope if you are in debt. Creating a manageable plan to chart a path out of debt can give you confidence in knowing that you are in control of your finances and improving your credit health. For more information, visit the Wells Fargo Smarter Credit Center, www.WellsFargo.com/smarter_credit.





Courtesy of BPT

Tips and tricks for a bigger-looking bath

Do you wish you had a bigger bathroom? If so, you're not alone.



In fact, in a recent survey conducted by Moen, almost half the respondents wished they could make their bathroom larger. But, a complete bathroom overhaul isn't in the cards for most homeowners. And when your bath is too small, it can quickly go from being a retreat from the outside world to a stress-inducing, cluttered place.



Whether you're hoping to update the guest bath or the master suite, you can create a larger-looking bath without actually expanding your space. With a thorough cleaning and some space-expanding illusions, you'll be relaxed and rejuvenated in your new bigger bath in no time.



Blend in, but make a statement



Using an intense color palette is not always the best technique when it comes to a tiny bathroom. Bold, dark colors can weigh a room down, making it look even smaller. Instead, use pale and cool colors, like soft whites, pastels and neutral tones to add size and depth. Continue the color scheme to the woodwork, trim, vanity and door to create a disappearing look that will lengthen the walls. By eliminating the hard edges created by drastic changes in color, your eye will flow smoothly across the room.



It's important to look at the small details, like faucets and accessories, to create a statement. Choosing a sophisticated design, such as the Moen Weymouth faucet in Chrome, LifeShine Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze or the new LifeShine Polished Nickel finish, can provide a beautiful focal point in your bath. Available in single-handle, widespread and wall-mount styles, faucets in the Weymouth collection feature traditional detailing, like porcelain inlays and a generously sized spout. The unique collection additionally offers matching faucets for the shower or tub, and a complete selection of accessories to provide the perfect eye-catching detail.



Take a look in the mirror



A mirror in the bathroom can do more than just show your reflection - it can stretch the space by reproducing it. Additionally, mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, making a smaller room look bigger and brighter by bouncing illumination throughout.



Don't think that mirrors need to only be above the sink. A great trick for improving your room's reflective qualities is to hang a large, horizontal mirror along the longest wall of the bath. However, if a large mirror is out of your budget, or not practical for your space, the same effect can be created by grouping an arrangement of smaller mirrors. Unique mirrors can often be found at flea markets in different shapes and sizes. Simply paint each frame in complementary colors and group them along the longest wall. This allows for the room to stretch, while also providing a design element that's uniquely yours.



Another easy, dramatic way to use mirrors is to turn the fronts of vanity cabinets into your canvas. Use glue to attach large, square mirrors, or tiny mirror tiles - either square or round - to the outside of cabinets and drawers. For a never-ending room, position two mirrors on opposite walls to create the perfect illusion. Whatever technique you choose, mirrors are great decor pieces that won't muddle a small bath.



Say no to big and bulky



Traditional, large vanities with cabinet drawers can make an already petite-looking bath appear even smaller. In order to avoid this common misstep, there are two paths to follow: either install a vanity with open storage areas; or try suspending shelving for a contemporary feel. This will create a more spacious look - without losing precious storage - by giving the shelving a light and airy appearance. Open shelving is perfect for towels and linens, plus items like tissues and cotton balls, which can be stored in decorative jars or containers. Avoid a cluttered look by placing large wicker baskets on the bottom shelf of the vanity for large everyday items, such as brushes, toiletries and makeup.



You can create a beautiful bath - regardless of the square footage - that will become a place of relaxation and worthy of attention. Use these tips to turn a compressed and uncomfortable space to one that feels spacious and soothing - without a major remodel. For more information about Moen products, visit www.moen.com.



Courtesy of BPT