Give Quick and Easy Meals a Fun Spin

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February 15, 2023

Give Quick and Easy Meals a Fun Spin

Work, school, extracurricular activities, social events and more can make the winter months feel frantic and it can often seem like you’re running out of time. This seasonal time crunch makes it even more difficult to answer the age-old, mealtime question kids are always asking: “What are we having?”

To help solve that daily meal dilemma and discover family-pleasing recipes that take 35 minutes or less, the RAGÚ Meal Wheel lets the entire family take an active role in choosing what’s on the menu. Simply ask one of your kids to click the “spin” button to find delicious, quick-and-easy recipes like Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo with Fettuccine and Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes.

Both easy-to-make recipes take 35 minutes or less and feature RAGÚ sauces, which come in a variety of taste-tempting classic flavors and styles, perfect for any mealtime occasion. Created 85 years ago by an Italian mother using a family recipe she brought to the United States from Naples, Italy, the sauces are made from quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, hearty vegetables, Italian cheeses, herbs and spices, allowing home cooks to “Cook Like a Mother” and quickly create affordable, crowd-pleasing meals for their busy families.

To find more quick and mouthwatering recipes to feed your family during the chilly winter months, visit RAGU.com/meal-wheel.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo with Fettuccine

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 jar RAGÚ Classic Alfredo Sauce
1 package (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, thawed
1 package (12 ounces) fettuccine pasta
grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Cook chicken, in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally, until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
In same skillet, add sauce and broccoli; stir. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 2 minutes.
In separate pan, cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
Serve chicken, broccoli and sauce over hot fettuccine and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes

Recipe courtesy of “Honey and Birch” on behalf of RAGÚ
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium red pepper, diced
1 jar RAGÚ Simply Chunky Marinara Sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 mini buns

In large skillet over medium heat, heat extra-virgin olive oil. When hot, add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
Add ground turkey. Break up meat and stir frequently until browned. Add carrots, green pepper and red pepper. Cook 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Add marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and partially cover pan. Cook 10 minutes.
Serve on mini buns.

SOURCE: (Family Features)
RAGÚ

Top Hair Trends to Try in 2023

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Art Department

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February 15, 2023

Is the beginning of a brand new year inspiring you to try a fresh new look? Before splurging on an entirely different wardrobe, try a tactic that will instantly elevate your style and give your confidence a boost: refreshing your hairstyle.

This year’s hair trends are all about movement, and also making the most of your own natural hair type for a great new look — and feel! Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to upgrade your look thanks to Great Clips Online Check-In, so you can embrace the new year with a trending haircut near you, in no time.

Here are some fun hair trends for women and men that may just make you smile and do a double take when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.

For Women:

All these trending do’s have the advantage of working well with any kind of hair, from straight to curly or fine to thick. You can make any one of these styles your own for a fresh new look you’ll love.

Bangs —

Try this trending fringe to guarantee your year will start with a bang! From ’70s-inspired butterfly bangs to timeless side-swept bangs, any fringe with texture is making a comeback in the new year. Bangs frame your face and can create instant volume, making them a great accent for any hair type, length and texture.

And don’t worry about the upkeep with your bangs. With Clip Notes, Great Clips stylists keep personalized notes about each haircut and trim to make sure you get the same great haircut every time.

Not sure how to style your new fringe? Ensure that your bangs look great and stay in place all day long with American Crew’s Pomade — a match “po-made” in heaven!

Modern Shag —

This version of the shag is here to stay! Inspired by ’80s rock stars, this layered cut features face-framing bangs, texture and layers. Also known as the wolf cut, a shag haircut is a versatile style that works great with any hair type.

Lots of Layers —

2023 is the year of flowy hair. No matter what your hair’s curl pattern or texture type, layered styles that emphasize movement are sure to be a hit! Keep your hair feeling weightless by using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner for a boost of bounce.

For Men:

Take on the adventure of an amazing new style, with help from American Crew products that can help you look your best all year long.

Brushed-Up Styles —

Inspired by the looks of the 1950s, TikTok and YouTube influencers are bringing an exciting modern twist to classic brushed-up hairstyles. This new take on a retro haircut includes medium-length hair on top that is styled back, usually in a messy way. The short sides are cut in a fade, undercut or taper. Finish off the look with American Crew Grooming Spray to easily keep your hair in place, no matter the weather.

Embrace Texture —

Whether your hair is straight or curly, this year is texture’s time to shine! Try products like American Crew’s Fiber Cream to define your hair and add rough texture without making it feel crunchy or stiff.

Ready for a fresh new start? Welcome 2023 by finding your next great hairstyle at Great Clips and visit GreatClips.com to find a salon closest to you.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:(BPT)

5 Ideas to Infuse Fun into the Family Routine This Winter

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Art Department

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February 9, 2023

Outdoors Winter Activities For Family, Friends. Happy Family, Fr — Outdoors winter activities for family, friends. Happy Family, friends, two women, two boy kids and dog, mothers and sons walking, having fun outdoors in winter snowy park nature background.

As we enter a new year during the cold, dark months of winter, it’s easy for anyone to lose their spark. It can be especially challenging to motivate your kids after a long holiday break. By shaking up the routine and infusing some fun and creativity into family activities, you can help beat the winter-time blues.

Here are a few fun, family-friendly ideas to help keep spirits up:

1. Get creative in the kitchen. A great (and tasty!) way to have some fun and teach your kids a thing or two is to get creative in the kitchen. Get them started with an easy recipe they can take the lead in preparing. The Frigo Cheese Heads brand has easy, healthy and creative snacks, like Fruity Cheese Kabobs, which are as fun to assemble as they are to eat.

2. Make a point to get moving. Motivation and movement go hand in hand, and there are lots of ways to get everyone in the family moving, even during the chillier months. Explore your local hiking trails or go bowling. If you’re in a snowy climate, embrace it with sledding, ice skating or snowshoeing adventures. Staying in? Consider starting an exercise challenge and up the excitement by offering prizes that your kids will be motivated to earn.

3. Get a change of scenery. Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to combat the winter blues. Check out local event sites and plan one day each month for your family to explore a new festival, museum, indoor or outdoor market, park, music show or other unique local offering.

4. Throw a party. Planning a gathering is sometimes just as fun as the party itself. Host a party with your kids and let them be involved in coming up with the theme, menu and guest list. Let them get creative by making up games for a game night that both kids and adults will enjoy. Take it one step further and have them create handmade party decorations and a trophy for the winner to take home.

5. Volunteer together. Brainstorm a few simple but meaningful things to do at home that can benefit the world. Seemingly small things like starting a compost pile, collecting food shelf donations or contributing to a charity event at school are great ways to get involved and make a difference. Or consider signing the entire family up for volunteer and fundraising opportunities, such as working at a food bank, participating in park cleanups or walking or running to raise money for a charity.

Most importantly, infuse some fun and positivity during the short days of winter to help your kids keep their spark and revitalize them for the rest of the school year!

Source: (BPT)

Trending Colors and Textures Inspire 2023 Home Design

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Art Department

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February 9, 2023

Over the past year, architectural design saw a surge in nature-inspired, earth tones, such as calming shades of blue and green. Homeowners can expect this trend to continue into the coming months, but with warmer, richer colors.

This ongoing interest in warm neutrals with earthy undertones and pink and blush shades is likely to be increasingly popular in 2023 as homeowners become more adventurous with their color choices as a form of creative expression.

Trending Colors
Selecting the right colors for your home project is often influenced by both your personal preferences and the latest design trends. Some contemporary options to consider include:

Earth Tones: Warmer, natural-looking earth tones are versatile, working seamlessly with just about any design or architectural style of home. Some trending hues include muted terracotta, green, yellow and plum.

Warm Neutrals: Although they’re not typically used as statement colors, warm neutrals bring a sense of comfort while also offering an inviting, blank canvas to let individuality flow freely. On-trend options include shades of dark brown, caramel, tan or off-white.

Rich, Dark Colors: These deep, saturated hues can make a house stand out and look more modern while still offering a nod to warmer hues. Chocolate brown, brick red or dark jade are popular choices for those who prefer rich hues.

Pink and Blush Shades: Various shades of pink, rose and blush will be increasingly popular choices for homeowners exuding a greater sense of self-expression. In home design, look for these colors to appear in coral, pink, red-orange, raspberry or blush tones.

Sweet Pastels: There are signs homeowners are ready to bring colors back into their homes. Expect to see sweet pastel shades like soft pink, mint green and light purple in furniture, decor and accessories.

Materials with Texture
With warm neutrals and earth tones dominating the color palette, both interior and exterior design will depend heavily on texture to add definition. More design choices will move away from faux finishes and instead focus on natural and authentic looks, many of which can be achieved through brick and stone.

Brick and stone give designers options for adding depth and dimension, integrating a play on light and shadows with a variety of textural elements.

Brick carries a sense of tradition, character and timelessness while also serving as a popular choice for homeowners due to its design flexibility. Qualities such as low-maintenance, resilience, durability, sustainability and beauty make brick an option that allows homeowners to balance function with appearance.

Homeowners can find more than 600 brick and stone products with Glen-Gery’s extensive product line that offers endless design possibilities and timeless beauty. From handmade to glazed bricks and everything in between, these building products come in a diverse array of colors, textures and sizes, making it easy to personalize living spaces with the latest design and color trends.

Try a virtual design tool like Picture Perfect, which can help you visualize projects, or find other style inspiration at glengery.com.

Bring Color with Brick

Brick is often selected for its functional benefits, but it’s also an appealing building product due to its versatile color, texture and size combinations. Color can evoke a certain mood and assist in achieving a desired outcome. Often, architects and designers even incorporate multiple colors or create custom looks by using multiple brick colors and styles.

To help homeowners hone in on the perfect look to match their vision for contemporary design and align with anticipated 2023 color trends, Glen-Gery will introduce its inaugural Brick Color of the Year, a program that showcases trending hues that lend well to trending aesthetics.

Reflecting contemporary earthy, nature-inspired color trends, the Pitt Cafe Series consists of four soft, neutral-toned, versatile bricks, ranging from creamy white to earthtone and brown-gray with highly pronounced textural features. What’s more, the series can be used for both interior and exterior applications for modern or contemporary designs.

SOURCE:
Glen-Gery
(Family Features)

6 Ways to Build Lasting Healthy Habits

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Art Department

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February 7, 2023

Healthy Lifestyle Woman Fitness Gym For Body Slim. Young People — Healthy lifestyle woman fitness gym for body slim. Young people girl hold fresh salad after exercise. Fitness instructor exercising the fitness. Diet and Healthy sport Concept

6 Ways to Build Lasting Healthy Habits

Starting on a path toward healthy habits is often easier than maintaining them long term. This year, you can avoid a major pitfall of healthy resolutions and build healthy habits that stick by working small, positive steps into your daily life.

In fact, healthy habits are the first suggested treatment strategy for people whose blood pressure and cholesterol levels are creeping higher than normal, according to an American Heart Association scientific statement.

“The current guidelines for managing high blood pressure and cholesterol recognize that otherwise healthy individuals with mildly or moderately elevated levels of these cardiovascular risk factors should actively attempt to reduce these risks, and increasing physical activity is a great place to start,” said Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., chair of the statement writing group and chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at West Virginia University School of Public Health.

These six ideas from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Habit Coach can help.

Bust Common Habit-Building Myths

You may be surprised to learn the truth about creating and sticking to healthy habits. One myth is getting healthy means doing things you don’t like. Research shows positive emotions make habits stick, so set your intentions on something you enjoy. Another misconception is big results require big changes, which may lead to overly ambitious habits. However, the simpler the routine is, the more likely it is to become habit.

Work with Your “Brain Loops”

Your brain creates “loops” for habits made up of three things: a cue, a routine and a reward. Each time the loop is repeated, it becomes more routine and may become automatic. Knowing this, you can design cues for developing new, healthy habits, such as setting walking shoes by the bed to start a walking habit. The routine is putting on the shoes and walking around the block, and the reward is the pleasant sensations and brighter mood from a morning stroll.

Create Cues That Work for You

Most successful health habits begin with a cue. The cue can be external in your environment or internal in terms of your mindset. The more consistent the cue, the more likely it is to trigger the habit. Hacking your brain’s reminder system can help you remember your cue. Some examples of visual cues are placing a sticky note where you’ll see it often, keeping a water bottle on your desk or refrigerating fresh veggies at eye level.

Build a Routine That Supports Your Goals

Positive and consistent habits are important to achieve your personal goals. Small habits done consistently can add up to big results. To create a new healthy habit, think through the steps that could lead to your desired outcome. Ask yourself whether you want to do it, if it’s easy and if it’s high impact. It’s important to choose habits that make a difference and move you closer to your goals.

For example, if one of your goals is improving your heart health, a meaningful habit might be to move more. Increasing physical activity can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol along with many other health benefits, Gibbs said.

“Every little bit of activity is better than none,” she said. “Even small initial increases of 5-10 minutes a day can yield health benefits.”

Use Rewards to Make Habits Stick

Start by choosing a habit you enjoy that’s rewarding by itself. If you’re more of a dancer than runner, increase your physical activity with an upbeat dance class. You might also look for a more enjoyable version of a new habit, such as getting more fruits and veggies by sipping on a delicious smoothie.

Understand Resets are Part of the Process

New habits are experiments. If they don’t stick, you haven’t failed. Instead, you’ve learned what doesn’t work, which is useful. Get curious and ask yourself which part of the habit didn’t work for you. Maybe the cue was ineffective. Maybe the steps of the routine were too ambitious and you need to split them into smaller, easier steps. If you realize you don’t enjoy the habit, stop doing it and try something else.

Find more inspiration and ideas to jumpstart healthy habits this year at heart.org/habits.

(Family Features)

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

Great Ways to Encourage Imagination During Playtime

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Art Department

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February 7, 2023

Kids Toys. Child Building Tower Of Toy Blocks. — Kid playing with colorful toy blocks. Little boy building tower of block toys. Educational and creative toys and games for young children. Baby in white bedroom with rainbow bricks.

Great Ways to Encourage Imagination During Playtime

There’s no better time than playtime to encourage an active imagination. Here are a few ways to bring more inventiveness into the fun.

Introduce Toys

Look for toys that allow kids to imagine themselves in new roles and scenarios. For example, little ones can transform into super-duper, fixer-uppers with the Drill & Learn Toolbox Pro from VTech. Featuring a toolbox, tool belt, hammer, wrench, plastic nails, screws and a working toy drill, along with realistic tool sounds, songs and information about how the tools are used, little DIYers will have all the basics for pretend home repair.

For kids who may have watched older siblings and friends get their game on, another fun toy is the Level Up Gaming Chair. This preschool game station features a swivel chair, joystick and pretend headphones, and a real interactive gaming tablet that teaches letters, numbers, animals and music with gaming sound effects. With no Wi-Fi needed, you can turn game time into learning time safely and without worries, while giving young kids an opportunity to feel like big kid gamers.

The Pop & Spin Mower features an engine that rumbles, a sparkly, pretend blade that spins and popping beads that mimic grass clippings. Little gardeners will enjoy pushing this lean, green mowing machine, and those not quite ready to walk can sit and spin the roller or press the light-up buttons to explore gardening themes and colors. While this is a great way to play pretend, the toy also teaches lawn mower safety to help keep kids safe around the real thing.

Use Creative Prompts

Art is one of the best avenues for the imagination to run free. And when it comes to different forms of art, the sky is limit. Encourage kids to create music, poems, stories, paintings and plays. Feeling stumped? Give them prompts to get them started. Here are a few to try:

• Paint a picture of a beautiful place you want to go.

• Draw a picture of your favorite animal.

• Tell me a story about a kid and their dog.

• Paint a picture of the way you are feeling right now.

• Put on a play about two friends who are lost and trying to find their way home.

With fun role-playing toys and a bit of resourcefulness, you can make the most of playtime by letting imaginations run wild.

Source: Statepoint
PHOTO SOURCE: Big Stock Images

Improve Wellness with Affordable Bathroom Upgrades

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Art Department

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February 3, 2023

Improve Wellness with Affordable Bathroom Upgrades

(Family Features) Wellness is at the forefront of nearly everyone’s mind, including keeping germs at bay and creating surroundings that promote mental and physical health. Even small, but important, spaces like the bathroom can benefit from changes with wellness in mind.

A bathroom can be one of the easiest rooms in your home to give a little extra TLC toward creating a healthier lifestyle. These cost-effective measures can turn your bathroom into a more practical, functional space that promotes your well-being.

Switch Up Surfaces
The countertops in your bathroom, much like the flooring, must be able to withstand a lot of water. Nonporous vanity tops, such as those made from quartz, hold up to being wet constantly and can help keep germs from breeding. In addition to being easy to clean, a solid-surface option like quartz never needs to be sealed or polished, making it an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting option.

Clean Green
Bathrooms are often hot and steamy places, and water vapors in the air can carry potentially harmful chemicals from cleaning products. Green cleaning products are made to control the spread of bacteria and viruses using safe and effective means. Not only are they helpful in preventing asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments, but they are a low-cost way to improve overall indoor air quality.

What you use to clean yourself is just as important. Using green or organic personal care items can help reduce toxin exposure and lessen the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Reduce Humidity
All that steam can affect your health in other ways, too, since it creates a humid environment that encourages mold and mildew. A heated towel rack is an inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury to your space while generating heat that helps reduce humidity and the growth of mold and mildew, therefore benefitting indoor air quality.

Heated towel racks like those from Amba Products come in a variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with your decor. For modest accommodations, the Radiant Small is a space-saving choice, and freestanding models are available if wall space is at a premium. Another advantage: Since the racks dry towels, they’ll stay mildew-free longer and don’t need to be washed as often, which helps save valuable natural resources.

Enhance Air Quality
Creating a green, spa-like oasis with plants can bring wellness benefits that don’t break the bank. Indoor plants help rid the environment of pollutants, and the energy and ambiance they add may have mental health benefits, too. Plants like mother-in-law’s tongue or peace lily are popular options to incorporate as natural air purifiers.

Explore Color
A bathroom’s color palette can also play a role in your wellness goals. Warmer shades like red and orange enhance energy while cooler colors like green and blue can be calming.

Begin planning bathroom upgrades that improve your health and well-being with more tips and ideas at ambaproducts.com .

SOURCE:
Amba Products

Stylish bathroom interior with modern ceramic tub and beautiful houseplants

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle for Your Dogs

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Art Department

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February 3, 2023

Dog Run, Beagle Dog Jumping Having Fun In The Garden. — Dog run, beagle dog jumping having fun in the garden.

3 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle for Your Dogs

(Family Features) Pet parents want the best for their dogs and will go to great lengths to keep their furry friends healthy.

Consider these tips from the IAMS and WHISTLE brands to help your dog maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can find more information at iams.com/iams-and-whistle.

Schedule Regular Veterinarian Visits

Routine examinations with your veterinarian are vital for maintaining a dog’s healthy lifestyle. By bringing your pup in for a check-up, an expert can assess overall health and address any potential problems. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian on recommended frequency of visits and put your next appointment on the calendar.

Keep Pets Active Physically and Mentally

Exercise is crucial for dogs to maintain a healthy body weight and is also a good way of achieving mental stimulation. According to the WALTHAM pocket book of responsible pet ownership, 20 minutes of exercise a day is the minimum beneficial period with 30-60 minutes being preferable. Try varying your walking routes to increase the degree of mental stimulation for your pets.

Identify Potential Health Concerns Using Pet Health Technology
A smart device that uses sophisticated AI to translate your dog’s behavior into in-depth health insights, WHISTLE Health helps you know when your furry friend is doing well and see when changes may point to health issues. By partnering with IAMS Dog Food, the device helps pet parents use data-driven insights to find personalized nutrition programs designed to keep their dogs happy and healthy.

Photos courtesy of Adobe Stock

SOURCE:
IAMS

Pets For Better Wellbeing

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Art Department

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February 3, 2023

Family Lovingly Hugging Dog. Smiling Happy Dog. Owners Walk The — Family lovingly hugging dog. Smiling happy dog. Owners walk the dog in the park and patting it . Akita Inu breed. Mental health and stress relieve by pet. People hug dog

Pets for Better Wellbeing

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