4 WAYS TO TREAT AND TRICK YOUR PET THIS FALL

(Family Features) The autumn season offers plenty of reasons to celebrate: nostalgic flavors, pretty leaves and a seasonal wardrobe change. Fall also typically features event calendars full of festivals, trips to pumpkin patches and hikes to take in the crisp air.
While taking advantage of all the season has to offer, there are also ways to incorporate your furry friend into your favorite fall activities. Consider these tips for making the most out of the season, and visit temptationstreats.com and greenies.com for more information on treating your pet.

Get Cozy with Your Pet
If the sound of a good book when the weather cools piques your interest, try making a day of it. You may not be basking in the sun, but a cup of warm cider or a pumpkin-spiced drink can help you appreciate the feeling of fall. Bring your pets in on the relaxation by helping them get cozy, too. Find extra blankets and open windows to let them observe any squirrels or neighbors that might pass by. Your pups or cats can enjoy snuggling, sleeping or watching the leaves fall while you’re fixed on your book.

Celebrate Festive Fall Flavors
Pick up a fall-themed cookbook or browse the web for ideas to put you in a festive autumn mood. Your pet’s nose may perk up from the scents coming from your stovetop, so include him or her in the fun with pet-friendly, fall-flavored treats. For example, GREENIES Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Flavor Dental Treats for dogs and TEMPTATIONS Holiday Dinner Turkey and Sweet Potato Flavor treats for cats are two mouthwatering options to keep your furry family members seasonally satisfied.

Take Up a New Hobby
With cooler temperatures most likely ushering you indoors, consider taking up a new hobby, such as crafting or learning new skills in the kitchen. You could also use the time to bond with your pet. Try teaching him or her new tricks by using favorite fall treats as positive reinforcements.

Explore the Outdoors
A fun way to trick yourself (and your pup) into stretching your legs is by going on an outdoor adventure. With leaves changing and many regions boasting pumpkin patches, apple orchards and hiking trails, there are nearly countless opportunities to spend quality time with your pup while enjoying the cozy fall weather.

Photos courtesy of Adobe Stock
SOURCE:
Mars Petcare

AN IMAGINATIVE, DIY HALLOWEEN COSTUME

(Family Features) Few traditions are as popular on Halloween as picking out the perfect costume.

This haunting season, think outside the box – literally – and use boxes from your recent deliveries to create a unique DIY costume, or “boxtume.”

Boxtumes are a perfect way to express your creativity and stand out at any spooky gathering. Plus, they can be a fun way to get crafty with family and friends to create costumes for children, adults, couples and groups that can be as simple or elaborate as your imaginations desire. For example, this DIY Ice Cream Truck Boxtume just requires supplies like cardboard boxes, tape, paint and glue, allowing your personality to shine through with customization.

With households across the country already taking advantage of Amazon Prime’s unlimited fast, free shipping and entertainment benefits, your costume inspiration could be just one click (or box) away.

If you’re feeling extra crafty this season, try upcycling those smile boxes to craft other custom Halloween items, such as treat containers, spooky centerpieces and decorations.
Share your creativity online using #Boxtumes and #PrimeLife, and find more inspiration and step-by-step guides at amazon.com/boxtumes2019.

DIY Ice Cream Truck Boxtume

Project courtesy of Krafts by Katelyn
Supplies:

• 1 medium Amazon smile box
• 1 small Amazon smile box
• Duct tape
• Hot glue
• Paint, variety of colors
• Paint brushes
• Painter’s tape
• 1 Amazon smile box, any size, to cut out details
• Scissors
• Colored paper, variety of colors
• Colored markers, variety of colors
• Letter stickers
• Ribbon

1. Using medium box and small box, create foundation of truck shape. Use duct tape to secure flaps in closed position. Open top and bottom of medium box and fold in all flaps on bottom. Use duct tape and hot glue to secure open flaps in place.  Use hot glue and duct tape to attach small box to short side of medium box.
2. Using white paint and paint brush, paint both boxes inside and out.
3. Using painter’s tape as guidelines, paint vertical candy stripes about halfway up both sides of “truck” in desired color.
4. Using extra box and scissors, cut out wheels, windows and awning then paint desired colors.
5. Using hot glue, attach pieces to “truck.”
6. Using colored paper and markers, create ice cream cone decorations. Connect using hot glue then hot glue decorations to “truck.”
7. Add letter stickers, as desired. Using markers, add extra details such as lights, as desired.
8. Using hot glue, attach wide ribbon to top inside edges of “truck” to create straps.

SOURCE:
Amazon

HOMEMADE HALLOWEEN TREATS

(Culinary.net) Halloween calls for candies and treats of all kinds as trick-or-treaters roam neighborhoods, but don't forget to stock your own snack supply with homemade goodies.

Skip the store-bought sweets this year and instead opt for ideas like these that can be whipped up in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Party Mix

 

As one of the easiest recipes you could imagine, a Halloween-themed party mix simply calls for your favorite snack-type foods tossed together in a group-sized bowl or individual containers. You can try just about anything from candy corns and miniature chocolates to pretzels, popcorn and more.

Spooky Cupcakes

 

Kid-friendly treats are the name of the game when it comes to Halloween, and there's almost no better way to get children involved in the kitchen than with some personalized decorations. Bake your preferred cupcakes - chocolate or vanilla - then call on the kiddos to use icing and toppings for creepy custom creations.

Pumpkin Pie

 

There's nothing wrong with going with a classic. While it may not scream All Hallows' Eve, pumpkin is the flavor of the season, which makes pumpkin pie a traditional taste this time of year. Because most versions call for a fairly small number of ingredients, it's a simple way to bake a desirable dessert. Plus, you can easily give pumpkin pie some Halloween flair using whipped cream to "draw" a spooky Jack-o-lantern-like face.

Creepy Cookies

 

Whether your family craves chocolate chip or prefers the sweetness of sugar cookies, you can lay out your favorite dough and use seasonal cookie cutters - think Frankenstein, witches, ghosts, spiders and more - for a frightful bite.

Caramel-Dipped Apples

 

Skip out on bobbing for apples and instead dip yours in caramel for a traditional Halloween treat. Just insert wooden skewers in the tops of your apples, dip the opposite end into melted caramel and enjoy. To add a bit of fun and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed candies on the caramel end of each apple.

Find more snacks, desserts and treats at Culinary.net.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Source: Culinary.net

SCHOOL DAY SOLUTIONS

Family-friendly recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

(Family Features) Morning routines, homework, practices and more are all part of back-to-school season, and even when time is short, flavorful meals can be, too.

Whether it's breakfast and dinner together as a family or sending your little learner out the door with a nutritious lunch, making tasty recipes in your own kitchen doesn't have to be a drain on an already busy schedule. With dishes like a new take on French toast to a quickly packed lunchbox and bolder burgers, you can keep your loved ones fueled for everything the school year brings your way.

For more back-to-school recipes, visit Culinary.net.

 

Freshen Up Family Breakfasts

A truly beneficial start to the day is usually centered around breakfast. Start your family on the right foot with a meal that delivers sweet flavor along with nutritious fruits.

This Honey Leches French Toast recipe swaps out syrup for hot honey combined with the crisp taste of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries.

Visit honey.com for more family-friendly recipes.

Honey Leches French Toast
Recipe courtesy of chef Rob Corliss on behalf of the National Honey Board
Servings: 4

Honey Leches:

    2     tablespoons blueberry honey
    1/4  cup evaporated milk
    1/4  cup light coconut milk
    3     large eggs
    1     teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    1/2  teaspoon ground cinnamon

Berry Garnish:

    1/2     cup fresh raspberries
    1/2     cup fresh blueberries
    1/2     cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Hot Honey:

    1/2     cup blueberry honey
    1/2     teaspoon cayenne pepper

Pound Cake:

    8  small slices premade pound cake
        nonstick cooking spray

To make Honey Leches: In mixing bowl, whisk blueberry honey, evaporated milk, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla extract and cinnamon to evenly combine. Keep chilled.

To make Berry Garnish: In mixing bowl, lightly toss raspberries, blueberries and strawberries to evenly combine. Keep chilled.

To make Hot Honey: In small mixing bowl, whisk blueberry honey and cayenne pepper to evenly combine. Keep warm so hot honey is pourable.

Heat electric griddle to 375 F.

Arrange pound cake slices, side by side, flat, in casserole dish or pan with sides. Pour Honey Leches over and around pound cake slices; soak 1 minute.

Lightly coat griddle with nonstick cooking spray. Remove pound cake slices from Honey Leches, allowing liquid to drain off, then place each slice on hot griddle.

On griddle, cook pound cake slices approximately 2 minutes on each side until golden crispy and hot throughout.

To serve, place two overlapping pound cake slices on plate (four plates total). Top each with approximately 1/4 cup mixed berries then drizzle each with approximately 2 tablespoons hot honey.

 

A Healthy, Happy Midday Meal

Back to school means back to packing daily lunches, and for parents aspiring to send healthier options with their children, look no further than a bento box loaded with the nutritional values of fruits, dairy and protein.

Surprise your little one with this Happy Lunchbox, a sweet treat to help keep him or her hydrated throughout the school day. Start with watermelon, a portable, versatile and easy-to-serve staple composed of 92% water for a hydrating snack. Add in a favorite yogurt flavor, mixed berries, cheddar cheese cubes and smoked turkey breast for a well-rounded lunch to maintain energy all day.

By assembling this nutritious meal using a divided bento box, you can add a little fun to an already flavorful lunch. Find more refreshing recipes for back-to-school season at watermelon.org.

Happy Lunchbox
Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board


       Watermelon, cut into sticks
        yogurt, for dipping berries

Watermelon Kebabs:

    18   cubes (1 inch each) seedless watermelon
    6     cubes smoked turkey breast
    6     cubes cheddar cheese
    6     coffee stirrers or beverage straws

In small plate with dividers, assemble watermelon sticks with yogurt in one section and berries in separate section.

To make Watermelon Kebabs: Skewer watermelon, turkey and cheese cubes on stirrers or straws. Assemble in third section of plate.

 

A Bigger, Bolder Burger

Making a meal everyone loves can sometimes be a challenge when tastes differ and each member of the family craves something different. However, turning to a nearly universally enjoyed staple - a burger - may be just the solution.

Next time your group debates the night's dinner menu, turn to a customizable creation like the Brooklyn Bacon Bonanza Burger created by celebrity chef and author George Duran for Jarlsberg's Global Burger Campaign. Topped with melted cheese and optional garnishes like fried eggs and tomato slices, this burger can be personalized to appease the taste buds of everyone under your roof.

Find more back-to-school meal solutions at jarlsberg.com.

Brooklyn Bacon Bonanza Burger
Recipe courtesy of chef George Duran on behalf of Jarlsberg
Servings: 4

    4     thick chunks Jarlsberg cheese
    1     tablespoon hot sauce
    1/4  cup mayonnaise
    1     pound ground beef
    1/2  pound ground pork
    1     onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
    1     cup chopped cooked bacon
    3     tablespoons sundried tomato paste
    3     tablespoons breadcrumbs
           kosher salt
           freshly ground black pepper
           nonstick cooking spray
    4     eggs for frying (optional)
    4     hamburger buns
    8     thin slices tomato

Place cheese in freezer about 1 hour ahead of time.

Heat grill to medium-high heat. In small bowl, mix hot sauce and mayonnaise; set aside.
In large bowl, season beef, pork, onion, bacon, tomato paste and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. Using hands, mix until well combined.

Using hands, form meat mixture into four balls. With thumb, make indentation in centers of balls and place one chunk cheese in center of each. Begin shaping burgers around cheese until patties form.

Spray grill grates with nonstick spray. Grill burgers, turning frequently, until cooked through and cheese begins to ooze out, about 8-10 minutes.

In nonstick skillet, fry eggs, if desired; set aside. Serve burgers on hamburger buns with chipotle-mayo, tomato slices and fried eggs.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (French toast)

Source: Family Features

A DIY HALLOWEEN CREATION

(Family Features) When it comes to family fun, it's hard to beat Halloween, and with all the candy flying around, it's an opportunity to add something nutritious and delicious to festive celebrations.

Chocolate milk can provide the best of both worlds. It satisfies kids' sweet tooth while providing all the nutrients of classic white milk, like calcium, vitamin D and high-quality protein to help keep little skeletons strong, making it a Halloween hit for kids and parents alike.

Carve out some quality time to make memories during the eeriest time of the year with this Scary Sweet Cemetery - including chocolate pudding, gummy worms and sandwich cookies - to get kids cooking and crafting, all while nourishing their bodies and bones with nutritious chocolate milk.

Visit MilkLife.com for more kid-friendly, DIY Halloween treats.

Scary Sweet Cemetery

Recipe courtesy of MilkPEP
Servings: 6

Pudding:

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups cold chocolate milk
1 pinch salt
1 large egg
4 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate (about 3/4 cup)
10 ounces chocolate vanilla sandwich cookies (about 20 cookies)
12 gummy worms

In large saucepan over high heat, stir cocoa powder, cornstarch, chocolate milk and salt to incorporate dry ingredients into milk. Cook until mixture starts to boil then reduce heat to simmer until mixture starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.

In large bowl, using whisk, beat egg, slowly drizzling hot chocolate mixture into bowl, whisking continuously. Fold in chopped chocolate and stir until chocolate has completely melted.

Pour pudding mixture into glass baking dish. Place piece of parchment paper on top of surface of pudding. Chill in refrigerator 3 hours, or overnight.

To prepare "dirt," place chocolate vanilla sandwich cookies in large re-sealable bag. Using rolling pin, crush cookies into crumbs.

When ready to serve, sprinkle cookie crumbs over pudding and place gummy worms on cookie crumb layer, making sure to "bury" parts of gummy worm ends as if worms are coming out of dirt.

Nutritional information per serving: 460 calories; 18 g fat; 8 g saturated fat; 35 mg cholesterol; 6 g protein; 75 g carbohydrates; 4 g fiber; 250 mg sodium; 104 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using low-fat chocolate milk.

Source: MilkPEP

HAPPY THANKSGIVING CANADA!

STEPS TO BETTER SLEEP FOR PEAK SPORTS PERFORMANCE

(Family Features) For fans and athletes alike, fall means gearing up for a new season of sports activities. While plenty of attention goes into developing skills and talent, other important components that affect an athlete's performance can be overlooked. Especially considering the demands of an athlete's training and game schedule, getting adequate sleep is often an afterthought.

However, a lack of sleep can significantly affect athletes' performance both on and off the field.

Sleep quality, efficiency and duration all may decrease just before competition, limiting opportunities for athletes to get the optimal quality and quantity of sleep their bodies need due to intense practice and game schedules, according to research published in "Sports Medicine."

The same research found sleep can affect several aspects of an athlete's performance. Skills that require endurance tend to be more affected by sleep deprivation than short-term, high-power activities. Running speed and free throw accuracy improve with more sleep, for example. There is also evidence that getting inadequate sleep increases the risk of injury as sleep deprivation can cause low energy and problems with focus during the game. It may also negatively affect split-second decision-making. 

Less sleep also means fewer opportunities for natural secretion of the growth hormones that occur in deep sleep and aide restoration, physical performance and a healthy metabolism.

Athletes can maximize their performance, recovery and overall health with these tips from Mattress Firm's sleep health expert, Dr. Sujay Kansagra:

* Ensure you are getting between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Athletes may need additional sleep due to strenuous daytime activity.

* Keep your wake time and bedtime similar, regardless of your training schedule. Don't wake up early to practice one day and sleep in the next. Try to keep it consistent.

* If you have trouble falling asleep, avoid workouts late in the evening just before bed.

* For competitive sports teams that travel across time zones, it's important to try to adjust your circadian rhythm based on the time you will be playing in the new time zone. The goal is to time the game to when circadian rhythm and alertness are at their peaks, in the late morning and late afternoon or evening.

* As the body works to repair itself during sleep, creating muscle tissue and releasing important hormones, sleeping on the proper mattress can provide support that aids in reducing aches and pains. If you need help selecting the right mattress, the experts at a retailer like Mattress Firm have a variety of sizes, options and accessories available that won't break the bank.

Find more advice to ensure a better night's sleep at MattressFirm.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Source: Mattress Firm

PLAN THE ULTIMATE KITCHEN UPGRADE

(Family Features) A kitchen serves as command-central of most homes, so it's also one of the first rooms homeowners choose when it's time to make upgrades. When approaching your kitchen remodel, it's important to keep your family's lifestyle at the forefront of your planning to create a space that fits the way you like to live.

Get the most livable space and enjoyment out of a kitchen remodel with these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry:

Make purposeful changes. A desire to bring your kitchen's style up to date is plenty of motivation for a renovation, but to get maximum benefit from your new space, spend time considering what functional improvements you can make, too. Do you need more cabinets for storage? Is there enough counter space for meal prep? Does the overall layout suit your family's needs? Even if you chose the original layout and floorplan, chances are good that over time you've found a few things you'd change given the chance to do it again.

Consider physical space. If yours is a family that cooks together, or if guests tend to congregate in the kitchen when you're entertaining, a renovation is the perfect time to make adjustments that accommodate more bodies in the kitchen. You might want more work zones for multiple cooks or an island or peninsula set away from the high-traffic zone for guests more interested in snacking and chatting than getting hands-on.

Evaluate your shopping style. You may be in the habit of doing your grocery shopping to fit your available space. However, with a larger refrigerator and more pantry space, your shopping habits could change, allowing you to become a bulk shopper or at least increase the time between shopping trips.

Be realistic about mealtime. If your family's activities have everyone eating at different times, you may benefit from a feature like a warming drawer that keeps dinner warm until each family member makes it home for a meal. Think about features that would make the table space more practical, such as task lighting so kids can tackle homework at the table or convenient access to power for laptops.

Choose appliances with care. It's easy to get carried away with all of the design elements that go into a kitchen renovation, but at the end of the day, remember the appliances are the true centerpiece of the space. Be sure to leave room in the budget to select the best appliances for your needs so you have all the functions, features and space to make using your new kitchen as enjoyable as possible.

Think into the future. A kitchen renovation can be a costly venture, so it's a good idea to project years down the road as you consider your needs. Are there features that would enhance the safety if a baby (that soon will become an inquisitive toddler) joins the family? Are there elderly family members may benefit from a lower or higher work station down the road?

Find more expert tips to inform your renovation planning at RemodelingDoneRight.com.

Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

5 WAYS TECHNOLOGY IS TRANSFORMING HEARING AIDS

(Family Features) Around 37.5 million adults in the United States report some trouble hearing, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, it is an undertreated condition with the NIH also estimating 28.8 million adults with mild to severe hearing loss could benefit from hearing aids. Thanks to ever-evolving technology, devices that improve hearing loss are more user-friendly than ever.

Of course, today's hearing aids help people hear better, but technology also is revolutionizing the way people use their hearing aids. For example, people can now use them like a headset to enjoy music, take calls and more, simply by streaming sound directly from their mobile devices.

If you're considering a hearing aid for yourself or a loved one, or are just intrigued by how technology is changing the future for those who experience hearing loss, consider these five technology advancements that are helping people connect and hear better:

1) Rechargeable batteries. The tedious chore of changing hearing aid batteries is a thing of the past. Now you can have hearing aids with rechargeable batteries and portable chargers. Recharging at home is simple: an overnight charge is all they typically need to be ready again in the morning. Some models even feature batteries and chargers that can be ready to go another 8 hours on just 30 minutes of charge time.

2) Direct streaming from mobile devices. Until recently, only iPhone users have been able to stream music or calls directly to their hearing aids. Now, using updated Bluetooth Low Energy streaming technology, people with hearing aids such as Beltone's Amaze can stream audio directly from their compatible Android device for more than 12 hours while still preserving 24 hours of battery life before a recharge is needed. Previously, hearing aids that directly streamed from Android devices have relied on "classic Bluetooth, which can cut 24 hours of hearing aid battery usage in half after only 4 hours of direct streaming.

3) More natural sound. The latest microprocessing technology means hearing aids deliver a clearer, fuller and richer sound experience in any listening situation. Now users can hear the textured tones that make everything from a dinner conversation to a quick joke to a theater performance more fulfilling. Technology is also able to help people manage situational changes, make conversations and ambient noise sound more natural and allow users to choose which sounds to focus on. The hearing aids can even make automatic adjustments to account for sudden loud noises.

4) Smartphone apps make it easy. Hearing aid users can use smartphone apps to discreetly manage device functions, such as checking battery status and adjusting volume to using more advanced finetuning features that control speech focus, noise and wind filters. Some apps even offer a "find my hearing aid" feature. 

5) Tech-enabled customer care. Working with a hearing care professional is essential in treating hearing loss and maximizing the benefits of hearing aids, but it doesn't mean you have to spend time trekking back and forth to your audiologist's office. For example, Beltone's Remote Care program enables users to connect directly with their hearing care professional via the HearMax app. After submitting a request, users can adjust their hearing aids with a simple tap on their phones without an office visit.

To learn more about the latest in hearing aid technology and find a hearing care professional, visit beltone.ca, or take a free online hearing test.

Source: Beltone

5 TIPS TO HELP REDUCE LITTER AND PROTECT THE OCEANS

(Family Features) The tide of environmental studies showing the harmful effects of litter and mismanaged waste on oceans are seemingly everywhere. For example, 8 million metric tons of plastics wind up in streams, rivers and waterways each year, according to research published in "Science."

According to the Ocean Conservancy, plastic product consumption is predicted to double over the next 10 years. With the health of the oceans closely tied to the health of the environment, marine life and humans, making choices that help reduce ocean pollution is one way to make an impact. In fact, research from the Plastic Free July Foundation shows that more than six in 10 people refuse plastic shopping bags, avoid pre-packed fruit and vegetables, pick up litter and avoid buying water in plastic bottles.

"Mismanaged packaging waste is a threat to our oceans and the overall health of our planet," said Lynn Bragg, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. "We can all make a difference by changing the type of food and beverage packaging we buy, opting for reusable and refillable containers, following local recycling guidelines and helping keep beaches and waterways clean."

These tips from the Glass Packaging Institute are just a few ways to contribute:

1. Think about the packaging you choose. When making a purchase, consider alternatives to plastic like glass or other natural and sustainable packaging. Glass, for example, is made mostly from sand and recycled glass, is reusable, recyclable and does not harm oceans or marine life.

2. Choose reusable containers. Taking advantage of reusable containers for food and beverages is one way to live a more eco-friendly life. Since only 9 percent of plastic bottles are recycled, according to "National Geographic," reusable containers can serve as an ideal replacement for bottled water whether at home or on-the-go. Rather than plastic, choose glass or stainless steel, which can hold hot or cold food and beverages, and help protect the contents from any chemicals.

3. Reduce your single-use footprint. Whenever possible, bring reusable bags and containers to the store. Some foods like cereal, pasta and rice can be purchased from bulk bins and placed in a glass or stainless-steel storage container. To further cut down on plastic waste, consider switching to reusable straws, which are available in glass, stainless steel or bamboo.

4. Recycle better. Learn what you can and can't recycle in your community. Certain items like disposable cups, greasy pizza boxes, non-recyclable plastic containers (like those for yogurt) and take-out containers can contaminate entire batches of recycling. About 91 percent of plastic is not recycled and can linger in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to ocean pollution. Glass containers are 100 percent recyclable; steel and aluminum cans and cardboard are also easily recyclable.

5. Get involved. Volunteering or donating can help keep local beaches, parks and waterways clean. Getting involved with international and national groups with local chapters are also ways to participate in a local cleanup.

Find out more about the benefits of choosing and reusing glass packaging to help reduce ocean pollution at upgradetoglass.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Source: Glass Packaging Institute