Is Your Salad a High Calorie Land Mine? Monique Coleman has a Perfect Healthy Salad Equation

March 20, 2015 – Healthy eating has been High School Musical Star Monique Coleman’s passion and, as an actress in Hollywood, she always has to look her best and knows just how easy it is to get derailed on nutrition. Monique is on a mission to share her nutritious eating tips since her own family has struggled with making healthy choices and weight issues.

We all know that too much processed and fast food can put you in the fast lane for fitness failure, but did you know that the biggest sabotage to healthy eating may actually come from an unlikely source? Your salad.

Question:  How can salads that start out healthy turn into a high calorie land mine?

Monique Coleman:  A salad may seem like a nutritious choice until you begin to pile on high-calorie ingredients. What starts out as 400 calorie light meal can turn into a 1200 calorie land mine when you add alarming amounts of cheese, high fat commercial salad dressings, croutons, dried fruit, and “a pound” of nuts.  You know, eating healthy is one of my passions and, as an actress in Hollywood, I know just how easy it is to get derailed on nutrition.  I’ve put together some tips and recipes plus have a perfect salad equation to diffuse the high calorie salad bomb.

Question:  Let’s start with the perfect salad equation. How do you  make a truly healthy salad?

Monique Coleman:  That’s exactly what it is….an equation. Your salad should be three-quarters fresh fruits and vegetables like a mix of greens including kale and other leafy greens like turnips, mustards and collards which are so good for you and even cut up veggies like squash, zucchini, celery, onion, sliced peppers and tomatoes and a one-quarter combo of lean protein, like chicken, or black beans or tofu plus a complex carbohydrate such as wheat berries or quinoa.

You can add one-to-two tablespoons of calorie-dense items like avocado wedges that are healthy fats. If you need extra flavor, just toss in some fresh herbs into the mix like basil, cilantro or mint; or whisk raw or roasted garlic into oil and vinegar. A healthy salad doesn’t have to be boring because it should be a feast for your senses.

Question:  Why is a variety of vegetables better for you?

Monique Coleman:  I recently read a study by University College in London that found that 48% of people who eat seven or more servings of vegetables and fruit a day live longer than those who don’t. So aim for at least two cups of veggies with lots of different colors like the ones you see here from Nature’s Greens and Versatile Veggies which are always in season. Last summer, I got to visit their farm and fields where they grow their produce and know first hand that eating vegetables that are in season will give you maximum nutrition benefit .

Question:  What are some easy ways to get a variety of veggies in your diet?

Monique Coleman:  We all have busy lifestyles and it’s not always easy to eat healthy so make it easy on yourself and look for pre-cut and pre-washed bags of greens – my favorites Kale and Collards — and already chopped vegetables. Nature’s Greens and Versatile Veggies make it very convenient to eat healthy.

Also, a very popular trend is fruit smoothies but it’s a misconception that they are all healthy for you because many are packed with crazy amounts of sugar so your best option is to make your own and many people don’t think to do a vegetable smoothie, but they’re a great way to add veggies to your daily routine. You know I have put together some really easy recipes that are packed with nutrition and flavor, including my favorite Kale smoothie at Rawl.net.

Monique Coleman is most recognized as Taylor McKessie from the tremendously successful High School Musical franchise, as well as one of the stars of Dancing with the Stars (Season 3). She has also guest starred on such shows as Boston Public, Malcolm in the Middle, Veronica Mars, Bones, and was a series regular on Disney’s The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Coleman has also co-hosted The View, and appeared on Rachel Ray, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Elle. Monique grew up in South Carolina and has been inspired to pursue healthy eating because of her own family’s struggle with making healthy choices and weight issues. She loves learning about how fresh vegetables are grown and get to markets so she can make the healthiest choices as well as sharing her nutritious recipes with fans on her blog. She is currently partnering with leafy greens grower WP Rawl to promote their brand Nature’s Greens® and healthy living. Monique is passionate about living a well-balanced life and wants to show her fans eating greens in healthy ways can also taste great!

World Water Day Takes On Global Water Crisis: An Interview with World Vision’s Dr. Greg Allgood

March 18, 2015 – We rarely imagine that a water crisis could hit the homeland, but if you think that what happens overseas couldn’t happen here in America, you’d be very wrong. It only takes one disaster, natural or man made, to compromise our water supply. In fact last year, 400,000 people in Toledo, Ohio, were without safe drinking water for days due to toxic algae in the water supply. A chemical spill in Charleston, West Virginia, made water unsafe to drink for weeks.

In the United States, we usually take clean drinking water for granted, but as thousands of people learned during Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina where many drinking water systems were impacted, Americans are just one disaster away from gaining a quick understanding of what 748 million people around the world experience every day – the challenge of getting access to clean water. In both U.S. disasters, World Vision responded and after Hurricane Katrina, it opened a 40,000-square-foot distribution center in Mississippi where $8.2 million in goods were distributed to more than 318,000 survivors.

World Water Day is March 22nd and Dr. Greg Allgood, World Vision’s Vice President of Water, is on a mission to let the world know about the opportunity to solve the global water crisis.

Question: How big is the global water crisis?

Dr. Greg Allgood: More than 748 million people do not have access to clean water and the problem in the developing world is so severe that nearly 1,600 children under the age of five die each day from diarrhea caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation and improper hygiene – that’s more than AIDS and malaria combined.

Women and girls are responsible for water collection in 71 percent of households and in sub-Saharan Africa, they have to walk 3.7 miles every day to collect water. So when they have access to clean water in their community, it frees children from deadly disease; less money is spent on medicine which means more for savings and investing in things like education and the girls get to go to school instead of walking long distances to gather water.

Question: What are the latest advancements in reaching people in need with clean water?

Dr. Greg Allgood: We have several ways to reach the best clean water source whether it’s drilling deep wells or protecting springs. There’s nothing quite like providing water to a community for the first time. One of the most exciting innovations is our work using solar panels, a green energy source,  to pump water to communities.

World Vision is now the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the developing world and we reach one new person with clean water every 30 seconds. Our approach is sustainable.  A recent study showed that even after two decades water continued to flow because of community ownership of the water points.

We also have an innovative and fun partnership with Sesame Street to reach school children in the developing world to teach good hygiene and sanitation practices that will dramatically improve their quality of life.

Question: What are some creative ways people can be a part of solving the global water crisis and help provide clean water to someone in need around the world?

Dr. Greg Allgood:   If you like to exercise, you can join thousands of people who will be walking or running a World Vision 6K on World Water Day for children in Africa. You can use social media to join celebrities like Pharrel Williams, Fergie and Pitbull by using the hashtags #WaterNow and #WaterEffect.

For just $50, you can give one new person with clean water that lasts and a pledge of $25 a month helps six people get clean water for an entire year.

You can be part of the solution at worldvision.org/water.

Quick Info/Stats on Global Water Crisis

• Globally, 1 in 9 people lack access to clean water.
• Women and children in sub-Saharan Africa walk 3.7 miles daily to collect water each day – that’s 20 million hours daily. Women and girls are responsible for water collection in 71 percent of households
• More than one-third of the global population lacks access to improved sanitation.

Dr. Greg Allgood is World Vision’s vice president for water. Allgood leads the establishment of alliances with corporations, foundations and individuals to enable World Vision to bring access to clean water to millions more people around the world. He holds a master’s in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a doctorate toxicology from North Carolina State University. Prior to joining World Vision, Dr. Allgood created and led a global clean drinking water program that provided more than six billion liters of clean drinking water in the developing world and helped manage partnerships with the Clinton Global Initiative, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other nonprofit organizations. Dr. Allgood is a frequent lecturer on public private partnerships, sustainability and safe drinking water in developing countries.

Household Problem Solvers and Easy Ways to Save Time & Money

Many family budgets are squeezed to the max. Grocery bills are increasing, gas prices are on their way back up, and keeping the family connected is costing a small fortune. Lifestyle expert, Emily Kaufman, has some problem solvers for the household budget and shares some solutions including easy ways to save – from how to get the most value for your mobile phone to apps to help you save time and money to easy ways to eat healthy when you’re pressed for time with today’s busy lifestyles.

Use Your Tax Refund to Save on Your Monthly Wireless Bill. According to a national survey conducted by Straight Talk Wireless, nearly 70 percent of taxpayers anticipate they’ll get a tax refund of $500 or more and 80 percent consider tax season as a time to think about ways to save money. In fact, monthly wireless spending is an area where Americans want to save more money with 25 percent stating this is a big expenditure they would like to reduce. One way to maximize your tax refund and cut back on expenses is by switching your wireless phone plan. Straight Talk Wireless has the latest wireless devices and a no-contract plan with Unlimited Talk, Text and the first 3GB of data at high speed for just $45 per month. You can get their phones and service plans exclusively at Walmart. Find out more at straighttalk.com.

Smartphones are Your Ticket to Savings. Smartphones are a great tool that can save you time and money and here are a three FREE apps for you can get for your iPhone or Android that do just that. Grocery iQ is a must-have app for busy families or for anyone trying to keep their grocery budget under control. You can you build grocery lists by searching through tons of products and use voice recognition or barcode scanning. Also, RetailMeNot puts thousands of coupons in your pocket for hundreds of stores and you don’t have to print them, just show your phone at the register. Finally, gas prices can be a major headache and the GasBuddy app finds the cheapest gas prices closest to you and the app remains extraordinarily up-to-date on your best gas deals.

New Smart Way to Eat Healthy On The Go. If you want an easy and healthy​ snack for busy lives on the go, Crispy Fruit is a convenient grab ‘n go option that’s 100% natural and kids and adults love them. It is a single-ingredient crunchy fruit snack option with less than 55 calories per serving and comes in seven flavors including Apple, Banana, Mango, Pineapple, Asian Pear, Cantaloupe, and Tangerine. Crispy Fruit is Non-GMO Project Verified, has a light, crispy texture and, since it’s freeze-dried, there are no preservatives. Since you know I travel a lot, I love that it is also TSA friendly and you can toss in your carry-on, purse, backpack, or gym bag. they’re just $1.50 a bag and you can get then at local stores or online at CrispyGreen.com.

Positive Changes & Fresh Start Solutions for a New Year and a New You

Each new year brings new opportunities for positive change and lifestyle expert, Emily Kaufman, has some ideas to get a fresh start with a brand new year from finance to health and other lifestyle changes for you and your family.

Get a Fresh Start on Personal Finances in 2015. According to the recent Bank of America & USA Today Better Money Habits Millennial Report, even though 80% of millennials 18 to 34 think they’ll be better off or the same as their parents, the majority say they are actually living paycheck-to-paycheck and many are falling short when it comes to saving. To get your financial life on the right path this year, Bank of America and Khan Academy have partnered to design a free website that takes the complexity out of personal finance at BetterMoneyHabits.com. The site has short videos that make personal finance topics easy to understand plus some hands-on tools for your personal financial goals. Content is organized around goals, such as reducing credit card debt or getting ready for tax season, so it’s relevant to what you want to achieve. You can get started on your desktop, tablet or mobile device.at BetterMoneyHabits.com.

Good Health is About Much More Than the Scale. Losing weight is always one of the top resolutions on everyone’s list whether it’s five pounds or fifty, but good health is more than just diet and Sam’s Club wants you to take control of your health this year. That’s why they’re offering a free health screening open to the public on Saturday, January 10th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help people keep their New Year health goals. The free screening is valued at $250 and tests health indicators like your blood pressure, body mass index and cholesterol levels. This is one of 10 free screenings that Sam’s Club offers nationwide throughout the year from now through October that cover a wide range of tests to help assess and manage your health. You can find out more at SamsClub.com.

Get Kids on Track to Healthy Eating with Fruits and Veggies Disguised as Snacks.   New Year’s resolutions for better health are not just for adults. Most parents want to make sure that they’re kids are eating more fruits and vegetables in the New Year and what better way to that than to give them fruits and veggies disguised as snacks. Bolthouse Farms Kids™ Fruit Tubes are real fruit puree blends in squeezable, slim tubes with no added sugar or preservatives. You can eat them chilled or frozen and they come in two flavors: Mango Meets Banana & Pineapple and Strawberry Meets Banana. You’ll find them in produce sections at grocery stores nationwide including WalMart and Giant Eagle for just $3.99 for 10 fruit tubes. Bolthouse Farms Kids™ also has fruit smoothies and veggie snackers that have NO added preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavors. You can find out more at Bolthouse.com.

Finally, don’t forget that the most important secret for succeeding at your new year goals is to get started and stick with it. It’s the sum of the little things you do everyday toward your goals that help you achieve your plans.

Holiday Tech, Toys, & Gifts for Kids of All Ages

Dreaming of sugar plums is a thing of the past and with Christmas on its way, most kids have visions of the latest hi-tech toys and gifts dancing in their heads. Busy mom, Emily Kaufman, has some holiday gift ideas from hi-tech to low-tech to fit almost any budget and fun gift ideas for kids of all ages.

The Hottest Toy This Holiday Season. Each year, there is a gift that is at the top of every boy’s wish list, but this one is so much fun, that boys, girls and kids of all ages will want one. Hot Wheels has designed the first-ever flying car! The Hot Wheels RC Street Hawk can race on land and fly through the air, with its 360-degree remote-controlled steering and sleek style. Street Hawk climbs up to 200 feet in the air and performs all sorts of aeriel stunts. It’s also easy on the holiday budget at just $59.99 and is truly the ride of the future! You can purchase the Street Hawk on Walmart.com.

Batteries Not Included. Since sixteen of the 20 toys on Walmart’s ‘Chosen by Kids’ Top Toy List are battery-powered, “Batteries not included” are three little words that can put a damper on Christmas morning. But not all batteries are the same and when they are left in toys and other electronic devices for long periods, they can leak and the corrosion can destroy toys and gadgets. Energizer has solved the problem of leaking batteries with Energizer® MAX® – a long-lasting battery with Power Seal technology so make sure you have them on hand for the holidays.

Also, Energizer LED flashlights and headlights make great stocking stuffers for kids of all ages. Headlights are lightweight so you can keep your hands free for outdoor family adventures and exercise, reading a book or do-it-yourself projects around the house. Find out more at Energizer.com.

My Very, Very Busy Day! – Book for Kids with Cats & Dogs.   Banfield Pet Hospital has created its first-ever children’s book titled “My Very, Very Busy Day!” that was written to entertain and educate children by focusing on what it means to be a responsible pet owner. The book highlights how to properly care for a pet and the importance of pets receiving regular preventive veterinary care in order to remain healthy and happy. “My Very, Very Busy Day!” is available nationwide at all 880 Banfield Pet Hospital locations for a suggested donation of $10 to Banfield Charitable Trust, which provides preventive care to pets in need. “My Very, Very Busy Day!” tells the story of two four-legged friends, Captain Noodles and Kitty, as they venture through daily activities including a very important six month check-up at the veterinarian.   “My Very, Very Busy Day!” includes Banfield’s “Best Friend Promise” for children to sign which signifies their understanding of what is needed to keep pets healthy and happy, as well as their promise to become a responsible pet owner.

Finally, don’t forget that some of the best gifts are homemade or involve giving the gift of your time. In today’s busy world, time is one thing that is in short supply for families and friends. An offer to babysit or even providing a coupon for cleaning windowsm, washing the car, or shoveling snow will always mean a lot to overwhelmed moms or dads.

Staying Healthy at Work & Home During Cold & Flu Season

An estimated 22–189 million school days are missed annually due to a cold. As a result, parents missed 126 million workdays to stay home to care for their children. When added to the 150 million workdays missed by employees suffering from a cold, the total economic impact of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion per year . Career expert and former Human Resources Executive, Vicki Salemi, understands the impact and has new ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season to stay on the job during cold and flu season .

How to Clean Air to Prevent Spread of Germs. The Venta Airwasher is a 2-in-1 system that purifies the air and then humidifies a room to the optimal level. It stops the transmission of the smallest particles of germs, bacteria, and allergens by drawing in dry, dirty air and “washing” the air. It uses water as the filter so that only purified, humidified air is sent back into the room. It is easy to operate and perfect for the office or at home to help stop germs from being transmitted during cold and flu season. You can order various models online for a variety of room sizes through Amazon.com or at Venta-Airwasher.com (where to find retailers across the country.)

Understand the Difference Between Cold & Flu. Since you treat a cold differently than you do a flu, you need to know the difference between the two. A cold will come on gradually, but the flu will hit you very suddenly. Flu-like symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, headache and fatigue, but you can nip the flu in the bud by taking Oscillo at the first sign of illness. According to clinical studies, it shortens the duration and reduces the severity of flu-like symptoms and it does not cause drowsiness or interact with other medications. It’s recommended for everyone ages two to 102 and you can get it at major drugstores like CVS, Walgreen’s, Rite Aid or Target. You want to keep it in your purse, briefcase, or desk drawer so that you always have it on hand at the onset of symptoms. Find out more information about flu in the workplace at Oscillo.com.

A Home Remedy for Viruses. There is a home remedy that can really make a difference when dealing with viruses that not everyone knows about and may make a difference between “calling in sick” or staying healthy. Oregano Oil is a very potent natural antibiotic and antiviral. When 5-6 drops are put in a glass of water and gargled, it can stop a sore throat in its tracks. If you use 5-6 drops in a glass of water and then swallow, it can help kill cold or infection in under 24 hours. You must take it at the first onset of symptoms and pregnant women should not take oregano oil. It is very strong and children may not like it.

Basic Tips for Everyone to Stay Healthy. Everyone should know these basic tips to stay healthy during cold and flu season but they are always worth mentioning: First, washing your hands is the number one defense against cold & flu season since that’s how most viruses are transmitted – you touch an infected surface and then touch your face.  Second, disinfect your home, office and car and wipe down surfaces like your phones, cell phones, computer keyboard and steering wheel. And finally, boost your immune system with plenty of sleep, exercise and eating a healthy diet.

On the Frontlines of Ebola with Carolyn Miles, President of Save the Children

According to the CDC, the Ebola caseload in Liberia and Sierra Leone could top 1.4 million people by late January without significantly faster steps to control the spread of the virus. Your News Cafe talked to the President of Save the Children, Carolyn Miles, who just spent three days meeting with children in Liberia left orphaned by Ebola and where her organization is setting up ten treatment centers.

Your News Cafe: It’s so hard for us to even imagine what it’s like on that front lines of the Ebola epidemic in Liberia.   What is it like?

Carolyn Miles: Well, it’s a pretty scary place right now, but the good news is that people are treating this very seriously. There are posters everywhere talking about what Ebola does and how to recognize if you have it. There are lots and lots of things that people are doing and Save the Children is building treatment units and is really focused on children. There are almost 2,000 orphans now in Liberia whose parents have died of the virus. We’re working very hard on that issue.

Your News Cafe: You met with children and families who had gone through the incubation isolation period and were not considered infectious.  What can you tell us about the kids you met with?

Carolyn Miles: More than 2,000 children have nowhere to turn. When they take the bodies they burn everything inside the house and so these children were living on their own with basically nothing A lot of people in the community are very scared of kids who have lived with an Ebola victim so they were getting very little support.

Your News Cafe: We were talking about the possibility of more than a million being infected by late January with this particular virus — how are aid groups like yours stepping up the response to the outbreak?

Carolyn Miles: We all do have to do more to change the transmission rate of this disease. Right now, for every person who’s getting it, two more are getting infected and that’s what you have to break. That means getting people out of their homes and into some kind of treatment, which is why many of us are working and there are many organizations there working to build these treatment units and to build the larger hospitals where people can go. I think Americans are very nervous about this disease and about it coming here. but the biggest thing that we can do right now is to support the efforts in West Africa to stop it and to urgently get more resources to stop the disease there.

Your News Cafe: Tell us what you did to protect yourself while you were on those frontlines.

Carolyn Miles: You can stay safe. Nothing is 100%. but one of the things that you do is you spray your hands or wash your hands with a chlorinated water solution every time you go into and out of a building. You spray your feet if you’ve been in areas where there’s been Ebola with a chlorine solution which does kill the virus. You don’t shake hands. You don’t hug people. There really is no touching and if you’re in a treatment facility with Ebola patients, active patients, you wear full protective suits. So there are things that you can do to keep yourself safe and I salute those doctors that are going because at the end of the day, we need more doctors there and more opportunities for treatment.

Your News Cafe: Do you have concerns for your team in Liberia?

Carolyn Miles: I do worry about our staff there but on the other hand, they need to be there to work to control this epidemic. There just aren’t enough beds for people to get into treatment so people are treating at home and then multiple people are still getting sick. By the end of the month, Save the Children hopes to have two care centers up and running in Liberia.

Your News Cafe: What can be done right now to help those organizations that are on the ground in West Africa?

Carolyn Miles: One of the biggest things people can do is support organizations like Save the Children to help children. There are so many orphans from this disease and if you go to our web site at SaveTheChildren.org, you can learn more about how to help. We’re giving out survivor kits, for example, to these kids, which include food and household items, et cetera. that’s how people can help.

Your News Cafe:   Save the Children is making a big difference as it helps children in desperate need and has 150 people on the ground in West Africa. They are working with partners to help prevent and address the disease, including building ten community care units in Liberia to get people out of their homes. In order to prevent new cases, they are training vitally important frontline health workers, distributing protective kits and equipment, reaching tens of thousands of people in communities with information on how to limit the risks to themselves and their families, and supporting children who have been orphaned by the virus.

 

 

 

The Latest Fall Travel Tips and Trends from The Travel Mom, Emily Kaufman

Even with soaring airfares and gas prices, ’tis the season for great weather, great fall foliage and great off season travel deals. The Travel Mom, Emily Kaufman, has the inside scoop on what everyone needs to know about great fall vacation ideas from getaways to cruise deals and more.

Emily Kaufman – Ft. Lauderdale in the Background.

 

The fall is a great time to travel since it’s shoulder season and you can get great deals and the summer crowds are gone.

Cruises are one of the best vacation choices today.   Cruises offer terrific value, let you see many exciting destinations in one trip without packing and unpacking and most everything – including meals and entertainment – is included in one, very affordable price! The fall is a great time to take or buy a cruise – especially during Cruise Lines International Association’s “World’s Largest Cruise Sale,” taking place October 6-13. This is when all the top cruise lines, – including Carnival, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line – and thousands of travel agents across the U.S. team up to offer spectacular savings on more than 200 cruise ships.

There’s a cruise for everyone and every budget available during CLIA Cruise Week – from Caribbean cruises, to river voyages in Europe, romantic cruises in the Mediterranean and even adventure cruises in Antarctica. Some of the very special cruise offers that you can get during CLIA Cruise Week include:

• Carnival Cruise Line – Great rates, plus 50% reduced deposits, plus upgrades and $50 onboard credit
• Royal Caribbean – Buy one guest; get the second guest at 50% off; plus 5% off the line’s ChoiceAir air fare bookings
• Norwegian Cruise Line – 10% off cruise fares with onboard credits for specialty dining, shore excursions or spa treatments
• Avalon River Cruises – a savings of $1,300 per couple for river cruises in Europe

Just go to cruising.org/vacations for a full list of CLIA Cruise Week special offers and to find a CLIA trained and certified cruise specialist travel agent near you who will make booking your special cruise a breeze!

Look for areas that are popular during the peak seasons to get the best deals in shoulder season. Greater Fort Lauderdale in South Florida not only has beautiful beaches, but it’s also known as the “Yachting Capital of the World” so you’ll want to check out the 55^th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show that is the world’s largest in-water boat show and features nearly $4 billion dollars’ worth of boats and sea vessels of all sizes.

Greater Fort Lauderdale kicks off its 100^th Centennial this October with a year-long calendar of special events and happenings throughout Broward County.  For the next 12 months, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Centennial celebrations will include music and dance performances, concerts and festivals, art exhibitions, museum tours, and many events for children and families.

And, if you want to take a cruise on a really big boat, check out the cruise ships sailing from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades and the destination’s “Cruise & Play” program with special offers on pre and post cruise hotel packages and discounts at attractions and restaurants. Visit www.sunny.org for more information.

New Ways to Make Life Easy with Latest Technology Trends

If life feels like you’re burning the candles at both ends between demands of career and family, busy mom and lifestyle expert, Emily Kaufman, has new ways to make life easy because everyone needs solutions to everyday life issues and problems that can save time, money and simply make life easier. Instead of letting life control you, it’s time to take control of your life with these helpful tips.

A Smartphone is the Technical Version of a Swiss Army Knife. Nearly half of Americans say they can’t last more than 24 hours without their smartphone. That’s probably because they are the key to helping us manage our busy lives and save time on all sorts of things including our finances.

This is according to a Bank of America study that also found that more than 60% of people say they have tried mobile banking. Emily knows this first hand with her busy travel schedule and a daughter in college — mobile banking makes it possible for her to take care of her banking responsibilities on the go. The study also found that nearly six in 10 people have used mobile check deposit because it’s a convenient and easy way to deposit a check anywhere and anytime. Nearly 40% of people use mobile check depostit frequently – allowing them to take care of their banking whenever they choose. More information and download the mobile app at Bank of America.com.

Don’t Be Left In the Dark During a Power Outage. September is National Preparedness Month and it’s important to have a plan with your family for when severe weather strikes so you know what to do before, during and after. You may not think it will happen to you, but 36 percent of American households have experienced a power outage in the past year, a new survey shows. Power outages are very common during bad weather so you need to keep a portable light with fresh Energizer batteries in every room to ensure you’re not digging through closets or drawers looking for that flashlight in the dark. Energizer has portable lights to ensure you’re ready for any situation including Weatheready® lights,  Energizer® lights with Light Fusion Technology, and Headlights that are compact, versatile solutions designed to keep you and your family safe during a weather emergency.

Always Be Prepared for Weather Emergencies. According to a recent survey by Energizer finds that only 38 percent of American households keep an emergency kit at home for severe weather situations. Everyone should keep an emergency kit stocked with bottled water, canned food, copies of vital information, a first aid kit with prescriptions and an Energizer_® Emergency Weather Station, which acts as a light, radio and charging station. Also, make sure to charge your cell phone and ensure that your radio and flashlight have fresh batteries. Energizer_® MAX® with Power Seal Technology are long-lasting and designed not to leak in your devices.

Technology Solutions to Deal with Every Day Problems. In today’s busy world, you really need to make technology your friend and that’s why a smartphone is essential. There are so many apps designed to help you. You can make your finances easy with mobile banking like with Bank of America’s mobile banking app, download fitness apps to track how many miles you walk, run or cycle, find a handyman or house cleaner with the Handybook app, and even a check on your home when your not at home with Logitech Alert App.

Fall Tailgating Tips with ESPN’s Mark Schlereth

With football season kicking into gear, there is one thing on everyone’s mind and that’s tailgate time. NFL Analyst, Mark Schlereth has a play by play for tailgate season with tips for the perfect tailgater.

Staygate Pizza.  If you can’t go to the tailgate, you may need to create a staygate and Schwan’s has a selection of fantastic and flavorful pizzas.

They’ve created a one stop for planning the perfect tailgater including entertainment ideas, recipes, games, contests and more  at TailgateAtYourPlace.com.  Over the course of the football season, they have over $150,000 in prizes and are giving away entertainment centers and even a brand new kitchen.

When you do grill at your tailgater you can take the guess work out of grilling with Cook’d Right Sesnors from Volk Enterprises.  Just put them in your meat and it will tell you in ten seconds if your meat is properly cooked.

And at the end of the tailgater, it’s all about cleaning up the mess and Bounty’s NFL prints are perfect to clean up the spills after the game time thrills.  The can tackle any mess and two times more absorbent than one-sheet brands.

So have fun, football fans!

 

Note: CMP Media Cafe produced in association with Gourvitz Communications.