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Special gifts to make dad smile

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(Family Features) Father’s Day brings a special opportunity each year to celebrate the dad in your life, whether it’s spent lighting a grill in the backyard, heading to the golf course or simply relaxing at home. Make his day one to remember by enjoying his favorite activities and giving a gift that’ll put a grin on his face.

From home chefs and snazzy dressers to outdoorsmen and sports fans, these gifts offer an array of ideas for dads of all kinds, so you can bring a little extra joy to this year’s celebration.

Find more Father’s Day gift inspiration at eLivingtoday.com.

Special Steaks for a Special Dad

Even for the man who has it all, sometimes Father’s Day gifting can be pretty simple. Show Dad some love with the Omaha Steaks Best Father’s Day Gift package that includes mouthwatering favorites like Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignons, Boneless Pork Chops, Boneless Chicken Breasts, Gourmet Jumbo Franks, PureGround Filet Mignon Burgers, Individual Scalloped Potatoes, decadent Caramel Apple Tartlets and a jar of Omaha Steaks Seasoning. Find more gifting wisdom at OmahaSteaks.com/Dad.

Golf Bag Goodies

If he’s like most golfers, chances are your dad spends a few minutes each round searching for his ball after a wayward tee shot. Save him some precious time on the course with the extra golf balls he needs so he doesn’t have to worry about leaving one (or two or three) in the woods. Even amateur players sometimes prefer a certain ball, so don’t be afraid to sneak to the garage and check his current supply so you can put his favorite brand in your cart.

Perfect for His Pocket

Just before heading out the door, there’s one last “checklist” for many dads: phone, wallet, keys, pocketknife. The next time he goes through the classic pocket check, give your dad an upgrade he can smile about with a knife he can use for a variety of situations on a daily basis. For a reminder of home every time he opens the blade, consider a customized option engraved with a loving message so he’ll never forget your thoughtful gift.

Wilderness Must-Haves

Determining the type of gear dad needs depends whether he’s camping high in the mountains or just down the road, but if he’s an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending nights with nature, there’s no limit to the options that can make his nights in the wilderness just a little more comfortable. From tents and backpacks to lanterns, camp stoves and fireside foldout chairs, the man who seems ready for anything might just need one last piece of equipment.

A Wardrobe Upgrade

Whether your dad has style or just thinks he does, you can give his wardrobe the finishing touch it needs with a watch to match the look that’s all his own. From casual styles that complement most of his clothes to traditional timepieces suited for special occasions, there are options in virtually every price range to help the final piece of his outfit make a statement. In the office, on the road or right at home, he’ll be reminded of you every time he checks his wrist.

Food from the Fire

Quick seared, slow smoked or anything in-between, a true chef-worthy grill can take your dad’s barbecue reputation from backyard novice to neighborhood celebrity. He may already view himself as master of the meats, but a new charcoal or propane grill can give him the motivation he needs to try new recipes and cook up classics. It’s a gift he can enjoy while bringing the entire family together to celebrate savory success.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (father and son)

Photos courtesy of Unsplash (golf clubs and balls, pocketknife, camping gear, watch, grill)


SOURCE:
Omaha Steaks

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Celebrate the season with pop-able fall flavors

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(Family Features) As part of the season of change with leaves crunching underfoot and a crispness in the air, remember to pause to celebrate a food known for its change, crunching and crispness – popcorn.

In honor of National Popcorn Poppin’ Month, a time when farmers head to the fields to harvest crops, gather with loved ones to celebrate this humble yet extraordinary snack. Whether it’s prepped on the stove, in the microwave or purchased ready-to-eat, Americans consume around 14 billion quarts each year of the wholesome whole grain, according to the Popcorn Board.

With each kernel, popcorn’s tantalizing aroma fills the air, setting off a journey of sensory bliss, as the sound of popping echoes in ears and the taste of buttery goodness dances on tongues. Whether enjoyed at the movies, during a cozy night in or at festive gatherings, popcorn brings people together, creating moments of shared joy and laughter. Catering to every palate, popcorn’s versatility knows few boundaries, as it can be dressed up with caramel, chocolate or even savory seasonings.

Join the celebration this fall with a fitting recipe like Old Fashioned Bourbon Maple Popcorn with Pecans. Accented with warming flavors of bourbon, orange and bitters, this maple-glazed treat offers a fun, cocktail-inspired snack perfect for sharing.

Discover more snacks that celebrate fall flavors at Popcorn.org.

Old Fashioned Bourbon Maple Popcorn with Pecans

Servings: 4-6

  • 8 cups popped popcorn
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 dash bitters
  1. Place popcorn and pecans in large bowl.
  2. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon and butter; bring to boil. Cook, swirling pan, 3-5 minutes, or until mixture thickens to corn syrup consistency. Stir in orange zest and bitters.
  3. Drizzle maple syrup mixture over popcorn; toss to evenly coat. Cool completely and serve.

Tips: Substitute bourbon with rye or whiskey. For “mocktail” popcorn, substitute with non-alcoholic bourbon or whiskey.


SOURCE:
Popcorn Board

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Find holiday gifts teens, young adults will actually like

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(Family Features) One of the best parts of the holidays is being together with those you love, and for many families that time together involves the exchanging of gifts among loved ones young and old. Finding the right gift for everyone can be a challenge, especially if teenagers and young adults are on your shopping list. 

It seems like social media feeds are constantly filled with a new tech item, style, pastime or trend, making it more challenging to pick out gifts for the young ones on gift lists. This year, consider some on-trend gift ideas – like Jelly Belly Jelly Beans – to show appreciation for the Gen-Zers in your life with presents and stocking stuffers that can win them over.

New in Tech
As one of the most popular categories of gifts for teens and one that’s always evolving, deciding which devices and gadgets to gift can be hard. Consider your loved ones’ hobbies and interests to make the job easier; for example, if they’re music lovers or podcast fanatics, wireless earbuds or headphones are a perfect option. If social butterflies are on your shopping list, portable phone chargers and smartphone accessories like a pop-out phone grip can make sure they’re one step ahead of their next photo or social post. 

For Boba and Candy Lovers
Many Gen-Zers love a good cup of bubble tea or boba swag, so feed their cravings with an option like Jelly Belly Boba Milk Tea jelly beans. With gift boxes, snack bags and more, these delicious treats made for candy lovers provide a perfect balance of tea, tapioca and sweetness in five true-to-life milk tea flavors: Mango, Taro, Matcha, Strawberry and Thai Milk Tea jelly beans. Find these treats at JellyBelly.com where you can purchase online or locate a store near you.

Cozy Comforts
For teens heading to college or young adults venturing out on their own, consider gifting items to spruce up their new spaces. You can give them a helping hand to start their next chapter with fun decor items like throw pillows and blankets or add life to their new homes with stylish wall art or flower subscriptions. For simple reminders of home, consider candles with their favorite scents or aromatherapy diffusers and essential oils to add a touch of calm to the chaos of heading out on their own.

Play to Their Hobbies
Help them embrace their talents and favorite activities whether it’s art, reading, cooking, gaming, playing sports or mastering instruments. New paint kits and supplies can help young Picasso’s take their art to the next level while a new appliance or cookbook can provide an upgrade for avid home chefs.

The Gift of Music
Whether they have a favorite band or are up-and-coming musicians themselves (or both), give the gift of music with fun ways to enjoy their favorite songs. Record players and vinyl records are making a major comeback while portable speakers allow music lovers to take their favorite sounds wherever they go. A subscription to a streaming service can be perfect for casual listeners or, if you’re looking to splurge, consider concert tickets.

Outdoor Adventures
From jogging around the neighborhood to exploring nearby parks and trails, outdoor enthusiasts can never have enough gear. Runners are always searching for the latest sneaker launch or fitness tracker to keep on pace with their goals while more casual enjoyers of the outdoors may love a new water bottle, picnic blanket or beach bag.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (girl opening gift)


SOURCE:
Jelly Belly

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Getting your pet ready for fall

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(Family Features) Pets provide unconditional love to their companions; in return, it’s important to make sure they live happy and healthy lives by providing the best care possible.  This means making sure that in addition to food, treats and toys, they receive daily care for their eyes, ears and overall health.

With a desire to bring a dog into his family’s lives, Albert, a Bausch + Lomb employee, rescued a terrier mix named Watson. However, it soon became apparent Watson needed some extra love and care to help protect his eyes and ears from irritation and excess buildup. When finding a remedy proved difficult, Albert worked with veterinarians to develop Project Watson Health Care for Dogs, a comprehensive line of quality products targeting these specific areas.

To help ensure your furry member of the family has the best head to tail health possible, consider these tips.

Schedule Regular Vet Visits
Routine wellness checks are an essential part of your pet’s care. Annual screenings, even if your dog seems healthy, allow your veterinarian to provide vaccines to combat disease and uncover any health issues that may have otherwise gone undiagnosed until symptoms advanced.

Watch Your Pet’s Diet
Feeding your pet a proper diet based on his or her breed, age, size and lifestyle plays a big role in overall health. A balanced diet that includes high-quality food can lead to a shiny coat, healthy skin, bright eyes and may also help strengthen your pet’s immune system, maintain intestinal health, increase mental acuity, regulate weight, keep muscles and joints healthy and more.

Support Clean Ears and Eyes
Often overlooked, the eyes and ears are vital areas to the overall health and wellness of your pet. To help keep these areas free of any buildup of bacteria that may cause irritation, consider an option like the line of Project Watson Health Care Products for Dogs, which includes an eye wash, eyelid wipe, ear wash, ear wipe and supplements made using high-quality and naturally inspired ingredients.

Excessive blinking or pawing at the eyes can be signs of buildup, irritation or infection. Dirt and debris trapped around the eyes can also clump in fur, leading to skin irritation and infections while excessive tear production can lead to fur staining, which can develop an unpleasant odor. Eye wipes can be used daily to relieve staining and remove excess buildup. Washing your dog’s ears may help reduce dirt, debris and wax buildup; help prevent itching; and reduce the chance of infection while keeping ears smelling fresh.

Create an Exercise Routine
Walks, games in the backyard and social time with other pets can help keep your furry friend in good physical condition. While different breeds and species often have different needs, adequate activity can provide benefits beyond the physical, including reducing boredom, which can potentially lead to anxiety or destructive behaviors.

Prevent Pests
In addition to regular vaccinations, ensure your pet is up to date on parasite prevention. This includes fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and more which can cause reactions ranging from mild to severe (or even fatal in some cases of heartworm or Lyme disease). Look for pests and skin abnormalities when grooming your pet and contact your vet if your pet excessively scratches, chews or licks his or her fur or ears, or persistently shakes his or her head.

For more solutions to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy, speak with your veterinarian or visit tryprojectwatson.com.


SOURCE:
Bausch + Lomb

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