Live Better

Workin’ 5-9: Make the most of your morning hours

Published

4 weeks ago

08/28/2024

(Family Features) From a regenerative bath to that first cup of coffee, early morning rituals have the power to heal, restore and fuel. They can leave you feeling accomplished, empowered and ready to take on the day. How you spend your hours from 5-9 each day can ensure you’re well prepared to tackle whatever your 9-5 throws your way.

Establishing a well-planned and consistent routine removes the guesswork and makes it easy to accomplish more during these essential hours that set the stage for the day ahead. Get a jumpstart on your day with these tips to make the most of your morning routine.

Set Personal Goals
Just as no two people are exactly alike, your morning routine should reflect your unique needs. Some people need these early hours to ease out of sleep and gradually work toward a busy day while others jump out of bed ready to set the day in motion. Decide what you can realistically accomplish in your waking hours before you hit the office or school drop-off line and plan a sequence that makes sense for you and your family. When you have a steady routine in place, it’s typically easier to keep up with habits like early morning workouts, and on days when your energy is lagging, you can shift into autopilot and still get everything done.

Create a Rejuvenating Space
No matter your 5-9 routine, the bathroom is central to it. You can start the day with a more positive outlook when you get ready in a space that’s equal parts functional and beautiful. With stunning design, innovative features that make life easier, environmentally conscious performance and do-it-yourself installation ease, the Aspirations Collection from American Standard provides a full suite of bathroom products to start your day right.

This collection gives you plenty of reason to consider upgrades, whether coordinating a full bathroom and accessories or installing just one or two elements like a unique faucet. Choose one with a pull-out, swivel spout to quickly clean those hard-to-reach corners or a touchless option for hands-free convenience. Find the right sink to match with four different stylish options that lend a personal design while streamlining morning routines for you and your family. Awaken your senses with a four-function showerhead and keep all your bathing essentials organized with a clever shelving wall panel. Reflecting nearly 150 years of quality craftsmanship, design and reliability, each piece within the collection delivers big on style and performance.

Practice Good Sleep Habits
The way you end each day influences how you start the next one. Going to bed on time, avoiding screen time before you turn out the lights and creating a comfortable sleep environment are all keys to restful sleep. However, managing your sleep doesn’t end once you reach dreamland; your wake-up routine is also an essential aspect of a healthy sleep schedule. One of the biggest detriments to quality sleep is hitting snooze to delay your day. Just a few more minutes easily becomes 20, 30 or more and none of that time is quality rest, so you’re not really gaining anything.

Ensure You’re Well-Equipped
Few things can sidetrack a good morning routine like discovering an empty bottle of shampoo or an empty can of shaving cream. Make a habit of regularly taking inventory of your morning supplies. Watch for sales so you can keep backups on hand to ensure you’ll always have your favorite toiletry items ready to help you feel refreshed and ready to go.

Make Time for Breakfast
Countless studies affirm the importance of a well-rounded breakfast. Researchers have found good nutrition provides fuel to help give you energy, promote clearer thinking and problem solving, improve mood and memory, and more. If you can’t stomach a full meal, look for alternatives to give your system a morning boost, such as a protein-rich smoothie early and a more substantial snack later in the morning.

Enjoy a Mindful Moment
Making time to relax or do something you enjoy can set a positive tone for the day. You might savor a few quiet moments over a cup of coffee or spend quality time with a pet. Early morning light and nature sounds can provide calming background for meditation, or you might simply use the time to organize your to-do list so you feel better prepared to tackle the day.

Take Time to Tidy Up
When it’s time to put the workday behind you, it can be easier to make the mental shift from work mode to life mode when there’s not a list full of chores awaiting you at home. As part of your morning routine, make your bed, clean your vanity countertop and complete other small chores to make your evening load lighter.

Find more ideas and inspiration for making the most out of every morning at americanstandard.com.

SOURCE:
American Standard

Live Better

Tackle college and career prep with top tech

Published

2 days ago

09/25/2024

bowienews

(Family Features) Whether this semester’s class load calls for a computing upgrade or a career’s worth of tech demands is on the horizon, equipping yourself with the latest innovations can help you take on the challenge.

Surveying the latest laptops to hit the market might be daunting, but whittling your list to a few recommendations from the experts at Qualcomm can start you down the right path for your own needs. Consider which features are most important to your education or work, whether it’s a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet, a powerful PC with groundbreaking AI capabilities or a lightning-fast connection to help tackle heavy workloads.

These high-performance solutions are powered by the Snapdragon X Elite platform. Built for AI, it’s a powerful, intelligent and efficient laptop processor that boasts cutting-edge responsiveness, allowing you to navigate demanding multitasking workloads across productivity, creativity, immersive entertainment and beyond – while getting up to multiple days of battery life on a single charge.

Visit qualcomm.com/snapdragon to discover more solutions for education and careers.

Harness the Capabilities of AI

Level up your productivity and get creative with the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, powered by Snapdragon X Elite. With powerful on-device AI performance and speedy Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, the possibilities are endless so you can create on the fly, anywhere you go. It’s not just smart – it’s your creative sidekick that knows what you need before you do. Built for AI, it streamlines your creative tasks with leading on-device intelligence capabilities.

Power Your Productivity

Built to work on the go thanks to its powerful performance and groundbreaking on-device AI travel assistant, the HP OmniBook X AI PC can help you unlock unparalleled productivity. Powered by Snapdragon X Elite and its intelligent, efficient processing capabilities, it features up to 26 hours of battery life to tackle demanding workloads. Fuel your creative potential with super-charged performance that’s equipped with Wi-Fi 7 for seamlessly quick connectivity and a collection of AI tools and solutions to keep you running at your best.

Discover an All-New PC Experience

In the classroom and beyond, you can unleash power-packed performance and advanced AI with the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge. Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor and built for Galaxy AI, the thin and lightweight laptop, which is available with a 14- or 16-inch screen, offers 16 gigabytes of RAM to transform how you create, communicate and play by providing powerful computing, AI performance and power efficiency.

Navigate Complex Workloads with Ease

With cutting-edge responsiveness and unmatched speed for navigating the multitasking required in today’s digital-first age, the Dell XPS 13 – featuring powerful, on-device Copilot+ AI – lets you effortlessly tackle complex workloads. Powered by Snapdragon X Elite and featuring premium audio and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, the strong, lightweight laptop is crafted with machined aluminum for an elegant, minimalistic design.

Combine Outstanding Performance with Ultimate Flexibility

Effortlessly shift from tablet to sketchbook to multiple monitors – whatever the school or work day requires – with the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 and its unique detachable kickstand design. A laptop reimagined, this flexible, powerful 2-in-1 provides AI-accelerated power, multi-day battery life and lightning-fast speed via the Snapdragon X Elite processor to keep up all day long, no matter where your studies or career take you.

SOURCE:
Qualcomm

Live Better

Choose the right tires for your ride

Published

1 week ago

09/18/2024

bowienews

(Family Features) Many drivers have difficulty selecting the best tire for their vehicle and driving needs. For many, tire selection starts at the size then jumps to what’s in stock or what’s on sale. However, there are many factors to consider when you need new tires for your car, truck or SUV. Buying tires is an investment, so it’s important to make the right decision.

You may be surprised to learn determining the best tire is as much about the driver as it is the vehicle. Choosing the right tire requires considering where you drive, how you drive and what you drive. You can explore these and other factors in the Treadwell tire-buying recommendation tool, which is based on a decade of data and real-world test results.

This tire recommendation tool combines millions of data points from tire safety checks and Discount Tire’s own test track where intensive tests are performed on tires from all major manufacturers, along with the driver’s location, vehicle and driving habits, to generate a selection of personalized tire recommendations from a variety of brands.

With more than 20,000 different models of tires available for the everyday driver, it’s no wonder tire-buying can be a mystifying process. However, tools like this can help drivers make the most informed choice while having access to the same information tire technicians use in-stores alongside their expertise. The result: empowering drivers with information and options tailored to their needs.

If you think it may be time to replace your tires, start with the Treadwell tool and consider these five expert tips to simplify the process from the technicians at your local Discount Tire.

Driving Style
The type of driver you are, the kind of ride you want and how long you expect your tires to last are all factors in choosing the right tires. For example, thrill drivers might prefer tires with high levels of grip and responsiveness while those who stick to long road trips are better suited for long-lasting, smooth riding tires.

Weather Conditions
Your location and the weather you regularly encounter when you drive influence the type of tires you need. For example, drivers in the upper Midwest require tires that perform well in extreme cold and winter weather while those in humid climates like the Southeast need tires that perform well in wet conditions.

Budget
Purchasing tires is an investment. Drivers should look at the cost of their tires over time, rather than the cost up front. In the long run, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a higher quality tire based on multiple factors like increased safety, improved handling and ride quality, as well as cost per mile.

Vehicle Specifications
Tire specifications can vary depending on the type of car you own. For electric vehicles and vehicles carrying heavy loads, it’s critical to know how much weight your tires can safely support. Only install tires that meet or exceed the load requirements for your ride.

Wear and Age
Two of the most important considerations when replacing tires are tread depth and tire age.

Your tires’ tread depth directly impacts your vehicle’s ability to stop. Tires are reaching the end of their life at 4/32 inches of tread. However, your tires may be underperforming even if more tread remains, particularly in rain or extreme weather conditions.

When it comes to replacing your tires, you should also consider their age. Because the materials used break down over time, experts recommend replacing tires that are six years or more past the date of manufacture.

To access the tool and complete the online survey to determine the right tires for you, visit DiscountTire.com/Treadwell.

SOURCE:
Discount Tire

Live Better

5 tips for a budget-friendly Fall vacation

Published

2 weeks ago

09/11/2024

bowienews

(Family Features) If you’re looking to get away, fall is a perfect time to plan an escape. With smaller crowds at many popular destinations and more comfortable weather, scenic autumn landscapes and cozy hideaways await.

To get your planning started, consider these tips to enjoy a spectacular fall vacation without breaking the bank.

Choose a Destination with Beautiful Scenery
When planning a fall vacation, research the cost of living for potential destinations. Some places may have lower costs for accommodations, dining and attractions, allowing you to stretch your budget further. Considering destinations known for their stunning fall foliage, such as New England, can allow you to take advantage of budget-friendly activities, like nature walks or sightseeing, that capitalize on the beauty and charm of the season.

Time Your Trip to Take Advantage of Deals
Timing is key when it comes to finding the best deals. Consider traveling during the shoulder season, which is the period just before or after peak tourist seasons. During this time, prices for accommodations and attractions are often lower and there are fewer crowds. If you have the freedom to choose when to go on vacation, look for off-peak days or midweek travel. Prices tend to be lower during these times compared to weekends or popular travel holidays.

Pack Essentials to Save on Unnecessary Purchases
Packing strategically can help you save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. Consider packing these essentials:

Layered clothing: Instead of bulky sweaters or coats, opt for lightweight layers that can be easily combined to keep you warm.
Reusable water bottles: Bringing a reusable water bottle helps you avoid buying bottled water and reduces waste.
Snacks: Packing snacks like granola bars or dried fruit can help you reduce food costs while you’re out and about.
Travel-size toiletries: Transfer your favorite products into smaller containers or purchase travel-size bottles instead of buying pre-packaged versions.

Pick Budget-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Popular destinations often offer a wide range of budget-friendly activities and attractions. Consider these ideas that won’t break the bank:

Hiking and nature walks: Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage by exploring hiking trails and nature reserves. Many of these outdoor activities are free or have minimal entrance fees.
Local festivals and events: Research local festivals and events happening during your trip to immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the area.
Local markets: Explore farmers markets or craft markets to discover unique products and support local businesses. Often free to enter, these markets offer opportunities to sample local food and purchase souvenirs.
Museums and galleries: Look for museums and galleries that offer free or discounted admission during certain days or times to explore local art and history without spending a fortune.

Save on Accommodations
Finding affordable accommodations during the peak of fall can be challenging, but with these tips, you can save money while still enjoying a comfortable stay:

Book in advance: Plan your vacation early and take advantage of early bird discounts or promotional offers.
Consider alternative accommodations: Instead of traditional hotels, explore options like vacation rentals, hostels or bed and breakfasts, which can be more budget-friendly and provide a unique and personalized experience.
Stay outside the city center: Accommodations located outside main tourist areas are generally more affordable. Consider staying in nearby suburbs or towns and utilize public transportation to explore the city.
Use price comparison tools: Take advantage of price comparison websites to compare rates across different accommodations to find the best deals and save money on your stay.

Find more tips and tricks to save on fall travel at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com