2020 The year of reality checks.

As we come down to the end of this year have you thought about what this year has taught you? Have you thought about how it changed you during the challenges you faced, and the lessons you learned over the last 11 months? It definitely left me with a lot of things to remember, and reflect upon.

For many of us, this year has been incredibly challenging, and life-changing, but it was like no other year I’ve experienced before. For better or worse, the last 11 months has opened my eyes to see the behaviors of the american people, and our shared history. It gave me a look into the behaviors of my community, neighbors, and friends.

We all learned a lot about health, resilience, and the importance of having a tranquil sanctuary. However, a lot of people seemed to forget about those who were not in the position to do for themselves. It saddens me to know that even during desperate times there are people who can only think of themselves, money, power, and popularity.

I did not see a lot of news stories on help given to families living below the poverty line, or the elderly who live alone, and still needed to work just to make their monthly bills. I also didn’t see a constant presence of people looking out for each other in their own communities. Sad, but true. In some communities you have to be liked, on the same level of wealth, statue, circles and mindsets.

The news brought to us was very little good, and some bad such as the subject of racism, the importance of voting, Black Lives Matter, and the new sensation of “Karens” in the world. The problem I have with that is the fact that it’s not “NEW” this is the way it’s always been, and like a gun, we are now ready, and aimed to fire our cellphones to record the act in process.

For most of my people it’s the only way to prove our innocence, and to expose the real villains, perpetrators, monsters, and frauds. Technology has a life long mission, and profit margin.

There’s your version of truth, my version of truth, video, and screenshot facts of the truth Bitch!

Tweet’s

I’m a nonconformist individual who believes in God. I don’t follow the crowd. If I see something wrong, and someone being hurt by it, I speak up, I help, I just can’t go about my day and pretend it never happen, or think to myself “it’s not my problem”. There are too many people in the world with this mindset, and I believe they outnumber the people who think like me.

Individuality takes risk, and I take risks

Following the herd takes no risk at all.

A nonconformist is someone who doesn’t conform to other people’s ideas of how things should be. Activists, artists, street performers, and anyone else who dances to the beat of a different drummer is a nonconformist.

Romans 12.12

Is it good to be non conformist? I think so, a positive mindset is very important to being a nonconformist because you have to be comfortable with yourself. That doesn’t mean you should be unreasonable. Nonconformists are great leaders and they know how to reason with others, especially those that don’t see their point of view.

So, 2020 has taught me to lower my expectations of people who do not share the same mindset as me. It has taught me to pray more, and to walk by faith. It has also taught me the following:

• The real face of people during hard times
• Self-care is a priority, and not a privilege
• That freedom is not free, and should not be taken for granted
• Things are not always what they seem, first appearances can be deceiving
• Life spares no one
• Your time is valuable, don’t waste it on people or things that don’t add value to your life
• Always listen to your gut instincts, it will never lie to you
• Nothing stays the same, change is inevitable
• Alone doesn’t mean lonely, learn to enjoy your own company
• Every one you meet is fighting a battle, don’t be so quick to judge, just be kind
• Mindfulness is superpower that you can get right now
• Learn to respond and not react, emotional intelligence is the key to making better life choices
• Don’t hesitate when you should act
• If you see a good fight, jump in it Ex: Justice for the poor & weak, BLM, and those who cannot fend for themselves

Most importantly, stay positive, focused, and prayed up.

Just Checking In – How are you all doing with the isolation?

I’ll be honest, it’s been tough to be level-headed, calm, and creative during these isolating times. We’re constantly being bombarded with bad news, conspiracy theories, updates of coronavirus case numbers, and recent crime updates. I’ve been trying to find ways to keep myself busy and uplifted to balance it all out.

Organize

I used some of my time to organize everything in the house. When you are inside the house everyday, all day, you will notice things that never caught your eye before, or little tasks that you procrastinated doing. I am very OCD when it comes to cleaning and organizing so this did not help me a bit. I used the time to reorganize my social media pages, and took free online certification courses to extend my brand.

Stay in touch

I have been using Skype, Google Duo, Marco Polo, and Facebook Messenger to visit with my long-distant friends, and family. We have so much fun using the filters to take pictures while we video chat. It is also a great way to have a paint and sip party, game night, or a pajama jam. There are so many ways to have fun with those you love long distance.

Exercise

Take the time to exercise, you only need 15-20 minutes three days a week. You can exercise at home with YouTube videos. There are also dance videos you can do with your kids to get them moving. Just for fun make a Tik Tok exercise video with your pet, kids, significant other or by yourself. If you can exercise outside, that’s even better. Fresh air, sunlight and going for walks can really help you mentally.

Self-Reflect and Reset Your Priorities

Now may be a good time to make a new priority list, which will likely be shorter than before the pandemic. The things you thought were important may not be so important now. It’s one way to simplify your life. One of the best ways to engage in self-reflection is through journaling. If you spend a few minutes every day jotting down your thoughts, you’ll see improvement in your mood.

Keep a Routine

We all had routines when times weren’t chaotic. They are even more important now. If you’re working from home, you can be a little flexible with your routine. Yet, it’s important to stick to some type of plan so that when you go back to work and life return to some sense of normality it will not shock your system. Keep the kids on a schedule, kids love structure, even though they tell you that they don’t.

Have Fun

Yes I said have some fun. Set aside time at home to have fun doing silly stuff, like me, check this out. I found this Reface App and went crazy on refacing my picture music videos, films, and my favorite stars. Here’s one!

I am feeling myself in this Kim Kardashian photo! Go to your Play store on your phone and enjoy yourself. Stay safe and healthy.

Staycation is a Bust! This is what’s next on my bucket list!

The Attrap’Rêves

When this is over, I plan to explore some of these places I found on my staycation. Attrap Reves is a bubble hotel stretched over a 1.5 hectare field of pine groves, facing the village of Allauch, France, which promises to offer all its guests a different kind of sleeping experience.

If you are dreaming about a little less privacy or you just fantasize about living in a snow globe, then this hotel is the place for you. This spectacular hotel includes numerous “rooms”, which are named differently such as Nature, Zen, 1001 Nights, Glamour or Bubble Suite, to which you can add a telescope and an outdoor Jacuzzi for additional relaxation.

For the book buff, check out the Gladstone’s Library situated conveniently in North Wales close to Chester with a lively programme of events.

https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/

Stay in one of their 26 boutique bedrooms. Get lost in their collection of 150,000 books and prints. They have items dating back to the birth of printing in the 15th century. It was said that Nick Clegg, Loyd Grossman, and Queen Elizabeth II were notable visitors.

READ, WRITE, RELAX AND BECOME INSPIRED

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Their cosy Food for Thought bistro seats up to 50 people in a relaxing setting.

The Skylodge Adventure Suites

THE SKYLODGE ADVENTURE SUITES

Can you imagine enjoying one of the world’s best culinary experiences in a transparent capsule located 400 meters above the Sacred Valley in Peru?

Located just one hour outside the city of Cuzco, the exclusive Skylodge Adventure Suites opens its doors to all those who love adventure and good food, offering a real peruvian gastronomic experience combined with the thrill of arriving to the dinning capsule.

It’s the first hanging lodge in the world located 1,200 feet off the ground. You have to climb to get to it via secure path for beginner mountain climbers. The rooms are hanging capsules with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley Cuzco, Peru. You can enjoy a peruvian feast and have breakfast over looking the sunrise. When it’s time to go you will have to get back down using 7 ziplines near the Hana Highway.

This one is a must see for me!

Has anyone ever been here?

Has this pandemic brought out the best in you, the worst in you, or did it not affect you at all?

America’s Great Depression of (1929 – 1939) was a time of starvation and supporting oneself at minimum levels. Decades later, we are back to struggling as they did back then. Remember the Depression-era motto?

“Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.”

Households are back to embracing new levels of frugality in daily life. People are losing their cars, homes, can’t pay their rents, can barely buy food, and they can’t afford to get sick. How did this happen in 2020? This pandemic has brought out my curiosity of how folks survived during the Great Depression, and how they treated each other during these stressful times.

Some people, and churches had potlucks to share food, some families strived for self-sufficiency by keeping small kitchen gardens with vegetables and herbs. Some towns and cities allowed folks to have community thrift gardens for residents to grow food. Some people were checking in and helping their neighbors. People were coming together to weather the storm.

Attitudes changed toward government assistance during the Great Depression as well. People were less stigmatized after the New Deal programs were implemented. When you are all in the same boat your attitude changes. I wish I could get food stamps right now! Have you noticed any difference in the people around you?

Has someone checked up on you? Have they called to see if you were okay with food and shelter. Has the attitudes in your community changed. Have YOU tried to reach out to help others? Help comes in many forms, and it doesn’t always have to be money. I can count on one hand how many people I have seen and heard from.

I am the type of person who loves to help others. I enjoy putting a smile on your face, or assisting you with a task you’re having problems with. If I have a dime, I will give you a nickel. If I were blessed not to be affected that much financially by this pandemic I would help a person who is struggling. I dam sure wouldn’t take their last knowing they are having a financial crisis.

I can only speak to my experience, some people are phony, they pretend very well. They really only care about their own family, and household. This class of people personify themselves on social media as God fearing, pillars of their community, caring and loving individuals who will help anybody.

These people are the ones who know your circumstances and pretend to empathize before taking your meager means. I’m not saying that they don’t have problems too, we all do, we are all struggling, but if you know that you were in a position to assist someone you claim to care about and you don’t then stop pretending you give a shit.

Folks are out here fighting over toilet paper, stealing, killing, giving off passive-aggressive vibes and lying on Facebook for likes, love and admiration. The pandemic has not changed those who are stable and financially secure nor has it given them a conscience or christian heart to ask how are you? Are you okay? How can I help you?

I have seen a lot of “living my best life” or admiration for those who have been doing well or pretending to be doing well. I can’t confirm that there is a pandemic going on right now by the behaviors displayed in my circle. I can count on one hand how many people I see say “You good?” “Do you need some essentials?”if you are depressed call me” or “Home is where you are loved, you always have a place here.”

It’s sad, but true. People who suffered during the Great Depression were more caring, helpful, and generous than people are in 2020.

“Pay more attention to what someone is doing than to what they are saying. Talk might thrill, but actions reveal.“

~Mandy Hale~

The Survival Mom, prep more, worry less.

https://thesurvivalmom.com/survival-wisdom-great-depression/

Check out this insightful site for 65 Pieces of Survival Wisdom From the Great Depression.

4 tips: Zing up your menus with a tasty summer garnish garden

(BPT) – As people are spending more time at home, many are learning new activities and finding simple joy in doing the things they love, such as cultivating their own gardens.

Now is the perfect time to start planning a summer garden that can add fresh flavors to your kitchen all year long. One growing trend is to create delicious and bountiful garnish gardens filled with herbs and produce to serve as the final touch for different food and beverage options. Even experienced gardeners often choose to focus on a few simple, high-in-flavor items that will elevate summer meals and cocktails such as juicy berries, savory herbs and other seasonal produce.

As a bonus, gardening can provide stress relief and a sense of accomplishment in a fast-paced and challenging world. According to a 2020 study conducted by Fiskars, 46% of people in the U.S. say gardening is beneficial to their overall happiness. In that spirit, here are several tips from Fiskars to prepare and plant a summer garnish garden that will provide all kinds of delicious options for your at-home summer recipes.

Plot your growing area

Evaluate the growing season in your area and consider which of your outdoor spaces may provide enough sunlight for a viable garden. Depending on your ambition and commitment level, your garden could be as vast as your entire backyard or as simple as a few large pots on your patio or balcony. If you go big, be sure to allot extra time for cultivating, weeding and watering. For your first venture, you may want to start small with a few plants that are easy to shelter, grow and harvest.

Assemble effective tools

Having the right tools on hand is the best way to prepare to garden, especially if this is your first time putting a garden together. In fact, those who have gardened before know just how important this is — according to the same study, 77% of gardeners in the U.S. say having the right tools increases their happiness when gardening. This year, trade in your old tools for newer, ergonomically designed products that are not only more comfortable but also highly effective. For example, The Fiskars Xact Cultivator is made with deep, curved tines to efficiently loosen and aerate soil and a weighted handle for advanced comfort and control. The Xact Trowel can be comfortably gripped from multiple angles to pry through tough turf and dirt clots, and The Xact Hand Edger offers precision control when removing weeds, moss and debris from harder-to-reach places. All are equipped with SoftGrip handles and are perfect for planting herbs and fresh produce.

Choose versatile varieties

Consider which herbs, fruits and veggies will best contribute to the meals and beverages you like to prepare. For example, cucumbers or tomatoes can add a refreshing zing to salads and drinks, while rosemary and basil complement a range of both sweet and savory flavors in cocktails, grilled meats, vegetables, soups and salads. Other popular and easy-to-grow herbs include thyme, parsley, dill, cilantro and chives. Berry choices may include strawberries, raspberries and blackberries — just make sure you have enough room to let these bushy plants grow!

Optimize your harvest

There’s nothing as refreshing as the taste of fresh produce, and being able to incorporate it into meals and tasty treats is one of the best perks of summer. Consider creative presentation ideas, too — try adding sprigs of rosemary sprinkled into ice cube trays, colorful berries atop summer cocktails or cutting cucumbers or strawberries into multi-petaled roses. You can also set aside ingredients for later; berries can be frozen, tomatoes can be canned and herbs can be dried to season meals throughout the colder months. Saving some of your hard-earned harvest will be sure to remind you of the simple pleasures derived from your own backyard.

To find more tips on effective gardening as well as DIY inspiration and ideas, visit Fiskars.com. Happy growing!

How to use yoga to sleep better during the pandemic

(BPT) – Whether due to illness, altered work schedules, homeschooling or social distancing, COVID-19 has impacted us all personally. Stress levels are high, and the resulting anxiety makes it much harder to get a good night’s rest. Despite the efforts of the $70 billion sleep-aid industry, many exhausted people are still searching for ways to get the sleep they need to keep their immune systems strong.

Unfortunately, sleeping pills are the dominant treatment strategy for insomnia. Sleeping pills don’t work for everyone, have side effects and do not address the underlying stress that is keeping you awake. That’s why medical experts are increasingly advising those struggling with poor sleep to first try more natural solutions. Kundalini Yoga is one viable option. Through the practice of kriyas, specific breath control techniques and exercises, anyone can find the fulfilling rest they need.

These Kundalini Yoga techniques can help if you have recently begun to suffer from poor sleep or you struggle with an ongoing sleep disorder. According to “Yoga Can Help With Insomnia” by Psychology Today, “Researchers at Harvard Medical School investigated how a daily yoga practice might affect sleep for people with insomnia and found broad improvements to measurements of sleep quality and quantity.”

The importance of sleep hygiene

First, it’s critical to maintain good sleep hygiene. These are the habits that put you in the best position to have a full night of quality sleep. Signs your sleep could use improvement include taking too long to fall asleep, waking multiple times with difficulty falling back asleep, overall light and restless sleep, and drowsiness during the day.

While each person must adopt consistent sleep hygiene practices that work for them, here are some guidelines that you can follow to sleep better.

• Avoid bright screens and stimulants like caffeine, alcohol or nicotine close to bedtime.
• Exercise during the day so the body is ready to rest later. Be mindful of timing; exercising too late in the day can disrupt sleep.
• A light snack is OK, but avoid heavy meals or spicy food before bed.
• Drink a glass of water before sleep since dehydration can disturb the sleeping mind. Waking up to use the bathroom is less disruptive to a whole night’s sleep than dehydration.
• Practice a restful activity before getting into bed. For example, do gentle yoga and slow breathing exercises, read a book, pray or meditate.
• If your nighttime sleep is poor, avoid napping during the daytime.

Yogic recommendations: Steps to deep, dreamless sleep

The 3HO Foundation recommends using these Kundalini Yoga techniques to quickly achieve deep sleep in just a few minutes:

Step 1: A busy mind has difficulty sleeping. Quiet your thoughts by first visualizing all your worries, ideas and problems, wrapping them up in a package, then placing that package on a shelf in your mind. You’ll be amazed at how many are gone, solved or improved by the time you wake up.

Step 2: Lie on your stomach, turn your head so your right cheek is on the pillow. This automatically opens your left nostril to bring in cooling, calming energy. Practice long, deep breathing in this position. Then block your right nostril completely with your hand and continue long, deep breathing through the left nostril.

Step 3: Once you feel drowsy, turn to your preferred sleeping position on your back or side. Continue long, deep breathing until asleep.

Sleep is always an important component to health and wellness. During stressful times, quality sleep is difficult to achieve. These steps will help you refine your sleep routine and discover better rest. To learn more, visit kundaliniresearchinstitute.org.

Elevate Comfort Foods with Havarti and Blue Cheeses

(BPT) – At a time when you may be craving comfort food more than ever, specialty cheeses make it easy to bring a little more indulgence — and a lot of flavor — to your home-cooked meals and snacks. Simply switching to different varieties, such as a buttery havarti or a sharp blue cheese, can easily elevate your go-to dishes.

Everyday comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, omelets, grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers, can benefit from the marvelous meltiness of havarti or a tangy kick of blue.

Both cheeses are ideal to add to classic comfort foods, according to Katlin Sautner, New Product Development Manager Castello Cheese. “Havarti is a sliceable cheese with a creamy body that’s mild enough to suit all palates, making it a great choice for the entire family. And while you may be intimidated or even skeptical of the boldness of blue cheese, its unique nutty taste adds more flavor and creaminess to every bite.”

Go on a flavor adventure without leaving home

Here are some tips for incorporating cheese varieties into your meals, along with some cheese pairing ideas for comfort-food snacking.

Mac and cheese: A favorite among all ages, homemade mac & cheese spells comfort food like no other and requires little effort in the kitchen. Havarti cheese is the perfect selection to achieve ultimate creaminess. And, for a truly indulgent meal, try a version made with lobster.

Cheese omelet: Cheesy omelet recipes give a lovely texture to a time-honored, protein-rich breakfast treat; and topping with shredded creamy Havarti adds just a hint of tanginess. Add a salad, and it becomes a simple, flavorful dinner, too.

Blue cheese Bloody Mary burger: What’s better than burgers on the grill? Give an old standard an extra kick with a burger recipe using ketchup made with Bloody Mary mix, horseradish, celery seeds and pepper, topped with onion and crumbled blue cheese that packs a bold punch.

Buffalo hot wings with blue cheese dip: A true classic pairing, a decadent recipe uses traditional Danish blue cheese to take a bar snack favorite to an at-home dining experience. Crumble blue cheese in a bowl with mayonnaise, crème fraiche with a light topping of salt, pepper and honey, and voila! It’s joy in every savory bite.

Cheese pairings to explore: Looking for something new to nibble on throughout the day? Castello cheeses easily lend themselves to grazing and snacking, and both Castello havarti and blue cheeses are available in multiple flavorful varieties. For example, havarti dill cheese pairs well with cut vegetables, while blue cheese, with its sharper tones, pairs beautifully with apples, pears, and another ultimate comfort food: dark chocolate.

For recipes, plus more information and ideas, visit www.castellocheese.com or visit it on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Staying secure beyond National Home Safety Month

(BPT) – Assessing and updating your home’s security measures should be a year-round focus for homeowners. While timely reminders, such as National Home Safety Month, are great for encouraging immediate action, these considerations should remain top-of-mind 365 days of the year.

Data collected in recent years by the FBI has revealed that there are roughly 2.5 million burglaries a year. This averages out to one burglary about every 13 seconds nationwide. So, while many feel safe and secure at home, one can never be too prepared when it comes to protecting your loved ones.

But what’s the solution? Beyond evaluating your surroundings and identifying unsecure access points, many homeowners can benefit from taking proactive preventative measures to ensure their homes and families are protected. And while installing an expensive, high-tech security system is an easy solution, there are other measures that can be taken in order to provide immediate barriers and establish a safer distance from potential threats.

Here are four effective ways to easily prepare and protect your home year-round.

1. Identify unsecure parts of the home

Before even implementing a home security plan, examine all the doors and windows in your house. Pay close attention to whether there are any windows that are accessible from ground-level or ones that might not lock properly.

Likewise, identify any doors in your house that may feel “at risk.” This can be doors without deadbolts, older ones that may easily be knocked in, or those that are hidden and darkly lit, making them ideal for home invaders to stealthily leverage as they are away from public view.

Reevaluate each door, window or entryway and determine a game plan for increased home security.

2. Strengthen door security

If your primary concern is reinforcing your doors, there are a number of easy-to-install and affordable options to help support hinged and sliding doors. Designed for nearly every door, products such as an adjustable Door Security Bar can provide a strong grip and help prevent doors from opening.

However, if you would prefer to alert people when an intruder is present, a SABRE Door Stop Alarm can provide peace of mind. Designed to look like a simple door wedge, a piercing alarm sounds when the door opens slightly and pressure is applied, drawing immediate attention to the situation from up to 1,500 feet away. The compact design of a Door Stop Alarm makes it an ideal travel accessory. It can be easily set up on any hotel door or rental property, bringing an added sense of security on the road.

3. Safeguard windows

When looking to protect windows, as well as doors, one of the most cost-effective solutions can be installing the portable Door and Window Alarm Kit which comes with four total alarms. Effortlessly affixing onto any window, this alarm requires no additional wiring and emits a loud 120dB sound when it detects an unwanted intruder entering, serving as both a deterrent as well as an attention-grabbing signal to homeowners and surrounding neighbors up to 750 feet away.

4. Take home defense to the next level

Home intrusions can leave homeowners feeling vulnerable, especially if these incidents happen while they are home. Having products at-the-ready to help maximize protection while simultaneously creating safety at a distance from multiple threats are an absolute must. One easy-to-use, readily accessible solution for homeowners is the SABRE Home Defense Pepper Gel, which is designed specifically for using indoors with an 18-foot range. Another option for those seeking additional home security measures is the Pepper Spray Launcher Home Defense Kit, which allows for greater distance between the homeowner and intruder. The Launcher deploys pepper powder projectiles up to 175 feet away, offering more stopping power and creating an even safer distance between your family and an intruder.

How to help older adults avoid fraudsters during the COVID-19 pandemic

(BPT) – Crises and upheaval have a way of bringing out the best — and, sometimes the worst — in society. That’s why, during this month focused on Elder Abuse Awareness and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to protect the online information of senior and vulnerable friends and loved ones.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has seen an increase in online extortion attempts as state governments have issued “stay-at-home” orders in response to the crisis. That comes at a time when The Better Business Bureau says fraudsters are targeting older populations in particular.

“Our elderly population are the wisest and most treasured members of our communities,” says DJ Johnson, Charles Schwab’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Risk Management. “However, they’re at a higher level of risk, not only due to possible physical complications with the virus, but also by being targeted by online scammers who have increased their efforts to defraud this susceptible group. As the senior population is confronted with challenging decisions, whether about visiting stores for groceries or isolating themselves from loved ones, criminals can prey on vulnerability from several fronts.”

Scammers have deployed several methods intended to trick individuals into sending money, disclosing personal information or downloading malicious software. At Schwab, teams are trained to pay attention to behavioral cues that might be the result of an attempted scam.

Awareness of scams targeting seniors is key

While fraud can come in many forms, here are a few specific schemes that can be more targeted at the senior population:

Emergency scams: Schemers misrepresent themselves as a family member requesting money for care, or requesting supplies to “stay afloat.”

Social Security: Scammers pose as someone from the Social Security Administration requesting payment or personal information to prevent benefits from being suspended or reduced.

Investment scams: Fraudsters promote investments in companies that claim to prevent, detect or provide a cure for COVID-19.

So now, more than ever, it’s important to stay informed in order to detect signs of fraud. Added isolation can increase vulnerability to falling victim to a scam.

Tips:

• Consult with family members and friends prior to acting on a request for funds.
• Assign a trusted contact.
• The Social Security Administration is not suspending benefits and will never request payment to receive them.
• Perform extra due diligence when making investment choices. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Fake websites

People are turning to the internet for up-to-date information about COVID-19 and to purchase goods that either cannot be found in stores or as an alternative to shopping in person.

To take advantage of this, fraudsters set up websites to offer goods or services, such as protective gear (gloves and face masks), cleaning products, vaccines, testing kits and home delivery services. They then use these sites to collect payment and personal information with no intention of delivering the goods and services. This data is used by the fraudsters, or sold to other criminals on the dark web.

Tips:

• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or coronavirus.gov, or contact your physician for information regarding COVID-19.
• Avoid visiting pages offering cures or vaccines.
• Go directly to websites by entering a trusted URL address into your browser.
• Avoid using phone numbers for companies found through general web searches.
• Read site reviews regarding product delivery and purchases. The reviews may indicate if a site is selling counterfeit products.

Phishing

Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails or texts purporting to be from reputable sources to persuade individuals to reveal personal information, such as login credentials.

Tips:

• Be suspicious of any email or text that requests your personal information.
• Hover over links to check validity, or visit websites directly by entering a known URL address into your internet browser before logging in or accessing material.
• Help ensure a website is secure before entering personal information.
• Do not click or download suspicious or unknown attachments, and be wary of attachments even from people you know.

Impersonations

Impersonation fraud schemes are used by impostors to obtain personal information and request fraudulent payments. The scam may begin with a phone call, email, computer pop-ups, text or other communication. Fraudsters are employing pandemic-related robocalls, claiming to be associated with charities, insurance companies or businesses offering products or cures. Some calls even offer cleaning services for your home. Impostors may pretend to be government officials and try to capitalize on the extended tax-filing date and proposed economic-stimulus checks.

Tips:

• Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers.
• Hang up if you do answer a call that’s unusual. Don’t press any buttons because this could lead to more calls.
• Don’t supply personal, account or payment information, especially if you feel you’re being pressured.
• Never send money in response to a robocall or social media message.

For information on more ways to educate and protect yourself and your elderly family members from cybercrimes, visit schwab.com/schwabsafe/security-knowledge-center.

Simple ways to beautify your outdoor space and enjoy time at home

(BPT) – Whether it’s a quaint patio, a simple garden, a rolling expanse of land or the many possibilities in between, the backyard is the perfect place to unwind. As people spend more time at home, creating a personal outdoor sanctuary is more important than ever before.

Fortunately you don’t need a lot of time or space to create an outdoor escape you’ll enjoy for months to come. Here are some simple, affordable ideas for transforming any space into an outdoor oasis where you can release stress and reconnect to Mother Nature:

Step 1: Pull up a chair

A place to sit and relax is essential so you can fully enjoy your outdoor space. This doesn’t mean you have to order a whole new set of patio furniture though. Just one or two chairs along with a table for your favorite beverage can be an inviting start. You could even update a worn outdoor chair with a fresh coat of outdoor paint and new cushions and you’ll get a brand new look for less. Add a few outdoor accent pillows for a splash of personality and to make the space reflect the same level of comfort found indoors.

Step 2: Define the space

You can create an outdoor room by defining the space strategically. Adding a rug is a great way to give the space a more intimate feel, just make sure it’s made for outdoor use specifically to stand up to the elements. You can also create a sense of enclosure with potted plants lined in the corners or along the sides to create the visual illusion of a wall. Try your hand at container gardening and you’ll enhance your space and provide fresh vegetables and herbs for home cooking.

Step 3: Add decorative accents

To make an outdoor space feel like your own, add a few thoughtful decorations. Outdoor mirrors are trending and an affordable, upscale addition to your outdoor areas. Decor such as signs, statues and mosaics can add style to any space. To add elements of relaxation, consider a rock garden, fountain or wind chimes, which will help you escape stress while stimulating the senses.

Step 4: Enjoy daily

Create a routine to enjoy your outdoor space daily. Schedule a morning meditation, afternoon escape or evening happy hour. Raise a glass of your favorite Flat Top Hills wine and toast to living life to the fullest, even from the comfort of your backyard. Whether it’s a crisp sauvignon blanc, supple rosé, lush chardonnay, mouth-watering red blend or rich cabernet sauvignon, it’s the perfect way to enjoy your outdoor oasis.

Get started today

There’s no better time than the present to begin your backyard transformation. Start by entering the Flat Top Hills Backyard Sanctuary sweepstakes, which will award one winner with a makeover for a patio, garden or balcony. Other prizes include gift cards for meal delivery, a Flat Top Hills wine glass and wine bucket set, and mini corn hole games. Open now through May 31, enter the Flat Top Hills Backyard Sanctuary sweepstakes at www.facebook.com/FlatTopWines or woobox.com/4tfvnj. Visit www.flattopwines.com for complete details and official rules.