How workplace flexibility works for your business »

(BPT) - With technology rapidly changing the world, people need to embrace an evolving workplace. The workforce has become more diverse and mobile - demanding different needs. And while some existing challenges have crossed over into the modern workplace, opportunities for succeeding have never been…

Preparing for cyber warfare »

(BPT) - Recently, emboldened Russian hackers breached the systems of power plants across the United States and Western Europe. In June, Chinese hackers attempted to gain access to several U.S. power plant operation control systems. And in May, the Department of Homeland Security announced hackers…

Religious guidance, moral support and more roles filled by Navy Chaplain Corps »

(BPT) - When serving domestically and overseas, Sailors are away from home, family, familiar settings and traditions. Many use their beliefs and faith to help them understand and manage the unfamiliar surroundings they're experiencing. Guidance, moral support and worship opportunities are critical services provided by…

The great debate: Stacking TVs and fireplaces »

(BPT) - When choosing a focal point for a room, designers and homeowners alike often plan for a single feature - windows, TVs, artwork, or fireplaces - to take center stage. However, the explosion of flat screen TVs for every room in the home has…

Getting hitched at home? Things you should think about first »

(BPT) - Deciding to get married is one of the biggest and most important decisions many people will ever make. According to The Knot and WeddingChannel.com, the average wedding costing more than $28,000 - the cost of a new car or a down…

Must-have technology is making bathrooms healthier, safer, more enjoyable »

(BPT) - Think home technology begins with your wireless, programmable thermostat and ends with the high-definition, 3-D, web-enabled flat-screen TV with surround sound? Think again - whole home technology means using leading-edge devices to improve life in every room of the house, including the bathroom.

From…

5 tips to keep your family healthy and your house clean this school year »

(BPT) - While you and your family have enjoyed relaxing vacations and amazing weather these last few months, it's time to prepare for the hustle and bustle of another school year.

A new school year also means your family's mornings will return to that more familiar,…

Why nutrition is just as important for mom as it is for baby after birth »

(BPT) - After baby arrives, all of the attention goes to him, especially when it comes to eating, but many moms may not realize how important it is for them to eat well during this critical time - especially if they are breastfeeding.

Nutrition needs…

Communicate confidence in sleeveless style this summer »

(BPT) - Women today know that the clothes they wear make a statement about who they are to the world around them. Sleeveless fashion can be one of the easiest ways to communicate confidence. However, it can often be difficult to put together a great…

Thinking of buying a puppy? You may want to think again »

(BPT) - Your family is ready for a pet, so you head out to the local pet store. Within moments of walking into the shop, an energetic, sweet-eyed puppy steals your heart. You plunk down your money - possibly hundreds of dollars - and take…

Learn how to help college students take control of their health »

(BPT) - College may provide the first opportunity for many young adults to make important health decisions for themselves. In its Healthy Campus 2020 objectives, the American College Health Association's Healthy Campus Coalition highlights a number of important topics for improving the health of college…

Enjoying retirement in a home suited for an active life »

(BPT) - When it's time to retire, do baby boomers just sit back and watch life pass them by? Not anymore. Boomers are known for getting involved in their communities, enjoying the outdoors and starting new - or restarting older - hobbies. They also love…

Decor through the decades: How kitchen and bath product designs have evolved »

(BPT) - Remember when brass fixtures and mauve countertops were all the rage in kitchen design? How about the days of shag carpet (yes, in the bathroom) and avocado tile? Fortunately, those particular trends have come and gone. And, whether you embraced them or not,…

How ‘big data’ is changing your movie-viewing experience »

(BPT) - What do personalized movie-kiosk offerings, marketing campaigns and Godzilla all have in common? The obvious answer is 'the movie industry,' but another equally important common element ties all three together: they're all the product of big data.

'Simply put, big data refers to huge…

Establishing a 401(k) at your small business is easier than you think – and helps employees save for the long-term »

(BPT) - Over the next 16 years, 10,000 people will turn 65 every day. Social Security alone may not be enough to provide an adequate retirement. Every day you hear about the lack of retirement savings and how ill-prepared many Americans are to meet their…

6 tips for a safe and enjoyable summer »

(BPT) - Summer is all about spending time outdoors - either at home or away. Whether you're hitting the road or taking a trip to the local park, it's time for fun in the sun. And when you're preparing for fun outside, remember that there…

Make the big move less stressful for the 4-legged members of the family »

(BPT) - When moving houses, you make a checklist of the utility companies you need to contact for stopping and starting services. You also schedule all the volunteer or professional movers to pack, transport and unpack your belongings, and you let all your friends and…

What employers want: the 3 ‘Cs’ »

(BPT) - Whether you are an employer looking to hire someone or the person looking to get hired, it's all about competency.

Only 11 percent of employers believe recent graduates have the skills needed to succeed within their work forces, according to a recent Lumina Foundation…

5 summer paint projects to create a splash »

(BPT) - With the arrival of warm summer temperatures, it's time to brighten the home with sensational summer shades. And it's easy to add a pop of vibrant color with the help from the experts at Krylon spray paint.

'Painting is a project that even a…

Calling all junior chefs: Expert tips make cooking an enjoyable family affair »

(BPT) - There's a place in the home that is full of endless fun and family bonding potential: the kitchen. When kids learn to cook - from meal prep to cleanup - they gain valuable skills and make lifelong memories. Fortunately, inspiring kids in the…

Say ‘bye bye’ to bathroom remodeling blues with 5 budget-friendly tips »

(BPT) - Beautifying your bathroom sounds exciting but oftentimes renovation plans begin with good intentions and end up a long, costly nightmare. The national average cost for a bathroom remodel is $10,142, according to the Cost Guide from HomeAdvisor.com. That's a hefty investment…

Help kids get organized and inspired »

(BPT) - Between sports gear, homework assignments, mobile device chargers and social media contacts, kids have a lot to keep track of these days - just like grown-ups. While few kids seem to be born with the ability to be organized, most learn organizational skills…

How to help veterans who’ve returned home from service »

(BPT) - In wartime, members of the armed forces often face dangerous situations. President George Washington recognized this, when he created what is now known as the Purple Heart medal in 1782, to honor combat wounded veterans. Since then, an estimated 1.7 million Purple Hearts…

Stay on top of your rheumatoid arthritis with these helpful tips »

(BPT) - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incurable, progressive disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks a person's joints, causing inflammation and damage. Approximately 1.3 million people have RA. This condition strikes about three times as many women as men and most commonly…

Seven tips for a greener back-to-school season »

(BPT) - With back-to-school shopping, changing schedules and preparing kids for the upcoming school year, your family's environmental impact may be the last thing on your mind

It is possible to have a greener back-to-school season. Here are seven simple things parents and children can do…

Wholesome snacks for back to school »

(BPT) - The school year is here and with it, all of those hectic schedules. You may think the chaos of another school year means you're too busy to provide your children with nourishing after-school snacks, but that doesn't have to happen. There are many…

Veggies galore? Make the most of your garden goodies »

(BPT) - You've spent the summer tending and nurturing vegetables that have flourished, and now you have such an abundance of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and leafy greens, your home is starting to resemble the produce section of a grocery store.

Some people think harvest season is…

Tips to make your fitness routine more sustainable »

(BPT) - Working out, getting in shape, starting a fitness routine - these are all practices that are good for the body. When mind and emotional-strengthening practices like yoga and meditation are included in the mix, you're actively working to make all areas of your…

Beat the heat: Simple solutions for keeping outdoor spaces cool and comfortable »

(BPT) - Are summer's sizzling temperatures causing you to retreat from your favorite outdoor spaces? Decks, patios and other outdoor areas should be enjoyed throughout the year, but heat, sun and humidity can quickly make being outside intolerable during the dog days of summer. The…

Does your bladder control your life? What you should know about your options »

(BPT) - Do you feel like you spend your life in the bathroom? Do your night-time potty runs keep you from getting a good night's sleep? Nearly one in five adults struggles with an overactive bladder (OAB), according to the National Association…

Commercial ventilation systems 101: What every restaurant kitchen needs »

(BPT) - Running a restaurant or food service business is complex. Business owners need the right restaurant equipment to cool, cook and properly store food - but a safe and successful kitchen requires more than that. One of the most important pieces to keep a…

5 things you can’t forget when you’re catering on the go »

(BPT) - Providing warm, delicious food to customers on location is one of the food service industry's greatest challenges. If you are a restaurateur, caterer, baker or owner of a mobile food stand, you understand how difficult it is to transport and deliver quality food…

Summer projects to make your home sensational »

(BPT) - Summer is here and this is the time when you want to be outside as much as possible, soak up the sun, eat amazing food and enjoy the company of family and friends. You'll also see more of your home's exterior on days…

Fun fall fashions for the entire family »

(BPT) - Fall fashions for the entire family are top of mind as the cooler weather has you thinking about school bus schedules and steaming cups of hot chocolate. This year's fall styles feature denim for every member of the family, and they all come…

Outdoor living made easy with home improvements that boost comfort and value »

(BPT) - Beautiful weather begs to be enjoyed, but a drab deck, dated patio and dull lighting can drive homeowners indoors fast. A few home improvements can ensure seasons full of outdoor comfort, all while enhancing your house's value and exterior aesthetic.

Outdoor home improvements extend…

Key considerations for family-friendly bathroom renovations »

(BPT) - Mom rules the media room, Johnny loves the basement workshop and the kitchen is Dad's domain. Gender roles notwithstanding, each family member has one room where he or she enjoys spending more time. One room, however, is equally used and loved - or…

Summertime home improvements don’t have to be all work and no play »

(BPT) - If this year's summer vacation plans involve more hardware than beachwear, don't fret. Just apply tried-and-true trip-planning principles to your 'staycation' renovation plans and you can ensure both your time and money are well spent.

Set a budget

You would rarely take a vacation without…

Employee engagement is the secret for small businesses to stay productive and make money »

(BPT) - One of the biggest worries for a small business owner is training and investing in quality employees and then losing them to a larger company - potentially a competitor - that might be able to offer larger salaries or better benefits.

It might look…

How to build your nest egg and ensure it lasts throughout retirement »

(BPT) - As you approach retirement, are you feeling good about your finances? Kudos to you if you feel comfortable with the amount you've saved. Now it's time to start thinking about how you will manage your savings so it provides you with income throughout…

Summer-ready: Feeling good about your GI symptoms »

(BPT) - With summer in full swing, people across the country are hitting the beaches, pools and barbeques, sipping lemonade and sporting shorts. However, for those living with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, summer may present some challenges beyond how to keep cool, like feeling anxious about…