(NewsUSA) - Spend your spring with saints and sinners, featured in fresh programming with star-studded casts from Lifetime Television.

The start of April brings a pair of new feature movies from the Fallen Angels Murder Club series starring Toni Braxton, who also serves as executive producer. The Fallen Angels Murder Club features Braxton as Hollis Morgan, an ex-con turned amateur sleuth who sets out to investigate murders in her book club. The April premieres include Fallen Angels Murder Club: Friends to Die For on April 2, which also stars Eddie Cibrian, followed by Fallen Angels Murder Club: Heroes and Felons on April 9 with Kelly Hu. The movies are based on the Fallen Angels Book Club book series by R. Franklin James.

In the first installment, the members of the Fallen Angels Murder Club must have two things in common -- a love for books and have a criminal record. Hollis Morgan (Braxton) meets both requirements. Left holding the bag in an insurance fraud scheme concocted by her ex-husband, Hollis has served her time and now hopes the court will pardon her conviction so she can fulfill her dream of becoming a lawyer. But when a member of her book club is murdered in a scene straight out of the previous night's novel, Hollis becomes the subject of police scrutiny. Refusing to get stuck with another bad rap, Hollis sets out to investigate her fellow club members.

After a second book-inspired murder, she races to identify the killer before she becomes the next victim.

In the second movie, the members of the Fallen Angels Murder Club must band together again as they search for answers surrounding the death of one of their own. Hollis finds herself at the center of the investigation when a journalist reporting on the murder also winds up dead. As bodies begin to stack up, and Hollis connects the dots, she must solve the murders before it's too late.

Next up in April are two new movies from Lifetime's Seven Deadly Sins Movie Anthology, "Wrath" and "Greed," premiering on April 16 and April 23. The movies are based on the popular books by Victoria Christopher Murray. T.D. Jakes, Shaun Robinson and Derrick Williams serve as executive producers. Viewers will spot some famous actors in key roles. Michelle Williams, of Destiny's Child fame, joined by Beyonce's mom, Tina Knowles-Lawson and Romeo Miller (aka Lil' Romeo) star in "Wrath," and Monique Coleman, best known for her role in High School Musical, joined by LisaRaye McCoy and Eric Benét, star in "Greed."

The "Wrath" and "Greed" movies can be seen as modern morality tales, showing what can happen when people stray from a more righteous path.

In "Wrath," single lawyer Chastity Jeffries (Michelle Williams) meets Xavier Collins (Antonio Cupo), who seems too good to be true -- handsome, smart and a lawyer as well. In fact, Xavier is too good to be true; his affection turns to obsession, and Chastity realizes that she has abandoned her principles in this relationship. As Xavier's jealousy and wrath escalate, Chastity confides in her mother Sarah (Tina Knowles-Lawson) and turns to her former childhood boyfriend Roger Thompkins (Romeo Miller). But in the end, Chastity must find the strength to save herself.

In "Greed," interior decorator Zuri Maxwell (Monique Coleman) had it all -- a fulfilling career, loving family and friends, and a good man, artist Stephon Gardner (Nathan Witte). But greed threatens to destroy everything when Zuri meets handsome benefactor and entrepreneur Godfrey Anderson (Eric Benét) and his fabulously wealthy aunt Miss Viv (LisaRaye McCoy). They have everything Zuri thinks she wants. As Godfrey romances her, she compromises her values and morals to gain access to the moneyed lifestyle she craves.

Visit mylifetime.com for more information about Lifetime's spring lineup and other programming.

(NewsUSA) - Keeping children safer while supporting their key milestones can be a challenge for parents, but the right products can help make these transitional times smoother so families can embrace and celebrate these exciting moments.

1. The Dreambaby® Oxford Carrier is the perfect item to help as parents step out with their baby and enjoy the warmer weather. The hip healthy carrier is ergonomically designed to provide optimal comfort and support for both parent and child. It can be used in three different carrying positions. The Oxford carrier can be part of many "firsts" in a baby's life like the first trip to the zoo or the first visit with friends and relatives. The carrier can accommodate children up to 33 pounds, the breathable material makes it comfortable in all weather conditions, and quick-fastening clips and releases makes any outing easier.

2. For families looking for smart storage solutions, the Dreambaby® Strollerbuddy® StrollAway® Over-the-Door Stroller Hanger helps keep strollers safely out of the way when not in use. It requires no hardware or tools to install or use, just slip it on the door and adjust the arms to accommodate the size of your stroller. The simple, folding design makes it easy to bring along on trips and cushioning keeps doors safer from scratches.

3. Potty training can be a challenge. The Dreambaby® Step-Up Toilet Topper helps make this milestone easier by giving toddlers 18M+ the confidence and independence they need to succeed. This essential toilet topper bridges the gap between floor-based potties and adult toilets. The contoured seat and non-slip base are designed to help little ones feel confident and secure while using the toilet. As a bonus, it's light and can even be disassembled easily to bring along when visiting the grandparents, it's a potty training must-have!

4. Graduating to a "big kid bed" is another big moment for your little one. Dreambaby's® Dallas Bed Rail makes the transition smoother and helps relieve the fear of falling out of bed at night. Great for most beds, including recessed beds up to Queen sized, the fold-down feature is extra convenient for bed-making or bedtime stories, while anchors help secure the mattress and hold the bed rail in place.

5. For areas children should not go, the Dreambaby® adhesive Lever Lock® for door handles helps keep children safer by limiting their access to spaces such as laundry rooms, garages, and storage rooms. The lock is designed to fit most lever-style door handles and engages and disengages easily, with no key needed.

Dreambaby® is a family-owned and internationally renowned company with more than 20 years of experience in developing affordable, high-quality child safety products.

Follow @dreambabysafety on social media and visit dream-baby.com to purchase baby safety solutions or find more information.

(NewsUSA)

"The Colorless Womb"
by Kimberly Gowdy

Kimberly had always yearned for a child, but after multiple miscarriages coupled with an unhealthy marriage, she accepted that her plan to become a mother was inconceivable. A painful divorce and a job opportunity opened the door for a fresh start in Atlanta. A chance meeting with her husband-to-be, David, was a breath of fresh air. They seemingly shared the same goals and dreams but soon after realized that life doesn't always go as planned.

They entertained the possibility of surrogacy, yet after three unsuccessful attempts and only two embryos left, failure wasn't an option. Desperation to find the right surrogate led them to the biggest surprise of their lives: an unlikely person who proved to be the perfect match. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3KnBCDU.

"Rex's Journey"
by Dr. Ambroes Pass-Turner

A kid's emotional landscape is full of hills and valleys. Rex has been struggling with understanding why and how he feels. From angry one minute to sad the next, he just wants to be a kid. What's so hard about that? But we can't always control how we feel, especially not as kids.

Follow along with Rex's journey as he learns to cope with his emotions in a safe and healthy way: something we all can learn from. One Amazon reviewer calls it "a beautiful and timely story. We need more books like this! This book showcases the journey of a little boy who had to go to a counselor. Very well done." Purchase at https://amzn.to/344MZzK.

"Ghosted"
by Jana Eisenstein

Fueled by cheap vodka and low standards in her twenties, Jana naively assumes that "happily ever after" is just a dark, sweaty nightclub away. In this memoir, Jana meets men … lots of men. But with every face-licker, toe-sucker, and internet creep, it becomes clearer that hers is a ghost story and not the fairytale she expected. Still single in her thirties, she realizes she'll need to adjust her approach or risk being haunted by the mistakes of her dating past and a future of shirtless bathroom selfies.

Though "Ghosted" depicts the struggle to find lasting love, at its heart it's a story about learning to accept that when it comes to dating, there are scarier fates than ending up alone. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3G9dEZS.

"Crossing the Pressure Line"
by Laura Anne Bird

Twelve-year-old Clare Burch wonders whether her feelings of sorrow over her grandfather's death will ever go away. A special request sends Clare on a journey from her home to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She knows she must honor Grandpa Anthony's last wishes.

Clare heads to rural Alwyn with her little blind dog and a duffel bag full of worries. What will she do without her best friends? Who will take her fishing and spoil her with candy now that her grandfather is gone? And is she strong enough to let him go? She stumbles upon the answers, learns to listen to the courageous voice inside and discovers just how tough she really is. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3GhMS1l.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - We've missed birthdays, holidays and so many of our favorite activities during this pandemic. But with the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots--which are free and widely available--we can finally get back to spending time with family and friends. Have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots? The Eldercare Locator can provide information to help you make informed choices--and when you're ready, connect you to local resources that can help you come up with a plan to get vaccinated, whether it's your first shot or a booster.

The Eldercare Locator can connect older adults, caregivers and families to services in their communities--services that make getting the vaccine safe and convenient. The Eldercare Locator is a national, federally funded hotline that provides older adults and their families with information on important topics, including COVID-19 and the vaccines, transportation, support services, housing and more. Trained staff connect callers with Area Agencies on Aging and other community-based organizations that provide personalized support to help older adults stay healthy and safe.

Contacting the Eldercare Locator is easy. Visit the website at eldercare.acl.gov to browse the listing of online resources or to enter your ZIP code to find services in your community. Interested in talking directly to an Eldercare Locator specialist? Live operators are ready to take your call and can also be reached by chat or email. Whether you or your family need assistance with meals or home care, or a caregiver needs training, education or a break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator can help.

Visit eldercare.acl.gov to learn more about services in your area and to chat with the Eldercare Locator's trained staff online. Give the Eldercare Locator a call at 800-677-1116 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday. Callers can request to speak to a specialist in any language. Support is also available by email at [email protected].

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living and is administered by USAging.

(NewsUSA) - With its beautiful looks and remarkable durability, Real American Hardwood™ has long been a beloved material in American home interiors. "Homeowners are always looking for fresh and exciting ways to use wood," says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. "They often find inspiration in the work of the best architects, designers, and decorators, sought-after talents who offer trendsetting ideas on using oak, maple, walnut, and other classic species." So, we checked in with five of the most accomplished residential designers in the business to uncover the top trends in hardwood for the year ahead -- and beyond.

Hardwood planks on walls and ceilings: The ultimate flooring material is used increasingly to clad vertical and overhead surfaces, as in this contemporary Austin bedroom by Texas-based Cornerstone Architects (@cornerstonearchitectsllp), where an entire wall of walnut boards brings warmth, color, and texture to the sleek, modern interior. "It's plain sawn with a natural oil finish," notes principal Bob Wetmore. "That makes it a bit more rustic by showing a lot of grain." Photograph by Andrew Pogue

Hardwood in the bathroom: Today's designers look at bathroom vanities and cabinets as if they were stand-alone pieces of fine furniture, specifying solid hardwood construction and elegant hardware. For his own house, architect Donald Powers of Union Studio in Providence, Rhode Island, (@unionstudioarch) used quarter-sawn white oak everywhere, including for bath cabinetry. "We chose a very simple palette throughout," he says. "It's peaceful rather than exciting, and that's exactly what we wanted." Photograph by Anthony Tieul

Herringbone hardwood floors: Although herringbone flooring, which uses solid hardwood blocks to create a geometric pattern, originated in 17th-century France, it can fit seamlessly into contemporary settings. "Whitewashed oak gives traditional parquet a modern vibe in this Texas kitchen," says Carina Coel of Austin-based Restructure Studio (@restructurestudio), who worked with the homeowner, an interior designer, on the project. It's elegant and timeless but also a little bit country, thanks to the finish. Photograph by Michael Hsu

Exposed Wood Beams and Trusses: "Wood beams overhead can help to create architectural drama," says New York-based designer Glenn Gissler (@glenngisslerdesign), who used them to striking effect in the living area of a new Maine lake house. "They also establish a human scale in an oversize room with a soaring ceiling like this one." Expect to see more of them if the trend toward bigger and bigger houses continues. Photograph by Jonathan Reece

Wood slats: Surfaces clad with vertical or horizontal wood slatting have become ubiquitous in recent years. Slats can add visual and architectural interest to an interior while maintaining a sense of lightness, as is the case in this basement rec room remodeled by Chevy Chase, Maryland-based architect Bruce Wentworth (@wentworthstudio). "We hid columns with a poplar-slat enclosure," Wentworth says. "It anchors a seating area while accommodating a TV and storage."

Cerused oak: This distinctive finish, known in Britain as "limed oak," dates back to the 16th century, but it's becoming popular again for furniture and panelling, as in this Greenwich Village townhouse, another project by Glenn Gissler (@glenngisslerdesign). "Traditional oak panelling might have been too overpowering for this hallway," Gissler notes. "But by cerusing the wood-applying a white pigment that reveals grain lines and lightens the color slightly-the space looks fresh and modern." Photograph by Gross & Daley

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about trends in American hardwoods. 

(NewsUSA)

"The Bucharest Dossier"
by William Maz

"The Bourne Identity" meets John le Carré's "The Spy Who Came In from the Cold." CIA analyst Bill Hefflin is a man apart -- apart from life, apart from his homeland and apart from love. At the start of the 1989 uprising in Romania, Hefflin -- a disillusioned Romanian expat -- arrives in Bucharest at the insistence of his KGB asset, a man code-named Boris.

As Hefflin becomes embroiled in an uprising that turns into a brutal revolution, nothing is as it seems … including the search for his childhood love, which has taken on mythical proportions. With the bloody events unfolding at blinding speed, Hefflin realizes the revolution is manipulated by outside forces, including his own CIA and Boris, the puppeteer who seems to be pulling all the strings. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ApLE10.

"The Burden of Innocence"
by John Nardizzi

Innocence is pain when you're locked in a cage. Private investigators Ray Infantino and Tania Kong take on the case of Sam Langford, a man framed for a murder committed by a crime boss at the height of his powers. The gangsters know that, in the new Boston, vulnerable witnesses they manipulated years ago are shaky.

Old bones will not stay buried forever. When a vicious gangster and a corrupt cop team up to derail the investigation, the stakes are higher than ever. It's a crime thriller written by "a bold new poet of American noir -- "this is the book Chandler would have written if he'd been a real-life private eye," says author Ellen McGarrahan. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3oHmzfl.

"The Prague Connection"
by Will Steadman

The collapse of the Soviet regime with perestroika meant big trouble for the KGB; rebellious groups of agents in the satellite countries have shaped a plan to resist Moscow's reforms. Portable, backpack-size nuclear weapons will be their key to success. The weapons are safely hidden until Lena, a beautiful Russian physicist working in the U.S., raises the alarm.

When Petrov, a nuclear weapons expert and son of a KGB agent, goes missing with the chemicals needed to arm the weapons, Putin and the West are in a state of panic. Brandt Swindon, a CIA operative, and his CIA-agent lover, Casey Stephens, are enlisted as part of a joint Russian/NATO team to find the weapons before disaster strikes. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3dRC8uS.

"The Paris Photo"
by Jane S. Gabin

A marvelous blend of mystery, historical fact and romance with great attention to detail, this novel is based upon the experiences of the author's father in Paris during the last part of WWII. Finding a previously unknown photo among her late father's papers, college professor Judith Gordon sets out to locate the boy in the group picture almost 70 years after it was taken.

The story is the tale of a young mother who courageously protects her child, Guy, by keeping him hidden during the war; but there is a long-lasting cost. Critics have called it "totally engaging," "fascinating," "beautiful" and "a phenomenal accomplishment." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3p66AaP.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Women often juggle many important duties. They are caregivers, business owners, household managers, community leaders and volunteers. Balancing these varied responsibilities often affects their financial needs and outlook, and it can present some challenges to reaching their personal and financial goals.

Working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional can provide some clarity for women who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about their finances. CFP® professionals are trained to provide competent, ethical financial advice and can be trusted advisors who help you see the bigger financial picture.

Here are five benefits of holistic financial planning for women.

1. It alleviates financial stress. Changes in employment, family circumstances or housing are just a few of the things that can cause concerns about your financial future. A CFP® professional can help you weather these ups and downs, recommending sound financial strategies that keep you on track to reach your goals.

2. It supports career transitions. Many women take time off from their careers to care for children and family members. Millions of others may be reevaluating their current jobs against their needs and values, potentially leading to a career change. These decisions have important implications for your income, earning potential and retirement savings. A CFP® professional can help you clarify your priorities and plan for your next career move.

3. It helps your business thrive. If you own a business (or would like to), a CFP® professional can collaborate with you to create a financial plan to guide you through the start-up phase, company growth and expansion, and succession planning.

4. It lets you determine your legacy. Estate planning is important for all women, but especially those who have considerable assets, such as real estate, insurance policies and retirement accounts, to bequeath. A CFP® professional can help you develop a thorough estate plan that fulfills your financial desires.

5. It gives you confidence in your tomorrow. Creating a holistic financial plan that helps you establish short- and long-term life goals is a crucial step in mapping out your financial future. When you have a strategy and a financial plan, it's easier to make financial decisions and stay on track to reach your goals.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org to find CFP® professionals in your area. A trustworthy financial advisor will help you focus on your needs and concerns and effectively manage your financial future.

(NewsUSA) - A real estate brokerage paying you for the honor of handling the sale of your house?

It's true -- and maybe just the latest sign of how sizzling hot the real estate market is.

In fact, under the innovative Homeowner Benefit Program, you don't even have to be ready to sell now -- or even in the near future -- to immediately receive a check that typically runs between $800 to $3,000. You just have to agree that MV Realty, which launched the program in late 2018 and continues to expand it across the nation, will broker the sale for you if and when you are ready.

"It's a win-win situation," says Amanda Zachman, the founder of MV Realty, which has the highest 5.0 rating on the real estate website Zillow.com. "The homeowner gets money now and ongoing access to a high-quality real estate brokerage that believes real estate is more than just some one-time transactional deal. And we get a future client."

Intrigued? Then before we even get into the details, consider this month's headline from Fortune.com that should warm the heart of every potential home seller: "It's the Mother of All Seller's Markets."

Meaning, the two key factors that made 2021 a record-shattering year, with cities like Miami witnessing home prices soaring by as much as 32.5 percent, both remain in play:

* A tight inventory.

* Demand so rampant -- including from investors paying cash -- that, as CNBC reported, "houses are selling on average 10 days faster than they were a year ago" when all you heard about was people fleeing big cities because of COVID.

"On top of all that," notes Zachman, "what we're now seeing are many buyers looking to lock in still relatively low mortgage rates in anticipation of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates multiple times this year."

Headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., MV Realty now offers the Homeowner Benefit Program through its licensed agents in 33 states (Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin).

What makes the program so extraordinary is that homeowners get to keep the money from the brokerage, which is based on the estimated value of their home, even if they never choose to sell.

That's money that can be used for anything they want. Home renovations. A much-needed vacation. One homeowner was able to host their 5-year-old's dream birthday party at Disneyworld.

Meanwhile, homeowners get the benefit of a top-rated real estate brokerage's expertise, including information delivered on everything from current market trends to a personalized home analysis.

And if they do choose to sell? That's when the full-service MV Realty really jumps into action by using its highly structured proprietary process of listing and valuing a home. And -- here's the key -- maximizing said home's marketability by using its multiple resources to promote it both nationally and internationally complete with professionally taken photographs. A sale earns the brokerage the competitive local commission rate.

"With the market the way it is, now is one of the best times ever to sell," says Zachman

(NewsUSA) - For the past two years, the pandemic has impacted our daily lives, and consumer priorities around healthy eating and cooking have shifted as more people are eating and cooking at home. The pandemic has also caused a change in dietary habits, and many people have gained weight, in what is known as the "Quarantine 15."According to a recent study by Nutrisystem, 76% of people gained as much as 16 pounds between March and July 2020.

With warmer weather and a sense of normalcy around the corner, many people are focusing once again on their health and wellness goals. Courtney McCormick, Corporate Dietitian at Nutrisystem, says "losing weight and eating healthy doesn't have to be hard," and offers these reasons on why frozen meals can be that solution you need to get back on track.

Frozen Meals are Portion Controlled

Frozen meals not only take the guesswork out of portion control and re-teach reasonable portion sizes, but single serving, portio-controlled meals, such as frozen meals, are also a proven method of weight loss, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Plus, many frozen options, like Nutrisystem's new premium meals are packed with protein, to keep you feeling full longer and help you stop reaching for that after dinner snack. 

Frozen Meals are Nutrient Rich 

"Frozen meals taste great and are good for you," says McCormick. The frozen food industry has been working hard to focus on adding plant-based ingredients, like vegetables, to frozen meals. In these meals, veggies are often harvested at the peak of freshness when they have the most nutrients.

Frozen Meals are Convenient

Frozen meals eliminate prep time in the kitchen. "You no longer have to spend significant time in the kitchen preparing a healthy dinner for the family," says McCormick. Frozen meals help get dinner on the table quickly. As an added bonus, many companies, such as Nutrisystem, will deliver meals right to your door.

Frozen Meals are Sustainable

According to a recent article, the average American household throws out about $1,500 in food waste each year. The USDA has similar data. "We all have good intentions of eating leftovers, but oftentimes they end up in the trash," says McCormick. With frozen meals, there is no need to store leftovers or over-purchase ingredients.

Frozen Meals are Versatile

Frozen meals leave the door open for creativity. Additional vegetables can be added to meals on the side as an accompaniment. Think sliced red peppers with hummus or a caprese salad. Frozen meals also cater to different tastes and include a variety of different flavors. There is something for every palate with frozen meals.

Now is the time to say yes to focusing on your health and wellness goals and embrace the convenience and versatility of frozen meals.

For more information, recipes and inspiration for healthy side dishes, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.

(NewsUSA) - March Madness is here, and more exciting than ever. Even people who don't bet suddenly find themselves obsessed with the office pool (virtual or in person) or getting in on Uncle Howie's family pool (and having a better bracket than Aunt Matilda).

But there is another great way to get in on the fun and maximize your March Madness odds. Online sports betting offers unique opportunities not only to bet, but to win and to get paid (a much better deal than getting the I.O.U. from the office or Aunt Matilda).

The best online sportsbooks are those with the most options. BetUS, a pioneer in online sports betting with more than 25 years in the business, provides recreational sports bettors with fun and sophisticated experiences. March Madness is no exception. This year, March Madness betting through an online sportsbook will be even more popular, as fans continue to view more games on a wider range of online devices.

Some of the ways you can enjoy March Madness betting include placing bets on the ultimate tournament winner, as well as betting separately on which teams make the Final Four or Sweet Sixteen.

BetUS allows members to place March Madness predictions on games before they happen, or to place bets live during games. Other options to explore include parlays and round robins, which can result in larger payouts.

Some tips from BetUS experts for picking a winning March Madness betting bracket include:

- Strong schedule. Look for teams that have played others with tough reputations and solid records.

- Winning streaks. There is something to be said for the streak; often when a March Madness team is on a roll, it rides its momentum all the way to the championship.

- Strong record of away game wins. Many March Madness games are played on the road, and a team that can adapt to new settings has an advantage.

Don't miss the extra benefits to be found on BetUS: friend referral bonuses, and also the BetUS loyalty program, which helps you get the most from each wager.

"For every real-money sportsbook wager you make, you will earn points. As you acquire points you will progress through the six tiers of BetUS Rewards, with each tier unlocking more exclusive rewards. The more you play, the more you will be rewarded," says Tim Williams, Director of Public Relations for BetUS.

Check out BetUS.com for more information and to get started, just in time for the Big Dance.