(NewsUSA) - Winter is coming. And so are winter expenses. Planning ahead for inevitable winter expenses, from holiday shopping to home winterization, can save you time and stress as well as money. And it can leave you with a robust nest egg when spring arrives.

Unlike holiday decorations, it’s never too early, or too late, to budget for winter expenses, says Rod Meloni, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional.

Setting aside funds for winter expenses can help you avoid overspending and make sure that you are covered in case of an emergency, says Meloni. For example, setting aside money in advance for contractors to inspect a furnace or clean gutters means you won’t feel pinched when the cold weather kicks in.

Taking smart steps to winterize your home now can save you money later. Some strategies are simple and free; some are more costly and complicated, but a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional can offer help to develop a budget or fit these expenses into your budget.

Consider inside and outside factors for winterizing your home.

Outside, be sure to turn off external spigots to avoid bursting pipes, and put away hoses and sprinklers. Swap screens for storm doors and windows that allow your home to heat more efficiently. Don’t forget to clean the gutters — a buildup of leaves can keep water from draining and allow ice to accumulate and potentially leak into your home.

Inside, schedule an annual inspection for your furnace, and check for insulation of water pipes. Check areas around the attic, windowsills, and electrical outlets for air leaks, and fill them with insulation as needed.

Avoid the heating bill blues by incorporating some money-saving ideas into your winter plans. Installing a programmable thermostat lets you set temperatures lower at times of day when you aren’t home, or when you are on vacation. If your budget permits, check out investing in alternative heating systems such as pellet stoves or solar heat, which can pay off in savings if you plan to stay in your current home long-term.

Make sure your insurance is ready for winter, too. A CFP^® professional can help you review homeowners insurance and determine whether you need to increase your coverage.

Also, be aware that winter can bring a catch-all of potentially unexpected expenses, from the need for snow tires or shovels to backup child care in case of a snow day or winter illness. Setting aside an emergency fund for winter expenses gives you a sense of security, and if you don’t need the funds this year, roll them over to next winter.

Every season involves expenses that should be incorporated into your financial plans. A CFP^® professional can help you think through these considerations and build a comprehensive plan that keeps you on track to achieve your goals, no matter the season.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Mrs. R. Snugglesworth – Attorney-at-Law”
by Amy Flanagan       

Mrs. R. Snugglesworth is 70 pounds of low-to-the-ground PRECIOUS. She is The Best at Finding Slightly Used Sandwiches and The Best at Loving Ham -- and now she's looking for her next big challenge. To her surprise, she stumbles into the canine legal system and discovers a passion for the law. Dog law, that is.  

In two wags of a tail, she enrolls at Wagsworth Legal Academy. Turns out it’s not that easy learning to be The Best at Law School. So when she finds out her dear friend Pitter-Patter needs her help, she can’t wait to take on her first case. She’ll just juggle her Wagsworth legal classes, naps, walks, naps, chasing tennis balls, snacks, naps and work with Pitter-Patter. What could possibly go wrong?  

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3CeAzoe.

“Scars and Scales”
by KC J. Hutchins  

Ten years have passed since the slaying of the Omni dragons, which had subjected the world with their power. Thus, it was a celebrated day when the sorceress queen Delsey and her army slayed these beasts. But soon, the witch set her sights on conquering the rest of the world. Who could oppose her? No one except the single Omni survivor known as Xerxes.  

Freed after years of torture, the dragon seeks to unite the lands against the queen with a mix of creatures -- difficult when he possesses trust issues. Through his journey, Xerxes learns to trust others including a hot-headed werewolf, a silver-tongued dwarf, a timid yet strong elven princess, a pacifist giant, a bounty hunting leprechaun and a lazy gargoyle. Their bonds will be tested as their enemies lay outside a strategic stronghold vital to winning the eventual war.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3LS53PF.

“Truthful Misconceptions”
by Con Trong Bui  

In this fascinating and refreshing view of scriptural concepts, the author stirs our thinking processes in a manner that energizes the reader. For example, he asks where God resided before He creating the heavens and the Earth?  

Con Trong Bui puts forth a few difficult questions and provocative assertions of his own in “Truthful Misconceptions,” a book that explores Christian scripture, its symbolism and interpretation thereof, draws intriguing comparisons between Christianity and other world religions and comes to unique conclusions about Biblical writings and teachings. Whether or not a reader identifies as a Christian, the author’s ideas are accessible to anyone and provide much to consider about truth and beliefs stemming from religious doctrine.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3C1gLnG.

“Muskka”
by A.B. Dulz  

“Muskka” is the story of a young boy who was born in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was raised by his grandparents after his father was assassinated and his mother abandoned her family. His family flees the dangers of Kandahar and continues to move until reaching Karachi, Pakistan, all while evading extremists who are abducting and murdering people who were affiliated with the Afghan government.  

The family settles and begins learning a new language and way of life in Pakistan as rioting erupts in the streets, closing most stores and making it difficult to survive. The patriarch of the family decides to send his two eldest sons to America, with hopes of sending the rest of the family later. The young boy must survive long enough to see the promised land.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3zTcLnO.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Technology is part of children’s lives, and although excessive screen time is a concern, other types of technology can be an enhancement to early childhood education.

The Kinoo Magic Wand is a screenless, smart device that young children can use independently or with family members. The 4-inch wand features three illuminated bulbs and a speaker to produce light, color and sound. Children use the wand to add an essential element of movement-based learning to games and activities in the Move & Master book (mBook), High Five magazine Kinoo Special Edition and more that are compatible with the wand.     

The activities accompanying the wand were developed in partnership with Highlights for Children, the classic children’s publisher of magazines and books.     

The wand acts as a tool to help engage children as they work through letters, phonics and reading, as well as body exercises, music instruments, Hidden Pictures and others. The activities are also designed to help build life skills such as creativity, collaboration, curiosity and critical thinking.     

“Brain research has validated 'physical movement' as a powerful accelerant to learning and development for kids when coupled with visual and auditory learning modalities,” says Jim Marggraff, CEO and founder of Kinoo.     

“While screen time has become a part of everyday parenting and education, it has reduced the time kids spend actively engaging and socializing. Kinoo was founded to combine leading edge technologies with developmental research to produce breakthroughs in learning for all children,” says Marggraff, who created the transformational, award-winning LeapPad Learning System.     

To celebrate the launch of the Kinoo Magic Wand, in partnership with Highlights for Children, Kinoo is hosting the Kinoo Magic Wand Contest. The winning family receives a free trip to Los Angeles, Calif., and will star in Kinoo’s 2023 product commercial. Many families around the countries have participated in the #kinoomagicwand social campaign.     

Parents can also use the Kinoo Magic app to customize their wands with ongoing new releases of content and activities from an expanding library. Another bonus: the Kinoo Connect app enables children to safely play collaborative, curated games while video chatting with selected individuals, such as a remote family member.     

The Kinoo Magic Wand with High Five magazine Kinoo Special Edition by Highlights for Children is a perfect holiday gift.     

Visit kinoo.com for more information.  

(NewsUSA) - Medicare’s open enrollment period ends on December 7, and an estimated 31.8 million seniors and Americans with disabilities will choose a Medicare Advantage plan for their health coverage in the coming year, according to data from the federal government.

What is Medicare Advantage? For Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, it is an increasingly popular health coverage option within the Medicare program, in which plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies in partnership with the federal government, who sets the rules for the plan. Beneficiaries who choose a Medicare Advantage Plan still have Medicare, but their care is covered by their health plan of choice rather than by traditional Fee-for-Service Medicare.

Since 2006, the number of seniors picking Medicare Advantage has more than doubled and today 48 percent of Medicare beneficiaries choose a Medicare Advantage plan – a percentage that is expected to continue growing in coming years. A big reason may be the substantial cost savings Medicare Advantage beneficiaries enjoy.

Medicare Advantage premiums continue to fall, and average premiums for 2023 are down nearly 8 percent from 2022. Additional research finds that seniors who choose Medicare Advantage save nearly $2,000 on average per year compared to traditional Medicare.

Mary Beth Donahue, President & CEO of Better Medicare Alliance, a nonprofit research and advocacy coalition supporting Medicare Advantage, says the program is helping seniors save money on health care at a time when costs of living have risen sharply and weigh heavily on seniors’ fixed-income budgets.

“Medicare Advantage is once again meeting the moment with lower costs, added benefits, and a superior health care experience,” Donahue said. “With the lowest average monthly premiums in 16 years, and separate data showing that Medicare Advantage saves seniors nearly $2,000 per year on total health expenditures, Medicare Advantage is poised to bring meaningful health and financial security to millions of seniors in 2023.”

Beyond Medicare Advantage’s ability to save seniors money, nearly every Medicare Advantage plan covers extra “supplemental” benefits not included in traditional Medicare, such as dental and vision care, in-home health and wellness services, nutrition and meal delivery services and other valuable resources.

Notably, polling finds that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have a 94 percent satisfaction rate with their plans, while 95 percent report that they are satisfied with their provider network. 

The deadline to sign up for Medicare Advantage is December 7 but enrollment could be extended until 2023.

(NewsUSA) - The holiday season is coming, and with the return to in-person events, everyone wants to look their best. But many people who might consider a skin-tightening treatment shy away from needles, and have concerns about fillers and chemicals. Apex Center for Regenerative Medicine offers an alternative.     

Some forms of regenerative medicine involve using the body’s own cells, taking cells from one part of the body and using them to promote healing and rejuvenation where it is needed. This type of regenerative medicine has become a standard option in treating sports injuries, and recent advances have allowed the field to expand to aesthetics, specifically skin tightening and facial rejuvenation.     

The EmFace procedure harnesses the body’s own regenerative and healing ability for individuals who want to improve their appearance without surgery. EmFace uses radio frequency to heat up the skin and promote collagen and elastin regrowth. It also uses a patented technology called Hi-Fes which causes a supramaximal contraction of the facial muscles, allowing them to build back.     

EmFace is a non-invasive procedure that promotes smoother, tighter skin without needles, fillers, or toxins.     For example, EmFace can be used to create a “lateral brow lift” that raises the eyelids for a more energized appearance. The muscle- contracting technology also can improve the appearance of a sagging jawline by strengthening and toning the facial muscles that have weakened over time.     

EmFace can also be used concurrently with Botox and fillers as part of a facial rejuvenation plan.     

“EmFace is complementary to injectables but many people won’t need injectables or need less” says Dr. Daniel Savarino, director of the Apex Center for Regenerative Medicine in Tinton Falls, N.J., which was the first practice in New Jersey to offer the EmFace procedure.     

“During your consultation, we will go over the best path forward for you,” he adds.     Advantages of EmFace include:     

- Short and sweet. Each EmFace treatment takes 20 minutes, so patients can fit in appointments during a lunch break.     

- Simple and safe. No pre-treatment preparations are needed, and there is no post-procedure downtime.     

- Speedy results. Data show improvements after four EmFace sessions, and optimal results are evident at 10-12 weeks after the final session.     

- Safe and Effective. 20-minute treatments provide an average of 40% wrinkle reduction, 25% lift and 30% rebuilding of the facial muscles.     

The noninvasive aspect makes EmFace especially appealing for the holiday season, when no one wants the inconvenience of post-procedure downtime. “Our motto is ‘Don’t Operate . . . Regenerate,” says Dr. Savarino.     

For more information, visit regeneratenj.com/emface.

(NewsUSA) - “This is a work of fiction -- really.” It’s hard for poet Pasquale Trozzolo to convince us that his brilliant “UN/Reconciled:” (Kelsay Books) is not intended to portray any person, or combination of persons living or dead. Attribute that to the passion dripping from each vignette in this marvelous collection of 29 poems on a journey to the center of that most complex human experience: romantic love gone off.  

The collection reminds couples that relationships take work, even when in a powerful love. It is essential to capture the magnetic tension experienced in the first weeks and months of the relationship and find ways to keep discovering it, even as the mundane of ordinary life interferes.  

“I’m hoping this little story will remind people that all love stories have happy starts filled with excitement and that positive tension that is hard to describe,” Trozzolo says. “We need to continue to work to find ways to capture that excitement, even when 50 years go by. Not every relationship is worth saving, but some are. And all of them are worth remembering.”  

Trozzolo is an entrepreneur and founder of Trozzolo Communications Group, one of the Midwest’s leading advertising and public relations firms. He also has spent time as a racecar driver and grad school professor. Then, just before the pandemic, he found himself semi-retired and with what he says was too much time on his hands.  

“I began living out as many retirement clichés as possible,” he recalls. “Why not try poetry? The problem is, after a lifetime of ignoring it -- I fell in love. I hit the books to learn, and read several textbooks with words like villanelle, pantoum and sestina. And I enrolled in online poetry classes at Oxford University and Stanford.”  

Here’s an example of feelings conveyed in one of the poems from “UN/Reconciled:”  

Our third anniversary -- you greeted me at the door.    

How Was Your Day?    

All I hear are low notes and misery.
Tell me instead of boats and clouds,
of speed and sex and dreams and bad ideas.
Tell me without the clutter. Be impersonal.
Shocking. Off-kilter. Abduct me with a dangerous tale.
Tell me you like the way I hold my drink.
Touch my hand. Whisper something stirring.  
Make me nervous. Be my stranger.  
Just for tonight.  

Writes Shawn Aveningo Sanders, author of “What She Was Wearing,” “Like a siren’s sultry song haunts the sailor, a mysterious woman floats in and out of the speaker’s life. Trozzolo takes us on a poetic journey through a salacious love affair that has such a hold on him that he still sees her everywhere … The poem vignettes deftly echo the brief, dangerous moments the two lovers shared.”  

Marcela Sulak, author of “City of Skypapers” and “Mouth Full of Seeds,” describes the work as “equal measures sly and sincere, impenitent and indulgent. This paean to passion will charm with bittersweet delight.”  

Setting it all up in the book’s preface, Trozzolo writes, “What started quickly turned into -- well, I don’t know how to describe it. All I know is that I’ve been writing poems about you for decades—still, not sure if I’ll ever be able to stop or forget. And the truth -- I don’t want to stop -- or forget.”

To learn more, visit pasqualetrozzolo.com.

To purchase the book, go to https://amzn.to/3SHBUIB.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Dancing in the River”
by George Lee    

Drawing on his own life experiences, George Lee has fashioned an unforgettable coming-of-age story about fate and faith, the power of imagination and storytelling, and the wonder of English literature.  

Growing up in a small, riverside town, Little Bright is thrust into the political whirlwinds along with his family during China’s Cultural Revolution. When a reversal of the winds of reform blows through the land, however, he learns the once-forbidden tongue: English. At college, he adopts a new English name, Victor, and begins to place himself under the tutelage of Pavlov, Sherlock Holmes and Shakespeare.  

When the story unravels, however, Victor’s un-Chinese passion and tension threaten to topple his moral world and mental universe. Now, he must wade into an uncharted journey to unlock the dilemma and to unearth his destiny.

Purchase at bit.ly/3KBGTIr.

“Old Paradigms Die Hard”
by Jamil Hasan  

In the face of war with Russia, Ukraine has built a sovereign digital economy, or a national “State in a Smartphone,” by leveraging digital technologies, cryptocurrencies, and digitized artwork, to rebuild their financial system and fund their government and military.    

This book sheds light on how Ukraine has built this “State in a Smartphone,” a brand-new paradigm, and how other nations around the world could do the same, especially when faced with extreme adversity. This book demonstrates Ukraine’s incredible resilience through Crypto Hipster podcast interviews with founders, artists and government officials in Ukraine from February to May 2022. Jamil Hasan, host of the Crypto Hipster Podcast, is a six-time author in blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Purchase at http://bit.ly/3UzBsxZ.

“It's A Very If Not You Then Who? Christmas!”
by David and Emberli Pridham  

It’s Christmas time at the Fairley house, and that means it’s time for Christmas traditions! Whether it’s decorating the tree, hanging lights, or watching Christmas movies, everyone has a favorite. But Brooke thinks it’s time to invent a new tradition, maybe something frozen and frosty and fun.  

If you like fun, informative, and factual kid’s books such as “The Magic School Bus,” then you’ll love the new STEM series “If Not You, Then Who?” The book, geared for children ages 4 to 9, aims to teach children about the inventions and patents in everyday life and inspire them to create their own. This series aims to show that no dream is too big, and no dreamer is too small to succeed.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3zL85RO.

“Giggles Galore”
by Carole P. Roman  

Treat yourself and your child to this fun-filled book of jokes, riddles and exciting bits of information. Entertain your friends and family with a wide variety of jokes that include funny foods, animal antics, jolly jungles, farcical farms, dizzy dinosaurs, hilarious holidays and a host of humor from all over our wacky world.  

Fun facts are sprinkled throughout the book. There’s even a section where budding comedians can learn to create new jokes. And join the author’s beloved character, Susanna Maya Logan, for a short story about why we must use humor wisely, or it may not be considered funny by everyone.  

A great tool to help a reluctant reader, “Giggles Galore” is the perfect way to practice social skills and develop friendships.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ePolZA.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - The holiday season is here, and people are eager for some well-earned self-indulgence.

Custom jewelry is an ideal way to honor yourself or someone you love with something truly special that lasts a lifetime.     

Custom jewelry, such as the handcrafted items from Scottsdale, Arizona-based Cornelis Hollander, has several advantages over standard-issue pieces that make for memorable gifts.     

- Showcase your style. Go bold, go traditional; with a custom jeweler, the options are limitless. Custom jewelry lets you add a touch of elegance or make a bold statement. Combine elements to create something uniquely yours. Choose from one of the award-winning designs in the Cornelis Hollander signature collection, or take inspiration from their bold yet elegant options, and create something uniquely yours.     

- Reimagine your heirlooms. Cornelis Hollander encourages clients to think outside the box, the jewelry box, that is. For example, if you have a diamond ring from your grandmother with multiple stones, you can turn it into a pendant and earrings with settings that reflect your style and honor your family.     

“Whether transforming heirloom pieces into something new, upgrading to something more impressive or finding that first heart-stopping ring, we are honored to help you bring your vision to life,” according to Walter Hollander, who inherited the company from his father. “Your jewelry is a showpiece for your personal style, and we want to help you shine.”     

The experts at Cornelis Hollander work with you each step of the way to craft your jewelry. After an initial consultation, the team creates a 3D rendering so you can see and approve your piece from every angle. Next, you receive a 3D printed version, so you can hold a model in your hand and propose any final changes. Once approved, the piece is cast, and the gemstones are set according to your design.     

Cornelis Hollander, a native of the Netherlands, refined his jewelry design skills at the Vrije Academie in Den Haag, Holland. He eventually settled in Arizona, and his unique and award-winning designs for diamond engagement rings and other custom jewelry combine classic training and modern innovation. The company remains in the hands of the Hollander family, and all designs are manufactured by skilled craftsmen in the Scottsdale, Arizona, studio.     

Visit cornelishollander.com for more details.

(NewsUSA) - This holiday season, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program celebrates its 75th year of delivering hope and joy to children in need across the Nation. Marines and volunteers are busy engaging with local businesses, media and community leaders to collect new, unwrapped toys to ensure that every child in need in their community has a present to open on Christmas morning.     

As the 2022 campaign season hits the halfway mark, Toys for Tots is asking for support from the American public now more than ever. Families across the Nation continue to deal with the continuing rise of inflation and other economic challenges. When families are struggling to make financial ends meet, giving their children a Merry Christmas can feel entirely out of their reach.       

That’s where you can help! Marine Toys for Tots encourages the American public to consider donating on November 29, which is globally known as Giving Tuesday -- but at Toys for Tots it’s Giving TOYSday! Every Giving TOYSday gift will deliver the joy of a new toy, book, or game at Christmastime to our Nation’s less fortunate children.     

“Since Marine Toys for Tots Program’s inception in 1947 with a single hand-crafted doll, we have distributed 627 million toys to over 281 million children in need over seven decades. We’ve adapted and overcome many challenges, but always accomplished the mission,” says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.     

“Today’s children are tomorrow’s future, and Marine Toys for Tots is dedicated to ensuring a brighter future for children living in challenging circumstances,” he adds. “Your Giving TOYSday gift is urgently needed to help us ensure that no child wakes up brokenhearted on Christmas morning.”     

Our Coordinators and volunteers are working around the clock to collect and sort toys that are generously donated across local campaigns. The gifts that our donors give can be the reason a child and their family believe in the magic of Christmas again -- and Coordinators can work until the last minute to ensure that “Santa” visits each house. Like our Coordinator Robert, who was making his last toy delivery of the day. He was approached by a local police officer, who mentioned that there was one more child in need who could use a Christmas miracle.     

Robert traveled to the home of the child, and a young boy answered the door with his mother. To Robert’s surprise, there were no Christmas decorations, no tree -- nothing representing the holiday season. The mother simply couldn’t afford it. But thanks to our loyal supporters, the boy and his mother received a Merry Christmas. Robert returned from his car with a bag full of Christmas gifts for the young boy. These gifts were made possible by our faithful donors -- they saved Christmas for this family.     

Toys for Tots needs your help to deliver the same magic that Robert delivered, to even more children in need across the Nation. Your gift can be the reason that a child and their family believe in the holiday magic again. Visit toysfortots.org to donate on Giving TOYSday, or visit your local campaign website to find other ways to donate this giving season -- and remember that anyone can be Santa! 

(NewsUSA) - Caribbean travel is back, and many favorite spots are expanding their offerings to meet a greater range of tastes and interests. If you or your travel companions are vegan, for example, you can find many more opportunities to relax and indulge.     

In particular, options for vegan dining have come into their own. The Calabash Cove Resort and Spa, one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia, now offers an all-vegan dinner option.     

Some examples from the menu: Yellow Split Pea Soup with Sweet Potato, Tempura Cauliflower Bites, Sesame Braised Eggplant, Pan Seared Tofu, Vegetable Stroganoff, and Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple. A vegan dinner at Calabash Cove also includes a bottle of Prosecco. The resort’s flagship Windsong Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the culinary team can accommodate any guest’s special dietary needs or personal requests. For example, the popular daily special lobster dish with roasted Cinderella pumpkin can be made with tofu. The eclectic menu is inspired by Asian cuisine and features fresh, local ingredients in every dish.     

The island of Saint Lucia offers visitors a glimpse of a rich culture and heritage influenced by different periods of history, when it had strategic importance in wars between England and France. The arrival of West Africans in the 18th and 19th centuries added Creole culture to the mix.     

Calabash Cove’s property features not only a private beach, but also a nearby coral reef, tropical gardens, and architecture designed to promote relaxation and enhance the sunset views.     

The resort is an elegant escape where adults can slow down to “island time,” and tradewinds keep the heat at bay. Calabash Cove accommodations include not only luxury suites with ocean views, but also unique Water’s Edge cottages, built for two, with their own plunge pools, outdoor rain showers, jacuzzis, and hammocks. The Swim-Up Suites place you a few strokes away from the swim-up bar at an oceanfront pool with a striking 40-foot infinity edge.     

A range of promotional packages make for even easier travel planning for vegans and nonvegans alike. The unconditional all-inclusive option provides not only fine dining, but also live music and top shelf liquors, along with the luxury accommodations in an intimate setting.     

For more information and the latest travel package options, visit www.calabashcove.com.