Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/tips-tackle-tax-prep-procrastination

If you are a procrastinator, you’re not alone. Studies suggest more than 70% of Americans say they habitually procrastinate on daily tasks, especially this time of year between spring cleaning, daily work assignments, and tax time.

That’s why tax prep company Jackson Hewitt has declared Thursday, April 2 National Get it Done Day. They say it’s about turning procrastination - or what they like to call “protaxination”- into progress.

With more than half of Americans (51%) admitting they spend more time worrying about tasks than actually doing them, April 2's Get it Done Day offers a simple solution: pick one thing, get some help, finish it, and feel the difference, no matter what it is.

If it is taxes, they want to help by making it even easier to get them done and get you the biggest refund you deserve. Great news for the 62% that state having tax help would push them to act sooner.

To find the nearest Jackson Hewitt office and book an appointment, check out jacksonhewitt.com.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/new-american-home-2026-blends-smart-luxury-living-profound-purpose

Looking to make some home upgrades this year? Each year in collaboration with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), The New American Home showcases the latest and greatest in innovations and smart improvements, and this year it comes with a side of philanthropy.

At The New American Home 2026, SKS and LG are not just showcasing the future of high-tech and luxury living. They are empowering a home with heart. This year’s show home is a groundbreaking philanthropic platform, designed to directly support Jonathan’s Landing Foundation and its vital mission to create a comprehensive community for adults with autism.

Jonathan’s Landing founder, Jason Eichenholz told us, “I fell in love with this property, but I realized that I could do more than just building a home. I could build a gathering place. I can find a way for the community to come together and to support a cause that was very important to me, which is autism, and providing housing and employment for adults with autism. We’re going to provide the maximum service for each individual for the least cost to the families.”

In the kitchen for example, SKS appliances offer unparalleled precision and luxury, perfect for everyday cooking and grand-scale entertaining. For Jason and his son Jonathan, cooking has provided an avenue for communication, creativity, and lifelong memories.

So, what makes this kitchen so unique? It has a 48-inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range with six burners and a griddle, a 24-inch Integrated Column Wine Refrigerator, 30-inch Integrated Column Freezer - panel-ready, and don’t forget the 24" built-in undercounter fridge with drawers that can be turned into freezers. There’s also a back kitchen for the ultimate entertainer with a 48-inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range with built-in sous vide, and a combo wall oven with speed cook and steam.

Within The New American Home, ThinQ technology acts as the intelligent core, seamlessly integrating everything from SKS’s professional-grade culinary suites to LG’s advanced HVAC systems, smart laundry, and OLED TVs. This creates an effortlessly intelligent, energy-efficient, and truly connected living experience that redefines comfort and convenience.

To continue to inspire others to connect through cooking and raise awareness for Jonathan’s Landing, SKS has launched #passtheapron. People are encouraged to film their own apron pass moment and tag others they want to nominate to support the cause. Learn more on SKS social media @sksappliances or visit sksappliances.com/pass-the-apron.

And for more on The New American Home 2026 go to TNAH.com.

Watch the video: https://www.lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/kbis-2026-best-show-kitchen-and-bath

LifeMinute headed to North America’s largest kitchen and bath show, KBIS in Orlando, Florida, to check out the latest innovations, trends, and technologies shaping 2026’s kitchens and bathrooms.

One of the biggest shifts? Bathrooms are evolving into true wellness spaces. Design trends are emphasizing calming environments, nature-inspired aesthetics, and products that are both beautiful and low-maintenance — exactly what Toto is showcasing this year.

Leading the way is the Aurora Washlet+ S7A, a sculptural one-piece bidet toilet inspired by natural forms. All water and electrical connections are cleverly concealed, giving it a sleek, seamless look. But the innovation isn’t just cosmetic: Toto’s new gravity-driven flush system features a dual-valve, nested tank design that extends bowl and rim cleaning coverage up to five times longer than standard gravity systems — all while remaining extremely water-efficient.

Toto also introduced new models for different homeowner needs. The Redington One-Piece also has very clean architectural lines with a fully skirted profile for easier cleaning. The Glaston Two-Piece is an updated classic made for extra comfort and performance.

For design-focused spaces, their luxury NeoRest LS and WX1 Smart Bidet Toilets now come in sophisticated matte black and white finishes.

In the kitchen, induction cooking is rapidly gaining ground. By 2028, induction appliances are projected to account for nearly two-thirds of cooking appliance sales — a trend luxury brand SKS has been leading for years.

Their new 36-inch Induction Pro Range is a powerhouse, featuring a 7000-watt cooktop and a full-sized steam-combination oven. Home chefs can now master steam convection, steam sous vide, air fry, and advanced convection modes — professional-level cooking techniques and consistent results, all in the comfort of home. This range was a KBIS Best of Show finalist.

Another standout is the LG Signature Refrigerator, engineered to “disappear.” With zero-clearance™ hinges, 45% thinner insulated doors, and true flush alignment, it gives the look of a built-in without the need for renovation. The innovative drawers convert from freezer to fridge, offering total customization — perfect for entertaining and creating craft ice like a pro.

KBIS 2026 is clearly showing that the future of kitchens and bathrooms is about blending technology, design, and wellness — all while making life easier and more luxurious.

Watch the video: https://www.lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/feline-heart-health-what-every-cat-owner-needs-know-about-early-detection

February is Heart Health Month, and staying heart-healthy isn’t just important for people, it matters for our pets, too. Here’s what cat owners need to know about feline heart health and how early detection can make a life-changing difference.

Just like people, cats can develop heart disease without showing obvious signs. In fact, cats are very good at hiding illness, or they may only show vague changes that are easy to miss. On top of that, cats tend to visit the veterinarian less often than dogs for routine checkups. That’s why awareness is so important, because with early detection and new management options, we can help keep cats’ hearts strong for years to come.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is the most common form of heart disease in cats. It happens when the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. About one in seven cats is affected. The challenge is that HCM is often silent and progressive, and many cats show no outward signs until the disease is advanced. If left undetected, it can lead to heart failure, blood clots, or abnormal heart rhythms.

Unlike dogs, cats rarely cough or show obvious signs of heart trouble. Some cats may breathe faster at rest, become less active, or hide more—but many appear completely normal. They eat, play, and act just like always. That’s why routine veterinary checkups are so critical. Listening for a heart murmur, monitoring lab work, and screening for high blood pressure are often the best ways to catch heart disease early.

Any cat can develop HCM, but certain breeds, like Maine Coons and ragdolls, are genetically predisposed. That said, any mixed-breed or purebreed cat can be affected, which is why regular screenings are important for all cats, not just those considered high-risk.

So, what can cat owners do to help protect their cat’s heart? The most important step is scheduling a yearly veterinary exam. Your veterinarian will listen to your cat’s heart and may recommend additional testing, such as an echocardiogram, X-ray, blood pressure check, or blood test, if they detect a murmur or other risk factor. The good news is that there’s now a new treatment option called Felycin-CA1 (sirolimus delayed-release tablets), which can help manage HCM before symptoms appear and may make a meaningful difference in your cat’s heart health.

To learn more visit heartstrongfamilies.com to learn more about feline heart health, and talk with your veterinarian about screening your cat. You can also help spread awareness by sharing information on social media using the hashtag #heartstrong.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/eat-and-drink/video/big-game-ready-host-champion

The Big Game is almost here, which means it’s time to gather your crew for the ultimate watch party. Whether your guests are die-hard fans or just in it for the halftime show and snacks, we’ve got your winning game plan covered.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer, Tast!ez from McCain Foods are these perfect bite-sized frozen snacks. They are always a fun crowd pleaser for casual hangs or to make game day feel extra cozy. You can pop in the air fryer or the oven and they’re ready in minutes. They’re crispy on the outside with a delicious savory filling - Garlic Cheese Curds, Mini Mozzarella Sticks, Mexican-style street corn, Buffalo Mac & Cheese, and Nacho Cheese Triangles. You can find Tast!ez in the frozen snack aisle at major retailers including Walmart, ShopRite, Food Lion and Publix.

Next up, an estimated 280 million pounds of avocados are anticipated to come into the U.S. from Mexico in the four weeks leading up to the big game. Nothing says game day like guac and Avocados from Mexico is doing something cool partnering with actor Rob Riggle as their guru. He’ll be serving up real-time football predictions and custom guac recipes during the big game.

We tried the “good luck guac.” It’s designed to bring you good fortune during even the most nail-biting moments of the game and it's guaranteed to score major points with your entire crew. It’s made with pomegranate seeds and gold flakes, both symbols of luck. Find it and other delicious recipes at avocadosfrommexico.com/big-game.

Finally, for those looking to sit back, relax and skip game day cooking, there is nothing like pizza. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse recently gave its beloved deep-dish pizza an iconic remix with a golden, crispy crust, rich, creamy mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce, and cup-and-char pepperoni — more delicious than ever. They have the MVP bundle for just $55. It includes a large deep dish plus your choice of 3 lbs. of boneless wings or 30 bone-in wings. Don't forget to finish with the sweetest ending ever - the world-famous Pizookie Dessert.

You can pickup the bundle or have it delivered Saturday, January 24th through big game Sunday. Order via BJ's website or mobile app at bjsrestaurants.com.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/refund-jeans-pockets-big-enough-your-tax-refund

Big refunds need bigger pockets.

That’s why Jackson Hewitt, one of the nation’s most trusted names in tax prep services, is introducing refund jeans: limited-edition denim jeans with pockets big enough to hold this season’s big tax refunds. For many, that could mean thousands of dollars back.

Behind the scenes, Jackson Hewitt tax pros have been gearing up and staying on top of all the latest tax law changes, so you can rest easy this tax season.

You can’t shop the jeans — but you can win them. Jackson Hewitt is giving 100 pairs of refund jeans away to Instagram followers through a sweepstakes. From January 15 through February 11, fans can enter by following them on Instagram and engaging with select refund jeans posts. Each week for four weeks, 25 winners will be chosen. See all the rules on jacksonhewitt.com/refundjeans.

And there’s more good news: for the first time ever, Jackson Hewitt is offering its tax refund advance loan all season long. If approved, clients can get up to $3,500 in minutes, any time during tax season, on a prepaid card. Finance charge applies — it’s perfect for when you need money before your refund comes. Learn more at jacksonhewitt.com/loans.

Wondering if your refund can fill these big pockets? Make an appointment today at jacksonhewitt.com.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/best-ces-2026

It's one of the biggest industry events of the new year, CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, where more than 4,500 exhibitors are showcasing their latest and greatest innovations. LifeMinute editor-in-chief, Joann Butler shares what everyone is buzzing about this year.

When it comes to the kitchen, the design world is just buzzing about LG’s new Standard-Depth MAX 4-Door French Door refrigerator. It makes mini craft ice with dual ice makers for cubed or crushed ice from both the door and the freezer, which has tons of room. The inside is 29 cubic feet with wide open shelves –which is perfect for storing large platters or baking sheets.

There's also a drawer that has five temperature settings so you can easily shift between refrigerator and freezer, making it super simple to store everything from wine and cheeses to frozen foods.

It also maintains consistent temperatures to keep food fresh and tasting its best. It has adjustable LED back wall lighting and it's kid proof, with pocket handles and soft-close hinges to prevent slamming little hands, plus it resists fingerprints and smudges.

And it's extra smart with ThinQ connectivity for remote monitoring, voice assistant compatibility, and wins kudos for energy efficiency.

Moving on to the living space, the LG 100-inch Micro RGB 4k TV is a total showstopper. It uses the smallest individual RGB LEDs ever to deliver higher precision in brightness, contrast, and color purity, so images appear more lifelike. Everything you watch looks more real, more dimensional, and incredibly uniform from edge to edge on this huge 100-inch screen.

You also get RGB primary color ultra, which unlocks a full, expanded spectrum of primary colors with exceptional depth and gradation. This is especially noticeable in HDR content and complex color scenes: think sunsets, cityscapes, or cinematic shadow detail, everything just pops.

Even at this massive size, the TV is ultra-slim and designed to sit flush against the wall, so it feels less like a TV and more like a piece of modern architecture. It blends beautifully into contemporary spaces while still making a very bold statement, and of course, it has smart features. With LG’s award-winning webOS platform, you get personalized home screens, voice ID that recognizes who’s watching, AI picture, and Sound Wizard that tunes everything to your personal preferences, so it’s not just a stunning visual centerpiece, it’s also an intuitive, easy-to-use smart home entertainment hub.

When it comes to travel, one of the coolest things Joann saw at CES was how tech company Oshkosh is reimagining how airports run. They showcased a fleet of super smart robots that assist ground crews right on the tarmac on all kinds of tasks— such as guiding a plane from landing to take off, and numerous other things that are needed all day long, under all kinds of weather conditions. They are all AI driven with autonomous mobility. The idea is to boost safety and efficiency, making it a great example of how technology can help airports move travelers faster while maintaining the highest safety standards.