Today’s Top Real Estate News

The world of finances can feel overwhelming and sometimes even mysterious. Beyond the basics of savings and retirement funds, simple banking habits can have a surprising impact on your finances. These tricks can help you optimize your finances and get the most out of your banking by taking advantage of electronic banking tools, credit score hacks and more.

Shop Around for Your Bank 
Some banks offer special perks for their members and each one will differ. Shop around to find the best deal for your needs, keeping in mind your long-term goals. Some banks offer special perks to their patrons when financing loans for a home, cars and other items.

Split Your Paycheck 
Feel like you can’t trust yourself to not tap into those new funds every paycheck but you want to start saving? Ask your HR director if you can split your direct deposits or check with your bank to see if you can automatically transfer funds into savings on a monthly basis. Keep your excess funds sent directly to savings and they’re out of sight, out of mind.

Consider Another Bank
A general savings account is imperative, but if you have a special reason to save, it can be helpful to open an entirely new account. A big-ticket expense like a wedding, a new car or a first-home purchase can all be easier to track if the savings is separated from general emergency funds. This also helps remove the need or temptation to dip into that account for emergency issues.

Get a Credit Card Only for Regular Expenses 
Credit cards can be tricky for some, but using a credit card regularly and wisely can have a big impact on your credit score. Open a card that is used exclusively for consistent purchases for which you always have the funds on-hand. For example, instead of grocery shopping with cash, set a specific budget and use your credit card. Right after you are home and the groceries are put away, pay off that expense. If you currently have little or poor credit, check with your bank or financial institution, as they are often more likely to approve a current patron in good standing.

Change to Paperless Banking 
If you haven’t made the leap, it’s time to go paperless. Not only will you avoid paper clutter and the need to shred or store sensitive information, but your bank will likely offer a small savings or perk for those who opt to bank electronically. Between the opportunity for convenience and savings, there’s no reason to avoid making the switch.Published with permission from RISMedia.

(Family Features) Whether you enjoy your spring meals al fresco or simply turn to warm-weather dishes at the comfort of your own dining table, the season brings with it a perfect excuse to shake up your menu.

Lighter fare is often the way to go as temperatures climb, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a regular sandwich or a boring salad. Instead, enhance these springtime classics by rethinking tradition in tasty (yet easy) ways.

This Sabich recipe calls for a multitude of fresh flavors including Aunt Nellie’s Pickled Beets and Onions and hard-boiled eggs plus a variety of veggies, hummus and ethnic seasonings. Or, if a quick and easy salad calls your name for an outdoor meal, this Tossed Bean Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette requires only READ Bean Salad, mixed greens and a handful of other ingredients.

Find more easy springtime dishes at readsalads.com and auntnellies.com.

Tossed Bean Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

1 can (15 ounces) READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad
2 tablespoons lemon juice or white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
1 package (about 10 ounces) mixed salad greens with carrots
4 slices bacon (about 1/4 cup), cooked crisp and crumbled (optional)
shaved Parmesan or Asiago cheese (optional)

Drain bean salad well; in a small bowl, reserve 1/2 cup liquid.

To make dressing: Whisk reserved bean liquid and lemon juice then whisk in oil. Add pepper, to taste.

Place salad greens in a bowl. Add bean salad and bacon. Add dressing, as desired. Toss gently to coat. Arrange on platter; top with shaved cheese, if desired.

Variation: Top salad with sliced grilled chicken then top with cheese.

Sabich
Recipe courtesy of eazypeazymealz.com
Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Pickled Beets and Onions
1 medium eggplant
2 teaspoons salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
1 cup vegetable oil
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
pepper, to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons za’atar, plus additional for serving, divided (optional)
1/2 teaspoon sumac, plus additional for serving, divided (optional)
1 cucumber, diced
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 lemon, juice only
4 whole-grain pita breads with pockets
1/2 cup hummus
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Amba pickled mango sauce (optional)
1/4 cup tahini

Drain beets and onions; set aside.

Wash eggplant. Slice into 3/8-inch-thick pieces. Place slices on the cooling rack. Add 2 teaspoons salt to slices to draw out extra moisture. Let sit for 10 minutes. Pat extra moisture off.

In a large 14-inch skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once oil is hot, place eggplant slices in oil; fry until browned, about 3 minutes per side, in batches of four pieces. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb additional oil.

Season hard-boiled egg slices with salt and pepper, to taste. Season with 1/2 teaspoon za’atar and sumac, if desired. Set aside.

To make salad: In a medium bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, lemon juice and remaining za’atar. Set aside.

Gently slice one end of each pita and open pocket. In the microwave on high, heat pitas for 10 seconds. Place equal amounts of fried eggplant in each pita. Spread 2 tablespoons of hummus in each pita. Gently layer one-fourth of egg slices, beets and onions, cabbage, Israeli salad and green peppers in each pita.

Drizzle each sabich with about 1 tablespoon amba sauce, if desired, and 1 tablespoon tahini. Season with additional salt and pepper or sumac and Za’atar, if desired.Published with permission from RISMedia.

A home gym can be the perfect opportunity to remove barriers to your motivation. Whether you are social distancing, don’t feel confident at the gym or simply don’t have a flexible schedule, gym equipment in your home can be convenient and motivating. If you don’t want to sacrifice your home’s style for your fitness routine, try out these tips.

Buy With Your Space in Mind
Sure, it could be awesome to have a full gym set up complete with every piece of equipment imaginable, but if your space cannot conveniently accommodate it, you’re likely to find yourself feeling constricted in your home. Not only can this negatively impact your day-to-day home life, but it can also make your workouts feel cramped, leaving you uninspired.

Add Decor to Your Workout Area
Whether you have a whole room dedicated to fitness equipment or you simply have a stationary bike in the corner of your room, adding wall decor and intentional accessories can make even clunky equipment look nice. Consider putting up some framed inspirational quotes or artwork, add greenery and find a stylish basket or storage option to keep small items like towels. Styling the area around your workout space can ensure that it looks intentional and not haphazard.

Match Your Space’s Style
While matching your color scheme and style may not be an option for every piece of equipment, modern sleek designs are popping up more frequently. As fitness brands realize that not everyone is in love with the traditional options and more people are opting to pursue fitness from home, there’s bound to be even more alternatives as time goes on. From kettlebells to rowing equipment, there are now modern white and even wood fitness options on the market, making it easier than ever to add equipment without feeling the need to hide it in your space.

A little extra planning can go a long way to ensuring that your space is functional for your movement needs and still has style and charm.Published with permission from RISMedia.

(Family Features) Eating a balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner each day is an important part of maintaining a healthy diet, but what you eat between meal times can have just as much of an impact.

Eating a snack or two between traditional meals helps curb hunger and prevents overeating at mealtimes, provides an energy boost and can also help bridge nutrient gaps in your diet when you choose the right foods. On the other hand, consuming foods of little nutritional value out of boredom or habit can lead to eating too much and adding extra pounds to your waistline.

The key is taking a smart approach to snacking and making small shifts toward healthier choices. Consider these simple strategies to help you get started from the snacking experts at Fresh Cravings.

Snack Mindfully. It’s easy to overeat and overlook fullness cues when snacking in front of the TV or at a desk. Instead, treat snack time like you would a small meal and take a few minutes to eat in a designated area with limited distractions. Avoid eating out of boredom or stress and choose whole foods like fruits and vegetables or air-popped popcorn over processed chips, baked goods or candy.

Plan Ahead. Snacks can be a significant portion of many people’s daily caloric intake, so it’s important to include snacks when planning out your meals for the day or week. Include fruits, vegetables and proteins in your snack schedule and avoid refined starches and sugar, which are typically found in prepackaged and processed snacks. Planning and preparing snacks ahead of time can help you bypass those quick, unhealthy options and save money in the process, as well.

Make Healthy Snacking Easy. Keeping fruit, vegetables and other accessible nutritious ingredients in the refrigerator or pantry increases the chances you’ll reach for a better-for-you option when a snack craving strikes. Having staple ingredients on hand that can be paired with vegetables or whole-grain crackers like Fresh Cravings Hummus makes it easy to create healthy snacks. Made with high-quality ingredients like smooth Chilean extra-virgin olive oil, savory tahini, which is known to be a source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and non-GMO chickpeas, the line is available in Classic Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper and Roasted Garlic varieties and can be found in 100% recyclable packaging in the produce aisle of your local grocery store.

Look for options that are filling and nutrient-dense,” said Mia Syn, MS, RDN, a dietitian who has helped millions learn healthier, sustainable eating habits. “My preference is Fresh Cravings Hummus because it’s a great example with whole-food ingredients like tahini, Chilean extra-virgin olive oil and non-GMO chickpeas, offering a balanced mix of filling fiber, plant-based protein and good fats.”

Combine Nutrient Groups. Each time you reach for a snack, try to include two or more macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates). For example, choosing foods containing protein like low-fat cheese or nuts and pairing them with carbohydrates (whole-grain crackers, grapes) can create balanced, filling snacks. Carbohydrates help provide both your body and mind with energy while protein-rich foods break down more slowly, helping you feel full longer. Other ideas include celery and peanut butter or fruit and Greek yogurt, which are easy ways to get more low-calorie, high-fiber produce into your diet.

Pay Attention to Portion Sizes. Snacks are meant to help ward off hunger between meals, not be substitutes for meals entirely. While measuring out snacks isn’t usually necessary, having an awareness of appropriate portion sizes can be helpful. If buying or cooking in bulk, divide snacks into smaller containers when meal planning to make it convenient to simply grab an appropriate size snack and continue your day.

Pack Snacks to Go. Having grab-and-go snacks packed while out running errands, working or completing everyday tasks can help keep you on track when hunger strikes. Packing items that don’t require refrigeration like trail mix, whole-grain crackers or granola bars can keep you from stopping at a convenience store or picking an unhealthy option from a vending machine. Preparing snacks at home also gives you more control over the ingredients you’re eating to ensure you’re sticking to an eating plan that’s better for your overall health.

Set a Good Example. Parents can influence children’s snack habits by consuming healthy snacks themselves. An option like sliced veggies paired with the rich flavors of chickpeas and creaminess of tahini found in hummus can be a perfect match to both satisfy hunger in a delicious way and build better-for-you habits. Snack time is also an opportunity to let kids learn about healthy eating by participating in choosing and preparing snacks. Cutting fruits and vegetables or turning foods into crafts are easy ways to get little ones involved in the process.
“For families challenged with integrating more veggies into their diets, hummus is also a kid-friendly flavor enhancer that packs beneficial nutrition instead of the saturated fats and sugar often found in many traditional dressings and condiments,” Syn said.

Find more ideas to satisfy snack cravings at freshcravings.com.

Smart Snack Ideas
Between work, school, extracurricular activities and family functions, it may seem like there’s no time to eat healthy when your family is seemingly always on the go. However, finding the proper fuel is even more important when you’re trying to balance a hectic schedule, which is where snacks can play an important role between meals.

Consider these nutritious snack options that can help satisfy a variety of cravings without taking up too much of that valuable time.

Crunchy Munchies

• Apples or pears
• Carrot and celery sticks
• Cucumber or bell pepper slices
• Air-popped popcorn
• Brown rice cakes
• Nuts and seeds

Low-Sugar Sips

• Plain or sparkling water (add fruit or herbs for extra flavor)
• Unsweetened tea or coffee
• 100% vegetable or fruit juices with no added sugars

Satisfying Noshes

• Sliced vegetables with Fresh Cravings Classic, Roasted Red Pepper or Roasted Garlic Hummus
• Fruit and vegetable smoothies

Published with permission from RISMedia.

A reverse mortgage can let you access a portion of your home equity while continuing to own and live in your house. The loan will have to be repaid when you die, sell the house or move out. You may be able to take out a reverse mortgage if you haven’t paid off your existing home loan.

Types of Reverse Mortgages
Home Equity Conversion Mortgages are federally insured and backed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Money from an HECM can be used for any purpose.

Some state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations offer single-purpose reverse mortgages. A lender may specify that funds accessed via a reverse mortgage may only be used to finance home maintenance or repairs or to cover property taxes, for example.

Proprietary reverse mortgages are private loans that are insured by the lenders that offer them. A proprietary reverse mortgage may be a good option for you if you have a high-valued house and a substantial amount of equity.

No matter which type of reverse mortgage you choose, you won’t be able to access all of your home equity. A lender will only allow you to receive a percentage of the equity you have built up.

Reverse Mortgage Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a reverse mortgage, every borrower who is listed on the house’s title must be at least 62 years old. The lender may limit eligibility to borrowers who live in specific types of homes and may require that the home be used as a primary residence.

The federal government and some other reverse mortgage lenders require counseling to make sure that consumers understand all the terms. For example, you will be required to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance premiums and homeowners association fees, if applicable. You will also be required to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs to your house.

How an Existing Mortgage Can Affect Eligibility for a Reverse Mortgage
You will need a minimum amount of home equity to qualify for a reverse mortgage. Money that you receive from a reverse mortgage will first be used to pay off your existing mortgage balance and any other debts, such as property taxes. If you have a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, the balance due on it will have to be paid off with funds you receive from a reverse mortgage. Then you will be able to use the remaining funds as you wish, in accordance with the program’s rules.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
If you’re older, have limited income and haven’t paid off your home loan, a reverse mortgage can allow you to eliminate monthly payments and can provide funds that you can put toward other expenses. That can give you more financial flexibility, but it’s important to understand the fees, interest rate and other costs and how they can impact your family’s long-term financial health.Published with permission from RISMedia.

It doesn’t take a lot of outdoor space to grow your own. Experienced gardeners suggest starting these veggies now, either in your backyard or in pots. If planting in pots, start with a premium potting mix and supplement with 1/2 cup of controlled-release fertilizer for each container. If you prefer to use an organic fertilizer, blend three parts potting mix with one-part aged chicken manure.

• Tomatoes – Tomatoes are one of the best vegetables to grow in pots, but set a cage or a trellis in the container at planting time and tie the vertical leaders to it as they climb. Try a slicer type like Early Girl or cherry types like Sun Gold.
• Summer Squash – Zucchini and their yellow summer squash cousins are really productive, so in-ground or in pots, one or two plants may produce more of the veggie than one family can eat. Plant or place in full sun. Try a compact type like Eight Ball or SpaceMiser zucchini.
• Peppers – Both bell peppers and chilies love heat and all-day sunlight. Try California Wonder or Sun Bell sweet peppers. Among the hot chilies, Habañero does especially well in pots.
• Eggplant – Ichiban, an Oriental type, may be planted in the same container as sweet peppers and bears beautiful small eggplants. Also try Bambino, which produces walnut-size eggplant.
• Beans – Both bush and pole types take well to containers, but support pole beans with a trellis at the rear of the container.
• Cucumbers – Try varieties like Lemon or Marketplace 86 in pots and tie the vines to a trellis, although cucumbers typically do better when planted in the ground.

Planting Tips: Press soil firmly around each seedling. Set needed trellises or cages at planting time. Water as often as needed to keep the soil as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Feed plants monthly with a handful of fertilizer.Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you need more space for a growing family or would like room to spread out, you don’t necessarily have to move. If your home has an attic, you may be able to convert it to a bedroom.

Pros of an Attic Conversion
When you need more space, building an addition is an option, but it can reduce the amount of space in the yard. If you convert your attic to a bedroom, it won’t change the overall footprint of your home.

Remodeling your attic can be cheaper and less disruptive than moving. An attic conversion may cost tens of thousands of dollars, but that may be a good deal compared to the cost of buying and moving to a new house. Having contractors come and go for weeks may be inconvenient, but it will be easier on your children than moving to another town, leaving their friends behind and starting over at a new school.

If two of your kids have been sharing a room, but they’re craving privacy now that they’re older, converting the attic to a bedroom may be the best solution. Creating a bedroom upstairs can also help you avoid having the house feel cramped if you expand your family.

An attic bedroom can be helpful if you decide to have an elderly parent move in with you. An upstairs room may not be suitable for a senior citizen who has trouble climbing stairs, but a child can move into the new bedroom and free up space elsewhere for a grandparent.

If you convert your attic to a bedroom, you may recoup a high percentage of your investment when you put your home on the market. Even if the future owners of your house decide not to use the renovated area as a bedroom, they may find that it’s ideal for a home office or a hobby room.

Cons of Turning Your Attic Into a Bedroom
If you currently use your attic for storage, you will lose that space if you convert it to a bedroom. That may not be a problem if you have plenty of room for storage in the basement and in closets throughout the house. If not, you may have to sell or donate items or rent a storage unit.

A sloped roof in the attic may leave you with areas where the ceiling is too low to place furniture. You may, however, be able to find creative ways to use those spaces for storage.

Heat rises. That means an attic bedroom may be hot in the summer, and your air conditioner may have to work hard to keep the space at a comfortable temperature. That may result in expensive summer utility bills.

Is an Attic Conversion the Right Move?
Turning your attic into a bedroom may provide your family with more space and privacy, but it may be costly and may reduce the amount of storage available. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before you decide what to do.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Isolation can lead to physical and mental health problems for people of all ages, but senior citizens are particularly vulnerable. They may be more likely to eat too little,  eat unhealthy foods,  smoke and drink, ignore exercise and suffer from cognitive decline. In addition, seniors who live alone may fall victim to physical or financial abuse, including scams related to COVID-19.

Teach Seniors How to Use Technology
Tools such as video conferencing, email and social media are designed to be relatively easy to use. Many seniors feel intimidated by technology because they don’t understand how it works but are surprised by how simple it is when someone explains it to them. Getting on the phone with an older individual and explaining how to use unfamiliar technology can open up new avenues to communicate.

Keep in Touch With Elderly Relatives
If you can’t get together in person, try to speak frequently via phone or video so you can hear each other’s voices and see each other’s faces. That can brighten an older person’s day, provide much needed social interaction and mental stimulation, and give you an opportunity to find out how your relative is doing and whether there is anything they need. Email and texts are also good ways to stay in touch. Encourage other family members to check in as well.

Share Photos and Videos 
Look through photo albums, both physical and online, and share images to remind each other of fun times you have spent together. Share photos and videos of things that are going on in your life now. Funny images and videos of your kids or pets can brighten an older person’s day and provide much-needed laughter.

Play Games and Watch Movies Together
You don’t have to be in the same room to enjoy playing games or watching movies as a family. Arrange to play a game virtually as a group or schedule a movie night when everyone watches the same film together, albeit in different locations. You may even want to make it a weekly event and take turns choosing a different game or movie each time.

Encourage Older Relatives to Help Your Kids
Everyone needs a sense of purpose. Ask your parents or grandparents to read to your children, help them with homework or assist them with projects. Seniors can also help with hobbies, cooking and arts and crafts, and can provide valuable advice about life. Those types of conversations can help older and younger generations build and maintain strong connections.

Help Older Neighbors
If you know that a senior citizen in your community lives alone, check in to find out how he or she is doing. Offer to explain or demonstrate how to use technology to keep in touch with loved ones and ask if there is anything else you can do to help.Published with permission from RISMedia.

(Family Features) From experiences to surroundings, the past year has brought a renewed focus on feeding the soul. In an era of overstimulation and information overload, many are finding a new appreciation for living life minimally but with maximum experiences.

That mentality is increasingly evident in all aspects of life, especially with home design and decor. After all, spending more time at home means more time to discover what truly evokes happiness.

At the same time, as the focus on physical and mental wellness heightens, design experts see those trends reflected in a more considered approach to design inspired by color therapy, which makes it possible to create beautiful spaces filled with healing color.

With an expertly coordinated color palette, like the Color Collections from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, colors work in perfect harmony in any combination. Thoughtful use of color is among the most effective design tools for reveal-worthy style in your home.

Appliances
In the past, appliances were meant to blend into the decor to be less obvious, albeit essential, elements of a kitchen. A more contemporary approach: vibrant appliances that get noticed. You can find major appliances in a wide range of colors, but if you’re not sure about going that big and bold, many smaller countertop appliances, such as stand mixers and toasters, come in a range of colorful options, too.

Architecture
When contemplating where and how to apply color to a space, avoid boxing in your options. Think beyond traditional wall space when planning ways to change the color in a space; be thoughtful with color and highlight architectural details to elevate the interest and charm in your home. Take a 360-degree immersive color approach, painting the same shade from floor to ceiling and all around to create a mood-boosting lift to a room.
To infuse more color and boldness into your space, consider a timeless and elegant shade of red, like HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ 2021 Color of the Year. This paint color, “Passionate,” is a deeply saturated hue that is daringly rich and invigorates the senses. This bold and empowering red is steeped in history, merging modern design with traditional charm.

Furniture 
Whether you’re into project pieces you can transform into something new or simply shopping for furnishings that complement your space, be sure to consider how the furniture fits into the overall color scheme. Selecting furniture that fits with the design brings a more cohesive and stylized feel to the room. For example, a desk and bookshelves in pale natural hues can lend warmth to an office with walls painted a cool dynamic blue.

Cabinets
Painted cabinets are on-trend, and if you’re bored with basic whites and grays, you’re not alone. Designers are going bold in the kitchen and using cabinetry as a showpiece. These color palettes create inspiring spaces that invite you to get busy baking or simply pull up a chair and linger over a cup of coffee.

If you’re concerned about how to bring a color palette together, consider using a collection that has been intentionally curated to mix and match shades for a perfect look no matter which hues you choose. You can easily achieve a new look with an option like the Delightfully Daring Color Collection from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. With earthy tones inspired by nature and a dose of vibrancy, the shades are simultaneously energizing and calming. The palette makes it easy to introduce statement colors in unexpected ways so you can feel confident in your selections.

Get inspired to bring healing design elements into your own home at hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com.Published with permission from RISMedia.

(Culinary.net) Sometimes lunch is the most challenging meal of the day. When you wake up before heading to work or accomplishing the morning’s tasks, you might ask yourself, “What should I pack for lunch today?”
Lunch is a meal that everyone has different views on. Some enjoy a huge, filling lunch, some skip it altogether and others look for a light, nutritious option.

The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to midday food choices. If you desire crunch and texture, but also something light, you’re likely seeking food that is filling and going to give you enough energy to make it until dinner time.

This BLT Wrap with Avocado Spread is a perfect lunchtime pick-me-up that can leave you feeling full and ready to conquer the rest of the day’s work.

This recipe is simple and can be whipped together in minutes. Plus, it has fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes and avocados.

Start by cooking eight strips of bacon in a hot skillet. While that’s cooking, slice the tomatoes and cut the lettuce leaves.

In a bowl, mash avocado, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and salt with a fork until combined.
On a flour tortilla, add avocado spread, one lettuce leaf, tomato slices and bacon. Roll everything up for an on-the-go meal.

This recipe is best served with banana peppers and Spanish rice for a nutrient-filled lunch.

It’s always nice to have a little break in the middle of the day, especially with a delicious meal that’ll have you ready to finish the day strong.

Find more lunch recipes at Culinary.net.

BLT Wrap With Avocado Spread
Servings: 4

8 slices cooked bacon
1 avocado, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup sour cream
1 lime, juice only
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 flour tortillas
4 large red leaf lettuce leaves
2 large tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
Spanish rice (optional)
banana peppers (optional)

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mash avocado, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and salt with a fork until combined and smooth.

Spread a thin layer of avocado mixture over tortillas. Layer with lettuce leaves, tomatoes and bacon. Fold sides up and roll.

Serve with Spanish rice and banana peppers, if desired.Published with permission from RISMedia.