Deals & Steals – 12/25/09

Here’s the information I’ve come across this week and want to pass along to you! 

Note: Many of these are not in my own words, but taken straight from the e-mail or press release that I received. I have re-worded or re-written where I thought it was necessary or helpful, but am not responsible for the content of these items or anything that may be posted on their sites.

So that families can quickly begin to stretch their savings into the new year, Walmart is continuing its holiday savings efforts into the next week.  Through New Year’s Day, Walmart is offering new deals such as a $50 Walmart Gift Card with an Xbox 360 purchase, an eMachine netbook for $228 and up to 50 percent off clearance on hundreds of home holiday items and toys.  In addition, Walmart will extend other previously announced holiday deals such as its selection of top Blu-ray movies for under $20.

Event dates are Saturday, Dec. 26 through  Jan. 1, 2010.  Quantities of all items are limited.  No rain checks.  Not valid in Puerto Rico or on Walmart.com  Prices and availability may vary in Alaska, Hawaii, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

Reporting on shopping plans after Christmas, 55 percent of moms who shop at Walmart say they like to receive gift cards over the holidays, because it specifically allows them to shop the after-Christmas savings.  Two out of five moms planning to use their gift cards immediately say they plan to shop right after Christmas, believing they will find the best prices (Research conducted by BIGresearch for Walmart, December 2009).

After-Christmas Week of Savings

Through New Year’s Day, Walmart will be ready for weekend shoppers with a variety of new offers with additional savings, including:

• eMachines eM250-1162 Netbook with 250GB Hard Drive, 10.1″ Screen — $228 (begins 8 a.m.)
• Xbox 360 Arcade for $199 with $50 Walmart Gift Card (begins 8 a.m.)
• Xbox 360 Elite bundle $299 with 2 Games and $50 Walmart Gift Card (begins 8 a.m.)
• 50 percent off select holiday candles, ribbons and bows
• Up to 50 percent additional savings on select toys
• 58-quart storage totes for $3.40 and $5 gift wrap and ornament cases

Customers can find more information about more upcoming holiday savings at Walmart stores by visiting www.walmart.com/holidaysavings.

While the holiday shopping season has officially ended, the savings offered at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide continue!  Through Saturday, January 2, 2010, Toys“R”Us offers incredible values on hundreds of items available during a “Buy One, Get One Half Off” sale. Below are highlights of these post-Christmas specials, including incredible deals that stretch into the New Year.

Highlights of the special deals available at Toys“R”Us stores from Saturday, December 26, 2009 through Saturday, January 2, 2010, while supplies last, include:

• BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE on all Leapster Software
• BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE on all V.Smile and V-Motion software
• BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF OFF ALL Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 video games
• BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF OFF ALL Nintendo DS video games priced at $19.99 or less
• BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF OFF ALL video game accessories priced at $19.99 or less
• BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF OFF ALL DVDs priced at $19.99 or less
• 50% OFF ALL Alive Cubs – Was $19.99 to $59.99; Now $9.99 to $29.99
• BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF OFF on ALL Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Accessories
• BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF OFF select preschool board games
• SAVE $30 on LEGO Star Wars Home One Mon Calamari Cruiser – Was $109.99; Now $79.99

Kids with gift cards looking for an extra special toy can find new toy introductions from several 2010 toy lines, including Penguins of Madagascar toys and games, Playskool Talkin’ Sid the Science Kid from Hasbro, Moxie Girlz More 2 Me dolls from MGA Entertainment, Uno Tippo from Mattel, Barbie A Mermaid Tale Merliah doll from Mattel, Air Hogs Vectron Wave  from Spin Master, Matchbox Real Talking Rocky & Friends Trucks from Mattel, Chat & Count Phone from LeapFrog, Counting Candles Birthday Cake from LeapFrog, Aqua Sand Creation Kit from Spin Master, Hot Wheels Color Shifters OctoBattle from Mattel, Hot Wheels Monster Jam World Finals Stunt Stadium Playset from Mattel, Hot Wheels Mega Rig Dinosaur Hunters from Mattel, Transformers Mighty Muggs from Hasbro, Power Rangers Mighty Morphin 4-inch action figures from Bandai and more!

As an added convenience to customers, Toys“R”Us stores will be open during the following times:

• Sunday, December 27 – Wednesday, December 30: 10 am – 9 pm
• Thursday, December 31: 10 am – 6 pm
• Friday, January 1, 2010: 10 am – 9 pm
• Saturday, January 2: 9 am – 9 pm

Toys“R”Us makes it easy for customers to return and exchange holiday gifts at its stores across the country. Customers wishing to return an item should follow these guidelines within 90 days of the purchase of their item:

• Customers must show original, dated receipt or a gift receipt for all returns or exchanges.
• Customers have 45 days from the date of purchase to return video games, accessories, systems, computer software, VHS, DVD, music electronics, radio control cars, trading cards, collectibles, consumer electronics and breast pumps.
• The original dated receipt is required for a refund or exchange, and the item must be returned in its unopened and factory sealed package. If the item has been opened, it can only be exchanged for an identical item when accompanied by a dated receipt. Refunds and exchanges will not be given without a dated receipt.
• To help stores quickly process returns, customers should bring all original packaging, accessories and instruction manuals back to the store, along with the products.

Happy Holidays from JVC! Submit your photo to be entered to win a JVC Picsio Pocket Flash Memory Camera. Two cameras will be given away each week through January 1, 2010. Choose from four designs and use your uploaded photo to create a personalized holiday greeting to share with friends and family. All winners will be notified by e-mail.

Available in three colors, pocket-sized Picsio makes it a cinch to shoot and share high quality video and still images. Picsio offers the convenience of recording to removable SD/SDHC cards, shoots 1080p high definition video and 8 megapixel stills, features an image stabilizer to minimize camera shake, and provides direct file sending to YouTube and iTunes®.

Here are the Kmart Bluelight Specials for this weekend 12/26 – 12/27:

• Gen gemstone earrings (reg.$ 39.99) sale $9.99
• Mushabellies (reg.  $24.99) sale $7.99
• Digital Photo Keychain (reg. $19.99) sale $8.99 ( 65% off )

All Moms would agree that the joy that comes from having a new baby is priceless! The sweet sounds of cooing, chubby cheeks and the intimate bond between parent and child can make any family feel rich with love. But, as any new parents can attest, raising children can have an impact on your checkbook, as well as your heart. In fact, the typical family spends more than $221,000 raising a child through age 17.

TurboTax® the nation’s No. 1 rated, best-selling tax preparation software from Intuit Inc. is conducting its third annual nationwide search for America’s Cutest Last-Minute Tax Deduction. The parents of one lucky baby, born in December 2009, will win $5,000.

To enter, parents or legal guardians should submit a photo of their baby born between Dec. 1-31, to www.cutesttaxdeduction.com. The deadline for submissions is January 7, 2010. Judges will select 10 finalists, and America will determine America’s Cutest Last-Minute Tax Deduction and the $5,000 grand prize winner!

“Don’t Hope For a Miracle. Make One,” is the tagline of CBS films’ upcoming release Extraordinary Measures, starring Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford. It is inspired by the story of John Crowley, a father who defied conventional wisdom and great odds, and risked his family’s future to pursue a cure for his children’s life-threatening disease.

To celebrate Crowley’s story, here’s a wonderful opportunity to get the word out about this cause and also possibly win some money!

It’s so easy, all you have to do is upload an inspirational video. Go to the Inspirational Quilt and click on Upload Your Story (http://youcastcorp.com/c/67/go/index.php?r=1).

Once your video is uploaded, you will be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to designate the charity of your choice to receive $10,000.

Some fantastic videos have been uploaded to the Inspirational Quilt and are already in the running for the $10,000 donation- including the story of Alexandra “Alex” Scott, a young cancer patient who, facing a grim diagnosis, insisted on setting up a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer before succumbing to the disease at age eight. Her stand evolved into a national lemonade stand initiative and foundation which has since raised over $25 million for the cause.

* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Participants must be legal residents of 1 of the 50 US states or D.C., at least 18 years old or age of majority in state of residence or older at date of entry. Entries accepted until January 26, 2010. Void where prohibited by law. For complete details see <Official Rules>.

IHOP, one of America’s favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, has announced plans to serve millions of free pancakes again next year in celebration of National Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.  Planned as a celebration of friends, family and community, IHOP hopes the program will raise $1.75 million for Children’s Miracle Network, an international non-profit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals, and other worthy local causes.

2010 will mark IHOP’s fifth year celebrating the national event and the company has set an ambitious goal to raise a cumulative $5 million for charity in the first five years of its free flapjack philanthropic effort.  More than 1,400 IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will once again invite guests to enjoy a free short stack of IHOP’s signature buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on National Pancake Day.  In return, IHOP guests are asked to donate what they would have paid for the free pancakes, or more, to the Children’s Miracle Network hospital in their community, or another designated local cause.

“We are flipping for ‘five in five’ with our 2010 National Pancake Day campaign, and with our guests’ generous support, plan to reach our goal of $5 million in five years,” said Carolyn O’Keefe, IHOP’s senior vice president, marketing. “IHOP’s franchisees and guests have raised more than $3.25 million to support Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities since we started our National Pancake Day in 2006.  The day has become a tradition for families and friends who wish to enjoy great food and great service while helping out a great cause.”

Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Balloons” will be sold for $1 and $5 each and will be personalized and displayed at participating IHOP restaurants from February 1 through February 23, 2010.  Miracle Balloon sales offer guests another way to show their support of Children’s Miracle Network and contribute to the National Pancake Day fundraising effort.

In 2009, IHOP gave away three million pancakes and raised nearly $1.5 million in support of Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities, far exceeding its goal to raise $1 million.  Since starting its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has given away more than 6.1 million free pancakes to benefit children’s charities –- that stacks up more than 53.5 miles high!

For more information about IHOP’s National Pancake Day, or to learn more about Children’s Miracle Network and make an online donation, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.

Everyone loves a sweet treat and with new Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting, creating delicious works of edible art has never been so easy!  The makers of Pillsbury baking products have announced the “Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge,” and call on all dessert lovers to unlock frosting fun, think creatively and transform their favorite homemade baked good into a chance to win $10,000 and a year’s worth of Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting.  Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting is available in a convenient aerosol can with a built-in five-star applicator tip and can transform a cake, plate of cookies, or batch of brownies into bakery-style desserts.

Consumers are asked to use Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting to decorate a homemade baked good of their choice and submit an original photo of the wholly edible creation online.  Submissions can be entered online through February 5, 2010, at www.pillsburybaking.com.  The winning photo will be posted in March 2010.

Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting makes decorating baked goods a piece of cake!  The new product features the same creamy, delicious frosting in a tub that families love, in a 13.5 oz aerosol can with a five-star decorating tip.  Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting is available in three delicious varieties: Decadent Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla Dream, and Velvety Cream Cheese.

“We are always thrilled to offer new ways to add fun and convenience to baking,” said Maribeth Badertscher, Vice President, Corporate Communications, The J.M. Smucker Company. “The Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge is meant to inspire amateur bakers to share their creativity.”

To help consumers get started, Pillsbury offers a variety of delicious baking products for fun and convenience in the kitchen.  New products include Pillsbury Brownie Minis Brownie Mix, delicious bite-size treats that need only water and bake in half the time of traditional brownie mix; and premium Pillsbury Cookie Mixes in three mouth-watering, family favorite flavors: Funfetti Cookie Mix; Reduced Sugar – Sugar Cookie Mix; and Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix.

The “Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge” is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C.,18 years of age and older.  Void in Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Vermont and where prohibited.  For Official Rules and complete entry details visit www.pillsburybaking.com.

During the holiday season we constantly break out the camera to catch our kids in their holiday best and to remember the snow, decorations, and special times spent with family. Looking back at the memories, we all have our favorite holiday photos, from Grandma cutting a pie, to an aunt’s funny sweater, or the kids dancing to holiday tunes. This year, we can take those photos and turn them into something good for the community—and ourselves!

With DOLE’s “Share the Goodness” contest, you can enter for a chance to win $5,000 for yourself and $5,000 for your local Food Bank. Through the virtual DOLE mosaic poster, you can easily upload your favorite holiday photo to enter to win the contest. The site also features great recipes using DOLE Canned Fruit to include in holiday and everyday meals. After you register, you can send an eCard to family and friends letting them know about the contest and to gain extra entries. You can also gain multiple entries by uploading up to 20 photos (5 per day) and, if a friend you referred is the grand prize winner, you also win $2,000! Enter for a chance to win through December 31, 2009 by going to www.DoleShares.com.

PBS KIDS GO! and WNED-TV Buffalo/Toronto are partnering to launch the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, a national-local contest designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning.  The Contest encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country, to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.

Beginning on January 27, 2010, PBS stations throughout the country will be active partners in the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, and will work with schools, public libraries and other literacy organizations to implement the Contest in their communities. Children will be encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to their local stations, which will select winners and award prizes.  Local winners will be entered into the national level of the Contest where a renowned panel of judges will identify the national winners.  Winners will be announced and national prizes, including laptops, digital cameras and MP3 players will be awarded in summer 2010.

In addition, a new PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest Web site at pbskids.org/read will launch in early 2010.  As the information hub of the Contest, it will include the winning stories in each of the Contest categories as well as a searchable archive of winning stories.

“We know from research that there is an important connection between writing and the development of early literacy skills, critical cornerstones for school readiness and achievement,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media, PBS. “PBS KIDS uses the power of media to open up the worlds of letters and words for all young children, encouraging them to explore ways to communicate more effectively and increasing their odds of success.”

The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest is a part of PBS KIDS Raising Readers, a national initiative which uses the power of public media to build the reading skills of children ages 2-to-8, with an emphasis on children from low-income families.  The effort is funded by a Ready To Learn grant from the U.S. Department of Education, part of a cooperative agreement with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), PBS and The Ready To Learn Partnership.

Though these rough economic times, raising a family on a budget has gotten to be trickier than ever. The Coupon Mom Show is a new money-saving series from nationally known author, mom and coupon clipper Stephanie Nelson (aka Coupon Mom).  In her new series, Nelson teaches real families how to save BIG by sharing her infamous tips and tricks on how to get the biggest bang for your buck without sacrificing quality.

In the first episode Nelson is challenged to prepare a holiday dinner for 30 people for under $60 – an easy feat for this seasoned shopper!  Coupon Mom comes to the rescue sharing her best tips to keep a Holiday meal under budget and (*spoiler alert!) is able to purchase the food for this Holiday meal for only $43.66!

Beyond coupon clipping and grocery store savings, future episodes of the Coupon Mom Show will feature tips on savvy shopping at drug stores, eating out inexpensively, and entertaining on a tight budget.

Coupon Mom will be sharing her savings secrets every week in a new episode of the Coupon Mom Show through April.

This coming year (especially as people recover from holiday spending) personal finances will be top of mind for most families. General savings accounts are great, but experts say that saving is easier with specific goals in mind because you visualize the prize rather than the process. Whether saving for a vacation, a flat-screen TV or home improvements, SmartyPig’s digital piggy bank makes it easy to set up several savings accounts and track progress. With a competitive interest rate (2.01%), cash boosts of up to 12%, and the option to invite friends and family to contribute to goals, you can end up with significantly more than you personally contributed.

Here’s a list of five super easy resolutions anyone can use to put finances on track:

• Know your credit score
  Good credit is the foundation for achieving financial goals. It’s crucial to stay on top of your score. Services such as Equifax can tell you where you stand. If outstanding debt has lowered your score, start paying it down, prioritizing high-interest debt.
• Define specific savings goals
  General savings accounts are great, but experts say that saving is easier with specific goals because you visualize the prize rather than the process. Whether saving for a wedding, a vacation, a flat-screen TV or home improvements, check out SmartyPig (www.SmartyPig.com), a digital piggy bank for goal-based savers that makes it easy to set up several savings accounts and track progress. With a competitive interest rate (2.01%), cash boosts of up to 12%, and the option to invite friends and family to contribute to goals, you can end up with significantly more than you personally contributed.
• Cut up credit cards
  According to Experian, the average consumer carries 4.5 pieces of plastic — 4.5 potential paths into debt! By eliminating extra cards, you limit opportunities to spend money you don’t have. Start with cards that have high rates or punitive fees. Use scissors! Cancelling cards can impact your credit score, cutting them up makes them just as inaccessible.
• Increase your 401K by 3%
  You already know that you should contribute as much as possible to your 401K retirement savings plan—especially if your employer matches. An easy way to boost that savings is by increasing your contributions by a minimum of 3% each year. As your career progresses and your salary increases, it’s unlikely you’ll miss the money.
• Make a date with your finances
  Most of us are too busy to tackle anything but the most necessary financial assignments. Set aside time for crossing items off your financial To-Do list. Do what works for you whether it’s annual, quarterly or monthly appointments, though it helps to schedule this time when banks and other institutions are open. Time spent finding high-yield savings accounts, better insurance plans, and no-fee cards results in money in your pocket.

DUFF GOLDMAN (“ACE OF CAKES”) GUEST STARS IN A NEW EPISODE OF “IMAGINATION MOVERS,” SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 ON DISNEY CHANNEL

“Muffin Man” – The Movers help baker Ben Boudreaux, a.k.a. “the Muffin Man,” remember the secret ingredient for his world famous muffins in a new episode of “Imagination Movers,” SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 (10:00–10:30 a.m., ET/PT).  Duff Goldman, “Ace of Cakes,” guest stars as Ben Boudreaux.

Submissions for the Souplantation / Sweet Tomatoes crEATe contest are over – and voting is now open for the top 10 creations!

If you’d like to see what your fellow diners came up with and vote for the creation that you think looks the best, visit: http://www.souplantation.com/create/voting.asP

Voting is open until 12/31 and the grand prize winner will be announced on January 8, 2010. The winner will be featured in advertisements, on the web site and in-store.

And check out the image above for a special Holiday Coupon promotion for Buy One Meal, Get One 50% off AND if the coupon is used, $2 is donated to a national food bank for every coupon redeemed!

According to the most recent report from the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. consumers have reported approximately 17,700 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines, resulting in 15 deaths, 360 injuries and $194 million in property damage. The disconnect with Americans? According to a new survey from UL, energy efficiency is the No. 1 attribute consumers seek when purchasing new home appliances. While energy efficiency is very important to maintain a sustainable economy, safety should not be overlooked. Products that bear the UL Mark have been tested to UL’s rigorous safety standards and found to be free of foreseeable safety hazards.

UL has some good news for families who are thinking about buying a new home appliance. The U.S. government set aside $300 million to encourage Americans to purchase energy-efficient home appliances. The stimulus money has been divided among all U.S. states and territories, and each of them developed its own rebate plan.

Moms may be wondering:

• When does the rebate program start in my state? Did I already miss it?
• Which appliances qualify for rebates in my state?
• How much cash will I receive if they buy a qualified appliance? Can I buy more than one?
• Do I really need a new appliance? Or are my current home appliances sufficient?
• If I don’t buy a new appliance, how do I keep my current appliances working like new?

Don’t worry, UL is here to help. The global leader in appliance safety testing and certification created a section on its Web site with all the information families need about their state’s rebate program and how to safely use and maintain common household appliances. Content will be updated regularly throughout the duration of the state rebate programs.

The most common risks associated with home appliances are electrical, fire or mechanical hazards. A 2009 National Fire Protection Association report states that in 2006, U.S. consumers reported approximately 17,700 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines, resulting in 15 deaths, 360 injuries and $194 million in property damage.

“A UL Mark on a home appliance provides peace of mind because it means the product has been tested and certified to meet the highest standards in safety certification,” said Zhou. “Keeping appliances clean and only using them as intended also can go a long way towards preventing home appliance hazards or injuries.”

Checking appliances for potential hazards and/or the lack of a third-party safety certification mark will help consumers determine if their current appliances are sufficient or it’s time for a new purchase during the upcoming state rebate programs.

To help consumers learn more about the State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program and understand appliance safety, UL launched www.ul.com/appliancesafety. Online content will be updated regularly throughout the duration of the state rebate programs and beyond. Consumers can find out when their state’s program starts and ends, what products qualify for the rebate program and how much money they will receive if they upgrade one or more of their current appliances. UL also explains how product features, brands and style considerations can still be factored in to safe appliance purchases.

“Consumers may not always worry about safety risks in their homes, but now they’ll know how to keep their current appliances safe for continued use and make smart decisions when purchasing new ones,” said Zhou.

Some of you (particularly if you live near a ski area) might be interested in these Tips for a Fun and Safe Ski Season, by Ken Achenbach:

1. If possible, buy a season pass at a ski area near you. Season passes allow for skiing or snowboarding every day – after school, on weekends… The best cure for “Too-much-tvosis” is a season pass – plus, you get a wicked goggle tan! You won’t think about the price of skiing anymore. You think- let’s go for a few runs instead of “it’s $50,” I can’t go. And, make sure to keep all of your old season passes – they will be some of the best snapshots of your life.
2. Make sure to get ski/snowboard clothes that fit well and are waterproof. If you’re a kid, it’s no fun being wet five minutes after you get outside. Wear layers. You’ll be warmer and more comfortable. Get some good long underwear as well. You want the kind that wicks sweat away so that you stay warm and toasty all day. If you are buying both a jacket and pants, buy the same brand because there is often a jacket to pant interface system that makes wearing the clothes even better. Don’t forget goggles. Not only do they protect your eyes from the elements, but they block a large part of your face from the weather, keeping you warmer. I wear Oakley’s because of their superior optics and fit. Most brands come in kid and teen sizes.
3. You don’t need new equipment to have fun. If the decision is between a season pass or ticket, and new equipment, always go for the pass or ticket. However, if you ARE buying new equipment, don’t buy the first thing that you see. Do your research. You are spending more than just a couple of bucks, so don’t buy stuff just because “it looks rad.” Burton makes amazing kids’ snowboard equipment.
4. Having said that you don’t need new equipment, keep in mind that you DO need equipment that fits. Putting a kid into equipment that is too big or too small just keeps the experience from being fun. Most stores have programs for junior equipment. Either a one-season rental, or you buy it and get half back the next year and trade for the next size up.  With correctly sized equipment, your kids will have more fun, learn faster and develop a love for the sport they won’t lose.
5. The most important piece of equipment is your boots. Get boots that fit and are designed for the kind of skiing or riding you are going to do.  Badly fitting boots can make MMA fighters cry. Choosing wrong will quickly ruin your day. It’s better to have good boots and an OK board than the other way around. If your feet aren’t happy, neither are you.
6. Parents: don’t be a hockey/soccer mom or dad. Yes, it’s exciting that your kid is doing well. Going snowboarding is a great way for kids to make friends, gain some independence and learn life skills. When a kid learns a trick on his own, he’ll be so stoked it’s worth the parental worry of “they’re on their own out there, anything, ANYTHING! can happen.” 99.9% of the time the ANYTHING! is a happy new experience. When kids come home from The Camp of Champions, parents tell us that for the next 11 months, all they hear about is how much fun they had, how many friends they made, and how many tricks they learned. Keep that feeling alive in the winter and let them loose on the hill. Drive your kids to the hill when they ask. You’ll be glad you did.  Also drive them to the hill when they don’t want to go. Sometimes it takes a bit of a push on cold days to get kids going, but after the first couple of runs they forget. A ski area is the best day care anywhere.
7. Know your limits and have common sense. While I often tell parents to turn their kids loose, this is also a good time to teach your kid to know their limits.  Learning to ride with common sense is a great thing. Teach your kids that there are steps to progression. They can’t just do that “Big Trick” without learning all the steps needed to get there.  Videos are great for inspiration, but learn the baby steps. Having said that… after learning the steps, the only way you are going see if you can do the big trick is by “Sending it.”  Learn when to Send it – and when not to.
8. Andre the Giant has a Posse – you should too. Always ski with a buddy. It’s good to have another voice of reason as well as to have someone to share memories with. Having a posse of friends to ride with makes the sport more fun. The other great thing about skiing with a buddy is that you always have a person who can back up your stories!
9. Avalanches – The best prevention is avoidance.  If you have bought your season pass and use it religiously, you will find yourself skiing on “the perfect day.”  After a big dump, use your common sense and stay where you know it’s safe. Snow is sneaky. Always ride with a partner, and if you are going to be in mountains where avalanches can happen, use your common sense and have backcountry equipment – and know how to use it. Another option is to go with a guide. Guides have spent years in the mountains and know every inch, nook and cranny of the mountain – and that means they know where and when to ski certain areas. There is nothing more fun than a great day of safe skiing with a guide when the snow is fantastic.
10. Take a lesson. As a Canadian snowboard legend and former pro rider puts it, suffering is optional. If you can shorten the learning/suffering curve, you will sooner learn to love the sport forever.

Camp of Champions Founder/Director Ken Achenbach is one of the original instigators of the snowboarding curse that now afflicts mountains worldwide. He started the first exclusive snowboarding store in the world, “The Snoboard Shop” in 1980, and campaigned tirelessly to get snowboarding accepted in Canada and other countries. He was inducted into the Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2001. Whether you are 13 or 31, the Camp of Champions summer snowboard, ski and mountain bike camp at Whistler Blackcomb offers the opportunity of a lifetime – the chance to train with the pros and spend a summer in the snow! Whistler Blackcomb will be in the spotlight next year as a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Register now to learn from the top pros at the best summer terrain and bike park in the world, and number one ski resort in North America. For more, visit www.campofchampions.com.

Stitch it, hack it, wear it, bake it, make it – if you crave transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with renegade techniques, materials and tools, and want to connect with like-minded DIY devotees, check out the new craftzine.com. CRAFT at Craftzine.com now has a fresh new look and feel, gleaning the finest features of their former print publication and presenting them to you in a beautiful and versatile online format. What’s shiny new and improved?

• Read fresh, imaginative content: New, original unique content offered daily, ranging from clear, detailed how-tos to interviews and book reviews, profiles of innovative crafters, free patterns, and more. You’ll get access to a wide variety of projects, from knitting to crochet, cooking to home décor, crafts for kids, pet projects, sewing, photography, paper crafts, electronic arts, and crafting with smart materials, like conductive thread.
• Make interactive connections: Step-by-step how-to videos, weekly podcasts, forums and search allow you to bring your project to life and connect with your community for techniques, help and feedback.
• Save a buck: In the midst of a precarious economy where we’re all cutting back and pinching proverbial pennies, CRAFT offers you smart, savvy solutions to re-imagine and re-invent old treasures. Recreate old indulgences on a dime, from luxe DIY spa treatments to fixing that delicious dish you savored at the haute eatery.

The magic of CRAFT is the ingenious projects with clear instructions and helpful photos, written by crafting rockstars and YOU. Come celebrate the DIY spirit with CRAFT, your daily online source for original, creative how-tos, newfound inspiration, and thriving community.

Check out who’s guest-blogs and fab posts on the site:

• Homemade Chutney
• Holiday Gift Guides
• Gifts Under $20
• Healthier Ultimate Brownies!
• 7 Eco-Innovations That Are Changing the Future of Fashion

Waves of Gratitude is a company that sells Inspired Jewelry and Apparel designed to symbolize the importance of expressing gratitude. In an effort to share their gratitude for early breast cancer detection and prevention, Waves of Gratitude will donate $3 from every purchase of a signature Large Branches of Hope necklace to The Get In Touch Foundation through February 28, 2010. Individuals who want to purchase the necklace at www.wavesofgratitude.com can use coupon code InTouch at checkout to receive 15% off.

The Get in Touch Foundation was established by Mary Ann Wasil Nilan in 2004 to encourage women of all ages to “Get In Touch” with their bodies as part of an ongoing crusade to educate them about the importance of early breast cancer detection. The Get In Touch Girls’ Program & Daisy Wheel© teaches girls in grades 5-12 the importance of, and how to do a breast self-exam for life with the proprietary and effective 8-step Daisy Wheel through lectures in open community settings that facilitate comfort and discussion.

“The Get In Touch Foundation® is delighted to have been chosen by Waves of Gratitude to be a recipient of their philanthropic commitment to making a difference in our world!” Nilan says. “Each dollar that Waves of Gratitude donates to Get In Touch means one more Daisy Wheel© makes it into the hands of one more girl. Kudos to Waves of Gratitude for joining us in our mission to “change the world one girl at a time!” Hope Lives!”

“With each Large Branches of Hope necklace purchase, you are affecting the lives of three girls” says Cheryl Nordyke, Waves of Gratitude CEO. “Recognizing that potential, we want to offer our customers a 15% discount on any Large Branches of Hope necklace with the coupon code InTouch. Branches of Hope has always been one of the most popular Waves of Gratitude Products, so the extra discount will help us give even more back to The Get In Touch Foundation”.

Waves of Gratitude founders Cheryl Nordyke and Kim Wierman built Waves of Gratitude on the strong belief that everyone should have the opportunity to “wear” symbols of gratitude that have style and meaning. With a strong commitment to giving back and helping women of all ages live a better life, they chose to donate $3 from every purchase of a signature Branches of Hope necklace to The Get in Touch Foundation in addition to donating 10% of net profits through December 31, 2009 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Visit www.wavesofgratitude.comto see the collections of Waves of Gratitude Inspired Jewelry and Apparel. More information about the Get In Touch Foundation can be found at www.getintouchfoundation.org.

Epson has announced a breakthrough in the compact photo printer market with the introduction of PictureMate® Show, the ultimate two-in-one digital photo frame and 4” x 6” photo printer. Designed for the photo enthusiast, PictureMate Show is a versatile hybrid that offers consumers one convenient solution for displaying, sharing and printing better-than-lab-quality photos in the convenience of their homes all year round.

Boasting a seven-inch, 16:9 tilt digital photo display with 800 x 480 dpi WVGA resolution, PictureMate Show makes an incredible display of your favorite photos. It also offers 12 unique and entertaining slideshow formats for digital images, as well as a remote control to conveniently view and display photos in your home or office. Combined with the best quality 4” x 6” photo printer, it offers the highest maximum print resolution in its class (5760 x 1440 dpi) to produce beautiful photos with incredible detail and true-to-life skin tones in as fast as 37 seconds.

“Perfect for everyone in the family, Epson’s PictureMate Show combines the best in design and performance while offering a unique way to instantly print and share cherished memories,” said Stacey Tieu, associate product manager, Consumer Ink Jets, Epson America Inc. “PictureMate Show is not only an exceptional gift to give this holiday season, but also a great product to have year round because nothing on the market compares in terms of quality, speed, reliability, and value. This convenient, portable printer makes it easy to instantly print and share photos at parties, special events or family gatherings.”

Additional Features and Benefits of PictureMate Show:

• Offers a large 270 MB internal memory to automatically store hundreds of photos, run slideshows and reprint images any time.
• Prints from all popular memory cards via built-in card slots, USB thumb drives, PictBridge^® devices, and PDAs or digital cameras with optional Bluetooth^® adapter.
• Delivers durable, smudge, scratch, and water resistant photos that resist fading up to 96 years under glass and over 200 years in dark album storage – up to four times longer than traditional, film processed photos.
• Prints custom sizes from 0.3” x 0.3” to 4” x 6”, great for passport photos, filling unusual frame sizes, photo key chains, photo bracelets and more.
• Offers versatility with various layouts and color effects, such as classic borders or borderless options, mini-wallet, wallet, and 4”x 6”, as well as black and white, sepia, or color.
• Get perfect prints every time with easy and convenient photo editing features, including Auto Photo Correction that automatically adjusts photos for optimum color and balance, cropping capabilities, red-eye removal, and more.
• Delivers affordable prints on glossy and matte paper with Epson’s PictureMate Print Packs, which include ink and either 150 sheets of 4” x 6” glossy paper or 100 sheets of 4” x 6” matte paper.

PictureMate Show ($299.99) is currently available through a variety of online retail stores and Epson’s retail site. For more information, please visit www.mypicturemate.com.

Names is a pretty cool tool that could benefit soon-to-be parents looking to pick a baby name. Basically you enter in a name and you can see the popularity and detailed meaning/origin of it, along with some other neat stats (including Twitter rankings for that name). Check out this example page for the name “Roger”!

The Vancouver Olympic games are quickly approaching and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about ways to cheer on your favorite player or team. A Canadian inspired cranberry dish such as Ocean Spray’s “Cranberry Turkey Satays” offers an easy, affordable, creative way to put a spin on a traditional party favorite.

Why cranberries? Richmond, Canada, located right in Vancouver’s backyard, is home to over 60 family-owned cranberry farms. As cranberries are one of city’s top agricultural crops, your readers will also have an opportunity to see them on display in front of the Richmond Olympic Oval. Ocean Spray and Richmond’s cranberry growers are teaming up to create a 30,000 lb. floating installation in the shape of the Canadian Olympic Committee’s logo.

For more Canadian inspired cranberry recipes, please see the recipe sheet attached or visit www.oceanspray.ca. To learn more about Ocean Spray’s involvement at the winter games, visit http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/oceanspray/41646/

Cranberry Turkey Satays

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup Ocean Spray® Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1/3 cup peanut butter
4 tsp soy sauce
4 tsp lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
chopped cilantro, to taste
1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
24 bamboo or metal skewers

DIRECTIONS:

Combine Ocean Spray® Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic and pepper flakes in a blender container. Cover and blend 30 seconds or until well mixed. Reserve 1/2 cup. Stir cilantro into remainder and set aside.
Cut turkey breast crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Combine turkey and the 1/2 cup cranberry mixture in medium mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Soak bamboo skewers in water 30 minutes.

Thread turkey onto skewers. Broil or grill until turkey is no longer pink inside, turning once. Brush reserved cranberry cilantro mixture over satays and serve any remaining sauce as dip.

That’s it for this week, happy Friday and check back next week for more ‘Deals & Steals’!