http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/know-snow-bridgestone-americas-offers-tips-for-winter-driving-177846391.html

As the weather turns cold, are you prepared to face the hazards of winter driving? Bridgestone Americas, Inc., encourages travelers to prepare their cars for winter weather and brush up on their winter driving skills.

"Winter driving can be intimidating and hazardous, and is something that you really do need to prepare for," said Anant Gandhi, product manager for winter tires at Bridgestone Americas. "It's not just about having the right equipment; it's also important that drivers understand how to respond correctly to various winter hazards. We all have a responsibility to make sure we prepare not just our vehicles, but also ourselves."

Some key tips for winter driving from Bridgestone and the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo., include: 

• If you can see your breath, it's time to switch. When the temperature approaches freezing, switch your all-season or high-performance tires to winter tires. With unique polymers and tread pattern elements, winter tires are optimized for more grip and the control you need in winter weather conditions. 
• Periodically check traction, or available grip, when driving in challenging conditions. Road conditions can change drastically in a short period of time/distance in winter. Apply the brakes with moderate pressure to determine the available grip and modify your driving, if needed, to respond to ever-changing road conditions. 
• Maximize available grip by separating driving maneuvers when negotiating a curve. Brake to an appropriate speed while traveling in a straight line prior to a curve. This allows you to use all of the available grip for negotiating the curve. Accelerate gradually when you are able to straighten the steering wheel at the exit of the turn. 
• Avoid cruise control in wet, icy or snowy conditions. Maintain control of acceleration and deceleration at all times. 
• Forgo driving if the weather looks too treacherous. Safety comes first. 

"One of the most important factors in starting, steering, or stopping on ice and snow is your tires," said Mark Cox, Director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo. "It doesn't make a difference if you have front-wheel, all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, your vehicle will perform better in most winter driving conditions if it is equipped with purpose-built winter tires on both the front and rear wheels."

Winter tires are designed to provide maximum performance during low winter temperatures and on ice, snow and slush. They perform better due to the combination of specialized winter tread patterns, deeper tread depth and unique tread compounds that remain softer in winter temperatures.

Retailers offer a wide range of tires sold as winter tires with an M+S (mud and snow) rating, but they are not at all equal in performance.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) in the U.S. and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) developed the mountain/snowflake symbol, which can be found on a tire's sidewall, to designate winter tires that meet the newest severe snow standards. Tires that have earned this symbol can be expected to provide 20 to 40 percent more traction in winter conditions than conventional all-season tires, which may be the difference between driving safely and losing control.

To learn more about safe driving in winter weather, visit the Bridgestone Winter Driving School website: http://winterdrive.com. The Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo., has been sponsored by Bridgestone since 2000.

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Toys"R"Us, Announces 2012 Holiday Hot Toy List

Each holiday season, parents attempt to awaken their inner child as they scour the aisles for toys and games that will bring squeals of delight from kids as they rip off the wrapping paper. To provide Canadian gift-givers and parents with a starting point to create their shopping checklists, Toys"R"Us, Canada today unveiled its annual Holiday Hot Toy List.

For Baby's First Holidays and new parents needing helpful gadgets to make life a bit easier, Babies"R"Us, Canada today unveiled a Top Baby Gift List to complement the Holiday Hot Toy list.

"The Toys"R"Us Holiday Hot Toy List and Babies"R"Us Top Baby Gift List showcase the items that our experts anticipate will be the most sought after items this holiday season- the gifts that will bring smiles and laughs to the faces of little ones across the country," said Liz MacDonald, vice president, marketing, Toys"R"Us, Canada. "To ensure all the toys and baby products listed will make the most impact on the toy and baby scene this holiday season, they have also been reviewed, tested and approved by Julianne Bisnaire, our 13-year-old Chief Play Officer and Karin McPherson, our Babies"R"Us spokesMOM."

Julianne has also developed 15 videos, that can be found at www.toysrus.ca/toyvideos, which showcase just how cool the toys on the Hot Toy List really are and to help gift givers choose between them. Thanks to the Toys"R"Us Chief Play Officer, parents and gift givers alike can now become toy experts before their kids even open their gifts.

With 72 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us retail locations across Canada, more than 40 Toys"R"Us Express stores and a full breadth of products on its e-commerce sites, Toysrus.ca and Babiesrus.ca, the toy retailer is the hub for all things fun. As Canada's Greatest Toy Store, Toys"R"Us offers a truly unique experience for gift-givers, including:

Toys"R"Us' Toy Book: Launching tomorrow, this 64-page book is jam-packed with exclusive deals, amazing savings and every plaything your child could dream of receiving this holiday season. The Toy Book features an unbeatable selection of the hottest toys complete with an easy-to-use 'toy finder' navigation system, which categorizes toys based on colour-coded themes, such as Preschool, Toddler, Imagine, Create, Impulse, Construction, Learning, Girls, Boys, Board games, Outdoor & Vehicles, Music & Electronics and Video games.

Gift Finder: Buying the perfect gift just keeps getting easier! Gift givers who may be overwhelmed with the broad selection of toys available at Toys"R"Us can visit Toysrus.ca/giftcentre to receive a list of gift suggestions. After answering questions about the recipient of the present, the Gift Finder will suggest the best gifts for every age and budget. Whether the child's a feisty fashionista or pre-teen hipster, the Gift Finder will focus in on the perfect item.

THE TOYS"R"US 2012 HOLIDAY HOT TOY LIST

The Toys"R"Us, Canada Holiday Hot Toy List, outlined below in alphabetical order, features the 15 must-have items this holiday season. All items on the list are available at Toys"R"Us, Canada stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.ca.
Angry Birds™ Star Wars™ from Hasbro®
Avengers™ Gamma Green Hulk Smash Fists from Hasbro®
Crayola®Digital Light Designer from Crayola®
Furby™ from Hasbro®
Jake and the Neverland Pirates™ - Jake's Musical Pirate Ship Bucky from Fisher-Price®
LeapPad2™ Crayola Creativity Bundle* from LeapFrog®
LEGO® Friends Summer Riding Camp Stable* from LEGO®
LEGO® Ninjago Epic Dragon Battle from LEGO®
Monster High™ Venus McFlytrap Doll from Mattel®
NERF™ N-STRIKE™ Elite Hail-Fire Blaster from Hasbro®
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ 11-inch Battle Shell Figures* from Spin Master™
The Trash Pack™ 12 Trashies in Trash Cans* from Import Dragon®
Skylanders™ Giants from Activision®
Wii U™ from Nintendo®
Winx Club™ 2-Pack Doll Set - Bloom and Sky* from Jakks Pacific®

THE BABIES"R"US 2012 HOLIDAY TOP BABY GIFTS LIST
The Babies"R"Us, Canada Holiday Top Baby Gifts List, outlined below in alphabetical order, features the 15 must-have items this holiday season for the babies and new parents in your life. All items on the list are available at Babies"R"Us, Canada stores nationwide and online at Babiesrus.ca.
Baby Einstein™ Baby Neptune Ocean Adventure Gym from Kids II®
Baby Einstein™ Sea Dream Soother from Kids II®
Evenflo® Exersaucer Triple Fun - Animal Planet from Evenflo®
Jolly Jumper® on a Stand from Jolly Jumper®
Laugh & Learn™ Busy Friends Musical Table from Fisher-Price®
Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy from Fisher-Price®
My Little Sungabunny Cradle 'n' Swing from Fisher-Price®
Newborn to Toddler Rocker from Fisher-Price®
Nursery Essentials Kit from Summer Infant
Rocktivity™ Sit Crawl 'n' Stand Band* from Playskool®
Sleep Sheep Plush Sound Machine from Cloud B®
Summer Infant® Baby Touch Screen Video Monitor from Summer Infant®
The Original Baby Bullet® from Baby Bullet LLC®
Sophie the Giraffe from Vulli®
Sophie the Giraffe Teether from Vulli®

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Five Emerging High-End Fashion Trends

This fall, high-end fashion is big, bold, edgy and, above all, eye-catching. To help discerning women pick the perfect new pieces, Evelyn Fox, founder of celebrity favorite Crystal Heels™ has released her list of the five hottest high-end fashion trends this fall.

Fox, a runway model-turned-entrepreneur who has been immersed in the fashion industry for over a decade, says high-end must-haves right now combine style elements in unexpected ways. There are five key trends devoted fashionistas and celebrities should be working into their wardrobes if they want to stay ahead of the fashion curve this fall, including: 

Lace. Delicate with a decided edge, this fall's lace is at once tough and feminine. 

Leather. Studded or accented with lacy cutouts, high-end leather fashion is all about the details.

Embellishments. This fall's high-end fashion is studded, spiked and accented with crystals and metallics. Forget subtle: 

Bold prints. Any print goes right now, as long as it's larger than life. 

Big jewelry and accessories. This is no season to be demure. Instead, be audacious. Complement big jewelry with shoes that can hold their own.

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Get The Golden Turkety Touch This Thanksgiving

With family members coming together to celebrate the highly-anticipated Thanksgiving meal, holiday cooks everywhere spend hours preparing for the big day. To help ensure it's a meal that will be remembered, Butterball® is sharing expert advice earlier this year to make your Thanksgiving Day shine – where to find savings, go-to holiday recipes that are sure to please and ways to access Butterball's expert advice via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Butterball Cookbook Plus™ app, Butterball.com and 1-800-BUTTERBALL.

"This year it's all about sharing the best turkey advice before Thanksgiving Day, delivering tips early and often," said Mary Clingman, director of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line®. "So we're sharing tried-and-true tips that help cooks prepare in advance via our new Butterball Cookbook Plus app, a special Golden Thursday Facebook deal the week before Thanksgiving and real-time responses to questions via Live Chat on Butterball.com."


Good-as-Gold Thanksgiving Tips Butterball has five key tips that will help with preparations for the big day, ensuring your holiday meal goes off without a hitch.
Connect While You Cook: In honor of Golden Thursday – the Black Friday of turkey and Thanksgiving – we'll offer gold-standard tips on Facebook and Twitter, share recipe ideas on Pinterest and deliver advice at your fingertips with the new Butterball Cookbook Plus app.

Master the Menu: Finalize your menu two or three weeks in advance and collect the recipes and ingredients you'll need to avoid forgetting anything. Be sure to check Butterball.com for gold-standard recipes – including a Turkey with 7-Grain and Squash Stuffing and Broccoli and Cheese with Turkey Bacon – and find at least one that you can prepare in advance. 

Shop Early for Savings: In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, keep an eye out for opportunities to save without sacrificing quality. Look for specials at your local grocery store, and check your Sunday newspapers for Butterball coupons and promotions. Also be sure to check out the golden coupon available on Facebook the week before Thanksgiving. 

Turkey Tool Set: Make sure you have the proper equipment – a pan for the turkey, a meat thermometer, Reynolds® Wrap Aluminum Foil, a large platter, sharpened knives and containers for leftovers – and that everything's clean and ready for you to use. 

Turkey To-Do: Set aside some time to write a daily to-do list – that way, you don't have to spend time thinking about what you need to do each day since you've already made a plan.

Golden Advice Anywhere, Anytime You can find resources from the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line for a Golden Thursday no matter where you are, or how you prefer to access the gold-standard turkey preparation advice.
Butterball Cookbook Plus App: Download the Butterball Cookbook Plus App for iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch® from the App Store to get easy access to recipe ideas, how-to videos, upcoming Butterball promotions and cooking advice at your fingertips. 

Live Chats: Engage with turkey experts through Live Chats on Butterball.com during November and receive real-time suggestions and advice. 

Facebook and Twitter: Help is available through the Butterball Facebook and Twitter pages with tips, special savings and more. 

Pinterest: Follow Butterball on Pinterest for tender and juicy turkey recipes, cooking tips, holiday advice and plenty of culinary inspiration.
Butterball.com: Log on the website or mobile site to receive turkey advice, find savings and enjoy tried-and-true recipes. In addition, Butterball bloggers will post recipe ideas and personal anecdotes, including more special tips on how to make your Thanksgiving golden. 

1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372): Turkey Talk-Line experts will be available this season starting November 1, 2012, through December 24, 2012, to answer questions and assist Thanksgiving cooks.

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Have Your Cake and Eat it Too with “Skinny Mini Holiday Desserts”

Indulge in Moderation Without Giving Up Sweet Treats You Love

The dessert table can be your worst enemy during the holidays, but it doesn’t have to be. Indulgence and moderation go hand-in-hand with CanolaInfo’s “Skinny Mini Holiday Desserts” Recipe Collection. Now you can have your cake and eat it, too!

“It isn’t necessary to feel deprived of your favorite holiday desserts,” says Cheryl Toner, M.S., R.D. “Instead, shift your thinking about how much is enough. When you are living an active, healthy lifestyle most days of the year, there is room for a small holiday treat.”

CanolaInfo’s “Skinny Mini Holiday Desserts” Recipe Collection takes care of portion control for you. It features bite-sized indulgences to limit calories, while giving your sweet tooth the craving it seeks.

“Keep in mind that you don’t need to eat a whole piece of pie or chocolate bar in order to satisfy your appetite,” says Toner. “Have a small bite, slow down, and savor it. The skinny mini desserts offer just the right amount of holiday indulgence without guilt.”

Each skinny mini dessert recipe contains 200 calories or less per serving and is made with canola oil, which has the least saturated fat and most omega-3 fat of all common culinary oils. This oil keeps the saturated fat levels low (2.5 grams or less per dessert serving). Recipes include: 

• Mini Peppermint Cupcakes 
• Almond-Apricot Snowballs 
• Mini Pear-Ginger Cheesecakes with Ginger Snap Crust 
• Brownie Party Pops 
• Mini Pumpkin and Date-Nut Cakes with Maple Glaze 
• Cherry Pie Bites 

“Classic holiday ingredients used in these recipes like chocolate, cherries, dates, ginger, pumpkin and peppermint will ring in the season,” says Toner. “Enjoy the flavors, as well as the sights, sounds and joy of the season.”

The complete “Skinny Mini Holiday Desserts” Recipe Collection is available at www.CanolaInfo.org.

Survey Reveals Millions of American Homeowners Are Unaware of Fire Safety Basics

With results from a recent survey indicating that a staggering number of Americans don't know the basics of home fire safety, Kidde, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Help the Good Guys today introduced "Be a Hero, Save a Hero," a fire safety campaign focused on educating homeowners to reduce the risk that firefighters face every time they respond to a house fire call. Kidde is the leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products and a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of respondents to a nationwide survey by Kelton could not correctly describe where to install smoke alarms in the home, while 43 percent admitted they don't know how often to replace smoke alarms. These knowledge gaps may place millions of families at risk of not escaping a home fire.

The "Be a Hero, Save a Hero" pledge urges consumers to reduce the risk that firefighters face by pledging to ensure their home has enough up-to-date and working fire safety equipment and to have and practice a home fire escape plan.

For each person who takes the pledge, Kidde will make a donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Help the Good Guys, two organizations dedicated to helping the families of injured and fallen firefighters. Kidde will donate up to $10,000 to each organization.

In conjunction with the 46th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, Kidde also has teamed up with Bucky Covington, former American Idol contestant and rising country music star, to encourage consumers to take the pledge. Covington is the spokesperson for and an active supporter of Help the Good Guys.

"Firefighters put their lives on the line every time they answer a call, and the risk increases if they have to enter a burning home to rescue those inside," said Chris Rovenstine, vice president, marketing and sales, Kidde. "By working with the CMA and our non-profit partners, we are able to reach an extensive audience to share the 'Be a Hero, Save a Hero' pledge. We have no doubt this collaboration will help save the lives of families and firefighters across the nation."

The announcement took place at Nashville Fire Station #9. In addition to unveiling the pledge and public service announcement campaign, Kidde donated 500 of its new Worry-Free Smoke Alarms to the Nashville Fire Fighters Union Local 140 for installation in homes throughout the community. The Worry-Free alarms, powered by 10-year, sealed-in lithium batteries, offer continuous protection for a decade and never require a new battery.

"The sooner an alarm is heard after an emergency arises, the more time there is to respond. By taking the simple online pledge, consumers will know the steps to help be fire safe and significantly increase the chance that they will have enough time to escape their house should a fire occur. With everyone out of the house, it decreases the chance a firefighter would be injured or killed trying to save a life," said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, executive director, National Fallen Fighters Foundation. "National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics show that two-thirds of all home fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarm or no working alarm, and the primary reasons smoke alarms fail to operate are dead or missing batteries."

Consumers can visit www.AlarmPledge.com to affirm their commitment to home fire safety by taking the "Be a Hero, Save a Hero" pledge. Participants can generate a donation by sharing their commitment via Facebook and Twitter, choosing to "Like" Kidde on Facebook, or by entering for the chance to win a six-day/five-night trip for two to the 2013 CMA Music Festival.

The referenced survey was conducted by Kelton on behalf of Kidde. Survey results are available at www.worryfreealarm.com.

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National Museum of American History Satisfies Food History Craving

New Exhibition Looks at Food, Wine and Eating in America

The Smithsonian's first major exhibition on food history—"FOOD: Transforming the American Table 1950–2000," opening at the National Museum of American History Nov. 20—explores some of the major changes in food and eating in postwar America. Among the topics on the 3,800-square-foot exhibition's menu are changes in food production and processing, in who cooks and why, where and when meals are consumed and what people know (or think they know) about what is good for them.

Julia Child's kitchen, which she donated to the museum in 2001 along with its hundreds of tools, appliances and furnishings, serves as the opening story of "FOOD," demonstrating her influence on the culinary field, food television and the ways many Americans think about food and cooking.

"Food is a fundamental subject that everyone can relate to," said Paula Johnson, museum curator and project director for the exhibition. "The second half of the 20th century was a time of rapid change in America. This exhibition taps into the widespread and robust interest in food-related topics and encourages dialogue about food and the forces and factors that influenced how and what we eat."

"FOOD" looks at the impact of innovations and new technologies and the influence of social and cultural shifts in four sections with 160 objects:
"Resetting the Table" reveals the influences of new immigrants and how the foods and flavors from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Mexico and Central America have become an integral part of daily life for many Americans. This section also explores the impacts of the counterculture and "back to the land" movements in the 1960s and 1970s and the increased consciousness for "good food"—local, organic and artisanal.

"Wine for the Table" is devoted to the growth and expansion of American wine and winemaking after 1950. This section examines how new approaches to vineyard planting and management, new technologies and practices, and innovative marketing strategies helped winemakers overcome challenges that remained from the Prohibition era. While most of this section focuses on California, one of the most significant changes revealed is that by 2000, wine was being produced in all 50 states.
 
"New and Improved" explores how science and new technologies increased food production in the fields, processing and distribution, and how an eager American public embraced the abundance, variety and convenience. This section also looks at innovation in food preparation at home and the rise of snacking and drive-through and on-the-go eating.

"Open Table" invites visitors to take a seat at a 22-foot-long communal table, made at the museum, to share their own thoughts and experiences about food and change in America.

For more information on "FOOD," the public may visit http://food.americanhistory.si.edu/.

"FOOD" has been made possible through support from Warren and Barbara Winiarski (Winiarski Family Foundation), the Land O'Lakes Foundation, the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, the History channel, Miljenko "Mike" Grgich and the Nutrients for Life Foundation.

The exhibition is open-ended and serves as the foundation for a major initiative by the National Museum of American History to create an ongoing program on food and drink in America. The museum envisions taking food and food history to the nation through its ongoing collecting efforts and a series of symposia and intellectual exchanges, online offerings and dynamic public programs. An advisory group will counsel the museum on ongoing collecting, research, programming and fundraising efforts. In 2015, following completion of renovations in the west exhibition wing, the museum's first floor will house a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen.

The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. To learn more about the museum, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.

SOURCE Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

RELATED LINKS

http://americanhistory.si.ed

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More Than One-in-Ten U.S. Adults Have Said No to Hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner Because of the Cost, Finds New CouponCabin Survey PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1szFL)

While Thanksgiving meals are without a doubt delicious, the cost of serving them can leave a bad taste in the host's mouth. A new CouponCabin.com survey finds that more than one-in-ten (12 percent) have said "no" to hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in the past because of the cost. In addition, 14 percent said they feel pressured to host a Thanksgiving dinner because others in their family and friends group don't want to spend money on hosting their own. This survey was conducted online nationwide by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin.com from October 18th – 22nd, 2012, among 2,082 U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

Some potential Thanksgiving hosts are worried that the extreme weather the country has experienced over the past few months will affect food prices for their holiday meal. Seven-in-ten (70 percent) U.S. adults who are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year said they are a least somewhat concerned that this summer and fall's weather will increase food prices for hosting Thanksgiving this year. Thirty percent are not at all concerned.

Of those that have already agreed to host a Thanksgiving celebration this year, 45 percent report they are at least somewhat overwhelmed with the cost. This is in line with last year's survey findings, when 44 percent said the same.

Between a turkey, side dishes and beverages, a Thanksgiving meal can cost a cornucopia of money. Nearly one-in-ten (7 percent) Thanksgiving hosts plan to spend over $300 on the meal this year, while 49 percent will spend between $101 and $300. Others are planning a more frugal Thanksgiving, as 44 percent said they will spend $100 or less. Those hosting Thanksgiving plan to spend an average of $246 on the meal. Those living in the West estimate spending double the national average, saying they plan to spend $495 on the meal.

"While it's a time for celebration, the price tag that comes with hosting a Thanksgiving meal can be daunting for those hosting," said Jackie Warrick, President and Chief Savings Officer at CouponCabin.com. "Many Thanksgiving hosts have gotten a jump on their shopping already, stocking up on non-perishables and frozen items to supplement their fresh purchases. By combining a head start with other savings strategies, hosts can trim their turkeys and their costs."

Savings expert Warrick offers the following tips on how to dress your bird and all the fixings for less this year:

Go generic: When you have to buy so many different items to prepare a Thanksgiving meal, going generic means big savings. For staples like flour, sugar, spices, pasta, napkins, paper towels, vegetable oil and more, skip the name brands. Your guests won't even notice the difference.

Utilize online resources: Keeping track of grocery coupons and deals can be a challenge. Check out CouponCabin.com's Newsflash, a constantly updated stream of the best offers and coupons, so you won't miss any great holiday meal deals.

Keep decorations simple: The food is the main event at a Thanksgiving meal, so don't waste precious time and money on elaborate furnishings. Consider finding DIY ideas on a site like Pinterest, check out hand-made products on Etsy or visit a local craft fair to help decorate your table for less.

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Holiday Shopping Spending to Increase in 2012, Yet Shoppers Are Missing the Opportunity to Save More According to Survey from Ipsos Public Affairs and Offers.com PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1szko)

A telephone survey conducted among 1,001 U.S. adults by Ipsos Public Affairs and commissioned by Offers.com, found that consumers plan to increase the amount they will spend this holiday shopping season, but are overlooking big opportunities to save money in the process. The survey found that given the current state of the economy, 13% of consumers plan to spend more during the upcoming holiday season than they did last year. However, among those who shop online, just 24% say they look for coupons or deals always or most of the time when making online purchases, a decrease from 40% last year; 36% say that they never do so, an increase from 23% in 2011.

Online Shopping Coupon UsageIn 2011, 16% of adults answered that they always use online coupons and deals, yet this year that percentage has dropped to just 10%. Among the other critical findings:

• 34% of parents with children under 18 are most likely to always look for coupons when shopping online, or look for coupons most of the time, versus 18% of shoppers without children. 
• 36% of consumers claim that they never look for online coupons or deals when shopping online, and 30% say they haven't used any type of online or in-store savings opportunity in the past 30 days (e.g. loyalty cards/in-store promotions, printable or online coupons, etc.). 
• 23% of consumers find online coupons and/or coupon codes primarily through emails from their favorite retailer or the website that they are purchasing from; 19% search for coupons using a search engine like Google, Yahoo, or Bing; and 10% rely on an online coupon or daily deal website. 

Black Friday 2012
"There is a lot of talk right now that the savings opportunities on Black Friday are not all that great," said Schaffer. "However, we think those who are Savvy Black Friday Shoppers can find fantastic deals this year. By heading to Offers.com, we will help consumers find deep discounts on hot gift items including electronics such as digital cameras, Blu-ray players, HDTV's and more."

The survey also found that this year 32% of consumers plan to shop on Black Friday.

Among Black Friday shoppers:

• 57% plan to shop primarily in stores, 31% to do so both online and in stores, and 11% to do so primarily online. 
• 21% start Black Friday planning right after Halloween, 32% begins their planning one week before, and 40% wait until Thanksgiving to plan for Black Friday shopping. 
• Many Black Friday shoppers plan to start early in the day, with 50% planning to shop at stores between midnight and 6:00 am. The surveys were conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs from October 4-8, 2012, and September 8-13, 2011. For the surveys, nationally representative samples of 1,001 randomly-selected adults aged 18 and over residing in the U.S. were interviewed via Ipsos' U.S. Telephone Express omnibus. With a sample of this size, the results are considered accurate within ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what they would have been had the entire population of adults in the U.S. been polled.

The full results of the survey can be found here.

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ShopSmart: Great Sites for Holiday Gifts Under $25

Holiday shoppers can find the perfect gift for almost everyone on their list for $25 or less. The December 2012 issue of ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, highlights 25 great sites that offer everything from silly stocking stuffers to socially responsible gift items.

"There's an endless selection of unique and inexpensive holiday gifts online," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. "ShopSmart has identified 25 sites that can help shoppers avoid the aggravation of in-store shopping while nabbing great deals."

The report also features nine great sites for presents under $50, five that offer do-good gifts, and six sites and apps that can help last-minute shoppers get gifts in an instant. Each of these sites meets ShopSmart's requirements for privacy, contact info disclosure, and service, and while some don't offer free shipping, the gifts themselves are a great value.

Here are five fun sites from ShopSmart's December issue.

OldTimeCandy.com has a variety of retro candy including Bottle Caps, Pixy Stix, and Razzles ─ perfect gift ideas for friends and family members with a sweet tooth. The site offers age-targeted kits, such as a 2-pound 1970s box for $24, or shoppers can create their own customized collection. Shipping starts at $7; orders must be placed by December 16 (midnight EST) for guaranteed delivery by Christmas. 

Pier1.com is the online dwelling of home furnishings retailer Pier 1 imports. Their new website features many well-priced goodies including Indian-crafted brass candle snuffers starting at $8. Shipping starts at $4.95; orders must be placed by December 16 for guaranteed delivery by Christmas.

 
SetBoutique.com features clothing, jewelry, bags, and housewares from socially responsible manufacturers. The site will donate $5 to a charity of shoppers' choice when they spend $20 or more. Shipping starts at $5.10; orders must be placed by December 20 for guaranteed delivery by Christmas. 

Vat19.com is a site where tongue meets cheek. Shoppers can pick up unique items, including a half-pound of gummy bears on a stick starting at $9.99 or a USB-powered beverage warmer/cooler for $19.99. Flat-rate shipping is $4.99; orders must be placed by December 17 for guaranteed delivery by Christmas. 

Wag.com has pet-related gifts covered. Shoppers can select items such as a doggie tuxedo, $19.95 or a carrot-shaped rabbit toy, $3.39. Shipping starts at $4.99 and is free for orders $49 or more; orders must be placed by December 19 for guaranteed delivery by Christmas.

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Gifts for Every Pet Personality

Everyone who has ever had a pet knows that each one has their own individual personality with unique quirks that make them so incredibly lovable. So when choosing a gift for a pet, why take a one-size-fits-all approach? This holiday gift guide from Petco™ celebrates pet individuality. Here are their top gift picks:

The Hipster: Have a pet that's an independent thinker and an edgy dresser? Then you might have a hipster on your hands. A hipster dog wouldn't be complete without the Petco brand Fashion Bowtie, and it's guaranteed they'll love kitchy, SimplyShe Holiday Tuxedo Sweater for dogs, a play on the tuxedo shirt. Beards  also are a hipster staple, and now envious cool cats can take their hipness up a notch with a Petco brand Santa beard – no more beard envy!

The Health Nut: From a raw diet to an exercise regimen, the health conscious movement has definitely trickled down to pets. Healthy cats will love the Kitty Garden, healthy, edible grass in a vintage-inspired wooden planter. The four flavors: barley, rye, oats and wheat not only look great, but help a cat's digestion and prevent hairballs. The Drinkwell Lotus Pet Fountain has a zen-like feel to it and provides a stylish and convenient supply of fresh, filtered water. Even hamsters can work on their fitness with the Spin City Health Club, a unique habitat with a wheel that keeps track of how many laps the hamster runs.

The Style Icon: Usually, human fashionistas have mini pet fashionistas that appreciate the latest in haute couture. Pets can travel in style with the BNB "mad about plaid" and passport stamps fashion carriers. They also can be the belle of the ball with the best-in-class Petco brand harnesses that are offered in seven sizes to fit dogs from Chihuahua to Lab in a vast array of colors and prints. Jewelry is always a winner with this set, so a personalized, sparkly Fido Pet ID Tag with crystal accents is another way to go. And true Parisian fashion, gift a beautiful red or blue Fashion Bow and a Posh Paw manicure service to match mommy's French manicure.

The Geek: Have a pet obsessed with the latest cutting edge breakthroughs? Cats will love the Littermaid, America's first fully automatic self-cleaning litter tray. For the family fish that need a new high tech home, the Fluval Spec Aquarium ($69.99) offers a 360 degree view of the tank due to it's unique built in filtration system. Reptiles craving an authentic rainforest experience will love the Exo Terra Congo Rainforest Habitat Kit. Designed by European herpetologists, it includes a stunning new background design based on the mysterious statues of the dense Congo jungle.

The Foodie: For the food aficionado, The Merrick Holiday Sausage Treats are a beautifully packaged sausage sampler platter that is made with all-natural ingredients, it looks so tasty pet parents can easily mistake it for people food. Foodies can also agree bacon makes everything better and puppies three months or older will agree that the Nylabone Nutri Dent Good Puppy Bacon & Cheese Edible Dental Chews  hits the nail on the head with this good-for-you treat. There are a lot of kitties out there that believe whole-heartedly in the organic movement, so spoil them with Blue Buffalo All Natural Cat Treats.

The Philanthropist: For the pet who has everything and wants to lend a helping hand to animals in need, donate on their behalf to the Petco Foundation's annual Tree of Hope campaign which takes place from now - Jan. 6. Donations can be made at the nearest Petco store, Unleashed by Petco store or online at www.petco.com/holiday. Donations help feed homeless pets in shelters, give lifesaving medical assistance, enable rescuers to grow their resources so that they can help ease the burdens of overfull shelters, and provide venues and grants to help usher those without a voice into loving homes.

For more pet gift ideas, visit www.petco.com/holiday.

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Emergency Physicians: Avoid Spending Thanksgiving in the ER

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, good food and good times. The nation's emergency physicians want it to stay that way and not become a memory that involves a visit to the nearest ER.

"We are prepared to treat you at any moment should you need it," said Andrew Sama, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "But we hope that by following some common sense precautions, you can avoid spending time with us and instead spend more time enjoying time with loved ones."

Food Preparation Safety

The risk of bacterial contamination can be high with any raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly when handling uncooked meat and keep it separate from other foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the oven temperature should be no lower than 325 degrees and the turkey should be completely thawed before cooking. A food thermometer must register a safe minimum temperature of 165 degrees inside the turkey.

It's best to cook stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole, but if you choose to stuff a turkey, make sure the stuffing also reaches a temperature of 165 degrees (CDC) to ensure there is no bacterial contamination. Refrigerate all leftovers.

Individuals with food allergies who have not prepared their own meals at home should ask about food preparation and ingredients to prevent unnecessary exposure and an allergic reaction.

One of the more common injuries that emergency physicians treat during the Thanksgiving holiday involves knives – specifically carving knives that can cut fingers and hands. Be careful when slicing food, and more specifically, do not rush. More accidents occur when carving and cutting too quickly. Allow someone experienced in handling sharp knives to do the carving.

Burns are another common injury during Thanksgiving. The kitchen can be a dangerous place, especially around the oven and grill. Again, don't rush when cooking dinner, have a plan of execution and leave yourself plenty of time to get it done.

A special note of caution needs to be made for anyone who decides to deep fry a turkey. This can be very dangerous and cause serious burns and fires, especially if you have never attempted this before. Make sure to research the proper way to "deep fry" carefully and use extreme caution if deciding to deep fry a turkey.

Eating Safely
The key is to approach your Thanksgiving meal with moderation. Food is usually abundant on Thanksgiving, however for some, it can be too much, consumed too quickly. For those with medical conditions like congestive heart failure, kidney disease, high blood pressure, etc., excess of salt can be dangerous. Monitor your sodium intake and make sure you take any necessary prescription medications, as you would any other day. Consult your doctor if necessary. Eat your food slowly and when satisfied take a break and allow your body to process it. Eating too quickly can cause heartburn, indigestion and may create chest pain, which generally requires assessment.

Injury Prevention
Before or after the meal, it's common for many to head outside and play sports (football, basketball, etc.). Weekend warriors - beware! Many injuries occur in those not used to routine exercise. If you must play in a traditional "Thanksgiving game" we recommend having fun and going easy and not overdoing it. Emergency physicians warn that it's important to pace yourself after a big meal and for those who are not used to regular physical activity we recommend reconsidering. We see many sprains, strains and fractures in those who try to do too much, too quickly. We also treat patients develop shortness of breath and chest pain from over extension.

SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

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Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition with Turkey and Trimmings from the Grill, Smoker or Fryer

Each Thanksgiving, many consumers head outdoors to the grill, smoker or fryer to spice up their holiday meals and enjoy fall's cooler temperatures which are ideal for outdoor cooking. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), the ease, affordability, extra space in the kitchen, and delicious result make outdoor holiday cooking popular among family chefs.

"With year-round outdoor cooking on the rise, consumers are becoming more adventurous and trying new techniques, gadgets and recipes forThanksgiving," said Leslie Wheeler, HPBA Communications Director. "Start a new tradition by cooking all or part of your holiday feasts outside. While the turkey is the heart of the meal, savory side dishes, including vegetables, fruits and desserts, can all be cooked outdoors."

Consumers agree that there are many reasons they are cooking outdoors during the holidays – and all year round – according to HPBA's State of the Barbecue Industry report findings. Consumers say they'll cook outdoors for the:
Desire to eat tasty food (58%),
Personal satisfaction of making a great meal outside (51%),
Convenience (42%)

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) estimates 46 million turkeys will be cooked this holiday season. With grilling, smoking and/or frying the whole turkey or turkey breast continuing to gain popularity, HPBA and NTF offer tips for a delicious meal:

From the Grill (Indirect Grilling) 
Purchase a turkey that is broad and flat to fit underneath the covered grill top.
Make sure there is at least one-inch of space between the turkey and the grill lid.
Apply a thin coating of non-stick vegetable cooking oil to the unheated rack and brush the outer surface of the turkey with cooking oil.
Do not tie the legs together when grilling a whole bird. The turkey will cook more evenly if hot air circulates to all areas of the bird.
Allow for two to three hours of indirect cooking time for an eight to 12 pound turkey and three to four hours for a 12-16 pound turkey.

Smoked Turkey 
Be sure the smoker reaches an internal temperature of 250 degrees F to 300 degrees F before inserting the turkey.
Place the turkey in the smoker with the breast facing up.
Make sure there is at least one inch of space between the turkey and the smoker lid.
If using a charcoal smoker, add charcoal often to maintain the 250 degrees F to 300 degrees F temperature necessary to produce the hot smoke that cooks the turkey.
Smoke the turkey 20 to 30 minutes per pound.

Fried Turkey 
In addition to frying a whole turkey, turkey breasts, legs and thighs are also ideal for frying.
If using an oil fryer, always use a high smoke point frying oil, such as peanut oil. Never allow the cooking oil to exceed 375 degrees F.
Always lower the turkey slowly into the hot oil.
Allow three to four minutes of fry-time per pound for whole turkeys in an oil fryer and eight to ten minutes per pound in an infrared oil-less fryer.
Allow oil to cool completely before removing from pot.

For more tips and recipes, visit HPBA at www.hpba.org, www.facebook.com/HPBABarbecue, www.twitter.com/HPBA_Barbecue and NTF atwww.eatturkey.com, www.facebook.com/NationalTurkeyFederation, or www.twitter.com/TurkeyGal.

SOURCE Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)

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HOLIDAY COOKING TRENDS REFLECT AMERICA’S MODERN FAMILY DINNER TABLE

TV Chef Eden Grinshpan and Kenmore Brand Offer Simple Ways to Please Variety of Tastes and Make the Holidays Brighter for Military Families

From multi–generations to multi–cultures, honoring traditions while catering to different tastes may prove challenging for holiday hosts. A recent Kenmore survey found that more than half of Americans (52 percent) celebrate the holidays with extended family and/or friends, bringing a variety of food preferences to the table. As a chef who makes a living from experiencing many global flavors in cities around the world, TV host and celebrity chef Eden Grinshpan offers simple twists on holiday cooking to update family favorites and even create new traditions.

The Kenmore survey revealed that 46 percent of Americans create special dishes for guests and 44 percent of those say the main reason in offering something special is to spice things up. Further, many respondents think holiday preparations are fun, with 27 percent of women responding that they feel like a “Rock Star” when it comes to holiday cooking and entertainment.

To inspire and help those aspiring “rock star” cooks, the Kenmore brand introduces cookmore.com, to easily create custom cookbooks including favorite family recipes, as well as access and share from a recipe library built by everyday cooks and acclaimed chefs. Suiting the need holiday hosts have to spice things up, the site allows users to add their own special “twists” to recipes they save and even share their own twists on others’ traditional favorites.

For example, turkey still reigns supreme, with 90 percent of Americans planning to eat it this year. However, for those looking to spice up the bird, Grinshpan’s ‘Mediterranean Turkey’ recipe calls for paprika, cumin, fennel and even pita bread and cinnamon.

“While guests appreciate the tried and true dishes they come to expect during the holidays, they tend to feel extra special if their specific tastes are catered to,” said Grinshpan. “Through travels for my show, I discover food and ingredients from cultures all over the word that inspire me to bring something new and unexpected to the dinner table. With cookmore.com, cooks can share and discover fresh recipes to serve up joy year round.”

Valuing the spirit of giving thanks during the holidays, the Kenmore brand brings something more to the table – $1 for every recipe submitted or downloaded oncookmore.com will be donated to Sears Heroes at Home – up to $10,000 – to make the holiday season brighter for military families. The Heroes at Home program strives to uplift, assist and honor America’s military service members, veterans and their families.

“The holiday season brings challenges in the home, from finding the right recipes to knowing the right tools that help ensure a sensational holiday meal,” said Michael Castleman, president, Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard and SVP of Sears Holdings. “The Kenmore brand has been a part of American homes through a century of holidays. We know the right solutions and innovations, such as double ovens and large capacity refrigerators, which enable hosts to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with their guests at the table.”

Managing the Main Event
The Kenmore survey also found that 63 percent serve more than one main course during the holidays to satisfy guests. With many advances in cooking appliances, consumers can deliver double the number of main dishes even with limited space.

A Home for Coveted Leftovers
Where to put all that extra holiday food is often a dilemma for holiday hosts, especially when considering that 37 percent of American holiday gatherings are potluck style. 

Tips for Making a Good Clam Chowder

Duke Moscrip, owner and founder of Seattle's Duke's Chowder House the restaurant's owner and founder, shares his secrets to his signature specialty, clam chowder. A restaurateur for more than 40 years, Duke first developed a taste for clams at his New England grandfather's dinner table.Duke didn't particularly love grandpa's chowder, which was brothy and full of robust clam flavors, but Grandpa made it clear that if Duke wanted the chocolate éclairs sitting in the middle of the dinner table then he'd eat that chowder and learn to like it. Indeed, Duke developed an astute taste for clams back then. Many years later, when Seattle was hosting a massive chowder competition in the 1980s, Duke and his then chef rose to the challenge and submitted their carefully crafted chowder.

Duke's clam chowder won that competition by a landslide three years in a row. The creamy clam chowder has been a fixture on his menus ever since. Naturally,  Duke has some rock solid opinions on how to make a good clam chowder. Here are a few that form the foundation:

1. Use Good All Natural Clams—Duke is a stickler for ingredients and goes to great lengths to keep additives and preservatives out of his chowder. Canned clams, which are full of tri polyphosphates, are out of the question. Hence, he purchases domestic clams that are processed, flash frozen and shipped directly to him. These all-natural clams have superior flavor and aroma and form the backbone of his chowder.
2. Learn to Make a Roux—Duke says it's important to learn to make a roux, which is a mixture of flour and butter and acts as a thickener. If the roux isn't cooked properly at the beginning, then the  chowder will be a mucky pasty mess. He also explained that if the roux breaks, then the whole thing is a flop.
3. Balance the Flavors and Ditch the Carrots—Duke knows that clam has to be the dominant flavor and nothing should overpower that. He also says to ditch the carrots—they have no place in chowder and their sweetness adds the wrong accent. Celery is okay because it adds a little crunch, which you want.
4. Choose the Correct Potato—The choice of potato can make or break the results. Duke likes red potatoes because they don't give off too much starch and bleed into the chowder.
5. Know your Herbs-After much experimentation, Duke knows that basil, dill, marjoram, parsley, and thyme are the essential herbs in his chowder, adding a subtle accent to the dish.
6. Give it Time—Duke believes in the power of curing the chowder, which basically means that the chowder cools and is kept overnight in the fridge. He says, "The second day is dramatically better than the first. The flavors bloom during a cure. They get more pronounced."

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Five Tips to Rodent-Proof Your Home

As the cool temperatures start to settle in for the next few months, Orkin advises homeowners to pest-proof their homes, garages and sheds now, because fall is when most insect and rodent pests seek shelter for the winter months.


"With temperatures recently dropping into the 40s, rodents and other pests tend to move inside structures this time of year to find a warm place to overwinter and breed," said Jim Warneke, Orkin's Southeast division technical services director.

A pregnant female mouse can produce an average of eight pups in a litter, and a rat, seven pups on average, and there are typically four to five litters per year. Their gestation period is about a month, so before you know it, one mouse can turn into a major problem for homeowners.

Mice can fit through an opening the size of a dime, so it is important to fix any cracks in and under siding, doors and windows. In addition to warmth, rodents enter homes looking for food and water. They prefer cereals and grains, but will eat just about anything.

As you prepare your home for winter, Orkin recommends the five following tips:
Make sure all holes, gaps and cracks larger than 1/4 of an inch are sealed.

• Replace door sweeps and make sure doors and windows close tightly. 
• Clean out gutters and install gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from accumulating. 
• Store firewood as far from the home as possible.
•  Trim branches, plants and bushes that hang over the home.

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I have two cats, no mice, lizards and no bunnies. Coincidence? I think not!

CorningWare, Pyrex and Baker's Secret Brands Celebrate 100 Days of Entertaining

World Kitchen, LLC, one of the nation's leading housewares companies, declares now is the start of entertaining season with its "100 Days of Entertaining" celebration. From Halloween to February's "Big Game," entertaining survey* results show that more than half of Americans will be prompted to prep, cook, bake, serve and store delicious meals and treats. Together, the Pyrex®, CorningWare® and Baker's Secret® brands culled insights to provide innovative solutions to ensure enjoyable entertaining all season long.

Entertaining Tips and Tricks 

Versatility is key to simplifying dishes – from oven to table. While the majority of hosts (76 percent) turn to holiday recipe staples, the kitchen tools used could be more versatile to de-clutter the counter and save on cleaning time. Dishes can be created and served in a single dish. In its refreshed, contemporary white style or an enhanced colored option, a CorningWare dish delivers both style and functionality to the table. Used to bake, serve and store, the multi-use CorningWare® French White® and etch® bakeware dishes are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.

Hosting is a social affair. When entertaining, 84 percent of Americans crave simple ways to spend less time in the kitchen in order to spend more time with guests. To do so, more than half prepare dishes in advance and 82 percent prefer to make meals for celebrating with family and friends. The Pyrex® Easy Grab®3-Quart Oblong Glass Bakeware is perfect solution for any chef – host or guest – as it provides simple answers to prepare and store meals with wider, longer handles that offer extra grip to avoid mishaps and deeper walls for less splattering and spillage. 

Sweets reign supreme. While savory makes the meal, dessert ends the event on a sweet note. The durability of Baker's Secret premium, non-stick baking pans provide home pastry chefs – novice or expert – the essential tools to bake delicious sweets. With limited lifetime warranties, Baker's Secret pans will support hosts through the "100 Days of Entertaining" and beyond. 

Win praise with leftovers – and be prepared with storage. Too much is better than not enough, and first-time hosts as well as lifelong home chefs know this is true with more than three quarters of Americans planning to send guests home with leftovers. It's as much about sharing the leftovers as it is enjoying the food during the celebration. Hosts can rest assured meals will be stored well in either CorningWare or Pyrex dishes when guests leave.

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November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

In 2011, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, received more than 48,000 claims for cancer diagnosis and treatment in pets – making cancer-related conditions collectively the fourth most common type of medical claim received last year. In a continuing effort to educate pet owners about the prevalence, detection and treatment of pet cancer, VPI again recognizes November as National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Partnering with the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), VPI will host the sixth annual VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk on Nov. 11, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif., to raise funds for pet cancer research. In addition, for each newFacebook "Like" in November, VPI will donate $1 to the Animal Cancer Foundation, up to $10,000. To date, VPI has raised more than $108,000 to benefit the ACF.

VPI launched National Pet Cancer Awareness Month in 2005, calling attention to the number one disease-related killer of dogs and cats. Below are the 10 most common cancer-related claims received by VPI last year:

Cancerous Conditions

1. Lymphosarcoma or Lymphoma

2. Skin Cancer (Malignant Skin Neoplasia)

3. Splenic (Spleen) Cancer

4. Bone or Joint Cancer

5. Hepatic (Liver) Cancer

6. Thoracic (Chest) Cancer

7. Bladder Cancer

8. Brain or Spinal Cord Cancer

9. Oral (Mouth) Cancer

10. Peritoneal (Membrane Lining the Walls
of the Abdominal and Pelvic Cavities)
Cancer

Treating these pet cancers can be a heavy financial burden for pet owners. Last year, VPI policyholders spent more than $17.4 million on the top 10 cancer-related conditions. Lymphosarcoma or Lymphoma was the most expensive condition on the list, costing policyholders an average of $2,367 per pet.

"Cancer continues to be a widespread medical condition among cats and dogs," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "Educating pet owners to ensure they recognize the signs and symptoms of pet cancer, in addition to the importance of being financially prepared for any and all circumstances, is imperative in the fight against cancer and all pet illnesses."

Pet Cancer Detection Tips

To detect cancer early, pet owners should be attentive to any growing lump or sore that fails to heal. They should also monitor their pet for 1) drastic changes in the pet's appetite or weight; 2) unusually strong odors coming from a pet; 3) discharge or bleeding from any body opening; 4) difficulty chewing or swallowing; or 5) an unwillingness to exercise.

Further detection tips and information on National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, as well as registration information for the Long Beach VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk, can be found by visiting www.petinsurance.com/cancer. For more information on the Animal Cancer Foundation, please go to www.acfoundation.org.

Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree Launches Holiday Toy Drive Collection

Operation Homefront, the national non-profit organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to military families, today joined with Dollar Tree to launch its annual Holiday Toy Drive to collect gifts for military kids. Operation Homefront field offices across the nation will be teaming up with local Dollar Tree stores to collect donated toys to be distributed to the children of service members this holiday season.

Today's launch marks the sixth annual joint campaign by Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree to give the children of military families toys for the holiday. Anyone wishing to make this year's holidays brighter for military families can go to their local Dollar Tree store and donate toys to be distributed to the children of our service members.

More information on the Holiday Toy Drive is available at OperationHomefront.net/HolidayToys. OperationHomefront.net also accepts online contributions for all of Operation Homefront's programs to assist military families.

"For service members with kids, especially in the lower- and mid-grade ranks, holiday shopping is a major expense that can blow a hole in the family budget," said Jim Knotts, President & CEO of Operation Homefront. "Helping them make their children feel extra special during this festive time is an important aspect of the assistance we provide to military families. By contributing to Operation Homefront's Holiday Toy Drive - either with an online monetary donation or by dropping off gifts – you're helping our men and women in uniform provide for their families in these tough economic times."

National corporate sponsors for the Holiday Toy Drive joining Dollar Tree include Veterans United Foundation, Josh Cellars, and BAE Systems.

In 2011, Operation Homefront's Holiday Toy Drive collected over 7 million toys nationwide for military kids. Log on to OperationHomefront.net for more details on how to help military families. In the coming weeks, Operation Homefront will announce additional information on how Americans interested in donating holiday toys to military kids can help.

About Operation Homefront: A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers with nationwide presence, and has met more than 590,000 needs of military families since its inception in 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes directly to assist service members. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.net.

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Top Holiday Toys Canadian Style

We're going to be seeing a lot of these in the coming weeks: Christmas toy guides. So lets kick it off with what is going to be popular with our friends to the north (so you can have a heads up on what might be popular down here too!)

Walmart Canada today announced its list of the top 20 toys for the 2012 holiday season. All items on the list were selected based on feedback the retailer collected from kids and parents at the Great Big Toy Testing Event.

The list includes toys for kids of all ages, starting from eight months, and represents the latest toy trends, including educational, kid-friendly tablets and apps, crafting and construction, electronic, budget-friendly and movie-related toys. The toys were evaluated based on a number of criteria including educational value, age appropriateness, ease of use, how the child reacted to the toy, and if mom and dad like it.

The Top 20* 

• Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Mega Set - was $59.92 on Rollback $46.86 
• ROXX Skullz Game - was $17.93 on Rollback $14.93 
• Star Wars Ultimate FX Lightsaber - was $42.92 on Rollback $35.88 
• Rocktivity Sit to Stand Music Skool - was $52.94 on Rollback $39.83 
• Stand-Up Ballcano - was $49.97 on Rollback $38.88 
• Jake's Bucky Pirate Ship - was $54.94 on Rollback $45.87 
• Thomas And Friends At The Ironworks Play Set - Everyday Low Price $39.94 
• Animal Adventure Learning Table - was $49.97 on Rollback $29.83 
• GoGo My Walking Pup - was $69.94 on Rollback $52.77 
• Lazer Tag Single Blaster Pack - was $38.92 on Rollback $32.86 
• Barbie Sisters Go Camping w/Dolls - was $98.77 on Rollback $78.73 
• Butterscotch Pony - was $124.94 on Rollback $88.88 
• Disney Princess Cinderella Transforming Pumpkin Carriage - was $74.94 on Rollback $67.82 
• Thomas and Friends Steam 'n' Speed RC Thomas - was $59.94 on Rollback $45.78 
• Beyblade Destroyer Dome - $44.92 
• Crayola Crayon Maker - was $32.96 on Rollback $20 
• Orbeez Soothing Spa - was $34.97 on Rollback $29.86 
• Marker Airbrush - was $25.96 on Rollback $19.47 
• Furby - was $69.97 on Rollback $52.77 
• Rocktivity Walk and Roll Rider - was $49.97 on Rollback $39.83 

(*In stores only. Conditions may apply. Selection may vary by store. Yada yada yada...)

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Get to Know Your Dog's Family this Holiday Season with a Wisdom Panel® Best-in-Class Cheek Swab Doggie DNA Identification Test

Ok, Here's a quirky gift for pet lovers... A dog DNA test! Yup! You (or someone who loves their dog a whole lot) can find out exactly what their mutt is made of...

There may be no greater love than that which you receive from man's best friend. This holiday season, return the love by gifting your four-legged friend with a Wisdom Panel® dog DNA test, the most comprehensive range of mixed-breed cheek swab DNA tests on the market. The test results not only help explain his ancestry, but may also provide valuable insights to help you strengthen the bond with your canine companion.

The Wisdom Panel Mixed Breed Insights, Purebred and Designer Dog doggie DNA tests from Mars Veterinary™, an established name in canine genetic breed identification and a division of MARS® Incorporated – a global leader in pet care – are the result of advancements in canine genetic testing technology, making it possible for dog owners to access breed detection inexpensively and conveniently.

With a simple swab of a cheek, mixed breed dog owners can typically determine the ancestry of a dog using Wisdom Panel Insights, which tests for more than 190 breeds, the largest database on the market.

For owners of assumed purebred or designer dogs who don't have pedigree documents for their beloved pets, the state-of-the-art Wisdom Panel Purebred and Designer Dog tests – the only dog DNA tests designed specifically for testing purebred and designer dogs – may help them satisfy their curiosity and take better care of the health of their pets. The Purebred dog test kit results will confirm whether a dog's ancestry consists of a single breed over three generations. The Designer dog test results will similarly confirm whether the dog is a first generation cross between two purebred dogs from different breeds which forms a true hybrid.

The three test kits, each available for the low price of $74.99 at www.wisdompanel.com, comprise a "do-it-yourself" cheek swab, allowing owners to simply administer the test at home and mail back the samples in a pre-paid package. Within three weeks of receipt of the swab sample, dog owners can expect to receive an e-mail notifying them that their official ancestry report is ready.

A dog's ancestry can be influential in surprising ways. Obvious and not-so-obvious physical traits plus behaviors like digging, herding and barking all come from the various breeds in a dog's family tree. Once an owner understands a dog's natural tendencies, it makes it possible to create a tailored training, exercise and nutrition program to fit his one-of-a-kind needs, plus it may help owners work with their veterinarians to be on the lookout for certain diseases they never would have expected.

Wonder what would happen if you sent in a cat sample! LOL!

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Taking Care of Turkey

Here it is November already, and I’m already thinking about the bird. Not sure if I’m going to do one, but I am thinking about. As long as I’ve got bird on the brain, here are some interesting tidbits I came across on how to cook a turkey. It's quite interesting to read the differing perspectives on how to cook the bird. In fact some of the advice is down right contradictory. Try it all the different ways and you decide which works best in your kitchen.

NO SALT, NO BASTING

The bottom line is to not bast it because basting sucks moisture out of the bird. Here's one chef's suggestion on how to cook your thanksgiving turkey.

• Dry the turkey, place in roasting pan on a V-rack. Never put a turkey flat on the pan without a rack or you'll boil it and dry it out instead of roasting it.
• Never use a fork to turn or lift the turkey or any meat, this causes it to lose moisture.

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees, paper towel dry inside and outside of the turkey.
• Brush turkey inside and outside with oil, season, (Remember: No salt, it evaporates moisture).
• Place turkey on V-rack in roasting pan. Remove excess skin around cavity.
• Wedge a metal fork between the backbone and the bottom ribs, keeping the cavity open so the heat reaches the backbone.
• Cover the breasts and legs with Pam/oiled foil.
• Add 4 cups of broth to roasting pan.
• For conventional ovens, cook at 450 to 475 degrees for two hours. Cook for 1 1/2 hours at 425 degrees for convection ovens.
• Remove foil for last 20-25 minutes browning skin.
• Do not baste! Basting breaks caramelization.

The turkey is ready when:

• The turkey is ready at 155 degrees.
• Check temperature through the breast with thermometer, adjust cooking time if needed. There'll be residual cooking for 1/2 hour.
• Rest the turkey 30 minutes before carving. Remove fork, deglaze pan for gravy, salt and pepper to taste after carving.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO SALT? BRINE THAT BIRD!

 Brining means to soak the bird in salt. The premise is that brining locks in juices.

You'll need:

• 2 gallons of water
• 1/2 cup Kosher salt per gallon of water
• 1/2 cup Sugar per gallon of water
• A container large enough to submerge the bird

To brine a turkey, soak it in kosher salt for 4-14 hours. Typically try to brine it at least overnight, which is what the recipe above is for. If it won't fit in the fridge, you can use a clean cooler. After the bird soaks, thoroughly rinse, then it's ready to cook.

Don'ts

• Don't brine prebasted turkeys
• Don't brine if you plan to fry

YEAH, FRY IT!

 A new national poll commissioned by LouAna Peanut Oil and Cajun Injector Marinade shows that 49 percent of adults surveyed have eaten fried turkey, and 28 percent plan to eat fried turkey this holiday season. The survey of 1,000 adults was conducted by the Opinion Research. Last year, a similar survey reported that nearly 39 percent of U.S. adults say they've eaten fried turkey.

It takes just 48 minutes to fry a 12-pound turkey in peanut oil, compared to more than three hours to roast a turkey the traditional way. And the turkey won't be greasy as long as you fry it at a constant 350 degrees F. A Cajun-fried turkey only has 220 calories per serving.

I won't fry chicken, much less a turkey, but my brother does, and boy, is it good!