1. health and fitness
2. disease

HEALTH/MEDICAL • FITNESS/NUTRITION • HOW TO
How to reduce your risk for diabetes
NOVEMBER 2013 EDITORIAL PACKAGE
Themed Section:
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‘Tis the season for holiday
shopping, and this section
has all advertisers and
readers need to connect and
make the most of this festive
time of year. From gift ideas
to shipping suggestions and
much, much more, Holiday
Gift Guide is the perfect
present for advertisers,
editors and readers alike.
Begins on 8
Themed Section:
Giving Back
The season of giving is upon
us, and now is the perfect
time to make efforts to help
the less fortunate. From
donation tips to volunteering
ideas to suggestions on how
to encourage young people
to give back to their
communities, this section is
loaded with opportunities
for like-minded advertisers
and readers to connect at
this very special time of year.
GB13BA00
• Think Green — Page 7
Consumers are eager to learn how to make their lives and homes
“greener.” Give them timely and valuable info with an environmental
focus and related advertisers with “Think Green” features each month.
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Holiday Lifestyle • Money Matters
December Timely FeaturesTM
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Though aging increases a person’s
risk for type 2 diabetes, a healthy
lifestyle that includes routine
exercise and a healthy diet can
help men and women reduce that
risk significantly.
weight, men and women should recognize that making lifestyle changes
is a more effective way to shed
pounds and keep weight off than fad
diets that may promise quick weight
loss but tend to be less effective at
keeping that weight off over the long
haul. Successful weight loss typically
involves a combination of physical
activity and a healthy diet. Include
physical activity as part of your daily
routine several days per week, taking
it slow at first if you have not exercised regularly in quite some time. As
your body begins to adapt to exercise,
you can gradually increase the intensity of your workout routines.
Adopting a healthy diet is another
way to lose weight and maintain that
weight loss. A diet low in calories
and fat is a good start. Men and
women who need to lose a significant
amount of weight may want to work
with a dietitian and/or nutritionist to
create a meal plan that is likely to
produce the best results and address
any vitamin or nutrient deficiencies
they might have.
• Focus on fiber. Adding more fiber
to your diet is another way to prevent
or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Foods that are high in fiber tend to
make people feel fuller, reducing the
likelihood that you will overeat. Fiber
also helps the body control its blood
sugar levels, and fiber can lower a person’s risk of heart disease. Many foods
include fiber, but some high-fiber
foods include beans, fruits, nuts, and
vegetables.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates.
Studies have shown that diets rich in
refined carbohydrates increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes,
while additional studies have shown
that diets rich in whole grains protect
the body against diabetes. Researchers
examining the results of several studies that explored the relationship
between whole grains and diabetes
found that eating an extra two servings
of whole grains each day can reduce a
person’s risk of type 2 diabetes by as
much as 21 percent. Refined carbohydrates, which can be found in white
bread, white rice, mashed potatoes and
many cereals, cause sustained spikes
in blood sugar and insulin levels,
which can increase a person’s risk of
diabetes.
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HOLIDAYS-WINTER • CONSUMER TIPS • GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES
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Millions of people across the globe
suffer from diabetes, a term used to
describe a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high
blood pressure resulting from the
body’s cells not responding properly
to insulin and/or inadequate insulin
production. According to researchers
at Australia’s Baker IDI Heart and
Diabetes Institute, if the spread of
type 2 diabetes continues at its current
rate, there will be roughly 439 million
adults with diabetes across the globe
in the year 2030. Though some cases
of diabetes cannot be prevented, a
healthy lifestyle can prevent or delay
the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, occurring
because the body does not use insulin
properly. Initially, the pancreas will
make extra insulin to account for the
body’s resistance to insulin, but over
time the pancreas cannot produce
enough insulin to maintain normal
blood glucose levels. The risk of
developing type 2 diabetes increases
as people age, and while there is no
way to halt the aging process, there
are many other ways for men, women
and children to reduce their risks of
developing type 2 diabetes.
• Shed those extra pounds. Being
overweight increases your risk for a
host of ailments, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
According to the American Diabetes
Association, losing as little as 10 to
15 pounds can make a significant difference for people looking to reduce
their risks of developing type 2 diabetes. When attempting to lose
Make the most of Black Friday shopping
Black Friday is one the biggest shopping days of the year,
and is often the perfect time to begin holiday shopping and
save money on incredible deals. Thousands of eager shoppers
will leave their homes in the early morning hours and wait in
lines at stores in order to grab the best prices of the season,
while retailers will be gearing up to lure the greatest number
of shoppers. Surviving the day unscathed and arriving home
with discounts galore involves having a game plan for success.
• Know the prices of the items you want to buy. Scour
advertisements in advance of Black Friday to gauge the regular retail prices for common items, including electronics.
Comparison shop for the best prices and make notes to help
you when Black Friday arrives.
• Understand the fine print of “door busters.” Door
buster sales are meant to get shoppers into stores, where
retailers hope shoppers will make additional purchases
while taking advantage of advertised deals. If door buster
items are all you’re looking for, read the advertisements
carefully, noting the start and end time of the discounts
and if there will be limited quantities. In addition, determine if there is a special return policy for sale items purchased on Black Friday.
• Dress for comfort. Wear sensible, comfortable shoes
and clothing when shopping. Leave a large purse at home
and opt for something compact that can be draped securely
over your shoulder and body to navigate the crowds. Keep
your coat in the car or make use of a coat check service if
available. Dress in layers if you will be waiting outside for
stores to open. This way you can shed clothing as the mercury rises or when you get inside.
• Arrive together but shop separately. The “divide and
conquer” method of shopping allows everyone in your shopping party to score good deals. Split up shopping tasks and
then head to different areas of the store. Share and collect
your purchases when you meet up after the rush.
• Make a list and stick to it. Buyers’ remorse come
Saturday morning is common for those who have overextended their budgets and purchased items they did not
need. Know ahead of time what you plan to purchase and do
not veer off course.
• Scout the stores ahead of time. Visit the stores where
you plan to shop a few days before Black Friday. Learn the
layout of the store and where everything is located. Try on
certain clothes or read over the labels of big-ticket items you
plan to buy. Knowing where items are located and having all
of your information in advance will cut down on the time it
takes to find items on Black Friday.
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• Don’t overlook nontraditional stores. Many other
stores, from pharmacies to supermarkets, stock items apart
from food and toiletries. Consider taking advantage of their
sales for some Black Friday deals.
• Park off campus. Mall parking lots can get just as
crowded as the stores themselves. Save yourself time and
the stress of finding a spot by parking near the store but away
from the crowd.
• Clean out your car prior to shopping. Make room in
the trunk or cargo area for all of your purchases. For those
who will be buying large, heavy items, find out if the store
will ship the merchandise or will hold it aside until you can
take it home. Understand that some stores will not hold items
and enlist a friend or spouse to help you pack purchases into
the car.
• Promptly store receipts. Designate a folder or envelope for
all of your receipts to keep them organized and handy.
• Pack a small snack and drink. It’s easy to become dehydrated and hungry waiting in long lines, which can compromise your decision-making abilities. Bring a snack so that you
can recharge your body and continue shopping.
• Leave the kids at home. Black Friday shopping can be
stressful, and children can easily get lost or bumped around
in the fray. It is safer to leave them home so you can focus
your full attention on shopping.
• Know when to call it quits. Establish a firm cut-off time
for ending your shopping excursion. This way you can head
home, rest and sort through your purchases.
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NOVEMBER TIMELY FEATURES ’13
TM
HOLIDAYS-FALL • FITNESS/NUTRITION • FOOD/BEVERAGE
HEALTH/MEDICAL • FOOD/BEVERAGE
Choose lighter fare this Thanksgiving
Explaining the gluten-free diet
Statistics indicate the average Thanksgiving dinner exceeds
3,000 calories. That is more calories than a person should eat
in an entire day, much less a single meal. Many people admit
to indulging on bigger portions and more fattening foods
come the holiday season, but choosing some lighter fare this
Thanksgiving can make the meal healthier without sacrificing
taste.
Although there are staples of Thanksgiving dinner, many lowcalorie foods can be included to make the meal healthier. The following are a few healthy substitutions or alterations holiday hosts
can make when preparing their Thanksgiving feasts.
• Trim down the turkey. Play up the main course with
aromatic seasonings or unexpected flavors. Use garlic, olive
oil and basil to add a boost of flavor to turkey without having
to rely on butter or salt. Marinate the bird with lemon juice
and citrus marmalade for a sweet, yet pungent flavor.
Consider omitting the bread stuffing and making a stew of
roasted root vegetables instead.
• Opt for turkey breast. White meat of a turkey tends to
have less fat and calories than the darker cuts. Serve turkey
breasts only, which will not only cut down on calories, but
also on the amount of time needed to cook the meal.
• Make homemade cranberry sauce. Taking the time to
make your own cranberry sauce means you can control the
ingredients. Cut down on the amount of sugar used in the
recipe or substitute it with honey or molasses.
• Reduce the number of courses. Thanksgiving dinner
often features multiple courses. Extra courses can be expensive, but such massive spreads also lead many people to
overeat. Stick to two or three courses, and chances are guests
will not miss the extra food.
• Choose whole-grain breads. Sliced whole-grain breads
or rolls paired with an olive tapenade will be flavorful and
such breads are healthier than white bread and butter.
• Flavor vegetables with herbs. Vegetables grilled or
sauteed with fresh herbs may be so flavorful they will
not need added dressings that tend to be rich or cream-
Thanksgiving meals can feature lighter fare to discourage guests from overindulging in unhealthy foods.
or butter-based. Have a wide variety of vegetable side
dishes available so guests can fill up on healthier fare
rather than more calorie-dense items.
• Serve only low- or no-calorie drinks. Beverages can add
a substantial amount of calories to Thanksgiving meals. Give
guests the option of sparkling water or even diluted cider so
they’re not filling up on sugary sodas or other high-calorie
beverages.
• Serve fresh fruit for dessert. Create a fresh fruit salad
that can be served in lieu of fatty cakes and pastries.
• Include other activities. Do not make the meal the centerpiece of the celebration. Plan activities, such as a game of
football in the yard or a walk around the neighborhood. This
places a smaller emphasis on eating while giving guests the
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opportunity to burn off some of their meal.
HEALTH/MEDICAL • SENIORS • MEN • WOMEN
The early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks
neurons and essentially robs people of
their memory and language skills.
Although there is no cure for
Alzheimer’s, there are therapies that
can slow its neurological impact.
Recognizing the early warning signs of
Alzheimer’s can encourage people to
begin treatments that can stave off
some of the more debilitating symptoms of this disease.
Though it’s most common among
the elderly, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The Mayo Clinic
says that the reasons behind the
inception and progression of
Alzheimer’s disease are largely
unknown. It is believed damage starts
a decade or more before problems
become evident. Abnormal deposits
of proteins begin to form the amyloid
plaques and tau tangles throughout
the brain, and these formations are
the hallmarks of the disease. Oncehealthy neurons gradually begin to
lose their efficiency and ability to
function and communicate with one
another. As more neurons die, entire
areas of the brain shrink. The hippocampus, which is the area of the
brain essential in forming memories,
may soon become compromised.
Millions of people in North
America are estimated to have
Alzheimer’s disease and many others
will be diagnosed. The following are
the most common early signs and
symptoms of the disease.
• Memory loss: According to the
Alzheimer’s Organization, early memory loss can include forgetting important dates or repeatedly asking for the
same information. Forgetting recently
learned information and having to rely
increasingly on memory aids is another
potential indicator of Alzheimer’s.
• Declining cognition: Impaired reasoning or judgment, trouble finding the
right words and visual and spatial
issues also may be early indicators of
Alzheimer’s.
• Difficulty completing familiar
tasks: Those with Alzheimer’s sometimes have trouble driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules
to a favorite game. People who were
once good with numbers may now
have difficulty balancing their checkbooks, while those who love to cook
may have trouble following recipes.
• Time confusion: Another indica-
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tor of Alzheimer’s disease is losing
track of time. One may have trouble
understanding something that isn’t
happening in the present. Alzheimer’s
sufferers often forget where they are
and how they got there.
• Misplacing items: Everyone
loses something at a point in time, but
those with Alzheimer’s may put items
in unusual places. They may sometimes accuse others of stealing when
they cannot retrace their steps and
find items.
• Decreased judgment: Decisionmaking abilities may be compromised. A person with Alzheimer’s
may take unnecessary risks or give
away sums of money.
• Mood changes: People with
Alzheimer’s may suffer from confusion, suspicious feelings, depression
and anxiety. A person may upset easily
or become anxious outside of his or her
comfort zones.
Age and family history of
Alzheimer’s disease are the biggest
risk factors. The liklihood of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about
every five years after age 65, says
the Alzheimer’s Organization. In
addition, those with a parent, child
or sibling who have developed
Alzheimer’s are more likely to
develop the disease than people with
no such family history.
A physical and neurological exam,
which may include blood tests and brain
imaging, will be used to diagnose
Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals can
learn more by making appointments
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with their doctors.
Dietary fads come and go, but the
gluten-free movement is one nutritional
trend that seems to have staying power.
The gluten-free diet was once largely
exclusive to sufferers of Celiac disease,
a condition that damages the lining of
the small intestine, preventing it from
absorbing parts of food the body needs
to stay healthy. That damage is the
byproduct of the body’s reaction to
gluten, a term used to describe proteins
found in specific grains. But while the
gluten-free diet remains a necessity for
those who cannot tolerate gluten,
nowadays even nonsufferers are
embracing the gluten-free diet for a
variety of reasons.
One such reason is non-Celiac gluten
sensitivity, or NCGS. Though NCGS is
not as severe as Celiac disease,
research has suggested that a glutenfree diet can relieve NCGS symptoms,
which include abdominal pain and
headaches.
Allergies are another reason some
people may opt for a gluten-free diet.
Unlike Celiac disease or NCGS, both
of which are digestive system
responses to gluten, wheat allergy is an
immune-system response and, like
other allergies, can be outgrown. But
until a wheat allergy is outgrown, it’s
best to avoid foods, including those
with gluten, that might trigger an allergic reaction.
While a gluten-free diet is a necessity for people with Celiac disease,
NCGS or wheat allergies, according to
Michell Nacouzi, MD, a primary care
physician at Duke Primary Care Brier
Creek, it may provide little health benefit to those without such conditions.
But that doesn’t mean the popularity of
the gluten-free diet is about to wane.
Those without a preexisting medical
condition who are considering a glutenfree diet anyway should know a few
things about this diet before making
such a drastic change.
• Gluten-free is not easy. Unlike
eliminating sugary soft drinks or cutting back on fried foods, going cold
turkey on gluten can be very difficult.
Many people who adopt a gluten-free
diet find it extremely challenging, as
gluten proteins can be found in additives, making something as seemingly
simple as reading labels a lot trickier
than it looks. Though labels may not
list gluten among a product’s ingredients, men and women must be aware of
all additives that contain gluten proteins in order to avoid gluten entirely.
And while supermarkets are stocking
more gluten-free products, shopping
for groceries while on a gluten-free diet
can be tedious.
• Certain foods and drinks must be
avoided. Though people considering a
gluten-free diet are aware that such a
diet requires some sacrifices, they may
not know which foods and beverages
they will need to avoid until they have
instituted the diet. For example, a
gluten-free diet excludes any beverages
that contain barley, meaning beer cannot be part of a gluten-free diet.
Though many gluten-free beers are
now on the market, beer afficionados
may find such alternatives cannot com-
Using one toaster to toast glutenfree breads and regular breads can
cause cross-contamination, which
is detrimental to the health of people on gluten-free diets.
pare to the real thing. Rye and wheat
products also must be avoided, and
these include products whose labels list
bulgur, durum flour, farina, graham
flour, kamut, semolina, and spelt
among their ingredients. Though there
are now many gluten-free foods on the
market, unless labels say gluten-free,
the following are a handful of products
that should be avoided:
• Breads
• Cakes and pies
• Cereals
• Croutons
• French fries
• Pastas
• Salad dressings
• Soy sauce
• Soups
Many doctors also recommend men
and women on a gluten-free diet avoid
oats, as they can easily be contaminated
with wheat during the growing and processing stages of production.
• Be mindful of the dangers of crosscontamination. Cross-contamination can
occur during the manufacturing process
when gluten-free foods come into contain
with foods that contain gluten.
Manufacturers typically include the phrase
“may contain” on labels as a warning to
consumers looking to avoid gluten and
other ingredients. When labels include this
phrase, there’s a strong chance that crosscontamination has occurred, and such
products should be avoided by men and
women on gluten-free diets.
Cross-contamination also can
occur when gluten-free foods are
prepared on the same surfaces as
foods containing gluten. For example, toasting gluten-free bread in the
same toaster as regular bread can
easily lead to contamin ation.
Preventing cross-contamination can
be a difficult task, and that difficulty
merits consideration by people who
want to adopt a gluten-free diet.
• A gluten-free diet may lead to a
vitamin and nutrient deficiency.
Grains are often rich in vitamins, and
avoiding grains as part of a gluten-free
diet can deprive men and women of
these vitamins, weakening their bodies
as a result. When adopting a gluten-free
diet, speak with a dietitian to ensure
your diet has enough iron, calcium,
fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and
folate. If the diet is lacking, you will
need to make adjustments.
TF13B718
Look What’s Hot Next Month:
Don’t miss Money Matters arriving in the December issue.
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4
NOVEMBER TIMELY FEATURES ’13
HOLIDAYS-FALL • GENERAL INTEREST
HOLIDAYS-WINTER • CONSUMER TIPS • GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES
Local businesses help make holiday gatherings festive
Time is in short supply during the holiday season.
Between the shopping, cooking, baking and wrapping, there
seems to be precious few hours to tackle anything else.
Those who desire an old-fashioned, homemade holiday can
still experience all of the seasonal magic by deferring some
of the work to local businesses.
A field of poppies has come to symbolize the soldiers who lost their lives
while fighting in battle.
Give pause on Remembrance Day
Throughout history, millions of soldiers have marched into wars to protect
the freedoms of their countries.
Remembrance Day is a solemn time to
commemorate those soldiers’ achievements and sacrifices and to pay
respects to soldiers who died in battle.
In the United States, people honor
their present and past military on
Veterans’ Day. In British commonwealth countries and territories, including Canada, November 11 is known as
Remembrance Day. Since the end of
World War I, memorials to remember
those of the armed forces who fought in
battle and perished in the line of duty
have been dedicated on this day.
Armistice Day origins
Remembrance Day was once known
as Armistice Day because it marks the
signing of the armistice that put an end
to the hostilities of World War I. On
the 11th hour of the 11th day of the
11th month of the year, guns fell silent
after more than four years of continuous warfare between the Germans and
Allied troops. The armistice agreement
was signed in a French train carriage at
11 a.m. Later, the carriage where the
historic event took place was placed in
a specially constructed building to
serve as a monument to the defeat of
Germany. Although it was moved by
German forces and later destroyed during World War II, after that war ended
a replacement carriage, correct in
every detail, was rededicated on
Armistice Day in 1950.
Remembrance Day evolution
Armistice Day was renamed
Remembrance Day after World War II
to commemorate soldiers from both
world wars. It is now used as a way to
pay hommage to any fallen soldier.
Each year a national ceremony takes
place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall,
London, a monument erected as a
memorial to soldiers buried elsewhere.
The Queen will lay the first wreath at
the Cenotaph, while others will leave
wreaths and small wooden crosses.
In Canada, Remembrance Day is a
statutory holiday in many provinces and
territories. Official national ceremonies
are held at the National War Memorial
in Ottawa. Events begin with the tolling
of the Carillon in the Peace Tower, during which members of the Canadian
Forces participate and congregate at
Confederation Square. Similar ceremonies take place in provincial capitals
across the country. Very often moments
of silence are offered for lost lives.
What about the poppies?
One of the unifying symbols of
Remembrance Day is the poppy that is
worn to honor lost soldiers. The bold,
red color of the flower has become an
enduring symbol of those who died so
that others may be free.
The poppy became a symbol for a specific reason. Some of the most concentrated and bloody fighting of World War
I took place in Flanders, a region in western Belgium. As a result of the fighting,
most signs of natural life had been obliterated from the region, leaving behind
mud and not much else. The only living
thing to survive was the poppy flower,
which bloomed with the coming of the
warm weather the year after fighting in
the region had ceased. Poppies grow in
disturbed soil and can lie dormant in the
ground without germinating. Without the
war, they may have never come to the
surface.
John McCrae, a doctor serving with
the Canadian Armed Forces, was
moved by the vision of poppies flowering in Flanders and wrote a poem titled
“In Flanders Fields.” After the poem
was published, it received international
acclaim, and the poppy became a popular symbol of those lost in battle.
Men traditionally wear the poppy on
the left side of the chest, where a military medal would be placed. Women
wear it on the right side because that is
where a widow would wear her husband’s medals.
Remembrance Day is celebrated
every year, providing people humbled
by the sacrifices of soldiers an opportunity to remember those soldiers’ efforts
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to secure freedom.
HEALTH/MEDICAL • DID YOU KNOW
Did you know?
According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract.
Though Crohn’s disease belongs to a group of conditions known as
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, or IBDs, it is not, despite similar symptoms,
the same thing as ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary
depending on the individual, but some of the more common symptoms
include persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgent need to move bowels,
abdominal cramps and pain and constipation. While diet and stress can
aggravate Crohn’s disease, the causes of the disease remain unknown,
though the CCFA notes that recent research suggests hereditary and environmental factors contribute to the development of the disease. TF13B717
www.met rocreativeconnection.com
Decorating
Much of the splendor of the holiday season comes directly
from the intricately decorated houses and storefronts.
Twinkling lights and garlands of fresh pine boughs can
instantly transform any building. Decorating a home can take
an entire day or more, but delegating the work to a decorating service will provide you with professional-looking
results as well as free time to tackle other obligations.
Decorators can work outdoors stringing lights and creating a
winter wonderland in the fraction of the time it takes homeowners to decorate their homes.
Baking
What would the holiday season be without the sweet
treats and inviting smells of freshly baked goods? The
cooler weather is an ideal time to turn on the oven and whip
up a batch of cookies or cakes with the aroma of pungent
cinnamon and nutmeg. Others would prefer desserts that
provide homemade flair without the effort. Local bakeries
experience an upswing in business this time of year as
shoppers flock to choose among the pastries, cookies and
pies in display cases. Whether a dessert comes directly
from your kitchen or that of a local confectionary shop,
chances are guests will enjoy each delectable bite. If you
have a custom-order dessert in mind, consult with the bakery well in advance to ensure your dessert will be available
when hosting friends and family.
Catering
Roasts and lavish tables are part of the holiday season, but
so are the corporate parties and cocktail events that comprise
a social season. Catering a party is an easy way to offer
guests delicious food with minimal work. Local caterers can
provide everything from sit-down dinners to buffet spreads.
Some restaurants that do not normally cater events may offer
special packages this time of year. Different customers are
vying for the services of caterers within a small window of
time. Contract with a preferred caterer early on to guarantee
you can benefit from their services.
Parties
Social calendars fill up come November and December.
Local vendors may have unique gifts ideal for holiday
giving.
When hosting a gathering of coworkers, family or friends,
choose local venues for social events so travel to and from
the party is easier on guests. Parties can take place anywhere,
including movie theaters, bowling alleys, wine stores, and
indoor floral nurseries.
Gifting
Shopping at local vendors often means more personalized
service and a less stressful experience. Develop a rapport
with a favorite shop owner so that he or she can alert you to
private sales or put coveted items on the side. A specialty
store may have that unique gift not easily found elsewhere,
and shop owners may be able to special-order bulk gifts.
Smaller retailers may also offer specialized services, such as
gift-wrapping or personal shopping.
Shopping locally can help holiday shoppers save time and
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support their communities.
TRAVEL • CONSUMER TIPS • RECREATION/LEISURE
Insider tips for winter travel
Winter has much to offer the eager
traveler, including smaller crowds
and entirely new scenery to admire.
Cooler weather can make sightseeing more enjoyable, as it is often
easier to warm up than cool down.
Although the summer season is popular for travel, the winter months
also are a busy time to get away, and
being prepared can make traveling
go that much smoother. The following are some traveling tips for those
who can’t wait to get out of the
house this winter.
• Expect some setbacks. You
never know what kind of weather
you may encounter during your trip,
therefore be ready to make changes
at a moment’s notice. Always check
flight status or other travel information before leaving home. Weather
may delay flights or cause cancellations, so have an alternative plan
available if the weather foils
the trip.
• Avoid nonrefundable tickets. If
weather causes a cancellation, nonrefundable or nonexchangeable tickets can cost you money. Try to get
the best price possible on tickets
while still affording yourself the
opportunity to amend travel plans if
need be.
• Book early. Ski resorts are quite
popular in the winter, and reservations tend to fill up fast. If you hope
to ski or snowboard, make a reservation as early as possible and then
shop around for flights or aternative
travel methods. If you prefer smaller
crowds, plan a trip to a destination
that caters more to warm weather
activities. Visiting a seaside town or
Smaller crowds and an everchanging landscape can make winter vacations ideal.
national park can still be beautiful
and fulfilling in the winter.
• Get a physical. Visit the doctor
and be sure you are up-to-date with
all immunizations. Now might be the
time to get a flu shot, as traveling in
close proximity to others during the
wintertime increases your risk of
contracting an airborne virus. Getting
vaccinated can prevent illness from
ruining your trip.
• Pack accordingly. With fickle
weather you may have to pack a
number of different wardrobe
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
options to remain comfortable.
Check the weather and the extended
forecast for your destination.
Include a number of clothing pieces
that can be layered so you will
remain cozy outdoors. Bring along
comfortable walking shoes, but also
pack a pair of winter boots in case
the weather turns wet or snowy.
• Purchase travel insurance.
Many people prefer to safeguard
their travel investments with the purchase of travel insurance. While
there are a number of companies to
contact, insurance also may be
offered through your credit card
company provided you use that card
to finance the trip. Should you need
to cancel a trip for weather or illness, travel insurance can protect
your financial outlay and you may
get a refund for the full price of the
trip. Vacation insurance plans also
may include enhanced emergency
medical coverage, trip interruption
coverage due to professional obligations or involuntary job loss, or 24hour travel assistance services.
• Pack something to protect
yourskin. Cold weather doesn’t
mean you don’t need to protect your
skin from the elements. The cold
wind and winter sun are still powerful enough to cause damage. Wear
ample sunscreen when traveling outdoors, and use a moisturizer to combat cold, dry air.
Although many people flock to
warmer climates in the winter, embracing the snow and chilly air and visiting
a cool-weather destination can make
for an ideal trip.
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www.met rocreativeconnection.com
NOVEMBER TIMELY FEATURES ’13
5
Using probiotics to cure lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a result of the body’s inability
to digest lactose, a sugar primarily found in milk that is
broken down into glucose and galactose by an enzyme
called lactase. The body’s inability to absorb lactose is
caused by a deficiency of this enzyme.
Lactose intolerance can affect some ethnic populations more than others. For example, this condition only
affects 5 to 20 percent of Caucasian Americans or
Northern Europeans. However, 60 to 80 percent of people of African descent are lactose intolerant, and within
Asian populations, lactose intolerance is the rule rather
than the exception, with 95 to 100 percent of people of
Asian descent affected by this condition.
Fortunately, all is not lost for those with lactose intolerance who still want to consume dairy products.
According to dietitian and nutritionist Annie Jolicoeur,
the quality and quantity of your intestinal bacteria can
play an important role in your ability to tolerate dairy
products. By taking certain kinds of probiotics and consuming fermented dairy on a regular basis, you can
Average amount of lactose in milk and other dairy products
Food
Butter
Fresh cream
Ice cream
Usual Serving
1 tsp (5 ml)
1 tbs (15 ml)
1
⁄2 cup (125 ml)
Lactose Content (g)
Trace
0.4-0.6 g
5g
1 ounce (28 g)
1 ounce (28 g)
1 tbs (15 mL)
1
⁄2 cup (125 ml)
Trace
Trace
0.2 g
2.5-4.0 g
1 tbs (15 ml)
Trace
Milk
1 cup (250 ml)
12 g
Yogurt
1
6g
Cheeses:
Camembert
Cheddar
Cream cheese
Cottage
(2% fat)
Grated Parmesan
⁄2 cup (125 ml)
improve, if not eliminate, many of the symptoms of lactose intolerance that come with eating dairy.
“According to several studies, some probiotic strains,
such as Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus
bulgaricus, found, for example, in all Probaclac probiotic supplements, are known to help lactose digestion.
These probiotics help to improve lactase synthesis in
order to allow better lactose absorption,” explains
Jolicoeur.
Jolicoeur recommends Probaclac as the ideal solution
since it provides probiotic complexes that are designed
specifically for every age group: children up to the age of 15;
adults (can be taken from the age of 15); and older adults
(age 50 and up).
More information and advice on probiotics is available at
probaclac.ca.
TF13B733
Probiotics beneficial for both Mother and baby
According to recent studies, the use of probiotics by pregnant and nursing mothers can be beneficial for both mothers
and their infants. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help
support the natural balance of microorganisms in the body.
They inhibit the grown of harmful bacteria, promote good
digestion, can bolster the immune system and also help to
resist infection.
“Probiotics are microorganisms that provide several health
benefits, which is why taking them on a regular basis has so
many advantages,” explained dietitian and nutritionist Annie
Jolicoeur. “They have a beneficial effect on the mother’s
intestinal flora as well as on the infant’s developing flora.
“A multi-strain probiotic supplement, such as Probaclac,
can significantly reduce a woman’s risk of suffering from
gestational diabetes,” she added. “Furthermore, it has been
proven that probiotics can improve blood sugar levels.”
Here is an overview of the results of several studies done
to determine the benefits of probiotics.
• Pregnant women who take probiotics are less susceptible
to preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood
pressure along with an abnormal amount of protein in the
urine. Women who have high blood pressure have a higher
risk of miscarriage and preterm delivery of a low birth
weight or stillborn baby.
• Taking probiotics while pregnant can help fight yeast
infections.
• Probiotic supplements taken by women who are pregnant
or breastfeeding promote the development of the child’s
immune system.
• Newborns whose mothers take probiotics while breastfeeding may be less susceptible to lactose intolerance.
• Probiotic supplements taken by women who are pregnant
or breastfeeding can reduce the incidence of infantile atopic
dermatitis, or eczema. Furthermore, we know that infantile
eczema is often associated with asthma and other types of
allergies.
• Taking probiotics while breastfeeding also can reduce
the risk of diarrhea.
• Probiotics also can help reduce the incidence of infant
allergies, according to the results of a recent study presented
at the February 2013 American Academy of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology annual meeting in San Antonio,
Texas. The results showed that children born to mothers who
consumed probiotic lactobacilli during pregnancy had a 7
percent reduced risk for eczema at six months of age and a
12 percent reduced risk for hay fever at 18 to 36 months.
More information and advice on probiotics is available at
probaclac.ca.
TF13B734
‘Tis the season for sharing … germs
How to boost your immune system for the holidays
The hustle and bustle of holiday celebrations will soon be upon us. The
office parties are already in full swing
and storefront windows are all decked
out in holiday glitz. Your Christmas
lights and decorations are up and all
that is left to do is entertain family and
friends.
This time of year can be wonderful,
but it also brings a certain amount of
stress. The last-minute shopping, family visits, kids running around the
house and over-crowded shopping centres is exhausting just to think about.
All of that added stress also can
affect your immune system. Hugs and
handshakes represent golden opportunities for viruses, parasites and bacteria
to join in the spirit of Holiday sharing.
You wonder how you will ever make it
through the season without catching
something.
And then you may ask yourself: Can
probiotics really boost my immune system? The answer is yes.
According to dietitian and nutritionist Annie Jolicoeur, many clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of
probiotics in terms of preventing and
treating the common cold, the flu and
gastroenteritis.
“Taking probiotics reduces the
severity and duration of symptoms like
fever, coughing, runny nose, and even
diarrhea,” explains Jolicoeur.
“Therefore, it is recommended that all
www.met rocreativeconnection.com
members of the family take probiotics
every day.”
Jolicoeur recommends Probaclac as
the ideal solution since it provides probiotic complexes that are designed
specifically for every age group: children up to the age of 15; adults (can be
taken from the age of 15); and older
adults (age 50 and up).
Maintaining a healthy intestinal flora
helps to protect against the penetration
of bacteria, parasites, and viruses,
Jolicoeur advised.
“Did you know that the intestinal
mucous membrane acts as the ‘cornerstone’ of your overall health? Twothirds of the immune-defence cells in
your body are found there. Therefore,
your immune system is enhanced when
you take probiotics.”
Here’s a tip: Jolicoeur recommends
you start taking probiotics at least two
weeks before the holiday season
begins, so that your body will be well
prepared to ward off the oncoming
germ attacks. More information on the
benefits of probiotics is available at
probaclac.ca.
TF13B735
How to protect yourself
against stomach ulcers
Did you know that a bacterium
called Helicobacter pylori is the main
cause of 60 to 80 percent of gastric
ulcers, and of 80 to 85 percent of duodenal ulcers? The duodenum is the
upper end of the small intestine.
Normally, a layer of mucous protects
the stomach and the intestine from the
acidity of the gastric juice, a liquid
secreted by the stomach glands during
digestion. Helicobacter pylori weakens
this protective layer by penetrating the
mucus lining and creating open sores,
or ulcers, in the gastrointestinal tract.
In industrialized countries, close to
20 percent of people aged 40 and under
are infected with this bacterium, and if
affects close to 50 percent of people
over the age of 60. Studies show that 20
percent of these people will develop an
ulcer during their lifetime.
Clinical studies have shown that probiotics can be useful in treating infections caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed to
eliminate Helicobacter pylori, but
unfortunately, the success rate is only
74.8 percent. When a multi-strain pro-
biotic supplement, such as Probaclac, is
added, the treatment’s efficiency
increases to 83.6 percent.
The fact that antibiotics cause several side effects is important to mention. These adverse effects, experienced by 38.5 percent of patients
treated, include diarrhea, stomach pain,
nausea and taste changes. When a
multi-strain probiotic supplement is
given along with the antibiotics, side
effects are reduced and reported by
only 24.7 percent of patients.
Jolicoeur recommends Probaclac as
the ideal solution since it provides probiotic complexes that are designed
specifically for every age group: children up to the age of 15; adults (can be
taken from the age of 15); and older
adults (age 50 and up).
“Adding a multi-strain probiotic supplement to the medication given to treat
ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori
significantly increases its efficiency
and tolerance,” she said.
More information and advice on probiotics is available at probaclac.ca.
TF13B737
Don’t let “turista” ruin your vacation
You’re on a picturesque beach soaking up the sun and enjoying a few cocktails on your sunshine vacation when
suddenly you feel a series of all too
familiar grumbles in your stomach. The
next thing you know you’re on a mad
dash to the nearest restroom with none
in sight. Welcome to the wonderful
world of traveler’s diarrhea, otherwise
known as “turista.”
Defined as three or more unformed
stools passed by a traveler in 24 hours,
traveler’s diarrhea is by far the most
common health problem affecting travelers. Although it is very rarely lifethreatening, traveler’s diarrhea is
extremely unpleasant and can ruin part
of your trip. The main cause of this gastrointestinal infection, according to
dietician-nutritionist Annie Jolicoeur,
is consuming water or food that is contaminated with bacteria.
“It is important to understand that
the stress of traveling, time changes,
fatigue, and the disruption of your normal eating habits can also cause diarrhea,” explains Jolicoeur.
Unfortunately, 30 to 50 percent of
travelers experience this problem every
year. Destinations that feature a warm,
humid climate, such as South America,
Mexico, the Middle East, Asia, and
Africa, represent the worst danger spots.
The vast majority of travelers live in
fear of contracting traveler’s diarrhea,
so here are Jolicoeur’s suggestions for
avoiding this extremely unpleasant
occurrence.
• Start taking probiotics at least a week
before you leave for vacation, and continue to take them throughout your trip.
By starting before your trip, you are
preparing your digestive system to
increase its resistance to foreign bacteria.
“In addition, there are effective traveler’s probiotic options available, such as
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
Probaclac travelers that contain lactic
acid bacteria, such as Saccharomyces
boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and
Bifidobacterium bifidum, which have
been proven to reduce the duration or
persistence of diarrhea while reinforcing
intestinal flora,” Jolicoeur added.
• Only drink beverages from sealed
bottles. If it is not possible to do this, it
is important to boil water before drinking it, or drink hot tea and coffee. Also,
don’t forget to boil water to be used for
brushing your teeth.
• Do not put ice cubes in your drink.
• Only eat fruits that have been peeled.
• Only eat vegetables that have been
cooked and are still hot. Stay away
from raw vegetables and salads.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked
meats, seafood, or fish.
• Avoid non-pasteurized dairy products.
• Do not buy food or beverages on
the street.
• Wash your hands thoroughly
before eating. Antiseptic gels are possible alternatives.
By following these tips you can rest
assured that your trip will be free of
stomach grumblings and unpleasant
experiences. More information and
advice on probiotics is available at
probaclac.ca.
TF13B736
www.met rocreativeconnection.com
6
NOVEMBER TIMELY FEATURES ’13
PETS • CONSUMER TIPS
FOOD/BEVERAGE • HEALTH/MEDICAL • FITNESS/NUTRITION
Pets for those with allergies
Peanut butter can be savory and healthy
People with allergies must learn to
make certain concessions. This typically includes avoiding those things,
including animals, that can trigger an
allergic reaction. Individuals who tear
up or start to sneeze around animals
may wonder if there are any animals
that won’t trigger such reactions.
Despite information to the contrary,
there really are no such things as hypoallergenic dogs and other pets. Certain
breeders may advertise hypoallergenic
pets, but it is impossible to produce an
animal that is safe for all. That’s because
many animal allergies result from pet
dander, which are the skin flakes from
an animal’s fur or hair, and not the fur of
the pet. According to the Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of America, people
with pet allergies have supersensitive
immune systems that react to harmless
proteins in the pet’s dander. Some people are allergic to saliva from dogs and
cats, or may have allergies to the sebum,
or oils, in their skin.
Although there are no guarantees
that pets won’t trigger allergic reactions, certain animals could be a bit
more friendly to those who are generally intolerant to animals.
Dogs
• Portuguese water dog: This breed
is active and has a coat that requires
frequent grooming. The grooming
process helps to wash away dander and
oils that may contribute to allergies.
• Kerry blue terrier: This fun-loving, active dog is thought to be lowallergy because it sheds less dander than
some other breeds. It has a soft, wavy
coat that fades from black to a blue-gray
color as the dog ages.
• Standard poodle: This intelligent
breed has a long hair growth cycle,
which minimizes shedding. The dog
lacks an undercoat, which also can
alleviate extra shedding of danderladen fur. Furthermore, poodles
require professional grooming and frequent maintenance, which can keep
allergen levels low.
• Bichon frise: Much like the poodle,
the Bichon Frise is less likely to trigger
allergies because its short, curled coat
makes it difficult for dander to escape.
• Lhasa apso: This small breed does
not shed its coat and requires frequent
bathing to remain clean. The combination of these factors can reduce allergen
potential.
• Poodle mixes: Many breeds are
being bred with poodles to create a coat
that is more conducive to allergy sufferers. Poodles mixed with cocker
spaniels or labradors may shed less fur
and dander.
Cats
• Sphynx cat: This animal is furless
and could be better for allergy sufferers because it will not shed allergenladen throughout the house. Still, it’s
important to note that many cat allergies are the result of the Fel D 1 glycoprotein, which is present in skin secretions and cat saliva. There’s no certainty that the hairless Sphynx still
won’t trigger a reaction.
• Devon rex cat: This breed of cat
has a short, downy fur coat. Because it
has less fur than other felines, the
Devon rex cat does not need to lick
itself as frequently to groom its fur.
This cuts down on saliva-based allergens being deposited onto the cat’s fur.
• Balinese: Although this cat has
long fur, it may be good for allergy sufferers because it produces less of the
Fel D 1 protein than other cats.
• Siberian: Perhaps due to lower
enzyme levels in their saliva, Siberian
cats may produce minimal reactions
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among allergy suffers.
SPORTS • RECREATION/LEISURE
A brief history of skiing
Millions of people flock to snowcovered mountains each and every
year to experience the thrill of skiing.
Resort towns cater to men, women and
children who enjoy cascading along
the fresh powder to test their skills on
the slopes.
Skiing is no longer relegated only to
those resorts that have fresh snow.
Resorts with the ability to manufacture
snow can now cater to skiers regardless of the weather.
Skiing can trace its origins to what is
now Norway and Sweden. Cave paintings dating back to 5000 B.C. illustrate a
skier with one pole in the Nordland
region of Norway, while remnants of a
primitive ski were found in Hoting,
Sweden. The term “ski” was actually
derived from the Norse word “skíò,”
meaning “split piece of wood.” It is generally believed skiing evolved from
snowshoeing, and the ski poles were
developed from the walking sticks
snowshoers used for balance.
Skiing was initially a method of efficient transportation over the snow. The
first skis were likely similar to the
cross-country skis used today. Skiing as
a sport came much later, and it wasn’t
until the mid- to late-nineteenth century
that downhill skiing developed. Various
engineers created bindings that enabled
skiers to ski without the risk of losing
their skis. Sondre Norheim of Norway
is credited as one of the first developers
of a downhill ski that enabled him to
win the first Norwegian downhill competition. Mathias Zdarsky and Hannes
Schneider were two other innovators
that made subtle changes to Norheim’s
designs, developing more modern skis
and techniques.
Skiing became more competitive
when the first slalom races took place
in 1921 in Switzerland. Skiing was
later included as a sport at the 1924
Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix,
France, where ski jumping and crosscountry skiing were introduced as
events. Jacob Tullin Thams of Norway
was the first Olympic ski jumping
champion. The silver medal was
awarded to Narve Bonna of Norway
and the bronze went to Anders Haugen
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of the United States.
www.met rocreativeconnection.com
Peanut butter is often associated with school day sandwiches and sweet desserts. But peanut butter is not just
for school lunch anymore.
Though it’s a high-calorie food, peanut butter boasts many
health benefits and can be added to recipes for a nutritional
boost. Many of the calories in peanut butter come from fat,
but the majority of the fats in peanut butter are monounsaturated and have been shown to improve cholesterol by lowering low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, in the blood. Furthermore, peanut butter contains
polyunsaturated fats that can help raise high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol. As a result, when eaten in moderation, peanut butter may help reduce risk of cardiovascular
disease.
Peanuts are high in fiber and are an excellent source of
protein. Vegetarians or those who do not include much meat
in their diets may find that peanut butter, which includes
eight grams of protein in every two-tablespoon serving, is a
great way to consume their daily recommended amounts of
protein.
When preparing foods, choose a peanut butter that is as
unprocessed as possible. The fewer the ingredients the
better the health benefits. Some brands will include transfats and additional oils that can negate some of the natural
health benefits. Read labels and look for a container that
lists only ground peanuts and possibly trace amounts of
salt for flavoring.
The National Peanut Board touts the benefits of peanuts
and has a number of different recipes available on their Web
site at www.nationalpeanutboard.org. Here is a savory dish
that can be served for dinner when the temperatures dip.
Baked Pork Chops With a
Spicy Peanut Glaze
2
2
2
pork chops, fat trimmed
tablespoons cooking oil
tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
This baked pork chop get its flavor from a spicy
peanut glaze.
2½
½
2
½
tablespoons milk (or non-dairy substitute)
tablespoon white vinegar
teaspoons chili powder
teaspoon salt (1⁄4 teaspoon if your peanut butter is
already salted)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a pan with aluminum foil,
place the pork chops on the pan and drizzle with the cooking
oil to coat. Make sure that the oil covers the whole pork chop
to prevent burning. When the oven is preheated, put in the
pork chops and bake them for 30 minutes.
While the pork chops are cooking, combine the peanut
butter, chili powder, vinegar, milk, and salt in a small dish.
Whisk together to emulsify. Remove the pork chops from
the oven and evenly distribute the sauce between both
chops, brushing on in an even layer.
Put the pork chops back in the oven for 10 more minutes to finTF13B708
ish cooking and to allow the sauce to thicken.
HEALTH/MEDICAL • GENERAL INTEREST
Becoming a bone marrow donor
Bone marrow is a bodily tissue
instrumental to human health. Bone
marrow produces all three types of
blood cells, in addition to stem cells
and immune-system supporting lymphocytes. Bone marrow transplants are
often an option to treat various cancers
and immune system disorders.
Stem cells can save lives
Stem cells are immature cells that lie
in waiting in bone marrow. The stem
cells wait until weak, unhealthy or damaged cells need to be replaced. Stem
cells then become specialized, turning
into the cells needed. They can transform into red or white blood cells or
even platelets and lymphocytes. For this
reason, stem cells have long been studied and used in various therapies. They
can be harvested for certain cancer treatments and for ongoing medical research
into other potential uses.
Stem cells are harvested for bone marrow transplants. Donations of stem cells
can be used to treat a number of often
incurable diseases that affect the healthy
function of bone marrow in patients. The
Bone Marrow Foundation says approximately 50,000 blood and marrow transplants are performed worldwide to treat
more than 70 types of illnesses, including
some that affect children. These diseases
include leukemia, lymphoma cancers and
Hodgkin’s Disease, among others. In certain instances, a bone marrow transplant
may be the only life-saving procedure
available.
Bone marrow donation
Donors are highly coveted, and there are
a number of organizations geared to
matching donors with recipients. The
National Marrow Donor Program, for
example, has their Be The Match
Registry®. Thousands of patients with
blood cancers and other life-threatening
diseases are waiting for donations. The
donation process typically goes as follows.
1. A potential donor will become
part of a registry. Donors between the
ages of 18 and 44 provide the greatest
chance for transplant success. Patients
are most likely to match someone who
shares their ancestry. A wide array of
ethnic groups are encouraged to
become donors.
2. A small sample of blood or a swab
of cheek cells will be taken to determine
your human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
tissue, which will then be entered into a
registry. There may be a fee for testing
and registering the HLA type.
3. If you are a match, you will be
contacted to confirm your willingness
to donate. An information session
will be conducted, and you will be
given additional information about
the procedure, its potential risks and
the expected recovery process. A
physical examination will take place
to ensure the donation will be safe for
you and the patient.
4. There are two different methods of
donation: peripheral blood stem cells,
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or PBSC, and a marrow donation. The
doctor in charge will determine the
method that is best for the patient and
the one most likely to be successful.
PBSC is a nonsurgical procedure during which donors will be given injections of a medication called filgrastim
for five days. This is intended to
increase the number of blood-forming
cells in the bloodstream. A blood donation is then given, wherein these bloodforming cells are separated from the
blood. During a marrow donation, you
will be treated at a surgical outpatient
center or hospital. Under anesthesia,
liquid marrow will be drawn from the
back of your pelvic bone.
5. PBSC donors may feel muscle
or bone aches prior to the collection,
which is a side effect of the filgrastim injections. Marrow donors can
experience soreness in the lower
back for a few days after the procedure. Many donors report feeling
completely recovered within two to
three weeks after the procedure has
been completed.
6. Your donor center will follow up
with you until you are able to resume
normal activity. The more physically
demanding your job, the longer your
recovery time is likely to be. A typical
recovery time is between one and
seven days.
Some transplant centers enable communication between the donor and the
recipient and may even provide updates
on the recipient’s condition. However,
others do not allow contact and everything may remain anonymous.
To become a donor, contact one of
these organizations: DKMS Registry
(www.dkmsamericas.org),
The
National Marrow Donor Program
(www.marrow.org), Katelyn Bedard
Bone Marrow Association (www.givemarrow.net/CanadaRegistry), The Gift
of Life (www.giftoflife.org), or The
American Bone Marrow Donor
Registry (www.abmdr.org).
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NOVEMBER TIMELY FEATURES ’13
How to go green when holiday shopping
The color green is synonymous with
the holiday season. But as holiday revelers deck their halls with green this
season, they also can go green when
shopping for loved ones.
Many shoppers are concerned by
their carbon footprints. In an effort to
embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle,
such shoppers may look for ways to
continue their holiday traditions, but do
so in a way that’s more considerate of
the environment. Though the holiday
season is often associated with excess,
holiday shoppers can still find ecofriendly ways to put smiles on their
loved ones’ faces this year.
• Purchase energy efficient products. The holiday season is a great
time of year to find deals on major
appliances, which may be on sale to
make room for next year’s models.
When shopping for appliances this
holiday season, shoppers should look
for energy efficient products that consume less energy without sacrificing
performance. Since the institution of
its ENERGY STAR® program in
1992, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency has helped consumers invest in energy-efficient
products that helped reduce air pollution and energy consumption. The
program has since expanded into
Canada as well. When purchasing
appliances this holiday season, shoppers should look for ENERGY STAR
qualified products, which can protect
the environment and also save consumers money on utility bills.
• Plan shopping trips in advance.
The holiday season can be hectic, and
as a result many holiday shoppers find
themselves getting their holiday shopping done as time allows. But break-
Shoppers can coordinate their holiday shopping trips, carpooling to
the mall in an effort to be more
eco-friendly.
ing up holiday shopping into several
trips can increase fuel consumption
and lead to more time spent in traffic,
where vehicle emissions can contribute to air pollution. Instead of getting your shopping done on several
quick trips, plan a holiday shopping
trip in advance, setting aside enough
time to get as much shopping done as
possible in a single trip. This can cut
back on some of the stress of holiday
shopping and benefit the environment
at the same time.
• Set up a holiday shopping carpool. Many people carpool to and
from work, and such a system can be
employed when holiday shopping as
well. Plan a shopping trip to the mall
with neighbors or friends to cut back
on your fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. Sedan or coupe owners may want to limit their carpools
to two people so there’s enough
room in the car for gifts on the way
home, while minivan or SUV owners
should still have ample room for
multiple passengers and their presents. Remove unnecessary cargo
from the trunk or other storage areas
before beginning your trip.
• Create your own gifts. Worried
about purchasing products with
excessive packaging? Then try your
hand at creating gifts instead of giving overpackaged store-bought items.
Homemade gifts may be more wellreceived than another necktie or pair
of slippers, and such gifts don’t have
to be packaged at all.
• Buy local. When shopping for the
holiday, look for locally-produced
products, whether it’s arts and crafts
produced at a nearby store or organic
foods purchased from a local
farmer’s market. Locally produced
products don’t need to be shipped to
make it onto the shelves at local
stores, making such products far
more eco-friendly than mass-produced products shipped from factories far away.
The holidays may not seem like an
eco-friendly time of year, but shoppers can take steps to reduce their
carbon footprints when shopping this
holiday season.
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Green ways to embrace shorter, colder days
The arrival of autumn ushers in
cooler days and less hours of sunshine.
As much of the country turns its clocks
back an hour, night descends that much
earlier, prompting a greater reliance on
artificial light and electricity. When the
time comes to turn clocks back, ecoconscious men and women can employ
various strategies to conserve energy.
• Change light bulbs. Traditional
incandescent bulbs are not the most
energy efficient option available. The
United States Department of Energy
says incandescent bulbs use a lot of
energy to produce light, but a significant
amount of energy to produce heat as
well. Ninety percent of the energy used
by incandescent bulbs is given off as
heat, so it is more economical and efficient to use a bulb that cuts down on
heat production. Compact fluorescent
lamps, or CFLs, qualified by ENERGY
STAR use about one-fourth the energy
and last ten times longer than a comparable incandescent bulb that puts out the
same amount of light. Light-emitting
diode, or LED, bulbs are a much more
energy-efficient option, and LEDs last
25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Turn lights off when rooms
aren’t being used. It can be tempting
to turn on all of the lights on in a home
when darkness arrives. But this wastes
both energy and money. Turn lights off
when you exit rooms. Try to gather the
family in a centralized location that is
full of ambient and task lighting in an
attempt to concentrate lighting usage
rather than spreading it out all over the
house.
• Rely on timers or automated systems. Standard timers or more complex
app-synced house management systems
Turn lights off in unoccupied
rooms to conserve energy.
enable homeowners to turn their lights or
even appliances on and off at key times.
Those with a smartphone or tablet can log
in and manage their homes from a remote
location, turning lights on or off or adjusting their thermostats at their convenience.
• Turn down the temperature. The
California Energy Commission says for
every degree a person lowers the heat in
the 60- to 70-degree range, he or she
will save up to 5 percent on heating
costs. Set the thermostat low at night
when residents are under warm blankets
and quilts, and lower the thermostat
when the house is empty. Furthermore,
homeowners can turn down the thermostat on hot water heaters and even dishwashers, which can help save as much
as 11 percent on water heating costs.
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• Look to alternative heat and lighting sources. A warm, inviting fire can
light up a room and also provide supplementary heat. Pellet stoves, or those
that burn a highly concentrated fuel
source that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly, may prove a
worthwhile investment. Many heating
stoves continue to give off ambient
heat long after their flames have been
extinguished. And centrally located
stoves can heat most of a home at a
fraction of the cost of traditional
forced-air systems.
• Put south- and west-facing windows to use. Place solar-powered
devices next to an open window during
daylight hours to charge when the sun is
at its brightest. Use solar-powered
lamps, radios and even phone charges
once the sun sets. Windows that get a
lot of warm sunlight can be draped in
dull, black curtains to incubate rooms
that need warming. The black fabric
will absorb the sun’s heat, naturally
heating a room.
• Trim shrubs and trees. Make the
most of sunlight when it’s available by
allowing the sun’s rays to reach the
interior of the home. Prune dormant
trees and shrubs so that the home will
get plenty of sunlight.
• Spend time outdoors. Make the
most of daylight hours by spending as
much time outdoors as possible. Read
books outside or do homework at the
patio table, reducing reliance on indoor
lighting. Sunlight can make ideal task
lighting for arts and crafts projects as well.
There are many ways to conserve
energy and become less reliant on artificial light as daylight hours gradually
dwindle.
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7
Give back with environmental causes
Volunteering with an environmental organization is often a great way
to help a good cause while protecting
the planet and benefitting future generations. Becoming involved with an
environmental effort can go beyond
cleaning debris from coastal areas or
petitioning to save endangered species.
There are many aspects of environmental philanthropy just waiting to be
explored. Here’s how to get started.
Find your niche
Consider what interests you most
about the environment. This can help
you find an organization that shares
your goals and interests. For example,
people interested in marine life and
education may want to work with a
marine conservancy agency or with an
organization dedicated to reducing
chemical-related spills in oceans and
other waterways.
It’s also important to find an organization that can put your unique skills to
use. Explore volunteer opportunities
with the same zeal you would apply
when looking for a new job, paying
particular attention to opportunities
that can make especially good use of
your talents.
Determine your availability
As with any volunteer opportunity,
the extent of your involvement with an
environmental group will likely depend
on the amount of time you can commit
to the organization. Volunteer opportunities may vary depending on project
length and travel constraints.
Organizations that take on larger environmental efforts, such as protecting
rainforests or endangered species, may
require travel and longer time commitments than local organizations. Be honest with yourself as to how much time
you can devote to volunteering.
Litter removal is one of many
causes promoted by environmental nonprofit groups.
Raise awareness of a local issue
Becoming part of a charitable environmental effort may not require contracting with an established organization. You may want to begin your own
grassroots effort close to home. Start
by picking an issue that affects your
local community, and then work to
raise awareness about this issue. Find a
mission that is dear to your heart and
one that gives you an opportunity to
make a noticeable and positive impact
on your community. Many large scale
charities began with an idea and a small
effort, only to grow as awareness is
raised and community members are
inspired to make a difference.
Encourage help from others
Sometimes the best charitable efforts
are those that encourage others to get
involved. Promote an organization or
cause, using your voice to spur others to
action. Spreading the word about a good
cause can have a far-reaching, long-lasting impact.
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Small ways to make a positive
impact on the environment
Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is a
choice that can pay dividends for years to
come. Future generations and the planet
those generations inhabit can benefit significantly from the efforts of their ecoconscious ancestors. But while the benefits of living eco-friendly lifestyles are
substantial and long-lasting, the effort to
initiate such lifestyles need not be so significant.
Men and women who want to leave a
healthy planet for future generations
can do so by making a host of relatively
minor adjustments to their daily lives.
• Embrace cloth bags. Plastic grocery bags are very convenient, but they
are not very eco-friendly. Such bags are
often discarded after use, leading to
unnecessary waste, and the effort and
energy it takes to manufacture and ship
such bags is wasteful. Reusable cloth
bags are a much more eco-friendly
alternative to traditional paper or plastic grocery bags, and these bags can be
taken along on trips to the grocery store
and on shopping trips to the mall or
other retailers. Designate certain bags
for the grocery store and others for
shopping trips to the mall. This can
drastically reduce the energy it takes to
produce and ship plastic bags, especially when shoppers consider just how
many plastic bags they discard over the
course of a typical year.
• Use reusable items. Cloth bags are
not the only items that can be reused.
Items such as paper plates, paper napkins and plastic cups are often taken for
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
granted, but these items can only be
used once. Over time, heavy usage of
these items can add up to a significant
amount of waste for landfills, and the
production and transportation of such
items is significant and wasteful. Men
and women can reduce this impact by
only relying on reusable items, such as
washable plates, cloth napkins and
glass or plastic drinking glasses. It
might mean a few extra dishes in the
sink each night, but the benefit of these
products is well worth the effort.
• Stop wasting water. Many people,
knowingly or unknowingly, are guilty
of wasting water. Homeowners may
forget to turn off their automatic sprinklers on rainy days, while many people
may keep the faucet running while
brushing their teeth. Make an effort to
reduce your water usage. Even something as simple as taking shorter showers in the morning can reduce your
individual water consumption by thousands of gallons over the course of a
typical year.
• Pay it forward. Perhaps the best
way to make a positive impact on the
environment for years to come is to instill
a sense of environmental responsibility in
your children. Explain to youngsters why
you’re bringing cloth bags to the grocery
store and why you turn the faucet off
when brushing your teeth. Kids who learn
to live an eco-friendly lifestyle at a young
age will carry that way of life with them
as they grow older, benefitting the planet
for generations to come.
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8
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ’13
Holiday shopping on a budget
The economic downturn that began
in late 2008 forced many holiday
shoppers to curb their spending on
gifts for friends and family. But even
though the economy has since recovered, savvy holiday shoppers are still
taking a conservative approach to
their shopping, and saving lots of
money along the way.
Shoppers often struggle with how
much to spend on gifts for their loved
ones come the holiday season. The
quest for the perfect gift leads many to
overspend, but there are ways holiday
shoppers can give great gifts without
breaking the bank.
• Leave credit cards at home.
Stretching a budget when holiday
shopping can be tempting, especially
when shoppers come across “can’t
miss” gifts they know their loved
ones will treasure. Succumbing to
such temptation typically finds holiday shoppers using their credit cards
to make purchases they otherwise
cannot afford, and that only lands
shoppers in post-holiday debt that can
be difficult to pay off. Leaving credit
cards at home when shopping for the
holidays significantly reduces the
likelihood that shoppers will overspend, and it guarantees they won’t
be mired in debt come January.
• Whittle down your shopping list.
Many holiday shoppers find themselves in financial hot water come
the end of the holiday season thanks
in large part to seemingly endless
holiday shopping lists. Lists may
include coworkers, distant cousins,
neighbors, and a host of other
acquaintances. Whittling down holiday shopping lists can save shoppers
money. Contact loose acquaintances
and distant relatives to suggest you
stop exchanging gifts come the holidays, saving both parties time and
money.
• Make a list of gifts. Blindly shopping for holiday gifts can prove disastrous to your finances. Before
heading out on a holiday shopping
trip, make a list of gifts you intend to
buy for each person on your list. This
can help you focus your search and
reduce the likelihood that you will
make potentially costly impulse purchases as you wander around the
mall for hours on end.
Gift ideas for the athlete in your life
The quest for the perfect gift is a familiar journey for
many holiday shoppers. As any veteran shopper knows,
some people are easy to shop for, while others baffle even
the savviest of shoppers. But recognizing loved ones’ passions and finding gifts that suit those interests can make
shoppers’ quests for the perfect gifts that much easier.
Every person is unique, and the things that drive one person
may be foreign to another. But nearly every family or group of
friends has an athlete in their midst, and gifting the family athlete can be both fun and easy. The following are a few gift
ideas, broken down by sport, for shoppers looking to please
their favorite athletes this holiday season.
• Avoid last-minute shopping.
Last-minute shopping may unearth
some great deals, but it’s far more
likely to back shoppers into corners as
they race against time to complete their
holiday shopping. When shopping is
put off until the last minute, shoppers
don’t have time to comparison shop
and find better deals, and that can
quickly turn a holiday budget upside
down. Begin your holiday shopping as
early as possible, and take advantage of
holiday sales.
• Spread out your shopping.
Holiday shoppers with especially
long shopping lists can spread out
their shopping over several months
to reduce the likelihood that they
will accumulate credit card debt or
run out of cash during the holiday
season. Begin shopping in late summer or early fall, periodically buying
gifts for loved ones when you have
the cash to do so. This has the added
benefit of freeing up time during the
often hectic holiday season, and it
greatly reduces the risk of compiling
post-holiday debt.
Many people stretch their budgets
during the holiday season. But savvy
holiday shoppers can employ several
strategies to keep themselves out of
debt this holiday season.
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Create a gift wrapping area
Nearly as much energy goes into wrapping gifts as purchasing them. Some
people excel at wrapping gifts, while others do not enjoy the task at all. Part
of the trouble with gift-wrapping is the room and tools needed to wrap all of
those holiday treasures. But a gift-wrap
station in a corner of the home that is seldom used can make wrapping presents any
time of the year easier and more enjoyable.
• Find a place to store gift wrap and the
tools needed to wrap gifts. Many people find
the back of a closet door works perfectly.
• Install wire hanger racks so the gift wrap
tubes can be stored vertically along the surface of the door.
• Install a folding shelf on a hinge, and use
that shelf to do your wrapping. Fold the shelf
up when it is not needed and secure it with a
latch at the top.
• Hang hooks to store tape and scissors.
Attach the scissors to the hook with a string
so they won’t go missing.
• A basket tucked nearby can house bows
and ribbons so that they are easily stored
until needed.
Having the wrapping station so accessible also allows you to take inventory
of supplies and restock when necessary.
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The Weightlifter
Weightlifting is now embraced by people of all shapes and
sizes. This activity is often recommended as an integral part of
a successful exercise regimen, so shoppers can help their
favorite fitness fanatics make the most of their weightlifting
routines with a few gifts designed to do just that. Weightlifting
belts can help prevent injury by supporting lifters’ backs as
they workout. For lifters who don’t tip the scales, a dip belt
makes an ideal gift. Such belts allow men and women to add
weight to their body when performing exercises like dips,
pull-ups and chin-ups. That extra weight helps athletes challenge themselves and build strength and muscle.
Workout gloves also make great gifts for weightlifters,
helping to protect their hands from developing potentially
painful and unsightly calluses that often result from
weightlifting.
A new gym bag is another potential gift for the family
weightlifter. Such bags make it more convenient for athletes
to carry their accessories, such as belts, gloves, athletic
shoes, or even tablets to use while on the treadmill or elliptical machines.
The Ballplayer
Whether shoppers’ favorite ballplayers are still taking cuts
at fastballs or have moved on to slow-pitch softball, these
players will appreciate gifts they can put to good use on the
diamond. Softball bats can be quite expensive, but the right
bat can make a big difference in the batters’ box. Additional
equipment shoppers can consider is a new mitt, a sleek pair
of sunglasses to make watching for flyballs that much easier
or batting gloves to lessen the bit of chilly air many hitters
are aware of come early spring when the last of the winter
weather just won’t go away.
The Martial Artist
Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest growing sports in
the world. Thanks in large part to its increasingly strong
presence on television, mixed martial arts has inspired ath-
Many athletes feel yoga is a great way to improve
their flexibility and strength. Holiday shoppers looking for the right gift for the athletes on their lists may
want to consider giving a new yoga mat or a few sessions at their loved ones’ nearby yoga studio.
letes across the globe to embrace various forms of martial
arts training, and gift options abound for such athletes. Belts,
mats and striking pads can help athletes hone their skills both
in the gym and at home, while instructional DVDs can help
novice martial arts enthusiasts practice before finding martial arts facilities in their neighborhoods.
The Yogi
Though its status as a sport is open to debate, yoga can be
just as strenuous and physically demanding as more traditional physical activities. Yoga serves many purposes, and
more and more athletes have begun to embrace yoga to
improve their flexibility, balance and strength. While yoga
does not require much in the way of supplies, yoga enthusiasts do need yoga mats and clothing that allows them to perform the various poses a typical yoga session demands.
Holiday shoppers may even want to buy the athletes on their
lists a few sessions at their nearby yoga studios in an effort
to supplement their existing workouts. Many who try yoga
often find it has a positive effect on their normal workout
routines, so even if your favorite athlete has never tried yoga,
he or she might find it’s just the thing to take his or her workout to the next level.
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The etiquette of exchanging gifts with coworkers
Many offices host a gift exchange
during
the
holiday
season.
Professionalism should always be a top
priority when gifting coworkers, and
some men and women may want to
brush up on gift-giving etiquette before
exchanging gifts with fellow employees.
Long before any gifts are
exchanged, research your firm’s policies on gift-giving. An employee
handbook or a visit to the human
resources department is a good place
to start. When in doubt, inquire
among more seasoned workers.
Many companies put dollar limits on
gift values, while others have strict policies forbidding such exchanges, as it’s
easy for gifts to create discomfort
around the office or give the impression
of favoritism.
Gift exchanges also depend on the
relationship between employees and their
supervisors. Close, friendly relationships
may warrant gift exchanges, especially if
everyone else is on board with the idea.
Gifting a boss is not necessary, but
employees who have a close working
relationship with their supervisors may
want to purchase a professional gift to
indicate their appreciation of a supervisor’s support. These can include picture
frames, gloves, scarves, books, and per-
sonal interest items. Steer clear of personal gifts or ones that can be taken the
wrong way.
Inappropriate gifts should always be
avoided. Decorative gifts that do not
focus on any particular religion or holiday, inspirational books, calendars,
plants, and publications that cater to a
particular interest likely won’t raise
anyone’s ire. However, self-help gifts,
perfumes, lotions, or overly personal
gifts may give recipients the wrong
impression. While homemade foods
were once popular gifts, many companies now discourage such gifts because
they may trigger various food allergies.
Gift cards tend to be universally
acceptable, but only when they do not
exceed the agreed-upon spending limit.
Grocery store gift cards can help employees offset some of the costs of entertaining, and gift cards to popular department
stores may help offset holiday spending.
Whenever any giving between coworkers takes place, care should be given to
ensure all the gift values are equivalent.
Coworkers who are especially close and
want to give a more meaningful gift
should exchange those gifts on their own
time and not during office hours.
Tenure can also dictate gift-giving.
Employees who have been with their
companies longer than their coworkers
may receive a more personalized gift.
Employees who receive gifts from their
bosses should not feel obligated to reciprocate. Employees should also keep in
mind that personal thank-you notes are
courteous, professional and appreciated.
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9
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ’13
Unique gift ideas for the family globetrotter
A passion for traveling leads many
people to go abroad and experience
other cultures or explore the sites closer
to home. Those with an avid traveler in
their midst can tie into this love of
exploring and give travel-themed gifts.
Gifting the family globetrotter is not
always easy, however. Travelers tend to
bring home mementos of their trips and
make it seem as if they already have
everything they need. Gifts purchased
at the local store may seem to pale in
comparison to more exotic trinkets. But
gifting travelers doesn’t have to be difficult. The following gifts should make
great gifts for your favorite adventurer
this holiday season.
• Travel journal: Many people love
to document their trips, describing
journeys to exotic locales or simply a
family trip to a nearby campground.
Travel journals make great gifts for
those travelers who want more than just
visual memories of their trip. Be sure to
buy a journal that’s sturdy enough to
handle all the bumps and bruises that
accompany a nomadic lifestyle.
Leatherbound or hardcover journals
should suffice.
• Travel kit: Travelers know the
value of a good travel kit, which can
help them freshen up during long layovers at the airport or once they arrive
at their destinations. In addition, a
Holiday shoppers have a number
of travel-themed options at their
disposal when finding the right
gift for that special someone who
loves to travel.
travel kit allows travelers to pack some
of the comforts of home, such as moisturizer, shaving gel or a particular type
of toothpaste, that might not be readily
available at their destinations. When
gifting a travel kit, place some of those
favorite products, such as travel-size
mouthwash or some luxury moisturizing creams, inside the kit for a special
gift-within-the-gift.
• Noise-cancelling headphones: A
set of noise-cancelling headphones is a
gift no globetrotter should go without.
These headphones reduce ambient
noise and can make it easier to doze off
comfortably on a flight or to enjoy a
music playlist while sightseeing in a
busy city.
• Maps: Domestic travelers may be
able to rely on their smartphones for
directions, but overseas travelers may
need to keep their phones off when
traveling overseas to avoid heavy surcharges. In such instances, maps make
great gifts, especially if you find out in
advance where your special traveler
will be visiting next and gift a map of
that particular locale.
• Gas card: For some, the joy of
travel stems from getting behind the
wheel and hitting the open road. If that’s
true of your favorite travel afficionado,
consider a gas card that can alleviate
some of the cost of his or her next trip.
Gift cards to filling stations can be purchased in just about any denomination,
and your loved one will appreciate their
free pass at the pump on their next road
trip.
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Did you know?
According to the American Bankers Association, many merchants view debit card purchases in the same light that
they do purchases made with cash or personal checks. That’s an important distinction for holiday shoppers to consider before making purchases, as any items bought on their debit cards may only be worthy of store credit instead
of a full refund should such items need to be returned. Shoppers buying gifts for friends and family members should
understand that, even if they remember to include gift receipts when wrapping gifts, those items may only be eligible for store credit if purchased with a debit card. When buying items with credit cards, consumers can withhold payment if they are not satisfied with the product. No such option exists when using debit cards. In addition to more
restrictive return policies, shoppers who use debit cards may incur debit transaction fees, This means they are
charged each time they use their debit cards, or such fees may be triggered when users use their card too often.
Debit card users can check the agreement signed when they opened their accounts to determine if they will be subjected to debit transaction fees. Holidays shoppers whose purchases are subject to such fees may want to avoid using
their debit cards during the holiday season.
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Use coupons to save on holiday purchases
Coupons have long been helping consumers save a few
dollars on everything from supermarket staples to toys and
more. Scouring for coupons and using them effectively has
evolved into an art form, with some savvy coupon users paying next to nothing for carts full of merchandise.
The average shopper may have little experience at finding
coupons, but he or she can still save some money. As the holiday season approaches, it’s likely that coupon usage will once
again be widespread. Here are some ways to put coupons to
good use.
• Shop at stores that allow coupon stacking. Many store
policies only allow shoppers one coupon per purchase. But a
select few allow shoppers to stack coupons to save more
money. In such situations, shoppers may be able to combine
dollar-value-off coupons with percentage-off coupons. In
addition, some stores may not limit the number of coupons
shoppers can use on a single transaction. Shopping at these
stores with more flexible, consumer-friendly coupon policies
can add up to significant savings over the course of the holiday shopping season.
• Check the restrictions before heading to the store.
When planning to use coupons, shoppers should verify the
fine print on the coupon before entering the store. Some
coupons restrict which items can be purchased in conjunction with the coupon. For example, some stores may
prohibit shoppers from using coupons when purchasing
brand name or designer products, while others may limit
when the coupon can be used. Blackout dates could apply,
so shoppers should visit stores when no such restrictions
apply.
• Do your research before leaving the house. Just
because you don’t have a paper coupon from a mailer or
newspaper doesn’t mean such coupons are nonexistent.
Search popular coupon Web sites for online coupon codes or
printable in-store coupons. Merchandise can even be shipped
to the store, which is usually free, to save you even more on
shipping costs for items purchased online.
• Purchase more to save. It may seem counterintuitive,
Gift returns done right
Gift returns are inevitable come
the holiday season. No matter how
much thought shoppers put into gifts
for their loved ones, chances are
someone is going to return one of
those gifts. Clothing may not fit or a
gift might be a duplicate, while other
gifts simply don’t tickle a recipient’s
fancy. But returns should not be
taken as a personal slight, and men
and women can take steps to make
the process of returning gifts a lot
easier.
Givers
There are many ways to facilitate
the process of exchanging gifts or
making returns, including finding a
gift that is less likely to be retuned.
In a survey for the popular department store Kohl’s, researchers found
that clothing, items for the home and
beauty and fragrance items were the
gifts most likely to be returned. So
shoppers may want to avoid such
gifts this holiday season.
Another way to make returning or
exchanging gifts easier is to make
note of the policies governing such
returns and exchanges. Such policies
are often posted near checkout areas
and are outlined on the back of
printed receipts. Before embarking
on a shopping trip, shoppers can visit
a retailer’s Web site and familiarize
themselves with its return policies. If
rules are unclear, ask an employee.
Shoppers also can shop at stores
that allow consumers ample time to
return or exchanges gifts. This
allows your loved ones to return or
exchange a gift when it’s most convenient for them.
Many retailers have recognized the
advantages to having more liberal
return policies. A recent survey by
ConsumerWorld.org identified
which retailers have made changes
and which have maintained the same
return policies. Amazon, Best Buy,
Costco, Kohl’s, Marshalls, and TJ
Maxx were found to be the retailers
with the most generous regular or
holiday return deadlines. Choosing
retailers with more lenient return and
exchange policies can make things
easier on your loved ones.
Shoppers also should include a
gift receipt with gifts. This shows
recipients that you have their needs
in mind and want to make the
process of exchanging or returning a
gift as easy as possible. Without a
receipt, recipients may not get the
full value of the item at its time of
purchase and only get credited with
the current price of the item. Prices
are often slashed in the days following the holidays.
Many stores have become more
stringent with their return policies in
an attempt to avoid fraud. As a result,
receipts are essential because without
a receipt stores cannot verify purchases or issue a refund or exchange.
Certain stores will allow a certain
number of returns without a receipt,
but these are carefully recorded and
linked to a shopper’s driver’s license
number. This makes it easier for
retailers to monitor serial returners.
Some retailers even refuse returns
without receipts.
Recipients
Try to make returns during less
busy times of the day. Long lines at
the customer service counter are
commonplace in the days after
Christmas. Check the receipt for the
return deadline, and try to wait at
least a week or two after the holiday
rush is over, eventually visiting the
store in the early morning or late
evening when crowds typically have
thinned.
Returns for online purchases may be
challenging. Some retailers allow
returns at their brick-and-mortar stores,
while others require consumers to mail
back the item. Some stores will only
offer store credit instead of a cash
refund or replacement of funds on a
credit card. Online returns may require
the help of the person who gave you the
gift.
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Frugal gift wrapping ideas
Holiday coupons can be found in the mail, newspaper
advertisements and even online.
but very often larger purchases qualify shoppers for steep
discounts. Consider doing all of your shopping at one retailer
and then taking advantage of coupons that deduct a certain
percentage of your total purchase. It could be worth it if you
spend just a little bit more.
• Keep track of your coupons. Coupons are no use to you
if you lose them before you begin your holiday shopping.
Keep them in a safe location and then remember to bring
them with you when shopping for the holidays. Some
coupons can be used repeatedly, so do not discard them after
use.
When used effectively, coupons can save holiday shopGG13B651
pers a substantial amount of money.
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Holiday shoppers spend billions of
dollars each year on gifts for friends,
family and coworkers. But holiday
shoppers also spend substantial
amounts of money dressing up those
gifts with bows and wrapping paper.
Shoppers may not want to spend
much more on wrapping paper, bags
and other ways to dress-up their gifts,
and by employing a few tricks of the
gift wrapping trade, they may not
have to. The following are some frugal,
yet flashy, ways to wrap presents this
holiday season.
• Children’s artwork: Over the
course of a school year parents can accumulate dozens of original pieces of art
from their children’s time in the classroom. Instead of relegating those pictures
to a memory box or temporary glory on
the refrigerator, turn them into unique gift
wrap. Pair these pieces of art with colored
ribbon, and everyone who gets a unique
masterpiece will feel special.
• Newspaper: Recycle newsprint
and comics into wrapping paper.
Encourage everyone to wrap in newspaper for a cohesive look come
Christmas morning.
• Cloth: Leftover cloth from
Halloween or cloth purchased to create
homemade curtains can be turned into
giftwrap for awkward-shaped gifts. Use
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decorative ribbon to seal the bundle shut.
• Brown paper: Brown paper tied
with twine or ribbon is inexpensive and
can easily be recycled after use. Use a
marker to put the names of gift recipients on each package to save on gift
tags as well.
• Glass jars: Use mason jars when
wrapping smaller gifts, including gift
cards, to give them an arts-and-crafts feel.
• Fabric gift bags: If you’re handy
with a needle and thread, sew sacks out
of leftover fabric to make gift bags of
various sizes.
• Cookie tins: Find unique cookie tins
from yard sales or leftover tins from holidays past and use them as gift boxes.
• Recipes: If you will be giving a
cookbook or food-themed gifts, print
recipes that can be used as gift wrap and
then later used to make certain dishes.
• Baby linens: From blankets to
wash cloths, use baby linens to wrap
infant-themed gifts for new parents.
• Baskets: Wicker baskets are available in various shapes and sizes. They
can be used to make a gift collection
and then reused over and over again.
There are many creative and inexpensive ways to wrap gifts this year
instead of relying on preprinted and
often expensive wrapping paper.
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10
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ’13
Is your child ready for a tablet?
Great gifts for music fans
Music remains an art form that
evokes strong emotions and holds a
special place in many a listener’s heart.
The nearly universal appeal of music
makes it a great gift come the holiday
season, when shoppers may not always
know what to buy a loved one. The following are a few gift ideas that are sure
to have your favorite music fan singing
your praises this holiday season.
• Concert tickets: Perhaps no gift
makes music fans’ hearts race more than
tickets to see their favorite musicians perform. Your loved one probably has a
favorite artist or someone he or she has
long desired to see live. Look into that performer’s tour dates to see if they are playing your area anytime soon. If they’re
playing just before the holiday season,
don’t hesitate to give this gift a little early.
The same approach should be taken if an
artist will be in town within a day or two
of Christmas or Chanukah. Giving the
tickets early enables your loved one the
chance to clear his or her schedule.
• Musical instrument: It’s never too
early or too late to learn how to play a
new instrument. Shoppers whose loved
ones love a good rock-and-roll riff
might find guitars make a great holiday
gift, while those who can’t stop playing
air drums should enjoy finding a real
drum set come the holidays. When buying guitars, shoppers should learn
which hand their loved ones favor.
• Music lessons: Lessons are the
next logical step once a music fan has
the instruments to work with. But even
those without an instrument of their
own can benefit from music lessons.
For example, music lovers who want to
learn piano can make use of lessons
even if they don’t have their own
pianos at home. Lessons can be a great
way for music lovers to gauge their
skill levels before buying an expensive
instrument. In addition, lessons can
turn music lovers on to new instruments or new types of music they may
never have considered previously.
• Sound system: Advancements in
technology have proven to be music to
music lovers’ ears. Music fans can now
take advantage of crisp sound systems
that make music that much more enjoyable. Sound systems come in many
shapes and sizes, and they can vary significantly in regard to price. When purchasing a sound system as a holiday
gift, look for one that’s compatible with
your loved one’s existing components,
such as a television or music player.
• Streaming service membership:
Unlike the days when music fans had to
wait for local deejays to play their favorite
songs on the radio, today’s music fans can
essentially create their own radio stations
on their computers and even on their
phones. Shoppers can buy their favorite
music fans subscriptions to streaming services, such as Pandora or Spotify, and listeners can then tailor their own stations to
include their favorite genres, artists or individual songs.
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`Tis the season for shipping gifts
Travel is a staple of the holiday season. Many men and women find themselves spending a significant amount of
time in the air or on the road, whether
traveling to visit family or embarking
on a holiday getaway.
For those who must fly to their holiday destinations, travel can present certain obstacles, as baggage restrictions
and fees have made it more difficult
and more expensive to travel with gifts
in tow. But savvy holiday shoppers
need not worry about fitting all of those
gifts into their overstuffed luggage.
Shipping gifts is a far more convenient
way to get all those precious presents
from point A to point B, and it saves
travelers money on airline baggage
fees. When shipping gifts this holiday
season, consider the following tips.
• Use the right box. Boxes come in
all shapes and sizes, and there are packing methods to ensure gifts arrive intact.
The gift should not have much wiggle
room inside the box, as the more the gift
can move around the more likely it is to
break. Gently shake the box before
closing it, adding any padding if the gift
is moving around too much, otherwise
move the gift to a smaller box. A box
also should not be too small, as it may
break before reaching its destination.
• Wrap each individual item. When
shipping holiday gifts, it’s often most
convenient to include several items in
one large box. When doing so, wrap
each item separately in air-filled wrapping or newspaper. This reduces the
risk of items breaking during shipping.
• Line the interior of the box with
a garbage bag. A garbage bag lining
along the inside of the box can help to
prevent potential water damage from
rain, snow or other leaky packages.
• Tightly tape the box. Once items
are inside the box, be sure to use professional packing tape. Though there
are cheaper alternatives available, professional packing tape is far more
likely to hold up as the item travels
from your home to its ultimate destination. Low quality tape could split or
tear, resulting in a situation where
boxes break open and items fall out.
• Pay attention when reusing
boxes. Reusing boxes is a great way to
benefit the environment when shipping
holiday gifts, but carefully examine the
box before shipping it. Old labels and
bar codes should be removed so packages ultimately end up in the correct
destination. In addition, check any
boxes for wear and tear before reusing
them. Avoid using any boxes with previous water damage or tears.
• Double check addresses. Before
shipping items, double check the
address, making sure the name, address
and ZIP code are correct. Confirm the
information with the recipient as well.
Be sure to write the address and full ZIP
code in the method the shipping company requires to ensure prompt delivery.
• Include an extra mailing label
inside the box. Inclement weather is
common come the holiday season, and
some packages may fall victim to the elements. In such situations, shipping labels
can be compromised, and some shipping
companies have admitted they will open
the box to look for a backup label if the
exterior label has been soiled. Include an
extra mailing label inside the box as a
backup plan.
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Tablets are poised to grow more popular in the years to
come, and many children are anxious to get their very own
tablet. But many parents wonder if their kids are ready for a
tablet and if such devices would make good gifts for their
youngsters this holiday season.
According to a 2012 report from Pew Research, 22 percent
of American adults now own some
type of tablet, while In-Stat research
estimates 65 percent of Americans, or
more than 200 million people, will
have a smartphone and/or tablet by
2015. According to a Fall 2012 report
by the Media Technology Monitor, an
estimated 26 percent of the Canadian
population has a tablet, more than
twice the amount of tablet owners just
a year earlier.
As tablets become the device of
choice, many different manufacturers
have entered the tablet market, and children have begun to ask for tablets for
holiday gifts, leaving parents wondering
if their children are responsible enough
to own a tablet that may cost several
hundreds of dollars.
Price-wary parents should realize
that tablet prices vary greatly depending on the device. But a growing number of child-friendly tablets have
entered the market, and such devices
are designed to be more durable for
children who have a tendency to drop
and destroy things. Those on the fence
about whether or not to purchase a tablet for a child can consider these options.
• The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids is a tablet that comes
with a selection of educational functions, games and ebooks. The device allows parents to decide which apps can
be accessed on the device and restrict use to certain periods
of time. The Galaxy Tab 3 Kids boasts a seven-inch screen
and will run Android 4.1 or Jelly Bean. The front and rear
facing cameras are considerably lower in quality than
Samsung’s previous products, down to 3-megapixels and
1.3-megapixels, respectively.
• The VTech InnoTab tailors apps to children in a compact
device. The screen is just five inches in size, and the tablet
comes packed with interactive e-books, learning games and
other creative tools. It also has a modest price tag for a
child’s first foray into the world of tablets.
• The LeapFrog Leappad Ultra is a kid’s learning tablet
designed for children between the ages of four and nine. It
comes with a seven-inch screen, WiFi with kid-safe Web access and the
ability to connect to a library of more
than 800 educator-approved apps,
books and more.
• The nabi is an Android tablet that
is geared entirely toward kids. The
nabi comes in several different incarnations (nabi Jr., nabi 2 and nabi XD)
depending on the age of the child and
the desired features. In July of 2013,
Fushu, Inc., creator of the nabi tablet,
was received the “Best Tablet 2013:
For Kids” award from Laptop magazine for its nabi 2 device.
• The Amazon Kindle Fire is
quickly becoming a go-to option for
parents interested in acclimating their
children to a tablet. Less than half of
the price of its biggest competitor, the
Kindle Fire still allows kids to access
a bevy of features. Music, movies
and Amazon’s ever-growing trove of
e-books are just some of the features
that make the Kindle Fire a popular
choice.
• Though small, the iPad mini has
all of the features of a larger iPad but in a more kid-friendly
size. Many parents prefer the iPad mini for their children
because they have Apple products and appreciate being able
to share with their kids apps and information among all of
the devices.
Determining if a child is ready for a tablet is a difficult
decision for parents, who must assess how well the child
handles responsibility, toys and electronics in the home.
Adults may opt for a more durable, less expensive tablet as
an introduction to tablets for children and then gravitate
toward more “adult” options as their children prove they can
be responsible with the device.
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Great gift ideas for teachers
Few opportunities to thank teachers for all of the hard work
they do present themselves during the course of a typical
school year. But a thoughtful holiday gift is one way that students and parents can show their appreciation for a teacher’s
efforts.
It’s customary for students to offer teachers small
tokens of their affection, whether it’s during the holiday
season, at the end of the school year or both. Choosing a
gift for a teacher can be challenging, as the relationship
between student and teacher and/or parent and teacher is
not personal, and it’s very possible students and parents
have little knowledge of a teacher’s interests outside the
classroom. But the following gift ideas are essentially universal in their appeal, making them great gifts for the special educator in your life.
• Handwritten notes from students: Rather than trinkets that proclaim “World’s Best Teacher,” students can
write their own sentiments about their teachers and present it with a gift card or another gift that doesn’t take up
much space. A heartfelt note of appreciation and gratitude
can be all it takes to put a smile on a teacher’s face this
holiday season.
• Food: Food can be enjoyed in and around the season.
Avoid making items yourself, as some people are particular about eating foods that were cooked in someone
else’s kitchen. Stick to pre-packaged food baskets, or
even treat the teacher to a meal with a gift card to a
restaurant.
• Something scholarly: A gift that provides a teacher with
some intellectual stimulation might just do the trick this holiday season. For example, a set of safety goggles or a kit for
doing in-class experiments might work well for a science
teacher, while a biography or a best-selling novel may fit the
bill for English teachers.
• Gift cards: Very often all of the students in a class
donate a small amount toward a gift card. Consider a card
that is redeemable at a nearby store or a generic cash card
the teacher can use anywhere credit and debit cards are
accepted.
• Classroom supplies: Budget constraints have forced
many teachers to supplement classroom materials out of their
own pockets. So a gift of school supplies or a gift certificate
to an office-supply store or teacher-supply center may be
greatly appreciated.
• Catered lunch: Consult with the school principal to set
aside a day when teachers can enjoy a catered lunch provided
by the students. Each class parent can collect funds, which
can then be pooled to host a lunch for the teachers.
When gifting teachers, there are some gifts to avoid.
• Trinkets and mugs: Through the years a seasoned
teacher has likely collected a fair share of trinkets and coffee
mugs. Chances are he or she does not need another one.
• Perfume and lotion: Avoid scented lotions, perfumes
and other cosmetic products, as such items are more personal.
• Overly expensive gifts: Do not give a gift that is beyond
the standard range of others in the classroom, which usually
falls between $10 and $20. It could appear as if you’re buying affections for the student, and it could make the teacher
uncomfortable.
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If there’s any topic we haven’t covered or something you’d like to see more of,
send us an email. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ’13
Maximize time spent on holiday shopping
The holiday season encompasses several weeks of frenetic activity, as men and women look to juggle abnormally busy social schedules with holiday shopping. While
you might not be able to add hours to the day, there are
certain measures anyone can take to make the hustle and
bustle of the holiday season more efficient.
Shopping swallows up a significant amount of time come
the holiday season. According to the latest Consumer Reports
Holiday Shopping Poll, the average person will spend 15
hours shopping for presents. Women tend to spend twice as
long as men in stores and online, with women logging 20
hours of holiday shopping compared to the 10 hours the average male spends shopping for holiday gifts. Making the most
of holiday shopping trips can free up moments and reduce
overall stress during the holidays.
Condense your gift list
How much time you spend on holiday shopping depends
largely on the number of people on your gift list. Shortening
that list can save time and money. This may be the year for
adults to collectively decide to forego exchanging gifts in lieu
of devoting more funds toward gifts for youngsters. Distant
friends may no longer need to feel obligated to buy presents
for one another. Opting to do a “Secret Santa” or another grabbag style gift exchange can reduce the number of gifts you
need to buy, saving time along the way.
Keep a spreadsheet of your shopping list stored on your
computer or smartphone so it can be easily modified yearto-year.
Create a shopping strategy
Millions of shoppers flock to stores on Black Friday to take
advantage of doorbuster deals, and some even get all of their
holiday shopping finished on this one afternoon. Others prefer
to divide and conquer over a few weeks. Decide how you
would like to economize your shopping so you won’t be traveling from store to store wasting precious time.
Organize your shopping list into certain categories. Then
match up those categories according to the stores that cater to
these items. For example, if your list mentions bedding for a
new college student’s dorm room, curtains for an aunt and a
set of beach towels for a friend who will be doing some postholiday travel, group these purchases together and head to a
bed-and-bath store. Such a plan in place can greatly cut down
on your time spent shopping.
Shop off-hours
Consumer Reports says shoppers expect to wait in store
Finding ways to save time on holiday shopping can
make the season more enjoyable and less hectic.
check-out lines for an average of 3.5 to 4 hours this holiday season. Avoiding such situations can save you a significant amount
of time, so shop during off-peak hours when you won’t be
elbow-to-elbow with fellow shoppers.
Take advantage of stores’ extended hours and shop later in
the evening, when parents and their children will likely be
preparing for bed and not waiting in line at the mall. Some
retailers entice shoppers with early bird specials and open their
doors very early, so shoppers looking to save time can make
an effort to be the first person at the door when the store opens.
If you must shop during a lunch hour, shop online where
crowds are never a concern.
Split up the shopping
Spouses, family members and even friends can pool their shopping time and help others by tackling some of their purchases.
Dividing the work shortens the time spent in stores, and a third
party may have a keen eye to a deal or a unique gift when he or
she is emotionally removed from the purchase.
The average person finds time is of the essence come the
holiday season. Prioritizing and economizing shopping is one
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way to make the season less hectic.
11
Gifts no outdoor enthusiast can resist
The great outdoors is even greater when you’re prepared for all of the
things Mother Nature can throw your way. Holiday shoppers with a person
who enjoys the outdoors on their shopping list can turn this holiday season into a truly joyous occasion with the following gifts tailor-made for
tackling the great outdoors.
• Folding kayak: Kayaking is a great way to take in the great outdoors,
but not everyone has the room at home to store kayaks when they aren’t
being used to traverse nearby waterways. Those who live in apartments,
condominiums or smaller homes with limited storage may appreciate a
folding kayak, which can be stored in a closet or beneath a bed and put
together in a matter of minutes. Folding kayaks that can be stored in
vehicle trunks and quickly assembled once you arrive at your
kayaking destination also can save kayakers money on roof racks for
their vehicles.
• Waterproof backpack: A good outdoor person knows never to leave
home without a waterproof parka, but what about his or her backpack? A
waterproof backpack protects valuables, including cell phones, cameras
and tools, from the elements. Look for backpacks with waterproof zipper
systems to ensure your loved one’s valuables are fully protected on rainy
treks through the forest.
• Water filter: Drinking straight from natural water sources may seem like
a genuinely adventurous thing to do, but it’s genuinely dangerous as well.
A hiker’s water filter greatly reduces his or her risk of suffering illness after
drinking water tainted with bacteria such as E.coli. Even the most serene
streams or isolated rivers can contain harmful bacteria, so a portable water
filter is a necessity.
• Compass: Many of us have grown to rely on our smartphone apps to get
us from point A to point B. While such apps may do the job when we are
near cell phone towers, phone signals are often less reliable in more
remote locations, such as forests and national parks. A reliable compass is
all one may need to make his or her way through the wilderness.
• Hot dog roasters: No trip to the great outdoors is complete without
roasting some hot dogs over an open flame. But far too many hot dogs
have been lost to the fire thanks to traditional campfire forks that don’t
provide adequate hold as hot dogs cook over an open flame. Curly hot
dog roasters wrap around the hot dogs, snuggly holding them in place as
the franks cook.
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Avoid the hidden costs of online shopping Gifts to rev auto lovers’ engines
Online shopping saves shoppers the trouble of waiting in
long lines while offering the convenience of around-theclock hours. With a few clicks of the keyboard or scrolls on
a tablet, shoppers can typically find just about any product or
service they desire.
But additional fees and service charges that can quickly
accumulate also are a part of online shopping. However,
shoppers can mitigate such costs by identifying potential fees
and learning how to keep them manageable.
Shipping
Shipping costs are a burden to online shoppers. Even when
prices are low, shipping costs can offset those savings, especially for last-minute shoppers forced to select overnight or
two-day shipping.
Before completing checkout, check the estimated shipping
costs to determine what the final cost will be. Avoid retailers
who charge high fees or limit your shipping options. Watch
for specials that advertise free shipping, and stick with retailers that offer free or reduced shipping on particular days or
times, then do the bulk of your shopping during those discounted periods.
Some retailers offer free shipping to a store location. This
affords consumers the convenience of shopping online without the added cost of having merchandise delivered to your
home.
Poor return policy
Before buying any items online, familiarize yourself
with the return and exchange policies of the retailer.
Although many sites post sizing charts and dimensions
for furniture and other products, sizing mistakes can be
made, and you may be responsible for the shipping costs
when returning or exchanging items. Shop with retailers
who have lenient return policies, including accepting
exchanges or returns at area stores. Otherwise, rely on
companies that include return labels and take care of the
cost of exchanges.
Restocking fees
Read the fine print when shopping online. Although rare,
some retailers charge a restocking fee for returned items, particularly electronics. This fee may be 5 to 20 percent of the
purchase price.
Hidden fees can offset the benefits of shopping
online.
Identity theft
The potential for identity theft is another concern when shopping online. Reputable retailers employ security measures to
safeguard shoppers’ personal information. Encrypted data, identifiable by a “locked” icon on the checkout page, protects billing
information from hackers. Although no system is entirely
impenetrable, encrypted sites are generally safe.
Never enter personal information unless a site is
encrypted. It will cost you time and maybe even money to
refute fraudulent purchases, and such issues may negatively
affect your credit rating, even when they’re not your fault.
International fees
Shopping online puts you in touch with global retailers.
Purchasing from around the world may be easy, but navigating currency exchanges and other fees can be difficult.
International sites may list the prices of items at their currency rate, so what seems like a good deal may be anything
but. What’s more, some shoppers may incur duty fees when
accepting items from other countries, particularly if the value
of the product is high.
The Internet may be a good place to buy items at attractive
prices from the convenience of home. However, shoppers
should be aware of any hidden charges that can offset the
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benefits of shopping online.
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Auto lovers tend to consider their
cars their most prized possessions.
While it may not be possible to buy
the auto lover on your holiday shopping list a new car, there are many
gifts that are sure to please those
people who can’t get enough time
behind the wheel or in the garage.
• Global positioning system: Often
referred to as a GPS, a global positioning system is a satellite-based
navigation system providing location information no matter where
drivers find themselves on their next
road trips. If a GPS is within range
of a GPS satellite, drivers will never
again find themselves pulling over
on the sides of roadways in an effort
to find out just where they are.
Though many new vehicles come
with GPS, vehicle manufacturers
tend to offer them as accessories and
not standard features. So if your
favorite driver is driving an older
vehicle or did not splurge on a GPS
when purchasing his latest ride, this
gift is sure to please.
• Car wash kit: Auto lovers not
only love to get behind the wheel,
but they also love to get behind the
wheel of a good-looking automobile.
A car wash kit, complete with a
wash and wax that repels water and
protects a good polish, is an ideal
gift for auto enthusiasts who like
their vehicles to look as good as they
drive.
• Customized floor mats: Many auto
enthusiasts consider their cars an
extension of themselves, and a customized accessory, like a new set of
floor mats, can add a personal touch
to drivers’ rides. If your loved one has
a special nickname for his or her vehicle, consider inscribing that nickname
on a set of customized floor mats.
Auto enthusiasts who have an equal
passion for a certain sport may appreciate floor mats with the logo of their
favorite team.
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
A GPS system might make the
ideal gift for auto enthusiasts this
holiday season.
• Hands-free headset: Car lovers
spend lots of time in their cars.
Though such time might once have
afforded auto enthusiasts an escape
from the daily grind, nowadays the
prevalence of smartphones has made
it easier than ever for the outside
world to find its way into vehicles.
As a result, auto enthusiasts may
appreciate a hands-free headset that
allows them to take calls while driving without compromising their
concentration on the road. Some
hands-free devices even allow drivers to stream music from their
smartphones directly to their car
stereos, allowing drivers to hit the
open road while enjoying their
favorite tunes.
• Auto show tickets: Many autolovers keep an open eye for their next
vehicle purchase. Auto shows are
often the best places to learn about
new vehicles and what motorists can
expect in the future, so why not give
your favorite car guy or gal tickets to
an upcoming auto show? He or she
may find his or her next vehicle or
simply enjoy walking around and
seeing all the latest automotive
industry upgrades and gadgets.
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www.met rocreativeconnection.com
12
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ’13
Are cash gifts tacky or ideal?
When faced with a gift list a mile long
and no idea what to get certain individuals on that list, many holiday shoppers
opt to give cash as a present. Cash gifts
are easy, one-size-fits all and no one will
request a receipt to return a cash gift.
Still, some people are not quite sure if it
is socially acceptable to give a gift of
cash.
There are many pros and cons to giving cash as a gift. Once a person weighs
the advantages and the disadvantages
to giving cold hard cash as a gift, then
he or she can decide if cash is an ideal
present or one that’s best avoided.
Advantages
One of the advantages to giving cash
is it eliminates waste. Unlike gifts that
will never be used and simply take up
space, cash will be used sooner or later.
How often have you received a sweater
you won’t wear or a trinket you won’t
use? Sometimes people return these
gifts, but very often they get relegated to
a pile of belongings that will end up in
the garbage or stashed in the back of a
closet. Cash eliminates this waste by giving a person the opportunity to buy
exactly what he or she wants.
Cash gifts may be ideal for older people to give because they have limited
mobility and cannot get out to the store to
shop for presents. And grandparents
unaware of the latest trends can give cash
in a card and instruct grandchildren to
purchase something they like.
Some people overextend themselves
during the holiday season, and a cash
gift can soften the blow of holiday
spending.
Cash is very portable, which can
make it easier for those who travel for
the holidays to avoid shipping costs
or extra baggage fees to take gifts on
airlines.
People are inundated with a lot of stuff
already, and a cash gift might be just
what the doctor ordered.
Disadvantages
Cash gifts may be considered impersonal and lacking in creativity. It does
not take much effort to stash a dollar
amount inside of an envelope and present it, so gift recipients may question
their relationships with gift givers who
give cash.
For many people, the excitement of
the holidays has a lot to do with seeing
a giant pile of gifts waiting to be
unwrapped. Gifting cash removes that
excitement of presents under the tree.
Although items can be purchased later
on, the immediate gratification of tearing through boxes and bags simply is
not there.
Some people find it awkward to
receive cash because the value of the
gift is right there in black and white. It
puts both people on the spot and may
create some uncomfortable moments if
the value of a cash gift does not match
up to what the cash recipient spent on
the cash giver. When gifting standard
gifts, many people are unaware of what
the other spent and if the item was purchased on a discount. If you gift with
cash, there is no hiding the value.
Another disadvantage is if a person
gives cash and receives cash in return.
Do the two gifts cancel each other out?
What if the amounts are different?
Dealing in cash alone can be awkward.
There are ways to make giving cash
a little more acceptable. If you get creative when handing over the money,
this may take away from the fact that
cash does not make a very dramatic
gift.
• Try pairing the cash with a wallet
or purse to make the presentation a little more interesting.
• Send the recipient on a scavenger
hunt for the money, writing clues and
hiding them around the house.
• Create a money tree or wreath that
displays the cash in an interesting way.
• Fold bills into bows or tape
together to make wrapping paper for a
small token gift.
• For children, roll up bills and put it
into a crayon box or pencil case.
• Fill up a large box with a lot of
filler and hide the cash inside of a
smaller box tucked inside. GG13B656
6 steps for holiday shopping safety
The holiday season is a joyous and
busy time of year. Decking the halls,
catching up with old friends and holiday
shopping make this time of year especially hectic. Though the season is generally jolly, there are those people who take
advantage of the hectic nature of the holiday season, preying on busy holiday
shoppers who may be understandably distracted as the season progresses. As a
result, shoppers and holiday revelers
should heed the following precautions to
ensure this holiday season is as safe as it
is festive.
1. Exercise caution at ATMs.
Thousands of dollars change hands at
stores and banks this time of year.
Potential thieves know that ATMs make
good places to target victims withdrawing funds for purchases. Shoppers
should choose ATMs that are well lit
and withdraw money only when banks
are open. If that’s not possible, avoid
using ATMs in remote locations or dark
alcoves. Keep your eyes fixed on your
surroundings and be aware of the people
in your vicinity. Promptly pocket your
money and do not openly display your
cash.
2. Keep purchases out of view.
When shopping, keep your purchases
hidden from prospective thieves. Make
frequent trips to your car when shopping
and store merchandise in the trunk of
your car or in a cargo area with a cover
drawn. Once items have been brought
home, keep them well out of sight, stored
in closets or away from windows.
3. Only park in well-lit lots.
Finding a parking space at a busy mall
can be difficult, but be picky when
choosing spots. Try to park in a well-lit
area in a busy location and be aware of
the surrounding vehicles. If you feel
Dos and don’ts of holiday shopping
Thanks to sales featuring heavily
discounted items, millions of people
wait to start their holiday shopping
until the season hits full swing. But in
spite of such bargains, overextending
budgets during the holiday season is
too tempting for many shoppers to
resist. However, shoppers need not
risk financial peril if they shop
smartly and heed some dos and don’ts
of holiday shopping.
• Do set a budget. Establish what
you can afford to spend on gifts and
other seasonal trimmings early on.
The National Retail Federation estimates that the average consumer will
spend around $700 come the holiday
season. But not every person needs to
be a big spender. The “buy now, pay
later” mentality that credit cards offer
lands many shoppers in trouble, a
sticky situation many only notice once
the first bill comes due. If you cannot
afford to pay your entire credit card
balance off once the bill arrives, you
face steep interest charges that can
quickly add up. Instead, pick a set
spending limit and keep to it no matter
how tempting it may seem to overspend with a credit card.
• Don’t be fooled by false sales.
Retailers understand that a good advertised deal lures shoppers into their stores.
As a result, some retailers mark up the
cost of certain items in order to slash the
prices for holiday sales. Even if you are
saving the assumed 50 to 60 percent, the
final cost of the item still may be higher
than normal. Comparison shop and do
your research so you don’t fall victim to
clever pricing.
• Do schedule time for shopping.
Hectic schedules sometimes result in
last-minute shopping that leads to
impulse purchases. Schedule some distraction-free time for your holiday
shopping so you’re less likely to rush
into purchases before thinking them
through.
• Don’t double buy. Some shoppers
use the holidays as an excuse to buy
more for themselves than the people on
their lists. While it’s tempting to treat
yourself come the holiday season, this
is a great and quick way to deplete your
budget. If you plan on using holiday
deals to supplement your own wardrobe
or household needs, reduce your spending the rest of the year and save money
for year-end purchases.
• Do collect coupons and look for
purchasing incentives. Comparison
shopping not only helps you get the best
price, but also it can shed light on
coupons, shipping discounts and other
incentives that lower the overall cost of
products. Search online for Web sites
that publish coupons and codes for
online discounts, including free shipping. Join a store’s marketing list and
receive emails with deals sent directly to
your inbox.
• Don’t be afraid to delay some
purchases if need be. If hosting a
post-holiday gathering where gifts
will be exchanged, it’s perfectly
acceptable to delay buying those gifts
until after Christmas or Chanukah,
when many items can be found at
even lower prices. Many stores reduce
prices on merchandise come
December 26, so you can wait until
after the holidays to shop for items
that will be exchanged with distant
friends and relatives. This enables
you to save more money and use any
received gift cards toward shopping.
• Do keep a level head. Some people forget the true meaning of the season is spending time with loved ones.
Getting swept away by shopping and
worrying about deadlines can make the
season less enjoyable. Don’t allow the
stress of holiday shopping to compromise an otherwise joyous time of year.
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Prevent identity theft during the holidays
As the holiday shopping season
approaches, consumers are once again
preparing to do a significant amount of
their holiday shopping online, while
many others will rely on debit and
credit cards to make their in-store purchases. Though banks and online retailers have made holiday shopping easier
in many ways, that convenience has
also made shoppers more vulnerable to
identity theft.
The hectic nature of the holidays
season can make it harder for holiday
shoppers to recognize if their personal
information has been compromised. As
a result, many men and women do not
realize that they have been victimized
by identity thieves until after the season
has come and gone.
According to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, identity theft affects 10
million Americans each year, costing
individuals and businesses $52 billion.
But Americans aren’t the only ones at
risk of identity theft, which can victimize holiday shoppers whether they’re
shopping at the nearby mall or from the
comforts of home. When shopping this
holiday season, shoppers should consider the following safety measures to
reduce their risk of identity theft.
• Confirm the legitimacy of online
retailers. Many online scammers masquerade as legitimate businesses. Some
may even steal logos or information
from real businesses to make their
scam appear more legitimate. When
shopping online, stick to well-known
retailers or verify with the Better
Business Bureau or another watchdog
organization that a Web site is operated
by a reputable business.
• Check for a secured browser.
Reputable online retailers encrypt their
customers’ personal information. Look
for a “locked” icon on the browser
before entering payment information, or
check to see if the URL has an “https”
prefix, which means the site is secured.
• Beware of credit card skimmers.
Skimmers are devices that read the
information on the magnetic strip of a
credit or debit card. Some are planted on
ATM machines or self-service kiosks at
stores. They can be hard to detect.
Certain skimmers can even skim the
information off a card while it is still in
a wallet or purse. Some devices can
block the capture of signals from the
cards. But even consumers who have
such devices should still check their
bank and credit card statements to determine if their cards have been skimmed.
• Promptly check credit and debit
balances for accuracy. Routinely
check purchases against the records of
credit card companies and banks. Log
into online accounts to verify any pur-
chases and report any inaccuracies
immediately. Recognizing fraudulent
activity early on can help consumers
recover their money quickly and prevent
any further problems.
• Opt for credit over debit. Credit
cards come with zero liability policies,
which means consumers will not be held
responsible for fraudulent purchases.
Debit cards do not always offer the same
level of protection, and debit cards
linked directly to a bank account could
put consumers at greater risk.
• Keep receipts. Being cautious with
receipts doesn’t just facilitate potential
returns. Receipts often include a lot of
personal information, including the shopper’s name, signature and credit card
number. These receipts could be the doorway to identity theft.
• Password protect everything. A
lost smartphone or tablet could provide
a thief with a lot of personal information
if it is not locked down with a password.
Also, always use a secured wireless signal when shopping online or accessing
personal account information.
• Don’t carry extraneous information in a wallet. A lost wallet is less
problematic when it isn’t filled with
scores of credit cards and a social security card. Consumers should limit the
amount of personal information stored
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in their wallets.
The holiday spending season by the numbers
uncomfortable going back to your car,
ask a security guard to escort you.
4. Shop in groups. Go to the store
with a group of friends. There is safety in
numbers and having more eyes to look
out is to your advantage. Thieves are less
likely to approach a group of people than
a solitary person.
5. Carry minimal items. Always
keep your hands free to ward off any
people in the event of an attack. Bags
and packages weighing you down make
you an easy target.
6. Leave extra credit cards at home.
Carry only what you need on a shopping
excursion. Do not carry your entire wallet or extra credit cards. This only puts
you at greater risk of identity theft or
fraud should you lose your wallet.
www.met rocreativeconnection.com
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The holiday season is significant for a variety of reasons. In
addition to its religious significance, the holiday season is when
many retailers enjoy their greatest successes. To understand just
how much business Christmas and Chanukah can bring in,
consider the following figures.
20: The percentage of annual sales jewelry stores indicate
are made during the month of December.
150,205: The number of clothing and accessories stores
open in the United States as of 2009.
27.2: The amount, in billions of dollars, spent during the
December 2010 holiday retail season.
983: The amount, in millions, of Christmas tree ornaments
imported from China between January and September 2011.
34.87: The average cost of real Christmas trees as of 2011,
Artificial trees sell for an average of $70.55.
4.0: The percentage the National Retail Federation
expects retail sales to increase this year.
2012: The year when holiday retail sales were the weakest
since 2008. According MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse,
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
sales in the last two months of 2012 increased by just 0.7
percent from the previous year. Some financial analysts
blamed Hurricane Sandy, an epic storm that caused billions
of dollars in damage along the eastern coast of the United
States, for the small increase in consumer spending.
24: The percentage of U.S. retail sales made by only the
Northeast and mid-Atlantic states.
8.4: The percentage growth of online sales from 2011 to
2012. Online sales generally make up about 10 percent of
total holiday business.
70: The number, in millions, of poinsettia plants sold in
the United States each year.
107,000: The projected cost, adjusted for inflation,
of all of the gifts in “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
74: The percentage of adults who say the female head of
the household is most likely to wrap all of the family’s gifts.
3: The number of years a store-bought Christmas fruit
cake can be kept fresh if it is refrigerated.
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www.met rocreativeconnection.com
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ’13
13
Celebrate the joy of baking with holiday gifts inspired by “The Boss”
The holidays are a perfect time to indulge in
treats and spread the joy of baking with gifts that
encourage friends and family to discover their
inner baker. This season, there’s more to choose
from in the baking category with the launch of
Cake Boss, an extensive line of more than 200
“Buddy approved” baking items designed in collaboration with Buddy Valastro, the star of TLC’s
hit reality show, “Cake Boss.” Offered by Meyer
Corporation, U.S. in partnership with Discovery
Communications, Cake Boss covers all the bases
for baking, decorating, serving, and storing cakes
and other desserts like a pro.
Here’s a “baker’s dozen” list of gift ideas and
creative ways to be sweet on anyone who’s been
extra good this year.
Gifts For the Artistic Baker: For avid bakers
who enjoy expressing their creativity through
baking, a gift of a Cake Boss Cake Kit ($29.99)
includes everything needed to bake like the pros.
Ideal for the holiday season, the Cake Boss
Winter Cake Kit includes five stainless steel cutters (two holiday bulbs, a small circle, one tree
and one reindeer), and five plastic plunge cutters
(two holly leaves and three snowflakes) to create
fun shapes in rolled fondant. A ribbon cutter helps
cut fluted or straight decorative strips in fondant
or gum paste, and stainless steel decorating tips in
star and round shapes (combined with the kit’s
disposable plastic piping bags) make it easy as pie
to pipe borders and create icing designs. An
instructional booklet is included to guide bakers
each step of the way.
For Serious Cooks and Bakers: Professional
quality bakeware does double duty for baking up
delicious, savory recipes, as well as sweets. The
Cake Boss Professional 13x18-inch Jelly Roll Pan
($17.99) holds up to the rigors of frequent use
with heavy-duty aluminized steel, commercialstyle folded construction, and reinforced wire
rims. Ideal for baking flaky pastry appetizers, as
well as roasts of all kinds, the Cake Boss
Professional Jelly Roll Pan distributes heat fast
and evenly, and won’t warp or bend. A unique
Cake Boss Winter Cake Kit
Cake Boss
Professional Jelly
Roll Pan
Cake Boss Cake Carrier
Cake Boss Linzer Cookie Set
Cake Boss Holiday Cookie Jar
Cake Boss
Covered Cookie Pan
quilted, light-colored nonstick surface promotes
even airflow for pro-style results.
Family Friendly Gifts: Buying individual presents for each member of a family with children of
different ages can end up being costly and time
consuming. A family group gift is a practical solution that also can encourage spending time
together. One idea is to put together a “Cookie
and a Movie Night” gift package with a few innovative tools for baking cookies, your own favorite
cookie recipe, a decadent hot chocolate mix, and a
DVD for a classic family-friendly movie. For the
cookie baking tools, the Cake Boss Linzer Cutters
6-Piece Set ($16.99) in “Classic” and “Holiday”
styles make it fun to customize these scrumptious
sandwich cookies. The Cake Boss Beechwood
Rolling Pin ($29.99) has just the right weight and
size to roll out cookie dough with ease, and a wide
assortment of Cake Boss Cookie & Fondant
Cutters ($16.99) in fun shapes like Stars, Hearts,
Daisies, Round and Square provide multiple ways
to make cookies in varying sizes.
Cookies To-Go: Cookie exchange parties are a
great way to get in the holiday spirit and sample
some new recipes. Surprise the host by pairing
your cookies with a gift of the Cake Boss Deluxe
10x15-inch Covered Cookie Pan ($16.99). Bake
the cookies and transport them right in this innovatively designed pan. Helpful drop zones stamped
on the surface ensure uniformly sized cookies.
Long-lasting nonstick on both the interior and
exterior surfaces prevent cookies from sticking
and speeds up cleaning time. Finally, wide handles with red silicone grips in fun rolling pin
shapes, and a translucent, tight-locking cover,
make this cookie pan perfect for transporting
baked treats to and from get-togethers.
Teacher Treats: If you have school age children, don’t forget a special treat for their teachers.
Sculpted in glossy ceramic to resemble a bowwrapped gift, the colorful pink and brown Cake
Boss “Present” Cookie Jar and the seasonally
themed red and green Cake Boss “Holiday”
Cookie Jar ($39.99 each) are sure to impress,
especially when you include home-baked cookies
inside. Print your recipe on a pretty card and add
to the cookie jar to be sure it never goes empty!
Two-for-One Hostess Gifts: Be extra sweet to
your holiday party host with a dual gift of both a
dessert and the Cake Boss Cake Carrier ($39.99)
used to handily transport it. Offered in four retroinspired styles, each durable and easy-to-clean
Cake Boss Cake Carrier is spacious enough to
hold a standard 9-inch two-layer round cake,
cheesecake, pie, or other treat. The lid latches
tightly on both sides of the base to protect delicious treats while they’re in transit and keep
tempted fingers away!
For The “Cake Boss” Wannabe: It’s fast and
easy to bake intricate looking cakes like “the
Boss” with the Cake Boss 6-Cup Cakelette Pan
($16.99). Available in five different molded
designs — Star, Heart, Groovy Girl, Circle and
Square — each Cake Boss Cakelette Pan makes
six individual portion, tiered mini cakes that look
like they came straight out of Carlo’s Bakery. In
addition to gifting, you can use the assorted pan
designs to host a mini cake-decorating holiday
party. Guests can decorate their own “cakelette”
with icings, sprinkles, colored sugars, and even
fondant.
Stocking Stuffers and More Under $15:
Affordable prep tools are great additions to a baking enthusiast’s stocking stuffer. They also work
well as grab bag gifts and extra special toppers to
ribbon wrapped presents. The set of two Cake
Boss Nylon Bowl Scrapers ($8.99), crafted in
durable nylon edged with flexible silicone, ensure
that every last bit of batter, buttercream, and sauce
gets scraped out of bowls. The heat-resistant Cake
Boss Scraping Spatula with Measurement Marks
($11.99) features a durable red silicone tool head
with a convenient reference chart of measure
equivalents for cups, ounces, tablespoons, teaspoons and milliliters. For more whimsy in the
kitchen, the Cake Boss “My Kitchen My Rules”
Spoonula ($9.99) with flexible red silicone head
for mixing, stirring, and spooning, includes one of
Buddy’s favorite catchphrases imprinted on it.
Gifts For The Unexpected: It’s a smart idea to
keep a few prewrapped gifts on hand when you
need a last minute token for a neighbor, friend or
host. For example, pair the Cake Boss 4-Piece
Measuring Spoons Set ($6.99) with a boxed
gourmet mix for scones, and a small bottle of
quality vanilla extract. Wrap everything in cellophane with a colorful bow for the perfect lastminute gift.
Learn more about Cake Boss baking products
and watch instructional cake decorating videos starring Buddy Valastro at www.cakebossbaking.com;
like Cake Boss baking products at
www.facebook.com/CakeBossBaking, or follow
Cake Boss on Twitter@CakeBossBaking.
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A look back at popular toys from years past Keeping the magic of Santa alive
Many parents have spent time during the holiday season on endless
quests for the perfect gift for their
children. Many gifts have earned
“must-have” status over the years,
and although many of these gifts are
forgotten by the time the next holiday
season comes around, certain products have remained timeless. Some of
these more memorable products have
even been resurrected into newer,
modern-day versions of their previous
selves. Here’s a look at some of the
toys that have made their mark over
the last several decades.
• Rubik’s Cube: The Rubik’s Cube
reached the height of its popularity
during the 1980s, when the colorful
game puzzle was mass-marketed to
the public. Hungarian sculptor and
professor of architecture Erno Rubik
actually invented what he dubbed the
“Magic Cube” a decade prior. Since
the product’s inception, millions of
Rubik’s Cubes have been sold across
the globe, making it one of the topselling puzzles and toys.
• Cabbage Patch Kids: Adults
stormed stores in the mid 1980s for
Cabbage Patch Kids, which became
one of the most popular toys of the
decade. Designed by art student
Xavier Roberts, Cabbage Patch Kids
began as dolls called “Little People.”
The dolls were marketed with a fantastical story about a cabbage patch
in a magical valley, where dolls were
born and awaited their adoption into
loving homes. Cabbage Patch Kids
have been produced by a number of
different toy manufacturers through
the years, and shoppers can still find
new incarnations at stores today.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles started
as a comic designed to parody established popular comics of the early
1980s. The concept of genetically
mutated turtles who possessed ninja
skills quickly caught on and the
TMNT franchise expanded to television shows and scores of complementary merchandise.
• Beanie Babies: Ty Inc. introduced a series of plush toys filled
with tiny plastic pellets instead of traditional polyester stuffing in 1993.
These pellets made the dolls flexible
and cuddly, which played a role in
their popularity. Throughout the
1990s, children collected as many of
the Beanie Babies as they could,
though some of the dolls were more
coveted than others. Ty ceased production of Beanie Babies in 1999 with
a bear called “The End,” but it wasn’t
long before new Beanie Babies were
manufactured for a new generation of
children to collect.
• Tickle Me Elmo: The hottest toy
of the 1996 giving season was Tickle
Me Elmo, a plush doll based on the
beloved Sesame Street monster. When
prompted, Elmo would laugh, giggle
and gyrate to the delight of kids and
adults alike. Tickle Me Elmo caused
mass frenzy at stores during the 1996
holiday season, as shoppers swarmed
toy stores to get their hands on the top
toy of the year.
• Nintendo DS: The Nintendo DS,
first offered in 2004, was the first
Nintendo console released in North
America before it was released in
Japan. With its dual screens (the lower
being a touchscreen) and portability
factor, the handheld device became one
of the most popular gifts for young
gamers.
• Zhu Zhu Pets: Interactive,
robotic hamsters, Zhu Zhu Pets first
appeared on the scene in 2009. Their
name was derived from Mandarin
Chinese and translates to “little pig.”
These small toys could be set to
explore their environment or simply
emit cooing sounds in the “nurturing
mode.”
• Nintendo Wii: In addition to the
Sony Playstation and Microsoft’s
Xbox 360, the Nintendo Wii became
the latest in a history of must-have
video game consoles in the early 21st
century. Games on the Wii were
interactive through the use of motionsensing hand controllers and other
gaming interfaces. The later release
of the Wii Fit package made the
Nintendo Wii even more popular.
• Monster High Dolls: With their
ghoulish good looks, Monster High
action figures were one of the most
gifts of 2012. The dolls are based on
a series of young adult novels modeled after “Twilight,” though the
Monster High dolls are targeted to
younger children than items associated with the wildly popular
“Twilight” series.
It remains to be seen which toy
will become this season’s “musthave” item.
There’s more online …
Visit www.metrocreativeconnection.com
for weekly tips and the latest money-making ideas.
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He had a broad face and a little round
belly that shook when he laughed like a
bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and
plump, a right jolly old elf. And I laughed
when I saw him in spite of myself. - “A
Visit From St. Nicholas”
Christmas just wouldn’t be the
same without Santa Claus. Santa
will forever be ingrained in the holiday season, serving as an endearing
symbol of the season regardless of
your religious affiliation.
Parents typically go to great lengths to
ensure their children enjoy the holiday
season. By keeping the magic of Santa
alive, parents can add a special touch to
the holiday season for their youngsters.
Children may become more skeptical of
Santa around the time they turn 10, but
there are plenty of ways to encourage this
spirit to live on year after year.
• Read an uplifting story. The holidays are ripe with stories that tug at
the heartstrings. Parents can take their
children to the library and rent a
Christmas tale or take home a book of
holiday stories, reading a different one
before bed each night. Encourage children to write their own positive stories
of what the holidays mean to them and
read them aloud to family and friends.
The book “101 Ways to Keep the
Spirit of Santa Alive: For “Kids” From
1 to 92” by John Hagerman is a great
way to get everyone in the house
enthusiastic about Santa.
• Keep the magic flowing. Children
who believe in Santa for an extra year or
two often come from families that keep
the magic of Santa alive. In addition to
the standard traditions of leaving cookies and milk out for the jolly old man,
come up with new ways to evoke the
essence of Santa. Spray peppermint air
freshener around the tree and other
places Santa is sure to visit. Use a large
boot to make a footprint in a plush rug.
Find a way to trigger noise on the roof to
give kids the impression that Mr. Claus
himself has arrived. Extra measures to
keep Santa alive can help everyone
enjoy the holiday that much more.
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
• Take advantage of opportunities to spend time with Santa.
Parents and children alike have many
opportunities to spend time with
Santa during the holiday season,
including photo opportunities at the
mall and personalized videos sent
directly to youngsters’ email
accounts. Elf dolls and breakfast with
Santa at a nearby restaurant are other
opportunities to spread the magic.
Make the most of these opportunities
over the course of the holiday season.
• Spread some Christmas cheer.
Santa’s job is to bring presents to the
world’s children. Channel the notion that
giving is better than receiving and spend
time giving back to others as a family.
Schedule a day when you can distribute
gifts at a senior center or arrange to bring
gifts to a foster child. Bake cookies and
deliver cellophane-wrapped dishes to all
of your neighbors. These activities put
the emphasis on giving.
Keeping the tradition of Santa Claus
alive can help adults and children alike
enjoy a more festive holiday season.
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14
GIVING BACK ’13
Precautions seniors can take
when solicited for donations
Charities often target certain groups
of people when soliciting donations.
Those groups may include past donors
and people who have recently attended
charitable fundraisers. Such an approach
can be very effective. It should come as
no surprise that criminals posing as
legitimate organizations tend to target
specific groups of people as well.
Anyone can be fooled by a fraudulent
charity, but such criminals tend to target
seniors more than others. According to
the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
seniors often make attractive targets to
con artists because seniors are most
likely to have substantial savings, own
their homes and/or have excellent credit.
In addition, the FBI notes that elderly
victims of fraud and other crimes are less
likely to report those crimes out of fear
that their families may feel they are no
longer able to take care of themselves or
manage their own finances.
These factors make seniors especially attractive and vulnerable to con
artists, particularly those who prey on
well-intentioned men and women by
posing as fake charities. But there are
steps seniors can take to protect themselves from fraud.
• Be skeptical of solicitors. Many
con artists will indicate that persons
have given to the charity in the past,
hoping that prospective victims simply
won’t remember if that claim is valid or
not. If a solicitor or appeal letter claims
that you donated in the past, don’t simply take it at face value, especially if
you don’t recall making such a donation. Get specific information about
alleged past donations, checking that
information against your own bank
records and receipts. Many donors
claim donations as deductions on their
tax returns, which also can be used to
verify or debunk solicitors’ claims.
Though not all solicitors claiming a
past history of donations are dishonest,
this is one way that criminals attempt to
create a rapport with potential victims,
so such claims should be verified
before making any donations.
• Don’t feel obligated to reciprocate
a gift with a donation. Many charities
send gifts, be it mailing labels or holiday
cards, to prospective donors as a token
of appreciation for past donations and as
a way of encouraging future donations.
Con artists are fully aware of this tactic
and may try to imitate it in an attempt to
defraud potential victims. No matter if
the people behind those mailing labels
or holiday ornaments are legitimate
charities or con artists, you should not
feel compelled to reciprocate a free gift
with a financial donation.
• Beware of solicitors pressuring
you to donate. Reputable charities
should not be on the verge of shut
down if you fail to make a donation, so
such organizations never pressure
Older men and women should be
mindful of fraud when solicited for
donations over the phone.
prospective donors into making donations. If a solicitor is pressuring you
into making a donation over the phone
or in person, chances are strong that
this person is not representing a reputable charity. In such instances, hang
up the phone or, if the solicitor is on
your property, politely close the door,
ask the solicitor to leave your property
and contact the local authorities.
• Send donations directly to the
charity after independently confirming their address. When making charitable donations, those donations
should never be given directly to solicitors. Donations should only be made
after you have independently confirmed the charity’s address and mailed
straight to the organization. Never
make a cash donation, as cash provides
no paper trail should you want to
deduct your donation or should you
learn that you were victimized by a con
artist posing as a representative of a
reputable charity.
• Request personal information
not be shared. Upon receiving a
charitable donation, many charities
share their donors’ contact information with other charities. Such actions
are legal as long as no sensitive information is shared. But many donors
would prefer their contact information
not be shared so they don’t find themselves being inundated with solicitations from other charities. Donors can
ask to opt out of having their personal
information shared upon making a
donation. This is especially important
for seniors living on fixed incomes
who simply cannot afford to support
many causes no matter how compelling those causes are. GB13B682
Did you know?
The Catholic Church is sometimes referred to as the largest charitable group in
the world. Although specific data confirming this status is difficult to come by,
the Church certainly does its share of philanthropic work. Data from the Center
for Applied Research as well as the National Catholic Educational Association
indicates that the nonprofit healthcare system sponsored by the Catholic
Church includes 637 hospitals. The Church also operates 122 home healthcare
agencies and nearly 700 additional service providers, including assisted living,
adult day care and senior housing facilities. Catholic Charities USA consists of
1,400 agencies that operate soup kitchens, temporary shelters, child care cenGB13B723
ters, and refugee resettlement facilities.
www.met rocreativeconnection.com
9 ways to raise funds more effectively
Fundraising is how many nonprofit organizations manage
to stay afloat. There are scores of fundraising opportunities
for clubs, organizations and companies of all sizes. Carefully
chosen and planned fundraisers can help nonprofit organizations solicit more donations and ensure their mission statements become a reality. The following are nine ways nonprofit organizations can focus their fundraising efforts in an
effort to better connect with potential donors.
1. Define the needs of the organization. Before you can
effectively raise funds, you should establish the end goal of
the fundraising effort. Figure out the group’s budget and
expenses and how much money you hope to raise to keep
your organization afloat.
2. Create a message. Once you have defined your
needs, articulate your goals into language that can be
shared with others. Include why donors should donate,
such as how this fundraising campaign will help the community or a specific person. Tapping into a people’s emotional connection to a charity or event may lead them to be
more responsive to your fundraising solicitation.
3. Create long-standing relationships. One of the most
important things fundraisers can do is build deeper relationships between prospective givers and the organization that is
doing the fundraising. Stronger relationships may bring in
repeated financial donations and even some people willing to
lend their voices or talents to the organization’s efforts. Solid
relationships also serve as a building block for other contacts
and word-of-mouth donations.
4. Build your prospect list. The closer an organization is
to its donors the more likely those donors will give when
asked. Start your prospect list with those people you know the
best, including family and friends. Move outward to colleagues and acquaintances. Don’t be shy about contacting
people on social media.
5. Gather information. Find out about various fundraising
opportunities. You do not need to reinvent the wheel. Many
companies specialize in fundraising, including retailers that
have fundraising arms of their companies. You could sell merchandise and receive a portion of the profits for your organization. Certain fundraising methods are more familiar to the
community than others, such as coupon books or cookie sales.
Familiarity may lead to bigger donations.
6. Avoid hosting too many fundraisers. It may seem
counterintuitive, but fundraising less may bring in bigger
A fundraising committee can establish goals, budgets
and messaging for your fundraising efforts.
donations over the long haul. Public enthusiasm can wane
when organizations are constantly fundraising. One or two
big fundraisers may have more impact than several different events throughout the year.
7. Have receipts or acknowledgement letters at the ready.
Individuals will need a confirmation of the donation so they can
deduct such contributions from their taxes. Acknowledgement
letters serve this purpose, and the IRS even requires organizations
provide such letters to donors who give gifts of $250 or more.
8. Advertise. Without knowledge of a fundraiser, no one
can get on board with your efforts. Advertise as much as possible and solicit volunteers to spread the word. Also, advertise well in advance so people can look forward to the
fundraiser and budget ahead of time.
9. Consult with experienced fundraising committees. If
a particular group had a stellar fundraising campaign, talk
with organizers about what they did. Learning from others’
past successes and failures can guide your future fundraising
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efforts.
How to find the right volunteering opportunity
Millions of people volunteer every year. Some parents
may volunteer to coach their children’s athletic teams,
while other volunteers work with nonprofit organizations
in need of assistance to help turn their mission statements
into reality.
Though many people may spend a lifetime volunteering
with the same organization, many others find their initial foray
into volunteering does not meet their expectations, and such
volunteers might walk away in search of another organization
or opportunity. Because the turnover rate of volunteers can be
so significant, many charities, in particular those that work
with children, ask volunteers to make a minimum commitment before coming on board.
But the reason many volunteers walk away from a volunteering opportunity has little to do with time and more to do
with finding a volunteering opportunity that’s right for them.
The right opportunity differs for everyone, and men and
women who want to give back to their communities can ask
themselves a series of questions in an effort to find a volunteering opportunity that best suits them.
What causes am I passionate about?
A cause you are passionate about is often a great place to
start when you search for a volunteering opportunity. For
example, people with a love of animals may find that working with a nearby animal shelter, whether it’s working at the
shelter or fostering animals in need of temporary homes, is
a great way to give back. Sports fans and athletes whose
playing days are largely behind them may want to volunteer
with their local youth leagues or coach at a nearby school.
When you are passionate about a cause, you will likely be
passionate about volunteering to advance that cause.
What do I want to do?
What you want to do while volunteering is another factor
to consider. Men and women who work in an office all week
may want to get outdoors on the weekends, so volunteering
opportunities with the local park system might be an ideal fit.
It’s also important to determine what you don’t want to do.
Some people are uncomfortable asking others for money, so
such men and women should avoid volunteering positions that
focus on fundraising. If a volunteering opportunity involves
activities you don’t enjoy, you’re less likely to stick with it.
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
Volunteering to coach a youth sports team is one
way athletes and sports fans can combine their passion for sports with their desire to give back to
their communities.
How much time do I have to volunteer?
It’s not a crime to have a hectic schedule. Prospective
volunteers whose time is already stretched thin may want
to avoid ongoing volunteer opportunities that require significant time commitments. Such people might be more
suited to one-time projects or those opportunities that
allow volunteers to decide at the last minute if they will
attend. Honestly assess your schedule to determine how
much time you have to devote to volunteering before
choosing an activity.
Where do I want to volunteer?
Cities typically have more volunteering opportunities
than the suburbs, so men and women should determine if
travel is a deterrent before choosing a volunteering opportunity. A nearby city might have opportunities that are
more suitable to your skills, but if you are averse to traveling, then you may not stay committed to such projects.
When looking for a volunteering opportunity, determine
where you would like to volunteer, and be honest with
yourself when assessing if travel is a potential deterrent.
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GIVING BACK ’13
Ideal volunteer opportunities for youngsters
According to the United States
Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly
64.5 million people volunteered
through or for an organization at least
once between September 2011 and
September 2012. While those statistics
do not include children under the age of
16, that does not mean youngsters cannot lend a helping hand and chip in as
volunteers.
For many youngsters, exposure to
volunteering opportunities begins with
mom and dad. In fact, the Corporation
for National & Community Service
notes that a youth from a family where
at least one parent volunteers is nearly
twice as likely to volunteer as a youth
from a family with no family members
who volunteer. Youngsters are often
enthusiastic about volunteering, and
that enthusiasm only increases when
kids find the right volunteer opportunities. The following are a handful of
places that typically offer volunteer
opportunities tailor-made for youngsters who want to give back to their
communities.
Nature cleanup
Many children love to spend time in
the great outdoors, making a local
beach or park cleanup an ideal way for
kids to volunteer. Kids can join large
groups to clear beaches and parks of litter and debris, all the while spending a
few hours outdoors in the sun. Such
projects keep kids on their feet as well,
providing a healthy dose of exercise for
youngsters who may not be into organized sports.
Soup kitchen
While soup kitchens may not be best
suited to younger volunteers, middle
school students and high schoolers can
learn a lot when volunteering at neighborhood soup kitchens. Kids can
accompany parents on weekend mornings, preparing and serving food to the
less fortunate in their communities.
Soup kitchens may open youngsters’
eyes to the reality that not everyone is
Animal shelter
Local animal shelters and veterinary hospitals often have ample volunteer opportunities available to
youngsters with a love of animals.
Some shelters may not allow kids
under the age of 18 to have direct
contact with the animals, so parents
should inquire ahead of time before
dropping kids off at the shelter or animal hospital.
Garden centers
Kids who have shown a knack for
gardening might be interested in volunteering at their local garden centers or nurseries, where they can
learn the basics of gardening, including planting, watering and grooming,
from trained professionals. Some
inner cities even host gardening programs geared specifically to
teenagers who want to learn more
about the environment and how to
plant trees and flowers.
Whether planting trees or cleaning
up litter and debris, kids often
have a host of volunteer opportunities at their disposal at local
parks.
as fortunate as they are, instilling a
sense of obligation to the less fortunate
that can serve kids well for the rest of
their lives.
Nursing home
Residents of nursing homes may
experience newfound vigor when getting a visit from a child. Parents can
contact local nursing homes or retirement communities to learn about volunteer opportunities for children. Many
facilities encourage local youths to read
to residents whose vision might be fading, and some facilities even host arts
and craft projects where youngsters are
paired with elderly residents. Such
activities make great opportunities even
for younger volunteers, who can often
connect with elderly men and women in
ways that younger adults cannot.
Religious organization
The Corporation for National &
Community Service notes that
many youth are likely to volunteer
through a religious organization.
Such organizations, including
synagogues
and
churches,
mosques, tend to encourage their
younger members to give back to
their communities, and many are
involved in a variety of volunteer
opportunities aimed at kids of all
ages and interests. Parents can contact the religious organization to
which they belong or another organization in their community to
learn about any affiliated volunteer
opportunities for children. These
experiences can expose kids to an
array of volunteer activities and
also help kids make new friends.
Children often make great volunteers. Finding the right volunteering
opportunity for your youngster can
foster a love of volunteering for
years to come.
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Things to consider before publicizing a charity event
Date
The day of the event also merits careful consideration.
Holidays should always be avoided, as many people prefer to spend time with their families on holidays and plan
such gatherings well in advance. Charitable events held
on holidays likely won’t attract as many guests as those
held on regular weekdays or weekends.
Weeknights can be difficult for some people to attend, as
commitments to work and family may not leave enough time
for some men and women to make it to a charity event.
Weekends might be more amenable, as many people do not
work on Saturdays and Sundays and therefore have ample
time to devote to charitable endeavors.
When hosting a charitable event where guests will be
spending time outdoors, try to choose a time of year when
the weather tends to be mild, such as spring or fall. Harsh
How to give responsibly
The spirit of giving can be a wonderful thing to embrace and can help
people to feel good about helping
others. While most charities are legitimate entities, there are others that
prey on the generosity of others.
Some donors might be surprised to
learn their donations are not always
going to a worthy cause.
Men and women can easily be
overwhelmed by charity solicitations
at certain times of the year and not
know how to differentiate worthy
charities from the ones that may not
be legitimate. Donors should employ
responsible giving by researching
charities and ensuring their money is
well spent on those truly in need.
• Don’t give on a whim. Impulse
giving can be irresponsible, as such
donations might not be going to help
those in need. In addition, when giving impulsively, donors may
unknowingly be offering money to
scammers preying on the well-intentioned. Research a charity before
making any donations, carefully
examining its targeted goals and how
your donation is likely to be spent.
• Do not give over the telephone.
Telemarketing campaigns to solicit
donations are not necessarily dishonest, but prospective donors should
never give their personal information
over the phone. If a telemarketer’s
pitch impresses you, politely request
that information be mailed to your
home or ask for the charity’s Web site
address and learn more about the
charity there. Giving personal information over the phone is risky, as
potential donors may not know if the
person they’re speaking with is truly a
representative of a charity or a criminal attempting to steal their identities.
Even if the telemarketer is legitimate,
chances are he or she works for a telemarketing firm hired by the charity,
so some of your donation will be
going to pay the telemarketer even if
you want the entirety of your donation
to go to the charity itself. Making a
direct donation through the company’s Web site or sending a check
directly to the charity eliminates the
middle person, ensuring more of your
money is going toward the cause you
want to support.
• Examine a charity’s financial
records. Reputable charities should
have no problem sharing their financial information with prospective
donors, who should not hesitate to ask
for these records. When examining a
charity’s finances, make sure it is
devoting at least 75 percent of its budget to its programs and services,
avoiding charities that are spending
too much money on administrative
services and fundraising. All charities
will need to reserve funds for administrative services, fundraising efforts
and additional operating costs, but
those costs should not exceed 25 percent of the organization’s budget.
• Don’t be afraid to concentrate
your giving. Many charities support
many worthy causes, and it can be
hard for well-intentioned donors to
decide which charity is most deserving of their donations. But spreading
smaller donations around several
charities can make it difficult for
those charities to make the most of
your gift. More money will be spent
processing each donation, reducing
the potential impact of each gift
along the way. Once you have discovered and fully vetted a charity in
which you feel confident, don’t
be afraid to make that charity the
lone recipient of your charitable
donations.
• Give in the off-season. Many
charities receive the bulk of their
donations during the holiday season,
when the spirit of giving and potential tax deductions compel many men
and women to make their donations.
But charities need just as much
money to operate throughout the rest
of the year as they do come the holiday season. If money is tight during
the holiday season, don’t hesitate to
give during the off-season. Your
donation will be just as valued in July
as in December, and you won’t be
forced to make room for charitable
donations in your holiday budget.
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How to keep volunteers happy
Organizing a charitable function requires a substantial
amount of forethought. Those with little experience planning events can easily be overwhelmed, but even event
organizers with little or no experience can still host a successful event to benefit a good cause. The following are a
few things planners should consider before setting anything in motion.
Location
Real estate professionals often emphasize location
when showing homes or apartments to their clients. But
location is valuable when choosing a destination for your
charity event as well. If the event is invitation-only, make
sure it’s in an accessible location and one where guests
will be able to park their vehicles without difficulty.
Guests are coming to support a good cause, so they should
not be forced to spend a significant amount of time looking places to park. Valet parking is a nice touch, but such
services cost money that will have to be diverted from
your budget or the charity itself.
If the charity event will be open to the public, then a location near heavy foot traffic that encourages walk-in guests is
ideal. This can help raise more money and increase awareness for your cause.
Any charitable event should always be held in a safe location that’s handicap accessible and easily accessible to both
drivers and mass transit users alike. The less accessible the
location, the less likely guests will show up.
15
Cocktail parties in the name of charity are best
suited to early evening hours.
winter weather or extreme summer heat can make guests
uncomfortable, and some might skip the event entirely if
the weather is not welcoming. Choosing a date when the
weather promises to be mild increases the chances that
more guests will show up to support your cause.
Time of day
The time of day also must be considered before
announcing a charitable event and/or sending out invitations. Of course, time of day might be dictated by the
event itself. For example, a pancake breakfast works best
during breakfast hours, while a cocktail party is best
suited to evening hours. However, planners have more
flexibility with less time-specific events. Functions during which guests will be spending significant time outdoors might be better off held during the afternoon. Time
may not be as important when the event will be held
indoors, but it’s best to avoid asking guests to be out late
at night or arrive especially early in the morning.
Planning a charitable event is no small task, and that planning should begin even before publicizing the event and
inviting guests.
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Volunteers can be the life’s blood of
nonprofit organizations. Without individuals willing to donate their time,
charities facing tight budgets may not
have sufficient personnel to achieve
their goals. Organizations who rely
heavily on volunteers can take the following steps to ensure their volunteers
know their efforts are appreciated.
• Create a welcoming environment. No matter how many times a
person volunteers, he or she will feel
like the new kid in town on his or her
first day with a new organization.
Make new volunteers feel welcome,
giving them a guided tour during
which you introduce them to fellow
volunteers and full- or part-time staff
members. An environment that is
warm and welcoming from the
moment a volunteer arrives will make
the experience better for all involved.
• Maintain an open door policy.
Volunteers should feel comfortable
conversing with executive directors
and other higher-ups at the organization. Encourage the sharing of ideas,
even with executives high up on the
totem pole. Directors can meet with
staff members to illustrate how
everyone is working together and no
one carries greater importance than
another in the organization.
• Be prepared for volunteers.
Volunteers are giving their time and
expecting nothing in return. Walking
into an office that is not prepared for a
volunteer may lead the volunteer to
view the organization as unorganized
or one that lacks dedication. Charities
should have a clear plan in place with
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
regard to the duties of volunteers.
There should be a desk area or computer available when necessary. In
addition, be sure to have work immediately available so the volunteer won’t
be sitting around with little to do.
• Clearly spell out time constraints. Volunteers often find time to
volunteer while juggling their day
jobs and responsibilities at home, and
not everyone has the same amount of
time available to devote to a charity.
Therefore, being up front with how
much time a project is expected to
take can help a volunteer gauge if he
or she will be able to assist. Decide
how much time the job will need, and
be honest with potential volunteers
during interviews or when advertising
openings.
• Give frequent praise. Let volunteers know their work is appreciated.
Come up with ways to show your
appreciation, be it taking volunteers
out to lunch, providing snacks or
other treats around the office or
accommodating their personal schedules. Each of these efforts shows volunteers that you have their best interests in mind.
• Provide proof of success. Keep
volunteers informed about the fruits
of their labors. Share notes of gratitude from those who have benefitted
from your organization’s efforts with
the staff. Single out volunteers who
played key roles in making changes
happen. Frequent encouragement and
proof of success will raise spirits and
reassure volunteers that their efforts
GB13B680
are worthwhile.
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16
GIVING BACK ’13
Unique ways to raise funds
Fundraisers play an integral role at nonprofit organizations across the globe.
Without fundraisers, many such organizations would not be able to stay afloat, and
the millions of people who benefit from
the efforts of nonprofit organizations
might not get the help they need.
While there is no formula for a successful fundraiser, creative and innovative
fundraisers tend to be the most fun for all
involved, including those working to raise
funds and the people inspired to donate.
The following are a few unique fundraising ideas worth considering.
• Poker night: Poker is a popular
pastime for men and women alike, so a
poker night fundraiser should attract a
crowd. Amateur card players can try
their hand at Texas Hold ‘Em and
should not worry too much if their
hands prove less than stellar. Poker
night charity tournaments typically
start off with each player being given
an equal amount of chips in exchange
for an entrance fee. And while there’s
real money to be won, players won’t be
betting their own money, making for a
less stressful, more relaxed environment where players are encouraged to
have fun.
• Softball game: Softball provides
another creative way to raise funds for
a good cause. Schools looking to raise
money can host a students versus
teachers softball game and charge
admission for spectators. Encourage
members of the school’s parent-teacher
organization to prepare baked goods
and other items, which can then be sold
at the game, with all profits ultimately
going to the school. Nonprofit organizations can host a day- or weekendlong softball tournament for area
teams, raising money through entrance
fees and food and beverage sales.
• Concert: Many formal fundraisers
feature local musicians hired to entertain the guests, but a fundraiser need
not be a black-tie affair to strike a cord
with the public’s love of live music. A
community concert featuring local or
even more established artists willing to
donate their time is a great way to bring
a community together and raise money
for a good cause. Keep ticket prices for
the concert reasonable to encourage
large attendance numbers, and set up
concession stands with food from local
vendors to raise even more money.
• Cooking contest: The quickest way
A fun run for charity is a great way
to attract donors of all ages.
to a potential donor’s heart might just be
through his or her stomach. Host a cooking contest where community residents or
local restaurant owners can showcase their
best and most creative dishes. Charge
admission at the door, and then encourage
guests to vote on their favorite foods at the
show, rewarding winners at the end of the
night with a special prize.
• Fun run: A community run where
members of all ages are encouraged to
sign up is another fun way to raise money
for a good cause. Charge entrance fees for
all runners over the age of 12, and order
trophies for those runners who clock the
best times in various age groups as well as
those who recruit the most runners.
Reward runners whose efforts prove especially inspiring, and make sure each runner goes home with a T-shirt to commemorate the special event.
Fundraisers are how many nonprofit
organizations pay their bills and generate money necessary to support and
further their causes. But fundraisers
need not be adult-only, black-tie
affairs. Organizers should think outside the box when planning their next
fundraisers to encourage people of all
ages and backgrounds to join in the fun.
GB13B677
Exploring careers in philanthropy
The growing number of nonprofit
organizations and other philanthropic
groups has made opportunities for careers
in philanthropy more plentiful. Those
with professional business experience or
even students right out of college often
find opportunities within organizations
geared to giving back.
According to Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis, there
are more than 1.4 million nonprofit
organizations in the United States
alone. These organizations need dedicated staff to run their operations, and
employees of such nonprofits often find
there are several advantages to working
for charitable organizations.
• Happier work environments:
Working in philanthropy means improving other people’s lives. Employees may
be happy in their positions because they
realize their work is part of a larger effort
to help the less fortunate. The nonprofit
sector will attract other like-minded people, and working alongside people with
similar interests can make for a more
enjoyable workplace environment.
• Diverse responsibilities: Nonprofit
operations are generally smaller than
many other companies, and employees
often find themselves with diverse responsibilities and more direct access to management and other decision makers.
People interested in dabbling in various
parts of a business may find the intimate
nature of the nonprofit sector an ideal fit.
• Opportunities for travel: Some
nonprofits offer the chance to work out-
How to give back even when time isn’t on your side
Men and women want to give back to their communities,
but too often find themselves strapped for time.
Commitments to work and family can make it hard to find
time to volunteer.
But hectic schedules do not have to prevent people from
doing good in their communities and beyond. The following are a few simple ways time-strapped men and women
can give back to their communities.
• Promote a good cause. Shedding light on a good cause
can help the less fortunate. When a local nonprofit organization is having a fundraiser or an event to raise awareness,
men and women who won’t be able to participate can still
chip in by promoting such events via social media or by
encouraging friends and family members to go in their stead.
It won’t take long to post a link to a favorite charity’s Web
site on your social media profile, and doing so can raise
awareness of that charity among family and friends.
• Make a donation. While making a donation may not
seem like the most creative way to give back, men and
women who are short on time should not downplay the significance of such donations. Writing a check to a favorite
charity may be a less than satisfying way to support a good
cause, but nonprofit organizations cannot succeed and continue their missions without donations. So while a financial
donation might not seem like an active way to give back, that
does not mean such donations are not as appreciated as volunteering time.
• Work with organizations that host short-term projects.
Volunteering is often a significant commitment, as many
organizations prefer volunteers to promise a certain number
of hours per week or per month. But many other organizations host short-term projects that may last only a day.
Habitat for Humanity, for example, often allows volunteers
to sign up for one-day projects that are ideal for those who
want to give back but don’t have the time to make long-term
commitments. Signing up for such projects well in advance
allows time-strapped individuals to clear their schedules in
advance without having to rearrange their daily lives.
• Become a mentor. Mentoring is a great way to give back
Mentoring young people is one way that busy men
and women can give back to their communities
without sacrificing much of their time.
without making a significant time commitment. Mentors can
take young persons under their wings and offer advice on
careers, education and many other areas where they might ask
for some guidance. Such advice can be offered over a weekly
lunch, through email or weekly phone calls, none of which will
eat up too much time. Mentoring is a significant responsibility
and one that provides an invaluable service, and it’s a great way
for busy professionals to give back to their communities.
• Make it a family affair. Parents who find it difficult to
volunteer because it takes away from time they can spend
with their families can combine the two activities and volunteer as a family. Bring your children along when volunteering at the local park, beach or soup kitchen. You will still get
quality time with your kids, and you will be instilling a sense
of social responsibility in your children.
Finding time to volunteer can be difficult. But even the
busiest men and women can still give back to their communities in a variety of ways.
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Charitable giving to friends and family
Offering a friend or family member
in need some financial assistance is a
thoughtful, selfless gesture, not unlike
donations made to charitable organizations. But while the intentions behind
each offering may be similar, such gestures are not very similar in the eyes of
the law.
Individuals who make contributions
to nonprofit organizations can usually
deduct these donations from their personal taxes, but similar gifts given to
family and friends are not subject to the
same tax rules. In fact, if certain guidelines are followed, such gifts may
prove problematic down the road.
In Canada, there is no “gift tax.”
That means that any resident of the
country who receives a gift or inheritance of any amount from nearly every
source (excluding an employer) does
not have to include this gift in his or
her income. Sometimes those giving
the gift, especially when giving real
estate other than a principal residence,
or financial investments, will have to
pay tax on any resulting capital gain on
the gifts.
Gift taxes in the United States are not
paid by those in receipt of the gift, but
rather by the person doing the giving.
Gift taxes were created to prevent people from avoiding the federal estate tax.
Generally speaking, the gift tax impacts
only the very wealthy. A person in the
United States may gift up to $13,000 in
a given year without paying any tax.
Married couples may gift $26,000
jointly. Furthermore, there is a lifetime
limit of $1 million in total gifts.
Many people who want to give
financial gifts to children or other
family members in need worry about
the potential tax implications of such
good deeds. But many of these worries are unfounded. When giving a
substantial gift, men and women must
file a Form 709 with the Internal
Revenue Service no earlier than
January 1 and no later than April 15
the year after the gift is given.
It is always adviseable to consult
with an accountant or tax professional. He or she is knowledgeable in
current tax laws and will be able to
guide you accordingly. Tax regulations are always evolving, and it is
the business of an accountant to keep
abreast of any changes from year to
year.
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Charitable donations and tax deductions
side of the country. Nonprofit organizations who work across the globe may
help build homes or schools in less
developed countries or establish arts
and education programs in countries
where such opportunities are lacking. A
job in the nonprofit sector may allow
people to experience new cultures and
opportunities that may never present
themselves in the private sector.
• Growth opportunities: Wearing a
variety of hats, as many nonprofit
employees do on a regular basis, allows
those working at nonprofit organizations to build their resumes in ways not
available to men and women working at
more structured companies.
People who work in the nonprofit
sector often find that their careers are
rewarding for a variety of reasons.
www.met rocreativeconnection.com
GB13B672
People make charitable donations for various reasons.
Some are motivated by a desire to give back to their communities, while others may be inspired by a particular cause
whether that cause is based down the street or across the
globe.
Network for Good, an organization that helps nonprofits
connect with prospective donors, says 89 percent of American
households give to charity. Gifts average 3.2 percent of household income, or roughly $1,620 annually, and oftentimes such
donations are tax deductible. The Canada Revenue Agency
and the United States Internal Revenue Service are the organizations tasked with overseeing tax-related issues. In-depth
information regarding applicable tax deductions can be found
on their respective Web sites, www.cra-arc.gc.ca and
www.irs.gov. Individuals also consult with a qualified accountant should they have any questions regarding charitable donations and deductions.
In addition, there are some guidelines for donors to follow
when making donations and claiming tax deductions.
• Recognize that only charitable contributions made in the
calendar year are potentially eligible to be claimed as deductions. For example, only those donations made between
January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013 can be claimed on
your 2013 tax returns (filed in 2014). Therefore, if you’re
hoping to deduct donations as soon as possible, do your giving before the end of the calendar year.
• Canadians can only claim charitable donations on their
taxes if the charities that benefitted from their donations are
recognized as registered charities. A list of registered charities
is available on the CRA Web site. Donors also can verify with
a charity if they are registered before making donations.
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• The United States also requires donations be given to a
qualified organization for donors to earn a deduction. You
cannot deduct contributions made to specific individuals or
political candidates and organizations. In general, trusts,
foundations, war veteran’s organizations, domestic fraternal
societies, churches, nonprofit charitable organizations, volunteer fire companies, and medical research organizations
are considered qualified organizations.
• Americans also may be able to deduct contributions to certain Canadian charitable organizations covered under an
income tax treaty with Canada. But such deductions are typically reserved for those donors who generate income from
sources in Canada. Consult with an accountant concerning
contributions outside of the United States.
• Fair market value is used to determine the value of clothing or other nonfinancial donations. The CRA defines gifts
as goods, securities and land. Special rules may apply to
vehicle donations.
• It is important to keep receipts for all charitable donations. This helps verify the donation and can be beneficial
should donors be audited down the road. You must have a
donation receipt in order to claim charitable contributions on
Canadian taxes. The receipt should list your name, address,
the charity’s registration number, the value of the donation
and additional pertinent information.
• American donors must file Form 1040 and itemize deductions on Schedule A when deducting charitable donations.
Canadians will fill out schedule 9 on their T1 income tax return.
Donors can make the most of their good deeds by keeping
good records and selecting approved charities before filing
their tax returns.
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17
GIVING BACK ’13
Gift auctions can successfully raise funds
In an effort to add some creativity to
traditional fundraisers, many charitable
groups have begun to rely on gift auctions. Gift auctions, sometimes
referred to as a “tricky tray,” ask
participants to silently bid on various prizes. Each prize is put on display and participants go around and
place prepurchased raffle tickets
into bowls or bags beside the prizes.
After bidding has concluded, an
emcee will select a winning ticket
from each collection of entries and
read out the winner’s name or ticket
number. Depending on how many
prizes are available, gift auctions
provide hours of fun.
Organizing a gift auction requires a
team of dedicated volunteers. Here are
some guidelines to begin.
• Establish the event date and
venue. Before any gifts can be collected, set the date for the auction and
secure a location. The location should
be large enough to display all of the
prizes. A school gymnasium or the
party room of a firehouse or fraternal
lodge may suffice. The date and time
should be convenient for adult participants, as gift auctions are often to
events that cater to adults.
• Collect prizes. The prizes can be
purchased by the organization hosting the auction, but organizers can
also solicit donations from local businesses and individuals. Prizes can
range from photography packages
with a local photographer to gift certificates to area restaurants to vouchers for trips to zoos or other family-
A movie night gift basket makes
an ideal donation for a fundraising gift auction.
friendly activities. Prizes also can be
categorized by value. For example,
grand prizes may include vacations or
furniture. Categories can be determined once all the gifts have been
purchased.
• Sell entry to the event and prize
tickets. Some organizations prefer to
sell entry packages to participants. This
may include an entrance fee to the
event as well as a number of tickets that
can be used at the auction. Naturally,
more tickets will be available for sale at
the night of the event. Advertise the
gift auction well in advance to generate
Things to do when starting a nonprofit
interest. Mention a few of the big-ticket
prizes in any advertisements to increase
interest.
• Enlist a team of gift-wrappers.
Presentation may determine bids and
increase those bids. Ask for donations of baskets and wrapping materials, such as ribbon and cellophane.
Each prize can be wrapped in ways
to entice bidders to bid high and bid
often.
• Deliver all of the prizes to the
venue and configure the room.
Create a festive atmosphere for the
gift auction. Place prizes on tables
around the perimeter of the room so
they can be easily viewed. Set up the
middle of the room with tables
where participants can sit. You may
want to assign tables to certain large
groups of friends who prefer to sit
together.
• Encourage participants to enjoy
food and drink. Refreshments can
make the event more lively, and selling refreshments is another way to
raise money. Offer a selection of beverages, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, as well as chips and other finger
foods. Consider catering the event or
asking for volunteers to bring in food
pot-luck style.
• Enlist day-of-event volunteers.
Volunteers willing to work during the
event can carry the prizes to the winning
bidders and answer any questions guests
might have throughout the auction.
Gift auctions are a fun way to raise
money for good causes.
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Make a donation to good health
Charitable giving means different things to different people. While some associate donations with money, clothing or
other tangible goods, donations also can include vital parts of
our bodies.
Blood
Blood transfusions and supplementation are vital to
treating injured patients. Blood also is necessary during
routine surgeries. Having an adequate blood supply at
the ready can be a matter of life and death for a person
in dire need of a transfusion. Canadian Blood Services,
which manages the national supply of blood and blood
products in Canada, announced during the summer of
2013 that the country is facing a “concerning” shortage
of blood due to fewer donations and constant demand.
The story is similar in the United States, where the
American Red Cross reports a blood donation is needed
every two seconds. Blood is perishable, and the need is
constant. Red blood cells only have a shelf life of 42
days and platelets just five days, so supply must be
replenished constantly.
Blood supplies are at critical levels. Making a donation can help save a life.
Blood can be donated whole or as plasma or platelets.
Plasma is the yellow fluid in which blood cells are suspended. Platelets are smaller than white or red blood cells
and help the blood to clot. Many blood collection centers
will tell you that O blood type is in the highest demand
because O blood, particularly O-negative, is compatible
with all blood types. But it also is the blood type in the
shortest supply.
Organs
The organization Donate Life America says nearly
120,000 men, women and children currently need lifesaving organ transplants, and every 10 minutes another
name is added to the national organ transplant waiting
list. In addition to organ transplants, tissue transplants
can save lives.
Certain organs and tissues can be transplanted from
living donors, including kidneys, liver lobes, lungs, and
bone marrow. The National Living Organ Donors
Foundation, Inc., says living organ donations can mean a
more perfect match for the recipient, a longer transplant
life and fewer medications. Living donors give patients
an alternative to waiting months or years on transplant
lists.
Men, women and children also can donate their organs
upon their death. Drivers can declare their intentions to
donate their organs by filling out information on the backs of
their driver’s licenses, and individuals also can declare such
intentions in their wills.
Hair
Cancer patients facing radiation and chemotherapy treatments may lose their hair. Losing one’s hair can affect selfesteem. Certain organizations accept donations of human
hair, which they fashion into wigs for those who have lost
their own hair to cancer and other diseases. Burn victims
also benefit from hair donations. The organizations Locks
of Love and Wigs For Kids are two not-for-profit groups
providing hair replacement solutions for those affected by
hair loss. The cosmetic company Pantene has their own
“Beautiful Lengths” donation program that also accepts
hair donations.
In order to donate to most organizations, a minimum hair
length is needed and hair should be free of permanent color,
bleach or other chemical treatments. Check with the organization for a full list of guidelines.
Giving a gift of health by way of a blood, organ or hair
donation can make a lasting difference in another person’s
life.
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In recent years, the number of nonprofit organizations has skyrocketed.
According to the National Center for
Charitable Statistics, there are around
1.5 million tax-exempt organizations
operating in the United States, which
report more than $1.59 trillion in total
revenue. The organization Imagine
Canada says there are an estimated
165,000 nonprofit organizations in
Canada, where the nonprofit and voluntary sector is the second largest in the
world behind the Netherlands.
Establishing a nonprofit organization
is not an easy task and should not be
entered without sound guidance and
forethought. Though beginning a business, be it a for-profit or nonprofit
organization, is different for everyone,
there are some common steps when
founding a nonprofit organization.
While this information is to serve as a
reference, it should not replace the
advice of legal counsel knowledgeable
of tax-exempt organizations in your
area. The requirements for starting a
nonprofit organization vary depending
on a host of factors, including geography, so it is highly recommended that
men and women looking to start a nonprofit organization consult with an
attorney to ensure they are in compliance with all regulations before opening their doors.
• Write a mission statement that
clarifies your intentions. The mission
statement should identify the overall
purpose of the organization, including
why the organization should exist.
Include the values that will guide the
nonprofit, its benefit to others, and
how you would like others to view the
business. Do no go forward with your
plan if you cannot clearly identify a
mission for your organization.
• Decide the type of organization
you want to be. This will help categorize your nonprofit. Being tax-exempt
is not the same as being tax-deductible.
You may want your organization to be
incorporated to protect against personal
liability. Otherwise, you may want to
be an informal nonprofit organization,
such as a group of friends getting
together for a common goal. Setting the
groundwork for your nonprofit will
depend on the type of organization you
want to build.
• Determine who will be involved
with the organization. Having a lot of
people interested in the nonprofit can
signal broad community support.
Otherwise, if the nonprofit is only
exciting to a few people, it may prove
less capable of realizing its mission
statement. Try to create a group of
mixed talents that will have a shared
passion. If there is not enough interest,
it might be better for you to focus your
efforts on joining an existing organization with a similar focus.
• Create a business plan that
includes a needs assessment. A needs
assessment is used to determine if there
really is a need in your community for
the services you want to offer.
Although the nonprofit will be estab-
lished to help others and not to make
money, it is still a business and must be
deemed viable. The business plan
should also include where the nonprofit
will be located, how you will market
your product or service, how management and staff will be organized, and
where you will get money for the
startup and monthly operations.
• Consider seeking the support of
a fiscal sponsor. A fiscal sponsor is
another nonprofit organization that
will help share resources to handle
startup costs and fees. There also are
businesses that share their resources
to help nonprofit organizations establish themselves. The National Council
of Nonprofit Associations can let you
know if there are such businesses in
your area. Also, seek the support of an
attorney. While you can lay much of
the groundwork yourself, professional
legal advice can prove invaluable.
Various reports and filings must be
assembled and submitted before the
organization can open its doors, and
such red tape can be confusing for the
novice.
• Establish a method of keeping
good records. A bookkeeper or a
recording secretary should be one of
your first hires. Thanks to the heavy
volume of paperwork necessary to
establish both for-profit and nonprofit
organizations, good records must be
kept to ensure you are operating correctly and legally.
• Develop a fundraising plan early
on. Fundraising is necessary to meet
your operation costs and develop
funds necessary to achieve your goals.
The majority of that funding will
come from private citizens and local
service groups. Seeking donations
strictly via a Web site may be ineffective and illegal, particularly if the
organization is not registered to
solicit funds outside of its home state.
A Web site should further your cause,
but effective advertising and word-ofmouth recommendations will help
fuel donations.
There are a variety of other things to
consider when starting a nonprofit
organization. You may need liability
insurance and an insurance agent to
handle health and life insurance benefits for employees. Bylaws should be
written to specify how the board will
operate. A solicitation license will be
required if you plan to solicit funds,
and you may need a mail permit to get
a discount on bulk mailings. Those
who plan to file for tax-exempt status
will be required to fill out the requisite
forms at both the federal and state or
provincial levels.
There are many free or low-cost
resources available to help guide you
through the process of starting a nonprofit, both online and at the library.
Working at another nonprofit organization or volunteering your time can
prove an invaluable experience to men
and women hoping to one day start their
own nonprofit organization.
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Largest charities by financial donations
Charitable groups raise funds to provide assistance to those in need, and
many charities rely on private contributions to fund their operating costs and
meet their missions. Billions of dollars in charitable donations are made each
year in the United States alone, and the following charities are those that
received the most donations. Data provided courtesy of Forbes and is based
on 2011 figures, the most recent year for which information is available.
1. United Way - $3.9 billion
2. Salvation Army - $1.8 billion
3. Feeding America - $1.2 billion
4. American Red Cross - $1.1 billion
5. Food for the Poor - $1 billion
6. American Cancer Society - $900 million
7. AmeriCares Foundation & Catholic Charities USA - $795 million
8. World Vision - $780 million
9. YMCA - $770 million
10. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - $680 million
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18
GIVING BACK ’13
Fraternal organizations
involved in charitable giving
Fraternal organizations have been in
existence since the days of ancient Greece
and Rome. A fraternal group is a formal
organization of men who gather together
for a common goal. Although some fraternal orders are viewed as secret societies, many other fraternal groups operate
in the public eye, and some are even
lauded for their philanthropic efforts.
Freemasons
Freemasons make up one of the
largest fraternal orders in the world.
Freemasons are generally less vocal
about their charitable endeavors, but the
Masonic Service Association oversees
numerous programs, including a hospital
visitation service that aims to have a
Masonic volunteer working with patients
at every Veteran’s Administration
Hospital in the United States.
Fraternal Order of Eagles
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Charity
Foundation was organized to streamline
donations to healthcare-related funds and
children’s charities in an effort to facilitate giving. Individuals who may not
have the ability to join the Eagles but
want to support their efforts can participate in their Circle of Life program. Each
member is eligible to be a Circle of Life
patron by contributing a donation to the
Charity Foundation. Donations help to
fund humanitarian programs. The Eagles
meet each year to determine how to best
disseminate charitable funds. Some of the
organizations that have benefitted from
the generosity of the Eagles and their
donors include the Art Ehrmann Cancer
Fund, Jimmy Durante Children’s Fund
and the Disaster Relief Fund.
Shriners International
Shriners International is a fraternity
based on fellowship and the Masonic
principles of brotherly love. There are
nearly 200 chapters in seven countries
and thousands of clubs around the world.
Although Shriners International is a
brotherhood, the organization says it is
also focused on bringing families
Several fraternal organizations consider charitable giving an integral
element of their core principles.
together. Many activities are geared
toward families and children to help promote shared values across generations.
The Shriners are heavily committed to
children, and their main charitable efforts
have been devoted to the Shriners
Hospitals for Children. These hospitals
have a mission to provide quality care to
children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other specialized health conditions. These services are
provided to all children without regard
for a patient’s ability to pay.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal
benefit society chartered in Connecticut in
1882 thanks to the efforts of Father
Michael J. McGivney. The Knight of
Columbus is the world’s foremost
Catholic fraternal society. In addition to
spreading the message of Catholicism and
working in concert with various churches
to promote religious vocations, the
Knights of Columbus has many charitable
programs. The organization helps with
disaster relief, provides scholarships to
college-bound students, assists orphans
around the world, and operates the “Food
for Families” program.
While some fraternal orders remain a
mystery to those outside of their ranks,
many such organizations consider charitable giving a significant part of their
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core principles.
What to learn about charities
before making donations
Nonprofit organizations rely heavily
on donations in order to pay their operational costs and meet their missions.
But with so many charities worthy of
donations, prospective donors may find
it difficult to narrow down their options
and ultimately choose one charity worthy of their support.
While there is no formula prospective donors can use to determine which
charity is most deserving of a donation,
men and women can take steps to learn
more about charities before making
donations, and such knowledge can
make the decision process a lot easier.
Resource allocation
Many charities list lofty goals in
their mission statements, but donors
who blindly donate never know if any
of those goals are actually met.
Charities must make their financial
records available to the public, who
can then examine an organization’s
programs and resource allocation.
Savvy donors can examine an organization’s resource allocation to determine if the bulk of an organization’s
finances are going toward missions or
operating costs. If the charity is allocating sufficient funds to meet the
goals referenced in its mission statement, then donors can rest assured that
their donations will be going toward a
worthy cause. If a substantial amount
of the organization’s resources are
allocated toward operating costs and
other programs that have little to do
with the company’s mission statement,
then donors may want to send their
donation dollars elsewhere.
Plan of action
It’s one thing for a charity to have a mission statement and quite another to have a
plan to meet that mission. When vetting
charities, ask for specific information as to
how the charity plans to meet its mission.
This includes how it plans to raise funds
and how it intends to allocate those funds.
Information such as this should already
have been spelled out in the charity’s
business plan. In addition, ask for specific
information as to programs the charity has
instituted or intends to institute. The organization’s plan should seem like a
plausible way to meet its mission, and the
organization ideally should be able to
produce evidence that its plan is effective.
Donors who are skeptical of an organization’s programs or approach may want to
donate to another charity.
External reviews
Prospective donors can look for an
objective review of a charity and its programs to determine if the organization is
worthy of their donations. Many charities
have third party auditors review their
operations and approaches, feeling that
such audits provide valuable insight to
staff and prospective donors alike. If
external reviews from third parties are
positive, then donors should feel more
comfortable when donating to such organizations. Negative external reviews
should raise a red flag.
Choosing a worthy charity can be a
challenging process for prospective
donors. But researching a charity’s
background, including its financing and
programs, can make that decision much
easier.
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Online scams abound during times of heightened giving
Charities receive donations from millions of well-intentioned men, women
and even children each year. While
many charities are reputable and worthy
of donations, donors should know that
criminals masquerading as charities are
out there as well. These criminals want
to steal more than just money.
The Internet has made life easier in
many ways, but it has also put people at
greater risk of identity theft, especially
during times of heightened giving, when
many donors make charitable donations
online. Donors must share sensitive personal information when making contributions online. Encryption software can
safeguard donor information from
potential criminals, but there are other
ways crooks can have access to personal
data. The following are a few ways for
donors to protect themselves from
online criminals.
• Ignore email solicitations. Email
solicitations are rarely what they
seem, and many charitable organizations do not solicit donations via
email. So how to explain that inbox
full of messages requesting charitable
donations? Online scammers often
operate under the banner of a genuinely reputable organization, using
its logo, name and even including a
link that appears to direct readers to
the charity’s Web site, which has been
set up to look exactly like the legitimate charity’s own site. However, that
Web site may have a slightly different
URL, and donors who are not careful
may enter their personal information
without ever realizing they just shared
that information with a criminal posing as a charity.
Donors concerned about email solicitations should consult the charity referenced in the message — independently finding its contact information
— to determine if the email was legitimate or if it was sent by a scammer.
Never click on any links or download
any attachments within the email.
Attachments may contain spyware software that will invade a user’s computer
without his or her knowledge, lifting
any personal information it can find.
• Don’t fall prey to “victim” messages. Nearly everyone with an email
account has received messages from
someone claiming to be suffering from a
disease or victimized by a natural disaster who only needs a few kindly donations from strangers to get his or her life
back in order. Such stories may be gutwrenching, but they are almost certainly
the work of criminals playing on the
compassion of good-hearted people.
Men and women with debilitating diseases or those victimized by natural disasters do not have the resources to contact strangers via email and solicit their
help. Delete such messages from your
inbox or ignore their contents no matter
how heartbreaking the stories may seem.
• Learn to recognize reputable
Web sites. Many scammers posing as
charities are fully capable of establishing convincing Web sites that appear as
authentic as those of legitimate charitable organizations. However, there are a
few telltale signs that prospective
donors can look for to determine if a
Web site is reputable or criminal. For
example, Web sites with URLs that end
in a series of numbers are unlikely to be
those of legitimate charitable organizations. In addition, a majority of charities have Web addresses ending in .org
instead of .com or .net.
The information a site asks for may
be another red flag. Many reputable
organizations solicit donations via their
Web site. But the only information
such Web sites will ask for is a donor’s
mailing address, credit card information and possibly a phone number.
Sites that ask for more sensitive personal information, including a social
security number, birth date, bank routing number, bank account number, or
even the personal identification number
associated with a bank account, are
likely disreputable and not to be
trusted. Sharing such information
online leaves a person especially vulnerable to identity theft.
Online giving is often a quick and
easy way to donate to a favorite charity. But donors must be careful that
their goodwill is not being taken
advantage of by the many online
criminals posing as reputable charities in need of donations. GB13B676
How to ask others to donate to a good cause
Financial donations are essential to nonprofit organizations’ survival, helping such organizations meet their operating costs and carry out their missions. However,
asking for donations is not always easy. The following are some tips for individuals looking to
raise funds for good causes.
• Establish your target. The amount of money
you hope to raise should be a realistic goal. For
example, if you are participating in a fun run or
walk to benefit a local charity, a goal of raising
$1,000 is more realistic than a goal of $1,000,000.
• Work as a team. Enlist the help of volunteers
who are truly passionate about the cause. Such
team members are likely to work harder to raise
funds.
• Clearly identify the organization you’re supporting. Some groups are easily recognizable,
while smaller organizations may not be as readily
known. Take steps to ensure donors are fully aware of the
organization you’re supporting.
• Know where the money will be going.
Prospective donors will want a clear picture of how
their donations will be used. Have such information
readily available when seeking donations.
• Ask for donations in person. Friends and family
are far more likely to support a loved one’s attempt
to raise money for a good cause when such solicitations are made by the individual and not sent out as
a mass email from the charity itself. A personal
appeal also gives fundraisers the chance to explain
why the cause means so much to them.
• Let donors know that no donation is too small.
Individuals who keep their fundraising goals realistic should recognize that no donation is too small
and that some prospective donors may only be able
to afford smaller contributions.
GB13B719
Volunteering opportunities for retirees
Today’s retirees recognize that an
active retirement tends to be more
rewarding than simply sitting around
the house, and that attitude is reflected
in the vast number of retirees who volunteer with various nonprofit organizations and other programs across the
globe. The following are a handful of
volunteering opportunities for those
retirees who want to give back and
make the most of their retirements.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit
organization that builds and repairs
homes for people in need. It has a program titled “Care-A-Vanners” in which
volunteers typically spend two weeks
traveling around the United States and
Canada in rented RVs (retirees who
own RVs may be able to drive their own
vehicles) building and restoring homes.
Volunteers must pay their own way and
bring along their own supplies, such as
work shoes, gloves, tool belts, and some
tools (power tools are typically provided by the local Habitat for Humanity
chapter), and free or low-cost RV parking is provided by Habitat for
Humanity. Adventurous retirees who
enjoy hitting the open road may find
“Care-A-Vanners” matches their love
of travel with their desire to give back.
Work with children
Many retirees, especially those without grandchildren or who live far away
from their grandchildren, find volunteering with children to be especially
rewarding. The opportunities to work
with kids are numerous, and retirees
can choose a volunteering opportunity
where their own life experiences come
in handy. For example, retirees who
worked in the medical field might want
to volunteer their time at a local children’s hospital, where they can assist
families as they cope with a child’s illness and spend time with the children
themselves, whether’s it’s tutoring sick
children, reading them stories or helping them understand their illnesses.
Retirees with considerable experience in the business world may want
to work with a mentoring program
that matches them up with careerminded youngsters.
Service vacations
Retirement is often seen as a time to
travel and see the world, and many
retirees have started to combine that love
of travel with service opportunities.
Globe Aware, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization, develops short-term volunteer programs in international environments. Each activity aims to promote
cultural awareness and promote sustainability in needy communities.
Volunteers work to address issues identified by the host communities as particularly pressing, interacting with the local
residents in ways that are often impossible on more traditional vacations.
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
Meals on Wheels
Retirees tend to have their mornings
and afternoons free, making them
ideal candidates to volunteer with programs such as Meals on Wheels, a
nonprofit organization devoted to
delivering nutritious meals to those
with limited mobility who are unable
to prepare their own meals. The program delivers more than one million
meals per day across the United
States, and Canada has its own meal
delivery programs as well. Many
Meals on Wheels volunteers are
retirees, who can decide their level of
involvement upon volunteering.
Disaster relief
Disaster relief programs may be less
predictable than more routine volunteer programs, but retirees often make
great volunteers at disaster relief sites.
Unlike working professionals who
cannot travel to disaster relief sites
without ample planning ahead of time,
retirees often find the flexibility of
retirement allows them to pitch in
when an unforesee natural disaster
strikes and volunteers are needed
seemingly overnight. Many disaster
relief programs need volunteers who
are certified in CPR or have other
unique lifesaving skills, but even
retirees without such skills can help by
handling supplies or by comforting
and assisting survivors of natural disasters.
GB13B683
www.met rocreativeconnection.com
MCC EDITORIAL LIBRARY ’13
Metro’s Online Editorial Library
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24
NOVEMBER PRIME CUTS ’13
Add some flavor to a
favorite holiday side dish
The holiday season often finds homeowners playing host
to friends and family visiting from out of town. While the
holiday dinner often draws the most attention, guests need to
eat breakfast as well. Holiday hosts who want their overnight
guests to start their days off on the right foot should consider
the following recipe for “Potato and Arugula Omelets” from
Betty Rosbottom’s “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books).
Dinner is often a focal point of holiday celebrations. Thanksgiving dinner,
for example, is something many people
look forward to all year long. But just
because holiday dinners are a beloved
tradition for many families, that does
not mean home cooks cannot experiment in the kitchen come the big day.
Those who want to add some flare to a
favorite side dish may want to consider
the following recipe for “Jammin’
Roast Potatoes” from Helen
Willinsky’s “Jerk From Jamaica” (Ten
Speed Press).
Potato and Arugula Omelets
Serves 2
Jammin’ Roast Potatoes
Serves 4 to 6
Tasty omelets for overnight holiday guests
21⁄2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1
⁄2 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed but not
peeled, cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 eggs
1
⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 cups arugula, stems discarded and leaves cleaned,
dried and coarsely chopped*
1
⁄2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons grated Gruyére cheese
1. Heat 1⁄2 tablespoon of the butter and the olive oil in a
medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. When hot,
add the potatoes and sauté, stirring often, until light golden and
tender, 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with salt
and pepper. (The potatoes can be prepared 1 hour ahead; leave
at room temperature. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.)
2. Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl and season with a
good pinch of salt and the cayenne. Place the arugula in
another mixing bowl and toss with the vinegar. Place the
Gruyére and the potatoes each in separate bowls. Have ready
a ladle for adding the egg mixture to the pan.
3. Add 1 tablespoon to a 9-inch frying pan, preferably nonstick or seasoned cast iron, set over medium heat. Swirl the
butter so that it coats the bottom of the pan. When it is hot but
3
1
1
1
5
1
not smoking, ladle half of the eggs into the pan and stir with
the back of the fork until they start to set but are still quite liquid on the top, 30 to 40 seconds. With the fork or a nonstick
spatula, lift an edge of the omelet and tilt the pan to let some
of the uncooked egg mixture run underneath. Repeat this two
or three more times, working your way around the pan until
the eggs are cooked but remain moist on top.
4. Sprinkle half of the potatoes, then half of the cheese,
and finally half of the arugula over the eggs. Let the mixture
cook until the cheese begins to melt and the arugula wilts
only slightly, 30 seconds. Using a nonstick or metal spatula,
fold the omelet in half and slide it onto a plate. Repeat to
make another omelet.
5. Serve each omelet as soon as it is prepared.
* You can use regular or baby arugula, but the former
provides a more intense flavor.
PC13B729
World class cuisine in the comforts of home
Few chefs have experienced the worldwide notoriety of
Tetsuya Wakuda, widely considered Australia’s finest and
most original chef. In his long-awaited first book, “Tetsuya”
(Ten Speed Press), Wakuda shares his stories and recipes,
including the following recipe for “Warm Salad of Veal
Sweetbreads with King Prawns.”
Warm Salad of Veal Sweetbreads With King Prawns
Serves 4
8
1
8
11⁄2
4
8
2
ounces veal sweetbreads
tablespoon white wine vinegar
king prawns, peeled
tablespoons grapeseed oil
asparagus, angle cut into 3 pieces
green beans, halved
fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
Wakame (see note below)
Salt and pepper
All-purpose flour for dusting
Mixed mesclun leaves
Sauce
5 fluid ounces veal stock
1 tablespoon port
1
⁄2 tablespoon Banyuls vinegar or sherry vinegar
1
⁄2 teaspoon finely chopped shallots
Salt and pepper
A dash of walnut oil
Garnish
2 tablespoons peeled, seeded and diced tomato
1 tablespoon julienned parsley
Baby watercress
Chives, cut into 3⁄4-inch lengths
Wash the sweetbreads to get rid of the blood. Place in a
saucepan with cold water, a punch of salt and tablespoon of
vinegar, and bring to a boil over medium heat. (Do not put in
boiling water.) Cook 15 minutes or until cooked, then refresh
under cold water. Drain and set aside.
Butterfly the prawns and remove the digestive tract. Score
the prawns on a slight diagonal along the inside length.
Pat dry the sweetbreads and break up into bite-sized
pieces. Dust lightly with flour and brown in 1⁄2 tablespoon of
the grapeseed oil. Once cooked, set aside.
Very lightly dust the prawns with flour and cook in the
same frying pan in another 1⁄2 tablespoon of the grapeseed oil.
5
3
2
1
1
pounds potatoes
medium red onion, cut into
1
⁄4-inch slices
medium yellow onion, cut into
1
⁄4-inch slices
red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed,
and cut into 1⁄4-inch pieces
cloves garlic, minced
habanero or serrano chili,
seeded and minced
tablespoons vegetable oil
tablespoons Dry Jerk
Seasoning (see box)
tablespoons hot sauce
teaspoon freshly ground black
pepper
teaspoon salt
Scrub the potatoes and dice into 1⁄2inch cubes. Place the diced potatoes in
a bowl and cover with cold water, and
let them soak for about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and spread them out
on a towel to let them dry a bit.
Slow cooking has become popular
for a variety of reasons. Many busy
men and women have embraced slow
cooking because it allows them to
begin cooking dinner in the morning
and then, when they arrive home at
night, a flavorful dinner is ready for the
whole family to enjoy.
Another growing dietary trend is the
gluten-free diet. Though the gluten-free
diet isn’t for everyone, such a diet does
allow those with diagnosed intestinal
issues to enjoy some of their favorite
foods without the fear of getting sick.
Those who want to enjoy slow cooking
but need to eat a gluten-free diet may
want to consider the following recipe
for “Dijon Pork Roast With Brandied
Mushroom Sauce” from Kimberly
Mayone and Kitty Broihier’s
“Everyday Gluten-Free Slow Cooking”
(Sterling).
2
1
Warm Salad of Veal Sweetbreads With King Prawns
www.met rocreativeconnection.com
1
1
2
2
1
1
⁄4
⁄4
2
1
1
1
2
tablespoon onion flakes
tablespoon onion powder
teaspoons ground dried
thyme
teaspoons salt
teaspoon ground Jamaican
allspice
teaspoon ground nutmeg
teaspoon ground cinnamon
teaspoons sugar
teaspoon coarsely ground
black pepper
teaspoon cayenne pepper
teaspoons dried chives or
green onions
Mix together all the ingredients.
Store leftover seasoning in a tightly
closed glass jar. It will keep its pungency for more than a month.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the
potatoes in a bowl with the onions,
bell pepper, garlic, and chili, and toss
them with the vegetable oil to coat.
Mix the dry jerk seasoning, hot sauce,
black pepper, and salt with the potatoes. Pour the potato mixture onto a
baking sheet and spread out evenly.
Put in the oven and, after 20 minutes,
turn the vegetables. Continue baking
for another 20 minutes, or until the
potatoes are lightly browned and crisp
(if they aren’t, continue baking and
check them every 10 minutes).
Remove from the oven, scrape into a
serving bowl, and serve hot.
PC13B730
Enjoy gluten-free slow cooking
Dijon Pork Roast With
Brandied Mushroom Sauce
Serves 6
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
To make the sauce, combine the veal stock, port, vinegar,
and shallots. Bring to a boil, adjust the seasoning to taste,
then add the walnut oil. Take off the heat.
Sauté the asparagus, beans and mushrooms in the last of
the grapeseed oil. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, place the wakame on the base of the plate and
some mesclun leaves on top. Add the prawns and sweetbreads, then the vegetables. Top with the tomato, parsley,
watercress, and chives, and drizzle over a little sauce.
Note: Use fresh wakame, which comes packed in salt. Put
the wakame in a strainer and rinse, then cut into the size
required. Run the wakame under hot tap water for a few seconds — the color will brighten. Rinse in cold water and
squeeze dry.
Dried wakame is probably more readily available. To prepare, put the seaweed in a bowl of cold water and drain
immediately. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. Feel the
wakame: it should be soft. Do not soak in water or it will
melt.
PC13B728
Dry Jerk Seasoning
Makes 5 tablespoons
2
1
11⁄2
1
⁄2
1
⁄4
3
1
2
1
⁄2
1
1
⁄2
⁄4
1
⁄4
2
1
tablespoons quick-cooking
tapioca
leek, halved lengthwise, washed
well, and thinly sliced
tablespoons butter
teaspoon minced garlic
pounds sliced white mushrooms
teaspoon kosher salt
teaspoon ground black pepper
tablespoons good-quality brandy
21⁄2-pound boneless pork loin
roast
tablespoons Dijon mustard
tablespoon olive oil
teaspoon gluten-free seasoning
salt
teaspoon dried thyme
teaspoon dried rosemary
teaspoon dried oregano
tablespoons heavy cream
Finely chopped parsley for
garnish
1. Sprinkle the tapioca and leeks into
the slow cooker crock; set aside.
COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT
2. Warm the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When
hot, add the garlic, mushrooms, salt,
and pepper. Cook and stir mushrooms
for about 10 minutes (they will give off
a lot of liquid and brown up nicely).
Add the brandy and cook about 2 minutes. Transfer the mushroom mixture to
the crock in an even layer. Do not stir.
3. Place the pork into the crock on
top of the mushrooms.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together
the mustard, olive oil, seasoning salt,
thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Use a
pastry brush or the back of a spoon to
coat the top and sides of the pork with
the mustard mixture. Cover and cook 8
hours on low, or 4 hours on high.
5. Transfer the pork to a plate.
Scrape away any mushrooms from the
bottom of the pork and return them to
the crock. Tent the roast with foil and
let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Stir the cream into the mushrooms
and sauce. To serve, spoon the sauce
over top of the sliced pork. Garnish
with parsley, if desired.
Note: For a dairy-free variation,
replace the butter with olive oil and
omit cream from the recipe.
Technique tip: Keeping kitchen
knives sharp is important for a couple
of reasons. First, it makes work easier
and neater. For example, part of the
pork tenderloin is covered with a tough,
pearly membrane called the silverskin,
which should be trimmed off before
cooking. The sharper your knife, the
neater the trim job will be (and the less
waste you will have). Secondly, sharp
knives are actually safer than dull ones.
Sharp knives slice through things easily, so you don’t need to put much pressure on the knife in order to make it cut.
Pushing a dull knife through food, on
the other hand, can result in slippage
and cuts. Whether you sharpen your
own knives or take to a cookware or
knife store to have the job done, it’s a
good idea to keep your knives sharp all
the time.
PC13B731
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