Our family is enjoying the winter break together. Everyone in the family loves this time of year. We all get into the spirit of Christmas. It starts the weekend before Thanksgiving when we decorate the house with lights and a tree. We’re always the first in the neighborhood to have Christmas lights up – it gives us more time to enjoy other lights. We’ve spent part of the week cruising neighborhoods to look at lights. We do it every year – and while there are favorite neighborhoods, we always find new displays to gaze at.

Our youngest asked the question if Christmas was celebrated around the world. We had a very simple “yes” for him while enjoying the lights. When we got home however, we found the perfect e-mail that was forwarded to us that helped illustrate an answer to his question.

Our youngest suggested that we put up a copy on “Daddy’s Blog” so everyone can see. We were only to happy to oblige, and it gave the two of us some quality time together as we learned where each location was on “Google Maps”. We’re not sure when or where this piece originated, and you can find several copies on the internet.

Enjoy!

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling evergreens in the ‘Pathway of Peace’ represent the 50 U.S. states.

Merry Christmas!

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I was reading a couple of the travel publications yesterday afternoon, and found an interesting read that I had to share from Travel Agent Central.

I found the original Press Release from Discover Financial Services and thought I’d place a copy of the release here – it’s a very optimistic and promising read.

Enjoy!

Discover® U.S. Spending Monitor^SM Reaches 3-Year High, Jumping 4.3 Points in November

Monitor’s Rise Fueled by Brighter Economic and Financial Outlook among Consumers; Spending Intentions Significantly Different from a Year Ago

RIVERWOODS, Ill., Dec 08, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Consumer confidence reached its highest point in three years and saw its biggest month-to-month increase since April as more Americans believe U.S. economic conditions are improving and their personal finances are getting better, according to the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor.

The Monitor, a poll of 8,200 consumers tracking confidence and spending intentions on a daily basis, rose 4.3 points in November to 91.8. Thirty-one percent of consumers feel economic conditions are improving, a 4-point increase from October. Forty-five percent of consumers feel economic conditions are getting worse, a 4-point decrease from October.

Consumers are feeling better about their personal finances, as well. Twenty-three percent, the most since February 2008, feel their finances are getting better, up 2 points from October and 4 points from 2009. For the second month in a row, fewer consumers report their finances are worsening; 45 percent say their finances are getting worse, down 2 points from the previous month and 4 points from last year.

Improved confidence among consumers is reflected in increased holiday spending intentions compared to this time last year, a hopeful sign for retailers looking to rebound from dismal holiday sales over the last two years.

9-Point Change in Holiday Spending Intentions Year-Over-Year

In 2009, two-thirds of consumers reduced their holiday spending budget, and half headed into the holidays looking to cut their discretionary spending. This year, the Monitor’s numbers tell a different story.

The number of consumers who say they expect to spend less this holiday season has fallen 9 points from 2009. Last November, 65 percent of consumers said they were going to spend less on holiday gifts than they did the year before; only 56 percent feel that way this year. Of the nine percent who shifted, the majority said they would spend about the same, but one in four said they would be spending more.

Consumer Spending Intentions: Slightly More Discretionary Spending, Less Cutting Back

The Monitor reported a 12-point rise to 35 percent in the number of consumers intending to spend more next month. Heading into the holiday shopping season, the rise was not unexpected, as the Monitor reported similar increases during this time over the last three years. Nineteen percent plan to spend less next month, down 2 points from October and 1-point from a year ago.

But consumers’ discretionary spending intentions are more upbeat compared to last year. In 2009, half of consumers went into December looking to cut discretionary spending. This year, many of them plan to either spend the same or more on discretionary purchases in the following areas:

• Going out to dinner or the movies: 51 percent plan to spend the same or more next month, a 5-point increase from 2009. 47 percent plan to spend less next month, down 3 points from a year ago.
• Home improvements: 47 percent plan to spend the same or more, up 4 points from last year. 48 percent plan to spend less, down 4 points.
• Vacation or gym membership: 51 percent plan to spend the same or more, up 5 points from 2009. 46 percent plan to spend less, down 4 points.

“Consumer confidence in the economy and their personal finances is significantly better than a year ago,” said Julie Loeger, senior vice president of brand and product management for Discover. “Their improved economic and financial outlook has resulted in far fewer consumers planning to cut their discretionary spending this year compared to 2009, encouraging news for retailers this holiday shopping season.”

49% Have Money Left Over After Paying Monthly Bills

Better views from consumers about their personal finances may have to do with the fact that for the first time in four months, more consumers have money left over in their budgets after paying monthly bills. Forty-nine percent said they had money left over, tying a Monitor high for 2010. However, November marked the 20^th consecutive month this number has been below 50 percent.

Eighty percent of those who do have money left over after paying monthly bills planned on having the same or more money left over than the previous month, the fourth straight month this number has equaled or topped 80 percent.

For the first time in five months, the Monitor reported an increase in the number of consumers expecting an income shortfall. The number reached 40 percent in November, rising 3 points from the previous month. In all likelihood, this is due to tighter budgets during the holiday shopping season. A similar rise was reported heading into the holiday shopping season last year.

For more Discover U.S. Spending Monitor survey data, charts and information, please visit www.discoverfinancial.com/surveys/spending.shtml.

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Remember the fuss a couple years ago when online travel was gaining momentum over traditional brick and mortar? Today, Expedia books more travel than any other agency – traditional or otherwise. As well, four of the top ten travel agencies are online booking engines, booking more the $51 BILLION in travel in 2009 combined.

Today we see retail gaining momentum within the online arena.

Last week, data from Coremetrics, an IBM Company was released to the public – announcing that online sales in the United States were up 19.4% compared to last year’s Cyber Monday event. Web sales were also estimated to be 31.1% higher than Black Friday, three days earlier, making this past Cyber Monday the biggest online shopping day of the year.

John Squire, of Coremetrics stated that Internet shopping last Monday was highlighted by major retailers offering free shipping and other aggressive discounts to lure consumers.

“Consumers this year appear much more willing to open their wallets and are turning to online stores for the convenience of shopping wherever and whenever they like,” he said. “Retailers have done an exceptional job across the board of appealing to consumers with highly personalized promotions and a slew of free shipping promotions”.

The average order value (AOV) online was also up from $180.03 to $194.89 for an increase of 8.3 percent. (The largest jump by the way was 2009 with the average order jumping from $130 in 2008 to $180 in 2009.) Consumers flocked online a week ago, with shopping momentum not only being maintained throughout the day, but had stronger momentum all day compared to Cyber Monday just one year earlier.

Social Media is also making an impact according to the report:

The growing trend of consumers using their networks on social sites for information about deals and inventory levels continued on Cyber Monday. While the percentage of visitors arriving from social network sites is fairly small relative to all online visitors — nearly 1 percent — it is gaining momentum, with Facebook dominating the space.

ZamFest ring a bell for anyone? If you were on line at all last weekend, it seemed as if everyone was talking about the deals found online. Facebook, Twitter, even e-mail campaigns that flooded our in-box from merchants ready and willing to service eager shoppers.

During the Holiday’s in 2009, online spending jumped from just 6% to 12% and did not decrease afterward. If this trend continues into 2011 like it did in 2010, look for online sales to maintain between 15% and 20% of all retail spending.

And here we are…ahead of the paradigm shift yet again. I’ve got to hand it to the Founders of our Company. True visionaries who always appear to be ahead of the curve before major shifts and trends start popping up. They did it with A.L. Williams – then YTB Travel – and now it looks like ZamZuu is destined to hit the same high marks.

Travel has always been my first love – and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity YTB gave me when everyone else in the travel industry didn’t give me the time of day. Now I’m involved in a new stream of revenue that increases the opportunity and income just by hanging around winners. I’ve been partnered with Affiliate Programs for years, referring products for years. (Long before ZamZuu.) This program not only expands the merchants, but manages hundreds of stores under a single umbrella.

You’ve got to love it – especially when you understand and can appreciate the kind of Founders that run this company. Smart, insightful, and extremely motivational.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Why would you? They give new meaning to the words “Happy Holiday’s”.

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Shopping for that perfect holiday gift?

What do you get for the person who has EVERYTHING?

What about the person that’s SO hard to shop for?

Have I got a stocking stuffer for you!

It’s that time of year again! Carnival Cruise Gift Certificates are available NOW through December 31, 2010.

Gift Certificates are a great way to save now, and cruise later. It also provides an opportunity for you decide on your own what cruise you might like, or even when you want to go over the next 18 months.

It’s your cruise right?

All Gift Certificates can be upgraded to ANY cruise of choice. Simply pay the difference. We have a certificate valid for a 3-4 day for two, but want to take the entire family on a 7 day this spring. The Promotions Department at Carnival will be extremely accommodating for any upgrade and use what you have to fulfill your dream cruise.

We’ve sold these certificates the last couple of years and they’re a HUGE HIT for just about anyone.

• Parents, Relatives & Close Friends
• Teacher & Administrator Holiday Gifts
• Holiday Party Giveaways
• Chamber of Commerce Luncheons
• Retirement gifts for years of service
• Great alternative to year end cash bonus!

Certificates range from 3 – 8 day sailings and are valid for 2 guests sharing a stateroom and start at just $518 for both guests!

*This price is for a 3 day cruise certificate on selected ships only, in an interior category 4A stateroom for Fall sailings only (9/1/11 – 12/16/11) and does not include Government Fees, taxes or gratuities. Ocean view and balcony certificates are available at an additional cost. Full payment is due at the time the certificate is sold.

Certificates will be customized with the name of the person buying the gift. Recipient can pay to upgrade the certificate for higher cabin categories, additional days of cruising or for travel outside of the Fall travel period. No minimum purchase required. Certificate is valid for 18 months unless otherwise required by law.

Regardless if you’re a seasoned cruise veteran like us, or a first timer, a 100,000 ton cruise ship could be the most unique stocking stuffer your special someone has ever seen.

Bon Voyage!

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A couple weeks ago we kicked off the Christmas Shopping Season with ZamFest. In that report, we linked to a chart provided by ZippyCart.com that expected that almost half (49%) off all holiday shoppers plan to shop online. (Up from 42% a year ago.)

Online retailers are in FULL SWING this Holiday Season to capture the increase of online shoppers. I have two folders in Outlook that collect e-mails from retailers. One for retailers I’ve spent money with online – and one from retailers I’ve made money with online. If I didn’t corral the massive amount of promotional e-mails into these folders, they’d overtake my e-mail account. The massive amount of solicitations from retailers is overwhelming as they all try to convince you that they have the best deals this Holiday Season.

While I haven’t been able to read every single promotion, I’ve yet to see one that mentions standing in line at the store during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. In fact, many of them point out that the line connected to Internet is not only shorter, but offers a larger selection, and is cheaper to boot.

To take advantage of the increase of online shoppers ZamFest is back for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Now, shoppers can take part in all the fun by joining ZamZuu for a savings spectacular without the long lines. Wearing their pajamas while shopping for deals is actually encouraged during the event when it begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Friday, November 26. The company will begin posting amazing Black Friday Dealz on the ZamZuu Dealz Facebook page.

Personally, I hate shopping and this is a much better alternative for this annual frenzy. The thought of getting tangled up in the chaos of Black Friday is an event I’d rather avoid. Part of it comes from years of working in the retail industry with Gateway (before they closed their stores) and HiFi Buys (before they filed for bankruptcy.) The frenzy – the mess – the extended hours – and the attitudes of shoppers during this time of year did not make my Holiday all that cheerful or jolly.

I know there are shoppers who either camp out all night, or get up way too early to hit the stores before the sun comes up Black Friday to head out to stores. To me, that’s just nuts. Especially when you can shop online and get that same deal in just a few clicks and you’re done. No mad rush, no long lines, and no disappointment that you have to trek to another store when the display has been decimated by crazed shoppers who got there before you did.

No thanks.

Another big push I’m seeing in all these solicitations from retailers is “Cyber Monday”. A growing event over the years that’s designed specifically for Internet shoppers and everyone is getting on board to increase sales, making the most out of the Holiday shopping season. If there’s any doubt that online retailing hasn’t caught on or a significant part of a retailers overall strategy to increase revenue – you don’t need to look any further than annual event.

ZamZuu is also hosting a special Cyber Monday webcast beginning at 12:01 a.m Eastern, Monday, November 29 and rebroadcasting for a full 24 hours of unbelievable deals from ZamZuu. A great opportunity to pick up some great presents with special savings all from the comfort of home.

We did the MAJORITY of our shopping during the same weekend last year and never left the house. We found better inventory, better prices, and a much better atmosphere. (NO CROWDS) These online stores were also open 24/7 so we could shop and buy when at a time that suited us best.

Last year, we had all the kids presents drop shipped to Pittsburgh (Grandma and Grandpas) keeping the presents out of reach from prying eyes! A big plus for us as parents, and the kids where actually surprised last year. (LOL!)

Don’t miss it! These amazing deals are only a couple days away with Black Friday Dealz and the ZamZuu webcast on Cyber Monday!

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Every year there’s a hot product that everyone wants for Christmas. Nobody can really predict ahead of time what it will be until it suddenly comes out of nowhere and everyone is “a buzz” over it. I typically don’t get wrapped up in all the fuss, but I have to admit – this year’s front runner has caught my eye.

Microsoft’s answer to the Wii is the Kinect for Xbox 360 where YOU are the controller. The company predicts that over 5 million units will be sold by the end of this year – and while I’ve never been into computer or console games – one of those units will be under our tree this year.

I had no clue Kinect was even in the works until this past Sunday during my rounds of NFL Football. The commercials on Sunday afternoon  and evening where everywhere. Since my Steelers weren’t playing until last night on Monday Night Football, I spent some time Sunday researching and reading up on this phenomenal technology product. (And like my Steelers – I love my technology!)

Microsoft’s Kinect has a motor, a depth sensors, and RGB camera that makes an additional controller (a physical input device) practically obsolete. When you combine the sensors and camera, all that’s needed is motion-based gesturing for play and navigation. Kinect brings full body play into the mix and it responds remarkable to how you move. If you have to kick, then kick. If you have to jump, then jump.

Reading about it is one thing, but actually trying it is another story. It’s freakish in the way it picks up your every move and it takes a bit of getting used to, but find yourself drawn to how easy it is to interact with. Speaking of interacting – Kinect will also respond to a list of voice commands that are remarkable accurate even in a noisy retail floor. (Which should bode well for a family room with two noisy kids.) Both motion and voice commands are simple to learn and rather intuitive.

It also does live video calls. (Talk about a REALLY big video phone!) Got a friend or family member who’s also got Kinect? Bring them up on the screen and talk live face to face.

From what I’ve read and what I’ve heard from the guys who demoed Kinetic for me, it’s not for the serious gamer – yet. At this point, Kinect is more “family oriented” in its debut of games which would be great for a family like ours, but for Halo fan’s – there’s currently nothing for you at this point.

Want an idea of what Kinect for Xbox 360 can do and how it’s going to bring our family together for more fun? Check out this video below, and you might agree that it needs to be under your tree this Christmas.

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Two weeks ago, YTB and Carnival came to you via the World Wide Web in a special webinar to participate in CLIA’s annual World’s Largest Cruise Night.

This week ZamZuu brings ZamFest to the World Wide Web in preparation for the holiday shopping season.

If you’re thinking it’s a little early to be promoting holiday shopping, you might not be aware of what retailers are doing. Last year more than 40% of all retailers had already started their online promotions by this time last year. Another 29% started their online promotions right after after Halloween.

Just last week, the Birmingham Business Journal reported that online retailers are expecting a 15 percent increase in sales this holiday season. The report looks almost identical to last year’s early promotional models – with an even bigger increase (an 11% jump) of marketing holiday items next week.

(What ever happened to “Black Friday” as the start of the holiday shopping season?)

Truth is, the Internet has changed the way we shop. The Business Journal report quoted Fiona Swerdlow, of NRF’s Shop.org:

“Retailers continue to see the web as a bright spot in the industry and are putting the finishing touches on new site features so their customers will have good experiences when shopping online this holiday season,” said Fiona Swerdlow, head of research for the NRF’s Shop.org. “In addition to using websites to bring in sales, retailers are leveraging the Internet to encourage shoppers to head to nearby stores, featuring store locator information, product availability and store circulars on their websites.”

That’s exactly what ZamZuu does, it leverages the Internet with ZamFest beginning tonight, Tuesday October, 26th and runs through Thursday October 28th from the comfort of your own home on ZamZuuTV.com.

ZamZuu’s national webcast event is the perfect opportunity to showcase all the amazing products available on the ZamZuu Product Distribution System. From Featured Stores to specific deals in the cash back affiliate network, you can get a good start on your holiday shopping and take advantage of all these early specials.

Participating is a piece of cake. Just choose a time that’s convenient for you. ZamZuu will be broadcasting starting tonight at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, and we’ll continue to broadcast through Thursday, October 28, 2010! (ZamZuu has secured deals that are good for all three days!) Just tune in to the webcast by visiting ZamZuuTV.com and see some great ideas and deals to get your holiday shopping off to a great start.

According to the chart provided by ZippyCart.com it’s expected that almost half (49%) off all holiday shoppers plan to shop online. (Up from 42% a year ago.) And why not? It’s far more convenient being open 24/7, much easier to compare prices, over 80% off online retailers will be offering free shipping offers, along with additional savings on taxes.

Not hard to figure out that this is big business!

If you’re really smart (or business minded) you might consider getting in on this action yourself. ZamZuu has an option for that as well with a FREE shopping and travel site of your own – earning 30% of the commissions earned not just for the holiday’s – but all year long. You’ll earn commissions on sales for yourself, and be able to offer cash back to your customers. There’s really no better time to get started than right now with the massive amount of specials and attention focused on “e-commerce” this holiday season.

Seriously – you could sign up now and be in business for yourself in time to send out invitations to ZamFest yourself and start making money from your own site – no strings attached – no hidden costs – no bull.

It’s up to you – but either way you need to take advantage of the market shift from “Brick and Mortar” to “Click and Order”. (Or at least check it out to find out what all the fuss is about.)

Hope to see you online this week with ZamFest!

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