New Year's Resolutions!

Whenever the New Year rolls around, we all like to think about the past year and reflect on the changes we want to make for the upcoming year.  And year after year, we find the same resolutions on our lists.  The key is to follow through!

Here are a few tips from Friends and Family Circle to help you make the most of 2011!



CREATE A PLAN: In order for your resolution to be resolved, you must have clear steps that can be put into action!  What are all the steps required to complete your goal?

BE REALISTIC: You've made your list. You're pumped! Then January rolls around and after the first few days, you forget about it. Don't make your goals unattainable - that's the surest way to fall short of achieving them!

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS: Small successes keep you motivated.  Keep track of them and reward yourself!  Beware: That doesn't mean indulge in a double-scoop hot fudge sundae when you're trying to cut dairy out of your diet!

THINK "YEAR ROUND": You set your resolutions in a day, but it will take many small steps to accomplish them. Slow and steady wins the race!

BE FLEXIBLE: Things change - and you need flexibility to complete even the smallest goals.  Sometimes the goals themselves change!  If your resolution isn't going the way you like, start over! You can make resolutions at any time of the year.  The most important thing is to stick to it and keep trying!

Friends and Family Circle wishes you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Holiday Traditions Around The World!

With Christmas right around the corner, Friends and Family Circle thought it'd be fun to take a look at a few holiday traditions around the world!

Although customs vary and secular observances now play a part in the celebration, Christmas has always been a religious holiday.  Therefore, it is celebrated predominantly in countries where Christianity is a significant religion.

Feliz Navidad! In Mexico, they start their festivities on December 16.  For the nine nights before Christmas, families attend parties, or "posadas" as they call it.  On Christmas Eve, the largest posada of all is held.  At midnight, people go to church, and that is followed by a large feast.  At times, gifts are exchanged at church, but children often wait until King's Day (January 6) to receive gifts!

Japan is not a predominantly Christian country, but Christmas has become a secular holiday that many Japanese people enjoy. Homes are decorated with evergreens, special meals are prepared, and Christmas songs sung. Some even get special visits from Hoteisho (Santa)!

The customs followed by the people of Africa are widely varied.   In Ethiopia, children get up early to be at 4:00 am church services. In Ghana, on Africa's west coast, most churches herald the coming of Christmas by decorating the church and homes beginning with the first week in Advent, four weeks before Christmas. In Cape Town, South Africa, most families get together at home or on the beach. How's that for Christmas weather?!

In Brazil, Christmas arrives at the beginning of summer. There is no snow, cold, or need to bundle up, but in spite of the heat, Santa Claus known here as "Papai Noel" wears the traditional red and white suit.  The celebration runs from December 25th to January 6th (Three Kings' Day), lasting 12 days!

Most of the activities in England center around church celebrations. Christmas caroling and Christmas plays and stories are favorites of the holiday season. Christmas trees are very popular, however instead of cutting them down, people dig them up along with some soil, and keep them in a large tub - pretty cool!

Christmas in Australia is usually very HOT!  It is not unusual for temperatures to reach near 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Christmas Day!  A traditional meal includes a turkey dinner, with ham, and pork. A flaming Christmas plum pudding or mince pies are added for dessert. Sounds delicious!

We hope you've enjoyed this mini-trip around the globe for the holidays.  Though celebrated in various ways, the holidays are a joyous occasion for EVERYONE all around the world!

Tracking The Trend: Winter Snow Boots

You’ve been hit by that first blast of snow, gusting winds, and freezing weather.  You can hardly feel your fingers and struggle to see ahead of you as you trudge through this white wonderland.  Don’t let your sense of style fall down a slippery slope – Friends and Family Circle is here to help!  There are certainly enough stylish snow boots around to keep your feet dry and warm!

There are some of us who wander through piles of snow in flimsy footwear only to go back home with soaked toes!  But you know better.  A smart fashionista dresses appropriately for the weather and looks great doing it!

High-heel snow boots. Yes, you heard right.  Nobody would ever look for snow boots with heels, you say? Oh yes, they would.



 

Now those may not be the style of boots you want to wear for those nasty winter days (or ever), but you can make walking through the snow look fashionable with a pair of wedge heel boots from La Canadienne.  Very stylish and guaranteed waterproof, you'll look chic going from a business meeting to an evening dinner.

If the ground is a little slushy, you want to go for a boot with great traction - not necessarily a heavy-duty snow boot.  UGG's Liberty boot is excellent!  It has sheepskin sock liners and gives you a rugged look!






When the weather gets really cold, icky and out of control, take no chances!  The Sorel Glacier will keep you warm, and features a built-in gator to lock out snow, keeping your feet dry through even the deepest drifts.







When it comes to winter boots, women have loads of options.  And no matter your heel preference or signature style,  there's plenty to choose from!

Tracking The Trend: Holiday Party Attire

The holiday season is in full swing! Holiday party invites are being printed. And Friends and Family Circle is here to make sure you don't turn down an opportunity to look fabulous with our style guide on looking your best this season!

Ladies, try carrying a small colored purse to daytime events or a sparkly clutch for evening parties.  These work  best with a one-colored outfit and a scarf to complete your look!  Want to make a dress in your closet go from basic to festive? A  piece of statement jewelry will do the trick! If you don't have a large piece, you can put together several necklaces - mix silver, gold, and pearls to make a UNIQUE necklace!

Want to make your outfit instantly look more expensive? Wear faux-fur! A tasteful, tailored vest cinched in at the waist with a belt adds elegance to an evening look.  This season, there's a resurgence of animal print! Let your inner tigress shine with animal print accessories.  Animal print pumps can dress up your little black dress.  Or update a simple skirt and top with a skinny, leopard-print belt!

Now on to the guys! Fellas, luckily, you don't need to get as "fancy" as the ladies for the holidays, but you don't want to be boring either! Have fun with fashion and color!  A one-button blazer with fitted jeans is simple, chic and sophisticated.  Go ahead and layer a v-neck or a rich colored dress shirt without the tie.

If you're in more conservative setting, try the new two-buttoned suit silhouette which will spotlight your festive shirt and tie.  And if the invite calls for formal attire, a fitted tuxedo is your best bet! Pair that with a French cuff shirt for a classy and elegant holiday look.

Be stylish and fashion forward this holiday season by incorporating some of these trends into your holiday party look! And before stepping out to the stores, take a look at your closet.  You might find what you need without having to reach into those pockets!

Tracking The Trend: Mineral Makeup + e.l.f. Cosmetics Offer!

Mineral makeup – what’s all the hype about?!  For the last few years, mineral cosmetics have been making waves in the film and fashion industries.  Although it has been around for about three decades, the beauty culture is now becoming more committed to better living!

Today’s deal comes from e.l.f. cosmetics! For $15 get $40 worth of e.l.f. mineral makeup! e.l.f. cosmetics has been featured in top fashion magazines including InStyle, Cosmopolitan and Allure so you know you’re getting great quality at an even better price!

So what makes mineral makeup so AMAZING?

It’s actually GOOD for your skin! Many women suffer from skin conditions like acne and rosacea.  Others have allergies or sensitive skin.  Mineral makeup powder is hypoallergenic and doesn’t contain dyes, preservatives, talc, fragrances or mineral oil which can clog pores and irritate skin.

Mineral makeup feels like no makeup at all!  Regular cosmetics are heavy and sometimes have you feeling like you have on a mask. With mineral makeup, you get a lighter texture so even when you are covering a large area with it, your skin is still able to breathe.

And since Friends and Family Circle is all about saving money, you’ll be happy to know that mineral makeup lasts much longer than regular makeup.  Due to the fact that the ingredients are inorganic, meaning that no preservatives need to be added, the makeup will have a long shelf life!  Just take care of it and always apply the makeup with clean brushes.

Get your flawless finish with e.l.f. mineral makeup, and let your natural beauty radiate through!

STYLE ALERT: Glasses are IN! Get stylish now for 66% less!

Forget contact lenses! Nowadays, even the celebrities are swapping contacts for fashionable frames!  From  Justin Timberlake to Katie Holmes, the famous style icons are making being four-eyed, FASHIONABLE!

So if you're lucky enough to need specs too and want to rock a few cool pairs to change your look depending on your mood, then today's deal is for you!  For $25 you'll receive $75 to put towards your prescription eyeglasses purchase.  At Coastal Contacts, you can customize your designer frame, style, shape and even material!  And with hundreds of your  favorite designers, including, Armani, COACH, Calvin Klein, Gucci and Ray Ban, for under $75, you can buy a few to go with any of your looks!  From sporty to business, classic or cutting-edge, Coastal Contacts has frames for every personality!  Shop smart, and save big at www.friendsandfamilycircle.com.

Turn a Memory into a Treasured Piece of Art...for only $50!!

Looking for the perfect gift for the Grandparents? Want to have a special memory transformed in to a treasured heirloom? We all have special moments in our lives that have been captured on camera, now it's time to turn them in to a one-of-a-kind piece of art!

Today's daily deal helps you accomplish this for less!  66% less to be specific!  For $50, you will receive a $150 certificate to put towards a unique, hand-painted Portrait by Brushstrokes®!  These oil-on-canvas originals come hand signed by the master artist who paints your original piece of art, and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. This is your chance to give a truly unique gift, or to transform your memories in to art, without spending a fortune!  Head over to Friends and Family Circle today to get this great deal and order by December 3rd to make sure you receive your portrait before Christmas.

Black Friday Shopping Tips

'Twas the night before Black Friday
And shoppers galore
Vowed to not shut their eyes
Lest they miss getting to the stores

For the early doorbusters
They wanted to catch
So when those doors opened
They’d be part of the first batch

So they stayed up all night
Clipping through coupons
Mapping out shopping routes
And munching on croutons

But what should they wear?
It’s bound to be hectic
There’ll be tons of people out
So it’s got to be something basic

Like leggings and a cami
Hoping the weather’s not wetter
And just in case it gets chilly
They’ll bring along a sweater

They’re prepared for the lines
Looking forward to the deals
Let’s hope they find time
To fit in a meal!

And when Black Friday ends
They’ll rest until Sunday
Then start prepping again
To catch deals on Cyber Monday!

Black Friday is almost here. Can you feel the anxiety? And the excitement?!   Friends and Family Circle is here to ease your concerns and give you some tips to make this Black Friday a fulfilling experience!

• Arrive Early – You want to be in and out quickly. Maximize your time so you can make it to as many stores as possible!
• Try the Outlets – Outlet stores are usually where the best deals are.  If you can make it out to the outlet shops, you’re in for bigger and better offers!
• Check Online for Deals – It’s important to know in ADVANCE what’s on sale. Is it an all day sale? Or just a few hours in the morning? ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT!
• Dress Comfortably – Leggings and camisole under a sweater are comfortable.  And you can do quick try-ons on the sale floor. Who doesn’t like avoiding fitting room lines?!
• BE SAFE – Black Friday is definitely a busy time.  If you’re driving, make sure your purchases are hidden in your vehicle. Take a friend with you if possible. And if you can, leave the children home!

Happy Black Friday Shopping!

Thanksgiving Traditions

Just two more days until Thanksgiving!  Can you smell the Turkey? The cranberry sauce? We all know the Turkey Day staples.  So that got us thinking about Thanksgiving traditions!  A lot of us have traditions that revolve around food (OF COURSE!).  Others have family traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Here are our Top 5 Thanksgiving Traditions!

1. TURKEY MEAL: Well, that's a no-brainer!  The turkey meal is probably the MOST popular tradition.  Some go for a deep-fried turkey (have a fire extinguisher handy if you go this route), while others choose the vegan option (a Tofu-rkey). Whatever your preference, it's usually served alongside stuffing and sweet cranberry sauce!
2. GIVING THANKS: This is what Thanksgiving is all about!  Before the big meal is served, you go around the table and have each person say what they are thankful for, which gives you an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on everything and start thinking of some resolutions you want to make for next year!
3. BREAKING THE WISHBONE: Ever fought over the "lucky break"? A longstanding tradition is making a wish on the wishbone from the bird.  If you get the piece with the head on it, it's said that your wish will come true!
4. MACY'S DAY PARADE: This annual event is enjoyed by millions of people! The balloons, floats and bands are what make the parade such a huge event that is televised every Thanksgiving!
5. BLACK FRIDAY PREP: Pull out those circulars - it's time to shop!  Once your food has settled, it's time to get together a game plan for Black Friday. The stores open early so many take Thanksgiving evening to prepare and map their routes for early bird specials in the wee hours of the next morning!

Do you follow any of these traditions?  Is there something unique just to your family that you want to share? Remember it's never too late to start a new tradition!  The holidays are fun, take a step back from all the prep and craziness and just enjoy what is really important, being with family and friends!!

Today's Daily Deal: The World at your Fingertips for only $10!!

It’s Friday! You know what that means? You are only a few hours away from a happy hour, two days of no alarm clock, AND a NEW Friends and Family Circle deal!!!  (we know this last one is what you're really excited about!).

For ONLY $10, you can get a 10 Week Subscription of USA TODAY; or get a 25-week subscription for $49!  That's up to 80% off the newsstand price and it makes a perfect holiday gift for almost everyone! The businessman wanting to keep up with their stocks and trades; the sports fanatic who wants to stay on top of their favorite teams and easily track their fantasy football league with the free e-zine that comes with each subscription; the world traveler who wants to know what new, exotic location to visit next...you get the idea, just about everyone on your list!  Subscriptions start immediately so once you purchase, all you have to do is...well nothing!  Your first issue will arrive in 3-4 weeks and you can begin being in the know!  Who needs to keep up with the Jones' when you are already one step ahead of them!

Gift Ideas Sprinkled with Creativity

You love holiday shopping! But there’s always that one person.  The best friend who has everything.  The boss who can never be impressed.  Someone you just started dating and you don't want to send the wrong message. Well don't get nervous, Friends and Family Circle is here to help! Here are some great ideas to help get your creativity gears rollin' before you hit the Black Friday sales that are just around the corner!!!!

If you're gift-hunting for someone loves business, politics and the like, you may want to buy them a subscription to a publication that covers these topics. A subscription to Bloomberg Businessweek or USA Today shows you understand their interests and with various subscription options, it really is the gift that keeps on giving!

What about that friend who's a sports fanatic? Consider a gift certificate to help them better their game - if they're in to sailing, look into weekend charter courses, in to golf, maybe a lesson with a Pro!  A simple Google search will return lots of local options in your area, and it again shows you know and understand them!

Have a boss with an indescribable taste palette when it comes to wine or whiskey? How about an old bottle of one of their favorites?  They'll be very impressed!  Dress it up in a gift basket and add some pairings such as nuts, cheeses, cigars, etc.  This lets you decide how much you want to spend, and helps you put something together quickly that shows A LOT of thought!

You want your gift to be memorable. With a little thought and a sprinkle of creativity, you can give the gift that gets the right reaction, and sends the right message!  You don't have to spend a lot to show how much you care!

50% Off at MrsFields.com!

Its here! That scrumdiddlyumptious deal we've been talking about is finally here! Purchase your voucher NOW and receive  50% off at MrsFields.com. For only $15, you'll get $30 worth of treats from one of the most recognizable names in baked goods. That's right - $30 worth of yummy goodies!  Pick up something for the Thanksgiving dinner table... or your secret cookie jar stash!

This SWEET deal won't last forever so head over to Friends and Family Circle to retrieve your coupon!  You only have THIS WEEKEND to get in on the goods!!  Saving money never tasted so delicious!

Holiday Host Gift-Giving Tips

Guess what? It’s November.  That means holiday party invites will be rolling out any time now!  Whether you’re heading over to Grandma’s house or your BFF’s apartment, don’t show up empty handed! It’s never too early to start preparing for holiday parties.

Firstly, it’s important to KNOW your host. For example, don’t show up with a bottle of wine if your host doesn’t drink alcohol!  Go for something fun and creative that any host or hostess will love! The best gifts are the ones that stand out because of their unique and personal touch.  Try a gift basket of goodies like freshly baked cookies and a chocolate candy assortment with things like truffles and toffees.

Say your host doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but you still want to the get them something edible - try an assortment of teas or hot chocolates!  These goodies are festive and can be sipped by the fireside during the holidays. 

Aromatherapy gifts are great gifting ideas and a welcome alternative to cookies and candies.  Just make sure your products use all natural fragrances, just in case your host has a sensitive nose.

While you shop for the perfect gift, choose something that is not too personal, but not too generic either.  Remember: A holiday party is NOT complete until you’ve picked out the right gift for your host!

Check in with us tomorrow for a deal that may make the task of deciding on a gift a little bit more delicious!

Oops... We're Back !

Whoops! Our blog was down for a little bit but we're back in business! Did you miss us? Because we missed YOU!

We launched our first deal this past Friday. For $10, people received $20 worth of beauty products from Trade Secret or Beauty Express! Cool, right? If you missed that, we've got something to lift your spirits. There's a pretty SWEET deal coming to you this Friday. Trust us, you DON'T want to miss it.

How do you like your treats? Crunchy? Chocolaty? Salty? Peanut-Buttery with a hint of Caramel? Or maybe topped with frosting? In an assortment of colors? All of the above? Our mouths are watering just thinking about what's to come! Just two more days until we give you a deal you can sink your teeth into!!!

The holiday season is right around the corner so this deal comes at the perfect time. Keep checking in with our blog for updates and don't forget to sign up to receive deals from Friends and Family Circle!

Building A Business

Can you believe it? After months of developing and planning for Friends and Family Circle, we’re finally launching – and we couldn’t be more excited!

Some of you may be wondering how Friends and Family Circle came about. With all the social buying sites out there, why start up another? For one, we don’t think people EVER get tired of saving money! But really, it was something we were passionate about. 

Friends and Family Circle is a company under Datran Media, a leading digital marketing company. That being the case, we already had a great relationship with top national brands and a huge group of email subscribers, so we were positioned to be able to deliver the best offers, across the country, not just in major markets.  Everyone likes to save right?  So shouldn't everyone have the chance to get a great deal even if they don't live in New York, Chicago or LA?  We think so.  

We started the process of developing Friends and Family Circle this past Spring. What you see now is significantly different from our original idea, but in a good way. It’s definitely more mature. We had to revamp a bunch of things and we learned a lot in the process. When we started, there wasn’t a lot of market research that existed on social buying sites that dealt primarily with national offers.  There was information available for local sites, but even that was skewed. It was tough in the beginning, but we had to make informed decisions.  We had to ask ourselves, “How do we make this work from a consumer’s standpoint AND a retailer’s standpoint?”  Friends and Family Circle had to be something that worked for everyone.

So we got a bunch of teams on the project.  The creative crew worked tirelessly on developing our branding– logo and all.  HTML coders made sure that whatever the creative team was working on worked across multiple platforms. Technical engineers worked on the website, the e-commerce platform and made sure functionality was in place.  Our legal team checked out our privacy policy and terms of service, making sure consumers and brands were protected. And the sales team did their thing with the brands they managed.

Now we’re a day away from our launch and we’re very proud! For those of you looking to start a business of your own, we’d like to share our top 5 tips!

• Have a clear vision
• Be open to change
• Do your research and establish a clear understanding of the market
• Create a brand that will be recognizable across various channels (online, mobile, etc.) and is unique to your product
• Listen to the experts - you know what you want to do, but listen to those around you who have experience in finance, legal, branding, etc - receiving input and listening to it will indefinitely make your business more successful!

We hope that you’re looking forward to receiving offers that can be used wherever you are. There are deals from some very exciting national brands on the way!

Tracking The Trend: Rain Boots

Rain, rain, go away! The country has had its share of wet weather this year, and unfortunately, there's probably a lot more on the way before 2011 hits. Don't panic. A chic pair of rain boots can bring a little bit of sunshine to a rather gloomy day. For the stormy weather, we say staying fashionably dry is key!

One of our favorite rain boot styles comes from Hunter.  Its tall, slim fit provides a cute look for jumping over those huge puddles! A favorite among college students, these rain boots are simple and practical.

Want a shorter look to the classic rubber rain boot? Check out styles from  Tretorn. You can choose from a variety of colors. And for extra warmth, enjoy a faux fur lining and footbed!

Looking for something a lot edgier? Take a walk on the wild side with a pair of  Chooka rain boots. With just the right amount of buckles and studs, you'll be a rockstar!














This winter will be a cold and wet one. Make sure to grab a pair of stylish rain boots before you get caught in the rain!

Don't forget to check in with Friends and Family Circle daily. We just might have a major deal coming to help you save on the season's hottest footwear!

Friends and Family Circle Launching Soon!

It's no secret - the economy is dismal. And now, more than ever, people want and NEED to save money.  That's where Friends and Family Circle comes in. We are the ONLY social buying site dedicated exclusively to national offers! Our goal is to provide you with insider deals on your favorite brands from coast to coast. So when is your FIRST deal?

NOVEMBER 5th - SAVE THE DATE!

Sign up now at Friends and Family Circle to receive information and offers. Our calendar is quickly filling up with national brands that want to give YOU discounts!  In the meantime, we are working on a snazzy video with great information on what Friends and Family Circle is all about including the amazing charities we have partnered up with!

Are you excited as we are? Save your money now! Shop SMARTER with Friends and Family Circle later! And don't forget to check in with us daily. We will be blogging about our favorite brands, styles, fashion trends and a lot more!