There's nothing like the satisfaction of giving the perfect gift to someone you love. But holiday shopping for friends and family can be stressful, especially if you wait until the last minute. Start your shopping early, pay attention to what your recipients have on their wish lists, and follow these tips for a painless holiday shopping season.

Surf before you shop

The Internet is a powerful tool in eliminating the headache of holiday gift shopping. By creating a list and scoping out potential gift ideas online before hitting the stores, shoppers can cut back on time spent wandering aimlessly through aisles, overwhelmed by the choices. Cruising the Internet can also help you explore your options and come up with unique gift ideas that will break out of the clutter.

"By featuring key footwear styles online, we offer customers a chance to fully explore our products before they head to the stores," said A.T. Payne, vice president and general manager for Harley-Davidson Footwear at Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Do your research and create a list, and you could get it all done in one or two shopping excursions. With the high cost of fuel and dreaded overcrowded parking lots, less time shopping means less frustration.

Gifts with attitude

If the thought of giving reindeer sweaters and fruitcakes bores you to tears, think outside the box this year. You can't go wrong with something unique and fashionable, like a great pair of boots for the season. In 2005, total women's boot sales (a market exceeding $3 billion) increased 15 percent from 2004, according to global market research firm The NPD Group. Boots of all varieties made their way down the runway this fall, from feminine ankle bootees to edgier mid-calf leather boots paired with tights.

"Boots are not just made for walking these days, and they are no longer just a wardrobe accessory," said Marshal Cohen, author and NPD chief industry analyst, The NPD Group. "Today, boots have become a fashion statement. Women are investing in boots and using them in a variety of ways, for work and for play."

Holiday shoppers may not generally think to give footwear as a gift, but they should, according to Payne."By planning ahead and finding out what sizes to buy, people can give a unique and cool gift," Payne said.

No worries, and have fun

If you don't give the perfect gift, don't worry. Most stores will offer returns or store credit on unused items. Check company policies before purchasing so there aren't any surprises if you need to make exchanges. Also, to aid in easy returns, be sure to ask for a gift receipt. Above all, have fun! Giving gifts should be an enjoyable experience and not leave you stressed.

For additional gift ideas, visit Harley-Davidson Footwear's Web site at www.stepintoalegend.com.

(ARA) - To make the most of your family dinners or parties make sure you show up with a delicious treat that everyone is sure to enjoy!

Treat your loved ones to unique desserts that will stand apart from the crowd.   The secret to success is to offer delicious goodies made with time-saving ingredients.  Here are some recipes you may want to try:

* Apple Butter Cheesecake

Crust:

1 1/2 cups crushed ginger snaps

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

Cheesecake:

2 pounds cream cheese

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 cups sugar

1 cup sour cream

5 medium eggs

1 1/2 cups MUSSELMAN'S APPLE BUTTER

3/4 cup butter, melted

Directions: In a small bowl, combine crushed ginger snaps, sugar, and melted butter. Blend well. Press the crust with a spoon into a 10-inch spring form pan. Make sure to cover the bottom and the sides evenly. Bake the crust at 350 degrees for 8 to10 minutes, and then let it cool.
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and dry ingredients until smooth. Add sour cream to the mixture. Beat in the eggs. Add MUSSELMAN'S APPLE BUTTER and butter, and beat until smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared ginger snap crust. Bake at 350 degrees in a water bath for about 2 hours.

* Apple Sauce Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 3/4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cloves

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup raisins

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup MUSSELMAN'S APPLE SAUCE

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Cream shortening and sugar.  Add egg and mix well. Stir together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices. Stir in raisins and rolled oats. Add dry ingredients alternately with MUSSELMAN'S APPLE SAUCE to creamed mixture. Chill in refrigerator at least one hour before baking. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

* Cherry Coconut Squares

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup margarine

1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 bag (7 ounces) sweetened, shredded coconut

1 can (21 ounces) LUCKY LEAF CHERRY PIE FILLING

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Cream sugar and butter. Sift flour and salt together, and then add to creamed mixture. Mix in coconut.  Pack 1/2 of this mixture into a greased 9-inch square pan.  Spread LUCKY LEAF CHERRY PIE FILLING on top. Put remaining crumb mixture on top of pie filling. Pat down firmly.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.  When cool, cut into 16 squares.

For more delicious recipes, visit Knouse Foods, the home of MUSSELMAN'S APPLE SAUCE, MUSSELMAN'S APPLE BUTTER and LUCKY LEAF PIE FILLING at www.knouse.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

(ARA) - This summer, did you watch with envy as your neighbor or co-worker headed out on their boat each weekend? You're not the only one ready to go boating. The boating population grew to an estimated 71.3 million participants this past year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). With many Americans discovering why life is better on a boat, this year's boat show season may be one of the busiest.

With winter months approaching, boating and outdoor enthusiasts know this is prime time to visit local boat shows. These shows are an ideal opportunity to find and compare some of the best prices of the year to make the most qualified purchase before boating season is back in full swing.

"Boat shows offer one-stop shopping for first time and experienced boat buyers and there are a few key points to keep in mind when purchasing a boat," said Carl Blackwell, spokesperson for Discover Boating. "Boating is more accessible and affordable than some may think, especially when you consider there are brand new boat, motor and trailer packages that can be financed starting around $250 a month."

With boats for every lifestyle and budget on the market, first-time buyers should do their homework prior to hitting the show floor. Discover Boating, a public awareness program on behalf of the recreational boating industry, offers the following advice for those considering getting started in boating:

Consider usage. When deciding on a boat, ask yourself what you want to do with it -- fishing, waterskiing or cruising? Where will you be boating -- lake, river or ocean? Who will be joining you? Research has shown that most people get involved in boating to spend quality time with family and friends and nearly 90 percent of Americans live within an hour's drive of a navigable body of water.

Consult the experts. Seek out advice and information on a variety of boats and price points to help narrow down your decision. DiscoverBoating.com is a great unbiased resource for tips and information on all boat categories, as well as financing, insurance and a calendar of boat shows. There's also a virtual expert where visitors can ask questions about boating and related topics and can get an answer by close of the next business day.

Build a budget. More than 76 percent of boats on the water today are owned by individuals or families with a household income under $100,000. There are brands and price points to fit individual needs. Before actively looking, determine how much you want to spend so a dealer can recommend models in your price range.

Size it up. Determine what boat size will meet your needs. Consider 95 percent of powerboats in the United States are less than 26 feet in length. When getting started in boating, consider a smaller boat for easy transport if you plan to frequently trailer your boat. If you decide on a larger boat, there are more than 12,000 marinas and nearly 875,000 slips nationwide for in-season docking.

Buy smart. Look for boats and yachts with the NMMA Certified label. Buying certified boats from certified dealers helps ensure boating safety and satisfaction. Certification is designed to help boat manufacturers comply with industry boating safety and construction standards and all federal regulations. For more information on certified boats and dealers in your area, visit DiscoverBoating.com/buying.

(ARA) - The holiday season brings with it a sense of family, giving and -- of course -- holiday food favorites! How many recipes do you have that are always a holiday entertaining hit with friends and family? Athens Foods invites you to celebrate your recipe creations by entering its Mini Fillo Shells Holiday Recipe Contest, which features a $5,000 Grand Prize.

Athens Foods is currently accepting recipes in two different categories:  Appetizers and Desserts.  There is no cost to enter the contest and no limit to the number of recipes you may enter.  All entries must be original and include one package (15-count) of Athens traditional Mini Fillo Shells, which can be found at your local grocery store, as an ingredient.   Mailed entries must be postmarked by December 29, 2006 and online entries must be received by midnight EST on December 29, 2006.  Entry forms and complete contest rules are available at www.athens.com.

"The holidays are a perfect time to bring old and new traditions into the spotlight," states Athens Foods chairman, Eric Moscahlaidis.  "This recipe contest is a way for Athens Foods to show our appreciation for, and celebrate with, fillo lovers across the country."

There will be one $5,000 Grand Prize winner and two $1,000 First Prize winners, one for each of the two recipe categories. Winners will be announced on or before March 1, 2007 and winners' names and recipes will appear on the Athens Foods Web site at www.athens.com.

For more information on the Athens Mini Fillo Shells Holiday Recipe Contest or to enter online, please visit www.athens.com.

About Athens Foods Mini Fillo Shells

Athens Mini Fillo Shells are fully baked and contain no trans fat and no cholesterol.  They can be thawed, filled and served, or filled, rebaked and served.  Athens Mini Fillo Shells can be found in the grocer's freezer section near pastries and desserts.  For more information on Athens' products and a free recipe book, please visit www.athens.com.

About Athens Foods

Athens is the world's largest producer of fillo dough and fillo products. With over 45 years of experience in perfecting fillo, Athens is committed to continually creating new recipes, high-quality hors d'oeuvres, handmade desserts and a full array of fillo delicacies.  For more information about Athens Foods and its products, visit www.athens.com or call (800) 837-5683.

Copyright © 2006, ARA Content

When it comes to choosing wine to serve at your holiday celebration keep this in mind: the spirits you serve should complement the spirit of the occasion. You probably wouldn't serve whiskey shots at the family holiday dinner, nor fruit punch at your adults-only New Year's bash. Learning a little about wine can help you make the right choice for your party.

"Because of its diverse varieties and flavors, wine is a great for virtually every holiday celebration," says wine aficionado Bruce Boring, co-founder of the California Wine Club. "You can find a wine to complement every holiday occasion, from a family gathering to a sophisticated evening soiree, or even your neighborhood cookie-baking party."

Here's how to make the right wine choice for your holiday celebrations this season:

* Yes, you can serve red wine with turkey and all the trimmings. "When choosing a wine to go with your traditional holiday feast, keep the cranberry in mind," says Boring. "Cranberry sauce complements both the dark and white meat of turkey. Choose your wines based on its flavors, and go with cooler climate varietals such as Pinot Noir, Burgundy or Beaujolais for reds, and Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris or even Riesling for whites."

For "can't-go-wrong" pairings at a family gathering, try a Pinot Noir or Riesling. Pinot Noir is one of the most luscious and food-friendly dry red wines. Riesling pairs well with a wide variety of flavors, making it a natural at the dinner table.

* Whether your guests wear basic black or festive holiday colors, a sophisticated, appetizer only party is the perfect time to break out the bubbly - the finer the better. Domaine Carneros (known for making some of California's best sparkling wines) is a great way to salute the holidays. Fizzy, festive and fun, sparkling wine is a natural partner to upscale appetizers, from bacon-wrapped scallops to caviar on blini pancakes.

* Spice up your neighborhood's annual cookie baking and exchange party with just the right wine. Serve Reislings or Gewurtztraminers to complement fruit-flavored or fruit-filled cookies. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon or Port would complement cookies made with dark chocolate. Since it's important to keep your wits about you while you're measuring cups of sugar and teaspoons of vanilla, try a wine that's lower in alcohol content, such as the intensely sweet and peachy Moscato d'Asti from Northeastern Italy. For a unique domestic white, try the 2004 Foxy White Table Wine from KitFox Vineyards.

* For unexpected drop-in guests, hold off on the pricey wine in favor of a lighter sparkling wine, like Prosecco. Crisp and frothy, the wine says "fun" with a distinctly Italian accent.

* Still concerned about choosing just the right wine for every holiday occasion? Consider joining a wine club that can help you make informed wine decisions. California Wine Club, for example, spotlights two new wines from small, family wineries in California every month.

Members also receive the club's magazine, "Uncorked," which provides information on the featured wines, seasonally appropriate recipes for foods that pair well with the featured wines, wine education articles and background on the vintners. There is no fee to join, and you pay only the monthly cost of the wines, which ranges from as little as $32.95 for a beginner's level Premier Club membership, up to $180 for the Signature Club that caters to true connoisseurs and collectors. Members receive discounts for buying three, six, nine or 12-month memberships in advance, but may also opt for a month-to-month membership that can be cancelled at any time without cost or penalty.

A wine club membership is also a great door prize for nearly any holiday party and makes a fun and unique holiday gift for the wine lover on your list. To learn more, call (800) 777-4443 or visit www.cawineclub.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Are you 62 or older and own your own home? Then, you probably qualify for a reverse mortgage.

But, what the heck is it anyway? Well, if you still have a conventional mortgage … or had one until you burned your loan papers … this is simply the reverse of what you have or had.

A reverse mortgage is a loan against the equity in your home. But unlike a typical home equity loan, you never have to make loan payments during the term of the loan.

The loan is not due and payable until you no longer occupies the home as a principal residence. This usually means until you sell the home, move out permanently or die.

For many seniors, home equity is their largest asset. The reverse mortgage allows them to get a lump sum or fixed monthly payments to supplement their lifestyle, make home improvements, pay for long term care or simply pay off existing debts to free up more cash flow.

The amount of money you get from a reverse mortgage depends on your age at the time you apply for the loan, the type of reverse mortgage you choose, the value of your home, current interest rates and, sometimes, where you reside.

The costs associated with a reverse mortgage are similar to those with a conventional mortgage. This includes the origination fee, appraisal, inspection fees, title search and policy, mortgage insurance and other normal closing costs… all of which can be financed as part of the reverse mortgage loan.

All reverse mortagages are non-recourse loans. This means you can never owe (be obligated for) more than the value of your home regardless of the loan balance. The title remains in your name and the lender is only entitled to the amount of the loan balance.

The proceeds from a reverse mortgage do not affect your social security or Medicare benefits.

If you still have a balance on your conventional loan, it must be paid off as part of the application process for the reverse mortgage. This of course would eliminate your current monthly payment.

The most well-known and widely available reverse mortgage is the federally-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). This loan is back by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and can be used for any purpose. It is generally offered by mortgage companies or banks.

bio = Don Adams is a financial consultant who has helped hundreds of families solve problems related to a variety of money matters. More information is available at personal-finance-on-the-net.com.

I’m not a big history buff, but I have found a town full of history that I recommend that everyone visit at least once in their lives. This town is Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It is a town rich in civil war history that is full of historic buildings. It is also a town rich in beauty that sits at the site where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet and is surrounded by hills and trees.

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania that was just a short drive to Harpers Ferry. I would go there often as a day trip, sometimes just to get away from the hustle and bustle of work and school and other times to share the town with friends and family. Every trip I made, I always learned something new about the area or saw something that I hadn’t noticed before.

There is so much to see and do at Harpers Ferry. When you arrive in the town, you will think that you can go through it in about 2 hours and be done. While it is a small town, it is packed full of interesting stores and tours that could easily keep you around for a long weekend. If you visit this town, prepare to arrive early in the morning so that you can take it all in.

Harpers Ferry history includes the site of the famous John Brown’s raid. You can read about the raid and trace the steps of this famous event. This town is also the site of the first integrated high school and the site of the first successful railroad. There are historic homes that you can tour and an old grave yard that contains tomb stones that predate the Civil War. You can use a map to do your own tour or take a guided tour of the area.

If you want to shop, you will find anything from antique stores to stores that sell local arts and crafts. There is a jewelry store that contains beaded and gem jewelry. There are a few restaurants that all have great food and an ice cream parlor that you must visit. Don’t forget to take pictures of yourself with famous people in the wax museum.

Once you have toured the town itself, you can hike the outlying areas. There is an old railroad track that overlooks the rivers. You can hike up to the top of Maryland Heights. You can find walking and driving guides online or at the entrance to the park.

If you are ever in the West Virginia area, I highly recommend that you make a stop in Harpers Ferry. Between the beauty, the history and the shopping, you will find a little something for everything in this quaint town.

bio= Visit us for more Hawii Wisconson Dells or HotelReservations information.

ARA) - People entering retirement today are facing a brave new world. While prior generations relied on pensions and Social Security, new retirees will need to count much more on personal savings and investments, a reality shift that means where money is invested during retirement will need to change.

"For a long time the conventional wisdom was that as one neared and entered retirement, investments should become more conservative and one should increase the amount of a portfolio invested in bonds," said Russell Swansen, senior vice president and chief investment officer for Thrivent Financial. "Given the longer life spans of today's retirees, one actually needs to maintain an adequate amount of stock holdings to provide the growth needed for longer term financial security."

The 76 million baby boomers, the first of whom are now starting to retire, will be more active, live longer and spend more on everything from travel to health care. Factoring in higher medical costs and inflation, these retirees will need assets to continue growing during later years. Instead of just drawing from a pot of money, their money will need to last as long as they live.

The risk of baby boomers outliving their assets is high, according to the 2006 National Retirement Risk Index developed by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. The index shows that even if people retire at age 65, tap into a reverse mortgage, and receive annual distributions from their wealth, 43 percent will be at risk of being unable to maintain their pre-retirement standard of living in retirement.

The financial services industry is responding to the very real problem of retirees potentially outliving their savings by creating investment vehicles that provide stability of income plus market growth potential to make money last longer. One example is the Thrivent Diversified Income Plus Fund, which includes all of the most important income-producing asset classes - high yield bonds, dividend-paying stocks, real estate investment trust equities and investment-grade bonds - in one investment option.

By investing in mutual funds that actively change the investment mix based on market conditions, retirees have a better opportunity to overcome the invisible risks that can erode their retirement savings. These risks, unlike the ups and downs of the market, often go undetected, and include inflation, being overly conservative and not rebalancing one's portfolio on a regular basis.

Baby boomers are increasingly aware of the possible perils of retirement. According to research conducted by Harris Interactive, the number one fear of retirement for baby boomers is affording health care (53 percent). Other major concerns are contracting a major illness or having to be in a nursing home. Not having enough money was a fear of 45 percent of respondents, while 35 percent feared outliving their money.

While some of these fears may be unavoidable, financial worries need not be one of them. Retirees have a better shot at ensuring retirement indeed is golden if they plan ahead as well as identify and manage risks. As with any financial decision, investors should consult a qualified financial professional. For more information, visit www.thrivent.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Play Board Games and Have Fun
during the Million Minute Family Challenge™

Patch Products has announced the start of the sixth annual Million Minute Family Challenge™ and is encouraging people across the nation to play board games for the next four months to log a total of 1 million minutes.

Patch, a leading manufacturer of board and card games, sponsors the Million Minute Family Challenge every year to encourage interaction and communication among family and friends by playing board games. One million minutes—or nearly 695 days—might seem like a lofty goal. But if 1,000 families, groups or organizations in each of the 50 states play a board game for 20 minutes, that’s 1,000,000 minutes.

The sixth annual challenge starts Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 31. Thousands of game players from across the country participated last year, logging a total of 1,004,294 minutes. Players represented 45 of the 50 states; only Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada and South Dakota didn’t log any game minutes. California posted the highest total—157,548 game-playing minutes.

This year’s supporters who help bring awareness to the Million Minute Family Challenge include KOA, National Games Week, Great Wolf Lodge, Blue Harbor Resort, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and iParenting Media.

Everyone can participate by playing games and logging minutes at www.millionminute.com. The Web site is filled with fun ideas about how to participate, games to play and educational information including the benefits
of family time, the history of games, and how to use games in the classroom.

“When friends or family plays games together, everyone has a healthy, productive and enjoyable time. Everyone benefits!” said Stevanne Auerbach, speaker, author and consultant known as Dr. Toy. “Most of all, everyone enjoys those special game times and taking things a little slower than going all the time at the speed of light.”

Even with the emergence of high-tech options, board games have remained a popular form of family entertainment since the first one was played in 1843.

“Playing games with children not only helps them learn, but it can help parents learn a lot about their kids,’’ said Lisa Wuennemann, director of marketing at Patch Products. “Moms and dads can assess skill development—such as color, shape and letter recognition—as well as build social skills like competitiveness, patience and diplomacy.”

If your family, group or organization is interested in being recognized as a Million Minute Family Challenge Participating Group, send an e-mail to bethm@patchproducts.com . Participating Groups are committed to playing games monthly and logging their group minutes online.

Patch Products, headquartered in Beloit, Wis., is a leading manufacturer and marketer of family entertainment products. Board games, card games, puzzles and foam sports toys are the core product lines. For more information, visit www.patchproducts.com.