Merchandise Tuesday: Time for a Touchdown!

As summer draws to a close, the dawn of a very important fifth season is upon us – football season! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just go for the tailgating, Hinda’s recent merchandise additions include some great items you’ll want to pick up before you get too engrossed in the season.

i.Sound® 2.4A Car Charger with Lightning Connector

You might be ready for tailgating, but is your technology? The 2.4A Car Charger with Lightning Connector brings you professional audio processing technology in convenient, on-the-go charging. The high-powered 2.4A charger delivers the fastest, safest charge available. Made for iPhone®5 and other Apple® products with Lightning Connector. Never be without your favorite tunes!

Jawbone® Big Jambox™ Bluetooth Speaker

The big game deserves big sound! The Jawbone Big Jambox™ Bluetooth® Speaker/Speakerphone enables you to turn any mobile device (phone, tablet or laptop) into a portable, party-powering hi-fi sound system. Fill any space, indoors and out, with stunning audio, and never miss the game no matter where you are!

RCA® 3.5-inch Digital ATSC/NTSC Pocket LED TV

Not home to watch your favorite team?  Not to worry! The 3.5” Digital ATSC/NTSC Pocket LED TV features a bright LED backlit display and receives free off-air DTV RF channels and current analog NTSC channels. It also features real-time signal strength display and current program display, channel editing and search and smart power management. Cheer your team on from wherever you are!

Sklz® Football Training System

Ready to perform like your favorite players? The Sklz® Football Training System will help you elevate your game. Improve speed, acceleration and change of direction with the Quick Ladder. Use Reaction Belts for improving offensive and defensive. Maximize top end speed with the Speed Chute and refine hand-eye coordination with the Hi-Viz football. Game on!

Snapware® Assorted Food Storage and Transport

Looking for a way to transport your goodies to the party or store leftovers when the game is over? Look no further than Hinda’s assortment of Snapware plastic storage containers. From stackable trays and deviled egg holders to dry goods canisters and more, Snapware makes a size and shape for virtually any snack-saving or storage need you have. And just like football, Snapware is made in the USA.

Tervis Tumbler® 16-oz. Tumbler with Footballs Wrap and Brown Lid

Football fans will dream of game-winning touchdowns with this realistic football design. Whether you play or just enjoy the sport, show your love for the game with this football tumbler. Unique double-wall insulation reduces condensation and keeps hot drinks hotter and cold drinks colder. Fits most car cup holders. Strong enough not to melt, chip or crack – just like your unwavering loyalty.

Your Monthly Check-Up: Defending Your Eating Habits

It’s no secret that obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are huge problems in this country, among many other ailments. The good news is that most of these illnesses can be managed through diet and exercise. It seems a new diet comes out every day, but the best defense is a good offense. Eating well and getting enough exercise and rest are surefire combatants to many of the health problems Americans are suffering from.

“Eating clean,” “organic” and “grass-fed” are just a few of the current buzzwords in the world of healthy eating, and many people are starting to get on this “down with junk food” bandwagon. But it’s not easy, especially when it comes to eating with family, friends and in the workplace, when the lure of pastries, fast food lunch breaks and happy hour appetizers loom large.

An article in the September issue of “Experience L!fe” magazine, titled “Food Fight” by contributing writer Jon Spayde, tackles this very subject. In his article, Spayde consults with food blogger Darya Pino Rose, PhD, about the barriers to overcome when deciding to switch to a healthier eating lifestyle as well as some of the strategies for success.

Spayde and Rose outline six main barriers people may face when embarking on a new eating routine:

• Your own rigidity: going fast and hard instead of easing into it or being more reasonable
• The urge to convert: offering unsolicited advice and thus turning people off
• Feelings of ambivalence: worrying if you can even stick with your new goals
• Fear of not fitting in: maintaining your resolve at dinner parties and out with friends
• Difference of opinion about what’s really healthy: others may be concerned that you’re not getting the proper nutrition
• Reluctance to get support: feeling unsure about revealing your decision to others

These six barriers present challenges, especially when making the decision alone and not as part of a family or workplace eating overhaul. “It’s natural, especially in the early stages of a new eating pattern, to try to obey every food rule to the letter and do everything perfectly – which can lead to a sour, anxious attitude on your part and trigger defensiveness in others,” the article states. Also, in your newfound excitement about eating healthy, you may inadvertently (or perhaps on purpose) offer advice to your family, friends and colleagues that is unsolicited, which can be off-putting, alienating and make you come across as holier-than-thou, the article states.

You also may suffer feelings of insecurity when out to dinner with others and not being able to indulge in the less-healthy options you used to. Your friends and colleagues may question your recent choices, for example, “You say you’re a vegetarian? Where are you going to get your protein?” or “You’ve given up dairy? Won’t you miss the probiotics in yogurt?” the article states. These situations may become overwhelming and tempt you to return to your old habits to avoid such confrontations.

But Spayde and Rose have put together an arsenal of strategies to help you meander this new eating world and equip you with the tools you need to answer questions, make healthy decisions and stick with your eating plan. First of all, realize it’s not about you. “People who approach you antagonistically about food are probably insecure about their own eating habits,” says Rose in the article. Also, framing your responses to these types of questions will help curb some of that insecurity. Rose says, “If you frame the explanation of your eating habits in terms of ‘I don’t eat that awful stuff,’ you’ll antagonize. But if you frame it as ‘I’m eating differently as a kind of experiment to see how I feel,’ you take the value judgment out of it.”

Another way to avoid insecurity or awkwardness regarding your new eating routine, according to the article, is to tell people ahead of time, for example, the hosts of upcoming dinner parties or other such events. People appreciate this and will be more understanding than if you show up with your own food unexpectedly. Spayde and Rose also state that emphasizing real pleasure is a great way to offset some of these questioning looks and comments, too. According to Rose, “You can say, ‘Hey, pizza is great, but so is this salad, believe it or not. I love how it makes me feel. I’m not trying to restrict myself or show off my willpower – I am really into this.’ Emphasizing happiness can really disarm a critic.”

Also, Spayde and Rose suggest choosing your battles. “If it’s my grandmother’s birthday and someone whips up her favorite apple pie and everyone is having a piece (and it’s not a proven allergen or won’t trigger a negative physical reaction), that might be a time for me to have a piece,” says Rose in the article. “There’s definitely something to be said for being somewhat flexible at those times when nutrition isn’t the main value - when it’s a matter of love or tradition.”

The bottom line is, the benefits of switching to or sticking with a healthier way of eating far outweigh any negative opinions or awkward situations that doing so might initially cause. As eating healthier becomes the norm – and hopefully it will – there will be less need to employ strategies for success, so you can spend more time planning your meals and shopping for healthy food and less time planning your counterattack when the questions start flying. Be firm with your decisions. Who knows? You may just change a few friends’ or colleagues’ minds in the process!

Merchandise Monday: Back to School!

Whether you’re heading back to campus or sending your little ones off for the first time, Hinda has everything you need to start the school year right. From tablets and tech accessories to bedding and breakfast-makers, you’ll get an A+ in being organized and ready to hit the playground running!

Brighton® Go ID Zip Pouch-Black

Carry this fresh silhouette as a wristlet or clip it onto your handbag. It features two credit card slots, an exterior pocket and an ID window, a microfiber exterior and zip top closure. Perfect for carrying your essentials to class or going out on the weekend.

Down, Inc.® Signature Down Comforter - Twin

Add the comfort and elegance of down to your bed in the form of this lightweight, twin-sized comforter. Featuring sewn-through construction and a 260 thread count cotton shell, it’s filled with premium domestic white down for exceptional warmth. Don’t suffer through any more cold nights!

Hamilton Beach® Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but mornings are hectic for most people, especially families with children. Enter the Breakfast Sandwich Maker by Hamilton Beach®. Just choose your bread and fixing, and in five minutes or less, your perfectly assembled breakfast sandwich is ready to eat!

iLive™ Sport Over Ear Bud

These sport earbuds feature a secure and comfortable design for active lifestyles. A gold-plated connector resists corrosion and two sets of ear tips provide a custom fit. Enjoy your favorite tunes on the go or at the gym – wherever your busy life takes you!

iLive™ Headphones With Extra Bass

The Headphones with Extra Bass feature precision-tuned drivers and an over-the-ear design that give you studio quality sound. Padded, 3D-swivel earcups and an adjustable headband provide maximum comfort while a gold-plated connector resists corrosion. Jam on!

Speck® Smartflex Case for iPhone®5

Keep all your valuables all in one place with the SmartFlex Card – a slick, supple case for your on-the-go lifestyle. When carrying a wallet is too much, this iPhone® 5 case makes a clever companion. Features rubberized polymer with room for three credit cards, cash and features a camera lens cutout.

Zeki 7-inch Tablet 8GB Memory

Featuring a dual core 1.5 GHz processor, Android™ Jellybean™ and built-in Wi-Fi®, the 7” tablet from Zeki is perfect for navigating your virtual world. The capacitive, hi-res screen represents the most advanced multi-touch technology available today. Great for work or play!

As always, this is just a sampling of the great back-to-school items we have available in our assortment. We’ve got supplies and accessories for all ages and grade levels, so be sure to check out our entire collection so you can start this year off on the right foot! 

Merchandising Minute Newsletter - August 2013

Welcome to the August edition of Hinda's Merchandising Minute!

Merchandising Minute brings you the latest news and information from our team of merchandising experts. In this issue learn more about some of our recent product line introductions, review trends with our top redeemers list and meet April Stewart, the newest member of our merchandising team. Click here to download the current issue! 

Merchandise Monday: Slow Down this Summer

Whatever happened to the concept of the “lazy days of summer?” Between the barbecues, road trips and sweaty days entertaining the kids, there isn’t room for a few hours of laziness, let alone days! As always, Hinda is here with a cure for whatever ails you.

Take advantage of what little “you” time you can scrounge up with some of our great new at-home spa products. These candles and bath products will restore your sanity and make you feel like you’re on an island vacation and not in your family bathroom.

H20+™ Editors Favorites Beauty Box

This collection of face and body must-haves features seven marine-infused skin-savers chosen by top beauty editors from around the world for glowing, radiant skin. The set includes Aqualibrium® Dual-Action Eye Makeup Remover and Sea Mineral Mud Mask, Face Oasis™ Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser and Hydrating Treatment, Sea Salt Body Wash, Hand and Nail Cream and Sea Moss Black Sand Body Scrub.

H20+™ Hydrating Marine Trio

This travel-ready trio of best-selling Oasis and Aqualibrium treatments cleanse, tone and protect skin with an infusion of hydrating seaweed blend and time-released liposome technology. The trio includes a 2-ounce Aqualibrium Marine Cleansing Gel, 1.7-ounce Aqualibrium Marine Toner and .5-ounce Oasis Ultra Hydrator. Put your best face forward this summer – and all year long – with these luxurious products from H2O+.

NEST Fragrances Luxury 6-Pack Votive Set

Packaged in a luxurious and sophisticated soft-touch gift box, this gift set comes complete with six mini votive candles in NEST’s classic top-selling fragrances, including Bamboo, Grapefruit, Moroccan Amber, Moss & Mint, Orange Blossom and Wasabi Pear. The mini votive containers feature a black matte finish and are wrapped in a distinctive band unique to each fragrance.

NEST Fragrances White Narcisse Gift Set with Candle

The White Narcisse Gift Set is blended with hints of French mimosa, dewy muguet and sandalwood and contains natural jasmine absolute, natural mimosa and natural narcissus extract. The White Narcisse Gift Set contains a full-size Body Wash, Body Cream and Body & Soul Spray. Also included is the White Narcisse scented candle housed in a handmade porcelain vessel adorned by a sculpted floral design.

If you can find it, taking time out for relaxation and rejuvenation will do wonders for you - during the busy summer months and all year long! Do you have a favorite way you like to relax? Enlighten us in the “Comments” section below!

Your Monthly Check-Up: Give Yourself a Boost!

It’s 2:30 p.m. and you’re crashing – hard. What’s your plan? Do you reach for the candy bowl? Hit the soda machine? Run out for a sugary beverage from the local coffee shop? Stop right there. While these quick fixes do the trick for a little while, the after effects may leave you even more lethargic than you were before. Sound familiar?

An article in the July/August issue of “Healthy Living Made Simple” (a publication for Sam’s Club® members) titled “Get Energized” by Dr. Andrew Myers points to several great naturally occurring nutrients that can help boost your energy level, rev your metabolism and increase your output well into the 4 o’clock hour.

According to Dr. Myers’ article, energy is the ability to perform a task, and in order to have an adequate amount of energy, the body requires both macronutrients (food) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). While it’s probably no surprise that most Americans get too many macronutrients in the form of calories, most don’t get enough nutrients, and you need the right balance in order to keep your body healthy, energized and functioning properly.

So besides food and nutrients, exercise, sleep and plenty of water, how else can you boost your energy levels, especially when that 3 o’clock slump hits? Dr. Myers points to caffeine sources such as coffee, tea, kola nuts, chocolate, green coffee and green tea as natural ways to stimulate your central nervous system and even aid your metabolism.

If you’re already getting enough caffeine and are looking for something else, why not try B-complex or a multivitamin? Cheese, eggs, lamb, fish, fortified cereals and soy products are all great sources of vitamin B. Some multivitamins are specially formulated to perk you up, so check out one that might work for you.

Other natural energy boosters include chromium, which is found in whole grains, green beans, broccoli and bran cereals; ginseng; guarana, a highly caffeinated South African fruit; and taurine, which can be found in fish and meat proteins or taken as a supplement. Each of these is also available as an extra which can be taken as a supplement.

Hopefully you’re feeling more alert just reading about these energy boosters, but if not, don’t take our word for it – try it yourself! You’ll be glad you did, and so will your over-sugared body! Let us know what you think works best in the “Comments” section below. 

Merchandise Monday: Keeping the Kids Entertained

Summer is in full swing, school has been out for a few weeks now and sooner or later it’s going to happen – the kids are going to get bored. Those of us in the working world have no idea how or why this happens, but the best defense is a good offense, right?

Lucky for you, we’ve just added lots of great new toys and activities for kids for those rainy days or when sunburn strikes and they need a break from the pool. As an added bonus, none of these toys require your children to stare at a screen or even stay indoors!

Alex® Let’s Pretend School

School is in session! This pretend school set is a great way to get little ones excited for school and a fun way for older children to pretend they're the teacher. It includes lots of school activities like wipe-away boards with letters, numbers, colors, shapes, world map and food pyramid, pointer, nine pencils, dry erase marker and eraser. Easy to bring along for school on the go, too!

Alex® Silly Me Photo Booth

Why take just a plain old picture when you can have photo booth fun? The Silly Me Photo Booth lets you make all kinds of silly props, like a pirate face, funky glasses, scuba dive gear and more! Before you say “Cheese,” get creative with stickers and paper shapes you can use to ham it up in front of the camera! Fun to make at a party and then give the keepsake pictures for party favors!

 Fashion Angels® Tapeffiti™ Bracelet Kit

Choose your favorite patterns of Tapeffiti and cut the length you need for your bracelet design. Then place it on the cuff bracelet and smooth it out. If it doesn’t go on right the first time, don’t worry! Tapeffiti is easy to lift and reposition for perfect results. Stack your arms with your creations or share them with your friends. 

LEGO® Friends Stephanie’s Outdoor Bakery

The LEGO Friends are on their way for a girly day in the sunshine! Stephanie is putting the finishing touches on her garden party. Take the fresh-baked cakes out of the oven. Help Stephanie wash dishes in the sink and set the umbrella garden table. Accessories include cakes, plate, glass and milk carton – everything you need for the perfect garden party!  

LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes Spider-Man™: Spider-Cycle Chase

Venom™ has taken control of Nick Fury's S.H.I.E.L.D. flying car and is making a super-fast getaway. Send Spider-Man™ to the rescue in his cool Spider-Cycle! Help him catch this venomous villain and return the car to the good guys! Use the folding wheels on both vehicles for the perfect high-speed pursuit in the air or on land, but watch out for Venom's vicious symbiont web attack!  

Your children’s hands and imaginations will certainly be busy with these fun toys, and they’re great for fostering interaction with friends, siblings and parents, too. What do you do when summer vacation boredom strikes? How do you pass rainy days cooped up in the house with your kids? Let us know your tips in the “Comments” section below!