Merchandise Monday: Shades of Hope

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and each year we do our part to help raise awareness by adding new pink merchandise to our assortment. Besides adding a fun pop of color to your day, proceeds from the redemption of our pink items go toward a variety of awareness organizations, including Susan G Komen for the Cure® and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.

Conair® The Power of Pink Infiniti Pro AC Hair Dryer

Ceramic technology safely dries and promotes healthy hair while ionic technology reduces frizz and enhances shine. The true cold shot button locks in curls, waves and style. Other features include three heat and two speed settings, a removable filter and two concentrator attachments to achieve a variety of styles. Look your best while feeling great about supporting a good cause.

Cuisinart® Smart Stick® 2-Speed Hand Blender

This sleek, high-performance hand blender makes quick work of puréeing soup in a pot or blending a pitcher of frothy hot chocolate – it can whip up lemonade and fruit smoothies in seconds, too. One-touch control and an ergonomically designed grip offer comfortable, convenient control while blending. Why not whip up something delicious?

Leatherman® Pink Micra®

The Micra® has been Leatherman®’s most popular keychain tool for years, and now it’s being offered in pink! The Micra offers ten useful tools and personal care features, including spring-action scissors, nail file, nail cleaner, tweezers, knife, extra-small screwdriver, medium screwdriver, Phillips-head screwdriver, ruler and bottle opener. Don’t leave home without this handy, all-in-one tool!

Pandora® Pink Leather Bracelet with Pink Ribbon and Silver Bracelet with Pink Ribbon Ball Charm

The Pink Ribbon Charm is paired with the Pandora Clasp Pink Leather Bracelet and the Pink Ribbon Ball Charm is paired with the Pandora Clasp Silver Bracelet to make the perfect start to a new wearer’s Pandora collection (bracelets sold separately). Pandora will donate 5 percent of the retail sales for the pink ribbon beads to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $1,000,000.

Tervis® 16-oz. Tumbler with Pink Ribbon Polka Dot Wrap and Lid and 24-oz. Pink Ribbon Water Bottle

Show your support for the cause wherever you go with these beverage holders from Tervis Tumbler (items sold separately). Tervis tumblers are strong enough not to melt, chip or crack and are great for both hot and cold drinks.  Unique double-wall insulation reduces condensation and keeps hot drinks hotter and cold drinks colder. Made in America and proudly supporting the cause. 

Wilson® Hope Pink Tennis Tote Bag

The exclusive Wilson® HOPE Tennis Tote features soft to the touch fabric, a main compartment for clothing and equipment with a middle zippered divider pocket for valuables, a side carry pocket to hold a racket and a front accessories pocket. Help support the cause and show breast cancer that backhand you’ve been working on! 

Your Monthly Check-Up: September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Each year, over 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In 2013, approximately 14,230 women in the US will die from ovarian cancer. Known as a “silent” killer, ovarian cancer often shows no symptoms until it has entered its advanced stages when not much can be done.

Ovarian cancer is very treatable if detected early enough; however, it often goes untreated for long periods of time due to lack of or confusing symptoms or misdiagnosis. During September and all year, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of the disease that kills more women than other female reproductive cancers and what can be done to reduce women’s risk as much as possible.

If you experience any of the following symptoms for longer than two to three weeks, even if you think it’s minor, be sure to see your doctor to rule out ovarian cancer:

• Gas or bloating, a feeling of fullness in the pelvis
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Nausea, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea
• Menstrual disorders or abnormal pain or discomfort
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Abnormal bleeding
• Weight gain or loss
• Unexplained back pain that gets worse 

The five-year survival rate is more than 93 percent if ovarian cancer is detected early enough. Get to know your body and pay attention to what it’s telling you. Don’t ignore the signs no matter how “minor” you believe they are. And follow these simple tips to stay healthy and reduce your risk of ovarian and other types of cancers and serious diseases: 

• Adopt healthy eating habits; limit sugary, starchy and overly processed foods
• Get plenty of sleep and relaxation
• Don’t smoke
• Minimize your alcohol consumption
• Get regular exercise

Since the signs aren’t crystal clear, it is important to get the word out about this deadly but treatable cancer. During September and all year long, wear teal to show your support and raise awareness about ovarian cancer.

Merchandise Monday: Falling for Fall

September means summer is officially winding down. The kids are back in school, pools are closing for the season and football is back on TV. The days may be warm still but the mornings are chillier. The leaves are changing colors. And the months ending in “b-e-r” allude to just that – brrr!

But let’s not think about that. Instead, let’s talk about all the new merchandise Hinda has added to help you prep for the months ahead. We covered some football-centric items in our last column, but Hinda’s got all that and more for fall and as we move into the final four months of the year!

Black & Decker® 36V Lithium Sweeper/Vacuum

The changing leaves are beautiful on the trees – but not so much on your driveway and patio. This sweeper/vacuum is ideal for blowing driveways, sidewalks, decks, garages and other hard surfaces of leaves, grass clippings and other lawn debris. It easily converts to a hard surface outdoor vacuum. Show your backyard who’s boss! 

Brookstone® Pure Bliss™ Quilted Sofa Comforter- Stone

Curl up on the couch or your favorite chair without your feet peeking out or drafts getting in with Pure Bliss’ built-in pocket. This quilt features ultra-plush fabric on one side with a lofty and warm comforter on the other. The ultra-plush side is irresistibly soft while the comforter side, with hypoallergenic Better Than Down® fill, offers down-like warmth. It’s more than a throw blanket, it’s Pure Bliss!

Frigidaire® Hanging Electric Fireplaces

Any piece in Frigidaire’s line of electric fireplaces makes a stunning addition to your home décor. The mesmerizing flame effects operate with and without heat to create a remarkable ambience in any season. These elite and stylishly designed fireplaces are simply fascinating and are must-haves for every home. 

Kalorik® Fun! Electric S'mores Maker

Now the enjoyment of roasting marshmallows over an open campfire can be brought to the comfort of kitchens everywhere! The Kalorik® electric heating S‘mores Maker has a charming appeal and is ideal to use inside the house. Just add graham crackers and chocolate squares to make a delicious s'mores treat. No need to wait until next summer – enjoy your favorite dessert all year long!

RCA® 19- and 22-inch LED HDTV DVD Combo

These LED HDTV DVD Combos are versatile quality digital TV/DVD players that fit any room. Features include LED backlit active matrix TFT screens, hi-res picture quality, 1000:1 contrast ratio, built-in DVD player, a variety connection ports, a headphone jack and a v-chip parental control. Don’t miss your favorite fall TV, movies or the big game! 

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!