EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS ELVES PREPPED FOR VERY LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY DELIVERIES

LEADER IN FRESH FRUIT ARRANGEMENTS 1000+ STORES ARE MAKING IT EASY FOR SHOPPERS SCRAMBLING TO FINISH THEIR GIFT LISTS

Thousands of EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS elves in towns and cities across the US and Canada are poised to come to the rescue for last-minute holiday shoppers over the next few days. The pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh fruit arrangements is offering same-day delivery every day through Christmas Eve to make it easier to take care of everyone’s holiday list, and as always without any of the hidden rush fees many others are charging.

HOLIDAY HOUSE BOUQUET™

“We know there are a lot of people who wait until the last minute to finish their shopping and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to check every name off their list,” said EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS CEO TARIQ FARID. “Our Christmas and other holiday collections are filled with fresh, delicious gifts and we are doing same-day delivery through Christmas Eve. And unlike many other National gift delivery companies, our local franchisees in towns across North America ensure that gifts are personally delivered and never, ever add rush fees.” 

MUSIC ICON GARY LEWIS RECEIVES AWARD FOR SERVICE TO VETERANS

Pop music icon GARY LEWIS was in Temecula December 2 to receive an award for his contributions in support of U.S. military veterans.  Lewis, along with his band GARY LEWIS AND THE PLAYBOYS, has been a regular performer at several annual VALENTINES FOR VETERANS CONCERTS.  Initiatives of the Concerts include raising awareness about local VA medical centers throughout the country and increasing volunteerism.

The GARY LEWIS AND THE PLAYBOYS band, which formed in 1964, had achieved several BILLBOARD MAGAZINE top-ten hits such as “This Diamond Ring” and “Count Me In,” when in 1966 Lewis was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. Because of his refusal to seek deferment using his fame, Lewis became popular among fellow veterans. Even after being offered the opportunity to serve in an Army band for the entertainment of other troops, Lewis declined.  “I knew that if regular Army service was good enough for Elvis, it was good enough for me,” Lewis said.

2013 USO WISHBOOK ADDS NEW WOUNDED WARRIOR GIFTS JUST IN TIME FOR LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIVING

“SONS OF ANARCHY” STAR JOINS FORCES WITH THE USO TO SPREAD THE GOOD WORD ABOUT WAYS TO GIVE GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK TO OUR TROOPS AND HEALING HEROES

This holiday season, “Sons of Anarchy” star KIM COATES is teaming up with the USO to tell Americans how they can give a gift that gives twice through the USO Wishbook, the alternative giving catalog designed to support our deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and their families and families of the fallen. The USO WISHBOOK provides an affordable and easy way to give unique gifts and say thank you to the troops this holiday season.

Support our troops this holiday season. Visit usowishbook.org.

THE USO (UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. They provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. The organization also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.

A USO tour veteran, Coates learned first-hand on his 2010 USO tour, with fellow cast members THEO ROSSI, MARK BOONE JUNIOR and DAYTON CALLIE, how tough deployments can be for our troops and their families. His experience is one of the reasons he’s once again decided to partner with the USO and help spread the word about USO Wishbook.

”Sons of Anarchy” star Kim Coates shares some laughs with troops on his first USO tour to Kuwait in Iraq, March 14, 2010.

“On our USO tour, troops were always thanking us for visiting and telling us how much it meant to them to know that America hadn’t forgotten about them and appreciated all of their hard work,” said Coates. “And when I heard about USO Wishbook and all the good it does for our men and women in uniform and their families, I knew I wanted to get involved. It’s a great way for Americans to give our troops what they need most: support, comfort and appreciation.”

REVELERS ACROSS THE GLOBE WILL RING IN THE NEW YEAR VIA THE FREE OFFICIAL 2013 TIMES SQUARE BALL APP

WATCH AND PARTICIPATE LIVE IN THE 2013 TIMES SQUARE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION AT HOME, WORK, PARTY, OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

UPLOAD PHOTOS TO SEE YOUR FACE ON THE GIANT TOSHIBA VISION SIGN

This New Year’s Eve, revelers from around the world will experience the live global celebration via free official 2013 TIMES SQUARE BALL APP, now available from the TIMES SQUARE ALLIANCE and COUNTDOWN ENTERTAINMENT, organizers of TIMES SQUARE NEW YEAR’S EVE, along with their partners, TOSHIBA and LIVESTREAM (http://timessquareball.net/app/). The OFFICIAL TIMES SQUARE BALL APP, which has grown in popularity since it was launched two years ago, was downloaded more than 296,000 times across 200 countries, within a two-week period last December. The 2013 TIMES SQUARE BALL APP is now available worldwide for free download through Apple’s iTunes Store and via Google Play for mobile phones and tablets. The app can be found in Entertainment, Travel, and News categories. The TIMES SQUARE BALL APP was produced by Monday Sessions Media, developed by HAAS/crea, and streaming components developed by Livestream LLC.

OFFICIAL 2013 TIMES SQUARE BALL APP

The OFFICIAL 2013 TIMES SQUARE BALL APP features include:
— Watch the live Times Square for New Year’s Eve 2013 webcast on mobile phones and tablets with host ALLISON HAGENDORF, featuring top musical performances, celebrity appearances, hourly countdowns, and the famous midnight Ball Drop.
— Submit your New Year’s photos for friends, family and other revelers to vote on via the app, on Facebook and Twitter. The photos with the most votes will be showcased on the giant TOSHIBA VISION sign atop ONE TIMES SQUARE directly beneath the WATERFORD CRYSTAL NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL on December 31 each hour from 7-11 p.m. EST for the world to see.
— Discover everything you need to know about the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, including the history, photos and live show schedule.
— Send New Year’s Eve cards with personalized greetings and photos from the app to friends, family and followers on Facebook, Twitter and via email (for Apple users).
— Customize your TOSHIBA COUNTDOWN CLOCK on your app’s home screen with your time zone.

UNIVERSAL CITYWALK RINGS IN 2013 WITH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION FEATURING THREE SPECTACULAR FIREWORK DISPLAYS, LIVE CONCERTS, DJS AND MIDNIGHT SHOWER OF STREAMING CONFETTI

The countdown to 2013 begins at UNIVERSAL CITYWALK® as THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF LA(SM) prepares to ring in the new year in one of Southern California’s most festive New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring dazzling fireworks, colorful confetti and non-stop live entertainment at four stage locations.

Universal CityWalk Rings in 2013 with Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration

UNIVERSAL CITYWALK is Southern California’s dynamic entertainment, dining and shopping destination that reflects the area’s rich cultural diversity. The iconic open-air leisure and nightlife complex provides “Always Unexpected” entertainment options and has served as a prototype for similar destinations.  UNIVERSAL CITYWALK includes the new high-tech concert venue, “5 TOWERS,” provides L.A.’s best movie-going experience at the AMC UNIVERSAL CITYWALK cinemas and offers such unique venues as the “Jon Lovitz Comedy Club,” the “Infusion Lounge,” iFly indoor skydiving and mechanical bull-riding at “Saddle Ranch Chop House.”

PANDORA LAUNCHES STUNNING JEWELRY SETS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

In time for the holiday gift-giving season, PANDORA JEWELRY introduces three exquisite new coordinating sets. The new pieces feature blue topaz, smoky quartz or blue pearl as a statement ring, earrings, charm or pendant.

PANDORA LAUNCHES STUNNING JEWELRY SETS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The striking blue tones of the blue topaz and the autumnal brown hue of the smoky quartz in the new “Breeze” collection create distinctive jewelry pieces for the autumn and winter months and beyond. These pieces are set in shining sterling silver and are available as a dangle charm, cocktail ring or earrings. The dangle charm looks great styled on either a bracelet or a necklace. The deep blue pearl is paired with black rhodium in a matching ring and stud earring set. Each piece of jewelry can be worn on its own for an eye-catching look or combined with pieces from the existing PANDORA collection.

“The holidays are a time to shine and the vibrant colors of the new coordinating sets will make every woman stand out,” said ANGEL ILAGAN, VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING, PANDORA NORTH AMERICA. “Each set offers affordable options to update any festive look.”

The pieces from these sets retail for $45 – $100 and are available at PANDORA retailers across North America. Visit Pandora.net to view the new pieces from the Holiday collection or to locate a retailer.

CLUB MED DEBUTS NEW SKI RESORT IN THE ITALIAN ALPS WITH PRAGELATO VIALATTEA’S OPENING

Opening just in time for the holidays, CLUB MED introduces the newest addition to their mountain resorts, PRAGELATO VIALATTEA, featuring ski-in ski-out access to the second largest ski domain in Europe. Located in the heart of the Piedmont region in the Italian Alps only 55 miles from the city of Turin, PRAGELATO VIALATTEA is a unique type of mountain experience with charming clusters of chalets in an authentic setting.

Club Med Debuts New Ski Resort in the Italian Alps with Pragelato Vialattea’s Opening

At PRAGELATO VIALATTEA, winter sports lovers enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding lessons available for all levels through Club Med’s unique partnership with the Italian Ski School. Skiing at CLUB MED PRAGELATO VIALATTEA accommodates every level of skier with 240 miles of ski slopes (244 slopes including 42 black, 118 red, 54 blue and 30 green slopes including 24 miles of cross country slopes) located between 4,450 ft. and 9,250 ft. altitude, with 92 ski lifts and six snow parks. For non-skiers who wish to discover the mountain in a different way, PRAGELATO VIALATTEA offers alternative activities such as hiking, snowshoe outings or even Nordic walking. During the summer, guests can enjoy fun outdoor activities with the family including golfing, mountain biking or hiking.

THE FASHION+LIFESTYLE 2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR WOMEN (PART TWO): GIFTS SHE WILL REALLY LOVE!

Written and Compiled by Phillip D. Johnson/Editorial Director

Much like the Beatles, ICE-WATCH TIMEPIECES (www.genevawatchgroup.com), which have taken Europe by storm with their unique style and bursts of color, has made their much-anticipated debut in the U.S. Designed to be a fashion accessory as well as a watch, the 10-color signature line is the foundation of the ICE-WATCH brand.  Right on point with the hottest trends for spring 2013, the brand’s best-selling style, “Sili Forever,” allows consumers to express their individuality and embrace change through a rainbow of options.  The 10 “Sili Forever” color ways allow consumers to choose a color that not only suits the latest trend, but also reveals the consumer’s mood. This concept does not stop with the watch; the ICE-WATCH packaging itself is designed around a coin slot encouraging consumers to save up for their next Ice-Watch to change their look.  Whatever the occasion, mood, or style, Ice-Watch has the consumer covered. With over 2MM fans on Facebook, the brand already has a huge consumer following. Via social sharing, ICE-WATCH‘s colorful collection is perfectly positioned to reach U.S. consumers and brighten up any social outlet with the click of a button.  To further its popularity, the brand has quickly developed a strong celebrity following including DAVID GUETTA, KATY PERRY and THE BLACK EYED PEAS who have all been seen wearing the brightly colored wrist candy in their music videos. The suggested retail price across the ten colorful styles in the SILI FOREVER COLLECTION ranges from $99.00 – $109.00 and will be available in 350 Macy’s stores coast to coast and macys.com

Burberry ORCHARD IN QUILTED NAPPA LEATHER

The BURBERRY WOMEN’S ORCHARD IN QUILTED NAPPA LEATHER ($2,695.00) is a medium(-sized) equestrian quilted nappa leather tote bag with polished metal duck head, an ornamental duck head created using bespoke lost-wax casting, with hand-finished suede handles, oversize polished metal hardware and the signature Burberry Prorsum grosgrain lining. It is the bag she is meant to carry. www.burberry.com.

Dior for Printemps Christmas 2012 Collection – ‘LADY DIOR’ bag* in lambskin, “D.I.O.R” charms with star lace effect, (2 700 €)

Panama Jack Puts A New Spin On Holiday Gift-Giving With Updated Beach Cruiser Bicycle Classic

For many generations of children, finding a shiny new bicycle under the Christmas tree was one of their most cherished childhood memories.  This season, grown-up children can create new holiday memories by giving themselves or someone special PANAMA JACK‘s new-classic beach cruiser bicycle. The retro-styled bikes capture the brand’s fun, escapist lifestyle.  They also provide the “wheels” to embark on new adventures.

Give the man in your life new wheels for the holidays. Panama Jack’s retro-styled 26″ men’s Beach Cruiser Bicycle is the perfect holiday gift for him. The cruiser is reminiscent of vintage motorcycles from the 1930s. (PRNewsFoto/Panama Jack)

PANAMA JACK teamed up with leading bicycle manufacturer, HUFFY CORPORATION, two years ago, to produce a line of beach cruiser bikes that reflected the brand’s beach lifestyle; and the companies’ collaboration resulted in an updated classic cruiser that sets a new standard for an old favorite.  The PANAMA JACK BIKE‘s wide tires, roomy seat, sturdy frame and single-speed operation are converting many casual cyclists into avid “cruisers.” The bikes are hugely popular with teenagers, college students, baby boomers and active seniors who find the bikes to be a convenient mode of transportation, a statement about their values, and a fun way to explore old and new places.

Panama Jack puts a new spin on an old classic with its 26″ Beach Cruiser Bicycle for women. The bike’s bold beach colors make it the perfect holiday gift for her. Its vacation vibe will brighten her entire year. (PRNewsFoto/Panama Jack)

PANAMA JACK‘s cruiser comes in both a 26-inch men’s and women’s model. Newer twists include a bold beach-colored frame, wood-grain trim, cork hand grips, a beverage holder and opener, and a handlebar bag.  Retail giants Walmart and Targets both sell the bike, as do other regional stores. The bikes typically range in price from $159 to $179.

HUFFY CORPORATION is a private company with more than 100 years of experience in the bicycle business. Its bikes are hallmarks of innovative design, high-quality components, proven durability and time-tested performance. The company offers products for all ages from tricycles, scooters and children’s bicycles to BMX, mountain, cruiser and commuter bikes. The company first introduced cruiser bicycles in 1933, modeling them after balloon-tire-equipped motorcycles of the day; with the bikes’ popularity skyrocketing over the next three decades. The bicycles were even called into service by the U.S. military and U.S. Postal Service. Interest in cruisers waned with the advent of lighter racing bikes, but re-emerged strongly in the late 1990s, and has been climbing ever since. Increasingly, the beach cruiser’s versatility, easy handling, smooth ride, and affordability comfortably fit people’s lifestyles today.
“The success of Panama Jack cruisers is exciting,” said RAY THOMSON, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AT HUFFY CORPORATION.  “We believed that combining the great Panama Jack ‘look’ with a comfortable, easy-to-ride cruiser was exactly what was needed for adults.  Riding a cruiser makes you feel like you’re on vacation, which is what Panama Jack is all about.”

 PANAMA JACK is an international company that built a powerful brand and loyal following with products synonymous with carefree beach living.  The company’s offerings include suncare, sunglasses, apparel, sandals and shoes, hats, jewelry, beach chairs and umbrellas.  PANAMA JACK added beach cruiser bicycles to its offerings in 2010, and opened the first of several retail stores at top travel destinations.  It introduced the PANAMA JACK HOME COLLECTION featuring indoor and outdoor furniture last year, making it possible for people to live the Panama Jack lifestyle at home.  Founded in 1974, the company is based in Orlando, Florida.

“The Panama Jack brand started on the beaches in resort destinations but has made its way into people’s everyday lives,” said PANAMA JACK PRESIDENT KIM MANNA.  “Our beach cruisers provide consumers with the chance to live the Panama Jack lifestyle wherever they may be.  They have the opportunity to escape and relax.”

The bikes are available at www.huffy.com/products/PanamaJack.aspx, Walmart, www.walmart.com, Target, www.target.com, www.target.com/p/huffy…panama–jack…bike…/-/A-13823690, www.walmart.com/ip/Huffy-Panama–Jack…Bike/16775666, www.meijer.com/s/26-inch…panama–jack…bike/_/R-214641,

For more information, visit http://www.huffy.com.