![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=91.6){kind=small}
By Laura Heller, dealnews writer
End of the year sales are still going strong, and in this environment it's difficult to imagine not being able to find an excellent deal on the necessities. But sales end and economic trends change, and sometimes even minor shifts can spell big price hikes.
It's inevitable that as the new year creeps closer, we begin to muse about what's to come in the next 12 months. So dealnews is taking a look at what price adjustments consumers can expect to see in 2012. This week, we read the economic tealeaves to see what will be more expensive in the year 2012. Some increases seem almost customary, like ever-rising gas prices, while others, like a potential 25% hike on tap water, are more surprising.
1. Domestic and International Airfare
Greater demand and fewer available airline seats will likely lead to higher ticket prices for flights next year. American Express predicts prices within North America will increase up to 5% for economy seating, depending on the length of the flight, and up to 7% in business class. Things look more bleak for European travel. A new "green tax" implemented by the EU is aimed at reducing emissions, and it will levy a fee of roughly $15 per passenger, each way, for flights to the U.S. Fees on shorter flights within the EU will be taxed slightly less.
2. New Digital Camera Models
Smartphones have quickly replaced budget friendly point-and-shoot cameras, so manufacturers and retailers are focusing more on higher-end digital SLRs. This year, consumers may have a hard time finding a newly-released digital camera with an inexpensive starting price, as the market is moving towards more feature-rich products. "Lower cost products just won't come to market and those that will be out there, will be priced more and more for profitability," says Stephen Baker, Vice President of Industry Analysis at the NPD Group.
3. Hard Drives
There's been a shortage of hard drives thanks to epic flooding in Thailand in 2011, and some retailers have actually been rationing hard drive–based products. As a result, we've seen fewer hard drive discounts. Expect continued shortages throughout the first quarter of 2012, which is when experts predict that production will begin to catch up to demand.
4. Desktop Computers
The consolidation of desktop features into monitor-integrated units — many with touchscreens — will drive desktop prices up in 2012, according to Baker. Expect average selling prices to increase roughly 30% on new desktops.
5. Food for Home Preparation
If your grocery bill seemed higher in 2011, you weren't imagining things. Most retailers have reported that food prices are rising and those increases are being passed along to shoppers. Food costs rose 6% last year and will likely go up at least 2% more in 2012. Increases are likely to affect food eaten at home, rather than restaurants where those costs are easier to absorb when combined with sales of liquor, says Harry Balzer, Chief Industry Analyst for the NPD Group.
6. Mobile Device Data Plans
Data plans in the past have had a tendency to decline, but as carriers build out 4G services, and move away from unlimited plans, data is set to become more expensive in 2012, according to Ross Rubin, Executive Director of Connected Intelligence at the NPD Group.
7. City-Enforced Fees
As municipalities look for ways to make up for budget shortfalls, fees for everything from dog licenses to vehicle registration and parking rates are going up, as is enforcement of fine-related infractions. In Chicago for example, a non-registered dog can elicit a $500 fine, while parking fines in Portland are going up 18% as the city tries to make up a $16 billion transportation budget deficit.
8. Water
Most communities in the United States will face water rate hikes this year, even places that are rich with the natural resource. Water rates in the greater Chicago area will increase by as much as 25% next year, while the parched high desert Denver market is set to rise an additional 5.5%. Like the above-mentioned fees, this increase is mostly a result of cities needing to increase revenue to balance their budgets.
9. Gas
Fuel prices began inching up just before the holidays, and 2012 is looking to be another budget-breaking year at the pump, with prices once again topping $4 per gallon.
10. Gold
The precious metal is poised to achieve its 11th straight year of growth. Gold prices bounced around a lot in the second half of 2011, but analysts expect it to rise roughly 12% in 2012. It's a conservative estimate and a lot lower than the 17% annual growth rate of the past decade, but most believe gold will be more expensive. Take that to the bank.
11. Shipping
Unfortunately for avid online shoppers, the U.S. Postal Service will raise rates by an average of 4.6% next year, while both FedEx and UPS are hiking small package rates by 4.9%. Personal shipping will certainly cost more and it's anybody's guess how long retailers can continue the ubiquitous free shipping offers as rates rise.
End of the year sales are still going strong, and in this environment it's difficult to imagine not being able to find an excellent deal on the necessities. But sales end and economic trends change, and sometimes even minor shifts can spell big price hikes.
It's inevitable that as the new year creeps closer, we begin to muse about what's to come in the next 12 months. So dealnews is taking a look at what price adjustments consumers can expect to see in 2012. This week, we read the economic tealeaves to see what will be more expensive in the year 2012. Some increases seem almost customary, like ever-rising gas prices, while others, like a potential 25% hike on tap water, are more surprising.
1. Domestic and International Airfare
Greater demand and fewer available airline seats will likely lead to higher ticket prices for flights next year. American Express predicts prices within North America will increase up to 5% for economy seating, depending on the length of the flight, and up to 7% in business class. Things look more bleak for European travel. A new "green tax" implemented by the EU is aimed at reducing emissions, and it will levy a fee of roughly $15 per passenger, each way, for flights to the U.S. Fees on shorter flights within the EU will be taxed slightly less.
2. New Digital Camera Models
Smartphones have quickly replaced budget friendly point-and-shoot cameras, so manufacturers and retailers are focusing more on higher-end digital SLRs. This year, consumers may have a hard time finding a newly-released digital camera with an inexpensive starting price, as the market is moving towards more feature-rich products. "Lower cost products just won't come to market and those that will be out there, will be priced more and more for profitability," says Stephen Baker, Vice President of Industry Analysis at the NPD Group.
3. Hard Drives
There's been a shortage of hard drives thanks to epic flooding in Thailand in 2011, and some retailers have actually been rationing hard drive–based products. As a result, we've seen fewer hard drive discounts. Expect continued shortages throughout the first quarter of 2012, which is when experts predict that production will begin to catch up to demand.
4. Desktop Computers
The consolidation of desktop features into monitor-integrated units — many with touchscreens — will drive desktop prices up in 2012, according to Baker. Expect average selling prices to increase roughly 30% on new desktops.
5. Food for Home Preparation
If your grocery bill seemed higher in 2011, you weren't imagining things. Most retailers have reported that food prices are rising and those increases are being passed along to shoppers. Food costs rose 6% last year and will likely go up at least 2% more in 2012. Increases are likely to affect food eaten at home, rather than restaurants where those costs are easier to absorb when combined with sales of liquor, says Harry Balzer, Chief Industry Analyst for the NPD Group.
6. Mobile Device Data Plans
Data plans in the past have had a tendency to decline, but as carriers build out 4G services, and move away from unlimited plans, data is set to become more expensive in 2012, according to Ross Rubin, Executive Director of Connected Intelligence at the NPD Group.
7. City-Enforced Fees
As municipalities look for ways to make up for budget shortfalls, fees for everything from dog licenses to vehicle registration and parking rates are going up, as is enforcement of fine-related infractions. In Chicago for example, a non-registered dog can elicit a $500 fine, while parking fines in Portland are going up 18% as the city tries to make up a $16 billion transportation budget deficit.
8. Water
Most communities in the United States will face water rate hikes this year, even places that are rich with the natural resource. Water rates in the greater Chicago area will increase by as much as 25% next year, while the parched high desert Denver market is set to rise an additional 5.5%. Like the above-mentioned fees, this increase is mostly a result of cities needing to increase revenue to balance their budgets.
9. Gas
Fuel prices began inching up just before the holidays, and 2012 is looking to be another budget-breaking year at the pump, with prices once again topping $4 per gallon.
10. Gold
The precious metal is poised to achieve its 11th straight year of growth. Gold prices bounced around a lot in the second half of 2011, but analysts expect it to rise roughly 12% in 2012. It's a conservative estimate and a lot lower than the 17% annual growth rate of the past decade, but most believe gold will be more expensive. Take that to the bank.
11. Shipping
Unfortunately for avid online shoppers, the U.S. Postal Service will raise rates by an average of 4.6% next year, while both FedEx and UPS are hiking small package rates by 4.9%. Personal shipping will certainly cost more and it's anybody's guess how long retailers can continue the ubiquitous free shipping offers as rates rise.
As the cold weather finally sets in it’s easy to want to hibernate in the winter, but it can make the best of us a little stir crazy. Getting out and being active in the fresh air can really help beat the winter blues and keep you holding on until spring. Here are some activity ideas for you to try this winter.
Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is a great way to have fun and gets that heart rate rising. If you don’t have snowshoes already there are places you can rent them to see if you like the activity first. Weston Ski Track rents snowshoes which you can take down one of their many trails, and they also offer lessons and feature a snow making machine. Brooksby farm in Peabody also offers rentals as well.
Skating: Whether you prefer hockey or figure skating, they each offer great benefits. Although it does require some skill it’s a fun activity to do with a partner of together with your family. Children can push milk crates to help them balance when they first start out. There are many local indoor skating rinks such as those located at Salem State, Hockey Town USA, or Redd’s Pond and Frog Pond for outdoor rinks.
Go for a walk: Although it’s often icy there are ways around that so you can still take a walk around your neighborhood. Try using removable grippers that you secure onto the bottoms of your feet like these so you can get out of the house and enjoy the beauty of the snow.
Cross country skiing: A true total body workout, the average 150 lb recreational skier can burn up to 612 calories an hour, even more if you weigh more or push the intensity. Locally many skiers use the bike path that runs through Marblehead and into Salem. You can also rent skis at Brooksby Farm, and if you like it but you’re on a budget you can always buy second hand skis.
Downhill skiing or Snowboarding: A very popular local winter pastime in Massachusetts, it’s fun for all ages. There are hundred of ski resorts throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont but if you’re looking to stay local you might want to try Nashoba Valley or Wachusett Mountain. Did you know the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA offers a ski program?
Sledding: A truly fun way to experience the snow and really get a workout charging up those hills. You don’t need to spend much either to have a good ride. Make sure the trail or hill you choose is safe for sledding and there aren’t any trees or poles to potentially collide with.
Playing in the snow: Whether you have kids or not playing in the snow can be fun! If you do have kids, it’s a great way to bond with them and stay active as a family. Try building a snowman, making snow angels, having a friendly snowball fight, or making an igloo.
I’d love to hear your ideas too! How do you stay active in the winter and stave off the blues?
Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is a great way to have fun and gets that heart rate rising. If you don’t have snowshoes already there are places you can rent them to see if you like the activity first. Weston Ski Track rents snowshoes which you can take down one of their many trails, and they also offer lessons and feature a snow making machine. Brooksby farm in Peabody also offers rentals as well.
Skating: Whether you prefer hockey or figure skating, they each offer great benefits. Although it does require some skill it’s a fun activity to do with a partner of together with your family. Children can push milk crates to help them balance when they first start out. There are many local indoor skating rinks such as those located at Salem State, Hockey Town USA, or Redd’s Pond and Frog Pond for outdoor rinks.
Go for a walk: Although it’s often icy there are ways around that so you can still take a walk around your neighborhood. Try using removable grippers that you secure onto the bottoms of your feet like these so you can get out of the house and enjoy the beauty of the snow.
Cross country skiing: A true total body workout, the average 150 lb recreational skier can burn up to 612 calories an hour, even more if you weigh more or push the intensity. Locally many skiers use the bike path that runs through Marblehead and into Salem. You can also rent skis at Brooksby Farm, and if you like it but you’re on a budget you can always buy second hand skis.
Downhill skiing or Snowboarding: A very popular local winter pastime in Massachusetts, it’s fun for all ages. There are hundred of ski resorts throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont but if you’re looking to stay local you might want to try Nashoba Valley or Wachusett Mountain. Did you know the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA offers a ski program?
Sledding: A truly fun way to experience the snow and really get a workout charging up those hills. You don’t need to spend much either to have a good ride. Make sure the trail or hill you choose is safe for sledding and there aren’t any trees or poles to potentially collide with.
Playing in the snow: Whether you have kids or not playing in the snow can be fun! If you do have kids, it’s a great way to bond with them and stay active as a family. Try building a snowman, making snow angels, having a friendly snowball fight, or making an igloo.
I’d love to hear your ideas too! How do you stay active in the winter and stave off the blues?
Ingredients
* 1 pound ground beef
* 3 tablespoons chopped onion
* 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1/3 cup chili sauce or ketchup
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1-1/4 cups water
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 1-1/4 cups mashed potato flakes
* 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
* 1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
* 1/2 cup cheese (on top of each)
* Paprika, optional
Directions
* In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until tender; drain. Stir in the chili sauce, vinegar and salt; set aside.
* In a small saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Pour into a small bowl. Whisk in potato flakes until blended. Beat in cream cheese until smooth.
* Press 1 biscuit dough onto the bottom and up the sides of each of 10 greased muffin cups. Fill with beef mixture. Spread potato mixture over beef. Sprinkle with potato chips; press down lightly.
* Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve immediately, or cool before placing in a single layer in a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 2 months.
* To use frozen pies: Thaw in the refrigerator for 8 hours. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 5 servings.
* 1 pound ground beef
* 3 tablespoons chopped onion
* 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1/3 cup chili sauce or ketchup
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1-1/4 cups water
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 1-1/4 cups mashed potato flakes
* 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
* 1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
* 1/2 cup cheese (on top of each)
* Paprika, optional
Directions
* In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until tender; drain. Stir in the chili sauce, vinegar and salt; set aside.
* In a small saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Pour into a small bowl. Whisk in potato flakes until blended. Beat in cream cheese until smooth.
* Press 1 biscuit dough onto the bottom and up the sides of each of 10 greased muffin cups. Fill with beef mixture. Spread potato mixture over beef. Sprinkle with potato chips; press down lightly.
* Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve immediately, or cool before placing in a single layer in a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 2 months.
* To use frozen pies: Thaw in the refrigerator for 8 hours. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 5 servings.
I found this recipe over at A Baked Creation.
Brookies
From Clinton St. Baking Company Cookbook
(Makes about 18-20)
* 1 tablespoon of canola oil
* 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter
* 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chunks (52-62% cacao)
* 2 large eggs
* 3/4 cup of light brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon of salt
1. Melt the oil, butter, and 2 cups of the chocolate together in a stainless-steel bowl of a double boiler. Let the mixture cool.
2. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla together until combined.
3. Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture until combined.
5. Freeze the batter in a shallow pan for 6 to 8 minutes until the batter sets and hardens slightly.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F at this time.
7. Scoop the cookie dough into balls and place on baking sheet.
8. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the tops look dry and cracked.
9. Cool completely for a soft and chewy Brookie.
Brookies
From Clinton St. Baking Company Cookbook
(Makes about 18-20)
* 1 tablespoon of canola oil
* 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter
* 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chunks (52-62% cacao)
* 2 large eggs
* 3/4 cup of light brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon of salt
1. Melt the oil, butter, and 2 cups of the chocolate together in a stainless-steel bowl of a double boiler. Let the mixture cool.
2. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla together until combined.
3. Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture until combined.
5. Freeze the batter in a shallow pan for 6 to 8 minutes until the batter sets and hardens slightly.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F at this time.
7. Scoop the cookie dough into balls and place on baking sheet.
8. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the tops look dry and cracked.
9. Cool completely for a soft and chewy Brookie.
Think of all the times you've fallen victim
All the restless nights you've wrestled through
The closest of your friends abandoned, helpless
They're reaching but they're just not reaching you
You hold no valid thoughts of consolation
The future holds no interest, no concern
The world you love is closing in around you
Clearly now there's nowhere left to turn
Blessed are the tears that fall
Clean the windows of the soul
And usher in a change of heart
And bring a joy that angels know
The time has come to share your well-kept secrets
The hatred and guilt degrading you
I'm sure you blame yourself for all that's happened
This time there's just no way that it's true
You need to know you've got a friend in Jesus
You need to know he felt rejected too
Humiliating pain and unjust treatment
He's been there so he knows what you've been through
Blessed are the tears that fall
Clean the windows of the soul
And usher in a change of heart
And bring a joy that angels know
Blessed are the tears that fall
Wash the stains of life away
Forgiven and forgotten now
A new creation's here to stay
And God will send a merciful Peacemaker
Comforter of all of those who mourn
We'll become the pure in heart, the earthly meek
Enduring misdirected scorn
Blessed are the tears that fall
Clean the windows of the soul
And usher in a change of heart
And bring a joy that angels know
Blessed are the tears that fall
Wash the stains of life away
Forgiven and forgotten now
A new creation's here to stay
Blessed are the tears that fall
All the restless nights you've wrestled through
The closest of your friends abandoned, helpless
They're reaching but they're just not reaching you
You hold no valid thoughts of consolation
The future holds no interest, no concern
The world you love is closing in around you
Clearly now there's nowhere left to turn
Blessed are the tears that fall
Clean the windows of the soul
And usher in a change of heart
And bring a joy that angels know
The time has come to share your well-kept secrets
The hatred and guilt degrading you
I'm sure you blame yourself for all that's happened
This time there's just no way that it's true
You need to know you've got a friend in Jesus
You need to know he felt rejected too
Humiliating pain and unjust treatment
He's been there so he knows what you've been through
Blessed are the tears that fall
Clean the windows of the soul
And usher in a change of heart
And bring a joy that angels know
Blessed are the tears that fall
Wash the stains of life away
Forgiven and forgotten now
A new creation's here to stay
And God will send a merciful Peacemaker
Comforter of all of those who mourn
We'll become the pure in heart, the earthly meek
Enduring misdirected scorn
Blessed are the tears that fall
Clean the windows of the soul
And usher in a change of heart
And bring a joy that angels know
Blessed are the tears that fall
Wash the stains of life away
Forgiven and forgotten now
A new creation's here to stay
Blessed are the tears that fall
I have always loved the superhero Green Lantern, and Green Arrow, and now a fan has made his own idea of what the movie should look like. It RAWKS!
Hey guys, I am here and am trying to keep updated for all. Hugs from me.....
Today, Easter, I thank God for giving his Son to the world. A world so desperately needy and hurting and dying that we need a Savior, not a man-made saviour Jack Bower or Superman, but a REAL Saviour. Thank God for Jesus....
