(Long Island, N.Y.) If you’re looking for a family-friendly late summer getaway or want to plan a weekend escape to catch some awesome fall foliage, look no further than the Finger Lakes region. The Finger Lakes, eleven pristine lakes spread like fingers across central New York, encompasses 9,000 plus square miles of outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery with a nice mix of urban hot spots.

It’s an easy to drive too and there’s also a wealth of activities for families. In addition to boating, grape stomping, apple picking, hiking, biking and fishing, the Finger Lakes are home to the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY, which houses the National Toy Hall of Fame. Here are a few family-friendly activities the region offers:

1. Strong National Museum of Play: Home to the National Toy Hall of Fame®, the International Center for the History of Electronic GamesT, and the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls, games and other items that celebrate play. Families will want to play all day in the dynamic, hands-on exhibits: sit on the famous Sesame Street steps, pilot a giant helicopter, walk through a giant kaleidoscope, follow the yellow brick road into Reading Adventureland where favorite children’s stories come to life and even enjoy tropical weather year-round in the foliage-filled Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden populated by hundreds of free flying butterflies. Every exhibit is truly fun to play in for visitors of all ages. Admission fees are: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for children 2-15, and children under two enter free. Website: www.museumofplay.org/.

2. Feed Your Need for Speed: Race Around a NASCAR Track: Drive your family around the same track that NASCAR pros race on via a Thunder Road Tour at the famed Watkins Glen International Racetrack. Yes even minivans are welcome!! From April 26th through November 1st, the track offers tours that include three paced laps beginning at noon each day for just $25. For more information please visit www.theglen.com/Plan-Your-Visit/The-Shop.aspx.

3. Swim Under Waterfalls: As Ithaca’s famed green t-shirts will tell you, “Ithaca is Gorges.” Not just “gorges” to look at, but to swim in, too. For $8 per carload, families can swim under a beautiful waterfall at Robert Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY.

4. Flying in the Finger Lakes: Known as the Soaring Capital of America, the Finger Lakes offer families a unique opportunity to learn how to fly. Families can soar in a glider at Harris Hill, visit the world’s largest sailplane collection at the National Soaring Museum, or learn to fly their own at Elmira’s Soaring school at Wings of Eagles Discovery Center. Also available within a few miles are helicopter, small plane and tandem hang gliding rides.

5. Reconnect with nature for FREE: Watkins Glen State Park: Acres of enchanted waterfalls, awe-inspiring caverns and caves await hiking, biking, waterfall spotting, kayaking, bird watching, picnics and more at inspiring Watkins Glen State Park. For more information, please visit: www.watkinsglenchamber.com/Home/Visitors/Things-to-do/Outdoor-activities.aspx.

6. Hop in to Letchworth State Park: Known as “The Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is one of the region’s crown jewels. The park spans 14 thousand acres along the Genesee River and offers stunning scenery, gorges, miles of trails, swimming pools and more. Photographers, families and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy this year-round vacation spot. Vehicle entrance fee is $8. Website: www.fingerlakeswest.com.

7. Visit Taughannock Falls: Known for breathtaking waterfalls, the drop at Taughannock Falls is around 215 feet, making it a larger drop than Niagara Falls. Website: www.taughannock.com.

8. Chemung County is Mark Twain Country: It was in Elmira, NY that he traveled when he sought refuge to live out his private life and write. As 2010 marked the 175th anniversary of his death and 125th anniversary of the release of Huck Finn, Chemung County launched a new Twain-themed putt putt golf course and a ‘Twain Trail.’ The trail features quotes by Twain scattered along the path and is available free to Twain enthusiast families. The area includes an array of paths for little ones too!

9. Fall Foliage Grandeur: Largely due to the contrasting deep blue lakes against the outrageously colorful hills, rolling valleys and rocky gorges Finger Lakes is considered one of the most stunning fall foliage displays in the U.S. Viewings are everywhere and free of course!

Where to stay: Greek Peak Mountain Resort

Greek Peak Mountain Resort is a destination family retreat. With its Cascades Indoor Waterpark (41,000 square feet of three-story tubes and body slides, wave pool, and indoor/outdoor hot tub and pool), 32 varied terrain ski trails, indoor game room, and adventure center (complete with a roller coaster, zip lining, a ropes course and more!) the resort caters to adventurous kids of all ages. Guest rooms were designed with families in mind sleeping up to 10 guests at a time and featuring fully equipped kitchens. Guests can even order food from the restaurant and cook their own menu! Children’s programs are available throughout the day for newborns to teenagers at no additional cost and babysitting services are available in the evenings.

(Long Island, N.Y.) The best part of summer, the long, carefree days of sun and fun. The worst part: Oh the humidity! I asked Nelson Chan – celebrity stylist and owner of Nelson J salon in Beverly Hills (www.nelsonjsalon.com) to help us out.

Bad hair days, why do you think moms battle this (not-so-big) but frustrating problem?

Chan: Moms are always busy and I found they don’t have time to take care of themselves. Mostly, lack of volume or too much frizz both require some skill and time to deal with these problems. Therefore, moms seem to be always the ones who battle with their hair.

Can you give me your best quick bad hair day fix for short hair?

Chan: The best quick way to fix short hair is to spray water on hair so hair can be easily restyled to create volume with quick blow-drying…etc. This trick works on most hair types.

What about gals with long hair, like mine?

Chan: Long hair, I love hot rollers. They are very easy to use and it makes your hair look like those of a Hollywood star. Yes, it’s a little old school but this old trick really works.

I know ladies with baby fine hair and curly hair have some issues, too. What do you suggest?

Chan: For fine hair, I suggest spraying some water and restyling hair by blow-drying quickly with brushes or styling hot rollers. Adding volumizer or surf spray prior to blow drying will also help a lot for volume. For curly hair, spraying water also works but instead of adding volumizer use oil then lightly diffuse hair (using a diffuser) or air dry.

Can you give me one last great tip for battling bad hair days?

Chan: I suggest to be creative when you have bad hair day. A ponytail with light teasing on top can create a very model-chic look and it does not take much time.

(Long Island, N.Y.) They say: little kids, little problems, big kids, big problems. And it’s oh so true. Right now, my worries are kept to a controlled minimum, but I know one day my two elementary school-aged kids will become teens and ask for–yikes–the keys to the car.

Each year, the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest 100 days for teen drivers and their passengers, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). To minimize this risk, parents should learn the facts and teach their children how to drive safely.

Sarah Robinson – engineer, Michelin test-track driver and one of the few female test drivers- teaches teen’s safe-driving skills. She’s got great tips on maintaining a safe vehicle and how to effectively teach our young drivers about safety.

Here are Sarah’s suggestions for keeping your kids safe on the roads this summer:

• Situational awareness: To keep yourself out of danger, nothing is more effective than being aware of your surroundings.
• Vision: Train your eyes to anticipate danger, focus as far ahead as you can see and use your peripheral vision to observe your immediate surroundings.
• Stay focused: Distractions can result in fatal accidents. Parents should set rules limiting the number of passengers riding with a teenage driver. Using a cell phone, text messaging, changing the radio station or iPod tunes, or applying makeup should never be done while driving.
• Speed and distance: Obey the speed limit, adjust your vehicle’s speed to match weather conditions and maintain a proper distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
• Defensive driving class: Practice is the best defense against accidents. A third-party instructor often can influence teens more effectively than the limitations of the typical parent-teen dynamic. Instructors are trained to teach teens car-control skills so they can avoid or minimize accidents.
• Seating position: Proper seating position maximizes your ability to control your vehicle. Sarah provides tips to ensure drivers are positioned with arms the proper distance from the steering wheel and legs from the brake and gas pedals.
• Set mirrors properly: Side mirrors can help maximize the view of the road, rather than reflecting the side of the car.
• Steering position: For optimal control, hands should be placed at the three-o’clock and nine-o’clock positions on the steering wheel.
• Tire pressure: Parents should teach their teenage drivers to check the pressure of all four tires once a month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 33,000 injuries and 700 deaths occur every year due to underinflated tires.
• Safety equipment: Prepare the vehicle with the necessary safety equipment and an emergency kit. Cars equipped with stability-control systems, antilock braking systems and airbags help reduce accidents as well as the severity of injuries if an accident occurs.
• Parents’ role: Parents can play a significant role in teaching their teenage drivers basic safety. First, they should be a good role model to their children when they are in the driver’s seat. Next, they should establish safe-driving rules and enforce them. They also should enroll young drivers in defensive driving courses. Finally, parents should explain the responsibilities and dangers of handling a 3,000-plus-pound vehicle.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Looking to kick off Independence Day with a blast? You better start planning now. Here are three summertime hotspots to celebrate the 4th!

Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

There’s no better spot to check out the fireworks in Manhattan than Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC’s newly-refreshed Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge. The rooftop is ideally situated for fireworks-viewing on the west side, offering 360-degree views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline from 14 floors up. The rooftop also features a pool, indoor and outdoor terrace seating, and a fully landscaped garden. The rooftop is fit for a star – celebs like Shia LaBeouf, Katy Perry and Usher have been spotted taking in the views. Signature cocktails include the refreshing Mango Lime Rickey and Grapefruit Cosmo, and bottle service is available.

Cooperstown, New York!

What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than in a town that’s a real slice of Americana. All-American Cooperstown, NY, known for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, its rural heritage, breweries and breathtaking scenery, is also home to the second oldest continuously running Fourth of July parade in America. After watching the procession, enjoy barbecues, live concerts and an authentic 1845 Independence Day Celebration at The Farmers’ Museum. Then find your way to the Otesaga Resort Hotel’s wrap-around veranda, which is the prime location to watch the magical fireworks display reflect off of Otsego “Glimmerglass” Lake.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – Atlantic City, NJ

Despite all the hustle of the Jersey Shore – come dusk, the beach is serene and sky is sweeping – a perfect landscape for illuminating holiday fireworks. Home to the largest display south of New York City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City’s Marina District, is the best all-inclusive option off the main strip to watch the sky light up before your eyes. The only Las Vegas style casino on the East Coast, guests can enjoy unparalleled gaming, entertainment and cuisine all in one weekend, and all under one roof. Free and open to the public, this impressive fireworks display is seen best from Borgata.

Two words for you: Mom. Jeans. Here’s how to avoid, avoid, avoid!

(Long Island, N.Y.) Yep, spring has sprung and it’s officially warmer-weather shopping season. Every gal’s wardrobe should be outfitted with some great denim choices. But how to you avoid the very cringe-worthy “mom jeans” look? (The horror!) Well, in order to keep my fellow moms from falling into the dreadful mom-jean trap, I turned to two very savvy experts. Shana Draugelis and Molly Dynan are mom-style experts and co-contributors of Ain’t No Mom Jeans. I asked and (thankfully!) they answered.

Shana: What are your top three tips to avoiding the “mom jeans” look?

1. Start with actual jeans! Jeans must have working pockets, a real button and fly, and be made primarily out of denim (denim/stretch blends are OK…100% stretch is not). Real jeans do not have elastic waistbands or pleats.

2. You should be happy with the way your bum looks. Unlike, say, khakis, or (even worse) swimwear…a great pair of jeans should make your bum look its best. Jeans should hug your curves and the rear view should make you jump up and down with glee. In fact, a really great pair of jeans should make your bum look good while jumping up and down with glee. Keep pockets in proportion to your size. In general, the tinier the pocket, the larger the bum looks.

3. Get the length right – I’m surprised by the number of moms running around with too-short and too-long denim! For boot cut or flare denim, the hem should hit the middle of your foot – roughly an inch from where your toes meet your foot. For straight-leg denim, the hem should just touch the shoe. And skinny jeans? The most flattering hem length is at or above the ankle bone. When having your denim tailored, we recommend first washing and drying at least once. For an authentic look, be sure to shorten denim with its “original hem,” where the hems of the jeans are snipped off and reattached (about $20). It’s also easy to take in the waistband to avoid gaping ($15-$20)–your tailor can hide a small seam in the waistband under the back middle belt loop.

Molly: Why do you suppose when you hear the word “mom fashion” our minds quickly go to MOM JEANS? Do you think we will ever shake the style stigma?

It’s hard to forget the cornea-searing imagery of the Saturday Night Live “Mom Jeans” skit when you think about mom fashion, but we can absolutely shake the frumpy-dumpy image of motherhood. For thousands of years, personal care and appearance have been strong indicators of self-worth, but over the last 20 years, there has been an insidious trend towards casualness and comfort–one we think has gone too far. And, as is the custom, moms are taking the brunt of the ridicule. Moms can help reverse this detrimental trend simply by taking a little much-deserved time for themselves, and remembering that looking good and being well put together is not an indictment of our mothering skills!

(Long Island, N.Y.) Every time I see the images of destruction in Japan, my heart breaks. I have learned one way I can help out, and so can you. On May 1st, 2011 artists and bands are coming together to help UNICEF/US raise money to help children in need.

Japan has been a donating member to UNICEF for over 60 years and now they need our help badly. With deaths in the tens of thousands and food and water supplies contaminated by radiation, UNICEF is assisting in the ongoing efforts of helping the children in Japan affected by this tragedy.

NYC Rocks for Japan will feature artists from all walks of life who have one common goal, to help those in need. Together we hope not only to raise money, but also raise awareness of how bad the situation is, and do it through the power of music.

The evening promises to be as entertaining as it is enlightening. Tickets will be $10 (either in advance by donating to link provided) or at the door. On Sunday, May 1st, 2011 a diverse roster of indie music acts from across New York City and beyond will lend their talents to NYC Rocks for Japan: A Benefit Concert for UNICEF/U.S. Fund for Japan.

This event will take place at the historic Kenny’s Castaways (157 Bleeker St. btw Thompson and Sullivan St) in Greenwich Village, NY.

Tickets for the 7pm – 12am music marathon are only $10 each, and all proceeds will benefit UNICEF/U.S.Fund – NYC Rocks for Japan.

The acts scheduled are:

• Jac&Jill (featured on Z-100’s Elvis Duran Show)
• Bad Habits (Thin Lizzy Tribute)- check them out on Face book
• Streetlight Circus -(featured on various MTV original programming)
• LOT 16 (131 Records recording artists)
• Sofia J (MTV’s Made Theme; featured on The Secret Life of the American Teenager)
• Michele Marzano (world renowned Cyndi Lauper impersonator)
• The Flaw (modern rock)

The event will have a fundraising raffle with $10 tickets for a variety of great prizes.
Doors open at 6:30pm
Tickets – $10 at box office
$10 Raffle drawings will be held for some great prizes
Must be 18 to enter / 21 to drink

The producer and organizer of the event are Lot 16 and The Flaw bassist/songwriter Rob Tebaldi. On his inspiration for the event, he explains: “My friends and I growing up used to say when we “made it big” that we would use the talent we’ve been given to help others and when I saw the devastation that the Tsunami brought to the people of Japan I said to myself “what am I waiting for?” So I made some phone calls and every single band and artist that I reached out to jumped at the chance to do this. UNICEF is such an amazing organization and I had produced a show for Haiti last year for them as well and that experience changed my life. I feel very blessed to have ability to create and perform music in my life and to have the friends and family who support that, and I want to honor that by doing as much as I can to help when there is help needed.”

Tickets for N.Y.C. Rocks for Japan are available at the door on the day of the show or via donating directly at: inside.unicefusa.org/goto/NYCROCKSFORJAPAN. Those who choose to donate online just need to present their receipt at the door on the day of the show. All donations are 100% tax deductable.

For additional information contact:
Rob Tebaldi, NYC Rocks For Japan
917. 476. 5974 / ratebaldi@gmail.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) After eight years of hard work and effort, Long Island-based moms Kim Marino, Melissa Bossert, Alyson Palmer and Jen Malvetti (sisters and friends) have finally completed a most important project: Play Smart!

It’s a labor of love, strength and smarts-what they created was a relevant and useful tool for today’s parent. The book contains 150 activities that parents can do with their child – these activities are Play Smart! activities because they enhance all areas of development: cognition, play, social, expressive, receptive, fine motor, gross motor and adaptive skills. And the best part of their book-it won’t break the bank: parents do not have to spend money on expensive educational toys, books, or games. These are activities that can be done in your home without having to buy anything. Their goal is to “empower” parents so that they have the tools necessary for their child to learn through play.

About Play Smart!

Parents are provided with activities and strategies that are easy to read, understand and use. The activities will enhance your child’s cognition, play skills, social skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, expressive language and receptive language skills. Most importantly, Play Smart! provides parents with activities that can be done within the home environment or out in the community without having to buy anything! Imagine being able to improve your child’s overall development without having to purchase expensive materials.

So who’s behind this bright idea?

“I have been working as a licensed speech and language pathologist for the past 18 years,” says Kim Marino, one of the Play Smart! authors. “I am a licensed as a speech and language pathologist, teacher of the speech and hearing handicapped and a certified elementary educator. I work for various agencies in Suffolk County providing home-based services and diagnostic evaluations. I am fortunate enough to have experiences with babies all the way up to the age of 21.”

The main reason for coming up with the idea Play Smart! (which they started about 8 years ago) was to empower parents with the tools they need to stimulate development in their child. “There are so many educational books, materials and toys that parents can purchase, but actually they really aren’t necessary,” says the Miller Place mom and educator. “As parents we have the tools and strategies within our home environment. So, Play Smart! teaches parents how to stimulate development-cognition, expressive language, receptive language, play skills, adaptive skills, and fine motor/gross motor skills – within the home environment or out in the community – without having to buy any materials. Simple activities such as taking a bath, baking, blowing bubbles and peek-a-boo can all be done in a playful and stimulating way so that you stimulate development.”

Play Smart! is also written by Jennifer Malvetti, from Rocky Point, who received her undergrad degree at SUNY Plattsburgh in Elementary Education and received her Masters at Dowling College in Special Education. She has been teaching at the Longwood Central School District for eight years, currently teaching third grade. Melissa Bossert, another contributor, is a Port Jefferson native who received her bachelor’s from CW Post and master’s degree from Adelphi University. She has worked with disabled children for over 20 years and currently teaches in the Middle Country Central School District and is the Chairperson for the Committee on Preschool Special Education. She has worked with early intervention, preschool and school-aged children.

On the download

Their book provides 150 activities for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children. Each activity tells you how and why the play activity is important for your child. You will be amazed at how simple it is to stimulate and enrich your child’s overall development with everyday routine activities. Simple activities such as “peek-a-boo” and blowing bubbles can be done in a more enriching way. Bath time and cooking in the kitchen are perfect opportunities to enhance growth and development in your child. Play Smart! will teach you how to play and why you are playing. Play Smart! teaches parents to play with a purpose. The knowledge and experience the authors have attained over the past years has allowed them to develop this much needed helpful and creative book. Their hope is that they provide you with all of the tools that will allow you to PLAY and learn with your child without the need to purchase any materials, books, or toys while enhancing their overall development. Play Smart! teaches parents how to play with a purpose.

Get Appy!

The authors are very excited to announce Play Smart! is now available on the iPhone, the iPod Touch and the iPad. You can purchase Play Smart! as an iBook (and within the next few weeks as an app on Apple’s app store). Please visit the Apple iBook store on your iPhone, iPod, or iPad. Just look for their logo above when searching for Play Smart!

…and hopes you do, too.

(Long Island, N.Y.) In the wake of the horrific disaster in Japan, NY-based Verizon quickly implemented a mobile giving program to give customers an easy way to contribute to Japan relief efforts, make wireless calls and texts to Japan free, and waived charges for calls to Japan for most residential customers. Personally, I am not a Verizon customer, but I just may be one soon. Here’s why: According to a breaking news release, today, the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, announced it will match Verizon employee contributions to the American Red Cross, Save the Children and World Vision for relief efforts, $1-for-$1 up to $1,000 per employee, through the Verizon disaster relief incentive program.

High-tech help

Rose Kirk, president of the Verizon Foundation, said in a prepared statement, “Verizon is committed to using its technology and its financial resources to support those affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Our employees have a long history of mobilizing quickly to assist communities in need, and we are proud to join them in this effort.”

FiOS TV customers who are not subscribed to the channel get free access to TV Japan through March 17. The channel location is 1770.

Mobilizing much needed money – fast.

To make donating as quick and as easy as possible, Verizon Wireless customers can make a $10 donation to their choice of ten non-profit organizations responding to the earthquake and subsequent tsunami by simply sending a text message – simply text the specific word to the organization’s designated short code. Your contribution may just be a quick text away:

• ADRA Relief: text SUPPORT to 85944
• American Red Cross Relief: text REDCROSS to 90999
• Convoy of Hope: text TSUNAMI or SUNAMI to 50555
• GlobalGiving: text JAPAN to 50555
• International Medical Corps: text MED to 80888
• Mercy Corps: text MERCY to 25383
• Salvation Army: text JAPAN to 80888
• Save the Children Federation, Inc.: text JAPAN or TSUNAMI to 20222
• World Relief Corp. of National Association of Evangelicals: text WAVE to 50555
• World Vision, Inc.: text 4JAPAN or 4TSUNAMI to 20222

(Long Island, N.Y.) Social buying network “GrubLife Metro” debuted here on Long Island a couple of months ago-introducing local residents to deep discount on all things food and lifestyle.

What’s the big idea?

Following the lead of industry heavyweights like Groupon and LivingSocial comes GrubLife Metro; a new Long Island based social buying network focused on connecting Long Islanders with discounted offers from local businesses in their area. While not necessarily breaking new ground with the concept itself, GrubLife Metro is consciously and specifically taking a hyper local approach at using the group buying model to effectively reach an enormous and startlingly underserved demographic – Long Islanders. Many people forget; if it were a state, Long Island would rank 12th in population and first in population density in the United States. It is largely a hotbed of consumers that are willing to buy and eager to save.

Want some “grub”?

I asked Adam Brown, president of GrubLife to fill me in on all the juicy details.

How did you get the idea for GrubLife…what sparked it?

Brown: We have been studying the group buying space for over a year now and we knew this represented a very good opportunity for both vendors and users to connect. With trailblazers like Groupon and LivingSocial paving the way it has really helped to explain the business concept and vendors are seeing that this type of cost per acquisition marketing model allows them to reach a big audience with much less risk upfront.

We originally launched GrubLife at a few large state Universities to bring this great concept to that niche audience. After having success on that front we decided to open up a local brand called GrubLife Metro to capitalize on our broad network here on Long Island and to provide great deals right in our backyard.

What kind of deals can Long Islanders expect?

Brown: We focus on two types of Deals

GRUB-Things you eat-Restaurants, ice cream parlors, bars etc.

LIFE—-Things you do-Bowling, movies, spas, salons, dry cleaning etc…

Our site is focused on bringing compelling deals that are super relevant to our local LI target market. We like to help local business owners find their voice online and allow them to engage LI residents. The GrubLife Metro engine is a very effective vehicle for doing so.

What’s your main goal?

Brown: That there is much more to group buying than just great deals at discounted prices. We are affording people the opportunity to get out and perhaps try some new places for meals and services. We tend to get very comfortable in life and don’t generally explore quite as much as we should. We here at GrubLife Metro want to empower LI residents to get out of their houses and into local business who really want their business. Who knows your new favorite restaurant or salon might be out there? You don’t know until you try ’em out!

How can local businesses get involved and get a deal in the works?

Brown: Very easy. We want to hear from all businesses who understand that you need to market effectively to stay relevant in today’s market. We take a thorough look at where they are and we help them in a much more profound way than our competitors. We analyze their online and more importantly their social media presence. Then we work with them on putting out a cohesive social media marketing message to help convert discount shoppers into brand loyalists.

If a business is interested in making a positive change for their business they can email us at vendors@grublife.com or call us at 877-900 GRUB (4782)

Will the holiday “ka-ching” put you in the red for the New Year?

(Long Island, N.Y.) Oh no, this is not, I repeat, not one of those wrist-slapping “thou shall not max out your credit cards” warnings. Because the truth is many of us are relying on plastic to make the holiday season holly and jolly. What it is – a wakeup call. And boy do I need to walk my talk. I trotted through the malls in the wee hours of the morning on Black Friday, and well, pretty much haven’t stopped since. Nor did it begin there, either, I must confess. I started stashing the holiday loot in October.

Once the credit card statements started to roll in, it’s a rather eye-opening experience–even though I scaled back from last year. Judging by the long lines at the stores, I know I’m not the only one who is swiping the AMEX. While I hate to be a ‘Debby Downer’… it’s time to face some facts.

According to a recent statistical release by the Federal Reserve, consumer credit increased at an annual rate of 1-3/4 percent in October 2010, revolving credit decreased at an annual rate of 8-1/2 percent, and non-revolving credit increased at an annual rate of 6-3/4 percent. You don’t have to be a finance expert to know that’s not a good sign.

So what does 2011 have in store for us? Well, it’s not all bad news! Ken Lin, CEO of CreditKarma.com, recently released his top five insights and predictions.

Prediction 1: Credit scores will increase

Credit scores have remained relatively stable during the past year, dropping four points since January 2010. However, Lin predicts credit scores will increase gradually during the coming year.

Prediction 2: As credit requirements loosen, more people will have access to credit

During Q2 2010, the Federal Reserve found that for the first time since 2007, banks are loosening credit card lending standards. In fact, the average credit score for consumers to acquire a credit card dropped 12 points during the first half of 2010, according to CreditKarma.com.

As a result of loosened standards, more than 6 million consumers are now able to obtain a credit card. Banks are also increasing their card offers to consumers, with Synovate’s Mail Monitor reporting U.S. homes received 25% more credit card offer mailings in the third quarter from the second quarter of 2010.

Prediction 3: Interest rates will gradually rise

In 2010, lenders were eager for consumers to open new credit card accounts, loosening their credit requirements and enticing consumers through “hot deals” such as low or zero annual percentage rates (APR). However, as more consumers can obtain a credit card with a lower credit score, CreditKarma.com predicts lenders in 2011 will protect themselves by gradually raising interest rates.

“Consumers can educate themselves in advance on lenders’ methods for raising APR so they aren’t caught off-guard as interest rates start to rise in 2011,” says Lin. “For example, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 requires 45 days’ advance warning from banks of any APR increases. In addition, consumers with a zero percent introductory APR rate should note the rate often has an expiration date. The new financial legislation regulates that credit card companies must honor these offers for a six month minimum, so credit card holders should check at that time to be sure the special rate still applies.”

Prediction 4: The average amount of debt per consumer will remain flat, but more consumers will start to use credit again

During 2010, consumers with a credit card had on average $7,745 in credit card debt, according to CreditKarma.com. In addition, credit card debt dropped 8% during the course of the year. At the same time, TransUnion reported that more than 6 million people have given up the plastic and turned to cash.

In 2011, CreditKarma.com expects the credit card debt per person to remain near the 2010 average. More people, however, will start to use credit cards again.

“Many consumers have been financially responsible over the past two years and delayed purchases unless they could pay the entire bill with cash,” says Lin. “In 2011, expect consumers to feel comfortable using credit cards again, but don’t expect consumers to rack up more debt than they feel comfortable they can pay off.”

Prediction 5: Lenders will continue to be more “creative” when accessing a consumer’s potential credit risk

Both FICO and VantageScore are already updating their credit score formulas to assist lenders in determining which borrowers are most likely to strategically default based on their past behavior patterns.

“Lenders will start looking at other factors to judge a consumer’s credit worthiness. Already there is talk of issuers and lenders researching other aspects of people’s financial records such as their income, banking habits, outstanding debt and the value of their home. You’re going to see more and more of this during the upcoming year. Lenders want a holistic picture of a consumer’s financial health before lending credit to those consumers,” says Lin.