Despite the doom and gloom of a prolonged recession, the majority of Americans are optimistic about what is in store in 2009. Expectations for a brighter future were higher among younger generations with 64 percent of those under 45 having an optimistic view compared with 52 percent for those 45 or older. (more…)

A survey of more than 3,000 U.S. consumers between Nov. 28 and Dec. 8 found that 48% of people planned to spend their gas savings on groceries, followed by 42% who plan to put the money in savings. Some 37% said they’ll use it to buy gifts and 30% plan to pay down credit card debt with it. Some 10% who plan to spend it on entertainment. The survey also found the recession is changing the way consumers plan their grocery trips, with 27% of consumers saying they can no longer afford to stock up on food. Another 35% said they’re stocking up more, but only on sale items. (more…)

Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Vrolijke Kerstmis, Buon Natale, and a Very Merry Christmas to you and those you love. 

Richie Blais is back in the kitchen where he belongs. Made famous by Top Chef yet he enjoys a love hate relationship with Atlantans. I stopped by his new joint Flip Burger Boutique on the way to an absolutely horrible Thrashers game. Thankfully I had a full belly of delicious food to help me past the horrific play of my former favorite fallen team. But back to the burgers. The place gets burgers right — playful options yet flavorful and satisfying. I also loved the tempura rutabaga with pepper jelly (who knew). The burger trend shows no sign of abating and Flip Burger Boutique is a worthy addition. (more…)

Faced with rising unemployment and a dismal stock market, consumers are spending less on holiday gifts this year. But the presents they’re buying may say even more about how Americans are coping with the economic slump. Some of the trends?  Practical, Comfort, High Quality, and Inexpensive Fun. Looking forward to the warm, soft, polar bear patterned, state-of-the-art ski socks under the menorah this year.  (more…)

With the dawn of a new presidency, a deepening recession, and a fine-dining culinary culture that sometimes veers into the impossibly surreal, soberness is setting into the food world. Gone are the behemoth restaurants, $1,000 omelets, and ice cream made of dehydrated chile flakes. Hallmarks of 2009 will include a return to families cooking together and eating at home more than they have in decades, a premium on high-quality, seasonal ingredients that provide good value, and an emphasis on simple food for the people, by the people.

And the top 10 Food Trends for 2009 are…..

Curious about PepsiCo’s first big campaign post-BBDO? Well, here’s a clue: Generation Optimistic. Influencing the final campaign, which involves a brand overhaul including repackaging with smiley-face-type logos, is a survey of consumers commissioned by Pepsi and conducted by StrategyOne last month. It found that Millennials, those born between 1980 and 1990, are particularly hopeful about the future, with 95% agreeing that it is important to maintain a positive outlook on life. ”Pepsi has always stood for youthful exuberance and optimism, and we’re pleased to learn through this survey that the positive spirit in youth culture is not only intact but growing,” said Dave Burwick, Pepsi’s chief marketing officer. “Our new brand identity campaign reflects that optimism like never before — on shelf and in advertising.”  (more…)

At a time when there seems to be advertising everywhere perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised it’s come to this: San Diego teacher Tom Farber is selling advertising on the bottom of math tests. The ads appear as lines of text - “Braces by Stephen P. Henry D.M.D.,” for example. School budgets nationwide are strained. Twenty-seven states have already cut their education budgets. Even in better economic times teachers have had to dip into their own pockets to keep classrooms going. Tom Farber has sold already most of his test page ads right through finals. “Anybody who criticizes this I challenge them to open up their wallets,” he says.  (more…)

An analysis of the conversations of more than 14,000 women over the course of a year, found that Baby Boomer women (43-62) have higher quality WOM than younger women (18-39)—what boomer women say is more credible, they’re more likely to pass on what they hear to others, they’re more likely to seek additional information and they’re more likely to purchase. “Drawing on greater experience and sophistication, the social networks of Boomer women are very powerful, whether it is face to face or Facebook,” says Cary Silvers, Director of Consumer Insights for Prevention, who led the study.  (more…)

These helpful hints come out just in time for those of us who have been traveling non-stop during the cold, cough, and flu season. Here are six ways to avoid germs while traveling:

• Sit toward the front of the airplane
• Don’t drink coffee or tea on an airplane
• Sanitize your hands after leaving an airplane bathroom
• Wash or sanitize your hands after getting off an escalator
• Wash or sanitize your hands after using an ATM
• Use Air Borne (from Brad’s wife)

  (more…)