Getting Fit in May

It just so happens that May is Physical Fitness Month here in the U.S. and although May is almost over, it's not too late to become active. Tomorrow I plan on cleaning the rust off of my bike and taking a nice long ride! It’s great exercise, plus it’s a good excuse to get outside and take advantage of the lovely spring weather we’re having around here.

Getting fit is easier than you think. There are a number of things you can do, from biking to swimming to hiking or walking. For more info, take a look at some of these links:

Fitness programs: 5 steps to getting started
Health & Fitness Center

From Product Test to Supermarket Shelf

I recently received this question from a member:

"Last summer I was part of a test group for a new (hair product). The product was amazing! I have been disappointed that I haven't been able to buy it at the store and am anxiously waiting for it to be released to the public. When will it be available?"

It's a good question, but I don't have precise answer because our clients - the companies that provide the products that you test - don't share that information with us. Although product testing is usually one of the last steps before a product is released for sale, the feedback that product testers provide may result in the client abandoning the idea or reworking it considerably. Therefore, it is very difficult to predict when (or if) the product will appear on store shelves.

My best advice is to keep looking as this panelist did:

"What a delightful treat to find a product on the store shelf that I helped test market! Just this week Pantene Silver Expressions graced the shelf at our local drug store. I was so pleased with the results during the testing period, that I continued to use every drop of both the shampoo and conditioner! What fun to find this great product sitting on the shelf for everyone to enjoy now! It truly shows that what we as consumers think, actually is listened to."

I admit though, even this advice may sometimes be difficult to follow because some product tests are "blind"- meaning the test products have no identifying label that would help you later recognize it on store shelves. Despite my inability to provide a precise answer about when products you experience will be available, we appreciate your participation in surveys and product tests. Your opinions help manufacturers craft products that meet consumer needs.

Also, one quick reminder about concept and product tests. Just as we always keep your personal information and survey responses confidential - we appreciate your keeping the new products you see when you take surveys and test samples confidential too!

May 11th is Mother’s Day

Sunday is Mother’s Day -- a time to celebrate and commemorate all the wonderful things about Mom. It’s a day for breakfast-in-bed, hand-drawn cards, and family get-togethers. Because while it’s easy to overlook all the wonderful things that Moms do, Mother’s Day gives us all the chance to say “thanks” for everything.

Personally, I like to show my appreciation for Mom by buying her a beautiful ‘flat’ of flowers every year. She loves the color they add to her front porch, and she displays them for all her guests to see. It really makes me happy to see how much she enjoys them.

If you’re still looking for gift ideas, these websites may help you get started:

Mother's Day Gifts, Ideas, Cards, Crafts, and more!
E-cards For Mom
Mother's Day Ideas

So, what do you do to show Mom your gratitude? Or, what kinds of things have your children done for you in the years past? Tell us your favorite Mother’s Day stories.

Combating High Gas Prices

I can’t believe how much it cost to fill up my gas tank recently. I’m sure feeling the strain of rising gas prices, how about you? While it’s good to know there are some long term solutions in the works, I’d like to know what I can do right now, today, to improve automobile gas efficiency and save some money. I found these websites offering helpful advice:

Good, Better, Best: How to Improve Gas Mileage
Top 10 Tips for Improving Your Fuel Economy
We Test the Tips

Of course other options include public transportation, carpooling, walking or biking. What, if anything, are you currently doing to save money on gas? Leave your comments and share your insights with our other members.

Spring is Here!

We’ve had some really nice weather in my area this spring. I’ve been able to walk in the park, do some gardening and open the windows. I always look forward to May though. May is really the start of warm weather for my area, with longer days and warm nights. I can finally plant some flowers and hopefully leave the house without a jacket.

A big thank you to everyone who submitted recipes last month! We asked for your favorite spring recipes and it was very difficult to select just a few from the wonderful recipes we received. A few of our favorites are highlighted in the Member Recipes section.

For June, we’re looking for your best “Potluck Recipes.” The deadline for the June submission is May 15th. To submit a recipe, email it to us at mailto:mycomments@mysurvey.com?subject=RECIPE with the word RECIPE in the subject line. Please feel free to include a digital photo of your recipe if you have one available.

Also be sure to check out the latest Survey Results and Quick Poll Results to see what some of our members think about a variety of topics.