I have been really unable to update this site and I can enumerate a long list of reasons but they don’t matter, do they? What matters is that I am determined to make this year, the best year ever for my blogging life. Praying I can accomplish that.

I have been really unable to update this site and I can enumerate a long list of reasons but they don’t matter, do they? What matters is that I am determined to make this year, the best year ever for my blogging life. Praying I can accomplish that.
One of the most critical challenges for both big retailers and small neighborhood stores is to turn customers into returning customers. While there is no way of contractually forcing customers to keep coming back, membership programs are the next best thing. By selling customers membership cards, retailers can incentivise customers by offering them special deals and discount. It’s exactly what Amazon is doing with its Prime membership program. Apart from the big brands, small retail outlets are now investing in membership cards printing to retain their local customer base.
It really is a win-win scenario as customers get to avail great discounts and exclusive deals, while the stores issuing these cards get a promise of regular business. However, more often than not, customers get sweet-talked into buying a membership card that they just don’t need. Remember, it doesn’t really work if you are not a frequent buyer. As a smart consumer, you need to sidestep the marketing traps and decide if a membership program is worth the bucks. Here’re 4 tips to pick a membership program that’s right for you.
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As crisp autumn days give way to the colder temperatures of winter, Broken Bend, Oklahoma takes on an entirely new character in step with its seasonal change. The beautiful mountains that characterize this part of the state lose much of their foliage, making hiking the hundreds of miles of trails that cross the state parks the perfect opportunity for expansive views. On snowy days, hikers can rent a pair of snowshoes and enjoy the sights just as the trappers did hundreds of years ago.
Cross-country skiing is another opportunity to enjoy the occasional snowfall in the area. Pack your skis and hit the trails for the chance to enjoy a whole new aspect of the area’s wilderness beauty. Horseback riding is another wonderful way to take in the winter beauty. Hire a guide for the day and pack into the backwoods with a steaming thermos full of hot chocolate. Along the way, you’ll encounter turkeys, pheasants and other wild creatures. Eagles are known to spend the winter months in the area, so visitors will want to keep an eye on the skies in hopes of spotting these magnificent birds.
After a day on the trails, there’s almost no better way to recuperate than by enjoying local specialties. There are several wineries in the area, as the climate is ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and other favorite varietals. Take an afternoon to tour the wineries and enjoy sampling their various offerings along with a plate of delicious local cheeses.
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