Students at Manhattan's Jackie Robinson Middle School will get a preview of the world’s best Double Dutch competitors at an assembly to promote exercise and good nutrition.

The “Refuel with Chocolate Milk” campaign, a sponsor of the International Double Dutch Holiday Classic taking place Saturday, December 5 at the Apollo Theater, has arranged for international teams including Japan, Belgium, Brazil and USA to showcase their routines and share tips and techniques with students in effort to prevent obesity.

This World AIDS Day, December 1, (RED) will light more than 80 iconic landmarks around the world red to promote awareness of the ongoing fight against the AIDS epidemic in Africa and highlight the attainable goal of ending mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015, creating the first generation of babies born HIV-free.

One of the landmarks in New York City turning red is Brooklyn Borough Hall which Malaak Compton-Rock (wife of comedian Chris Rock) will be lighting. Malaak-Compton Rock has her own organization Angel Rock Project and one of the programs within the organization is Journey for Change, a global volunteer exchange program for at-risk youth.

Malaak took a group of teens from Brooklyn to South Africa where they saw (RED)'s work in person and prepared for the trip using (RED) materials and watching The Lazarus Effect. Malaak was joined by Journey for Change teens Joshua Hall and Queen Clyde this morning.

For more World AIDS Day and to join in on the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, log onto www.joinred.com

Formerly of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Dina Manzo will be here to talk about the charity she founded, Project Ladybug to help kids with cancer and their families.

Project Ladybug is expanding its reach to New York with a partnership with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in December.

They are holding an event at Bergdorfs on December 1st called "The Look Good, Feel Great" Event. This charitable affair will be open to the public on December 1st from 10am - 5pm, where New Yorkers are invited to indulge in complimentary beauty treatments at the RéVive Skincare counter at Bergdorf Goodman. Ten percent of all RéVive purchases throughout the day and 20% from all Limited Edition Artbox 8 sales will be donated to the fund.

For additional information on the event, log onto www.reviveskincare.com.

For more on Project Ladybug, visit www.projectladybug.org.

They're back and they're ready for redemption -- Bravo's Top Chef congregates a dream team of 18 past chef'testants who nearly won the title to return to see if they have what it takes for the premiere of Top Chef All-Stars, tonight, Wednesday, December 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The 2010 Primetime Emmy Award-winning "Top Chef" returns to New York City for season eight with host Padma Lakshmi and head judge chef Tom Colicchio, alongside judges Gail Simmons and new this seaon, best-selling author and chef, Anthony Bourdain.

We were joined by Chefs Angelo Sosa, Dale Talde and Stephen Asprinio.

For more on Top Chef All-Stars, visit www.bravotv.com/top-chef.

Actress Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo is gliding into the holidays for dental hygiene. She's teamed up with Oral-B glide dental floss to benefit Operation Smile, an organization that provides reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities.

Oral-B Glide and Vanessa hope to inspire others to stick to their oral care routine this holiday season by pledging to switch to Glide online through Facebook and Twitter. For every person who tweets or posts on Oral-B's Facebook wall with the hashtag #Switch2Glide through February 28, 2011, Oral-B Glide will make a $1 donation to Operation Smile with a guaranteed donation of $10,000 over the course of the entire campaign.

For more information on Oral-B Glide, log onto www.glidefloss.com, and for Operation Smile, check out www.OperationSmile.org.

Pictionary is the latest Udraw tablet game for the Nintendo Wii, which allows you to draw pictures using your TV and game console. You can even play an updated version of Pictionary

With more than 3,000 clues and up to four teams that can play, Pictionary™ becomes the ultimate party game for all ages. Artistic ability is not required to play, only a little imagination. Using Pictionary with the uDraw GameTablet will bring a whole new meaning to “quick sketches and crazy guesses!”

U-Pictionary is available in stores now. For more information, visit www.worldofudraw.com.

February and November are typically cold months, but in 2011 they're going to be hot, hot, hot! Philip Sylvester (Mr. February) and Wes Atherly (Mr. November) are featured in the City of Brave: Firefighters of NYC 2011 Calendar.

Sylvester, 26, is part of an engine based in Brooklyn. Atherly, 27, is part of a ladder based in Far Rockaway. Both men have been on the job for two years.

The Thomas R. Elsasser Fund receives a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this calendar. It was established in 1992 to support the families of NYC firefighters who died non-line of duty as active members of the FDNY. The funds raised are used to help with medical costs, housing and repairs and school tuitions to name a few.

To date, the calendar has helped to generate $6,000 for Elsasser with more on the way.

The firefighters featured in the 2011 calendar will be at Babeland Soho located at 43 Mercer Street tonight at 6pm to for "Sexy Santa Night." They'll be signing calendars and posing for photos. City of Brave: Firefighters of NYC 2011 Calendar is available now.

With temperatures dropping a good 10 degrees today, you’d better buddle up. However, you may also want to look fashionable while shielding yourselves from the cold air. That’s where Fred Forcellati, the creative director for Annie Sez stores, comes in.

Live from PIX Plaza, he and four models braved the brisk weather to show off the hottest winter coats at very cool prices! For work, casual weekends or dressed-up evenings, Annie sez has great coats and jackets for every occasion. And, at these prices, you can afford a closet full of the trendiest outerwear! Bring it on, winter!

1. Totally Toasty
Designer label down coat...now $126 at Annie sez...(dept. store price: $200)

2. Guilt-Free Luxe
Faux shearling jacket...now $119...(dept. store price: $240)

And the nominees are...well, they know who they are and so do their fans. But will find out which of the year's biggest artists will take home top honors on music's biggest night. Some have a better chance than others, and by some, I mean rapper Eminem, who leads the pack with 10 nominations for Recovery.

Alicia Quarles, Global Entertainment Editor for The Associated Press stopped by with a break down of the disses, misses and predictions.

The Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 13th.
For a complete list of nominees and what to expect on Grammy night, log on to http://www.grammy.com/

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are free. That's right! No money required.

On this week's free list:
1. Free Spa Services from Nina's Spa, NYC
2. Free scoop of authentic Gelato from Golosi, NYC

Thinking "outside of the box" is one thing, but gift wrapping a pair of inline skates (out of the box) and charcoal grill would leave most with shaky scissors and unfurled bows.

But not Will Shuler of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Mariangela Petrone of the Bronx, N.Y., who will be wrapping these and other unusual, odd-shaped gifts at the 14th annual Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest.

We sent our Ojinika Obiekwe to the event venue at Rockefeller Center, as Shuler and Petrone prepared to vie for the coveted title of the Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper, a $10,000 cash prize and bragging rights for their respective borough.

Ojinika also got some gift wrapping tips from the 2008 winner Alton DuLaney for a private wrapping session, which involved her getting wrapped, literally!

For more information, visit mostgiftedwrapper.com.

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day but for the women competing on E!'s new series, Bridalplasty, only perfection will do.

Bridalplasty brings together engaged women who are seeking complete image transformations before their big day - they want the dream wedding and the dream body to go along with it.

These brides-to-be are willing to do whatever it takes to beat the competition in order to get that perfection. Throughout the show, as they put together their dream wedding, each week one lucky bride will also get one piece of her dream body - going under the knife for one of the surgeries off her "wish list." The last bride standing will have the opportunity to have an extreme plastic surgery makeover and win a wedding fit for the stars where she will unveil her shocking new look for the very first time to the man that she's about to marry.

Celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow joins host Shanna Moakler (a celebrity bride herself) to guide the competitors in their quest for a flawless wedding.

Bridalplasty airs Sundays at 9pm on E!

On December 7th, 2010, Syfy fans will no longer have to imagine what the holidays would be like in their favorite quaint town of geniuses or government hideaway.

Two of Syfy's most popular original scripted series, Eureka and Warehouse 13, will debut special stand-alone holiday episodes, with Eureka airing at 9 pm ET/PT and Warehouse 13 airing at 10 pm ET/PT.

Actor Colin Ferguson, who plays Eureka's main character Jack Carter, stopped by to talk about the show's holiday special.

For more on Eureka, visit www.syfy.com/eureka.

They may be kooky, bizarre and peculiar. But they work! Today, we've got oddball home remedies. Here with the details is celebrity nutritionist and Founder of Genesis Today, Dr. Lindsey Duncan.

REMEDY FOR SLEEPLESSNESS
To aid sleepless nights, try eating a handful of nuts before bed. Some nuts and seeds, especially whole hazelnuts and ground sesame seeds, have a high amount of the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan (the same component found in Thanksgiving Turkey). By doing this one trick, you can: get a better night's sleep

INSTANT ENERGY
For a burst of energy, hang your head over the side of the bed before getting out of bed. this simple act will help get essential vitamins to the brain by flooding it with blood -delivering the nutrients needed for good brain function. By doing this one trick, you will: improve brain function and morning mood.

This week's Friday Forecaster was Andrea Wenner, executive director of Out2Play.

Out2Play is a non-profit organization that builds playground for inner city kids who don't have any place to get physical activity. The New York Yankees partnered with them as part of the Pepsi refresh project this summer. And Out2Play has just started their final fund raising drive for private funding to complete their last 50 projects throughout the city. Andrea was featured in Self Magazine last month as a woman making a difference.

For more information on Out2Play, visit www.out2play.org.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

Christmas comes in exactly 22 days and we're all getting in the spirit. Helping us do that with their own take on Christmas carols are The Superions, fronted by none other than Fred Schneider, formerly of The B-52's. We were also joined by the two other members of The Superions -- Noah Brodie and Dan Marshall.

The Superions' holiday album is called Destination Christmas and it's available in stores now. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/thesuperions or www.facebook.com/thesuperions.

Mariangela Petrone, a New Yorker from the Bronx, walked away with the grand prize for Scotch Brands Most Gifted Wrapper Contest. She is a self-described complete amateur at the holiday sport and showed us some of her wrapping chops this morning.

For more on the conest, visit mostgiftedwrapper.com.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means one thing, painful holiday shopping. Remember, the gifts aren't going to buy themselves, you have to go and get them for loved ones.

As anyone who has spent the day shopping can tell you, this can be a physically taxing time for the body. It's not just your credit card getting a workout, it's your body too.

Joshua Margolis of Mind Over Matter Health and Fitness showed us moves that will help get you in gear for your shopping extravaganza.

For more on Mind Over Matter Health and Fitness, visit www.mindovermatternyc.com.

Singer Nick Lachey stopped by to talk to us about kicking off the new season of his a cappella singing show on NBC The Sing Off.

The Sing-Off is a five-night one-of-a-kind battle of voices. Celebrity judges who will critique the singing groups with their expertise are Ben Folds (Ben Folds Five), Shawn Stockman (Boyz II Men), and Nicole Scherzinger (The Pussycat Dolls).

The show will feature the country's top 10 a cappella groups performing popular songs like you've never heard them before. There's no lip-synching, backup bands, or safety net. They'll be singing for America's vote, with the winner walking away with the ultimate prize – a Sony Music recording contract and $100,000.

The season premiere of The Sing Off is Monday, December 6. The show will regularly air Mondays and Wednesdays at 8pm on NBC.

The tunic is a modern staple every woman should have in their closet. We'll show you just how versatile tunics are with a MNG by Mango Tunic for $60. Just one tunic can be worn in four different ways and mkes it a must-have item this season.

The versatile tunic is available at JC Penney, online and in stores.

Actors Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols, best known for their roles as Brooke and Julian on the CW show One Tree Hill, bring to life Gasoline Rainbows, a music compilation which 100 percent of proceeds to go to Global Green to benefit communities affected by Gulf oil spill.

Sophia and Austin travelled with Global Green, to Grand Isle, Louisiana, to visit the beaches and see the devastation wrought by the Deepwater Horizon spill first hand. Moved by the stretches of oil along the once-beautiful beaches, as well as the devastation to the wildlife, they decided to help in whatever way they could, and this compilation is a direct result of that.

Gasoline Rainbows is available now. One Tree Hill airs Tuesdays at 8pm on PIX 11.

Actress Ashley Benson, one of the main stars of ABC Family's hit series Pretty Little Liars, stopped by the studio to talk about her role in the new holiday movie Christmas Cupid, premiering on Sunday, December 12 during ABC Family's annual "25 Days of Christmas" event.

Christina Milian stars as high powered Hollywood publicist, Sloane, who finds herself haunted by the ghost of her recently departed infamous client Caitlin (Benson). With just days away from Christmas, Caitlin takes Sloane on a journey to meet the ghosts of her ex-boyfriends from the past,present and future to try and guide her to true love, in a modern day take on Charles Dickens' holiday classic story of A Christmas Carol.

Christmas Cupid airs Sunday, December 12 on ABC Family.

www.travelzoo.com/tv/NewYork

Gabe Saglie, senior editor of Travelzoo stopped by with the best travel deals of the week. They include:

• Fairmont Southampton Resort in Bermuda $129/nt. (Reg. $299)
• Riviera Maya in Cancun (all inclusive) $659/pp (50% off)
• Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston $99/nt. (Reg. $189)
• Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, ME $149/nt. (40% off)

Shows on Sale Throughout NYC including:
• Phantom of the Opera: $52 (50% off)
• Billy Elliott: $79 (40% off)
• NY Philharmonic's Holiday Show, Avery Fisher Hall, Sun. 12/12: $25 (50% off)

For more information, visit www.travelzoo.com/tv/NewYork

Richelle Mead, author of the popular Vampire Academy series stopped by to talk about the final book in her best-selling series Last Sacrifice.

"St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school–it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess," says the book's website.

"They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's–the very place where they're most in danger. Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi–the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires–make Lissa one of them forever."

You can meet Mead in person tonight for a book signing at the Barnes & Noble in TriBeCa. Vampire Academy: Last Sacrifice is available in bookstores today.

Walter Green of Rancho Santa Fe, CA had a remarkable realization while refocusing his life after selling his company.

The former CEO of Harrison Conference Centers (the industry leader in the executive conference center field) went on an extraordinary journey, one that most people think about but never get around to doing. Walter traveled throughout the United States and even abroad individually thanking the 44 most influential people in his life.

He wrote about his travels in This is the Moment: How One Man's Yearlong Journey Captured the Power of Extraordinary Gratitude, which is available in stores now. We talked to him and his nephew Eric Herrenkohl, who recieved a "thank you" from his uncle.

A few weeks ago we took you to a great barbeque place called Memphis Mae's on Croton-on-Hudson.

The viewer who met us there, Donna Devine was so nice and we enjoyed a great lunch. But what we didn't realize at the time was that there was a love connection being made.

While she eats at that place all the time, Donna and Memphis Mae's owner Jeff had never really talked. Well, looks like Cupid loves barbeque because sparks started flying and they hit it off during our taping. Now Donna and Jeff are dating! Congratulations, you two!

Memphis Mae's part of a strip mall and located at 173 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, New York 10520. And, who knows, maybe some devine romance will strike there again.

Joey Pantoliano, also known as Joey Pants, is working on his new documentary called No Kidding Me Too. It is his intimate look at his mental disease and how he breaks down the walls of perception and ignorance.

Joey's upcoming book that he is working on-also the point here is because he is dyslexic he is doing a special audio book on audible.com that he wants to shed light on and the element of learning to read through this mode of literature.

He has also started a new pasta line with his business partner called Pepe and Pants which they are being honored by The Boys and Girls Club of Hoboken which also will have the Cake Boss sharing in their honoring as well.

For more on Joey Pants, visit www.joeypants.com.

There's dodgeball, tag, soccer and the rope climb. Now you can add activity based video games to the curriculum of many gym classes thanks to a family owned and operated company called iGame4.

iGame4 works with physical education teachers and certified personal trainers to develop a curriculum that's fun, active and educational. During the program, children in grades K-12 rotate through up to twelve stations of different games, while heart rates and calories burned are anonymously tracked. Games include dance, canoeing, boxing, tennis and baseball. Each station features a 100" screen, projector, data tracking devices, video game system, and an activity based video game.

iGame4 is also a part of the President's Challenge to live more active and healthier lives. For more information on the different packages they offer to schools, log onto www.iGame4.com.

Today is the day that this country will either stand up for the men and women, who gave the ultimate sacrifice after 9/11. Or they will turn their backs on our American heroes?

The Zadroga Bill goes before the Senate today and first responders feel we have a moral obligation to pass the bill in order to provide the health care to the thousands of heroes who survived and are suffering.

Former New York City Paramedic Marvin Bethea stopped by our studio to share with us his story.

Military wife Ellie Kay managed to put her seven kids through college without incurring any debt. She'll offer tips on how you can do the same by starting this holiday season. She says forget the clothes, toys and electronics this holiday -- give the gift of education. She'll talk about options and tools available for families who want to turn that holiday gift giving into a college saving opportunity

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. 529 plans, legally known as "qualified tuition plans," are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.

This morning Public Advocate Bill de Blasio is releasing new data showing more than 100,000 New Yorkers went without heat or hot water last year, and pushing new legislation that would toughen penalties on landlords who don't provide heat and hot water as required by law.

De Blasio discussed new data showing which neighborhoods these 100,000+ complaints about heat and hot water came from. He also spoke about a tenant who has gone without heat and hot water this year.

De Blasio talked about the problem of tenants going without heat, and the legislation he is backing to toughen penalties on landlords who fail to provide heat and hot water.

For more on Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, visit pubadvocate.nyc.gov.

With dealers eager to move unsold inventory before the new model year. the end of the year, as in right now, is often the best time to buy a new car. but there are some secrets to doing it right. financial expert AnnaMaria Andriotis from SmartMoney.com will be here with tips.

• Know Your Car Models Age
After a model sits for 60 days, most dealers will cut the price by 7%

• Find The Latest Inventory Data
Best deals are at dealerships with the most inventory of a specific model

• Be Patient
Dealers don't want the newer cars |to compete with the older, cheaper ones

For more year-end car buying tips, visit SmartMoney.com

Celebrity Rehab's Sherry Gaba has spent over 13 years working in the Malibu rehab scene at high profile facilities such as Promises and is very well versed when it comes to all addictions.

Currently out on shelves, Sherry's new book, The Law of Sobriety, explores many of the anxieties involved in addiction.

Sherry is also be one of the key therapists in the much anticipated fourth season of Celebrity Rehab, which premiered on December 1. The much talked about season features Rachel Uchitel, Jeremy London and Eric Roberts.

Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and life coach who has helped hundreds of people cope with lifelong addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, single parenting and divorce. Sherry specializes in individuals, couples, family, and group therapy. In addition to her monthly gig as a guest expert on Dr. Drew Pinksy's radio.

For more on Sherry Gaba, visit www.sgabatherapy.com.

In the fall of 2007, a few students at Yeshiva University came to a startling realization: Jewish collegiate a capella groups had been formed on almost every college campus with a substantial Jewish student community - every campus, that was, except for YU! This realization soon led to the formation of the Maccabeats, YU's all-male a capella group.

In November 2010, the Maccabeats released "Candlelight," a Chanukkah-themed video produced by Uri Westrich, which garnered international attention and news coverage.

Their song "Candlelight" is available for download on iTunes, and the video can be viewed on YouTube.

We spoke to the director of the "Candlelight" music video and five members of the Maccabeats.

For more on the Maccabeats and Yeshiva University, visit www.yu.edu.

Headed to a get-together or holiday party and want to bring a little something for the host or hostess? Before you bring the usual bottle of wine, why not go a different direction. Tara Clavell-Vera is here with a few suggestions:

• Alain Milliat Jam Gift Set, $25
• Pottery Barn Throw, $49
• Marley Organic Coffee, $15.95
• Diptyque Winter/Holiday Candles, $68
• iHome Kitchen Timer, $99.99

The holidays can be a stressful time and parents are often juggling tons of responsibilities. Here with some advice on how to cope with all the holiday stress is psychologist Dr. Lawrence Balter. His tips were:

• Prioritize
• Reward Your Child for Good Behavior
• Be Prepared
• It's not all about the gifts
• It's a little about the gifts

Walking into a store and deciding which vitamin or supplement is best for you can be a bit overwhelming. The reality is that many Americans are vitamin-obessesed. But are we taking the right kind of vitamins and supplements? Dr. Richard Firshein, author of the The Vitamin Prescription (For Life) and a specialist in integrative medicine and a certified acupuncturist, was here with some recommendations:

• Reseveratol for anti-aging effects
• Shark liver oil to boost immune system
• Omega-3 gummies (children's chewable fish oil supplements)
• Licorice root to ease heart burn and improve digestion
• Hyalnronic acid to treat joint issues/pain

For a complete list of vitamins and supplements check out Dr. Firshein's book The Vitamin Prescription (For Life), available in bookstores now.

Funny runs in their families and now comedians Charlie Murphy and Tony Rock are returning to their New York roots with a performance at the the NYCB Theater at Westbury. They also gave us their hilarious commentary on the biggest news stories of 2010.

Charlie and Tony will be sharing the stage Mike Yard and Freez Luv at the event hosted by 98.7 Kiss FM's own radio talent.

You can catch Charlie and Tony tomorrow night at NYCB Theater at Westbury at 8pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.charliemurphylive.com.

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are free. That's right! No money required.

On this week's free list:
1. CRUMBS cupcake giveaway, NYC
2. Free tastings of Korean food from Chom Chom, NYC

Sprucing up your home for the holidays can not only be time-consuming but pretty pricey.

Armed with creativity and a few bucks, our own Andrew Ramos recently hit up a 99 cents store in Midtown, where he was on a quest to bring you some holiday cheer for cheap!

The holidays can be stressful for just about anyone, whether it's shopping, hosting or buying gifts. Psychologist Dr. Lawrence Balter was here to give some advice on how to manage holiday stress, including overspending, hosting, and traveling. His tips included:

• Stick to Your Budget: No debt, take control
• Be Realistic: Family problems don't magically vanish
• Know When To Say No: It's okay to decline invitations
• Give Yourself Some Downtime: Get off the holiday treadmill
• Overeating Concerns: Start a new diet, exercise, rest

Archie Griffin college football's only two-time Heisman Trophy winner and now he is one of the judges of the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Griffin spoke about the award and who he thinks are contenders for the year's Heisman Trophy.

The Wendy's High School Heisman Award recognizes the nation's most esteemed high school senior men and woman for excellence in academics, athletics and leadership.

Griffin's top picks for the Heisman Trophy are: QB Cameron Newton, Auburn Tigers; RB LaMichael James, Oregon Ducks; QB Andrew Luck, Stanford Cardinal; and QB Kellen Moore, Boise State Broncos.

For more on the Wendy's High School Heisman Award, visit www.wendysheisman.com.

This week's Friday Forecaster is make-up artist Carmindy, who teaches millions of viewers each week about the latest makeup tips and tricks on TLC's hit show What Not to Wear.

Through the month of December, Carmindy will bring her makeup expertise to New York City, where she will be offering complimentary makeup tutorials and regimens in a "Carmindy Cab," which takes each fashionista to her destination of choice.

During the ride, Carmindy will customize a makeup regimen for the consumer and select the ideal shade combination for her from the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy range. Each rider will get a makeup prescription and product along with her free cab ride.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

Actor Skandar Keynes stopped by to talk about his role as Edmund Pevensie in the new movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

"Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace (Georgie Henley) where they meet up with Prince Caspian (Georgie Henley) for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world," says IMDB of the movie.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader hits theaters on December 10.

Mom, dad, sister, brother, friend, co-worker? Who is the sports fan in your life? Well, this holiday season we're giving you the chance to give them something special. We've teamed up with Steiner Sports to offer PIX viewers a chance at free memorabilia!

Today, we gave away Freeze-Dried Grass From The Original Yankee Stadium! (Click here to read the rules.)

Steiner Sports is offering a 20% discount on the item to PIX viewers. For details call,
914-307-1064. For more on Steiner Sports log onto www.SteinerSports.com.com

Hilarious, entertaining and deliciously demented, Bitchin' Kitchen is a Cooking Channel show hosted by chef-comedienne Nadia G. She looks at the funny side of everyday situations and turns them into occasions worth celebrating - with food!

From 'Recession Recipes' and 'Impressing the In-laws' to 'Break-up Brunches,' Nadia G. rocks the kitchen with her tasty techniques and stiletto-sharp wit. We're making rehab recipes with her...the late nights and celebratory cocktails of the holiday party circuit can take its tolls on the most active socialite.

Let Bitchin' Kitchen host, Nadia G. cure the post party blues with her vitamin rich rehab recipes.

Each year, Maxim's Hometown Hotties competition brings out scores of the world's most beautiful women. This year more than 7,000 women entered and more than one million votes were cast to make New York City's, Melanie Iglesias, this year's winner.

As this year's winner, Melanie will spend the next year as a Maxim spokesperson, covering red carpet events, making special guest appearances and more. In previous years, Maxim's hometown hottie winners have gone to be the UFC's Octagon Girl (Arianny Celeste) and hosts of their own tv programs (April Rose).

For more on Melanie and Maxim's Hometown Hotties competition, visit www.maxim.com.

The Biggest Loser Season 7 contestant Sara Costa lead today's workout on the DVD based on the hit fitness show.

The Biggest Loser has inspired 10 seasons of contestants to get fit and healthy and the workouts will continue to empower people to lose big at home. "Power Walk" jump starts weight loss with low-impact, yet effective 1-mile cardio workouts and includes a progress tracker to walk a marathon in just three weeks.

The Biggest Loser: Power Walk DVD is available in stores now.

Singer Ben Folds stopped by the studio to talk about his current gig as a judge on NBC's hit show The Sing-Off.

Folds, the lead singer of the popular Ben Folds 5 music group, is also in town for a concert at the Beacon Theatre on December 14. His album Lonely Avenue, which as inspired by Nick Hornby's book of the same name, is available on vinyl. That's right, Ben Folds is bringing vinyl back!

For more on Ben Folds, visit www.benfolds.com.

Photos of icon Marilyn Monroe taken by PIX11's own Marvin Scott will go to auction.

At age 14, Marvin took a series of pictures fo the actress at a circus. This rare collection of pictures are hitting the auction block next week by famed auction house Bonhams and Butterfields at 10am today. Marvin stopped by this morning to talk to us about his photos and the famed actress.

For more on the auction hosted by Bonhams and Butterfields, visit www.bonhams.com.

We've teamed up with Steiner Sports to offer PIX viewers a chance to win sports memorabilia. Today, we gave away a New York Knicks Championship Court Piece, $99.99.

If you weren't the lucky winner of the item, Steiner Sports has a deal for you! They're offering PIX viewers a 20% discount on the New York Knicks Championship Court Piece all day long.

The discount CODE WORD is "WPIX20." For details call Steiner Sports at 914-307-1064. Or for more on Steiner Sports log onto www.SteinerSports.com.

Click here to read the contest rules.

It’s estimated that over 70% of Americans hit the stores for last minute shopping . Not surprisingly, manufacturers are offering some great last minute bargains. David Gregg, senior editor of behindthebuy.com, is here with some last minute deals of the 2010 holiday season.

• Sony PlayStation3 and Grand Turismo5
The Playstation3 is not only a game console it only does everything you need to entertain the whole family . It has built in WiFi for easy online gaming, a blu-ray player to compliment your HDTV and Netflix for instantly streaming movies and even a PlayStation Store where you can download hundreds of games and free demos (under $300; www.sony.com)

The hot PS3 game of the season is actually a game that put the PlayStation on the map - Gran Turismo 5. GT5 sets a new standard in racing simulators, delivering an ultra-realistic experience through Stereoscopic 3D integration that raises the bar in terms of graphics, technical detail and racing action. Gran Turismo features nearly 1000 vehicle models from the world’s top manufacturers and 30 tracks (with 70 configurations), including famous world circuits, city courses and other environments It is the first GT5 game in over five years. ($60; http://us.gran-turismo.com/us)

Actress Molly Shannon is partnering with Centrum to search for "America's Most Amazingly Energized Woman," encouraging people to nominate someone they know at www.LoveFeelingHealthy.com.

Molly also chatted about motherhood, her current role in "Promises Promises", and her upcoming projects.

Music producer Teddy Riley stopped by to talk about the new Michael Jackson music album.

MICHAEL is the much anticipated album of newly completed recordings from Michael Jackson. The creative process never stopped for the King of Pop who was always planning for his next album; unbeknownst to many fans around the world Michael Jackson was writing and recording songs continuously everywhere from a friend’s home in New Jersey to studios in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with a small group of handpicked collaborators.

Now, through the unique stories that will be told about the songs that comprise MICHAEL, fans will get mind-blowing insight into how this artist worked and a chance to hear the songs he most recently created along with tracks that Michael had a desire to bring to fruition.

MICHAEL is avilable in stores now.

We're checking out gift ideas in which a portion of the proceeds go to various charities. A special "Good Deeds" wall displayed in all Bloomingdale's stores will feature an array of gifts that support a variety of causes. Anne Keating, Bloomingdale's senior vice president, public relations, special events, corporate philanthropy was here with these items.

• Whatever It Takes" Mugs, $19.99
Proceeds go to various charities

• Bloomingdale's Little Brown Bear, $29.95
Proceeds go to Child Mind Institute

This Christmas, start a new tradition with a pajama jammy jam! Here with holiday PJ's for the whole family is Michele Horner of Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.

MOM
- Black polka dot cotton pajama set (Jockey)
- Slippers (Jockey)
- Red fleece sock (Gap)
- White cotton robe (Gap)
Total Full Price: $139
Total Outlet: $80
Savings: $59

Christmas has come early! We've teamed up with Steiner Sports to offer PIX11 viewers a chance at FREE sports memorabilia.

Monday it was the Bronx Bombers, Tuesday the Knicks and today it's all about Gang Green.
We're giving away a New York Jets Field Game Used Turf Matting 20x24 Framed Collage valued at $129.99. Click here to read the rules.

If you're not the winner of the giveaway, you're still in luck! Steiner Sports is giving PIX11 viewers a 20% discount on the item for the remainder of the day. The discount CODE WORD is: WPIX20.

For more info on Steiner Sports log onto www.SteinerSports.com.

Do you have someone on your gift list who is incredibly difficult to shop for? Perhaps he or she doesn't have any of these featured items. Dana Holmes from Gifts.com is showed us a few unique and whimpsical inventions:

1. Tea Tower, $30
2. Whisky Stones, $27.99
3. Slap Watch, $23.99 - $24.99
4. New Polaroid Camera, $79.99
5. Recycled LP Coasters, $19.99
6. Pops staches, $9.99 for 8
7. Ticket diary, $10
8. Memory voice recorder, $59.50
9. Edge Brownie/lasagna pans, $39.95 – $49.95

We spend $87 billion in gift cards a year, $8 billion worth go unreedemed. We learned what you need to know before purchasing a gift card this holiday season.

• Federal changes that makes these cards more consumer-friendly
- Gift cards can't expire in less than 5 yrs (in some states can’t expire at all); no inactivity fees unless card been dormant for least 12 mos (in past-inactivity fees after just 30 days)
- No fees to replace lost or stolen cards.
- More disclosure - fees and expiration dates have to be printed on card

December is one of the biggest diamond months. From engagement ring ideas to red carpet trends, great diamond values at Macy's & Zales, we're checking out diamonds in all price ranges and learning about this year's trends.

Sally Morrison, director of the Diamond Information Center spoke to us about red carpet jewels, knots, classic diamond styles, engagement rings, right hand ring, diamond bracelets and diamond bangles/cuffs

For more on how to get these gems and the Diamond Information Center, visit www.diamondinformationcenter.com.

Hertz is now offering electrical cars for customers. We spoke to Chris Hamilton of Hertz Rent-a-Car and have one of the cars live in PIX Plaza.

For more on Hertz and the new cars, visit Hertz.com.

Dr. Elmo, the voice and wit behind the ubiquitous Christmas classic "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," returns to his beloved bluegrass roots with a new holiday album, Bluegrass Christmas.

Originally a bluegrass artist prior to selling 11 million copies of "Grandma," the Kentucky native recorded the album with a clever reworking of his signature song; a new, instrumental and - yes - bluegrass version for the disc along other holiday fare including "Jingle Bells," "Greensleeves" and "Deck the Halls."

For more on Dr. Elmo, visit www.drelmo.com.

We're learned eay ways to put your hair in a nice 'do for work and the holidays. You can do it yourself and you can do it quickly. Hair master Christos shows how 3 ladies can go from the office to a party and sport a hot holiday look.

For more on Christos, visit www.curlisto.com.

Each day this week we're going to feature a Steiner Sports collectible item. Today, the 11th caller to the PIX hotline will win a Brandon Jacobs Autographed Authentic Meadowlands Seatback ($199.99). Click here for the rules.

Steiner Sports is also offering PIX viewers a discount on the seatback for hose interested in purchasing it. Just used the discount code word as WPIX20 for a 20% discount on the "Brandon Jacobs Authentic Autographed Meadowlands Seatback" for the remainder of the day.

For more info on Steiner Sports log onto www.SteinerSports.com.

Toys are always a hot gift this time of the year and in case you don't know what is flying off the shelves, Toy Expert Jim Silver shows off the season's coolest toys for all ages.

• Preschool
- Bigfoot, The Monster, Fisher-Price $90
- V.Reader, VTech $55

• Elementary School Age
- Disney Princess & Me Doll, Jakks Pacific $50
- LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts, LEGO $30
- Zoobles Treehouse, Spin Master $30

• Tween
- Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS Blaster, Hasbro $50
- Monster High dolls, Mattel $15
- Paper Jamz, WowWee $20

Comptroller John Liu stopped by to talk about fraud schemes, the proposed crash tax and the OTB closing.

He also spoke about how his administration has added more transparency by creating the website MyMoneyNYC.com, which provides a The report card that graphically shows just how much -- or how little -- each city agency spends from its eligible budget with minority- and women-owned businesses.

Keep your Christmas shopping simple, by buying several of the same item to be given to anyone on your list! Lifestyle Expert Kevin Lennox has gifts that can be given to anybody -- family, friends, coworkers, etc.

- Land’s End Fleece Travel Throw and Sham, $29.50
- Zippo Candle Lighter, $14.95 to $19.95
- Lands' End Squall Ice Scraper Mitt, $19.50
- Gift Certificate from Bonefish Grill
- Premium Truffles by Gold Emblem, $5.99
- Blade Shaving Kit, $7.99
- Vinturi Travel Wine Aerator, $49.95

Acotr/comedian Kevin Hart stopped by to talk about his role in the upcoming comedy Little Fockers.

The test of wills between Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) and Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) escalates to new heights of comedy in the third installment of the blockbuster series-Little Fockers. Laura Dern, Jessica Alba and Harvey Keitel join the returning all-star cast for a new chapter of the worldwide hit franchise.

Radio personality/comedian Ed Lover is hosting his annual Holiday Show at Caroline's this weekend and talked about leaving his longtime gig at Power 105.1 FM.

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are free. That's right! No money required.

On this week's free list:
1. Free salsa music and dancing; Café Noir, NYC
2. Bombay Palace is giving away free Chicken Biryani for PIX viewers, NYC

All week we've featured Steiner Sports memorabilia, giving viewers a chance to win the items for free. Today, the 11th caller to the PIX hotline will win a seat from the old Yankee Stadium ($799.99). Click here to read the rules.

We'll also check out different gifts ideas for sports fans including Derek Jeter's Cleats ($2,500) and a Bill Buckner & Mookie Wilson Dual Signed Baseball ($149.99).

Steiner Sports is also offering PIX viewers a discount on the seatback for hose interested in purchasing it. Just used the discount code word as WPIX20 for a 20% discount on the "seat from the old Yankee Stadium" for the remainder of the day.

For more info on Steiner Sports log onto www.SteinerSports.com.

He may not look like jolly old saint nick, but tomorrow he's playing Santa for a good cause. Joe Maloof, president of Maloof Companies which owns the Palms Hotel and Casino and the Sacramento Kings, stopped by to talk about giving away 1,000 gift bags to children and families at Open Road Park on Saturday, December 18.

Socks, a tie, golf balls...it's always difficult to shop for guys, but our friends at Thrillist.com have picked some unique stuff for the men in your life. The website's Senior Editor Hayden Lynch showed us these items:

• Crown Shaving Company Kit, $110
• G-Shock Watch, $140
• BookBook iPad Case, $70
• Jack Glass Studios Flask, $20
• Peasants and Travelers Bag, $240
• Jambox, $200
• Taunton Green Cutting Board, $70

For a buyer's guide to these and more gift ideas, visit Thrillist.com.

On Saturday, December 18, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly will join with the Rev. Al Sharpton in hosting an NYPD/National Action Network 'Cash for Guns' drive at two Harlem churches, at which members of the public can anonymously turn in working guns for $200; up to $600 in cash (bank cards).

The event is the first with NAN but the 10th the Department has held since 2008 in partnership with city churches. It has been tremendously successful in helping to address the blight of illegal guns on city streets - nearly 6,200 guns have been turned in by the public, among them Uzis, AK-47s and pink-colored 9mms, as were collected this past Saturday in Brooklyn.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Not sure what to get for the girl in your life? People StyleWatch has suggestions starting at just $16. Joyce Chang, deputy editor of People Stylewatch, was here with these gift ideas:

• Toss Turnlock Bag, $139
• Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. "Color by the Yard" Necklace, $175
• Mark Sequined Gloves, $16
• Michael Kors "Barley" Sweater, $120
• Bliss Take-Away Spa Day Set, $45
• Sarah Chloe Engraved Bangles, $79 to $89
• Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Bag, $1,030
• Powermat, $79.99

For more gifts ideas for gals check out the December/January issue of People Stylewatch, visit www.peoplestylewatch.com.

The Sneaker Man stopped by to put a little kick into your life. Kiante Young was in our studio to show off the season's hottest latest kicks.

Reebok Zigslash, $109.99

Asics GT 1160, $85

Material Girl Bonita Boots, $45

Zoo York Middle Towk, $35

Remix Da Kicks, $35

Diesel Not Made For Running, $100

For more information, visit www.Kiante.com.

One day after Vice President Joe Biden said troops will be home from Afghanistan by 2014, we want to remind you that there are still plenty of brave men and women who won't be able to spend the holiday with loved ones.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them, but in Virginia families were anxiously awaiting the return of the USS Harry S. Truman. Marvin Scott and Jill Nicolini were live from Norfolk for the return of the USS Truman after a 6 month deployment in the Gulf.

Here's something to lift your spirits. A bit of rum, vodka and wine. From brandy to whiskey, we've got seasonal sips to give and to get. We're getting in the spirit of things just in time for the holiday season with the help of wine and spirits expert John Henry.

Devotion Vodka
This vodka retails for $24.99. It's the only protein based Vodka on the market. It's patented formula gives it a clean, smooth palate and a healthful edge. It's motto: "If you're going to be bad, be good. " Drink it in cocktails, straight up or on the rocks. Drink it in cocktails or event better.

PSGive.org is a website that puts a new spin on being charitable. It allows supporters to compete for a great deals at little cost. It has launched their innovative web-based produce designed to encourage on-going charitable contributions by rewarding participants.

The co-founder of PSGive.org, Sean Steinmarc, was in our studio to tell us how we can give.

Get ready to bounce your way into shape with Urban Rebounding. It's one of New York Sports Clubs most popular classes and it's great for any fitness level. Rebounding promises to help new yorkers leap into the New Year and jump start their resolutions.Delinda Torres was here to demonstrate.

Treat yourself to a vacation this winter. Gabe Saglie, the Senior Editor at Travelzoo.com, stopped by with some of the best bargains for your holiday getaway.

Reykjavik, Iceland
$499 per person
Round trip airfare from NYC to Reykjavik, Iceland
2 nights at the 4-Star Hotel Loftleidir
Includes breakfast daily and tour of the Blue Lagoon (a geothermal spa in a lava field in western Iceland)
Must travel between January and March and must be booked by December 31

New Yorkers love their caffeine. There seems to be a coffee shop on every street corner dedicated to helping us stay warm---and awake. And just like wine, there's a real art to perfecting and pairing your coffee. Just ask the folks at Nespresso

Tamsen Fadal met up with the Top Chef Stephen Asprinio at Nespresso's second and latest store in Soho. She got to learn how to make the perfect coffee and found out whether Nespresso is worth all the "brew-haha."

Daryl Hall is inviting us all to his house for a night of music on New Year's Eve. He stopped by to tell us more about the event and his web series Live From Daryl's House.

As the holidays arrive this week, many are scrambling to put together the ultimate menu for their Christmas feast. As we all know, preparing such a meal can be costly... unless you buy all your ingredients at your local 99 cents store.

We sent our own Andrew Ramos on a mission to create a tasty holiday meal for four using only ingredients found at the 99 cents store.

After recruiting the help of Chris Meenan, Executive Chef at the Water's Edge in Long Island City, Queens, a bag of ingredients - which totaled only $18 in cost - soon became an unbelievable feast for a family of four.

Using sheer creativity and experience, Meenan managed to churn out an extravagant 4-course meal including two appetizers, one entree and one delicious dessert. In the most shocking twist, the chef was not briefed on what ingredients were going to be involved in the cooking.

After taking a look at his tools, Meenan got to work and created courses just about anyone could do.

Every year Marvin Scott and Jill Nicolini celebrate our hometown heroes. This time they're in Virginia where Monday servicemen and women stepping onto American soil for the first time in six months.

Chris continues to check out restaurants recommended by one of our viewers. This week he heads to Pithari Taverna in Highland Park, New Jersey.

The owners of Pithari Taverna are from the Greek Islands and they've recreated their home country. The food is authentic and the atmosphere will take you to a far away land.

Swatch is more than just watches. The company is branching out with an exclusive contemporary jewelry line called Bijoux. Style expert Iesha Reed stopped by show off these bold pieces.

Blue Quadrilita Collection
This contemporary family is great for an evening out. It's urban and modern. All of its pieces are made of linked squares and rectangles.


Lustro Collection
Lustro combines a fashionable mix of materials to produce a finely finished look and feel. Dozens of polished steel links are placed vertically and topped by clear crystals.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio stopped by to discuss his propoed HEAT Act. The HEAT Act
will work to ensure that every tenant in New York has full heat this winter.

Public Advocate de Blasio’s NYC’s Worst Landlords Watch List now features snowflake icons in profile of each building with heat and hot water violations.

Actress Gillian Jacobs stopped by live! She plays Britta Perry, the twenty-something dropout who has something to prove, in NBC's "Community." You can catch "Community" Thursdays on NBC. And the "Community" Christmas Episode will air Saturday, December 25th on NBC.

When it comes to Christmas shopping, procrastination is one thing, but even worse is not knowing what to buy for the many important people in your life.
Well, don't panic yet...Lifestyle expert Jamie Krell stopped by with a list of thoughtful last minute gifts that'll surely add some cheer this holiday season.
Jamie's list include:

For the Beauty Addict
Smashbox Cosmetics Wish 2 Collection Eye Wish Palette
A gorgeous gold keepsake box holds everything you’ll need for limitless eye looks, from a lid primer to start every application perfectly, to a mini booklet with easy instructions for creating 10 festive looks.
PRICE: $45
WHERE TO BUY: Smashbox.com, Sephora, Sephora inside JCPenney, Ulta, Nordstrom, Beauty.com, and select Macy’s

Lancome Holiday Color Design Palette for Eyes and Cheeks
Get your most glamorous look for the holidays with a sultry mix of six sparkling eye shadows and an opulent blush. For stunning eyes and cheeks, indulge in a limited-edition compact adorned with holiday inspired jewels. Set includes Color Design Eye Shadow in Beige Beauty, Golden Splendor, Sunset, Copper Blitz, Amber, Chocolate Splendid and Blush Subtil Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush in Bronze Escapade—just the thing for beauty mavens this holiday.
PRICE: $39.50
WHERE TO BUY: all Lancôme counters.

Juicy Tubes Holiday Gift Set
*Get glossed and glamorous with 6 sumptuous shades of Lancôme’s award-winning Lip Gloss. Perfect for gift-giving, this set comes in 2 different color palettes to match every skin tone (Shimmering Neutrals or Sparkling Pinks). These also make great stocking stuffers!
PRICE: $29.50
WHERE TO BUY: all Lancôme counters.

Travel Ready Brush Set
*For makeup ease and professional expertise, Lancôme brings you 2 travel-ready brush sets (Flawless Complexion Set or Mineral Perfection Set) with 5 luxurious brushes in a signature case. Perfect for the beauty obsessed who are looking to arm their arsenal with the best tools as they party hop this holiday season.
PRICE: $59
WHERE TO BUY: all Lancôme counters.

Celebrity Stylist June Ambrose stopped by this morning to show us how to work some of the hottest trends from the inside out. her style weapon of choice? Shapewear by Bali.
Ambrose emphasized three main points to help us all enjoy the holiday in style.
*Leopard is the New Neutral
*Sequins Never Go out of Style
*Balance your Bold

1) Our first model, Megan showed off the best way to pull off a Leopard print.
June says: Leopard is the new neutral.
Look: a slinky leopard print dress is the perfect party statement for the holiday season. Pair it will some nude pumps and a bold piece of jewelry and you are ready to hit the town.
Shape tip: Avoid showing bra "bubbles" and panty lines. Bold prints can make you look bigger; shapewear tames your silhouette and creates sleek lines.
Shapewear: Bali Powershape Full Slip
Faux pas to avoid: Overdoing it with the animal prints

PIX's Sukanya Krishnan spoke with Charlie Minn, the director of 8 Murders a Day. It's an examination into the social and economical situation in Juarez, Mexico which has turned the city into the murder capital of the world. Juarez, Mexico borders El Paso, Texas.

For more information, visit www.8murdersaday.com.

Larry Smith is the founder of SMITH Magazine which is an online publication about personal story-telling. He's published four books of Six-Word Memoirs; short snippets of six words that encapsulate your life.

Many celebs have contributed to the book. Smith is now finishing a book of moments in your lives that changed you, called The Moment, and anyone still has the chance of getting published in the book.

To participate, visit www.smithmag.net/themoment.

Twice Baked Twins Judy and Joy stopped by to show us how to whip up a Hot Chocolate Martinis.

Hot Chocolate Martini
3 ounces homemade hot chocolate, cooled
1 ounce crème de cocoa
1 ounce Bailey's Irish Cream
3/4 ounce vanilla vodka
3 to 4 miniature marshmallows

They say the process is easy. Combine the chocolate, crème de cacao, Bailey's, and vanilla vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake moderately. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

For more on the Twice Baked Twins, visit www.twicebakedtwins.com.

There'll be an abundance of baked goods and holiday treats for us to enjoy during this festive season, but with the right side dishes, holiday meals can be healthy and and most importantly, kid friendly.

Veggiecation Program's founder Lisa Suriano showed us how to kid-friendly, vegetarian side dishes that are easy to prepare and perfect for any holiday dinner table -- Roasted Butter Squash with Cinnamon and Creamed Kale with Nutmeg.

The Veggiecation Program, a curriculum based school lunch program available in elementary schools throughout New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts, links experiences in the classroom with those in the lunchroom.

For more information, visit www.veggiecation.com.

At StyleTrek.com you don't need a passport to shop the globe! StyleTrek.com offers clothes from emerging designers around the world.

StyleTrek.com is offering PIX11 viewers 20% off the website! The discount code is WPIX11.

Today we featured items from the following designers:

• A Peace Treaty (US)
• Kat Maconie (UK)
• Finsk (Finland)
• Marnie Skillings (Australia)
• Lelya (Indonesia)
• Trosman (Argentina)

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are free. That's right! No money required.

On this week's free list:
1. Bottle Brewing in Chelsea
2. Just Jamie Scarves will be giving away scarves just in time for the holiday

ALSO FUN: PIX Morning News' ElfYourself Video

At least one in 20 Americans spends Christmas away from home. And although there's definitely no place like home for them for the holidays - we still have to show those we spend these special times with how special they are with gifts that will surely bring comfort and joy to any home. Lifestyle Expert Jamie Krell showed us these items:

• NUVO Sparkling Liqueur, $10-30
www.sparklingnuvo.com or local liquor store

• Lolita Martini Glasses, Wine Glasses and Champagne Flutes in Naughty and Nice and Tinsel-Tini, $20
www.thelolitastore.com

• Thymes Frasier Fir Potpourri, $30
www.thymes.com

Ebenezer Samuels from the NY Daily News stopped by to show us some of this holiday's top fitness video games for both kids and adults.

This week's Friday Forecaster Santa Claus and one of his merry elves. They gave us the Christmas weekend forecast.

Click here to view past Friday Forecasters.

Jimmy McMillan of Brooklyn, who rose to national fame during the New York State gubernatorial race, stopped by the PIX 11 Morning News studio to talk about his run for presidency. McMillian explained that instead of running under the "Rent Is Too Damn High Party," he will run as a Republican.

McMillan also answered some of our viewers' questions including the story behind his black gloves, his stance on the Federal Reserve and environment and who he would pick as his running mates. He also sang us a Christmas tune!

BLOOPER REEL AFTER THE JUMP...

MTV takes viewers on a journey following overweight teens as they share their personal struggles and triumphs in I Used to be Fat, premiering December 29th at 10pm.

Throughout the series, cameras will capture each individual from the last weeks of high school through the first days of college - a pivotal time for most teens - as they attempt to lose large amounts of weight, ranging from 40 to 100 pounds, and prepare for a fresh start.

From fashion to food and all the finer things, DailyCandy.com kept us in the know in 2010. And with a new year comes new trends. DailyCandy.com's editor-at-large Dannielle Kyrillos was here with what 2011 has in store.

Trend #1: International influence in accessories and fashion trucks
Internationally sourced accessories from The Styliner, Joey Wolffer’s potato chip truck-turned-mobile boutique.

Trend #2: Global comfort food at Marcus Samuelsson’s brand new Red Rooster in Harlem

Usher in the new year in style. Fred Forcelatti, creative director of Annie Sez stores is here with some trendy ways to step into 2011 with fabulous looks for those who love labels and crave savings.

Shimmer
--Designer sequin dress in silver & black...$50 at Annie sez (elsewhere: $98)
--Silver scarf...$25 (elsewhere: $38)
--Evening bag...$25 (elsewhere: $38)
--Shoe...$60 (elsewhere: $89)
TOTAL: $160 (elsewhere: $263)

Mixologist Jonathan Pogash was here with three tasty, easy-to-make recipes to help us toast to a brand new year. While most people toast with champagne, Pogash says we should experiment and try something different.

The Mionetto Merry Berry Cocktail
4 parts Mionetto Prosecco Brut D.O.C.
1 part Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
Slice of lime
Serve over ice

With less than a few weeks before the first anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, Marvin Bien-Aime, President and Founder of Smile 4 Haiti stopped by to talk about his big plans to mark the tragic event and make a difference.

Bien-Aime started Smile 4 Haiti after the devastating earthquake. The organization has set a goal to raise $1 Million dollars. It plans on using the money to help build back the communities, drill underground wells, provide fresh clean water and build a school for the children to receive education.

Many Staten Island residents say their borough is still buried in snow after Sunday night's blizzard dumped nearly two and half feet of snow on it. Several blocks are still crippled by the snow.

Staten Island Borough President called us this morning to talk about the city's snow removal process and the slow response time in his borough.

Even if you're not into making resolutions, here's one you have to keep---resolve to break your bad beauty habits.

Life & Style Beauty Director, Caitlin Kiernan, stopped by to point out some of the most common bad beauty habits and the simple steps to break them in the new year.

Resolution 1:
Wear sunscreen everyday.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55
Retails for $11 at Amazon.com

The outrage over the city's delayed response to snow removal is growing. City Council says it will hold hearings on the matter in the coming days. Queens City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., Chair of the Public Safety Committee, joined us live to share his thoughts. He is among the list of council members who are leading the charge for the hearings.

Singer, rapper, song writer and musical genius Cee Lo Green was here live. Cee-Lo is one half of the group Grarles Barkely. He just received 5 Grammy nominations for his hit single F*** You"/ Forget You, and now he's lending his star power to help ring in the New Year.

Cee Lo has teamed up with Duracell Battery. He will visit the Duracell Smart Power Lab to be the final pedaler on the Power Rovers. The Power Rovers have been collecting energy since November 30, to power the iconic 2011 numerals on New Year's Eve.

For more information, visit www.CeeLoGreen.com.

Four days after the blizzard blanketed New York City under two feet of snow, many parts of the city remain buried. The city's Sanitation Commissioner, John Doherty, vowed to make up for lost time in the snow removal process. He said a plow would hit every street by 7 am Thursday morning. The deadline came and passed, and many residents say they've yet to see a plow go down their street.

Doherty called us to respond to the criticism on snow removal.

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are FREE. That's right...no money required. This week's free list: 1. Prospect Park fireworks, BK 2. Buka restaurant offers a sampling of

Prospect Park fireworks
Grand Army Plaza, enter at Flatbush Ave. And Prospect Park West, Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-965-8951

Bundle up for a free, low-key New Year's Eve with hot refreshments and fireworks sparkling over Park Slope. Live music by Brooklyn's Rock 'N' Soul Experience starts at/around 11pm at Grand Army Plaza, where you can also snag a free cup of hot cocoa. At midnight, there will be fireworks set off at Long Meadow; the best vantage points are at Grand Army Plaza, inside the park on the West Drive and along Prospect Park West.

Start the new year off with a vacation. The Senior Editor of Travelzoo.com, Gabe Saglie, was here live to give us best travel deals of the week.

Puerto Rico Tropical Getaway
Round trip airfare from NYC to San Juan, Puerto Rico
$389 per person

South Florida Vacation
Boca Raton Resort & Club, Florida
$169/per night

We know him for his predictions, but he's also got a lot of tricks up his sleeve. The Amazing Kreskin stopped by to talk about his annual New Year's predictions. Kreskin has some strong insights on the future of the flight screening tactics, the war, and politics. He proves his mind power to our Steve McLaughlin.

Raise your glass to the new year without spending a fortune. Liquid chef and author of 101 Champagne Cocktails, Kim Haasarud was here to give us drinks and tips for any taste and budget.

Dress up your glass of bubbly. You can use a candied wild hibiscus flower as a garnish in a glass of bubbly. This is sold online or can even get it at Whole Foods. You can also make fruit cubes. Freeze bits of berries, like strawberries or blackberries, in an ice cube tray with cranberry juice or lemonade. Drop them in a champagne flute and top with champagne.

We had some New Jersey Cub Scouts in the studio to give us the weekend weather. Our Friday Forecaster was the SJV Pack 523 Scouts.

There have been many highs and lows in television this year. Cheers and Jeers columnist for TV Guide Magazine, Bruce Fretts was here live. He gave us his picks for the most memorable television moments of 2010.

The New York Police Department has already started securing the area around Times Square in preparation for the millions of people who will ring in the New Year there. There will be street closures, security checkpoints, and even snipers in place to keep the crowds safe.

From Teena Marie to Blake Edwards and all the falling stars in between. We take a look back at some of the celebrities who lost their lives this year.