We here at La Familia aren’t celebrating our 100^th anniversary any time soon (unless you count 97 years as “soon”), but we do have a big milestone to announce: the opening of our 20^th store this week! That’s right: on Friday, May 11, we’ll open a new location in Yauco, Puerto Rico.* And, in true La Familia style, we’ll be celebrating with a big party that includes giveaways, deals on merchandise and an appearance by celebrity Luisito Vigoreaux. The fun starts at 9 am, so for all of you in area, come join us!

*The new store is located at Yauco Plaza II, Carr. 128 Km 0.5 unit 24a, Yauco, Puerto Rico 00698.

But what if your green thumb is more of a brown one and you have no idea how to tackle a landscaping project, no matter what fantastic equipment you own? Lowe’s has excellent “do it yourself” tutorials online to teach you how to do everything from creating a plant bed to installing irrigation systems. And Better Homes & Gardens is also an excellent resource for both practical and creative landscape tips that will enhance your home’s exterior.

Do you have any landscaping or gardening tips to share that can help other customers create the most beautiful homes on their blocks? If so, we’d love to hear about them!

- Canada has produced the most foreign-born players in the NBA for the 2011-2012 season, with 21 athletes hailing from the Great White North. Less surprising is that the majority of NHL players – more than 500, currently – also call Canada home.

- Although the Super Bowl is consistently the most-watched sports event in the United States, the single most-watched sports event of all time was the 2011 Cricket World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan, which pulled in one billion viewers, more than twice as much as the actual final, which 400 million people watched. Who knew cricket was so popular?!

- Although soccer – or football, as it’s better known around the globe –boasts the most worldwide popularity of any sport, we are Americans aren’t that into it. And only a few other countries outside of the U.S. refer to the sport as “soccer”: Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

- Contrary to what’s been reported by those consumed with Linsanity over the past few months, Jeremy Lin is not the first Asian-American to play in the NBA. However, he is the first-ever Asian-American of Chinese or Taiwanese decent in the league.

- Boxing is one of the oldest sports still around. Ancient Sumerian and Egyptian drawings depicting fist-fighting contests go as far back as 3000 BC, and the sport was officially accepted as an Olympic game by the Greeks in 668 BC. In 1743, a man in England named Jack Broughton formalized the sport to incorporate many of the rules and equipment (such as gloves) that we see today. Also interesting to note: In 2004, ESPN named boxing the most difficult sport in the world.

- From 1952 until 1988, the USSR claimed all by two Olympic gold medals in ice hockey. The U.S. claimed the other two, in 1960 and 1980 (the “Miracle on Ice” year).

5.) After-hours events. We love our customers. We love our customers so much that seeing them for a few minutes when they’re walking around our stores just isn’t enough. Holding after-hours events is our sneaky scheme to spend more time with all of you. Whether it’s hosting a car show, a family day, an in-store Zumba class or just a simple party, we’re always trying to find new ways to show our customers that we care and to create a true community among our customers and staff.

4.)  Contests. If you’re not one of our Facebook fans or Twitter followers, you should be. We’re always creating fun contests and giveaways to show appreciation to our customers. In the past year, we’ve given away free diamond rings, courtside Magic seats, Orlando City Soccer tickets and iPods. But if you want in, you gotta get online.

3.) Awesome staff. It’s no secret that we have the best, friendliest and most knowledgeable staff in the biz All of our prospective employees are hand-picked and take personality tests to ensure that they’re well-suited for their roles, and, once selected, undergo a training program so they’re fully prepared to serve our customers. Their number one priority is to help our customers – and they always do so with professionalism and a smile. They make us incredibly proud and are the backbone of La Familia.

2.) Our selection. Whether you need something obscure – like a piece of sports memorabilia – or more mainstream – like a new television – our stores have it all. Before you pay full-price for a pair of diamond earrings for your wife’s birthday or a musical instrument for your kid, swing by one of our stores. We likely have what you need at a fraction of the price. And if the store you check out doesn’t have it, ask one of our SLAs to check the system to see if another one of our locations carries what you need – chances are, we have it somewhere.

1.) Best deals around. If you’ve been in our stores – which, if you’re reading this, you probably have – you know that La Familia has the absolute best deals available. Not only do we lend the most and have the best prices on items, but we offer jewelry warranties, a loan guarantee program, layaway, and more. And we’re always holding promotions – like the “25 Days of Christmas” and our annual “Christmas in July” – to sweeten our deals even more.

Everyone finds themselves in financial binds from time-to-time, so we created our Loan Guarantee Program to make sure you can get money when you need it most. There are two ways that customers can receive La Familia Loan Guarantee Cards:

1.)  When you purchase something in one of our stores, one of our SLAs will give you a card stating that if you need a loan on that item in the future, you are guaranteed a credit on it for the amount you paid. Considering that the value of almost anything you purchase depreciates the moment you walk out of the door, it’s a pretty sweet deal.

2.)  If you’re someone who repeatedly pawns the same piece when you get a little stuck, let our SLAs know! One of them will provide you with a Loan Guarantee Card promising that you’ll get – at a minimum – the same amount you received for the original pawn loan each time you bring in that item. No worrying about haggling each time you walk through our doors – our program makes it as easy and stress-free as possible.

And the best part of our Loan Guarantee Program? Unlike other pawn chains, it applies to anything and everything. So, whether you need a loan on a $5 mini-fridge you purchased from us or are bringing in a repeatedly pawned Rolex, the same rules apply. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Be sure to ask about our Loan Guarantee Cards next time you visit one of our stores. And be sure to tell them that the blog sent you!

True, Apple’s products are pretty darn cool. It’s difficult to remember a time before sleek-looking, ultra-sophisticated iPods, iPhones and iPads. And we all want them. There’s just one big problem: Huge, unaffordable price tags.

Want a brand-new iPad 2? Be prepared to drop at least $500 – for something that will be upstaged by a later and greater version in just a few short months. And the iPhone 4S? You don’t need Siri to understand that $700 for one of those bad boys is more than some people pay in monthly rent. Luckily, there is a way to get the latest-and-greatest Apple products for a fraction of the price: Shop at La Familia.

Our stores carry everything from iPod Nanos to MacBooks in near-perfect condition for a fraction of the price you’d pay in an Apple store. Plus, our lines are shorter and our salespeople are friendlier – it’s an all-around win.

So, the next time you look enviously at your neighbor’s brand-new iPhone and dream wistfully about how you’d love to play Angry Birds during boring work meetings, but can’t justify shelling out big bucks for something that costs more than your car, head over to La Familia. We might not be a $100 billion corporation with street-cred and a logo that’s recognizable worldwide, but we’re a heck-of-a-lot more fun. And we’ll even let you tell your friends that you waited in line overnight in front of an Apple store to buy the latest gadget instead of getting a deal with us – don’t worry, we’ve always got your back.

At La Familia, we have everything you need to impress on game day, from big screen, high-definition TVs to surround sound stereo systems to mini-fridges that provide easy drink access from the comfort of your La-Z-Boy. But if you really want to impress (and we don’t mean with a Grill Sergeant Apron), we recommend whipping out some little-known facts and figures about the big day that will leave your friends thinking that you’re a fountain of football knowledge*. Below are a few interesting tidbits to keep your partygoers entertained during lulls in the action.

- According to a recent survey published by The Workforce Institute, an estimated additional 1.5 Americans will call in sick the Monday after Super Bowl Sunday. This number doesn’t include the people who are actually sick with something that doesn’t involve drinking too much beer. Another 4 million are expected to show up late (and likely stare blankly at their computer screens all day).

- The only thing that people do more than drink at a Super Bowl party is eat. On the big day, Americans will consume 8 million pounds of guacamole and 14,500 tons of chips.

- The Buffalo Bills have made the most consecutive appearances in the Super Bowl, making it to the big game in 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993. Sadly for Buffalo fans, the team has still never won a Super Bowl title.

- The Pittsburg Steelers have claimed the most championships, with six total wins.

- According to the Insurance Information Institute, Super Bowl Sunday is second only to St. Patrick’s Day in the number of recorded alcohol-related accidents.

- The Houston Texans are the only team in the NFL to never appear in a Super Bowl game. To their credit, they’re the league’s newest team, established in 2002.

- Thirty-five percent (35%) of all game attendees write it off as a corporate expense. (Lucky them!)

- Mike Ditka, Tony Dungy and Tom Flores are the only ones to win Super Bowls as both players and coaches.

- The biggest blowout in Super Bowl history was Super Bowl XXIV, when the 49ers beat the Broncos 55-10. The closest game was when the Giants beat the Bills 20-19 in Super Bowl XXV.

- The Louisiana Superdome has hosted more Super Bowls than any other stadium, and is scheduled to host the big game for the seventh time in 2013

- Super Bowl XLVI will make New England’s seventh appearance and New York’s fifth.

*We take no responsibility for any heckling you may receive as a result of drinking too much beer and mixing up the facts and figures printed here.

On the air since 2009, Pawn Stars has become a cultural phenomenon – and the History Channel’s highest-rated show – that’s helped squash old, negative stereotypes about the pawn industry. And despite inspiring knock-offs – like Hardcore Pawn and Pawn Queens – Pawn Stars remains the king of the pawn reality television world. The “stars” have raked in some serious dough as the store has become a tourist destination, the show has increased in popularity and some of them have received their own side deals for books and endorsements. So, why do the head honchos of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop have their panties in a bunch this week? This week, the History Channel debuted Cajun Pawn Stars – and The Old Man is not happy.

According to the Gold & Silver crew, they had an exclusivity deal with the History Channel and weren’t notified that a spin-off was in the works. They’re worried about someone else stealing their thunder and – more importantly – their ratings. But – in spite of all they’ve done for instilling a more positive perception of the pawn industry – it’s hard to feel too bad for them. And not just because they’re making it rain. Here are a few reasons why Rick, Big Hoss and the rest of boys should be able to sleep easy, despite the History Channel sibling rivalry.

- They get to work with some really cool merchandise. Let’s be honest, Gold & Silver gets way more interesting stuff that the average pawn shop. From historical documents to collectors’ cars to antiques, Pawn Stars features items that could be on Antiques Roadshow. But the average shop really just wants to help customers, which means taking anything that’s brought in for a loan – and, usually, that’s jewelry and electronics, not an original copy of the Constitution.

- They’re industry all-stars. True, they’ve come under fire for misrepresenting the average pawn shop, but the pawn industry recognizes that Pawn Stars has done wonders for public perception and brought in new clientele. In fact, they recently won the coveted “Pawnbroker of the Year” award from the National Pawnbrokers Association – solidifying Gold & Silver’s standing as the current industry “golden child.”

- There’s nowhere to go but up – for now. Competition aside, Pawn Stars is still “top dog.” People have fallen in love with the quirky cast and are intrigued by their dynamics – and another show on History Channel isn’t going to detract from the loyal viewers who tune in regularly. Plus, Rick Harrison recently signed a record-breaking 80-episode deal that will span four more seasons. Looks like for the Gold & Silver clan, the money and fame train is going to keep rolling on.

Do you watch Pawn Stars? If so, will you tune into Cajun Pawn Stars? Sound off in the comments to let us know what you think!

Because we want to see you succeed in your goals for 2012, we came up with a list of sure-fire, not-too-difficult to keep New Year’s resolutions that will keep you on the straight-and-narrow through December 31.

- Spend more time with loved ones. Been so busy with work and the rat race that you find it difficult to carve out enough time to see your close friends and family? Don’t forget that life’s short – and the best investment in life you can make is staying close to the people you love.

- Read that one book you’ve meant to get around to. A lot of people vow to read more each year. Rather than set unattainable goals to read 20 books this year, choose one or two that have collected dust in your bookshelf and promise yourself that you’ll finally get through them – even if it takes you until December 31 to do it.

- Eat better. We know that fast food windows are tempting after a long, tedious day at the office. But focusing on your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Search the Web for healthy, easy-to-prepare meals that you can whip up. And don’t forget to bring your lunch to work – you’ll save calories AND pennies.

- Walk more. Maybe you don’t have time to workout for an hour each day or the money for a gym membership. Instead, set small goals, like talking a walk during your lunch break, parking further away to get more steps in and taking the stairs instead of elevators. These little changes can make a big difference in getting you moving.

- Save money. Maybe you’re not the coupon clipping type. Or you don’t having a savings account. But one way you can save some bucks in 2012 is by shopping at La Familia instead of traditional retailers.

Think you have a better resolution? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Because we want to make sure you all have the best Christmas possible, we came up with a list of some last-minute gift ideas for the special people in your life.

For the kid who already has too many toys. Think your daughter/son/niece/nephew/other small person you need to get a gift doesn’t need another princess doll or racecar to add to his or her overflowing toy chest? How about going the brain-stimulation route by ordering a year-long subscription to a magazine like Kids Discover or Highlights? If you think a subscription would land with a thud, try picking up an activity or crafts set at Target, or check out National Geographic’s online kids store for some neat – and educational – items.

For the new or soon-to-be college graduate. We all know that entering the workforce is more difficult these days than ever – and most new, young professionals are completely unprepared for what awaits when they have to trade in beer bongs for briefcases. You can help make their transition a little easier by buying them an item that will give them a jump-start on the corporate world, like a business card holder, moleskin notebook or career book. If you’re looking for something a little snazzier, pick up an iPad or Kindle/Nook – both are available in La Familia’s stores for a fraction of the regular retail price.

For the person with the bleeding heart. Unfortunately, a donation to The Human Fund probably won’t cut it, but there are plenty of other perfectly good charities that accept donations in the name of a person who feels a close, personal connection to it. If you’re looking for something a bit more tangible, you could pick up a piece of Heart U Back jewelry from one of our stores, proceeds of which go to the ASPCA.

For the loved one who has everything. How about a karaoke machine – we bet he or she doesn’t have one of those (but we have plenty in our stores)? Or if you’d rather play it safe, maybe a nice piece of jewelry? Oh, forget it – just get him or her a gift card and call it a day.

Still clueless? Come visit one of our stores and one of our knowledgeable SLAs will help you find the perfect gifts. And happy holidays!