This is very unfortunate to all of us airmiles collectors. However, it really shouldn't affect the number of airmiles that I (or you hopefully) collect. I get most (ie: 95%) of my airmiles from Safeway and using the Weeks Best Airmiles Deals. This is the easiest and fastest way to collect airmiles, guaranteed!

It'll be interesting to see how the number the departure of Westjet affects the number of airmiles required to fly to different locations with airmiles. I'll keep everyone updated as soon as I have information. I will also continue to announce the Westjet Seat Sales on this blog. I realize it won't be with regards to the airmiles program, however, I love flying Westjet and supporting a great company. I also think that knowing the best seat sales is in everyone's best interests!

• Book by December 9, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. M.S.T. for travel until March 11, 2009.*
• Blackout dates apply from December 22, 2008 until January 4, 2009.
• For Canadian and US destinations, travel on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays .

Calgary to Vancouver for $89 is always a good seat sale. Book your Westjet flight now

Here are her top ten tips and tricks for power-shopping online. Although, truth be told most of these can apply to just Christmas shopping in general.

1. Take a tip from Santa. Make a list of everyone you’ll be buying for and, to avoid any surprises come January, set a budget and stick with it!
2. Shop on your own schedule. Online malls and stores are open 24/7. You could cover off your entire Holiday shopping list in a few hours, leaving you more time to enjoy the season.
3. Take advantage of Canadian online malls that have done a lot of the work for you by identifying leading online stores. For example, www.airmilesshops.ca features 100 leading brands all under one virtual roof, highlights promotions and bonuses for Canadian shoppers (such as free shipping), and awards AIR MILES reward miles on all purchases.
4. Holiday shopping can be exhausting for parents and children. Shopping online in the privacy of your own home makes it easy for you to help your children shop for their siblings!
5. Utilize online gift guides that categorize ideas by hobbies, gender and price. Some sites have wish-list tools where gift recipients can create a list of their favourite things, so you’ll be sure you’re getting them what they want. And, if you’re still not sure about your selection, you can always read product reviews from other shoppers, email an idea to a friend for a second opinion or text or talk to a customer service representative.
6. Register for email and/or text alerts to ensure you are the first to know about specials and bonus offers. Many retailers, such as TigerDirect , have deals of the day offering unprecedented low prices on specific products.
7. Refer to the retailer’s size chart when ordering clothing to ensure a perfect fit. Also, utilize tools such as virtual models to “try on” clothing, as found at Lands’ End.
8. Take advantage of shipping offers. This season, more retailers than ever are offering free shipping on orders over a certain value. You can often select gift delivery direct to you or the gift recipient. You can even shop right up until December 23rd at some online stores for delivery in major markets, (e.g. chapters.indigo.ca
   )
9. Look for gift wrapping options. Many are free, and include personalized gift cards. Imagine all your gifts arriving at the door wrapped, labelled and ready to give!
10. Shop online for more than gifts. Holiday essentials, such as decorations, flowers, household items, fashions and specialty food are all right there at your fingertips.
11. BONUS! Compare product price and features to ensure you’re spending your dollars wisely by using online product comparison tools. Online pricing can be better than in store.

General Mills Cerelas ($4.00) - Buy 2 get 20 airmiles, airmiles-to-dollar ratio $0.40.

Electrasol Powerball Tabs ($8.99) - Buy 2 get 50 airmiles, airmiles-to-dollar ratio $0.36.

Christie Thinsations ($2.50) - Buy 6 get 50 airmiles, airmiles-to-dollar ratio $0.30.

Degree Deodorants ($2.50) - Buy 6 get 40 airmiles, airmiles-to-dollar ratio $0.38.

Scotties Facial Tissues ($6.99) - Buy 2 get 30 airmiles, airmiles-to-dollar ratio $0.47.

Get out and start stocking up for Christmas!

Secondly, a faithful reader and I have emailed back and forth a few times so I checked out her site. Anyway, I thought it's a great site and since Christmas is coming up soon I figured I should share. The website is SkinDazzles.com and is a site that sells everything from bath supplies and body lotion to hair care. Check it out as I'm sure any of the bath, body or gift sets would make a terrific gift for any of the ladies in your family. I have no relation to the site I just figured it's always nice to promote the small business entrepreneur.

With customer appreciation day you'll get either 10% off or 10 Times the airmiles.   However, here's a little trick to get more then 10X the airmiles and you don't have to shop on Tuesday.

Simply visit the following website. Once there you'll click on the continue button and then select a gift from the gift boxes below.    You'll then be given a prize for a bonus number of airmiles (up to 25 times the airmiles).

Note: I noticed that you can actually keep on clicking continue and selecting a box until you get 25 times the airmiles!   So just keep selecting.  Once you hit that one then print the coupon off!

Offer is not valid with other promotions so you can only get up to 25 times your airmiles!

Note: the Quaker Chewy Bars is a TERRIFIC air miles promotion!

Quaker Chewy Bars ($2.69) - Buy 3 get 50 airmiles, airmiles-to-dollar ratio $0.16.