TUALATIN VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
It’s the holiday season and traditions abound. One tradition many families have is bringing a cut tree into their home and decorating it with twinkling lights and ornaments. Each year, these trees account for hundreds of fires across the nation. But keeping your tree healthy and green will help keep your holiday safe! Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages you to choose a healthy tree that has been recently cut or to cut one down yourself.
Below are some tips to keep your tree merry:
å Right before placing the tree in its stand, cut about 2 inches from the base of the trunk. This helps the tree draw up water.
å Once the tree is in its stand, add water daily or as needed.
å Place the tree at least 3 feet from any heat source such as space heaters, fireplaces, heat vents, etc. Trees placed in a room where fireplaces and woodstoves are used will dry out much quicker and should be placed as far as possible from them.
å Make sure the tree doesn’t block an exit.
å Use only decorative lights that have a label of a recognized testing laboratory and make sure the bulbs, strings, and connections are not damaged or broken.
å Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
å Check for dryness by running your hand down a branch; if the needles fall off, the tree is too dry and should be taken down and disposed of properly.
å Never burn a tree in your fireplace. The combination of dry branches, pitch, and tree oils can ignite within seconds, sending sparks and flames into the room.
å Most communities in TVF&R’s service area have a recycling program where a dry tree can be disposed of properly.
å If your choice is an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” This does not guarantee the tree won’t catch fire, but it indicates the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
å When it comes to brightening your home with twinkling lights, TVF&R offers the following tips:
å Only use UL-approved, low-heat lights.
å Always use outdoor lights outside and indoor lights inside.
å Never use light sets with broken sockets, frayed and/ or cracked wires, or missing sockets. Any one of these problems may cause an electrical shock or a fire.
å Prior to using a light set, place it on a non-flammable surface and plug it in for 10 to 15 minutes to check for smoking or melting.
å Lights should only be used on fresh or fire-resistant plastic trees. Never use electric lights on a metal tree as the tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and a person touching the tree could be electrocuted.
å Fasten outdoor lights securely to exterior walls, trees, or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage. Do not use nails or tacks to hold light strings in place. Instead, use plastic light string holders or run your light strings through hooks.
å Only use outdoor-rated extension cords with outside lighting displays.
å Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights can short out and start a fire.
For additional safety tips, visit www.tvfr.com.
Festive Flavors
Celebrate the holidays with locally-owned Bundt cake bakery
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
by Malaina Kinne, Active Media
There are plenty of reasons to love Nothing Bundt Cakes. From the moist, fudgy cakes blanketed in cream cheese frosting to the warm smiles and convenient service model, this bakery never misses, even pairing its delectable creations with fun and colorful decorations guaranteed to make any celebration extra special!
The Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise was founded in 1997 by Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz in their home kitchens and has since grown into a brand that values high-quality ingredients, hand-crafted recipes, and the warmth of genuine hospitality. Bundt Boss Carla Mayes worked with the company in Texas before moving to Oregon and opening the Beaverton location in 2016, followed by Hillsboro in 2020. “We’re all about making a difference in the community through sharing cake and spreading joy,” she says. “That’s what sold me on the brand.”
Chocolate Chip, Red Velvet, Lemon, White Chocolate Raspberry, gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookie and more! This includes the new gluten-free Lemon Raspberry, which has been wildly popular since its release. Besides the well-loved classics, rotating surprisefeatured flavors and limited-time pop-ups are always a delight.
Holidays are the busiest for Nothing Bundt Cakes, and they come with themed varieties and decorations. “It’s a special time, and we’re excited to celebrate with our customers,” Carla says. Pumpkin Spice is back in action as the featured flavor, and seasoned guests can attest to the hearty pumpkin flavor with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. The “Taste of Autumn Collection”’ of pop-up Bundlet flavors includes Chocolate Toffee Crunch and Caramel Apple Cider, which both pair perfectly with hot beverages, cozy scarves and sweaters.
Baked fresh on-site daily, cake sizes are designed to serve any group, including 8-inch and 10-inch individual and tiered options, personal bundlets that serve one to two people and bite-size budintis sold by the dozen. The tiered cake is perfect for a bigger group and serves up to 28 people. The rich, creamy frosting can be piped with their signature petals or their drizzle for a more formal look.
There are 12 tasty cake flavors to choose from year-round, all generously adorned with their thick and creamy signature frosting: signature Chocolate
Adding some themed aesthetic to your cakes is a must, and Nothing Bundt Cakes will adorn them with fun and colorful decorations for any occasion. Decked out in holiday swag, big bows, and cute toppers, the cakes come wrapped in cellophane for an elevated presentation that is easy to transport. Several designs are new or up-and-coming this year for the holiday
Photos
season, such as the December seasonal cake, Peppermint Chocolate Chip. Don’t miss out for Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve!
This is not your typical bakery. It’s designed to be the ultimate convenience for last-minute occasions! Guests can add party packs with plates, napkins, in-
store candles, cards, and gift items, making it a one-stop shop. Orders can be placed in person, via phone, online or through third-party delivery apps, including Grubhub, Doordash, Ubereats and EZCater. Unless it’s a significant holiday, most items can be ready in an hour or less. The company recently launched an app connected to the new loyalty program, allowing guests to earn “Joy Points” with every purchase to redeem in the app or the bakery.
Unsurprisingly, Nothing Bundt Cakes’ moist, luscious creations have many loyal fans. “We call them our Bundt Ambassadors,” Carla explains. “They understand the wow factor of our product and join us for their special occasions. It’s fun to be part of all their everyday celebrations.” Customers can join the Email Club to be the first to
hear about new flavors, limited-time offers and special deals.
Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of the Nothing Bundt Cakes brand. That includes giving away free cakes, donating to charities, partnering with local communities for events and fundraising for schools. Any local schools or other organizations who would like to partner for a fundraiser should email the bakery directly at hillsboro-or@nothingbundtcakes.com or beaverton@nothingbundtcakes.com.
Nothing Bundt Cakes Hillsboro is located at 2037 NW 185th Ave, Hillsboro, and the Beaverton location is at 11629 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm and 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays. Please give them a call at 503-433-5018, or visit their website at www.nothingbundtcakes.com.
Homemade Eggnog
Cheers to a classic holiday sipper
Ingredients
6 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
ground cinnamon, for topping
1/4 cup alcohol, optional (see note)
Directions
Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy in medium bowl. In saucepan over mediumhigh heat, combine cream, milk, nutmeg and salt. Stir often until it reaches a bare simmer. Add a big spoonful of hot milk to egg mixture, whisking vigorously. Repeat, one spoonful at a time to temper eggs. Once most of hot milk has been added, pour mixture back into saucepan on stove. Whisk constantly until slightly thickened (or until 160°F) — it will thicken as it cools. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and alcohol (if using). Pour eggnog through fine mesh strainer into pitcher; cover with plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator. Serve with sprinkle of cinnamon. Store in fridge up to 1 week.
NOTE: If you’re adding alcohol, start with ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, rum or whiskey added at same time as vanilla, or after eggnog cools. For a thinner, completely smooth consistency, pour mixture into blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons milk; blend until smooth.
AVAILABLE DECEMBER 9th-31st
Mattress World Northest will be supporting Special Olympics Oregon via the Polar plunge. They will be donating time, money and TV advertising in addition, they will be getting donations from their customers. Their main fundraiser, The Polar Plunge, takes place February 24 11 a.m. at Willamette Park in Portland and a 5k fun run at 10 a.m. “Polar Plunge is your chance to step out of your comfort zone by jumping into an unforgettable experience that directly impacts the lives of Special Olympics Oregon Athletes. By participating you provide 5,000+ Special Olympics Oregon Athletes access to sports, activities, and community,” says Special Olympics Oregon.
Why is this nonprofit so important? “Special Olympics Oregon believes in the transformative power and pure joy of
athletic competition. Every day across the state, we help children and adults with intellectual disabilities become athletes and grow a strong, supportive community of advocates. Through year-round training and serious competition, Special Olympics participants journey along a proven pathway to better health, essential life skills and lifelong friendships.” Please help us raise funds by donating online or visiting one of our local stores.
We are family-owned and -operated and we strive to greet every customer with a smile, listen to your needs and concerns and give a great overall experience.
Get a better night’s sleep and help support your community at one of our many local Mattress World Northwest locations. Check us out online at mattressworldnorthwest.com to find the closest location and store hours.
