Merry Shopping Gift Guide by Bradford Era

Caring Community Gives Back In Many Ways Gift Ideas & Tips & Tricks Christmas Movie Quote Quiz

2 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

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Shoebox Christmas

More Stores on Main Street

Santa To Visit Bradford

Local Gift Ideas

Community Gives Back

Gifts Ideas For Cooks

That’s a Wrap

Manage Time Shopping

Think Before You Buy

THE

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LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT

Last Minute Game Plan

Movie Lover Gift Ideas

Visiting Santa Tips

Happy Holidays to all of our customers!

Reusing Cards Creatively

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4 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Christmas connection: Program lends a

hand… well, gifts in a shoebox shoebox-size containers with a variety of gifts and school supplies for needy children in more than 100 countries across the world. Janie McDonald said that over the years, the Foursquare Gospel congregation learned that using plastic tote boxes the size of shoeboxes were more useful than the standard red and green cardboard boxes provided by the organization. “We use the plastic totes (purchased in dollar stores), because the children can reuse them to carry water or other things,” Janie McDonald explained. “Whereas the cardboard boxes just fall apart.” The congregation members also pack the totes strategically, by filling cups or even shoes with gift and school items so that every inch of space is utilized. Some totes are also lined with washcloths, socks or other clothing items. “What gets to me is the tremendous generosity of not just this church, but all the churches that want to give something to a child who may not get

Era photo by Kate Day Sager The Revs. Matthew and Janie McDonald of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Bradford stand near a couple of hundred containers of gifts provided by their congregation for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox program. The church was a drop-off site for the program.

By KATE DAY SAGER Era Reporter kdsager@bradfordera.com

taff at the Foursquare Gospel Church expected to be short on space when hundreds of shoebox-size containers of gifts were dropped off for impoverished children in Third World countries. During a week in November, designated as National Collection Week for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox program, millions of boxes of gifts for needy children were dropped off at thousands of sites. The Sullivan Road Church has partici-

pated in the Samaritan’s Purse program for the past 16 years and served as a collection site for the past six years. For the Revs. Matthew and Janie McDonald, who began serving as new pastors of the church on Sept. 1, the program is a great way to start out. They replaced the Rev. Bill Watson, who had served the church for the past 32 years. Janie McDonald noted that she is a long-time member of the church and her husband is a native of Coatbridge, Scotland. “I think last year we got over 1,400 boxes so it will get really busy toward the end of the week,” she speculated. Churches, as well as other organizations and entities, fill up shoeboxes or

anything,” Matthew McDonald added. “That always amazes me how they reach out with love to another country, God bless them.” He said churches in his native country also participate in the program. Janie McDonald said donors can add personal touches to the boxes by including hand-written letters to their young recipients. “A lot of times, the children will write back to you,” she said. “It can be very personal for children’s ministries.” She said the shoeboxes were collected at the church in November. The collection of boxes were then be trucked to a site in Warren, and then onward to a processing site in North Carolina before they are shipped overseas.

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December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

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6 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

A growing Main Street in Bradford

By JENNIFER WILLEMIN Era Reporter news@bradfordera.com

t’s been a season of change for Bradford’s Main Street. So much so that 12 new businesses have opened and upkeep and restoration projects have dominated downtown. Local businesses have strengthened through a community emphasis on shopping locally, and that businesses thrive off other businesses’ good qualities, said Anita Dolan, Main Street manager for the Bradford City government., She said she believes the quality of businesses has improved. Some new businesses include Little Fabric Garden, Main Street Antiques and Moments to Remember. Little Fabric Garden began with a group of friends who decided to quilt for a cause. After Little Fabric Garden’s Red Hat group had two breast cancer survivors, they decided they would make a quilt and raffle it off for breast cancer proceeds. From there, members strived to find quality fabric, so they came to the solution to open up a shop of their own. For the holidays, Little Fabric Garden will showcase quilt patterns and table-runner patterns. With such a rich variety of fabric and craft supplies, customers of Little Fabric Garden will be able to create unique and timeless gifts. The shop relocated downtown earlier this year.

Joining existing new businesses last summer downtown was the Main Street Antiques. Owner Todd Hennard decided to remodel a space that sat vacant for nearly three years and decided to bring back a former business. Specialty items at the antique shop include furniture, glassware, Zippo lighters and music memorabilia. Also downtown, at Moments to Remember, customers can create their dream events through unique and imaginative rental items. Specializing in crystal pieces, center arrangements, weddings and special celebrations, customers are sure to create their ideal setting with the help of creative designer Laurie Lindstrom. Among new restaurants on Main Street include Colella Mob Grill, La Mixiteca, Kabob’s at the Option House, Gabriel’s Bistro and the re-opened Main Street Broaster. Colella Mob Grill will serve specialty hot dogs, hamburgers and tacos. La Mixiteca offers Mexican food, Kabob’s features Greek and Mediterranean food, Gabriel’s Bistro has an Italian menu and the Main Street Broaster specializes in chicken and fries. And the chamber of commerce is focused on boasting business. Cash mobs have helped boost the local economy. Cash mobs have helped boost the local economy. How these cash mobs work is participants are asked to spend at least $20 at a Chamber of Commerce member business, with the identity of the business remaining a secret until the day of the event. In addition, the chamber of commerce has also got-

Veteran’s Square at the end of Main Street In Bradford is beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Many other store fronts and windows have also decorated for the holidays, making downtown a cheerful place to be this holiday season.

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ten into the act of making improvements to a booming downtown. Over the past year, Dolan explained the Chamber has made small changes through additions such as hanging flower baskets, painting the gazebo in Veterans Square, clearing up storefronts, and organizing volunteer and community service projects. Dolan said funds for Main Street projects are primarily from state grants and private donors.

Potential shoppers make their way down Main Street during the holiday season.

December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

Santa is on his way...

Shopping Gift Guide •

to Bradford. By RUTH BOGDAN Era Reporter r.bogdan@bradfordera.com

hat would the Christmas season be without children having the opportunity to give their wishlists to Santa Claus? On Dec. 13, Santa Claus will be one of many attractions at the annual Bradford’s Old Fashioned Christmas, when he attends a holiday brunch from 9 a.m. to noon at The Aud restaurant at 30 Boylston St. One child eats free for every paying adult. “We are excited to have him in Bradford!” said Main Street manager Anita Dolan, who said the Arcade & Attica Santa is a popular figure in the area. From 1 to 4 p.m. that day, Santa will visit Whimsical Studio at 119 Main St. The last opportunity to see Santa will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18 at Wright’s. Shawn Murray Photography and Creative Coffee will be present then, too. Bradford’s Old Fashioned Christmas on Dec. 13 will feature a number of events, as well as participation from local businesses. That day, Santa, along with other holiday characters, will take part in a Story Land event from noon to 3 p.m. at Bradford Little Theatre, 79 Main St. “People can stop by any time,” Dolan said of Story Land. “There will be children’s activities and story readings. Free books will also be distributed to the children and the BLT members will be dressed up as holiday characters.” Story Land is sponsored by the YMCA, Grace Lutheran Church and Growing with Grace, The Learning Center, Intermediate Unit 9, McKean County Children and Youth Services and the Bradford Area Public Library. At 10:30 a.m., the Main Street Movie House will offer a free showing of “The Polar Express.” Children attending the film must be accompanied by an adult. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Prince” and “Otis” will be waiting by the Main Street Old Saint Nick will be in town to help celebrate the spirit of the season. Mercantile to take attendees on horse-drawn carriage rides, courtesy of Real Living AVISTA Realty and Hennard Construction. From noon to 2 p.m., residents can have lunch with Frosty at Kelly’s Restaurant, 27 Main St. One child eats free for each paying adult, and carols for children will take place during that time. A live Nativity and carolers will be at the Main Street Mercantile from noon to 181 M a in S treet • B ra d fo rd ,PA 16701 3:30 p.m., and appearances during the day will be made by a Julie Crawley Maple M o n -Fri 10a m -6pm • S a t 10a m -4 pm Syrup taste testing, Michelle Huber Chapman silhouette portraits and chainsaw artist Rick Boni. Studio B dancers will be performing at Wright’s at 2:15, 2:45 and 3:15 p.m. Hot beverages and treats can be had at the Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, 51 Main St., where proceeds from the give-away of a six-foot-tall snowman will benefit The Need Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) Fund. CA$H For holiday shoppers, many local businesses will have Christmas treasures to be for the had. Holidays? This includes Christmas greens at Graham’s Florist, 9 Kennedy St.; Christmas cookies at Leo’s Sub Shop, 83 Main St.; holiday wreaths at Moments to Remember, 62 Main St.; Christmas merchandise at Main Street Outlet, 90 Main St.; Christmas fabrics at Little Fabric Garden, 25 Main St.; jewelry, purses and accessories at Janet’s Boutique, 125 Main St.; men’s and women’s clothing at Man’s World, Buying Gold & Silver jewelry, coins, sterling, 105 Main St.; food samples at Timeless Treasures, 10 Chestnut St.; Byler’s Relclass rings, pocket wathes & dental gold! ish House products at Main Street Antiques, 86 Main St.; beer and wine tastings at How Ya Brewin’, 12 Kennedy St.; and jewelry at Orris Jewelers, 62B Main St. Gift certificates will be available places including Gabriel’s Bistro, 88 Main St.; Beefeaters Restaurant, 21 Congress St.; La Mixteca, 109 Main St.; Triple A Nail Salon, 115 Main St.; and Kabob’s At The Option, 41 Main St.

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8 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Crafty children at the Main Street Mercantile By JENNIFER WILLEMIN Era Reporter a.davis@bradfordera.com

lthough tablets and other electronics are growing in popularity among youth, there are still plenty of gifts in local stores for children who enjoy the simple pleasures of creating and learning. At the Main Street Mercantile on Main Street in Bradford, lovers of knitting and crochet have an array of patterns to choose from and a pallet of solid, iridescent and sequined yarn to craft their creations. In addition to patterns ranging from legwarmers, hats, capes and mittens, the Mercantile offers a free knit or crochet pattern of choice with each purchase. For the crafty young woman, My Flower Press allows one to create cards, tags, bookmarks and other paper items with pressed flowers as the focal point. The kit includes a wooden flower press, blotting paper, brushes, paints, tweezers, glue and a hole punch, along with wooden beads and hemp for accents. Children interested in nature and gardening would be pleased with the Root Viewer. This gift is composed of a wooden tube holder and three plastic tubes for thorough observation. With seeds and other growing materials, children can watch the growth of carrots, onions and radishes from the comfort of home. Space enthusiasts have many kits to choose from at the Main Street Mercantile. Build a solar system mobile, or decorate a room with glow in the dark stars and planets. Children can also create their own space scenes on a 3D art pad using stickers and doodles. In addition, the downtown store has crystal growing kits, a gold mining kit and a volcano maker for those interested in science. For more crafts, coloring books and creative gifts, visit the children’s corner of the Main Street Mercantile.

For the musical lover - Head to Wright’s Music Shed By JENNIFER WILLEMIN Era Reporter a.davis@bradfordera.com

his holiday season, treat the music lover in the family to lessons, introduce them to an instrument or find accessories. At Wright’s Music Shed on Main Street in Bradford, gift certificates can be purchased for music lessons focusing on wind, brass, string and percussion instruments, in addition to piano and keyboard. For those looking to pick an instrument, Wright’s has a collection of backpack guitars, ukuleles in green, yellow, black, blue and red, banjos, acoustic and electric guitars, childsized guitars, keyboards, clarinets, saxophones, trombones and violins. In addition to instruments, Wright’s has a vast collection of accessories. Some items of interest include flavored reeds with strawberry, pina colada and cotton candy. There are also several guitar accessories, including strings, string winders, picks and straps. Also at Wright’s, one will find a collection of sheet music for a wide range of instruments, with difficulty levels ranging from elementary to advanced. Some music sheet books of interest include “The Lion King,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “High School Musical,” The Jonas Brothers, Broadway tunes, praise and worship and classic rock. For other musical inquires and products, visit Wright’s Music Shed.

December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

Bradford church to help provide By ALEX DAVIS Era Reporter a.davis@bradfordera.com

ttendees of a Bradford area church plan to perform some miracles this Christmas — by delivering presents to families in need. The inaugural Secret Santa program by the Open Arms Community Church of Bradford will not only help fulfill the needs of children and families but also bring a faith perspective, Open Arms assistant pastor Justin Willoughby saidon Monday.a “We believe Christmas is a great time to show God’s love by blessing individuals in a practical way. God’s love is witnessed by acts of kindness, and that’s what we want to demonstrate,” he said. At Open Arms on East Main Street in Foster Township, tags with the needs of about two dozen families had been put on a tree.

Shopping Gift Guide •

gifts at Christmas

“We want to personally deliver them to ensure they get to “The information consists of children’s needs, family needs, Christmas dinner needs, etc. We then made up tags the families,” Willoughby said. and placed them on a Christmas tree at Open Arms so people in attendance could grab one, and meet that need,” Willoughby said. Those who attend Open Arms had a hand in figuring out what needs exist, he said. They secretly filled out information on cards “It’s our prayer to see every need met. Most are people outside of Open Arms, which is who we want to target,” Willoughby said. The Secret Santa program supplements The Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) Fund, which makes sure that children and senior citizens have gifts to open at Christmas. “Our goal was to never compete with the ELF Fund, as we know they do a great job with their mission,” Willoughby said. “We just want to give an opportunity for those in need to experience God’s love in a real way this Christmas season.” “Open Arms Elves” will deliver the gifts on Dec. 21, he said.

Gifting back: Bradford City police, firefighters tackling toy drive

By ALEX DAVIS Era Reporter a.davis@bradfordera.com

radford City police officers and firefighters are always on the front lines, responding to automobile accidents, house fires and other incidents. But as Christmas draws near, they’re finding themselves responding to a different need in the community — collecting gifts for children who otherwise would not get anything for the holiday. They want to create Christmas miracles for area children. Bradford City police officers and firefighters are hosting their first-ever toy drive, supplementing the Era’s Less Fortunate Fund, which ensures children and senior citizens have gifts for the holiday. The officers are focusing on getting presents for 2 to 18 year olds. The toy drive is called 911 Toy Express. The community supports the police department, and now the police department is returning the favor, said Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco. The police are following in the footsteps of other agencies that have hosted toy drives. The officials with the toy drive will look to the schools and the ELF Fund to see what

families need some help this Christmas. The teachers know the students and would be able to identity those in need, he said. Officer Michael Spencer said infants are difficult to purchase items for, and he said they did not want to leave out teenagers. But the police department has some inside insight, as well. Police officers get to see how a child is interacting in school and then at home, and it’s much different, Spencer said. “I think public safety personnel can tend to see the most unfortunate families in the area,” Lucco said, adding that it’s the nature of the job. Spencer knows that for a fact. He men-

tioned calls he responds to, and goes away upset because he knows the family is struggling to make ends meet. “It definitely gets to people,” he said, adding officers feel like there wasn’t much they could do. Now something can be done, in the form of a toy drive, he said. And toy drive efforts won’t stop at the city line, either. The toy drive is open to area children, which includes Foster and

Bradford townships. As part of collection efforts, the two departments plan on hosting an event, he said. The unwrapped gifts or donations can be dropped off until Dec. 20 at the Bradford City Police station on Kennedy Street. For those living in the city, the police department can arrange for pick up.

10 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Kitchen gift-giving made easy with

personality profiles

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hose names on your holiday gift list are more than just people — they’re personalities. This simple shift in perspective can go a long way to help narrow down gift selections. For example, someone who likes to keep things simple might be called the Solution Seeker. Become a great gift giver by paying attention to the broader personality traits of your gift receivers. Read on for several examples of kitchen personality profiles, along with suggestions for the perfect gifts. The All-Season Foodie During the holiday season, everyone becomes some kind of foodie. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, there is simply so much food to enjoy. However, your list of names may contain a genuine year-round gourmet — the All-Season Foodie. This kind of foodie probably already owns, uses, and loves quality gourmet nonstick cookware, so consider a specialty pot or pan to round out a collection. The Anolon Nouvelle Copper 8-Quart Covered Stockpot is an ideal choice, starting with hard-anodized aluminum construction that is twice as hard as stainless steel. A layer of copper in the pot’s base further boosts and balances heat conduction throughout the entire stockpot. The All-Season Foodie on your list will utilize this large-volume stockpot for homemade stocks, broths and soups, of course. She or he can also take advantage of its size and cooking performance to prepare delicious mid-winter braises and summer seafood stews. From boiling water for soup or pasta, to simmering succulent soups, stews and more, a top-quality stockpot lets any home chef cook more creatively. East Meets Best The wok is one of the oldest type of pans in the world, and one of the most efficient. First, the bowl-like shape helps distribute heat evenly. Then, like a satellite dish, the rounded side helps focus all that heat toward the center of the pan, so ingredients sear and cook more efficiently and flavors build more rapidly. In Asia, of course, wok cooking is enough of a special skill and technique to be considered an art. The All-Season Foodie on your list may already love wok cooking and Asian cuisine. Give her or him even more reason to love them — and appreciate you at the same time — with a gourmet nonstick wok. Anolon Nouvelle Copper makes a 12” Covered Wok with an elegant, high-domed stainless steel lid that helps beautifully seal heat and moisture inside. The wok’s interior also features the innovative Anolon Unity Surface™ with Easy Clean Rivets. This design eliminates the “speed bump” effect sometimes found in pans with exposed rivet heads, so home chefs can keep wok tools in constant motion throughout the cooking. Every home cook can appreciate top-quality

gourmet nonstick cookware, so put a stockpot, wok or other specialty pan after his or her name. The All-Season Foodie is sure to make the most of its capabilities, and you’re likely to reap the benefits of their creative cooking. The Total Tea Lover Next to water, tea is the world’s most popular beverage.1 In the United States it runs second to coffee, but tea consumption has been on the rise here for several years running, and that trend is expected to continue.2 Odds are therefore good that your gift list includes more than a few tea drinkers — and probably a Total Tea Lover or two. Steeped or iced, Earl Grey or herbal, tea is ideal for them, and so is the tea-related present. The Total Tea Lover enjoys hot tea at home, at work, and anywhere else a fresh cup can be made and savored. Find the Total Tea Lover the perfect stocking stuffer with the compact, portable Teas in a Pod™ Tea Infuser from BonJour. Crafted from heat-safe stainless steel and silicone, in a variety of fun, friendly colors, the reusable, pod-shaped infuser holds enough loose-leaf tea or tea blend. The silicone cap pops off and on for easy use and care. Since the Total Tea-Lover drinks tea at home, work, and anywhere else a fresh cup can be made and savored, why not give a Teas in a Pod Infuser for each location? Let the Sunrise In The Total Tea Lover is sure to appreciate a bright, new kettle with clean, modern lines. There’s no reason to call a teakettle black when you can choose among vibrant shades like elegant Capri Turquoise, classic Navy Blue, and sunny Mustard Yellow offered in the Circulon Sunrise Teakettle collection. Boiling water becomes downright joyful with these stylish kettles, featuring durable construction and an easy to clean high-gloss exterior finish. The teakettle’s well-designed squeeze-and-pour handle helps keep hands and fingers away from hot steam and water. The Easy-Going Entertainer Like guests, hosts and hostesses come in a wide range of types, from the Mealtime Micromanager to the Panicking Party-Giver. That’s why everyone loves the Easy-Going Entertainer. From initial invitation to final farewell, he or she puts guests at ease, making them feel cared-for and comfortable. You’re sure to stay on their guest list with a thoughtful gift, so utilize your profiling skills for something special. The Easy-Going Entertainer always appreciates an extra serving bowl or platter, especially one with versatility and personality to spare. Consider going beyond basic white or metallics with a solid, sturdy piece that sets a tabletop, buffet or sideboard in style. Rachael Ray epitomizes the Easy-Going Entertainer, and brings that stylish sense home with her Cucina Serveware and Dinnerware collection. Durably constructed, with warm, inviting

rustic-modern touches, the collection includes beautiful serving bowls, platters and dinnerware. The relaxed palette of single-color ceramic glazes and handpainted antique-look details give each piece plenty of character, with the microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe convenience you’d expect from Rachael Ray. In the Mixology Cocktails are back, although some say they never went away. The Easy-Going Entertainer always refreshes dinner and party guests in a special way, with fresh fruit and an herb garnish to perk up a simple glass of ice water, or by making one-of-a-kind drinks to order. Give the budding bartender or any entertainer more reason to celebrate, with the festive Rachael Ray 4-Piece Party Plate Set. Each of the lunch plates features a different refreshing cocktail depicted in full color against sturdy, bold white stoneware. The actual cocktail recipes are printed on the reverse side of the plates, so the set is sure to inspire any mixologist, from beginner to experienced. When an Easy-Going Entertainer and a beautiful, durable serveware or dinnerware gift are on your list, you’re sure to be on theirs, every time. The Convenience Cook In just a few generations, the microwave evolved from new-fangled “science oven” to an appliance found in over 90 percent of U.S. households.i With time, space and energy at a premium in modern life, microwaves come in handy for everything from heating water and melting butter to making popcorn and even complete meals. The frequent-microwaver on your list might be considered a Convenience Cook — someone who wants to save kitchen time and effort yet still loves food and flavor. Luckily, kitchenware has caught up to this ever-growing need for convenience, with numerous new tools, utensils and cookware made especially for microwave use. One great product that belongs in every kitchen is the SilverStone Microwave Pressure Cooker. This ingenious cooker combines the principles of an old-fashioned stovetop pressure cooker with microwave-safe design. Ideal for stews, soups and braises, the pressure cooker is versatile enough to make delicious dishes for any meal and any occasion, and comes with a booklet of easy-to-follow recipes. Getting Steamed Another ingenious kitchen tool for the Convenience Cooker on your list is the Circulon Silicone Steamer Insert. This clever, heat-safe silicone steamer stands upright for hands-free cooking prep and fits a standard size pan. The Convenience Cooker can easily move the filled steamer insert from counter to sink to pot and

December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

back again, making it perfect for healthy veggies, draining larger pasta shapes, and more. It’s even handy as a temporary fruit bowl, and collapses for convenient, space-saving storage. Creative Convenient Cooks will quickly discover their own favorite uses for this versatile, time- and space-saving piece of kitchenware. Give them means to do so, and they’ll likely find delicious new ways to say thank you. The Solution Seeker Closely related to the cook seeking convenience is the one in constant search of solutions. The Solution Seeker on your list may be easy to spot — look for crossword and Sudoku puzzles on their smartphone and similar clues. The solution-seeking home cook craves something more than just another gadget to add to the utensil drawer, however. One gift-giving solution for this kind of cook is SilverStone CXi Ceramic Nonstick Cookware. On the cookware exteriors, bold, fresh color provides a refreshing splash of on-trend kitchen style, with color-matching handles rubberized for wrist and hand comfort. Each pot and pan in this collection features innovative, bright-white ceramic nonstick for effortless food release with easy cleanup. Practiced or beginner, the result-oriented cook is sure to love this colorful, high-performing nonstick cookware. If the solution-seeking cook also loves results-oriented baking, or if there’s simply a baker on your list in need of his or her own gift, SilverStone Hybrid Ceramic Nonstick Bakeware provides one answer. SilverStone Bakeware features cutting-edge ceramic nonstick for beautiful baked good release with quick and easy cleaning. Like its coordinating cookware, this carbon steel bakeware also comes in bright, on-trend contemporary colors to give the kitchen a fresh, friendly vibe. The Dessert Deliverer On the subject of baking, check your list for a special type of personality profile: the Dessert Deliverer. They may love baking from scratch or mix, simply have a roster of favorite bakeries whose goodies they love to select and share. Whatever the occasion —weekday or holiday, casual or special — they inevitably bring a delicious baked treat. Help the Dessert Deliverer carry those tasty baked goods to their ultimate destination with a stylish Cake Boss Cake Carrier. The vintagestyled carriers feature fun, bakeshop-era designs against a cream-colored background, and the lids sport a sturdy, collapsible red handle. Each carrier holds a standard, 9-inch round double-layer cake or any dessert of similar size

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and shape, and the clever side latches firmly lock the lid closed — and keep tempted fingers away! So take a moment to do a little personalitydigging with the names on your holiday gift list, and you can easily detect their kitchen characters. From there to the perfect gift becomes as simple as matching gift and personality. For more help with kitchen gifts for all the personalities on your list, and more informa-

Shopping Gift Guide •

tion about all these products, please visit anolon.com, circulon.com, cakebossbaking.com, bonjourproducts.com, and potsandpans.com. 1. Alan Macfarlane; Iris Macfarlane (2004). The Empire of Tea. The Overlook Press. p. 32. ISBN 1-58567-493-1. 2. (Tea Council USA, 2013) i. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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12 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Gift wrapping

tricks and tips

he holidays are here and that means shoppers have started to stockpile gifts for those they love. Once the shopping rush is over, the time to wrap all of those great finds and treasures has come. Although some people are gift-wrap gurus, there are many others who feel that their wrapping skills are lacking. Regardless, anyone can create delightful wrapped gifts with a little know-how. Prepare The first step to wrapping is to have all of the supplies in one place. There are some people who have actually dedicated small rooms as gift-wrap stations. While you don't have to go this far, find a large table and keep your tape, tags, paper, ribbon, scissor, pen, and other accessories nearby. Also, sort out the gifts according to recipient and have any gift receipts handy to wrap up with the gift. Wrap at a time when there are no distractions and you can devote your attention to the task at hand, like after children have gone to bed or during the day when no one is home. Paper or Bags? When purchasing wrapping paper, it may be tempting to skimp on the quality of the paper to save money. However, a thicker, higher quality paper will make wrapping go more smoothly. That's because it will be less likely to tear on boxes or when you're rolling out and cutting it. Thicker paper means you'll also be able to achieve more intricate folds and better creasing around boxes. It also may be more forgivable around oddly shaped items. Gift bags are the go-to wrapping medium when you're short on time or have items that are not easily wrapped with paper. Because they come in a variety of sizes — and even giant plastic bags to contain large gifts — they are often more convenient. Other Tips There are different tips that can help with wrapping. * Buy neutral-patterned wrapping paper that coordinates with other papers. This way if you run out of one type of paper you can stagger other pieces and make a collage of papers so there's no waste. * Use ribbon to dress up a gift and direct the eye away from any imperfections. * Keep a stack of paper scraps and use it instead of tissue paper to fill in gift bags. *Keep scissors sharp for clean cuts. * Pack smaller items or oddly shaped things into a different container that is easier to wrap. * Roll up clothing and place into a paper towel tube to turn the wrapping into a candy cane shaped gift. Practice often makes perfect when it comes to wrapping gifts. Having the right paper, a few decorative supplies and some patience can ensure that gifts look festive this year.

December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

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Shopping Gift Guide •

14 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Maximize time spent on

holiday shopping

he holiday season encompasses several weeks of frenetic activity, as men and women look to juggle abnormally busy social schedules with holiday shopping. While you might not be able to add hours to the day, there are certain measures anyone can take to make the hustle and bustle of the holiday season more efficient. Shopping swallows up a significant amount of time come the holiday season. According to the latest Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll, the average person will spend 15 hours shopping for presents. Women tend to spend twice as long as men in stores and online, with women logging 20 hours of holiday shopping compared to the 10 hours the average male spends shopping for holiday gifts. Making the most of holiday shopping trips can free up moments and reduce overall stress during the holidays. Condense your gift list How much time you spend on holiday shopping depends largely on the number of people on your gift list. Shortening that list can save time and money. This may be the year for adults to collectively decide to forego exchanging gifts in lieu of devoting more funds toward gifts for youngsters. Distant friends may no longer need to feel obligated to buy presents for one another. Opting to do a "Secret Santa" or another grab-bag style gift exchange can reduce the number of gifts you need to buy, saving time along the way. Keep a spreadsheet of your shopping list stored on your computer or smartphone so it can be easily modified year-to-year. Create a shopping strategy Millions of shoppers flock to stores on Black Friday to take advantage of doorbuster deals, and some even get all of their holiday shopping finished on this one afternoon. Others prefer to divide and conquer over a few weeks. Decide how you would like to economize your shopping so you won't be traveling from store to store wasting precious time. Organize your shopping list into certain categories. Then match up those categories according to the stores that cater to these items. For example, if your list mentions bedding for a new college student's dorm room, curtains for an aunt and a set of beach towels for a friend who will be doing some post-holiday travel, group these purchases together and head to a bed-and-bath store. Such a plan in place can greatly cut down on your time spent shopping. Shop off-hours Consumer Reports says shoppers expect to wait in store check-out lines for an average of 3.5 to 4 hours this holiday season. Avoiding such situations can save you a significant amount of time, so shop during off-peak hours when you won't be elbow-to-elbow with fellow shoppers. Take advantage of stores' extended hours and shop later in the evening, when parents and their children will likely be preparing for bed and not waiting in line at the mall. Some

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retailers entice shoppers with early bird specials and open their doors very early, so shoppers looking to save time can make an effort to be the first person at the door when the store opens. If you must shop during a lunch hour, shop online where crowds are never a concern. Split up the shopping Spouses, family members and even friends can pool their shopping time and help others by tackling some of their purchases. Dividing the work shortens the time spent in stores, and a third party may have a keen eye to a deal or a unique gift when he or she is emotionally removed from the purchase. The average person finds time is of the essence come the holiday season. Prioritizing and economizing shopping is one way to make the season less hectic.

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16 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Things to consider F this before holiday season

buying

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ew holiday shoppers can resist a great deal. Whether it's heavily discounted merchandise on tor last-minute sales for shoppers who procrastinate, there are deals to be had during the holiday season until its unofficial end sometime around New Year's Day. But not all deals are what they seem. Many a shopper has swiped their card on a gift for a loved one only to find out later they overspent or didn't read the fine print and subjected themselves or their friends and family members to potentially costly fees. The following are a handful of things shoppers should consider before making any purchases this holiday season. Restocking fees As thoughtful as holiday gifts may be, many are ultimately returned. Recipients may already have similar items at home or find a particular gift does not suit their personal styles. Because returns are so common, shoppers should read the fine print before buying gifts to ensure their purchases are not subject to restocking fees if they must be returned. Restocking fees can apply to any product, but they are most often applied to electronics. A restocking fee is a charge the person returning the gift must repay upon bringing the gift back to the store or mailing it back to the warehouse. Restocking fees often apply to items that are not returned in their original factory-sealed box, and these fees can be exorbitant, sometimes as much as 20 percent of the cost of the product. So before buying that big-ticket television or appliance, holiday shoppers should ensure the item's recipient will not be subject to a considerable fee if he or she decides to return the gift. Extended warranties Many items come with manufacturer war-

ranties that cover damaged items for a predetermined period of time. But many shoppers want to go the extra mile and buy extended warranties that protect the products for longer periods of time. While that's good in theory, studies from Consumer Reports have shown that products rarely break within the time period covered by extended warranties, meaning shoppers are simply buying a false sense of security they're unlikely to ever use. When considering an extended warranty, first research the product you want to buy by reading customer reviews of the product on popular sites such as Amazon.com. Such sites can offer valuable insight with regard to how reliable products are. If multiple reviewers note that a given product has never given them a reason to reconsider their purchase, then you likely don't need an extended warranty. If you still want the extra protection, read the fine print of the extended warranty so you know just what it doesand does not cover. Return policies Because so many gifts are returned once the holidays have come and gone, it's important to understand a retailer's return policy before buying a gift for a friend or family member. In-store purchases may be subject to different return policies than items bought online, which may need to be returned via the mail, a potentially costly expense for the gift's recipient depending on the size of the gift. Try to shop only at stores with flexible, consumer-friendly return policies so your friend or family member does not have to jump through hoops just to return the gift. Resisting a holiday deal can be difficult. But shoppers should first read the fine print before making any purchases so they can rest easy knowing they made the best decision possible.

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December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

Strategies for last-minute shoppers

oliday shoppers tend to fall into three distinct camps. There are those people who have completed all of their shopping and wrapping even before November ends. Others shop in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Finally, many people wait until the last minute, and such shoppers are the ones seen rushing from store to store on December 24. Waiting until the last possible second to purchase a gift may not prove much of a problem when shopping for birthday gifts. But come the holiday season, such procrastination may find shoppers perusing limited inventories and dealing with other frantic proscrastinators. But even those shoppers who still plan to put off their holiday shopping can make the most of such stalling this holiday season. · Consider eGift cards. Many retailers offer digital gift cards that can be emailed in a matter of minutes. Purchase the card from the online retailer and email the redemption code to the gift recipient. Time the email to arrive on Christmas morning or include all of the necessary information in a holiday card. · Ship to store. Some shoppers like the convenience of ship-to-store services. This enables a person to purchase a gift online but avoid shipping charges by having the item made available at a store location. In-stock items are typically ready the day of purchase, and this helps you avoid crowds and impulse buys, as online purchases are typically available at special pick-up locations in the store that allow online shoppers to skip long lines at the registers. · Avoid gimmick gifts. Skip the "as seen on TV" aisle at the store or trendy infomercial gifts. Such gifts may suggest to their recipients that you waited until the last minute to buy the gifts and then really didn't have any good ideas. · Expect extra charges and factor such charges into your budget. Procrastinating may work

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for your schedule, but expect to pay more if you shop online and require shipping. You will probably need to expedite shipping if you expect to have gifts delivered on time. Verify the delivery date before making any purchases. Paying more for shipping may outweigh the hassle of driving to store after store searching for gifts. Online retailers like Amazon may even offer selective delivery on Christmas Eve. · Check store hours. Some stores offer extended shopping hours to meet the needs of last-minute shoppers. You may be able to visit early morning or late at night to skip the crowds. Certain department stores time sales with these extended hours, such as "early bird" or "night owl" specials, so you may even be rewarded for procrastinating. · Shop smaller retailers. One way to avoid the hassles that often come with holiday shopping is to patronize smaller, independent shops. Chances are the crowds will be smaller at these shops and you may have access to a more unique selection of gifts than you would find at the nearby mall.

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Shopping Gift Guide •

18 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Great gifts for film fans

ome people can't wait to get their hands dirty in the kitchen and try out a new recipe, and some people are movie buffs who can't seem to get enough of their favorite films. For the latter, a holiday gift that plays to their passion for the big screen can make the season that much more special. The following are a handful of gift ideas that are sure to leave your loved one star-struck this holiday season. · Vintage movie poster: Many film fans adorn the walls of their homes with movie posters, so a vintage movie poster from your friend or family member's favorite film makes a great gift. Go the extra mile and have the poster custom framed so it's ready to be hanged on the wall the moment your loved one opens his or her gift. · Surround sound system: This gift will require a considerable financial commitment, but no home theater system is complete without a state-of-the-art surround sound system. Surround sound systems give movie buffs the full movie theater experience from the comforts of home. If a surround sound system will bust your budget, consider splitting the cost with family members who are also looking to indulge this particular film fan's passion. · Outdoor theater screen: For film buffs who miss the glory days of drive-in movie theaters, consider a portable outdoor movie theater screen. Such screens are

large enough to entertain the whole family, whether it's a backyard movie night on a warm summer evening or during a camping trip when film fans can relax under the stars and watch their favorite films. Screens won't be too useful without a projector, so make sure your loved one already has a projector or suggest a family member purchase the projector and then present both gifts at the same time. · Streaming subscription: Few people now watch films on DVD, as streaming services have become the go-to means to watching the films of the past and present. Sign your loved one up for subscription to a service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, and he or she will have instant access to thousands of films. · Books: If your favorite film aficionado is not just enamored with movies but the behind-the-scenes business of making films, stuff a book or two into his or her stocking. Numerous books have been written about the nuts and bolts of moviemaking, and even more memoirs or tell-alls have shared the Hollywood gossip or insider details that few film fans can resist.

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Shopping Gift Guide •

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20 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Visit Santa without all the tears T

he holiday season means it's time once again for parents to take their youngsters to visit Santa Claus. Pictures with little boys and girls lining up in their dress clothes with Santa are a holiday tradition, and youngsters are often anxious for their chances to share their Christmas gift wishes with the jolly man in red. But as integral as such photo sessions are to the holiday season, parents know they are one crying fit or meltdown away from having this tradition turn into trouble. After waiting in long lines to see Santa, it's understandable when everyone's patience starts to wear thin. The combination of antsy children and aggravated adults could set off a chain reaction that culminates in tear-stained cheeks and a sullied holiday memory. Pictures with Santa can go much more smoothly when you employ the following tips. * Prep children. While kids may love the idea of Santa, youngsters face to face with a man in a red suit and a big, white beard may be nervous. Begin talking up Santa a few months before Christmas, mentioning how nice and friendly he is. Gauge how kids act around costumed performers at fairs, circuses and birthday parties and help them grow accustomed to people in costumes. If costumes elicit screams of horror, wait another year before seeing Santa. * Visit during off-peak hours. Weekends and evenings are the busiest times to visit Santa. This means long lines and longer wait times. Instead of dealing with the masses,

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try to get to the mall when the doors first open. Otherwise, let the children skip a day of school and visit during the week when the lines are shorter. * Consider another venue. Many different places of business host events where kids can meet Santa. Families may be able to share a meal with Santa at a restaurant or visit him at a nursery while selecting Christmas trees. A different environment may be less intimidating to children and take the pressure off waiting in line in a busy mall. * Go well-fed. There's little worse than waiting in line and doing so hungry. Hunger pangs can turn even the most placid child into a menace. Pack snacks to enjoy while waiting. Opt for items that will not stain lips and teeth or drip onto clothing. * Make it a family photo. Sometimes the only way to entice a little one to take a picture with Santa is to provide some added security. Dress your best and be prepared to have to step in and cozy up to Santa to ensure your child is all smiles.

December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

The many ways to recycle Christmas

greeting cards T

he Greeting Card Association says Americans purchase some 6.5 billion greeting cards every year. Of those, around 1.6 billion are Christmas cards. Exchanging cards is a great way for people to show their loved ones that they're thinking about them, and such cards make for festive ornaments to display around homes. But when the holiday season ends, recycling those cards into other items can make good use of the paper resources and turn what's normally a single-use item into an enduring trinket. · Turn this year's cards into next year's gift tags. Cut out circles, rectangles or any shape you desire. Otherwise, visit the scrapbooking aisle of your favorite craft store and purchase a paper punch to make easy work of cutting those shapes. · Transform a greeting card into a mini puzzle for a youngster. · Glue silly characters from Christmas cards onto a sheet of magnet. Then use these magnets for decorations next year. · Frame favorite cards so their messages can endure year after year. · Turn a beautiful card into a keepsake.

Use a decoupage medium to attach a card to a ceramic or wood backing. Coat with a polyurethane top coat to protect it. · Use greeting cards to make wine charms for holiday entertaining. Guests can keep track of their glasses with ease. · Use cut-outs of cards to improve the appearance of plain gift wrap or bags. · Insert cut rounds of greeting cards into the inside of can lids to create crafty ornaments. · Make a paper Christmas tree from cutouts on greeting cards. · Encourage kids to make a photo collage from the cards they like. Mount their efforts on poster board and save for next year. · Donate used cards. St. Jude's Ranch recycles greeting cards by reselling them to help fund programs.

Shopping Gift Guide •

22 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Tips for getting greeting cards out on time

illions of greeting cards are sent out each holiday season. Estimates suggest that 85 percent of the United States population, or roughly 250 million people, mails out greeting cards. That adds up to billions of cards going through the postal system -- and all in a relatively short period of time. Men and women who hope to send holiday greeting cards must purchase, prepare and mail the cards early enough so they are received prior to the holiday. It is never too early to begin greeting card preparation and assembly. The majority of cards are bought in boxed packages or groupings of photo cards. Gone are the days of hand-picking individual greeting cards for every recipient. This trend toward general-theme cards has streamlined the process and can help senders start their tasks earlier than ever before. Some people like to take advantage of post-holiday sales to stock up on greeting cards for the following year at a deep discount. This means they can write the cards out at their leisure and then simply toss them into the mailbox at the appropriate time. Much in the way people begin their holiday shopping or decorating right after the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers have been stored away, a good majority of people also begin their greeting card writing after Thanksgiving as well. Those who want their cards to arrive first will mail them within a few days of Thanksgiving. When sent domestically, it is safe to assume that cards mailed out up to 2 weeks before Christmas

will arrive on time. After that point, you may be risking lateness, particularly for rural delivery addresses unless cards are sent priority. For those who need to mail cards internationally, sticking close to the end of November will ensure they arrive in a timely manner. People who want to make a statement and not have their greeting cards get lost in the crowd may intentionally mail them late and lean toward wishing health and prosperity for the new year, rather than sending a card tied to a specific holiday. This gives extra time for mailing and will set cards apart from the many others. Photo cards have grown in popularity, and people interested in having a professional photographer shoot their holiday card photos would be wise to make an appointment as early as possible. Popular photographers often start holiday photo shoots in October. Keep in mind that the photographs can take a while to be processed and arrive. For those who are on borrowed time, taking a photo with a personal camera and having prints made up at a pharmacy or retail store can save time. It is unlikely that professional photos taken in December can be printed and mailed and still arrive on time. Also, be sure to heed copyright laws concerning photographs. It may be illegal to scan an image from a photographer or photo studio and have prints made without written permission. Postage is another thing that will have to be considered when mailing out cards. While many cards fall under the weight and size limits of a regular first class postage stamp, unusually shaped envelopes or heavy greeting cards may cost more. Rather than have them returned, it is a good idea to have at least one card weighed at the post office to ensure the right amount of postage is affixed. Some cards will be packaged with envelopes that state "Additional postage may be required" right on the box. Greeting cards are an important component of the holiday season. Ensuring they arrive on time requires planning and sending them out with ample time to spare.

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December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

Shopping Gift Guide •

24 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Celebrate the joy of baking with holiday gifts inspired by “The Boss”

(MS)

he holidays are a perfect time to indulge in treats and spread the joy of baking with gifts that encourage friends and family to discover their inner baker. This season, there's more to choose from in the baking category with the launch of Cake Boss, an extensive line of more than 200 "Buddy approved" baking items designed in collaboration with Buddy Valastro, the star of TLC's hit reality show, "Cake Boss." Offered by Meyer Corporation, U.S. in partnership with Discovery Communications, Cake Boss covers all the bases for baking, decorating, serving, and storing cakes and other desserts like a pro. Here's a "baker's dozen" list of gift ideas and creative ways to be sweet on anyone who's been extra good this year. Gifts For the Artistic Baker: For avid bakers who enjoy expressing their creativity through baking, a gift of a Cake Boss Cake Kit ($29.99) includes everything needed to bake like the pros. Ideal for the holiday season, the Cake Boss Winter Cake Kit includes five stainless steel cutters (two holiday bulbs, a small circle, one tree and one reindeer), and five plastic plunge cutters (two holly leaves and three snowflakes) to create fun shapes in rolled fondant. A ribbon cutter helps cut fluted or straight decorative strips in fondant or gum paste, and stainless steel decorating tips in star and round shapes (combined with the kit's disposable plastic piping bags) make it easy as pie to pipe borders and create icing designs. An instructional booklet is included to guide bakers each step of the way. For Serious Cooks and Bakers: Professional quality bakeware does double duty for baking up delicious, savory recipes, as well as sweets. The Cake Boss Professional 13x18-inch Jelly Roll Pan ($17.99) holds up to the rigors of frequent use with heavyduty aluminized steel, commercial-style folded construction, and reinforced wire rims. Ideal for baking flaky pastry appetizers, as well as roasts of all kinds, the Cake Boss Professional Jelly Roll Pan distributes heat fast and evenly, and won't warp or bend. A unique quilted, light-colored nonstick surface promotes even airflow for pro-style results. Family Friendly Gifts: Buying individual presents for each member of a family with children of different ages can end up being costly and time consuming. A family group gift is a practical solution that also can encourage spending time together. One idea is to put together a "Cookie and a Movie Night" gift package with a few innovative tools for baking cookies, your own favorite cookie recipe, a decadent hot chocolate mix, and a DVD for a classic family-friendly movie. For the cookie baking tools, the Cake Boss Linzer Cutters 6-Piece Set ($16.99) in "Classic" and "Holiday" styles make it fun to customize these scrumptious sandwich cookies. The Cake Boss Beechwood Rolling Pin ($29.99) has just the right weight and size to roll out cookie dough with ease, and a wide assortment of Cake Boss Cookie & Fondant Cutters ($16.99) in fun shapes like Stars, Hearts, Daisies, Round and Square provide multiple ways to make cookies in varying sizes. Cookies To-Go: Cookie exchange parties are a great way to get in the holiday spirit and sample some new recipes. Surprise the host by pairing your cookies with a gift of the Cake Boss Deluxe 10x15-inch Covered Cookie Pan ($16.99). Bake the cookies and transport them right in this innovatively designed pan. Helpful drop zones stamped on the surface ensure uniformly sized cookies. Long-lasting nonstick on both the interior and exterior surfaces prevent cookies from sticking and speeds up cleaning time. Finally, wide handles with red silicone grips in fun rolling pin shapes, and a translucent, tight-locking cover, make this cookie pan perfect for transporting baked treats to and from get-togethers. Teacher Treats: If you have school age children, don't forget a special treat for their teachers. Sculpted in glossy ceramic to resemble a bow-wrapped gift, the colorful pink and brown Cake Boss "Present" Cookie Jar and the seasonally themed red and green Cake Boss "Holiday" Cookie Jar ($39.99 each) are sure to impress, especially when you include home-baked cookies inside. Print your recipe on a pretty card and add to the cookie jar to be sure it never goes empty! Two-for-One Hostess Gifts: Be extra sweet to your holiday party host with a dual gift of both a dessert and the Cake Boss Cake Carrier ($39.99) used to handily transport it. Offered in four retro-inspired styles, each durable and easy-to-clean Cake Boss Cake Carrier is spacious enough to hold a standard 9-inch two-layer round cake, cheesecake, pie, or other treat. The lid latches tightly on both sides of the base to protect delicious treats while they're in transit and keep tempted fingers away! For The "Cake Boss" Wannabe: It's fast and easy to bake intricate looking cakes like "the Boss" with the Cake Boss 6-Cup Cakelette Pan ($16.99). Available in five different molded designs -- Star, Heart, Groovy Girl, Circle and Square — each Cake

December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

Shopping Gift Guide •

Boss Cakelette Pan makes six individual portion, tiered mini cakes that look like they came straight out of Carlo's Bakery. In addition to gifting, you can use the assorted pan designs to host a mini cake-decorating holiday party. Guests can decorate their own "cakelette" with icings, sprinkles, colored sugars, and even fondant. Stocking Stuffers and More Under $15: Affordable prep tools are great additions to a baking enthusiast's stocking stuffer. They also work well as grab bag gifts and extra special toppers to ribbon wrapped presents. The set of two Cake Boss Nylon Bowl Scrapers ($8.99), crafted in durable nylon edged with flexible silicone, ensure that every last bit of batter, buttercream, and sauce gets scraped out of bowls. The heat-resistant Cake Boss Scraping Spatula with Measurement Marks ($11.99) features a durable red silicone tool head with a convenient reference chart of measure equivalents for cups, ounces, tablespoons, teaspoons and milliliters. For more whimsy in the kitchen, the Cake Boss "My Kitchen My Rules" Spoonula ($9.99) with flexible red silicone head for mixing, stirring, and spooning, includes one of Buddy's favorite catchphrases imprinted on it. Gifts For The Unexpected: It's a smart idea to keep a few prewrapped gifts on hand when you need a last minute token for a neighbor, friend or host. For example, pair the Cake Boss 4-Piece Measuring Spoons Set ($6.99) with a boxed gourmet mix for scones, and a small bottle of quality vanilla extract. Wrap everything in cellophane with a colorful bow for the perfect last-minute gift. Learn more about Cake Boss baking products and watch instructional cake decorating videos starring Buddy Valastro at www.cakebossbaking.com; like Cake Boss baking products at www.facebook.com/CakeBossBaking, or follow Cake Boss on Twitter@CakeBossBaking.

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26 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014

Test your knowledge of popular Christmas movies

hat would the holidays be without snowflakes falling outside, a mug of hot cocoa in hand and a favorite Christmas movie on television? Television is full of feel-good movies come the holiday season. Choose from among classic flicks you have watched year after year or new movies vying for spots as soon-to-be favorites. Watching Christmas movies is a holiday tradition for many families. So much so that lines from popular movies are easily remembered and recognized. Those who can recite movies verbatim might enjoy testing their mettle with the following Christmas quiz loaded with memorable quotes from some holiday classics. Movie Quotes Quiz 1. "It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags." 2. "Uh, since the United States Government declares this man to be Santa Claus, this court will not dispute it. Case dismissed." 3. "If TV has taught me anything, it's that miracles always happen to poor kids at Christmas. It happened to Tiny Tim, it happened to Charlie Brown, it happened to The Smurfs, and it's gonna happen to us!" 4. "I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200 shot range model air rifle." 5. "Bless this highly nutritious microwavable macaroni and cheese dinner and the people who sold it on sale. Amen." 6. "Iris, in the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you're behaving like the best friend." 7. "Who gave you permission to tell Charlie there was no Santa Claus? I think if we're going to destroy our son's delusions, I should be a part of it." 8. "I want to wash my hands, my face, my hair with snow." 9. "We're not just doing this for us. We're doing it for the kids. For every kid who ever sat on Santa's lap. For every little girl who left cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas night. For every little boy who opens a package Christmas morning and finds clothes instead of toys. It breaks my heart." 10. "We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket. It's run by a big Eastern syndicate you know." 11. "I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear your company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me?" 12. "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see." 13. "Light the lamp, not the rat, light the lamp, not the rat! Put me out, put me out, put me out!" 14. "Tell me something, Billy. How come a cute little guy like this can turn into a thousand ugly monsters?" 15. "Wanna see some magic? OK, let's watch you disappear!" 16. "That's not 'my' Christmas! 'My' Christmas is filled with laughter, and joy... and this: my Sandy Claws outfit. I want you to make it." 17. "That's neither pig nor pork, it's beef." 18. "I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel." 1. "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" 2. "Miracle on 34th Street" 3. "The Simpson's Christmas" 4. "A Christmas Story" 5. "Home Alone" 6. "The Holiday" 7. "The Santa Clause" 8. "White Christmas" 9. "Jingle All the Way" 10. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" 11. "A Christmas Carol" 12. "The Polar Express" 13. "The Muppets Christmas Carol" 14. "Gremlins" 15. "Bad Santa" 16. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" 17. "Babes in Toyland" 18. "Elf"

December 12, 2014 • The Bradford Era • Merry

Holiday craft fair how-to

raft fairs and flea markets are a staple of the holiday season. Not only are they ideal places to find one-ofa-kind gifts for anyone on your holiday shopping list, but they also are great opportunities for small business owners to broaden their client base while making a relatively small investment. Each year schools, churches, senior clubs, and other organizations open their doors to holiday fairs in an effort to raise money for their respective organizations. In some towns, fairs have expanded into temporary shopping markets where shoppers can go from booth to booth to find the perfect gift. Being a part of one of these events can be as simple as paying the entrance fee and setting up a table. Individuals who have never sold wares at events such as these could find that they do quite well with such a captive audience. You do not have to be a professional sales person or event organizer to get involved. Research opportunities Community resource pages or Web sites are often good sources of information about events the city or town will host. Church bulletins and notices sent home from school may also list such announcements. Make a list of the events that are being held and see where they are located, what the cost is for being a part of the event and how much of a crowd the event figures to draw. These deciding factors will help you to gear your efforts toward the fairs that stand to be the most beneficial to you. It is adviseable to begin your search early so that you will have ample time to prepare for the fair, including conforming to the fair's requirements. Know the rules and regulations Each fair asks different things of its vendors. Some events will have booths or tables provided for you, but many will require you to bring all the essentials and simply allot you a space. Fairs that are held outdoors could necessitate the use of a pop-up tent, particularly if inclement weather is on the horizon. Electricity may be provided with some events, or you may be allowed to bring a generator. The event organizer also may have specific rules about table sizes, configuration, use of tablecloths to hide storage boxes or materials, decorating options and more.

Carefully read over the guidelines for the event before you send in your registration fee. This way you know what you're getting involved with and won't risk losing your deposit for cancellation. Set the scene Although shoppers will be there to select among products, and those products should be able to sell themselves, the atmosphere surrounding your booth should be designed to attract customers. Sometimes a little window dressing makes a person more inclined to make a purchase. Keep this in mind as you design your booth. If you are selling crocheted blankets for babies, set up a rocking chair or bassinet with a doll and display the blanket as it would be used. Those selling body lotions or other toiletries may want to create a spa atmosphere at their boot, complete with some aromatherapy candles and a cushioned seat in which shoppers can sit down and try some free samples. In addition, decorate with a holiday theme that fits the season. Be mindful of budget Your goal is to make money when attending this event. So spend minimally and invest in display items that can be used again or customized for other uses. You do not want to break the bank decorating your booth or table, only to find that your sales are minimal. When setting up the display, be conservative with how much stock you set out. You want your display to look like you have enough offerings, but you don't want to be left with too many extras at the end of the day. Offer options to shop online or for customordered items so that you do not have to have 200 Christmas tree ornaments made for that day. This allows you to spread out your costs. Offer a freebie Who can pass up a free item? A bowl with candy or samples of your product may be all that's needed to draw customers into your booth. Another idea is to have potential customers fill out an entry form that will be drawn for a prize. Not only are you encouraging people to come to the table, but you also are collecting valuable marketing information that can be used at a later date to follow-up with customers and help you make future sales. Participate with a pal Many fairs stretch on for hours, so it is ad-

viseable to do it with a friend or family member so you will have someone to talk to and also to man the booth while you step away for a bathroom or snack break. The hours will pass by much more quickly when you have some conversation going.

Eat in Carry Out or Delivery

Be friendly and smile A warm smile can entice people to stop by. Talk up your products but don't be too pushy. If you are enthusiastic about what you are selling, there's a good chance others will be enthusiastic, too.

TOGI’S

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We would like to thank all of our customers and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 402 E. Main St. • Bradford

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28 • Merry Shopping Gift Guide • The Bradford Era • December 12, 2014