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Ready. Set. Shop! Tips on how to tackle the crowd this holiday season.
Editor’s note I have a confession to make, I’m a shopaholic! That’s right I can’t get enough of shopping! Now, I don’t always have to buy – sometimes I just look – but this is by far my favorite recreational activity. In fact, I already have all my Christmas shopping finished! That’s right. Don’t worry, however, if you’re still fighting the crowds. There’s nothing wrong with last minute gift buying, especially during the busy holiday season. That’s why this month Creative Living is featuring local businesses that just may have that perfect gift you’ve been waiting for. Check them out in the Last Minute Gift Guide section. Also, be sure to read through the article about how to tackle last minute shopping. There are some helpful tips in there for you procrastinators! Merry Christmas!
Specialty Publications Editor
Contact Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.
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Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com.
Topics Minute Gift Guide 3 Last Specialty shops
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Decorating • Repair
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Living 7 Senior Apartments • Care
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Ready. Set.
Shop!
By Melissa Hayden • Editor
he day after Thanksgiving may be the biggest shopping day of the year, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers the Friday after Thanksgiving only ranks as fifth in the biggest sales, behind the two weekends before Christmas. The day on which sales peak depends upon which day of the week Christmas falls on, but the highest sales day is usally either the last Saturday before Christmas or December 23.
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So there you have it, procrastinators rule! As the holidays seem to get busier and busier last minute holiday shopping gets more and more popular. Here is a guide to help you stay on your feet, alert, and ready to grab, grab, grab!
Make a list, check it twice
think ahead. Make a list of the people you still need to buy for and what items they may like, as well as where to find those items.
Set a budget, stick with it Just because your last minitue doesn’t Shop see page 8
As difficult as it may be, try to
Latest doll fashions are here
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azzle up your favorite 18-inch doll with a sparkling ruby, burgundy, emerald green, or gold Christmas gown, and a sumptuous velvet, fur-trimmed cape. Or keep her warm and cozy with a lovely fur-lined jacket. All this and more can be found at Preview Productions in Newtown. Owner Joyce Rosselot and her assistants Susan Lehr and Sarah Watters have been busy as elves designing, sewing, and stocking the doll clothing boutique
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with the latest in holiday and winter fashions. They have everything for special occasions and everyday winter wear, some outfits even come with matching boots. With such reasonable prices, this season is the perfect time to add several of the latest ready-to-wear fashions to your favorite someone’s doll collection. The best selection is always in the store, located at 6720 Main Street in Newtown. Call 271-2524.
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Say Merry Christmas with Markus Jewelers Just in time for Christmas, Markus Jewelers has a new line of sterling silver jewelry. These new pieces are well worth taking a looking into. They have designer style without the designer price. As always their holidays are sparkling with diamonds and precious stones of the highest quality. There is something beautiful for everyone and every budget this year at Markus. They are Anderson Township’s only full service jewelry store with two
experienced jewelers on the premises. Customers from all over the tri-state are taking advantage of the on-stie repair services including chain repair, ring sizing and restringing. Watch band and batteries are done while you wait. With a total of 152 years of expereience, the skilled staff at Markus is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to assist with your holiday shopping list. They are currently celebrating their 20th annivesary. During December they will be
hosting a store-wide anniversary sale, passing on savings of 20 to 50 percent off. Don’t miss the savings or the fun of this season! They would also like to tahnk all of their loyal customers for helping them make it possible to celebrate their 20th year. Call 474-4950 for more information or visit Markus Jewelers visit Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wendesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 2-4 p.m.
Holiday excitement at Bizarre Bazaar
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hatever happened to shopping that made you smile? This holiday season Bizarre Bazaar is sure to have you grinning with more choices than anywhere else in the city.
Glittering and twinkling from ceiling to floor, the store is bound to have you singing. The whimsical and the wonderful Bizarre Bazaar holiday features a variety of Mark Roberts, Lori Mitchell,
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Department 56, Krinkles, Seasons of Cannon Falls, Bethany Lowe, Byers’ Choice, Jim Shore and many other folk artists in their holiday collection. Decorated with 16 magical Christmas trees, from the traditional to vintage to woodsy to absolutely zany, this store recreates the definition of “trimmings.” Bizarre Bazaar has amazing hand-selected jewelry including Chamilia Bead Jewelry, an incredible selection of furniture and home decor, and unusual, thoughtful gifts for all ages and styles. Whether you’re adorning your home or yourself, be it classic or crazy, Bizarre Bazaar is a bonafied shopping experience. Visit them at 7767 Five Mile Road or call 231-6861. Open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday Shop Til Midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
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Lasting Impressions... Santa-in-the-City
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asting Impressions and Santa-in-theCity, in Bellevue, Ky. would like to thank all of
you who have visited the stores at 241 Grandview and have made this such a successful opening sea-
Holiday hours at Lasting Impressions Tuesday-Saturday - 10-5 Santa in the City - Monday-Saturday - 10-5 Open till 8 p.m. on Thursdays – Dec. 10, 17 Open 1-5 on Sundays -- Dec. 13, 20 Closed Christmas Eve
Directions: Traveling south or north on I-471: Take Exit 5 (Newport/Bellevue) Turn right onto Route 8 (Fairfield Avenue) Continue to Taylor Avenue and turn right Travel 6 blocks to Grandview Avenue Turn right on Grandview Enter the warehouse through the Lasting Impressions door on the right Prepare to be amazed...
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son!!!! The response has been fantastic and they are looking forward to greeting and re-greeting many more of you between now and Christmas. If you haven’t visited, you’ve missed one of Bellevue’s hidden treasures. Since November, even more life-size Santas with lighted trees are on display in this Christmas wonderland. The face on each Santa must be seen to appreciate the detail of the features … and don’t forget to check out Santa’s spectacles. This type of Christmas decoration is
one which will become a family heirloom for generations to come. Each Santa is individually hand crafted with attention to detail in every piece of apparel
footstools, super soft penguins, and huggable bear cubs and dogs of all sizes. You will be amazed to find gorgeous fur throws... guaranteed to
“When you care enough to make your home a warm, welcoming place for family and friends . . . you need to visit us.” and accessory such as Santa’s toy bag or the little golden lab or red fox he may be carrying under his arm. What a conversation piece this would be for your home! You will also find lifesize bears and bear cub
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keep you toasty on cold winter evenings. Lasting Impressions has answers for those last minute gifts such as the Candleberry candles, which have been extreme-
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Lasting see page 7
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Is winter time also Roof Time for your home?
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ith all of the severe storm damage the tristate has endured over the past year, many homeowners are still in need of roof attention to get them safely through this winter's nasty weather. But people often question whether or not they can have a new roof installed in cold weather.
Could you? You can roof in cold, dry weather, but the quality of the finished product may be adversely affected by wet snowy shingles. Most manufacturers of all roofing types have specific requirements about what temperatures their materials can be installed in. For the most part, the temperature is 26 degrees or warmer. It may be possible to install roofs in temperatures less than 26 degrees, but many extra
precautions are needed. For instance, EDPM (flat rubber) roofers need to make sure their adhesive isn't freezing. Composition shingle roofers have to be careful that they aren't damaging the shingles when nailing them. Shingle makers do not change their warranties based strictly on installation temperature. This means that your new 30 year dimensional shingle has the exact warranty as a roof installed at any other time of the year. New shingles need to undergo thermal sealing, which can take several days of temperatures on the 40 degree or higher range. According to one of Cincinnati's most experienced installation foreman, Terry Littleton of Roof Time, the No. 1 tip is that no roofing guns
should be used when temperatures are less than 30 degrees. Littleton says, "At Roof Time, we hand nail all our winter installations, at no additional charge to our homeowners!" All steep slope roofers have to be careful that they don't damage the underlayment which can become brittle in cold weather. Only 30 pound felt (or better) should be considered as underlayment, and all underlayments should be installed using cap nails and not staples. On a roof tear-off, insist that only as much roofing as can be newly shingled in the same day be attempted. Too many homeowners have had their interior ceilings ruined by surprise winter storms that tarps and felt
alone, could not withstand. Winter in Ohio and Kentucky tests your home and roof in ways unlike any other time of year. The most common prob-
causing leaks. This technique, when done properly, provides added protection for at least 3 feet up from all edges of the roof. Many older roofs do not have "ice & water barrier"
Winter in Ohio and kentucky tests your home and roof in ways unlike any other time of the year. lem in cold weather is the presence of ice dams. An ice dam is formed over the eaves of a house from built up snow melting and running down the roof only to refreeze at the very edge of the roof line. Roofing contractors use a product called "ice & water barrier" together with proper drip-edge flashing techniques to prevent ice dams from damaging your home and
installed. If your roof is leaking because of ice dams this could be a great time to have the roof redone properly and insure that ice dams will not be bothering you and your home again. Roof Time has many winter roofing tips for the DIY homeowner at www.time2roof.com / winter Roof Tips.
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Welcome home for the holidays to Sutton Grove
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t’s the most wonderful time of the year at Sutton Grove Retirement Community. There’s tree trimming, holiday gatherings, and a variety of winter activities! Located in the heart of Mount Washington, Sutton Grove is a peaceful and secluded independent retirement community designed for your pleasure and living enjoyment. Seventy-five spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments are located on three floors. Elevator service accesses the second and third floors. The apartments are unfurnished so you can surround yourself with your own furniture, pictures and decorations so you feel right at home. Weekly housekeeping, nutritious meals and most activities are included in your monthly rent. There are pet-friendly and petfree areas, as well. Now, residents have the choice to have meals included in their rent or cook on their own. Although Sutton Grove is an independent living
Sutton Grove residents decorate their Christmas tree.
community, personalized support and health care services can be designed for your individual needs by a home health care agency. The home health care agency helps to promote maximum independence and dignity while providing such services as bathing, dressing, medication reminders and assistance with other daily liv-
ing activities. You’re not just a resident at Sutton Grove, you’re a member of a family. You’re known by name and cared about. That’s why the facility is very reasonably priced, something that is especially important during these tough economic times. For more information or to arrange a tour, call 231-0008.
Lasting from page 5 ly popular. If you have been in the building at 241 Grandview, you have enjoyed the wonderful scents which have been burning in both Lasting Impressions and Santa-in-the-City … Bourbon Roasted Pecans … Hot Maple Toddy … Santa’s Cookies … Vanilla Dipped Cinnacrisp … and many more delicious flavors. If you’re looking for some very unique types of holiday décor or beautiful floral pieces for any room of your home, search no more! Custom-made floral arrangements abound on both floors, and they will be glad to make one for you if you prefer to choose the com-
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ponents and a special decorative ribbon. Decorated and undecorated garlands, wreaths, and swags which look as if they were just cut and brought in from the forest are available … sometimes you just want a beautiful, natural look without the splash of color. Make no mistake!! Glitz and color also abound at every turn … red, lime, chocolate brown … anything you need to add a cheery, festive flare for your holiday entertaining. These stores offer so much more than you would expect, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy the opening season of both stores!
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Does winter have to be achy? By Carol Silver Elliott CEO/President, Cedar Village
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e’ve all heard someone say that the weather is changing and that they can “feel it in my bones.” Well, truth is, folks with arthritis in many cases can, indeed, feel it in their bones and there is evidence to support that weather sensitivity can go hand in hand with arthritis. What is arthritis? It’s a catch-all term that refers to more than 100 different types of diseases that involve joints, surrounding tissue or other connecting tissue, resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness. Arthritis affects more than 45 million Americans and that number continues to increase. While cold weather can exacerbate joint pain and stiffness, experts say that there are things you can do to feel better this winter season. The most important one is not to let winter keep you cooped up inside until the trees begin to bud! Keeping active and keeping your joints moving will help to
lessen pain. Walking is a vital form of exercise, especially for those with arthritis. If it is too cold to walk outdoors, try an indoor course like a gym or mall. If the ground is dry, walking outdoors is worth doing – the fresh air can feel great. Just make sure you bundle up and stay dry. Dampness can make your joints feel more uncomfortable. Bundling up means layers so choose fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin, not trap it against you. Another great form of exercise, any time of year, is swimming. Warm water pools are available in many areas and they can be a real boon for those with arthritis. Whether you take a water exercise class, swim or just do some water walking, the buoyancy of the water can make this more comfortable and the resistance of the water can give you a great exercise in less time. One more winter hazard to avoid, especially if you have arthritis, is weight gain. Between the holidays and lower levels of activity in the cold,
many people find that the scale shows a higher number when the winter ends than when it began. If your activity level is curtailed, your calorie consumption should be curtailed as well. Why is weight gain such an issue? Additional weight puts additional pressure on your joints-and that can make your discomfort greater. Of course, if your exercise level increases, you can manage your regular intake without modification. Another benefit of exercise! Arthritis is a chronic condition that benefits from ongoing medical management. Make sure that you are seeing your doctor regularly, that you share with him/her any concerns you have and discuss any options that might make winter more comfortable for you. Would a nutritional consultation help? How about a session with a personal trainer or physical therapist? You can make a difference in your arthritis pain this winter. Stay warm, stay active and stay healthy!
Shopping from page 3 mean you have to spend every last penny. In fact, some of the best deals are available just days before Christmas. Set a reasonable budget for yourself.
What to wear Shoppers must always wear comfortable shoes and should dress in layers.
Sleepy time Plan of attack Make a map. What store are you going to stop at first? How long do you need to be there? How long will you really be there? These are critical questions when considering your plan of attack. Set your priorities and consider distance, as well as the popularity of the items you’re looking for and the bargains offered.
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Try your best to rest. Get a good night’s sleep the night before you go out and remember it’s OK to take a break and grab a bite to eat. You should even carry a candy bar and bottle of water with you. Try to have some fun and make it an adventure.
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