Holiday Ideas 2009

&IFC>;S '>?;M

Product of the Marketing Department of the Anniston Star

Holiday Ideas

2

TRINITY CUSTOM HOMES

November 2009

ou y h s i w o t e ik We would l ly a Joyful & mi a f r u o y d n a ! ! s a m t s i r h Merry C

www.trinitycustom.com

Holiday Special 100 Heated SF FREE

The Company you have come to trust!

with purchase of new house!! *offer expires 12/22/09

The Trinity (split) Over 1900 heated sq ft • 4 bedrooms • 2 baths • Huge 24’x24’ Garage

ONLY

$114,000!!!

(Limited time special)

So Act Now!!

770-459-3680

660 W. Bankhead Hwy. Ste. F Villa Rica, Ga 30180 Homes shown may include options not included in base price.

P tim LUS, e Sig for C just in n be hris and fore 1 tmas!!

2 ente you wi /22/09 55� ll b red e F Hom lat Sc to win e Th reen : e H and ater Sy D TV s aW ii tem

$PNQBSF 0VS 4UBOEBSE 4QFDT XJUI "OZ 0UIFS #VJMEFS Â… ÂłY Âł &YUFSJPS 8BMMT Â… 3 *OTVMBUFE 8BMMT Â… 3 *OTVMBUFE $FJMJOH Â… $VTUPN 8PPE $BCJOFUT Â… )PNF 8SBQ Â… %PVCMF )VOH 8JOEPXT

Â… :FBS "SDIJUFDUVSBM 4IJOHMFT Â… $FOUSBM )FBU "JS Â… ,FONPSF "QQMJBODFT Â… 4PMJE 8PPE $POTUSVDUJPO Â… Âľ $FJMJOHT TU ÂżPPS

Â… (SBOJUF ,JU $PVOUFSUPQT Â… $SBXM 4QBDF 'PVOEBUJPO NVDI NVDI NPSF

Holiday Ideas

3

November 2009

Renaissance Medical Spa 23565 Under Hill Drive Brayerton, MS 23432 (313) 555-1212 www.renaissancemedspa.com

Bonne Sante´ Building Oxford • HWY 78 E 256.241.MSPA (6772) www.prestigemedicalspa.com

“Gift Certificates...”

A perfect gift everytime!!

Look 10 Years Younger in a Single Treatment Pearl Fractional. Introducing a new laser therapy for younger-looking skin. Notice immediate improvement with greatly reduced signs of aging. Long term, see continued structural changes in your skin, including increased volume and firmness.

Holiday Ideas

4

November 2009

Inspired Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen Sugar Just about everyone looks forward to seasonal sweets, from Christmas cookies to jelly doughnuts for Chanukah to benne cakes or sweet potato pie for the final feast of Kwanzaa.

•Rethink your cookies. When it comes to culinary delights, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics. But if you want to put a twist on tradition, consider some alternatives to the holiday cookie sampler, such as decorating greeting-card-sized cookies with personalized messages, filling decorative jars with all of the dry ingredients needed for your favorite cookie recipe or giving the gift of dough -- three different kinds of cookie dough rolled into logs, wrapped in wax paper and tied at the ends with festive ribbons.

•Take a dip. Dipping store-bought confections such as peppermint sticks, candy canes, candied orange peel, shortbread cookies, or even fresh figs in good-quality chocolate (a mix of dark, milk and white chocolate is even better!) will transform these everyday items into holiday-worthy gifts.

•Think drinks. Nothing takes the chill out of a cold December morning like hot chocolate -- especially when it’s homemade. Make your own mix with ground chocolate and sugar or package a high-quality store brand in a festively decorated jar, then add some peppermint sticks, chocolate-coated spoons or homemade marshmallows to the mix.

•Have a jam session. Handmade jams, preserves and fruit

Holiday cookies are a culinary treat that nearly everyone can enjoy.

I

f the best gifts come from the heart, certainly the next-best gifts come from the kitchen. Culinary treats can be perfect presents for your foodie friends or just about anyone on your list. Food gifts are especially perfect for friends, neighbors, teachers, and others for whom more elaborate gifts are neither expected nor required. What’s more, the possibilities are endless and can be adjusted for varying palates, allergies and preferences. Here are several suggestions for serving up delicious holiday gifts this season.

Now Offering Latisse™ FDA approved to grow eyelashes longer, thicker, & darker!

Services Include:

Botox® • Laser Hair Removal • Age Spot Removal Spider Vein Treatment • Medical Weight Loss B12 & Lipotropic Injections • HRT

SPECIAL OFFER

Bring in this ad & receive

$

1500 OFF

Every $10000 You Spend!

SPECIAL OFFER

Offer not valid with any other discounts or coupons. This ad must be present at time of purchase to receive special offer. Expires 12/15/09

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation on any service!

Gift cards & gift packages available.

501 Quintard Avenue • 256-237-2029

Holiday Ideas

compotes are always appreciated. Your creation can be accompanied by the recipe, some scones or great toasting bread, or even a decorative serving jam jar.

•Bark that’s as good as its bite. Chocolate bark is a delicious no-bake gift that’s so easy to make you’ll wonder why you’ve waited so long to try it. Recipes are everywhere and you can customize the bark with your recipients’ favorite nuts, dried fruits and other tasty tidbits

And spice For people who love to cook, great ingredients make exquisite gifts. Think about giving your favorite foodie the gift of flavor in the form of spices, either from the bulk aisle at your favorite upscale grocery

5

chain or a well-loved specialty retailer. Since spices don’t stay fresh forever, your culinary connoisseur is sure to appreciate a new assortment.

For the more adventurous cooks on your list, consider purchasing a few special spices, such as saffron or vanilla -- either the bean or a high-quality extract. Spices can be purchased in small amounts and then presented in decorative airtight jars with handwritten labels. Other options include making and giving your own spice blends and purchasing whole spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, and presenting them along with the appropriate tool for grinding or grating them.

And everything nice Themed baskets of food will

November 2009

generate big smiles from everyone on your holiday list.

Putting together an assortment of items for a particular meal or kind of cooking is as much fun for the giver as it is for the receiver. Here are some ideas that are both simple and special.

•Breakfast basket. Fill a basket with homemade pancake and waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup, or go continental with a batch of freshly baked scones and a jar of lemon curd. For the caffeine lover, two mugs, one filled with a favorite gourmet coffee or tea and the other packed with some homemade pastries or a jar of jam.

•Pasta basket. The centerpiece of this gift could be a jar of your famous spaghetti sauce, which is surrounded

by a package of fresh pasta, a bulb of garlic and a wedge of Parmesan cheese.

•Pizza basket. Start with a package of homemade pizza dough, add a jar of pizza sauce or pesto made from the basil in your garden, then decorate the basket with a merry mix of cheeses and popular pizza add-ons, such as pepperoni, olives, olive oil, garlic, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, and small packets of spices, such as oregano or red pepper flakes.

To ensure that your gifts don’t go to waste, be sure to add instructions for storing and handling the food -- especially those items that need to be refrigerated.

Holiday Ideas

6

November 2009

Artificial vs. Natural: Pros and Cons of Both Tree Types What Will an Artificial Tree Cost?

Artificial trees will initially have a higher price tag than their natural counterparts. However, they are also more cost-effective because they can be used for several years after their initial purchases.

There is also no need to purchase accessories such as tree stands and watering devices with an artificial tree, which are typically necessary with a natural tree.

How Easily Can a Natural Tree Be Moved?

The Christmas tree lot or farm does take steps to make it easier to lift and move the tree, but there’s still the challenge of getting it home. Many, whether driving a car or SUV, choose to put the tree on the roof of their vehicle, but then worry about the tree blowing off on the highway. Then’s there the issue of getting the tree through the doorway, an especially difficult task for homeowners with older homes, where doorways are often much smaller compared to newer homes. Bring the tree into the home can also leave trails of pine needles from the car to house. That’s a problem that can still be around throughout the year, as those pesky pine needles can be difficult to banish.

THE FURNITURE OUTLET Quality Furniture at Outlet Prices

As long as Christmas trees have been a part of the holiday season, so, too, has been the debate over real or man-made trees. Each side has its supporters and detractors, and both have real and man-made Christmas trees have their pros and cons. When deciding whether or not to go to the nearby tree farm or the department store for your holiday tree this season, consider the following factors.

What Will a Natural Tree Cost?

Natural trees can vary in price depending on where you go. Prices can range from less than $20 to more than $50. When making the decision, it’s important to keep in mind that a tree does not last very long, and therefore investing too much money might not be the best way to spend your money. However, there are options to purchase real trees with the root ball intact, which enables homeowners to plant the tree in their yard after the season.

Layaway NOW for Christmas *See store for details

*

Sofa & Love Seat starting at $599

*

*

Mattress Sets Queen Set starting at $229

Platform Bed starting at $299 *Photos may not represent actual pieces.

Please see Carla, Larry, or Bryan 1006 Noble Street Anniston, AL • 236-7272

Dinnette Sets starting at $249

*

www.downtownanniston.com/furnitureoutlet

Holiday Ideas

7

November 2009

How Easily Can an Artificial Tree Be Moved?

What Does an Artificial Tree Look Like?

What Is the Environmental Impact of Artificial Trees?

Clearly, artificial trees are more advantageous when it comes to moving them.

Because they’re often boxed, these trees are lightweight and easy to maneuver into the house. Whether a house is old or new really does not matter when it comes to an artificial tree thanks to the packaging.

While some like the real look of a natural tree, others like their holiday tree to be perfect, with none of the warts of a natural tree. Artificial trees, unless poorly produced, have no warts, as they’re man made. Also, an artificial tree guarantees its owners the same look each and every holiday season.

What Does a Natural Tree Look Like?

What Is the Environmental Impact of a Natural Tree?

Where natural tree supporters often stake their biggest claim is the tree’s aesthetic appeal. Supporters feel a natural tree is much more aesthetically appealing. However, those buying late might be stuck with all that’s left, long after the more desirable trees have found a living room in which to spend the season.

Natural trees are actually much more environmentally friendly than they initially appear. Christmas trees are planted for the express purpose of the holiday season, and large numbers of new trees are planted each year to replenish the stock in an environmentally friendly way. In addition, once the season has ended, many trees are recycled and used as sand and soil erosion barriers.

Artificial trees often come with a host of safety warnings. That’s because they are made from a variety of materials, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and metals, which can put toxins into the air during production. That is why there are lead warning labels on some artificial trees.

Artificial tree buyers must be careful of erecting artificial trees in homes with small children or pets, as consumption can be toxic. Another thing to consider is that many artificial trees cannot be recycled, so there is no environmentally friendly way of disposing of them when homeowners decide it’s time to replace them.

Savings are a girls’s best friend at Girlfriends Personalize all your gifts with engraving and or monogram

1716 E. Hamric Dr. • Emerald Plaza • Oxford • 835-0499

Holiday Ideas

8

November 2009

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! $

194999

Reclining Sofa, Reclining Loveseat & 42” HDTV

$

39999

$

Rocker Recliner

299

$

245999

Leather* Reclining Sofa, Reclining Loveseat & 42” HDTV

$

50999

99

CHOCOLATE, MOCHA, OR RUST

$

Rocker Recliner

42” LCD 1080p HD TV Included!

Rocker Recliner

122999

$

159999

$

37499 Accent Chair

Two Piece Sectional & 42” HDTV

Sofa, Loveseat & 42” HDTV

42” LCD 1080p HD TV Included!

ROOM BY ROOM 1119 HWY 78 E. •Oxford, AL 36203 • (256) 831-7868

12 MONTHS SAME AS CASH! WAC

MON - SAT 10-6

Holiday Ideas

9

November 2009

Home for the Holidays $

$

149999

219999

SOFA, LOVESEAT & 42” HDTV

Three Piece Reclining Sectional & 42” HDTV

$

213499

$

167999

Sofa, Loveseat & 42” HDTV

Top Grain Leather Where Body Touches

$

42499

Rocker Recliner

$

42” LCD 1080p HD TV Included!

s h t n o M 12 As Same Cash!

WAC

56499

Chair & Ottoman

42” LCD 1080p HD TV Included!

Midtown Outlet 1730 Quintard Ave. Anniston Mon-Sat 9-6 Open Fri 8 am

256-236-2642

Holiday Ideas

10

November 2009

Creativity at the Core of the Perfect Holiday Gift

W

ith the holidays upon us once again, the endless and often exhausting search for the perfect gift has no doubt returned as well.

And just like shoppers can rely on long lines at the mall and crowded parking lots, they can also count on that one friend or family member on their holiday shopping list who seemingly has it all, making them nearly impossible to shop for. Though there’s little shoppers can do when it comes to long lines at the mall or crowded parking lots, fortunately there are steps shoppers can take to make even the most difficult person on their list a cinch to shop for.

Avoid the mall. Someone who already has everything likely has seen or purchased all that the mall has to offer, so shoppers can avoid the stress of the nearby mall by looking elsewhere for gifts.

Get creative. Creativity is often at the core of the perfect and thoughtful gift. Such was the case when Jera Deal, a mother of three and a school mother for her daughter Julianna’s preschool class, found herself hunting for the ideal gift to give Julianna’s teacher for her wedding. Hoping to go beyond the gifts listed in the

registry, Deal decided to turn a playful game she and her family enjoyed while walking in the park into a creative gift idea. To aid in their children’s alphabet lessons, Jera, her husband, Brad, and their three girls began “letter hunting” on walks in the park, looking for different “letters” in nature (sticks) and architecture (stones). For each letter they found, they would take a photograph, soon collecting the entire alphabet.

While the game initially started as a playful and creative way to help her daughters learn the alphabet, Jera Deal turned that game into an ideal gift for her daughter’s teacher, custom framing the letters from her now extensive library to spell out the teacher’s new last name. “It was a gift from the class, so I knew it had to be really special and really unique, and something that she would never forget where it came from,” says Jera.

The gift proved to be just that, and the Deals soon discovered their idea that started as a game with their kids was also a perfect means to giving a thoughtful, unique and creative gift. In less than three years, Sticks and StonesTM grew from a thoughtful

Using letters found in both nature and architecture, custom framed artwork from Sticks and StonesTM is a creative and thoughtful gift idea for that hard-to-please loved one this holiday season.

idea for a teacher’s wedding gift into a succesful business with some rather renowned clientele. “If you want to give someone a totally original keepsake -- here it is,” says Oprah Winfrey, who gave

one to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes as a wedding present. “This is the perfect gift for the person who has everything because no one has anything like this!”

Give the Gift of Massage

Holiday Discount With This Ad

Holiday Ideas

11

November 2009

Stress-Free Entertaining Ideas for Holiday Hosts Gathering with friends, neighbors and family is one of the great joys of the holiday season.

But for many of us who are timestrapped, on a tight budget and racing against the clock to decorate, gift shop and cook, hosting a holiday party can seem daunting. To keep spirits and energy levels high, consider inviting guests to a more relaxed and less-traditional holiday gathering that lets you have as much fun as everyone else.

easy to make, economical and perfect for entertaining, since most dishes can be prepped or prepared completely in advance.

Hearty egg dishes are the cornerstone of a filling breazfast and Paula Deen’s 9inch Stoneware Quiche Pan is perfect for oven-baked vegetable, ham and cheese quiches, egg-rich casseroles and stratas.

Designed for oven, microwave, refrigerator, and freezer use, this versatile pan allows you to prep dishes the night before and take them straight from the fridge to the oven and table.

Homemade waffles, pancakes and crepes are favorite treats for morning gatherings, and guests -- especially kids -- can join in the fun of mixing the batter. Add a seasonal touch to recipes by adding pureed pumpkin and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. To make prep work attractive and

HOLIDAY BRUNCH A morning gathering is a great setting for showcasing your favorite homemade recipes while keeping the occasion casual and stress-free. Many breakfast foods are

mess-free, the Paula Deen Stoneware Batter Bowl, featuring a hand-thrown pottery look that warms up any kitchen, is generously proportioned and has a drip-free pouring spout. Incorporate ingredients in the batter bowl easily with the new and cleverly designed Rachael Ray Balloon Whisk, which features an easy-grip orange handle that stands upright on counters.

Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, quick breads like cranberry orange or sweet potato and cheddar cheese make welcomed additions to a holiday breakfast. Bake these fragrant, sweet and savory breads as guests arrive using durable loaf pans, such as the Anolon Advanced Bronze Loaf Pan. The pan’s bronze-colored nonstick coating ensures every loaf browns evenly and slides out easily for perfect presentation.

For a holiday brunch that’s more savory and heartier in flavors, lasagna is a classic crowd-pleaser that can be prepped days in See Stress Free, page 14

From Tub to Terrific in Just One Day! Call and Ask To Receive A FREE Consumer Guide Call now to schedule a FREE in-home consultation Visit our website at www.MyNextBath.com

Holiday Ideas

12

November 2009

Ready the Home for Holiday Guests son’s home. However, hosts can lessen those feelings by clearing their schedule and spending some time with their guests, be it a day out shopping or simply staying home and watching a movie or a ballgame.

S

tock the pantries. While hosts shouldn’t feel responsible for feeding their guests three meals per day, it is a good idea to have a fully stocked pantry when hosting guests for the holidays.

This is particularly important if some of those guests are children, who seem to be more hungry than adults. In addition to food, be sure there’s enough coffee and coffee cups to satisfy all adult guests throughout their stay. Have some regular as well as decaffeinated coffee on hand, and stock up on tea as well.

C

Arguably the best part of the holiday season is the chance to catch up with family and friends. Because many people are busier than ever, the holidays are the one time of year many families reunite, often over a holiday meal. This year, with so many families sacrificing thanks to the economic downturn, chances are more and more relatives will be welcoming guests into their homes rather than directing road weary travelers to the nearest hotel. That means many homeowners will be preparing their homes for guests this holiday season.

To get a head start, consider the following tips.

lean the home. While cleaning the house is a given, be especially diligent when cleaning areas where guests will be sleeping. Hosts planning on using futons or pull-out couches should clean those arrangements, particulary hosts who are also pet owners, and test them out to see if they’re comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep.

about pet allergies. Before any guests hit the road Askandguests start their journey, hosts with pets should be sure to ask if their guests have any pet allergies. While there is medication to make being around a pet bearable for people with pet allergies, such medication requires a prescription, meaning hosts should make prospective guests aware well in advance of the holidays to make sure everyone is comfortable.

S

tock up on linens. Guests are going to need to shower and wash up, and they’ll feel especially comfortable if the room where they’ll be staying is equipped with towels, other linens and even bathrobes once they arrive. Also, be sure to have a change of sheets readily available, and make sure the sheets and pillowcases on the bed are fresh for the first day guests are scheduled to arrive.

T

alk to the kids in advance. When guests are staying overnight for the holidays, parents should discuss this with their children in advance of the holiday. Explain that kids might need to share a bedroom with their siblings for a night, and make it seem as fun as possible. Explain that extra people around the house for a few days will be fun, and that each night will be akin to a sleepover with friends.

C

lear your schedule as much as possible. Once guests arrive, there is a possibility they’ll feel uncomfortable in another per-

Custom gifts make the best Christmas presents!

FRAME OR SHADOWBOX SPECIAL MEMORIES & TREASURES OTHER GIFT IDEAS...

•PHOTO FRAMES• •ALABAMA & AUBURN PRINTS• •PORTRAIT FRAMES•

(FRAMED & UNFRAMED)

1014 Noble Street, Downtown Anniston • 256-237-5921 • Mon.-Fri 9-5 Sat. 10 -1 www.downtownanniston.com Nunnallys

TAKING ORDERS FOR “MAXIMUM BLOCK” BY DANIEL MOORE UNTIL DEC. 7TH

Holiday Ideas

13

November 2009

2009 Holiday Gift Guide ...to helping others AGENCY

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

WISH LIST/NEEDS

2nd Chance, Inc. (256) 236-7381

Provides care to victims of domestic violence, a 24-hour crisis line, an emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and referrals to agencies that assist victims.

Sponsors to “”Adopt a Family”” for the holidays who are staying at the shelter; Volunteers to assist with Christmas Gift Wrap at the Quintard Mall”

American Red Cross (256) 236-0391

Provides relief to disaster victims, support and comfort for our military, health & safety courses, blood & blood products, as well as emergency utility assistance.

Donations for purchase of disaster response supplies; brooms, mops, detergent, scrub brushes bleach, buckets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, wash clothes, hair brushes, combs, copy paper, pens, pencils, gift cards for victims of house fires for immediate needs.

The Arc of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties (256) 236-2857

Provides advocacy, service programs, training, and recreation for 3,000 children and adults with mental retardation.

$50 Wal-Mart or Winn Dixie Gift Cards; handheld video games/extra batteries; plus size men and women’s socks; Trolley passes for City of Anniston; light weight back packs; black velvet posters with markers; craft supplies: crochet needles, yarn, sun catchers, etc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (256) 240-7391

Provides children with a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring adult to help them become confident, caring, well-rounded individuals.

A new computer; a color copy machine; a new Big Brothers Big Sisters Sign; support to purchase our training, activity and volunteer recruitment materials.

Boys and Girls Clubs of East Central Alabama (256) 236-7050

To inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to help realize their potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

Televisions with DVD players; Wii games and play station; pool tables; air hockey table; ping pong table; nintendo games; window blinds and carpet; board games; popcorn popper and/or fry daddy.

Calhoun Cleburne Children’s Center (256) 238-0902

Provides counseling and treatment of victims. Helps prepare children for testifying in court and assists with investigation and prosecution. Educational programs for children and the public.

Multi-media projector; individually wrapped snack cakes for use with the children.

Children’s Services Inc. / The Parris Home (256) 236-0887

Provides 24-hour care in a safe, secure, loving home environment at the Parris Home for dependent children, ages 6-18, who have been abused or neglected.

Video games for 12-18 year olds; DVD movies for 12-18 year olds; art or drawing supplies for 12-18 year olds; staple food items.

Community Enabler Developer, Inc. (256) 237-6144

Serves low or no income families with food, clothing, household items, and medication. Senior Citizens Advocacy reaching the elderly needing assistance.

Food, toys, financial assistance, warm coats (all sizes), blankets.

Daybreak Crisis Recovery Center (256) 237-6300

Provides free advocacy, counseling, investigative, and crisis services to victims of sexual assault and their families. Prevention/Education seminars are also provided to the community.

Copy paper; unused sweatshirts, t-shirts, or gym shorts (XL); microcassette tapes; manila file folders; tote bags; carpet cleaning; glossy brochure paper; amazon.com gift cards to buy therapy workbooks

Family Links (256) 820-5911

Provides parent driven services to help children and youth to achieve their potential by avoiding risky behaviors. Services include Parent Project and counseling.

Art supplies; small coffee straws; AA batteries; plain t-shirts (all sizes); school supplies (crayons, glue sticks, blunt scissors, calculators, pencils, etc.); incentives for ages 3-5 such as stickers or small toys; incentives for elementary and middle school age children such as gift cards, games, snacks, or books; diapers (all sizes) and wipes; office supplies (copy paper), paper towels, Kleenex.

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (256) 237-2825

Inspiring girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism, and service so they may become happy and resourceful citizens.

Volunteers; digital camcorder; digital camera; laptop (Windows XP); high resolution scanner; office supplies (copy paper, highlighters, pens, binders, etc.)

Independent Reading/ Counseling Service (256) 282-0835

Provides tutoring and academic services to youth ages 6 to 18 by utilizing computerized reading during several two hour sessions each week.

Portable heat/air unit for one room with no heat/air; wireless laptops; 42””television; learning software/books/supplies; Kurzweil Educational Software; printer ink; file cabinets.

Interfaith Ministries (256) 237-1472

This ecumenical coalition prevents homelessness, provides meals and assistance with prescription medications, dental needs, emergencies, and homebound services to indigent persons in Calhoun County.

Small travel size toothpaste; cough drops; small individually wrapped food items such as cookies, crackers; etc.; Vienna sausage; socks - men’s and women’s (thick, warm socks are needed most); underwear (men and women); thermal underwear; gloves; bookshelves; upright vacuum cleaner; dust buster; money for all types of emergency assistance (especially medications and utilities)

Jacksonville Day Care Center (256) 435-4165

Provides comprehensive day care services for children three-weeks to school age.

Serves the Department of Human Resources, Child Management Agency, and fee paying clients.

That all the children at Jacksonville Day Care Center get that special toy from Santa that is wanted.

3R Project (Opportunity Center) (256) 820-9960

Collects, refurbishes, and distributes donated, used medical equipment to be used by patients in need.

Wheelchairs and shower seats.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (256) 435-5091

Promotes the involvement of seniors as community resources in planning for community improvement and the delivery of volunteer services in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties.

32”” flat screen TV; 2 new computer towers; fax machine

The Salvation Army (256) 236-5643

Assistance with emergency housing, utilities, food, clothing; emergency shelters for men, women, families; substance abuse rehab; Christmas and disaster assistance; youth programs; summer camps.

Nonperishable food for holiday boxes; grocery gift cards to be used for perishable items; donations for thrift store; running vehicles with clear title - sales to support men’s rehab program; new vans/trucks to replace aging stock; new computers for clients computer lab; new roofing for shelter and thrift store; paper supplies; cleaning supplies; OTC cough and cold medicine for clients; 15,000 + sq ft warehouse for Christmas distribution of toys to needy (Dec 1-31); volunteer bell ringers.

YMCA of Calhoun County (256) 238-9622

An association established to serve all people: To strengthen the body, mind, and spirit through quality programs, facilities, and services.

Peace on Earth; Happiness and Health; A very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year for all.

Holiday Ideas

14

November 2009

Stress-Free Entertaining Ideas for Holiday Hosts Continued from Page 3

apple and pecan pies. To make sure your pie glistens, apply a simple egg-white glaze to the top piecrust before baking. The Anolon Advanced Bronze Pastry Brush has easy-clean, silicone bristles and a stylish, translucent bronze handle that’s comfortable to grasp.

No holiday celebration would be complete without batches of home-baked cookies. Start with an investment in durable cookie pans, such as the conveniently packaged Circulon Bakeware Set. Rachael Ray Lasagna Each of the three 10-inch by LoverTM Pan 15-inch, light-colored nonstick cookie pans is designed to fit into all ovens, including smaller wall models.

Bonjour Clip On Timers The high-quality, durable nonstick surface -- which Dessert Buffet due to its light color, will Not a morning person? Then connot over-brown cooksider a post-dinner get-together ies -- provides years of Infinite Circulon 10.5 Anolon Advanced that skips the entree and makes stick-free baking and inch Buffet Casserole Pie Pan dessert the main attraction. Invite makes for fast and easy friends over for a delectable spread cleanup. of homemade holiday treats, compliIf you’re cookie decoratmented with a tray of freshly brewed ing skills are less than stelcoffee, soothing tea, mulled wine and lar, you can still wow adults Rachael Ray assorted liqueurs. You can present this and children alike making sweet Balloon Whisk Paula Deen Cast Iron Snowman Mold sweet feast, buffet-style in the kitchen or treats like gingerbread with the dining room, and encourage guests to get This Paula Deen Snowman Mold. This holicozy and comfortable with their plates day baking mold, which makes 8 picture richly and drinks in the family room or den. perfect edible “snowmen,” is crafted from grained, Acacia wood pie Classic seasonal desserts like rustic heavy-duty pre-seasoned cast iron for exboard features engraved 6-inch, 8-inch, apple, pecan and sweet potato pie, and cellent heat retention and browning.

9-inch and 10-inch pie diameter rolling butter-rich, jam-filled cookies always get Encourage your guests to sample widely guides, along with an engraved 14-inch raves from holiday revelers. Before startfrom your dessert buffet by offering ruler on the side of the board for easy ing your oven, be sure your kitchen is smaller portion treats. This can be easily size reference. well equipped with a few practical baking achieved using mini muffin pans, such as Once the pie dough is rolled, place it tools. When baking, accurate measurethe Rachael Ray Oven Lovin’TM Mini Cups carefully inside a durable, even-heating ments are crucial to a recipe’s success.

Pan. Bake as many as 24 mini pumpkin pie plate, such as the Anolon Advanced Anolon, a gourmet kitchenware brand 9-inch Pie Pan. This pan’s heavy-duty non- cupcakes with delectable orange cream offers a durable, dishwasher-safe and cheese frosting, or use the mini muffin stick surface makes for easy release and attractive Anolon Advanced Measuring pan to make mini apple and walnut tarts. fast cleaning, even when baking gooey advance, then baked on the day of your gathering. The Rachael Ray Lasagna LoverTM -- a deep stoneware baker, especially designed for this classic pasta dish -- is dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe to 500*F. Extra wide handles allow you to get a good grip when removing the amply sized baker from the oven. Top off your delicious main course with a simple dessert of homemade pear cobbler, or fragrant apple crisp prepared in individually proportioned Rachael Ray Bubble & BrownTM Ramekins. These miniature stoneware bakers come in multiple colors -- orange, yellow, blue, green and chocolate -- to give you plenty of options adding vibrant color and style to your table.

Spoon Set and Anolon Advanced Measuring Cup Set to ensure your dry and liquid ingredient quantities are always exact for the best results.

Rolling out dough for pies and cookies can be intimidating, especially to novice bakers. Paula Deen makes you a confident baker instantly with her eponymous Paula Deen Pie Board.

Holiday Ideas

A portion of the proceeds is donated to Rachael Ray’s charity, Yum-o!TM, which empowers kids and their families to develop healthy food and cooking habits.

When multiple pans of cookies and pies are in the oven simultaneously, it’s important not to lose track of time as every minute counts in the art of baking. An easy way to monitor baking times is with the colorful, twist-dial BonJour Clip On Timer. This 60-minute timer clips on to your apron so you can move about your house without having to worry about hearing the alarm. For complete versatility, the translucent, retro-style timer can also be propped on a counter or affixed to a magnetic kitchen appliance.

Fondue It! Another low-stress, affordable party theme

15

November 2009

for the season is gathering friends and family at the table for retro-fun, yet chic fondue. You can make it a complete meal by starting with a rich cheese and white wine fondue, paired with slices of fresh apples and pears, crusty bread, boiled small potatoes, and fresh vegetables, such as carrot and celery sticks. For dessert, return to the table for a decadent dark or milk chocolate fondue spiked with brandy or cognac, and simply accompanied with cubes of store-bought or homemade pound cake.

To get started, a portable induction burner, which doesn’t have an open flame like most fondue pots, is a more convenient, safe and modern choice. The state-of-the-art Infinite Circulon Portable Induction Burner uses electromagnetic waves to heat only the pot or pan on its

smooth glass cooktop, leaving the rest of the burner’s surface relatively cool. This makes the induction burner not only safer to use with guests at the table, but also makes any spills and drips easy to clean since they won’t bake-on. The energy-efficient and attractively designed induction burner provides a gentle heat setting that’s perfect for keeping fondue at a precisely low temperature for hours of fun and enjoyment. You do need to use magnetic pans with induction burners, and the Infinite Circulon 10.5-inch Covered Buffet Casserole is compatible with all burners, and offers an ideal shallow and wide shape to make it easier for a crowd to dip into the fondue at once. Best of all, the dishwasher safe casserole gives you the freedom to spend less time in the kitchen cleaning when guests leave.

Family Owned Since 1974 35288 U.S. Hwy. 21 Talladega, AL 35160 256-362-6370

Holiday Ideas

16

La-z-boy Hamilton Sofa

$699

November 2009

La-z-boy All Leather Argenta Sofa

Bassett Leather Match Reclining Sofa Or

$1,499

Rocking Reclining Loveseat With Console

$1,499 *ask about the lifetime warranty

Queen Platform Sleigh Bed $699 Check Out Our Selection Of Solid Wood Bedroom Groups

HOLIDAY SALE No Tax Weekend Luxury Lift Recliners Now In Stock For The Holidays!

This Friday & Saturday Only*

La-z-boy Forte All Leather Chaise Recliner $599

*

La-z-boy Trevor Reclining Sofa

$899

La-z-boy Morgan Chaise Rocker Recliner $399

La-z-boy Simon Reclining Sofa

Sale Ends Saturday November 28

$699

La-z-boy Pinnacle Chaise Rocker Recliner $399

Classic Home Furnishings “Distinctive Quality Home Furnishings”

1905 Hwy 78 E. Oxford, Al • 256-835-9899 Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:30 -6:00pm *Offer not available on previous purchases with financing options La-z-boy All Leather Gibson Chaise Rocker Recliner $999

*While supplies last, no rain checks

La-z-boy Maverick Chaise Rocker Recliner $599