a Magazine for FUN women!
November/December 2019
TM
DIY Snowman
MARSHMALLOWS
With love, GRANDMA CHIC | PAGE 1
Say hello to (even more) personal care. Join us in sending a big Alomere Health welcome to our newest physicians at Alexandria Clinic. We’re growing our team so we can serve you better, and these skilled physicians are ready to get to know you this fall. Schedule an appointment or a wellness check (usually free with insurance) with one of these new providers at AlomereHealth.com/Mychart.
Dr. Steve Solum Steven Solum was born and raised in Douglas County. Dr. Solum received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota, and completed his residency training at the University of Minnesota Family Residency Program in St. Cloud. His desire is to treat patients at all life stages, including pediatrics, maternity/ obstetrics, acute and chronic care as well as office procedures. Outside of medicine, Dr. Solum likes to spend time with family, as well as developing new and diverse hobbies.
Here for Life
Dr. Joe Marvin Joseph J. Marvin grew up in Pine River, Minnesota. Dr. Marvin received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth in 2016, and completed his residency training at Penn State Hershey Family and Community Medicine in 2019. His special interests include musculoskeletal injuries and dermatological procedures, in addition to caring for acute and chronic conditions of people of all ages. Dr. Marvin enjoys spending time with his wife, Bridget, their son, Dillon, and their dogs, Ernie and Hope. Other interests include being outdoors, sports, exercising, games, and cooking.
Dr. Rebecca Brugger Rebecca Brugger was born and raised on a farm near Chokio, Minnesota. She attended Concordia College in Moorhead, and earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Brugger focuses on preventive care for the entire family, with particular interests in newborn and well child care, women’s health, prenatal care through 28 weeks, chronic disease management, mental health challenges, and creating an environment that is welcoming and safe for LGBTQ patients. Dr. Brugger enjoys spending time with her husband, Derik, and their extended family who live in the Alexandria area. In her free time, she loves fishing and relaxing on the lake, traveling, biking, and painting as a creative outlet.
Alomere Health • Alexandria Clinic • Osakis Clinic • Heartland Orthopedic Specialists
2 Chicz November/December 2019
Inside this issue
Happy holidays!
November/December 2019
It’s that time again! The holiday season is upon us once again, and once again, we dive Real Chicz of in to the cooking, baking and shopping in preparation for the family Douglas County 4 gatherings to come. This issue of Chicz is chock-full of holiday ideas – from recipes to Andy’s Choice 8 gifts, from do-it-yourself ideas to decorating, as well as thoughts on The Jeff Beach Diet 26 helping your family find true meaning this holiday season. Puzzles and horoscopes 36 Once again, Jeff Beach keeps us entertained as he Food and drink instructs us on how With love, Grandma • 6 to make rum balls Holiday recipes from my family to yours • 10 in The Jeff Beach Cranberry jalapeno dip • 11 Diet, and wine Five wines to try with Christmas cookies • 23 connoisseur Al A Thanksgiving cocktail to tickle Edenloff educates your tastebuds • 26 us on drinking Harvest punch • 27 NORMAN VINCENT PEALE wine with Christmas cookies. With love, Grandma brings an Gifts old favorite, molasses cookies, to Snowman marshmallows • 12 our attention, courtesy of Rebecca Callahan, and Celeste How to choose a host or hostess gift • 21 Edenloff again brings you Real Chicz of Douglas County, Stocking stuffers for kids • 28 HOT featuring a local woman whose passion is baking cookies Gifts for five types of enthusiast • 32 COCOA for the holiday. Holiday shopping at its best • 32 BASKET We have articles on how to make snowman marshallows to pair with holiday hot cocoa, recipes for Home holiday heritage specialties and fun appetizers and DIY gratitude tree • 13 drinks. Seasonal and holiday decorating trends • 14 Melanie Danner has some fun craft ideas to share How to make waxed fall leaves • 15 with your children in her Mommy & Me column and Thanksgiving centerpieces • 15 How to decorate stairs for Christmas • 16 Rachel Kubik fills us in on writing letters in honor of Keep Christmas organized with a checklist • 25 National Letter Writing Day on December 7. Christine Schroeder of StoneBridge Financial keeps us informed on how to look to your financial CHOOSE Family THE PERFECT future throughout the coming year. How to have an eco-friendly TREE Thanksgiving • 17 There are photo tips, financial info, tips on how Stress-busting tips for traveling • 18 to select the perfect Christmas tree, how to liven Five tips for maintaining kids’ up a gift exchange and stocking stuffers for kids. routines during the holiday • 19 This issue of Chicz is filled with information and Christmas songs for kids • 19 fun ideas. Check it out! Mommy & Me Crafts • 20 Make this Christmas more meaningful for your family • 34 Lori Mork, Chicz editor WRITE A Ways to give back to your community • 34 LETTER, MAKE SOMEONE’S Entertaining DAY Games to liven up your gift exchange • 24 To advertise in Chicz call 320.763.3133 3 games to play at the office holiday party • 24 Christmas without the cooking • 24 Jody Hanson, Publisher
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
12
33
30
Lori Mork, Editor/Designer
Chicz is a publication of
Echo Press, 225 7th Ave. East Alexandria, MN 56308 ©2012 Echo Press
Send your feedback to:
chiczmag@gmail.com
Technology
Photo tips: Camera modes • 22
DIY
Create your own stationery • 31
Your writers
Chicz contributing writers • 38 November/December 2019 Chicz 3
real chicz of douglas county
Roell loved baking cookies with her mom By Celeste Edenloff Ever since she was a little girl, Deb Roell has loved baking. From about the time she was 11 years old, Roell remembers all the time she spent in the kitchen with her mom, Phyllis Heine. Her mom, who has since passed away, was more of a bread baker while Roell likes to bake cookies, bars and cakes.
One
at a time
“I really enjoyed working with my mom in the kitchen,” said Roell, noting that during the holidays, they would take weeks to bake dozens and dozens of goodies. “She would hand them out to her children and grandchildren.” Roell said her mother’s favorites were pinwheels and then peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies. She didn’t particularly care for making anything too fancy, Roell said of her mother. “I’m still that way,” she said. “I don’t have any fancy equipment or anything and just do one batch at a time.”
Although she likes baking in general, Roell loves to spend time in her kitchen this time of year making Christmas goodies, especially rosettes. During the holiday season, she can make anywhere from 80 to 90 dozen rosettes – for her family and for others who order them from her. “I love making rosettes,” said Roell. “Before my mother-in-law passed away in 2004, she passed down her KitchenAid mixer and her rosette iron to me. I use them all the time.” She makes her rosettes one batch and one rosette at time. Each batch she mixes up makes about five dozen with each rosette taking about one minute to make. And just like her own mother, Roell gives Christmas goodies to each of her three children and the two oldest of her eight grandchildren. As the rest of her grandchildren grow up, they will eventually be added to the list of family members who receive Christmas goodies as presents. FAVORITES As early as October, Roell said she will start making the dough for her Christmas cookie orders. Mixing up one batch at a
4 Chicz November/December 2019
SWEDISH SPRITZES ing powder; gradually add to INGREDIENTS: creamed mixture. 1 cup butter, softened Using a cookie press filled 2/3 cup sugar with the disk of your choice, 1 egg press dough 1 inch apart onto 1/2 teaspoon almond extract ungreased baking sheets. Bake 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract at 400 degrees for 7-9 minutes 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or until edges are firm and 1 teaspoon baking powder lightly browned. Remove to Prepared frosting wire racks to cool. Yields: 4-5 dozen DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. Combine the flour and bak-
time, she freezes it until she is ready to bake. Each year, she makes about 220 dozen goodies or 2,640 individual items. She makes frosted sugar cookies, gingerbread boys and girls, thumbprints, mint chip cookies, spritz and many more. Her family’s favorite? The peanut roll she makes. She will mix up a plain white cake and then freeze it. Once frozen, she cuts it into strips, dunking each strip in a peanut butter frosting mixture she whips up. She finishes them off by rolling each frosted strip in crushed nuts. “I can’t make enough of
them,” she said. “They are not one of my favorites, but everyone else’s.” Her favorite? Frosted sugar cookies because she can decorate them how she wants. Her sugar cookie recipe comes from a Taste of Home cookbook. Many of her other recipes come from senior citizen cookbooks or church cookbooks. When her children, Chris, Erik and Nichole, were younger, they would always want to bring baked goods to school. Their favorite item to bring was cupcakes because they got to help frost them. Her daughter, Nichole,
wasn’t much of a baker growing up. But now that she has her own children, she bakes more often. “She likes to bake now,” said Roell, adding that her daughter will often pull recipes off the internet. Roell, on the other hand, doesn’t have a computer so she uses cookbooks or recipes that are given to her. For those wanting to start baking holiday goodies, Roell suggested starting with a simple sugar cookie recipe. “There are hundreds of them,” she said, “Find one that is simple, like an old-fashioned one that is easy to follow.”
MAKING RECIPES HER OWN Roell said although she has her favorite recipes she uses for certain items, she called herself a tester because she loves to try out new recipes. This works out great for husband, Jim, who she said is her “guinea pig.” She knows when it’s something he doesn’t particularly care for because he’ll tell her she doesn’t have to make it again or says, “I don’t want anymore.” If it’s something he likes, she said he’ll tell her it’s “pretty good.”
COOKIES
Continues on 35
November/December 2019 Chicz 5
T
MOLASSES COOKIES INGREDIENTS: Cream together: 1 cup shortening 2 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs In a separate bowl, mix together: 1 cup molasses 1 cup strong hot coffee 3 level tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. vanilla
DIRECTIONS: In another large bowl mix 6 cups flour with 3 teaspoons of ginger, add creamed and coffee mixtures and mix. Add approximately 2 more cups flour or enough to make a stiff dough. Chill overnight. Roll flat and cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 375 degrees for about 6 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. Frost with vanilla icing if desired.
Grandma
With love,
Molasses \m -’la-s z\ e
My grandma was born into a first generation German couple in Iowa. She lived on a farm and her life revolved around the community and her family. When she married my grandfather they spent their lives together on a farm raising 3 children. She was a midwife, which was something unknown to me until she passed away and I heard the stories. She was an excellent cook and I can remember her making bread without a recipe or measuring spoons or cups. I often wish I has paid more attention to her cooking, but was too young to recognize how good she was. This recipe was gleaned from my aunt, who gave me measurements for an otherwise unmeasured recipe. I’ve enjoyed these cookies from my youth forward.
The thick dark to light brown syrup that is separated from raw sugar in sugar manufacturing.
CORRECTION:
In the September/October edition of Chicz, the recipe for Swedish Nut Bread had listed 1 cup of shortening and 1 cup of lard. It should say 1 cup of shortening or 1 cup of lard. We apologize for the error.
6 Chicz November/December 2019
e
By Rebecca Callahan his cookie recipe came from my grandmother, Margaret Greiner, who was an excellent cook, as were all of her female siblings. I remember it fondly and still make it on occasion (it makes a LOT of cookies). It’s an unusual molasses cookie recipe as it uses strong coffee as one of the ingredients.
We’re looking for your submissions!
If you have a favorite recipe from your grandmother, great-grandmother or your children’s grandmother, we’d love to have you share it with us. And, if you have a photo of that person and a little story or history on the recipe or person, please send it along. Grandmothers have a way of leaving us with some wonderful memories!
The little things a guyz perspective
can mean a lot By Eric Morken
Fall is a hectic time of year for me. My passion for bow hunting is a year-around thing. In the offseason, I’m scouting different lands or looking over aerial maps to prepare. Then fall comes, and I feel like I need to be hunting any chance I get around work and family. I am usually all-hands-ondeck for about the first two weeks before guilt starts creeping in. I firmly believe in the power of having a passion in life, something one pursues diligently. But at what point does that passion start interfering with other things or start to drain my wife? I always wonder where that line is. Am I going too far?
I try to read my wife’s body language to answer that question. She is incredibly supportive of how much this time of year means to me. Very rarely will she actually say ‘no’ to me going on a trip or taking an evening to sit in the stand. Instead, she generally encourages me and goes above and beyond what I would ever expect from her. The latest example of this was her suggesting we bring the kids to North Dakota on a bow hunt over MEA weekend. I don’t know many wives who would suggest spending a four-day break in a small town right off the interstate, staying in a tiny camper with two kids under the age of 6 while the dad hunts most of the day. I wanted so much to get a deer that week with the girls there. It
didn’t happen, but it meant a lot to have them there with me. Maybe this was a small thing in my wife’s mind, but it was big to me. Understanding what those little things are to one’s wife or husband is where I think couples can go a long way toward day-to-day happiness with each other. I try to do everything I can to make my wife’s life easier too. Maybe it’s bringing her coffee each morning or clean-
ing the house before she gets home when I know she’s had a long day at work. In the grand scheme of things, those are small tasks, but I know they mean something to her. I love my life, despite how chaotic it feels sometimes. My wife and I understand the things that are important to each other, and we make them a priority. So often, they are seemingly small things that end up being a big deal.
November/December 2019 Chicz 7
Cava and prosecco and champagne, OH MY!
ANDY’S CHOICE:
C
hampagne legally refers only to those sparkling wines grown within the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wines labeled Methode Champenoise, Methode Cap Classique (MCC) or Méthode Traditional are wines that follow the strict Champagne fermentation method, but are grown and bottled elsewhere. Brute, brut or brutè? Pronounced Broot you do pronounce the T – this is an exception to French pronunciation rules. So many rules! Pronouncing wine terms correctly can be difficult, especially if you have never heard them. There are several styles of bubbly; here they are in order of dry to sweet: Extra Brut, Natural, Extra Dry (not actually very dry), Demisec, Sec, Spumante and we can include moscato here as well.
Do you like white wines like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viognier or Pinot Grigio? Then you must indulge in a sparkling wine! Substitute Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava anytime for dinner, appetizers or just enjoy because it is a gorgeous day or open to sparkle a dreary day. Sparkling wines have good acidity and only a little bit of sugar. Then there are the bubbles, which act as palate cleansers. So what are the best foods with Champagne? Sparkling wines, like Chardonnay, pair well with buttery, salty and earthy foods. One of the best sparkling wine food pairings is with fried chicken. Yes, sparkling wine and fried chicken! Other food ideas include lobster and crab legs whose richness with drawn butter is perfect for the sparkling wine’s acidity and bubbles. Smoked salmon, oysters, pasta with creamy sauce like Alfredo, egg dishes (who can resist a mimo-
By Andy Mellgren
sa with a cheese omelet?), popcorn and potato chips – no kidding! Cheese pairings include: soft cheeses like brie and Camembert, Gouda, Edam or cheddar. Try Christina Van Loveren from South Africa (Methode Cap Classique) or Drappier from Champagne France. Van Loveren is one of South Africa Cape’s most successful family-owned and operated winemaking ventures. Established in 1937 and named for the family this estate has in excess of 1,000 acres of vineyard in the limestone rich Robertson valley. Drappier, located in the region of the Aub, at the southern-most reaches of the Champagne demarcation, is bigger, more full-bodied and has real heft compared to some of the more famous, and more expensive, Champagnes. Enjoy something new today. Parfois vin est juste nécessaire!
the Uncork Holidays PLAZA LIQUOR By Viking Plaza Broadway & 34th Ave. 320-762-1716
DOWNTOWN LIQUOR
SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL. The money spent here, stays here in Alexandria.
8 Chicz November/December 2019
By Big Ole Broadway & 3rd Ave. 320-763-5404
https://www.facebook.com/AlexLiquor
November/December 2019 Chicz 9
MICROWAVE RØMMEGRØT (Cream Mush) INGREDIENTS: mixturer and microwave until 1/2 cup butter almost scalding. Mix a little of 1/4 cup sugar the milk mixture with the but3/4 cup flour ter mixture, making sure there Dash salt are no lumps. Add remaining 3 cups milk milk mixture and stir thor1 cup heavy cream oughly until combined. Microwave on high 3-4 minDIRECTIONS: utes, stirring once each minMelt butter in microwave; ute, until thick. cool slightly. Stir in sugar, flour Serve warm with a little and salt. melted butter, cinnamon and In a separate bowl, combine sugar. Serves 10-12. milk and cream. Cover milk
HOLIDAY RECIPES
M
y large family is a mixture of Norwegian, Swedish and Dutch heritage, and Christmastime brings out the recipes handed down by parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. We love to spend time around the dinner table talking, laughing and re-telling stories from our youth, as well as – you guessed it – eating. These are just a few of our favorite recipes. Some of them have a modern twist like the rømmegrøt, which we make in the microwave rather than spending hours stirring it over a hot stove. Give them a try!
BAKED RICE
INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS: 1 cup rice 6 cups water Dash of salt Cooking until done. Blanch and drain. 1 qt. milk 5 egg yolks, well beaten (save whites for meringue) Cook rice and milk for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add egg yolks slowly, stirring continuously, cooking for a few minutes longer. 3-4 Tbsp. cornstarch 3/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. almond extract
10 Chicz November/December 2019
Add to milk and rice; cook until thickened. Place in a large pan, preferably a glass 9”x13” or a large casserole size. Cover with a meringue made of 5 beaten egg whites and 10 Tbsp. sugar. Bake in a 350 degree oven until meringue is browned.
By Lori Mork
from my family to yours! MEATBALLS
INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 eggs 3/4-1 cup evaporated milk 2 cups bread crumbs 1-1/4 tsp. salt 2/3 tsp. pepper 2/3 tsp. poultry seasoning
2 lbs. ground beef 3/4 lbs. pork sausage
DIRECTIONS: Saute onions; let cool. Whisk eggs. Add milk, bread crumbs and seasonings. Let the bread crumbs absorb some moisture before mixing in the meat and onions. Form meatballs and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer reaches 170 degrees when testing a meatball in the middle of
the pan. Save the browned bits of meat for gravy. For the gravy, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth and meatball pieces and whisk constantly until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in sour cream; season with salt and pepper, to taste. You can also make regular gravy, if desired.
FOR THE GRAVY 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups beef broth 3/4 cup sour cream
Cranberry jalapeno dip
makes a great holiday appetizer By Lori Mork I was suspicious at first when I found this recipe on Pinterest, but one taste of this holiday dip and my family was hooked! The combination of tart cranberries, spicy jalapeños and sugar alongside the cream cheese is the perfect combination of flavors. CRANBERRY JALAPENO DIP INGREDIENTS: 12 oz. fresh, uncooked cranberries 1/4 cup green onion 1-2 fresh jalapeno peppers 2 Tbsp. cilantro (optional)
3/4 to 1 cup sugar (according to taste) 1 Tbsp. lemon juce 1/8 tsp. salt 16 oz. cream cheese – either whipped and spread in a serving dish or left in its rectangle form INSTRUCTIONS: Chop cranberries by hand rather than with a food processor to keep them from getting too liquid, then chop green onion, jalapeño peppers and cilantro. Stir together gently in a medium-sized bowl.
Add sugar, lemon juice and salt on top of cranberry mixture and stir gently until blended. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove cranberry mixture from refrigerator and stir; strain out all liquid with a col-
lander with small holes. Place cream cheese block in serving dish, or spread dish with whipped cream cheese. Pour cranberry mixture on top cream cheese and keep in refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve with crackers.
Christmas Goodies! No time to bake, but want goodies to serve your guests? Let the staff at Luther Crest bake for you!
Cookies .............$550/dozen Russian Tea Cakes Peanut Blossoms Christmas Cut-Outs Thumb Prints Spritz, Plain Spritz, Dipped Almond Crescents Monster Cookies Chocolate Cherries Cranberry Hooty Creeks Andes Candies Cookies
Pies ........................... $12/pie Dutch Apple Pecan French Silk Assortment Trays 4 dozen cookies and candies ................$2400 2.5 dozen cookies and candies .................$1500 Candies ............. $675/dozen Chocolate Fudge (no nuts) Peanut Butter Cups Snowballs Nut Goodies
Specialty ......... 8 /dozen Sweet & Salty Nuts (8 oz.) Salted Nut Bars $
50
To Order:
CALL:
Breads .................. $700/loaf Cranberry Orange Nut Lemon Poppyseed Pumpkin Nut Caramel Rolls (petite) Banana Cookie Dough .............. $850 1.5 lb. (approx. 2 dozen) Chocolate Chip Ginger Monster
Pick up dates:
Fri., Dec. 13 3-6pm
Sat., Dec. 14 8am-Noon
Order by Dec. 6th We can deliver to St. Cloud, Minneapolis/St. Paul & Fargo areas! Call for details.
320-846-2431 | FAX: 320-846-0201 www.luthercrest.org | MAIL: 8231 Co. Rd. 11 NE, Alexandria, MN 56308
ONLINE:
November/December 2019 Chicz 11
Give a sweet gift with a
hot cocoa basket By Lori Mork
Looking for a gift for that hard to buy for person? Why not try a gift basket. There are so many different ideas – coffee basket, baking box, movie night package – you can find a theme for just about anyone. A hot cocoa basket can be a good fit for either a child or an adult – just select your container and mug to fit the age of the person you're giving your gift to. Here are the basics of what you’ll need to get started: HOT COCOA BASKET Decorative container with filler Container for cocoa mix Coffee mug Containers for cocoa toppings I made this gift basket for an adult, using a birch bark wooden box, then filled the bottom with natural brown crinkled paper shreds. After mixing up the dry cocoa mix, I printed out a round holiday label that would fit the
top of the glass cocoa container and filled it with the mix. Inexpensive, clear glass or plastic ornaments were filled with different toppings for the cooca – mini chocolate chips and sprinkles. I didn’t have any marshmallow bits, so I used regular mini marshmallows that I left in the single serving bags. I finished off the basket with some decorative pine sprays and red twigs. If you were giving the gift basket right away, you could also add a can of whipped cream. You could also add in a small scoop for the cocoa, chopped nuts for toppings, holiday coasters or even some decorated large marshmallows like the ones below. Wrap the basket in a cellophane bag and close it with some holiday ribbon and you have a fun, personal gift for that special someone!
HOMEMADE HOT COCOA MIX INGREDIENTS: 2 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups powdered milk or instant nonfat dry milk You can also substitute part of the powdered milk with non-dairy creamer powder for a richer mix DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, sift the confectioner’s sugar and
unsweetened cocoa to remove any lumps. Stir in the powdered milk and whisk until everything is combined. Add mini marshmallows to the container, if desired. This can be kept in the pantry for 6 months. To make hot cocoa, use equal parts hot cocoa and hot water. Place the cocoa mix in the bottom of the cup first, then add hot water to help avoid lumps.
SNOWMAN MARSHMALLOWS
INGREDIENTS: 10 large marshmallows Wooden skewers, lollipop sticks or metal skewers 12-oz. pkg. chocolate chips or chocolate candy melts 12-oz. pkg. orange candy melts 2 disposable decorating bags or ziplock bag
INSTRUCTIONS: Skewer two or three marshmallows on a stick, depending on the size of the wooden sticks or metal skewers. You can use vegetable shortening to grease the sticks if you have
12 Chicz November/December 2019
trouble sliding marshmallows onto the skewers. Pour chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring occasionally until melted. Remove from microwave and let cool slightly. Scoop the chocolate into the decorating or ziploc bag. Snip a small 1/4-inch piece from the tip. Pipe five or six small dots for the mouth and two for the eyes. Melt the orange candy melts just as you did the chocolate chips. Pipe the carrot noses. Let the marshmallows set on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
DIY Gratitude Are you on the lookout for a craft to make with your family that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving? If so, consider creating a gratitude tree. Here’s what you need and how to do it. MATERIALS: •3 or 4 branches (white birch works well) •A vase or other vessel to hold your gratitude tree •Sand or small stones •Construction paper •Scissors •Hole punch •String DIRECTIONS: In a vase, arrange the branches in a pleasing way. Fill the bottom with stones or sand to help keep them in place.
tree
Using the scissors, cut the construction paper into leaf-shaped pieces. How many you make will depend on the number you want on your tree. With the hole punch, make a hole in each leaf. Thread a piece of string through each hole. Encourage your family members to draw or write down one thing they’re grateful for on each leaf. Hang the leaves on the tree. Afterwards, display your tree in your home or use it as a centerpiece during Thanksgiving dinner. Making a gratitude tree is a great way for families to come together and reflect on the meaning of the holiday.
November/December 2019 Chicz 13
Seasonal and holiday
decorating trends By Betty Ravnik
First let me say there is no bad color. Yes, there are trends in fashion that favor certain colors, but the most important thing about color is using what brings you joy. If you love primary colors and pastels are the hot trend, do primary colors with gusto! That brings me to winter in Minnesota with opportunities for seasonal and holiday decorating. No matter what color speaks to you, may I recommend you think texture. Winter in Minnesota makes us yearn for the warmth of texture. Velvets will continue trending strong into 2020. Velvet is popping up in furniture, bedding and pillows. Other textures are anything matte versus shiny. This applies to metals, woods, and paint. Nature in the winter in Minnesota is always a welcome theme. At Ravnik & Co., we are decorating our store in a theme called Santa Clause meets Mother Nature. Strong textures like jute or wood, with the absence of color gives a calming, cozy feel. Add fur and velvet and you will be ready to cuddle up to a good book and cup of hot chocolate. If you want to step outside your comfort zone, the best way to introduce color and texture is through pillows, throws and rugs. They are easy to change out with the season and don’t need to be expensive. A hot color combination is
blue and terra cotta. The terra cotta gives us the warmth and the blue an uplifted, optimistic feeling. Isn’t this what we all need to endure the Minnesota winters? Another strong color trend is anything green. Green is nature’s hallmark color. Green adds harmony by its calming nature. The trend isn’t any particular shade of green; however we are seeing a deeper, stronger statement of the color in hunter green and emerald.
For drama on a dime add painted twigs to vases. They not only add height and texture to an arrangement, they can be inserted into your Christmas tree for a nature theme. Lastly, candles are always a go to for holiday decorating and throughout the winter. There are battery operated candles that can be added into arrangements and even set on a timer to welcome you home after a long, dark Minnesota day.
A hot color combination is blue and terra cotta. The terra cotta gives us the warmth and the blue an uplifted, optimistic feeling. Isn’t this what we all need to endure the Minnesota winters?
Betty Ravnik
Interior Designer
14 Chicz November/December 2019
waxed fall leaves
How to make
Fall leaves make beautiful decorations in your home with their vibrant, beautiful colors. Maybe you’ve collected several already. But how can you keep them looking like they’ve just been picked? Why not try waxing your own leaves. It’s easy and they will keep for a long time.
Here’s what you’ll need: SUPPLIES: Fall leaves Paraffin wax Mini slow cooker Waxed paper
DIRECTIONS: Using a small or mini slow cooker works best for this project since you don’t need to melt much wax. It will take about a half a small box. Paraffin wax is used in canning and can easily be found with the rest of the canning supplies in most stores. Melt the wax in the slow cooker, which takes about 30 minutes. Lay waxed paper on the counter near your crock pot. Begin dipping leaves in the wax, being careful not to get it on your fingers.
Make sure to dip the stems as well. Lay the leaves on the waxed paper to dry. It will only take a minute or so for them to harden. Repeat dipping the leaves for a second coat, if desired. You can coat them more than this, but the more coats you use, the more obvious the wax becomes. Waxed leaves can be strung together for garlands, put in bowls or laid out on a table. They’re versatile and will accent your home for the holidays.
Thanksgiving centerpieces:
ways to make your tablescape pop Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year and looking for unique ways to dress up your table? If so, here are some centerpiece ideas that are sure to wow your guests. MODERN CORNUCOPIA. Pile a variety of fruits, berries and nuts on a large platter for a play on the traditional Thanksgiving horn of plenty. Add autumnal touches by including a few small gourds and colorful leaves in the arrangement. If you prefer, you can arrange your centerpiece in several small bowls along the length of the table. Place them on a table runner for added impact.
STALKS OF WHEAT. A Thanksgiving centerpiece made of wispy stalks of wheat can be both charmingly rustic and easy to assemble. Available in bunches from your local craft store, wrap the whole bundle of wheat you have in ribbon and place it in a vase of your choice. Or forgo the ribbon and instead wrap small clusters of stalks with brightly colored yarn or embroidery thread. LEAF-WRAPPED VOTIVES. If you love the ambience of candlelight, this is the option for you. Gather some leaves from outside and adhere them to glass candle holders or vases using double-sided tape. Make as many or as few as
you want and arrange them in the middle of your table. To enhance visual interest, use candle holders of different heights and sizes. These centerpieces are easy to assemble and make
use of materials that you likely already have at home. Alternatively, your local florist will be happy to put together a festive fall arrangement for your table.
November/December 2019 Chicz 15
STAIRWAY TO CHRISTMAS:
how to decorate stairs for the holidays The stairway in your house is the perfect place to show off your Christmas spirit. Here’s how to dress up this oft overlooked part of your home. DECORATE THE HANDRAIL Wrap the handrail with evergreen garlands and decorate them with either berries, pinecones and burlap ribbons for a rustic look, or with Christmas baubles for a more whimsical take. Wrap a string of white or colored lights around the garlands to add some sparkle. Alternatively, you can decorate the handrails with ribbons instead of greenery. Depending on the look you want, you can choose to use either one type of ribbon or a mix of different kinds in an assortment of colors and sizes.
DECORATE THE STAIRS If they’re wide enough, put decorations directly on the stairs. Pillar candles (battery-operated ones are safest), wooden decorations and festive figurines can help create the holiday ambience you’re after. DECORATE THE WALLS AND CEILING Ask the kids to make paper snowflakes and use them to decorate the wall along the stairway. You can also display holiday photos from Christmases past. As a final touch, consider suspending large ornaments from the ceiling. Make sure to hang them high enough so that no one bumps their head. If you follow these tips, your stairway esthetic is sure to please visitors and earn their praise all season long.
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How to have an eco-friendly The holiday season is upon us and good times and great food undoubtedly lie ahead. Unfortunately, there’s an environmental toll to pay for our annual celebrations. Here’s how to make your Thanksgiving more environmentally friendly. Make your meal from scratch. Instead of buying premade stuffing, canned pumpkin puree and gravy from a package, try your hand at making these things yourself. This will this cut down on the amount of packaging used and tends to be less expensive and tastier to boot. Don’t toss your leftovers. Ask your dinner guests to bring reusable containers with them so that they can take
home a portion of the leftovers. To use up what gets left behind, find recipes that allow you to reinvent your Thanksgiving dishes. And don’t toss the turkey carcass or vegetable trimmings either. Use them to make soup broth instead. Buy locally sourced food. Head to your favorite farmers’ market for locally grown fruits and vegetables. Purchase your turkey from a farm or butcher shop in the area. Skip the disposables. Use regular plates, glassware, silverware and serving dishes instead of disposable ones. If you don’t have enough dishes for all your guests, borrow some or head to a local thrift shop to pick up what you need.
Thanksgiving
Use “green” decorations. Repurpose things you already have around the house when creating your centerpiece and other decorations. Alternatively, head outside to gather leaves, acorns and pinecones to create something that’s
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charmingly rustic and results in zero waste being created. By taking these small but impactful steps, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and help make Thanksgiving in America a little more environmentally friendly.
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STRESS-BUSTING TIPS for traveling on Thanksgiving Will you be joining the millions of Americans traveling this Thanksgiving? If so, brace yourself: from busy airports to congested roadways, the November long weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Here are some tips to make the journey a little easier.
Give yourself time. Since you won’t be the only one heading out of town, make sure to leave early enough to catch your flight, avoid traffic jams and arrive on time for dinner at your destination. Be flexible. The Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are
the busiest days to travel in November. If possible, arrange your schedule so that you don’t have to go anywhere on those days. Stay connected. Make sure your phone’s fully charged before you leave home. There are many travel apps that can make your trip easier, from those that provide airport information and real time updates on flights, to maps that’ll alert you to traffic jams and suggest alternative routes. Be prepared. If you’re flying, put all of your liquids in a clear baggie to avoid issues when passing through security. If you’re driving, be sure to have plenty of snacks on hand and an emergency preparedness kit that includes road flares, a first aid kit, phone chargers and blankets. Above all else, try to enjoy yourself. If you get frustrated, remember that Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what you have, including the freedom to get from one place to another safely, if not quickly.
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5
tips for maintaining kids’ routines during the holidays
Over the holiday season, it’s all too easy for your children’s routine to get thrown off track. Here are five tips to help you stick to a schedule and hopefully keep meltdowns to a minimum.
ENTERTAIN AT HOME — OR DON’T. Some parents find it easier to host during the holidays, while others can’t imagine planning a party. Don’t be afraid to let others know what works for your family.
PRIORITIZE SLEEP. Tired kids tend to get cranky, hyper and easily flustered. While a late night or two are almost inevitable at this time of year, overall, it’s best to maintain their regular sleep schedule.
GET EXERCISE. Make sure your kids remain active over the holidays, and that they have sufficient time to run around. Consider visiting an indoor play park or indulging in some outdoor fun.
EAT HEALTHY. Make sure the entire family gets a healthy breakfast and lunch every day. Fill the kids up on fruits, vegetables and other healthy snacks before heading to a party. This way, they’ll have less room to gorge on cookies, cakes and other treats.
MAKE TIME FOR PLAY. Avoid filling every free moment with a planned activity. Set aside time for playing at home and relaxing. While sticking to a routine is beneficial for kids, doing so isn’t always feasible. Remember to be flexible.
Christmas songs for kids Don’t forget to break out the songs as you trim your tree and bake your cookies. Here are some of the best songs to belt out with your kids: Here Comes Santa Claus Frosty the Snowman Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Santa Claus is Coming to Town Jingle Bells Deck the Halls Let it Snow
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By Melanie Danner
SANTA DOWN THE CHIMNEY (Pinterest)
SUPPLIES: Toilet Paper Roll Construction Paper Markers Glue
INSTRUCTIONS: Cut red construction paper large enough to wrap around toilet paper roll. Draw bricks on paper and glue to roll. Draw and cut out, Santa’s legs and feet, boots, a toy bag and toys. Glue .
SNOWMAN PUPPET/ORNAMENT SUPPLIES: Popsicle sticks Googly eyes Pipe cleaner Pompoms Paint Paintbrush Glue
(Pinterest) INSTRUCTIONS: Paint a Popsicle stick 2/3 red and let dry. Glue 1/2 pipe cleaner to unpainted tip and twist around for a hat. Glue pompom on tip of hat and also where
BALLERINA PUPPET (Pinterest)
SUPPLIES: Popsicle sticks Paint Leaves Paintbrush Glue INSTRUCTIONS: Paint a Popsicle stick on each tip with a V.
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Paint a V 1/2 up on one side to create a face. Glue a leaf on the center V to create the dress. (If painting the leaf, paint before gluing. Paint on face. If turning into an ornament, glue on ribbon loop and let dry.
the paint meets the plain wood. Glue on googly eyes. Paint a belt and let dry. If turning into an ornament, glue on ribbon loop and let dry.
How to choose a
host or hostess gift
SLED ORNAMENT (Pinterest)
SUPPLIES: Popsicle sticks (5 mini, 2 regular) Paint Paintbrush Glue INSTRUCTIONS: Glue 4 mini sticks together to create the sled, staggering the 2 on the outside and let dry.
Paint the sled and the remaining mini stick. Paint the 2 regular sticks to create the blades. Glue the blades to the sled and add the remaining mini stick across the top. Embellish as desired. Glue on ribbon loop and let dry.
If you get invited to someone’s home over the holidays, it’s best not to arrive empty handed. However, it can be hard to know what to bring, especially if the host or hostess is a relatively new friend or acquaintance. Fortunately, there are a number of things — wine, chocolate, coffee, tea, fancy hand soap and unscented candles, for example — that make great gifts when you don’t know the recipient very well. However, if you do know them, you could offer your host or hostess something that you think they’ll appreciate. If they love to cook, for instance, a cookbook or an inexpensive kitchen gadget would be ideal.
Whatever you bring, make sure it’s not something that makes your host or hostess work. For example, if you choose to bring a bouquet of flowers, arrange them in a vase before arriving so they don’t have to. Remember, this gift is meant for the hosts to enjoy after the guests have gone home. They’re not obliged to share it with you or anyone else, so don’t expect them to.
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CAMERA
modes
By Lowell Anderson
M
any people who are just getting started in photography set their camera on one of the automatic modes and just leave it there. Although fully automatic settings make it easy to shoot a decent picture in many situations, eventually you will want more control to make your photos perfect. That’s where an understanding of camera modes will come in handy. The automatic camera modes are basically settings that tells the camera what type of situation you are in and give it some guidelines on how to take the picture. These may include portrait, night, landscape, action and
macro (close-up), and are often depicted on the camera as symbols. Most cameras also include an “auto” mode where the camera makes all the decisions for you for general purpose shooting. The main thing to remember about all these automatic modes is that the camera will set everything, including exposure, white balance, ISO and flash. All you can do is take the picture. However, as you become a more advanced photographer and want more control, you will want modes that give more precise exposure control and allow you to make decisions about ISO and white balance. These modes are usually labeled as P, S (or TV), A (or AV) and M. Following is
a brief description of each, going from least to most control. P (Program): In this exposure mode the camera sets both the shutter speed and the aperture to give you a proper exposure for the ISO you set. The difference between this and auto is that you can still set all other controls and flash the way you want it. In addition, you may be able to shift the shutter speed/aperture values up and down from the camera’s starting point. A (Aperture Priority) (or AV for Aperture Value): The camera still sets the exposure automatically for the ISO you have selected, but you determine what aperture you want to start with. This can be a good mode if you are concerned with depth of field (range of focus), as this is re-
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lated to aperture. All other settings are made manually. S (Shutter Priority) (or TV for Time Value): The camera sets the exposure automatically for the ISO you have selected, but you determine what shutter speed you want to start with. This can be a good mode if you are concerned with stopping motion or getting a fast enough shutter speed in low-light situations. All other settings are made manually. M (Manual): In manual, you make all the decisions. You can use the camera’s built in light meter to determine the proper exposure, but it is up to you how you set both shutter speed and aperture.
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5
wines to try with
Christmas cookies By Al Edenloff
Milk and cookies are a natural combination over the holidays. But wine and Christmas cookies can be a treat too. This holiday season, try these five wine pairings with your favorite holiday cookie: Chocolate chip cookies with Merlot. The soft, rounded tannins from the wine brings out the best in cookies made with dark chocolate chips. If you’re using milk chocolate chips instead, try them with a fruity, Granche-based wine. Sugar cookies with a sweet white wine. Moscato
or Gewurztraminer are ideal pairings for bringing out that simple sugary sweetness of the cookie. Gingerbread with Riesling. A sweeter Riesling, which is a white wine, mingles nicely with the spiciness of a Gingerbread cookie. Make sure the wine is ice cold. Norwegian krumkake with a crisp and fruity Riesling. (OK, krumkake isn’t technically a cookie but it’s still a treat.) Spritz cookies and a dessert wine. Try a Prosecco that’s a little on the sweeter side, indicated by the term “dry” on the label.
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Games to liven up your
gift exchange Are you tired of the same old holiday gift exchange? If so, here are some fun games to enliven this year’s gift giving. Dice. Every number on the dice comes with an instruction (pass to the left or steal a gift). Take turns rolling the dice until everyone has a present. Hot potato. This childhood favorite is just as fun to play as an adult. Turn on a holiday song and pass a present from
person to person until the music stops. The person left holding the gift is out of the game but keeps the gift. Personal trivia. Everyone writes a little-known fact about themselves on the gift they contributed. The others must guess who the information is about in order to win the right to open the present. Cards. Cut some regular playing cards in half and distribute card halves to all par-
ticipants. Draw the other card halves from a bowl or hat to determine who gets to choose or steal a gift next. Story. Rewrite a wellknown Christmas story to include the words right, left and across numerous times. To start the game, everyone
holds the gift they brought as someone reads the story aloud. Every time an instruction word is said, the presents get passed in that direction. To make sure that everyone receives a gift they’ll enjoy, be sure to decide on a budget and theme beforehand.
CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THE COOKING: how to hang your apron for the holidays
3 games to play at the office holiday party Are you looking for a way to energize your holiday office party? If so, here are three fun games that virtually anyone can enjoy. Office trivia. Before the day of the event, send a questionnaire to all employees asking them about their interests, pet peeves and preferred foods, books, movies and travel destinations. Collect the answers and use them to create an office trivia game. Guess the word. Write words on individual strips of paper and then fold and place them in bowls. Each team chooses a player who
will have to guess the word based on clues from their teammates. Gift wrap challenge. Put players in teams of two. Tie one person’s right hand to the other’s left and have them attempt to wrap a gift with their free hands. The pair that does the nicest job wins. If you play your office games in teams, assemble the groups randomly. A fun way to do this is to cut up old Christmas cards and hand out the pieces. Teams can then be formed by those who have pieces from the same card.
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If the thought of creating a holiday spread from scratch doesn’t excite you, then give yourself the gift of not cooking this year. Here’s where you can get meals made by someone else.
GROCERS Many businesses, including grocery stores, butcher shops and local restaurants, offer pre-made meals that are perfect for nights you want to eat in.
RESTAURANTS There are plenty of eateries that remain open over the holidays. Book a table at one nearby for your holiday feast. Or better yet, order some takeout and eat in the comfort of your own home.
PERSONAL CHEFS For a real treat, hire a personal chef to come to your home and create an intimate meal for you and your loved ones. It’s the perfect no-cook solution for a small gathering with friends or even a New Year’s Eve party.
CATERERS If you’re hosting a party, consider hiring a caterer. Not only will this professional work with you to come up with the perfect menu, but they’ll also do all the work.
This year, simplify your holiday season by letting someone else do the cooking. Don’t be surprised if you love this hands-off approach to the holidays so much that you do it again next Christmas.
Keep Christmas organized with a
HOLIDAY To avoid holiday mayhem, you need to remain organized in the days and weeks leading up to the main event. Here’s a checklist that will help you keep track of everything that needs to be done.
ENTERTAINING •Choose a theme for your party if you’re having one •Make reservations (caterer, event space, restaurant, cleaning crew, Santa Claus) •Send out invitations •Decide on a menu •Make separate grocery lists for what can be purchased weeks in advance and what must be bought in the days before •Start cooking (make dishes in advance and freeze them)
•Make a seating plan and choose the table decorations •Obtain any extra dishes, napkins or chairs you need •Choose the music and plan party games •Clean the house from top to bottom •Prepare a room for overnight guests •Make sure your driveway and walkway are clear BUYING GIFTS •Organize a gift exchange •Start shopping early to avoid crowds •Make note of what to buy for each person on your list •Write Christmas cards and send them out early •Help your kids write their letters to Santa and send them off
•Buy wrapping paper, ribbons and bows •Wrap gifts as you buy them to avoid doing it all at once DECORATING THE HOUSE •Go through your decorations and throw out and replace anything that’s broken •Hang outdoor decorations before the cold weather arrives •Decorate the inside of your house •Don’t set up your natural Christmas tree until a week or two before the day (or it will be dry by the time Santa arrives)
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