SUNCOAST
Gift Guides Tech Gifts Popular Christmas Books
Audubon Bird Count Keeping Trim Toys Kids Love And More! Fall/Winter 2020
Contents
SUNCOAST
Holidays
20
8
GIFT GUIDES
HOLIDAYS
Gi s for Him
Decora ng with Small Trees
4 Check out a 23-in-1 mul -tool, a
6 Ideas on how to decorate your
house with small trees in any mo on ac vated garage light, Golf room. in a Box to enjoy indoor golf, and an indoor smokeless grill.
SNN News Team
Gi s for Her
5 Ideas include online monthly gi
clubs, a laptop stand/laptop desk, a smart garden to grow herbs indoors, and charming “Le ers to My Grandchildren.”
7 What would be their dream
holiday?
Books for Christmas
11 Some of the most loved books
of Christmas, old and new.
Toys Your Kids Will Love
Hanukkah Tradi ons
8 A Harry Po er wand that paints
12 The history and modern
with light, a kid-size kitchen with 41 accessories, a roll-up piano, and a miniature arcade crane machine top this year’s list.
celebra ons of this fes ve holiday.
Thinking of Ge ng a Holiday Puppy or Ki en?
Gi s for Book Lovers
a new pet and ps on choosing the right pet for you.
10 Gits to enhance your reading
experience.
Ideas for Tech Gi s
18 Wireless earbuds, an
20 See how well you can answer
ques ons about Thanksgiving.
FEATURED 9
ARMORVUE Window and Door
13
Parkinson Place
17
G. Fried Flooring America
21
Window World of Southwest Florida
Bird-Lovers’ Holiday Treat: the Audubon Bird County
12 The annual bird count helps
America’s bird popula on.
Gi s for Golfers
holidays without gaining weight.
ng green and chipping net, to a 4-in-1 divot repair tool and S60 GPS watch, here are great gi s for golfers.
Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz
14 Advice on the best me to get
electronic toolkit, a smartphoneconnected personal safe, and a germ-free hand tool. 22 From a pu
22
Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain
16 Tips to help you navigate the
Holiday Fun for Kids
19 Fun things for the kids to
do including a holiday show and holiday trivia game.
“SNN Suncoast Holidays” is published for SNN-TV by Harvest Moon Publishing LLC which neither endorses nor is responsible for the accuracy of, any errors, omissions, or mistakes in, or the reliability of any opinion, advice, information or other content contained in this publication, nor for any offensive content. Harvest Moon will not be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage caused by use or reliance on any content contained in or available through this publication. It is your sole responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content contained in this publication.
Gifts for Him
G B K .
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You’ll find 23 essential tools in one multi-tool including hammer, liquid level, screwdriver with 16 different heads, tape measure, and magnet. $34.95 at thegrommet.com.
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is award-winning golf simulator system provides everything you need to have your own indoor golf course. Up to four players can experience world-renowned courses. Different versions from $799 to $4,500 at optishotgolf.com.
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BBQ G
Grill your favorites rain or shine in the comfort of your kitchen. Advanced technology ensures up to 80% less smoke and minimal spattering. Easy cleanup. $279.99 at bedbathandbeyond.com.
M A G L Fill your garage or other dark area with 3,000 lumens of crisp, white light using only 25 watts of electricity. Motion sensors turn the light on and off. As easy to install as a light bulb. $129.99 at sharperimage.com.
Gifts for Her
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You can have fresh herbs and salad veggies year-round. Includes pre-seeded soil pods, grow light, and water reservoir. Choose the Smart Garden 3 for $99.95 or e Instant 9 Plant Garden for $199.95. At hammacher.com.
Create a treasured keepsake for your grandchildren. Write about your memories and hopes for each grandchild, then date, seal, and give to the children in years to come. $14.95 at bedbathandbeyond.com.
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P L S L D Work on your laptop in comfort from your desk, chair, couch, or bed. is ergonomic portable laptop desk adjusts to support sitting, standing, or lying down. $39.95 at thegrommet.com.
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With 42 categories of monthly gifts, you’ll find something for everyone — dinners, fruit, ice cream, bagels, pizza, tea, coffee, wine, beer, chocolates, cheesecakes, movies, flowers, teddy bears, and more (including gift certificates). Gifts are sent every month for 3, 6, or 12 months. Amazingclubs.com.
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Decorating with Small Trees
he focal point for Christmas décor is usually the tree, but more and more people are putting up small trees all over the house. Two- to three-foot tall trees, real or artificial, are fast to decorate, can be set up in any room, and are a lot of fun. Find the place, add lights, and decorate — either freestyle or choose a theme. Here are some ideas. KITCHEN TREE. Kitchen items such as cookie cutters, gingerbread figures, apples, candy canes, cinnamon sticks, pretty measuring cups and spoons, teacups, and food garlands (popcorn, gummy bears, dried fruit) make great decorations. In other words, if it’s pretty, it can go on the tree!
top to tie with ribbon.) You can include baby and childhood photos, pet photos, photos of memorable moments — losing a first tooth, prom, first car, weddings, vacations, etc. NORTH POLE TREE. Include ornaments of Santa, sleighs, reindeer, elves, polar bears, penguins, miniature gifts, you can even attach the kids’ wish lists. ENCHANTED SEA TREE. Use ornaments from the sea: fish, mermaids, shells (add glitter for sparkle), starfish, and boats. If you add garlands, ball ornaments, a topper, and tree skirt, make them all variations of sea blues and pale greens.
CHRISTMAS CARD TREE. This is a great way to display your Christmas cards. Just punch a hole in the top of each card and tie it to the tree with a ribbon.
SINGLE THEME TREE. Use variations of just one type of ornament. A tree with just stars, or angels, birds, or fairies. Complete it with pretty ribbons cascading down the sides and a topper that’s a larger version of the theme.
FAMILY MEMORY TREE. Copy family photos, glue them to squares of wrapping paper (cut the wrapping paper so the photo has a 1/2” border on each side, and punch a hole in the
CRYSTAL TREE. Use all crystal-like ornaments on a white tree with white lights. Add silver and shiny white ornaments for a dazzling display.
SNN News Team Dream Holidays
Barrett Tryon NEWS ANCHOR
With a wild year that’s been filled with uncertainty, the best holiday is one I’ve been waiting for years to happen again. After two decades of going to school and working from New York to Las Vegas and several stops in between, I will be spending the upcoming holidays right here in Sarasota, my hometown. There’s nothing that can replace being with your family and friends during the holiday season. And thanks to living on the Suncoast, the best place in the world, the only thing we have to worry about shoveling is sand and sunshine. So happy to be back, everyone!
Hallie Peilet
NEWS ANCHOR
I think the idea of my dream holiday has changed a lot this year due to the pandemic. This difficult year has really made me realize what’s important. I’ve always valued family — my family has always been the most important thing in my life, but even more so now. In a time where we’re all spread out around the country and can’t physically be together because of COVID-19, I guess my dream holiday would be just to have my family all together in one room. I can’t think of any better medicine right now than laughing and eating holiday food with my loved ones!
My dream holiday after this year of COVID-19, would be just to be able to spend time with my family (my mom and sister are in New York, my brothers are Kathy Leon in Texas) and to NEWS ANCHOR make sure everyone stays healthy — we are not flying anywhere. But, as we all know 2020 has been a year of adapting. So while I will go all out over decorating and finding the biggest tree that will fit in the house, I will make sure to Facetime and Zoom with family and friends as much as possible. I know fostering the connections that really matter is the best gift of all.
Justin Mosely
CHIEF METEOROLOGIST
With the holiday season once again upon us, one may picture the quintessential look of the season featuring snow, holiday lights, presents, and the palpable anticipation of the new year. While these are all things I look forward to each year (minus the snow of course, here on the Suncoast), the most cherished — that just can’t be missed — is the quality time shared amongst family and friends, enjoying the abundance of flavors only this time of year brings. Happy holidays everyone!
My dream holiday is really pretty simple, yet not. The dream is to gather, if possible, with all six of my brothers and sisters, my 14 nieces and nephews, and my Don Brennan two sons, preferably NEWS ANCHOR in one place. With a large extended family, it is difficult to get everyone together other than the holidays. It would be too much to ask to get all of us (and our 25 first cousins and their kids) together, but one can dream. It is the holidays, after all.
Jake Young
SPORTS DIRECTOR
A whole lot of food and a whole lot of family. There is nothing better than having everyone together under the same roof to take in the holidays. Pepper in a Steelers victory, and my dream holiday is complete. From my family to yours, enjoy the festivities!
A dream holiday of mine would be similar to Christmas of ‘95 when we visited family in Maryland. Snow blanketed the neighborhood, Marco La Manno we went sledMETEOROLOGIST ding, we ate my Italian aunt’s amazing food, and I was ecstatic that I received presents there and again when we returned to Florida. I haven’t had a white Christmas in 25 years, and I’d love another one. Not much of a dream since it actually happened, but it’s been long enough that a man can dream to have a Christmas like that again!
Toys Kids Will Love
The Harry Po er Light Pain ng Wand
Step2 Heart of the Home Kitchen
This hand-painted replica has an illuminated p that can generate pain ngs of light with the free iOS/ Android app. Hermione Granger wand also available. Ages 6+. $39.95 at hammacher.com.
Your li le cooks will love this charming kitchen with realis c appliances, phone, dog bowls, 41 accessories, and more. Small parts — not for children under 3 years. $149.99 at bedbathandbeyond.com.
Flexible Roll Up Piano This full-sized silicon keyboard rolls up to take anywhere. Features 120 instrument sounds. Drum beats, record/playback, records music to your computer, and more. Ages 6+. $99.99 at sharperimage.com.
The Child’s Arcade Crane Machine Experience the challenge of lowering the claw to earn a prize. Three joys cks control the claw’s direc on. Comes with four plush animal prizes. Lights up and plays music. Ages 8+. $39.95 at hammacher.com.
ARMORVUE Window and Door
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very hurricane season when alerts sound on our weather apps, and TV news reports for days on the impact of storms on the Suncoast, we all want to know that our families and homes will be safe; to have the peace of mind that everything dearest to us will be unharmed during the storm. ARMORVUE Window and Door provides just that: a feeling of security knowing you have quality windows tested to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, high-impact storm doors, patio doors, and secure entryways that are as beautiful as they are strong. With ARMORVUE, you’ll enjoy many additional benefits by upgrading your windows and doors — security from intruders, external noise reduction, lower utility bills, protection from damaging UV rays — all of which add value to your home.
ARMORVUE’s Stellar Reputation ARMORVUE owners Toby and Lisa Tokes take pride in the company’s slogan, “From permitting to final inspection, ARMORVUE takes care of it all.” ey make sure ARMORVUE watches over every detail of a customer’s project, every step of the way. is kind of excellent service is the reason ARMORVUE has Toby and Lisa Tokes earned a stellar reputation on the Suncoast. Upgrading windows and doors is a big step for homeowners, and you can trust ARMORVUE’s team of highly trained experts to help you understand their products’ features and benefits so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you. ey will help you choose from their impressive array of high-quality products that meet the strictest industry standards.
Outstanding Customer Service ARMORVUE strives to live up to their mission to earn your trust and provide the highest level of service in the industry. ey call it their “Gold Standard” of customer service, and it applies to everyone from factory reps and office staff to the installation department. e “Gold
Standard” includes respecting the customer’s time and investment, positive interaction with customers, and communication with the ARMORVUE reps who take time to fully educate each customer. Also, customers can see and touch portal samples in ARMORVUE’s free in-home estimate appointments and then view the actual products in the beautiful showrooms. And, during the pandemic, customers have choices in order to stay within their comfort zones including visiting a showroom in person where social distancing is practiced, or making virtual appointments instead. ARMORVUE offers a transferable lifetime warranty and flexible financing options to fit any remodeling budget, is fully insured, and accredited with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. If you’re thinking of replacing your windows and doors to make your home safer and to enhance its beauty, Trust the experts at ARMORVUE, the Clearly Stronger Choice For You.
ARMORVUE Window and Door 7509 Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 101, Sarasota 941-223-8263 ARMORVUE.com/locations/sarasota-fl
Gifts for Book Lovers
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Noise-Canceling Headphones For those who listen to music as they read, these wireless headphones provide exceptional clarity and reduce ambient noise up to 90%. $59.99 at newegg.com.
Monogrammed Leather Bookmarks Beautiful leather bookmarks for all of your favorite books. Your choice of seven colors. Personalization available. $8-$12 at leatherology.com.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug² With its companion smartphone app, your hot beverages will stay at the temperature you set. Ten and 14 ounce mugs. $99.99-$129.00 at bestbuy.com.
Octagon Portable Desk Light
Personal Book Embosser
Clip-On Book Light
Delightful design in a portable, wireless light. Adjustable angles and intensity for easy reading. Rechargeable battery. $85 at store.moma.org.
Add a personal stamp to the loved books in your library. Choose from different plate designs. Foil labels sold separately. $39.95 at williams-sonoma.com.
e Mighty Bright rechargeable clip-on reading light is lightweight and has a flexible neck, adjustable brightness, and long battery life. $23.99 at amazon.com.
Books for Christmas
If you have book lovers on your gift list, here are some of the most loved Christmas stories, old and new. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
The beloved classic tells the story of the redemp on of Ebenezer Scrooge through the Christmas Eve visita on of the ghosts of Christmas, past, present, and future. If you’ve never read the book, you’re in for a treat.
A funny story of the six Herdman siblings, described as “the worst kids in the history of the world.” When they commandeer the Christmas pageant, the town learns the true meaning of Christmas.
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Christmas in London by Anita Hughes
The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern
This autobiographical story is about a young boy in rural Alabama in the 1930s and the enduring bond he forms with an elderly cousin as they bake fruitcakes together.
The classic story of sacrificing for those we love as a young, penniless couple each, unbeknownst to the other, express the true spirit of Christmas.
This roman c story about love and forgiveness centers on a young baker from New York whose life is about to change when she finds herself in London a week before Christmas.
This 1943 short story became the basis for the classic holiday film, "It’s a Wonderful Life" about a man who, in his darkest hour, gets a glimpse of what the world would have been if he had never been born.
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann
In this whodunit, the murder mystery writer’s famed detec ve is called to a family holiday reunion that ended on a decidedly sour note.
The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien
Wri en for his children, the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings created illustrated le ers from Father Christmas recoun ng the goings-on at the North Pole each year.
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
A charming tale that puts a humorous, yet touching, spin on Dickens’ own life and the difficul es and ul mate inspira on that led to his wri ng A Christmas Carol.
This original — and darker — version of The Nutcracker was published in 1816. The later adapta on by Alexandre Dumas offered a lighter story which inspired the classic ballet.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg The book that inspired the film brings another dimension to the holiday story.
The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Po er wrote this deligh ul Christmas story about a tailor — who happens to be a mouse — making clothes for the mayor’s Christmas Day wedding.
Hanukkah Traditions
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elebrated by Jewish people all over the world, Hanukkah — the Festival of Lights — falls in November or December every year. In Hebrew, the word Hanukkah means “dedication” and commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Israelites’ dramatic victory over the Syrian army in 165 B.C. During the Syrians’ occupation of Judea, the Temple was defiled and ransacked. The Jews restored it after they had driven out the Syrian army. Tradition called for the Temple menorah to be lit and to burn continually, but there was only enough oil to burn for one day. Even though pressing and consecrating additional oil would take several days, the Israelites lit the menorah. Miraculously, it burned for eight days, allowing time to prepare more oil; and this is the event Hanukkah honors. Modern Hanukkah Hanukkah today is a festive family holiday with activities rooted in many traditions including: Lighting the Menorah • After sundown on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, a candle is lit and placed in a nine-branched menorah. An additional candle is added the next night and
both are lit. This continues each evening until all eight candles are lit on the last night. There are four candles on each side and one in the center that is used to light the others. A blessing is said each night as the candles are lit. Special Foods and Treats • Many foods served during Hanukkah are fried in oil in reference to the oil which burned in the Temple menorah. Potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jam- or custard-filled doughnuts) are especially popular. Dreidel • Kids love the game of Dreidel during Hanukkah celebrations. Dreidels are four-sided spinning tops that have a Hebrew letter on each side — nun, gimel, hey, and shin — which form the acronym: “a great miracle happened here.” Gift-Giving • This is a more recent custom where children are given gifts or treats each night after the Hanukkah candles have been lit. Hanukkah Songs • Many Jewish households sing Hanukkah songs after lighting the menorah. Two of the most popular are “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” and “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah.”
PA R KI N SO N P L AC E
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or people living with Parkinson’s disease, every activity of daily living is often difficult, frustrating and timeconsuming. Add in the fear and anxiety of getting sick with a global virus and it can take an emotional and physical toll on those who are already suffering.
Transition to online classes during pandemic Since the coronavirus was declared a pandemic, Parkinson Place quickly transitioned making it possible to offer all programming online. We now host more than 65-classes, support groups, and special educational events per month. Even though our building is closed until the pandemic is under control and we have implemented proper safety protocols, we are engaging our members in high-quality experiences online and our certified instructors are interactive and informative. Over 1,200 people have joined in and even amid the pandemic, we have increased our participation from previous years. All our programming is free to our members and caregivers. We couldn’t do this important work without generous donations from people like you! Parkinson Place programming includes exercise, trivia, and voice therapy. Support groups include our Caregivers Only Club. Get It Out!, our Men’s and Women’s Peer Groups are exclusively for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Expert guest speakers present ongoing educational and empowerment programs, conferences, and special events. Our mission is to help our members stay connected and engaged during this time when many may feel isolated and helpless. Benefits from Parkinson Place classes Our programs are proven to benefit Parkinson patients no matter age or ability. Our certified instructors provide a fun and interactive way to stay motivated, active, and engaged in daily life. One of our members favorite classes is Rock Steady Boxing, a unique exercise program based on training used by boxing pros and adapted for people with Parkinson’s
Above: e popular Rock Steady Boxing class in progress at Parkinson Place. Top of page: a Zoom exercise class online.
disease. Various studies suggest that exercise, including boxing, is neuro-protective and may actually slow disease progression. We are also an official Pedaling for Parkinson’s® facility. Riding an indoor, stationary bicycle has been shown to reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms by as much as 35%. Cycling can be easily adapted to individuals with many levels of the disease and are valuable to those who have been newly diagnosed as well as those in more advanced states of the disease. Classes are designed to optimize physical function and help to delay the progression of symptoms. Without your support Parkinson Place would be unable to provide free services for the thousands of people living with Parkinson’s disease here on the Suncoast and the U.S. By giving to Parkinson Place, you are truly making an impact on the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease! Please consider a donation to Parkinson Place Here are the ways you can make a donation: • Call: (941) 893-4188 ext. 103 • Online: http://parkinsonplace.networkforgood.com/ • Mail: Parkinson Place, 5969 Cattleridge Blvd. Suite #100, Sarasota, FL 34232
Thinking of Getting a Holiday Puppy or Kitten?
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here’s nothing cuter than finding a puppy or ki en under the tree on Christmas morning, but choosing a pet that’s not right for your family can turn into a sad experience for everyone. Here are a few ps to help find a life-long companion that fits right in.
Choose a Better Time
Actually, Christmas may not be the best me to bring home a new pet. Animals need to adjust to the unfamiliar environment with quiet me, a en on, and a rou ne, and busy holiday ac vi es don’t always allow for that.
Give a New Pet I.O.U. Card
If you want to give the kids a pet for Christmas but would rather bring the animal home when things are calmer, you can wrap up a ki y condo or a puppy food dish, collar, and leash with a note a ached saying: “This is for the new ki en/puppy we’ll be picking out together a er Christmas!”
Choose a Pet from a Local Shelter
Animal shelters and rescue groups are overflowing with wonderful pets of all ages. You can see how the
animal interacts with each member of the family while observing its temperament to make sure it’s a good fit. You may find that the animal you bond with wasn’t what you had in mind but turns out to be the perfect pet for your family.
Learn About Different Breeds for a Perfect Fit
There’s a lot more to a harmonious familypet rela onship than meets the eye, so do a li le online research to find out about the traits and needs of different breeds and what’s involved with caring for and training them. Also, consider the cost of owning a pet — veterinarian bills for shots, spaying/neutering, health issues, food, toys, and other everyday expenses. There are many animal shelters and rescue organiza ons in the Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlo e county area, including the Sarasota Humane Society. Any of them will be happy to help you find the right pet for you.
Bird-Lovers’ Holiday Treat: The Audubon Bird Count
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s holiday activities get into full swing on the Suncoast, it’s time to enjoy an annual tradition — the Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. The longest-running citizen scientist survey in the world, the 2020 count will take place from December 14 through January 5 and all Suncoast bird lovers are welcome to participate. As a volunteer, you can experience the beauty of nature and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow counters while doing important research that helps America’s bird population.
Helping Bird and Human Populations
The first Christmas Bird Count took place on Christmas Day, 1900. Concerned about declining bird populations, Frank Chapman, Audubon Society officer and ornithologist, organized a bird census. A meager group of 27 participants counted 18,000 individual birds and 89 species from every corner of the U.S. and started a tradition that has continued every year since. Today’s Christmas Bird Count involves more than 50,000 volunteers every year, including many on the Suncoast. The final tallies provide critical data in the study of bird populations and aid in devising
strategies to protect birds and their habitat. Also, since bird populations are an indicator of the overall health of our environment, these counts help the human population as well.
How to Participate
For more information on how to participate in this year’s Christmas Bird Count, go to audubon.org.
Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain
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olidays are to enjoy, and this year most of us may need something to look forward to more than ever, but if you’re worried about holiday weight gain and are considering locking yourself in the basement from Thanksgiving un l New Year’s Day with an ample supply of water, protein bars, and vegetables, try these simple weight control ps instead. By following a few guidelines, you won’t have to make a New Year’s resolu on to lose the weight you gained.
Eat smaller portions There’s nothing wrong with enjoying all the culinary delights of the season, it’s part of what makes this me of year special. By controlling por ons, you can eat whatever appeals to you, you’ll just eat less of it. Instead of piling on the mashed potatoes and gravy, consciously choose to put a sensible por on on your plate. Instead of diving into a whole box of chocolates, buy one or two special pieces to enjoy. Your holiday cravings will be sa sfied, but with a frac on of the calorie intake. Appetizing appetizers Mindlessly munching on calorie-packed appe zers (you know the culprits — nuts, cheese balls, chips and dips, bread and rolls) will add a load of calories long before you get to the main course. Choose your appe zers with that in mind. Have some olives, veggies, and even a few chips with salsa instead of heavy dips, then you’ve got lots of leeway to enjoy the entrées. Fill up before a party If you a end a holiday get-together this year, be sure you’re not hungry before you go. Eat a light snack beforehand (a piece of fruit, a slice of toast, raw vegetables) and you’ll be surprised how much less temp ng the holiday fare is when you stomach isn’t growling.
Don't Diet! Don’t torture yourself over the holidays trying to lose pounds. Maintaining your weight is enough of an accomplishment. Eat sensibly, exercise, and partake of tasty holiday treats in modera on. If you diet, you’ll most likely succumb to ea ng some of your holiday favorites anyway, leaving you feeling guilty and more likely to over-consume. Craving a holiday dessert? If you’re craving a favorite holiday indulgence, eat it! Studies show that you’ll consume more calories trying to avoid your cravings than by giving in to them. But try ea ng a smaller por on very slowly to avoid going over the deep end on calories. If you don't buy it, you won't eat it Control yourself when you’re buying groceries in the first place so you won’t have high-cal Christmas brownies lurking in your pantry later. It’s easier to convince yourself not to buy treats than to resist tempta on when they’re in the cupboard calling your name. Make time for physical activity Workouts are some mes le by the wayside during this busy me of year, but by making sure you include daily exercise, you’ll feel be er mentally and physically while keeping off extra weight. Keep up your regular exercise rou ne, take walks, and, if you do go out shopping in person this year, park farther away from the stores to add lots of steps and take stairs instead of escalators as you get your shopping done. Trade-offs If you’re determined to limit your calorie intake at holiday dinners, try the “trade-off” technique. If you’ve been looking forward to Grandma’s home-made apple pie, go ahead and enjoy it, just skip the yams with marshmallows or the mashed potatoes, that way you won’t be doubling your calorie intake.
G . F R I E D F LO O R I N G A M E R I C A
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hen it comes to choosing new flooring for your home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of choices available. Plus you’ll need to find a flooring store you can trust to help guide you in making the right decisions, provide professional installation, and back up its services with a strong warranty. An Outstanding Reputation For homeowners on the Suncoast, you need look no further than G. Fried Flooring America. is familyowned flooring specialty store has earned an outstanding reputation for its extensive flooring options — more than 17,000 to choose from, — its knowledgeable and experienced design consultants, top-of-the-line installation services, and one of the industry’s best warranties. In fact, G. Fried Flooring America has been voted the #1 flooring store in Sarasota 20 years in a row. e company has also achieved an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been named an Angie’s List Super Service award winner. Why so many accolades for a local flooring store? Because from the moment you step in the door, you can depend on G. Fried Flooring America’s experienced staff to help you find the perfect floor for the your lifestyle— within the budget you have to work with. And when the company comes to install your flooring, you can count on their trained craftsmen to do the installation right. ey’ll even move furniture out of the way at no extra cost — just an extra service G. Fried Flooring America provides to give you the best experience possible. And you’ll have peace of mind with the company’s Lifetime Installation Guarantee which ensures that if your carpet ever wrinkles, or if a seam opens up, they’ll be back to fix it at no charge. Leader in Sustainability G. Fried Flooring America is a true leader in its sustainability efforts to recycle old carpeting and carpet pads. anks to the company’s award-winning recycling program, the company and its partners have diverted more than 13.5 million pounds of old carpet and padding away from local landfills. Reclaimed nylon carpet becomes automotive resin; old carpet pads become new, recycled
carpet pads; and other carpet fibers become fuel for cement kilns. Community Involvement Being an active member of the community is a priority for G. Fried Flooring America. e company is a member of the Brandon, Riverview, Sarasota, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key Chambers of Commerce, and its owners and management team have served on the Board of Directors of both the Brandon and Longboat Key Chambers. e company sponsors youth programs and sports leagues throughout the Suncoast, including Little League, soccer, and football. It also supports local charitable organizations with its time and donations.
Given the extensive products, services, warranties, and guarantees offered by G. Fried Flooring America, why look anywhere else?
G. Fried Flooring America 5990 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 Phone: (941) 584-8757 www.gfriedfa.com
Tech Gift Ideas
Wireless Earbuds Looking for freedom from cords? True wireless earbuds connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. They range from $30 to hundreds of dollars, so do a li le research to ďŹ nd the brand, features, and price that work for you.
iFixit Essen al Electronics Toolkit
Smartphone-Connected Personal Safe
Germ Avoiding An microbial Hand Tool
Repair broken screens, dead ba eries, and non-working bu ons on smartphones, laptops, and game systems with specialized tools and easy stepby-step guides. $25.00 at thegrommet.com.
Keep your valuables secure with this smart safe and app combo. It can be opened with the keypad, back-up key, or through its app which includes 24/7 security monitoring. $94.95 at thegrommet.com.
Avoid direct contact with door pulls, ATMs, elevator bu ons, keypads, and more with this an microbial brass hand tool that connects to your keychain. $24.95 at hammacher.com.
Holiday Fun for Kids f you’ll be spending much of the holiday season at home this year, you’ll need a game plan to keep the kids busy. Here are a few ideas that you and your kids will enjoy.
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PUT ON A HOLIDAY SHOW Watch your children’s creativity come to life as they write, direct, and act in their own play to perform for the family. Let your kids handle the entire process: choosing who will write, direct, and play which part. And, to turn the play into a movie, they’ll need a camera person to video the whole thing. Assignments: The kids need to
have a meeting to decide who will be the director (in charge of the whole operation), who will write the story (this can be a team effort), and who will play each part. Writing the Play: The writers need
to come up with an idea and then write it down or convey it to the others. The “script” needs to have simple lines to memorize or read. Costumes: Tell the kids what they
can use — parents’ clothes, towels and sheets, costume jewelry, makeup. Just let them know what is off limits! Rehearsing: Under the “director’s”
guidance, they’ll need to rehearse the play. You might let the “director” know that being patient with younger siblings is part of the job. Music: If they want music in the
show, they can choose from playlists, CDs, or even make up and sing songs themselves.
Invitations: When the show is ready
to “open,” the kids should check with you to see what day and time will work for everyone. Then they can make and hand out invitations to Opening Night.
How much of “Jingle Bells” can
you sing right now?
Time to put on the play! Sit back
and enjoy your children’s natural creativity and joy. Be sure someone takes a video, and you might want to give them a nice standing ovation after they’ve finished.
HOLIDAY TRIVIA GAME Write a list of holiday questions for each child to take turns answering. Here’s a sample: Who celebrated the first
Thanksgiving in the autumn of 1621? (The pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans.) What is America’s favorite main
dish to serve on Thanksgiving? (Turkey) We all know about Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer, but how many other reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve? (Eight) How many of Santa’s reindeer
can you name? (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen) Why did the Grinch hate
Christmas so much? (Because his heart was two sizes too small.) In “The Night Before Christmas”
when Santa laughed, what did his belly shake like? (Jelly)
Kids study a treasure hunt map HOLIDAY TREASURE HUNT Kids love searching for “treasure” whether in the house or out in the yard. If there are several children, they will work together as a team. First, choose the “treasure” (toys or treats are always appreciated). Then make the map. If you want to get creative, you can soak a teabag and drip and splatter it on the paper to make it look like an old pirate map. Then walk through the area to set up your clues such as: take ten steps toward the kitchen, go through the door and then take eight steps to where you’ll find water faucets (the sink), that’s where you’ll find your next clue. Each clue will guide them to the next, until the last clue that leads them to the treasure. Top photo: children perform in their own Christmas play
Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz Q: What Na ve American tribe helped the Pilgrims survive the first harsh winter by teaching them to fish and cul vate crops? A: The Wampanoag tribe (pronounced WOMP-ah-nog) helped the Pilgrims by teaching them to fish and cul vate indigenous crops. Today, the tribe’s descendants live on their reserva on on Martha’s Vineyard. Q: When and where did the first Thanksgiving take place? A: Most historians believe it was in 1621 in Plymouth Colony in an area that later became Massachuse s. Q: Which of the following ships carried the Pilgrims to America: the Nina, the Pinta, “Old Iron Sides,” the Mayflower, or the Santa Maria? A: The Mayflower brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth Rock a er a 66-day voyage over the Atlan c. Q: What is the official day for Thanksgiving in the U.S.? A: The fourth Thursday in November.
Q: Which ea ng utensil was NOT used by the Pilgrims: knives, forks, spoons, or their fingers? A: Forks. Pilgrims did not have forks but ea ng with their fingers was quite acceptable. Q: True or false: the Pilgrims wore mainly black and white clothes and dressed very somberly? A: False. While black and white were worn on Sundays, at other mes the Pilgrims’ clothes included a lot of color. Women wore red, green, brown, blue, violet, and gray, and men wore green, brown, and beige. Q: Which of America’s Founding Fathers argued that the wild turkey — rather than the bald eagle — should be the na onal bird of the United States? A: Benjamin Franklin. He felt the turkey was “a much more respectable bird...a true original na ve of America...and though a li le vain and silly, a bird of courage.”
Q: Which president declared the final Thursday in November as a na onal day of Thanksgiving? A: Although other presidents (including George Washington and John Adams) had called for a na onal day of thanksgiving when circumstances called for it, it was Abraham Lincoln who made it an annual na onal observance. In 1939 Franklin Roosevelt changed it to the fourth Thursday in November, and Congress made it an official na onal holiday in 1941.
Q: How much did the world’s biggest pumpkin pie weigh? A: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin pie weighed 3,699 pounds and measured 20 feet across by 3 inches deep. Baked on September 25, 2010 by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers at the New Bremen Pumpkinfest in Ohio, ingredients included 187 cans of pumpkin, 2,796 eggs, 109 gallons of evaporated milk, 525 pounds of sugar, 7 pounds of salt, 14.5 pounds of cinnamon, 3 pounds of pumpkin pie spice, and 440 sheets of dough.
Q: What year was the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? A: 1924. Today the parade travels 2.5 miles down the streets of Manha an to the delight of the 3.5 million people lining the streets. Another 50 million households across the U.S. watch the parade on TV.
Q: True or false: turkeys are slow moving birds and cannot fly? A: This may be true for domes cated turkeys that are bought for Thanksgiving dinner, but their wild counterparts can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour and fly for short distances at nearly 55 miles per hour.
Q: Which of the following was NOT included on the menu at the first Thanksgiving: venison, wild fowl, lobster, nuts, pumpkin pie, seal, le uce, grapes, swan, or seafood? A: Pumpkin pie. The Pilgrims lacked two necessary items needed to make pie: sugar (they didn’t have any le a er the voyage), and ovens to bake them in. There are records of Pilgrims stewing pumpkins, but not baking pies.
Q: True or false: ea ng turkey can make you sleepy? A: It’s possible. Turkey contains tryptophan, a natural seda ve. But since a lot of other foods contain tryptophan as well, if you feel sleepy a er a big Thanksgiving dinner the real cause might be the combina on of fats and carbohydrates in all those yummy side dishes along with the amounts of food (and some mes alcohol) you may have consumed.
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