2016 IWANNA Holiday Gift Guide

holiday hosting

HOLIDAY

decorating inspiration

2016

tips & recipes

deck the halls

© IWANNA USA, LLC November 15, 2016

INSIDE: L O C A L E V E N T S • G I F T I N G A D V I C E • H O L I D AY P L A N N I N G • C A L E N D A R

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016 holiday hosting

HOLIDAY

deck the halls

decorating inspiration

2016

tips & recipes

© IWANNA USA, LLC November 15, 2016

General Manager & Publisher PATRICIA M. BETTS

Greenville Regional Sales Manager JAY SCHOEBEL

Production/IT Manager JEFF RUMINSKI

Creative Director/ Content Editor CARRIE HARDER

Creative Services INSIDE: L O C A L E V E N T S • G I F T I N G A D V I C E • H O L I D AY P L A N N I N G • C A L E N D A R

Cover designed by Carrie Harder

Gift Guide A Publication of

DAVID DENTON RACHEL HOEFT DEBI MANFRE RANDY WHITTINGTON

Advertising Consultants DIANA DAVIS PAM HENSLEY RICK JENKINS ROSE LUNSFORD ANGIE OLIVER CRYSTAL PRESSLEY

Sales Assistants 33 College Place, Iwanna Building Asheville Office Park Asheville, NC 28801 828.274.8888 Holiday Gift Guide, a publication of IWANNA, has accepted contributions which may not reflect the opinion of the publisher. No portion of Holiday Gift Guide may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

JAYME PRESSLEY LESLIE MANTHEY

Distribution Managers BOBBY CREWS SAM HOWELL

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holiday cooking

party fare sure to delight holiday guests

What would the holidays be without entertaining? Playing host or hostess and inviting crowds of people to visit is part of what makes the season so special and memorable.

Cornbread Blinis

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ntertaining can take on many forms — from elaborate sit-down dinners featuring multiple courses to cocktail parties with passed hors d’oeuvres. Smallbite foods are perfect for holiday parties because they’re portable and allow guests to take their food with them and mingle.

Several appetizers enjoyed together can even be a meal.

Appetizers need a solid base onto which the culinary creation can be built.

“Cornbread Blinis” offer just that. These small cornmeal “pancakes” are beautiful, sturdy hosts for the likes of thinly sliced prosciutto or smoked salmon. Enjoy these recipes, courtesy of Denise Gee’s “Southern Appetizers: 60 Delectables for Gracious GetTogethers” (Chronicle Books), and top the pancakes with “Divine Crab Spread.”

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday hosts and hostesses can whip up appetizers with a Southern flair in time for the holidays.

Try “Cornbread Blinis” paired with creamy “Divine Crab Spread.”

Divine Crab Spread

Cornbread Blinis Makes 24 ingredients

1/2 cup good quality, stone-ground yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk 1 egg, lightly beaten 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons melted 2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or Italian flat-leaf parsley, optional

➜ In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the milk, beaten egg, melted butter, and chives (if using). Stir until just combined. ➜ Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a hot skillet or griddle. When bubbling, add the batter in tablespoonfuls about 1 inch apart. cook the blinis until bubbles form on top, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook another minute or so, until lightly browned and golden.

Remove them to a cooling rack and, if desired, keep warm in an oven heated to its lowest temperature. ➜ Use paper towels to wipe away crust giblets or darkened grease from the pan. Repeat the proces with more butter and batter. ➜ Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Divine Crab Spread Makes about 3 cups ingredients

8 ounces whipped cream cheese 1⁄4 cup heavy cream or half-andhalf 1⁄4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus thinly sliced lemon wedges for garnish.

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or finely sliced green onions, plus whole chives for garnish 1 to 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄8 teaspoon hot sauce 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shellsl

➜ In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, chives, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, salt, and hot sauce and stir until smooth. ➜ Gently add the crab meat, using a rubber spatula to fold it into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. ➜ Refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day. To preserve the freshest flavor, keep the dip in a well-sealed container surrounded by ice in a larger container. ➜ Serve it very cold, garnished with lemon wedges and whole chives.

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local events

For more information about Christmas at Biltmore, visit Biltmore.com/visit

Experience Gilded Age Elegance During

Christmas at

A holiday tradition born more than a century ago, Christmas at Biltmore will enchant those who visit George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore House during the estate’s annual holiday celebration, set for November 4 through January 8.

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hristmas at Biltmore celebrates beloved traditions with unsurpassed style as one of the Southeast’s most storied holiday destinations. Inspired by a century of festivities, America’s largest home is adorned with more than 70 intricately decorated trees and thousands of lights. This year’s theme of “Hearth and Home”—drawn from stories of Vanderbilt family hospitality— emphasizes Biltmore House’s many fireplaces accented with

extravagant decorations. The celebration continues with our commemorative Christmas wine at the Winery and special menus in estate restaurants.

The Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebrations will take place from November 4, 2016 – January 8, 2017.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings, November 4 - January 7, 2017 Enjoy Biltmore House by candlelight and firelight reminiscent of the first

Biltmore tapestry gallery during the Christmas season. Photo credit: The Biltmore Company.

Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895, reflecting off thousands of sparkling ornaments during these reservation-only evenings.

From fireplace mantels draped with evergreens to towering trees festooned with lights, Candlelight Christmas Evenings offer a warm welcome. By

reservation only, these special evenings have become a cherished tradition for their unique view of holiday lights, live music, and Biltmore House displaying its magnificent Christmas decorations. Your self-guided Candlelight visit

also includes daytime admission to Antler Hill Village & Winery, gardens, shops, and restaurants with special holiday menus (additional cost) on the day of your evening visit or the day after.

- Courtesy of biltmore.com

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local events

Grove Arcade Winter Wonderland Nov. 18 through Jan. 4

winter wonderland at

grove arcade

The historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville is a magical place anytime of year. During the holiday season the elegant building comes alive even more with its annual Winter Wonderland.

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his season’s Winter Wonderland begins Nov. 18 and continues daily through Jan. 4. The Friday openingnight festivities from 5-8pm include a Deck the Halls Lighting Celebration; a performance by the Asheville Symphony Chorus starting at 6pm; decorating ornaments for children, benefiting MANNA’s Backpack Program; story time and take-your-own photos with Santa Claus; holiday cider & cookies; and, as always, local shopping & dining in the alluring Grove Arcade.

In addition to shopping and dining, ongoing holiday events at the Grove Arcade include return appearances by Santa Claus on Nov. 19 from 2-4pm, after the Asheville Holiday Parade, and from 1-5pm on Dec. 4, 11 & 18; as well as a Gingerbread House Display beginning Nov. 22, in partnership with The Omni Grove Park Inn. It all adds up to a season of wonder in one of Asheville’s architectural gems.

“The Grove Arcade is a beautiful, historic building; when she puts on her holiday finery she becomes a sparkling jewel not to be missed,” says Ruth Summers, Grove Arcade executive director.

“Our opening-night celebration of Winter Wonderland is designed for the entire family: music with the Symphony Chorus, the jolly old fellow, ornament decorating, cookies and cider and more.

“We hope people of all ages will make the Grove Arcade part of their Christmas and holiday tradition, as they come see us for this free, family-friendly event.”.

- Courtesy of the Grove Arcade, grovearcade.com

A fanciful building, envisioned by Edwin Wiley Grove of the Grove Park Inn, that incorporates many architectural styles and served as one of the leading commerical buildings in the city in the 1930s. At 269,000 square feet, it was (and still is) the largest building in downtown Asheville.

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

holiday gifts

3 great reasons to give

While gift cards are a go-to fallback option when shopping for the person who has it all, many gift givers feel they are a tad too impersonal. But in lieu of traditional store-bought gifts, shoppers stuck on what to buy

should consider the many great reasons to give homemade gifts.

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Homemade gifts show your loved one how much they mean to you.

Gift cards are practical, but they rarely elicit the warm feelings

holiday shoppers want their gifts to produce. A homemade gift will show your loved one that you put time and effort into making their holiday season special, and that’s something they will appreciate when they use or see the gift.

Gift Guide

be a great resource for inexpensive yet fantastic homemade gift ideas.

homemade gifts Nearly every holiday shopper has at least one person on their list who seemingly has everything. When shopping for such loved ones, shoppers often find the perfect gift to be especially elusive.

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Homemade gifts will not break the bank. Holiday shoppers working on a tight budget likely will not have to break the bank to create a perfect homemade gift. The internet (especially websites such as Pinterest) can

You can control quality with homemade gifts. Store-bought items are not always of the highest quality, and no shopper wants to give a gift that falls apart within a few days. By creating the gift yourself, you can ensure it’s made with the highest quality materials so it will withstand the test of time.

- Metro Creative Connection

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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local events

2016 asheville holiday parade

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he Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles of WNC, rolls, dances and marches through downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 19 beginning at 11am.

This year’s theme is Light Up the Holidays- Celebrating 70 Years.

The parade features nearly 100 entries including marching bands, dance & cheer squads, nonprofits & businesses. The parade begins on Biltmore Ave at Charlotte St, traveling north. Performance stop as well as Parade Judges & TV cameras are located at the intersection of Biltmore Ave & Patton Ave (at Pack Square). The parade then travels west on Patton Ave ending at French Broad Ave.

2016 Grand Marshals are Asheville Community Theatre.

Like the parade, ACT is celebrating 70 years in the community.

“We’re thrilled to be named this year’s Grand Marshals. For 70 years, ACT has been committed to this community. We are proud to have been a presence in downtown Asheville for decades where we have cultivated partnerships and collaborations with many of our wonderful neighbors,” said Jenny Bunn, ACT’s marketing director.

Parade entries have something for everyone with decorated floats, adoptable pets from area rescue organizations, our Honored Veterans float sponsored by Express

Employment Professionals, live music, performances, and Santa Claus, brought to you by the NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights.

After the parade, head to The Grove Arcade for photos with Santa from 2-4pm.

Adding to the holiday fun, parade attendees are invited to stroll “Walkable Wall Street.”

Downtown’s Wall Street will be closed to vehicles througout the day, opening it to pedestrians to enjoy the street and its merchants.

Also, the City of Asheville is partnering with The NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights to unveil a seasonally bright display centered around the Vance Monument & Hoss Haley fountain area of Pack Square Park.

The lighting will occur at 6pm on November 19. From Nov 19 through Jan 20, eight trees in Pack Square Park will be seasonally lit.

- Courtesy of ashevilledowntown.org

Who’s in t he parade?

❄ A New Home Hope Care ❄ ABCCM ❄ AC Reynolds High School ❄ Access Church ❄ Amazing PubCycle/Enter the Conundrum ❄ AMS Cheerleaders ❄ Angie’s Dance Academy ❄ Anthony Miller Racing ❄ ART ❄ Asheville Cheer and Football Youth Leaque ❄ Asheville Citizen Times ❄ Asheville City Federation of Negro Women ❄ Asheville Dance Theater ❄ Asheville Fire Department ❄ Asheville Fire Department #2 ❄ Asheville High Cheerleading Team ❄ Asheville High School Band ❄ Asheville HS Dance Team ❄ Asheville Humane Society ❄ Asheville Museum of Science ❄ Asheville Police Department ❄ Asheville Radio Group ❄ Asheville Radio Group (Sponsor) ❄ Asheville Second Line Community Band

❄ Asheville Sun Soo ❄ Balloon Kat ❄ Blue Ridge Cowboy Church ❄ Blue Ridge Roller Girls ❄ Bojangles of WNC (sponsor) ❄ Boy Scout Pack, Troop & Crew 108 ❄ Brother Wolf Animal Rescue ❄ Center Stage Dance Studio Inc. ❄ Champion Credit Union ❄ Charlotte Street Kids ❄ City of Asheville Parks and Recreation ❄ Clyde A. Erwin High School ❄ DAMA ❄ Daniel Boone council ❄ Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community ❄ Distingushed Young Women of Buncombe County ❄ Eblen Charities ❄ Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School ❄ Enka High School Band ❄ Erwin Youth League ❄ Exit Realty ❄ Fairview Elementary ❄ Folk Heritage Committee ❄ Friends of the WNC Nature Center ❄ GEICO Asheville ❄ Girl Scout Troop 2497 ❄ Girl Scout Troop 30120 ❄ Grand Marshall- ACT ❄ H.B Ferguson Missionary Baptist Church ❄ Hanger Hall School for Girls ❄ Hilton Garden Inn ❄ Holston Gases (sponsor) ❄ Hominy Baptist Church ❄ Hominy Valley Youth Football and Cheerleading ❄ I Heart Media (Sponsor) ❄ I Heart Second App (Sponsor) ❄ Ingles ❄ IWANNA ❄ Kasumi Mountain Martial Arts ❄ Kuduzu Brands (Sponsor) ❄ Lazoom Comedy Tours ❄ LEAF Community Arts ❄ Mary Ellen Woods ❄ Mayor’s Committee on Veteran Affairs ❄ Miss NC US International ‘17 ❄ Mitchell High School Band & Cheerleaders ❄ Navitat ❄ NC Rhododenron Festival Queens ❄ NC Subamarine Veterans ❄ New World Celts ❄ North Carolina Submarine Veterans ❄ Odyssey Community School ❄ Off the Wagon Dueling Piano Bar ❄ Omni Grove Park Inn ❄ OSEGA Gymnastics Center ❄ Overstock Outlet ❄ Paramount KIA of Asheville ❄ Quilters on the Go ❄ Read2Succeed ❄ Santa Float ❄ Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care ❄ Smoky Mtn Sk8way ❄ SOCON ❄ Sound Extreme (sponsor) ❄ Street Creature Giant Puppet Collective ❄ Superior LED Displays ❄ TC Roberson Air Force JROTC ❄ TC Roberson Marching Band ❄ Waffle House ❄ WLOS / WMYA (sponsor)

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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holiday shopping

BooKs for everyone on your list Great books make for great gifts for everyone on your list!

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ere are five titles to consider giving knowledge-seekers to enjoy during the season, or as stocking stuffers:

characteristics are needed for a record-breaking gem, and follow the history of the world’s most famous jewelry houses and designers.

gem lovers. Produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution, “Gem” is a visual guide to precious and semiprecious stones, organic gems, and precious metals, and features over 1,000 specially commissioned images. “Gem” reveals the science, natural history, mythology, and true stories behind the most celebrated gems and jewel-laden artifacts, including the Hope Diamond and Queen Elizabeth’s pelican brooch.

Readers can learn about the exquisite jewelry of cultures around the world, find out what

star gazers. Chart the wonders of the cosmos with “The Stars.” Packed with three-dimensional artworks of each constellation and new imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope, groundbased observatories and more, this guide features fascinating objects like glittering star-birth nebulae and supermassive black holes.

The position, size and color of every night-sky object are revealed and a three-dimensional model of the celestial sphere that surrounds Earth charts all 88 constellations.

From the Big Bang to the search for extraterrestrial life, astronomy

and cosmology topics are covered in an easy-to-digest visual format. automotive enthusiasts. Classic car collectors and enthusiasts will enjoy “Classic Car,” a visual guide created in association with the Smithsonian Institution. Featuring the most iconic classics of every decade from the 1940s to the 1980s from the Aston Martin DB5 to the Chevrolet Corvette, the book offers detailed profiles of trademark models, as well as the famous designers and manufacturers behind them, featuring more than 1,300 photographs and two prints suitable for framing.

inventors. Readers can build and explore 28 kid-safe experiments, crafts and activities with “Maker Lab.” Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution and supporting STEAM education initiatives, the book will get young inventors’ wheels turning, making science fun.

Explaining science through photographs, facts and realworld examples, each activity is appropriate for kids ages 8-12 years old. Requiring only household materials, young makers can build an exploding volcano, make bath fizzies, construct a solar system and more.

budding builders. Encourage builders to look at their LEGO bricks in new, creative ways with “365 Things to do with LEGO Bricks,” an interactive book featuring imaginative play and building ideas, from projects that take just a few minutes to those that keep one occupied for hours.

Activities include building a LEGO pet, challenging friends to make the tallest tower while working against the clock, and organizing a LEGO bricks treasure hunt. ameriCan girl Fans. Offer American Girl fans a treasured bookshelf addition with “American Girl: Ultimate Visual Guide,” which includes images of every BeForever and Girl of the Year doll, an expanded section on the TrulyMe dolls and a detailed timeline of the company. Readers can learn about favorite dolls, historical eras, outfits, pets, accessories and more.

- StatePoint Media

Gift Guide gifts for her A

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Mahalo Ukuleles at $26.50

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

Gift Guide

holiday traditions

the history of

holiday lights

Holiday celebrants employ holiday lights in various ways. Certain individuals may be content to hang lights on their Christmas trees and call their decorating complete. Others may get their holiday jollies by making sure each square inch of their home is covered in twinkling lights. Still, other people prefer the more subdued effect of lights framing one picture window of the house.

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he tradition of Christmas lights stretches back to early modern Germany when people used candles to decorate Christmas trees in Christian homes. Those candles were harbingers of what would come when electric lights replaced gas and other open flame illuminating devices that were commonplace prior to the 20th century.

Thomas Edison, the inventor of the first successful practical light bulb, also created the first strand of electric lights that would be used in holiday decorating. By 1880, Edison had standard incandescent light bulbs well sorted out and desired a way to better advertise his invention, so he decided to make the most of the holiday season and put his light bulbs on display.

According to a 2003 article in American Heritage magazine

titled “The Wizard of Your Christmas Tree,” Edison strung incandescent bulbs all around the compound of his Menlo Park, NJ, laboratory. Edison constructed an eight-mile underground wiring system in order to power this grand light display. Because the laboratory was situated along the railroad that passed between Manhattan and Philadelphia, thousands of people were able to see the display.

The concept of electric holiday lights took a bit of time to catch on. Edison’s friend and associate Edward Johnson was tasked with stringing together colored lights in 1882 and placing them on an evergreen tree. Johnson hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs.

In 1895, President Grover Cleveland requested the White House family Christmas tree be illuminated by multi-colored electric light bulbs.

In 1903, when General Electric began to offer preassembled kits of holiday lights, stringed lights were reserved for the wealthy and electrically savvy. For example, in 1903 a single string of electric lights cost $12, or around $300 today.

It would take several more years before holiday lights became a national tradition.

On Christmas Eve 1923, President Calvin Coolidge began the country’s celebration of Christmas by lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse located south of the White House with 3,000 electric lights.

Today, illuminated strands of lights have become a large part of holiday celebrations and have even been adopted for use during various year-round events. Such lights can be a beautiful and festive addition to many celebrations.

- Metro Creative Connection

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Gift Guide

holiday shopping

stocking stuf fers for

sports fans

Gifts comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best gifts are those that come in small packages. Though some people pore over their holiday shopping lists for weeks, it’s not uncommon for even the most devoted holiday shopper to overlook stocking stuffers, which can be just as difficult to find as larger gifts.

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hen shopping for stocking stuffers, consider the recipient’s interests. For example, athletes and sports enthusiasts would undoubtedly love a gift that reflects their loyalty to a favorite team or their devotion to a particular sport. Holiday shoppers who have a sports-crazed superfan or accomplished athlete on their shopping lists may want to consider the following items when looking for stocking stuffers this holiday season.

Sports memorabilia Sports fanatics sometimes double as collectors who are always on the lookout for new memorabilia to display. Such collectibles may include bobbleheads, cards, ticket stubs and signed photographs or equipment. Rare memorabilia may be beyond many gift-givers’ means, but there are still plenty of impressive items that can fit into any holiday gifting budget.

Game tickets Give sports fans a chance to cheer

on their favorite teams in person.

Find a home game that will not require the recipient to travel too far, or if you want to splurge, include transportation with the tickets to an away game. Secondary market ticket-seller StubHub is a reliable resource that guarantees tickets sold on its site are legitimate, removing any doubt ticket market buyers may have.

Fan gear Sports fans can never have enough gear to show off their team pride.

Everything from mugs to hats to authentic team jerseys makes for great stocking stuffers. In addition, look for pennants or t-shirts that feature team names or logos.

Today just about any item comes emblazoned with sports team names. If you can’t find a particular item, it may be possible to order it directly from a team or retailer or have it customized.

Sports equipment Athletes may benefit from updated equipment. Determine if the athletes on your gift list have any

gear that needs replacing. Parents, coaches or even teammates may offer recommendations regarding which equipment your loved one needs. If you don’t know a catcher’s mitt from a tennis racket, stuff the stocking with a gift card to a sporting goods store.

Magazine subscription Sports fans often enjoy reading up on their favorite players and keeping abreast of team or industry news. Magazine subscriptions are generally inexpensive and new subscriptions often come with free gifts as well.

Winner’s trophy For the sports fan who has missed out on getting his or her own trophy, have one made up as a stocking stuffer gag gift. It is certain to bring a laugh and hold a prime spot on the shelf with other sports memorabilia.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNAÂŽ November 15, 2016

did you know?

giving tuesday Designed to serve as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday charitable giving season, Giving Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the United States.

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hile events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become incredibly popular

among holiday shoppers looking for great deals on gifts for their loved ones, Giving Tuesday aims to capitalize on the holiday

spirit of giving by celebrating philanthropy and promoting charitable giving.

Giving Tuesday began in 2012

and was the brainchild of the team at the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at New York City’s 92nd Street Y, which has brought people together around the values of service and giving since 1874. Nonprofits, civic organizations, for-profit businesses and corporations, individuals, and families have

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Gift Guide

participated in Giving Tuesday since its inception. In 2015, with the cooperation of donors, volunteers and organizations in 71 countries, the Giving Tuesday movement raised nearly $117 million. More information about Giving Tuesday is available at www.GivingTuesday.org.

- Metro Creative Connection

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Gift Guide

holiday shopping

select educational gifts for

young children

When shopping for holiday gifts for children, shoppers can easily be overwhelmed by the many toys, electronics, apparel and other items available for kids. Those who may not be up-to-date on the latest trends may even find shopping for kids a bit like solving a difficult puzzle.

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hile some shoppers may want to get kids the flashiest toy, others may prefer gifts that are both fun and mentally stimulating. Developmental toys and educational games for kids make for popular gifts. Toy and game manufacturers continue to develop products that integrate logic, reasoning, language stimulation, and motor skill development. Shoppers looking for fun, educational toys and games for the kids on their shopping lists have a host of items to choose from.

Building blocks Blocks that enable children to design and construct are popular among youngsters of various ages. Blocks come in many different forms, from early education wooden blocks that fill nursery floors to the more intricate, interlocking building sets that are coveted by older children.

STEM toys Some of the latest trends in children’s toys veer away from regular video games and apps and cater to the rising interest in STEM. STEM is an acronym for science, technology and math. Early introduction to STEM-related skills can pay dividends later in life, considering students who have an emphasis on STEM knowledge are highly coveted among employers. STEM toys may include robot-building kits, toys that help young learners test the boundaries of physics, apps that help kids learn computer programing, and even scientific experiment kits that illustrate cause and effect.

Sensory toys Young children can benefit

Toy and game manufacturers continue to develop products that integrate logic, reasoning, language stimulation, and motor skill development.

Shoppers looking for fun, educational toys and games for the kids on their shopping lists have a host of items to choose from. from toys that stimulate the senses. Items to consider include water toys, sands (including the newer kinetic varieties), playdoughs, musical instruments, and bubbles.

Even food-related toys, such as those that encourage baking or cooking, will appeal to various senses and can help kids learn valuable skills.

Imaginative play toys Imaginative play is an effective way to stimulate creative thinking and may help children become better learners. The Creativity Institute, specializing in toys for creative play, says playing is important to children and the way they practice growing up. According to an article by Dr. Scott Kaufman that appeared in Psychology

Today, “Systematic research has increasingly demonstrated a series of clear benefits of children’s engagement in pretend games from the ages of about two and one half through ages six or seven.”

Dress-up toys, puppets, dolls, action figures, and toys that mimic real-life activities are all examples of products that promote imaginative play.

Educational toys can be included on holiday gifting lists.

Not only will they encourage children to play and have fun, but they’ll serve as building blocks to a lifetime of learning as well.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNAÂŽ November 15, 2016

holiday shopping

how to organize office

Plan an office gift exchange and bring smiles to your coworkers faces this holiday season.

gift exchanges Close-knit groups of employees commonly exchange gifts with one another come the holiday season. Friendly coworkers enjoy bringing smiles to the faces of their friends and fellow employees, and these informal gift exchanges can benefit company morale and establish a familial atmosphere at the office.

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n spite of the good-natured reasons to exchange gifts with coworkers, some people are nervous about the prospect of gifting fellow employees. Questions regarding what makes for an appropriate gift or how much to spend may arise, turning office gift exchanges into potentially puzzling situations.

Those ready to participate in office gifting can follow certain etiquette guidelines to take the anxiety out of office gifting.

Determine if there is an office policy governing gift exchanges. Some businesses may have a specific policy in place that establishes guidelines on what makes acceptable, appropriate gifts for coworkers.

The larger the company, the more specific the policy is likely to be.

Consider the overall office climate. Is yours a relaxed working environment, or is it ultra-formal? Allow the corporate culture to play a part

in your gifting decisions. A gift that may be appropriate for a smaller, casual company may not be fitting for a large, rules-heavy corporation. Always let common sense prevail.

Establish a spending limit.

Spending limits let everyone know just how much to spend.

Resist the urge to go above and beyond. While you may just want to be generous, others may view an expensive gift as a way to show off or an attempt to flatter a coworker or even a boss.

Think of life outside the office. When shopping, start thinking about what your coworkers like to do when they are not at work. For example, golf enthusiasts may enjoy a box of balls or a gift certificate to play at an area course. Stick to generic gifts if you are unsure of what your coworkers do when they are not working. Personalized holiday mementos, gadgets for entertaining, items that can be used around the office or foodrelated gift baskets make great holiday gifts. Remember to take

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Gift Guide

into account others’ religions and traditions when shopping.

Avoid gifts that are overly personal. Steer clear of giving fragrances or cosmetic products because you do not know what the other person will like.

Scented products also may send the wrong message, indicating you think someone needs to cover up with an aroma.

Clothing is another gift to avoid, as certain items may be seen as suggestive and you may not be in tune with the recipient’s personal style.

Consider personal or handmade gifts as well.

Engraved picture frames, hand-picked gift baskets filled with homemade treats or gift certificates to favorite coffee shops or lunch spots in the vicinity of the office make ideal office gifts.

- Metro Creative Connection

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Gift Guide

holiday shopping

gifts for the family

and curators to designers and individual photography enthusiasts. Unlike traditional galleries that charge as much as 50 percent of image royalties for each piece they sell, YourArtGallery. com members earn 90 percent of all image royalties.

photographer Photography has long been a great way for talented artists to express themselves while providing glimpses into the world and the people who inhabit it.

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ith holiday shopping season upon us, chances are many shoppers have an amateur photographer on their shopping list.

Fostering a love of photography in a friend or family member may encourage them to see the world in ways they never imagined possible. Holiday shoppers with little or no knowledge of photography may want to consider the following gift ideas for their loved ones with a passion for taking photos.

Photograp hy classes Photography is both an art form and a skill, and novice photographers will no doubt appreciate a chance to learn

more about their hobby.

Beginner photography classes can teach amateurs the basics of photography, including exposure and how to get the most out of their cameras. Look for more advanced classes for photographers whose skills are more developed.

Advancements in photography continue to be made, so giving a loved one the opportunity to stay abreast of the latest technological developments and techniques is a gift any photography fan would appreciate.

Showcase Photography is a hobby for many people, but there are no rules stating hobbies cannot earn their

practitioners some money. If you believe your loved one’s work can earn him or her some money, the gift of a place to showcase their work can be both rewarding and potentially lucrative. Holiday shoppers who want to encourage their loved ones can give a subscription to a site such as YourArtGallery.com. For the cost of a monthly subscription, artists who contribute to YourArtGallery. com can offer their work for sale to art buyers from all walks of life, ranging from collectors

Gear Photography is a rewarding hobby, but it can be expensive, especially when it comes to gear.

Professional photographers tend to own various cameras, so if your budget allows, consider giving a new camera to your loved one this holiday season.

If your knowledge of cameras is limited, consult a salesperson at a local photography store. Do your homework beforehand by researching the kinds of photos your loved one most enjoys taking, whether it’s shots of nature or live action sporting events or whatever subject matter stokes his or her passion. If a camera is beyond your budget, consider a gift card to a photography store that can

offset the cost of your friend or family member’s next camera.

Or consider other gear, such as a new camera lens, a tripod or a camera bag.

External hard drive Photography enthusiasts tend to take lots and lots of pictures, and even digital pictures can monopolize available storage space, including cloud space.

An external hard drive gives photographers a place to store their photos, and the peace of mind that those photos are unlikely to disappear should their smartphone, tablet or computer be damaged.

Photography is a rewarding hobby that brings joy to millions of people across the globe. This year, shoppers can make the family photographer’s holiday season that much more special by finding a gift that will allow them to get even more out of this fulfilling hobby.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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2016

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

HOLIDAY GIF T IDE AS • E NTE R TAI NI NG TI P S • L OC AL S HOP P IN G • R EC IP ES

gift ideas for

last minute shoppers

Early bird shoppers may purchase and even wrap gifts before December, but eleventh-hour shoppers may need some help come the holiday season. The following gifts are quick to purchase and can still make for thoughtful presents.

Liquor or wine basket. Prepackaged spirits often come with decorative glasses & other accoutrements for entertaining.

They’re convenient to purchase if you’re on a time crunch. gas station gift card. Drivers will appreciate a gift card to their favorite gas station. Such cards suit

anyone who frequently travels or commutes.

Food basket. A visit to the supermarket can yield many tasty finds that can be packaged together into a gift basket. Streaming service. Offer to treat a loved one to a month or two of their favorite streaming television or

Details on page 36

movie service. If they already have streaming subscriptions, cover the cost of the subscription for a few months.

• Premade gifts: Look for unique items in the seasonal aisle of your pharmacy, where you might be able to find stocking-stuffer to suit several on your list.

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Gift Guide

holiday travel

holiday travel made easy:

get tech ready

As families prepare for the holiday season, they also prepare to make big family trips, so make sure not to leave home without the proper tech reinforcements this year! These tips will ensure you can savor the sweet moments and avoid potential hiccups!

Drive smarter. Hitting the road? Apps like Waze, a community-based traffic and navigation guide, offer immediate information and alternate routes that save time when everyone is heading out of town. Other apps, like GasBuddy, compare pricing for nearby gas stations so you can fuel up economically, making the drive convenient and worryfree.

out unwelcome disruptions by turning up the volume, and streaming unlimited music from services like Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora with Music Freedom from T-Mobile.

Pro tip: Noise-cancelling headphones help too! Seek out a comfortable pair designed to fit the unique contour of your ears – they are ideal for lengthy trips.

Beat boredom en route.

Even in the air, there are ways to keep the family entertained.

Inflight internet services, like Gogo, allow for texting and surfing the web, so kids can keep up with their Candy Crush game and mom and dad can hop online to research travel activities. And if you are a T-Mobile customer, you get a free hour of Wi-Fi on every domestic flight! Take connectivity to the next level by plugging into a portable charger to ensure all your devices are fully charged for the duration of your flight and after you land.

Make the most of travel downtime. Dealing with a delay or adjusting to a different time zone? Use the unplanned time to catch up on your favorite shows. You can stream services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube on your phone with T-Mobile’s Binge On and not only will you get through the series cliffhanger, none of your streaming will count against your high-speed data! Happy holidays indeed!

Find your travel Zen. Ever been on a long train ride with an unhappy baby or snoring fellow rider? Drown

Stay connected even when abroad. Google’s 2016 travel trends show that 85 percent of leisure travelers

decide on activities to do from their mobile phone after they’ve arrived at their travel destination. You can avoid roaming charges while you wander out of the country with services like Simple Global from T-Mobile. It provides unlimited data and texting in more than 140 countries around the globe.

For the 50 percent of Americans who regularly travel to Mexico or Canada, a travel offering that spans an entire continent, like Mobile Without Borders, will be welcome news.

It ensures you can text and post photos of guacamole and poutine all day with no (data) consequences.

Be the all-star family photographer. Essential for capturing photos throughout the holidays, selfie sticks are this year’s unexpected travel necessity. Various types– compact, waterproof and Bluetooth enabled are available at a range of prices. Whether you are headed on a morning hike or prepping the holiday feast, you’ll capture memories the family will love for years to come.

- StatePoint Media

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

did you know?

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 91 percent of long-distance holiday travel is by personal vehicle. And while many people may associate holiday travel with long lines at

holiday travel airport check-in counters and security checkpoints, the BTS notes that just 5 to 6 percent of holiday trips are taken by air. The remaining 2 to 3 percent are taken by bus, train, ship, or another mode of transportation. The

average long-distance holiday trip for the Christmas/New Year’s holiday is 275 miles, which is slightly longer than the average long-distance trip during the rest of the year, indicating that many travelers are willing to travel farther for the holiday season than

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Gift Guide

they might be during the rest of the year. In addition, when traveling long distances for the Christmas/New Year’s holiday, travelers spend roughly four nights away from home on average.

- Metro Creative Connection

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

Gift Guide

local events

national

gingerbread

house competition

TM

The 24th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ is scheduled for Monday, November 21.

Winning creations will be on display Nov. 27 - Jan. 5.

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t all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year.

There was no possible way to know that 20+ years later The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation’s most celebrated & competitive holiday events.

As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. The panel of judges represents nationally renowned food, arts, and media professionals and the level of competition has

attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by ABC’s Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.

The gingerbread display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same - one of wonder, awe and delight. As a means to provide guests the best experience possible, a minimum $10 outdoor parking charge will be in effect for all drive on guests.

- Courtesy of groveparkinn.com

make your own

Feeling creative? Make your own gingerbread house with these recipes and instructions from the Grove Park Inn. gingerbread 1 lb. Margarine 12 oz. Brown Sugar 1 lb. Molasses 3 lbs. 8oz. All Purpose Flour 1 Tbs + 1 tsp Cinnamon 1 Tbs + 1 tsp Ground Ginger 1 tsp. Ground Cloves 2 tsp Salt 11 oz. Cold Water

Top: 2015 Adult Grand Prize - Team Jengerbread from Chapel Hill, NC Bottom: 2015 Adult Second Place - Billy Mochow of Burns, TN

➜ Cream margarine, brown sugar, spices and salt until light and fluffy. ➜ Add and blend molasses. ➜ Add flour and mix to combine. ➜ Add cold water and blend. ➜ Refrigerate to set. ➜ Bake at 350°F until done.

(Approximately 15-20 minutes)

royal icing 1 lb. Powdered Sugar 2 Egg Whites 1 tsp. Cream of Tartar ➜ Add egg whites to sugar and cream of tartar. ➜ Beat on high for 3-5 minutes until snow-white and fluffy. ➜ Keep covered with a damp towel to retain moisture and avoid hardening.

Royal Icing is the best choice for assembling and decorating

gingerbread house. Most other icings contain shortening or butter that will eventually soak into the gingerbread and could cause your house to soften and collapse.

marzipan

construction tips • •

• •

2 lbs. Almond Paste ½ cup Light Corn Syrup 2 lbs. Sifted Powered Sugar

•

Marzipan is an edible clay-like substance that can be rolled, pressed, and molded into creative shapes for garnishments, people, packages, creatures, etc.

• • •

pastillage 1 oz. Gelatin 8 oz. Water 5 lbs. Confectioner’s Sugar ➜ Heat together the gelatin and water until dissolved. ➜ Add confectioner’s sugar. ➜ Keep covered with a wet towel.

Pastillage, similar to stiff putty, is sometimes referred to as gum paste. Pestillage is rolled fondant without any of the softening ingredients (glycerin, corn starch, or shortening). It dries bone-dry and crusts more quickly than fondant.

• •

•

•

•

Decide on shape and style of house.

Make templates for all sides and roof of house (cardboard, posterboard).

Decide on the materials you plan to use.

Roll out gingerbread to approximately ¼ inch thick.

Decide on a style of window (examples: poured sugar, chocolate candies).

Do all decorating on side of house before assembly.

Make Royal Icing. Keep covered.

Assemble your house. You will need cans and little boxes to help support your house while the Royal Icing dries.

Decide on material for the roof (keep weight in mind).

When sides and front are dry and sturdy, assemble the roof.

Cover with a little powdered sugar for a snowy look (optional).

Add Christmas trees or people, animals, little ponds, snow banks, etc.

Have fun!

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Gift Guide

holiday shopping The popularity of tech gifts makes them one of the most widely exchanged categories of presents during the holiday giftgiving season.

With research and knowledge, consumers can find the perfect gifts to light up their loved ones’ faces.

guide to shopping for tech

gifts

Gadgets make great gifts come the holiday season. Children may want the latest musthave video games, and many adults scour store advertisements for the newest televisions, tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets to include among their own most wanted lists.

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ccording to the Consumer Electronics Association, the holiday season is typically a record-setting time for consumer spending on tech gifts.

The CEA notes that roughly $34 billion was spent in 2015 on tech gifts, and that number figures to grow during the 2016 holiday season. The holiday season is a time when consumers buy tech gifts for their loved ones, but it’s also a time when they splurge on items for themselves.

Technology gifts are popular, but these purchases require some research prior to swiping a card at the checkout counter. Consider this advice before gifting any gadgets this holiday season.

Check product reviews.

Use resources such as Consumer Reports to read up on the reputations of certain products and brands. Avoid purchasing products that have no established track record. Also try to read reviews from third-party sites rather than those posted on manufacturer websites. Independent reviews may be more forthcoming than customer testimonials.

Speak with an educated retailer. Visit a store before making any purchases to learn more about the inner workings of the product you plan to buy. Discover its attributes, advantages, disadvantages, and what others are saying about it. The salesperson may have his or her own opinion on the item and may calm any nerves you have. Niche retailers tend to have knowledgeable sales staff and can be assets when comparison shopping. is it age-appropriate? It may be tempting to purchase children the latest and greatest tech gifts because all of their peers are getting similar items. But first determine if the items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets & smartphones, open children up to the world of social media. So if you buy such products, make sure you have turned on the privacy and safety features available before giving the item to your loved one. If you are purchasing a gift for a young person who is not your child, check with his or her parents to see if the gift will be appropriate or even permitted.

Compare prices across various retailers. While popular gifts may be similarly priced because of the level of demand, it is still a worthy effort to comparison shop before making a rash purchase. In addition, consider that new generations of certain tech products come out quite frequently, and the previous generation may become obsolete rather quickly. Know when manufacturers are releasing new products so you can time your purchases accordingly. do your own test run.

Try a product out for yourself to get a feel for it and its attributes.

Hands-on knowledge may be the best type when gifting tech items.

Just keep in mind that many retailers have a reboxing or restocking fee on tech products. If the item fails to meet your expectations and you plan to return it, it may cost you a percentage of the price.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 19, 2013

Gift Guide gifts for him

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with prices you’ll appreciate Orange Amps starting at $99

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JEWELRY

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25% - 40% OFF All Seiko and Pulsar Mens or Ladies Watches

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Yamahas starting at $38 a month

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Gift Guide

holiday shopping

gr eat gifts for

seniors

Every holiday shopper ends up with at least one loved one on their shopping list who they can’t seem to find anything for. Some people seem to have it all, while others may be less than forthcoming with regard to items they may need or want.

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any seniors tend to fall into the latter category.

Shopping for holiday gifts for seniors can be difficult if shoppers don’t know what seniors want. But the following are a handful of gift ideas that might make this holiday season that much more special for seniors.

Books A 2015 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 69 percent of adults age 65 and over acknowledged reading at least one book in the previous 12 months. That makes books a good bet for shoppers who don’t know what to get their 65-andover loved ones this holiday season. But shoppers might want to opt for more traditional print books rather than e-books, as the survey found that only 15 percent of readers age 65 and over had read an e-book in the previous 12 months.

Gym membership According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 80 percent of adults do not meet

the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.

That can be especially troubling for seniors, who are at greater risk for osteoporosis, a medical condition in which age-related tissue loss contributes to brittle, fragile bones. Physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activities like weight training, can help combat osteoporosis.

Family members stuck on what to get aging loved ones may want to consider gifting a membership to a local gym. Many gyms offer heavily discounted memberships to seniors, and such gyms may even offer senior fitness classes at no additional cost.

Travel gifts Many retirees love to travel, but not every senior has the means to take off for parts unknown. A 2013 survey from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies® found that 25 percent of retirees admitted they wished they would have saved more for retirement travel.

Holiday shoppers can light up seniors’ smiles by gifting travel gifts this holiday season. One idea

is to transfer airline miles to an elderly loved one so he or she can get a free or discounted flight.

If that’s not a possibility, some new luggage or a Global Hotel CardTM sponsored by Orbitz®, a gift card that can be redeemed at 70,000 hotels across the globe, is sure to please.

Family time Shoppers who are especially stuck on what to get seniors for Christmas can just resolve to spend more time with their elderly loved ones. Many seniors genuinely have everything they need, and such men and women may only want to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time with the special seniors in your life if the perfect gift is eluding you.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Gift Guide

holiday how-to

gift wrapping made easy

Keep gift bags on hand.

Gift bags work in a pinch and make it easy to conceal gifts that are hard to wrap. Curious loved ones can easily peak inside gift bags, so be sure to wrap gifts in tissue paper before placing them in the bags.

While holiday shoppers are often enthusiastic about finding great gifts for their loved ones, many are decidedly less excited about wrapping those gifts.

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any holiday shoppers spend hours wrapping gifts each year, and as gift lists grow, so does the amount of time needed to get all of those presents wrapped, hidden, packaged and shipped. Employ the following strategies to make the process go much more smoothly and to reduce gift wrap-related anxiety.

Relearn the basics. Some people may think they know how to wrap gifts, only to realize it’s harder than it looks once the paper, scissors and Scotch tape comes out. Relearn the basics by viewing online tutorials prior to wrapping gifts

so the lessons learned remain fresh in your mind. Learn how to wrap standard clothing gift boxes and recognize that such boxes can often be used to house oddly-shaped items.

Wrap as you buy. Instead of getting bogged down with wrapping all in one evening, wrap presents as you purchase them. This ensures that you don’t leave everything for the last minute and reduces the likelihood that curious kids or inquisitive spouses discover gifts before the big day.

Work on a hard surface.

It may be tempting to lay

everything out on your bed and wrap gifts while you’re bingewatching the latest Netflix series. But hard surfaces make the best places to wrap gifts.

This ensures there won’t be any wrinkles in the paper and that you won’t lose supplies in the bedspread.

Use double-sided tape. For that professional look, invest in some double-sized tape so you will not have any unsightly tape lines.

Keep supplies together. Store wrapping paper, scissors, tags, tape, ribbons, and whatever else you may need to wrap gifts

in one convenient location.

This cuts down on time wasted hunting for supplies around the house.

Draw on gift boxes. Make your own “wrapped gifts” by drawing or stenciling on plain gift boxes if you’re short on time.

Identify recipients by gift wrap. Designate one gift wrap for each person on your shopping list. This way you can easily distinguish one person’s gifts from another’s. This can keep things more organized when sorting and visiting with friends and relatives later on.

Less is usually more.

Do not use too much paper when wrapping; otherwise, you will be left with bulky, sloppy folds. Before trimming the gift wrap from the roll, check that it overlaps the ends of the box by just a couple of inches. A sturdy paper will help you achieve crisper folds and prevent tears when wrapping. For the simplest wrapping design, try kraft paper (brown mailing paper), which can be dressed up with ribbons, cutouts or stamps.

The process of wrapping holiday gifts can go more smoothly when applying some time-tested tips and tricks.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

Kids have fun doing the activities on this page. Don’t forget to enter the coloring contest!

Paper Plate Christmas Tree

dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd Find the following items and write how many you find.

Give Something

WILD

This Year!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: •Paper plate (1 per tree) •Clear tape •Green paint •Glue •Multi-colored pom poms* DIRECTIONS: • In order to make the cone shape, you will need to cut a chunk out of your paper plate.

Find the center and cut out a wedge. We cut out an entire quarter of our plate.

•Roll the plate into a cone shape and seal with tape on the inside.

•Paint your cone green.

Craft courtesy of creativefamilyfun.net •After paint dries, glue on the pom poms and other *Note: While I love the look of the pom poms, don’t let a lack of these stop you decorations. from doing this project. Stickers, beads, gems, buttons, or sequins also work.

Santa can’t deliver wild animals, but you can! Your WILD GIFT will delight animal lovers young and old and will also benefit the Friends of the WNC NATURE CENTER. • Give a Gift Membership to the Nature Center (Includes FREE admission for one year!)

• Adopt a Nature Center Animal

Order your WILD GIFT today!

Visit www.wildwnc.org or call (828) 259-8092

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNAÂŽ November 15, 2016

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Color Jingle, the elf & Buttons, the bear any way you want! Be super creative & you could

WIN A $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE to The Toy Box!

CONTEST RULES 1. Contest is open to children ages 10 and under. Two age divisions: 3 - 6 years old and 7 - 10 years old.

There will be a winner in each age division.

2. Relatives of IWANNA employees or contest sponsors are not eligible to win.

3. Adults may assist in completing the contest entry form, but not in the coloring.

4. Limit one entry per child. Entries will not be returned.

5. All entries must be postmarked by Fri., Dec. 9, 2016.

6. Submissions are considered property of IWANNA and may be printed in this newspaper.

7. Decisions of judges are final.

THE TOY BOX OF ASHEVILLE, INC.

Name:_______________________________________________________________________

793 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804

Age:____________ Phone:______________________________________________________

828-254-8697

Address:_____________________________________________________________________

Open Daily 10-6 Closed Sunday

City:_________________________________ State:___________ Zip:___________________

Please send Santa Coloring Contest entry form to: Santa Coloring Contest c/o IWANNA 31 College Place - Iwanna Bldg. • Asheville, NC 28801

Find us on 0004612206

fun@toyboxasheville.com www.toyboxasheville.com

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

Gift Guide

holiday shopping

Find something for everyone in the district

river arts

map courtesy of riverartsdistrict.com

For more information, visit RiverArtsDistrict.com

Did you know that Asheville’s River Arts District consists of more than 180 artists’ studios, many of which are open every day all year-round?

Pay the RAD a visit this holiday season and pick up a gift for a loved one (or yourself!) while witnessing an amazing range of art being created.

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rom cutting edge sculpture and paintings to traditional raku fired pottery, and everything in-between! Here’s a list of the various studio buildings and businesses in the area.

Visit riverartsdistrict.com for individual studio hours, a peek at the treasures you can expect to find and more info!

1. Riverview Station 2. Warehouse Studios 3. Curve Studios 4. The old Wood Co. 5. Cotton Mill Studios 6. Riverside Studios 7. Hatchery Studios 8. 95 Roberts 9. Phil Mechanic Studios 10. The Wedge Studios 11. Roberts Street Studios 12. odyssey Center 13. Jonas gerard Fine Art 14. Pink Dog Creative 15. 352 Depot Street Studios 16. Element Ceramics 17. Desert Moon Designs Studios 18. Eco Depot Marketplace 19. 375 Depot Studios 20. northlight Studios 21. The Lift Studios 22. David C. Stewart Fine Art

top 10 ways to prepare For your river arts District visit: 1. Visit riverartsdistrict. com, download the Studio Guide, and take note of your favorites 2. Check out Twitter and Facebook for local happenings.

3. Check out the map 4. Think of your visit as a treasure hunt: finding artists whose hours are parallel to your own. Look for open signs & open doors.

5. Bring the kids. The district is a family friendly destination with many mediums to explore, many artists to meet and much creativity to absorb!

6. Do a little bit of research before you visit to make sure you get to see what you’re really interested in. Interested in a certain medium? Check out our artist by medium page and jot down who you want to see.

7. If you really want to see a particular studio or artist, call ahead and make sure they are open.

8. Wear comfortable shoes— most of the district is within walking distance, although you’ll find a car does come in handy to get to some of the further-out studios (and you won’t want to miss them!)

9. Don’t worry about meters!

Parking in the district is free.

You can park on the street or in designated lots outside of studios marked in grey on the map.

10. Come hungry (and thirsty!) There are restaurants, cafes and a brewery all here in the district! Look for the knife, fork and cup symbols marked in grey on the map.

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Gift Guide

holiday shopping

gifts for the family

For those people who don’t know a box cutter from a box saw, shopping for men and women who like to get their hands dirty around the house can be a difficult task.

handyman

Home improvement projects are complex undertakings that often involve the use of complex tools, and novices may be lost in the proverbial woods as they look for gifts for their loved ones who can’t wait to swing hammers around the house.

T

hough there’s always an element of risk when shopping for gifts for loved ones, the following hints might help shoppers with no knowledge of home improvement projects find gifts that will please their favorite handyman.

Take inventory of his or her existing tools.

When shopping for the DIY enthusiast in your family, try to take inventory of his or her tool chest before beginning your search.

Make note of any tools that look new, checking those off your shopping list, and any that look

like they need replacing. Use your phone to photograph any unfamiliar tools that you might want to replace so you know what to look for when visiting the hardware store.

Think of what your relative likes to do most. The family handyman may have a particular area of home improvement expertise or something he or she is especially passionate about. Does your loved one prefer to work in the garden? Is he into woodworking and making decorative items for the house?

Think of what he or she likes to do most and then look for something

that will make that hobby more enjoyable. While multipurpose tools might make for welcome gifts, something more specific to his or her particular passion may make an even better gift.

Think outside the (tool)box. While new tools might make a handyman’s day, they are not the only items that make great DIY gifts. Consider enrolling your loved one in an advanced class so he or she can learn more about a favorite hobby.

Or gift a magazine subscription so he or she can stay abreast of the latest DIY trends and topics. Such

gifts are great options for shoppers hesitant to purchase potentially costly tools that may or may not be hits with their relatives.

Speak with a professional. If you can’t access your loved one’s workshop or simply don’t know what he or she might want, ask a local contractor for gift recommendations. For example, a carpenter might know just what will elicit a smile from woodworking enthusiasts, while landscapers might be able to suggest items for gardening or lawn care enthusiasts.

Advancements are always being made in the home improvement industry, and those people who make their living in that industry might be great resources as you try to find the go-to gift for your loved one.

Finding a gift for the family handyman might be difficult for shoppers with no DIY experience of their own. But a little forethought and perhaps some professional assistance can be just what shoppers need to find gifts their loved ones will cherish for years to come.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

Gift Guide

holiday hosting

party pointers

Graceful tablescapes add creative flair while inspiring conversation around the holiday dinner table.

from three of Napa’s premier winemakers The holiday season is about to hit full swing. This special time of year is synonymous with many things, including gatherings with family and friends.

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ach year, holiday hosts face the challenge of setting their seasonal soirées apart from all the other parties guests attend between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Such a challenge is nothing three of Napa Valley’s top winemakers haven’t faced before. Each year, Chimney Rock Winery’s Elizabeth Vianna, Markham Vineyard’s Kimberlee Nicholls and Rutherford Hill’s Marisa Taylor play host to family and friends and each have their own unique take on holiday hosting.

Break Free From Firsttime Jitters It’s common to feel pressure when hosting a holiday gettogether for the first time. Many

families have traditions that date back several decades, so being tasked with carrying on those traditions can sometimes be daunting. But Taylor, a wine country native and veteran host, notes that honoring family traditions while simultaneously creating a festive and fun atmosphere is nothing to be afraid of.

“People are sometimes intimidated by holiday entertaining,” says Taylor, whose Rutherford Hill Merlot has long been a benchmark for Napa Valley varietals. “But the truth is, just a few small touches can create an ambiance that elevates the whole experience.

I think it even makes the food and wine taste better!”

Taylor incorporates family

history with her own unique hosting touches by bringing out vintage family photos and heirlooms that guests can pass around her stylishly decorated dinner table. let new traDitions take root Another way for hosts to set their holiday parties apart from the masses is to try something

new at the dinner table. Each year, Vianna, who presides over the production of the popular Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignons, hosts a special kind of dinner for friends who help her get through the often exhausting harvest season.

Dubbed “Friendsgiving,” the celebration takes place at the end of autumn harvest season and includes friends, family and colleagues who contributed to another successful harvest.

Vianna even encourages “Friendsgiving” guests to bring a postcard from somewhere around the world to use as a dinner table place card. This simple, yet creative idea inspires interesting conversation at Vianna’s holiday table, and hosts can incorporate their own creative touches to make their parties more memorable and enjoyable. For example, each year, Nicholls, whose awardwinning varietals at Markham include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, assembles a graceful tablescape using marble and wood serving trays, vintage tablecloths and a tiered cake stand to create an elegant display guests won’t soon forget.

the more the merrier Family always make the holiday dinner guest list, but Nicholls notes that holiday hosting is about opening our homes to people, whether those people share our last names or not.

Inviting some fresh faces can stimulate engaging conversation and lift the spirits of someone who might not be able to make it home for the holidays.

“I’ve been known to invite people I meet at Markham winery who might not have anywhere else to go for the holidays,” says Nicholls.

“Somehow there’s always enough food.”

To enjoy a Napa Valley holiday of your own, Chimney Rock, Markham and Rutherford Hill wineries are offering a chance for two lucky winners to visit Napa Valley complete with airfare, lodging, behindthe-scenes vineyard tours, VIP lunches with scenic views overlooking the Valley and even the chance to blend your own Merlot. Visit the Napa Valley Holiday Pinterest page at pinterest.com/NVHoliday for more information.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

holiday shopping When it comes to gifts for the hunters and outdoors enthusiasts on your list, think lightweight and easily packable.

gr eat gifts for

hunters & Outdoors enthusiasts

Will you be shopping for any hunters or outdoor enthusiasts this holiday season? Thoughtful, useful gifts will be well-appreciated.

W

hen it comes to hunters, think lightweight and packable,” says Louis Chalfant, director of product development at Smith’s Consumer Products.

Here are a few helpful and handy ideas to consider: Cooking kit Sharpen their Game Those who hunt, fish and go on outdoor expeditions know just how important it is to

keep tools sharp. You can hone gamesmanship with essential gear like a knife sharpener.

For instance, a versatile tool like the Jiffy-Pro Handheld Sharpener is quick, safe and easy to use whether one is in the field, back at camp, or at home.

It functions both to set the edge on a dull or damaged blade and to achieve razor sharpness. Plus, the scissors sharpening slot is large enough to accommodate game shears as well.

Lightweight enough to be a stocking stuffer, consider, the 4” Diamond Combination Bench Stone, which features coarse and fine grit sharpening surfaces.

Its innovative design speeds sharpening by collecting and holding the metal filings which ordinarily build up during use.

Each stone has a groove for fish hooks or pointed tools, and when one is finished sharpening; he or she can store the stones in the handle for safekeeping.

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Gift Guide

These tools are available at various sporting goods, outdoors and hardware retail stores, as well as online at SmithsProducts.com.

Get them Prepared Those whose adventures take them off the beaten path need certain lightweight, compact tools to be prepared for a variety of situations. A fire starter is a must-have for any avid outdoorsman, hunter or backpacker.

Other handy items to consider for gifts are a high-quality first aid kit with all the essentials, a multifunctional pocket knife or even an IOU promising to cover the cost of this seasons’ hunting and fishing licenses.

With some careful consideration, you can make the holidays special for the hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in your life.

- StatePoint Media

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

Gift Guide

holiday shopping

gifting extended for one more day

Celebrated each year on December 26 in Great Britain and the Commonwealth nations, Boxing Day may sound like a day to clear a home of the boxes that accumulate during Christmas gifting celebrations.

Some people may think it’s a time to head to the gym and work off some of those extra holiday pounds by landing a few hits on the punching bag.

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espite its name, Boxing Day has nothing to do with heavyweight fighters or post-holiday cleanup.

In fact, the holiday’s origins can be traced to Great Britain and the practice of bestowing gifts on the lower classes, primarily house servants and the working class.

Centuries ago, among family members and friends of equal station, Christmas gifts were exchanged on or

before Christmas Day. Presents for the working class were bestowed the day after. A gift from one’s employer was called a “Christmas box.” The Oxford University Press defines a Christmas box as a present or gratuity given at Christmas.

In Great Britain, it was usually confined to gratuities given to those who were employees or paid by the grantor of the gift or a customer.

Although the holiday was

Boxing Day isn’t about donning gloves and sparring. Instead, it’s a holiday geared around gift-giving and shopping. once based around gifting, today it is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much like Black Friday in the United States. Banks and non-retail businesses are closed on Boxing Day, but shoppers flock to stores to use gift cards or other funds to purchase or return gifts. Sales are prevalent, and the day presents yet another opportunity for retailers to maximize year-end profits.

In the world of sports, Boxing Day is an opportunity for fans to see their favorite teams play.

In the United Kingdom, football and rugby leagues host a full

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26. schedule of matches on Boxing Day. In Australia, cricket matches are held. Boxing Day also marks the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Boxing Day also may be an opportunity for wild game hunts across the UK.

Boxing Day is a day for residents of Australia, Britain, New Zealand, and Canada to celebrate and take advantage of great deals offered by retailers.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

holiday shopping

smart ways to for holiday shopping

budget

Shoppers across the country routinely make the holiday season one of the biggest spending periods of the year.

American Research Group, Inc., said that in 2015 the average predicted expenditure on gifts equaled $882, which was up from $861 the previous year.

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any holiday shoppers worry about whether or not they will have enough money for gifts, while others anticipate using credit cards or other financing methods to stretch their abilities to spend even further.

This can make the holiday season more stressful than it needs to be while affecting finances into the new year.

Budgeting for the holidays is a great way to keep spending in

check. With these suggestions and shopping strategies, holiday shoppers can better manage their spending.

Look at spending from last year. The first step to establishing a budget is to review spending from last year.

See how much you allotted to each person and how much you actually ended up spending on those people. Did you go over or under? Think about the other ways you spent money,

including on decorations, entertaining, etc. Once you have a clear picture of how you spent your money last year, you can start building a budget for this year.

Set limits on spending.

You may want to be generous with everyone and go above and beyond, but overspending is impractical and can have some grave consequences. Many

financial planners recommend shoppers spend no more than 1.5 percent of annual income on holiday expenses, so establish realistic spending limits that won’t break the bank.

Make lists of high-priority gifts. Select the gifts that have the most importance or those you want to buy the most, and budget with them in mind. Resist the temptation to buy extra

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Gift Guide

items in an effort to make gifts look more impressive.

Keep track of spending.

Be sure to keep receipts and maintain a log of all your holiday spending. You will not know if you are sticking to your budget if you do not keep a running tab of all your spending.

Those receipts and spending records also will be handy to keep for next year when you have to establish a new budget.

Correct mistakes promptly.

If you spend a little more than intended on one gift, make the proper adjustments the next time you go out shopping.

Otherwise, those few dollars here and there can really add up.

Holiday shopping can be expensive if shoppers let things get out of hand. However, by establishing a budget based on prior purchases, and keeping track of spending, it’s much easier to stay afloat this holiday season.

- Metro Creative Connection

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

Gift Guide

holiday shopping

gifts that add colorful zest to



Circulon Symmetry Chocolate Bakeware 5-Piece Set — Add a sophisticated pop of color when baking savory and sweet treats with durable steel bakeware enrobed in a decadently rich dark chocolate hue inside and out. The set includes a versatile cookie pan (can double as a sheet pan), two round cake pans, a loaf pan, and rectangular cake pan. circulon.com

cooking, baking & entertaining Functional and practical, culinary gifts are always welcomed by cooks, bakers and frequent entertainers. Fortunately, for friends and family members who also covet great design and fashion trends, there’s a plethora of quality kitchen products available today with beautiful styling that’s too fun and vibrant to hide away in cabinets. Here’s a short list of colorful gift options to consider this season.



Anolon Vesta Cast Iron 12-inch Skillet — Crafted in new Cobalt Blue and holiday-ready Paprika Red, this hard-working skillet with double pouring spouts and a long handle for added stability when lifting features a matte black enamel interior that doesn’t need seasoning and a gleaming porcelain enamel exterior that adds a punch of color and is easy to clean. anolon.com



Farberware Purecook Ceramic Nonstick Cookware 12-Piece Set — Go stylish with Lavender and Aqua or classic with Gray and Blue with this well-designed, dishwasher safe collection offered in four attractive shades. The highheat safe ceramic nonstick surface is white and contrasts beautifully with the glossy porcelain exterior. farberwarecookware.com



BonJour Ami Matin 8-Cup French Press — Sure to brighten up every coffeelover’s morning, this classic, bistro-style coffee brewer is now offered in moodboosting Lavender & Aqua Blue. Constructed from unbreakable BPA-free Tritan™ plastic, this durable French Press boasts a patented shutoff control built into its plunger to lock in flavor & prevent over-brewing. bonjourproducts.com



Rachael Ray Cucina Stoneware Ramekins 4-Piece Set — For a softer color palette, this set of organically shaped, oven-to-table ramekins are glazed in four Tuscan-style hues: Cranberry Red, Agave Blue, Mushroom Brown, and Lavender.

Offering endless possibilities for cooking, baking and serving, the oven-safe ramekins are also microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe. PotsandPans.com



Rachael Ray Porcelain II Nonstick Cookware in Marine Blue — Reflecting the positive energy and refreshed feeling that’s often experienced during seaside vacations, Marine Blue is the newest hue in this colorful collection, which also offers six other choices crafted in a gradient style: Rachael’s signature Orange, Red, Blue, Green, Purple, and Dark Green. PotsandPans.com

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

Paula Deen 3-Piece Striped Mixing Bowl Set — This charming, red-striped set of small, medium and large mixing bowls, made of lightweight and durable melamine, instantly brightens up spirits when prepping breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Each bowl features a sturdy lip to ensure a secure grip and a rubberized base ring for stability. PotsandPans.com

Circulon Ultimum Cookware 11-Piece Set — This new collection of dishwasher-safe and induction-ready gourmet cookware features sophisticated brushed metal lids and handles, and a jet black exterior for timeless design appeal. The exceptionally durable non-stick cooking surface covers durable forged aluminum for a pro-style look and performance. The comprehensive set includes all the basic pots and pans needed to whip up countless dishes on the range or in the oven. circulon.com - Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

2016

MORE GIFT ID EAS & RECI PES ••• LOCAL EVE CALEN NTS DAR P. 6 6

HOLIDAY

jewelry buyers’ guide

You can’t buy love, but around the holidays, those in love often like to treat the special people in their lives to some lavish tokens of affection.

S

ince jewelry is often a personal taste, much like a fragrance, it can be challenging to find the perfect

item. With so many different styles, colors and pieces, it’s no surprise that so many jewelry shoppers feel overwhelmed.

Some expert advice can make the process go more smoothly and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

The Federal Trade Commission suggests thinking before you shop. Since jewelry is a major purchase, shoppers should first establish a budget.

Consider the gift recipient’s style and look at other jewelry he or she wears. The more

informed you are before visiting the jewelry stores, the easier it will be to find a piece he or she will like and one that you can afford.

Take the time to become educated about diamonds and other gemstones. Diamonds’ value is based on four criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat (often referred to as “The 4 Cs”). (continued on page 50)

Jewelry is a popular holiday gift. Consumers should know before they buy to get the best value for their money.

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

Gift Guide

holiday shopping

(continued from page 49)

Color ranges from the diamond being nearly white to graded down to yellow. The cut is the way the stone is fashioned.

Clarity informs consumers if the stone is flawless or has specs or scratches inside of it.

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond.

Diamonds and gemstones can form naturally or be manufactured in laboratories.

Lab-created gemstones may look like natural gemstones but be of lesser value.

Shop around and get referrals for reputable jewelry stores.

You can consult the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged about a particular store.

Many consumers are most comfortable purchasing jewelry made in-store so they can verify the merchandise and retailer.

Check for the appropriate markings on gold, silver and platinum jewelry that indicate

their authenticity. Make sure the jeweler will include certification or a grading report with the jewelry and your receipt.

No matter how much research you do, realize that there’s a chance the jewelry you purchase will not prove the perfect fit.

So make sure you understand the store’s return policy and if there is a charge to have rings or other items resized.

Jewelry is a classic gift. With the right approach, shoppers can make the process of buying jewelry a lot less intimidating.

- Metro Creative Connection

did you know?

W

hile it might be synonymous with Santa Claus and cold weather, the North Pole is actually much warmer than the South Pole. That’s because the North Pole sits at a lower elevation than the South Pole, and it is located in the middle of an ocean. The South Pole, on the other hand, is located

on the continent of Antarctica, which is covered in ice. But Santa fans mulling a trip to the North Pole to visit jolly old St. Nick might want to think otherwise, as temperatures at the North Pole are less than welcoming.

Summertime temperatures at the North Pole, for example, hover right at the freezing point. In addition, because of the way Earth rotates, the North Pole experiences just one sunrise and one sunset each year. However, because the sun is always above the horizon in the

summer and below the horizon in the winter, the North Pole actually experiences 24 hours of sunlight in summer and zero hours of sunlight in the winter. While children in North America know the North Pole as home to Santa Claus, that’s a relatively recent addition to the legend of Santa Claus, a story that some historians suggest traces its origins all the way back to the third century. Historians credit famed 19th century caricaturist and editorial cartoonist Thomas Nast with being the first to link Santa Claus and his workshop to the North Pole. However, many Nordic countries continue to say Santa Claus lives in their territories.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Gift Guide

holiday traditions

behind the scenes of two beloved

No holiday season is complete without including at least one movie that celebrates the magical impact of this time of year.

holiday films Holiday movies have a way of making audiences laugh and cry while inspiring those warm and fuzzy feelings that perfectly complement the season of family and giving. Depending on the individual, favorite movies may include old classics or new releases.

A

lot of work goes into making movies, and holiday films are no exception. Fans may be surprised by some of the events that went on behind the scenes of their favorite holiday films, as well as background information about the actors and settings of the movies.

Get into the festive spirit by learning about the following beloved holiday films.

“It’s a Wonderful Li fe” Anyone who has ever wondered what life would be like if they took a different path or made different decisions can relate to this classic Christmas film. It’s difficult to make it through the holiday season without seeing “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and many people make it a point of to view it every year. The following are some interesting tidbits about George Bailey and

autobiographical tales penned by author and radio personality Jean Shepherd, who narrates the film.

the film that put savings-andloan managers on the map.

• The movie began as a short story titled “The Greatest Gift.” Writer Philip Van Dornen Stern was unsuccessful at shopping the story and turned it into a Christmas card for 200 friends and family. A producer at RKO pictures got a copy and purchased the movie rights for $10,000.

• Many now agree that Jimmy Stewart was the perfect choice to play lead character George Bailey, but studio heads originally had Carey Grant in mind for the lead.

The role went to Stewart when Frank Capra signed on to the film and named Stewart his leading man.

• Although Donna Reed was a seasoned actress prior to the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

marked her first starring role.

• Bedford Falls, the fictional town in the movie, is reportedly based on upstate New York towns Bedford Hills and Seneca Falls.

Nearby cities like Rochester and Buffalo are referenced in the movie. However, the movie was not filmed on location. It was filmed in the summertime on a back lot in the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles.

• The movie received a technical Academy Award for the snow effects, which were created by using a “snow”

mixture of water, soap and a fire-fighting chemical called Foamite.

• The movie was not well received upon its release in 1946. The film received mixed reviews, which might surprise those who consider it a cinematic classic.

“A Christmas Story” An equally beloved holiday film and a cult favorite, “A Christmas Story” follows a 1940’s Indiana family anchored by Ralphie, the cynical but lovable schoolboy played by actor Peter Billingsley.

The movie was based on

• The movie was a low-budget film that used virtually no special effects. It also used tracking shots instead of Steadicam.

• The setting for the movie is based on Shepherd’s hometown of Hammond, Indiana. Shepherd grew up on Cleveland Street and went to Warren G. Harding Elementary School. However, the movie was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The house from the movie still stands in Cleveland. Part of the decision to film in Cleveland stems from the willingness of Higbee’s department store to allow crews to film inside the store.

• Darren McGavin played Ralphie’s father, a role he won over Jack Nicholson.

McGavin might have won the role because of Nicholson’s typically large salary demands.

• For the scene in which “Flick’s” tongue sticks to the flagpole, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the illusion that his tongue had frozen to the metal.

• Three leg lamps were made for the movie, and all three broke during filming.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Gift Guide

holiday baking

christmas cookies made simple for busy schedules

Baking cookies is a holiday tradition for many families. Come the holiday season, many homes are filled with the inviting scents of vanilla, cinnamon and melting chocolate.

Baking cookies can be a friends and family social occasion or a solitary venture.

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ither way, people who bake during the holiday season understand that making Christmas cookies can be a time-consuming, yet rewarding, process.

This year, holiday bakers can embrace a number of time-saving tips and tricks to reduce the amount of time they spend in the kitchen and possibly even improve on existing recipes.

Use a cookie mix. Who says you have to toil and make cookies from scratch? It’s the thought that counts, and any number of creative recipes can begin by utilizing a premade baking mix. These mixes already have most of the dry cookie ingredients sifted together, including flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

All you have to do is add the wet ingredients and any extra embellishments to make the mix your own. If mixes are too much work, purchase refrigerated or frozen cookie dough. Include your own add-ins, such as nuts, white chocolate chips, bits of dried fruit, or crumbled candy canes, to give the premade dough a unique flavor.

Prepare ahead. Many cookie dough recipes can be made and stored for later use. In fact, refrigerating a log of cookie dough can make it easier to cut or handle later on. Spread out the

bulk of your baking over two days and you might feel less taxed.

Try a no-bake recipe.

Creative culinary experts continually reveal their clever tricks, and many of these include no-bake versions of favorite desserts. No bake cookies come together in a matter of minutes, but still employ a host of delicious ingredients.

Recipes frequently feature similar ingredients to traditional cookies, but rely on chocolate, honey or peanut butter as the setting agent to keep them together. Bakers may also like not having to turn on their ovens.

Recycle leftover cookies. If you have a fair amount of cookies remaining or several that broke apart or do not look good enough to serve, never fear. Such cookies can be used as part of another delicious dessert. Grind cookies into crumbs that can serve as a pie crust for pudding pies or no-bake cheesecakes, or mix cookie crumbs with cake frosting or a nut butter and roll into balls. Dunk the balls into melted chocolate, add a lollipop stick and make delicious cookie pops.

Cookies may be holiday traditions, but there are ways to reduce the amount of work and time required of holiday baking..

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

holiday shopping Make the holidays count for the young children on your shopping list.

Great gifts can be both educational and fun.

imaginative gifts for

toddlers & preschoolers

Some of the best holiday gifts for toddlers and preschoolers are those that inspire imaginative play.

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ift-giving for this age group should reflect the tremendous opportunity that play time offers for supporting early childhood development,” says Dr. Lise Eliot, early brain development expert and member of the Expert

Panel at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children.

With that in mind, here are some fun gift ideas that will add value to children’s play time.

Arts and Crafts Inspire creativity and foster fine motor skills with gifts for budding young artists.

Watercolor sets, finger paint, stencils and markers are great age-appropriate selections. Just be sure any art supplies are non-toxic and washable. A great gift set idea? A blank smock and fabric paint -- kids can design their own artist’s smock, which will inspire them to do even more art projects in the future. Offer to hang or frame your children’s favorite creations so they can proudly see them on display.

Thoughtful Toys Choose toys that are safe, fun and engaging. For example, the Go! Go! Smart line of toys from VTech features its innovative technologies that bring the toys to life, letting children explore cause and effect relationships while teaching first words, letters and more.

Consider the Go! Go! Smart Wheels Treasure Mountain Train Adventure, which allows kids to discover spatial play by building train tracks, and features its first motorized train that can climb hills on its own. When the train is placed over one of the nine “SmartPoint” locations on the playset, it will respond with lights, sounds and music.

Toddlers can create a whole kingdom featuring princesses, princes, fairies and unicorns with Go! Go! Smart Friends playsets, encouraging children to discover through imaginative play while building motor and language skills. Even more stimulating

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Gift Guide

activity is encouraged with the turning telescope, swinging hammock, and secret trap door found in the Go! Go! Smart Animals Happy Paws Playland.

For more information, visit vtechkids.com.

“The vehicles, animals and characters spark children’s imaginations while keeping them engaged, promoting listening skills and encouraging their fine motor and cognitive development,” says Dr. Eliot.

Learning Experiences The big wide world offers plenty of opportunities for fun and learning, so consider gifting an experience. Whether it’s a puppet show, a day of exploration at the zoo or aquarium, or hands-on learning workshop at a children’s museum, the experience will not soon be forgotten!

- StatePoint Media

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Gift Guide

holiday shopping

check ratings before gifting

video games

Come the holiday season, millions of people will be flocking to stores or browsing online retailers to shop for gifts for their friends and loved ones. Video games have long been some of the most popular holiday gifts to give, and this year figures to be no different than years past.

Video game & app ratings help consumers choose age-appropriate gifts for the gamers on their holiday shopping lists.

T

he assortment of video games is so diverse that consumers may not know where to begin their shopping excursions. Gaining a greater understanding of the video game rating system can ensure shoppers they find age-appropriate games for the youngsters on their holiday shopping lists.

Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The ESRB is an independent, self-regulatory organization that assigns age and content ratings, enforces industry-adopted advertising guidelines and ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer and video games in the United States, Mexico and nearly all of Canada. The ratings provided are concise and help shoppers make informed decisions based on the content in video games.

According to the ESRB, the ratings have three parts: 1. Rating categories suggest age appropriateness.

2. Content descriptors indicate content that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern.

3. Interactive elements inform about interactive aspects of a product, including the users’ ability to interact; the sharing of users’ locations with others; the sharing of personal information with third parties; the completion

of in-app purchases of digital goods; and/or level of restriction of internet access.

This rating system was derived in 1994 after various child development and academic experts were consulted.

Other rating systems also were considered, and the ESRB consulted with parents nationwide as well. There are currently seven different ESRB ratings for games and apps. They are as follows: • C: Early childhood games feature content that is intended for young children.

• E: Games rated as Everyone feature content that is generally suitable for all ages. There may be minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence. Mild language may be infrequent.

• E 10+: Content in games rated Everyone 10+ is appropriate for gamers ages 10 and up. The games may contain cartoon, fantasy or mild violence. Mild language and/or minimally suggestive themes also may be present.

• T: Teen games are generally suitable for ages 13 and up. These games may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and some strong language.

• M: Games deemed as Mature are generally suitable for gamers ages 17 and up. In such games,

there is a high propensity for intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and strong language.

• A: Adults-only games have content suitable for adults ages 18 and up. Graphic sexual content, prolonged scenes of intense violence, and gambling with real currency may be depicted or available in these games.

• RP: Games that are marked Rating Pending have not yet received a final ESRB rating.

Usually this verbiage is only used in marketing materials, and the rating will be updated once the product hits the market.

Along with the general rating, the ESRB uses content descriptors to further break down the type of content one can expect in the games. These can include everything from references to alcohol to fantasy violence to sexual themes to tobacco references. Again, these content descriptors will offer a concise way to assess if a game is appropriate for a particular gamer.

Video games are popular holiday gifts. Game ratings can help guide consumers to make smart choices so that gamers of all ages can enjoy their gifts this season.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNAÂŽ November 15, 2016

Gift Guide gifts for the family

for all their stockings!

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B

C Orange Amps starting at $99

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Birds, Dogs, Reptiles & Fish

A. B. C. D.

289A Merrimon Ave 828.658.2334 1408 C Patton Ave 828.253.8735 1400 Spartanburg Hwy 828.692.1143 Exit 31, I-40, Canton 800.532.4631

2015 Ford Explorer in Bronzefire

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Gift Guide

holiday cooking

host the holidays with

homemade fruitcake

Holiday hosting is a big responsibility. Hosts must make their guests feel welcome and comfortable, which often involves finding space for out-of-towners to lay their heads and cleaning the home to ensure no one is put off by the dust and dirt that can accumulate over time.

H

osting also involves feeding guests, and many hosts aim to provide the usual holiday treasure trove of baked goods for their friends and family.

Baking can satisfy holiday sweet tooths, and the smell of baked goods can create that welcoming feeling hosts aim for. Some foods are synonymous with certain times of year, and fruitcake is one food that’s enjoyed almost exclusively during the holiday season. Fruitcake is sometimes an object of ridicule, but homemade fruitcake, such as the following recipe from Jeanne Sauvage’s “Gluten-Free Baking For the Holidays” (Chronicle Books), is sure to please those guests devoted to this holiday staple.

Fruitcake

Serves 10 to 15

1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 tablespoon baking powder

ingredients

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

macerated fruit 2 1⁄2 pounds raisins, pitted prunes, pitted dates & dried figs, finely chopped

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1⁄2 cup candied orange and/or lemon peel, finely chopped

2 tablespoons brandy, rum, whiskey, sweet sherry, or apple juice, or as needed

1⁄3 cup candied or dried cherries, finely chopped 2⁄3 cup candied or preserved ginger, finely chopped Grated zest & juice of 1 large lemon Grated zest & juice of 1 large orange 1 tablespoon orange or tangerine marmalade 1 tablespoon apricot jam 1 cup applesauce 2 tablespoons brandy, sweet sherry or apple juice cake 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing 3 cups Jeanne’s Gluten-Free AllPurpose Flour (see below) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

➜ The day before you bake the cake, prepare the macerated fruit. Place the raisins, prunes, dates, and figs in a large bowl. Add the citrus peel, cherries, ginger, lemon zest and juice, and orange zest and juice. Add the marmalade, jam, applesauce, and brandy and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and let stand overnight at room temperature so that the fruits soak up the liquid and the flavors meld. The mixture can macerate in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. ➜ Preheat the oven to 325 F. If the fruit has been in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature. Grease the bottom and sides of a 91/2- or 10-inch springform pan with butter.

Line the bottom with three layers of parchment paper and the sides with one layer of parchment. The batter will be very sticky. ➜ In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and baking powder. ➜ In the bowl of a stand mixer

fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the brown sugar and beat for 1 minute. Reduce the speed to low, add the vanilla, and beat until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.

Then beat for 1 minute longer. Add the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Add the macerated fruit and, with a large wooden spoon, combine with the batter. This requires a bit of strength. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. ➜ Bake for 2 hours, then reduce the oven temperature to 300 F and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean, about 2 hours. If the cake browns too quickly, you might want to tent it with aluminum foil for the last 2 hours so it doesn’t burn. ➜ Remove the cake from the oven and, while it is still hot, pierce it all over with a skewer. Pour the brandy over the top. Place the pan on a wire rack and let the cake cool completely. ➜ Remove the sides from the pan and peel the parchment paper from the sides and bottom of the cake.

Wrap the cake in waxed paper and

place it in an airtight container or wrap it in a few layers of plastic wrap. Leave the cake at room temperature for 3 to 5 days to allow the flavors to meld. If you used alcohol, you may store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. ➜ Once the cake is sliced, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Makes 4 1/2 cups ingredients 1 1/4 cups brown rice flour 1 1/4 cups white rice flour 1 cup sweet rice flour 1 cup tapioca flour Scant 2 teaspoons xanthan gum

➜ In a large bowl, whisk together the brown and white rice flours, sweet rice flour, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum thoroughly. Transfer the mix to an airtight container.

Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

holiday crafting Holiday greeting cards can be recycled into gift tags, ornaments or even framed to stretch out their usefulness.

creative ways to reuse

christmas cards

Roughly 1.6 billion Christmas cards, including boxed cards, are purchased in a given year. That’s quite a lot of cards to address and mail, and many festive greetings for recipients to read and display.

W

ith so much money and effort put into sharing Christmas greetings, some people may wonder how they can prolong the merriment offered by these cards. Here are some creative ways to put Christmas cards to new use once this holiday season has come and gone.

Make your own gift tags. Christmas card stock is the perfect medium to turn into gift tags for presents. Cut the cards into squares or rectangles or use a stencil to create whatever shape you desire. Then use a hole punch to create a space for ribbon or another tie.

Use the tag to dress up gifts

with something more unique than self-stick tags.

Get magnetized. All it takes is a scissor, some glue and sheets of magnet for a decorative and fun craft project.

Turn favorite Christmas cards into mementos that can be saved year after year, which also will dress up refrigerators or other magnetic surfaces.

This idea works well for photo greeting cards as well.

Make Christmas card ornaments. Use the cards to create uniquely shaped ornaments for the tree. Cards can be turned into block shapes and hung with ribbon. Another idea is to punch out circles or ovals from the cards and tile them on a foam egg to look like a multicolored pine cone.

Explore your creative side and decorate your tree at the same time.

Create greeting card garlands. Display cards by stringing them together and hanging them from the mantle or another prominent area. If cards are too large, punch out large circles from the cards and then attach those disks to heavy thread.

Decorate your packages. Instead of overspending on preprinted gift bags, make your own.

Buy plain bags in a solid color

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and then embellish them with cutout patterns or pictures from Christmas cards.

Frame favorite cards.

Make greeting cards a permanent part of holiday decor by framing the most decorative ones you receive. Use these frames year after year and put them on display with other holiday decorations.

Make a wine bottle gift tag. Use a 11⁄4-inch hole punch to create an opening for the neck of a wine bottle on a piece of folded card stock. Glue a greeting card to the portion of the card stock that will lay flush with the wine bottle and you have a decorative wine tag.

Shred older cards for confetti. Fill gift boxes or bags with homemade confetti made from recycled Christmas cards.

- Metro Creative Connection

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Gift Guide

holiday cooking

holiday dessert option

a healthy

A certain measure of overindulgence is anticipated during the holiday season. Rich foods and desserts are served, and parties are plentiful. However, those who plan to stick to their healthy eating plans can still enjoy tastes of the season without compromising their fitness or dietary goals.

M

any recipes can be made healthier with some simple substitutions, and that even includes decadent desserts.

Take, for example, “Wickedly Decadent Deep Chocolate Truffles” from “Low Fat for Life,” (DK) by Sue Krietzman. This lowfat version of a high-fat classic will taste delicious without being too sinful.

Wickedly Decadent Deep Chocolate Truffles Makes 24

ingredients 6 ounces semisweet chocolate 6 ounces very low-fat fromage frais 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1⁄2 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated ➜ Break the chocolate into a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Let it melt, stirring occasionally. ➜ In a separate bowl, whisk together the fromage frais and sugar. Whisk in the vanilla. ➜ When the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

Slowly whisk the chocolate into the fromage frais mixture, using a rubber spatula to incorporate every bit of chocolate. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for an hour. ➜ Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Scatter the grated chocolate on a plate. Scoop out

the chilled chocolate mixture in teaspoonfuls, roll into balls, then roll the balls in the grated chocolate and put on the prepared baking sheet.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. ➜ Put the truffles in small paper cases. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Per truffle: Total fat: 2 g; saturated fat: 1 g; unsaturated fat: 1 g; cholesterol: 1 mg; sodium: 3 mg; calories: 52.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

holiday traditions Wassail is an ancient spirited beverage that was brought houseto-house with the goal of spreading Christmas cheer.

revisit lesser known

traditions

Christmas celebrants participate in many different traditions, but some may not fully understand their meanings.

A

Christian holiday, Christmas did not originate with all activities centralized to the church. In fact, many of the traditions people hold dear have pagan roots that were adapted as Christmas celebrations evolved.

People who hang mistletoe in doorways may be surprised to learn that this tradition dates

back to the ancient Druids.

The Druids believed mistletoe possessed mystical powers that brought good luck to the household and warded off evil spirits.

Evergreen trees are now associated with Christmas trees, but evergreen boughs were once used to decorate homes during the winter solstice to

help people envision the spring to come. Christians often look at evergreen trees as a sign of everlasting life and their relationship with God. However, while many Christmas traditions continue to be an integral part of annual celebrations, there are some customs that have fallen out of favor. Although these traditions may no longer be widely practiced, anyone can revive them and make them part of their holiday celebrations.

Wassailing is a custom that has ancient origins and is not as popular today as it once was.

“Wassail” comes from the AngoSaxon phrase “waes hael,” which

means, “good health.” Wassail is a drink made of mulled ale, spices and other ingredients. To go wassailing meant to travel doorto-door singing and offering a drink from a wassail bowl in exchange for gifts. Wassailing has been mentioned in certain Christmas carols, including “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Largely an English tradition, wassailing was brought to America by British settlers.

January 17th, the old Twelfth Night, is the traditional date for wassailing. Although wassailing has largely fallen by the wayside, increased interest in ales and craft brewing may help revitalize this Christmas tradition, which can inspire community spirit.

Gifting with fruit cake is another tradition that has been much maligned and does not enjoy the same popularity that it once did. Fruit cake is a cake made with chopped candied fruit, nuts and spices and is occasionally soaked in spirits.

Fruit cakes have been enjoyed all

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over the world, but Americans may never have embraced the Christmas fruit cake tradition as much as those from other countries. However, with the right recipe and an open mind, it may be possible to resurrect the fruit cake tradition once again.

Mummers plays are another British tradition that arrived in North America with settlers but has largely fallen by the wayside.

Mummers plays involved miming folk dramas, and the plays were commonplace around the holiday season. Celebrants may want to research such dramas and include them in this year’s festivities to liven up celebrations even more.

Traditions passed on through the years help make Christmas a favorite time of celebration.

People may want to explore the less popular traditions today and once again make them interesting parts of this year’s festivities.

- Metro Creative Connection

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Gift Guide

holiday entertaining

catering takes

Throw a festive party with great food and let someone else deal with the stress of meal planning & cooking.

the work out of holiday

entertaining

As enjoyable as the holiday season may be, quite a number of people admit to feeling pressured by the demands of shopping, wrapping and hosting events.

A

ccording to a poll from the American Psychological Association, up to 70 percent of people feel stressed out by a lack of time and/or money during the holidays.

Stress can take its toll during the holidays. But stress does not have to turn this festive time of year into something less enjoyable. By removing some of the work involved in holiday planning and hosting, individuals can free up time and enjoy a more relaxing holiday season. For example, holiday hosts may spend several

weeks organizing their holiday meals, hours shopping for the ingredients and still more time preparing and cooking the food.

By enlisting the services of a professional caterer, hosts can still throw festive parties with great food while letting someone else deal with the stress of meal planning.

When you decide to have your holiday party catered, keep a few factors in mind as you consider your options. recommendations If you have never used a local caterer before, seek

recommendations from neighbors and friends. There are many different types of caterers, and some restaurants even provide catering services.

Recommendations can help hosts find the right caterer for the style of gathering they’re hoping to host and help them avoid caterers who may not be the best people to work with.

Timing The holiday season is a busy time of year for many businesses, caterers included. The sooner the contract is negotiated, the better. Lock in the date and

desired foods as soon as you decide to use a caterer. The longer you wait, the more your options dwindle, as caterers’ schedules tend to book up quickly come the holiday season. Have a secondfavorite caterer at the ready in case the first one is booked solid.

Packages Some caterers will only provide the food. Others are full-service providers and will bring much of what’s needed to entertain.

This can include cutlery, plates, chafing dishes, napkins, linens, condiments, and more.

Understand fully what each

potential catering package includes. It may be worth spending a little more for a package that’s all-inclusive rather than saving money on a package that requires you to do a lot of work.

Something special Holiday hosts can personalize catered affairs by including one signature dish or drink. If drinks don’t seem like a good fit, consider creating a dipping sauce, glaze or another homemade item.

This puts a personal touch on the meal with minimal effort.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

be smart when shopping on your

smart phone

Holiday shopping is an annual tradition for many people. But while it may be customary to exchange gifts with loved ones during the holiday season, how those gifts are purchased has changed dramatically over the last decade and a half.

T

hanks to advancements in technology, many holiday shoppers get their shopping done without ever setting foot in malls or shopping centers. And data indicates more and more shoppers are using their smartphones to do their holiday shopping. According to Nielsen Mobile Measurement, the number of mobile shoppers in December 2014 rose to 138.1 million users, an increase of nearly 14 million users from the same period just a year earlier.

And mobile shoppers averaged nearly a full hour more shopping

on the Web from their mobile phones in 2014 than in 2013.

Convenience often drives shoppers’ decisions to use their mobile phones during the holiday season. But it’s important that shoppers not sacrifice security for the sake of convenience. Those who want the best of both worlds this holiday season can take several steps to protect their personal information while shopping on their smartphones.

Only use shopping apps with which you’re comfortable. Downloading an app only takes a few seconds,

and some shoppers are so used to downloading apps they may not realize just what they’re downloading. Before installing an app on your phone, familiarize yourself with the app and what it requests of its user. Some apps ask users for a considerable amount of personal information, even though there is no legitimate reason for them to have that information. If you’re uncomfortable with apps that require you to allow access to your location and other potentially sensitive

holiday shopping information, don’t download the app.

Sign out when you stop using an app. It may be convenient to stay signed in to an app at all times, but that can leave you vulnerable to hackers and/or thieves. Many apps store users’ credit card numbers so shoppers don’t have to enter such information each time they make a purchase. If you stay signed in to an app at all times, hackers who access your smartphone can then access your credit card information, as can thieves should your phone be stolen.

Signing out when you finish using an app provides an extra measure of protection.

Turn off automatic connections. Many smartphones enable users to automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks so they can seamlessly access the Internet regardless of where they are.

However, some Wi-Fi networks are fraudulent, and you may unknowingly be transmitting

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sensitive data through such networks when you automatically log on. Disable automatic connections, only logging on to secure Wi-Fi networks when out in public.

Browse but don’t buy.

Shoppers who are especially concerned about smartphone security may want to use apps and their smartphone’s Internet connections to browse rather than buy. Avoid logging into apps or websites when using your smartphone, instead browsing deals and jotting them down on the phone’s notes app.

You can then make purchases once you gain access to a secure network, such as the one at your home or office.

Holiday shoppers are increasingly turning to their smartphones to do their holiday shopping. While the convenience of such devices may be unrivaled, consumers must prioritize security over expediency.

- Metro Creative Connection

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holiday shopping

how to save money on

Don’t break the budget on mobile upgrades, replacements, and tech gifts this holiday season.

mobile devices The holiday season is a great time to indulge loved ones or yourself with a mobile device upgrade. However, keep in mind that a high-quality device doesn’t necessarily need to be brand new, particularly if you are on a budget.

T

hese days, refurbished devices can provide an affordable, highquality alternative to a new device that sells at a premium.

While there is a myth that most refurbished devices were broken or had problems, this is a misconception. Many such mobile phones, tablets and accessories come from trade-in

and upgrade programs, where owners sent in perfectly good devices so they can get newer models.

Indeed, such trade-ins and sales are on the rise and the market for acquiring a previously owned device is getting easier to navigate.

Whether traded-in or repaired, refurbished phones

and devices from reputable sources can be trusted to be in full functional condition. For example, those from MyWit on eBay undergo an extensive 65-point inspection of cosmetic, functional and radio frequency (RF) performance to ensure 100 percent functionality.

Tests verify that every possible function that a customer can

use (camera, audio, SIM, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) is in excellent working order and RF tests ensure wireless devices deliver a consistent quality of connection and do not drop available signals.

A previously owned device is also a smart option for the eco-conscious, extending the life of devices and reducing

gr eat gifts for

students

While some students love school, others may need a little motivation and inspiration to keep class interesting.

A

dd a bit of excitement to education by gearing up with the latest educational tools and school accessories.

A New Set of Wheels Make getting out the door more appealing by giving students a way to get to school and other activities in style. A new set of wheels -- bicycle wheels that is -- encourages exercise and fosters independence. Just be sure you opt for a model that has the latest safety and durability features.

Any great bike is not complete without a helmet. With so many cool designs and styles available today, finding one that fits prop-

erly and looks great should not be a challenge.

Innovative Music Equipment Help inspire young musicians with space-saving equipment that doesn’t compromise sound or quality. For example, the latest addition to Casio’s well-known Privia line of digital pianos, the PX-160, features the sound of a 9-foot concert grand with speakers that project towards both the player and audience. It provides split and layer capability allowing students to play bass with the left hand and have two layered tones for the right.

electronic waste -- which can be particularly damaging.

This holiday season, consider a great cost-saving secret on mobile upgrades, replacements, and tech gifts.

Being willing to forgo the newest models can stretch your holiday budget further without sacrificing on quality.

- StatePoint Media

A great feature for the student learning to play is duet mode, which allows the keyboard to be split into two equal ranges, so the student and teacher can play simultaneously. The model also features left and right 1/4” audio outputs, making it easy for musicians to connect to other devices for external amplification or recording purposes, as well as simulated ebony and ivorytextured keys for a realistic piano touch. More information can be found at CasioMusicGear.com.

Study Aid Ease the pain of cramming for an exam with a high-quality music system that allows users to stream their favorite tracks via Bluetooth from a computer or mobile device and is paired with an excellent set of speakers. There are many set-ups that are perfect for portability and small rooms -- ideal for high schoolers, college students and others on-the-go.

Send your student to school in style. Great new tools and accessories can give the school year a bit of extra appeal, while encouraging students to get active, get creative and hit the books..

- StatePoint Media

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016 Winter Wonderland full of wintery décor and gingerbread houses.

Grove Arcade Free Monday - Saturday from 10am - 6pm and Sunday from 10am 5pm. 828.252.7799 grovearcade.com

AnnuAl holidAy PARAde: “lighT uP The holidAySceleBRATing 70 yeARS” November 21

The holidays have officially arrived!

Celebrate by attending this fun, local event!

The parade features nearly 100 entries including marching bands, dance and cheer squads, nonprofits and businesses.

Downtown Asheville Free; 11am, ashevilleparade.org

ShAdRAck’S winTeR wondeRlAnd November 23 - December 28

NOVEMBER

chRiSTmAS AT BilTmoRe November 4 - January 8

More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose this magical season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends. On Christmas Eve 1895, he opened Biltmore House’s doors for a regal yuletide celebration. This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens and dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights and inspirational holiday demonstrations.

Biltmore Estate biltmore.com

BilTmoRe cAndlelighT chRiSTmAS eveningS November 4 - January 7

Candlelight Christmas Evenings tickets are available by reservation only, and include an evening self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens and Biltmore Winery.

Advance reservations are required.

Biltmore Estate Adult $70/$85, Youth (1016) $35/$42.50, Children (9 & under) Free with adult admission. biltmore.com

The PolAR eXPReSS November 11 - January 8

The 1¼ hour train ride departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness and a special visit to Santa at the North Pole. Enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along aboard the train. Santa will board The Polar Express™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift. Sing carols on the way back to the Depot. Bryson City Depot, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Ticket prices begin at

$42 for adults and $28 for children ages 2-12, times vary. 800.872.4681 gsmr.com

Aluminum chRiSTmAS TRee & oRnAmenT muSeum November 12 - December 22

The annual “pop up” Aluminum Tree Museum returns to the Transylvania Heritage Museum at 189 West Main Street in downtown Brevard. The Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum (ATOM) is the world’s only museum dedicated to vintage aluminum Christmas trees. Dozens of trees and vintage ornaments are displayed in whimsical themes. Color wheels turn to provide the light show. This is a fun, quirky holiday outing that will make you smile and brighten your day. Free to visit (donations appreciated). transylvaniaheritage.org

A chRiSTmAS cARol November 17 - December 17

The Charles Dickens’ perennial classic, A Christmas Carol comes to life on the Flat Rock Playhouse stage in a spectacular new production featuring all the classic elements with a few new twists. Flat Rock Playhouse $15-$40, Discounts available for seniors, AAA members, military personnel, students & groups. 828.693.0731 flatrockplayhouse.org

nATionAl gingeRBReAd houSe comPeTiTion November 27 - January 5

Contestants from across the country bring their culinary masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn this holiday season. Delight in the imagination in these sugar-and-spice creations and be swept up in the holiday spirit. The Grove Park Inn Resort Free, but $10-15 parking charge; SundayThursday groveparkinn.com

Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR) brings together 40+ of the city’s most talented chefs, restaurants, wine sponsors and local brewers for an evening of food, wine and beer tasting at Asheville’s premiere culinary event. The Venue $75$100, 6-9pm airasheville.org

19Th cenTuRy cARolinA chRiSTmAS November 17 - January 2

Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way at the Smith-McDowell House. The mansion and local history museum will be authentically decorated with fresh trees, garlands, ornaments and toys of the Victorian Period. Seven period rooms will be decked out with gold, silver and glassware. Wed.-Sat. 10am - 4pm; Sun 124pm wnchistory.org

‘TiS The SeASon holidAy FAiR November 18 - 20 Featuring crafters, artist, gift marketers and holiday food and wine, you will have a truly enjoyable holiday shopping experience while listening to live holiday music.

Choose a fresh cut or live dug Christmas tree from the featured tree farm! WNC Agricultural Center $4, Children under 12 Free; Friday & Saturday10am - 6pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm 828.606.7097 828.606.8680 wncholidayfair.net

holidAy gAlleRy hoP November 18 & December 16

Browse historic downtown Hendersonville & Flat Rock to visit 15 galleries exhibiting fine art & craft, by local and regional artists.

Also included are refreshments, and a monthly raffle. 5-8pm visithendersonvillenc.org

winTeR lighTS AT The nc ARBoReTum November 18 - January 1

Here is a schedule of local holiday parades.

NOVEMBER 18 • Hickory: 6pm Union Square NOVEMBER 20 • Marion: 3-4pm Main St. NOVEMBER 27 • Forest City: 3-5pm Main St. DECEMBER 3 • Valdese: 10am Church & Main St. and ending at the corner of Eldred & Main St. • Hendersonville: 10am Main St. (Five Points to Caswell St.)

TASTe oF ASheville 2016 November 17

• Weaverville: 1-3pm • Bryson City: 2pm • Sylva: 3pm Main St. • Spindale: 3:30pm Main St. DECEMBER 4 • Black Mountain: 4pm State St. from Flatcreek Rd. to Craigmont Rd. DECEMBER 5 • Waynesville: 6pm Main St. DECEMBER 10 • Downtown Cherokee: 5:30pm Begins at Whitewater Path Rd. & travels up US 441

Walk through a winter wonderland and experience the gardens in a whole new way! This 3 acre walking tour light show designed with an artistic aesthetic, will enhance the natural beauty of the gardens. Jerry Stripling, former designer and manager of holiday decorations, special projects and events for Walt Disney World®, has created a truly magical experience. Music, gifts, food & beverages.

Tickets must be bought in advance. North Carolina Arboretum Adults $18, Children (Ages 5 to 11) $16, Children 4 & Under Free; 6-10pm, ncwinterlights.com

winTeR wondeRlAnd AT The gRove ARcAde November 18 - January 1

Downtown Asheville’s historic Grove Arcade is a spectacular spot to enjoy the holidays and support locally-owned shops and restaurants. The Arcade will be “decking the halls” with holiday décor inside and out and once again hosting the annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ in partnership with The Omni Grove Park Inn. Come experience a

This award winning Christmas light and music extravaganza is a two mile maze filled with hundreds of thousands of LED lights performing in perfect synchronization with the Christmas tunes playing through your car radio. WNC Agricultural Center Cars or Family Vans: $25, Activity Van or Mini Bus: $40, Limo: $40,Tour/School Bus: $80; dusk until 10 pm (later on weekends). shadrackchristmas.com

FoReST ciTy AnnuAl lighTing ceRemony November 24

Ceremony begins at 6pm and includes welcome by Town Manager, live music

by His Glory Quartet, Rutherford Co. Chamber of Commerce raffle drawing and lighting by Mayor & special guest at 7pm. Open House at Santa House with hot chocolate and cookies after ceremony. townofforestcity.com

hendeRSonville’S holidAy STReeT & TRee lighTing November 25 The Lighting of Downtown and Santa’s Arrival kicks-off the holiday season in Downtown Hendersonville. The evening features entertainment, sing along, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa Claus at the Historic Courthouse on Main Street.

5:30pm downtownhendersonville.org

hARd cAndy chRiSTmAS ARTS & cRAFTS Show November 25 & 26

A perennial favorite for unique regional arts and crafts at great prices. 100+ potters, glass artists, wood craft, folk dolls, and hard to find Old World Santa’s and ornaments. Ramsey Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC Adults $4.50, Children 12 & Under Free, 10am-5pm, mountainartisans.net

old Timey chRiSTmAS November 26

The Curb Market has been a Hendersonville tradition since 1924 and features fresh greenery, Christmas wreaths, crafts, music & refreshments. Visit the South’s most unique market for holiday gifts and arts & crafts. All items must be either handmade or locally grown. 8am 2pm. 221 N. Church St., Hendersonville. curbmarket.com

BRySon ciTy SPiRiT oF chRiSTmAS November 26

Carol with Santa from the caboose at Everett St to the town square for the tree lighting ceremony. Afterwards step across the street to the Visitor Center for hot cocoa & cookies, letter writing to Santa, and a visit with St. Nick himself! In the true Spirit of Christmas bring a canned good to donate to the food pantry or a new unwrapped gift for for the local toy drive!

6 - 8pm. greatsmokies.com

winTeR wondeRlAnd November 26 & December 3

Historic Downtown Franklin is transformed into a “Winter Wonderland” featuring: living window displays, live sounds of the season outdoors at the downtown

gazebo and inside stores, FREE wagon rides & pony rides, refreshments, hot cider, great sales from downtown merchants and much more. 5-8pm townoffranklinnc.com

chRiSTmAS AT connemARA November 26 & December 17

Musicians & storytellers will perform traditional holiday stories and music from 10am - 2pm. Young visitors will find many opportunities for participation in storytelling, sing-a-longs and crafts. Hot cider and cookies will be served. The house will be decorated in the simple style of the Sandburgs with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree.

Connemara FREE 10am nps.gov/carl

DECEMBER

muSic on The Rock: A celTic chRiSTmAS December 1 - December 18

From the western shores of Ireland to the Great Glen Highlands of Scotland, the people of the British Isles have been infusing Christmas carols with their unique Celtic sound for over a millennium. The Playhouse Downtown will be transformed with mist and candlelight for three singer/ storytellers and a group of unique musicians who will ignite the Christmas spirit within you. $28. flatrockplayhouse.org

The 45nd AnnuAl BeRnSTein FAmily chRiSTmAS SPecTAculAR! December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 & 21-23 The bawdy, bodacious, and boisterous Bernsteins are back, and they’ve got some special surprises in store for old fans and new friends! Asheville’s favorite, raunchy, screwball holiday comedy is ready to get up close and personal with audiences. Magnetic 375 7:30pm nightly, themagnetictheatre.org

deck The TReeS December 2 - 25

View 30 beautiful & unique Christmas trees hand-decorated by area business/ artists. Vote for your favorite by making a cash donation - all donations go to the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries.

Monte Vista Hotel, Black Mountain Free 10am - 8pm. blackmountain.org

SnowBound December 2 - 17

A mountain play with mountain music!

It’s Christmas Eve in 1955 at a small town train depot where the snowy weather has caused some delays. Over the course of the evening, strangers become friends, friends become family, and the warmth of human connection is deepened through stories and songs. Though the weather outside is frightful, inside the depot it’s delightful as memories of Christmases past are shared. Asheville Community Theatre $12-$22; Fri & Sat: 7:30 pm; Sun: 2:30 pm; 828.254.1320 ashevilletheatre.org

dAAd 1ST FRidAy ART wAlk December 2

Asheville Downtown Gallery Association invites you to visit 26 downtown venues to enjoy the fine art and craft that they have to offer. Downtown Asheville Free; 5pm8pm, ashevilledowntowngalleries.org

cheRokee lighTS & legendS chRiSTmAS evenT December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 30, 31

This special Christmas event invites your family to stroll under the lights through fun, interactive displays that tell ancient Cherokee Christmas legends. You can also see the lighting of a 40-ft. Christmas tree, have a visit with Santa, and take a spin on a synthetic ice rink. Cherokee Fairgrounds, 545 Tsali Blvd. visitcherokeenc.com

dillSBoRo FeSTivAl oF lighTS & luminARieS December 2, 3 & 9, 10

Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! 2500

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. Horse and buggy rides available each night. Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Carolers sing and children visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Live Nativity at Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church. Free shuttle service from Monteith Park. Downtown Dillsboro 5-9pm, 800.962.1911 visitdillsboro.org

An opportunity for individual members and the organization to sell over-runs, discontinued stock and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere during the holiday season. Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, paper, glass and wood. Folk Art Center 10am - 4pm. southernhighlandguild.org

Toe River Studio Tour December 2 - 4

The Big Crafty December 4

About an hour north of Asheville, tucked in the lush green mountains is one of the finest collections of artists & craftsmen in the world and the acclaimed Penland School of Crafts. A unique blend of contemporary & traditional cultures, about 100 fine artists & crafts people in every medium open their studios for a free, self-guided adventure. Yancey & Mitchell Counties, Friday 12-4pm, Sat & Sun 10am5pm 828.682.7215 toeriverarts.org

26th Annual Biltmore Village Dickens Festival December 2 & 3

A magical weekend of merriment, music and memories--all on the streets and in the shops, restaurants and galleries of Historic Biltmore Village. The stage will be continuously filled with musicians, choral groups, singers, dancers, and the Montford Park Players performing scenes from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This year the Festival will feature more than 300 performers who, after their stage segment, will rove throughout the Village entertaining on the streets and in the shops and restaurants. Biltmore Village Free; Friday, 5-7pm, Saturday, 11am-7pm, 828.274.8788 biltmorevillage.com

Biltmore Park Town Square Holiday Magic & Memories December 3

This free event includes strolling carolers, magicians, a horse-drawn carriage, visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and more! At 5:30 pm Santa Claus will lead a countdown to illuminate the 25 foot Christmas Tree filling Biltmore Park Town Square with over 65,000 lights.

Biltmore Park Town Square Free; 1pm5:30pm, 828.210.1660 biltmorepark.com

Brevard’s Holiday Twilight Tour December 3

Take a carriage ride down luminaire-lit streets, sing and celebrate the lighting of the community Christmas tree at the courthouse on Main Street. Enjoy delectable food, the Silvermont Festival of Trees, the Elf School (write your letter to Santa), an ice slide, and a sweet celebration of holiday magic. Immediately following the 45th Annual Christmas Parade. Downtown Brevard Free, 4pm-7:30pm brevardnc.org

A Winter’s Tail December 3

Join us for WNC Nature Center’s annual holiday celebration! There will be festive crafts, games and of course, wild encounters from 10am - 4pm. Regular admission rates apply. Friends members get in free. Activities include gingerbread houses, garland crafts, candle dipping pine cone feeders, free temporary tattoos and special animal enrichment programs. Have your photo with Santa. wildwnc.org

Santa on the Chimney!

December 3 & 10

How is Santa able to climb down millions of chimneys around the world in a single night? He practices, of course. Witness Santa’s daring stunt as he practices on one of the world’s largest chimneys at 315 feet tall! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities and see live critters. Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock, NC No additional cost with paid park admission, 11am-2pm 800-277-9611 chimneyrockpark.com

Guild Artists’ Holiday Sale December 3 & 10

The Big Crafty revives the tradition of the community bazaar, a lively celebration of handmade commerce, featuring local food, beer, toe-tapping tunes, and the fine wares of select indie artists and crafters. VIP Shopping is available with a ticket (available online and at the door).

US Cellular Center, Asheville. Free, 12-6 pm, thebigcrafty.com

Lake Julian Festival of Lights December 4 - 22

Light up your Holiday nights at the Lake Julian Park Festival of Lights. The road circling the park becomes a magical drive through journey through tunnels of dazzling lights. The park is brightly lit with thousands of colored lights and over 50 animated and stationary light displays.

Lake Julian Park $5 for a car, $10 for a van and $25 for a motor coach, 6-9pm 828.684.0376

Fireside Sale 2016 December 4

Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in our beautifully decorated Keith House and Davidson Hall (next to the Craft Shop).

Craftspeople will offer handmade items such as jewelry, weaving, forged iron, photography, quilts and turned wood.

10am - 5pm. John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown. folkschool.org

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker December 4

The biggest Christmas experience of the year, direct from Russia, is an Ashville tradition! “Knock Out!” Raves the New York Times. Enchant the whole family with larger than life magical props, a 60 foot growing Christmas tree and spectacular Russian-made costumes and sets. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium $28-$175, 7-9 pm 828.259.5736 uscellularcenterasheville.com

A Christmas Carol 2016 December 7

In period costume, Bob Grove will present a dramatic reading of the classic tale, including character voices. 7-8pm. John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown. folkschool. org

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 December 7 -23 This captivating story relives a poignant moment in history when Allied and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday together during WWI. Presenting traditional patriotic and holiday songs from both sides of the Western Front and is interspersed with text read from letters, journals, and interviews from the soldiers who lived it.

NC Stage Company Wed - Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm 828-239-0263 ncstage.org

Old Colony Players presents “Babes in Toyland” December 8 - 11

Directed by Anna Brown “Toyland, toyland, little girl and boy land. While you dwell within it, you are ever happy there. Childhood’s joyland, mystical, merry Toyland. Once you pass its borders you can never return again.” Join beloved characters Mistress Mary Quite Contrary, Little Miss Muffett, Tom, Tom the Piper’s Son and more in this mystical Christmas musical! Fun for all ages! Old Rock School, 400 Main St., Valdese. townofvaldese.com

Weaverville Candlelight Christmas Stroll December 9

Enjoy the spirit of the holiday season at the Annual Candlelight Stroll in downtown Weaverville. Enjoy a charming smalltown Christmas atmosphere for both residents and visitors with music, horse and buggy rides, shopping, Santa and more.

Downtown Weaverville Free; 6pm-9pm visitweaverville.com/candlelight

Brasstown Ringers Holiday Concert December 9

This community handbell group of western North Carolina and north Georgia continues to challenge its ringers and its audiences with new and exciting music, as well as old favorites. 7pm. John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown. folkschool.org

“A Night Before Christmas” December 10

A Holiday Tradition in Downtown Waynesville. Live music, caroling, Bethlehem Market Place, Live Nativity, oldfashioned wagon rides, Santa, luminaries line the street. Shops, galleries & restaurants remain open. Join us for an evening of family fun. 6-9pm. downtownwaynesville.com

“A Carolina Christmas” December 10

Join maestros Thomas Joiner and Bingham Vick, Jr. as the Hendersonville Symphony and the magnificent Greenville Chorale collaborate once again in a holiday celebration including sacred and seasonal favorites. 3pm. Admission: $40 Adult. Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, NC hendersonvillesymphony.org

28th Annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam December 10

For the past 28 years, Warren Haynes has coordinated his annual Christmas Jam. Like a family reunion, the annual, one-of-a-kind, semi-structured marathon of music brings together old friends on stage and in the audience at the Civic Center Arena in Asheville. 7pm. xmasjam.com

21th Annual Montford Holiday Tour of Homes December 10

Explore Asheville’s oldest, most historic neighborhood comprised of Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Greek Revival and Dutch Colonial homes built in the 1890’s to 1920’s. A variety of these residences will be open for tour during this special one day event. Enjoy roving Shakespearian actors, courtesy of The Montford Park Players and feast on homemade baked goods from the kitchens of Montford residents. Montford Historic District $25, 1-5pm 828.280.1576 montfordtour.com

Christmas with Santa December 10

The spirit of the holidays are celebrated in this hysterical Christmas-wrapped comedy–two hilarious elves have misplaced most of Santa’s presents. Asheville Community Theatre,10am. ashevilletheatre. org

Vivaldi’s Winter / Holiday Pops / Celtic Carols December 10 &11

BRO Revels with internationally-celebrated Celtic fiddler, Jamie Laval. Featuring Vivaldi’s “Winter,” a selection of pops favorites, Celtic fiddle solos by Mr. Laval, and original arrangements of beloved carols.

3pm. Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville & Folk Center, Blue Ridge Parkway. blueridgeorchestra.org

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” December 10, 11 & 17,18

In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman

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kids–probably the most inventively awful kids in history. 2pm. Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville. harttheatre.org

classic is perfect for the entire family. Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. greatmountainmusic.com

A Hickory Holiday!

December 15

Henderson County Crafters Association Christmas Arts & Crafts Show December 17

The evening promises free wagon rides with caroling while circling Union Square.

Downtown businesses are open during the event for you to find that unique gift from the specialty shops that are located on and around the Square. 5:30 - 7:30pm. downtownhickory.com

The Santaland Diaries December 14 - 18

When an out of work slacker takes a job as an elf in Macy’s Santaland, his hilarious observations of the shoppers and employees are much more naughty than nice. This one-man-act can only be described one way: crazy funny. It’s the 15th year in a row for this show at ACT! $15, 7:30pm. ashevilletheatre.org

The Nutcracker Ballet

December 16 & 17 Through dreams and magic, Natasha is rescued from the evil Rat King by the nutcracker and taken on an exciting adventure to the Snowflake Forest and Land of Sweets where she meets many new friends. Set to the music of Tchaikovsky, this heart-warming holiday

Come join us at our craft shows where you will find a large assortment of unique gifts for all ages and styles. Featuring 30 juried, local artisans offering a variety of handmade items, 9am-3pm, NC National Guard Armory, Flat Rock. hendersoncountycrafters.org

Chanukah Live!

December 18

Asheville’s largest Hanukkah party with fun for all ages. Features music, attractions for teens and adults, Sushi Bar and Kosher food stations, shopping and more. 3 - 6pm.

Free. chabadasheville.org

A Swannanoa Solstice December 18

Celebrate the season with this holiday tradition, featuring award-winning recording artists and multi-instrumentalists as they create a mix of seasonal music, masterful storytelling, and poetry. Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville. dwtheatre.com

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United Community Bank Ice on Main November 18 - January 16

Come out from November through January every year, to celebrate the holiday season with one of America’s favorite winter traditions - ice skating! Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, United Community Bank Ice on Main is an open-air ice skating rink – the only one of its kind in Upstate South Carolina. Mon.Thurs. 2-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm, Sun. 11am-9pm. Village Green, 206 Main St. iceonmain.com

UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Annual Holiday Art Show November 18 - December 23

Anderson

Easley

The spray plaza at Carolina Wren Park converts to a synthetic ice rink for holiday fun. The synthetic ice allows visitors to enjoy the rink even on those warm days through the holiday season. Ages 6 & up $5; kiddie rink under 6 yrs. $3. downtownandersonsc.com

Parade route starts in the parking behind Alice Mills Corporate Office and Easley First Baptist Church. From here the parade will go up Bradley Ave. to Main St., left on Main through town then left on South 1st St., west on 1st Ave. and end on Pendleton. 6pm.Downtown Easley easleychamber.net

HOLIDAY ICE IN CAROLINA WREN PARK November 18 - January 20

THE christmas gift light festival November 24 - December 25

Easley Christmas Parade OF LIGHTS December 10

carriage rides through a well-decorated and luminary-lined neighborhood and ice skating under the Farmers Market Pavilion.

There are also other things to do at the festival such as pictures with Santa, a scavenger hunt, plays, carolers, hayrides and more. Commerce Park 5:30-9pm nightly. fountaininn.org/christmas-festival

Fountain Inn Christmas CHRISTMAS Parade OF LIGHTS December 7

Hosted by the Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce. Immediately following the parade, The Grand Illumination will take place at City Hall and will include caroling, the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree, and an official visit from Santa! Main Street 5-6:30pm fountaininn.org

The largest festival of lights with an endless loop around the magical hill of dancing Christmas Lights. Over 48,000 people visit each year to see our lights and help the local charities. White Hall Park (across from Anderson Civic Center), 3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. $10/vehicle, 5:30-10pm Sun-Thurs, 5:30-11pm Fri & Sat. andersonchristmaslights.com

Grand Illumination & Downtown Merchants Open House December 10

Anderson Tree Lighting December 2

Fountain Inn Greenville Norman Rockwell’s Home

The annual downtown tree lighting kicks off the Anderson holiday season. The streets will come alive with holiday decorations and spectacular lights. 6pm Courthouse Square & Main Street cityofandersonsc.com

ANNUAL Christmas Parade December 4 Enjoy the floats, high school marching bands, and Santa Claus in downtown Anderson the Sunday following Thanksgiving weekend. 3pm Main St. (Greenville St. to River St.) cityofandersonsc.com

Immediately following the Christmas Parade of Lights, The Grand Illumination will take place at City Hall and will include caroling, the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree, and an official visit from Santa!

Downtown Easley easleychamber.net

4TH Annual Rudolph Run 5K & Kids Fun Run December 1

All proceeds go to benefit the Fountain Inn Kids Enrichment Center. Must pre-register to be guaranteed a t-shirt in your size.

Starts at History Museum, Depot Street 5K registration: $25, 1 mile Fun Run registration: $15. fountaininn.org

Spirit of Christmas Past Festival December 1-18

Fountain Inn’s Christmas Festival has two main attractions each night – horse-drawn

Fountain Inn Tree Lighting Ceremony December 8

This annual ceremony is fun for the whole family. Commerce Park 6pm fountaininn.org

for the Holidays November 5 - January 29

Join the Upcountry History Museum-Furman University, a Smithsonian Affiliate, as it ushers in the holiday season with the South Carolina debut of “Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays” exhibit featuring more than 40 of his most memorable and enduring holiday images. 540 Buncombe St. upcountryhistory.org

Choose from a great selection of art that includes photography, jewelry, pottery, fiber art, painting and more. Let us be your destination for holiday shopping to purchase a unique gift for friends, family or even yourself. 10am - 5pm. The Arts Center of Clemson, 212 Butler St. visitgreenvillesc.com

Roper Mountain Holiday Lights November 24 - December 30

Are you ready for some magic and holiday excitement with lights, and stars, and Santa?

Consider a visit to Roper Mountain Holiday Lights, the ONLY not-for-profit holiday lights event in the Upstate with all of the profits helping education and local nonprofits. 2016 marks the 25th year of this great event which has become an upstate tradition. Car, Minivan or SUV Mon-Thu $10 Fri-Sun $15; Activity; Vans: $25; Buses: $50; Multi Car Pass: $25. Good for three visits. Saves $5 to $20! Purchase at Gate.

Roper Mountain Science Center 6-10pm daily ropermountainholidaylights.com

46th Annual Holiday Fair December 1 - 3

The region’s largest holiday arts, crafts, and gift show. The TD Convention Center transforms into a winter wonderland offering opportunities to find that oneof-a-kind gift for the Christmas Season.

Exhibitors include more than 300 crafters and commercial vendors from 15 states in this three-day award-winning fair. TD Convention Center $6 adults, $5 senior citizens 60+, children under 12 FREE, Thursday & Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm visitgreenvillesc.com

Let Nothing You Dismay December 1-17

What’s a holiday without family hijinks? It’s Christmas in Ohio, and a young couple wants to await the birth of their soon-to-be adopted child in peace. But as their funny & fearsome relatives converge on the hospital waiting room, the holiday becomes a free-for-all in this surprisingly heartwarming comedy. Thu.-Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm.

Centre Stage, 501 River St. centrestage.org

St. Francis Festival of Trees December 1 - 28

This event has offered holiday magic and for 20+ years! Locally sponsored trees will be on display throughout downtown. All proceeds benefit the Outpatient Cancer Center at Millennium Campus. Downtown Greenville visitgreenvillesc.com

Annual Christmas Carol Sing and Lighting December 2

Please join the university community for an outdoor carol sing around Bob Jones University’s front-campus fountains where thousands of sparkling lights, which have become a Greenville holiday landmark, will be illuminated. 6:30pm. 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd. bju.edu

A Charlie Brown Christmas December 2-11

Christmas time is here! Tis the season for Charlie brown, Snoopy and all of the Peanuts to bring the holiday season back to life and discover the real meaning

of Christmas in this musical adaptation of the classic animated television specialThe Peace Center, 300 S. Main St. scchildrenstheatre.org

Poinsetta Parade December 3

The City of Greenville sponsors Greenville’s favorite tradition, the Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade. For 20+ years, the parade has signaled the start of the Christmas season in Greenville. Each year thousands of visitors come downtown to view the holiday floats & activities. Main Street 6-7:30pm visitgreenvillesc.com

St. Francis Teddy Bear Luncheon December 3

The Teddy Bear Luncheon is a childhood favorite that offers a morning with Santa for the whole family. Children who bring a new stuffed animal will get a photo with Santa! 11am. Adults $15, Children ages 3-12 $10. Hyatt Regency Greenville, 220 N. Main St. stfrancisfoundation.com

Safari Santa December 3

Event offers zoo guests the opportunity to visit with Santa and enjoy an afternoon at the zoo. As part of the event, some of the zoo animals will have their own Christmas tree and will enjoy a variety of enrichment treats. 11am-1pm. Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Rd. greenvillezoo.com

Holiday at Peace December 16-18

Celebrate the season with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra’s most popular pops concert where music & merriment abound.

Headlining this year’s concert is Broadway actress and singer Rachel York. Returning are International Ballet, Santa and Mrs. Claus and our audience sing-a-long. Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm, Sun. 3pm. The Peace Center, 300 S. Main St. greenvillesymphony.org

The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville December 22 & 23 Carolina Ballet Theatre reinvents this holiday classic with a Greenville inspired ballet, where the backdrops of the Liberty Bridge and the Greenville skyline are accompanied by dancing visions of snow, sweets, soldiers, and mice. Join Clara and her Nutcracker as they dance their way through Greenville to defeat the evil Mouse King. Peace Center Concert Hall. carolinaballet.org

Greer Greer Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2

In addition to the tree lighting, the annual ceremony will include plenty of activities for the children and adults, including games, music & food. City Park 5pm cityofgreer.org

Greer Christmas Parade December 4

This year’s theme is “A Vintage Christmas”.

Decorate your entries to reflect your vision during the holiday season! The Greer Christmas Parade route is 1.1 miles; beginning at Poinsett St. & Memorial Dr. and ending at N. Main St. & Cunningham Dr.. The proceeds, benefit Greer Relief, a 501(c)3 non-profit serving the Greater Greer area! Downtown Greer 2:30pm greerrelief.org

laurens

Laurens Holiday Fair November 19

There will be homemade crafts and more.

Free admission. Laurens Exchange, 137 Fairgrounds Rd. 10am - 5pm

laurens “THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS” holiday parade December 3

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016 With a 5pm kick-off, this is an event the entire community looks forward to each year! The entries will begin lining up at the Laurens County Library at 4pm, so pick out your spot along the route early!

Downtown Laurens mainstreetlaurens.org

Mauldin

12 days of christmas December 1-12

Christmas is our favorite time of year! It’s when we find ourselves surrounded by giving, creativity, warmth, love, peace, culture and happiness. Join us as we celebrate this holiday season, right here in Mauldin!

Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 E. Butler Rd. For a full schedule: mauldinculturalcenter. org/12-days-of-christmas

breakfast with santa December 3

Mrs. Claus always makes the best breakfast for Santa, and this year, he wants to share it with you! Dine with jolly ol’ Saint Nick at the Ray Hopkins Senior Center.

CHRISTMAS PARADE December 3

Beginning at Mauldin High School and ending at the Cultural Center, this year’s Christmas Parade is better than ever! With floats from churches, businesses, scout troops, organizations and many more, the parade is a great way to see your community celebrate Christmas! 2-5pm

Pendleton

Christmas at Ashtabula Dates to be announced.

Ashtabula is a charming two-story clapboard plantation house built c.1825 and restored by the Pendleton Historic Foundation and furnished with antebellum antiques and family artifacts.

This annual event features historical reenactments of Christmas pasts of the families of Ashtabula. Ashtabula Plantation pendletonhistoricfoundation.org

christmas parade December 11

Into The Future. Come to the parade to see Santa and festive holiday floats. 6pm oconeechambersc.com

Pickens

Santa’s Workshop December 10

3-4pm. townofpendleton.org

Ed Harrison Memorial Celtic Christmas December 17

A concert of Celtic & Christmas music in memory of Upstate musician and mill favorite, Ed Harrison. There will be fiddles, uilleann pipes, penny whistles, guitars, mandolins & more, all playing songs from around the world, jigs and reels as well as old-time music, all to celebrate the season.

10am-4pm. Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Rd. visitpickenscounty.com

Rock Hill 11TH ANNUAL Christmasville December 1-4

Join us on Main St in Downtown Seneca.

Don’t forget to get your free picture with Santa! 12-2pm Ram Cat Alley, Downtown

Simpsonville holiday market November 26, December 3 & 10

Inspired by the Christmas markets in Germany, which date back as far as 1294, the Simpsonville Holiday Market brings a loved tradition right here to the Golden Strip. Visitors stroll through Historic Downtown Simpsonville while sipping on cider, enjoying live music, local artisans, and more. Historic Downtown Simpsonville 5-8pm simpsonvillechamber.com

Did you ever open a storybook and want to step inside? Or dream of a simpler time filled with music and merriment and festive folks brimming with good cheer? If so, pack up the family and head to Christmasville!

This award winning festival has over 70 events including horse drawn carriage rides, historic tours, strolling Dickens carolers, art, theater, dance, music, a gingerbread house contest, multiple Santa activities, and a real ice skating rink! Historic Old Town christmasvillerockhill.com

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland November 18 - January 8

Illuminated Night Christmas Parade December 2

Featuring Santa’s Village complete with Santa and tons to do! Young and old alike can gather and enjoy the fun, festive spirit of Christmas. Parking and admission into Santa’s Village is FREE!!! Heritage Park dusk - 10pm christmasatheritagepark.com

The City of Rock Hill invites you to ring in the holidays with the Rock Hill Christmas Parade. 6:30pm.

Seneca

Christmas Parade November 28

This year’s parade theme is Christmas

There are over 1600 individual and unique channels simultaneously directing this orchestra of lights. Using the most technologically advanced equipment in the industry, Christmas Wonderland magically expresses what Christmas means to us. Heritage Park dusk - 10pm christmasatheritagepark.com

CHRISTMAS AT HERITAGE PARK November 18 - January 8

Christmas Parade December 4 A community favorite, and

a great chance for the season’s first sighting of Santa! 3pm. Downtown Simpsonville.

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Spartanburg

elf dash fun run & walk December 13

Drive through millions of sparkling Holiday Lights placed throughout a nearly 100 acre animal park then take some time to stroll in to see Santa and his many animals in the barns at Santa’s Village.Warm your hands or roast marshmallows by the bonfire, visit Mrs. Claus’ attic for an incredible panoramic view, or snap that selfie with a zebra, camel, or one of many animals waiting to meet you. Finish with a drive through the peaceful nativity area and more lights displays. Admission $6, 6-9pm. hollywild.org

Jaycees Christmas Parade December 13

26th Annual Holiday Lights Safari Benefit November 18 - January 2

Dickens of a Christmas Celebration November 29

A community holiday festival that brings the Victorian Spirit of Charles Dickens’s time to downtown Spartanburg. Dramatic performers, musicians, artists and community organizations immerse festivalgoers in a swirling array of sights, sounds and activities typical of the Victorian era.

Living window displays, street entertainers, strolling carolers, hand bell choirs, marching suffragettes, chestnut roasters, horsedrawn carriage rides and a Victorian Santa add to the festive atmosphere. “The Hay Market” features demonstrating artists and nonprofit arts groups. Begins with a Dickens Parade that anyone can join. Downtown Spartanburg 6-9pm cityofspartanburg.org

Festival of Lessons & Carols December 1

Celebrate the holiday season with traditional Christmas carols and hymns, along with student-led scripture readings.

The Spartanburg Festival Chorus, Converse Wind Ensemble & Converse Choral will perform.Twichell Auditorium at Converse College Free 8:30pm converse.edu

Be part of the holiday celebration and run or walk the Christmas Parade route in your best elf outfit. T-shirts for all participants.

Prizes for the best dressed and spirit. 6pm Downtown Spartanburg, Staging area at corner of Pine St and Henry St spartanburgjaycees.net/elf-run

As the area’s largest night parade with festively lighted floats, the parade is an event for all ages. Come enjoy all that downtown Spartanburg has to offer and join in the fun! Downtown Spartanburg 6:30pm spartanburgjaycees.net

Travelers Rest Christmas Parade December 10

Local businesses, churches, schools, and other organizations participate in this festive parade that courses through the center of downtown. Local crowds gather along the sidewalks along Main Street and Poinsett Highway to enjoy the show.

Downtown Travelers Rest 10-11am greatertrchamber.com

The Very Merry Local Christmas Market December 10

This year’s holiday shopping extravaganza features a special Vintage Market, along with a hot chocolate bar; specialty food & food trucks; gifts from 60 local crafters, artisans & makers. Kids can sit with Santa for a photo shoot. Live music: Lucy Allen and Marshall Goers, The Fine Art Ramblers, and more. 12-4pm Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr. trailblazerpark.com

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Gift Guide

enjoy an

holiday living hosts inviting friends and family over this year can turn down the thermostat to save energy and make conditions inside the home more comfortable. Extra bodies inside the house will warm the place up, allowing homeowners to turn down the thermostat during parties. If you’re traveling for the season, program your thermostat so you’re not heating an empty home.

eco-friendly holiday season The color green is synonymous with the holiday season, as Christmas trees, mistletoe and holiday wreaths feature prominently throughout the month of December. But there are ways to make this holiday season even greener.

G

oing green around the house can save homeowners substantial amounts of money and benefit the planet in various ways. Yet come the holiday season, many people unintentionally eschew ecofriendly practices in an effort to make their homes as festive as possible. Fortunately, there are several ways to enjoy an ecofriendly holiday season.

Choose led holIday lIghts. Holiday lighting displays help make the season even more special. But traditional incandescent holiday lights consume considerable amounts of energy and burn

out much more quickly than more eco-friendly alternatives.

According to Energy.gov, LED holiday lights consume less energy than incandescent holiday lights, and they’re also safer because LED lights burn cool, reducing the risk of combustion. In addition, LED lights are more resistant to breaking than incandescent bulbs, which should please homeowners who want to avoid broken or burned out bulbs that can ruin holiday lighting displays. get CreatIve WIth WraPPIng PaPer. The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that

household waste increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. That translates to about one million extra tons of waste in the roughly five-week holiday season. Much of that waste is wrapping paper. Instead of purchasing holiday wrapping paper that will ultimately end up in landfills, wrap gifts in reusable gift bags or old

newspapers lying around the house. If you must use wrapping paper, choose recycled paper. In addition, save bows, ribbons and undamaged wrapping paper to use again next season. turn doWn the thermostat. Holiday music fans know that the weather outside can be frightful during the holiday season. But holiday

C

hristmas songs provide the soundtrack for holiday magic. Such songs evoke strong feelings in people, and various songs have become staples at holiday celebrations. Some interesting facts and history surround many popular Christmas songs. “White Christmas,” for example, is the best-selling Christmas song of all time. However, “Silent Night” is the most recorded Christmas song in history, says TIME. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is considered a jolly song, but

send e-Cards. Holiday cards are a tradition in many families.

But paper cards contribute heavily to that extra million tons of holiday-related waste noted by the EPA. In lieu of paper cards, send e-cards. E-cards can be emailed to friends and family, saving the cost of postage and the fuel required to deliver those cards. In addition, e-cards save families the hassle of signing each individual card.

The holiday season is not the most eco-friendly time of year, but celebrants can take steps to reduce their carbon footprints between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. - Metro Creative Connection

songwriter James Gillespie was unemployed and had just lost his brother prior to writing the song. Still, he was able to look past his grief to pen the classic.

Many are unaware that “Jingle Bells” originally was supposed to be a Thanksgiving song. While many beloved Christmas songs have been around for decades, one artist managed to tap into the success of classic Christmas music. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a popular modern-day Christmas song.

- Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016

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Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA® November 15, 2016