PR SECTION B
KENTUCKY KERNEL
PAGE B2 | Monday, November 23, 2009
How to:
SURVIVE BLACK FRIDAY
BY CATIE CUNDIFF
What comes to mind when you hear the term Black Friday? Everyone has their own agendas on how they will spend the day after Thanksgiving. Some might be anxious to get out early for the one day specials, others may have the unfortunate pleasure of working in retail that day and some may stay away from madness and simply stay at home. No matter how you spend the day after Thanksgiving, follow these tips on how to survive Black Friday. Shop on the internet: No crowds, no lines, no waking up early. The internet is the perfect solution to getting that one sweet deal that you want without all the hassle. Shopping is not for everyone: Waking up early to hit up all the retail stores is not something that everyone loves to do. If you don’t think that you can handle the Friday morning madness, then stay home. It’s okay to do nothing that day. Be prepared: If you decided to do Black Friday, you have to do it right! For the serious Black Friday shoppers it’s not a game. More than anything, it’s a time for strategizing. Be a confident shopper: Sometimes people think that they are getting a better deal then they really are. Make sure you read the fine print before you make that one big impulse buy. Be knowledgeable about your spending habits because retailers are out to get the best
of the customers on Black Friday. Get your thoughts together: It can be helpful if you make a list of items you are out to get. Also, bringing the ads with you can help you make decisions throughout the day. Get Organized and plan: If you are one of those people that will be shopping from morning until night, you better have it all planned out. Its going to be a long and tiring day so be ready! Make sure you are in comfortable clothes and comfy shoes…you are going to be doing a lot of walking. Make friends in the process: Making friends on Black Friday along the way will be the key to some of your success. Someone may have extra information on sales items or they might have extra coupons that they willing to lend you. If anything, it’s someone to talk to in the long lines. Shopping buddies: Don’t drag people along with you that are uncertain about the shopping day. You don’t want someone complaining all day. This is a once a year extravagant shopping day and you don’t want someone to ruin that for you. Know your limits: People with a serious retail problem can go crazy on Black Friday. It is important to distinguish between a want and a need. Have Fun: Most importantly, have fun on Black Friday! It can be a very exciting experience. Whether you are working or shopping remember ‘tis the season!
Monday, November 23, 2009 | PAGE B3
Top 10 Christmas Movies
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6) It’s a Wonderful Life 7) How the Grinch Stole Christmas 8) White Christmas 9) Miracle on 34th Street 10) A Charlie Brown Christmas
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Update your holiday playlist 1) “White Christmas” 2) “The Christmas Song” 3) “Its Beginning to look a lot like Christmas” 4) “This Christmas Cannon” 5) “Wonderful Christmas Time” 6) “Feliz Navidad” 7) “Home for the Holidays” 8) “The Nutcracker Suite” 9) “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” 10) “The Christmas Waltz” 11) “All I Want for Christmas is you” 12) “Home for the Holidays” 13) “Silent Night”
14) “Away in a Manger” 15) “The Little Drummer Boy” 16) “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” 17) “The First Noel” 18) “Hark the Harold Angels Sing” 19) “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” 20) “Carol of the Bells” 21) “Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer” 22) “Grown up Christmas List” 23) “Oh, Christmas Tree” 24) “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” 25) “Hey Santa
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PAGE B4 | Monday, November 23, 2009
A Guy’s Guide to Christmas Shopping Jennifer Hunt
As every guy knows it is almost time to start Christmas shopping. Although it is only November, that means you only have a little over a month to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. If you’re like most guys you would much rather watch your favorite team play on t.v. or play video games, than walk around a mall trying to find something that your girlfriend, mom, brother, grandma, etc. will like. Christmas shopping can be a difficult task for the most accelerated shopper but it can be especially devastating to those who lack enthusiasm for it… which is most guys. To help all of the ‘I hate shopping’ guys out there here is a few ways to make your shopping days go a little smoother. Shop online. Why drive to the mall and stand in line when you can buy the same things online and never have to leave the house…or even put on pants. The majority of stores have online ordering so that you can shop around and purchase the right gifts for your list. Pay attention. Does your mom really want that keychain? I can’t tell you what she wants, but I bet it’s not what you got her last year too. Try to think of things that people have talked about or that you know they need. These things don’t have to be big. If you noticed that your girlfriend was eyeing a scarf at Target, surprise her and get it. Just pay attention and try not to get caught up with the same old gifts you always get. Think outside the box. If you can’t think of things to get someone check out the in-
ternet. A simple Google search for creative gift ideas can give you great guidance. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t wait until Christmas Eve to go shopping. You will be in a frantic rush and will almost definitely forget something. Items may be sold out or the crowds may be too large for you to handle. So don’t wait…get your shopping done early. Stores will wrap. Most malls and shopping centers offer free gift-wrapping stations during the holidays. So if your not exactly great with a pair of scissors try this out. It will really make the present more appealing and save you time and the hassle. If you still have problems with Christmas shopping, don’t worry…. it’s probably just in your DNA. Maybe with these tips and some hard work you will impress just the right person this year!
Being Generous Without Going Broke BY JILLIAN ROGERS
Tis the season for holiday cheer, full bellies and empty wallets. Winter break is approaching fast and now is the time to start making your shopping list. As college students, we have a difficult time deciding who to give gifts to and how much to spend on them. Fortunately, there is an easy way to give everyone on your list a present without breaking the bank. Making your own gifts is not only inexpensive, it is fun and relaxing as well. Stores like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and Gar-
den Ridge are filled with craft materials and project ideas. Decorating ornaments is a great homemade gift. It not only reflects the holiday season, it can also appeal to a wide range of people. For guys, you can decorate an ornament with their favorite college or professional team. For girls, you can pretty much go crazy with paint, beads, ribbon, etc. Many college students are putting up their own Christmas tree for the first time so don’t let their tree be naked; give them a decorated ornament. Another gift that can appeal to everyone is
a bag of homemade cookies. Who doesn’t like baked goods this holiday season? Even if they are ‘break and bake’ cookies, people will still enjoy them and appreciate the gift. You can even go as far as decorating them with sprinkles and icing. This is a good way to personalize them. Don’t forget to be creative with the wrapping. Grocery and dollar stores sell holiday bags and boxes for you to spruce up your gift. If decorating little gifts is too time consuming or you just don’t have the creative gene, then giving out holiday cards is another
inexpensive alternative. With so many people you know from class, work and other activities, it’s hard to know where you draw the line of good friends and people you encounter on a regular basis. Giving them holiday cards will let them know that you are thinking of them this season. You can also throw in a candy cane to add a little something extra. Hopefully now you are thinking of different inexpensive ways you can give gifts this year. These ideas are just some of many. Get creative and just remember it’s not what you give it’s the thought that counts.
Monday, November 23, 2009 | PAGE B5
An Entertaining Exchange BY MADISON GRIFFIN
Holiday gift exchange games are an entertaining way to exchange gifts during the holiday season with friends and family. Try one of the following games this year to spice up your usual gift-giving routine.
Secret Santa Write the participant’s names on pieces of paper and put them in a hat, box, etc. Mix the names up. Each participant then picks a name, but does not reveal the name they have to anyone else. The participants purchase a gift for the person whose name they drew from the hat. Most people set a price limit. When wrapping the gifts, put the recipient’s name on the label, not who the gift is from. Place the gifts in a general area. Try to guess who bought the gift with your name on it. If the identity is never revealed, the Secret Santa reveals themselves.
Dirty Santa Guests should decide on a price range and purchase a gift. At the party, place the gifts in a pile. Participants draw numbers or play a game to determine who will pick their gift first. The winner chooses which gift they want, they open the gift then show everyone at the party. Participants draw numbers or play a game to determine who will go next. This winner has two choices. They can choose another gift from the pile or they can take the gift the first person. If they take the gift from another guest, that guest has to choose another gift. The process continues until all of the participants have gifts.
Left/Right All participants bring a gift to the party. The participants form a circle. One of the guests reads a story like the one below. Every time the words “left” or “right” are read, the participants pass the gift in that direction. The gift the participant has at the end of the story is theirs to keep. “Christmas was almost here and Mother Right was finishing the Christmas baking. Father Right, Sue Right and Billy Right returned from their last-minute Christmas errands. “There’s not much left to be done,” said Father Right as he came into the kitchen. “Did you leave the basket of food at the church?” asked Mother Right. “I left it right where you told me to,” said Father Right. “I’m glad my shopping is done,” said Billy right. “I don’t have any money left.” The hall telephone rang, and Susan Right left to answer it. She rushed right back and told the family, “Aunt Tillie Right left a package for us right on Grandma Right’s front porch. I’ll go over there right now and get it,” she said as she left in a rush. Father Right left the kitchen and brought in the Christmas tree. By the time Susan Right returned, Mother Right, Father Right, and Billy Right had begun trimming the tree. The entire Right family sang carols as they finished decorating. Then they left all the presents arranged under the tree and went to bed, hoping they had selected the right gifts for their family. Now I hope you have the right present for yourself, because that’s all that’s left of our story, except to wish you a merry Christmas. Isn’t that right?
Holiday Trivia Gift Exchange Gather Christmas Trivia questions with the correct answers. (Gather more questions than guests.) Place gifts in a general area. Ask a trivia question. The guest who gives correct answer gets to choose the gift they want.
PAGE B6 | Monday, November 23, 2009
Holiday recipes ture then form into egg shape. Rechill. 3. Melt chocolate over low heat or on low setting in microwave. 4.Dip chilled eggs or balls in melted chocolate and cool on wax paper. (Suggestion: Melt 1 lb. of chocolate at a time - use fork for dipping)
Avoiding holiday weight gain
No Bake Cookies
By Mary Muller
The holidays are suppose to be cherished times to spend with family and friends. They are also a time to eat and be merry. Food is an essential part of any holiday party. Here are some recipes that are sure to make your holiday plans unforgettable.
Puppy Chow Ingredients: 1/2 cup Peanut Butter 1/4 cup Butter 1 cup Chocolate Chips 1/2 tsp. Vanilla 9 cups Crispix cereal (any flavor) 1-1/2 cups Powdered Sugar Instructions: 1. Combine peanut butter, butter and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for one minute then stir to blend all ingredients thoroughly. 2. Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Stir well. 3. Place the 9 cups of Crispix cereal in a very large bowl. Pour the peanut butterchocolate mixture over the cereal and toss evenly, making sure all the cereal gets a good covering. 4.Coat with powdered sugar, sprinkling evenly over the cereal and tossing as you sprinkle to completely cover each piece.
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients: 8 ounces of cream cheese 1 1/2 pounds of smooth peanut butter 3 pounds of chocolate wafers for melting, either dark or milk chocolate OR 3 pounds of Wilbur’s chocolate wafers 2 1/2 pounds of powdered sugar 2 tsp of vanilla extract 1 1/4 pounds of margarine Instructions: 1. Margarine and cream cheese need to be at room temperature. Mix together and add peanut butter, then add vanilla. 2.Add sugar in small amounts. Chill mix-
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups white sugar 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup butter 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter 3 cups quick-cooking oats 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions: 1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter and cocoa. 2. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. 3. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats and vanilla. 4. Drop teaspoonfuls of mixture onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.
Jennifer Hunt
It is once again time to bundle up in warm sweaters and visit family and friends for holiday gatherings. From Thanksgiving dinners to the beloved Super Bowl gathering, there will be an abundance of food and festivities. That means that, if you’re like me, the aspirations of your new year’s resolutions are long gone and you are just thinking about doing better. With Thanksgiving and Christmas soon arriving many people will begin their holiday dieting. But as we all know, the smell of turkey roasting in the oven and the pumpkin pie for dessert are hard temptations to ignore. For many people holidays tend to bring out the oh-so-confident, “I’m sticking to my resolutions this year!” attitude when the New Year rises, along with the number on the scale. The fact that food is constantly present at any party, get-together or event during the holidays, inevitably leads to overeating which can cause weight gain. The holidays often bring along extra stress which can also lead to weight gain. However, this year you can work on keeping your resolution by not gaining weight throughout the holiday season. To help you avoid gaining weight during the holidays here is a list of six things that you can do to keep the numbers on the scale where they should be (or relatively close anyway). Don’t Graze. While at a party with friends or family do not hold a conversation over the bowl of M&M’s. As soon as someone else pops one in their mouth, you will be impelled to do the same and before you know it, you have eaten an entire bowl
of M&M’s. It happens to the best of us, so just avoid it. Drink Low-Cal. You know that you cannot resist your mom’s pie, so instead of making it your goal not to eat the pie and then failing miserably, try drinking fewer calories. Instead of drinking the soda or tea, choose water or other low-calorie drink. These calories you will not be wasting on liquids can be used for real sustenance, like an extra scoop of whipped cream on your pie. Bring your own healthy food. If you are really trying to eat healthy during the holidays, bring your own healthy dish to a party. A fruit or veggie tray is usually popular and then you know that you have a healthy option in case no one else is quite as health conscious. Slow Down. Eating slowly can help you feel fuller faster. While eating at a table with party guests try to speak in between bites (after chewing of course) so that you keep a steady conversation going and you will eat less. Smaller Portions. Just because Christmas only comes once a year doesn’t mean that you have to eat half of the turkey. Pay attention to portion sizes. Also listen to your body, it will tell you when it is getting full and try not to stuff yourself. Rest and Exercise. While it is easy to take it easy on the holidays and relax, be sure that you are still getting regular exercise. A few laps around the mall can not only help you find that perfect outfit, it can also help you burn off a few of those calories from all the pie and gingerbread. Sleep is also important to help restore your body and help your metabolism.