Lehigh Valley Family November December 2012

Family Lehigh Valley

November - December 2012

The Rise of the Stay-at-Home Dad Savvy Style for Your Holiday Soiree

Fun Things to do This Holiday Season The Gift of Roots

Pric take eless one!

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Family Lehigh Valley

A Thrive, LLC Publication 905 Harrison Street, Suite 104 • Allentown 18103 610-762-9011 editor@lehighvalleyfamily.com

www.LehighValleyFamily.com

FROM THE EDITOR

OUR TEAM Publisher Jeff Tintle, II

Editor

Laura Putt Editor@ lehighvalleyfamily.com

Associate Editor

Photography: Janet Sena Pix-Ology, LLC

Contributors

Art Villafane Denise Continenza Amanda Furbeck

Vicki Bezems

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Contact 610-762-9011 or sales@lehighvalleyfamily.com

Copyright© 2012 by Thrive, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher.

Thrive, LLC assumes no responsibility for damages arising from errors or omissions. Thrive Media, 905 Harrison Street, Suite 104, Allentown 18103. www. lehighvalleyfamily.com.

Lehigh Valley Family’s monthly issues are available online at www.lehighvalleyfamily.com. Print issues are published bi-monthly (Jan/Feb; March/April; May/June; July/Aug; Sept/Oct; Nov/Dec); and are available at libraries, churches, health clubs, medical facilities, child care centers, preschools, educational centers and other locations where publications are generally found. Print subscriptions are available for $20 (6 issues).

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ovember has arrived and with it the start of the holiday rush. There is a seemingly endless list of shopping, cooking, cleaning, parties to attend and traditions to uphold. The stress of getting it all done can really put a damper on the good cheer if we let it.

This issue of Lehigh Valley Family strives to make this season a little easier. We have a thought-provoking article from Denise Continenza about making memories that our children will cherish. They don’t involve money, gifts or expensive displays of our love. To help with the memory making, we’ve compiled a list of places to go and things to do during the next two months. There is certainly no shortage of ways to spend time together as a family!

We’ve tested several of the hottest toys this season and have included parent reviews for your benefit – we didn’t leave anything out. Also inside is an article about the growing number of stay-at-home dads. It is interesting to read about one local father’s gratification in caring for his children and his experiences as he breaks past the stigma that sometimes comes with his status as stay-at-home dad.

If we can take a moment to think about the meaning of each holiday and not just the to-do list, joy replaces the tedium. As Thanksgiving approaches, I ask that you all celebrate the blessings in your life by sharing and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, as it simply celebrates the overwhelming abundance in our lives. My thoughts and thanks turn to you, our readers and our advertisers. We thank you wholeheartedly for all of your continued support.

I wish you and your family a holiday season full of love and cheer, and hearts full of gratitude for all of the opportunities we are offered in the great United States of America.

- Laura

table of contents The Holiday Issue For families of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Beyond!

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FUN and GAMES 18 Fun Facts 18 Commonyms 18 Recipes 19 Commonym Answers

features 5 6 8 9 10 12 14 20 22

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The Power of Music The Gift of Roots Toy Reviews Save Money With Online Shopping The Rise of Stay-at-Home Dads The Importance of Self Care Holiday Happenings in the Valley Savvy Style for Your Holiday Soiree Fun Things To Do

We’ve tested the season’s newest toys. See what our readers thought!

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The Power of Music

By Nina Pinsley, ClubZ In-Home Tutoring

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or many people, music has been an invisible friend from the early days of infancy. With her power to soothe, stir, or awaken, she is the companion who lingers in the background and makes us feel less alone. In recent years, we have come to develop an even deeper appreciation for the value of music by understanding the positive effects it has on the development of our children’s mental and emotional health.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the opportunity to play music. According to Paul Borgese’s report on the Benefits of Music on Child Development, listening to and playing music have far-reaching effects during the developmental years: 1. Concentration: Playing an instrument requires children to focus for extended periods of time. This increased attention span transfers to the learning environment created in the traditional classroom.

2. Coordination: Musicians develop the same eye-hand coordination that athletes develop through sports.

3. Relaxation: Music has the power of lowering blood pressure and heart rate, and aids in fighting disease.

4. Patience: In contrast to the immediate gratification to which many children are accustomed, children must develop persistence and patience in order to learn to play an instrument.

5. Self-confidence: Music provides children with opportunities to be imaginative, creative, and develop relationships with mentors. The chance to perform for appreciative audiences serves to enhance self-esteem and communicative skills later in life.

6. Enhances science, math, reading, and computer skills: Countless studies continue to find a

correlation between increased academic success and playing musical instruments. “Case example: In 1999… in East Harlem, only 13% of the students performed at grade level in reading or math. Eighteen months after the music program was restored, 71% of the students were performing at grade level. The principal, Victor Lopez, attributes this astounding success to the restoration of the music program” “A study of 7,500 university students revealed that music

majors scored the highest reading scores among all majors, including English, biology, chemistry, and math.” Music students surpassed the national average scores of other students on the SAT math test by 21 points and on the verbal by 38 points. A recent Rockefeller Foundation Study found that out of all college majors, music majors have the highest rate of admittance to medical schools.

7. Develops workforce skills: A 1991 report by The U.S. Department of Labor urged schools to emphasize the arts because of their ability to foster skills needed in the corporate world, such as team work, self-esteem, creativity, imagination, invention, and communication. USA Today (January, 1987) reported that a large majority of congressmen and CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies admitted that “playing a musical instrument as a child helped them develop character and leadership skills”.

It is never too late to give your child the advantages of playing a musical instrument.

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The Gift of Roots

Denise H. Continenza, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator/Prevention Affiliate, Penn State Extension-Lehigh County

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few months ago, I asked my grown children to tell me their favorite childhood memory.

One quickly responded with recollections of “Pizza Picnics”, our Friday night escapades where we would spread blankets on the family room floor and enjoy our dinner while watching TV together.

I had hardly thought much about this other than it was something different to end the busy week. And besidesit was a way for me to get out of cooking!

Another memory was that of the “Game Board Olympics” during the blizzard of 1996. Schools were closed for a solid week, so we played a marathon of board games, complete with a scorecard for rankings.

November / December 2012

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On Friday we held a medal ceremony for the victors. It seemed corny, but it sure kept us sane during the worst winter storm in decades.

My youngest child fondly remembered the walks from his grandmother’s house to the Turkey Hill to buy ice cream cones that dripped faster than he could eat. And who could forget the time I found them tossing pennies into the wells of an egg carton as part of a homemade pitching game they made. I reacted with shock since it was the day after Christmas when they had gotten the newest video game system. A salvaged egg carton, a magic marker and a roll of pennies provided them with more giggles and fun than the Nintendo ever would. www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Funny how no one mentioned the Disney World vacations or the condo at the beach.

My children’s descriptions of their childhood recollections made me realize that giving children their roots -- traditions, memories, and a sense of belonging -- is really quite simple, much simpler than we allow it to be. Roots is all about families being together, sharing special times, and finding the simple joys in life together.

The things that children remember as “good times” are quite different from what adults think good times should be. Research is showing that kids fare better in all areas when they feel a strong connection to their families.

Belonging is a basic need that all humans crave. When it is not found within the family, young people will often seek it elsewhere, sometimes in dangerous places like gangs.

The kinds of things parents can do even in these busy times are: • Eat meals together (if dinner doesn’t work, try breakfast!) as often as possible

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• Institute family movie night or game night once a week • Find a favorite park and visit it regularly together • Plan a family reunion • Start new traditions or revive old ones for holidays or special events • Put time aside for visiting relatives • Share stories of your own childhood with your children • Have” rituals” that are predictable and soothing such as a weekly shopping trip or a special show to watch together Perhaps one of the positive outcomes of the slowed economy is that is has put the squeeze on buying “stuff” that we used to think provided happiness. As we strive to make ends meet for our families, we are also forced to be more mindful of where our money is going and why. Giving your child strong roots does not have to be a costly endeavor; it appears that the simpler experiences leave a greater impact. One of the best ways to keep your child safe, especially as he or she enters adolescence, is to make your family life responsive, loving and fun. In other words, make your family your child’s “gang”.

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This Season’s Toys

Tested and Reviewed by Our Readers Find more toy reviews online! LehighValleyFamily.com

Playskool Rocktivity Walk ‘N Roll Rider: What It Is

This rider allows a child to sit and scoot around, or covert to a walk-behind toy.

Why It’s Fun

The dashboard has several buttons that play upbeat and fun music, and the music starts with movement and stops when the movement stops, encouraging the child to keep walking.

Blingles What It Is

This is a little kit that allows you to make different shaped “bling”. It comes with 300 gems in several different colors, and a little tool for handling the gems, pre-set patterns, and everything you need to create the designs.

Why It’s Fun

This was fun for the kids to pick out what patterns they wanted and then easily make them. They could then put their own “bling stickers” on whatever they wanted, paper, a headband, etc.

Who It’s For

The box says for ages 6 and up, but we tested with two 4-year-olds, and neither had a problem with this craft.

What to be Aware of

It would be nice if you could make more than 6 of the stickers.

There are a lot of gems leftover, but we can’t use them.

Overall Impression

Very fun and girly craft to occupy kids for an hour.

Who It’s For

Manufacturer says 9 months and up, but its good for any age child who stands holding onto something.

What to be Aware of

If the child isn’t standing upright, as babies learning to walk seldom are, it is easy to fall face first onto the ground.

Make sure to have 2 AA batteries on

hand if this is a gift!

Overall Impression

This is a great toy, and well worth the $38 price tag. Not only was it good for the intended age group, but the older siblings as well. Our petite 5-year old loves it as well. The kids push each other while riding it, and of course their dolls enjoy many rides on the motorcycle.

Micro Chargers Jump Set What It Is

Micro Chargers are micro-sized racers that feature a unique quick charge system. With the Micro Chargers Jump Race Track, kids can send their racers flying across jumps to perform fun stunt tricks. The set includes one jump race track, two hand held chargers, two trading cards, and two exclusive quick charge cars.

Why It’s Fun

We have had fun playing with the micro cars and tracks. It is nice to have two in the package. The cars get a pretty good charge and stay going for a good amount of time. The jump on the track works well. The track is pretty simple to assemble even by a four-yearold. The cars will run off of the track too. They are really fast on hardwood floors. The charger has a carry case on top for the car when not playing with it. BRILLIANT! After several hours of play, the battery charger was still strong.

Who It’s For

This set is for ages 5 and up.

What to be Aware of

The track could be longer. I understand it is Micro but could be adjusted so the cars could go longer. It would be nice if the track could be divided so the cars could actually race. The only race part is when you press the release button for the charger in the starting position. Be aware that the cars are really small & potentially can be lost easily. While the track layout claims to make different track patterns, the box does not mention that you need more track pieces to do so.

Overall Impression

Fun toy, but a little pricey for what it is. If you could use a coupon to get the price $25 or lower, its worth it.

Holiday Online Shopping – Tips to use if you plan to click and order this holiday season

By Heather Hamilton

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any people will skip the long lines, crowded parking lots and hustle and bustle this holiday season and will opt to shop online. Some do it to find better deals and others seek a broader selection of products. The overwhelming reason people shop online is to save time.

Here are some tips to maximize your time and savings while shopping online this holiday season.

• Use websites that offer comparison shopping so that you don’t need to scour each website for the best deal. Some examples of comparison shopping websites are nextag.com, shop.com, and bizrate.com. On each of these you will find a variety of retailers that have the products you are searching for.

• Find and use coupon codes. Many retailers offer codes that are only available for online purchases which often give you a better deal than the store. Several websites compile coupon codes such as retailmenot.com, couponcabin.com and shop. com. Some retailers often post their deals on banners at the top of their website such as landsend.com. Shop.com offers a application called Shop Buddy for your computer that will pop up whenever you search for a product or store that has a coupon code available so that you don’t miss any deals.

• The buzz around Black Friday grows every year with more stores opening earlier and people rushing from the Thanksgiving table to get the best deals. Though many love the experience of shopping in the wee hours of the morning and get a rush at the prospect of great deals, you can get those same deals online by sitting at your computer without waiting in lines or struggling with packages.

Though there are many benefits to online shopping there are some things to remember or be aware of:

1. Before Black Friday, many “teasers” will come out about

prices for black Friday. Some of them will be correct, but others are simply to test the consumer market and to find out what other retailers might be offering for the same product.

2. Beware that some retailers may offer a deal on a product

that they only have a small number of and last year (2011) retailers like Best Buy sold more product online than they actually had in stock. Watch the fine print to see if it says “limited quantities” and beware that the “best” deals may not be accessible.

3. Check the shipping costs before you checkout to ensure

that you are getting the best deal. Many sites have a minimum purchase that you need before you get “free shipping.” For instance, when shopping at kohls.com the minimum is $75.

There are often free shipping codes as well so make sure to check them out. To avoid shipping all together, you can often use “in store pickup.” Some stores that offer this service are sears.com, lowes.com, walmart.com.

4. Order your products early enough to get them before Christmas. There are some great discount sites like zulily. com, but they often take 2-4 weeks to deliver a product so you won’t be able to shop the week before Christmas and have your gift arrive in time.

5. Double check the return policy to make sure that you will get a full refund if you return the product. Some stores charge a restocking fee, some only give store credit, but others make it very convenient and you can return it in a local store.

Online shopping sales are projected to rise 16% this year according to eMarketer. This increase shows how comfortable consumers have become with shopping online. Follow the above guidelines to lower your stress level shopping this holiday season.

Heather Hamilton helps customers find the best online deals through her website www.thehamiltonshop.com. You can reach Heather with questions at hbrown8@yahoo.com.

The Rise of Stay at Home Dads

By Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family

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f you didn’t know of at least one stay at home dad five years ago, you probably do now. More and more men are seizing the opportunity to play a more active part in their children’s upbringing. In the last 10 years, the number of men who have left the work force to stay-at-home with their children has more than doubled in the United States. In 2011, an estimated 176,000 men in the United States were caring for their children full time. If you add those men who worked in part time jobs or as free lancers while caring for their children, the total came to 626,000.

Source: www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/hh-fam. html Some couples choose to place the dad in the caretaker role for financial and career reasons, and some because the dad is better suited to tending children and home while the mom naturally thrives in the workplace. For many couples, it’s a combination of factors that leads to the couple’s assuming non-traditional roles. Chris and Anna Routly of Breinigsville, PA, are a good example. After both were laid off from their jobs in the Seattle area -- Anna as a biomedical engineer and Chris as an artist for a game company -- Anna accepted a position with B. Braun Medical Inc. and the couple moved to the Lehigh Valley in 2009. They valued having one parent stay at home with the children, Anna made more money and had a more promising career path, and Chris could do freelance work from home; plus, he had the more nurturing personality of

the two.

Chris asserts that there are countless benefits for families with at-home dads. “The children get to see highly involved fatherhood modeled for them every day, in a world where absent fathers are an epidemic,” Chris explains; “The arrangement also is very helpful in supporting the careers of our wives, in that they can focus on work when needed and not worry about who is caring for the children.” Chris’s greatest joy in staying home with sons Coltrane, age four, and Tucker, 20 months, is his close relationship with them. He remarks, “They are a constant source of joy, but the greatest thing is that I really know them so well and get to help shape them into the men they will someday be.”

For stay at home dads and their spouses, expectations about how to divide chores naturally stray from those in more traditional households and can present challenges in the parents’ relationship. One father, quoted in a recent New York Times article on at-home dads, advises couples to define their roles and duties from the start to prevent misunderstandings and friction. “There are times when your working spouse will come from a particularly tough day at work and will just forget what a tough gig this is,” he tells. “As I’m sure men did for a century, they just take for granted, Well, what did you do? You kept him from injuring himself for eight hours? There’s a lot more to it than that.’” Source: nytimes.com/2012/08/12. In contrast, Chris describes harmony in how he and Anna balance the

work in their home based on ability and interest. “I’m not sure there is anything that is specifically ‘my job’ or ‘her job’, as we are both, in general, willing to do whatever needs to be done. But, I love to cook, and am way better at it, so I do 99 percent of the cooking and grocery shopping, as well as most day-to-day cleaning, minor repairs, and doctor visits for the boys. Anna tends to handle more of the laundry than I do, because she has more clothes that need to be washed a specific way, and as the more organized one handles the finances. When she is home, we share childcare duties as evenly as possible, though she will often take the boys ‘off my hands’ so I can get a little mental break or get something done that is easier without them underfoot (typically cooking meals). We’re a good team,” he explains.

While the role of stay-at-home dad is evolving and is more readily accepted now than ten years ago, there is still a stigma attached. “Things are getting better but have a long way to go. Many people still maintain very traditional gender role ideas, and even those completely comfortable in their role as an at-home dad will feel pressure or be judged based on not being the breadwinner. You have to have a thick skin to ignore the negative comments,” Chris asserts.

All stay-at-home parents face isolation, but for dads it is even more pronounced, as they are often viewed as suspicious when they try to get involved in parent and child activities typically run by women. According to Chris, “[We are] definitely better

accepted now; however, there is still a lot of stigma, and as we’ve become more accepted and visible, those who don’t like what we do have become more openly critical (and sometimes hostile). At-home dads are still treated like somewhat of a novelty, a footnote under the ‘Mommy & Me’ sign that says ‘Dads also welcome.’ My hope is that the acceptance that some dads are doing this will make way for an expectation that all dads be more involved (even if not as ‘at-home dads’) and complete welcoming of dads as equally important and capable parents.”

Chris was unable to find a social support group for dads when he moved to the Lehigh Valley and was turned away from more than one moms’ group, so he formed Lehigh Valley Club Dad (www.meetup. com/Lehigh-Valley-Club-Dad). Club Dad runs a children’s story time every week, plus schedules other activities, such as going apple picking or meeting at a park or indoor playland, or at special events around the region.

Chris mentions that, as a Christian, he would like to see churches in general offer more opportunities for dads, stay-at-home or not, to be involved with their children in church based activities.

Chris recently attended the annual National At-Home Dad Network convention in Washington, DC, which was held this year in October and is planned for September of 2013 in Denver, Colorado. He has his own blog, http://daddydoctrines.com.

Resources for Dads: National At-Home Dads Network (formerly Daddyshome Inc.) - http://daddyshome.org Annual National At-Home Dads Convention – http:// athomedadconvention.com National Fatherhood Initiative – http://fatherhood.org DadLabs – http://dadlabs.com

GeekDad – http://wired.com/geekdad Acumen (Trends, Insights, Ideas & Research About Men) – http://acumen.breakmedia.com Playground Dad – http://playgrounddad.com BookDads – http://bookdads.com The Daddy Doctrines - http://daddydoctrines.com

The Importance of Self Care

By Dr. Scott Stoll

these common diseases that afflict friends and family? The answer is simple. Self Care.

“So many people spend their health gaining wealth, and then have to spend their wealth to regain their health.” ~A.J. Reb Materi, Our Family

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ealth Care in the 21st century has become a very expensive and impersonal machine that schedules more patients in an hour than time allows and more tests and appointments than a day timer can hold. Expenses are rising at an alarming rate.

Total out of pocket expenses rose by 45% in the last decade and the average family deductible has increased by 30% in the last 2 years. Tragically, a senior without prescription drug coverage pays on average 34% of their after tax income on health care. What happened? …More tests, more medications, more appointments, more diseases and less time, money and quality of life. Can you escape the current that takes carries everyone to the same painful destination?

Yes! You can take back control of your health destiny and reset your destination and future. You don’t need to face the same diseases that afflict millions today. You don’t have to die from a heart attack, suffer the ravages of diabetes, succumb to dementia, and struggle against a sick and tired body. The good news is that these diseases and a host of others are preventable and in many cases reversible. How can you avoid

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Self Care is a new way of looking at your body and your future. Instead of blindly committing your health care into the hands of an impersonal system hoping for a positive outcome, you instead decide to take personal responsibility for your health and your future. The first step is to recognize and accept that the lifestyle choices that you make each day; the food you eat, your activities, the stress you hold, and your sleep, will significantly impact your health, your future, your finances and the lives of your loved ones.

Self Care begins with a resolute decision that you value the people in your life, your dreams, and goals more than the foods and activities that would destroy them. Often, people choose the short-term pleasure of unhealthy foods ignoring the long term pain and sacrifice that follow bad habitual decisions. They focus on the here and now and the immediate “feel good” and trade the invaluable for the passing pleasure of a bowl of ice cream.

Change your focus, change your life. Live for a purpose or a cause, live for others, live for your dreams and then the daily decisions about what to eat and how to live will suddenly www.LehighValleyFamily.com

become purposeful, important, and very clear.

Then you need to begin taking action by developing an achievable and sustainable plan to recover and protect your health. Here are five simple steps to start your journey to renewed health.

5 Simple Steps for Self Care 1. Diet: There is no more powerful influence on your

health than your diet. Food is never neutral and will either support and strengthen your body or damage and erode your health. A simple action step might include stopping to pick up the ingredients for a smoothie, purging your pantry and refrigerator of unhealthy, disease promoting processed foods, or planning a weekly menu rich in vegetables and fruits.

2. Stress: If you were playing the card game of health, stress would be the wild card. Stress can quickly erode a healthy body and studies have linked it to diseases such as cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, immune suppression, high blood pressure, and strokes. Learning to overcome the stress of life is an important step in “self care”. Perspective is one key to overcoming stress as you step back and place the stressor in the context of the world events and your lifetime.

Another simple action step that you can take is to stop and practice deep breathing. Slow, rhythmic breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth help the body release the stress and normalize blood flow and hormonal levels

3. Toxins: Tobacco, alcohol and drugs destroy cells in the

body. In fact the largest contributor to free radical damage of the cells and DNA is tobacco and has been linked strongly to heart disease and cancer. Regular participation in any of these activities will result in long-term damage to the body and the need for health care services. Self Care recognizes the potentially harmful effects of these toxins and chooses instead to pursue a lifestyle free of toxins.

4. Activity: Every day we have a choice to move or sit.

Our culture promotes sitting; sitting at a table, at your the desk, in the car, on the couch. Self Care recognizes your

body’s need to move for health and seeks opportunities during the day to walk the stairs, wall sit, work on posture, and schedule in time for dedicated exercise and stretching.

A simple action might include doing a wall sit while on the phone to strengthen your legs or sitting on the floor while watching TV to do push ups, sit ups and stretch. Redeem the time each day to move your body.

5. Celebrate Success: Self Care recognizes the physical

and financial rewards of good health and celebrates the success. The money that might have been spent on copays, deductibles, procedures or lost work days can be reallocated to a long anticipated vacation, wonderful healthy meal catered into your home for friends and family or simply saved for another day. The celebration will help to solidify the tangible benefits of your decision and make any perceived sacrifices worthwhile. A healthy lifestyle opens wide the doors of opportunity, enjoy.

Congratulations on your decision to take control of your health destiny. Remember your body is the vehicle that will carry you through life, and you don’t get to trade it in after 50,000 miles! A strong healthy body will provide you will abundant opportunities and adventures that are impossible with a failing body. But, it all begins with the “self care” decisions that you will make today. Choose wisely and live richly.

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Holiday Happenings in the Lehigh Valley

By Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family

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f you’re looking for a way to make exceptional memories with your family this holiday season, you will find it in the Lehigh Valley, no matter what your taste. Whether you like music, theatre, dance, shopping, crafts, or sightseeing, the area offers a wide choice for you and your family. Here we give you a collection of the best of the best, traditional and new, performances and exhibits. Read on to find just what you’re looking for.

Theatre and Dance

The Happy Elf The Happy Elf is a new holiday classic for the entire family about Eubie, the happiest elf at the North Pole.

More than anything else, he longs to be a part of Santa’s sleigh team. Instead, he’s stuck checking the naughty-ornice lists. But this Christmas Eve, he notices something strange: in the entire town of Bluesville, not a single person has been nice. So with a pinch of elfish magic, help from his friends, and his unending holiday spirit, Eubie sets off to turn all of those children from naughty to nice in just one day! Music and Lyrics by Harry Connick, Jr., book by Lauren Gunderson and Andrew Fishman, “The Happy Elf ” will be presented by the 14 November / December 2012

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Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, The Charles A. Brown Ice House, 57 River Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Phone: 610-332-1400. November 30 – December 16, 2012.

A Christmas Carol Civic Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” has become a Lehigh Valley tradition. Celebrate the holiday season with us as everyone’s favorite holiday show returns to Civic Theatre for its 23rd annual production! Tens of thousands of people from the Lehigh Valley and beyond have come to catch the spirit of the season as Charles Dickens’ legendary characters come to life on Civic’s stage. This timeless show warms your heart and interposes compassion, gratitude, selflessness, and acceptance. Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th Street, www.civictheatre.com.

Cinderella’s Christmas Cinderella, her evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters will come alive as the Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre of Rhode Island performs Cinderella’s Christmas, a show for all ages. Allentown Symphony Hall, 23 6th Street, Allentown. www.allentownsymphony.com. Nov 24, 2012, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Nutcracker Repertory Dance Theatre kicks off its 26th production of Nutcracker, the only Nutcracker in the Lehigh Valley with live music. Get into the true holiday spirit and treat your family to the most magical gift for all ages.

Nutcracker’s special bond and its joy have been shared throughout many generations of family and friends.

RDT’s professional and pre-professional dancers lead a cast of 100 in this annual holiday favorite. With the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and the Lehigh Valley High School for the Performing Arts Women’s Choir, this is truly the “Nutcracker” to see.

Fun activities, special treats, and a chance to mingle with the dancers will take place following the Saturday Matinee at the Land of the Sweets Party in the Rodale Room at Symphony Hall (additional ticket required) after the Saturday afternoon matinee. December 8 and 9, 2012 at 2:00.www.repertorydance.org. 610.965.6216.

Lights and EXHIBITS Koziar’s Christmas Village Koziar’s Christmas Village provides the greatest Christmas display in the United States. Driving through the darkened countryside and coming over that last hill on the unlit country road is like driving into a fairyland. Suddenly you find yourself in a dazzling valley aglow with more Christmas lights than you have ever seen before. Adding to the magnificent beauty is the spectacular reflection of those thousands and thousands of lights in the lake situated directly in front of the main house.

This family owned Christmas attraction dates back to 1948 when William M. Koziar began decorating his home and dairy farm for the pleasure that he, his wife and their four children derived from it. It has continued to grow for more than 60 years and has become one of the most famous Christmas attractions in the USA. It has received many awards in its long history, including “Best Outdoor Display in the World” and the “Award of Excellence as one of the Top Ten Travel Attractions in Pennsylvania.” Off Route 183, Bernville, PA. 782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, PA.(610) 488-1110

Holiday Train Exhibit at America On Wheels Museum Enjoy the sounds and action of many model trains around the museum’s galleries. Fun for adults and kids of all ages. Bring a new unwrapped toy and it will be placed on the Mack Truck for delivery to children in need. November 23 through December 30, 2012.

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday noon-5pm.

Call 610.432.4200 x16 for information or visit www. americaonwheels.org to see special admission dates for a steam train demonstration, Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre Christmas Puppet Show with Christmas Elf Workshop to follow, a model train scavenger hunt, and a daytime New Year’s Even party for the whole family.

Music and Puppetry Handel’s Messiah Allentown Symphony Hall is proud to present the Allentown Symphony Chorus performance of Handel’s Messiah at Allentown’s Calvary Temple on December 5th at 8:00 PM. It is truly a wonderful way to begin your Christmas celebrations.

Pip: the Mouse Before Christmas The holiday puppet show, The Mouse Before Christmas, was created by Dr. George R. Creegan, and made its world premiere at Hess’s Department Store in Allentown on Saturday, October 27, 1962. The puppet show stage was placed in the front window on Hamilton Street and delighted thousands of people of all ages. In the 1970s, Pip was moved to Hess’s fifth floor Community Room and a Winter Wonderland was added, complete with mechanical animals, people, trees and a Swiss chalet.

After Bon-Ton purchased Hess’s, it continued the Pip the Mouse tradition, now beloved by two generations of shoppers and residents of the city. Volunteers from Civic Theater of Allentown restored the puppet show stage in 2001-2002, and in 2003, Pip, the stage and props all (Continued on page 16)

(Continued from page 15) were given to the Liberty Bell Museum. The museum restored and digitized the original audio soundtrack and has presented the traditional Mouse Before Christmas puppet show to thousands of visitors during the holiday season each year since 2003. Although the Creegan Company produced stages for 15 department stores across the country in the 1960s, we have the only surviving stage and puppet show. Please come for opening ceremonies for the 2012 Holiday Season.

Friday, November 23, 2012, 12:00 PM. Public show times: 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 Monday – Saturday, November 23 - December 29.

Crafts and Shopping

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem is an arts and crafts market modeled after Europe’s open-air holiday marketplaces. Set under large heated tents, this marketplace has vendors that offer everything from the edible to the wearable and everything in between, including Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers and artwork. There is plenty of entertainment for the kids and much to keep even the most seasoned of shoppers interested. This experience has become a favorite holiday tradition in Bethlehem and beyond.

Christkindlmarkt’s outdoor courtyard features ice carving demonstrations and the beautiful, 26-foottall Christkindlmarkt tree. Guests will also enjoy the GlassWorks area, where artists shape molten glass into beautiful holiday ornaments and works of art. In 2006, Travel and Leisure magazine named it one of the top holiday markets in the entire world. November 15 through Dec 23.Thurs 11am-6pm; Fri–Sat 11am8pm; Sun 11am-6pm; Closed Thanksgiving Day. 645 E. First Street PNC Plaza Bethlehem PA. For more about Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, please visit www. artsquest.org/christkindlmarkt.

16 November / December 2012

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Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Parties Allentown 250’s End of the Year Party At 5pm there will be a Colonial Church Service at Zion’s Church, all denominations are welcome. Then from 6pm-midnight the outdoor festivities begin. Ice Carving, Ice Slide, Kids Corner, Pip the Mouse Puppet show, Face Painters, Puttle golf. If you have to head in early with the kids, make sure to come for the 8pm bell raising! Music outside starts at 8pm and of course at Midnight, the bell drops, and is followed by a spectacular fireworks show!

Peeps Fest is a four day festival at the SteelStack in South Bethlehem from noon to 5 p.m. starting on Wednesday. Highlights include the Family Disco Party in the Musikfest Café on the 28th and 29th, a Peep character breakfast on the 30th and a family friendly NYE Party on December 31st, the conclusion of which will feature the now famous chick drop and fireworks at 5:15 p.m. Some of these events require a ticket, prices vary, but the scavenger hunts, Peeps diorama contest and entertainers are free.

Bounce U For the family with infinite amounts of energy, the NYE Party at BounceU Lehigh Valley will help get a jump on 2013. Located at 3241 Hamilton Boulevard in Allentown, Bounce U hosts gigantic inflatable fun from noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. Tickets are $16.95 per person, and include pizza, unlimited soft drinks and sparkling cider, after all the bouncing, of course.

The Crayola Experience at 30 Centre Square, Easton, hosts a NYE party complete with colorful activities and entertainment by Funtown Productions from 2 to 9 p.m. At 8 p.m., the 10-foot Crayola crayon drops at Centre Square and the celebration kicks into high gear with fireworks and a DJ dance party. Prices are $19 per person in advance and $23 at the door.

DaVinci Science Center at 3145 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown. Kids will have a blast from 6 to 10 p.m, exploring the hands- on glow-in-the-dark science

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Barstools, chairs, table tops, table bases, banquet chairs and tables and more!

activities, watch magician Matt Cadabra perform his daring acts and enjoy a hot meal with the family. Admission is $39 for adults and $29 for children.

Godfrey Daniels, located at 7 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, will host its second annual family friendly NYE celebration for music lovers at 7 p.m. with Dave Fry. He is joined at 8 p.m. by Dina Hall and Brittany Ann for the NYE: 3 Generations of Homegrown Godfrey’s. Admission is $10.50 for adults, and $5.50 per child.

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Commonyms What’s a commonym you ask? A commonym is group of words that have a common trait in the three words/items listed. For example: the words; A car - A tree - An elephant... they all have trunks. These will make you think!

1. A Ball - A Fish - A Cold 2. A Ball - A Salad - A Coin 3. A Cork - A Question - A Balloon 4. A Bottle - A Baseball Player - A Mushroom 5. A Bell - Mouth - A Shoe 6. A Tug of War - The Nightly News - A Boat 7. Seventeen - Time - People 8. A Basketball Court - A Highway - A Bowling Alley 9. Fog - A Jack - A Body Builder 10. A Hockey Game - A Restaurant - A Bank 11. Hair - A Brain - An Ocean 12. A Bride & Groom - A Boat & Trailer - A Horse & Buggy 13. A Scale - A Tire - A Checkbook 14. An Aquarium - An Army - A Car 15. A Sports Page - A Movie - A Broadway Musical 16. A Cook - A Toilet - College Football 17. A Doughnut - A Cavity - A Prescription 18. A Coal Miner - A Dentist - A Guitar Player 19. A Male Goat - A Dollar - A Male Rabbit 20. A Doctor - A Mailman - Domino’s Commonym Answers on Page 19

FUN FACTS! • It’s impossible to hum while plugging your nose.

• Four is the only number that has the same amount of letters as its actual value • Women speak about 7000 words a day. The average man averages just over 2000.

• Jellyfish evaporate in the sun. They’re 98% water.

• Research shows that 11-week-old fetuses yawn. Yawns become contagious to people between the first and second years of life.

• When one person in a group yawns, over half of the people in the group will yawn within 5 minutes, and the rest will at least be tempted to yawn. Even animals yawn when they see another animal yawn. The average duration of a yawn is about 6 seconds, and guys yawn for longer than girls.

• Laughter is extremely difficult to control consciously. Most people cannot laugh on command.

• Laughter almost always occurs during pauses at the end of phrases. Laughter requires the coordination of many muscles throughout the body: a long bout of laughter is like a full body workout. It gives your diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg and back muscles a workout.

• A lion’s roar can be heard from five miles away.

• If you take your age and multiply it by 7, then multiply it by 1,443 the product repeats your age 3 times.

• Humans shrink and regain height daily, sometimes as much as 3/4 of an inch in one day. When we move throughout the day, the fluid disks in our spinal column compress and we shrink.

When we rest at night our backbones reabsorb the fluid and our height comes back.

• Think of a number. Multiply it by 2. Add any even number.

Divide your answer by 2. Subtract your original number. Your answer will always be half of the even number you added.

Pumpkin Pie French Toast When you can’t get enough pumpkin pie, here’s a recipe that will let you have it for breakfast, too!

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs • 1/2 cup half-and-half • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix) • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice • 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts • 8 slices day-old bread

Directions:

1. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.

2. Whisk eggs, half and half, pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and walnuts together in a bowl.

Soak one slice of bread at a time in the pumpkin mixture, then place in the prepared skilled. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread. Stir the pumpkin mixture between dips to keep the walnuts from settling. Cook the bread until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side.

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11. they have waves 12. they are hitched 13. they are balanced 14. they have tanks 15. they have scores

16. they have bowls 17. they are filled 18. they have picks 19. they are bucks 20. they deliver

Commonym Answers

6. they have anchors 7. they are magazines 8. they have lanes 9. they lift 10. they have checks

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Savvy Style for yourHoliday Soiree

By Amanda Furbeck, Lehigh Valley Family Stylista

W

hen you think about your next holiday gathering, does your face light up with excitement or drain with dread over the thought of your holiday wardrobe?

Rest assured, there are plenty of great styles for looking festive that don’t include a Santa Hat or flashing Rudolph the Reindeer earrings. Unless, of course, CTS’s, or Christmas Tree Sweaters, are soothing to your soul- then by all means, wear them with a great red lip, a fabulous pair of boots, and a confident attitude to match. You might just set the trend for this year’s holiday season! For those who wish to remain a little more subtle or style savvy, see if some of these ensembles get you in the holiday spirit.

A little black dress.Whether it’s a swanky soiree or casual

dining experience, you can’t go wrong with the perfect LBD – or Little Black Dress. A sleeveless sheath dress will give you the most style options, while an A-line dress is the most universally flattering. For the trendy at heart, an asymmetrical, one-shouldered dress is just the thing to wear to almost any party. Any style LBD should hit just above the knee: not too short, not too long, so that you leave a little to the imagination without looking, well, frumpy. Add some sparkly earrings, black stilettos, a clutch and a wrap to take this LBD from fancy Thanksgiving dinners to ringing in the New Year. Or toss on a festive cardigan with a great pair of black boots and brightly colored tights for more casual style.

Gold blouse. For the luxe look, a gold-toned blouse or top

with a soft sheen will add festivity to any skirt or pant. Wear it under a sweater for just a pop of gold, or over a camisole for more intensity. Keep your jewelry neutral, as gold toned jewelry may clash or compete with the gold in your top. If gold is a little too much for your sense of style, try a jewel-toned top such as emerald green or ruby red, just avoid wearing both colors at once.

Faux fur-trim. A faux-fur collar is just the right touch to add a little holiday fun to any casual outfit. You may like the fur collar on a vest or sweater; better yet, put it on a pair of great boots. Have a little fun by wearing boot sweaters – fuzzy legwarmers for your boots. They are a great way to update an old pair of boots into a fun, festive style.

Something sparkly. Any kind of sparkle will add festivity

to your holiday outfit. Look for a splash of long rhinestone earrings, a sequined clutch, or a silvery shawl to pair with your pencil skirt and crisp, white oxford, preferably in silk. A soft Fuzzy, white sweater. For something a little more subtle, try updo will instantly add sophistication to any outfit. Shimmery eye shadow always adds a pop of color just where you need it, a super soft, slightly fuzzy, pristinely white sweater, slightly especially with that LBD. Accessorize with caution, though, reminiscent of delicate snowflakes and cozying up by the fire. because a sparkly shirt, shoes, shadow, and shawl are just too Dress it up with a pair of tailored black pants and stilettos, or much to wear all at once. dress it down with a great pair of jeans and boots. Drop pearl earrings will complete either look. Angora hair sweaters will Whether you love your Little Black Dress or your Christmas look more sophisticated, while cable knits will appear much Tree Sweater, you don’t need to fear holiday style. Find more casual. If white isn’t for you, look for a cozy sweater in a something that you love to wear, and wear it well. Merry deep, rich burgundy or something elegant in solid black.

Christmas!

20 November / December 2012

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www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Ode to the Ugly Holiday Sweater...

O Ugly Sweater!

Your colors are so wild and bright, I may go blind from the sequins and light!

O Ugly Sweater!

I think you might be flammable!

O Ugly Sweater!

No matter my size, no matter my shape, from my body you horrifyingly drape.

And as I proudly wear you around town, I will not let the snickers and stares get me down.

O Ugly Sweater!

But only once a year, in you can I delight.

Your synthetic fabrics make me itch, your electric cords make me twitch.

Still, I will not give you up without a fight.

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r e b m e v o N

r e b m e c e -D Nov 3

Bacon Fest, Easton Farmers’ Market’s newest festival, Saturday November 3rd in Centre Square, Downtown Easton, PA. EFM’s own meat purveyors and local chefs will be showcasing bacon specialties. Don’t miss out on this Bacon-tastic event!! 45 vendors will be offering locally grown produce, plants, meats, cheeses, baked goods, breads, specialty foods, arts and crafts. Featuring live music as well as weekly kid’s crafts. Please visit www.eastonfarmersmarket.com for more information.

Nov 3

Northampton Community College presents its Annual Fall Craft Fair. Do your holiday shopping at one of the Lehigh Valley’s largest craft shows, featuring more than 100 crafters. 9 am – 3 pm.

Nov 3 & 4

Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Annual Free Drive-thru Flu Shots Shots will be all drive-thru at Dorney Park on Saturday, Nov. 3 and at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown on Sunday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Nov 5 & 6

November is:

Military Family Appreciation Month

The 27th annual Holiday Marketplace Fine Art and Craft Show at the Swain School in Allentown.

The show will feature more than 40 local artisans each offering handmade high quality art and fine craft that is made within the greater Lehigh Valley area. Artisans will be on hand to discuss their work as they offer jewelry, pottery, woodcraft, photography and a variety of art for sale.

The show runs from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday.

Nov 15-17

Christmas with the vonTrapp Children. Don’t miss the world-renowned von Trapp Children as they return to Bethlehem. The great-grandchildren of Maria and Baron von Trapp of The Sound of Music — as they continue the von Trapps’ love of singing beautiful songs. These talented, young singers will capture your heart as they perform timeless holiday classics, favorites from the world-famous musical and

Nov 7 - 13

National Pursuit of Happiness Week

some of the most beloved folk and Broadway tunes of alltime. 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.

ArtsQuest Center at Steel Stacks, Bethlehem.

Nov 24

Nov 21

Use Less Stuff Day

Get a babysitter, it’s date night! Beer and Chocolate Tasting at Sam Adams Grille, Allentown. A knowledgeable food & beer pro will introduce you to 8 craft beers and a delicious assortment of chocolate.

An owner of City Food Tours and beer connoisseur, Eric Matzke, will share some fun facts about how beer is made, the stories behind each of the 8 brews you taste and pairing suggestions. This event will highlight one of beer’s favorite sweets, chocolate. 4-6 pm.

Nov 29 - Dec 1

“The Ornament”, a musical drama presented by Bethany Church Music Ministry. This is the story of the Keagan family. Henry Keagan is approaching his first Christmas without his wife of many years, and other members of this close-knit family are struggling to accept the loss of their beloved matriarch. Nov. 29, 30 – 7:00 pm; Dec. 1 – 2:00 and 7:00 pm. Visit www. bethanyumchurch.com for more information. 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville. FREE.

19th century Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas, complete with carols, a tabletop Christmas tree, and holiday treats. Tours leave from the barn every 10 minutes, with the last tour leaving at 5:00 p.m.

Dec 7

Dec 12

National 12-Hour Fresh Breath Day

Northampton Community College presents a concert with holiday favorites, including Carol of the Bells, Angels Carol, O Holy Night, and Deck the Halls, which will be performed by NCC’s community choir, Bel Canto Dalle Stelle. $5 donation or a non-perishable food item to benefit the needy would be appreciated. 7– 9 pm.

Dec 29 - 31

Three sweet days of family fun featuring delicious marshmallow PEEPS®! At PEEPS Fest™. Children and their parents will enjoy live music, arts & crafts, movies, s’more making, photos with the PEEPS® Chick and more! 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.

Need More Fun Ideas?

• November and December are great times to introduce your children to the concept of charitable giving. Donate your family’s time. Drop off a toy at a qualified charity event to help other kids in your area. Participate in a fundraising walk or run. There are many ways to help others during the holidays.

• Read A New Book Month. Every month should be Read a New Book Month. But during December, you have plenty of opportunities to introduce new books to your children. Pick books centered around the month of December. They can focus on the holidays, an author’s birthday and specific events.

• With the first snow, follow the kids’ instincts and go sledding or snow tubing instead of shoveling. If you don’t have a sled, a piece of cardboard or sturdy plastic does National Cookie Day Nov 23 - Jan 6 the job (do consider having your child wear a helmet, Lights in the Parkway. This drive-through light display though). Or if sledding isn’t feasible, make a snow fort, covers more than a mile of one of Allentown’s most snowman, or angel. Adapt summer backyard games for beautiful parks (Lehigh Parkway) and features lighted snow play: Frisbee, soccer, tag, hide and seek, follow trees, light tunnels and animated displays. 1700 Martin the leader. Break out sand toys (buckets, scoops, and Luther King Jr. Boulevard Allentown. 5:30 to 10 pm. $6 molds) for snow castles and other creations. per vehicle in advance - $10 per vehicle at the gate. www.lightsintheparkway.com.

• Turn off cell phones, computers, and tablets and play board games or card games, sing Christmas carols, or just talk with your family. Try sitting together in the family Dec 1 room with no electronics. You’ll relax, de-stress and Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas on the Farm at reconnect with your family. Dec 31 the historic 1756 Troxell-Steckel Farm Museum in Make Up Your Mind Day Whitehall Township. 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Step into • Do research on holiday traditions around the world and the farmhouse and meet living history performers choose one to add to family traditions. portraying the Steckel Family as they prepare for a

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