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features 26 QVC Recipes 46 Holiday Shopping Gift Guide

36

10 Deck the Halls Simply

51 what’s cooking

health & beauty

home & entertaining

fashion

18 Fork 1-1 The Proof is in The Pudding 31 Wine Lovers Guide 63 Holiday Decorating Ideas

travel

36 Cruising The Caribbean 64 Tennessee - A Smokey Mountain Christmas

real estate & law

17 What’s it Like to Be a Realtor 55 Oh, No A Surprise Snow Day!

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Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 6

23 10 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain 59 Having A Blue Christmas 42 The Little Black Holiday Dress

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Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 6

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“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.”

—Laura Ingalls Wilder

T

he holidays are upon us and there’s a common thread that runs through this time of year: family.

This is a time of year we take a break from the hustle and bustle to make an overdue effort to bring our families together for turkey, gift giving and conversation. This year, family has taken a

whole new meaning as there is a new little bundle of joy in our lives with our son Finn! The joy of being a new mom again at my age was truly a gift and one I will cherish each day.

Bringing together the traditions of my grandparents, parents, as well as from my older children become my portrait of what the true meaning of the holiday brings.

We will be busy baking cookies to the sounds of carols playing on the radio while remembering Christmases past that brought us all such delight. I don’t even mind shopping in crowded stores or having too many holiday party obligations. I love doing all that’s involved (and there’s a lot!) each year, even though it’s exhausting.

Of course, the generations keep turning, with new faces replacing old. And each year produces its own holiday portrait, one that’s framed by tradition and highlighted by the poignant blend of memory and appreciation that, even if briefly, we’re all together again.

Wishing You & Your Family A Very Happy Holiday Season!

Karen A. Kovacs, Publisher

Volume 5 | Issue 6 Local Living

7

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Deck the Halls - Simply

By Pattie Krukowski

W

hen I think back about celebrating the Holidays in 1970’s South Florida, a myriad of warm memories flood my mind. Canned snow, liberally sprayed, covered all the windows. A faux brick, cardboard fireplace stood proudly in the corner. It came to life when plugged in to allow a round colored slide of red and yellow to spin atop a bulb while fueling a fan that blew tissue flames. My father demanded that individual strands of tinsel be painstakingly hung piece by piece on heavy boughs weighted by hand-blown glass

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Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 6

ornaments inherited from generations past. Needless to say, the first Christmas I spent in New England with all its genuine and simple elegance was charming.

Over the years I have made a point of remembering clever ways to create the feel of a New England Christmas in my own home during the Holidays. To achieve this, I believe the key is “less is more”. Cover the mantle with groups of creamy white pottery stuffed with evergreens and eucalyptus on one side with a handful of whitewashed wooden candlesticks on the other. Clip evergreen sprigs in

symmetric pieces and attach five straight ends in the middle with floral wire to create snowflakes and hang from the ceiling in varied heights. Every year we buy a dozen orchids, all of one type, potted rosemary or braided stem poinsettia topiary to give as last minute gifts. We wrap the pots with fabulous ribbon and display the mass together on a table by the front door until they are picked up or delivered.

Garland and lights are both such versatile decorating tools. Use garland to dress up a chandelier, drape from curtain rods or wrap a stove hood. Deck the halls; literally. Run garland along a hallway chair rail inviting overnight guests to their rooms upstairs. Solar, pre-lit faux garland makes exterior decorating a breeze. Surround an entrance and cloak the stair risers to a front door. Be the envy of your neighborhood and hire a landscaper to wrap the biggest tree in your yard with exterior lights or simply wrap just the trunks yourself. A house around the corner from mine wraps just the trunks of about ten trees in velvety red LED lights. The effect is stunning.

Feast on the soft glow of candlelight during Hanukah.

Design your own Menorah from a glass trifle bowl scattered with blue marbles and candles or gather together a collection of mercury glass candlesticks in a variety of shapes and sizes. Clear jars and vases full of silver and blue wrapped treats encourage guests to celebrate. Cobalt blue martini glasses replace wine stems. A number of sparkling and spring waters such as Ty Nant and Saratoga Spring water sport blue glass bottles and are the perfect accent at the bar.

Choose a color scheme and stick with it. Last year all of our packages were wrapped in black and silver. Packages from our family were wrapped with black and silver paisley while those from Santa were wrapped in black and silver stripes. The same paper covered the buffet table and was

strewn with every crystal votive I could find. Silver ornaments and fresh white lilies in floral water tubes nestled among evergreen trimmings laid down the center of the white clothed dining room table. A slew of off-white velvet ribbons were hand tied on our fresh, too-big-for-our-home tree. The tree stand fit into a large shiny black lacquered plantation planter that we topped with floral sheet moss.

Even my eight-year-old son’s Betta fish tank was dressed appropriately. Black and white marbles rested on the bottom of a two foot tall, clear glass vase placed atop an antique silver tray.

This year’s tree design has been chosen. I was cruising through the website www.amazing-christmas-ideas. com and fell in love with the tree that is being trimmed by doves. Doves suspended from the ceiling with fishing line hold ornaments and strands of beads and appear to be the ones actually doing the decorating. These whimsical little birds could be used on a mantle to decorate a Menorah with strands of pearls or perhaps look as though delivering a special gift from Tiffany’s.

‘Tis the season to be jolly and the choice of possibilities to create your own special holiday environment are endless. Remember to keep it simple yet focus on the small details. Strike the harp and join the chorus by choosing family favorite holiday songs to get you in the mood. I grew up listening to Barbara Streisand: A Christmas Album from 1967 and I play it over and over again from Thanksgiving until New Year’s. Cinnamon scented pinecones are piled high in buckets by the fireplace while cookie scented candles infuse the house with cheer. Enjoy every minute and always focus on the real meaning of the holidays while you relax in the atmosphere you created.

Pattie Krukowski is a freelance writer currently residing in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Volume 5 | Issue 6 Local Living

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Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 6

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What’s It Like to Be a Realtor

By Lauren Cronmiller

I

n the ten years I have been in this business, I’ve noticed when the housing market starts to pick up, more people decide on a career in real estate. If you have considered a job in real estate, here is my story…

I started in the business after the housing boom. The market came to a screeching halt. I tried numerous ways to get business. I had a coach that told me to make cold calls. It was horrible, I was horrible. I failed miserably. and spent way too much money on little results. I purchased zip codes for leads. Another waste of money. Those that called, were not interested or not qualified. I bought 1-800 #’s but all the work that went into yielded very few viable leads. I tried to put together a buyers seminar. I got 3 people to my seminar.

2 I knew, the other had the worst credit. I never did for sale by owner’s or expired listings because I feel they get bombarded by realtors. I have not door knocked because we live in a crazy world and I do not trust people. I try to brand myself and get my name on as many “things” as possible.

In this business, unfortunately, you have to spend money to make money. What little money I had I was spending but not in ways that met my needs. I was almost gambling on everything in order to get business. Therefor I was literally wasting all of my money. I sat down one day and really thought about it. Instead of taking a gamble on things that may work, could work, or taking a risk on something I am not good at; why don’t I find something I enjoy, care about and apply it to my business. The one thing I enjoy is hanging out with friends. I sent each of my friends and family members a hand written note on cards. I had a template I used but changed a few words/sentences here and there to make them individual. In it I stated what I was doing and how I needed their help. I told them my goal to be “the best”. I kindly asked for them to think of me when they consider buying, selling, or renting a home. I also added that if they

were already obligated to use another realtor based on loyalty, family, or friends if they would refer me to anyone they knew that was looking to buy, sell, or rent. Out of 30 notes, 1 got one lead. This 1st lead was my baby. I had to make sure everything was perfect. This client knew he was my only client because any question he asked me, I answered within the hour. I did such a good job, I got a referral. My business kind of snowballed from there over time. Nurturing your core may take a little longer than some of the other ways to gain business, but I keep all of my clients. (Well, all but 2 in the 10 years I have been doing business which I think is pretty good). I use a plethora of ways to keep in touch with all of my clients.

Everyone chooses a different approach to this career. This way worked for me. I was no over night success coming off the housing bubble. Many times I questioned if this was the career I wanted to pursue. (I made $18,000 my first year so I struggled too!) It took patience, many failures and perseverance to get where I am today. As rough as the road was, it made me a better realtor because I truly appreciate everything I have and receive in the future. If you are considering a career in real estate, feel free to contact me. We can set up a time to get coffee and chat or shadow me for the day.

Good Luck!

Lauren Cronmiller is a real estate agent for the Cronmiller Team at Keller Williams Real Estate in Doylestown. She has been a realtor since 2006 receiving Philadelphia’s 5 Star Real Estate Agent award for the past 4 years. Lauren can be reached at her office 215-340-5700, always on her cell phone 215-870-2398, or through email lmcronmiller@gmail.com.

Volume 5 | Issue 6 Local Living

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The

Fork-1-1

by Kimberly Cambra

The Proof is in the Pudding

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C

ooking with spirits and cordials has been occurring for as long as wine and whiskey have been flowing from the bottle or barrel. Simply adding a splash of either can sophisticate any appetizer or entrée and especially dessert. Who hasn’t had a parfait of vanilla ice cream layered with crème de menthe with a red cherry on top in a fancy glass as a child? Mmmm. Fancy.

Perhaps one of the best-known desserts synonymous with accompanying liqueur-laden sauce is bread pudding, or “poor man’s pudding,” which dates back to the 13th century.

Bread pudding was made popular by Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol but did not originate in England.

Many believe it has a history as old as bread itself whereby frugal cooks found ways to enjoy the loaf after it lost its freshness. Today it has a global presence from Germany to China. Although bread pudding originally was a result of thriftiness, eventually sugar, milk, and butter were added to the dish later in its gastronomic journey, with many other rich sauces, rums and brandies. Still, it is a cost-effective side dish in the making; be certain to see if your market sells day-old bread at a reduced price.

With today’s culinary trends, iron chefs and 24/7 food programming, haute bread pudding has emerged even sassier, more savory, and sweeter with an infinite amount of variations when you consider the explosion in the artesian bread market over the past two decades. Ingredients such as brioche and croissants lend a wonderfully light texture to a recipe versus stale bread which can contribute to a denser style. Savory, herb-infused bread puddings are more popular

than ever in many upscale restaurants as an accompaniment to grilled meats as refined comfort foods continue to grow in popularity. Whether you have a menu in your hand or in mind for the holidays, rest assured the so-called poor man’s pudding can be an impressive side dish. Why not consider adding a savory bread pudding to your own holiday menu this season? Sage, rosemary, thyme or even a dill pudding with grilled salmon is a perfect pairing which can easily be prepared ahead of time.

There is something delectable when it comes to the simplicity of a recipe and how ingredients when paired with care and attention can be delicious and timeless. The sweeter varieties of bread pudding are most deserving of some “proof ” in ya pudding, especially a rum or brandy sauce to add to the flavor profile of a dessert. Special touches that enhance your pudding recipe will add to the impression it makes on your palate and also to the experience of your guests. Nuts, raisins and fruit are safe additions to a bread pudding recipe but more imaginative ingredients include marshmallows, chocolate chips and graham crackers. Top it all off with a Godiva liqueur-drenched whipped cream for an unforgettable new take on s’mores.

As visions of sugar plum fairies and the bombardment of holiday cooking programs dance in your head, stick with the proof in your pudding and create a new tradition this season.

Your proprietary bread pudding recipe could be the specialty of your house for the holidays, one that can be passed on for generations. Wishing all of our Local Living readers “Seasoned Greetings” from the FORK-1-1.

Volume 5 | Issue 6 Local Living

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Local Holiday Wine Buying Guide

T

he general feeling of the fall harvest puts us all in warm spirits and, most importantly, creates the delicious effect of olfactory overload: crisp air, clove, pumpkin pie spice, warm apple crisp, mulled wine… the list goes on and on. Since the holiday season focuses on combining seasonal foods and flavors and because local wine is always in season, we’ve put together a list of some of the finest holiday wines that both Bucks county and Lehigh Valley have to offer.

Bucks County

Bucks county has some amazing wineries that every local resident should visit at least once. With a decent growing season and exceptional wine-grape growing soil, Bucks has made a name for itself in the wine world.

Buckingham Valley Vineyards (www.pawine.com) is the oldest and largest winery in Bucks County. The winery, founded in 1966, currently has over 20 wines available. They have two exceptional holiday wines: Nouveau and Holiday Spice. The nouveau is a wine that takes its name from the French word meaning “new.” It is the first wine produced from the 2014 vintage and is an excellent accompaniment to any turkey dinner. Slightly sweet, it compliments turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce in a perfect combination of flavor. A must have for any Thanksgiving dinner, this Beaujolais nouveau-style wine will be available later this month! Buckingham also makes a Holiday Spice wine that fits the setting for a cold night at a ski lodge (or 20

Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 6

cuddled up at home on your couch!). This mulled wine has balanced spices including clove and cinnamon that provides extreme winter evening comfort. Both wines are priced fairly at $9.00 a bottle, but if you have a large family and need a case, they will give you $1.00 off each bottle! This is the place to stock up!

Crossing Vineyards (www.crossingvineyards.com) is a stunning winery located in Washington Crossings. The beautiful garden views compliment their elegant wines, especially their highly sought after and best seller, Chocolate Cherry Truffle. This port style wine is around 19% alcohol and is a perfect finisher to any holiday meal. Put out a bit of dark chocolate and pour a small amount into a port glass, you don’t even need to serve dessert! This wine is perfect for your relative that asks for a slice of pie, but “just a sliver!” 15 slivers later, the pie is ¾ gone and they are snoring on the couch! We find that this wine follows suit. Pour yourself a little, then a little more, then you are happy and the bottle is gone! Perfect for holiday family fun!

Family owned and operated, Wycombe Vineyards (www. wycombevineyards.com) has some exceptional wines. The Fraser family has been operating on this property for almost 100 years! Everything Nice is known as their winter party wine. Liquid apple Pie! It is a combination of their naked chardonnay sweetened up with a secret spice recipe. You cannot tell if you are drinking warm apple cider or wine! It can be served with dessert as an accompaniment to apple pie with vanilla ice cream or cheddar cheese (trust me!), pumpkin pie, or on its own!

VISIT US AT: THE SHOPS AT VALLEY SQUARE 1561 MAIN ST. WARRINGTON 215.491.7534

Volume 5 | Issue 6 Local Living

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Have your ceremony under the arches of the historic Pearl S. Buck Estate and your photos taken among its lush gardens. Celebrate with cocktails on the slate patio, then enjoy dinner and dancing in the customizable Estate Pavilion.

Every Jamie Hollander event is unique, with outstanding food and unmatched attention to details.

You make the memories, we’ll take care of everything else. pearl@jhollandergourmet.com // 215 862 9809 ext. 103 // www.jhollandergourmet.com

nutrition

10 TIPS TO AVOID

Holiday Weight Gain

By Erika Ringwald

T

he holidays are upon us and with that the threat of weight gain looms for many. The actual holidays are just a few days, but the whole season often involves many social gatherings, goodies at work and additional eating out. Here are ten suggestions to help avert the holiday gain.

1. Record your food. Writing down what you eat as you go, not recalling it later, allows you to think twice before over indulging.

2. Bring a healthy option to a party. Think veggie tray or broth based soup. You can now fill up on healthier foods and take smaller portions of indulgent foods.

3. Try to manage portion size. Use dessert-sized plates and take only one serving. The calorie catastrophe will be limited to what can fit on that one plate.

4. Choose indulgences wisely. Skip the foods that you can have any time of the year and save a special treat for something that you can get only around the holidays.

5. Exercise! Extra calories in can quickly lead to a weight gain. Burning off the additional calories is helpful to at least maintain your weight, which is a reasonable goal, even if ultimately you want to lose weight. If you don’t have a larger chunk of time to dedicate to an official workout session, do spurts of activity. Three 10-minute sessions can be effective too.

6. Take it easy on alcohol. Alcohol contains unnecessary calories and it can lower our inhibitions. We may be more

likely to overeat and choose things we otherwise may have avoided. If you are going to drink alcohol set boundaries to one or two drinks and take in a glass of water for every drink you have.

7. Enjoy your indulgences. When you do choose something to indulge in, take the time to enjoy it. Pay attention to the way it tastes and the texture. Don’t just shove food in while your attention is focused elsewhere.

8. Weigh yourself once a week. Hopping on the scale can help you stay on track or reign you in if the pounds do start creeping up.

9. Out of sight, out of mind. Don’t keep all those tempting foods at home. If you have hosted a get together, send people home with leftovers.

10. Take in some potassium. Potassium can help counterbalance sodium, so it can help prevent retained water. Foods like bananas, strawberries and cantaloupe are good sources and they are good alternatives to a sweet treat.

The holidays can be a magical time. Hopefully these tips can help you refocus and enjoy your family and friends.

Erika Ringwald is a Registered Dietitian with Erika Ringwald Nutrition. She focuses on bridging the gaps between nutrition information and making it work within your lifestyle. Erika can be reached at erika@erikaringwaldnutrition.com.

Volume 5 | Issue 6 Local Living

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THE GABLES at chadds ford

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Bridge Street Chocolates At Bridge Street Chocolates, we believe that quality chocolate is a necessary luxury.

Located in historic Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, our handmade chocolates create perfect flavor combinations that will delight your palate, and leave you longing for one more taste!

158 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 610.935.8100 bridgestreetchocolates.com

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Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 6

JAPANESE SUSHI & STEAKHOUSE SUSHI BAR - COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Reservations Welcome Gift Cards Available BYOB Welcome!

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You’re Home with Jill® Chocolate Cherry S’mores Bark Jill’s Note: This is a great dessert

option if you’re short on time. It’s also an all-around crowd pleaser! Who doesn’t love melted chocolate mixed with all kinds of goodies?

Ingredients • 16 oz block of white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips • 1/2 cup toffee chips • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows • 1/2 cup chocolate graham crackers, broken into small pieces • 1/2 cup candied cherries Preparation Melt the white chocolate in a stainless steel bowl over a pot of simmering water until smooth and creamy. Do not let the water touch the bottom of the bowl.

Pour the melted chocolate onto a silicone baking sheet or a baking sheet with a silicone liner. Spread the chocolate into a large rectangle. Beginning with the toffee chips, sprinkle each ingredient evenly over the melted chocolate. Push down on the candied cherries to make sure they’re set.

Let the bark cool for two hours, or refrigerate for 20 minutes to speed up the process. Once cooled and hardened, break the bark into pieces.

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Volume 5 | Issue 6 Local Living

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Mini Holiday Cookie Wreath Jill’s Note: Have fun this holiday with this edible cookie wreath! Hang it, make it a hostess gift or use several as cookie settings on your holiday table!

Ingredients Cookies • 2 cups sugar • 1 cup shortening • 1 cup sour cream • 2 eggs • 1 tsp vanilla • 5 cups flour • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp cream of tartar Wreath • 1 tsp water • 1 egg white • 1 tube of writing icing • Silver dragees • Silver ribbon Preparation Cream the sugar and shortening together. Add the sour cream, eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Add the dry ingredients and mix well (the dough should not be sticky).

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Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 6

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lay the finished cookie dough out a lightly floured surface. With a rolling pin, roll out the dough until it’s 1/8” thick. Use two sizes of star cookie cutters and cut eight stars, four of each size. Transfer the cut cookies onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Add 1 tsp water to the egg white and mix. Arrange the stars in circles, alternating between large and small stars. Be sure the points overlap. Brush the dough with the egg wash to adhere and gently press the overlapping dough together to seal. Bake the dough for 15 minutes, or until golden.

Set aside and cool for 30 minutes. Transfer to a cooking rack or another flat surface. Pipe some icing onto the wreath and place dragees or other decorations of your choice onto the wreath. Tie a loose ribbon through the wreath for hanging.

Oatmeal, Coconut & Raspberry Bars Makes 24 Cookies

Jill’s Note: To make your bars extra crispy-on-the-

outside and gooey-on-the-inside (my favorite way!), let the batter rest for about 10 minutes before adding the dry ingredients. This lets the sugar dissolve to give your bars (or cookies!) that rich flavor everyone loves.

Ingredients • 1-1/2 cups sweetened flaked untoasted coconut, divided • 1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed • 1/4 cup sugar • 1/2 tsp salt • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces • 1-1/2 cups old fashioned oats (not instant) • 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam Preparation First, toast 3/4 cup of coconut. Preheat the oven to 375°F and position an oven rack in the middle. Spread the coconut evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for about 4–5 minutes, or until the coconut becomes lightly golden, stirring occasionally, watching carefully. Let the coconut cool before using. Keep the oven on.

To make the dough, butter a 13” x 9” pan. Blend the flour, sugars, and salt in a food processor. Add the cold butter pieces to the mixture and pulse until a dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a bowl and gently mix in the oats and toasted coconut until well combined.

Set aside about 3/4 cup of dough and press the remaining dough into the buttered pan. Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the dough. Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the jam and then sprinkle it with the remaining 3/4 cup untoasted coconut. Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until golden, then cool. Cut the dough into bars and store at room temperature.

German Chocolate Caramel Cake Jill’s Note: This five-ingredient cake is in honor of my

mom, who loves German Chocolate Cake above all else.

The gooey, caramel center in this cake makes it a decadent dessert.

Ingredients • 1 German chocolate cake mix • 1 bag caramels, unwrapped (about 50) • 1/3 cup evaporated milk • 1 (6-oz) package semisweet mini chocolate chips • 1/2 cup chopped pecans Preparation Preheat the oven to 350°F. Make the cake according to the package instructions. Pour half the cake batter into a pan and bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, place the caramels and milk in a saucepan and cook on low heat until melted, stirring often.

Sprinkle the baked cake with chocolate chips and pecans and cover with the warm caramel. Pour the remaining cake batter over the mixture and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top cake layer is baked through. Let cool and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Tasting Room open daily 10am - 5pm (856) 697-7172 www.bellviewwinery.com

Wine Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide

By Michele Kawamoto Perry

W

ith the holidays upon us, gift giving is top of mind. Of course, buying the right gift can be quite challenging. This is especially true when buying for wine lovers – there are so many wines to choose from and personal taste can vary greatly. So, to make your gift giving easy and worry free, I have selected some wine accessories that are sure to please your oenophile recipients. Now, you can choose a gift and continue to spread that holiday cheer!

AERATOR If your wine is a bit tight and young, you may want to invest in an aerator. Aerators allow for the wine to “breathe” by exposing it to oxygen. This, in turn, allows the wine to open up and can soften the wine. To aerate your wines, you can pour them into a decanter. Decanters range widely in style, size and price ($20-$500). They all essentially accomplish the same aerating task. So, choose something that fits your budget. You can also get them monogrammed if you want to make the gift more personal. Another option is to aerate wines using a mechanism, such as the Vinturi Aerator. This is a small device through which you pour the wine to aerate it.

You can pour the wine into the Vinturi Aerator directly into the glass or into a decanter and then the glass. It is available for red or white wines ($40). There is also a pack for both red and white wines ($70).

PROFESSIONAL CORKSCREW There is nothing more frustrating for a wine lover than a broken cork or injuring oneself from a bad corkscrew.

This Lever Style Rabbit Corkscrew is an ergonomically designed corkscrew and makes opening bottles quick and easy ($50). Now you can enjoy your wine hassle free! If the lucky gift recipient has been particularly good this year, you may want to give him or her the 6 piece set which includes a foil cutter, wax remover, wine sealer, drip stopper and an extra worm (screw) ($65).

GLASSWARE A glass is a glass is a glass, right? Wrong. The type of glassware you use makes a difference in your wine drinking experience. Investing in a good set of glasses is well worth it! Different glass shapes are tailor made to fit the characteristics of specific wine types in order to enhance the wine drinking experience. Some good producers include Reidel, Spiegelau and Eisch. Prices vary depending on the glass style. A good starter kit is the Riedel Vinum Wine Tasting Set of 4 different wine type glasses ($118).

CHILLER Serving wine at the right temperature isn’t always easy.

Room temperature is usually too warm. Putting a wine in the refrigerator will make it too cold. To get it just right, try a wine chiller, such as the Cooper Cooler Rapid Chiller ($80). The proper temperature will allow the wine to show its best.

PRESERVER Ever have a glass of wine from a bottle you opened a day or two before and noticed that it didn’t taste right? That’s because the wine was oxidized after opening and started to become stale like. To keep a wine tasting fresh, use a preserver. Preservers work by removing oxygen from the bottle and replacing it with inert gases like argon, carbon dioxide or nitrogen (all of which are heavier than oxygen). For a simple preserver, try Private Preserve Wine Preserver ($10), a can containing the inert gases.

Just spray some gas into the bottle, replace the cork and voilà! For a more upscale system, try Preservino Portable Wine Preservation ($45), which includes the preservation device, a gas cartridge and two reusable custom corks.

Michele Kawamoto Perry is a wine industry veteran, sommelier, and international wine educator. Michele is a Certified Sommelier and instructor through the International Sommelier Guild, and co-owner of Rouge-Bleu winery in southern Rhone, France. She received her MBA from Bordeaux Business School with a focus on the wine industry, and her BA from Harvard University.

Volume 5 | Issue 6 Local Living

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REDEFINE THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN THE LONG BEACH ISLAND REGION!

Save the date for our Holiday Shopping Kick Off

SHOP SMALL SATURDAY November 28 To see special events and activities visit Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom VISITLBIREGION.COM

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Volume 5 | Issue 6 Local Living

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TRAVEL

Cruising the Caribbean

By Beth D’Addono

T

hink Caribbean and images of swaying palm trees, spiced breezes and sandy beaches come to mind. Choose a port of call, or sail the azure waters to clear your head. However you escape, paradise awaits…

St. Lucia This windward isle boasts a rain forest landscape overlooking the jagged Pitons.

Do The eco-attraction Our Planet offers virtual tours of the 36

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planets and a viewing of Japan’s tsunami from space.

Taste Friday nights head to Anse-la-Raye for a fish fry, an eating and dancing party set to a calypso beat.

Move Head for the hills and scale Gros Piton, a World Heritage Site rising 2,619 feet above the island. Along the steep trek you’ll meet locals and at the top, the views are spectacular.

Treasure Bring home a bottle of island made Chairman’s Reserve Rum.

Puerto Rico This island combines the convenience of a domestic destination with the exotic allure of the Caribbean.

Do A walking tour of Old San Juan, with its quaint cobblestoned streets and 18th century Spanish architecture. A visit to EL Morro, the historic fort overlooking the Atlantic, is not to be missed.

Taste From tostones (fried plantains) to empanadilla (spicy meat turnovers), the island cuisine combines Spanish, African and native Taino Indian influences.

Move Dance the night away at Club Brava in the grand El San Juan hotel. High energy rules the dance floor; catch your breath in one of the chill lounges.

Treasure A favorite crop since the 1700s, take home a pound, or two, of local coffee; Café Yauco Selecto or Alto Grande are two to try.

St. Maarten Known for its 37 pristine beaches, St. Martin/St. Maarten in the Antilles is shared by two nations: the French to the north and the Dutch to the south.

Do Try your luck at a casino on the Dutch side, starting with Club Royale, with 14,000 square feet of gaming and 450 slot machines.

Taste A dining Mecca with 300-plus restaurants, St. Maarten is known for its Indonesian rijstaffel, a repast of spicy bits over rice that harks back to Dutch Colonial times.

Move Take a day trip to deserted Prickly Pear Island to bask in the sun, loll on the beach and snorkel in blue shallow waters.

Treasure A bottle of locally made Guavaberry barbecue sauce is sweet and sassy.

Treasure Channel the island vibe through local artist Guy Harvey, whose colorful marine art adorns everything from canvas to t-shirts and coffee mugs.

Travel Editor Beth D’Addono celebrates local living wherever she goes on her blog, unchainedtravel.com.

AAA Vacations Cruises All Aboard: The Grand Princess, Eastern Caribbean It doesn’t get grander than this luxurious ship, with its Italian style Piazza, anytime dining and VIP cabin service. Besides two relaxing days at sea, find romance along the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and soak up the unique combination of European sophistication and island magic in Dutch St. Maarten.

All Aboard: Regent Seven Seas Navigator Reconnect aboard this elegant ship, where every suite has an ocean view and many boast private balconies. Enjoy European service by night; by day explore tropical vistas, including Georgetown in the Cayman Islands, home to adventures above and below the blue Caribbean Sea. All Aboard: Holland America’s ms Ryndam Settle into a 21-day Caribbean escape aboard the spacious ms Ryndam, where you can take cooking classes, swim in an adults-only pool and watch a movie under the stars. Stops include Puerto Rico, Antigua and the Caymans. You’ll see both Castries and Soufriere in stunning St. Lucia, notable for its combination of romance, luxe pampering and striking views.

Cayman Islands Known for its international banking cache and world class diving, this is the place to get in touch with your inner Jacques Cousteau.

Do Take a one-day resort dive course, an approachable way to access the island’s abundant marine life. Start in a resort pool and head down under off of Seven Mile Beach.

Taste Conch is a local fave, a protein-rich mollusk used in fritters, chowders spiked with onions and peppers and marinated in lime juice for ceviche.

Move Swim with the graceful rays at Stingray City, an all ages snorkeling adventure that is a must-do.

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Santa Arrives Saturday, December 5th at 10 a.m.

Now under new ownership, Quakertown Farmers Market and Flea Market known to many as “QMART”, is “Shopping That’s Worth Waiting for the Weekend”©. The new owners are dedicated to keeping to their statement that “Now, It’s Even Fresher Here”. Changes to make the Market better are already underway as shopper amenities are added, updated and modernized. The welcome traditions of value and service remain intact and are a focal point for ownership. The farmers market boasts over 125+ friendly, independent, local merchants who value their shoppers and pride themselves on knowing most customers on a first name basis.

Many of the businesses here are multi-generational, family owned and operated. In today’s society where everything is rushed, hurried and impersonal, it is nice to be able to set your own pace at Quakertown Farmers Market. If you are in a hurry, our merchants can accommodate you-but if you want to slow your shopping pace we have you covered there too. Shop, stop and enjoy a meal at one of many family style restaurants and shop some more. Not only can you set the pace and enjoy your shopping experience, you will be able to find everything you need in one trip, under one roof.

Since 1932, Quakertown Farmers Market has promoted shopping local and supported small businesses. Every weekend, you will find farm fresh local fruits and vegetables, fresh butcher cut meats, yummie fresh baked goods, a 7 day a week discount grocery, garden nursery, 7 day a week pet store and dozens more unique farmers market departments. We pack the calendar throughout the year with fun filled events for the entire family to enjoy. We have it all, from car shows, the circus, egg hunts, Halloween costume contests to Santa’s big arrival on December 5th at 10 a.m. and much more!

The Market is open year round, every Friday and Saturday from 9am until 9 pm and Sunday 10am until 5pm.

Holiday hours can be found on our interactive website @ ItsFresherHere.com as well as our printable, weekly coupon and sales flyer. The huge indoor/outdoor flea market is open year round and is packed full of hidden treasures.

During the warmer months, the Flea Market plays host to an outdoor auction held on the first and third Friday mornings of the month. Quakertown Farmers Market invites you to experience, “Shopping That’s Worth Waiting for the Weekend.”©

the ring is just your beginning

Hamilton’s Lisette Collection.

Handcrafted designs in 18k white gold and platinum.

Engagement rings with various shaped center stones and matching diamond wedding bands.

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fashionista The Little Black Holiday Dress

T

he holidays and the social occasions that go with them have arrived, and so the hunt begins for what to wear to them all! The LBD, or Little Black Dress, can be your friend and “partner in crime” for any event because each of them has a different personality. But this is the same reason that the LBD can also be your most elusive friend, seemingly unavailable when you need them. Here are a few tips to make sure that you enter every party with an LBD that’s perfectly suited for the occasion.

First, determine what your budget is. Depending on your lifestyle, and how often you will be wearing the LBD this year, go for classic since it will remain in style for awhile.

If you are on a budget, look for Jersey dresses which are less expensive, usually under $300, but have a season-less and classic styling. They are easier to dress up or down, layer

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and accessorize, based on where you are wearing it! A great Jersey dress can be worn with a pair of pumps, pretty shawl, and great earrings. Or, worn with a leather jacket, black tights and boots can make it a funkier, sexy night-time look.

Sleeveless dresses are also more versatile than long sleeves because you can wear them all year round. Stick with lengths that are just a little below or above the knee. If you go too short, the dress is not as adaptable to the event. You can always add a higher heel pump or boot, but you cannot add length to an already shorter dress. Go for styles that can be worn with either a strapless or regular bra, so that you can feel comfortable where you are going and never worry about having a wardrobe malfunction.

Try on a variety of styles to determine what you feel most attractive in. Find a designer that works and stick with them, because they usually have a consistent fit. Save yourself the time and stress by predetermining what looks good on you, and you’ll feel good in your perfect Little Black Dress. Fabulous!

— Anonymous Self-Proclaimed Shopaholic

Making Spirits Bright With Holiday Shopping Delight Delight in the season as you stroll our sidewalks to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Then take a relaxing moment and warm with a delicious treat at one of our restaurants.

And be sure to visit our newest stores and restaurants – Ulta Beauty • Bar Louie • Soma • Great Clips Coming Soon Turning Point

Rte 611 at Street Road l Warrington, PA (adjacent to Wegman’s) shopvalleysquare.com OVER 35 SHOPS RESTAURANTS AND SERVICES INCLUDING ULTA BEAUTY | DSW SHOES EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS | BANANA REPUBLIC | WHITE HOUSE | BLACK MARKET | SOMA ESSENTIALS SALON | GYMBOREE | YANKEE CANDLE | VICTORIA’S SECRET | CARMEL KITCHEN AND WINE BAR | CHIPOTLE | PANERA BREAD | P.F. CHANG’S | THE MELTING POT | TED’S MONTANA GRILL | YOGURTLAND Managed by CBRE | FAMECO

BLACK FRIDAY vs. CYBERMONDAY

By Diane Burns

W

ith the holiday season upon us we find ourselves faced with the most frenzied hectic shopping days of the year. This is a time when gift buying is at the top of your holiday to-do list so my question to you is: “What type of shopper are you?”

Do you anxiously await the newspaper’s arrival on Thanksgiving morning? You know the one I mean, the one that contains pages and pages of sale circulars stuffed inside.

If so, sometime during the day you will furiously peruse all the ads searching for the best price of the special gifts you are looking to purchase. You may make a list of the priority item with the name of the store showing the lowest price and what time the store opens. Once you are prepared with your list, warmly dressed and wearing comfortable shoes, with money and credit cards in hand and a “go-get ‘em” attitude, you set out into the night.

The next thing you know it’s 11:59 pm and you are standing outside a store in a line that stretches around the block, your frenzied eyes staring and waiting for the doors to open.

Finally, it’s 12:01: Open Season. You and all those others in line with you rush through the narrow entrance, thus commencing the annual retail ritual. If this sounds familiar, then you are a “Black Friday” shopper. This is the time of the year you anxiously anticipate for 11 months. Although the lines get longer and the crowds get larger every year, you cannot resist the challenge of the hunt for the lowest price on the gifts you want, nay, the best price in the land. Once 44

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acquisition and purchase is achieved you experience a feeling of extreme satisfaction and exhilaration. It is, however, short-lived as you bustle back out into the brisk night air to the next store.

On the other hand, you may be someone who can’t abide the frantic pace and large crowds of shopping in the stores and malls. Your idea of fun shopping is sitting in front of your computer with your lists. If you like to shop early in the day you may be still in your pajamas drinking a second cup of coffee.

You flex your fingers, take another sip of coffee and get started. If it’s later in the day, relax with a glass of wine, curl up with your laptop in the recliner, or maybe sit in bed, having returned to your comfy pjs. If this scenario appeals to you, then you are a “Cyber Monday” shopper.

Cyber Monday was organized to entice customers to purchase household items in the privacy of their own homes.

Since its inception in 2005, Cyber Monday has become the largest online shopping day of the year with sales of over $100 million.

Whether Black Friday or Cyber Monday is the shopping experience for you, remember the true meaning of the holiday is not in the gifts we buy but in the good will we demonstrate during the season. (Especially when you’re reaching for the same “last one” as your fellow hunter.)

Happy Holidays to all of you!

Diane Burns is a writer currently residing in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

your

life, your shoppes

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LOOK FABULOUS. BE FRUGAL. SHOP 24/ 7 AT LASTCALL.COM

Located at Philadelphia Premium Outlets, Limerick PA 1. Marc New York Ribbed Long-Sleeve Sheath 2 Sweater dress, Classic Red $85 Devon Leigh Long Cherry Quartz Pendant Necklace $435 1

2. David Eau deslub Parfum JAMESYurman PERSE $69 Classic $106 raglan-sleeve knit tee $100 CURRENT/ELLIOTT $89Eau $208de cropped boyfriend Burberry: Burberry Parfum 1 fljeans oz. $40 3.1 PHILLIP LIM $89 $225 tortoise acetate sunglasses Vince Camuto Eau metal-embellished de Toilette 1leather Fl Oz. $36 LINEA PELLE $145 $215 clutch

STEVEN BY STEVE MADDEN $89 $109 metal-embellished zip leather sandal

3. Neiman Marcus candles in 2 BALMAIN $139 $299.95 gradient-lens sunglasses assorted scents, $30

3 RAJ $45 $68 beaded/sequined paisley infinity scarf 4.

Magnanni for Neiman Marcus NEIMAN MARCUS $75 $109 paneled crepe skirt

Leather trim suede double monk loafer $350 4 Antiqued leather sneaker cognac $299 KENDRA SCOTT $85 $120 magnesite/14-karat gold-plated earrings Monk strap leather loafer mid brown $350 5 PELLE MODA $119 $160 beaded sandal

5. NM Katies Leather zip boot black $325 6 BOTKIER $160 $195 leather crossbody bag

6. Mid Size Golden Stainless Steel Runway watch (pink face) $170 7 Rose Golden Stainless Steel Three-Hand PANACEA $25 $40 golden spiked cuff Tachymeter Watch with Rhinestone Dial $265 Strikethrough prices reflect suggested retail values.

7. Neiman Marcus Dublin, Jasper and Colfax woven stainless steel flask $60 each 8. Neiman Marcus 4 pair socks bowed sets offered in multiple color ways, $45 9. Stephen Dweck Cathedral sterling silver hoops in choices of Aqua, Clear and Smoky quartz stones $225 10. Shimmery Ombre Lace Cap-Sleeve Dress, Silver $129 Neiman Marcus Blurred-Floral Fringe Wool Scarf, Gray $80 Lauren Merkin Paige Leather Clutch Bag, Gray $195 NM Nina Metallic Leather d’Orsay Pump, Pewter $149

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Collecting Christmas Memories

by Jessie Tanski Public Relations and Social Media Manager at Bucks Country Gardens ollectables are tangible treasures that take up room in our hearts and spots on bookshelves and in shoeboxes. We all do it, we all collect things– stamps, coins, nutcrackers, ornaments, memorabilia – the list is really quite endless. And, after some time, collections start to come to life, especially around the holidays. In fact, holiday collections seem to make the time of the year a bit more… magical!

C

There are two quintessential types of collectables: monetary and sentimental. Monetary, meaning that the items have a larger price tag where the value typically increases over time, like a Byers’ Choice one-of-a-kind Caroler. And, sentimental collectables, meaning that the items really tug at our heartstrings, like an Old World Christmas Ornament that reminds you of your first dog, Fido.

Byers’ Choice has a vast array of carolers for you to pick from. Every caroler is beautifully handcrafted locally in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Each one brings to the table a story of a more traditional and simpler time, with cobblestone pathways and gas lit lanterns. From ugly holiday sweaters to winter fun on ice skates and sleds, there is sure to be a caroler to warm your heart.

Karen Didion’s Santa Collection will definitely be a conversation starter. Every Santa and elf is hand crafted with a unique look with various themes. The artisan painted faces and hands complement perfectly with their glass inset eyes and charming feel. Discover Santas with mounds of cookies wearing reindeer slippers, gun-toting duck hunting Santas and traditional Santas with a red coat and boots, rosy cheeks and a sack of toys. And, what is Santa with out his helpers?

Enjoy silly elves playing elf games along side the jolly ol’ guy.

These fun figurines make fantastic showpieces.

Christmas collectables don’t have to have a notable name attached to them to be special. Many people collect a variety of items with the same theme. For example, snowmen, Santas, elves, moose, or snowflakes – the possibilities are endless!

A collection can be comprised of hand-painted ornaments gathered from places they’ve visited around the world.

Collectables are all around us, from large retail stores to mom-and-pop shops alike. Here, at Bucks Country Gardens, we carefully hand pick items that have the lovability to start a new collection or the value to add to a collection that has been passed down for generations. It’s important that you choose an item that resonates with you. It adds to the fun!

With this in mind, the question really is: why do we collect things? The answer is not to fill up attic space. The answer is relatively easy: To pass it down to the kids who then pass it down to theirs; so it can grow in value; to feel a sense of completeness; or simply because, it’s a tradition! Christmas collectables seem to make the holidays extra special and a fun time to show them off.

So, if you’re looking to start a new tradition this year, pick something near and dear to your heart and start collecting today. Or, if you have inherited a vintage collection from your grandparents, add some new pieces with modern charm. It is never to late, to start a new tradition!

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Bucks Country Gardens

Christmas Gift Guide Recycled License Plate Bird Houses Each piece starts with road-used license plates and is one of a kind and highly nostalgic, with much care taken to utilize as much of the original plate as possible. $49.99

Mixed Greens Wreath This locally made wreath is a great mix of fresh greens and waterproof berries that’s perfect for your front door.

Add a pretty bow, hang it and enjoy all season long! $39.99 Luminara Flickering Candle Lantern Set Outdoor-friendly lantern with a flameless candle with timer is perfect to add to your front porch dècor or winter greens urn. $99.99

Edisonville Woodshop Houses Amish made copper-topped bird houses are hand-crafted in Lancaster, PA. This handsome bird house makes a fantastic gift for the bird enthusiast on your list. Assorted styles. From $99.99

Mystique™ 360 Flameless Candle A flameless, flickering candle made of paraffin wax and uniquely designed so the flame is visible from every angle–no candle edge to block the view! From $49.99 52

1057 N. Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902 l 215.766.7800 l buckscountrygardens.com

Bucks County Christmas Ball Each glass ball is stunningly hand painted and beautifully crafted and feature three Bucks County covered bridge scenes on one ornament. Exclusively created for Bucks Country Gardens. $49.99

Frasier Fir By Thymes Home Fragrance This must-have seasonal fragrance fills the room with a scent of a freshly cut Christmas tree and is available as a candle, hand soap and even dishwashing liquid. Makes a great hostess gift!

From $12.99

Nora Fleming With classic white and wooden serving pieces, Nora Fleming Serveware compliments any décor. Interchangeable ceramic minis are cleverly and adorably designed for holidays, birthdays, summer barbeques and year ‘round celebrations–it’s a party on a plate! From $12.50 Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Jam Sampler Set These seasonal selections will delight guests at all of your holiday occasions.

Holiday Jam, a perennial favorite sampler, is only available for a limited time and makes a perfect hostess gift. $15.99 Spartina 449 Boutique Handbag Collection Each supple suede and leather bag is pure luxury.

Classically designed with many modern appointments for the woman on the go, it’s a timeless addition to any wardrobe that will surely make a special gift for that special someone in your life! $280 1057 N. Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902 l 215.766.7800 l buckscountrygardens.com

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legal

Oh No, A Surprise Snow Day!!

by Mary Cushing Doherty, Esquire

M

ost parents of school age children react dramatically differently to snow days than their little ones. The overwhelming announcement that school is closed sneaks up by surprise: significant snow was not expected; rain should not have flooded the school basement; accidental power outage; or any unexpected triggers to close school.

While children gleefully celebrate when they awake to the news of no school, one or both parents will be in panic mode. In those households where both parents work they immediately negotiate: who will do what to adjust plans.

And if parents don’t live in the same home, the negotiations are often extremely stressful. From the perspective of a family lawyer and former working mom, here are tips: 1. Communication is key. Parents who understand each other’s work routine respectfully address the surprise day off with the other parent. Suggested opening is: “What’s on your plate at work today? Let me tell you what I need to do.”

2. Pre-scheduling your roles “in the event of the emergency” can be a blessing or curse. In detailed physical custody schedules, the custodial parent on the school day has responsibility for the children if there is no school that day. While this sounds great, misunderstandings abound. If custody shifts on Wednesday (the child leaves one parent going to school, and the other parent picks-up from after care) and school gets cancelled, does that mean the parent with Wednesday morning covers for the snow day or the afterschool parent?

3. Alternative child care and the right of first refusal.

The custodial parent who cannot take off work is expected to make the last minute arrangement for child care. In some post-divorce families, anytime child care by a third party (even Grandma) is enlisted, the other parent must first be given the right to assume custody. Therefore, when the custodial parent rushes to arrange replacement care, the

non-custodial parent could complain the right of first refusal had not been offered.

4. Enlist the pre-school/after-school caregiver to “enjoy” your children for the entire day. This might work if your caregiver has flexibility. Some caregivers won’t have the legal capacity to take your child, without getting extra help on site. The non-custodial parent may argue against sharing this extra child care expense arguing the custodial parent should have taken off work.

5. Communicate. All working parents need to communicate in the crunch situation of last minute cancellation of school.

Try being a listener first, albeit hard to manage when both parents are under stress. A sense of humor is the better response rather than frenzy. Look at your elated kids!

Sometimes you’ll throw in the towel, take the day off work, and watch the snow pile outside you window. Read Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat Comes Back and embrace the carefree day. Call the neighbors to your messy house; serve whatever packaged snacks you can find. Shovel a narrow path from door to street. Commiserate for the parent who decided to go to work.

Mary Cushing Doherty is a family lawyer and partner at High Swartz LLP, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. In recent years, she has received recognition from her peers and the community, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Lynette Norton Award in 2012 and one of the 2012 Women of the Year by the Legal Intelligencer. She was one of the Women of Distinction chosen by the Philadelphia Business Journal and received the Margaret Richardson Award from the Montgomery Bar Association. Mary can be reached at mdoherty@highswartz.com.

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Having a Blue Christmas?

By Matthew Weldon Gelber MS

T

he holidays are meant to be times filled with holiday cheer and happiness spent around family and friends. For some this is a tough time of year. Starting in autumn I see many clients who suffer with the change in seasons and feeling less motivated. Clinically, this is called seasonal effectiveness disorder; in my practice I call it the winter blues. It is a big change: More time inside, less sunlight, less exercise and the added stresses that the holiday season can bring including, more work, spending more money and trying to make everyone happy in your life because of the time of year.

The winter blues are a very real thing. Here are some great steps to take now so that your holiday will be bright and as cheerful as you want it to be. The first thing you need to do is focus on what truly makes you happy. Don’t get caught up in how retailers want to make you believe you should live; you live the way you want to. Make a plan now so that once the holidays are upon us you’ve checked off as many things you wanted to get done as possible. This may include planning a winter weekend away to de-stress, or taking some time off so that you’re not racing at the end to get everything done quickly. This should be a season to enjoy, so plan and then you can enjoy it so much more.

The body needs light and energy. Much of our stress comes from sitting at work or calling it an early day since the night seems to come so quickly. Take care of your body just as you do in the other warmer seasons. Thirdly, and most importantly, pace yourself when it comes to all the great holiday food and drinks. So many clients of mine spend a lot of time at holiday parties and dinners only to realize in the New Year they are unhappy with the extra weight they have put on. I say, enjoy but just be smart about it.

This is a magical time of year so make it yours and do what you want to do. The holidays have been commercialized and we have been given a skewed view of what it is all about. You make it what it’s all about. Have a wonderful holiday season and take care of you. That will be the best gift you will ever get! Cheers and happy holidays!

Matthew Weldon Gelber MS, is a Psychotherapist and owns and operates the Weldon Center in Malvern, PA. Known for his personalized care for individuals, couples and families. Please visit www.mattgelber.com for more information or call 610.310.5898 to speak with Matt personally.

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pets

Holiday Stress and Our Pets

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he holiday season is upon us! While we all look forward to spending time with family and friends, we also know that the holidays can be extremely stressful. What you might not realize is that this time of year can cause a lot of stress for our pets as well.

Pets thrive on having a consistent routine. They become accustomed to a regular schedule – walk time, feeding time, play time, etc. Our busy schedules during the holidays are anything but consistent; family get-togethers, shopping trips, and long car rides can really disrupt a dog’s routine.

The sights, sounds and smells of holiday festivities can overwhelm even the most well-behaved and even-tempered pet. What we consider to be typical sounds of the season, such as music and laughter, can cause agitation and anxiety in some dogs. A noisy house full of unfamiliar visitors can be extremely difficult, especially for a dog that might not interact well with strangers. And of course all the delicious holiday goodies are as tempting for your pet as they are for us humans! A dog might sneak some people food off of the kitchen counter, or a guest might casually feed your dog leftovers, thinking that it’s not a big deal. But even small amounts of high-fat, high-sugar foods can cause major

problems, especially for a dog with a sensitive digestive system. If holiday stress is a problem for your pet, Wagsworth Manor has the solution!

Wagsworth Manor Pet Resort in Malvern is the perfect holiday destination for your pet. Daily activities are specifically tailored to your pet’s needs, and special attention is given to ensure that all guests are enjoying their stay.

There’s something for everyone – from high-energy pups to laid-back senior dogs. Does your dog love to swim? Sign her up for a swim session in their luxurious, heated indoor pool. Does she prefer snuggling with a human companion?

Try Wagsworth’s TLC Plan. While you’re busy at home entertaining family and friends, you’ll feel better knowing that your furry friend is enjoying a relaxing, stress-free getaway with a regular schedule of fun activities during the day and restful quiet time at night.

And maybe that’s the gift your dog really wants from you this holiday season!

Visit Wagsworth Manor Pet Resort located at 27 Spring Mill Drive, Malvern, PA or www.wagsworthmanor.com.

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Holiday Decorating – No Plug Attached!

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or an interior and exterior designer, this is the time of the year when the lines between outdoor living spaces and interior places mesh together. Many of my landscape clients ask us to come back and decorate their homes and businesses for the holidays. There is no more eco-friendly holiday decorating idea than harvesting Mother Nature’s offerings.

Take a walk around your yard, your neighborhood, or your local park; that’s where you will find the latest craze in holiday decorating…. Add a little spray paint and glitter for that holiday sparkle.

You’ll be amazed at the unique things you can find when you open up your eyes and look to nature for inspiration.

Take for instance all of the shrubs with berries, especially Ilex Verticillata, or “winter berry holly.” This deciduous holly has fabulous fruits in a variety of reds and even oranges. Another great berried shrub is Callicarpa Issai. This “beauty berry” has amazing purplish lavender berries that are attached along the stem. The trick with bringing these berry filled stems indoors for holiday decorating is to clip them before the deciduous leaves fall of. Cut the stems with the leaves on and then pick the leaves off. The remaining berries are striking and should last through the holidays especially when placed in a vase of water or used in outdoor planters.

Another great plant to cut and bring in for the holidays are hydrangea blooms. Once they are dried they are wonderful to spray paint silver, gold or red…whatever your scheme or theme. Then try spray glue and sprinkle some glitter. These blooms are fantastic to fill in planters, vases or containers indoors and out. They also look great placed into your holiday tree, resting on your mantle or decorating a wreath.

Ornamental grasses are great natural selections to spray paint also. I have a client that bought a 10’ artificial tree last

year after many years of a 14’ cut tree. With her enormous soaring ceilings the tree felt dwarfed, so I cut the ornamental grass “Miscanthus Giganteus,” sprayed it in her copper and rust color scheme and stuck clusters popping out in all directions pointing towards the ceiling. Suddenly her 10’ tree appeared to soar to 14’. The look was very dramatic.

Thankfully I have clients that take risks and let me think out of the box and be creative.

If you insist on having something with a plug to shine a little light on the occasion, stick with white lights, be they candles in the windows, spotlights on your house or miniature lights on your trees and shrubs. It’s not that I’m totally against colored lights but they often tend to detract from your other decorations. What you want your lights to do is highlight your architecture or your ornaments not discolor them. I know children love colored lights but it’s never too soon to teach good design.

Pick a theme… possibly one that celebrates your previous year and welcomes the new. Take for instance that one year my garden was a major part of my year, with an international Garden Tour and four design awards… I wanted to celebrate this fact so I built my 16’ tall Christmas tree out of dried ornamental grass from my garden. I used 2,800 tiny white lights and all of my glitzy ornaments; it was a huge hit at my semi-annual eve of eve party.

Scott Rothenberger is the owner and principal designer at Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE. With more than 19 years of combined design and installation experience Scott is a multiple award-winning designer that donates many hours to community projects. He enjoys sharing his passion for great design with his clients and his community and beyond. Visit his website designbyPLACE.com, email scott@designbyPLACE.com, or call 610.428.1801.

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Local

goes local

Tennessee A Smoky Mountain Christmas

By Diane Burns

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his month we take you on a journey to the state of Tennessee to show you how the holiday season is celebrated in The Great Smoky Mountains. As you travel along the 326 byway you’ll be greeted by many towns tucked away in the mountains decorated with millions of twinkling lights for the Christmas holiday. In these towns you’ll find lively music with people dancing in the street and enjoying the holiday food made to tantalize the palate.

Make a stop in Gatlinburg to enjoy the Fantasy of Lights Parade. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the celebration this year. The parade, a yearly holiday event, features floats, equestrian units, giant balloons and of course what would a parade be without marching bands. Experience the Christmas spirit by taking a trolley tour of the town that’s been decorated in its entire holiday splendor.

The next stop on your journey might be at Dollywood, an exciting amusement park for old and young alike. This 64

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park has more than heart-stopping rides for the fearless. It offers holiday musical stage shows, Santa’s workshop with larger than life toys and a parade led by Santa himself.

There are many opportunities to enjoy the music of the season by attending one or more of the many shows offered such as An Appalachian Christmas, at the Back Porch Theater, Christmas in the Smokies on Showstreet, or Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice. Whatever your preference the show will be an exciting experience.

Continue on to the town of Pigeon Forge just outside of Dollywood. Lose yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain Flea Market with over a thousand vendors spread over 200,000 square feet.

Find that special or unusual gift you’ve been searching for or just purchase a memento of your mountain adventure.

Besides great shopping in Pigeon Forge you’ll find wonderful restaurants featuring down-home cooking and quaint shops where you can buy a great hot cup of cocoa to warm you after a

day of shopping. While in town be sure to check out The Christmas Place, the premier store to find that perfect holiday gift. The store has over 60 theme dec orated trees to excite and inspire you with ideas for your own tree at home.

The store features a large variety of lights and some beautiful hand-crafted ornaments that surly become a family favorite. Take a moment to visit the Singing Santa and maybe purchase a treat from Mrs. Claus’ Candy Kitchen.

Take a little time to visit Christmas Wonderland at Smoky Stadium in Sevierville. On display are hundreds of thousands of synchronized LED lights in a drive-thru attraction nearly a mile long. Another fun event is the Santa Hustle a half-marathon and 5K run of participants dressed as Santa.

For further information on any of these events go on the web and Google Smoky Mountain Christmas in Tennessee.

Diane Burns is a writer currently residing in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

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