downtown conway
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It’s the right time of the year to explore Conway The lights are strung and there’s music in the air. ... The sights and sounds of Christmas are everywhere. Historic downtown Conway shines bright during the holidays with its garland-wrapped lamp posts and all the shop windows dressed up for the season. Not to mention the events like the upcoming “Shop Small Saturday” on Saturday, November 29 to “Mistletoe Madness” and The Conway Christmas parade on Saturday, December 13th that kicks off the “Twelve Days of Christmas Count Down.” With over 30 shops and restaurants that await you, Downtown Conway is the perfect Holiday Shopping destination. Nothing beats the hometown feel you get when you are greeted at the door and then the personalized shopping experience you receive is second to none! So Shop, Dine, Play in Downtown Conway for the Holidays!!!
events
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Saturday, Nov. 29, 10a-10p Small Business Saturday is the day we celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants in Conway. The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Downtown Partnership have become Neighborhood Champion to help organize and promote: Small Business Saturday - Conway!
Conway Christmas Tree Lighting @ Rogers Plaza
TBD Visit Downtown Conway to take part in the lighting of the Conway Christmas Tree, standing at over 3 stories high. You and your family will not want to miss this fantastic event, that lights up all of Downtown Conway!
Downtown Conway Mistletoe Madness
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10a-5p “Mistletoe Madness” is a one stop Christmas shopping extravaganza. Downtown offers it all: art, jewelry, home decor, clothing, toys, foods and more. Saturday, December 13 kicks-off the “12 Days til Christmas” countdown. Merchants welcome shoppers with holiday incentives that you will not want to miss. Downtown Conway boosts over 40 local merchants that will be participating in this event.
Conway Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13, 6p The annual Conway Christmas Parade finishes off the day with a themed parade that stretches from south Front Street to North Front. The parade is hosted by Relay for Life of Faulkner County with all proceeds from float sponsorships going to the American Cancer Society. The Parade starts at the south end of Front Street and heads north to Smith Street.
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upcomingEvents YULETIDE GUIDE 3
Many ways to recycle greeting cards The Greeting Card Association says Americans purchase some 6.5 billion greeting cards every year. Of those, around 1.6 billion are Christmas cards. Exchanging cards is a great way for people to show their loved ones that they’re thinking about them, and such cards make for festive ornaments to display around homes. But when the holiday season ends, recycling those cards into other items can make good use of the paper resources and turn what’s normally a single-use item into an enduring trinket. • Turn this year’s cards into next year’s gift tags. Cut out circles, rectangles or any shape you desire. Otherwise, visit the scrapbooking aisle of your favorite craft store and purchase a paper punch to make easy work of cutting those shapes. • Transform a greeting card into a mini puzzle for a youngster. • Glue silly characters from Christmas cards onto a sheet of magnet. Then use these magnets for decorations next year. • Frame favorite cards so their messages can endure year after year. • Turn a beautiful card into a keepsake. Use a decoupage medium to attach a card to a ceramic or wood backing. Coat with a polyurethane top coat to protect it. • Use greeting cards to make wine charms for holiday entertaining. Guests can keep track of their glasses with ease. • Use cut-outs of cards to improve the appearance of plain gift wrap or bags. • Insert cut rounds of greeting cards into the inside of can lids to create crafty ornaments. • Make a paper Christmas tree from cutouts on greeting cards. • Encourage kids to make a photo collage from the cards they like. Mount their efforts on poster board and save for next year. • Donate used cards. St. Jude’s Ranch recycles greeting cards by reselling them to help fund programs. 4 YULETIDE GUIDE
Create an energy-efficient home for the holidays ‘Tis the season to be festive, and that usually means stringing up hundreds of twinkling lights to create a welcoming glow on dark winter nights. Some people view the holiday season as their chance to go all out with regard to decorating their homes with an abundance of lights, inflatable lawn ornaments and maybe even some mechanical figures. While these decorations certainly may be symbols of the season, it’s easy to forget just how much energy and resources they consume. A typical strand of lights uses around 300 watts of electricity. Multiply those figures by the dozens of strings of lights people use and it’s easy to see how quickly energy usage can add up. In addition to lights, lit candles, animated dolls, wreaths, trees, and scores of imported ornaments contribute to the energy consumption per household. Even so, environmentally conscious individuals need not skip the holiday décor and entertaining. Fortunately, there are various ways to be energy
efficient with holiday décor this season. • Switch to LED lights. LED lights consume a fraction of the energy traditional incandescent bulbs do. While a standard string of 50 lights consumes 300 watts, LED sets only consume four watts. This not only saves energy, but also considerable amounts of money over the course of the holiday season. • Use fiber-optic decorations. Fiber optic items are lit by one light. The illumination carries through the fiber optic cables to the entire decoration. • Use a power strip and timer. Plug decorations into a power strip (be sure to follow the recommended power load for safety) and hook everything up to a timer so lights are not on when no one can see them. • Check light strands. Always inspect lights for frayed wires and any damage. Frayed lights are less efficient and pose a considerable safety risk. • Enhance decorations. Use
mirrors and reflective ornaments to give the appearance of more lights without actually adding more. • Turn off ambient lighting. Christmas tree lights or the lights framing a picture window should be sufficient to light up a room. Keep lamps and overhead lighting off while the tree is lit to save money and energy. • Lower the thermostat. When entertaining, turn the thermostat down a few degrees. Having extra people in your home will raise the temperature. Similarly, heat generated by the oven and other cooking appliances can warm up a home. Don’t waste energy by keeping the heat turned on high. • Invest in rechargeable batteries. According to Energy Quest, 40 percent of all batteries are purchased during the holiday season. To power those many gifts and devices, use rechargeable batteries which can be used again and again. • Change your cooking practices. Smaller appliances use less energy. YULETIDE GUIDE 5
How to gift the people who aren’t family Come the holiday season, many people find it’s not just family and friends on their shopping lists. Coworkers and acquaintances often land on such lists as well, and it’s not always easy deciding what to get those people who aren’t close friends or family members.
Boss Gifting the boss is a sensitive subject and should be dictated by company protocol. If you are the only employee to buy your boss a gift, it may seem like you are trying to curry favor. However, if everyone else is gifting and you fail to offer a gift, you may be caught off guard. Some business etiquette experts say that it is customary for bosses to give gifts to employees but not the reverse. However, employees who are especially close with their bosses or who work closely with them each day may want to offer a small token of appreciation. When selecting gifts for bosses, do not give anything too personal, such as clothing, perfume or jewelry. Food or gift cards are a safer bet. Experts say a gift in the range of $10 to $25 is adequate. Chipping in for a gift with other employees may be the best course of action so you don’t inspire resentment among coworkers.
Babysitter or nanny Caregivers play important roles in the lives of children. Once you have found a sitter or nanny who you trust, you want to ensure you keep that person content. If you regularly use a nanny or sitter, money is always a great gift. For a full-time nanny, one week to one month’s pay is adequate. For a regular sitter, consider a gift equal to two nights’ pay.
Coach or club leader Children today are involved in many different activities, and chances are parents’ schedules are filled with sports games and practices. A small gift of $10 to $20 can show your appreciation to a coach or club leader. This is another instance when it might be nice to pool your resources with fellow parents to purchase one large gift.
Mail carrier If your mail is delivered by the same mail carrier week after week, you may want to spread some holiday joy. Mail carriers have an extra workload during the holidays, when they are tasked with delivering packages and greeting cards in addition to more routine mail. Civil servants may be forbidden from receiving cash. In such instances, a gift card makes a great gift.
Tra s h co l l e c to r Hauling garbage is neither an easy nor glamorous job. Many garbage collectors appreciate a tip for their hard work. Take notice of who collects the trash from your home. If it is the same people each week, take the time to personally deliver an envelope with a small tip of around $20.
Hairstylist If you are a regular for frequent treatments and color in a salon, show the stylist you appreciate his or her work with a cash gift. If you want to give a wrapped present, avoid tools of the trade or anything that is too personal. Stylists are on their feet much of the day, so a gift for a massage appointment or pedicure may be just what they need. 6 YULETIDE GUIDE
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shop
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shopDowntownConway available at Branch Out Paint Bar + Boutique 31 Bits, Hand Rolled Paper Beaded Necklace Verty, Aztec Asymmetrical Cardigan ATX, Born & Raised Crewneck
available at Fletcher Smith Jewelers Wide, sterling silver flower cuff accented with grey rhodium and white topaz. Bold, oval, sterling silver Guenevire ring accented with white topaz and black spinel. Both by Jude Frances.
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available at Bell & Sward Martin Dingman Countrywear Wallet True Grit Half Zip Pullover True Grit Corduroy Sport Shirt
available at White Goat Lollia Bath Soap, Hand & Body Creme, Bubble Bath, Bath Oil, Candles, Perfume and Fragrant Sachets Free Lollia Scarf with purchase of $100 or more
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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• available at Statements Cookies for Santa Gift Set Cookies for Santa Cookie Mix
available at Grand On Oak Johnny Was Morra Velvet Jacket Lola & Sophie Chiffon Double Layer Tank Tart Collections Leather Jegging G. Spinelli Necklaces
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available at Carmen’s Antiques 1914 C.D. Kenny Antique Tin Litho Advertising Plate
available at Bevy’s Artians Cowl Neck Top
Comes in Blue, Pink, Purple, and Charcoal Gray. Personalize it however you like!
available at Dayer Jewelry Jewelry collection by Sara Blaine
available at Monrow Boutique Dolce Vita Booties Seychelles, Croc Over The Knee Boots YULETIDE GUIDE 11
Christmas tidbits to put you in the holiday spirit The holiday season has arrived, and millions of people across the globe will be celebrating Christmas with their families and friends. The following are some interesting tidbits to share with your loved ones this holiday season. • Each year, more than three billion Christmas cards are sent in the United States alone. • In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25 the official celebration date for the birth of Jesus Christ. Many historians and theologians have surmised that Christ really wasn’t born this time of year, thanks to imagery and information from the Bible. • Christmas carols began as an English custom called “wassailing.” Individuals toasted neighbors to a long and healthy life. • Despite the common tale that three wise men paid homage to baby Jesus, the Bible never specifically calls out a number. Similarly, there’s no specific indication that they visited the infant Jesus. Their visit may have occurred when Jesus was older. • Santa Claus’ modern look was inspired by writings from The Knickerbockers of New York and imagery from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Moore denied authoring the famous poem for 15 years after it was published anonymously, feeling the poem was beneath his talents. • Santa has his own official postal code. It’s H0 H0 H0. • The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving and not Christmas. People loved it so much that the lyrics were changed to fit Christmas. • Christmas trees typically grow for 15 years before they’re cut and sold. This means the trees sold today were likely planted in 1999. • Christmas was not declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870. • Before turkey, the traditional Christmas meal served in England was a pig’s head and mustard. • Male reindeer tend to shed their antlers in the winter. This means Santa’s reindeer are likely female. • Christ may have been born in a cave rather than a manger. According to the gospel of Luke, the shepherds that helped find shelter for Mary to give birth kept their flock in a cave. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is built over a cave called the Grotto of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born. • Many people may be less inclined to stand under mistletoe waiting for a kiss if they knew what “mistletoe” means in the ancient Germanic language. It literally means “dung on a twig,” for the bird who eats the berries and then leaves seeds in droppings to propagate new plants. • Each holiday season, PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the gifts in the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The price index for the gifts went from $12,673 in 1984 to more than $24,000 in 2011. The most expensive gift is the swimming swans. 12 YULETIDE GUIDE
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Easy ideas for holiday wreaths Wreaths are synonymous with the holiday season, and they can range from intricate to simple to flashy to rustic. Creating festive wreaths does not necessarily require a lot of skill, and wreaths can be fashioned from a variety of different materials. The first step to crafting wreaths is to gather the foundation pieces. This usually involves a sturdy material that will serve as the wreath round. It can be vine, foam, branches, or even wire. You’ll also need decorative items that fit the theme of your wreath. These may be berries, ornaments, ribbons, bows, and other trinkets that will be attached to the wreath. Florist wire and tape can be used to attach the ornaments to the wreath.
“Say cheese” wreath Purchase a premade evergreen wreath or wrap boughs of pine around a wreath frame to make your own. Glue or tie on small wooden frames with photos of the family to the wreath. Fill in the barren spots with small bows and ornaments.
Fruitful wreath Instead of an evergreen wreath, create something festive and edible. Fruit and vegetables in vibrant colors can be used to fashion a wreath. Use picks or wire to attach oranges, lemons, limes, clementines, and any other produce desired to a foam wreath. Use leaves to fill in sparse areas and a thick ribbon to hang the wreath.
Holly vine wreath Purchase a plain grapevine wreath and decorate it with sprigs of holly leaves and stems with berries. Simple and festive, this wreath should take only a few minutes to make and then hang.
Metallic wreath Add a glamorous touch to an evergreen wreath with faux fruit and pine cones that you paint with glimmering metallic colors. Intersperse items in gold, copper and silver for an eye-catching piece that can adorn any spot in your home. Add a few twinkling lights to reflect off of the metallic elements to add even more appeal.
Bells or glass ornament wreath Use flexible wire to string a wreath of metal bells or glass ornaments together in a ring shape. Bells not only look nice but also lend a gentle twinkling sound anytime the door is opened.
Floral wreath Make a fresh flower wreath from a florist’s wreath and fresh blooms. Soak the foam wreath in water according to the packaged directions. Trim flower stems (carnations are durable) and insert the stems into the wreath. Attach a bow to the bottom of the wreath and then hang. This is one wreath that is best displayed the day of the festivities because it has a short shelf life.
Cinnamon wreath This wreath looks beautiful and gives off that quintessential holiday aroma. Begin with a foam wreath and wrap with a two-inch wide ribbon to cover. Use hot glue to secure cinnamon sticks all around the wreath. For more color, add sprigs of holly, bows or mistletoe. 14 YULETIDE GUIDE 2014