Hot Toys for 2018
y a d i l o H s n i a g r a B is Cooking for
What tree best for you
a Crowd
Publication of Kankakee Valley Publishing – November 2018
A2: Holiday Bargains • November, 2018
Hot toy list for 2018 Did you grab your L.O.L. Surprise dolls last year? What about Hatchimals the year before? Each year, a new crop of must-have toys surfaces. Smart shoppers who do their research and prepare in advance of the holidays can grab these coveted gifts. Each year, industry experts weigh in on which toys are sure to be hits with children and adults. This data can help shoppers become more informed consumers and may help prevent the last-minute rush when coveted gifts are already sold out and new stock is nowhere in sight. The following are some gifts
children may want to see wrapped and waiting under the tree this year. • Pomsies by Skyrocket: These are fashionable plush pets for children to nurture. They’re adorable and designed to travel with children in a backpack or wrapped around kids’ wrists. The kitties can be played with in a one-on-one setting and also have a mode for social play. • Luvabella: This is a life-like baby doll that features many of the same surprises that come with a real live infant. Realistic facial expressions and responses, as well as interactive accessories, can make this a
true-to-life experience for young girls or boys. • Blind bag toys: Children seemingly can’t get enough of collectible playthings that focus on the act of unboxing. The Toy Association says sales for collectible playthings grew by 14 percent globally in 2017. The act of removing a surprise from packaging is just as exciting as the toy itself. Expect to find many more of these types of collectibles this year. • Mecard: This is a battle-action game from Mattel based on the Korean animated series Turning Mecard. Mecards are cars that transform into hero or villain action fig-
Holiday Open House
Sun. November 25th • 11am-4pm Free Wine Tastings and Food Samples
Restaurant Restaurant Holiday Holiday Gift Gift Certificate Certificate Special Special Purchase Purchase aa $100.00 $100.00 Gift Gift Certificate Certificate and and receive receive aa free free $25.00 $25.00 gc gc to to use use in in 2019. 2019. Taking Taking reservations reservations for for New New Year’s Year’s Eve Eve Celebration Celebration Entertainment Entertainment by by AcoustiCats AcoustiCats
Downtown Valparaiso Call to Make Your Reservations
219-462-7976
www.donquijotevalpo.com
ures when they drive over a power-charged card. • Think & Learn Codea-Pillar: This toy from Fisher-Price gives youngsters an early introduction to STEM. They learn basic coding, planning and sequencing skills by connecting segments of a cute caterpillar. • SelfieMic Selfie Stick Microphone: Children who are into social media karaoke apps can transform themselves into pop stars. They can sing along to their favorite tunes as a solo artist or with friends in a group. This device works in conjunction with the StarMaker singing app available for iOs and Android.
• Slimy squishy toys: These types of toys were a big hit in 2017 and stand to remain big sellers this year. Make-your-own and premade versions of slime and squishy products are sure to be filling up the shelves of neighborhood stores. WeCool’s Squishy Like Slime is one option to keep an eye on. • K’NEX building sets:
These sets from K’NEX marry tangible building with interactive play. Once kids build the sets, which can include roller coasters and more, they can take them on a virtual reality ride. These are just some of the hot toys and gifts that are primed as big sellers for this holiday season.
Your Holiday
Winery
Host your holiday party here, stock up for entertaining or find gifts for the best names on our list!
Gift Baskets
Discounts
starting at $35
by the case Save 10%
11144 Jordan Rd. | Remington, IN 219.866.4334 carpentercreekcellars.com Tasting Room Hrs.: Mon.-Sat. 11-6 • Sun. 12-5 CST
Holiday Bargains • November, 2018: A3
How to time holiday shopping right’ The holiday season begins at the end of November and stretches into the first week of January. But this five-week stretch may not necessarily be the best time for everyone to shop. Harvard Business Review says that the retail industry has been turned on its head in recent years, and shoppers and retailers may want to rethink their approaches to the holiday shopping season. Consumers are no longer interested in retailers dictating their shopping schedules, and some people have grown accustomed to buying products when they want them — especially when price is of no concern. Even budget-conscious shoppers have changed their habits, says the shopping advisor RetailNext. Many holiday shoppers are delaying their shopping until January to take advantage of post-season sales. Holiday shopping need not wait until after the holiday season, either. A 2017 RetailMeNot survey found that 45 percent of U.S. consumers said they planned to start shopping before November 1. Onequarter of the survey respondents said they planned to start shopping before October, and 12 percent started shopping for the holidays in the summer. So when should consumers do their holiday shopping? It all depends on what fits a person’s individual needs. • Shop sales, not schedules. If budget is a big concern, shoppers should
grab items that are on sale whenever they are available. That can mean shopping at any time of the year. People can try making a master shopping list early in the year and saving it on their mobile phones. While shopping throughout the year, items from the list can be purchased and stored until the holidays. • Shop your strengths. Those who get a thrill from tackling their entire shopping list in one haul can still do that. Shopping in this manner can help shoppers focus on the task at hand and reduce the likelihood of wasting time. But keep in mind that, according to a survey conducted by Business Wire, 65 percent of holiday shoppers scramble to complete their purchases in the last two weeks before Christmas, so shoppers who delay may be stuck in long lines at the mall. • Embrace in-store pickup. Many retailers are merging their online and brick-and-mortar operations. Shoppers have the convenience of pricecomparison and online shopping, with the physical enjoyment of going out to the store to complete their purchases. In-store pickup often enables shoppers to avoid hefty shipping fees, as in-store pickup is free. Plus, scoping out items online — and ensuring they’re in stock — saves the hassle of making a trip in vain. Shoppers can look beyond the conventional holiday season to get the best prices and deals that fit their shopping needs.
4 tips to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season
All I Want for Christmas... aturday Black Frid$2ay5/S 0(merchandise)
Spend d! $25 GiftothCerar -Receibeve offer. combined with any Not to merchandise only. Gift card good for cycle purchase. Excludes motor
NOV. 23-DEC. 22
fREE GIFT!
Buy 3-Get 1 FREE T-Shirts & Sweatshirts
Now thru dec. 22 w/ qualifying Harley-Davidson ® $300 purchase from kersting’s while supplies last
licensed product only
ARE YOU READY TO PLAY BLACKJACK? - NOV. 27-DEC. 22 Dec. 7 • 6-8 pm (ET) Ladies’ GARAGE PARTY
Dec. 22 Last Minute Shopper Day!
Kersting’s will be CLOSED Dec. 24-Jan. 1 Re-open wednesday, January 2, 2019
A handsome heirloom style whiskey decanter in a collectible distressed wood case with latch, plus an engraved dealer imprint metal plate. 36 fl. oz. capacity.
KERSTING’S Harley-Davidson®Cycle Center & Museum 4 miles South of North Judson on Hwy. 39
574.896.2974 • kerstingscycle.com • TUES-THURS 9-6; F 9-8; SAT 9-4 (ET) 2018BlackFridayDirectMailer.indd 1
10/24/18 11:39 AM
Families big and small typically celebrate the holiday season together. For some, celebrating the holidays with family requires traveling, while others stay put and welcome family and friends into their homes. At some point during the holiday season, celebrants who host family and friends will no doubt prepare a homecooked meal for their loved ones. Cooking for a crowd can seem like a daunting task, especially for first-time hosts. However, there are various ways for hosts to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season. 1. Prepare a familiar dish. Hosts may agonize over their holiday menus, and some may feel compelled to prepare a family specialty or the same dishes their parents or grandparents prepared for holiday dinners when they were children. But holiday hosts can make things easy on themselves by choosing dishes they’ve made in the past, regardless of their place in family history. Chances are the ingredients for hosts’ own specialties are already in the pantry, saving a potentially time-consuming trip to the grocery store. And thanks to the familiarity factor, hosts’ own specialties likely won’t require as much time to prepare. 2. Share some cooking duties. Another way to simplify cooking for a crowd is to invite guests to bring along a side dish or dessert. Guests who live nearby can make something in advance of the big meal, while hosts can hand over their kitchens to overnight guests who express a willingness to contribute their own homecooked dish to the party. Sharing the cooking duties gives hosts more time to connect with friends and family and serves as a great way to plan the menu in advance. 3. Only make what guests are likely to eat. Hosts also should not feel pressured to cook more food than is necessary. Holiday meals have a tendency to be lavish, but hosts don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen preparing food that will likely end up as leftovers or trash. Get a final headcount in the days before everyone comes over and adjust your recipes accordingly. 4. Start early. If the dinner is on Christmas Day, that does not mean hosts have to start cooking while everyone unwraps their presents. Hosts who are uncertain about what to cook can look for meals that can be prepared in advance so come the big day all they need to do is turn on the oven and let meals cook while the family spends time together. Hosts can use various strategies to simplify the process of cooking for a crowd this holiday season.
A4: Holiday Bargains • November, 2018
Christmas trees brighten the season Decked out in tinsel, lights, ornaments, and garland, Christmas trees are enduring symbols of the holiday season that boast a rich history. Evergreen trees have been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years, and eventually became associated with Christianity. Plants and trees that remained green all year held special meaning to ancient peoples, and were purported to keep away illness and evil spirits. Germans were credited with tying evergreen trees to Christmas celebrations. In the sixteenth century, devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Martin Luther, the Prot-
estant reformer, is believed to have first added lighted candles to these trees after he was inspired by twinkling stars in the night sky. While early Americans found Christmas trees an oddity, the tradition, brought over by German settlers, eventually caught on. Today, between 25 and 30 million natural Christmas trees are sold in the United States each year, states the National Christmas Tree Association. Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. The following is a look at some popular tree varieties. Living Christmas trees Living Christmas tree, which refers to those
with their roots still intact, are popular among eco-conscious holiday enthusiasts. That’s because living trees can be promptly planted after they’ve served their purpose indoors. Opt for a moderately sized tree, as root balls on larger trees can be heavy and difficult to move. Living trees can typically be kept indoors for around seven to 10 days before they will need to be returned outside. Move such trees to a sheltered outdoor area for one to two weeks so they can reacclimate to the climate. So long as the ground is not frozen, trees can then be planted when the reacclimation period ends. Better Homes and Gar-
Holiday Shop Now Open Stop in and shop our wide selection of
ORDER NOW Fresh Wreaths & Grave Pillows
brown’s
Thymes Fragrances Melissa & Doug Toys Custom Designed Door Wreaths Collectable Santa’s, Snowmen & Angels Decorated Table & Mantle Decorations Fresh Wreaths, Garland Swags & Boughs Distinctive Cemetery Pieces Our New election of Kitchen Items Gift Certificates
garden & floral shoppe 925 W. Clark St. • Rensselaer, IN 219.866.8735 brownsgardenshoppe.com
dens suggests selecting a mild day to plant the tree. Fraser fir Fraser fir trees are typically uniformly pyramid-shaped trees that have strong branches that turn slightly upward. These trees have good needle retention and a dark, blue-green hue. Many people feel these trees have a pleasant scent. Because they are such a quintessential Christmas tree, Fraser fir, as well as their close cousin, Balsam fir, tend to be more expensive than others. Scotch pine One of the advantages of Scotch pine trees is their needle retention. Experts say Scotch pine
needles will not drop off even if the tree is dry. Scotch pine is an introduced species brought to North America by European settlers, and it’s known for dark green foliage and sturdy, stiff branches. The Scotch pine is one of the most popular Christmas trees today. White spruce As a Christmas tree, the white spruce is known for excellent foliage color, short stiff needles and good needle retention. The blue-green color is
pleasant, but when needles are crushed, the tree doesn’t produce a favorable evergreen aroma. White spruce trees keeps their needles longer than other spruces. With proper care, any variety of Christmas tree can look beautiful throughout the holiday season.
The perfect Christmas Gift starts here
Engaging Design • Everlasting Quality Unparalleled Value See Us for All of Your Wedding Jewelry Needs Engagement Rings • Wedding Bands Bridal Jewelry • Attendant Gifts Brad Belush, Owner & Designer
BRAD’S DESIGNS & JEWELRY 146 N. Main St. • Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 663-5801
www.bradsdesignsandjewelry.com
Holiday Bargains • November, 2018: A5
Out Shopping for the Holidays?? eak Take a brs! with u r Try Our Bea r Down Burge
Grabbing a quick lunch with friends? Try our Steaks & Chops - Cooked to Order
ur o t e g r o f Don’t nks! i r D y t l a i Spec onthly Try a M al like peci Drink s heesecake in C Pumpk i with a Martin or Lunch Dinner
Get gifts there on time Thanks to families being more spread out than ever before, today’s holiday shoppers must figure out ways to get holiday gifts to their destination on time. The holiday season tends to be the busiest time of year for many delivery services. The following tips should help shoppers ensure their loved ones’ gifts arrive on time. • Ship directly. Adobe Analytics reported that online shopping hit a record high of $108.2 billion in the 2017 holiday shopping season, and all indicators suggest online shopping will only increase in the years to come. Holiday shoppers who want to ensure their loved ones will receive
H H
•
•
Try Our Desserts Celebrate with us!
Sandy Pines Golf Club
•
their gifts on time can rely on online shopping. When checking out, have gifts shipped directly to loved ones’ homes. Many online retailers will even wrap gifts for a nominal fee. • Research shipping options. In 2018, Christmas falls on a Tuesday. Shoppers who plan to rely on two-day or overnight shipping should keep that in mind. Some delivery services may be open throughout the weekend before Christmas, while others may only be open on Saturday. Last-minute shoppers, whether they’re shopping online or in-person, should confirm their shipping options well in advance of Christmas.
Because Christmas is on a Tuesday this year, getting gifts to their destination on time may require shoppers to purchase and ship them earlier than they otherwise might. • Purchase package insurance. Consumer Reports notes that UPS and FedEx shipments automatically come with declared-value coverage of up to $100. Just be sure to keep all invoices and receipts in case claims must be filed. Shoppers also should ask for tracking numbers on all packages so they can confirm when packages are delivered. • Properly secure the package. Many delivery services now have off-site drop-off boxes that can make it easy to send gifts.
HH
H Start saving today H for those on your list...
•
•
•
20% OFF ALL CLOTHING & TOYS Now thru Dec. 24, 2018.
Your Family Owned Business Since 1971
SMITH ACE FARM STORES
10527 Bunker Drive • DeMotte, IN • (219) 987-3674
1880 N. McKinley Ave. • Rensselaer, IN 219.866.4618
Open 7 days a week for Breakfast Lunch Dinner
M-F 7:30A-6P • Sat. 7:30A-5:30P • Sun. 9A-3P
A6: Holiday Bargains • November, 2018
Holiday appetizers perfect for entertaining Presents may get much of the glory during the holiday season, but there is much to be said about the foods found throughout this time of year as well. During the holiday season, people frequently find that dinner invites, cocktail parties, office happy hour gatherings, and other opportunities for socialization are easy to come by. At the heart of these events are foods and beverages. Whether one is hosting a holiday soiree or plans to bring something to a potluck party, it’s helpful to have a list of fail-proof recipes at the ready. Tasting menus, bite-sized treats and finger foods are always a hit at holiday functions — and this recipe for “Mini Merry Meatballs,” courtesy of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, is sure to please. Paired with a cranberry barbecue sauce, these savory appetizers are bursting with flavor and holiday appeal. Mini Merry Meatballs (Serves 24) 1⁄2 pound ground beef brisket 1⁄4 pound ground beef ribeye steak boneless 1⁄4 pound ground beef (80 percent lean) 1 cup seasoned stuffing mix
1 3 1 1⁄4 1⁄8
egg, beaten tablespoons water teaspoon minced garlic teaspoon salt teaspoon pepper
Cranberry Barbecue Sauce: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1⁄2 cup chopped white onion 1 tablespoon minced garlic 21⁄2 cups fresh cranberries 1⁄2 cup orange juice 1⁄2 cup water 1⁄3 cup ketchup 1⁄4 cup light brown sugar 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 2 tablespoons molasses 1⁄2 teaspoon ground red pepper Salt Preheat oven to 400 F. Combine brisket, ribeye, ground beef, stuffing mix, egg, water, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24 11⁄2-inch meatballs. Place on a rack in a broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the internal
temperature reads 160 F. Meanwhile, prepare the Cranberry Barbecue Sauce. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender, but not brown. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until cranberries burst and the mixture has been reduced to a thick consistency, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Transfer mixture to blender container. Cover, allowing steam to escape. Process until smooth. Season with salt, as desired. Serve meatballs with barbecue sauce.
ciinsurance.com
Holiday Bargains • November, 2018: A7
The history of Black Friday
Check this out! SHOP NOW
Introducing the fun-sized new Palm. A sidekick for your phone, so you can travel light. Save $50 with any smartphone purchase.
$100 OFF* iPads and Android Tablets *with purchase of a smartphone
Mix and match Unlimited plans for everyone in the family.
Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Come Black Friday, shoppers strive to get the lowest prices on gifts for their loved ones. Much of the focus of Black Friday is on finding the best deals, but it can be interesting to take a breath and learn how this phenomenon developed and how it has evolved over the years. “Black Friday” The term “black Friday” was originally associated with gold prices and manipulation on the part of speculators Jay Gould and James Fisk. This scandal occurred in September 1869. Commodity prices plummeted 50 percent as a result, and the term “black Friday” was coined to refer to that drop. The phrase “black Friday” also became famous for all the wrong reasons in 1966. Philadelphia police used it to refer to the Friday traffic
jams and crowding in downtown stores from tourists and shoppers who flooded into the city in advance of the Army-Navy football game held the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. Bigger crowds and rowdiness contributed to long hours and stressful shifts for local police. Black Friday reinvented The retail industry started using the term “Black Friday” in the late 1980s. Spin doctors turned previously negative connotations into positive ones by associating the phrase with stores turning a profit and moving accounting ledgers from “red to black” thanks to big year-end sales. Retailers and consumers rallied around low-cost “doorbusters” and other discounted prices. Interestingly enough, according to the National Retail Federation, Black Friday really hasn’t been the most
lucrative day for retailers over the years. In fact, greater profits and larger crowds are often seen on the last Saturday preceeding Christmas. Shopping weekend evolves While Black Friday may have been the catalyst, in recent years shoppers have made the entire weekend of Black Friday a lucrative one for retailers. Many stores now open on Thanksgiving and extend sales through the entire weekend. Small Business Saturday and Sunday promote patronizing mom-and-pop stores. Cyber Monday emerged when online shopping became a popular way to grab deals, and it marks the close of the opening weekend of the holiday shopping season. In 2017, Black Friday weekend attracted 174 million shoppers who spent an average of $335.47, according to the NRF.
Mi Ranchito Restaurant 149 E. Commercial Ave. • Lowell, IN 46356 219-696-2270
“The Finest in Authentic Mexican Home Cooking” “Serving You Since 1994” Invites you to Try our 2nd Location
My Little Ranch Restaurant
• Traditional Margaritas • Dine-In or Carry Out 1628 E. Commercial Ave. • Lowell, IN 46356 • 219-690-3945 Open Tues.-Sun. 11AM
437 N. Halleck NE - Next to Subway 375 S. College Ave. 437 N. Halleck NE DeMotte, IN 46310 Across from Pizza Hut Next to Subway 219-987-2252 Rensselaer, IN 47978 DeMotte, IN 46310 219-866-0200 219-987-2252
BUY ONE MEAL - GET THE SECOND MEAL 1/2 OFF “This Is A Smoking Restaurant” (MUST BE 21 YRS. OLD) ONE COUPON PER TABLE - EXPIRES 12/17/18 GOOD AT MY LITTLE RANCH RESTAURANT ONLY
A8: Holiday Bargains • November, 2018