BCR_IV Living Magazine_121722

Holiday Magic

When I was a kid, I remember the feeling of wonder and excitement in our household after Halloween was over. Although there was technically still another holiday on the horizon before Christmas arrived, Thanksgiving wasn’t even on our radar. Stuffing ourselves full of turkey wasn’t what my brothers and sisters and I were interested in. Before our Halloween candy was gone from our trick-or-treat bags, we were already planning and plotting for Christmas.

As soon as the old toy catalogs from JCPenney and Sears showed up in our mailbox, the real dreaming began. We would slowly look through every page of those toy catalogs, creating a master list of everything we might want. Then we would painstakingly eliminate some of the choices until we got down to the two or three items we most wanted. We would then give these lists to our parents,

hoping they would make their way to Santa.

When I try to explain to my children what it was like looking through the Christmas catalogs of my younger days, it’s hard for them to grasp how exciting it really was. For a kid who rarely went to a store that had toys for sale, only had three television channels to choose from, and usually wore handme-down clothes from an older sister, it was exciting to see so many options laid out before me. I would examine and re-examine the catalog for hours, certain I had missed something that would interest me.

After we had submitted our wish list to our parents, the real countdown would begin. Each morning, I would calculate how many days were left until Christmas. I loved knowing there was true magic in the world – and that a little of it was headed my way.

My teenagers live in a much different world than I did at

their age. They’re old enough now – and have enough toys and clothes – that they no longer get overly excited about Christmas. I miss the days when they would ask me excitedly how much longer they had to wait until the big day arrived.

But when I babysat my 6-year-old niece last week, she asked me to calculate how many days there were until Christmas. That simple question brought me so much joy, and I happily counted the days for her. It was a simple reminder that the countdown has begun once again, and the magic of Christmas lives on.

wishes, Shannon Serpette Niche Editor

Staying Warm While Having Fun in Bureau County 4

Not a fan of the cold? Try one of these indoor or in-car activities this winter.

Blooms on Elm 7

On the cover: This is just one of the many floral arrangements available at Blooms on Elm. Quinta Naffziger says she can go off her customers’ inspiration to create something they will absolutely love.

PHOTO BY KATLYN SANDEN

Best

Staying Warm While Having Fun in Bureau County

BUREAU COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS LIGHT DRIVE THRU

Story by Shannon Serpette

If you’d like to hibernate all winter just so you miss out on the plunging temperatures and icy roads, you’re not alone. It can be tough to get through an Illinois winter. But staying inside your home all the time can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, and after a while, you might start to get a serious case of cabin fever.

To help get you through dreary winter weather until spring arrives, here are some activities you can do from the warmth of your car or by heading indoors.

If you’re in the mood for some holiday spirit but want to stay toasty warm while you’re doing it, this annual holiday light drive-thru event is ideal for you. Christmas lights and displays will be set up throughout the fairgrounds, located at 811 W. Peru St. in Princeton. It’s open from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights through December 25.

GRAB LUNCH WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Bureau County has no shortage of great places to eat, such as Myrtle’s Café and Pie and Niel and Shorty’s BBQ. When you want to socialize with your friends or family in an indoor setting but don’t want to clean your house or cook a meal, you’ll find many options for dining or snacks in Bureau County.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love visiting the historic eateries in the county, such as

PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON

The Barrel Society, located in Princeton, can warm you up this winter with a wide selection of your favorite drinks, including an extensive menu of craft beers.

Spoons Restaurant. First opened in the 1930s, this building, located at 541 S. Main St. in Princeton, was originally called Lenihan’s Place. It featured the beautiful bar that still stands in the building today and was a place to stop for tobacco and cigars.

The business changed hands, and in the 1960s until 1986, it was called The Greasy Spoon. Only men were allowed in, and when women were looking for their husbands, they would yell in to them from the front door.

More recently, Spoons has been completely renovated to pay homage to its interesting past while offering a modern menu that features something for everyone.

WARM UP WITH A DRINK

Nothing can warm you up faster in cold weather than a cocktail or alcoholic beverage. And when you’re in a cozy environment with lots of people to talk with, like a local pub or bar, the friendly surroundings can take your mind off the chill outside.

Bureau County has several places you can find conversation and drinks, like the Barrel Society, a favorite of locals and out-of-towners. If you’re looking for a drink that will quickly warm you, Barrel Society owner Nick Gorogianis offered some suggestions.

“I would suggest any one of our hand-selected, single barrel whiskeys. Whether it’s bourbon or rye, our selection process is long and meticulous, and we will only put the Barrel Society name on the best of barrels. Bottled at cask strength, and loaded with flavor, our single barrel whiskeys are sure to warm you up, even on the chilliest of days,” Gorogianis said.

DO A DRIVING TOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE SITES

Things look much different in Bureau County in the winter compared to summer, spring, and fall. The historic Red Covered Bridge in Princeton is one of those spots that takes on a different sort of charm in each season. Take your kids for a drive past the bridge and ask them to share their thoughts about what life was like when this bridge was constructed in 1863. This quiet time in the car might spark some interesting conversations, and it can serve as bonding time for the whole family if you leave the electronics at home.

For parents or grandparents who grew up in Bureau County and no longer live in their childhood home, their children and grandchil-

dren might enjoy driving past that old home. As you drive, you can share some of your favorite memories of living in that house and stories about your other family members. It can help the younger generation feel closer to members of their family they may have never met.

WORK OUT

During the winter months, it’s easy to become more sedentary than you are the rest of the year. It can be so cold and dreary outside that you’d rather watch a movie than go for a walk or run outside. But with access to the Bureau County Metro Center, you can get top-notch workouts inside in the warmth. And once you start moving around, you naturally feel warmer.

Newcomers are always welcome at the Bureau County Metro Center, where they can take advantage of all the equipment and group fitness classes.

“Warm up in our sauna and jacuzzi area, swim laps in our six-lane pool, enjoy open swim time or one of our morning water fitness classes,” said Nick Davis, Assistant Director and Superintendent of Recreation for the Princeton Park District/Bureau County Metro Center.

“We offer a number of group exercise classes in the morning and evening time that fit many different schedules. Our 52,000-square-foot facility houses a cardio room, weight room, and functional training room. We have equipment and space to fit all fitness levels,” Davis said. “We offer many different membership options and day passes for non-members. We’re open Monday-Thursday, from 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday, 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Please stop by our family-friendly facility to warm up this winter season.”

GO TO THE LIBRARY

There are several libraries throughout Bureau County, and they all offer much more than just books. For instance, Princeton Public Library offers an interesting mix of programs and events that are geared toward people of every age. Their website offers a calendar of events so you can see any upcoming events you might consider attending.

If you’re already feeling the financial strain of holiday spending, this will be a cheap option for some entertainment.

PHOTO BY SHANNON SERPETTE Spoons Restaurant in Princeton is a blend of modern and historic and offers unique menu choices.

ocated in the heart of Princeton’s Art District, you will find a cute, little flower shop, Blooms on Elm. But don’t let its small size fool you. It’s a true powerhouse when it comes to creating fresh-cut flower arrangements for any occasion.

Coming up on five years in business, Quinta Naffziger, founder of Blooms on Elm, can hardly believe it.

“It’s been a big switch in my life,” said Naffziger who started this business when her children went off to college. “Sometimes it seems really long, and other times it’s like ‘Wow, where did the time go?’ A lot has happened in 5 years. The world has changed.”

Naffziger has had a passion for creating arrangements ever since she was a little girl and even while raising her three children. But it wasn’t until they were grown that she decided her dream of owning her own flower shop could actually turn into a reality.

She went to floral design school while pregnant with her oldest years ago, and then worked at a few different shops, with the most recent one being out of town. She decided she didn’t like the commute and something had to change.

“I was at a very close friend’s house on New Year’s Day with my two daughters, who were in high school at the time,” Naffziger recalled. “We called it the executive board meeting. My friend had seen the space I’m (now) in, and we were talking about the possibilities.

Quinta Naffziger, the mastermind behind Blooms on Elm, is in her element when creating one-of-a-kind floral arrangements for any occasion.

Blooms

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My oldest daughter told me, ‘What are you going to do, Mom? We’re going off to college soon. You need something for you.’ So, that was the beginning. I pursued it, and we opened in March 2018.”

Since then, she has added a second flower cooler to keep up with demand. With the support of family and close friends, Naffziger prides herself on creating one-of-a-kind arrangements you can’t find anywhere else.

They currently offer freshcut flower arrangements for any occasion – engagements, weddings, showers, babies, holidays, funerals, and just because. The shop also offers some giftable items, including Isabel Bloom, candles, cards, and more.

“I love talking with the people,” Naffziger said when asked about her favorite aspect

of owning her business. “You get all kinds. We’re dealing with people who are happy and getting married, but then we deal with a lot of funerals. Living in a small town, you know them, which is sometimes hard, but I enjoy it. I like the creative part of what I get to do. I’m unique because I don’t do wire service. I like being with the customers and not so cookie cutter.”

Blooms on Elm also offers flower design classes where participants learn how to create their very own arrangement. Naffziger says these have become popular for bachelorette and birthday parties.

“I’ve had a Gal-entine night with the girls,” Naffziger said while naming some of the other fun design parties she’s hosted. “We’ve done Thanksgiving and Christmas ones. We usually have five to eight people, and I set their vase up and they get a bucket of flowers. I demonstrate an example

of what their arrangement could look like. I enjoy teaching and showing them. I think it’s great the participants can take some tips home so they can put their own arrangements together.”

They also offer a monthly flower club where participants can enjoy seasonal, fresh floral arrangements delivered to their doorstep on the 10th of each month.

Naffziger said it’s fun to look back at where she started, and enjoy how far she’s come. She remembers her passion for floral design was planted in the very same community she now serves.

“I was a little girl doing a Christmas walk in Princeton,” said Naffziger. “There was a flower shop in town called House and Garden. I remember my mom seeing this wicker chicken thing with some eggs in it. I thought I could do that. And she let me. That was the first time I was like, ‘Wow, I can do this.’”

by Katlyn Sanden

f you’re wanting to save money on your weekly grocery bill, then you may want to consider buying freezer meat. Whether you’re looking to stock your freezer with a half or whole hog, or even a quarter or half of beef, the odds are in your favor.

I

“When you break down half a hog, you’ll get about 70 pounds of meat,” said Sam Lowers, founder of S&L Pork in Wyanet. “When we break that down on a per pound basis, you pay the farmer about $2.10/ pound. We charge by the hanging weight. You’re going to pay the meat locker about $1.00/pound to have them process it, so you’re talking about $3.10/pound on 70 pounds of meat. If you go to the store, you’ll probably pay $5/pound for bacon and $3.50/pound for sausage. It’s definitely a cost savings. It’s a relatively cheap way to bulk up your meat supply.”

Lowers started raising hogs in 2017, but as demand for freezer pork began to grow, so did his side hustle. What began as just a hobby is now a full, fledged USDA-inspected business. S&L Pork was officially born in 2019 and has been steadily growing ever since, and it has supplied meat for Wya -

Story and photos

Sam Lowers of S&L Pork takes his time as he checks over all the hogs in his care. Their health and safety is his number one priority.

Meat

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net Meat Locker as well as other places and families.

“It’s nice knowing where we get all of our pork for our families,” Lowers said. “It’s nice to see on your plate, what you produced and raised. It’s important to us.”

He said a lot of customers steer away from a half hog because they fear how much freezer space it will take, but in all reality, a half hog, or 70 pounds of meat, can fit in a 65-quart cooler, which is no bigger than a typical refrigerator/freezer. He says first time customers are shocked at how well the meat is packaged as to take up minimal freezer space.

Another great thing about ordering direct from the farmer, according to Lowers, is the ability to choose exactly what types of meat cuts you prefer.

“You can do a multitude of things,” Lowers said.

“You can have it all ground up into breakfast sausage if that’s what you want. But your basic cuts are bacon, pork chops, pork shoulder, ham, sausages, brats, brat burgers, ground pork, ham steaks, pork roasts, shoulder roasts; basically, anything that can be cured. On a half hog, you’ll probably get 7 to 8 pounds of bacon, but it’s good bacon. You can pretty much do anything you want.”

And with today’s customers wanting to know more and more about where their food comes from, S&L Pork prides itself on being 100 percent transparent and raising hogs as naturally as possible.

“We use very minimal antibiotics,” said Lowers. “It’s no different as if you were sick and you go to the doctor to get a shot if you need it. We don’t give our pigs shots unless they absolutely need it. We’re not going to use expensive medicines just to say we can or to prevent anything. These hogs are outside in open

Sam Lowers mixes up another batch of feed. He takes great pride in feeding his animals quality feed, which in turn creates a quality hog.

air. I’d challenge they’re just as healthy as any hogs in confinement. We pride ourselves in being as antibiotic free as possible.”

Lowers’ passion for quality pork products has transcended into many repeat customers.

“There are three reasons I buy freezer meat from

local producers,” said Jason Hasbrook, who is feeding a family of five. “That’s quality, value, and knowing where my family’s food comes from. S&L Pork checks all those boxes. They sell a very high-quality product at a great price and are produced locally.”

Illinois’ longest operating lumberyard continues to thrive along Peru’s historic riverfront. Maze Lumber has been providing top quality building materials to Illinois Valley contractors and homeowners for 174 years, still owned by the founding fathers (Maze).

Located in a 15,000-square foot showroom and office, we offer building materials for the modern home as well as a full line of the traditional lumber items used in home building, commercial construction, and industrial applications. Our experienced sales staff takes pride in their ability to provide knowledgeable assistance along with prompt delivery at reasonable prices.

Entertaining Dips

These delicious dips will be crowd-pleasers at your next party

By Shannon Serpette

When you’re throwing a holiday get-together and need to have some snacks on hand that won’t take long to prepare, it’s hard to beat a dip. Everybody loves them, and they are quick and easy to make.

Whether you serve a cold dip or a hot one, it generally only takes just a few ingredients and a minute or two to mix it up. Serve it with a plate of fruit, vegetables, tortilla chips, or crackers, and you’ll have enough food to keep your guests happily snacking. Best of all, it doesn’t take much preparation, so you can steal a few extra minutes for cleaning, cooking the main course, or kicking your feet up and relaxing for a minute.

Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip

INGREDIENTS

2 cups frozen spinach

One 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1/2 cup Alfredo pasta sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Crackers, veggies, or tortilla chips for serving

DIRECTIONS

Cook spinach as directed on the packaging. Drain the spinach well, pressing with a fork to remove the extra liquid.

Chop the spinach finely.

Mix the spinach and the remaining ingredients in a slow cooker, except the crackers, veggies, or tortilla chips. Cover and cook on low for up to 2 hours and 30 minutes, checking periodically to stir.

When stirring, scrape the edges of the slow cooker with a rubber spatula to prevent the edge of the dip from scorching. Serve with crackers, veggies, or tortilla chips. After it’s done cooking, you can keep the dip on low or turn the heat setting to warm.

Brie and Apricot Dip

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped

1/3 cup plus one tablespoon apricot preserves, divided

1/4 cup apple juice

16 ounces Brie cheese with rind removed and cut into pieces Crackers of your choice

DIRECTIONS

In a slow cooker, add dried apricots, 1/3 cup apricot preserves, and apple juice. Cover and cook on high for 40 minutes.

Stir in the cheese and cover, and continue cooking on high for 30 more minutes or until the cheese is melted. Stir in the one tablespoon of preserves and serve with your favorite crackers.

Fruit Dip

INGREDIENTS

One 13-ounce jar of marshmallow crème

One 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

DIRECTIONS

Gently mix together all the ingredients. Serve with apples, grapes, and strawberries.

Spicy Cheese Dip

INGREDIENTS

1 pound hamburger

2 pounds Velveeta cheese

1 can Hormel chili (no beans)

3 drops Tabasco sauce

DIRECTIONS

Brown the hamburger, drain

the grease, and pat with a paper towel to remove any excess grease. Put the other ingredients and the meat into a crockpot and set on low, stirring occasionally until the cheese is thoroughly melted. Keep it on a warm setting and serve with Doritos or tortilla chips.

Easy Dill Dip

cup mayonnaise

cup sour cream

tablespoon minced onion

tablespoon dried parsley

teaspoon dill weed

teaspoon Beau Monde seasoning

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS