Holiday Planning

PLANNING

Ho oll ida ay y

November 2009

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

La Quesadilla Mexican Grill .......................11 Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets ............22 Louise’s .......................................................48 Lovings Heating & Cooling.........................38 M & M Car Care Center Inc. ......................11 Malinich Jewelers .....................................47 Mary & Martha Home Accents ..................33 Memo’s Taco Mex ......................................18 Memorial Opera House ..............................34 Merrillville Jewelers ..................................41 More Fun Sport Cards Store ......................33 Mrs. Donberg’s 24 Carrot Cuisine ..............23 Oil Express..................................................28 The Painted Penguin ..................................14 The Princess Cafe.......................................31 Palladium Home .........................................41 Paramount Painting, LLC ............................42 Perpetual Motion .........................................4 Pet Supplies “Plus” ....................................21 Pieces .........................................................32 Ringo’s Golf Center ....................................28 Ron’s Automotive .......................................42 Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church ...32 Salisbury Pines Tree Farm ..........................28 Samuelson Insurance Agency ....................18 Sawgrass Marketplace ................................8 Schererville Family Dentistry .....................23 Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating .................34 Service Doctor ............................................30 Service Doctor ............................................44 Strack & Van Til............................................2 Teibel’s Restaurant .....................................14 Terpstras Sales & Service ..........................45 Theo’s Steak & Seafood .............................13 The UPS Store ............................................37 Valparaiso Elks Lodge #500 .......................34 Valparaiso Vacuum Co. ..............................24 Whiting Robertsdale Chamber.....................3

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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family

decorating

baking

budget cleaning

Blueprint for the

D

Holidays

uring the Ancient Roman holiday of Saturnalia, which celebrated the winter solstice and welcomed back the sun for harvest after the longest

How to plan for a low-stress high-energy holiday

By Heather Augustyn : Times Correspondent

day of the year, Romans enjoyed each other’s company and rejoiced in the sense of community by sharing gifts with one another and visiting each others’ homes. They cooked elaborate meals and decorated their homes with garlands and wreaths of evergreen to remind the Romans of the life that prospered in warmer, brighter times of the year. They lit candles to bring light during the longest night and gave candles and wreaths of

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evergreen to family and friends when visiting.

Many of these Ancient Roman traditions are still carried on today. We still decorate our homes for the winter holidays and use evergreens, wreaths, and garlands. We celebrate by eating with family and friends, and we share gifts with one another. So how has the holiday season gone from such a simple celebration of life to a stressful hustle-

bustle of cramming too many tasks into too little time? By taking a few steps early in the holiday season, the holidays can return to an earlier time of festivity and revelry that is both enjoyable and relaxing.

The holidays involve a lot of visiting friends and family, so one way to reduce the stress of the holidays is to have a plan for hostess gifts. Keeping a supply of wine and decorative wine gift bags, continued on page 10

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

7

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

9

continued from page 7 or other handy items like candles or holiday ornaments is a great idea. For food gifts, prep snacks ahead of time, like homemade pretzel mixes, nuts, or candies, and store in airtight decorative packaging. For items such as pastries, save time by making homemade cookies with store-bought cookie dough or, better yet, make a quick stop earlier in the day to a bakery that will ease the later crunch time when trying to get out the door.

Jean Theile, owner of Branya’s Bakery in St. John says pastries make the perfect hostess gift and make it look like a lot of planning was involved, but really it’s just grab and go. “We offer hostess gifts that are easy to come in, grab, and take over to a friend or family member’s house. We have great cookie trays and brownie trays.

Our cookies are what you may remember from when you were a kid when you would go to your grandmother’s house,” says Theile. Guests may think you spent a lot of time slaving over a hot oven, but some simple planning brings the taste of yesteryear to the table.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a number of things that can trigger stress and depression during the holidays, including finances, so planning a successful holiday also involves planning how the money will be allotted so finances don’t become a burden.

Especially during these economic times, it’s important to plan ahead for holiday spending by preparing a budget ahead of time and sticking to it. Make a list for gift giving and decide the overall amount you can spend this year comfortably. Then, divide that amount over the individuals on the list, not necessarily equally, and write that number next to each person and brainstorm gifts that will fit not only the person, but the amount chosen. This helps prevent blind shopping that will inevitably end up as impulse buying and overspending. Keeping detailed records of all of your spending will also ensure that you not only don’t go over budget, but that you also have a good way to start next year’s budget. When calculating

10

your budget, don’t forget to also calculate non-gift costs, such as travel, gift wrap materials, postage, food, etc.

So just how many of those materials and stamps does one need anyway? Getting organized early on in the holiday season is a great way to limit the craziness and limit the trips to the store and back. Take stock of how many rolls of holiday gift wrap you already have so you can assess how much you will need this year. The next time you’re at the post office, stock up on a few extra books of stamps for holiday cards. And even prep for sending cars by sticking return address labels on card envelopes during tonight’s episode of Law & Order.

W

hile the weather is still bearable, getting outside to finish up fall cleanup and planning ahead for some holiday decorating is a resourceful way to spend the weekend. Plus, it’s a smart way to tighten your belt in the process. Bob Howard, manager of the retail center at Allen Landscape and Garden Center in Highland, says, “One thing people can do to save money is take their annual plantings and use them in their pots they have on porches. If people have any evergreens or plants in their yard, trim them or take the old plants out before the ground freezes, and stuff the porch pots with evergreens low in the pot and top with red twigs and hydrangeas for a decorative item. People can also do this in the raised planter boxes or window boxes and just line them with greens or clippings from evergreens.”

Getting the outside of the house ready is one thing, but making sure everything is neat and tidy inside is another, especially with kids in the nest.

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

you Don’t forget yourself, because if you get run down, you can’t take care of everything else that needs to be done.

Maureen O’Malley, Healing Sanctuary Owner

Around the holidays it’s a given that family and friends will likely be visiting so get ready for their stay by freshening up bed linens in the guest bedroom and doing a thorough cleaning of the house. This may involve hiring some help, which is a great way to plan ahead and treat yourself.

Admitting you can’t do everything yourself is half the battle. Michelle Johnson, owner of Johnson Cleaning Service in Crown Point says, “A lot of women have a hard time giving up those duties, but they reach a point where they just need help because they have so many other jobs, especially around the holidays. But people still need their carpets cleaned, house cleaned, windows and walls washed, and upholstery cleaned, so they call us. We have a lot of people call us for help around the holidays.”

Taking care of yourself is also critical, so plan some time for you. Even spending 15 minutes alone without distractions during the holiday season is rejuvenating. Take walks to get some fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the season, or listen to some peaceful music to soothe the savage spirit. Maureen O’Malley, owner and massage therapist at Healing Sanctuary in Merrillville, says, “Don’t forget yourself, because if you get run down, you can’t take care of everything else that needs to be done. Put yourself first and after all of those hectic shopping days, a massage, acupuncture, or reflexology is a great way to distress and take a mini vacation away from your life.”

The holidays are a celebration of family and friends, so take a little time early to plan ahead. An ounce of preparation now is worth a pound of holiday fun later!

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

11

Get Your Gifts

A

H me for theH lidays

nd while Santa has done an admirable job of delivering holiday cheer for many seasons, he often gets an assist from helpers like Bill Yelle, a UPS driver for more than 16 years.

“I might not have a long white beard and wear a bright red suit,” says Yelle, “but it’s always fun to see the smile on a customer’s face when I arrive with packages during the holidays.

And I don’t want to brag, but I think

With families spread out all over the country, shipping holiday gifts to loved ones is a part of the season’s traditions.

the children like the big brown truck as much as Santa’s sleigh.”

To help your special gifts arrive intact and on time, there are a few simple things you can do.

Use the Right Packing Materials

Use what the professionals use— sturdy, corrugated boxes, foam packaging peanuts and bubble pack— to protect your gifts. Leave enough space between items in the box, and wrap individual items with double cushioning if necessary. Allow at least two inches on all sides of the items being packed, including

the bottom and the top. Place the item in the center of the box and fill the remaining space with additional packaging material.

Check With the Experts

For the do-it-yourselfers, Hart offers these simple tips:

Print Up Holiday Cheer

If you have fragile or unusually shaped items to ship, or you just don’t have the time to get your packing and shipping done, it can pay to turn to the pros.

“I love this time of year,” says The UPS Store owner Mary Hart.

“We put so much effort into helping our customers ship their holiday gifts that we share their sense of excitement. We firmly believe the same care should go into shipping gifts as into selecting them.”

For extra help printing your holiday newsletters, visit www.theupsstore. com/print. Upload your file, proof it, select paper and/or binding options and you’re ready to print up holiday cheer for everyone on your list.

Holiday Shipping DOs and DON’Ts

DO include an address label on the inside of the package with both the destination and return addresses.

DO use a shipping option which provides a package-tracking number.

DO take batteries out of toys,

Key Dates for Holiday Shipping Most ground packages require five days or less to reach their destination, but if you’re shipping coast-to-coast, it may take longer.

Monday, December 21 - Ship 3 Day Select® for delivery Thursday, December 24.

Tuesday, December 22 - Ship UPS 2nd Day Air® for delivery Thursday, December 24.

Wednesday, December 23 - Ship UPS Next Day Air® for delivery Thursday, December 24.

Photo courtesy of UPS

If you are shipping internationally or to military personnel overseas, contact The UPS Store location nearest you to determine the best date to ensure on-time delivery.

12

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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electronics, etc., before shipping.

DO ship wrapped presents ahead to your destination, especially if traveling by air.

DON’T wrap boxes in brown paper or tie with string.

DON’T use materials like newspaper or real popcorn to cushion items.

DON’T use old boxes or gift boxes for shipping items.

DON’T use duct tape, masking tape or cellophane tape to seal your boxes for shipping.

DON’T ship perfume or cologne since they are considered hazardous materials.

Hart has had to perform a package intervention or two during her 25 years in the business. “People should never be embarrassed to ask for help,” she says. “We’re specially trained and certified packing professionals. We can handle any shipping job.”

One other essential thing to do—be an early bird. Waiting too long to ship packages can jeopardize their timely arrival and cost you a lot more money.

Having to ship items via air takes a lot more out of your wallet, so plan ahead.

For more packing tips and to find a The UPS Store nearest you, visit www. theupsstore.com.

Fair Oaks Farms Ships It For You

S

o you don’t have time to get to the post office early? Well then shop at Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Ind. who will take care of all of the shipping hassles for you. Go online or stop by the farm to choose from a variety of gourmet cheese baskets featuring awardwinning sweet Swiss, aged gouda, havarti, emmentaler, muenster, and cheddar. Cheeses are made onsite from Fair Oaks hormone and antibiotic-free milk and shipped to arrive quickly. Melissa Husk, assistant manager of the cheese department, says, “If you go online you can look at all of our gourmet baskets and we do offer a variety of baskets that arrive in beautiful crates. A lot of people are just interested in their favorite cheese so you can design your own basket, so you don’t have to go with the baskets we have already.

They are beautiful and we sell a lot of them.

We send probably 3,000 to 4,000 boxes every holiday for people out of state. Ordering starts at Thanksgiving and goes all the way through Christmas.” Additional selections include popcorn, cheddar curds, Bavaria summer sausage, and gift cards. Corporate gifts are a specialty and they even offer a cheese of the month club.

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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Family Fun With

gingerbread S

weet and slightly spicy, the taste of ginger has a way of stirring up fond memories of the holiday season. Gingerbread inspires whimsical creations for the entire family, and it’s easy to make this favorite sweet the centerpiece of any holiday gathering. The McCormick Kitchens suggest enlisting helpers of all ages to help mix and measure recipe ingredients and lend a hand with the decorating, for a fun holiday activity.

To get started, use the basic dough recipe to roll out a batch of Gingerbread Men. After baking, let the kids help pipe on simple vanilla frosting and decorate with traditional cinnamon candies or raisins.

Simple Tips for Baking Success ❋ Plan ahead. Review the recipe before you are ready to bake. Having time to make sure butter and cream

cheese is at room temperature before you start will ensure it’s easy to cream, resulting in light, fluffy batter or filling. ❋ Keep cool. Take time to clean and cool the baking sheets between each batch to prevent the next batch of cookies from spreading or sticking to the pan. ❋ Patience will be rewarded. Make sure your holiday cookies are completely cooled to room temperature before you begin applying any frosting or decoration. Adding frosting to warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt and spread.

Family Features

Gingerbread Cookie Dough Prep Time: 20 minutes Refrigerate: 4 hours 3 2 1 1 1/4 1/4 3/4 3/4 1/2 1

cups flour teaspoons McCormick® Ground Ginger teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cinnamon teaspoon baking soda teaspoon McCormick® Ground Nutmeg teaspoon salt cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened cup firmly packed brown sugar cup molasses egg

1. Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl.

2. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap.

3. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Gingerbread Men

1. Prepare 1 recipe Gingerbread Cookie Dough as directed.

2. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured work surface.

Cut into gingerbread men shapes with 5-inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

3. Bake in preheated 350ºF oven 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are set and just begin to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate cooled cookies with Colorful Royal® Icing or as desired.

Makes 2 dozen Recipe and decorating ideas can be found at www.McCormick.com.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

15

Color Your Christmas

T

he inventor of Christmas colors was probably colorblind—no one with good vision would want to decorate with two colors opposite each other on the color wheel. Want to try orange and blue for Easter? Purple and yellow for New Years? But escaping red-and-green color condemnation is tough when holiday aisles are stuffed with fake green boughs, gleaming red plastic berries and chuckling Santas.

“When I walk through stores with the typical holiday decorations and I see something like a pine wreath with a bow on it, I don’t get excited,” says Joann Kandrac, co-owner of Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs in Atlanta. “People don’t decorate because it doesn’t occur to them that something other than red and green can be festive. But if they were to see it, they’d know it’s very festive, exiting and unique.”

Black and White Kandrac and her co-owner Kelly Kole say black and white decorations make the holidays look smart. Start with fabrics.

Patterns like houndstooth, harlequin, toile, damask, zebra, check, polka dot, and fleur-de-lis work for tabletops, runners, pillows and tree skirts. Do it in layers; put cloth over a white tabletop or a black tablecloth, then garnish with white roses or white poinsettias, a large silver candelabra with black and white candles. Or use mercury glass, silvery double-walled art glass that gives a classy gleam. Then spray paint pinecones and old figurines black and white to give them an entirely new twist. Pick a third, accent color like pink to make everything pop.

16

Purple and White

Black and white presents tied up with pink bows under a silver tree with black, white and an occasional pink bulb would make quite a holiday statement, Kole and Kandrac say. If you subtract some of the holiday flair, you can use what you made all year round.

Take your color theme one step further by incorporating it into parties. Black and white food adds a playful, edible touch.

Oreo cookies, black and white M&M’s, chocolate pudding with CoolWhip, marshmallows and cupcakes mare great for kids, and adults can have flavorful black-and-white olives and cream cheese, or black and white sushi. “When you really start going with it you can have a ton of fun,” Kole says.

“A deep, bluish purple is really a beautiful color, especially in velvet,” says Pamela J. Enz, who owns Tangible Space in Arden Hills, Minn. Clear glass bowls filled with purple bulbs on coffee tables, clear glass candelabras over the fireplace, and clear glass votives let the light into every corner.

White poinsettias in purple pots tone things down and keep it natural. For tablesetting, Enz says to match the tree. Get a purple velvet tablecloth and use silver chargers underneath plain white plates.

“When people see my house decorated like this at first they’re surprised, but it still looks like Christmas,” Enz says. She says purple and white makes an easy transition into the New Year so you don’t have to double decorate.

Silver and White Going glitzy is an easy way out of red and green. Silver and white have always been holiday staples, but if you follow through on every aspect of the scheme it can create an unexpectedly calm, clean look, according to Patricia McLean who owns Patricia McLean Interiors in Atlanta. She says white flowers like fluffy hydrangeas, lilies and white poinsettias can incorporate a bit of natural green without going overboard, and planting in a Waterford crystal basket makes commonplace flowers into a classy statement. When you go for the silver, don’t just think bows and ribbons.

McLean says sterling star and snowflake ornaments on a tree with white lights creates a stunning glow, and ornaments can be hung on ribbons from chandeliers to catch the light. “Using sterling, crystal and more elegant things creates more elevated style, more dressy for a special occasion,” McLean says. “At night during a party, those things will catch the light and sparkle and shine.”

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

Robert Wray | The Times

By Genevieve Knapp : CTW Features

Classy

rn

Brumm’s Bloomin’ Ba

Holiday Flair— Northwest Indiana Style

W

hat will the holidays look like locally? Steve Brickner, owner of The Flower Cart in Chesterton says it may look a little bit like you remember. “When the economy is so-so people revert back to tradition, so this year we’ll see a lot of red and green with gold and silver accents. I see this season being a traditional season for most people and I’ve been doing this 33 years now. When the economy is down, people reach for comfort and the holidays of their childhood. Here in the store we do decorator looks too, like chocolate brown and lime green or coppers and metallic tones, so people have different things to choose from, but most people will go with traditional.”

Karen Wilson, senior designer at Palladium Home in Valparaiso says she too sees the traditional colors returning.

“We’re seeing traditional red and greens and a lot of metallic colors like gold and copper and browns. Anything sparkly.

People might mix in a solid sparkly metallic deer statue or candle sticks or use sparkle touches with solid colors within arrangements or garlands. People still like non-traditional colors, but most people have traditional decorative colors in the home and people like holiday colors that mix in well with what they already own.”

At Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn in Highland, Manager Holly Furdo says they are seeing a new trend in addition to the traditional colors because it goes well with already-existing colors in the home.

“We see chocolate and lime green because it goes well with the really strong teal people use in their homes, and red won’t go with teal, so lime green brings in the bit of Christmas and this mix looks bright and rich and classy.”

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

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A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

19

Is it Time to the

Grill Bird?

Smoking the holiday turkey on the grill is great theatre – with delicious results.

Even the hard-line traditionalists at your table will approve.

T

ired of the same old bird for the holidays? Give your turkey an extreme makeover by taking the cooking—and the party—

outside.

While cooking meals from scratch has been on the decline in time-pressed families, grilling is on the rise, according to NPD Group, the Port Washington, N.Y. market research company. Men, who are cooking more than ever, are responsible for 13 percent of all meal preparation—much of it on the grill.

Maybe this is the year to take turkey preparation outside.

“A turkey smoke-roasted on the grill tastes better, thanks to the smoke flavor,” says Steve Raichlen, author of “The Barbecue Bible” and “How to Grill” (Workman Publishing) and host of the PBS series Primal Grill. “It frees up your oven for other dishes.

It gives you an excuse to spend the afternoon outdoors, gathered around the grill drinking beer or wine with your buddies.”

And get ready for the “oohs” and “aaahs” when you present a turkey smoked to perfection: “a gorgeous, plump, mahogany-colored bird—the skin crackling crisp, the meat tender and juicy, the whole shebang perfumed with wood smoke,” says Raichlen.

“Guests are totally amazed because they would never guess that a whole turkey can be cooked outdoors,” says Dave DeWitt, editor of Fiery-Foods.

20

com, the Fiery Foods and Barbecue Web site.

“Grilling and smoking are generally becoming more and more popular, so people apply them to the various holidays as they see fit.”

DeWitt is not keen on cutting up the bird to cook on the grill, which he says takes away the beauty of a whole bird in the center of the table and may lead to burning the bird if you step away for too long to watch the game.

Both suggest using the proper tools to cook your bird and avoiding common mistakes.

Here are several of their tips to cooking your turkey outdoors:

Assemble Your Tools Raichlen suggests a barbecue injector, which enables you to inject some of the marinade into the turkey. Consider food gloves for handling the turkey.

Both Raichlen and DeWitt say a meat thermometer is essential. Too high a temperature and the turkey skin will burn before the meat is fully cooked; too low a temperature will result in an undercooked turkey – and unhappy guests.

Smoke ’Em Out Raichlen prefers natural lump charcoal, not briquettes, which can have a chemical taste if not properly lit. Soak

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

Northwest Indiana Simplicity

S

iStockphoto

By Jeff Schnaufer : CTW Features

wood chips before placing them on the charcoal once the ash is well formed.

Raichlen likes to use poultry smoking chips. DeWitt prefers fruitwood, such as apple, peach or apricot, which gives the turkey a mild smoky flavor. “Most of the barbecue flavor comes not from the wood, not from the charcoal, but the fact that fat drips from the bird onto the hot coals or wood, which interacts with the smoke and rises to coat the bird,” DeWitt says.

There’s the Rub DeWitt likes using a low-sodium rub on his smoked turkey. Make your own rub from paprika, garlic and ground chili pepper. “Salt draws out the fluids from the turkey and you want your turkey as moist as possible,” he says continued on page 23

o the holiday dinner is at your house this year and the hordes are on their way. Between entertaining the kids home for winter break, shopping for all of the gifts, and trying to maintain your sanity, who has time to cook? Don’t sweat, keep it simple.

At Honey Baked Ham and Cafe in Merrillville, Owner Nicole Misch, says holiday meals are all about easy. “For the holidays, convenience is the key, spending less time in the kitchen and more time with the family. Our products are convenient and our hams are individually prepared, fully cooked and pre-sliced. These are great features because there is less time spent on preparation. We have smoked or roasted whole turkeys that are fully cooked, so talk about convenience. You can heat from thawed in about 1 ½ hours or from frozen in under four hours, so it’s a real time saver. It takes away the worry over whether or not the turkey will be done.

Our turkey breast is great for smaller groups and is also fully cooked and sliced with our honey-baked sweet glaze. We have side dishes that complement the entrée and desserts such as easy-to-make pies that come frozen and all you have to do is bake them in the oven. It takes out all of the trial and error,” says Misch.

Mrs. Dornberg’s 24 Carrot Cuisine also helps take the stress out of the kitchen. Owner Cheryl Dornberg says, “I like to think I’m a personal chef but without the expense. We do roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, anything a person wants to accompany the main dish. We also do dishes for entertaining guests and catering, such as smoked turkey mousse and a layered cheese spread, a layered Mediterranean dip, a layered Mexican dip, cheesecakes, cookies, and homemade biscotti. It’s the stuff you would make if you had the time. These are the things we’ve gotten away from because we’re too busy. Food is really packaged these days and things are made too far in advance and are full of preservatives, but here we use all of the good ingredients.”

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

continued from page 20

Cook stuffing separately, not in the bird.

“In the bird, it stews rather than crisps, and comes out soggy,” Raichlen says.

“Plus it throws off the cooking time for the bird.”

gravy on the stovetop inside. Brown the turkey neck and giblets in butter or oil.

Mince the neck and giblets, add them to the pan with some water and simmer on low to extract the flavors. Thicken with flower or cornstarch. Add some chipotle chile powder (a smoked red jalapeño) for color and spice.

Spice Up Your Gravy

Pause Before Serving

While some experts are fine with putting a drip pan underneath the grill in order to acquire enough juice for gravy, DeWitt says carbon particles can end up in the pan. Instead, he suggests making the

Be patient before putting the bird on the table. “Let the bird rest for 20 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute themselves,” Raichlen says. “The bird will be much moister.”

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tablespoons salted butter cup chicken stock (preferably homemade), at room temperature 2 tablespoons bourbon 1 tablespoon of your favorite commercial barbecue rub (Note: Finely grind in a spice mill or coffee grinder if the rub has any coarse bits or spices in it so it doesn’t clog the injector)

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A marinade injector 3 cups of wood chips, prefer-ably apple, soaked for 1 hour in water to cover, then drained

1.

To make the injector sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the stock, bourbon and rub and whisk to mix.

Let cool to room temperature.

3.

Fill the injector with the injector sauce.

To do this, push the plunger all the way down, place the tip of the needle in the sauce, and slowly draw the plunger up:The syringe will fill with sauce. Inject the sauce into the turkey breast, thighs, and drumsticks. Don’t be surprised if a little sauce squirts out; this is okay.Truss the turkey; this is optional, but it will give the bird a more dignified appearance. Brush the outside of the turkey with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of rub all over it, patting it onto the skin with your fingertips.

4.

Set up the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium. If using a gas grill, place all of the wood chips or chunks in the smoker box or in a smoker pouch and run the grill on high until you see smoke, then reduce the heat to medium. If using a char-

iStockphoto

2.

Remove the packet of giblets from the neck or body cavity of the turkey and set aside for another use. Remove and discard the fat just inside the cavities of the turkey.

Rinse the turkey, inside and out, under cold running water, then blot dry, inside and out, with paper towels. Season the inside of both cavities with 2 tablespoons of the rub.

One Coupon Per Person Per Visit. Cannot Be Combined With Any Other Offer. Offer Ends 12-31-09

coal grill, place a large drip pan in the center, preheat the grill to medium, then toss 1 cup of the wood chips or chunks on the coals.

5.

When ready to cook, place the turkey, breast side up, in the center of the hot grate, over the drip pan and away from the heat. Put the lid down and cook the turkey until the skin is nicely browned and the meat is cooked through, 2-1/2 to 3 hours.To check for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of a thigh but not so that it touches the bone.The internal temperature should be about 165 degrees F. If the wing tips start to burn, cover them loosely with aluminum foil; if the skin starts to brown too much, cover the bird loosely with foil.

6.

Transfer the grilled turkey to a platter, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, if you have not already done so, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Untruss the turkey, if necessary.

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23

Lightyour home on a budget

LED Lights will save you money.

D

iversity and savings in holiday lighting is found in new technology. LED lights have begun to replace traditional incandescent lights hung from the tree and the home.

“The principal benefit is energy savings,” says Philip Curtis, president of holidayLEDs.com in Jackson, Mich.

“If you’re switching the larger C7 or C9 holiday lights to LED, you’re saving 95 percent of energy. If you are switching mini lights to LED, you’re saving 85 percent.

In addition to that, you’re also looking at an average lifetime of 50,000 hours, which means a lot fewer incandescent lights in the landfill.”

CTW Features

Save Green on Outdoor Decorating

G

us Bock Ace Hardware’s Tom Grill, manager of the Munster location, says, “The two big items to save money on outdoor decorating this year are LED lights, simply because they don’t draw as much energy, and the timers. The LED lights are a little more expensive but are starting to come down in price and save a lot on your electric bill.

Timers this year are much more efficient and easy to use than in past years. With these, you just push a button to set how many hours you want the lights to stay on and you don’t have to run outside in the cold to shut them off.”

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A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Even the most jaded high-tech aficionados will appreciate this eclectic assortment of electronic wizardry

Best

Gadgets for

Geeks

By Jim Gorzelany : CTW Features

W

hile the term “geek” originally referred to a carnival freakshow performer whose unfortunate specialty was often biting the heads off live chickens, today the word is most typically used as a source of pride to describe someone who’s obsessed with technology.

Unfortunately, choosing holiday gifts that will truly impress such gadget-lovers can be a certifiably daunting task among those who are technologically challenged.

To that end, we’ve scoured the outer reaches of the electronics universe to assemble a wide array of products that are sure to have genuine geek-appeal.

Most are widely available from major department stores and/or electronics retailers.

For the On-the-Go Geek…

Portable entertainment devices have long been stocking-stuffer staples, with the latest being able to do far more than just play music through a set of headphones.

A revamped version of Apple’s diminutive iPod Nano is now the proverbial Swiss Army Knife of mp3 players, adding a built-in microphone and speaker, a pedometer that can keep track of steps taken and calories burned, an FM tuner with a live-pause feature and a video camera/recorder. It comes in seven colors, in $149 8GB and $179 16GB versions.

Not to be outdone by its corporate rival, Microsoft upgrades its own personalportable and renames it the Zune HD by virtue of a new 3.3-inch widescreen high-definition display. Available in five colors, it also incorporates an HD Radio receiver, Wi-Fi Internet connectivity and HDTV video playback via an optional dock; it retails for $220 with 16GB of memory and $290 with 32GB.

For the Digital-Imaging Geek…

With even the smallest digital cameras boasting stellar specs, it’s the units that include truly novel features that stand out in a crowded market.

For example, the $300 Samsung TL220 makes taking self-portraits easier by incorporating a 1.5-inch front-facing LCD

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

The Samsung TL220’s front-facing display, above, makes snapping self-portraits simple.

The Penbo, below, is a furry, friendly robot that hatches an egg and speaks ‘Penguish.’

display. Casio’s $200 12 megapixel EXZ450 allows users to drop out and replace the background on video footage to create what is essentially a still photo that contains a moving subject. For those who tend to be rough on their gear, the $300 Pentax Optio W80 can survive a fall from 3.3 feet, and operate in temperatures as cold as 14 degrees and in water as deep as 16 feet.

And while a growing number of digicams (like those noted above) can shoot high-definition video, don’t count out the dedicated camcorder just yet. To that end, Panasonic offers what’s claimed continued on page 28

Tips from Local Tech Gurus

E

very holiday season the latest greatest gadgets hit the market and they are bigger and better, or sometimes smaller, than last year. So channel your inner geek and get ready for the latest trends that will make life simpler, more fun, and just plain neat-o.

At Cartronix, with locations in Lake and Porter Counties, Frank Jackson, sales associate says having everything at your fingertips is what this holiday season is all about. “We’re seeing a lot of quick messaging devices for texting, so phones with full keyboards or phones with touch screens. Popular are the Samsung Solstice and Samsung Impression which slides out for a full keyboard.

And there are a lot of new phones coming out this holiday season.”

Larry Kaplan owner of Dave’s Camera Mart in Munster says the newest technology this year is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. “Nikon just brought out a new model a Coolpix S100PJ and the claim to fame with this model is it has an internal projector that can project 36 inches onto a screen, so you can show your pictures to everyone instead of passing the camera around and having everyone look at the LCD screen. It’s a 12 megapixel, 5X zoom and at $429 it’s a nice camera and good quality. This is the latest and greatest.”

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

27

OIL EXPRESS

continued from page 27 as the world’s lightest full-HD models – weighing in at just a half-pound. The palm-sized $550 HDC-SD10 records to a swappable SD memory card, while the $600 HDC-TM10 further includes 8 GB of built-in memory.

OIL EXPRESS

For the Home Theater Geek…

Bushnell NEO GPS

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Porter County / Illinois

1-800-657-3322

1205 W. Lincoln Hwy. Merrillville, IN Lake County Residents

V i s i t u s a t - w w w. a r t h u r m u r r a y s . n e t

(219) 738-9041

Open Weekdays By Appointment • Open Weekends Thanksgiving thru Christmas

An Old Fashioned Quality Family Tradition

12299 S. Long Lane (300W) 16 Miles E of Valparaiso • 1.6 Miles E of Hanna on US 30 Follow Signs From HWY 30

Home: 219-797-4745 Cell: 219-716-0600

Since watching movies that are stored on a disk can seem relatively archaic to leading-edge home-theater mavens, a few flat-panel TV sets, like LG Electronics’ $1,699 47-inch 47LH50 LCD and $1,799 50-inch 50PS80 Series plasma models now include Ethernet connectivity so users can stream content directly from the Internet without having to use a computer or other set-top box.

Of course video is only half of the home theater experience, and a series of new audio receivers from Onkyo, the TX-SR5007, TX-NR3007 and TX-NR1007, raise the roof with a full 9.2 channels of surround sound for total aural immersion.

They pack as many as eight digital HDMI inputs for video-source switching, along with a full plate of sound and imageenhancing gadgetry and the ability to stream Internet radio broadcasts, retailing from $1,599 to $2,699.

A more modestly priced gift that can control all of a geek’s A/V gear is the $400 Logitech Harmony 900 universal remote. Easily programmed via a PC or Mac computer to control up to 15 devices, the recharge-able Harmony 900 operates intuitively via both a touch-screen panel

and tactile buttons, and can even control devices in other rooms and behind closed cabinet doors.

For the Gamer Geek …

Video-game enthusiasts are agog over recent platform-hardware updates that include a more-streamlined version of Sony’s fullfeatured PlayStation3 (with a lower $299 price tag), along with Nintendo’s new Motion Plus controller accessory for the Wii that tracks players’ movements in The Motion finer detail and Plus Wiimote with greater comes bundled accuracy (it’s with the new sold separately Wii Sports for $20 and Resort game. comes bundled with the $60 Wii Sports Resort game).

Meanwhile, portable gaming fans can be treated to Sony’s new $249 PSP Go, which does without a disc drive for 16GB of flash memory and the ability to access and download games via a wireless Internet connection. Nintendo’s upgraded $170 DSi hand-held can likewise connect to the Web, but also adds a microphone and a digital camera.

Perhaps the biggest gaming news this year is a software release that’s sure to top the charts – “The Beatles Rock Band.” Players can emulate the Fab Four through 45 classic songs that trace their history from “Twist and Shout” to “Get Back.”

The software alone is $50 for the Wii and $70 for the Xbox 360 and PS3, while a $250 Limited Edition further includes controller replicas of Ringo’s drum set and Paul’s bass and a microphone and stand; controllers that mimic John and George’s guitars are also offered for $100 each.

The Beatles Rock Band 28

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Buffet Dinner

& Theatre

Stroll past the display of beautiful holiday trees and enjoy the scrumptious cuisine of The Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Complete the evening with tickets to Theatre at the Center’s heartwarming production of The Christmas Schooner.

Holiday Buffet - 5-9 pm . Buffet Dinner* . Children under  *gratuity not included bar service provided

. Buffet & Theatre Ticket

at the Theatre at the Center

Thursday, December 10, 2009 - or : pm Buffet : pm Performance

Friday, December 18, 2009 : pm Buffet : pm Performance

. Children under 

For Groups of + Call -- For Buffet Only Call --

Perfect for Office Parties, Social Organizations & Families!

Call the Box Office at -- to make your Dinner & Theatre Reservations Today!

New Year’s Eve

DINNER

December 31, 2009, 6-9 pm Cocktails: 6 – 7 pm Dinner: 7:15 pm $50 per Person

FRESH FLORAL FRENZY Order early and save the hassel. We can design a floral centerpiece for your dinner table to create an unforgettable ambience. Your bountiful bouquet can include candles to make your setting perfect.

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Not to be combined with any other offer or discount. Valid until November 23rd.

Includes: t Two-hour open bar t Four-course gourmet dinner t All gratuities and taxes

RIDGE ROAD

“Very Funny Magic” show by Dennis DeBondt, featuring his lightning quick wit, humor and magical talents

PHONE

Preferred Featuring Piano Music by Walter Lisak

1 0 4 0 MUNSTER, IN 4 6 3 2 1

219.836.1950 FAX 219.836.1967 WEBSITE W W W. C V P A . O R G

The William J. Bachman Gallery will be open for viewing “The Elvis Tribute Show: A Diamond Jubiliee”

2540 45th • Highland, IN • 924-1000 New Holiday Hours! Monday - Friday 8:30am ~ 7:00 pm Saturday 8:30am ~ 6:00 pm • Sundays 10:00am ~ 5:00 pm

brummsflowers.com • paradeofgifts.com

The area’s most unique florist and gift shop.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts or by phone, --.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

29

Here’s your chance to get all YOUR purchases

FREE!

*

Only 4 inches of snow needs to fall on New Year’s Day for all your purchases to be free!

Everything purchased from November 27, 2009 to December 24, 2009 will qualify.

We Look Forward To Seeing You This Holiday Season!

TV chef Devin Alexander, host of FitTV’s “Healthy Decadence with Devin Alexander” and author of “The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook,” (Rodale, 2008) says with a little pre-planning and a willingness to do more prep work yourself, a cook who already has pantry basics on hand can feed even a gathering of 12 for less than $100. Here’s a recipe from Alexander to help keep flavor up and your costs down.

In-House Jewelry Design & Repair

3 Lincolnway • Valparaiso • (219) 464-4040 820 Lincolnway • LaPorte • (219) 369-6580 Monday - Thursday 9-6 • Friday 9-7 • Saturday 9-4

Good-Enough-for-Thanksgiving Sausage Cranberry Stuffing

*Jewelry purchased between 11/27/09-12/24/09 will have the purchase price refunded, if 4” of new snow falls in Porter County (as determined by Weather Watch) in the 24 hours of 1/1/10. Insured by Commerce and Industry Insurance Company. See store for further details. *Purchases from Valparaiso qualify for snowfall in Porter County. *Purchases from LaPorte qualify for snowfall in LaPorte County.

from Devin Alexander’s “The Most Decadent Diet Ever!” (Broadway Books, 2008)

200 Off

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kitchen cabinets resurfacing With this ad. Can not combine with any other offers.

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any bathtub surround or shower resurfacing With this ad. Can not combine with any other offers.

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5150 E US HWY 30 • MERRILLVILLE IN

219-942-0883 • 1-888-588-5655

Butter-flavored cooking spray slices whole-wheat bread Olive oil spray 1 recipe Sweet and Slim Italian Sausage, uncooked and unshaped 1½ cups finely chopped sweet onion 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic ½ cup dried cranberries 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage 1¼ - 1½ cups fat-free lower-sodium chicken broth, divided 2 tablespoons light butter, melted 12

1.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Lightly mist a 2 1/2 - 3-quart ovenproof ceramic or glass casserole dish with butter-flavored cooking spray.

Continue cooking until the celery is bright green and starts to soften slightly, 7 - 10 minutes. Add the celery mixture to the sausage.

2.

5.

6.

Place the slices of bread side by side in a single layer (they should not overlap) on a large nonstick baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 14 to 16 minutes per side, until the slices are dry (not at all soft in the center) and very lightly browned.

3.

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, coat with olive oil spray and put in the sausage mixture. Cook, breaking the sausage into bite-sized chunks, until no longer pink, 3 - 5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl.

4.

Turn heat to medium. Spray skillet again and put in the onions. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the celery and garlic.

Raise oven temperature to 350 degrees F.

Cut each slice of toasted bread into 9 squares. Add the bread, cranberries and sage to sausage mixture and stir.

7.

Drizzle 1 cup broth slowly over the top and stir it in until the liquid is absorbed. Slowly drizzle the butter over the top and stir that in.

8.

Transfer stuffing to prepared dish.

Drizzle remaining 1/4 cup broth for drier stuffing or 1/2 cup for moister stuffing over top. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the stuffing is hot.

www.servicedoctor.net

30

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

register to Win a $200 gift certificate at any of our 3 locations!

Elephant Ears • Funnel Cakes • Snow Cones Cotton Candy • Deep Fried Twinkies & Oreos Red Hot Chicago Hots Dogs & Corn Dogs • Much More!

Must present ad. One coupon per person per visit. Offer ends 11-30-09

Must present ad. One coupon per person per visit. Offer ends 11-30-09

Gus Bock’s Ace Hardware

$5 OFF any Benjamin Moore paint gal.

Specializing in Prime Steaks and Fresh Seafood for over 100 years.

• Daily Specials • Prime Rib Saturday • Holiday Parties

502 DIXIE HIGHWAY, BEECHER, ILLINOIS • 708.946.3141 Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 5-10 pm, Friday & Saturday 5-11 pm, Sunday 4-10pm Closed Monday Reservations Suggested

Limit 6 gallons per customer. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Offer expires 12/5/09.

Dyer & Munster locations only.

GUS BOCK’S

1150 Sheffield Ave. / Dyer, IN 1820 - 45th Ave. Munster, IN Next to Walt’s 219-865-6060 219-934-9500

www.theprincesscafe.com A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

31

Participating Advertisers ALLEN LANDSCAPING ALMIRA’S PASTRY APPLE DENTISTRY ARTHUR MURRAY BAUM’S NATURAL FOODS BEREY BROTHERS BLYTHES SPORT SHOP BRANYA’S BAKERY BROWN TIRE BRUMM’S BLOOMIN’ BARN BUNCH JEWELERS CARNIVAL TIMES CARTRONIX CEDAR ELECTRIC CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS CHELSEA PROPERTY CHINA DOLL CIAO BELLA RISTORANTE COVERRITE CULVER’S DESCHAMP’S DIXON’S FLORIST DON AIR AVIATION DYER FAMILY DENTISRTY EAGLE AIRCRAFT ENGSTROM JEWELERS FAIR OAKS DAIRY FIRESTONE FRAN’S HALLMARK FREDDYS STEAKHOUSE GIL DRUGS GOLF USA GUS BOCK HARDWARE HARLEY DAVIDSON HIGHLAND JEWELER’S HONEY BAKED HAM AND CAFÉ HOTEL FURNITURE

JOHNSON CLEANING KELSEY’S STEAKHOUSE KEYS TO ESTATE TREASURES LA QUESADILLA LOUISE’S HALLMARK LOVINGS HEATING & COOLING M &M CARE CENTER MALINICH JEWLERS MARY & MARTHAS MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE MERRILLVILLE JEWELERS MRS. DORNBERG’S 24 CARROT CUISINE NASON’S PAINTED PENGUIN PALLADIUM HOMES PARAMOUNT PAINTING PET SUPPLIES PLUS PRINCESS CAFÉ RONS AUTOMOTIVE SAMUELSON’S INSURANCE SAW GROSS MARKETPLACE SCHERERVILLE FAMILY DENTISTRY SERVICE DOCTOR SMILE BY DOCTOR D SPORTSCARD STORE STRACKS TEIBEL’S TERPSTRA SALES THE CAMERA EXPERTS THE ESTATE THE FLOWER CART THEO’S STEAK & SEAFOOD TIGER LILY UPS STORES VALPARAISO ELKS WHITING CHAMBER

Shop the Region Travel the World

Visit the advertisers in our holiday sections and you can win a $3000 dream vacation!

$3000 Dream Vacation

Or win gift certificates from more than 60 participating retailers ranging from $50 to $200! Just shop and win.

Each time you visit one of our participating advertisers you can enter to win a FREE Gift Certificate. Look for the entry forms at your favorite participating store.

If you are the winner at a participating location your name will be entered in our Grand Prize Drawing for a $3,000 Dream Vacation. No purchase necessary. See any participating store for details.

f Give the gift o

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30

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Gift Certificate Available!

9161 Wicker Ave. (U.S. 41) • St. John, IN • 2 219-365-4777 93

Angela’s Wigs 5378 Broadway • Merrillville (219) 884-9447 (WIGS) MON - THURS 10 - 6 FRI & SAT 10 - 8 • SUN 12 - 5

20

% Everything In-Stock Off No coupon necessary. One day Friday, 11/27.

Holiday Bake Sale &Boutiques Saturday, November 21st 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Mediterranean Room • 7021 Hohman Ave., Hammond, Indiana Shop our Bake Sale with Homemade Greek Pastries and Delicacies and stay for the Chili...

Chili Dogs, Hot Dogs, Loukoumades and more!

Our Orthodox Book Store and Arts & Crafts vendors offer a chance to buy a special gift for that special someone!

32

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Come in & register to WIN a $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE!

More Fun

Sport Cards Store

706 Joliet Street (off of Rt 30) • Dyer, IN 46311• 219-322-5080

W E

CASH PAID

for US Silver & Gold coins, old baseball cards and comic books!

B U Y

• Old Baseball Trading Cards • Old Sports Cards

Selection may vary

(Football, Basketball, Hockey, Boxing)

• Sports Bobbin’ Head Dolls • Sports Statues & Figures • Old Bats & Balls (Major League) • Old Sports Coins, Pins, Buttons • Sports Posters, Magazines, Items • Old Comic Books • Big Little Books • Old Tobacco Cards & Gum Cards

B U Y

•

S E L L

•

• Old Theatre Posters

T R A D E

Y O U R D E S T I N AT I O N F O R E XQU I S I T E H O L I D AY D É C O R & G I F T S

Beginning Thanksgiving Weekend!

20

$

Gift Certificate

with every $100 purchase See store for details. Must have coupon.

Offer valid until December 24, 2009.

Featured Item

Purchase any Nora Fleming serving piece and receive a Nora Fleming N accent

FREE

Serving pieces with interchangeable accents that take you from the Holidays to spring, summer and fall!

See store for details. Offer valid until November 29, 2009. Must have coupon.

P O R T E D E L’ E A U P L A Z A 2044 45th STREET HIGHLAND, IN 219.924.3820

LADIES, YOU CAN LOOK 10LBS. LIGHTER IN THOSE HOLIDAY OUTFITS WITH SPANX!

M-F 10 A.M. - 7 P.M. | SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. | SUNDAY 11 A.M. - 5 P.M. | www.maryandmarthaonline.com A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

33

B O O K Y O U R P A R T I E S T O D AY Our meal plan is helpful for: • Convenience • Heart Healthy Eating • Weight Management • Blood Pressure Control • Diabetes Prevention & Control • Lowering Cancer Risks • Lowering Cholesterol Levels

B I RT H DAY S • H O L I DAY S • M E E T I N G S RETIREMENTS • WEDDINGS Discount off regular prices.

Not good with other offer.

1 coupon per customer.

Expires: 12/9/09 *Prepayment Required.

Discount off regular prices.

Not good with other offer.

1 coupon per customer.

Expires: 12/9/09

Private halls with personal packages

©2009

1-800-442-DIET www.seattlesutton.com

Contact Sue to book your party today!

Accommodating parties up to 200 Lodge #500

SMOKING AND NON-SMOKING ROOMS

157 Jefferson St. • Valparaiso • 219.242.5421

Culver’s of Valparaiso is celebrating their 8-year anniversary, and Schererville gets to join the party!

An evening of seasonal music and magic!

On Monday, November 23, treat yourself to a Caramel Cashew or Turtle Sundae for just

2.00

$

Offer valid only at Culver’s of Valparaiso & Schererville.

Culver’s of Schererville

980 W. Lincoln Hwy. • 219-322-2266

Culver’s of Valparaiso

2101 LaPorte Ave. • 219-531-9600

Enjoy the musical based on the popular Charles Dickens classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’ December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 @ 8pm December 6, 13, 20 @ 2pm

FOR TICKETS CALL 219.548.9137 or www.mohlive.com

104 Indiana Avenue • Valparaiso, IN

34

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Deck YOURHalls

T

racey McBride learned the consequences of holiday stress the hard way. She recalls one year when she went “crazy” trying to create the perfect holiday home. “It was really pretty – I was pleased and received a lot of compliments,” says the Californiabased craft and home-solutions blogger and life stylist. Then a few years later, she said to her son, “Remember that year?

Everything was so cute.” Her son replied “Yeah, I remember that year. You were in a really bad mood.” That was McBride’s light-bulb moment. “I realized that they’re not going to remember any of this stuff,” she says. “What they remember is the mood you created.”

In a year when economic woes still top headlines and cash flow is tight, the expense of holiday decorating is one you might be dreading. Here’s how to create a festive home on a budget, so you can concentrate on the memories you’ll be making.

1.Double Up

“I try to use things that do ‘double duty,’ which means I can either use them for two holidays or I can eat them when finished,” says McBride, the author of the “Frugal Luxuries” series of books published by Bantam. She decorates with glass bowls of apples, nuts, berries or rosemary, then uses them in the kitchen later.

2.Pick and Choose

“Choose one room, or maybe the kitchen and one room, and choose one focal point to decorate and keep your collections together,” suggests Kelley Taylor, the Connecticut-based author of holiday-décor mainstay “Holiday

Decorating for Dummies” (For Dummies, 2003). “Focus on one table or area or a fireplace. Don’t spread Christmas around the room.”

3.Take It Up A Notch

“I always like to elevate things when possible,” McBride says. “It gives something more prominence and makes it more special, and it doesn’t cost a thing.”

4.Get Crafty

“Take old ornaments, spray them a different color and sprinkle on some glitter while it’s still wet,” suggests Shelley Wolson, author of “Budget Celebrations: The Hostess Guide to Year-Round Entertaining on a Dime” (Filipacchi Publishing, 2009). She also cuts up the cardboard tubes from wrapping paper and covers them with fabric or paper to use as napkin rings.

5.Color Your Home

When purchasing artificial flowers, Taylor says it’s more economical to avoid poinsettias. “Look for the colors instead of what the flowers are,” she says. For example, roses and amaryllis can be used for a variety of holidays throughout the year.

6.Save Stuff to Save Cash

Think of creative ways to use leftovers. “Say you buy a box of candy canes and you don’t use them,” Wolson says. “Glue them around a coffee container or [other] container and you’ve got a really festive, cute way to hold flowers.”

7.Reap What You Sew

Wolson has a friend who turned her daughter’s first-year Christmas dress into a stocking. “That way she was able to

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Robert Wray | The Times

By Jessica Abels : CTW Features

10 ways to craft the perfect homemade holiday ... and also stay within your budget

The Painted Penguin in Westfield Mall offers customers a crafty way of decorating homes with personalized holiday décor. keep the dress and it was a really neat way to hold onto it,” Wolson says.

8.Turn Up the Heat

Inexpensive white candles can be used any time, in any room, Taylor says. She keeps a drawer of them on-hand in her home. “They’re timeless and just make everything glowing and special,” she says.

9.

10.Head to the Kitchen

Make A List, Check It Twice

“Keep a list of what’s leftover, what you can use for next year. Print it out and store it with the box of ornaments,” Wolson says. “While you’re in the season and in the moment it’s good to think of things you want to do next year.”

Create a forest of trees with the following recipe and some eager, creative kitchen helpers. Preheat that oven and grab the nonpareils – you’ve got an afternoon of kitchen crafts to tend to!

And don’t stop at the trees - think big. A village of gingerbread families, a flurry of snowflakes and a field of snowmen await you and your helpers!

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

35

Candy crafts-

sweet

a spend

W

family time

ith school in session, weekends become the best opportunity for quality time with your kids.

Whether you’re taking your family to the park or spending a day around the house, you can easily fill the time by planning several simple, budgetfriendly, do-it-yourself activities. Ideal for indoor or outdoor time, these activities go a long way in creating memories without doing a number on your budget.

of a new project by strolling down the candy aisle. “The grocer’s candy aisle has a collection of candy in virtually every color and shape, which means endless crafting possibilities,” explains candy expert Beth Kimmerle. “Candy is tasty and fun for kids of all ages, and is an affordable tool for crafting.”

Start by making candy jewelry. It is a perfect activity for your princess, but also trendy for your prince given the popularity of sports necklaces and bracelets for boys and girls. Gather an assortment of brightly colored Life Savers Gummies, tie a knot in a piece of ribbon to keep your candy from slipping, and thread your “jewels” onto the necklace. Once you have a full string, adjust the candy so there are equal amounts of ribbon on each side.

Tie knots on each end to finish and voila, you’ve got the trendiest kid on the block. While you are lending a hand, don’t forget that gummy candy is a yummy treat while crafting. Who knew jewelry could be so inexpensive and tasty?

Treasure your trash

Have your candy and craft with it too

Most families make weekly (if not more frequent) trips to the grocery store, so turn your next routine trip into the beginning

36

way to

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

Next time you start to throw away packaging, leftover candy or craft items, stop and envision these items as your next treasure and creatively think of ways to reuse them. Re-using the items helps you to be less wasteful, while also saving you money and giving you “gems” to finish your crafts with a unique touch.

Keep Your Kids Active Over the Holidays

O

If your kids love trucks, drum-up some fun on a weekend and help them create something fabulous on four wheels from common items found around the house. Try the following simple exercise and in no time you’ll be watching your kids proudly race their handmade creations across the kitchen floor or back porch.

ArA A Content

kay, so you’ve made your Life Saver bracelet and licorice truck, and now what?

The kids are climbing the walls again and you better have a backup plan. Rachael Smeja, owner of Perpetual Motion in Valparaiso says entertainment is the key to a happy holiday season when so many sweet temptations can lead to couch potatoes. “It is important to keep kids healthy and active, especially over the holidays when there are so many unhealthy food temptations around,” says Smeja whose business offers daylong camps for kids during winter break. This not only keeps kids entertained, but also offers mom some much-needed time to do all of the holiday preparations. “We might do a pajama day one day, a cooking day the next, we do crafts and we have a big gym for kids to run around and get tired out by the time they’re ready to go home,” she says.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

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Simplify and visit any of these locations for a full range of shipping options.

CROWN POINT 10769 Broadway 219-662-7960

DYER 879 Joliet st.

219-322-9004

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

HIGHLAND 2158 45th Ave. 219-922-1545

LOWELL 150 Deanna Dr. 219-696-5759

SCHERERVILLE 228 W Lincoln Hwy. 219-322-6968

VALPARAISO 1101 Cumberland Crossing Dr. 219-464-4245

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

37

38

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

The sounds of the Holidays...

According to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the top 10 holiday songs of 2008 were:

1. Winter Wonderland Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith

2. The Christmas Song Mel Torme

6. Let it Snow, Let it Snow Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne

7. White Christmas Irving Berlin

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

39

Tree-Trimming

Trickery I

’ve found that grandmas have a knack for controlling children without making them feel subordinate. Consequently, children respond with oblivious affection. Really keen grandmas use this social order to their benefit when the holidays roll around. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen.

When I was growing up on Chicago’s South Side, the grandmother of one of my closest friends would invite the neighborhood kids over shortly after Thanksgiving Day each year for what she called a tree-trimming party. By the time all the children cleared her home, not only was her tree decorated – her halls were decked and windows lighted. Take a note from this grandma and a few experts and throw your own “tree-trimming party” this year.

If you’re enticed by the idea of a little tree-trimming trickery, realize that it takes a lot more planning than your average holiday party. You’ll have to “be the marshal of the party,” says Jeanne Benedict, host of the DIY Network’s “Weekend Entertaining” and party expert at Celebrations.com.

“Designate a person for each job,” she advises. And “save the drinks for later.”

This will not only help ensure that tasks are completed; it will keep guests safe when covering more daring territory, like hanging lights outside.

There are two paths you can take in planning your actual tree-trimming session. You can ask guests to bring 40

ornaments or supply them all yourself.

Either way, “have the tree up and ready” and prepped with garland and lights before the guests arrive, suggests Lorraine Mariella, a Wayne, N.J.-based event planner with Celebrations Event & Meeting Management, LLC. Pick a theme and be sure to get your invitations out early if you’re planning for your guests to bring ornaments.

“You want to give the people ample time to do something creative,” Mariella says.

She advises listing ideas in the invitation for ornament designs. A theme will give your guests guidance and may prevent motley tree décor.

“If you have a designed tree, [gifted ornaments] stand out like a sore thumb,”

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

says James Monroe, special events professional of Dallas-based J Monroe Designs.

“Establish a theme that becomes a background for showing off the eclectic ornaments,” he says. Pick a neutral base color for the tree garland and ribbons so ornaments from your guests

stand out in a good way, Monroe says.

Gold, silver and red work best.

Maybe you’re not like the neighborhood grandma I knew growing up and are less than willing to invite tons of children into your home to decorate. But you can still get organized and call those you know to have a merry ol’ time trimming your tree and—if you’re smart—fashioning your whole home with holiday décor.

et the kids help decorate the tree this year and start a new family tradition that will last for generations to come by selecting holiday ornaments that reflect personality and history.

“Not only do ornaments evoke family memories from the past, but they start new family traditions. They’re conversation pieces so that when people come to visit your home and see your tree they see who you are as a person,” says Judy Stoll, an employee at Louise’s Hallmark in St. John.

Hallmark stores offer more than 300 new and unique ornament designs this holiday season.

Since 1973, Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have been commemorating, not only the holiday, but also family milestones, such as new births or weddings.

They also celebrate the personality of family members by recognizing a variety of special interests, passions and occupations such as cooking, gardening and healthcare providers. Relationships are celebrated in many Keepsake Ornaments designed for specific family members and friends and many ornaments in the 2009 line offer the ability to be personalized.

Several designs can be personalized by adding a photo or recording a voice and the new PersonalizeIt collection provides five write-on ornaments that provide a way to add a name, date or sentiment.

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Hol id ay Local Things to Do; Places to Go HOLIDAY EVENTS

Train Show; Dec 5: Breakfast with Mrs. Claus; Dec 5: Arts Alive! Decorated Home Tour; Dec 5-6, 12-13: Santa Pause; Dec 6: Holiday Pops Concert and “Vilija.”

ONGOING Santa Claus in Crown Point, Sat noon-4pm, Lower Level Courthouse Shops, Crown Point. 219.663.1800. crownpointguide. com. Santa Claus will arrive in town on Nov 27 in a Crown Point fire truck and will bring Mrs. Claus and Elie the Elf with him. Children can share their Christmas wishes and take pictures with Santa every Saturday from Thanksgiving through Christmas as well as the Sunday before the holiday.

DEC 5 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar, 9am2pm, 1314 S Woodland Ave, Michigan City.

219.871.9138. holidaybazaar.org. Handmade and retail gifts will be available at this holiday market, including international handcrafted eggs, woodworking, jewelry, holiday décor, custom embroidery and more. Lunch and snacks will be provided in the café and all shopping is on the first floor of this free event.

NOV 14-15 Holiday Home Tour, Sat 11am5pm, Sun 1-5pm, Michigan City. 219.872.4499. michianahumanesociety.com. Get in the early holiday spirit with refreshments, wine tasting and raffles at this holiday home tour. Local florists, designers and homeowners provide beautiful holiday décor in seven private beacharea homes and for a self-guided tour.

NOV 20 Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6pm, east steps of the Old Courthouse, downtown Crown Point. 219.662.3290. crownpoint.in.gov. The city of Crown Point is invited to share in this free holiday ceremony that will festively help usher in the holiday season. Accompanied by a medley of traditional holiday classics sung by the Crown Point High School Choir, Mayor Uran will do the honors of lighting the official city tree. Hot refreshments will be provided.

NOV 21 Downtown Hammond Holiday Celebration & Tribute to A Christmas Story, 11am-5:30pm www.downtownhammond.org or call 219.548.4298. Kickoff the holiday season with Hammond’s celebration and tribute to the Jean Shepherd-inspired movie. View A Christmas Story on the big screen at The Towle Theater, visit Santa and his “Mean Elves,” kids activities and carolers will be abundant, take part in the “Cabella’s Shoot Your Eye Out Contest,” enter the “Ralphie & His Brother Randy Look-A-Liike Contest,” purchase Christmas trees and wreaths, enjoy horse and carriage rides, take a picture with a vintage fire truck, join Mayor McDermott in the city’s tree lighting ceremony, enjoy special sales at downtown stores, and more.

DEC 5 Hammond Holiday Parade, 10am, parade starts at Gavit High School, 1670 175th St, Hammond. 219.853.6378. gohammond. com. Kick off the holiday season by watching or participating in this fun event that features the Jesse White Tumblers and area high school bands. Call or visit the website for parade route and to register to participate. Nov 20: Entry deadline.

Let the pros give you some holiday decorating tips to spruce up your home. Presented by Palladium Home at 2106 Calumet Ave. in Valparaiso.

Free seminar is tomorrow, November 19 from 10:30 am to Noon or 7 to 8:30 pm. Seating is limited. Call 219-465-7474 to register.

Great bargains on Christmas décor, gifts, art, antiques, fudge, cigars, food, music and fun are available at these early bird sales. Doorbuster sales run until 11am, when the Whiting Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the Buscia Live Cooking Show full of holiday cooking tips. With every $10 purchase, shoppers will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and holiday table décor.

NOV 21 Winter Lights, 3pm, Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Rd, Valparaiso.

219.465.3586. The Winter Lights celebration at Sunset Hill Farm will include music, crafts, cookie decorating, a visit from Santa, holiday reading corner and many other children’s activities which will conclude with fireworks. Also, Nov 27-Dec 27: Drive Thru Displays.

NOV 27-28 Christmas Walk, 10am-5pm, downtown Lowell. 219.696.2389. shoplowellindiana.com. Lowell’s historic downtown shopping and dining district will twinkle with lights during this holiday event, which features crafts, antiques, gourmet food and more. Find refreshments, free gifts with purchase, door prizes, raffles and much more at the shops, while the Christmas walk restaurants feature special holiday menus.

NOV 21 Early Bird Bargain Bonanza, 7am, 119th St, downtown Whiting. 219.659.0292.

DEC 3, 10, 17 Twilight Thursdays, 5-8pm, Whiting. Stores will have extended hours

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on Thursdays throughout December to accommodate holiday shoppers and give them the chance to buy raffle tickets to win a Winter Weekend Getaway in Chicago.

BEGINNING DEC 4 Holly Days, downtown Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. popcornfest.org. A live nativity scene, the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and a “Cool Yule” Christmas concert highlight this annual holiday event. Carols will be sung by local Girl Scout Troops and downtown stores will be open for some last minute holiday shopping as well. Dec 10: “Cool Yule” Christmas concert with Chicago jazz singer Spider Saloff.

DEC 4-6, 11-13 Come Home for the Holidays, Whiting. 219.659.0292. This holiday celebration will feature a Christmas parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus, train show, decorated home tour and holiday pops concert with the Whiting Park Festival Orchestra & Chorus.

Dec 4: Illuminated Christmas Parade; Dec 4-6, 11-13: Hi-Rail Modular Club Christmas

DEC 5 Washington Park Official Holiday Lighting Ceremony, 4-6pm, Washington Park, 6 on the Lake, Michigan City. 219.873.1506. michigancityparks.com. With more than five million bulbs, this holiday tradition is the largest free drive-through light exhibition in the Midwest.

DEC 5-6 Christmas Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes, Sat 4-8pm, Sun 1-5pm, downtown LaPorte. 219.324.5087. visitlaportecounty.com.

Beautiful holiday décor, created by area florists and designers, is on elegant display at this tour of private homes in LaPorte’s historic district.

The event also includes a carriage ride, musical entertainment and refreshments.

DEC 5-6 Kouts 30th Christmas Open House, Sat 8:30am-4:30pm, Sun 10am-4:30pm, Kouts.

219.766.3791. kouts.org. Handmade crafts and Christmas treats will be available at almost 40 homes, churches and restaurants in Kouts and the surrounding area when they open their doors for holiday shopping. Maps of the participating venues will be available at each location in this annual event.

DEC 5-6 Zooltide, 5-7pm, Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City.

219.873.1425. wpzoosociety.com. The Washington Park Zoological Society will be hosting Zooltide where visitors can see the Washington Park Zoo lit up for the holidays. Carolers, luminaries and Santa Claus will also be on hand and hot cocoa will be available to help keep visitors warm. continued on page 44

Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

43

continued from page 43

PERFORMANCES, EXHIBITS AND ARTS

THROUGH DEC 20 The Christmas Schooner, The Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com.

Based on the true story of a Michigan shipping captain who braves the deadly winter weather to bring Christmas trees to homesick German American families in turn-of-the-century Chicago, The Christmas Schooner is a truly original holiday musical.

THROUGH JAN 10 A Christmas Story Comes Home, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, 7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond.

219.989.7979. achristmasstorycomeshome.com.

Six animated displays depicting scenes from A Christmas Story will be showcased at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.

The scenes, which debuted in the windows of Macy’s in New York City, feature some of the beloved characters and locations of the movie.

In addition to viewing the displays, kids can also participate in various events, including the “Mommy’s Little Piggy” eating contest, “Oh Fuuudge!” relay race and photos with Santa atop “Santa’s Mountain” before sliding to the ground just like Ralphie does in the film.

NOV 19 Holiday Decorating Free Seminar, 10:30am-noon, 7-8:30pm, Palladium Home, 2106 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso. 219.465.7474.

Let the pros help you decorate for the holidays.

Seating is limited at these holiday decorating classes, presented by Paladium Home. Call to register.

NOV 21 8th Annual Holiday Shopping Spree & Craft Show, 10am-3pm, Kahler Middle School, 600 Joliet St, Dyer. 219.865.2505. townofdyer.com. This show offers the perfect way to do some holiday shopping with over 100 venders, while avoiding the mad rush at the mall. Past vendors have included Avon, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, and Mary Kay.

John. 219.836.0525. nwisymphony.org. The Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, along with members of the Northwest Indiana Symphony, once again offer the chance to sing along with Handel’s famous holiday masterpiece.

Those who would rather not sing are welcome to enjoy the afternoon performance as well.

DEC 2-3 The Nutcracker—Ballet Theatre, 7pm, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. starplazatheatre.com.

The whole family will enjoy the Indiana Ballet Theatre’s rendition of this holiday classic.

NOV 27-29, DEC 4-6, 11-13 Fabulous 50s Christmas, Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm, Towle Community Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.937.8780. towletheater.org.

Honoring the Christmas specials of Perry Como and Andy Williams, Hammond’s own holiday tradition features original vocal arrangements and commercials from the 1950s and ‘60s.

DEC 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 Scrooge, The Musical, The Memorial Opera House, 104 E Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. memorialoperahouse.com. This performance tells the age-old tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his visit from three ghosts on Christmas Eve, but songs such as “I Hate Christmas” and “Make the Most of This World” put a festive twist on tradition.

NOV 28 Christmas Craft Show, 2100 Willowcreek Rd, Portage. 219.762.1675. Christmas décor, handmade wearable art, unique holiday gifts, jewelry and pottery will be available at one of the finest craft shows in the area. Children can visit with Santa and attend a Christmas jewelry class. Admission is free but canned good items for the Portage Food Pantry will be accepted.

DEC 4-6, 10-13 Greetings!, Footlight Players, 1705 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.874.4035. footlightplayers.org. This play for all seasons really rings true during the holidays. Telling the story of Andy, who brings his atheist fiancé home to meet his Catholic family on Christmas Eve only to watch them overreact. It takes an ancient, wise and witty spirit to heal the family in the nick of time for a wonderful holiday.

NOV 29 Sing-Along Messiah, 3pm, St. John the Evangelist Church, 10701 Olcott Ave, St.

DEC 5-6, 12-13 Candy Cane Express, noon5pm, Hesston Steam Museum, 1201 E 1000

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DEC 12 Wynonna – A Classic Christmas Tour, 8pm, Blue Chip Casino, 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City. 219.879.7711, bluechipcasino.com. Partnering with the Palmetto State quartet to put attendees in the holiday spirit, this concert will feature popular songs like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “White Christmas” as well as some of Wynonna’s own holiday creations.

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DEC 6 Christmas Ornament Workshop, 1:30-2:30pm, Crown Point Community Art Center, 138 S Main St, Crown Point. 219.663.0200. southshoreartsonline.org. This one-hour workshop will allow children ages 6-12 to create their own ornaments with provided decorating materials.

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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Holiday Planning [ November 18, 2009 ]

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