Gift guide 2 2014 by Southern Lakes Newspapers

Holiday Gift Guide December 2014

PRESENTED BY

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neva

GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

DECEMBER 2014

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SET THE STAGE THIS SEASON Join us at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for our magical Christmas in the Country celebration. Enjoy extended live performances of our premier holiday shows, running on select dates from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28. Help Thomas the Tank Engine save the annual holiday party in Thomas & Friends™: A Holiday Adventure, featuring all your favorite characters. Join us for a full production of sing-along excitement! Show: Adults $15 | Children (14 and under) $10 - Includes Cookie Breakfast & Show: Adults $30 | Children (14 and under) $25

The nostalgic wonders of Christmas come to life in A Christmas Portrait, a charming display of priceless holiday memories. Experience the tradition in this timeless musical treasure. Adults $30 | Children (14 and under) $20

For tickets and show times, please call the box office at (262) 203 - 8110. © Thomas & Friends™ 2014 Gullane (Thomas) Limited

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Things to consider DECEMBER 2014

GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

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before buying this holiday season Few holiday shoppers can resist a great deal. Whether it’s heavily discounted merchandise on Black Friday or last-minute sales for shoppers who procrastinate, there are deals to be had from the start of the holiday season until its unofficial end sometime around New Year’s Day. But not all deals are what they seem. Many a shopper has swiped their card on a gift for a loved one only to find out later they overspent or didn’t read the fine print and subjected themselves or their friends and family members to potentially costly fees. The following are a handful of things shoppers should consider before making any purchases this holiday season.

Restocking fees

As thoughtful as holiday gifts may be, many are ultimately returned. Recipients may already have similar items at home or find a particular gift does not suit their personal styles. Because returns are so common, shoppers should read the fine print before buying gifts to ensure their purchases are not subject to restocking fees if they must be returned. Restocking fees can apply to any product, but they are most often applied to electronics. A restocking fee is a charge the person returning the gift must repay upon bringing the gift back to the store or mailing it back to the warehouse. Restocking fees often apply to items that are not returned in their original factorysealed box, and these fees can be exorbitant, sometimes as much as 20 percent of the cost of the product. So before buying that big-ticket television or appliance, holiday shoppers should ensure the item’s recipient will not be subject to a considerable fee if he or she decides to return the gift.

Extended warranties

Many items come with manufacturer warranties that cover damaged items

for a predetermined period of time. But many shoppers want to go the extra mile and buy extended warranties that protect the products for longer periods of time. While that’s good in theory, studies from Consumer Reports have shown that products rarely break within the time period covered by extended warranties, meaning shoppers are simply buying a false sense of security they’re unlikely to ever use. When considering an extended warranty, first research the product you want to buy by reading customer reviews of the product on popular sites such as Amazon.com. Such sites can offer valuable insight with regard to how reliable products are. If multiple reviewers note that a given product has never given them a reason to reconsider their purchase, then you likely don’t need an extended warranty. If you still want the extra protection, read the fine print of the extended warranty so you know just what it does and does not cover.

Return policies

Because so many gifts are returned once the holidays have come and gone, it’s important to understand a retailer’s return policy before buying a gift for a friend or family member. In-store purchases may be subject to different return policies than items bought online, which may need to be returned via the mail, a potentially costly expense for the gift’s recipient depending on the size of the gift. Try to shop only at stores with flexible, consumer-friendly return policies so your friend or family member does not have to jump through hoops just to return the gift. Resisting a holiday deal can be difficult. But shoppers should first read the fine print before making any purchases so they can rest easy knowing they made the best decision possible. (METRO FILE)

Enjoy the holidays without the weight gain On average, Americans gain weight during the holiday season. While the weight gain may not be dramatic, research shows it tends to stick and accumulate over the years. But you don’t have to succumb to this progression, say experts. “There are strategic steps to avoid holiday weight gain while still enjoying friends, family and holiday feasts,” says Sonya Angelone, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson. In preparation for a big holiday party or feast, do not skip meals throughout the day. This may result in overeating later.

“It is especially important to eat breakfast,” says Angelone. “High-fiber and high-protein foods like oatmeal and milk with fruit, an egg and spinach on whole wheat toast, Greek yogurt with nuts, or nut butter on a whole-wheat English muffin will satisfy hunger without a lot of calories.” Holiday meals tend to be large or buffet-style and include second and third helpings. While most people wouldn’t consider eating an entire cake, a common mistake is eating large portions of foods that are perceived as healthful. To avoid overeating, use a smaller

plate. It will encourage proper portion sizes. Also, start by filling your plate with vegetables and salad before going to the entrees and desserts. Research shows eating a salad before your meal can help you eat fewer calories overall. Eat slowly and savor every bite. Before you go back for seconds, wait 10 minutes to see if you really are still hungry. Including nutrient-rich foods in your diet is great, just remember that these foods have calories too, which should be taken into consideration with your whole eating plan. “And be mindful of alcohol consumption. Drink more water throughout a party

to quench your thirst and help keep the cocktails to one or two,” says Angelone. Remember to include at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your day to promote health during the holidays – and be sure to involve the whole family. For more healthy holiday tips and information, consult a registered dietitian nutritionist. To learn more and find an RDN in your area, visit www.eatright.org. Having healthful eating and exercise plans for holiday meals will help ensure success throughout the season and all yearlong. (STATEPOINT)

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GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

DECEMBER 2014

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Clever holiday entertaining DECEMBER 2014

GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

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SHORTCUTS BIG ON TASTE, LOW ON STRESS Entertaining done easy with 4 simple tips It’s the season for entertaining. Between the holidays, family gatherings and just needing an excuse to socialize during the long winter months, you’ll probably be organizing several fun parties and gatherings at your home. If you’re dreading the season because it feels like entertaining is so much work, the following tips will help you make this holiday season and beyond a breeze. Make lists If you’re a mobile device user, get a list started for everything you need. Any time you think of something, be sure to add it to the list immediately, or send yourself a reminder email so you can add it at a later time. These lists will help you keep everything organized and remind you of what you have left to achieve so you aren’t scrambling to make an appetizer or clean the bathroom at the last minute. Take short cuts Of course you want to show off your cooking skills, but that doesn’t mean you need to slave for hours in the kitchen preparing foods. Intricately decorated sugar cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, but sometimes simple shortcuts – like making bars rather than cookies – can make an event much less stressful. Ask for help Just because you’re hosting the party doesn’t mean you need to do all the work. When issuing invitations, specify what kind of a party it is. A potluck is great for family gatherings and parties. Just provide a list of items people should bring on the invite. Once the party is under way, ask a friend

to be in charge of keeping drinks filled, and have another friend monitor the music station, so you can enjoy the party as well. Keep it simple Often the simplest food options are the healthiest –something your guests might appreciate during this season of indulgence. For example, a fresh fruit or veggie tray is extremely simple to put together, because you won’t have to spend time in front of the stove or mix ingredients to bake in the oven. Continue to keep it simple, but add

a trendy touch by trading out the ranch dressing for a Greek yogurt dip or homemade hummus made with Simply Organic seasoning packets for additional flavor for your fresh fruit and veggie spread. No matter the type of party you are

hosting this season, a few trendy touches and clever food shortcuts will wow guests and keep them raving long after it has ended. Above all else, have fun and enjoy these special moments with loved ones because the memories will last a lifetime. (BPT)

Sugar Cookie Bars Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 1 egg 1 egg yolk 2 teaspoon Simply Organic vanilla extract Directions Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Line with parchment paper so the paper overhangs the edges. In a large bowl, stir the flour with the baking powder and salt, set aside. In a separate bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla. Slowly add the flour mixture until fully incorporated. Press mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Chill for 30 minutes and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until set in the center and edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting 1/3 cup butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic almond extract Sliced almonds Frosting directions Using an electric mixer, whip butter until light and fluffy. Beat in powdered sugar, milk and almond extract on low speed until smooth. Spread over cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle with almonds. Cut into 32 pieces.

How to gift the people who aren’t family Come the holiday season, many people find it’s not just family and friends on their shopping lists. Coworkers and acquaintances often land on such lists as well, and it’s not always easy deciding what to get those people who aren’t close friends or family members.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Boss Gifting the boss is a sensitive subject and should be dictated by company protocol. If you are the only employee to buy your boss a gift, it may seem like you are trying to curry favor. However, if everyone else is gifting and you fail to offer a gift, you may be caught off guard. Some business etiquette experts say that it is customary for bosses to give gifts to employees but not the reverse. However, employees who are especially close with their bosses or who work closely with them each day may want to offer a small token of appreciation. When selecting gifts for bosses, do not give anything too personal, such as clothing, perfume or jewelry. Food or gift cards are a safer bet. Experts say a gift in the range of $10 to $25 is adequate. Chipping in for a gift with other employees may be the best course of action so

you don’t inspire resentment among coworkers. Babysitter or nanny Caregivers play important roles in the lives of children. Once you have found a sitter or nanny who you trust, you want to ensure you keep that person content. If you regularly use a nanny or sitter, money is always a great gift. For a full-time nanny, one week to one month’s pay is adequate. For a regular sitter, consider a gift equal to two nights’ pay. Coach or club leader Children today are involved in many different activities, and chances are parents’ schedules are filled with sports games and practices. A small gift of $10 to $20 can show your appreciation to a coach or club leader. This is another instance when it might be nice to pool your resources with fellow parents to purchase one large gift. Mail carrier If your mail is delivered by the same mail carrier week after week, you may want to spread

some holiday joy. Mail carriers have an extra workload during the holidays, when they are tasked with delivering packages and greeting cards in addition to more routine mail. Civil servants may be forbidden from receiving cash. In such instances, a gift card makes a great gift. Trash collector Hauling garbage is neither an easy nor glamorous job. Many garbage collectors appreciate a tip for their hard work. Take notice of who collects the trash from your home. If it is the same people each week, take the time to personally deliver an envelope with a small tip of around $20. Hairstylist If you are a regular for frequent treatments and color in a salon, show the stylist you appreciate his or her work with a cash gift. If you want to give a wrapped present, avoid tools of the trade or anything that is too personal. Stylists are on their feet much of the day, so a gift for a massage appointment or pedicure may be just what they need.

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GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

DECEMBER 2014

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2014 Holiday Calendar of Events Shop downtown merchants this Holiday Season for great gift ideas and more!

Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 6 & 7 An Out-of-the-Box Christmas: Presented by the Lakeland Players All performances are 4 p.m. and tickets are $10. Available at Chamber Office - Walworth County Performing Arts Center (Sprague Theatre) 15 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn

December 5 Community Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Reception Sponsored by Peoples Bank. All are invited to Elkhorn’s downtown square as Santa Claus himself will light the town’s own Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. Then head over to Matheson Memorial Library for the Santa & Mrs. Claus Reception 6:45-8:00 p.m. Be sure to bring your camera to capture your child’s special moment with Santa!

December 6 & 7 Christmas Tree Walk The Walworth County Historical Society presents their 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Walk at the new Heritage Hall Facility from the Webster House. See many decorated trees from local businesses and organizations. Ornaments and other items will be available. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

December 6 Elkhorn VFW Memorial Post 6375 Holiday Pancake Breakfast A delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice, coffee, milk and hot chocolate at the Elkhorn Middle School cafeteria from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased through any VFW member or at the Elkhorn chamber. $6 in advance, $7 at the door, kids $4 For more information call the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center (262) 723-5788 or visit www.elkhornchamber.com

Elkhorn Chamber Gift Checks and Christmas Cards available at the Chamber Office Elkhorn Kiwanis Christmas Ornaments are available at our office as well!

December 6 2nd Annual Reindeer Run Sponsored by Elkhorn Recreational Department 5K Run/Walk at Sunset Park prior to the Christmas Parade. Medals awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age category and fastest male/female overall. Prizes for best holiday dressed. Registration 8:00 a.m. Race at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is $25, day of $30. To register for the run call 262-741-5114.Dec. 14 & 15

December 6 21st Annual Holiday Cookie Sale Buy your holiday cookies here starting at 10:00 a.m. until they’re sold out! Raffle prizes too! First Congregational Church at 76 S. Wisconsin Street.

December 6 33rd Annual Christmas Parade Sponsored by Elkhorn Chamber Come see the many floats, novelty acts, mascots and more parade though downtown Elkhorn. Downtown Elkhorn at 1:30 p m. For parade entry information call 262-723-5788.

December 20 & 21 A Child’s Nutcracker Performed by Toe to Toe Ballet at the Delavan Darien High School Auditorium. Tickets $10 and available at Toe to Toe Ballet School in Elkhorn and the Elkhorn Chamber. 10% of ticket sales will go to Agape House. Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

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186021

Christmas Open House Friday & Saturday Dec. 5-6 Special Savings Throughout the Store! Choose from our fine selection of leather shoes, boots, sweaters and handbags • Blondo Boots • Clarks • Dansko

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December 13 Holton Eklhorn Band Holiday Concert Holiday favorites performed at the Walworth County Performing Arts Center (Sprague Theatre) 15 W. Walworth Street, 7:30 p.m. Admission is Free - tickets no longer available.

December 25 Christmas Dinner Sponsored by the Elkhorn Kiwanis Club at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 104 S. Broad St. Free community meal from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m with a goodwill offering. 185973

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GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

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Holiday dinner the easy way Buffet entertaining tips and timesavers Buffet-style meals are often the best option for large gatherings of friends and family. Space constraints can make it difficult to sit everyone down for a formal meal, and buffets enable guests to mingle with one another while selecting only the foods they want to eat. These are not the only advantages to buffets, however. Plenty of dishes can be made in advance and stored in the freezer, providing hosts and hostesses a little breathing room. Meals can be prepared a few days in advance and heated up come the day of the festivities. Buffet service can work any time of the day and can include both cold and hot foods if they are kept at the right temperature. Explore these other tips for entertaining buffet-style: Present food in an easily accessible location. Place food on a table or counter that will not be in the way of foot traffic. Arrange dishes and cutlery at the head of the buffet line so guests can move in an orderly fashion as they select their food. Tie together utensils for ease. Group forks, knives and spoons with a cloth napkin and dish so guests can easily grab what they need for dining. Practice food safety. Hot dishes need

to be kept warm and cold dishes need to be placed on ice. Chafing dishes make this possible. Use chafing dishes and pans in combination with your serving plates. Heated elements or sternos under chafing dishes will keep foods steaming. Place crushed ice and water in a pan under cold foods to keep them chilled. Food should be removed if it has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours. Experiment with meals that keep. Stews, casseroles, soups, baked pasta dishes, and similar fare can be made in advance and frozen. Thaw these dishes in the refrigerator the day before the party, then heat up foods and serve for the buffet. Prepared foods purchased at a supermarket or specialty retailer also work well for buffets. Simply purchase and then set out for even less work. Weigh your catering options. Catering services can make easy work of holiday hosting but not without expense. Caterers may charge by the person or by each tray of food. Some will include table settings and rolls with the price; others may not. Calculate the costs of using a caterer and weigh them against the cost of doing the work yourself. Use plastic utensils for hot foods.

Metal spoons and forks can quickly heat up when sitting in hot serving dishes. Use plastic utensils so guests do not get burned. Keep dressings on the side. Salad dressings and other condiments can cause foods to wilt or get soggy. Have them nearby so guests can help themselves. Topless squirt bottles are easier to handle and can help limit spills. Be mindful of food allergies. Although you may have various foods available to meet the dietary needs of guests, do not place risky foods next to others. Crosscontamination can occur from spills or if a person uses the same serving spoon to dish out foods. Label food options so everyone knows what’s available. Ask a friend to help set up. Ask a close friend or family member to come over an hour or two early to help you set up the buffet and with any other lastminute touches. This will take some of the pressure off of you, and you can chat and enjoy yourself before your hosting duties begin. Frozen foods should be thoroughly wrapped. Only use freezer-safe bags and containers to store prepared foods. Otherwise you may run the risk of freezer burn or freezing, affecting the taste of the

final product. Keep in mind that many desserts, such as fruit pies, also can be frozen. It’s possible to make ahead just about everything for a holiday feast and simply thaw and reheat when the big day arrives. Create a good side dish ratio. Buffets should include a variety of side dishes. Select one or two main dishes and then vary the rest of the selection with rice, pasta, vegetables, or other favorite side dishes. Keep take-away containers on hand. You’re bound to make more food than you need, so send guests off with their own goodie bags to lighten the load on your leftovers. Encourage guests to fill up a container and take some food home with them. Lock pets away. An open, unattended buffet can seem like paradise to a hungry cat or dog. It’s not sanitary or particularly appealing for guests to catch a pet taking advantage of buffet fare. Keep pets in a bedroom or outside when the meal is being served. Buffets are a fine choice for big groups because they provide variety and the chance to mingle. (METRO CREATIVE)

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GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

DECEMBER 2014

Make it Easy to Give

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Decking the halls

DECEMBER 2014

GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

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Great gifts for film fans How to turn a love of theater into the perfect present

Some people can’t wait to get their hands dirty in the kitchen and try out a new recipe, and some people are movie buffs who can’t seem to get enough of their favorite films. For the latter, a holiday gift that plays to their passion for the big screen can make the season that much more special. The following are a handful of gift ideas that are sure to leave your loved one star-struck this holiday season. Vintage movie poster Many film fans adorn the walls of their homes with movie posters, so a vintage movie poster from your friend or family member’s favorite film makes a great gift. Go the extra mile and have the poster custom framed so it’s ready to be hung on the wall the moment your loved one opens his or her gift.

How to hang holiday lights Holiday lighting displays are a beloved tradition come December, as homeowners and businesses alike string lights to make the season even more festive. Stringing lights can be tricky, but the process can go smoothly if do-it-yourselfers employ a few tricks of the trade.

Best time to hang lights

Additional lighting tips Here are a few more tips for hanging holiday lights in and around your home: • Tailor lighting displays to the style of your home. Let them complement the architecture as well as the neighborhood. • Borrow ideas from neighbors, but do not copy them to a tee. • If you are new to the neighborhood, ask neighbors what is typical for lighting displays on your street. • Dress windows from the inside if you do not want to scale the exterior of your home. • Net lights and other products are designed to make covering bushes and trees easier.

The best time to hang out-door lights is before the weather gets especially cold and wet. Some people like to hang their lights before American Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November, while others hang their lights on the days after Thanksgiving. No matter when you hang your holiday lights, make sure you do so when the conditions outside are comfortable and safe. Even if you do not plan to hang the lights early in the season, start your preparation early. Remove the lights from storage and inspect them to check for bulb outages or frayed wires. Sketch out your lighting plan, including which architectural features of the home you plan to highlight. Set the groundwork by running and attaching extension cords and setting up any timers you plan to use.

keep the lights taut. Do not use staples or nails to hang lights, as they can wear away at the wire covering and insulation, creating an electrical fire hazard. It helps to have a buddy who can work with you when hanging your lights. This person can feed you strings of lights and also hold or adjust the ladder as needed.

First-time decorators

Getting started

If this is the first time you are lighting up your home’s exterior or if you are trying a new lighting scheme, use a tape measure to determine the width and height of the area you will cover. Then measure the length of each strip of lights you will use. Multiply accordingly to best estimate how many strings of lights will be needed. It’s much less stressful to have an extra box of lights on hand than to realize when you’re up on the roof that you have run out of lights and need to purchase more.

Light clips are handy

Invest in a few packages of light clips or nail-on fasteners. These devices attach to the gutters or siding to make it much easier to string up lights. If they are inconspicuous, some clip styles can be left up for several years, saving you more time in the years to come. Space the clips about 12 inches apart, or as needed to

Surround sound system This gift will require a considerable financial commitment, but no home theater system is complete without a state-of-the-art surround sound system. Surround sound systems give movie buffs the full movie theater experience from the comforts of home. If a surround sound system will bust your budget, consider splitting the cost with family members who are also looking to indulge this particular film fan’s passion. Outdoor theater screen For film buffs who miss the glory days of drive-in movie theaters, consider a portable outdoor movie theater screen. Such screens are large enough to entertain the whole family, whether it’s a backyard movie night on a warm summer evening or during a camping trip when film fans can relax under the stars and watch their favorite films. Screens won’t be too useful without a projector, so make sure your loved one already has a projector or suggest a family member purchase the projector and then present both gifts at the same time. Streaming subscription Few people now watch films on DVD, as streaming services have become the go-to means to watching the films of the past and present. Sign your loved one up for subscription to a service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, and he or she will have instant access to thousands of films. Books If your favorite film aficionado is not just enamored with movies but the behind-the-scenes business of making films, stuff a book or two into his or her stocking. Numerous books have been written about the nuts and bolts of moviemaking, and even more memoirs or tell-alls have shared the Hollywood gossip or insider details that few film fans can resist. (METRO CREATIVE)

Once your equipment is in place, start at the closest electrical outlet. Continue to work around the perimeter of the home, clipping the lights and adding new strands as necessary. Remember to pay attention to the electrical load limit for the outlet. Do not connect too many strings of lights together. If necessary, use multiple outlets and ensure the outlet and a timer (if used) can handle the combined amperage of all the light strings. Use caution when working with strings of lights. They are not very durable and it may not take much tugging or bending to break wires and render the strings unusable. If stringing holiday lights makes you nervous, consider hiring a professional decorating service to hang them for you. Such companies will hang your lights and create impressive lighting displays. (METRO CREATIVE)

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GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

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Gifts for the trend-setter, go-getter and romanticat-heart Gift giving doesn’t come naturally to everyone. If you’re struggling to find the perfect present, or if you just need some inspiration, Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist Lawrence VonRompf has tips to help you please all the women on your holiday shopping list. What makes a great gift? A little pampering goes a long way. Put together a sampling of her favorite bath and body products and fragrances and personalize it to show you put thought into the gift. For example, include a monogrammed item like a scented candle or put all the products in a monogrammed gift box. For the fashionista who has everything Don’t waste time and money trying to

find the latest and greatest in style – she probably already has it. Instead, VonRumpf suggests enhancing her collection with nail polish or lipstick in the season’s hottest colors and shades. “Nail polishes make great gifts because the unique colors add a personal touch,” he says. “I love the colors in the LimitedEdition Mary Kay At Play Hail to the Nails Mini Nail Trio for this season. On the New York Fashion Week runways, navy blue was clearly the new black and Mary Kay’s nail lacquer in Inky Blue aligns perfectly with this trend!” Match her personality It’s easier to find the right gift if you know her tastes in fashion, style, music or even favorite colors, VonRumpf says. Also consider her interests – would she prefer a spa day or a camping trip? A good rule

of thumb is to choose a gift she wouldn’t expect – or purchase herself. For the woman who does everything Moms are the epitome of hardworking women and deserve a little “me” time. Surprise her – or another under appreciated woman in your life – with a pampering gift to make her feel special and loved. “I’d like to give my mom two things: a chance to unwind and time we can spend together. My favorite product for her is the Limited-Edition Mary Kay Pomegranate Satin Hands Pampering Set,” VonRumpf says. “For a personal touch, pair the set with a gift card or a trip to her favorite nail salon and get a manicure together.” Under the mistletoe Whether it’s a budding romance or a long-term relationship, surprise her with

something thoughtful and personal. A scented gift works perfectly, as it offers a touch of personality and will also remind her of you every time she smells it. “Mary Kay’s Limited-Edition Winter Wishes Fragrance Wand has citrus, jasmine and snow apple notes, so it is festive for the season, but also smells great on anyone,” says VonRumpf. “The fragrance wand is easy to travel with, so for a truly memorable gift, I suggest pairing it with a little weekend getaway for you and that special someone.” With these tips, finding the perfect gift for the lucky ladies on your list will be a cinch this holiday season. So get your shopping done early, relax and wait to see the look of joy on her face when she opens your present! (BPT)

The final rush

Strategies for last-minute shoppers Holiday shoppers tend to fall into three distinct camps. There are those people who have completed all of their shopping and wrapping even before November ends. Others shop in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Finally, many people wait until the last minute, and such shoppers are the ones seen rushing from store to store on Dec. 24. Waiting until the last possible second to purchase a gift may not prove much of a problem when shopping for birthday gifts. But come the holiday season, such procrastination may find shoppers perusing limited inventories and dealing with other frantic procrastinators. But even those shoppers who still plan to put off their holiday shopping can make the most of such stalling this holiday season.

Consider eGift cards Many retailers offer digital gift cards that can be emailed in a matter of minutes. Purchase the card from the online retailer and email the redemption code to the gift recipient. Time the email to arrive on Christmas morning or include all of the necessary information in a holiday card. Ship to store Some shoppers like the convenience of ship-to-store services. This enables a person to purchase a gift online but avoid shipping charges by having the item made available at a store location. In-stock items are typically ready the day of purchase, and this helps you avoid crowds and impulse buys, as online purchases are typically available at special pick-up locations in the store that allow online shoppers to skip long lines at the registers.

Avoid gimmick gifts Skip the “as seen on TV” aisle at the store or trendy infomercial gifts. Such gifts may suggest to their recipients that you waited until the last minute to buy the gifts and then really didn’t have any good ideas. Be ready to pay more Expect extra charges and factor such charges into your budget. Procrastinating may work for your schedule, but expect to pay more if you shop online and require shipping. You will probably need to expedite shipping if you expect to have gifts delivered on time. Verify the delivery date before making any purchases. Paying more for shipping may outweigh the hassle of driving to store after store searching for gifts. Online retailers like Amazon

may even offer selective delivery on Christmas Eve. Check store hours Some stores offer extended shopping hours to meet the needs of last-minute shoppers. You may be able to visit early morning or late at night to skip the crowds. Certain department stores time sales with these extended hours, such as “early bird” or “night owl” specials, so you may even be rewarded for procrastinating. Shop smaller retailers One way to avoid the hassles that often come with holiday shopping is to patronize smaller, independent shops. Chances are the crowds will be smaller at these shops and you may have access to a more unique selection of gifts than you would find at the nearby mall. (METRO CREATIVE)

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Tips for a successful, stress-free holiday travel season Millions of people fly the friendly skies, ride the rails or hit the highway come the holiday season. Such travel can be both expensive and stressful. But holiday travel need not be so costly or tense. The following are a handful of tips to help travelers enjoy successful and stressfree travel this holiday season: Reserve early Fares only rise as the holidays draw closer. It’s unlikely you will score a lastminute deal by waiting until the last minute to book holiday travel, as discount fares are largely a thing of past. If your travel schedule is inflexible, book as early as possible. You might be able to save some money if you have some flexibility with regard to your travel schedule. Fly on the holiday Very often flying on popular holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, is less expensive than flying on the surrounding days. If your goal is to save money and you don’t mind showing up on the holiday itself, then flying on the holiday may earn you the most savings. Book a business hotel Hotels that cater to business clientele in big cities often reduce their rates during the holidays, when business travel tends to wane.

Skip the big airports Consider flying into and out of smaller airports. What they lack in size, number of flights and modern comforts, smaller airports can make up for in fewer delays and smaller crowds. Flying into and out of a smaller airport may be especially advantageous if such an airport is closer to your home or final destination. Get pre-screened security clearance The TSA Pre-Check Program enables some people to move quickly through security checkpoints. This can help save a considerable amount of time. Visit www. tsa.gov to learn who qualifies. Go unwrapped Do not wrap gifts prior to traveling. If you must bring gifts along, your move through security will likely be quicker if those gifts are not wrapped. Unwrapped gifts save officers the time of removing wrapping paper to inspect what’s inside, so reserve the wrapping for when you arrive at your destination. Have alternate plans Unforeseeable delays or cancellations can turn even the most carefully planned itinerary on its head. Keep phone numbers for taxi services and hotels handy just in case your flight is delayed and you do not

want to spend a night at the airport.

during the offseason.

Avoid popular holiday destinations One way to avoid the holiday crowds is to head off for parts of the world that are not celebrating the same holiday as you. Such locales likely won’t attract as many tourists as other parts of the world, and you might be able to save money by visiting

Take your turn hosting People who do the holiday hosting do not have to worry about holiday travel at all. Even though it can mean more prep work and cleanup, hosting duty saves you the headaches and expenses of holiday travel. (METRO CREATIVE)

Celebrate and stay true to your budget this holiday season The holiday season is a joyous time of year dominated by family reunions and seasonal soirees. And while kindness is a theme of the holiday season, this time of year can be especially unkind to personal budgets, many of which get stretched thin in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Travel and shopping tend to do the most damage to budgets come the holiday season, when people hit the road to see family and friends, often with numerous gifts in tow. But the holiday season does not have to be so harsh on personal budgets, especially for those men and women who employ a few tricks of the trade to lighten their financial burdens during this festive time of year.

Set spending limits Many families, especially those that are very large, establish spending limits with regard to how much each person can spend on gifts for their loved ones. Such limits still allow holiday celebrants to exchange gifts with their family members, but limits help celebrants reign in their holiday spending as well. No one wants to begin the new year with heaps of debt or an empty bank account, so don’t be afraid to propose such spending limits to your relatives. Share hosting duties In addition to travel and shopping, hosting holiday parties requires a considerable financial commitment on the part of the host. Rather than forcing holiday hosts to shoulder that burden on their own, families can share the hosting duties, even if the party is still slated to take place at one person’s home. Make the holiday dinner a potluck affair so holiday hosts don’t have to assume the cost of the entire meal on their own. Request family members bring certain items, asking one person to provide beverages for the night while another takes

care of dessert. Sharing such duties makes the cost of hosting a large holiday dinner much more manageable while freeing up time that holiday hosts can spend with their loved ones.

Make your own decorations Holiday decorations go a long way toward feeding the festive atmosphere of the season. But store-bought decorations can be expensive. Instead of outsourcing your holiday decorating, make homemade decorations with materials purchased at a nearby arts and crafts store. Gather the family together for a crafts night and enjoy this time spent together during what’s typically a hectic time of year. Homemade decorations also create lasting memories, as you and your family can enjoy reflecting on the fruits of your labors every holiday season for years to come. Start shopping early One way to stretch your holiday shopping budget is to start shopping early. Though many holiday shoppers have been given such advice, very few take it to heart. Shopping early affords you more time to find deals and comparison shop, and beginning your search for gifts early allows you to patiently wait for sales or other discounts that might not be available once the holiday season hits full swing. If you plan to purchase any big-ticket items well in advance of the holiday season, first confirm the return policy, specifically how long you have to return the gift, as you don’t want your loved one to end up with a gift they can’t return if necessary. The holiday season finds many people stretching their budgets. But men and women can employ several strategies to save money while still enjoying a memorable and festive holiday season. (METRO CREATIVE)

GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

DECEMBER 2014

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GIFT GUIDE SECOND EDITION

DECEMBER 2014

Gifts for the woodworkers and

DO-IT-YOURSELFERS on your list