Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Monday, December 15, 2014


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western maine holiday

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014

Take a break and read a Christmas story By Sharon Bouchard Feature Writer

Cricket on The Hearth.'”

The closer it gets to the “big day” and Santa’s nocturnal visit the more excited the little ones get. No matter how many times they are reminded that Santa will know if they are naughty or nice, they still have a hard time settling down. If a parent can take the time out of their busy holiday season and cuddle up with the kids and a good Christmas story, the calming effect and quality time will be worth the break from the hustle and bustle for both parent and child. “T he a l l t i me classic 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens is always a good choice,” said Mike Dignan, head librarian of the South Paris Public Library. “But, Dickens also wrote another great Christmas book entitled 'A

"A Cricket on the Hearth and Ot her Christmas Stories" includes the title stor y, a fable about home life in the Victorian era; "The Holly Tree," a tale about love at a country inn and "The Haunted House," an entertaining account of a belligerent ghost. There is always "The Drummer Boy" by Kristina Rodanas, a holiday staple. Also read "Drummer Boy" by Loren Long, which is a slightly different version of the classic tale. "The Remarkable Christmas of the Cobbler’s Sons" is a nice story by Ruth Sawyer about a mischievous goblin king who brings Christmas magic and joy into the lives of Fritzl, Franzl and Hansl, the sons of a very poor cobbler. “Both children and adults

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can enjoy Norman Rockwell’s 'Deck the Halls,'” said Christie Wessels, children’s librarian of the South Paris Public Library. “The book is lovely to look at and has the words to the song.” Also in the Norman Rockwell series are "Jingle Bells," "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" and "What Child is This." For a little diversity and teaching children about other cultures there is "Seven Spools to a Thread, A Kwanzaa Story" by Angela Shelf Medearis. The stor y is about seven brothers from an African village who were always fighting. When their father passed away the will he left stated that the seven brothers would have to make gold out of seven spools by sundown or become beggars. A lesson in co-operation and love; a good lesson for all.

Sharon Bouchard photo

Take a break with the kids and visit your local library. “Both children and adults can enjoy Norman Rockwell’s 'Deck the Halls,'” said Christie Wessels, children’s librarian of the South Paris Public Library. “The book is lovely to look at and has the words to the song.” Smaller children might enjoy "Happy Hanukkah," a Curious George, tabbed board-book by

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western maine holiday

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014

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Unique and nutty twists on traditional holiday recipes By Brandpoint

because the potatoes can be microwaved in just 15 minutes.

With the holidays fast approaching it's time to enjoy some of the season's tastiest foods. Small twists can turn a traditional dish into a holiday classic.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

The good news is it's simple to add a fresh twist to holiday favorites with easy additions like Fisher Nuts.

Yield: 8 servings

Chef A lex Gua rnaschelli, a n Iron Chef a nd expert on Food Network , said that nuts are one of the most versatile ingredients to use when reinventing dishes. Here are her top five tips for cooking with nuts: 1. Cranberry sauce with a tiny grate of orange zest and a handful of toasted almonds stirred in at the last minute puts a simple but tasty twist on a staple Thanksgiving side dish. 2. Want rich, thick gravy with no lumps? Thicken gravy with ground nuts instead of flour. Simply separate a little of the gravy in a bowl and blend with ground walnuts until smooth. Then just whisk it back in the pot with the remaining gravy. 3. Spruce up holiday side dishes by stirring in some toasted pecans or almonds. Top gratins with a thin layer or stir a handful into sauteed or braised vegetables. The nuts bring out the earthy flavors of vegetables, adding richness without making dishes too heavy.

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: • 4 large sweet potatoes, about 3 pounds • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, divided • 1 teaspoon orange zest, packed • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided • 3/4 cup Fisher Pecan Halves, coarsely chopped • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Small twists can turn a traditional dish into a holiday classic.

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Directions:

4. Stir together melted semi-sweet chocolate and a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. Add a pinch of cinnamon and roll into bite-size candies. It's an easy way to have something different than a pie or cookies for the holidays. Plus it's gluten free.

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.

5. Make nuts part of any season by toasting them in a little warm olive oil over medium heat. When the nuts are toasted and coated in the oil, stir in any fresh herb (for example, rosemary for winter or basil for summer) and allow the herbs to gently crisp up and meld with the nuts. Serve as is with a pinch of salt.

3. Topping: Meanwhile, combine the pecans, flour, sugars, cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to blend. Mix in 1/4 cup butter. The topping should form sandy clumps. Refrigerate.

These five tips can help you transform traditional holiday fare into instant classics. To "wow" guests, try this tasty recipe from Chef Guarnaschelli at your next gathering:

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecans Sweet potatoes are at their best when combined w ith something sweet. This recipe blends flavors reminiscent of a cinnamon-infused pecan coffee cake topping and pairs them with sweet potatoes for a change from the more traditional marshmallow topped casserole. Plus, it's perfect for busy cooks

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2. Pierce sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Microwave on high for 15 minutes or until completely cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle.

4. Split the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh inside. Arrange the sweet potato "halves" on a baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine the sweet potato flesh with the remaining 1/4 cup butter, orange zest and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spoon the filling back into each potato half and top with the topping on a baking tray. Place the tray in the center of the oven and bake until the topping browns, 15 to 20 minutes.

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, an Iron Chef and expert on Food Network , said that nuts are one of the most versatile ingredients to use when reinventing dishes.

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western maine holiday

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014

New year's celebrations around the world By Sam Erickson Feature Writer

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There are very few global celebrations, but New Year's Eve comes closest. Celebrated by most of the world, New Year's Eve is a seen as a time for opportunity, hope and renewal. While there are a lot of similar traditions across the globe, how the day is celebrated in Phuket is much different than how it is celebrated in Portland. If you're looking to shake up a staid holiday festival or if you are just looking to add a touch of global elan to your party, consider incorporating some of these holiday traditions. In Ecuador, elaborate dolls called Old Years are made representing people and events, of ten pol it ica l f ig u res t hat t he ma kers disagree with. Sometimes, they are even stuffed with firecrackers. At the stroke of midnight, these effigies are lit on fire to demonstrate the burning away of the old year and the beginning of the new one. Some people will also walk around the block with a suitcase, which is said to bring the person their dream journey in the coming year. It is also customary in Ecuador to wear yellow underwear, as it is thought this will bring good luck through the New Year. The traditions of Ecuador are closely related to those in Mexico and Spain. Many Mexicans will wear yellow underwear on New Year's Eve if they want to find money in the New Year; those who are interested in finding love will wear red underwear. Dolls are made out of old clothes and burned throughout Mexico as a way to burn away the old year. It is also

custom to eat a grape with each chime of the bells that ring in the New Year while making a wish. Each grape corresponds with a month of the year. If the grape is sweet, it is said that that month will be a good one. In the Philippines, it is traditional to spend the New Year with family and friends at a small dinner. Roasted pig and ham are often on the menu, as many cultures associate them with good luck. Filipinos often choose to wear colorful clothes with circular patterns like polka dots. The color of the clothes is a sign that the wearer is welcoming the New Year, while the circles are a sign of a long-held belief that they will attract money. Perhaps one of the most unique beliefs is that jumping up high will bring an increase in height during the next year. Perhaps the most ancient traditions happen in Japan. Instead of sending Christmas cards, the Japanese send cards to arrive on New Year's Day so that they can tell those they don't often see how they are doing. They also eat a selection of foods that date back to the times before refrigeration, often consisting of dried, sour or preserved foods, as most shops are closed for the day. Small, decorated envelopes are also given away to children with money inside. Whatever tradition you choose to follow on New Year's, rest assured that there are literally millions-perhaps even billions-of people celebrating the evening w ith you. W hile everyone has their own unique way to ring in the New Year, it is the one celebration that most people in the world share.


western maine holiday

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014

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Find the perfect gift for the music lover on your list By Brandpoint W hile most people t r u ly enjoy t he hol iday season, it can also bring a con sider able a mou nt of stress. One commonly reported cause of holiday stress is shopping for gifts.

Here comes Santa Claus! Here comes Santa Claus! Right down Santa Claus Lane! Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeerare pulling on the reins. Bells are ringing, children singing;

Select i ng t he r ig ht g i f t for s ome one c a n b e a dau nt i ng ta sk. W hen choosing a gift, try to find something that relates back to the recipient's interests, hobbies or pastimes. One popular hobby for people of all ages is listening to music. To make this holiday shopping season a little bit easier, here are a few ideas sure to "wow" the music fan on your gift list.

For the record aficionado. Across the country, record sa les have seen a recent resu rgence. Most major labels offer LP versions of newly released music and a growing number of classic albums are being reissued on vinyl. The obvious gift to consider for a record neophyte on your shopping list is a good turntable. Re c ord s shou ld a lw ay s be stored upright, never st acke d one on top of another, so storage cases that securely keep albums ver t ica l a re per fect for record newbies. For any serious collectors on your shopping list, search your neighborhood record store, A ma z on.c om or on l i ne a lbu m dea ler s for f i r st pressings, which deliver audio quality close to the original master disc.

All is merry and bright. Hang your stockings and say your prayers,' Cause Santa Claus comes tonight. Here comes Santa Claus! Here comes Santa Claus! Right down Santa Claus Lane! He's got a bag that is filled with toys for the boys and girls again. Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle, What a beautiful sight. Jump in bed, cover up your head, ‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

One popular hobby for people of all ages is listening to music.

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For the music lover on the go. Help your loved ones listen to t hei r f avor ite t u ne s any time, any where w ith a portable travel speaker. Travel speakers should be sma ll enough to f it into a ca r r y-on or back pack pocket yet durable enough to withstand life on the go. Also, look for new wireless offerings that allow users to stream music from their smartphone or device, no docking or cords required. The compact and portable TDK Life on Record Wireless We a t h e r p r o o f S p e a k e r feat u res Bluetoot h ( R) wireless audio streaming and a sleek, weatherized design that protects it from t he element s i nclud i ng water and dust.

Get them listening with the perfect headphones. A good pair of headphones is the must-have accessory for any music fan. Headphone quality has a large impact on sound, so getting the right pair is key. Look for sets w ith special features including in-line iPhone/smart device controls or w i reless opt ion s t hat remove the limitations and restrictions of a cord. With a wide variety of price points to choose from and different designs available - in-ear, on-ear, full-sized and more - you're sure to find a pair for anyone on your list.

Supply them with the music they crave.

Online music ser v ices are more popu la r t ha n ever before. Give your loved ones t he g if t of u n inter r upted streaming with an upgraded Spotify or Pandora account. For a sma l l mont h ly fee, your friends and family will be upgraded to a subscriber account free of disruptive advertisements. If you're unsure of which s t r e a m i n g s e r v i c e y ou r friends use or you don't want to buy a subscription, gift cards are anot her option. Pandora and Spotify both sell gift cards online and these cards are also available at big box retailers across the country. For more information and gift ideas sure to please the music fan on your shopping list, go to w w w.td k per for ma nce. com. 113 River Road, Livermore, Maine

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western maine holiday

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014

Stress-free holiday hosting tips By MetroCreative

Enlist help.

Gatherings with friends and family are a big part of the holiday season. Many people travel during the holidays to spend time with distant relatives, but those same people often want to gather with those loved ones who live nearby as well.

Just because a holiday party is at your home does not mean others can't pitch in or will be unwilling to help. If you plan to decorate for the party, invite a friend over to assist.

T hu s a n a bu nd a nc e of gatherings comes in December, when office parties, dinners with family and festivities with friends have a way of dominating the last five weeks of the year. A l l of t hos e gat her i ng s translate to a lot of holiday hosting, and hosts can easily feel overwhelmed as they try to juggle hosting duties with everything else that comes along during this time of year. The following are a few steps holiday hosts can take to make hosting a lot less hectic and a lot more fun.

W hen host i ng a hol iday dinner party, ask guests to bring certain items to save you some work. Ask one guest to bring some dessert, saving you the time it takes to visit the local bakery or bake your own desserts, and ask others to provide side dishes. This drastically reduces the time it will take you to shop for groceries and cook the meal, leaving you more time to spend with friends and family, both during the party and in the days leading up to the festivities.

Plan well in advance. The earlier you begin planning t he part y, t he less stress you're likely to feel as a host.

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Have a theme for the party.

The earlier you begin planning the party, the less stress you're likely to feel as a host. Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain snacks and beverages, have no expiration dates, so buy such items well in advance of the party. This leads to one less task to tackle in the weeks and days leading up to the party. Planning early also affords you ample time coordinate with guests and decide who will be responsible for certain party tasks. Planning a party at the last minute can be stressful, so if you know you will be handling hosting duties this holiday season, start preparing for the party as soon as possible.

Hire a cleaning service. One of the more difficult parts of holiday hosting is cleaning the house before guests arrive. A thorough house cleaning can take up a substantial amount of time, which tends to be hard to come by during the holiday season.

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Holiday hosts may worr y about how to entertain their guests throughout the party. A theme party makes it easier to enter ta in g uests, who can show up decked out in holiday pajamas or sweaters or bring along a favorite unique compilation of holiday songs for a sing-along. Such themes set a tone for the party right away and often make it easier for guests to unwind immediately. Seek suggestions for a theme from your guests to make the party even more fun.

Pass the buck. Hosting a holiday dinner party? Consider passing the hosting duties on to a local restaurant, especially if your friends and family members are on board with the idea. If your schedule is especially hectic this holiday season, then move the party from your home to a local restaurant, where the staff can worry about accommodating your guests and you can simply relax and have a good time with your loved ones. When choosing a restaurant, look for one with a menu that features something for everyone. Entree selections should include a pasta dish, a beef dish, a seafood dish, a poultry dish, and vegetarian fare. Holiday hosting is meant to be fun, but hosts often find themselves scrambling to prepare for the party as it draws closer. Planning early, seeking help and input from your guests and delegating certain tasks can help ensure hosts have as festive a time as their friends and family members.

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western maine holiday

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014

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Gift returns done right By MetroCreative Gift returns are inevitable come the holiday season. No matter how much thought shoppers put into gifts for their loved ones, chances are someone is going to return one of those gifts. Clothing may not fit or a gift might be a duplicate, while other gifts simply don't tickle a recipient's fancy. But returns should not be taken as a personal slight, and men and women can take steps to make the process of returning gifts a lot easier.

Givers There are many ways to facilitate the process of exchanging gifts or making returns, including finding a gift that is less likely to be retuned. In a survey for the popular department store Kohl's, researchers found that clothing, items for the home and beauty and fragrance items were the gifts most likely to be returned. So shoppers may want to avoid such gifts this holiday season. A not her way to ma ke returning or exchanging gifts easier is to make note of the policies governing such returns and exchanges. Such policies are often posted near checkout areas and are outlined on the back of printed receipts. Before embarking on a shopping trip, shoppers can visit a retailer's Web site

and familiarize themselves w ith its return policies. If rules are unclear, ask an employee. Shoppers also can shop at stores that allow consumers ample time to return or exchanges gifts. This allows your loved ones to return or excha nge a g i f t when it's most convenient for them. Many retailers have recognized t he advantages to having more liberal return policies. A recent survey by ConsumerWorld.org identified which retailers have made changes and which have maintained the same return policies. A ma zon, Best Buy, Costco, Koh l's, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx were found to be the retailers with the most generous regular or holiday return deadlines. Choosing retailers with more lenient return and exchange policies can make things easier on your loved ones. Shoppers also should include a gift receipt with gifts. This shows recipients that you have their needs in mind and want to make the process of exchanging or returning a gift as easy as possible. Without a receipt, recipients may not get the full value of the item at its time of purchase and only get credited with the current price of the item. Prices are often slashed in the days following the holidays. Many stores have become more stringent with their return policies in an attempt to avoid fraud. As

a result, receipts are essential because without a receipt stores cannot verify purchases or issue a refund or exchange. Cer ta in stores w ill a llow a cer ta in number of returns without a receipt, but these are carefully recorded and linked to a shopper's driver's license number. This makes it easier for retailers to monitor serial returners. Some retailers even refuse returns without receipts.

Recipients Tr y to m a ke ret u r n s du r i ng le s s busy t i mes of t he day. Long l i nes at t he c u stomer s er v ic e c ou nter are commonplace in the days after No matter how much thought shoppers put into gifts for their loved ones, Christmas. C he ck t he re c eipt for t he ret u r n deadline, and try to wait at least a week or two after the holiday rush is over, eventually visiting the store in the early morning or late evening when crowds typically have thinned. Ret u r ns for on line pu rchases may be challenging. Some retailers allow returns at their brick-and-mortar stores, while others require consumers to mail back the item. Some stores will only offer store credit instead of a cash refund or replacement of funds on a credit card. Online returns may require the help of the person who gave you the gift.

Use coupons to save on holiday purchases By MetroCreative Coupons have long been helpi ng consumers save a few dollars on everything from supermarket staples to toys and more. Scouring for coupons and using them effectively has evolved into an art form, with some savvy coupon users paying next to nothing for carts full of merchandise. The average shopper may have little experience at finding coupons, but he or she can still save some money. As the holiday season approaches, it's likely that coupon usage will once again be widespread. Here are some ways to put coupons to good use. • Shop at stores that allow coupon stacking.

Many store policies only allow shoppers one coupon per purchase. But a select few allow shoppers to stack coupons to save more money. In such situations, shoppers may be able to combine dollar-value-off coupons with percentage-off coupons. In addition, some stores may not limit the number of coupons shoppers can use on a single transaction. Shopping at these stores with more flexible, consumer-friendly coupon policies can add up to significant savings over the course of the holiday shopping season. • Check the restrictions before heading to the store. When planning to use coupons, shoppers should verify the fine print on the coupon before entering the store. Some coupons restrict which items can be

chances are someone is going to return one of those gifts.

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western maine holiday

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014

Please the coffee and tea lovers on your holiday list By NAPSI Any time is the right time to treat the coffee or tea lovers in your life to an unexpected gift, but the holidays provide an excellent excuse to show them how much you care. Follow these tips and soon you’ll be

Read a Story from page 2

and a good stress reliever is to take some downtime to relax with a book. John Grisham fans might find "Skipping Christmas" an enticing idea, but it’s also a good story about Luther and Nora Krank. The Kranks are going on a cruise on Dec. 25 and figured they might just as well skip Christmas. They find that skipping the biggest holiday of the year is not as easy as they thought.

known as having the gift of giftgiving.

a special occasion. Just don’t hand-knitted coffee cozy could be just the thing. forget where you put it.

• Keep your eyes open all yearround: Whenever you see the perfect teapot, sugar bowl or set of spoons on sale that reminds you of that special someone, be sure to buy it and save it for

• You don’t have to spend a fortune for your gift to look like a million. Instead of that luxury espresso maker, look for clever tea infusers or vintage tea tins. Don’t forget a personal touch. A

"Visions of Sugar Plums: A Stephanie Plum Holiday Story" by Janet Evanovich is a holiday version of Stephanie Plum’s misfortunes, zany adventures, high jinx and a happy, but twisted, ending. "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson is another story that can be enjoyed by adults as well as children. This is a tale of the worst kids in the history of the world who take over the annual church C h r ist ma s pagea nt. T he church members are in shock and worried. The bad boys

• Think about your loved one’s unique tastes. Treat you r favor ite hostess, environmentalist, trendsetter or coffee/tea lover to this hol iday sea son’s ne west stocking stuffer, Joco cup. These glass reusable coffee present their version of the cups are created to enhance Christmas story, which is hardly their daily cup of tea or coffee recognizable as the church and keep Mother Nature happy. members know. Un l i ke paper or pla st ic, glass won’t affect the flavor, and enjoying the drink in a reusable cup will cut down on waste. Each dishwasher- and microwave-safe cup features an ergonomic, splash-safe, silicone lid designed to ensure Reading is a great way to spend you’re drinking your morning time with excited little ones or brew, not wearing it, and a to spend some time for yourself. Books, whether holiday related or just a darn good story also make excellent gifts. Check a book store in your area for from page 7 outstanding gift ideas. The number of holiday books celebrating all traditions and cultures is endless. There is a book suitable for all ages and reading levels available at your local library.

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• Brown is the new black. From a purely fashion point of view -- and this applies to Argyle diamonds set in giftable rings, bracelets, earrings, etc. -- the

thermal sleeve that keeps coffee hot and hands cool. The 12-oz or 16-oz cups come in black, blue, lemon, lime, mint, orange, pink, purple, red or white. Use or serve a Joco cup this holiday season with a cheerful new take on the classic Chai Tea: Chai Tea • 1 cup water • 1 cup whole milk • 1 Earl Grey tea bag • 2 tablespoons honey • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 cinnamon stick • 3 whole cloves • Pinch cardamom • Pinch nutmeg • Pinch ginger In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add remaining ingredients and reduce heat to

doesn't mean such coupons are nonexistent. Search popular coupon Web sites for online coupon codes or printable in-store coupons. Merchandise can even be shipped to the store, which is usually free, to save you even more on shipping costs for items purchased online. • Purchase more to save. It may seem counterintuitive, but very often larger purchases qualify shoppers for steep discounts. Consider doing all of your shopping at one retailer and then taking advantage of coupons that deduct a certain champagne stones, especially (which get their distinctive hue from nitrogen atoms present at their formation), work well with all the bright-colored clothes the fashion mags have decreed women should be wearing right now. And guess what? Those fashion plates, especially, don't think of themselves as ordinary. Or, as jewelry and style expert Michael O'Connor said: "It's not just that people want to feel good about having made env i ron menta l ly f r iend ly choices. They also want things

You can give the gifts of comfort and class when you present a set of smart glass coffee cups. low. Cover and simmer gently for 3 minutes. Strain into 2 Joco cups and top with a pinch of nutmeg. For an extra kick, stir 1 ounce brandy into each cup. The cups, which are also a fantastic way to take cold drinks, hot chocolate, mulled cider or other beverages on the go, are available at select retailers and at www.jococups. com/usa.

percentage of you r tota l purchase. It could be worth it if you spend just a little bit more. • Keep track of your coupons. Coupons are no use to you if you lose them before you begin your holiday shopping. Keep them in a safe location and then remember to bring them with you when shopping for the holidays. Some coupons can be used repeatedly, so do not discard them after use. When used effectively, coupons can save holiday shoppers a substantial amount of money.

that are unusual and different from what their friends have, and these are diamonds with a story." • T he pr ice is r ig ht. Undoubtedly, cost wasn't a factor in model Heidi Klum's decision to don brown Argyle diamond earrings and ring for an Oscars-related event. But for the rest of us, it's nice to know that Argyle diamonds are actually affordable. L e a r n m o r e a t w w w. diamondswithastory.com.


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