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Finding a perfect gift for the person who has everything Holiday shoppers know all too well about the endless and often exhausting search for the perfect holiday gift. Such a search most often surrounds that one stickler on everyone's holiday shopping list, the person who seemingly has it all and annually proves puzzling to shop for. While the popularity of online retailers has helped frazzled shoppers avoid long lines at the mall and crowded parking lots, it's still hard to find the perfect gift for that enigmatic friend or family
member. This holiday season, consider the following tips to make even the most difficult person on your list a cinch to shop for. ☛ Don't overlook cold hard cash. Money might seem impersonal, but it carries far less of a stigma this year than it has in years past. As the economy continues to struggle, few people are in a position to scoff at a few extra dollars come the holiday season. For the person who has everything already, money might just make the perfect gift. If
you're reticent to give cold hard cash, consider a gift card to a favorite retailer or even a prepaid gas card that offers some relief at the increasingly pricey pump. ☛ Get creative. Creativity is often at the core of the perfect and thoughtful gift. Such was the case when Jera Deal, a mother of three and a school mother for her daughter Julianna's preschool class, found herself hunting for the ideal gift to give Julianna's teacher for her wedding. Hoping to go beyond the gifts
listed in the registry, Deal decided to turn a playful game she and her family enjoyed while walking in the park into a creative gift idea. To aid in their children's alphabet lessons, Jera, her husband, Brad, and their three girls began "letter hunting" on walks in the park, looking for different "letters" in nature (sticks) and architecture (stones). For each letter they found, they would take a photograph, soon collecting the entire alphabet. While the game initially
started as a playful and creative way to help her daughters learn the alphabet, Jera Deal turned that game into an ideal gift for her daughter's teacher, custom framing the letters from her now extensive library to spell out the teacher's new last name. "It was a gift from the class, so I knew it had to be really special and really unique, and something that she would never forget where it came from," says Jera. The gift proved to be just that, and the Deals soon dis-
Saturday, December 10, 2011 covered their idea that started as a game with their kids was also a perfect means to giving a thoughtful, unique and creative gift. In less than three years, Sticks and StonesTM grew from a thoughtful idea for a teacher's wedding gift into a successful business, garnering nationwide recognition on televisions shows such as
"The Rachael Ray Show" and "The Martha Stewart Show," not to mention a personal recommendation from one of television's biggest stars. "If you want to give someone a totally original keepsake -- here it is," says Oprah Winfrey, who gave one to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes as a wedding present. "This is the
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perfect gift for the person who has everything because no one has anything like this!" Sticks and StonesTM offers an extensive gallery of letters in both nature and architecture. Shoppers can choose which letters to use, ensuring no two creations will ever be the same. To learn more, visit www.CreateSticksAndStones.com
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Christmastime Trivia
1. Where is the world's largest Christmas tree? 2. Who was the star of the Christmas movie, “Jingle All The Way”? 3. What is the first name of Scrooge? 4. How many reindeer drive Santa's sleigh (counting Rudolph)? 5. Who once stole Christmas? 6. Who was the author of A Christmas Carol? 7. Who was the star of the movie titled, “White Christmas”? 8. Which Christmas carol did Jimmy Boyd make famous when he was just 12 years old? 9. Which country was the first to use the tradition of Christmas trees? 10. What did the American Ralph E. Morris invent? 11. The Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean is fairly popular. Where's the other Christmas Island? 12. Which was the last US state to declare an official holiday for Christmas? 13. Which was the first country to issue a Christmas postage stamp? 14. When is Santa Claus's, i.e. St. Nicholas's, birthday? 15. Which animal did the Wise Men use to bring the Using letters found in both nature and architecture, custom framed artwork from Sticks and TM Stones is a creative and thoughtful gift idea for that hard-to-please loved one this holiday season. Answers to Christmastime Trivia on page 6 gifts for Baby Jesus?
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A quick guide to gift-giving etiquette Deciding on and paying for holiday gifts can be a challenge under the best circumstances. But then there are the inevitable "sticky situations" that can leave even the most experienced gift-givers scratching their heads. In the hopes of dodging major gift gaffes this holiday season, here are eight tips for gracious giving and receiving. ✓ Review your gift list each year to determine if any relationships have changed and require a shift in your gift-giving plan. ✓ Don't ask non-family members on your gift list what they would like. This not only spoils the surprise, but puts pressure on recipients to gauge how much you want to
spend and requires them to get you something in return. ✓ Don't feel obligated to match what others spend. Buying gifts based on what others spend is both unnecessary and can lead to excessive expenditures. ✓ For workplace gifts, adhere to the company's policies and make sure that gifts are given out of appreciation, not expectation. ✓ Including a gift receipt is a good idea and avoids potentially awkward situations when an item doesn't fit or doesn't work. ✓ Give holiday tips to those individuals whose service you count on throughout the year, such as hairstylists, babysitters, dog walkers, etc. An easy
rule of thumb for holiday season tips is to double the usual tip. For household employees, give one week's pay. ✓ If someone surprises you with a gift, the best bet is to respond honestly. Let the giver know that you are surprised, touched and appreciative as well as a bit embarrassed that you don't have a gift in return. Then let it go and add his/her name to your gift list for the following year. ✓ Don't arrive at holiday gatherings empty-handed. A small gift, bottle of wine or contribution to the evening's edibles is the right way to thank your hosts for their invitation. ✓ Acknowledging gift givers is a must, but formal, written thank you cards are optional. While handwritten notes are always preferable and greatly appreciated, e-mails are increasingly acceptable -especially for young people. ✓ Regifting is now considered a (mostly) acceptable practice, as long as it's done thoughtfully, tastefully and within the following guidelines: ☛ The regifted item should not be homemade or made especially for you. ☛ The item should be new, unused and in its original packaging, along with instructions. ☛ Be sure to remove all previous wrapping and gift tags. ☛ Don't regift to friends or family members who have a reputation for returning things they don't like. You don't want to be asked for a gift receipt. ☛ Make certain that the original giver and the new recipient will never cross paths.
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Kids and gifts: How many is too much? Despite the many messages from all corners promoting a "more is better" philosophy when it comes to holiday gifts, the truth is far more complex - especially for children. While most parents work hard to give their kids everything they need and much of what they want, it is often hard to draw the line, prompting many well intentioned moms and dads to ask, "How much is too much?" In general, the answer lies within each family. Parents should purchase what makes sense to them and what they believe their children will use and appreciate. However, in recent years, child psychologists and experts in child development have returned to these questions as economic
conditions have forced many families to scale back, both throughout the year and during the holiday season. Books such as "The Pampered Child Syndrome" (Jessica Kingsley, 2006) by Maggie Mamen and "Give Me, Get Me, Buy Me" (HCI, 2010) by Donna Corwin and several others on the same topic offer similar conclusions: When children are given too much over the course of their childhoods, they can develop a serious case of entitlement, become unappreciative of what they have and begin to equate love with "stuff." And for younger children, receiving a huge pile of gifts in one sitting can be both overwhelming and overstimulating.
If you have been wondering about these issues, here are some general guidelines for having a fun-filled holiday with just enough stuff.
den if everyone buys for everyone. Drawing names not only reduces those burdens, but often results in more meaningful gifts all around.
MAKE A GIFT PLAN Before setting out on your first shopping expedition, devise a plan that makes sense for your family. If you have younger children, decide on the number of gifts for each. With older children, you might want to establish a dollar amount rather than a gift amount. Once you've made the plan, stick to it -- no matter what.
OPT FOR A SHARED EXPERIENCE Consider pooling the money you would have spent on individual gifts and putting it toward a special outing, vacation or shared item for your home. Long after the toys have broken and the electronics have stopped working, your children will cherish their memories of a holiday that focused on sharing time together.
DRAW NAMES Particularly in bigger families, gift-giving can become a financial and emotional bur-
COMMUNICATE If Grandpa Mike or Aunt Emily has a reputation for heaping
on the presents at Christmas or Chanukah, let them know ahead of time that one will do, then offer a suggestion that is sure to please your son or daughter. If they insist that they want to do more, consider asking them to make a donation in your child's name to a charitable organization or to purchase a gift for a local child in need. COLLABORATE Sometimes one big gift makes a lot more sense. If your child would love a new bike or a trampoline or horseback riding lessons, consider asking extended family members to contribute to that item or to items that go with it, such as a helmet or other gear.
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Keep gift receipts organized A relatively recent component of holiday shopping -- or any shopping for that matter -- is the gift receipt. Keeping gift receipts organized can take a little effort on the part of the shopper to ensure each gift recipient is in possession of their respective receipts. Gift receipts are advantageous to people who are receiving presents. Should the item not fit or be a duplicate of something they already have, a gift receipt enables them to return the item effortlessly. It also clearly indicates where the gift was purchased so one is not driving around trying to find the store for a return. Plus, should the item have been recently reduced in price, a gift receipt will allow the full value of the gift to be received. Returning an item without a receipt could result in lost value and the sale price being
rescinded. Although having a gift receipt will not entitle one to a cash refund, it will equate to a store credit in the amount of the original price purchased. Keeping gift receipts organized may take a little trial and error. One idea is to keep two envelopes and a pen handy when shopping. Write the names of the gift recipients on the master receipt or put their initials beside their purchased items. Place those receipts in one envelope where you'll keep your copies of the receipts. On the gift receipts, write the names for whom the gifts are intended. Place those receipts in the other envelope that will hold all gift receipts. When it comes time to wrap gifts, refer to your gift receipt envelope and match up the receipts to the correct gift. Remember, the gift receipt will not display the price or some-
times even a product description. It will usually only have a bar code that will refer to a UPC, or product number. You may be able to match the receipt to the number on the product tag. But again, this is why writing the name of the person on the receipt at the time of purchase can make the process easier. Attach the receipt to the gift in some way and wrap.
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Gifts to make foodies say, Mmmmm....." Cooking is a rewarding hobby and meals, when shared with friends and family, are a great opportunity to sit down and stay abreast of all the goingson in the lives of your loved ones. For some, however, food is more than just a hobby, it's a passion. Those especially passionate about their food are affectionately known as "foodies." Foodies can be meat lovers, vegetarians or even vegans. All it really takes is a love of food. This holiday season, gift the foodie in your life with any of the following food-oriented gift ideas. Cooking class Know a foodie who is just beginning a love affair with food? Or one who has recently discovered a particular type of cuisine, such as Thai or Indian? Help cultivate this newfound love by treating them to a cooking class that helps them learn all about the cuisine and how to make certain dishes for themselves. Such classes are not too difficult to find, and you might even be treated to a delicious, homecooked meal once your loved one has completed the class. Club membership Monthly clubs, such as pastryof-the-month or coffee-of-themonth, are wildly popular among foodies. Memberships are relatively inexpensive, and each month your loved one will receive a new item, whether it's an old favorite or a new one they have never tried
before. This is a great way for foodies to try new things, and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving, as most memberships last a full year. Gadgets Not all foodies love to cook, but those who do may love to unwrap some gadgets that can help around the kitchen. A digital kitchen scale makes measuring ingredients a snap, while an electric wine opener makes it easier than ever before to uncork a bottle of wine to serve with dinner. Whatever a foodie's taste or personal preference, chances are there's a corresponding gadget that can make a meal that much easier to prepare. A night out Of course, some foodies love to eat but aren't so enamored with cooking. For those who
prefer the restaurant route, peruse the local Sunday newspaper to learn about the newest culinary hotspots. Then purchase a gift certificate for two so your loved one can indulge his or her love of food without having to worry about who's washing the dishes. Get your hands dirty Perhaps nothing will delight a foodie more than a homecooked meal, especially after the hectic holiday season when most people want nothing more than to kick their heels up and spend a night in. Once the holiday season has come and gone, invite your favorite foodie over for a homecooked meal of his or her choosing. Unless he or she insists, don't let the night's guest of honor do any of the work.
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Last-minute shopping for the holidays It's December 22 and you've just barely made it through half of your holiday shopping list. The panic may have set in that you just don't have enough time to get everything done. This is a common scenario
around the holidays. Shoppers have the best intentions to get their gifts early, but whether because of work obligations or social events, the task seems to get pushed further and further into December. Soon many are staring down the
calendar experiencing sweaty palms. Many others may be putting off holiday shopping simply because of the current state of the economy and affordability. According to a Steelhouse Marketing Consultants poll of
1,000 consumers, 62 percent predict they will spend less money on the 2011 holiday season. Plus, 56 percent of families predict they will comparison shop more than they have in the past. These factors may contribute to just how long shoppers put off actually getting into stores or going online to shop. For the scores of shoppers who consciously or subconsciously wait until the last possible minute to shop, there are ways to survive and surprise friends and family with great gifts. â—— Gift cards: They may not have sentimental meaning behind them, but gift cards are fast and easy. Chances are
you can run into a store and be out with a handful of gift cards in less than 15 minutes, depending on lines at the checkout counter. Also, many supermarkets, bookstores and other retailers offer gift card kiosks enabling you to shop
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for different gift cards all in one place. ◗ Food and beverages: While everyone is heading to the mall in droves, you can be stepping inside of a gourmet food or spirits store. Splurge on fine cheeses or that trendy bottle of liquor that a gift recipient has mentioned but not yet purchased for him- or herself. ◗ Magazine subscription: A magazine subscription is an easy fix as a last-minute gift. Purchase one copy of the magazine at the newsstand Many people wait until the last minute for Christmas shopping. But there are still gifts and deals to be had.
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and wrap it up nicely. Put a note that a year's worth of this periodical is on the way. No one will suspect that the gift was a last-minute thought. ◗ E-certificates: Retailers like music or book sellers will email a gift certificate code to the person of your choice on a selected date. For those who are never without an e-reader or mp3 player, digital gifts could fit the bill. ◗ Gas card: It may sound funny and tacky, but a gas card from a brand-name station is a universally acceptable gift for anyone who drives regularly. With fluctuating gas prices, filling up the tank can
be an expensive venture. Having a pre-paid gift card can help. Online retailers are also there to help last-minute shoppers. Many online retailers guarantee in-time-forChristmas shipping even on gifts ordered as late as December 23. However, overnight shipping charges will cost more. But it's all worth it to get the item in time. Waiting until the last minute for shopping can induce some anxiety. But knowing about easy gifts for procrastinators can take the stress out of this type of shopping.
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Popping the question? Simple tips so she'll say,
“Yes!” According to David Tutera(TM), wedding guru and party-planning expert, "Men should propose with personality, making it echo something meaningful to your relationship with one another and do it in a place that highlights your love story." That certainly sounds like good advice. But while women seem to have the knack for conjuring up perfect wedding-related ideas, men tend to be a bit clueless on the subject. Naturally, the first element involved with a proposal is buying an engagement ring. "This is not just any ring ... it is 'the' ring that she'll cherish for the rest of her life, and may possibly pass down to her chil-
dren in the future," says Tutera. Jewelry expert, Michael O'Connor offers, "There's a very good chance the bride has a platinum engagement ring in mind. It's possible that she's even offered hints about it, leaving magazine photos on the table or admiring a ring in a jewelry store window." Platinum is a great choice for engagement rings and wedding bands because it won't change color or fade. It symbolizes a relationship that will endure. Also, platinum's durability means that your engagement ring can become a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. When selecting a setting,
Propose with style. In a recent contest on Glamour.com, nearly 60 percent of contest entrants leave little hints about the platinum engagement ring they want.
Saturday, December 10, 2011 experts including Tutera and O'Connor recommend putting some thought into a design that is classic because this will be a ring that she will cherish through the ages. "Choose a setting that truly reflects how you feel about your partner," says Tutera. "Platinum lasts forever." Although the ring is a very important component of the entire proposal, make it memorable. "How did he propose?" is often the first question her girlfriends will ask once she has gotten engaged. Whether taking place at the beach or a page right out of a fairytale, many women dream of a memorable proposal. In a recent contest on Glamour.com, contest entrant Briana D. from New York offers the following hint, "I have always dreamt of a fairy-tale proposal and what better way to drop the ball then to draw out the ring design that I have in mind, fold it up and stick it in an envelope with a love note and his name on it." There are many other proposal ideas that can secure this special moment. Consider these tips, courtesy of O'Connor. ❍ Make it personal. Propose at a place that has great meaning for your relationship -- where you first met,
or the place where you first said "I love you." Think about the romantic places you have visited together that can serve as the perfect backdrop for a proposal. ❍ Think back to all of those chick flicks you were persuaded into watching. Was there a proposal scene that she gushed about or another movie moment that stood out? Consider recreating that feeling in the proposal. If need be, man up and rewatch her favorite movies for ideas. ❍ Consider spontaneity. Simply scratch "Will you marry me" in the sand while walking on the beach and hand her the ring in a seashell. ❍ Do it the old fashioned, and tried-and-true way. Bend down on one knee with a rose and ring in hand. " R e m e m b e r, the proposal and engagement doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable. Simply keep in mind the personality and likes of the bride-to-be and chances are she'll jump to say,'yes,'" says O'Connor. He adds, "Almost every quality jewelry designer creates rings in platinum, some even starting at under $1,000, making it easy to find something that will work with her style and fit within almost every budget."
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DEAR SANTA, I want for Christmas a DS, a Pokeman game, a nerf gun, and a new Wii video game. My report card was good. Parker C. Age 6 Painted Post
DEAR SANTA, I am always good. I’d like in my stocking a Pokemon named Chimchar and a toy whale for the tub. Spencer C. Age 4 Painted Post
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Saturday, December 10, 2011
DEAR SANTA, My sister says that I want socks! I love to play with baby dolls and all kinds of toys. I have been a good girl this year! I will leave you some cookies. Delainey Age 1 Woodhull
DEAR SANTA, Hi Santa! I would like a Dragonoid Destroyer for Christmas this year. I would also like Bakugan cards. I love you! Also take good care of my elf on the shelf friend Jing! Dane Age 6, Woodhull
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DEAR SANTA, Could you bring me a baby doll? I love you dear Santa! I love my elf on the shelf that you sent. I will be good. Thank you. Davvyn Age 4, Woodhull DEAR SANTA, Would you please save your pull tabs from your Coke cans for me and Ronald McDonald? You can leave
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them under my tree. You can have your elves save them too.Thank you! Ashleigh W. Age 8, Corning DEAR SANTA, Would you please save your bottle caps and pull tabs? Ask Mrs. Claus to save them too! Thanks a bunch. Love, Alexis W. Age 10, Corning
DEAR SANTA, I am all new to this and wondering how you can do all this in just one night? I have been a really good brother this past year. Can you bring me some new truck books and blocks? I like Elmo and Mickey Mouse too! I always am nice to my sister! Please bring me a Geotrax table to put my train on. I love playing with it. Love, Joey Age 20 mos.
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Saturday, December 10, 2011 DEAR SANTA, Thank you for my family. I really like princesses, but I don’t have a Mulan. Maybe you could bring her? I like to dance too. Can you bring me a new dance tutu to spin around in? I also would like the Disney Princess Dream Castle. My princes and princesses would all like a home too! I am learning my letters and how to read. Can you bring me the new Leapfrog LeapPad too and some games? At school, I have earned pennies to pick out of the prize box. I am good at school. I’ll leave some yummy cookies out for you on Christmas Eve. Tell Rudolph that I said “Hi!” Please bring my brother Joey some new toys too! Love, Jacqui Age 4
DEAR SANTA, I have been very good. I help my mom around the house. I would like for Christmas. Baby doll a dsi iPod touch picture of Justin Bieber and anything else you want to make me. Love, Hannah D. Age 5, Campbell DEAR SANTA, This is what I want for Christmas: a cellphone and squinkies with hair on there head. How do you get to house to house each year? Courtney B. Age 10, Campbell DEAR SANTA, I want LaLaLoopsy Doll a Barbie with shoes and a pillow pet. I’ve been really good this year.
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Love, Hadleigh W. Age 4, Cameron Mills DEAR SANTA, I want a big Tanker Truck, Mario game set, Lego ship, Lego airplane and a wall race track. I’ve been a good boy and I will keep my room clean. Love, Kobe W. Age 6, Cameron Mills DEAR SANTA, I would like a dummy-head that would be in a hair dressers salon, hair pieces, and 3 cans of blue paint. Also the music of Cody Simpson and Selena Gomez. And a shaving game for the Ipod. Also some crafts of any kind. Olivia T. Age 7, Bath
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DEAR SANTA, I wish I could have a squeeky Barbie for Christmas. Love, Natalie Age 5, Jasper DEAR SANTA, All I want for Christmas is Webkinz and clothes. Haleigh H. Age 10, Middlebury Center, Pa. DEAR SANTA, The number one thing that I want for Christmas is a laptop. Also I would like a new cage for my mouse. I would also like a rug for my room and a new blanket. Thanks! Sladen C. Age 9, Corning
DEAR SANTA, I’ve been nice all year. I’d love a purse, stamps, medium toothbrushes, tooth paste, Almond Breeze, Vitamin C. Skip-Bo, DBatteries, hand sanitizer and gift certificates/cards or money. Judith Age 54, Corning DEAR SANTA, I have been good. Please bring football helmut. Jack F. Age 4, Elmira DEAR SANTA, For Christmas I wont a susu pet and the susu pet grocery shop set and a glittery pet shop but not the bunny and a barbie doll. Emily P., Age 7, Corning
Saturday, December 10, 2011 DEAR SANTA, I have been good this year. I don’t want much for Christmas just some Hot Wheels and a Jeff Gordon car. My sister is 8 and she wants some make up. Her name is Rebekka. I have a brother, Robert, he is 15, he wants some CDs and a new phone. Love, Justin J. Age 4, Savona
Hollie’s Christmas list HI SANTA, I love you. I have been very good this year. I have been helping my parents around the house. I would like for Christmas. Ipod touch dsi american girl doll and baby doll. Love, Hollie D. Age 5, Campbell
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P.S. And anything else you would like to make me. DEAR SANTA, Santa I have been very good this year. I help my mom with the dishes and everything. I would like for Christmas a iPhone amarican girl doll. And anything wlse you would lik to make me. Love, Haylee D. Age 8, Campbell DEAR SANTA I would like Tangled, Flynn and Pascal dolls, please. Also, a Barbie car I can drive. Thank you. Kendyll Age 3 Corning
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Saturday, December 10, 2011
Ready to Sing?! Here’s another carol for you to enjoy!
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We Wish you a Merry Christmas
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Celebrate Hanukkah
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Hummus & Vegetable Pita Toasts What You Need: 1 pita bread, split horizontally into 2 rounds 1 tsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. ATHENOS Original Hummus 1/4 cup shredded carrots 1 green onion, sliced 1 Tbsp. sliced black olives Make It: HEAT broiler. PLACE pita rounds on baking sheet; brush with oil. BROIL 1 min. or until lightly browned. Spread with hummus; top with vegetables and olives. CUT into wedges. Total Time: 10 Min *** Makes: 4 Servings
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Layered ChocolatePeanut Butter Fudge
TOTAL TIME: 2 hr 10 min PREP: 10 min SERVINGS: 25 servings
What You Need: 1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate 3/4 cup canned sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts, chopped 1 pkg. (6 squares) BAKER'S White Chocolate 1/4 cup PLANTERS Creamy Peanut Butter
Make It: MICROWAVE semi-sweet chocolate and milk in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in nuts. Spread onto bottom of foil-lined 8-inch square pan. MICROWAVE white chocolate in separate microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add peanut butter; stir until melted. Spread over semi-sweet chocolate layer. REFRIGERATE 2 hours or until firm. Cut into squares.
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It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Celebrate Christmas
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Zesty Scalloped Potatoes WHAT YOU NEED: 1 pkg. (20 oz.) refrigerated sliced potatoes 1 container (16 oz.) BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Zesty Blends Roasted Garlic & Herb Sour Cream 1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese 1/2 lb. Italian sausage, crumbled, cooked 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed), cut into strips 1/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago Cheeses MAKE IT: HEAT oven to 350°F. COMBINE all ingredients except Parmesan blend. SPOON into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with Parmesan blend. BAKE 30 min. or until heated through.
Total Time: 50 Min • Prep Time: 20 Min. Makes: 16 (1c.) Servings
Cherry-Pomegranate JELL-O WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups boiling water 1 pkg. (6 oz.) JELL-O Cherry Flavor Gelatin 1 cup cold water 1/2 cup cold pomegranate juice 1 can (15 oz.) mandarin orange segments, drained 2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/8 tsp. ground cloves MAKE IT ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in 2-qt. bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water and juice. Refrigerate 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until thickened. STIR in oranges. Refrigerate 30 min. or until gelatin is set but not firm. Combine COOL WHIP and spices; spread over gelatin. REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm. Total Time: 6 hr. • Prep Time: 15 Min. Makes: 14 (1/2c.) Servings
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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Celebrate Kwanza
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Spicy Pepper Cheese "Pate of the South" WHAT YOU NEED: 3 oz. VELVEETA®, cut up 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) KRAFT Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese 1 jar (4 oz.) diced pimientos, undrained 3 oz. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1/4 cup milk 1 clove garlic, finely minced 1 tsp. minced jalapeño pepper MAKE IT MICROWAVE VELVEETA in 2-quart microwavable bowl on HIGH 45 seconds or until melted, stirring after 30 seconds. ADD all remaining ingredients. Beat with electric mixer until well blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with RITZ Crackers, if desired. Total Time: 15 Min Makes: 25 (2 Tbsp) Servings
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Nana's Butter Biscuits WHAT YOU NEED: 1 cup flour 2 tsp. CALUMET Baking Powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 1/4 tsp. sugar 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 1/3 cup milk
TOTAL TIME: 22 min PREP: 10 min MAKES: 8 Biscuits
Make It PREHEAT oven to 450°F. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, cream of tartar and sugar in medium bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk; stir with fork or spatula until soft dough forms. PLACE on lightly floured surface; knead 8 to 10 times or until smooth. Pat dough lightly into 1-inch thick circle. Cut with floured 2-inch cookie cutter to make 8 biscuits. Place on ungreased baking sheet. BAKE 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Gift Ideas for Auto Afficionados
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Few passions are as strong as the passion a car lover has for automobiles. Auto afficionados are often walking encyclopedias about all things automotive. When it comes to the holiday season, buying a gift for the car guy or gal in your family might seem easy. After all, any gift related to cars is sure to leave your loved one head over heels. However, for those holiday shoppers who don’t know the difference between an air filter and an air conditioner, perhaps the following suggestions might fare better under the tree this holiday season. DRIVING LESSONS Auto racing is one of North America’s most popular sports, and many car guys and gals would love to know what it feels like to get behind the wheel of a race car and put the pedal to the metal. That dream can become a reality, and holiday shoppers can help make that happen for a loved one. Racing schools exist for Some new tools might make the perfect holiday gift for the auto afficionado in your family.
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all sorts of racing, be it stock car racing, Formula 1 racing, Indy Cars, and even Kart racing. (Note: Kart racing does not refer to amusement park style go-karts.) Be it novice car afficionados or veterans who spend weekends at work in their garages, racing lessons can make an ideal gift for auto lovers. GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR A WASH AND A DETAILING As much as car guys and gals care about what’s under the hood, they also care about how their cars’ exteriors looks. Winter weather can wreak havoc on a vehicle’s exterior, so help your favorite auto lover take care of his or her baby this winter with a gift certificate to a nearby car wash and/or auto detailing center. This will ensure the car remains a sight for sore eyes through the winter. Just be sure to include multiple trips to the car wash and detailing center, as a car often needs a few trips each winter to keep
up appearances. MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION Like most industries, the auto industry is constantly changing. What’s popular today might be obsolete tomorrow. Help your favorite auto enthusiast stay abreast of the auto industry’s many innovations and updates with a subscription to a favorite auto magazine. Such magazines inspire car lovers to improve their own vehicles while letting them know the latest trends in the auto industry. ACCESSORIES No car lover can do without his or her accessories, which can range from practical gifts like a new GPS unit to more specialized items like a paint gun accessory kit. Shoppers who aren’t very familiar with cars might not know which accessories to buy. In such instances, a gift certificate to a nearby auto parts store should suffice. This guarantees your loved one will get something for his or her car and eliminate the need to return the gift if he or she already has it. TOOLS Auto afficionados love working on their vehicles, and that work can’t be done without the right tools. If possible, visit his or her garage or shop and peruse the tool collection. If anything looks especially aged or ragged, replace it with a newer version. Auto lovers are often particular about their tools, so if you’re reticent about buying new ones, take your gift recipient to the store and let him or her choose a gift or buy a gift certificate that covers the cost of the tools that look like they need replacing.
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Saturday, December 10, 2011
Gifts from Bad to Worse...
Great gifts are great for a multitude of reasons, but bad gifts tend to have a lot in common. The worst gifts are not only a poor fit with the recipient's personality, lifestyle or interests, but also send a negative or critical message. Just plain bad gifts tend to fall into three categories: The useless,
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the thoughtless and the tasteless. And while the lists of awful items for men and women may be different, they nevertheless fall into one of these diagnostic categories. If you're considering purchas ing gifts in any of the following four categories for the man or men in your life, think again. Clothing: While this sounds innocent enough, when the clothes don't match a man's style, it can be construed as a suggestion that you don't like what he wears or want him to up his fashion game. If you don't have a clue about what the men in your life actually like and will wear, make another choice. Household bric-a-brac or decorative elements: Items in this category include everything from a new dish rack to artsy decor items. Such items might send a negative message similar to new clothes, and many men are territorial about their homes and resist outside (i.e., female) advice on decorating. So unless you know exactly what he wants or needs, go back to the drawing board. Sentimental items: What a
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woman might call "sweet," a man might want to store in the trash can. If you're tempted to get your husband or boyfriend that cute teddy bear that reminds you of him, or flannel pajamas printed with those same teddy bears, forget it. And forget the book of syrupy love poetry, romantic movies or T-shirts with sappy sayings. He'll be glad you did. Psychology or self-help materials in any form or format: This is perhaps the biggest no-no of them all and sends the biggest "You're not okay" message. So if you're tempted to buy your guy a book about improving communication skills, finding a better job or making better use of time, don't. Enough said. When gifting women, me should also avoid certain gifts. Appliances: For most women, household appliances fall under the heading of "need" rather than "want," unless it is a specialty item that you're certain she has been yearning for. Lingerie: The principle here is similar to why clothes are a bad idea for guys, but can lead
to far more disastrous outcomes. Many men don't realize that a gift of lingerie is often accompanied by an unintended message. If it's too small, she needs to lose weight. If it's too big, you think she's fat. If it's too racy, you don't think she's sexy. And if it's too plain, you don't think she's sexy. Simply stated, unless you know the exact size and type of lingerie she favors or want to ruin any chances of peace on earth during your holiday season, move on. Jewelry: Here again, unless you know exactly what the woman in your life wants, skip it. Not only is jewelry something that women prefer to choose for themselves, it can send a message (i.e., overly romantic or not romantic enough) that men don't realize they're sending. Gym membership/fitness equipment: The big no-no. Under no circumstances is it wise to present the woman in your life with a gift whose underlying message is "Lose weight" or "Shape up." The alltime worst gift for women? A bathroom scale.
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Dos and don'ts for exchanging gifts with coworkers When among the masses shopping for holiday gifts, consumers might want to take a close look at the expressions on their fellow shoppers’ faces. Note the ones whose eyes are glazed over, who are anxiously biting their bottom lips or seem to be exhibiting recurring facial twitches. These are not individuals on the verge of a nervous breakdown. In fact, m a ny are otherwise well adjusted people in the throes of choosing holiday gifts for their coworkers or bosses. While there is nothing inherently complicated about choosing tokens of appreciation for one’s associates or superiors, the challenge is not just choosing the right token,
but in choosing something without the potential to offend or confuse the recipient. To help make the process go smoothly from purchase to presentation, here are some of the chief do’s and don’ts for office gift-giving. DO: ☛ Make sure that you know your company’s policy on giftgiving. For example, are there specified or unstated spending limits? ☛ Be clear about who should be on your gift list. Do you get gifts for everyone in your department or just those individuals with whom yo u interact most frequently? ☛ Choose thoughtful and tasteful gifts, whether buying a
different item for each person or the same item for all. ☛ Consider gifts that can be used in the office, such as distinctive office supplies, a photo f ra m e, gadget, calendar, or pen. ☛ Go for gifts that can be shared either at home or work, such as gourmet food items, books or plants. ☛ Find out if colleagues have food or plant allergies before selecting gifts in those categories. ☛ Take the time to package and wrap gifts with care. DON’T: ☛ O verspend, especially when purchasing a gift for your boss. ☛ G i ve presents to col-
leagues outside of your “gift circle” in order to make a good impression or curry favor. ☛ Choose “joke” or “gag” gifts, even for coworkers you think you know well. While the recipient might appreciate the gesture, it could be misinterpreted by others. ☛ Re-gift or give items that are used or in anything but pristine condition. ☛ Stray outside the limits of “good taste.” In other words, don’t even think about gifts that could be considered too personal (including clothing, perfume or jewelry) or are in a ny way political, religious, racial, or sexual. And unless you are absolutely certain of the recipient’s tastes and
habits, steer clear of alcoholic beverages of any kind. ☛ Give gifts that can be misconstrued as having a hidden meaning or agenda, such as f l owers (especially roses), cash, lingerie, or personal hygiene products. ☛ Leave anyone out. Hurt feelings are hard to overcome and can strain otherwise productive working relationships.
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Shipping gifts more than just timing When shipping holiday gifts, much of the focus is on getting those gifts in the mail on time. While it's important to avoid procrastinating when shipping holiday gifts, there's more to shipping gifts than just getting them sent out promptly. When shipping holiday gifts this season, consider the following tips. ☛ Ship through an online retailer. Billing address and the shipping address are two different categories when buying from an online retailer, and holiday shoppers should take advantage of a retailer's willingness to package and
ship gifts for you. Many online retailers will even gift-wrap items for you and include a personal note as well. ☛ Protect the gift. For those who won't be using an online retailer, be sure to protect the gift, especially if it's fragile. Use bubble cushioning and packing peanuts when sending fragile items through the mail. If sending multiple items, wrap each item tightly in bubble cushioning but leave some space between the items for peanuts. ☛ Carefully pack perishables. When sending per-
ishable items, always send them via next-day delivery and never ship them near the end of the week, such as a Friday or Saturday. Items shipped on Friday and Saturday should be able to withstand a few days of being in transit. But when sending cheeses, fruits or any other perishable items, it's best to do so early in the week and choose next-day delivery. ☛ Insure more expensive gifts. Don't skimp on insurance when sending expensive gifts such as jewelry through the mail. Shipping companies typically only insure items up to a certain
amount, so insure more expensive items through your own insurance company so their full value is covered. ☛ Comparison shop when shipping. Comparison shopping not only applies to holiday gifts, but shipping as well. Shipping companies, including the post office, compete for business come the holidays, and you can likely find a good deal to reduce the cost of shipping holiday gifts, costs that can add up if shipping several gifts.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
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Who to tip during the holidays Come the holiday season, most people find themselves in a giving mood. Gifting friends, family and even coworkers is common, but there are many other people in our daily lives who societal norms suggest deserve a gift as well. Holiday tipping is more common in certain areas than others, but there are a few questions men and women can ask themselves when trying to decide if a person in their lives deserves a holiday tip or gift. How often do you see the person? How frequently you see a person can help determine if that person deserves a holiday gift or tip. For example, a child's babysitter or nanny deserves a little something extra come the holidays because you likely see that person on a regular basis. The same goes for the postman or a dog walker. Men and women you rarely see or rarely need do not warrant a tip or gift. Where do you live? Where a person lives also goes a long way toward determining a holiday tip or gift. People who live in apartments should show their appreciation to the doorman and building superintendent with a tip or gift. Homeowners need not tip their local handyman, however, even if he performs the same tasks as a building superintendent. Homeowners tend to do
more of their own fix-ups around the house, while apartment dwellers often rely on the super to keep their apartment in tip-top shape. Is the person a professional? Men and women who provide professional services, such as accountants, lawyers and doctors, do not warrant a tip during the holidays. These professionals are already paid handsomely for their services, and many might even gift their customers. For those who have an especially strong relationship with
their accountant, lawyer, etc., perhaps a gift such as a bottle of wine might be a nice gesture. But it's certainly not mandatory. Of course, there are no ironclad rules when it comes to tipping or gifting others during the holidays. If your provided service that is above and beyond what you have a right to expect, then perhaps a tip or a thoughtful gift is nice. When the holiday season arrives, generosity often reigns. But men and women should not feel obligated to tip or gift every person in their lives.
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Saturday, December 10, 2011
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