Giftguidenorth mc112112 by The Gazette

Not All Furniture is Created Equal

isitors to Lancaster County from the Baltimore, D.C. and Northern Virginia areas love to experience the serenity of days gone by. Part of this experience includes the delicious foods of the area, and the handcrafted products of furniture artisans. One place that offers both is the Shady Maple complex just east of New Holland on Route 23. When Shady Maple Smorgasbord moved into a larger building across the parking lot more than a decade ago, the former restaurant building became home to one of the largest and best furniture stores in the Lancaster area, Country Home Furniture. According to management, “We like to think we’re helping to preserve a little piece of America’s furniture-making history. Our craftsmen are steeped in tradition. They deeply care about their work.” On two floors and 30,000 square feet of selling space in their retail store, you will find eight manufacturers of American-made sofas and recliners, made in North Carolina, Ohio and Mississippi, in addition to over 30 manufacturers of solid wood dining, bedroom, office, occasional and entertainment… and the area’s largest selection of Amish furniture. The wood pieces come from American handcrafters and Amish builders in Ohio, Indiana and right here in Lancaster County. With hundreds of stylish products in traditional, transitional, modern and country looks on the floor, there is something for everyone. “Amish built furniture and quality go hand-in-hand. As far as American handcrafters in the hardwood and upholstery industries, their knack for getting their styles to mesh with today’s buyer is second to none. No one builds better, more stylish furniture than American furniture makers.” Unlike other stores where your only choices of the style or color or wood is what you see, at Country Home Furniture you can have a hand in every facet of your design. That’s the beauty of shopping there. Customers love the flexibility to have a piece made for them by selecting the wood, stain, hardware and fabric. “We sincerely encourage you to experience this for yourself. You can certainly buy off the floor or even have something made for you as you see it. 50% of our customers do that. The other 50% let their imagination run wild. We have stain block boards and fabric handles available throughout the store to give our customers an opportunity to engage in the fascinating process of getting exactly what’s wanted in the style, shape, size and color desired. It’s distinctive furniture, made for you, your way. It’s fun, and it’s easy to select what you want.” Why shop now? “We have had a great year, thanks to our customers. Our Baltimore, D.C. and Northern Virginia area customers are a big part of that. We are in the Beltway and surrounding areas delivering furniture to our customers’ homes several times a month, sometimes several times a week. We have all kinds of special pricing deals and delivery specials going on through the end of the year that we can to pass along because of the year we are having.” If beautiful, quality, brand new, solid wood, American handcrafted furniture are important to you, then you owe it to yourself to explore Country Home Furniture. As they like to say, it’s “worth the drive to the countryside of Lancaster County.”

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Country Home Furniture is open Monday and Friday 10-7, Tuesday through Thursday 10-5, and Saturdays 9-5. The entire complex at Shady Maple is closed on Sundays.

For more information, call 717-354-2329, go online to www.chfs1.com or email sales@chfs1.com. GPS address is 1352 Main Street, East Earl Township, PA. Paid Advertising

Holiday Gift Guide

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

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November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

Holiday Gift Guide

i The White Flint

i Amish furniture

Visa Gift Card

Beautiful, quality, brand new, solid wood, American handcrafted…check out the area’s largest selection of Amish furniture! It’s an elegant and enduring gift for someone special on your list—or for yourself— this season.

Stumped on what to give the person who has everything? Give the gift they won’t return! The White Flint Visa® Gift Card is available in any denomination between $25 and $250. And, unlike other gift cards, there is no purchase fee! The White Flint Visa® Gift Card is accepted anywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted. Give the gift of choice this holiday season. White Flint shopping includes Lord & Taylor, Talbots, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Coldwater Creek and more. White Flint also offers fabulous dining choices like The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, Dave & Buster’s and Bertucci’s. Stop by the White Flint management office Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to purchase your gift cards. For a complete list of shops and restaurants, please visit our website.

Country Home Furniture 1352 Main St. at Shady Maple East Earl, Pa. 17519 717-354-2329 www.chfs1.com

i Tickets to musical events

Join us at The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center for a new year of awe-inspiring entertainment. The center will feature a variety of exciting shows, including Darlene Love in her rock show The Sound of Love; the splendor and majesty of The Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiments of Scotland and The Band of the Scots Guard; and Live at Birdland, a recreation of Charlie “Bird” Parker’s legendary club. The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center 51 Mannakee St. Rockville, 20850 240-567-5301 www.montgomerycollege.edu/pac

White Flint Mall 11301 Rockville Pike N. Bethesda 20895 301-231-SHOP (7467) www.ShopWhiteFlint.com

i Cultural events gift certificates

Holiday Gift Guide

i Shopping spree

i Dance lessons

ISTOCKPHOTO/ALEXA-ERKAEVA

The gift that lasts a lifetime! Learn to dance this holiday season. Give her a gift she won’t return: Dance lessons! Singles and couples welcome. Arthur Murray Dance Center Silver Spring 20901, 301-681-4466 Gaithersburg 20877, 301-590-0382 Chevy Chase 20815, 301-657-2700 www.arthurmurraydc.com

Visit any participating Muddy Branch Square merchant now through Dec. 4 and enter for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree to the center. The lucky winner will also choose his or her favorite local school to receive a $1,000 donation on behalf of the merchants at Muddy Branch Square. For official rules, go to www.promorules.info. Muddy Branch Square Located at the intersection of Diamondback Drive and Muddy Branch Road Gaithersburg, 20878 571-382-1200

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

ON THE COVER: ISTOCKPHOTO/STOUPA; GIFT, PEPIFOTO

This holiday season give your loved ones an unforgettable evening of dancing, music, theatre, gallery exhibitions, family programming and much more with a Cultural Arts Center gift certificate. Gift certificates are redeemable for tickets to all main stage and Around the World Passport children’s events presented by the Cultural Arts Center. Purchase in person at the Cultural Arts Center ticket office, or by calling 240-567-5775. Join us in celebrating our community’s many exciting cultures. Cultural Arts Center Montgomery College 7995 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, 20910 240-567-5775 www.montgomerycollege.edu/cac

i Shopping spree

Visit any participating Rock Creek Village Center merchant through Dec. 4 and enter for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree to the center. The lucky winner will also choose his or her favorite local school to receive a $1,000 donation on behalf of the merchants at Rock Creek Village Center. For official rules, see towww.promorules.info. Happy holidays from your friendly Rock Creek Village Center merchants! Rock Creek Village Center Located at the intersection of Norbeck Road and Bauer Drive Rockville, 20853 571-382-1200

i The gift of Strathmore— Performing arts tickets and specialty items

At the Shop at Strathmore you’ll find jewelry, toys and keepsakes as unique as the people on your list. Or, wrap up the arts for someone special this holiday season with a Strathmore gift certificate. Give stellar performances, original artwork, gift shop goodies, specialty teas and more. Gift certificates are available in any amount and do not expire. They’re a joy to give—a breeze to redeem.

Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, 20852 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

i The Shops at

Sumner Place

Located on Sangamore Road in Bethesda, minutes from the Washington, D.C., line, The Shops at Sumner Place is a neighborhood retail center nestled within the beautiful and prestigious Sumner Place community. With a mix of more than 20 shops and restaurants, including Safeway, CVS, Chico’s, Starbucks and Praline Bakery & Bistro, Sumner offers a variety of places to dine, meet for coffee and shop. In the center of The Shops is an office building with a variety of business offering professional services. What makes Sumner Place so unique? It’s one-stop shopping all within a walkable environment. It is a “town center” within a peaceful community. Plenty of parking is also available. The Shops at Sumner Place 4701 Sangamore Road Bethesda 20816 202-244-2391 wcanmiller.com/leasing.htm

i Bowling gift certificates

ISTOCKPHOTO/AVDEEV007

While the weather outside is frightful, come in and warm up at 300 Shady Grove! Give yourself a gift this year and receive up to $25 off bowling and shoes when you purchase a gift card for someone on your list. And, what are the holidays without celebratory toasts and countdowns to midnight? Strike up some cheer this New Year’s Eve with us! Find us online at www.300ShadyGrove.com and Facebook.com/300ShadyGrove, or call us. 300 Shady Grove 15720 Shady Grove Road Gaithersburg 20877 301-948-1390 www.300ShadyGrove.com

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November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

Holiday Gift Guide

COOL GIFTS FOR

GAMERS BY CATHERINE MCNULTY

hances are you have at least one gamer on your holiday list this year. Apps for smartphones, online role-playing games and tons of gaming systems have made it easy to play video games anywhere and with or against anybody. What used to be an activity for adolescent boys has become a pastime for a huge swath of the population. But finding the perfect gift can take a little sleuthing. What kind of gamer are you shopping for? Pow! Bam! Swoosh! Does your gamer dream in onomatopoeic sounds and spandex outfits? Fear not, tremulous holiday shopper, you’re shopping for a superhero fanatic. Fortunately, gifts abound for your would-be caped crusader. If your loved one has an allegiance to a specific super, why not get a portrait of him/her as that superhero? The Comics Factory can do just that. Featuring officially licensed Marvel characters, each portrait is digitally hand-illustrated to transform any picture into a comic-style masterpiece. Check out the selection at thecomicsfactory.com. And really, who doesn’t want to be part of The Avengers? With the release of Nintendo’s Wii U—the next generation of theWii gaming system—“Batman: Arkham City” is getting an upgrade, as well. The Armored Edition is an enhanced version of this award-winning game that all but puts the players in the Batsuit. Also available this holiday season is “Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes,” for those who prefer their video games and childhood toys to happily coexist. If you’re afraid your wannabe hero is going to freeze during those long, late night gaming sessions, you can always get an official Batman or Superman Snuggie. Yes, they really exist. But what if your gamer isn’t gaga for capes and tights? What if you know when your gamer is around because of the incessant Mario Bros. ring tones and repeating of the phrase “It’s on like ‘Donkey Kong’!” In this case, you may be shopping for a classic video gamer. 6

Holiday Gift Guide

Chances are they have the games they love already, so what could you possibly buy them? Why, accessories, toys and clothing, that’s what!The classic Nintendo Entertainment System is benefiting from a huge boom in nostalgia, and you can now buy everything from Nintendo wall graphics to Nintendo Monopoly featuring all your favorite 8-bit characters. Got a sugar junkie on your hands? How about Mario Bros. gummies? ThinkGeek has an excellent selection. Maybe you have younger children who love being on the computer. There are plenty of fun and educational games from which to choose. “The Great Cookie Thief” app for iPhone and iPad allows youngsters to help Cookie Monster find out who has been stealing all the cookies on Sesame Street. “Scribblenauts Unlimited” is for slightly older children and will help build vocabulary and reasoning through puzzles and challenges. For the pop culture-savvy person on your list, everything from Cartoon Network’s hit “Adventure Time” to “Lego The Lord of the Rings” to “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” is getting the video game treatment. Occasionally, you may want your gamers to step away from the screen and into the real world. Does this mean they need to forsake their allegiance to gaming? Of course not! You can fully kit out your favorite gamers with T-shirts, hoodies, buttons and even coffee mugs from websites such as CafePress, Zazzle and Threadless. And where best to wear these new threads? Why not take your gamer to the movies to see a movie about a video game villain who wants to be the good guy for once? Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph” opened earlier this month, and plenty of oldschool gaming villains make appearances. This holiday season, you may find yourself wishing everyone were as easy to shop for as a gamer.

CREATORS.COM/THE COMICS FACTORY

The Comics Factory allows you to put your gift recipient’s face on his or her favorite superhero.

CREATORS.COM/ 47 COMMUNICATIONS

“Scribblenauts Unlimited” helps kids build vocabulary and reasoning skills through puzzles and challenges.

–Creators.com

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

Think be‘fore’ you shop What to get your golfer BY SARA MENDELL

here is no simple solution to finding the perfect gift for a golfing fanatic. Buying someone a brand-new putter who has used his trusty Billy Baroo for years might destroy his putting mojo as he trades Billy’s luck for Scotty Cameron’s smooth sensations. To avoid being the reason for the demise of a golf game, take inventory of your loved one’s needs before buying. Begin by evaluating their current state. Is she complaining about playing with a 20-year-old set of irons? Is she looking for the game improvement aid of a new hybrid club? Does she love apparel with the logos of famous golf courses? Or to dress like her LPGA Tour idols? Taking the time to ponder such questions will make your decision much easier. If your fanatic is looking for some game-improvement technology, help him or her out with a set of transitional irons. The hybrid low-loft clubs will help improve his long game and the cavity-back short irons will deliver the same consistency he’s used to feeling.These sets can be purchased at various price points. Adams Golf makes a high-quality set of clubs that you can typically find on sale at golf stores or new on eBay. Higher handicap golfers may struggle using iron sets that don’t offer the same forgiveness as a hybrid set.These clubs will work well for both men and women. [continued on 30]

If your fanatic is looking for some game-improvement technology, help him or her out with a set of transitional irons.

ISTOCKPHOTO/LATTAPICTURES

Silver Spring 10801 Lockwood Drive Suite 150 Silver Spring, MD 20901 (301) 681-4466 dancesilverspring.com

Gaithersburg 604 Frederick Ave Suite 100 Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (301) 590-0387 dancegaithersburg.com

Chevy Chase 5481 “H” Wisconsin Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (301) 657-2700 chevychase@arthurmurray.com

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Holiday Gift Guide

The Monster High two-story school features some of the most recognizable rooms from the webisodes, including the iconic school entrance through the gargoyle statues and the mad science classroom.

CREATORS.COM/MATTEL

The Barbie Photo Fashion doll is actually a digital camera.

THIS SEASON’S

HOTTEST TOYS BY DIANE SCHLINDWEIN

urby is back and better than ever; Barbie will be taking a lot of pictures; and Monster High dolls and accessories probably will be smashing all the holiday competition, according to experts tracking popular toys for Christmas 2012. No. 1 on the Mattel top 12 list is the Barbie Photo Fashion doll. The doll is actually a digital camera; images appear on Barbie’s shirt. At $49.99, it’s a little pricier than your usual Barbie, but she can hold more than 200 images and features an internal rechargeable battery. 8

Holiday Gift Guide

“This year, we are introducing an innovative doll that lets girls customize, create and design, all in one interactive toy. The Barbie Photo Fashion doll combines fashion play and photography with a simple click,” said Cathy Cline, vice president of U.S. marketing for Mattel’s girls’ brands. “With this digital camera doll, girls can customize their own photos and then display them on Barbie’sT-shirt—allowing them to be the ultimate photographer and stylist.” Mattel also has launched Apptivity, which is a new line of plastic toys that interact with iPad games. Apptivity brings toys to life and turns tablets into moving digital worlds. Fisher-Price Apptivity items

are also compatible with the iPhone and the iPod touch. Games will include “Hot Wheels,” “Cut the Rope,” “WWE Rumblers” and “Fruit Ninja.” “With millions of households now owning iPads, we sought out a meaningful way to create new play possibilities that both entertain and bring families together,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president of marketing for Mattel’s North American division. “Apptivity meets the needs of today’s tech-savvy kids while showcasing our trusted brands and best-inclass partners.” Families who want to play a new and fun board game might consider giving the [continued on 30] Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

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November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

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Holiday Gift Guide

gifts UNDER $50 BY TAWNY MAYA MCCRAY

CREATORS.COM/PAULA MONTGOMERY

These blue keystone earrings from Paula Montgomery are a great gift if your budget is on the low side.

he holidays are the biggest shopping season of the year, a time to dole out gifts to the special people in your life. For shoppers on a tight budget, this time of year can be a real headache, but there are plenty of great and practical gift ideas out there for less than $50 that are sure to make your loved ones merry. Big Picture PR has standout stocking stuffers under $50 this season. For women, jewelry designer Paula Montgomery has a nice selection of repurposed, romantic, vintage earrings starting at $45. Jewelry designer Kris Nations has plenty of pieces for less than $50 in her eco-friendly line that’s made with repurposed metal. Necklaces start at $39, earrings at $35 and bracelets at $25.There are also several items

on sale. All metals are 14-karat gold or sterling silver. According to Nations’ website, she works with metal refiners who obtain their metal from the earth’s existing supply rather than depending on mining, which under the wrong circumstances could generate environmental waste, contaminate water and endanger the lives of humans and animals. All her jewelry is made in the United States. Hard Candy Cases has a wide variety of casings for less than $50 for your iPhone, iPad, iPod, Kindle Fire and MacBook. Cases for iPhones start at $9.95, iPads at $16.95, iPods at $34.95, Kindle Fire at $39.95 and MacBook at $9.95. See the collection at www.hardcandycases.com. Many stores have a large array of gifts for less than $50 online, including Barnes & Noble and Pottery Barn. Items include wine

racks, industry wine coolers, candles, incense, recycled-glass bottle vases, lanterns, clocks, journals, pens and picture frames. An article from eHow on Christmas gifts for women that are less than $50 suggests purchasing bath and beauty products in the recipient’s favorite scent. “Find out her favorite perfume, and instead of buying the perfume itself for Christmas, purchase the accompanying products, such as lotions, body washes, body oils, soaps, bubble bath and candles in the same scent,” the article said. The article also suggested putting a spin on simply buying a bottle of wine. Instead, take the woman in your life on a tour of a local winery. Many wineries offer free tours and tastings, so you can sample a variety of wines to find out which your loved one will like best. [continued on 28]

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Holiday Gift Guide

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

FOODIE favorites BY SHARON NAYLOR

Flavored Balsamic Vinegars These subtly or powerfully infused vinegars open up whole new worlds of flavor profiles in salads, seafoods, poultry and red meats. At the Cape May Olive Oil Company—www.capemayoliveoilcompany.com—some of the top creatively designed balsamic vinegars include: -POMEGRANATE: This balsamic vinegar has the tartness of the pomegranate right in

ZESTERS: CREATORS.COM/SUR LA TABLE; PLATE: ISTOCKPHOTO/JULYVELCHEV

it, making it slightly sweet, slightly tart. Enjoy it on salads, in desserts and in sauces and marinades. -MANDARIN ORANGE: Bold orange aroma and flavor. Perfect for vinaigrettes, salads and sauces for Asian dishes. Use with pork or chicken dishes. -CRANBERRY: This is a wonderful flavor to add to meats, such as pork or turkey. Works great on a salad with nuts, or try it on vanilla ice cream.

Flavored Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Flavored olive oils add gourmet flair to the foodie’s treasured recipes and allow

them to follow celebrity chef recipes to the letter. You’ll find such flavors as jalapeno, lemon, rosemary, garlic and even baconflavored olive oil. Look especially for black truffle garlic olive oil, which the experts at Cape May Olive Oil Company describe as “an elegant oil to use as a final touch to your dish. Drizzle over pasta, vegetables or scallops. Makes a wonderful risotto.”

Spices Quality spices are essential items in a foodie’s kitchen, and you’ll wow them with your gift of exotic spice blends, such as Marrakesh—a Moroccan [continued on 24]

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ive a man a fish and he eats for one day; give a foodie a fish spatula and he makes many delectable seafood meals for his family and friends. If you have people on your gift-giving list who love to cook and experiment with new recipes and exotic cuisines or are always serving up amazing dishes at meals and get-togethers, choose kitchen-oriented gifts for the so-called “foodies” this holiday season. Even the most inexpensive, unique kitchen gadget or spice mix can thrill them. Gifts can be purchased for the experienced chef or for those just starting out, such as newlyweds, engaged couples and those who have discovered a love of cooking later in life. “My mother started taking cooking classes at her retirement home,

and she fell in love with organic and Asian cooking,” said Dena Guerrard, a mother of two. “Now, she wants cooking tools, sauces, cookbooks and other items for her new interest, which makes it far more exciting to shop for her gifts.” Here are the top types of gifts to consider for all the foodies on your holiday shopping list:

New and improved zesters are a top kitchen gift for foodies.

November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

Holiday Gift Guide

GREAT BOOKS

for your kids—and for generations to come BY DIANNE CROWN

n old grandmother I once knew kept holiday gift giving simple. She gave each child something to do (play with or build), something to eat, something to wear and something to read. For that special something to read for your family this year, Chinaberry, a company that sells educational toys, recommends a collection of enduring favorites and soon-to-be-classic reads chosen to nurture caring and respect, to be positive and uplifting, and to provide rich reading for children’s hearts and minds. Consider these three new titles in the collection. Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton take a fresh look at “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” with paintings by Eric Puybaret, in a board book format. Unlike the sad tale of the great friendship of dragon and boy who slips away forever when he grows up and leaves home, there is a satisfying resolution that teaches more about friendship and loyalty than the 50-year-old folk song ever did. The board book retails for $7.95 and a pop-up version with a CD is also available.

“Seed by Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John ‘Appleseed’ Chapman,” written by Esme Raji Codell and illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins, broadens the story for middle-elementary through early-middle-school students. More than the oft-told tale, this new edition looks into a life based on five principles: Use what you have; share what you have; respect nature; try to make peace where there is war; and you can reach your destination by taking small steps.The book jacket reads: “Esme Raji Codell and Lynne Rae Perkins show us, in eloquent words and exhilarating pictures, why Johnny

Appleseed matters now, perhaps more than ever, in our loud and wired and fast-paced world.” The hardcover book retails for $16.99. Chinaberry also recommended Lissa Evans’ “Horten’s Incredible Illusions: Magic, Mystery & Another Very Strange Adventure,” for ages 8 years and older.This small, thick chapter book starts off where the first adventure, “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms,” ended and grabs returning readers and new fans alike from page one. “Just when height-challenged Stuart Horten thinks his big adventure is over, he discovers that Great Uncle Tony has left behind yet another mystery: he’s hidden his will, and his magic tricks are the clues to its location!” the jacket reads. Unlike the dark and dreary books populating the shelves of many children’s sections, this is a fun adventure for reading alone or reading together out loud. The hardcover book retails for $14.95. Creators.com

CREATORS.COM/DIANNE CROWN

These three books are recommended by Chinaberry.

ISTOCKPHOTO/CARACTERDESIGN

Holiday Gift Guide

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

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November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

Holiday Gift Guide

What to get

NEW PARENTS BY ERIC CHRISTENSEN

he holidays can be a stressful time of year. Cooking and party planning can create logistical nightmares.Traveling to meet friends and family can become an ordeal. For new parents, the stress of the holidays is often more extreme. A new baby means new routines, increased travel difficulties and less sleep. But the right gift can help alleviate that stress. Here are some gift ideas to help the new parents in your life have a happy holiday season.

Taking Care of the Basics During the first few months after the baby is born, parents can get overwhelmed due to lack of time, energy and sleep. Alleviate some of the resulting stress and help them take care of basic things around

ISTOCKPHOTO/BOWDENIMAGES

the house, like groceries and cleaning. Prepare meals for them that can be frozen and reheated. As an added convenience, divide the meal up into two-portion sizes. If you don’t cook, buy the new parents a gift certificate to a local grocery or a grocery-delivery service. Most grocers will list such services on their website. Look for an in-house service, like Safeway’s, or links to a separate company, such as Peapod. New parents can fall behind on housecleaning after the birth of a child. If you live nearby, you could volunteer to clean. Alternatively, arrange for a housecleaning service, either in advance of the birth or a short time thereafter. Consider carpetcleaning services, like Stanley Steemer, that provide a long-lasting, deep clean or hire a maid service to clean the entire house or specific rooms. [continued on 28]

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SEWELL’S FARM CHRISTMAS TREES Cut your own, up to 12’ Pre-cut trees, up to 20’

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Holiday Gift Guide

1866091

Best quality ever

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www.sewellsfarm.com • 410-756-4397 Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

Do-it-yourself

PET GIFTS BY CHANDRA ORR

othing says you care quite like a handmade gift, but why should the humans have all the fun receiving them? Give your favorite feline or canine companion a gift from the heart, such as homemade biscuits, gourmet chicken jerky or tempting catnip treats. “DIY gifts for pet lovers are really fun to make,” said Jennifer Quasha, author of more than 40 books, including “The Dog Lover’s Book of Crafts” and “Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can’t Believe My Dog Did That!” “The whole time you’re working on the project, you’re thinking of your friend, his or her pet, and how much they will like or get a chuckle out of what you’re creating,” Quasha said. “It says that you care enough to spend a lot more time making something than going out and buying something.” While you’re in the kitchen crafting your signature Christmas cookies, pour an extra cup of

cocoa and cook up these gourmet goodies for the dogs and cats on your list—and don’t forget the gift wrap. For paws-itively pleasing packaging, pack the tasty treats in holiday tins or festive Chinese takeout-style containers. In lieu of a bow and gift tag, top it off with a new collar and personalized dog tag—or for the kitties, a catnip toy mouse or jingle ball.

Super Soup Bone Instead of splurging on pricey bones at the pet store, make your own from an inexpensive grocery store staple: beef soup bones. Traditionally used for making homemade broth, these hefty bones are simple to prepare and they’re just as indulgent as the basted, meaty beef bones, but at a fraction of the price. To prepare, place in a glass baking dish and cook at 250 F for two hours or until the bone is golden brown and the meat chunks are crisp. Remove from the baking dish and place on paper towels until cooled; store in a [continued on 25]

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Wishing You and Your Family a Safe Holiday Season

November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

Holiday Gift Guide

Giving the gift of

GIVING BACK BY ANICA WONG

hether it was in Sunday school or at home around the kitchen table, most of us learned that when we have more than what we need, we should give to those less fortunate. And for the most part, people around the United States do give. According to a study by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Americans, on average, give 4.7 percent of their discretionary income to charity, and donated more than $135 billion in 2008. While that study doesn’t show when most of these donations are made, Miriam Davenport of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (SPCALA) said that the majority of the donations they receive arrive during the holiday season. “A lot of people, especially in the last few years, have opted to help others (during that time),” she said. Davenport, the senior director of development with the SPCALA, pointed out that there are many ways that donating to your favorite charity, instead of giving gifts to your friends and family, can benefit the organization and promote a feeling of goodwill. “We rely 100 percent on donations,” Davenport said. “It is important to have support from our local community.” The animal shelter has several ways that a person can contribute. Like most organizations that accept donations, the SPCALA has a donation page on its website. It even offers to send an e-card or a mailed card to a person if you donate in his honor. Instead of spending money on toys and clothes that your family and friends might get little joy from, giving money to help your local shelter can feel like a win-win for everyone. Davenport said that like other animal shelters, they also accept food, blankets, toys and other items.These help the more than 3,000 animals that get adopted through SPCALA every year. Of course, there are many places your generous donation can be put to good use helping humans. The Internet has made donating easier than ever. Justgive.org has simplified the process even more by pulling together more than 1.8 million charities into a single database.The cool part about the website?You can give charity gift cards. “You choose the value of the cards; your recipient chooses the charity; their charity receives a donation— 16

Holiday Gift Guide

ISTOCKPHOTO/ASISEEIT

If you’re looking to affect a single person this holiday season with your giving, consider sponsoring a child. According to Save the Children, 15 million children in the United States live in poverty. You might also donate the money you would usually spend on gifts to a pet shelter. Some will even send a card to the person in whose honor you are donating the money.

CREATORS.COM/SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

everyone wins,” according to the website. So instead of buying your mom another sweater, put that money on a GiveNow Card, and let her pick the charity to which she’d like to donate.They even let you upload your own image to personalize your gift cards.

If you’re looking to affect a single person this holiday season with your giving, consider sponsoring a child. It can be overwhelming to think about all of the children in the world who need help, so you might focus on making a difference here at home. According to Save the Children, 15 million American children live in poverty.This organization offers options to sponsor a child in the United States.Your money not only supports that child, but also helps Save the Children to provide literacy, early education and nutritional programs around the country. This year could be the year that you give back instead of just giving. Creators.com

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

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November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

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1865667

Holiday Gift Guide

ho doesn’t love receiving cash gifts? The gift of money allows your recipient to buy anything he or she would like without you having to guess or potentially send a present that might go right into their garage sale bin. These days especially, a little windfall allows your recipient to enjoy an indulgence, such as a manicure, a massage or a fabulous box of truffles. Even better, there’s no guilt associated with spending this extra money. It’s for pure enjoyment. Joel Waldfogel, professor of applied economics at the University of Minnesota and author of “Scroogenomics: Why You Shouldn’t Buy Presents for the Holidays,” said that recipients of cash gifts appreciate the full value of the present since they know the amount. In contrast, Waldfogel said, recipients perceive traditional, noncash gifts as costing 20 percent less than the giver paid. Applying this “perceived value” to gift cards would seem to make sense, but

Waldfogel said that 10 percent of a gift card value is never used and retailers can’t claim the unclaimed cards as revenue for years. Interested in giving cash gifts? Here are some creative ways to present them, making the gift even more of a thrill: The artistry of folding, curling and otherwise shaping crisp dollar bills into shapes and sculptures is a fun way to present cash gifts. You’ll pay just a small extra fee for an origami artist to make money roses, money hearts, even little shirts created from $1s, $10s, $20s, and even $50s or $100 bills for more extravagant givers. There are lessons on YouTube to try your hand at money origami, books on the topic at craft stores and expert origami artists who can create your cash sculpture for you. Many florist shops offer money rose origami to insert in floral arrangements or to give as gifts. At the Etsy shop PaperAffection, which you [continued on 29] ORIGAMI.

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

Top Gifts for

TEENS BY SHARON NAYLOR

uying a gift for a teenager can be difficult since there’s such a difference between what a 13-year-old loves and what an 18-year-old loves. Teens can be very particular about which trends suit their style and which trends are “in” at their school. Luckily, there’s a free online tool to help you assess each of the teens on your gift list. Gifts.com’s Personality Profiler tool on its home page allows you to enter the teen’s name and answer some easy questions regarding the teen’s goals, hobbies and what she talks about at dinner. The site then delivers an array of gift suggestions. Take this quiz for each of the teens on your list and you’ll save time, and perhaps money, while finding the perfect, on-trend gifts. Gifts.com editors also place a banner on each of their top gift picks to help make finding the right gift easier. Here are the top trends in teen gifts for girls and guys:

Achiever Items Goal-oriented teen gifts include iPad covers in various designs, locker organizers with whiteboards and pockets, digital alarm clocks, USB sticks in themed designs and the Gifts.com editors’ pick of a digital scanner pen for taking better notes in class. Trendanista Items For teen girls who love their fashion designer labels, consider Kate Spade wallets, key chains or iPhone covers.

Gifts.com editors’ picks for teen girls include manicure collections filled with pretty nail polishes in classic, trendy colors with sparkly options for teens of all ages. As an example of new nail polish artistry, the editors of Gifts.com showcase the Ciate Caviar Manicure set, a two-part nail art kit created in London, which they said brings “avant-garde catwalk nail styling to your fingertips.” Featuring pearlescent beads to create a 3-D effect, this kit helps teens produce attention-grabbing nail designs for $25. Trendanistas also love jewelry, and this season’s big look is the cuff bracelet—also a bargain buy at less than $30 for many styles of wider bracelets in silver, either simple or intricate. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to the trendanista teen’s favorite store or website.

Technology Items Teens are extremely tech-savvy. They often own the top tools, such as iPhones, iPads, MP3 players and high-powered laptops and desktops. In order to get them excellent tech-oriented gifts, find out which kinds of tools they use right now so that you can give them accessories for those. It may be a wise idea to buy tech toys closer to the holidays, since teens upgrade their gadgets often—and you don’t want to give them a case that doesn’t work with their current phone, for example. Some choice picks: HEADPHONES. Yes, big headphones worn over the head are in again, with many featuring funky colors from designer collections. You’ll find basic black, island turquoise, vivid orange and [continued on 24]

November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

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Holiday Gift Guide

gift exchange

GAMES BY ANICA WONG

t happens to the best of us.Whether it’s the company holiday party or a gift exchange among a few friends, many have ended up with a gag gift while others scored Starbucks gift cards or fancy kettle corn. Gift exchange parties most often happen with extended family members, colleagues and groups of friends. While there are many types of parties, make sure the participants keep in mind that the real gift is the camaraderie, regardless of what item they receive. “The idea of taking the stress out of holiday shopping while still enjoying your friends’ and family’s company during the busy holiday season is captivating,” said Matt Taylor, founder of Yankee Swap, a website that provides information and rules for the gameYankee Swap, also known as the white elephant gift exchange.

ISTOCKPHOTO/DUANEELLISON

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Holiday Gift Guide

See Website for Specials on all Musical Instruments and equipment Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

Taylor started the website a few years ago because he wanted to print out the official rules of the game for a work party, but could not find a site that provided clear directions. Most people know the game as white elephant, although Taylor noted that the term is probably regional, with people in the New England area calling it Yankee Swap. The myth that the game began with a holiday prisoner-of-war swap during the CivilWar might be a very compelling story, but it’s more likely that it originated as a simple parlor game during the 1800s. “Before the advent of radio, gentlemen and ladies found themselves with more leisure time than any previous generation and would amuse themselves with games such as charades, truth or dare, 20 questions and theYankee Swap,” said Taylor. As with all other gift exchange-type games, make sure you let the participants know what the rules are—what is the minimum and maximum price allowed? Are you doing gag gifts or not? In what order are you going to be running the game? Another fun party game that incorporates gifts is the cobweb game. Setting up for this game is the most important part. Take one color of string or yarn and attach it to one person’s present.

CREATORS.COM/KELVIN KAY

THE TYPICAL AMERICAN SAID HE/SHE WAS GOING TO

SPEND AN AVERAGE OF $646 ON

GIFTS DURING LAST YEAR’S HOLIDAY SEASON. Hide the present somewhere in the room and wrap the string around lamp bases, under chairs and over tables before handing the string to the person for whom the present is intended.

Hide each present like this, and then when all of the strings turn your living room into a colorful cobweb, let your guests loose to find what’s on the other end of their string.

If you and your friends are all into one thing—whether it’s alcoholic beverages, vampires or books— try a themed party on for size this year. A cocktail swap would be perfect if your group likes to try its hand at bartending. Each person or couple invited to the party is tasked with bringing a gift bag full of the ingredients for a specific cocktail. Coupled with instructions on how to make the drink, this gift provides others with something new to learn and a surefire good time. (Designated drivers required.) While the Yankee Swap lets you spend time together and laugh with friends and colleagues, one of the perks of doing gift exchange games is that you don’t have to buy a gift for everyone at the party. The typical American said he/she was going to spend an average of $646 on gifts for the 2011 holiday season, according to the American Research Group Inc. Instead of purchasing, say, 15 individual presents, you can buy one gift for one member of the group, thereby lowering your annual holiday spending considerably. Inevitably, the holidays are about giving; but why not make the giving more fun by adding a game twist here and there? Laughter can be the best gift of all. Creators.com

1842410

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November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

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18035 Georgia Ave., Olney MD

Holiday Gift Guide

Deck the halls of new

HOMEOWNERS B

ISTOCKPHOTO/OURTNEYK

uying a home can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a person’s life, and it also can be one of the most stressful. New homeowners are faced with many expenses, and the holiday season is a great time to help them out with a thoughtful gift for the place they now call home. Consider these useful items: - HOW-TO BOOKS: Owning a home presents many opportunities for repairs and renovations. Frequently, buying a home for the first time leads to the new owner’s initial foray into do-it-yourself projects. Consider giving a library of instructional books that will walk him through some of the basics, such plumbing, simple repairs or even light construction.

- PERSONALIZED KEY CHAINS: A new home means a new set of keys. Have key chains monogrammed and present them with a bottle of champagne to toast the new residence. - WELCOME MAT: Welcome mats can be customized with the owner’s last name. Some services can even print an image or a quirky saying on a doormat. - DOOR KNOCKER: Although doorbells have replaced door knockers for practical use, a nice metal knocker still makes a decorative statement on the front door. Have the door knocker engraved with the family name. - GIFT CERTIFICATE: A new home means new projects, both large and small. Homeowners will be making frequent trips to the home improvement center, and such trips can be

costly. A gift card will help lessen that financial burden. - HOME WARRANTY: Third-party companies sell home warranties that can cover the costs of repairs on major home systems. The peace of mind of knowing the HVAC system or a major appliance can be repaired or replaced at minimal cost can make this gift invaluable to new homeowners. - PORTRAIT: Give the gift of memories by setting up a photo session with a photographer. Prints can be hung around the new home. - TOOL GIFT BASKET: Homeowners can almost always use nails, screws, hammers, painter’s tape, picturehanging kits, and the other odds and ends for making repairs. - FURNITURE: Ask the homeowner what room needs fur- [continued on 29]

GERM GERMANT GERMANTOWN ANTOWN OWN SQUARE SQU ARE SHOPPING SHO PPING SHOPP ING CENTER C ENTER 12619 L Wisteria W isteria Drive, D rive, Germantown Germ G ermantown antown 1865678

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Holiday Gift Guide

1863763

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

give the gift of

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November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

vascular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. - BICYCLE: Few activities are more enjoyable and simultaneously beneficial than riding a bicycle. Many people still enjoy riding a bike just like they did when they were chil-

dren, when they might not have known just how healthy riding is. Cycling improves cardiovascular fitness, lowering the risk for heart disease, while helping to build and tone muscles. In addition, those with preexisting joint conditions [continued on 29]

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE CENTER... A sweet place to stop and shop

Advanced TV & VCR Services................................301.977.6787 Bank of America.....................................................301.963.5345 Bethel World Outreach Ministries..........................301.355.3454 Big Lots...................................................................301.947.7748 Boost Mobile...........................................................301.569.6230 Children’s Learning Center....................................301.330.4215 Chocolate Palace....................................................301.740.3143 Denny’s...................................................................301.987.8432 Dollar Tree..............................................................240.632.0910 Donut King..............................................................301.869.2315 Family Dental Associates.......................................301.869.5090 Floor Tile & Carpet.................................................301.840.6622 Global Food............................................................301.977.6005 Grape & Grain.........................................................301.948.0429 Greg’s Driving School.............................................301.990.0229 Illusions Hair Studio...............................................301.963.5110 Latin TexMex Grill..................................................301.977.0915 Ledo Pizza...............................................................301.740.3351 Linda’s Nails...........................................................301.330.4403 Major League Barbers............................................301.947.4466 Mont. County Liquor...............................................240.777.1930 Mont. Village Animal Hospital...............................301.330.2200 New Windsor Cleaners...........................................301.948.6642 7-Eleven..................................................................301.869.7705 Suburban Hair.........................................................301.948.1818 Subway...................................................................240.632.1234 Sun Trust Bank........................................................301.998.8590 Tai Shan Asian Cuisine...........................................301.963.8088 Tobacco Shack........................................................301.963.0330 Village Cafe............................................................301.840.5668 Village Vacuums.....................................................301.963.3424

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their initiation fees to attract more customers. When trying to help a friend or family member get back on a healthy track, offer to pay a portion of their membership or, if their preferred club is charging an initiation fee, offer to pay that instead. Recipients might feel more obligated to go to the gym if they know a loved one helped pay for the membership. - CARDIOVASCULAR MACHINE: Many people cite a lack of time as the primary reason they don’t exercise enough. Getting to and from the gym takes time, but having a cardiovascular machine—an elliptical machine, exercise bike or treadmill—at home removes this hurdle, increasing the chances that people will exercise more often.The potential benefits of routine cardiovascular exercise are considerable. According to the American Heart Association, as little as 30 minutes of daily cardio-

1842412

ne of the more common New Year’s resolutions is a commitment to getting healthier. This year, holiday shoppers can combine the tradition of giving gifts with the tradition of making NewYear’s resolutions and give a loved one who wants to improve personal health a gift to make keeping that resolution much easier. During this holiday shopping season, consider the following gift ideas for that health-conscious friend or family member who’s looking to turn over a new leaf in the new year by adopting a healthier lifestyle. - GYM MEMBERSHIP: Fitness centers tend to see a spike in enrollment at the dawn of a new year as those who want to get healthier take the first step by signing up for a gym membership. And the holiday season can be an ideal time to buy that membership; many fitness centers waive

118 Market Street (Kentlands) Gaithersburg, MD 20878

301-330-2436

Authorized Birkenstock Repair Center Holiday Gift Guide

TEENS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

1867135

patterned headphones on the market.The Urbanears headphones are an editor’s top pick at Gifts.com. EARBUDS. Teens use these tiny earpiece tools to listen to music or television shows via their handheld gadgets, and a range of teen-style earbuds are on the market right now. From classic, solid-colored earbuds to those with a hot pink, zebra pattern to earbuds with sports team logos on them, these gifts are easy to match to your recipient’s style. Even if they own earbuds already, they can always use extra pairs to keep in their sports bags or for travel. IPHONE CASES. Tailor your choice to the teen’s interests, from classic novel covers to soccer to funny quotes and sayings. Teens love to accessorize their tech gear and gift cases can expand their options.

Diaries and Journals Surprisingly, teens don’t write everything on social media—mostly because their parents are often “friends” with them on Facebook and monitor their posts and

activities. So a private writing space is greatly appreciated by those who want to journal their projects, goals, and, yes, their school dramas and crushes. Creative types might use their journals for writing poetry or sketching, and a starter scrapbook complete with an array of stickers and borders from the craft store may meld a teen’s penchant for keepsakes and artistry. One of the most popular journals on Gifts.com is the Ticket Stub Diary, which lets them insert their tickets from concerts, plays, sporting events and vacations, and journal details of each experience.

Money and Gift Cards Teens are in a stage of self-discovery and independence, which means they love to choose their own gifts. You can help that happen, and perhaps even help them get an item they’ve been saving for, with a cash gift or a gift card to their favorite website or store. Not sure which gift card would be best? Just ask them. It’s a gift to give them some say in what you get them.Teens love that. Creators.com

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FOODIE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

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1865352

Holiday Gift Guide

Gaithersburg 104 N. Frederick Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 20877 301-948-3346

blend used for lamb, fish, meatballs, couscous, soups and roasted vegetables—and Cataluna—a blend of pimento and smoked cinnamon for stews, soups, bean dishes and pork.

Flavored Sugars The Cape May Olive Oil Company’s website shows off more than a dozen inspirational uses for flavored sugars, including ginger flavored pure cane sugar. SWEET: Top lemon sorbet or pumpkin pie. FRESH: Use ginger sugar in stir-fry to add a sweet zing. SAVORY: Perfect on grilled salmon. LIQUID: Ginger sugar will be your new favorite when it’s added to a steaming cup of tea. TWIST: Caramelize ginger sugar on top of crème brûlée. Kitchen Tools Browse the kitchen gadgets at such popular stores as Sur La Table, WilliamsSonoma, and other upscale entertaining and foodie delight sites and you’ll see chefworthy kitchen gadgets to turn the everyday cook into a wannabe master chef. From top-quality, ultra-long zesters and strawberry hullers to a chef-quality mandolin for fine slices of cucumber and a julienne peeler, specialty tools elevate

an indoor and outdoor kitchen’s creations. Shop FoodNetwork.com for gadgets from a favorite chef’s line, such as Guy Fieri’s sauce squeeze bottles and expert paring knives.

Cookbooks There are so many gorgeous cookbooks on the market today—from elite chefs’ French cuisine to colorful offerings on panini sandwiches, healthy appetizers, Tuscan foods and, of course, the newest from the Food Network celebrity chefs. Rachael Ray’s new cookbook on burgers pleases male and female gift recipients and Melissa d’Arabian’s “Ten Dollar Dinners” cookbook adds budget-friendly recipes to the foodie family’s collection. If you know that your foodie already owns many cookbooks, give him the gift of choice with a gift card to Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com or the FoodNetwork.com store. On a budget of $20 or less, give subscriptions to foodie magazines for gifts that arrive fresh each week or month, or packs of pretty recipe cards so she can share recipes the old-fashioned way. Gadgets can also be found for less than $20, so you can thrill the recipient without spending a fortune. And every time he uses your gift with each winning dish he creates, he’ll be grateful to you. Creators.com

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

PET GIFTS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

sealed bag in the fridge until gift-giving time. Bones can be refrigerated up to two weeks or frozen for up to two months.

Gourmet Chicken Jerky Chicken jerky for dogs is all the rage, and for good reason. It’s chewy, satisfying and packed with protein—but it’s also pricey and potentially loaded with unhealthy additives. Bake your own at home in a food dehydrator and you’ll be certain it’s 100-percent natural. “As a dog owner, I care about what my dog eats as much as I care about what I eat,” said Pamela Braun, recipe developer and the voice behind mymansbellycom. “One of my favorite gifts to give to my friends that own dogs is a gift of dehydrated chicken breast treats...these homemade treats show your friends that you care about their pet, just like you care about them.” Slice boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1/4-inch slices. The overall shape doesn’t matter, Braun said, but the thickness of each slice should be uniform. Lay out the chicken pieces on the dehydrator tray, leaving room between each piece. Dehydrate for eight hours at 145 F. The chicken pieces should snap when broken; if they’re still flexible, continue dehydrating until crispy. Store jerky in sealed bags or airtight containers. Don’t have a dehydrator? Place sliced chicken on baking sheets and bake in the oven at 200 F for two hours or until done. Catnip Tuna Treats These catnip-infused tuna treats are sure to please even the most finicky feline. The recipe makes enough to share with all the cat lovers on your list. u 1 can tuna, well drained u 1/3 cup Bisquick baking mix u 1 large egg, beaten u 2-3 tablespoons milk u 1 cup dried catnip Preheat oven to 350 F. Place tuna in food processor or blender and blend into a thick paste. In a large mixing bowl, mix the tuna, Bisquick, egg, milk and 1/2 cup dried catnip until well moistened. Add additional milk as needed. Mixture should resemble thick sticky dough. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Roll each ball in the remaining catnip and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 5 to 8 minutes until set. Treats should be soft, not crunchy Let treats cool at room temperature for two hours; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or in the freezer for up to one month.

CREATORS.COM/PAMELA BRAUN

Skip the pricey pet store fare and make your own chicken jerky for the canine companions on your holiday list. The prep time is minimal, and you have the benefit of knowing it’s 100-percent natural.

Peanut Butter “Gingerbread” Biscuits With wholesome ingredients like oats, bran, molasses, barley and apple scraps, these mouthwatering treats made in a food dehydrator will have your dog begging for more. For an extra decadent treat, add a thin layer of “chocolate” icing made from melted carob chips. u 1 1/2 cups water u 1/2 cup oil u 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter (no sugar added) u 2 teaspoons vanilla u 2 cups whole-wheat flour u 1/2 cup cornmeal u 1/2 cup oats u 1/4 cup honey crunch wheat germ In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, oats and wheat germ. Stir in oil, peanut butter, vanilla and water. Knead until smooth, adding more flour or water as needed. Roll out dough to about 1/4inch thick. Shape into bars or cut with cookie cutters in the shape of bones or gingerbread men. Place cutouts on a dehydrator tray and place in the dehydrator at the highest setting (145 to 155 F) for six to eight hours. Add time if needed; treats should be very dry. (Recipe from Excalibur Dehydrators) Creators.com

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Holiday Gift Guide

holiday events T h e fo l l ow i n g i s a s a m p l i n g o f va r i o u s h o l i d a y eve n t s t h ro u g h o u t M o n t g o m e r y C o u n t y. D a t e s / t i m e s ma y b e s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e .

Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland

-COMPILED BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON

Winter Concert Dec. 1, 8 p.m.

A Little House Christmas

Nov. 21–Dec. 23; Sat., 11 a.m., 2 and 4:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m., 2 p.m.; Dec. 4–21, Tues.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.; Winter break (Dec. 24–31), 11 a.m., 2 p.m.; American Sign Language interpreted performance, Dec. 1, 2 p.m.; sensory-friendly performance, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. Closed Dec. 25.

$10 adult, $5 under age 12 Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda Student concert, Santa meet and greet, ice sculpting Dec. 2, 2–4 p.m.

$18 Adventure Theatre MTC, Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo 301-634-2270 www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org

Veterans Park, corner of Woodmont and Norfolk avenues 301-215-6660 www.bethesda.org/bethesda/ winter-wonderland

The Nutcracker

Miracle on 34th Street

Nov. 23–Dec. 23; Wed., 11:30 a.m. (closed Nov. 28); Thurs.–Fri., 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Sat.–Sun., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Dec. 26-30, 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. $10 The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo 301-634-5380 www.thepuppetco.org

Glen Echo Holiday Art Show and Sale

Nov. 23–Jan. 6; Sat.–Sun., 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo 301-634-2222 www.glenechopark.org

The Garden of Lights

Nov. 23–Jan. 6; Sun.–Thu., 5:30–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat., 5:30–10 p.m. Last car admitted 30 minutes prior to closing. Closed Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1–3. Cars/vans $20 (Mon.-Thu.) and $25 (Fri.Sun.); 15-24 passenger vehicles $50; 25-35 passenger vehicles $75; 36-57 passenger vehicles $120. Cash only. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton 301-962-1453 www.montgomeryparks.org

Holiday Gift Guide

Nov. 30–Dec. 15, Fri.–Sat., 8 p.m.; Dec. 16, Sun., 2 p.m. CITY OF GAITHERSBURG

17th Annual Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Nov. 25 (S’more Lights), 5–9 p.m.; Nov. 23–24 and Nov. 30–Dec. 31; Sun.–Thurs., 6–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat., 6–10 p.m. Closed Dec. 25. S’more Lights, $8 residents, $10 nonresidents, free under age 4. Cars $12 (Mon.-Thu.) and $15 (Fri.-Sun.); 15-19 passenger vehicles $20; minibuses $30; buses $70. Cash only at gate. Credit cards for advanced sales (see website). Seneca Creek State Park 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg 301-258-6350 www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights

Winter Display and Garden Railway Exhibit

Nov. 23–Jan. 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Free Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton 301-962-1453 www.montgomeryparks.org

35th Annual Festival of Lights

Nov. 30–Jan.1, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; nightly concert, 7 and 8 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington 301-587-0144 dctemplelights.lds.org

Mrs. Claus Tea

Dec. 1, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. $28; reservations required Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5108 www.strathmore.org

$16; $14 for Gaithersburg residents The Arts Barn 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg 301-258-6394 www.gaithersburgmd.gov/artsbarn

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 1–2, 9–11 a.m.

$20 adult; $15 age 12 and under. Reservations required. Bring your own camera. Kentlands Mansion 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg 301-258-6425 www.gaithersburgmd.gov

Holly Trolleyfest

Dec. 1–23; Sat.–Sun., noon–5 p.m. $7 adult; $5 child/senior; free age 2 and younger (includes trolley ride) National Capital Trolley Museum 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville 301-384-6088 www.dctrolley.org

Rockville Civic Ballet’s Nutcracker 2012

Dec. 1–9; Sat.–Sun, 2 p.m.; Sat., 7:30 p.m.

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

$16, adult; $12 age 60-plus or 12 and under F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre at Rockville Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville 240-314-8690 www.rockvillemd.gov/arts

National Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah

320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg 301-258-6394 www.gaithersburgmd.gov

A Special Holiday Event with the Victorian Lyric Opera Orchestra and the Metropolitan Chorus

$28-$84 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

Dec. 14, 8 p.m. $24 adult; $16 student F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville 240-314-8690 www.rockvillemd.gov/arts

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Winter’s Eve

$14 Black Rock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown 301-528-2260 www.blackrockcenter.org

Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo 301-634-2222 www.glenechopark.org

Dec. 8 and 22, 8 p.m.; Dec. 23, 3 p.m.

Dec. 8, 1 p.m.

Music at the Mansion

Featuring songs of the season, Middle Ages through Baroque Dec. 14, 8 p.m. $25; $23 for Gaithersburg residents Kentlands Mansion

Dec. 15, 6–9 p.m.

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre

Dec. 15, 8 p.m. $29-$32 Black Rock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown 301-528-2260 www.blackrockcenter.org

A Ceremony of Carols by National Philharmonic Singers and Rebecca Smith, Harpist

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Dec. 16, 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 16, 3 p.m.

$23-$25 Black Rock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown 301-528-2260 www.blackrockcenter.org

Family Christmas Sing-Along Dec. 16, 4 p.m.

$28-$88 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

Lloyd Dobler Effect: Holiday Experience Dec. 22, 8 p.m.

$10 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

$15 Black Rock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown 301-528-2260 www.blackrockcenter.org

Rockville Concert Band’s Holiday Concert

New Year’s Eve Swing Dance Dec. 31, 8 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

Dec. 16, 3 p.m.

$5 suggested donation F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville 240-314-8690 www.rockvillemd.gov/arts

$25 Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo 301-634-2222 www.glenechopark.org www.americanswing.org

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GIVE THE GIFT OF FLIGHT! Take to the skies with a Discovery Flight for just $99! Your trip includes 30 minutes of ground training and 30 minutes hands-on trip in a Cessna 172 with a certified flight instructor. You will receive a signed First Flight Certificate. No experience necessary. All ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Call or E-mail to schedule your flight, or order a gift certificate.

Davis Flying Service 7200 Hawkins Creamery Road Gaithersburg, MD 20882

November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

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PARENTS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

A Quiet Night at Home New parents often find they can’t go out to restaurants or movies like they did before the baby, but you can help them enjoy a special evening together at home. Netflix offers a range of gift subscriptions to its online library of streaming TV shows and movies, eliminating the need to leave the house to rent. Similarly, an Amazon.com gift certificate can be used to buy a new DVD or Blu-ray or to rent something from Amazon’s Instant Video library. Consider buying the new parents a gift basket to go along with the entertainment. Many stores and online retailers offer baskets filled with cheese, chocolates or other treats.You can also help them unwind after a long day by choosing a basket containing their favorite adult beverages and the appropriate glassware. Date Night When the new parents feel comfortable going out again, give them a memorable date night.Take their interests and hobbies into account. Perhaps they would like a gift certificate to a new restaurant in town or to an old favorite; or maybe they would like tickets to see a play, a comedian or a band. If you think they would like to try something new, pay for two spots in a cooking or dance class. Most spas offer a couple’s session that is a perfect stress reliever for new parents. And, of course, volunteering to babysit during the date or arranging for a babysitter will go a long way toward letting them focus on themselves for a few hours.

GIFTS UNDER $50, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 CREATORS.COM/ STANLEY STEEMER

New parents always need help with cleaning, so giving the gift of a cleaning service, such as Stanley Steemer, may be a good idea.

Keeping in Touch Lastly, you can help new parents keep in touch with faraway family members. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 will allow them to chat online in full HD 1080p and the dual stereo microphones will provide crystal-clear sound. The Sony Bloggie Live HD camera will let them stream HD video live to their social networks or personal blogs, or record and upload those videos later. After a quick setup, the Eye-Fi Connect X2 SDHC wireless flash memory card will let them upload 2 to 8 gigabytes of photos to their computer without any cords, plugs or adapters. Also, a set of rechargeable batteries and a charger will eliminate many missed moments. When buying a gift for new parents, focus on the little things. Your gift can become the extra set of hands they need in a moment of stress or exhaustion; it can be the spark that helps rekindle romance; or it can be the glue that brings a distant family together. Creators.com

“Take note of her favorite wines during the tastings,” the article said. “After the tour, purchase several bottles of her favorites, and give them to her as Christmas gifts. For $50, you can likely purchase one to three bottles of wine, depending on the price.” An article from eHow on gifts for men suggests picking out tools, sports paraphernalia from his favorite team, or a nice bottle of wine or whiskey for less than $50. Gift certificates are also a nice present for $50 or less. Montgomery said she’s big on giving them to her friends from their favorite places, such as knitting stores, bead stores, independent movie theaters and coffee shops. “That way, they only use it for themselves and don’t feel like they need to use it on someone else,” she said. “I like to get them from local shops and try to avoid the bigbox, mall store, chain store, so as to support the local economy and locally owned shops. “I also make one-of-a-kind gift card holders myself so it shows more thought than just running out and buying a gift card and shoving it in a boring envelope. The envelope that I make becomes part of the gift,” Montgomery said. No matter the gift, Montgomery said, it is the thought that counts. “Any gift is great if it’s thoughtful and something you know the recipient will use or love or that targets their strengths or interests,” she said. Creators.com

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Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

CASH, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

can find online at etsy.com/shop/ PaperAffection, the artist will make blooming roses and other shapes from American and foreign currency. FENG SHUI RED PROSPERITY ENVELOPES. In a recent interview on Oprah.com, financial guru and author Suze Orman said that she likes to give money in red feng shui envelopes, which, according to the ancient philosophy of attracting energy, luck and other positives via symbolic placement of items, makes a gift of the envelope itself. When the recipient finds a cash gift in the red envelope, he or she can then remove the cash, fill the red envelope with nine coins of any type and then place the lucky envelope at the entrance to a room or in a room’s “financial corner” to “attract” wealth and financial health. WALLET STUFFING. Giving a gift of a stylish wallet or change purse gets even more exciting when the recipient opens it to find a stack of crisp $20s or a pile of $10s. STAND-UP CARD HOLDERS. Look at cute and creative place card stands with themed bottom designs such as starfish, little chairs and other items. Instead of those little printed cards, slip a crisp $5 or $10 bill into each of six or eight holders.

Display this gift on a table or wrap in a pretty box, with the place card stands becoming a secondary gift the recipient will use again and again. GIFT TINS. In a craft store’s wrapping and party favor section, there are trendy, patterned flat gift tins designed for holding gift cards. With zebra stripes, sports logos or other themes, gift tins are the perfect holders for your cash gifts—and again, the gift tin can be reused by the recipient. PAPER BANDS. As an easy DIY craft, simply cut a length of patterned paper—perhaps from a pad of scrapbook paper—to create a 2-inch-wide band that you wrap around the pile of money. Secure with tape and decorate with a rubber stamp design, sticker, wax seal or a message you write on the band in metallic marker. If your recipients live far away, you may be tempted to send money via PayPal, but be aware that they may have to open a PayPal account if they don’t already have one, and PayPal may charge a fee to the recipient—or to you, if you offer to pay it. If you decide to mail money to a faraway loved one, do so safely using trackable and insured mail. Check usps.gov for current regulations about mailing cash nationally and overseas. Creators.com

But a healthy diet can indeed be flavorful, so help health-conscious men and women get started by getting them a cookbook filled with healthy recipes that ISTOCKPHOTO/ALIKA1712 are also delicious. Before buying, find out if your recipient has any specific dietary restrictions, such as the need to be gluten-free or to avoid red meat.Then you can find a cookbook that suits him, but in a way that allows him to embrace healthy eating.

FITNESS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

often find riding a bicycle is a great lowimpact exercise that encourages them to get off the couch in a way that doesn’t aggravate their conditions. Many adults received a bicycle as a holiday gift when they were children, and those looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle might be just as excited to receive one again. - COOKBOOK: Adopting a healthier lifestyle does not have to be all about exercise. In fact, eating healthier is just as important as exercising more. A common misconception is that healthy foods don’t boast the flavor of those irresistible, unhealthy, sugary and salty foods.

Metro Creative Connection

to a favorite restaurant can provide a welcome respite from takeout. - SECURITY SYSTEM: Homeowners who want to protect their new asset may appreciate a home security system. - MONEY: Buying a home is an expensive endeavor, and new homeowners might be feeling the pinch of an overextended budget. Sometimes cash makes the most thoughtful gift.

HOME, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

nishing and offer to purchase one or more pieces for the space. - LINENS: Guests might be stopping by to see the new house, so a gift of sheets for the guest room or hand towels will ensure the place is stocked for anyone who drops in. - DINING OUT CERTIFICATES: People who have just moved into a home may be so busy with projects that they don’t have time to make meals.Therefore, a gift card

Metro Creative Connection

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November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

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GOLFER, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

When your golfer enjoys looking stylish on the golf course, new golf apparel will always be a fitting gift. As we approach winter, a new pair of golf pants or a long-sleeve top will be a welcome addition to her cold-weather golfing wardrobe. A new golf shirt will also be appreciated by an avid golfer; and if she plays at the same course frequently, buy her a shirt or other apparel with the logo from the local golf course or club. If price is a consideration, try searching discount shopping sites online, such as gilt.com or ruelala.com, where there will occasionally be a sale of major golf apparel brands at nice markdowns. The golfer who enjoys collecting unique paraphernalia from courses or events may enjoy logo tchotchkes. You can simply go on eBay and type in “pine valley golf” or “pebble beach golf” and see a litany of items that range from logo balls and golf bags to scorecards and trophies.Take a look through his golf bag or on his shelves to see whether you notice ball markers with different courses or old golf photos on his walls. You may purchase an inexpensive ball marker for a few dollars or a golf bag with logo for a few hundred dollars. You may also notice that your golfer is desperate for something, such as a new golf umbrella or a golf glove. Check her golf bag and look at the accessories; go through the pockets to take full invento-

TOYS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

“Angry Birds Space Game,” said Christopher Byrne, known across the country as The Toy Guy. “The app is now a board game,” he said. “This is the latest version from Mattel. It’s really selling well.” Lego toys have long been a favorite with boys, but the company has launched a new item in Lego Friends, said Byrne, who is also associated with timetoplaymag.com. “This is the first girl-centered line from Lego,” he said. “It caused a bit of a stir when it was launched earlier this year, but it’s doing very well and is very popular.” One toy that’s making a comeback is the odd-looking, but fun, Furby. “Yes, it’s back, but I have to say that they’ve done a really great job of updating the technology, so the play is better than ever,” Byrne said. The Bounce Bounce Tigger, from Just Play, is a “new version of a toy that was a hit about eight years ago,” said Byrne. It was initially meant for preschoolers, but there is a “totally new consumer base since then. They’ve done a great job animating the toy, and it’s hilarious.”

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Holiday Gift Guide

ISTOCKPHOTO/RANPLETT

IF YOU SEE THAT YOUR GOLFER LOVES TITLEIST BALLS, YOU CAN BUY A

DOZEN NEW BALLS OR 50 LIMITED-PLAY USED BALLS.

ry. If you see that your golfer lovesTitleist balls, you can buy a dozen new balls or 50 limited-play used balls. Any of these can usually be purchased at a local sporting goods store, at a pro shop or online. As with any purchase, you can always shop around for the best value. The Internet has created a transparent golf marketplace where anyone can compare prices. The pro shop will usually be the most expensive and eBay the cheapest. Remember that a brief investigation will lead you to the perfect gift. –Creators.com

THE NERF N-STRIKE ELITE HAIL-FIRE

SHOOTS UP TO 75 FEET

AND CAN HOLD UP TO 104 FOAM DARTS. High-energy kids with time on their hands over the holiday break can play outside with the Nerf N-Strike Elite HailFire. “This is one of the most high-powered Nerf guns yet. It shoots up to 75 feet and can hold up to 104 foam darts,” Byrne said. Although it is still a little early to know for sure which toys will be most popular, Byrne made one prediction on which both he and Mattel agree. Mattel is promoting Monster High High School on its top 12 toy list, and Byrne thinks the toy company is right on the mark. Girls also will enjoy the Monster High Create-A-Monster kit, according to Mattel. Creators.com

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012

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November 2012 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

Holiday Gift Guide

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Holiday Gift Guide

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2012