Holiday Gifting Volume 2 by Times-Call Newspaper

December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Holiday Gifting

December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

Volume 2

Support a cause this holiday season

Snuggle up with these soft gifts

Make a statement with jewelry pieces

Must-have gardening books

10 Buying the right age-appropriate doll 11 Liquor a unique, fun gift 12 Give the gift of experience

14 Retro items make a comeback 16 Stocking stuffers for your sleigh 17 Fun kid gifts 18 Spoil the pet on your list 20 Be practical when buying for teens

21 Get personal when it comes to babies

22 Create your own gift basket 24 Take simple steps toward a greener holiday 26 Gifts from the TV screen 27 Streaming takes center stage 30 Find quality cookware on any budget 33 Holiday Happenings

Summer Stair Specialty Publications Editor sstair@times-call.com, 720-494-5429 Jade Cody Specialty Publications Associate Editor jcody@times-call.com, 303-684-5275 Contributing Writers Emma Castleberry and Kendall Schoemann Cover design by Trisha Allin Check out our digital edition at www.timescall.com/magazines.asp

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Support a cause this holiday season Article Resource Association

Budgets get pulled in many directions throughout the holidays: you have a lot of gifts to buy, but it’s also the season of giving to charity. If both of those are important to you, mix shopping and supporting a great cause: stopping diabetes. The American Diabetes Association’s Gift of Hope program is designed to do just that. Every penny of profit from your holiday purchases goes directly to diabetes research. The Gift of Hope program was started in 1971, when several Minneapolis-area parents of children with diabetes wanted to do something to fight the disease. They started selling holiday greeting cards to raise money for diabetes research. Since then, the program has raised $22.5 million for diabetes research, averaging 50,000 customers a year. Gift of Hope offers an exclusive line of holiday cards, house wares and seasonal items for everyone on your list. Proceeds from Gift of Hope benefit the nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. who have diabetes, including Amy Johnson. Johnson, from Kansas City, Mo. Amy is the American Diabetes Association’s 2010 National Youth Advocate and is featured on the cover of this year’s Gift of

Hope catalog. “My diabetes diagnosis opened my eyes to everything – my health, what I eat, how it was going to affect my future,” Johnson says. Three weeks after being diagnosed, Johnson attended an American Diabetes Association camp and soon participated in her first diabetes walk. Volunteering led to her appointment as youth advocate in Kansas City. Much of Johnson’s activity represents a grassroots campaign to build awareness of diabetes and to advocate for diabetes-related issues, including increased research. “My overall goal is to band youth together in the fight against diabetes, not only on type 1, but also type 2,” Johnson says. In 2010, the American Diabetes Association launched the Stop Diabetes movement to encourage individuals to get involved by sharing, acting, learning and giving. This year’s catalog profiles people who are committed to the cause. Here are four steps you can take to stop diabetes this holiday season: • Share: Tell the world why you want to stop diabetes. Your story will inspire others to join the movement. Purchases from Gift of Hope show that you care. • Act: Get involved. Participate or volunteer at an American Diabetes Association

YOU (and your money) BELONG IN

LONGMONT

event. Advocate for more government funding of research. Turn your holiday purchases into research dollars by ordering from Gift of Hope, and encourage others to order at diabetes.org/giftofhope. • Learn: Be informed on your own risk of developing type 2 diabetes and learn about lifestyle choices that help prevent the disease and its deadly complications. • Give: Establish a monthly donation to the association or include it in your estate planning. You can donate any amount to Gift of Hope – even if you don’t make a purchase.

How can a doll take care of a tree? A: When you buy your

children’s presents in Longmont, your sales tax supports our local parks.

FREE tote when you spend your money in Longmont! Bring this coupon, spend $15 at participating retailers and get a FREE Longmont tote. Look for the list of participating retailers at YouBelonginLongmont.org or see posters in shop windows. Exp. 12/31/11 or while supplies last.

December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

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Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Snuggle Time

Add to the warm and fuzzy season by giving soft and cuddly gifts to the little ones in your life

Kendall Schoemann Longmont Times-Call

In every shape and color, Ugly Dolls are a popular choice for little ones this season. $20.95, Adornables.

Make the holiday season more special with a new friend. These sweet and soft Jelly Cat animals are the perfect addition. $21.95-$32.95, Adornables.

With this Upcycled Sweater Monkey, you can show the importance of recycling as the monkey is constructed from gently used woolen garments. $39.95, Adornables.

Make bath time fun with these Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Wrap bath towels. The fuzzy towel wraps into a small case and unfolds into an animal. $32.95, Adornables.

December 4, 2011

Bright & Shiny

Longmont Times-Call Publication

Wish List bronze and white stone necklace by C.C. Skye

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller CTW Features

Gold may be hovering at stratospheric levels and the economy is still seesawing, but that’s not stopping well-heeled shoppers from indulging their jewelry habits. Retailers and designers say they’ve noticed an uptick in interest and sales for baubles, which bodes well for the holiday season. “There’s a demand for statement pieces, whether it’s an oversized cocktail ring or a dramatic cuff bracelet,” says Los Angeles jewelry designer, C.C. Skye, whose showy accessories have curried favor with boldfaced names like Halle Berry, Gwen Stefani and Kristin Cavallari. “They feel that we’ve been through the recession. We’ve lived it. We don’t want to live that lifestyle anymore. There’s still room for more celebration.” Customers may also justify the expense since jewelry can be reworked with a variety of wardrobe pieces, say retailers. “People may not be in the mood to buy shoes or clothes, but they know a fun piece of jewelry can make an outfit pop and can be worn again and again,” says Melissa Akkaway, owner of Beckley Boutique, which has locations in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. When it comes to fashion jewelry, which usually tops out at $1,000, clean and spare necklaces sporting initials and quirky pendants are a key trend for the holidays. Alex Woo’s dainty charms, such as initials and zodiac signs, can sell for $148 in sterling silver, $548 in 14 karat gold and $798 with pav diamonds. A new holiday addition to Beckley is

Stackable pearl wrap bracelets by Jordan Alexander

Maya Brenner’s pendants in the shape of states (seen on the likes of Katy Perry, Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson) in gold and silver, with easy-on-the-wallet prices of $130 to $300. Those rimmed with diamonds will fetch $1,040. Another approachable line is New York-based Erica Weiner Jewelry, whose vintage-inspired creations conjure up whimsy and nostalgia with prices averaging under $300. At the company’s store in New York City, manager Emily Ruane steers clients away from solitaire diamonds unless the present is supposed to be the real deal — a proposal or anniversary gift. “It’s just not appropriate to give big diamonds unless you’re engaged or married,” Ruane says. Instead, for the holidays, she suggested the double letterpress necklace, which actually incorporates old moveable type as the pendants and is personalized with initials, or the Civil War-era tintype necklaces, which feature photographs printed on iron sheets hanging from brass chains. Men may appreciate thepenknife necklace on a brass chain or a cast fossil nautilus necklace, items that aren’t highly embellished or too overwrought. Los Angeles-based Lord Griffon, known for its chunky oxidized silver jewelry and a fan base that includes Randy Jackson from “American Idol,” has also noticed a shift in male tastes to less in-your-face skull ware. What’s more in demand these days are sleeker looks, such as ID bracelets and fleur-de-lis necklaces, said Suzie Lederer, founder and creative director of Lord Griffon. “More than something really hard-edged, they want something they can wear not when they’re just going to the club or riding motorcycles on weekends,” Lederer says. C.C. Skye also projects a heavy metal holiday of sorts, glittering with multiple dia-

monds, such as the Wish List Necklace, comprising of heavy bronze chains woven with white stones. Her retailers are also beginning to stock the pav punk princess bracelet in gun metal for the holidays. Skye says it caters to that “luxe, funk princess” trend. “It’s got an edge with elegance,” she says. “There’s irony and balance. Women of all ages are wearing pav, not just younger girls.” Fine jewelry is also in demand for those aspirational buyers, according to Janet Goldman, founder and chief executive officer of Fragments showroom in New York, which represents about 35 fashion and fine jewelry collections. Her suggestions for holiday gifts include layered looks, such as necklaces that are “feminine, soft and drapey,” and bracelets that combine textures such as wooden beads paired with a diamond bangle. Long, dramatic earrings are in for those seeking gifts infused with glam and sparkle. The Miguel Ases line features dangling earrings studded with tiny beads that are easy to wear with tank tops or little black dresses and fit the under$500 budget. Customers who want to splurge may opt for the designs by Phillips Frankel, including the round pendants covered in pav diamonds at $1,500 or Moritz Glik’s oxidized silver and white gold chains with little box pendants enclosed with rubies, diamonds and sapphires priced around $10,000. “[Jewelry] purchases over $5,000 are what’s trending,” Goldman says. “It’s about finding something that will make us buy, something that ’I can’t live without.’”

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Gardening books make great gifts By Carol O’Meara • CSU Extension

From simple pleasures to outright splurges, the season for giving is upon us. As you rush to buy gifts for your gardeners, consider giving them a gift they’ll treasure for years: books. As old fashioned as that may sound, having a couple of hard copy resources you can reach for when your hands are covered in dirt is priceless. Here are three can’t miss options:

The Heirloom Life Gardener: The Baker Creek Way of Growing Your Own Food Easily and Naturally by Jere and Emilee Gettle (Hyperion books, $18.83) “People kept asking us for a book that had everything in it,” said Jere, who, with wife Emilee owns the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed company in Mansfield, Missouri. “There are a lot of books dedicated to just melons or squash, but people wanted a book that had a lot of elements within it, not just growing, but seed saving or harvesting, and varieties.” The Gettles know first-hand the surging interest in food gardening; sales at their seed company have been increasing by at least 20-percent per year over the past five years. “People have an interest in good food, and in growing food.” The varieties section is sure to please with its tips on growing and seed saving for each plant type, he said, but the travel chapter captured his heart. “It brings back so many memories for me; I find it interesting to travel and find seeds, to keep them going.” Find it at rareseeds.com/HG_Gardener.

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December 4, 2011

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Slow Gardening: A No-Stress Philosophy for all Senses and Seasons by Felder Rushing (Chelsea Green Publishing, $29.95) For sheer reading fun and plenty of wisdom, Slow Gardening is a joy from cover to cover. Rushing’s approach to gardening won’t appeal to everyone, especially if you’re hung up on insisting all gardens are meticulously groomed and planted to conform. Instead, Rushing celebrates the diversity of gardens and gardeners while giving practical tips on how to get the chores done without senseless repetition. Easy to read, it’s perfect for winter perusal when most gardeners are making vows to make the upcoming season the “very best, ever.” And according to Rushing, the very best garden you can grow is the one that pleases you. Find it at local bookstores or at felderrushing.net/.

Urban homesteading: Heirloom Skills For Sustainable Living by Rachel Kaplan and K. Ruby Blume (Skyhorse Publishing, $16.95)

Novices and experienced gardeners can find advice to suit their skills and needs, and you don’t need to overhaul your life to get started, says Kaplan. Though she puts up 100 quarts of food from her 600-square-foot garden, yearly, her advice is to start small. “It’s not like the Depression era, where we have nothing so need to convert everything. It’s little changes. Follow your appetite, follow your love; if you like food, start there, if your interest is water, start there. You can do this within your opportunities and lifestyle.” Urban Homesteading is filled with hundreds of project ideas for how you can make the most of your property, from composting or worm bins to food preservation. Find it at urban-homesteading.org.

Now in its second printing, this is a must-have resource for gardeners interested in making the most of the garden’s bounty. “For myself, I started getting concerned with the country’s direction about 10 years ago,” says Kaplan from her home in Petaluma, California, “I started growing food, doing food preservation. Homesteading kept arising as a good way to live; there’s so much joy in in unhooking from the machine. When you get into a repurposing lifestyle (usingobjects differently instead of throwing them away), you lower expectations and relax.”

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Through Dec. 24 Big M Christmas Tree Lot (Located in West parking lot) Through Dec. 12 Kindness for Kids Toy Donation Tree Nov. 25 - Dec. 24 Santa’s Here! (Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-5pm) Nov. 26 - Dec. 24 Twin Peaks Express Train Rides (Noon-4pm, Sat. & Sun. only) Dec. 8-10 & 15-17 California Actor’s Theatre presents: A Christmas Pantomime -Aladdin Visit www.twinpeaksmall.com for all upcoming events and activities

www.twinpeaksmall.com 303.651.6454 1250 S. Hover Rd., Longmont

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Here Comes Dolly A guide to finding the perfect doll to give Metro Services

For a little girl, there is no more magical gift to receive during the holidays then a beautiful new doll. Despite all the high tech toys, classic doll play has stood the test of time giving children today the same wonderful imaginative play experiences as they did centuries ago. Dolls are important to children at each stage of development, providing comfort, security and “an available friend.” Here are some helpful tips from the experts at Corolle (corolle.com) on how to pick the right play doll for the right age. The size of the doll should be proportionate to a child’s size and strength. When she cradles the doll in her forearm, she should be able to hold the doll’s bottom in her hand, and its head should nestle in the crook of her elbow – exactly the way a baby would be held by an adult. The weight of the doll should also be proportionate to that of the child, which makes the doll easy to manage. Here

are some other tips specific to your child’s level of development: For an Infant As a baby begins to investigate her new world of shapes and textures and develops essential skills, she needs a snuggly security companion. Select a plush and washable doll that is lightweight and between 10 and 12 inches tall; perfectly sized for tiny hands to hold and hug. 18 Months and Up As baby transitions to the toddler years, she begins to care for and nurture her doll, imitating her parents. Select a doll that will make an ideal playmate. Look for a doll that is about 12 inches tall and is soft, lightweight, and easy to dress and undress. 3 Years and Older Little girls at this age begin to act out many real-life situations with their dolls. They may become big sister, mother or babysitter. Baby dolls encourage creativity and inspire pretend play memories young girls will cherish forever. For added fun, choose a doll with wellrooted hair that can be combed.

LONGMONT FRONT RANGE POSTER ON SALE

This doll from Corolle, can make a treasured gift.

5 years and UP Girls begin to project themselves into their world and start to develop and value friendships. In turn, they are looking for playmates. Select dolls that have a variety of wardrobe, hair design and accessory choices. With so many made for every age and every stage, finding the perfect doll has never been easier.

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December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

In the

Spirit

Gift ideas from local Longmont liquor stores Compiled by Jade Cody • Times-Call

Recommended by Sammy Hagar Developed in 1996 on the back roads of Guadalajara, Cabo Wago tequila makes a great holiday gift. This set is available at 9th Ave. Liquor Warehouse in Longmont ($26.99).

A Tisket A Tasket

A Cure For What Ales You

A variety of gift sets are available at 9th Ave. Liquor Warehouse in Longmont. At left, the Martini Set, comes with a bottle of Svedka Vodka, two martini glasses, coasters, cocktail onions, olives, cocktail picks and napkins ($50). Custom baskets are available upon request.

For the beer lover, consider this special limited 15th anniversary release of Firestone. Available at Twin Peaks Liquor in Longmont ($25.99).

Single Malt for the Soul This specialty package features a bottle of 12-year-old Glenlivet single malt Scotch whisky and includes two scotch tumblers. Available at Twin Peaks Liquor in Longmont ($33.99).

Baileys Makes It Better A Toast For The Holidays There’s no better beverage for celebrations than champagne. This specialty package includes a bottle of revered Perrier-Jouet Fleur DeChampagne and two intricate flutes. Available at Twin Peaks Liquor in Longmont ($115.95).

Use Baileys to create elegant martinis, after-dinner coffee, drinks and desserts. They’re all easy to make, and they’re all delicious. Find recipes at www.baileys.com. This set includes two glasses and is available at 9th Ave. Liquor Warehouse in Longmont ($22.99).

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Give the Gift of Experience By Emma Castleberry Longmont Times-Call

So many holiday gifts are enjoyed briefly, for mere days or weeks before they lose their luster and start gathering dust in the closet. But the gift of an experience leaves your recipient with unforgettable memories, as well as a sense of accomplishment. Crackpots Pottery Studio Another artsy option for your friend or

Holiday plates made at Crackpots Pottery Studio

loved one is a gift certificate to Crackpots in Longmont. Crackpots has many options for craft projects: ceramic painting, clay handbuilding, silver jewelry-making, mosaics and glass fusing. They also offer adult and children’s classes in many of these techniques. There is an $8 studio fee that lasts

Just in time for the Holidays! Our bouquets are made fresh with premium fruit arranged in a variety of stunning displays.

the entire day, and projects run between $4 and $75. Gift certificates can be purchased at the studio or on the website in any amount. 501 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501 www.ecrackpots.com, 303-776-2211

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December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

Shuttles, Spindles and Skeins A gift certificate to Shuttles, Spindles and Skeins in Boulder provides the recipient with an abundance of options, including classes and materials for knitting, crochet, weaving, basketry, felting and many other crafts. Classes for adults are offered throughout the week and range from beginner to advanced. Classes start at $85 and often include several sessions that span throughout a few weeks. A 10 percent discount on products at the store is given to customers who are registered in the classes. You can view the entire class schedule with times and costs on the Shuttles, Spindles and Skeins website.

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Terroir New American Cuisine Your foodie friends and family will be thrilled to be gifted with a cooking class at Terroir New American Cuisine in Longmont. Executive Chef Tim Payne, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, teaches three-hour cooking classes in the Terroir kitchen twice a month on Saturdays. $65 gets one lucky student hands-on instruction time with Payne (only three or four students are in each class) and a gourmet lunch made with local, organic ingredients. The classes are often themed around ethnic foods or certain techniques, like how to cook duck or make pasta. You can purchase a class for your friend or loved one in the format of a gift certificate and the recipient can register for the class of their choice. 246 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501 www.terroir-restaurant.com, 303-651-0630

Friday, Dec 9 • 5-8pm • Visits with Santa • Holiday Cocoa Carts • Reindeer Visits • Trolley Rides • Fire Pits • Ice Carving • Holiday Ice Show (6:30pm) • Holiday Concert (6:30pm) • Night Parachute Drop (7:45pm) Saturday, Dec 10 • 5-8pm • Holiday Parade (5pm) • Fireworks (6:30pm) • Holiday Concerts (6:45pm) • Fire Pits • Hot Cocoa Carts • Carolers

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Whimsy Paint and Sip Rather than buying a new piece of art for your friend or loved one, why not give them the opportunity to make one? At Whimsy Paint and Sip in Erie, $45 gets you a fun-filled night that results in a professional painting one would be proud to hang in their home. The fee includes two hours of step-bystep instruction and all supplies necessary for the painting (paint, brushes, easel, apron and canvas). Drinks and snacks are available, ranging from $1 to $8. Classes are offered throughout the week in the morning, afternoon and evening. Whimsy could also be a great gift for children, as they host a “Kid’s Club” once a month for $25. Gift cards can be bought in any amount at the Whimsy studio in Erie, and they can also be applied to open studio time for the more accomplished artist who may not have materials or space, but doesn’t need instruction. Owner Raye Harris says this is the perfect option for the

• Public Skating • Learn-to-Skate Classes • Hockey • Skate Rental/Sharpening • Birthday Parties/ Group Outings

artist in all of us. “I want the artist to come in and enjoy the studio,” she says. “It’s just a time for all the artists to get together and paint.” 500 Briggs Street, Erie, CO 80516 www.whimsypaintandsip.com, 303-665-702

725 8th Ave, Longmont 303-774-4777 Recreation Services

http://ci.longmont.co.us/rec/icerink/index.htm

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Back in Time Reto stuff is cool again. Gifting old stuff is even cooler. By Lindsey Romain

CTW Features

Retro style is in, and kids can’t get enough of it, from cutting-edge clothing and accessories that recall the classics to thrift-shop home goods straight from grandma’s attic. A quest for individuality in a homogenized world is behind the vintage juggernaut, say trend watchers. So is a treacherous economy. “I think the resurgence started with kids rummaging through thrift stores,” says Bonnie VanKeersblick of Blue Flower Vintage, an online shop run through Etsy that specializes in vintage items. “Old movies help fuel the trend, and then the economic downturn and people

wanting to be green justified it.” Stephanie Press, who runs the online store Hold Vintage, says the same. “I believe there is a desire to escape from mass manufacturing to things that are unique,” she says. “The fashion industry has caught on to this and are making efforts to include vintage in their styling and editorials.” Whether you’re shopping for a curious teen or a nostalgic grown-up, having an eye for the old this season will come in handy. Retrothemed products make for great gifts and fun shopping. For Him Thank Don Draper from AMC’s popular series “Mad Men” for the resurgence in dapper formal wear for men. Draper’s crisp suits and affinity for good whiskey ignited craving for both. Men looking for fashion inspiration will enjoy “Icons of Men’s Style” by Josh Sims (Laurence King Publishers, 2011), a guide to iconic menswear. The British fashion writer chronicles prominent garments of the past and the men who made them no-

Back in the day — and back today: 1960s-era Diana F+ camera

table, including stars like Gregory Peck and classic characters like James Bond. Another way to bring a retro edge to men’s formalwear is with pocket squares. “[Pocket squares] are understated but stylish and not too far out of a guy’s comfort zone,” says Press. “You can go utilitarian with cotton or bold and bright in silk.” Club Room, a Macy’s clothing brand, sells pocket squares in everything from paisley to polka dot, and in colors like red, blue and black ($15, Macy’s). No man who carries a smart phone needs a watch — but many of them want one anyway. The Timex Digital watch ($40, department and specialty stores), boasts an INDIGLO night-light feature and digital number display, but a shiny stainless steel expansion band and water-resistance gives it contemporary utility. For Her Classic style for women is about finding the perfect statement piece. Think bold jewelry or anything with an Art Deco edge. “I love the idea of a great retro-print scarf,” says Press. “Not only can you wear it in a myriad of ways, but they are being used in interior design as framed art or for custom pillows.” Look for scarf designs with blocky shapes and heavy colors with a sharp contrast (like black, lime green and red) to achieve a polished Art Deco look. Vintage glass, tableware and cookware have

Vintage Norwegian bowls and kitchenware (Etsy.com/Blue Flower Vintage) Left inset: By the book: a guide to iconic menswear.

December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

great legs in the gift-giving world. VanKeersblick, a lifelong fan of vintage style, showcases a 1950s line of striped and lotus-patterned bowls designed by Grete Prytz Kittelsen for the Cathrineholm factory in Norway. Fresh contemporary takes on Scandinavian tableware abound, from Marimekkoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bright classics to the retro retakes from Sagaform, created by a platoon of young Swedish designers. Typewriters have seized the imagination of the Facebook generation. Search local antique stores and thrift shops for antique brands and restored classics. Women with a penchant for the sound of keystroke may enjoy a 1950s Royal portable typewriter in bright pink ($595, mytypewriter.com) or typewriter-inspired jewelry like a key bracelet ($85) or custom key earrings ($58).

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$19.99 Hand Crafted Glass Return of the return: 1950s manual typewriter in Pepto pink.

For Teens Young people questing for fresh, individual style have led the way in refining the vintage aesthetic. To please a 20-something, though, a vintage gift must possess retro flair along with techno geewhizery. Old-fashioned vinyl records are on a tear. A turntable would be a great gift for a young music fan fascinated by the crackling sounds of a spinning record. Crosley Radio, a classic brand dating to the earliest days of radio, offers a variety of models, including the Memory Master II ($400, department and specialty stores). This turntable, in black or paprika, plays vinyl, CDs and cassettes, has an AM/FM radio and a USB feature compatible with PCs and Macs for ripping and editing audio content. Retro-style headphones also appeal to young music fans who appreciate both 1970s design and contemporary high fidelity. Eskuchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Control, an on-ear style headphone, comes in basic black, shrimp, salmon and gold ($60, specialty stores). Teens also may enjoy capturing the moment on old-fashioned film with a Lomo LC-A, a cheap camera first designed in the Soviet era. Lomography U.S.A. rocketed to fame with this imperfect old camera (now produced in China) that produces unexpected distortions, The Memory Master II turntable, conversant such as light leaks and with PCs and Macs (Crosley Radio) saturated colors that give photos a classic, artistic look. The Diana F+ is an update on a cheap 1960s camera known for delivering dreamy exposures ($89, lomography.com).

Give a gift that is uniquely Longmont!

Longs Peak Christmas Ornament

by Phyllis Dwyer $9.99 Christmas cards also available.

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Stocking Stuffers for their Sleigh Metro Services

Whether the person on your gift list loves anything with wheels, has a new car under the tree or just needs a few holiday tips to make their “lump of coal” car shine like a holiday ornament, here are some easy ideas for stuffing their stockings. While some might say St. Paul, Minn., where 3M is headquartered, closely resembles the North Pole, the elves in the research labs there have been developing creative new solutions to help car owners maintain and improve their vehicles, just in time for winter weather and holiday giving. This year, the 3M automotive elves recommend: • Paint Restoration System from 3M: Winter salt and sludge can leave your car’s finish as dull as a burned out holiday bulb. You can restore that showroom shine with the Paint Restoration System from 3M, a three-step process that removes swirl marks, minor

scratches and oxidized paint. Add a buffer/polisher to the gift list, and it’s the perfect present for your paint. • Lens Renewal Kit from 3M: Dashing through the snow on a winter’s night isn’t smart with headlights that aren’t bright. But with the Lens Renewal Kit from 3M, car owners can make their headlights shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose and improve their safety on their holiday travels. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. • Scratch Removal System from 3M: Hauling all those holiday packages out of the sleigh can leave scratches on the rear bumper. No need to worry. The Scratch Removal System from 3M provides an easy step by step solution for removing these small scratches faster than holiday wrapping paper, and leave the car looking like brand new. Custom Image Kit from 3M: Give your

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vehicle its very own present this holiday season by personalizing it with a custom matte image. The Custom Image Kit from 3M utilizes abrasive and film technology to apply your desired “decal” by hand. Plus, you can remove the graphic if desired and restore the finish. For other holiday gift ideas for the automotive enthusiast on the shopping list, visit 3M Car Care on Facebook or www.3MCarCare.com for a full offering of 3M automotive solutions. The 3M Car Care product line can be found at leading automotive aftermarket retailers and online at www.Shop3M.com.

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practical, yet fun gifts for kids

Article Resource Association

The building anticipation, the frantic ripping of wrapping paper and the discovery of what those colorful packages hold — holidays and birthdays are great times to be a kid. But as any parent can attest, gifts received during holidays sometimes end up gathering cobwebs in the following months. While it’s fun to go for novelty items that catch a child’s attention when they are opened, giving the children in your life something that will truly stand the test of time will be much appreciated by both child and parent alike. And a practical gift doesn’t have to be boring, either. Here are five things to consider as you search for a gift that will get a lot of use. Consult with the Parents It may be against your instinct to ask the child’s parents what their child needs, since everyone loves a good surprise. However, it won’t ruin the surprise for the child if you take the time to find something that he or she could truly use, and parents know their children best. Books or Magazine Subscriptions If there’s one thing a child can’t get enough of, it’s stories. Books are a great gift because they are sure to be read and don’t take up a lot of room. A subscription to a magazine carries the added bonus of being a new gift every time it comes in the mail. If you get something that caters to the child’s interest, you can’t go wrong. Add Some Fun to Clothing Gifts When you were a kid, you might not remember clothing as the most fun gifts you received, but the fact remains that clothing is one of the most practical gifts you can give a child. To make your gift of clothing a little more interesting, throw in a fun clothing item with something more practical. You can never go wrong with a pair of jeans for the utility aspect and then a fun T-shirt from your recipient’s favorite TV show or movie. The Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. brand offers comfortable and affordable jeans for kids for under $25, so you can pick up a pair and have room in your budget for something else to complement them. The Gift of Tickets If you’re having trouble identifying a toy or gift that the child would really like, tickets to a kid-friendly concert or another event are a great option. You could also opt for a pass to a science museum or zoo — another gift that keeps giving throughout the year. Or personalize it by offering to take the child somewhere fun, which is a nice touch if you’re a favorite aunt, uncle or grandparent. Give Something that’s Alive No, not a cat or dog — unless you have a parent’s permission. But a fun and unique plant can be a fascinating gift for children as they can take care of it and watch it grow. Consider pairing this with a childfriendly book about the type of plant you are giving or gardening in general. Plants are also a nice gift, because if gives children and parents a project they can work on together.

December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Here Comes

Santa Paws Yeah, we know who’s been naughty. And they’ll get gifts for the holidays any way.

Good clean fun: BrushUp selfgrooming post with massage-like silicone bristles. (SmartyKat)

By Danielle Cadet

CTW Features

With waggly tails and rumbly purrs, they relentlessly show their love every day. What better time of year than the holidays to delight a four-legged family member with a special gift? “Pets get so much joy out of toys,” says Lorrie Shaw, a Chelsea, Mich., pet owner and pet blogger for annarbor.com. “They get to use all of their senses and identify something as theirs.” Pet ownership is at an all-time high. Sixtytwo percent of U.S. households own a pet — some 72.9 million homes, according to the 2011-2012 annual survey by the American Pet Products Association. And we’re loving — and giving — to our animals like never before. In 2010, dog owners increased spending on their pooches more than 30 percent, and dogs and cats are among the small pets that are most likely to get gifts at Christmas time, according to the APPA survey. Nine percent of dog owners say they’ve held a holiday or birthday party for their dog, and 4 percent say they’ve done so for their cat. Pet owners’ emotional ties with dogs and cats run deep. “A lot of baby boomers become empty nesters and still have that nurturing need,” says Kristen Levine, founder of Tarpon Springs, Fla.-based Fetching Communications, a marketer serving the pet industry. “A lot of millennials get pets before starting a family to fulfill that same need.” While most pet owners won’t hesitate to purchase a little something special for their pets this holiday season, the boom in products at retail means there’s more to choose from. Think before you shop, says Shaw. “Pay attention to what your pet likes to do. Does he run and play, or is he more cognitive?“ Gaga for Green Natural, nontoxic, sustainable, recycled and locally produced products are hot for pets. Brentwood, Tenn.-based Earth Dog offers hemp dog collars, leashes, beds and toys, all made in the U.S. The Leaf green adjustable hemp collar has quick-release hardware ($18 to $20, specialty

December 4, 2011

stores). Dog and cat beds made of soy-based material and recycled content are widely available. Many suppliers offer organic catnip. The Purr Highness cat scratcher from Worldwise is made of recycled corrugated cardboard and doubles as a lounger ($20, specialty stores). Doggles Plush Bottle Toys come in the shape of animals and have two squeakers. Stuff a used plastic water bottle inside and the toy provides instant crinkly chewing fun. ($13 and up, specialty stores). Cognitive Play Products that appeal to an animal’s intuitive side, engaging them and encouraging natural activity, also are trendy. “Foraging toys are hot,” says Levine. They give owners a chance to do other things while their pet is occupied, she says. Shaw suggests the treat-dispensing Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble by Premier Pet (two sizes, $10 to $20, specialty stores). This activity ball stimulates pups mentally and physically by making them work for their food. Levine is a fan of the Physipet, a line of exercise and entertainment products for cats and dogs. The toys react to the pet, pulling back when the pet pulls, incorporating exercise with play and reducing boredom and separation anxiety, says company founder and inventor Jude Waddy ($70 and up, physipet.com).

Curiouser and curiouser: Seek’aboo paw puzzle for cats. (SmartyKat)

Interactive games from the Swedish company Nina Ottosson are designed to stimulate a dog’s brain and reinforce people-friendly behavior. “Puzzle toys provide the mental stimulation many dogs lack in their everyday life,” says owner Nina Ottosson. Fill the new treat Maze and a pet will happily work away to “solve” the puzzle and get the treat. There are versions for cats and dogs (starting at $15, specialty stores.) Self-grooming products that keep cats happy and entertained are on the rise. The Worldwise Smartykat Brushup self-grooming post was voted one of the Top 10 products at the 2011 Global Pet Expo by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker of TV’s “Good Morning America” fame. Hundreds of flexible silicone bristles provide a feel-good massage while pulling

Longmont Times-Call Publication

Rough and tumble play: Bumi tug for dogs. (West Paw Design)

away loose fur ($20, specialty stores.) Chewers “If you have a chewer, it’s integral that you find the type of toy that can withstand that kind of abuse,” says Shaw. Don’t skimp on cheap toys that can easily tear apart. Instead, buy a heavy-duty toy that can endure tough teeth. California animal trainer and pet expert Diana L. Guerrero recommends the Kong Co.’s super-duty hollow rubber toys. The Kong Extreme toy, used by police and drug enforcement and specially made for aggressive chewers, can be filled with treats to help reduce boredom (available in five sizes, $5 and up, specialty stores). Brightly colored twists, flyers, hurleys and hucks from West Paw Design are made of Zogoflex, a durable, pliable material that’s easy for a pet to pick up and won’t hurt teeth ($9 to $17, specialty stores). Other toys for chew-happy canines: bones and tugs made of tightly twisted cotton threads, which clean teeth while the pup chews and plush toys for dogs who like to

Get smarty: Dog Twister, a treat maze for dogs. (Nina Ottosson)

“mother” a toy. Nylabone hard nylon dog chews in a range of shapes and flavors last longer than rawhide bones and promote tooth health. A bacon-flavored DuraChew comes in the shape of a hollow stick ($12, specialty stores).

For hot dogs on the go: a portable bowl with screw top. (Pawgua)

Life on the Road “More people travel with their pets nowadays,” says Levine. She stresses the importance of pet restraint while driving. “Just like texting and driving, a loose pet in the vehicle can be dangerous,” she says. Kurgo makes a variety of pet-carrying products. A Skybox Booster seat for puppies and small dogs up to 30 pounds lifts them up to provide them with a window view ($60, specialty stores); the Kurgo Auto Zip-Line tethers a dog safely, with a harness attached to a zip-line that runs between any two fixed points in the vehicle and allows a dog to walk back and forth, sit and stand ($38, specialty stores). Car carriers are especially important for cats, who often are not fond of travel. Levine suggests that animal lovers bring water for their pets during trips. Pawgua makes a portable, BPA-free plastic dog bowl for thirsty, out-and-about pups ($15, specialty stores). The bowl keeps water cool and the top twists off. The best gift for a pet is simple and free: Stop, drop and play. “The best thing is for you to interact with your pets,” says Shaw. “It helps them hang on to their cognitive skills and reinforces that connection owners are seeking when they get pets in the first place.”

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Gifts for the hard-to-please teen on your list

Spider-Man: Edge of Time

Article Resource Association

Finding the perfect gift for teenagers can be a notoriously difficult task. Their likes and dislikes can often change within seconds based on the latest trends and fads. So how can you please even the most challenging-to-shop-for teen? Gift cards and cash work, but are also very impersonal. Here are a few gift ideas to satisfy even the pickiest teen. Clothing Face it, as much as you’d like to be on top of the hot styles that teens are wearing, you’re probably several steps behind what’s actually in. Give him or her a spending limit and take your teen shopping for some clothes. They will get a gift they really want and you’ll learn about what they like to wear. Plus, it gives you the ultimate veto power over questionable purchases if you’re paying for it. Music As with clothes, most parents probably

have differing musical tastes than their kids. Instead of a gift card to a music store, get a list of the music they like and gift it to them via iTunes.

adventure video games, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, and role-playing games have always been among the best-selling, most popular games available.

Technology What teen doesn’t want the latest tech toy? Whether it’s a new MP3 player, headphones, mobile device or video game system, you probably can’t go wrong. If your teen has a gaming system already, a new game is one place to turn. Teens overwhelmingly favor action or

Makeover For your teenage daughter, a trip to a makeup counter to get a makeover can be a great bonding experience — as well as a lot of fun. Depending on how old your daughter is, the trip can also serve as a great lesson for how much makeup to wear and how you should apply it.

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December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

Personalization

Key to giving unique holiday baby gifts

Article Resource Association

Gift-buying season is just starting and will soon be in full swing. You may have a few new names on your list with newborns joining your family and friend’s families. More than any other gift-buying task, finding unique baby gifts can be a challenge. For adults, teens or even children, you can find out what the recipient likes and tailor your gift purchase accordingly. But babies are a clean slate. So what guidelines can you follow when choosing a gift for them? Personalized options are unique baby gifts that both delight parents, and provide kids with plenty of playtime enjoyment. Seeing their own name or image on a beloved possession helps reinforce children’s sense of self and encourages them to interact with their environment. Here are five ideas for personalized baby gifts that you can give at any time of year: 1. Make her the star of her own story. Celebrity moms Brooke Shields, Courtney Cox and Jessica Alba have all purchased personalized books from children’s publisher ISeeMe.com. The site offers a large selection of colorful, appealing, age-appropriate books that can be personalized with a child’s name. Some books include the child’s name on the cover, others throughout the story, and still others feature rhymes and text about the spelling of the child’s name. “Personalized books increase a child’s self esteem and celebrate their uniqueness,” says Maia Haag, author and co-founder of

ISeeMe.com. “The goal is to show each child how absolutely unique and special he or she is, to teach the child how to spell his or her name, and to build vocabulary skills.”

2. Protect his “lovey” from all challengers. It’s not unusual for babies and very young children to have a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket. A “lovey” helps them fall asleep, and can provide comfort and even companionship. Personalizing a child’s security blanket or stuffed animal with her name can help reinforce her sense of self and understanding of the concept of possession. 3. Help him grow into his personality. Kids love growth charts. Being able to track their own progress helps anchor children to their past while encouraging them to look toward the future. Personalizing growth charts can be as simple as adding the child’s name to the top of a wall-mounted chart. You can also find plenty of options that elevate the level of personalization. For example,

Redenvelope.com offers a growth quilt. Hung on the wall, the quilt’s tree design features 12 circles that can be personalized with the child’s handprint, allowing parents to chart every month in one year of a child’s life, or stretch the fun over 12 years. 4. Let her make her mark on the world. Craft-making has an almost universal appeal for children, and when the crafts involve personalization, kids enjoy them even more. It’s easy to find stepping stone kits that can be personalized with a child’s name, handprint or even footprint. Young children will enjoy making the kit with a parent and putting their handprint in the finished product. Parents of infants can also cherish the project when they create it themselves and press their baby’s footprint into the clay. 5. Pictures are worth a thousand words. It’s easy to find online software and photo websites that allow you to create high-quality photo books with your own images. Parents will love seeing their pride and joy featured in a photo montage. Babies love looking at pictures of faces, something that helps stimulate their brain development. Younger children also love picture books and it’s easy to tell them the tale of their young lives using pictures of themselves and loved ones. Personalization is a great way to make unique baby gifts even more precious, for both children and their parents.

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

A little imagination can go a long way in creating a personalized, unique gift Article Resource Association

Does it seem like your gift list gets longer every year? Even for the most creative gift-giver, coming up with unique and meaningful gifts for family, friends, coworkers and hosts can quickly drain your reservoir of gift ideas. Personalized, homemade gifts – and an early start – will result in memorable gifts for your entire list this holiday season. Creating a gift basket with homemade goodies and corresponding recipes to match the entertaining personality or holiday palate of the recipient will be a sure success, and may create new holiday traditions for years to come. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Gift Baskets

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December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

For the Hostess Spice It Up For those who like their coffee with a little extra personality, consider combining spices, Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Italian Roast coffee and tumbler glasses with a serving pitcher and the following recipe: Spiced Coffee Liqueur

2 cups hot water 4 packets Starbucks VIA Italian Roast 3 cups sugar 2 cups vodka 1 vanilla bean 2 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 1 bay leaf 20 whole coriander seeds

Dissolve coffee and sugar in hot water. Add vodka. Split vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape and add beans and pod to liqueur. Break cinnamon stick into pieces and add. Stir cloves, bay leaf and coriander into liqueur. Do not crush cloves or coriander. Chill for two weeks and allow spices to infuse into liqueur. Strain and serve by shaking equal parts coffee liqueur and milk with ice. Keeps well, refrigerated, for one month.

The Dessert Lover What dessert lover wouldn’t adore personalized baking supplies, perhaps a baking pan with his or her name etched on the side so it’s not lost at parties, and a new recipe to wow guests? Adding the below recipe and ingredients to festive baking supplies makes a sweet holiday gift indeed – just don’t forget a candy thermometer. Coffee Toffee with Milk Chocolate and Pretzels 2 cups sugar 1 /2 cup water 1 /8 cup corn syrup 8 ounces unsalted butter 1 /2 teaspoon salt 1 cup almond slivers 1 cup chopped pretzels 2 packets Starbucks VIA Italian Roast 1 /2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 /4 cup chocolate (milk chocolate is preferred)

Bring sugar, water, and corn syrup to a boil. Stir in the butter when temperature reaches 280 degrees. When temperature reaches 315 degrees, stir in the salt, almonds and 1/2 cup pretzels. Cook the mixture until it reaches 320 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in the coffee and vanilla. Immediately pour the toffee into greased pan. Let toffee cool for 15 minutes and sprinkle on finely chopped chocolate and spread to evenly cover the surface. Sprinkle on remaining 1/2 cup pretzels and gently press. Break toffee into squares and store in airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature.

For the Creator Know someone who is always looking to spice up holiday parties with new appetizers? Consider presenting them with everything they need to make homemade jerky. Start out your gift with a cutting board, sharp knives and a large mixing bowl. Then add the following ingredients, or a gift card to a nearby grocery store or butcher shop, and recipe: Black Pepper Beef Jerky

11/2 cups root beer

1 cup water 2 packets Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Italian Roast 3 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons black pepper, cracked 2 pounds beef round steak

In a large bowl, combine root beer, water, coffee, salt and the cracked black peppercorns. Trim the meat of any fat and then slice into 1/4 inch thick slices, either with or against the grain. Add the beef to the marinade, a few slices at a time, stirring well to coat each slice with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for six to eight hours. Preheat

Looking for a hostess gift sure to please? Consider bringing all the fixings for dessert – including ingredients for fresh, homemade hot fudge. Combine a gallon of vanilla ice cream and holiday cups or bowls with the ingredients below, festively displayed in a clear glass jar from which the finished hot fudge can be served. Once the fudge sauce is simmering on the stove, you’ll have the host, and all the guests, happily awaiting dessert. Mocha Malted Hot Fudge Sauce /4 cup cocoa powder /2 cup sugar 1 /8 teaspoon salt 1 /2 cup whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup light corn syrup 1 /8 teaspoon cider vinegar 3 ounces semisweet chocolate 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 tablespoons malt powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 packets Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Italian Roast 1

Finely chop chocolate and set aside. In a heavy saucepan, whisk together cocoa, sugar, salt and milk until mixture forms a smooth paste. Place over medium heat and stir in the cream, corn syrup, vinegar and 2/3 of the chocolate. Bring mixture to a boil, whisking or stirring frequently. Boil, whisking frequently, until the sauce reaches 220 to 225 degrees on a candy thermometer, about eight minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter, malt, vanilla, coffee and the remaining chocolate until the sauce is smooth. Strain and set aside for a few minutes before serving. If not using right away, chill sauce in airtight container. Rewarm before serving. Keeps well, chilled, for three weeks.

oven to 200 degrees. Set wire racks on rimmed baking sheets. Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange the beef on the racks, leaving 1/4 inch between slices. Sprinkle with additional coarsely ground black pepper. Bake for about one hour and 45 minutes until the jerky is firm and almost completely dry, but still chewy. Thicker slices may need to stay in the oven for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely on the racks before serving. Store jerky in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Dreaming of a ‘green’ holiday Article Resource Association

It might feel like the holiday season is still eons away, but think again. Do you have your decorating, entertaining and gifting plans in place? If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, why not think green this year? This isn’t just about holiday garlands, trees and wreaths. This is the eco-friendly and sustainable kind of green. And keep in mind that going green for the holidays doesn’t mean being boring – you can incorporate all the glitz and glam of the season and still help the environment. Here’s how: Eco-Friendly Fresh Face If you’re looking to perk up tired rooms before holiday guests arrive, nothing changes the look of a space more dramatically and cost effectively than a fresh coat (and color) of wall paint. Dutch Boy’s no-VOC Refresh Interior Latex paint fits the eco-friendly bill without sacrificing quality, an extremely important benefit. It even goes one step further – thanks to its innovative formulation featuring exclusive Arm & Hammer odor-reducing technology, Refresh captures, removes and locks common household airborne odors into the paint’s film. Rest assured, it will keep your

house smelling fresh throughout the holiday season and beyond. Twinkling Lights Forget the old, energy-hogging incandescent indoor and outdoor holiday lights.

Think LED instead. Strands made from lightemitting diodes are up to 90 percent more efficient than traditional holiday lighting. According to the Department of Energy, the best white LEDs have been found to have a useful life of about 35,000 hours, or four years, of

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December 4, 2011

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Longmont Times-Call Publication

Americans purchase seven million greeting cards each year. Out of seasonal card sales, which account for half of total sales, 60 percent of these cards are Christmas cards.

Sustainable Sentiments Americans purchase seven million greeting cards each year. Out of seasonal card sales, which account for half of total sales, 60 percent of these cards are Christmas cards. Imagine the number of trees it takes to produce that many cards each year, not to mention how much waste reaches landfills when the cards get tossed. Send cards printed on recyclable paper with eco-friendly inks instead of traditional cards. Or better yet, take the plunge and embrace electronic greetings: send your holiday wishes to friends and family via the Internet. While old-school Emily Posttypes might not quite approve of this method just yet, your environmentally minded loved ones will thank you – and so will our forests. Smart Gifting The option to add an eco-friendly twist to holiday gifts is on its way to becoming limitless. With so many environmentally friendly products on the market, it’s easy to find a gift that’s thoughtful, useful and sustainable. If you do decide to buy gifts at a bricks-and-mortar store, why not consider buying local and visit that charming boutique you keep saying you want to check out? Most of the time, these shops carry items from local vendors. They also tend to offer many handmade and/or eco-friendly products. Shopping local keeps money in your community and keeps small business owners thriving. Another option is to make your own gifts – knit a scarf, bead a bracelet, bake a batch of goodies, get crafty with found items around your house. If you’re not creative, there are plenty of websites where you can buy handmade items from artisans in the United States or even abroad. If you decide to completely go green and skip material gifts completely, give one from the heart by making a donation of your time and money in honor of the recipients at their favorite charities where many people can benefit from your generosity. It’s not hard to make even small changes and go green for the holidays. By doing so, you’ll be helping the environment and still be able to deck those halls in style.

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December 4, 2011

Screen Test Where there's a favorite TV show, there's bound to be a favorite gift in the wings By Daniela Garcia

CTW Features

Zombies and mad men and superheroes, oh my. No, it’s not the nightmare before Christmas. The characters and creatures that star in the year’s most popular TV shows and movies have inspired T-shirts, toys and all sorts of gifts sure to delight the pop culture aficionado. There are great presents out there for everyone influenced by either the small screen or the silver screen. Mad About ’Mad Men’ The award-winning series about the lives of Don Draper and company, set in the New York advertising world in the 1960s, has managed to generate a cult following in a few seasons. Give the Maddict in your life any of the first three seasons of the hit series ($39.99 DVD/49.99 Blurray). Collectors will be charmed with season one

packaged in a case in the shape of a classic Zippo lighter ($59.98, DVD). For the adman, or adwoman, in your life, “Sterling’s Gold: Wit and Wisdom of an Ad Man” (Grove Press 2010), is filled with witty one-liners from Roger Sterling, the pithy founding partner of the fictional agency. A sample: “Being with a client is like being in a marriage. Sometimes you get into it for the wrong reasons and eventually they hit you in the face.” Red for the Holidays The undead just won’t die. In fact, their grip on fans may be getting stronger. In its fourth season, “True Blood,” the TV drama about humans and vampires in the heart of Louisiana, is still going strong. Catch up on the latest action and romance with “True Blood: The Complete Third Season” ($59.99 DVD/$79.99 Blu ray). For the Kids Superhero blockbuster movies “Captain America” and “Thor” both bowed at No. 1 at the box office this past summer, with “Tranformers: Dark of the Moon” also at the top of the pack with a worldwide gross of over $1 billion. Whether kids want to embrace their inner first avenger (Captain America) or their inner mighty avenger (Thor), they’ll have their weapon of choice to battle the bad guys: Captain America’s Disc Launching Shield (ages 5 and up, $19.99) and Thor’s Lightning Hammer (ages 5 and up, $19.99). Transformers are evil-fighting robots disguised as everyday machines, like trucks and cars. Their transformations look complicated on-screen but the Transformers Rescue Bots from Playskool (ages 3 and up, $11.99) help little kids make

the magic in one big, easy step. Tidings of Comfort, and Glee In “Glee,” the Fox TV hit, a group of high school misfits find common ground (and their voices) by joining the McKinley High School glee club. The show that’s punctuated with spontaneous musical performances has gained a loyal fan following. Share Christmas classics as sung by the Glee cast with “Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album” CD from Columbia Records ($10.98). Hardcore Gleeks who know practically every song sung on the show will love strutting their stuff with “Karaoke Revolution Glee: Volume 2” from Koname ($39.99 for Wii). The Glee-tastic Microphone ($17.99) is the perfect toy for younger fans who enjoy singing their hearts out. The board game contingent can get in on the act with Cranium: Glee Edition ($34) and Yahtzee: Glee Collector’s Edition ($19.95), both from USAopoly. The Scene It? Glee! DVD game from Screenlife ($29.99) brings the McKinley High high jinks live to a living room near you.

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December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

The Stream Team All it takes is an Internet connection to turn an ordinary set-top box into an entertainment library that knows no limits. Here are the season's most desired devices By Greg Scoblete CTW Features

There are few things in this world more irritating than paying an oversized cable bill (OK, paying an oversized gas bill comes close). Thankfully, TV fans don't have to suffer the indignity paying a monthly bill for thousands of shows and movies they don't watch. Services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video can deliver the latest movies and TV shows at modest subscription fees over a high-speed Internet connection. These services can land in the living room through a media player/set-top box, a Blu-ray player or even popular gaming consoles. They use either a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to hook up to a router,

Cutting-edge cube:The D-Link Boxee streams movies from Vudu and Netflix.

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December 4, 2011

and they can multitask, too. In addition to Hollywood fare, they can usually connect to a home network to view digital photos, videos and music on an HDTV.

D-Link Boxee D-Link's Boxee ($199) certainly is the most uniquely designed set-top box on the market. Beyond its cutting-edge design, the Boxee can stream movies from Netflix and Vudu to a TV via an HDMI cable, which is included. It connects to the Internet using either Wi-Fi or Ethernet and supports applications like Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Pandora Internet radio, Vimeo, MLB.com and CNN. When digesting other people's content becomes tiring, the Boxee can access digital photos, videos and music stored on a networked computer. When you are at work or on the road, send online videos and TV shows to the Boxee with a "watch later" feature. They'll be ready to play on the TV once it's time to relax. Boxee supports full 1080p high-def video playback and comes with a double-sided remote with standard controls up front and a QWERTY keyboard in the back for easier browsing. Roku 2 Few media players offer the depth of content that Roku packs into its tiny Roku 2 settop box. Choose from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and Crackle to stream movies and TV. Users can tune into Pandora's Internet radio or watch live sports on Sports authority: The Roku 2 streams live games from MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS.

Hardcore: The WD Live Hub features a built-in 1TB hard drive.

several channels (NHL, NBA, MLB and MLS). The Roku 2 is available in three varieties: • The Roku 2 HD ($59) features built-in Wi-Fi and 720p HD playback. • The Roku XD ($79) adds the ability to play back 1080p high-definition video content. • The top-of-the-line Roku 2 XS ($99) has all the features of the XD, plus built-in Bluetooth to allow wireless gaming with the Roku remote (it's not yet enabled for wireless headphones). A microSD card slot and a USB port are built in for viewing personal digital content. The XS also includes an Ethernet port and a free copy of the popular game Angry Birds.

Hub. In addition to personal blockbusters, the Hub can stream from Netflix, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, and Blockbuster on Demand. Other Internet services are available too, including YouTube, Facebook, Flickr and Pandora. The Live Hub can connect to and display digital files from a home network through an Ethernet connection to a router or via Wi-Fi with an optional wireless USB adapter (around $30).

Sony BDP-S780 Give a Blu-ray disc playback and online WD Live Hub movie streaming with Sony's BDP-S780 For the avid photographer or videographer ($250). This player has built-in Wi-Fi for acon your shopping list, the WD Live Hub cessing Sony's Bravia Internet Video service, ($199) combines a streaming set-top box which includes Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and with a built-in 1TB hard drive to offer the best of both media worlds. With a USB port, YouTube, among others. It's ready for a home users can hook up camcorders, cameras and network with DLNA technology to enable easier wireless hookups and even supports other digital devices to back up files on the Skype calls (though a web cam is not included). The BDP-S780 is 3D-ready and can upscale DVDs to squeeze every last drop of resolution. Rounding out the feature set is a free app that turns mobile devices (Apple or Android) into a remote control for the player. Power Up It's possible to stream high-def video over a Wi-Fi connection, although older 802.11g wireless networks might struggle with the heavy data load. To ensure a smooth stream, new set-top box owners can either upgrade their router to an 802.11n version or make a hard-wired connection to their router using an Ethernet cable. If they can't connect their new media player directly to an Internet router using an Ethernet cable, they might consider a Powerline adapter. Netgear's AV 200 adapter kit ($125) lets them establish a

December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

high-speed connection from the media player to the router using the electrical wiring in their home. Set up is simple - just plug both adapters into a wall outlet and connect one to the router (via Ethernet) and the other to the settop box (again, via Ethernet). Video Game Consoles If there's a gamer on your holiday shopping list, all the major platforms - PlayStation 3 ($249), Wii ($149) and Xbox 360 ($199) support Netflix. PlayStation 3 also can stream from Vudu (including 3D movies) and Sony's own collection of titles in the PlayStation store. Xbox offers both Netflix and Hulu Plus through its subscription-based Xbox Live program.

App Happy Thanks to smartphones and tablets, we're going to have to retire the venerable term "couch potato" - you no longer need to be reclined at home to channel surf. The same video applications that stream content to the big screen also support sending movies to mobile phones or tablets. Netflix The leader of the streaming pack, Netflix offers unlimited streaming for $7.99 a month. A Netflix app is available for Apple, Android and Windows Phone operating systems, too, so users can enjoy the latest Hollywood fare on mobile devices.

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Hulu Plus Hulu's known for boasting an extensive selection of current television shows - but it also delivers a huge library of movies. For $7.99, users get unlimited streaming with "limited" commercial interruptions via Android and Apple mobile phones and devices or on a personal computer. Vudu Vudu's claim to fame is a large collection of high-definition content available on a pay-per-view basis, not a subscription. Rental fees start at $2 for two days, and recent features can be downloaded at $3.99 in standard definition or up to $5.99 for a full HD stream with Dolby Digital surround sound audio. Vevo If music is your passion, Vevo streams a steady free - supply of music videos your way. Aside from music videos, several musical-themed shows also are available. The service is available on Apple devices and promises an Android app any day now. Crackle If monthly fees rub you the wrong way, Crackle makes all of its movie and TV content available for free. The catch - it's almost all from Sony Studios, so the selection is limited. But, did we mention it's free?

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Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

The Gift of Good Taste Metro Services

December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

Quality Cookware on Any Budget Managing a holiday shopping budget can be a daunting task. While there’s constant temptation to buy the latest must-have on the “hot” list, it pays to mindfully shy away from fads in favor of gifts that offer genuine value and lasting enjoyment. When selecting gifts for food lovers and cooking enthusiasts, consider well-designed and durable pots and pans that can be used long after the holiday decorations are taken down and the last sugar cookie is eaten. Practical, kitchen gifts like cookware help families save money by fostering home cooking; and more cooking and gathering at the kitchen table fosters strong bonds and harmonious relationships. Here’s a brief primer on the newest and best cookware options this season at varying budget levels. Specialty Pans, Gift-Ready Sets and Cookware Under $100 For the cook who enjoys variety when it comes to whipping up dishes, a beautifully designed, multi-functional pan, such as the new Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel 9.5-inch Everything Pan ($69.99), will more than delight, it will exceed expectations. Meticulously crafted in gleaming stainless steel, this versatile, medium-size covered skillet has two side handles for perfect transition from stove and oven to the table. The pan’s high-performance, magnetic stainless steel base includes fast-heating aluminum and a layer of copper for optimum heat control. Dishwasher safe and compatible with all cooktops, including induction, the Everything Pan is just the right size and shape to cook and serve au gratins, casseroles, frittatas, rice pilaf and more. Durable nonstick skillets are beneficial for all types of meal preparations, and essential when preparing delicate foods that are prone to sticking, such as eggs, pancakes and Farberware High Performance Nonstick fish. For a gourmet choice that’s also gift-ready, consider the Anolon Nouvelle Copper Twin Pack Set of 8-inch and 10-inch Skillets ($49.99). The skillets are constructed of heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum — a material that is twice as strong as stainless steel. Super fast and even heating, the patented design of these pans includes a unique, inductionsuitable base with a layer of elegant and heat responsive copper. A long-lasting, restaurant-tested and metal utensil safe nonstick coating, plus flush rivets make the skillets easy to clean. An excellent choice for a novice cook, or anyone looking for a cookware set with all the essentials, new Farberware High Performance Nonstick is hard to beat for functional design and value. Every item in the 10-Piece Set ($89.99) is a basic that will be put to work, and since the collection is dishwasher-safe and has a quality nonstick cooking surface, clean up is a breeze. Styled in black, red and copper hues, there’s a set to coordinate with any kitchen decor. Colorful Nonstick Cookware For Under $150 Cooks who favor colorful, retro-style cookware will be overjoyed to receive pans from the bell-shaped Paula Deen Signature Porcelain Nonstick collection ($119.99 for 12-Piece Set). Inspired by Paula’s fond memories of cooking with her mother, the cookware features speckled porcelain enamel that is durable and stain-resistant in an array of hues. (Oatmeal and Pear are the two new and calming colors for this season.) Heavy aluminum gives the pans heft and even heat-

ing without hot spots, while the champagne-colored nonstick surface prevents sticking and speeds cleaning. Convenient, tempered glass lids make it easy to keep a watchful eye on the cooking process, and copper accents on the knobs and handle loops complete the collection’s nostalgic feel. For quality cookware with more high octane colors, there’s a choice of bold orange, red or blue in the new, shapely-designed Rachael RayTM 2-Tone Gradient Hard Enamel Nonstick collection ($129.99 for 10-Piece Paula Deen Signature Set). Crafted of fast and Porcelain Nonstick Pear even-heating aluminum, the cookware’s eye-catching, glossy exterior instantly revs up the tempo, and imparts a happy feeling while preparing dinner. Slip-resistant, rubberized handles in matching hues complete the collection’s vibrant design, and make it easier to lift pots from the oven and stove to the table. Another colorful option in quality nonstick cookware is the new bronze-hued, eco-friendly EarthPan Plus collection ($129.99 for 10Piece Set). Featuring SandFlow Nonstick, a uniquely durable PTFE and PFOA-free material that originates from sand, EarthPan Plus is perfect for searing and sauteing at high temperatures. Featuring a magnetic stainless steel plate on the bottom of the pans, the cookware is suitable for use on all cooktops, including energy-efficient induction. The elegant bronze nonstick on the inside and outside of the pans warms up the look of any kitchen, and helps keep the cookware looking like new longer. Gourmet Pots and Pans for $200 and Under Avid cooks who would like to upgrade their pots and pans with the latest designs in gleaming stainless steel will appreciate a gift of new Circulon Contempo Stainless Steel ($199.99 for 10-Piece Set). As practical as it is good-looking, the cookware’s high performance base of thick and fast-heating aluminum is enclosed in magnetic stainless steel for convenient dishwasher use and compatibility with all ranges, including induction. All Circulon cookware features the brand’s signature TOTAL Food Release System, which combined with a durable, metal utensil-safe nonstick coating, allows for a lifetime of healthy cooking by reducing the need to add butter or oil to the pans. Rachael Ray devotees can also cook with well-priced, pro-style cookware crafted in polished stainless steel. The new tulip-shaped Rachael RayTM Stainless Steel collection ($179.99 for 10-Piece Set) features a non-reactive stainless steel cooking surface that experienced cooks prefer for sauteing and searing at high temperatures. A

Circulon Contempo Red

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

thick base of fast and even heating aluminum is encapsulated in magnetic stainless steel, making the cookware both dishwasher-safe and compatible with all cooktops. Pans in the set also feature tempered glass lids and rubberized orange handles that stay cool during stovetop use. For the food lover that prefers the look and performance of hard anodized cookware, Rachael offers her similarly styled Rachael RayTM Hard Anodized collection ($179.99 for 10-Piece Set). A clear nonstick coating on the exterior allows this hard-working nonstick cookware to be placed in the dishwasher for convenience. Rubberized orange handles with Rachael’s logo ensure a comfortable and sure grip, and durable, tempered glass lids are reinforced with a wide stainless steel rim. For cooking enthusiasts who want their pans to match the fresh vibrancy and adventurous spirit of their dishes, check out the new Circulon Contempo Red collection ($199.99 for 10-Piece Set). The cookware’s high-gloss red exterior adds punch and complements the high energy of contemporary kitchen decors. Heavy gauge construction ensures fast and even heating with no hot spots, and a magnetic stainless steel base makes this collection induction-ready as well as dishwasher-safe. Three Fabulous Finds for $300 and Under The thrill of preparing even the most ordinary weeknight dinner using gourmet cookware crafted from the finest materials will linger for years when a lucky cook receives the gift of new Anolon Nou-

Rachael RayTM 2-Tone Gradient Hard Enamel Nonstick

velle Copper Stainless Steel ($299.99 for 10-Piece Set). Each piece in this durable, high-performance collection features a non-reactive stainless steel interior surface that is matched by a mirror-polished stainless steel exterior. A unique, magnetic stainless steel base with thick aluminum and a layer of copper delivers fast and even heating, optimum heat control, and versatile use on all cooktops, including induction. Dishwasher safe and oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the elegantly styled, tulip-shaped cookware provides drip-free pouring, cool-touch stainless steel handles, and slightly dome-shaped, highly polished stainless steel lids. Superb durability is also assured when gifting a cook with Anolon Advanced Bronze ($299.99 for 11-Piece Set). This cookware is a top collection on bridal registries, and a winning choice for anyone who values the fast cleaning and low fat cooking benefits of quality nonstick cookware. Heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum quickly and evenly heats up the pans, and the long-lasting, restaurant-tested nonstick interior releases the stickiest foods easily. Adding a warm touch to traditional and contemporary kitchen decors, the cookware is fashioned with an appealing bronze nonstick exterior that helps prevent staining. Very comfortable and secure SureGrip handles, a signature feature from Anolon, are crafted in stainless steel and matching bronze silicone rubber.

Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel

The third fabulous find under $300 is new Circulon Symmetry ($299.99 for 11-Piece Set) — heavy-duty, hard-anodized nonstick cookware with the added bonus of being both dishwasher safe and compatible with all cooktops, including induction. This gourmet cookware heats up fast and evenly with no hot spots for optimum cooking performance. Additionally, healthy, low-fat cooking is always an option since the cookware’s signature, metal utensil-safe nonstick surface eliminates the need to add butter or oil to prevent sticking. Splurge-worthy Cookware at $400 and Above When budgets allow and the recipient has refined tastes in culinary equipment, here are two collections worth considering for truly luxurious gifts: Anolon Nouvelle Copper ($399.99 for 10-Piece Set) and KitchenAid Architect Clad ($450 for 10-Piece Set). Designed to tap the inner Julia or Jacques in a budding home chef, Anolon Nouvelle Copper is meticulously crafted from heavy gauge, hard-anodized aluminum, one of the best materials for long-lasting durability and performance. Beautifully styled with a tulip-shaped body, the pans have a unique magnetic stainless steel base with a thick layer of aluminum, and an additional layer of copper for optimum heat conductivity and temperature control. Compatible with all cooktops, including induction, the cookware is oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Gleaming, close-fitting stainless steel lids, and comfortable, hollow-cast stainless steel handles that stay cool during stovetop use, complete the cookware’s singularly elegant design. Great for healthy-style low-fat cooking, the pans have a durable nonstick cooking surface that’s restaurant-tested and metal utensil-safe Want to “wow” the foodie on your gift list? Consider KitchenAid Architect Series Clad — professional-quality cookware offering the ultimate in cooking performance, durability, style, versatility and convenience. Dishwasher safe and compatible with all cooktops, including induction, KitchenAid Architect Series Clad KitchenAid Architect Series Clad is expertly crafted from three layers of metals. A thick core of fast and even-heating aluminum is permanently bonded to gleaming stainless steel on the cooking and exterior surfaces. For lighter weight benefits, a portion of the exterior metal is trimmed and embellished with a wide band of coco metallic colored silicone, resulting in a beautiful pan that is easier to lift and handle, yet still delivers even-heating.

December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

Holiday Happenings 45th Annual Christmas Home Tour Homes decorated in 1900, 1920’s and 1940’s vintage holiday style. Includes complimentary Christmas tea at the church. When: Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1500 Ninth Ave., Longmont Cost: $10 in advance; $15 day of show Contact: 303-651-6546, firstcon@ucclongmont.org, www.ucclongmont.org/hometour Longmont Lights From ancient time light has been both a source of mystery and magic, providing necessary warmth and guidance. Enjoy the mystery and magic of millions of sparkling lights and the sights and sounds of winter holiday celebrations as Longmont Lights continues with special activities in Roosevelt Park. When: Dec. 9 & 10, 5 -9 p.m. Where: Roosevelt Park and Downtown Longmont Dec. 9 • 5-8 p.m. Visit with Santa and his friends, enjoy hot cocoa carts, visit with live reindeer, take a horse-drawn trolley ride and explore custom ice carvings in the south side of the park. • 6:30-8 p.m. Holiday Ice Show at the Longmont Ice Pavilion. • 6:30-8 p.m. Sounds of the Holidays performed by the Longmont Concert Band at the Longmont Senior Center. • 7:45 p.m. Night Parachite Drop (weather permitting) Dec. 10 • 5 p.m. Longmont Lights Holiday Parade, Downtown Longmont • 5-8 p.m. in Roosevelt Park. Carolers, firepits and hot cocoa carts. • 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at St. Vrain Memorial Building near Roosevelt Park. • 6:45-8 p.m. Sounds of the Holiday Season. Cost: Free Contact: www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special /longmont_lights.htm. Longmont Theatre Company presents The Ride with Santa What happens when the kid who wins the Ride with Santa on Christmas Eve Contest is not the compassionate kind of kid Santa was hoping for? Santa has a tough road ahead, trying to nudge Eddy into sharing and giving, through their journey together as they fly around the world on Christmas Eve. Joining in the fun are Mrs. Santa,(who eases her stress with chocolate), the elves, the reindeer and kangaroos, and the dancing clock who tries to

Santa waves to the crowd lining the Longmont Lights Holiday Parade Dec. 11, 2010. This year’s parade will be on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. (Lewis Geyer/Times-Call)

slow down time. The whole family will enjoy this fun, rollicking musical with a message. When: Dec. 8-11 & 16-18; Evening showtimes 7 p.m., Matinees 2 p.m. Where: Longmont Theatre Company, 513 Main St., Longmont Cost:$10 Contact: 303-772-5200, www.longmonttheatre.org Candlelight Concert Join the Longmont Symphony Orchestra and soprano Maureen Sorensson, in celebration of the holidays. When: Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. Where: First United Methodist Church, 350 11th Avenue, Longmont Cost: $17/adults; $15/senior and youth Contact: 303-772-5796 symphony@qwest.net. www.longmontsymphony.org. Longs Peak Chorus Christmas Concert Two Christmas concerts featuring many traditional songs, as well as some contemporary holiday songs sung in four-part a capella barbershop harmony by the 40 man chapter chorus and chapter quartets. When: Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m. Where: First United Methodist Church, 350 11th Ave., Longmont Cost: $10, free to children 12 and under Contact: 303-678-9967, www.harmonizelongmont.com

7th Annual Nutty Nutcracker Join Clara on her journey in this retold story of the Nutcracker mixed with the classic elements of the Christmas Carol. Clara learns from her Uncle Ebenezer that Christmas is a wonderful time of year full of friends, family and magic. You will see a ballet and jazz battle scene, tap dancing Spanish Senoritas, flipping Chinese dancers, and ghosts from Christmas’ Past, Present and Future, plus much, much more. Not your average Nutcracker. When: Dec. 17, 2-7 p.m. Where: Vance Brand Auditorium, 600 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont Cost: Free Contact: 303-651-1456, dance@airbornegym.com, www.airbornedance.com. The Nutcracker Ballet Experience the magic! Make Longmont Dance Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker Ballet an annual tradition. Under the baton of Brandon Matthews, LDT’s Chamber Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s astounding score. From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to an enchanting place filled with adorable children, a glowing Christmas tree, marching toy soldiers, mischievous mice, crystalline waltzing snowflakes beautiful diverts from the Land of the Sweets and some of the most glorious dancing on earth. Your experience of this glittering classic ballet will stay with you forever and warm your spirit. When: Dec. 17, 2-7 p.m.

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Where: Niwot High School Auditorium, 898 East Niwot Road, Niwot Cost: $12 students/seniors & $18 adult Contact: 303-772-1335, office@longmontdancetheatre.com, www.longmontdancetheatre.com Carbon Valley Holiday Festival Live reindeer, ice carving, carolers and twinkling lights are just a few reasons to attend Carbon Valley’s Annual Holiday Festival. Santa and Ms. Claus will also be making an appearance and children will have time to share their wish lists and have their photos taken with these holiday celebrities. When: Dec. 3, 12-8 p.m. Where: • 12-4 p.m. Cimarron Garden Center, 10916 Cimarron St., Firestone and Coal Ridge Middle School, 6201 Booth Drive, Firestone • 5-6 p.m. St. Vrain Legacy Trailhead, Colo. Hwy 52 and Colo. Blvd. • 6-8 p.m. Crist Park, 105 5th St., Frederick Cost: Free ($1 donation to Santa Cops encouraged) Contact: 303-833-3291, www.ci.firestone.co.us, www.cityofdacono.com, www.frederickco.gov Levis and Lace Historic Hoverhome will be hosting their 2011 Christmas Holiday Tours, complete with

Airborne Dance members rehearse their production of the Nutty Nutcracker at the Vance Brand Civic Auditorium. This year’s production will be on Dec. 17.

costumed docents, Santa and Mrs. Claus, cider and cookies. When: Dec. 10, 1-4 p.m.; Dec. 11, 17, 18, 4-7 p.m. Where: 1309 Hover St., Longmont Cost: $10 donation, free for children under 6 Contact: 303-776-1870, www.stvrainhistoricalsociety.org The Christmas Candlelight Festival Tara Performing Arts High School will be hosting their 18th annual production of The Christmas Candlelight Festival, featuring

Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C. The production will include choral and handbell music as well as community carol singing in celebration of the season of Advent. When: Dec. 16-18, 5 and 8 p.m. Where: Unity Columbine Spiritual Center, 8900 Arapahoe Road, Boulder Cost: $15 general, $10 students/seniors/children, $1 discount for payment with cash or check Contact: 303-440-4510, www.tarahighschool.org

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Going Big with: Low Prices - Big Selection Grands: New & Used

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Ron R. Hogsett, Owner • 452 Main St., Longmont • 303-651-1125 Mon. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

6 Month no interest on any new Acoustic piano or Clavinova Digital. Six months FREE piano lessons with purchase of any new Yamaha Acoustic piano or Clavinova Digital.

Digitals: New Yamaha

Keyboard: New Yamaha

3710 Mitchell Dr • Fort Collins 80525 • 970 226-4035 www.naturalpiano.com

December 4, 2011

Longmont Times-Call Publication

spot on : lavish leopard prints

A. Leopard “Couture” satchel. 108.00 B. iPad® case. 48.00 C. Smartphone case. 38.00 iPhone® and iPad® not included.

Longmont Times-Call Publication

December 4, 2011

Get to Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Safely and Keep Some Jingle In Your Pocket This Holiday.

Lowest Prices & Best Service In Colorado.

PRESTIGE CHRYLSER JEEP DODGE East 3rd Avenue in Longmont 1-866-648-8888