Home for the Holidays by Valley Community Newspapers

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December 2019

Holidays

A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers

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Veronica Hunter 916.398.0128

Chip O’Neill 916.341.7834

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Barbara Olson 916.757.8188

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“The Coldwell Banker Sacramento Metro office and our beloved pets wish you Happy Holidays!”

Paige Tiffany 916.730.1496

Geoff Williams 916.341.7456

In Memoriam with love for Pongo and Vito ©2019 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. DRE License #0190830

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Christmas tree tips and tricks Christmas trees are an iconic symbol of the holiday season. Whether they are personal trees nestled in the corner of a living room for families to enjoy or towering evergreens serving as the focal point of a town square, Christmas trees are a wonder to behold. Many people have fond memories of time spent around the Christmas tree sharing gifts and family traditions. Live trees and their pine-like aroma can be especially nostalgic trees to include in holiday plans. The National Christmas Tree Association says that approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. North American trees hail from all 50 states and areas of Canada. While freshly cut trees can be particularly beautiful and aromatic additions to the season, they require a bit more work than artificial trees in order to remain beautiful and thrive throughout the holiday season. Maintenance can help keep Christmas trees as perfect as possible. • Even though it is tempting to buy a real tree as early as possible, their shelf life is lim-

ited even with the best care. Dural Christmas Tree Farm advises that, under the best conditions, a real tree should last up to four weeks before drying out. • Consider the needles when looking for a real tree. Pull your hand toward your body along the branches. If many needles fall off, the tree is past its peak. • Think about the room in which the tree will be located. Leave at least 6 inches between the tip of the tree and the ceiling, accounting for the height of the tree stand as well. • If needle retention is a goal, the Scotch pine variety has the best needle retention and a high survival rate, lending to its popularity, offers Precision Tree and Landscape. Douglas fir and balsam fir are other durable trees. • If possible, buy a freshly cut tree from a reputable nursery or tree farm, advises The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Many pre-cut trees sold elsewhere were likely cut weeks before and may not be fresh. • Cut the bottom of the tree trunk before bringing it home to facilitate the uptake of fresh water daily. Trees can absorb as much as

a gallon of water in a day, so make sure the tree gets fresh water every day. • Keep trees away from as many heat sources as possible and away from direct sunlight to prolong longevity. • According to Karabin Farms in Connecticut, to make a Christmas tree last longer, boil a gallon of water and then dissolve one

cup of sugar in the water. Allow to cool. After freshly cutting the trunk, pour in the warm sugar water. Continue to add fresh, cool, plain water to the tree stand afterward. Once needles begin to fall off with frequency, the tree is reaching its prime. Remove it so it does not become a fire hazard.

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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y Happ ys ia Hold

New Year New Home!

2020

Believe in your Dreams...

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Thank You For a Wonderful 2019! Wishing you the joy of family, the gift of friends, and the best of everything in the new year.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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Decorations and shopping draw much of the attention come the holiday season, and rightfully so. But many people’s fondest holiday memories occurred around the dinner table during meals with friends and family. Holiday foods tend to be rich, flavorful and time-consuming to prepare. However, all the effort is usually worth the satisfied smiles on the faces of loved ones. Planning holiday meals is challenging, and hosts often doubt if they have enough food for everyone. No one wants guests to leave feeling hungry, nor do they want to have tons of leftovers, much of which will inevitably end up in the trash. Determining how much food to serve involves figuring out a few key items, including the mix of guests (ratio of children, men and women), the length of the occasion, the timing of the event, and the type of meal one plans to serve. For example, if the holiday gathering is an after-dinner cocktail party, hosts can get away with offering very little food. However, hosts of holiday dinners have a lot more food to prepare. To get started, consider these general guidelines, courtesy of Allrecipes.com and The Spruce, a home living resource. • Think about which foods you plan to serve. Popular foods tend to go more quickly than other items, so serve more than the general portion guidelines sug-

gest. Shellfish appetizers, roasted or mashed potatoes, wings, and slices of rich meat are examples of popular fare. • The more foods you offer, the smaller the portion sizes can be. But because guests will likely want to try all the offerings, expect the average person to consume more food per individual when several foods are offered. • Most people will eat two to three portions each of appetizers or snacks. In fact, appetizers (for a hungry crowd) may be consumed in greater abundance than subsequent courses. • Average portion sizes for each guest include: 3 ounces of dips; 3 ounces of salad; 6 ounces of meat or main entrée; 5 ounces of starch; and 11⁄2 pieces of dessert. These estimates can be used to calculate how much food will be needed. • Think about adding “safety” items to the menu that can be pulled out in a pinch and don’t require much prep work. These can include cheese and crackers, extra bread, nuts, olives, or pretzels. Hosts who are overly concerned that guests may go overboard can tame portion sizes by hiring servers who can oversee buffet lines. Otherwise, serve guests plated meals directly from the kitchen, from which hosts can dole out the right amount of food to ensure everyone gets enough to eat.

Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY

A Joyou� Wis� � Fulﬁllmen� � Yo� � Your Famil�. 6435 Hogan Drive This rare home has a total of 7 bdrms/4ba/2 kitchens, nestled in Golf Course Terrace. One entry is 1,092 sq ft and 2nd entry is 1,974 sq ft, 2 story living space. Offered at $499,999 Call James Tan 916-601-9669 DRE#01966122

11 Park Tree Court Mediterranean style home nestled away in secluded Park Village community awaits you. Gorgeous curb appeal situated in cul-de-sac. Front entry opens into over 2900 square feet of quality home sweet home. 5 Bedroom/ 3 Bath. Fantastic gourmet kitchen with storage galore has a large island and a great view to a paradise like backyard. Offered at $649,000 Call Meena Chan Lee 916-837-9104 DRE#01082594

15 Walnut Bay Court Beautiful single story Mediterranean has it all! Very rare for a house to go on the market in this highly sought after and popular gated community of Oakshore at Riverlake. Original owner has maintained this house nicely. This beautiful house sits at the end of a cul-de-sac. It includes a great open ﬂoor plan with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Upgrades are everywhere! Offered at $628,000. Call Patrick Schank at 916-215-8454 DRE#01310786

2000 22nd Street

Perhaps the ﬁnest historic property still available as a private home in Sacramento. Unmatched combination of Size, Style, Location, & History. Near 5000 sf plus full basement, the current owner’s remodel includes kitchen, baths, systems, landscaping & newer roof. Modern upgrades have been seamlessly merged with the historic home and it’s believed the living areas look almost exactly as they did in 1911. Offered at $1,500,000 Call James Walker at 916-607-0519 DRE#00676348

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How to make holiday wreaths the easy way There are many different ways to decorate homes and businesses for the holidays. Tall evergreen trees are among the most visible symbols of the holiday season. However, wreaths hung on doors, windows or fences also are ubiquitous this time of year. Wreaths adorn homes primarily during the holidays of Easter and Christmas. Wreaths have also been worn around the head or neck in ceremonial events around the globe for centuries. It is believed the first wreaths date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Members of the GrecoRoman society were known to handmake ring-shaped items using fresh tree leaves, small fruits, flowers, and twigs. Oftentimes these headdresses symbolized a person’s social status. Others suggest wreaths evolved to become a Christian symbol of immortality.

Regardless of how wreaths are viewed, many people like to display wreaths for the holidays. Wreaths can be purchased premade, but making a wreath on your own can make the holidays even more fun. One of the easiest ways to make a wreath is to design it around a circular floral foam form. Gather supplies to make the wreath. For traditional wreaths, supplies will include sprigs of evergreen (real or artificial), ribbon, floral wire, bows, and artificial berries. Working around the foam form, arrange the boughs of evergreen, using the floral wire to wrap or pin into the foam itself. Keep the layers coming until you get the desired coverage. Embellish with a ribbon or place a bow. The blog A Piece of Rainbow says that creating a wreath jig is an easy way to make a wreath. Cut a dollarstore laundry basket bottom from

the top ring to make a template, on which you can place wreath-making materials so they keep their circular form. Use floral wire or natural jute string to tie the materials together. Experiment with fresh evergreen, twigs, holly branches, or whatever materials you choose. Thick card stock also can serve as the wreath template. Attach artificial flowers or leaves, spray snow, ornaments, or other items to the card stock ring with a firm adhesive. Many craft stores sell wreath forms made of natural vines that have been strung in a ring. These can be decorated in their entirety or left a little sparse to let the natural twine show through. Wreaths may seem like complicated creations. But a little imagination and the right materials is all it takes to create a homemade wreath.

Happy Holidays From your Local Realtors

Merry Christmas 2019! & Happy 2020! Ron Nakano Broker Associate

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The Happiest of Holidays from my family to yours

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Tips for baking better Christmas cookies Cookies and other baked treats are everywhere come the holiday season. It’s not uncommon to give cookies as gifts or arrive at holiday gatherings with cakes and other decadent desserts. Cookies are a classic holiday treat, and some families even build entire traditions around baking Christmas cookies. Novice bakers making cookies for the first time may be a little overwhelmed when perusing recipes. Baking is a science, and sometimes it takes practice to get the results just right. However, there are some tips that can help yield better, buttery bounties.

Handle butter with care

Butter can make or break a cookie recipe, as butter is often the glue that holds the cookie together. Therefore, it is key to follow the directions carefully regarding how to handle butter. Smithsonian.com says to leave butter at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes to properly soften it. This takes patience, but fiddling with butter too much can damage its delectable integrity. While purists may say butter is best, margarine may be acceptable if it has a high fat content; otherwise, cookies may spread out and flatten.

When it comes time to cream the butter with sugar, be sure to do so thoroughly to incorporate air into the butter and remove the grainy texture of the sugar.

Measure flour properly

Measuring flour the right way can ensure cookies come out right. The Cooking Channel says to spoon the flour lightly into a dry measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Do not dip the measuring cup into the flour or tap the knife against the cup. This will pack too much flour into the measuring cup and result in dry, tough cookies.

Slow down the eggs

Add eggs one at a time to make sure each will emulsify properly with the fat in the butter. Adding eggs en masse may cause the emulsification to fail.

Chill out

Follow recipes that call for chilling cookie dough carefully. This process is important for making sliced and shaped cookies. By chilling, the dough becomes more malleable for rolling and even slicing.

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Use a bottom rack

Too much heat may compromise cookie integrity. The food experts at Delish say to try moving cookies onto a lower rack in the oven if they aren’t retaining their shape when baked. Put an empty cookie sheet on

the top rack. That will block the cookies from the most intense heat that rises to the top of the oven. Mastering cookies takes a little patience and some trial and error. Once bakers get their feet wet, Christmas-cookie-baking becomes even more special.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Happy Holidays

Wrapping gifts is a very old tradition The holiday season is rife with tradition. One of the most recognizable traditions involves wrapping gifts. While the wrapping paper many gift givers use today is a relatively recent phenomenon, the tradition of wrapping gifts is centuries old, with some historians even suggesting it dates back to ancient times. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis® notes that many ancient cultures celebrated various holidays that included exchanging gifts, adding that it’s very likely that, even in ancient times, gifts were wrapped to surprise their eventual recipients. Bojagi is a traditional Korean wrapping cloth that might have begun being used some time during the

Three Kingdoms of Korea period, which began in 57 BC and ended in AD 668. The Japanese tradition of furoshiki, which can be traced back to the 17th century and possibly as far back as AD 710, involves using a traditional wrapping cloth to transport certain items, including gifts. As for the gift wrap familiar to today’s holiday celebrants, that traces its origins to the early 1900s. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis® notes that Eli Hyman and Morris Silverman founded the first gift wrap company in the United States in 1903. Unfortunately for gift givers back then, adhesive tape had not yet been invented in 1903, and wouldn’t be for another 27 years.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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Soroptimist Sells See’s for the Holidays A Really Sweet Deal Good candy and the Holidays just seem to go together! When the candy also helps to fulfil the Dreams of Women and Girls it is even sweeter. Soroptimist International of Sacramento is doing just that. Since 2006, the Sacramento Soroptimist service club has been selling See’s candy during the month of December to raise money for their programs and projects which “provide women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.” The club members teach girls at an alternative charter high school

a series of classes called Dream It, Be It. It is a self-improvement, confidence building, career readiness program taught in six, twohour sessions by club members. Their Live Your Dream program awards two low income women, who are the economic heads of their household, with two-year grants of $3,000 each year. This allows them to advance their education or training so they can improve their economic situation by getting better jobs. These are both very “sweet” programs! In addition to the Dream programs, the club provides funding for other community programs which help advance its mission.

This past year, $15,000 was given to the Boys and Girls club for the summer program for High School girls. And $15,000 was given to Reading Partners for their summer reading program at a low-income elementary school. $10,000 was awarded to Single Mom Strong for furnishings in their Encouragement center. The Sacramento Soroptimist Club, which is part of a global federation of volunteer clubs, has been serving this community since they were established in 1923. It is the fourth oldest surviving club in the world. The first club was started in Oakland in 1921. That is almost 100 years of providing

service both locally and around the world. You will purchase at the same retail prices that are offered at See’s stores. The real advantage of buying from the Soroptimist store is that your purchase price goes to help realize the dreams of women and girls who need your help. Plus, there are no long lines in which you must wait to buy your candy!!!! Please visit the See’s Candy store in Loehmann’s Plaza at 2541 Fair Oaks Blvd. between the Sutter Urgent Care and the Bread Store. It is open every day, December 1st until the 24th, from 10:00 a.m. ‘till 6:00 p.m. It is a very “Sweet Deal”.

Best Wishes For A Joyful Holiday Season

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Eco-friendly gift options The saying “the more the merrier” certainly applies during the holiday season. But during a season of big gifts, extra food and travel, “more” can exact a heavy toll on the environment. According to Stanford University, Americans generate 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve than during the rest of the year. While no one wants to take anything away from the spirit of holiday season, everyone can take steps to make the holidays more eco-friendly. In fact, there are various eco-friendly gifts that can make great presents and benefit the environment at the same time.

cue group, or accommodations at a carbonneutral hotel can be an added bonus.

Purchase experiential gifts

Companies like Cool Effect offer gifts for those looking to offset carbon emissions through clever funding. People can buy and offer gifts that correlate to packages like Costa Rican wind power or the “poo package,” which funds biogas digesters for family farms in India that capture methane emissions from cattle dung.

When making holiday shopping lists, think of gifts that offer experiences rather than material goods. Gifts that involve experiences, such as going to a sporting event or attending a play or musical, decrease reliance on wrapping paper. Such gifts also reduce clutter in the recipient’s house and conserve the resources otherwise used to manufacture alternative items that would have been purchased. Experiential gifts that also tap into environmental pursuits, such as touring with an animal res-

Opt for locally made gifts

Select gifts made by local artisans or companies that operate domestically. This cuts down on the carbon emissions from having to ship products from long distances or even overseas.

Give climate-friendly stocking stuffers

Get crafty

Gifts from the kitchen or ones made by the giver can be crafted from sustainable materials. They also show how you care by taking the time to customize a gift for the recipient.

Avoid gag or useless gifts Select gifts only with utility in mind. Skip purchases that are made only to beefup the look of presents under the tree or to make it appear that gifting was more generous. Items that a person cannot or will not use will ultimately be relegated to the trash, which is wasteful.

Wrap in reusable materials

Fancy wrapping paper certainly looks nice, but choose other materials that can be reused. Look for decorative tins, boxes, fancy gift bags, and other items that can be reused for years to come. Sustainability is possible during a season of excess when gift givers shop and wrap gifts with the environment in mind.

Grateful for 51 New Friends Properties Sold in 2019

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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Top 8 Tips for Holiday Safety Tip #1 The holidays are a great time to get to know your neighbors If you have not already done so, the holiday season is a great time to get to know your neighbors. This includes the people who live next door, across the street and over the back fence. Neighbors watching out for neighbors help keep an eye out for suspicious activity and make communities safer. Tip #2 Parking Lot Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers Lock your vehicle and hide valuables, preferably in the trunk or locked compartment. Before sunrise and after sunset, park and walk in well-lit areas and carry keys in your hand. Stay alert to your surroundings and take a moment to glance around for possible suspicious persons, vehicles, and/or situations. Prior to getting into your vehicle take a look inside and around before entering. If you observe evidence of a possible burglary, call your local law enforcement agency. Tip #3 When you’re out shopping for the holidays, stay alert to surroundings

When in crowded places, be alert for potential thieves. Maintain visibility and mobility to avoid potential threats. Be wary of strangers approaching you for any reason. The holiday season is notorious for “con-artists” who may attempt to distract you with the intention of taking your money or belongings. Never leave personal belongings unattended. As an added precaution, make sure you have a record of all your credit card numbers in a secure place at home. Tip #4 Shop with Friends, there is safety in numbers Recognize that there is safety in numbers and arrange to shop with friends and relatives instead of going out alone. Make sure everyone remains vigilant and looks out for each other. Tip #5 Tips for Holiday Shopping with Children When shopping with children, keep a close eye on them at all times. Consider coaching them to go to a store clerk or security guard if they become separated and be sure they

Giving Back As the holiday season approaches I always find myself thinking of new ways to give back to the communities I’m involved with. I am continually proud and honored to be the Sacramento County Sheriff’s District One Director of the Toy Project. We have partnered with the Salvation Army to provide a nice Christmas for some of the needy families in the area as a way of giving back to the communities. Christmas is just around the corner and is a time when less fortunate families and children need our help the most. We strongly believe that NO child should ever feel the emptiness of a cold, gift less Christmas morning, and NO family should be deprived of a holiday meal.

know their first and last name, so they can advise someone who they are. Give children a contact phone number that they can carry on their person in case they do become lost. Tip #6 Holiday Safety Tips for Online Shoppers Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular. The Internet does have risks, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself when shopping online. The National Cyber Security Alliance recommends that you make sure you have a security suite (firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware) installed and updated with the most current information before shopping online. Also, keep your operating system and Web browser up-to-date. Before you enter your personal and financial information for an online transaction, look for signs that the site is secure. This includes a closed padlock on your Web browser’s address bar or a URL address that begins with shttp or https. This indicates that the purchase is encrypted or secured. Never use unsecured wireless networks to make an online purchase.

Tip #7 Keeping your home safe during the holidays Be extra cautious about locking windows, sliders, and doors when leaving for any length of time. We suggest keeping all entrance points into your house secured while you’re at home as well. Set indoor and outdoor lights on timers and think about doing the same with a television or radio to make it appear as if someone is home. Never keep gifts or valuable objects in plain view. If a person knocks at your door and you don’t recognize them, don’t feel obligated to open your door. Teach your children not to open the door to anyone prior to your knowledge. Tip #8 Let someone you trust know when you’re traveling during the holidays Inform someone who’s trustworthy where you will be and when you might be expected back to your residence. Ask a neighbor or other dependable persons to watch your house and retrieve your newspapers and mail if possible.

Sacramento County Sheriff’s Toy Project We are very proud of our achievements last year & all of the volunteers who contributed their time and effort. This year our goal is to double the amount of families we help. If you’re interested & love to help kids, please give me a call to find out what you can do to help. I can always be reached at (916) 663-6300.

Kindness costs so little but pays back huge rewards.

Your kindness and generous donation is greatly appreciated and will help so many children and their families who would otherwise ‘go without’ this Christmas. For more information on the program please visit the Sacramento Sheriff ’s Toy Project web page at www.toyproject.org

A sincere thank you to all our family, friends & clients for assisting us in being ranked the top 40 out of 5,000 agents in the region

TERRIE HUNT, Broker “Best in Client Satisfaction” Awarded Five Star Realtor for Sacramento Magazine. A-14

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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Tips for learning a new language Do you desire to be a polyglot? Polyglots are people who can speak and understand multiple languages, and such people are a pretty rare commodity in an increasingly global world. The foreign language information site iLanguages. org says 40 percent of the world’s population only knows one language. Understanding and speaking more than one language can set people apart, particularly in the professional sector. The Eton Institute, which offers language and communication instruction, says learning a foreign language offers many benefits. Among them are: a boost in brain power, memory improvement, proficiency in multitasking, and even improvement in the usage and understanding of one’s first language. It also never hurts to list being bilingual on a résumé, as being able to communicate in various languages is an asset in many different fields. With such incentives, is it any wonder so many people aspire to

add a second language to their repertoires? Learning a new language may seem complicated, but aspiring polyglots can employ various strategies to learn a new language in a relatively short period of time. • Make it fun. The more you enjoy something, the more likely you are to stick with it. That notion applies to learning a foreign language. Take up the task with a friend. Find an entertaining outlet for your knowledge, such as being able to watch foreign films or listen to opera. Find an activity you enjoy and incorporate language into it. • Use flashcards. Many learners utilize flashcards to improve their memories. This approach can help when learning a language. Write the word on a card and the translation on the other side. Digital versions of the same concept are available on various language-learning apps.

• Pay attention to grammar. Grammar and word usage varies for different languages. Having a cursory understanding of tense and how to conjugate verbs can give language learners a leg up. However, the rules are more important when writing a language. As you get started, listening skills are key. • Mimic and repeat. Listen to the language of choice as much as possible and mimic what you hear. This not only helps to develop your vocabulary, but it also can be a great exercise for your mouth and can help you fine tune any accents you may have. • Immerse yourself in the culture. One way to learn a language is to dive right in without a safety net. Visit a country where they speak the language you’re studying and try to converse with the locals. Learning a new language is possible, and speaking multiple languages can be great for your career.

Happy Holidays From your Local Realtors

Larry Easterling, MBA Broker Associate

(916) 849-9431 CalBRE # 01343891

Happy Holidays and a Great 2020! Dee Schwindt

PRESIDENTIAL MEMBER-MASTERS CLUB

dee.schwindt@cbnorcal.com

916.341.0718 CalDRE#00498850

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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How to create a durable gingerbread house Gingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread. Many a child (or a child at heart) has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany. The fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions. Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there’s no denying it can be exacting work — especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses. • Go for form and not flavor. Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good. • Get the right icing texture. Pastry artist Catherine Beddall says royal icing is the preferred “glue” to adhere gingerbread pieces. Beddall says icing

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should be thick like peanut butter and not runny. • Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build. • Patience is key. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling the house, says Beddall. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces. • Kids likely will need help. Children may not have the patience or steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction. They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids. Adults can do the main assembly later on. • Utilize a template. Free-handing may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces. One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don’t take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Safety tips when buying toys for tots Toys play a pivotal role in the lives of young children. While fun is always a consideration when buying toys for kids, toys can do more than entertain. The National Association for the Education of Young Children notes that toys for young children should match the youngsters’ stages of development and their emerging abilities. When those matches are made, children’s imagination and coordination will develop, all while they’re having fun. Safety is another factor adults must take seriously when buying toys for children. Unfortunately, safety is not always foremost on the minds of toy shoppers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that more than 251,000 toy-related injuries were treated in American hospital emergency rooms in 2017. Thankfully, such injuries are almost always avoidable, especially when shoppers follow a handful of safety strategies when buying toys for young children. • Avoid toys with lots of pieces. Stanford Children’s Health notes that toddlers and

small children tend to put things in their mouths, increasing their risk of choking as a result. When buying toys for toddlers or small children, avoid toys with small parts that can be choking hazards. • Pay attention to age recommendations on packaging. Age guidelines on toy packages are designed to ensure that kids play with toys suited for their age and abilities. Children are more likely to enjoy playing with toys designed for kids their age, and these toys are less likely than age-inappropriate toys to put youngsters’ safety in jeopardy. • Recognize even stuffed animals can present safety hazards. Stuffed animals may not appear to pose as safety risks, but poorly made stuffed animals may have small parts that can easily come off. Poorly made stuffed animals may prove no match for the prying hands of curious youngsters, so make sure any small parts on stuffed animals, such as eyes and buttons, are securely fastened before making any purchases.

• Teach kids how to use toys. When giving children advanced toys, take the time to show the youngsters how to use them. Such demonstrations can clear up any confusion

about the toys, reducing kids’ risk for injury as a result. Safety should always be a priority when purchasing toys for kids.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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Giving a little more this holiday season The holiday season is a time of giving. The generosity on display during the holiday season may not have an official start date, but the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day may be the unofficial beginning of the giving season. The first Tuesday following American Thanksgiving has been referred to as “Giving Tuesday” since 2012. The event was started by the 92nd Street Y in New York City, the United Nations Foundation and the technology website Mashable as a response to the commercialization of the holiday season and the rampant consumerism that seems to start as soon as the last bite of turkey is digested. Today, Giving Tuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world and helps millions of dollars to find its

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way into the coffers of organizations that need it most. Giving Tuesday inspires people to volunteer or give back to causes that are near and dear to their hearts. Thanks to technology, giving has the capacity to go viral and inspire others to engage in their own charitable efforts. Since its inception, Giving Tuesday has evolved. The event now underscores how communities can harness the power of people working together to elicit great change. Even though Giving Tuesday may be the catalyst for charitable efforts, it doesn’t need to end there. People are urged to be generous all year long, including throughout the holiday season. Here are some seasonally specific ways to give back a little more.

• Pay it forward by treating someone behind you in the checkout line to coffee, fast food, a candy bar, or whatever else suits you at the time. Perhaps he or she will do the same and keep the generosity going. • Keep extra dollars in your pocket and be generous to charities seeking donations outside of stores. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate goes a long way toward warming up the people manning the collection pots as well. • Adopt a family who is less fortunate and purchase some gifts on their wish list. Many community centers and churches have contacts for needy families who could use some support this season. Giving can be the focus of the holiday season, and in ways that are meaningful to the people on the receiving end of the generosity.

Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Facts about Three Kings Day January 6 marks the close of the Christmas celebration for many Christians. On this day, known as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day, people celebrate the visit of the magi to the Christ child. While some people are very familiar with this feast day and the customs surrounding it, others are less so. Here are some facts about Three Kings Day. • Three Kings Day also goes by the names Little Christmas, Denha, Theophany, Día de los Reyes, and the Baptism of Jesus. • The Epiphany marks the twelfth day of Christmas, falling 12 days after December 25. • It is customary for some celebrants to bake ring-shaped cakes and hide a plastic baby figurine representing the baby Jesus inside. In Latin cultures, the cake is known as Rosca de Reyes, or “ The King’s Ring.” • The Bible does not specifically mention the number or names of the magi who visited Jesus. However, oral tradi-

tion has it that there were three and their names were Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior. • The gifts given to Christ were gold, frankincense oil and the resin myrrh. The gifts are symbolic of Jesus’s im-

portance. The gold represents his royal standing, frankincense his divine birth and myrrh his mortality. • Children may leave their shoes out on the Epiphany for presents, similar to they way stockings are hung. The

shoes are filled with hay or treats for the Three Wise Men’s camels. In exchange, candies and toys are left for the children. • Three Kings Day is one of the most significant religious holidays in Latin America, where the magi are more prominent figures than Santa Claus. • In Britain and elsewhere, Twelfth Night is the evening that precedes the Epiphany, and Christmas decorations should remain up until then. Also, until as recently as the 1950s, Twelfth Night was a time for wassailing. Wassailers went house to house singing and wishing neighbors good health. • Until the 19th century, the Epiphany was more important than Christmas Day. • Roast lamb was traditionally served on the Epiphany. Three Kings Day is an important holiday in the Christian faith, and one that brings the holiday season to a close.

Happy Holidays 2019 & Welcome Home 2020!

Selling Agent

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A jolly holiday season can be made even more merry with a roaring fire. Homeowners often build holiday tableaus around the fireplace to serve as festive backdrops. The mantle and the fireplace itself also may be a prime spot to dedicate to decorating this time of year. Even though Christmas tree fires are rare, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, when they do occur they’re likely to be serious. That is why trees and other flammable decorations need to be kept clear of gas and wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. In addition, many other guidelines should be heeded to ensure fireplaces and holiday decor safely coexist this season. Read labels on decorative items carefully before decorating. Be sure to only select items that are flame-resistant or retardent. Cherished collectibles and other items should always be kept far away from open flames and heat. It pays to have a fireplace inspected and cleaned for use prior to operation, advises Doherty Insurance Agency. Rely on a trained

chimney sweep, and have the fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned at least once per year. Even though it may be picturesque, do not place wrapped packages or gift boxes near the fireplace, as they tend to be highly combustible. Keep presents and other flammable items at least three feet away from the fireplace. Do not be tempted to dispose of wrapping paper, boxes or even a Christmas tree in the fireplace. Wrapping paper contains additives that make it burn at high temperatures. A Christmas tree hasn’t been properly seasoned and could be a fire hazard and potentially contribute to excessive smoke and creosote. Keep decorations that kids will be tempted to touch away from the fireplace so kids do not hang out near the heat and open flames. Fireplaces are often a focal point of holiday decorating and entertaining. Homeowners who want to incorporate their fireplaces into their holiday decor must emphasize safety when doing so.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Unique ways to give the experience of travel Many people have a passion for traveling. Whether a traveler can’t resist sleeping under the stars at a local campsite or refuse the call of a bustling city overseas, travel beckons people from all walks of life. Perhaps no country’s citizens better illustrate the allure of travel more than China’s. According to the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, Chinese overseas tourists totaled 10.5 million in 2000. By 2017, that figure had grown to 145 million, with the COTRI estimating that it would reach 156 million in 2018. The travel experience is unique, and it’s an experience that holiday shoppers can provide for their loved ones who can’t wait to dust off their passports or simply get in their cars and drive to a favorite destination near or far. • Airline miles: The cost of airline tickets can be prohibitive and has deterred many a would-be traveler from visiting a dream destination. However, holiday shoppers with ample airline miles on their credit cards may be able to transfer those miles to a loved one. Such a transfer can dramatically reduce the cost of an airline ticket, opening the door to a wonderful travel experience for a friend or family member

who otherwise might not be able to afford a trip. Rules about transferring miles vary depending on the airline, and transfer fees may apply. But this is a unique way to give the gift of travel. • Gas card: Of course, flying is not the only way to get from point A to point B.

The gift of free gasoline can help road warriors explore their passion for the open road without breaking the bank. Gas prices tend to rise during spring and summer, so make sure gift cards purchased during the holiday season won’t expire before the weather warms up.

• Camera: Many people feel the experience of travel is best documented through photography. A brand new camera that can create better photos than a typical smartphone camera can help travelers more effectively document their trips while creating vivid memories they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. • Ancestry kit: While an ancestry kit might not qualify as a traditional experiential gift, knowing one’s ancestry might open doors to future travels. For example, many countries’ citizenship rules allow people born overseas to apply for citizenship if they have a relative, such as a grandparent, who was born in the country. Earning foreign citizenship and ultimately obtaining a foreign passport can simplify overseas travel by helping them avoid long lines at customs. That can inspire more people to travel overseas. In addition, people often learn new and surprising things about their ancestry after submitting ancestry kits, which can prompt trips to destinations people otherwise may never have considered. The experience of travel can make for a great holiday gift that recipients may cherish for the rest of their lives.

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Decorate with a nose toward inviting holiday aromas Holiday decor is as much about the sights and sounds as it is about the scents of the season. Few things evoke the holiday spirit as much as the aroma of fresh evergreen or spicy cinnamon and cloves. Incorporating inviting aromas into holiday decor can make homes feel even more special. Filling a home with fragrant decor takes a little ingenuity and planning. Here are some ideas to incorporate the scents of the holiday season into your decor. • Use a real Christmas tree. An easy way to create a pine-like scent indoors is to select a real Christmas tree. Ask the tree farm which varieties are the most fragrant. If a fresh tree is not possible, fill a decorative basket with pine cones and evergreen boughs for that woodsy appeal. • Create a seasonal scented simmer. Take to the stove to make a homemade air infusion from ingredients in and around the house. Simmer pine branches, citrus peels, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and whatever else can be placed in a pot or slow cooker with water. The scents will permeate the house for hours if enough water is added to the mixture. • Make holiday sachets. Some of the same ingredients for the holiday simmer can be

Happy

Holidays!

dried and sewn into sachets. Add ribbon and hang on real or artificial trees. Or tuck the pouches into various areas around the house.

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• Experiment with scented candles. Scented candles can be found at various stores during the holiday season. Select among popular holiday aromas like pine, cinna-

mon, apples, and Christmas cookie varieties. • Utilize essential oils. Natural food stores and other retailers may sell essential oils, which can be diluted and sprayed on surfaces or into the air. Exercise caution around upholstery, or test for staining before use. • Spend more time in the kitchen. Add delicious scents to the home by way of freshly baked goods or holiday meals. Nothing beats the smell of cookies right out of the oven, and the scents can linger for hours. • Make beeswax ornaments. Add scented oils to melted beeswax and pour into molds. Hang these creations as ornaments on trees or in other areas of the home. • Craft some “gingerbread” ornaments. A mixture of cinnamon, applesauce and glue can be used to make ornaments or gift tags that resemble gingerbread cookies, and these ornaments have more staying power than actual cookies. • Design a pretty pomander. Stud an orange with cloves. Cut off the top of the orange and hollow out a place for a small tea light. The warmth of the flame will produce more scent. Rich and inviting aromas can fill a home with the holiday spirit.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

The origins of Christmas caroling The festive nature of the holiday season makes it an ideal time to sing, especially in groups. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that caroling, a tradition that dates back many centuries, ultimately collided with Christmas. Caroling and Christmas caroling are two different things. According to History.org, the origins of modern Christmas caroling can be traced to wassailing, a term that has evolved for more than a millenium. What started as a simple greeting gradually became part of a toast made during ritualized drinking. Time magazine notes that the word “wassail,” which appeared in English literature as early as the eighth century, eventually came to mean the wishing of good fortune on one’s neighbors, though no one can say for certain when this particular development occurred. During medieval times, farmers in certain parts of Britain would drink a beverage to toast the health of their crops and encour-

age the fertility of their animals. By 1600, farmers in some parts of Britain were still engaging in this ritual, and some were by now taking a wassail bowl filled with a toasting beverage around the streets. These wassailers would stop by neighboring homes and offer a warm drink, all the while wishing good fortune on their neighbors. During this period, wassailing had nothing to do with Christmas, but that began to change in Victorian England, when Christmas became more commercialized and popular. It was during this time when publishers began circulating carols, forever linking the tradition of wassailing with Christmas. Christmas caroling as Victorian Englanders knew it might have fallen by the wayside. But while carolers may no longer go door-to-door singing Christmas songs and wishing their neighbors good fortune, those intent on seeing the modern manifestation of this tradition that dates back more than a millenium may be able

to find some carolers at their local mall or church.

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Handel's

MESSIAH Performed by the Capella Antiqua Choir, Baroque Orchestra, and Cathedral Choir

Friday, December 20, 2019 | 7:30 pm Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament 11th and K Street, Sacramento Tickets: $20 general • $10 student Available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4380736 Come experience one of the season’s most beloved works, George Frederick Handel’s Messiah. Focusing on the Christmas portion of the Messiah, this concert will also include J.S. Bach’s Cantata 147 featuring the well-loved choral, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. Join the Capella Antiqua Choir, Baroque Orchestra, and the Cathedral Choir in the beautiful setting of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament for a concert that will soon become your favorite holiday tradition!

generalmanager@capella-antiqua.org | 916.444.3071

Hearty lasagna can feed holiday crowds Millions of people take to the roads, rails and skies to make it home for the holidays. Plenty of hosts and hostesses open their homes to well-traveled relatives and close friends during the holiday season, sometimes providing accommodations for several days. During this season of entertaining, it is helpful to have several go-to recipes that can feed a houseful of guests on hand. The recipe for “Lasagna With Broccoli and Three Cheeses” from “Real Simple: Dinner Tonight, Done!” (Time Home Entertainment) from the editors of Real Simple is sure to stick to guests’ ribs on wintry nights. With only 15 minutes of preparation time, this dish gets popped in the oven and can be enjoyed an hour later.

Lasagna With Broccoli and Three Cheeses

Serves 4 1 15-ounce container ricotta 1 pound frozen broccoli florets — thawed, patted dry, and chopped 21⁄4 cups grated mozzarella 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan Kosher salt and black pepper

1 16-ounce jar marinara sauce 1⁄2 cup heavy cream 8 no-boil lasagna noodles 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the foil 4 cups mixed greens 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Heat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, broccoli, 2 cups of the mozzarella, 1⁄4 cup of the Parmesan, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper. In a small bowl, combine the marinara sauce and cream. Spoon a thin layer of the sauce into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish. Top with 2 noodles, a quarter of the remaining sauce, and a third of the broccoli mixture; repeat twice. Top with the remaining 2 noodles and sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining 1⁄4 cup of mozzarella and 1⁄4 cup of Parmesan. Cover the lasagna tightly with an oiled piece of foil and bake until the noodles are tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more. Toss the greens with the oil, lemon juice, and 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve with the lasagna.

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Holidays bring you jo�!

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Lynda Chac

916-289-2833 lyndachac@yahoo.com CalBRE #: 01321712

Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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The 12 days of Christmas “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree.” The familiar lyrics of this tune are sung as part of Christmas caroling and holiday celebrations, reaching a crescendo each time singers belt out “five golden rings.” The song is an English Christmas carol that was written in 1720. While it references plenty of gift-giving, it’s easy to assume the song is about giving Christmas gifts. However, the 12 days in the song actually refer to the birth of Jesus Christ. The 12 days of Christmas, also known as the Twelvetide, refers to the festive Christian season that celebrates the Nativity of Jesus. In fact, the start of these days occurs on December 25 and extends until the evening of January 5th, the day before the

Epiphany, known as Twelfth Night. Each day corresponds to a remembrance of different religious events or people. Christmas celebrants can celebrate well into the new year. Commemorating the 12 days of Christmas can include small festivities from December 25 to January 5. On Twelfth Night, historically known for parties, modern-day fanfare can mark the culmination of the Christmas season — with the last of gift-giving occurring on the Epiphany. Gifting, hosting friends and family, attending religious services, participating in charitable events, or opening one’s home to neighbors and those who can use some companionship are all ways to make the 12 days of Christmas more special.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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Tips for safe holiday entertaining in pet-friendly households The holidays are a time to spend with friends and family. Celebrating and entertaining are large components of what makes Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, and New Years festivities so enjoyable. Holiday hosts with pets must consider companion animals when planning the festivities. The holiday season brings added dangers for pets. The American Veterinary Association notes that, by keeping hazards in mind, pet owners can ensure their four-legged friends enjoy the season as much as everyone else. • Secure the tree. Securely anchor the Christmas tree so that it won’t tip over on anyone, including rambunctious pets. Also, stagnant tree stand water can grow bacteria. If a pet should drink the water, it may end up with nausea or diarrhea. Replenish the tree basin with fresh water daily. • Skip the candles. When creating mood lighting, opt for electronic or battery-powered lights instead of open flames. Pets may knock over candles, and that can be an instant fire hazard. • Keep food out of reach. Situate food buffets beyond the reach of hungry and curious animals. Warn guests to promptly throw out their

leftovers so that dogs and cats do not sneak away with scraps that may cause stomach upset or worse. Real Simple magazine warns that fatty foods can promote pancreatitis — a potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas that produces toxic enzymes and causes illness and

dehydration. Small bones can get lodged in a pet’s throat or intestines as well. • Avoid artificial sweeteners. Exercise caution when baking sugar-free desserts. The artificial sweetener xylitol can cause dogs’ blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels. Xylitol

is found in some toothpastes and gum, so tell overnight guests to keep their toiletries secure to avoid accidental exposure. • Be cautious with cocktails. If the celebration will include alcoholic beverages, the ASPCA says to place unattended adult beverages where pets cannot reach them. Ingested alcohol can make pets ill, weak and even induce comas. • Be picky about plants. Mistletoe, holly and poinsettias can be dangerous in pet-friendly households. These plants can cause gastrointestinal upset and may lead to other problems if ingested. Opt for artificial replicas instead. If guests bring flowers, confirm they are nontoxic to pets before putting them on display. • Watch the door. Guests going in and out may inadvertently leave doors open. In such instances, pets who get scared or are door dashers may be able to escape the house. Put a note by the door to watch for escaping pets. • Designate a safe space for pets. If the holiday hustle proves too much for cats, dogs, birds, and more, give the pet a safe, quiet spot away from the crowds. Holiday hosts should factor in pet safety when they open their homes to guests.

Happy Holidays From your Local Realtors

Wishing you a wonderful

Holiday season!

Robyn DeLong 916.224.9580 robyn@delongteam.com CalRE# 01265995

Michelle Gallagher

SAR Master’s Club Member

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

(310) 612.6806 TSogard.GoLyon.com CalDRE #01072238

Wishing all a Happy Holiday! CalBRE# 01382218

916-541-0540  mgallagher@golyon.com  www.mgallagher.golyon.com A-30

Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2019 • Home for the Holidays

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Happy Holidays Wishing You the Gifts of Peace, Hope & Joy This Season & Every Day of the Year!

We Are Thankful for Your Continued Support & Trust With Deep Appreciation from Your Land Park Curtis Park Agents

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Home for the Holidays • December 2019 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901