Holiday Guide

HOLIDAYS REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

Tree debate continues BY DIANE SCHLINDWEIN

CREATORS.COM

lmost as soon as the holiday season arrives, it seems one topic is sure to come up in conversation. In fact, the decades-old debate goes on in homes all across the country. No, the question is not what to buy for Christmas; it’s whether the tree under which those gifts are placed should be real or artificial. Real or not, we Americans love our Christmas trees. In fact, recent reports from the National Christmas Tree Association show that in 2007, 31.3 million real Christmas trees were purchased — along with 17.4 million artificial trees, which most likely will be used for at least several years. “Artificial trees are convenient because they last longer, don’t shed and don’t need to be watered,” says Thomas Harman, the founder and CEO of Balsam Hill, which makes artificial trees. “All these benefits mean you can travel during the holiday season without worrying about the Christmas decor at home.” Harman explains that his wife’s family didn’t celebrate the holiday with a real tree because of his brother-in-law’s allergies. After seeing countless unrealistic artificial trees, including the one his wife’s family displayed, Harman was inspired to create a line of premium-quality Christmas trees that closely mirror their live counterparts.

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Harman says his company has developed True Needle technology, which allows it to create trees that resemble real varieties, with precise needle designs that are colored to mimic the patterns of live trees. “The final products so closely replicate real trees that shoppers have been spotted sniffing the branches,” he says. Harman says the majority of Balsam Hill’s trees are pre-lit artificial Christmas trees, which have become increasingly popular during the past few years. “Balsam Hill professionally strings the lights from the inside (near the trunk) of the tree out to the tips of the branches and attaches the wires on the underneath of the branch,” he says. “This allows us to get twice as many lights on the tree while hiding the cords. You could do this yourself, but you would want to get started right after Halloween since it takes so long. This technique produces a more beautiful effect than the standard wrapping of lights around a tree, which makes it look more like a tree was mummified with light strings.” See TREE, Page 2

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Adventures in the video game aisle BY LOU KESTEN

In this game image released by Activision, an animated version of the late DJ-AM is shown in the video game, ‘DJ Hero.’ AP

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The video game aisle can be intimidating for aspiring Santas who haven’t touched a joystick since “Pong.” But it has something for everyone: riveting solo adventures, online multiplayer battles and fun-for-the-whole-family social games. Here are some of the best picks for this holiday season. ——— “DJ HERO” ($120, for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and

Wii, rated T) “THE BEATLES: ROCK BAND” ($60 for software only, $250 with instruments, for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii, rated T) Rock-loving gamers have been grooving on “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” for a few years, but fans of hip-hop and dance music have been left out. “DJ Hero” corrects that, putting you behind the wheel of a fake turntable and letting See VIDEOS, Page 2

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you scratch and mix dozens of combinations of club tracks. It’s like hosting a rave in your living room. For those who prefer classic rock, “The Beatles: Rock Band” lets you relive the career of the Fab Four, from a Liverpool club to their London rooftop farewell. It’s a loving tribute. ——— “NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII” ($50, for the Wii, rated E) The latest Mario Bros. installment returns to the 2-D, side-scrolling action that made the spunky Italian plumber famous. This time, though, up to four people can play cooperatively, so more experienced gamers can guide newbies across the familiar fire pits and floating platforms. Now you can finally show your grandma — or your kids — what the original magic was about. ——— “PROFESSOR LAYTON & THE DIABOLICAL BOX” ($35, for Nintendo DS, rated E10+) Anyone who loves puzzles such as crosswords and Sudoku will adore the

For some folks, however, only a fresh, real Christmas tree will do. “People choose to use a farmgrown Christmas tree as their holiday centerpiece for different reasons,” says Rick Dungey, public relations manager for the National Christmas Tree Association. “For many, the tradition is very important to them. Going out as a family and selecting a special tree each year is what gives them a great feeling and creates fond memories. For many others, the aroma of a fresh, farm-grown tree makes them ‘feel’ like it’s Christmastime.” Real trees, which can be any of more than 35 different species of conifer planted and grown in North America, can last in a home for three to five weeks. “Generally, if properly cared for, any tree can stay green and fragrant and pliable throughout the holiday season,” Dungey says.

In this game image released by Electronic Arts, two mages battle in a scene from ‘Dragon Age: Origins.’ AP latest chapter in the Professor Layton series, which weaves about 150 brainteasers into a clever mystery. Forget about those so-called “brain training” games; the exercises in logic, math, observation and object manipulation here really work out the gray matter. ——— “DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS” ($60, for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, rated M for mature) “DEMON’S SOULS” ($50, for the PlayStation 3, rated M) Then there are the hardest of hardcore players who want the toughest challenges you can throw at them.

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“Dragon Age” is a classic tale of swordand-sorcery that will test the skill and strategy of even the most jaded “Dungeons & Dragons” nut. “Demon’s Souls,” another quasi-medieval epic, is so tough it will have mere mortals tearing their hair out. ——— “CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2” ($60, for the Xbox 360, PCs and PlayStation 3, rated M for mature) This season’s monster hit continues the global battle against terrorists, and it’s bigger, louder and more brazen than its predecessor.

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Impress with high-end ingredients BY CHANDRA ORR CREATORS.COM

Want to really wow your favorite foodie this holiday season? Indulge his inner gourmand with one well-chosen ingredient. Gimmicky gadgets only end up cluttering kitchens and collecting dust, but raw ingredients are gifts that keep on giving. Think olive oil pressed at the peak of freshness, vinegar that’s aged like fine wine or flavorinfused sea salts. “Home chefs love to experiment in their kitchens. It becomes a therapy of sorts to try different flavors and ways of preparing dishes,” says Theodora Stephan, owner of Global Gardens, an artisanal food shop in Los Olivos, Calif. Kitchen staples may not sound exciting to the culinary-challenged, but any food aficionado knows that high-end artisanal varieties pack a lot more punch than what you find at the corner store. Odd, rare or hard-to-find consumables are more than mere ingredients. To the food-obsessed, they’re inspiration. “Savoring new experiences is a huge part of the day-to-day home chef lifestyle that in turn becomes memories of great meals and synergy with family and friends,” Stephan says. As with any gift, choose quality over quantity. Instead of selecting several less expensive items, splurge on one truly exemplary ingredient. Even amateur chefs will taste the difference.

VINEGAR “Vinegar cannot be beat as a gift for any home chef,” says Rachael Sheri-

dan, gourmet buyer for Cube Marketplace, an online emporium specializing in imported food items. Vinegars come in every price range and often feature flavors you won’t find at the supermarket. “Vinegar is totally underrated and so useful in the kitchen for everything from salads to finishing soups and proteins — even drizzling over some desserts,” she says. For a great gourmet basic, Sheridan recommends Cafaggio Chianti wine vinegar ($22). Imported from Florence, Italy, the vinegar is made from Chianti grapes and aged in oak barrels for a pungent, woodsy flavor. It’s straightforward but remarkably versatile. “I believe this is the best red wine vinegar on the market, and its diverse array of uses make it perfect for the novice cook,” Sheridan says. For more exotic fare, look for vinegar with a hint of berry, such as Gegenbauer elderberry vinegar ($33), made from fermented elderberry juice and slowly aged in oak barrels for five years. “This amazing vinegar is deep purple in color, smells of dark fruit, minerals and herbs and is perfect for reductions, dessert sauces and proteins, such as duck or foie gras,” Sheridan says.

OLIVE OIL Extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oil is another luxury staple any home chef would appreciate. “Most people don’t realize that like grapes, there are hundreds of olive va-

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rietals and therefore hundreds of flavors that are parlayed onto our palates,” Stephan says. “Different olive oils are buttery, savory, grassy, fruity or peppery and can truly affect the outcome of a dish.” Stephan’s own Global Gardens Signature Estate Blend ($30), for example, features hints of sage. The certified-organic, extra-virgin, first cold-pressed olive oil is grown and produced in Santa Barbara, Calif., wine country and gets its distinct flavor from sage blooming near the olive grove during pollination. Trampetti organic extra-virgin olive oil ($36) is another good bet for beginners, according to Sheridan. Imported from the Umbria region of Italy, the oil is intense and fruity, with notes of freshly cut grass, herbs and artichokes.

SAVORY SALT Flavor-infused sea salts are a must for creative home chefs. “If you’re shopping for someone who likes to cook a lot, an unusual spice or salt will be appreciated — something they’ll have to look up or invent a new recipe for,” Sheridan says. She recommends Antica Macelleria Cecchini Profumo del Chianti ($32), created by butcher Dario Cecchini and imported directly from Italy’s Tuscany region. “This mixture of powder-fine sea salt and herbs brings grilled meats to a new level and can also be added to extra-virgin olive oil as a dip for bread and vegetables,” Sheridan says. For a clever kick to salad dressing,

All good cooks appreciate quality vinegar. CNS creamed vegetables and chocolate dishes, look for vanilla-infused sea salt, such as Halen Mon pure sea salt with Taha’a vanilla ($14). Made with Tahitian vanilla pods, the infused salt also pairs well with whitefish and scallops.

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Home theaters aren’t just for the wealthy BY CHELLE CORDERO CREATORS.COM

Going to the movies doesn’t mean leaving your home anymore. With widescreen TVs, surround sound speaker systems and even theaterseating options, you can pop popcorn in your home microwave and put your jammies on before the opening credits. Whether you have a spare room, an unfinished basement or a simple family room, a few additions can turn the space into a family entertainment Mecca. If you are turning an unused basement or empty garage into a home theater that you are building from the ground up, there are tricks you can use to improve the acoustics, such as angling the walls to reduce echoes. The placements of screens, speakers and seating are also important. Draw up a detailed floor plan. Include seating, speakers, screens, plasma or LCD monitors, acoustical panels and electric outlets. Even your well-used family room can be turned into a place your family will want to congregate in each day with just a few improvements. Popular and fairly recent movies are available for personal home viewing on DVD, Blu-ray and cable TV payper-view. At rental shops, you still can find a large assortment of movies on VHS, and there are many older movies that are not available in disc format; consider upgrading to a hi-fi stereo VCR unit. Large flat-panel LCD and plasma screens are able to simulate some of the large-screen definition found in movie theaters. Strategically placed speakers with split channels and high fidelity speaker systems will help to emulate the surround sound enjoyed in movie theaters. Larry Schmitt, merchandizing manager at the Columbus Circle Best Buy in New York, says: “Today upgrading your home theater system doesn’t mean you have to spend a large amount of money because many theater items have dropped significantly in price. At Best Buy, we match customers with the right home theater products to fit their individual needs. From the gamer who’s looking for a crisp picture to the movie buff looking for the latest in surround sound, to4

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day’s advanced technology allows customers to customize their home theater systems to their preferences.” The size of the room is a big factor in deciding on the size and type of screen and number of speakers you will need. Knowing what your expectations are is another step in deciding what equipment to buy. Will you be limiting the room’s use to movie and TV viewing, or will the kids (and adults) be playing the Wii or another video game system? Will you want to curl up on a couch or have actual theater seating for watching movies? They even have risers to simulate the true stadium-seating feel. Starting with what you already have, you probably can upgrade your home theater system with just a few key components. If your screen is large enough, adding an amplifier and speakers might be enough to transform an ordinary family room into a theater. Adding a DVR and a Blu-ray player to your system will help to bring vivid images to your screen. With a DVR, you can record two programs at once, as well as pick shows of which you want to record every episode. You even can freeze the action to answer the phone or grab some refreshments. Blu-ray Discs use blue-violet lasers that give sharper images than redlaser DVDs. Another component to consider adding to your upgraded home theater system is an audio-visual receiver and amplifier. This unit can amplify the signals it receives and send them out to both your screen and your speakers. It

DECEMBER 10, 2009

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is often less expensive to purchase ready-made speaker sets, but many people choose to purchase units separately to meet their individual needs. Six speakers are recommended for the typical home theater. Two front speakers should be the most prominent, and depending on the size of the room, they can be anything from bookshelf-sized to free-standing floor units. Also recommended are two surround speakers, a center speaker and a subwoofer for the lowest frequency ranges.

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More books for gift giving this holiday season B Y D E B R A A . A L E K S I N A S REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

TRAVEL

CHILDREN

New York: The Big City and Its Little Neighborhoods By Naomi Feritta; Photography by Paul Aresu; Universe Publishing; Softcover $25.

Because you Matter By Jan Carmen Liles; illustrated by Patricia Jerde; Hardcover; $19.95

There is trouble brewing at Countryside Zoo and Harriet Hummingbird is out to investigate. When she finds her dear friends at the zoo feeling down about themselves after being bullied by a gang of weasels, Harriet takes action. First of all, she reassures each animal of their unique beauty and goodness. Then Harriet rallies her bird friends to craft a solution everyone will love. “Because you Matter” addresses two all-too-common issues facing young children today, low self-esteem and hurtful teasing. Through this simple but delightful story comes a message of acceptance and celebration, and the important truth that “You Matter! You Really Really Do!”

This handsome, new book is a must-have guide to 20 of the Big Apple’s most distinctive ethnic enclaves. Both the first time visitor to New York City and seasoned natives will enjoy this “how to” book that captures the spirit of each neighborhood by offering tips on where to eat, shop and visit off the beaten track in all five boroughs. The book includes directions to each destination from Grand Central and a “local flavors” sidebar suggests authentic dishes to try from each culture. ISTANBUL: The Collected Traveler (a vintage trade paperback original) Edited by Barrie Kerper; Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group; paperback; $19

Barrie Kerper has been collecting tourist information and articles about nearly every country in the world since she was a teenager. When the boxes grew so unwieldy they nearly filled a room, she began preparing packages for friends, colleagues and relatives who were traveling to a particular destination. These packages eventually turned into books in 2000, forming a series: The Collected Traveler.” “Istanbul” marks the return of the series, revealing a dazzling tour of the fifth-largest city in the world, and a European Capital of Culture for 2010.

PERSONAL FINANCE 99 Things to Save Money in Your Household Budget By Mary Hance (a.k.a. Ms. Cheap); Turner Publishing; Trade paperback; $9.99

Whether the economy is continuing on a downward spiral or there’s light at the end of the tunnel, we all could use a little extra cash lining our pockets. Common logic tells us that the most effective way to meet financial goals is to spend less money, though it’s not as simple as declaring a moratorium on shopping or freezing your credit card in a block of ice. “99 Things to Save Money” offers tips and strategies for stretching hard-earned dollars yet still enjoying life without going beyond your means. The authors give tips on how to figure your worth and what you spend, reminding readers that nothing is a bargain unless you need it. They also discuss how haggling works, not to shop alone and don’t shop on an empty stomach, and how less power usage is good for the environment and your wallet. Bargain Junkie: Living the Good Life on the Cheap By Annie Korzen; Andrews McMeel Publishing; softcover; $12.99

The market goes up, the market goes down. We’re in a boom, we’re in a recession, we’re in a depression. As we continue to follow this rollercoaster ride we call the economy, skills in the art of penny-pinching are becoming a necessity. That’s why we could all learn a thing or two from frugalista extraordinaire Annie Korzen. Her new book shows that living on a budget doesn’t mean abandoning expensive tastes or a love of culture. “Bargain Junkie” cover some of these topics: Best dressed for less: Korzen attends a wedding reception for the Swedish actor Max Von Sydow wearing a swanky dress from a consignment shop. It retailed for over $800. She paid $100. Grilled cheesin’ with celebrities: A lot of swanky restaurants have low-cost specials on certain days. In L.A., Korzen runs into Patricia Heaton, an old friend from acting class, at Campanile’s grilled cheese night. Easy come, easy go: At a celebration of his Oscar win, Annie’s husband Benni manages to dip the sleeve of his suede blazer into a bowl of tomato soup. Good thing she paid only 90 cents for it in a thrift shop. The economy is down, but with this handy little book, there’s no need to do without.

HISTORY Barns of New England By Jeffrey E. Blackman; The Countryman Press; Hardcover; $19.95

In his all-new photographic study, photographer Jeffrey Blackman turns his lens on that iconic, and often overlooked feature of the New England landscape: the barn. “Barns of New England” showcases the region’s farming community and the structures that have grown alongside it for centuries. With nearly 100 stunning photographs taken throughout Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, this book is the perfect companion piece to last year’s successful “Covered Bridges of New England.” Each year, fewer and fewer of these classic barns dot the countryside, so pastoral enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate this timely release.

SUSPENSE The Extinction Gene By Rober Gross; iUniverse; paperback, $13.95

A Nobel-Prize winning scientist discovers that the extinction of the dinosaurs was caused by a DNA sequence triggered by global warming 60 million years ago. He now finds that the identical gene in recently extinct and endangered species is becoming active in human beings. He theorizes that current changes in the earth’s environment have again triggered the DNA sequence to activity, but is murdered before he can present his findings. While trying to salvage the research, his assistant and best friend are hunted across the mountains of western Mongolia by men willing to trade humanity’s future for power and money. DECEMBER 10, 2009

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What’s appropriate to give to others? VICKY KATZ WHITAKER CREATORS.COM

You have the holiday gift list down pat for family and close friends, but when it comes to choosing the best present for a co-worker, your child’s teacher, the letter carrier, in fact, a whole string of people you want to acknowledge this time of year, let your budget, etiquette and ethics be your guide, experts say. “The act of gift giving during the holiday season is often a highly anticipated tradition among family members and close friends. But toss in the decision to ‘gift’ a boss, fellow colleagues, a dinner party host and a few distant neighbors and gift giving can quickly become a hassle and an expensive chore,” observes Diane Gottsman, a nationally recognized etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in corporate etiquette training. Worrying about who, when and what type of gift to give in these circumstances is not uncommon. “Your budget is the final yet most important deciding factor,” she says. In some instances, a monetary tip is an appropriate way to express gratitude to those special people who provide you with loyal service of time, effort and dedication throughout the year, says Gottsman. That translates into $20 to $100 for a hairstylist, $5 to $10 for the person who delivers your newspaper on time, a week’s pay if you have a housekeeper, and $50 to an apartment doorman. Giving cash or a gift card to your letter carrier is another matter. Like other government and quasigovernment agencies, the United States Postal Service prohibits letter carriers from accepting cash gifts or gift cards, says spokesman Mark Reynolds. That doesn’t mean you can’t offer your carrier a nominal plate of cookies and a cup hot chocolate. If you expect to be party hopping during the holiday season, you might want to bring along fresh flowers, wine or candy, which are always appropriate and appreciated by party givers.

Here are some other gift ideas for the host or hostess: PERSONALIZED RECIPE CARDS: Between the Sheets Co., a Texasbased online custom and personalized paper goods company, can provide a package of 20 personalized recipe cards in 13 different patterns, ranging from a tower of pink pigs to an elegant damask pattern, for $11. Each order is custom-made. Allow extra time if you’re placing your order once the holiday season is going at full throttle. BUTTER BELL L. Tremain Inc.’s Antique Butter Bell crock also would be a welcome gift. It keeps butter fresh and spreadable — without refrigeration, odors or spoilage — for up to 30 days. Stored upside down, the butter is protected by an airtight seal of water at the base. The crock comes in five colors. Suggested retail price is $27.95. It’s available online and at select gourmet housewares retailers nationwide, including Sur La Table. Co-workers may appreciate one of these modestly priced gifts: MONOGRAMMED FABRIC PEN Co-workers constantly borrowing your pen? For $13, online retailer CCC Gifts will make up some they can call their own, personalized pens with monogrammed fabric inserts. Choose from nine patterns and an assortment of thread colors and monogram styles. For Christmas, the ordering deadline is Saturday. NOTEPAD SET Selected and coordinated by awardwinning, visually impaired Ketra Oberlander from her favorite oil and acrylic works, the notepads, at $15 for a set of three, are among a body of work sold by the Art of Possibility Studios, which exclusively represents physically disabled artists. And for your child’s teacher? PERSONALIZED KEY RING Doubling as a luggage tag, you can personalize a laminated key ring in the shape of a classroom chalkboard. Priced at $8.95, it comes with a velvet drawstring presentation bag.

The Antique Butter Bell crock can keep butter fresh without refrigeration for up to 30 days. CNS

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Try these tips to be the best shopper you can be BY SHARON MOSLEY CREATORS.COM

There’s no reason to panic when it comes to the holiday shopping season. Instead of dreading all the gift buying, embrace the spirit of Santa; put on your elf shoes, and jingle those bells. Here are some tips from some of the most successful shoppers I know: “My biggest shopping secret is actually a well-known fact in my family,” says New York fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo. “I shop for Christmas presents all throughout the year. I’m always circling items in catalogs, shopping the sales rack when I’m on trunk shows at Neiman Marcus or Saks, and bidding on silent-auction items at the various charity events I attend. I have a large extended family, and I would never have time to shop for them if I waited until after Thanksgiving. I start wrapping presents in October and color-code the gifts by family with a little sticker on the bottom of each package.” Jenna Lyons, creative director of J. Crew, loves to give gifts that keep on giving. “One of my favorite gifts is magazine subscriptions,” she says. She recommends Bon Apptit for the chef in your life, Cookie for new-mom friends, and Teen Vogue for aspiring stylists. She also has a great idea for the guys on your shopping list: a tie of the month from J. Crew. Marian Bruno, a Federal Trade Commission attorney, says one of her best shopping secrets is to start early. “My gift list is long, so I start a list right after Christmas. Then, as the year goes by and I happen to see something perfect, I stash it away,” she says. “The hard part is not sending it to them early. I note on the list what I bought, where and how much it costs. In November, I take inventory before I go out on the final shop.” Bruno also keeps sizes, preferences and “hates and wants” in her BlackBerry, so if she’s out, she has them handy. She also shops for the younger people on her list last. “Never buy anything for the kids in advance; they change their minds faster than the weather.”

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OTHER SAVVY TIPS I Never shop at the last minute. If you can get a head start on your holiday shopping, you usually will benefit from not overspending. I Decide where you’re going to shop. If you’ve got a wide variety of people on your holiday list, the mall may be your best destination. However, if you’re shopping for your supper club friends, then you may need to head to a specialty foods store. I Beware of sales. I know we all love to get a bargain in tough economic times, but when shopping for a gift, think twice before you are tempted by an impulse buy just because it’s a “deal.” I Don’t shop when you’re depressed. We all know that this is not a good time to do anything, except maybe windowshop to get ideas. I Make a list. It’s Shopping 101, but often we spend endless hours looking for the “perfect” gift and wandering around endlessly. Keep a small notebook all year long with your wish lists. I And my favorite tip? It’s fun to play Santa, but be good to yourself, too. Don’t be afraid to splurge on a little something for you. Enjoy the spirit of giving even more! DECEMBER 10, 2009

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Do it yourself when your money is tight BY BETH WOOD CREATORS.COM

Most holiday seasons are chock-full of joyful anticipation, with a little stress mixed in. But in this year’s economic crunch, buying gifts probably adds to the stress. One way to save money and increase the joy factor is to make your own gifts. Many people already have caught on to the do-it-yourself, or DIY, approach to Christmas, according to Jo Pearson, creative expert at Michaels. “Michaels conducted a survey last year that said 58 percent of people were more likely to make gifts compared with previous years because of the economy,” Pearson says. “We’ve seen that trend continue through this year with the popularity of our in-store workshops and how-to webisodes.” In addition to keeping expenses low, DIY gifts have added bonuses for the giver and recipient. “When you give a handmade gift, you’re giving a gift from the heart, your creativity and your time,” Pearson says. “It’s more personal. I’ll bet every mom out there has some treas-

ured gift that her child made for her that she wouldn’t trade for anything.” For those whose artistic abilities flourish more in the kitchen, baked goods are another option. Pastry chef Cruz Caudillo says giving food items is a longtime tradition. “Before everyone could afford lavish gifts, what we had to give we would make in our own homes,” says Caudillo, who serves as executive pastry chef at The Bridges restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. “The fruitcake was actually created to preserve summer fruits. In the winter, when nothing was growing and there was snow on the ground, the cakes were given to remind their loved ones that spring was right around the corner. Today we look forward to baking all kinds of sweets and sharing the wealth.” Bakers who are afraid their culinary masterpieces will arrive crushed or stale need not worry. “Preventing your baked goods from going stale is easy. Because they are so widely available, I would first and foremost suggest using a vacuum sealer,” Caudillo advises. “Remember all

When money is tight, make gifts yourself. These pistachio snowballs are a breeze to make. CNS you want to do is seal the bag; if you put it under full vacuum, then you run the risk of crushing your baked goods. If you don’t have one handy, wrapping your baked goods in plastic wrap then foil (an oxygen barrier) and then putting them in a freezer bag will work just fine. Be sure to pack them very well for shipping, and don’t forget to label the box ‘Fragile, do not drop.’” Whether edible, practical or artsy, the magic of DIY gifts is the personal

touch. “There are a million ways to personalize your finished projects,” Pearson says. “Dimensional fabric paint is a great way to add a name to a stocking; it comes in several colors and, my personal favorite, glitter. Paint pens will work on wood, glass, metal, stone and other surfaces. (Just a quick note: Mom needs to use these, because use by small children is not recommended.)

PISTACHIO SNOWBALLS 6 ounces egg whites 10 ounces granulated sugar Pinch of cream of tartar Place egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a mixer bowl. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water. Whisk until the mixture reaches 120 degrees, or until the sugar is melted and there is no grainy texture. Whip the egg white mixture with the whisk attachment until you have achieved stiff peaks. Fold in the toasted pistachios, and use a small ice-cream scooper or spoon to place dollops on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Dust with powdered sugar. Dry in a 150-degree oven until crunchy.

TOASTED PISTACHIOS 8 ounces raw pistachios 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or pistachio oil, if you can get it) Salt and pepper, to taste (nutmeg or cinnamon optional) Toss the nuts with the oil and seasonings in a large bowl. Spread out on a sheet pan, making sure not to overlap. Toast them in a 300-degree oven until they are nice and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Let them cool completely.

WINE GLASS CHARMS Individualize your wine glasses at your next party or send as personalized gifts. Designed by Julia Bernstein courtesy of Halcraft USA, these pretty items can be made in about an hour and are rated a 3 on a skill level from 1 to 5. Michaels offers the instructions free on its site, at www.michaels.com/art/online/ projectsheet?pid=e07246.

You can make these wine charms in about an hour. 8

SundayRepublican

DECEMBER 10, 2009

CNS

Brighten the holidays with creative green gifts BY VALERIE LEMKE

CREATORS.COM

From clothes made of bamboo and jewelry recycled from antique tea tins to an acre of primal forest and down-on-the-farm goats and chickens, green gifting is getting easier and more creative with every holiday. The Sunnan solar-powered lamp sold in 300 Ikea stores worldwide is a case in point. “At $19.99, the Sunnan is a great gift for everyone,” says Mona Liss, Ikea’s corporate public relations director. There’s an extra dividend, too. “We have partnered with UNICEF, and for every lamp sold, another goes to a child in a developing country.” The stylish solar lamp comes in five brilliant colors, includes a battery that withstands high temperatures and, after charging for nine to 12 hours in the sun, produces four hours of bright light, Liss says. “The Sunnan enables children to play, read, write and do their homework at night, even if their homes have no electricity.” Available in Ikea stores and online, the lamp is just part of the plethora of green gifts for the home and garden. “We have eco-conscious items in every department in the store,” Liss says. Intriguing handmade eco-friendly items, including jewelry and home accessories, are also available online from Ten Thousand Villages, a company featuring the work of artisans from Asia, Africa, Latin

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into the company’s restaurants and coffee bars, where they offer organic teas, fair-trade coffee and some organic produce. Some of the most thoughtful green gifts require a simple card. You can give a gift of trees in someone’s honor as part of The Nature Conservancy’s campaign to save Brazil’s Atlantic Forest or help preserve a huge wildlife habitat in the Rocky Mountains with an “adopted acre” in the name of a loved one. Then there’s the goat. Available for $75, she’ll nourish hungry children and families with up to 16 cups of milk a day, as well provide the main ingredient for cheese and yogurt. This living gift and many others — including rabbits, ducks, chickens, sheep and alpacas — may be mixed, matched and shared. To achieve the really green gift, you need to consider all the steps that go into eco-conscious giving and receiving, says Jenny Powers, media relations director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, a national environmental action group with a membership of 1.2 million. Shop early, she advises. Skipping crowds and avoiding long lines keeps your nerves from frazzling while also eliminating driving and, thereby, pollution. Subscriptions, tickets to a movie, class or favorite sporting match, a service performed by you — these are also gifts that leave virtually no carbon footprint.

America and the Middle East. It offers such treasures as light-as-a-feather dangle earrings made from colorful newspaper pages, exotic bicycle chain bracelets and recycled-paper hot pads. With prices ranging from $8 to $20, these gifts keep your budget afloat while contributing to the communities in which the craftsmen live. For eco-luxury, Global Ghetto Organics offers men’s and women’s ready-to-wear made from bamboo, which the company guarantees is “as soft as cashmere but way more durable.” Priced from $22, the earth-friendly clothing ranges from T-shirts to thermal tops to dressy casual outfits. Gift friends and relatives with breathable bamboo bucket hats for $35. They’ll be the talk of the hike. Nordstrom, the venerable high-end clothing store, offers environmentally friendly apparel and accessories for men, women and children throughout its 173 U.S. outlets and on the Web. “Increasingly, our customers are looking for organic cotton and other sustainable materials,” says Pamela Perret, a Nordstrom spokeswoman. In addition to carrying name brands, including Caslon and Eileen Fisher, the chain offers Stem, its own line of green casual wear. Nordstrom also has been involved in recycling, energy and water conservation, and overall waste reduction for several years. Its strategies reach even

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Be more creative when you wrap

Gift-wrapping guru Ellen Timberlake, a past winner of the Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper contest, shows how it’s done. CNS

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DECEMBER 10, 2009

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Want the gift you give to be something to remember you by? Just wrap it up creatively! It may be easier than you think. “Embellish the package with items other than bows,” suggests gift-wrap guru Ellen Timberlake, a Texas insurance exec and past winner of the highly competitive Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper contest, an annual event pitting some of the best and most creative amateur and professional giftwrappers against one another. The winner gets a $10,000 cash prize. Now a consultant to Scotch, the wrapping expert suggests that “if you are giving your mom a mixer, decorate the package with wooden spoons. If the recipient is a pet owner, add cat or dog toys to the package as a special treat for the pet. You can also use nontraditional items, such as scarves, belts and socks. An inexpensive way to decorate a package is to recycle the fronts of old holiday cards by taping them to the package.” Last year’s contest winner, Alton DuLaney, director of visual and creative services at Kate’s Paperie, the New York-based retailer known worldwide for its stylish stationery and decorative paper and packaging, takes a similar approach. DuLaney, who beat out seven other finalists to earn the title, says one of his favorite ways to set a gift apart from the others is to add “a little something else to the outside of the package.” Tying ornaments on holiday packages is a favorite. “This makes the gift wrap an extra or bonus present, as the recipient can take the ornament and hang it on the tree or in a window. Also, related elements can be added that tie in to the gift,” DuLaney says. “If you’re giving a journal, tie a nice pen into the bow. If you are giving a book on gardening, use a packet of seeds as the gift tag, or make a ribbon bookmark” that’s suitable for any gift of a book. Timberlake has a wrapping routine. “Every time I come home from buying presents, I immediately separate the

gifts, place them in boxes, add Post-it notes featuring the names of the recipients, and place them in the closet or spare room. That way, when it comes time to wrap them, part of the work is already finished, and you can focus on packaging them nicely.” If you have space to spare, it’s best to work at a “gift-wrapping station,” a permanent area providing a flat solid surface with tools and supplies in easy reach. If you lack that, use a kitchen table or card table, Timberlake says. “It’s important to wrap on a solid surface. The carpet and the bed are not good surfaces because the paper gets crinkled, and it’s easy to put your finger right through it.” Every January, Timberlake stashes leftover holiday wrap in a plastic bin, storing it in the attic with the holiday decorations. “That way, I do not waste it and I know where to find it for the following year.” Choosing the proper container may take some experimentation, thinks DuLaney. “In general, you want something which the gift can comfortably fit inside without too much excessive space,” he says, but it’s also OK “to think out of the box.” For example, instead of placing a tie in a long skinny box, use a square one and roll up the tie inside. “Experiment with placing a square object inside a round hatbox, and then add a giant bow.” A gift doesn’t always need a box, he adds. “You can use various types of gift packaging. If your gift has a travel theme, make it a gift basket by choosing several travel-related gifts. Then put it inside a paper suitcase. Wrap a bellyband around it with a world map, and use a luggage tag as a gift tag.” The average home is loaded with unique box alternatives, from empty kitchen coffee cans to bedroom pillowcases, says Timberlake, who sometimes likes to throw gift getters off-guard “by changing the dimensions and weight of the packages. I once suggested to a friend that he should hollow out a phone book to disguise a hammer he was giving to his brother!”

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BY VICKY KATZ WHITAKER CREATORS.COM

When expressing thanks, offer handwritten notes

CNS

As the season of thanks winds down, don’t forget to write notes of appreciation to family members and friends who gave gifts or helped you out in special ways this year. “It is certainly always appropriate and necessary to thank gift givers in person if they are there when you open gifts,” says etiquette expert Marion Richter. “If the person who presented the gift is someone who is not living in the household, then a thank-you note is always appropriate.” According to The Emily Post Institute (http://www.EmilyPost.com), members of older generations probably will expect handwritten thank you notes, even if the gifts were presented in person. Thank you notes can be creative. Grandparents, especially, love hand-illustrated note cards or thank you cards that include photos of grandchildren with the gifts they received. It remains important to include a short handwritten thank you, as well. “In some households, the child is not allowed to play with the toy or use the gift until he or she writes the thank you note,” says Richter, who has retired from conducting business and social etiquette training for the Midwest region of Bank One (now JPMorgan Chase) and now teaches etiquette classes to both children and adults in Illinois. Usually, a note should be sent within two or three weeks, she says. “Remember, however, that a late note is better than no note at all. If you send it out after a few weeks, simply write, ‘I’m sorry I’m late,’ and then go on with the appropriate phrases of thanks.” Richter offers a formula for writing sincere notes: Begin with a greeting, making sure to use the person’s name. The first sentence should thank the person for the gift using the specific name of the gift and a descriptive word or two. The second sentence should include one of the things you like about the gift and how you plan to use it. The last sentence simply can say, “Thanks again.” Then sign your name.

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DECEMBER 10, 2009