Holiday 11-22-12

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Thursday, November 22, 2012

Inexpensive gift ideas to keep you merry throughout the season

By Christina LeBlanc Feature Writer / Photographer

G

reat gifts don’t have to be expensive.

It’s more impor ta nt t hat t hey’re thoughtful. You can spend a little of your time and creativity instead of a lot of your cash and still give your friends and family nice, fun gifts for the holidays.

ery to “assure the availability” of the product you want, said bakery co-owner, Doug Grant.

“If you have an order, we know we need to make that product for your order, and it gets set aside.” That way you are guaranteed all the tasty holiday treats you want to gift.

Photo gifts Me m o r i e s a r e p r i c e l e s s , a n d p h o t o en la rgements a re fa irly inex pensive. If you want to show someone you care about them without spending a ton of money, you can always enlarge and frame a photo you love

Baking Ba k i ng is a hol iday t rad it ion, a nd a n inexpensive way to create delicious gifts for friends, family, loved ones, and co-workers.

You can get a lot of goodies out of one batch of supplies, and you can customize the goods for each gift recipient.

Holiday-colored chocolate chips are available at grocery stores for $2-4 per bag, and holidaythemed cupcake liners and toppers are for sale at places like Craft Mania, T.J. Maxx, and Wal-Mart for $1-6 per set. There’s nothing like a little home cooking to show someone you care – and you don’t have to spend a ton of money to create treats that everyone will love.

Pre-baked treats If you don’t have time to bake, you can always order treats from a bakery like Grant’s Bakery in Lewiston. You can get a dozen mini pastries for around $7 or a dozen cupcakes for around $10, and you can use the order form on their website (grantsbakery.com) to place your order early on.

Placing the order allows you to budget your funds ahead of time, and allows the busy bak-

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012

Inexpensive

Proper etiquette for gift-giving

from page 2

that means something to both of you. You can get an 8x10 photo print made for less than five dollars, and you can pick up a frame for around the same price.

The rules of etiquette have loosened a bit from centuries past. No longer are people held accountable for the slightest m isstep, a nd somet i mes t he r u lebreakers are revered. However, when it comes to holiday gifting, erring on the side of caution and following proper etiquette can make exchanging gifts go more smoothly.

Include a nice note with the photo, telling your friend or loved one what the photo means to you and why they are important to you.

The sentiment will mean more than an expensive gift.

If you use Instagra m to ta ke photos, you can order good quality prints of them using the free Postal Pix app (PostalPix.com) and have the quirky, fun prints mailed directly to your house.

Scavenger hunt as a gift Instead of getting each other actual gifts, you could get your friends together for a holiday scavenger hunt. Split everyone into teams, making sure each team has someone to drive and someone with a digital camera or smart phone.

Give each team the same list of things to do and then head out – whichever team accomplishes the most tasks in two hours (w ith photographic proof !) w ins a prize, a homemade trophy, or simply the glor y

of winning! Not only will you have a blast performing the tasks (posing with holiday decorations, dancing in public, making snow angels, etc. – be creative) but you’ll have the photos to remind you of the fun for a long time to come.

Gift list If nothing else, you could always make a loved one a list of things you would have bought if you could afford it or if it were in the realm of possibility. After all, it’s the thought that counts, right?

Make a list of gifts you’d love to give them: “Since you’re addicted to pasta, I’d give you a month-long trip to Italy to sample ever y spaghetti and ravioli and tortellini imaginable” or “I’d of course buy you a pet unicorn to jet you to school and work!”

You can be creative and include photos or drawings of the things you’d love them to have.

They’ll appreciate the thought and humor you put into the gift, and it won’t cost you a dime.

Being considerate when gifting helps make the holidays enjoyable and as stressfree as possible. Some may find it unfortunate that so much pressure is placed on giving gifts this time of year. When exchanging, heed these suggestions.

• Gift-giving is about the recipient and not you as the giver. The idea is to create that warm and fuzzy feeling for the person on the receiving end of the gift. Think about the person’s interests and find a gift that pertains to these interests. It may not be too easy to find a rare book or those collectible golf clubs, but putting forth the effort will mean more to the person getting the gift.

• Don't up the ante. When exchanging g if ts w it h a person, do not t r y to anticipate what he or she will spend and then go above that price. This may come off as petty and make the other person feel uncomfortable. Instead, choose a price that you can readily afford and

find the nicest thing within that range.

If a person w it h whom you hadn’t anticipated exchanging gifts gives you something, simply offer thanks and don't feel uncomfortable that you do not have something to offer in return.

• Gift receipts are very thoughtful. Including a gift receipt with your gift tells the recipient that you tried to find something that he or she will enjoy, but that you're comfortable with them returning the gift if it’s not just right. Again, this conveys your feelings for the recipient.

Do not, however, use gift receipts as a “get out of jail free” pass. That means, don't simply grab anything off the rack, attach a gift receipt and attempt to pass it off as a meaningful gift.

• Do not email thank you notes. If you are not able to thank a person in person for a gift, it is in better taste to send a handwritten note than to fire off a quick email. While writing letters has become a lost art, a hand-written thank you note stands out and shows how much you appreciate the gift.

• It’s unnecessary to give your boss a gift.

Gifting your boss may come across like you are trying to win favor. It also may create a competition within the office.

Stick to gifting colleagues, but leave the boss out of the holiday pool. (Metro)

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012

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Tried and true come together with new in creative holiday traditions

E

very holiday season is built upon family traditions of years past. Whether it’s enjoying holiday baking with friends or shopping with loved ones for gifts, traditions define the season. While honoring the past, traditions also open us to the opportunity to create new family observances, along with some great memories. This year, introduce some new traditions to your holiday celebrations with these ideas for blending the traditions of yesteryear with new ones of your own:

Decorating in the digital world Decorating for the season is an important part of many holiday observances. Whether it’s an heirloom Christmas tree ornament, a menorah handed down through generations, or an African drum that highlights Kwanzaa celebrations in the home, a cherished decoration can be central to the season.

Technology makes it easy to give the time-honored tradition of decorating for the holidays a modern flare with items like personalized photo ornaments and digital picture frames. An ornament that preserves a holiday memory with a personal photo would make a treasured addition to any tree ornament collection. Another way to merge memories of holidays past with contemporary style is to load favorite photos on a digital frame and place the frame in a central location in your home.

The taste of a happy holiday Holiday food traditions allow us to savor flavors and revisit memories that we don't experience at any other time of year.

Treats like cookies add sweet enjoyment to the season. In fact, 42 percent of people bring cookies or dessert as a hostess gift when invited to a party, according to a survey by Archway.

With 30 percent of survey respondents saying they attend three to four holiday parties or gatherings between Halloween and the New Year, and 66 percent saying they will host at least one holiday event, there are a lot of cookies going around.

Busy modern life can make it difficult to find time to bake as many types of cookies as you might like, so options like Archway's winter cookies – including holiday classics like Bells and Stars, Cashew Nougat, Gingerbread Man, Iced Gingerbread Man, Wedding Cake and Pfeffernusse – are a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season without the extra work.

The movies that move us Whether you’re chuckling over Chevy Chase’s challenges in “Christmas Vacation,” pining with Ralphie for the perfect gift, or having your heart-strings tugged by Jimmy Stewart in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” holiday films can be a focal point of family holiday traditions. While the classics like “A Christmas Story” and “Miracle on 34th Street” will likely always have their place, it can be fun to incorporate some new options into your holiday viewing for a fresh spin on an old tradition.

Looking for something family friendly? Settle in with an oldie but goodie, like “Home Alone.” Don’t forget to serve treats.

Make plenty of popcorn for both eating and stringing, and serve up winter cookies like Archway’s Iced Gingerbread Men cookies – always a family favorite.

Gathering with loved ones

Holiday cookies are always a favorite – fun to eat, fun to make!

Spending time with family is the holiday tradition 58 percent of people most look forward to, according to the Archway survey. For all the fun of gift-exchanges and feasts, sharing time with those we love is the real heart of the holiday season.

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Traditionally, loved ones come together during the holidays for occasions like meals, parties, religious services, caroling and sports events. It can also be rewarding to create new family traditions by bringing loved ones together in fresh ways. For example, tap the season’s spirit of charity by volunteering as a family to work at the local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or by participating in clothing and toy drives for those in need.

Holiday traditions are as much a part of the season as cool weather and good will toward all. Blending time-honored ones with new ideas can help your loved ones create unique memories that will last long after the last cookie is eaten and the decorations are packed away for another year. (BPT)

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012

What matters: Gifts from the heart

By Tresa Erickson Feature Writer The holidays have arrived.

Let the shopping begin! And so it begins – the days and days of shopping on end for the perfect gift for each and every person on your list.

requests, buy what suits their needs and wants, not yours.

the cost with or find another gift to buy.

Selectivity is key

Budget matters

The recipient w i l l understand, and if they don’t, oh well. It’s your bottom line.

You don’t want to be paying for something for someone else long into the new year.

Don’t buy the first thing you come across. Take the time to shop around and check out the merchandise. Make sure the gift you choose meets the recipient’s qualifications and will last for a long time.

There is no need to go deep into debt with your holiday shopping. If the recipient has a request out of your price range, find someone to split

Should additional services or products be offered, consider them carefully. The extended warranty may not be as beneficial as the accessories package.

it. This could be at lunch, a party or an after-hours gathering. If you can’t find a convenient time, do not despair.

Just drop the gift off and tell the recipient to enjoy!

Presentation counts

Finding the perfect gift takes work. Put forth the effort, and it will not go unnoticed.

W hen all is said and done, t he g i f t s t hat have been hand selected and wrapped with care will be the ones remembered! Those are the gifts from the heart after all.

The right gift will mean little with sloppy packaging. Select a nice gift wrap or bag, wrap the gift with care and attach a bow or ribbon and a gift tag.

Got a gift card instead? Purchase a card, envelope or gift bag or box to put it in. Prove to the recipient that you took the time to make the presentation of the gift attractive – whatever it may be.

You’re all gung-ho at first with the best of intentions, but as the days whittle down and you realize you haven’t gotten very far on your list, the goal of purchasing the perfect gift flies out the door and almost anything will do.

Delivery is everything

What a pity!

Find a good time to deliver the gift when the recipient w ill be able to appreciate

We’ve all been there, done that, but this year, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can change your stripes, start shopping early and get the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Here are some pointers.

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012

HOLIDAY

5

Ideas for putting together a themed gift basket

By Christina LeBlanc Feature Writer / Photographer

An

easy way to add a bit of fun to a holiday gift is by giving it a theme and creating a gift basket.

This ups the presentation value a bit and allows you to tie a common thread through a series of smaller gifts, creating one basket full of great goodies for a special person in your life.

For your beach-loving best friend Have a pal who wishes it was summer year-round? The holidays are the perfect time to give them a slice of summer with your gift. Start with those great summer smells. A beachor ocean-scented candle and some body lotion with a coconut scent (similar to the scent of sunscreen) will do the trick.

Gr a b s ome g r a h a m c r ac ker s, c ho c ol ate ba r s, a nd marshmallows for the basket so your bud can make s’mores at home to feel summery. You might also include a beach read – how about Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, a novel about four

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women from the same dysfunctional family who spend their summers on the Maine coast? Music will also help bring back great summer memories. You could put together a great mix CD of your favorites, or throw in a great summertime CD like Gold Motel’s “Summer House.”

How about that perfect tan? Maine winters aren’t warm, but you can get a gift certificate to a local tanning salon so your friend can have sun-kissed skin even in December. Lana Gould, owner of Hot Stuff Tanning Salon & Wellness Center in Auburn, said tanning is a great gift that “can help with seasonal disorders, natural Vitamin D production, endorphin release, all kinds of good things.”

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You can easily put together a gift basket for the bookworm in your life. Comic books would make a great addition to a superhero-themed gift basket.

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Gift baskets from page 6

f ive grossing films of 2012 are superhero f licks (“The Avengers,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” and “The Amazing Spiderman”).

If you know someone who’s a fan of superheroes or action movies, put together a basket with the best of the superhero genre: “Iron Man,” “Captain America,” “Thor,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and, of course, “The Avengers.” There are also great scores and soundtracks available for films like “The Avengers” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Local stores like Bull Moose will be stocking these titles all season – and Bull Moose in Lewiston also sells many of the comic books that these movie characters come from. Comic books would make a great addition to a superhero-themed gift basket.

For the bookworm Sometimes the perfect night in is spent with a cup of tea or cocoa and a great book. You can easily put together a gift basket for the bookworm in your life.

First of all, include a few books (favorites of yours or things you think they’ll love) or a gift card to iTunes or Amazon.com where they can purchase books for a Kindle or e-reader. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson are among this year’s editor picks at Amazon.com.

Matt Pettengill, assistant manager of Nonesuch Books and Cards in South Portland, also recommended The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. “It offers a fresh take on a very classic myth,” Pettengill said. “The author really knows many variations of the tale and writes a thoughtful and surprisingly touching rendition.”

Once the books are chosen, add a pound of good coffee or some K-cups for a Keurig brewer (green tea, hot cocoa, and apple cider flavors are perfect for a night in with a book) and maybe even a cute coffee mug to go with it.

A fancy or funny bookmark makes a great addition, and you can include a cute notebook and pen, where the book enthusiast can copy favorite quotations or jot down thoughts about the books they’re reading and loving.

Time for a new tradition

By Tresa Erickson Feature Writer

a specific day? Is watching your children excitedly play with their new toys of more lasting value than getting your green bean casserole to Mom and Dad’s house on time?

Time to move beyond “tradition”

How and when do you establish your new, personal tradition that accommodates your family’s schedule? When the stress of meeting others’ expectations is taking a toll on your personal sanity, it’s time to reconsider what is really important in your life. When you face the facts that everyone is not always going to be happy with your decisions and pleasing others is an unattainable goal, you are finally ready to decide what is best for you and your family.

For a while you and your spouse enjoyed the Christmas holidays at your parents – first at one set of in-laws, then the other – usually both on Christmas Day. It didn’t matter that the two of you were loading up gifts and rushing from one house to another.

The important issue was to spend equal time at both homes and not offend either set of parents. (Pity those poor young couples who had divorced or separated parents and had four different homes beckoning, sometimes demanding, their attendance.)

Then came the baby, then the babies – and celebrating the day became even more complicated. The gifts and paraphernalia to transport increased, but the size of the vehicle didn’t. In-law demands and expectations didn’t shift, but happy attitudes certainly did. What was once a look-forward-to experience became a dreaded, hassle-filled expedition.

When time and emotions are stretched beyond the breaking point, something (or someone) has to give. Maybe what has to give is the understanding of “tradition.”

As you plan your holiday celebration, keep the tradition of warm memories and feel-good activities. Look at the pictures of people who were genuinely appreciative and getting along with each other. And enjoy those days (not just one particular day) when Christmas was truly celebrated.

Memories of having the family together and each opening “just-what-I-wanted” presents is a Rockwellian concept that most savor – or at least dream of. But who actually remembers what gifts were exchanged? Aren’t the warm memories usually of feelings – stability, appreciation, consideration, encouragement, gratitude, love?

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Local holiday entertainment for the family

By Dan Marois Feature Writer

A Christmas Carol – a Christmas favorite at The Public Theatre, Dec. 7 & 8

You don’t have to leave Lewiston-Auburn to find an array of holiday entertainment offerings suitable for families. Here are a few upcoming events that you won’t want to miss.

Christopher Schario’s adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” has been performed as far away as England, the Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, and in many parts of the United States. However, “A Christmas Carol” first appeared in December 1993 at The Public Theatre in Lewiston where Schario serves as artistic director.

Just Us Entertainers Christmas Show, December 1 & 2 Just Us is a local choral group that features over three generations performing a variety of musical styles together.

Just Us is exactly that ... just a group of regular people who love the opportunity to sing and who like to keep alive the music to which everyone can sing along. The Just Us Entertainers will be performing traditional holiday music at its finest with renditions of Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up,” “Ava Maria” in both English and French, and “Silent Night,” to name a few. The Just Us entertainers aren’t professional vocalists, but that doesn’t diminish the enjoyment and top quality performance this fine community group produces.

The Just Us Entertainers Christmas Show takes place at the Franco American Heritage Center on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 2 at 2 p.m. For tickets, contact 689-2000 or go to the online ticket booth at www. francocenter.org/calendar/. Advance tickets for students and adults are $5 and $10 and day of show $7 and $12.

“There’s always something new in the production. This season we have a new Scrooge with actor Joel Leffert,” said Schario.

“He’ll be the seventh actor to play Scrooge for us, a highly coveted role in the industry.”

The play follows the story of Scrooge, a lonely miser, who, through the help of spirits and visions from his past, present, and future, becomes a generous human being just in time for Christmas. Focusing on Dickens’ powerful language, humor, and warmth, this charming version of “A Christmas Carol” simply and directly tells the story as originally written by Charles Dickens. Performances are slated for Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $5 for students under 18 at all performances. You may reserve your seats for any show at any time by calling 207-782-3200.

Christmas Concert with Joëlle Morris at the Franco Center, December 7 Celebrate the holidays with Augusta-based mezzo-soprano, Joëlle Morris, and pianist, Bridget Convey, as they set the mood for Christmas by featuring carols from France and Quebec. Morris will perform beautiful, lyrical melodies such as “Cantique de Noel,” (O Holy Night) to lively tunes such as “Il est né le divin enfant” and “Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle.”

This duo will inspire the best musical moments of the holiday season. Morris is a singer, actor, choir conductor, and voice teacher. She is a classically trained vocalist whose credits range from opera to musical theater.

Performance is Friday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 Adults / $14 Students & Seniors if purchased in advance, and $18 Adults / $16 Students & Seniors on the night of the concert.

For tickets, contact 689-2000 or go to the online ticket booth at www.francocenter.org/calendar/.

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8

HOLIDAY

Just Us Entertainers gear up for another Christmas concert, above left. Joelle Morris takes center stage at the Franco-American Heritage Center, above top right. Greg Bryan as Christmas Past and Michael O’Brien as Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol,” above right. O’Brien performed in the original production in 1993 as Bob Cratchit and Marley before he took on the coveted role.

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Celebrating culture in L-A during the holidays

By Deborah Carroll Feature Writer The theme of this year’s Twin Cities Holiday Celebration, “Celebrating Cultural Holidays,” was inspired by the rich and diverse cultural influences that shape our way of life here in the Androscoggin River Valley.

On the afternoon of Monday, November 26, Lewiston-Auburn will be lit with free activities and merriment for all ages.

In Lewiston: 4-4:45 p.m., at the Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street, in the Children’s Room on the third floor, enjoy holiday guitar music, a sing-a-long and hot cocoa.

5-5:45 p.m., also at the Lewiston Public Library in Callahan Hall on the third f loor, L/A Arts will sponsor a comedic performance by clown, Michael Trautman.

In addition to the tree and Menorah lighting and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, other free activities at Dufresne Plaza include:

From 5-8:30 p.m., wagon rides, provided by Stillbrook Acres, will run continuously, leaving from Park Street.

In Auburn:

• Photo Finish pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

4-4:30 p.m., “Story Time” at the Auburn City Hall, 60 Court Street, Community Room 206, sponsored by the Auburn Public Library.

• Prizes awarded for best business float, best nonprofit float and best youth-based float.

• Dave Dionne, of Dionne Entertainment, will emcee the events.

4:30-6 p.m., arts and crafts, also at the Auburn City Hall and sponsored by the Auburn Public Library.

Then, at 6 p.m., the “Parade of Lights” w ill entertain Lewiston-Auburn. Beginning on Academy Street, the parade will turn left onto Main Street. Led by the Auburn Police Department, and Mayors Jonathan LaBonte of Auburn and Robert Macdonald of Lewiston. Its first stop will be at Festival Plaza where the holiday tree will be lit. In addition, Dunkin’ Donuts will be serving free hot chocolate and donut holes to warm our hands and our hearts.

Back to Lewiston: After a stop at Festival Plaza, the Parade of Lights will continue to Court Street where it will turn right and cross the Longley Bridge. Taking the reins from Auburn, the Lewiston Police Department will lead the parade up Main Street to Park Street. The Parade of Lights will feature the Edward Little High School marching band and Auburn Elementary School chorale groups, as well as the Twin Cities’ fire trucks. Floats from vari-

ANTIQUE & CURIO SHOP

• Musical entertainment at 6:15 p.m. provided by the Lewiston High School and Edward Little High School Chorale Groups.

• Sparky the Fire Dog, Rudolph and Monty the Moose will mingle with holiday revelers.

There is no fee to enter a float in the parade, and more floats are welcome. Visit www.lewistonmaine.gov to apply.

All activities are free and in the true spirit of giving, Oxford Networks has generously sponsored the 2012 Twin Cities Holiday Celebration. In addition, a significant contribution was made by the Auburn Business Association and in-kind donations were made by both of the twin cities. A donation was also made by Austin Associates and special thanks are extended to Temple Shalom, Dunkin Donuts, and the Salvation Army.

The parade will end at Dufresne Plaza (formerly called Courthouse Plaza) where the Salvation Army will be serving free hot chocolate and donut holes while revelers enjoy Lewiston’s tree and Menorah lighting.

Like the river that joins us, Lewiston-Auburn is alive and evolving and the holiday celebration this year is a celebration of the cultural diversity of Lewiston-Auburn, and a reflection of the atmosphere of welcome we strive to create.

ous businesses and other organizations are registered to participate and, riding on the very last float, Santa and Mrs. Claus!

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012

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HOLIDAY

9

Give the gift of creativity

L

ooking for some creative gift ideas for the kids on your holiday list? Why not give them gifts that encourage creativity?

“Creativity in kids isn’t about being accomplished artists,” said Michelle Atkinson, vice president, Nor t h A merica ma rket i ng for Energ i zer. “ I t ’s a b o u t e x p r e s s i n g themselves in unique ways.

It’s important to give them the power to create – and the holidays are the perfect opportunity to do just that.”

Here are some great ideas for high tech gifts that will give your kids plenty of fun as they explore new ways to create.

Digital drawing W it h t he Crayola Dig ita l Light Designer, kids make draw ings from light (ages 6 to 15 years). They use a

stylus to draw on the dome – and watch t heir images magically light up on a threedimensional surface. They ca n add cool ef fects a nd animations, and personalize drawings and messages to display later.

It also has a game and activity mode, which makes for hours of creative fun. Runs on four D alkaline batteries. Consider Energizer® Max® batteries with Power Seal Technology, which hold their power for up to 10 years on shelf – and that give kids confidence they’ll have t he power to create whenever they want.

Look for art games for their f avor ite ga m i ng s y stem .

“L e t ’s D r a w ! ” a n d “A r t Academy” for Nintendo DS, or “uDraw” for Wii or Xbox 360 are fun choices, and they are rated E for Everyone.

Enjoy your family and friends on this Thanksgiving Day.

Even younger kids can create colorful works of art w ith the Color Wonder Light-Up Paint Palette from Crayola – without making a mess (ages 3 and up).

The palette lights up to match the color of whatever paint they use. When they dip the brush in blue, it lights up blue. It comes with the LightUp Palette, 20 sheets of color wonder paper, paintbrush, and six paint colors. Runs on three AA batteries.

Photography fun The Kid-Tough See Yourself Camera from Fisher-Price (ages 3 to 7 years). There’s a rotating lens which swivels from front to back, making it easy for even the little ones to see what they’re shooting.

It has big buttons, chi ldfriendly controls, and stores up to 1,000 photos. You can dow n load st a mper s a nd

Creativity

page 11 ‰

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012

Creativity from page 10

special effects to edit their photos. It connects to your computer via USB port. Runs on four AA batteries.

For older kids, try the Discovery Night Vision Camcorder, from The Discover y Channel (ages 6 and up). A threemegapi xel v ideo recorder and digital camera uses infrared technology to light up the night.

It has a night vision sensor, LCD display, four photo resolutions, built-in microphone, AV output, and USB and AV connection cable. Memor y card not included. Runs on four AA batteries.

Let t hem f ly h ig h w it h a Remote-Control Helicopter w it h Gy ro a nd Video Recording from Syma Heli.

It has a built-in camera with video recording and photo capabi l it ies, a 512mb SD card, file-transfer data cable and USB cable so they can download their images. Runs on four AA batteries.

Music makers Kids can turn their room into a personal recording studio with the DJ Mix Station Mat from Smart Planet (ages 3 to 10 years). This playmat h a s a 2 4 -k e y k e y b o a r d , eight musical instruments, four drum sounds, and two scratch sound effects.

It also has a built-in amplifier so they can play their favorite songs, and a microphone so they can play DJ. Runs on four AA batteries.

The Learning Tunes Karaoke from VTech lets kids sing to 15 fun songs (ages 3 to 6 years).

It has letter songs, number songs, a nd f u n songs, a microphone, a voice changer with five different effects, and an LCD screen with a variety of facial expressions and animations that change as kids sing along. Runs on three AA batteries.

The Little Tikes Pop Tunes Guitar makes them feel like a rock star (ages 2 to 6 years).

With preset tunes, a light-up pickguard and speaker cover, a nd a wha m my ba r t hat triggers three different sound effects, the jam session has endless possibilities for fun.

Runs on three AA batteries.

Creative stocking stuffers Keep t he dig ita l creat ion going with plenty of extra batteries. Energizer® Max® batteries w it h Power Sea l Technology hold power for up to 10 years when not in use. Be confident your kids will have power to create whenever needed. Learn more at www. energizer.com.

Give your budding shutterbug stabilit y and f lex ibility with a Gorillapod tripod.

With flexible legs that attach almost any where, they can

Use these creative gift ideas for the kids on your holiday list and give your kids plenty of fun as they explore new ways to create.

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HOLIDAY 11

Holiday House Treat, Crispy Cheese Crackers, Eggnog Hot Chocolate, Salted Caramel Bacon Cordial Cups, Fire Roasted Jalapeño Onion Dip, Gingerpops Cookie Kit

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Makes about 12 servings 6 cups cinnamon-flavored toasted oats cereal 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Assorted Tube Icing, Decorating Gel, Sprinkles, Colored Sugars, Icing Decorations and other favorite candy Prepare Wilton Stand-Up House Pan with vegetable pan spray.

Place cereal in large bowl. In large saucepan, melt butter; add marshmallows, ginger and cinnamon. Cook and stir constantly until melted. Pour over cereal and mix well. Spread cereal mixture into prepared pan. When cool to touch, remove from pan; secure to foil-wrapped cake board with icing. Decorate as desired with icing, sprinkles, sugars, icing decorations and candy.

Makes about 12 servings

6 cups cinnamon-flavored toasted oats cereal 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows ost a holiday party that’s simple and festive with a combination of preEggnog Hot Chocolate made and homemade delights from the celebration experts at Wilton. about 4 servings 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger a duty holiday part y that’sMakes simple and festive w ith a For starters, a cookie Host pan does double for holiday-shaped homemade 2 cups milk Crispy Cheese Crackers. Serve these aromatic rosemary treats, made into 2 cups prepared eggnog Christmas trees, snowmen and stockings, alongside aof colorful assortment of and homemade 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon combination pre-made delights from the 1 cup Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy fresh vegetables and made-from-scratch fire-roasted jalapeño dip.

Cheese Crackers 1 teaspoon vanilla extract “Guests will think youcelebration spent hours baking in the kitchen whenat you Wilton. wow Assorted Tube Icing,Crispy Decorating Gel, Sprinkles, Colored experts Whipped cream them with a seasonal selection of hand-decorated gingerbreads,” says Nancy Makes 16 to 20 crackers Candy Curls vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton.

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened Sugars, Icing Decorations, andunsalted other favorite candy Siler, Easy to assemble with all the trimmings included, there’s a ready-to-decorate In large saucepan, cook milk and eggnog on medium heat 3/4 cup (about 2 ounces) finely grated Asiago cheese gingerbread kit to fit anyFor yuletidestarters, gathering. Complete with pre-baked ginger a cookie pan does double duty until the mixture is hot; turn off heat. for Whisk inholidayCandy 1 ounce (about 1/4 cup) toasted pine nuts, bread, each kit contains decorating accessories like candies and icings to perMelts candy and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until finely chopped sonalize your own mini shaped village, Christmashomemade tree, gingerpop cookies and more. candy is meltedCrackers. and mixture is smooth.Serve these Crispy Cheese 1-1/2 House teaspoons minced fresh rosemary Prepare Wilton Stand-Up Pan with vegetable pan spray.

For another fun twist on a traditional gingerbread house, Siler recommends Pour into mugs; garnish with Candy Curls.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder getting the kids involved. They’ll love the marshmallow-y Holiday House 1/2 teaspoon salt rosemar y watch treats, made into Christmas trees, Place cereal in large bowl.

In large saucepan, melt butter; add Treat made of cinnamonaromatic toasted oats cereal. Once the house is built, the 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Fire Roasted Jalapeño Onion Dip kids decorate their yummy creation with a variety of gumdrops, licorice, icings 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour snowmen and stockings, alongside a cups colorful assortment and candies.

Makes about 1-3/4 dip marshmallows, gingerPreheat and cinnamon. Cook and stir constantly oven to 350°F. Prepare Holiday Cookie Pan with To cater to a more sophisticated palate, Siler suggests Salted Caramel Bacon 4 jalapeño peppers pan spray.

Cordial Cups. A lavish blend of vanilla pudding, crisp-cooked baconand and of fresh vegetables made-from-scratch fire-roasted 1 package (5.7 ounces) onion soup mix until melted. Pour overvegetable cereal and mix well. Spread cereal mixIn medium bowl, beat butter, cheese, pine nuts, rosemary, whipped cream is flavored with caramel ice cream topping and piped into 1 cup sour cream garlic powder, salt and pepper with electric mixer until edible, dark cocoa Candy Melt cordial cups.

They’re bite-sized holiday bliss.

1/2 cup mayonnaise jalapeño dip. ture into prepared pan.

When cool to remove from pan; creamy and well combined.

Add touch, flour; beat until mixture Don’t forget eggnog. This year, give your favorite prepared eggnog a Preheat broiler. looks sandy and holds together when squeezed in your hand. chocolate kick and serve Eggnog Hot Chocolate garnished with peppermint Place peppers on non-stick cookie pan; broil, turning secure to foil-wrappedPress cake board with DecorateCandy as Curls. deinto prepared pan, filling cavitiesicing.

1/2 full. at least once, 6 to 7 minutes or until blackened. Let stand Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.

For more holiday recipe project and decorating ideas, or to purchase ginger10 minutes. Remove stem and seeds; coarsely chop. bread kits, visit www.wilton.com.

Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.and candy. sired with icing, sprinkles, sugars, icing decorations In large bowl, stir together onion soup mix, sour cream FAMILY FEATURES

H

Entertaining

and mayonnaise. Fold in peppers. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Serve with cucumber and zucchini slices, celery, carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers and other favorite vegetables.

Note: For spicier dip, include seeds from peppers.

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page 13 ‰

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12 HOLIDAY

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Makes about 24 filled cordial cups 1-1/2 cups Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy 3 containers (3.2 ounces each) vanilla prepared pudding 1/2 cup finely chopped crisp-cooked bacon 1 tablespoon caramel ice cream topping plus additional for drizzling 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped Sea salt Fill cordial cup candy mold 1/3 full with melted candy.

Using a decorator brush, paint the candy up the sides of each mold to the top edge. Coat mold so that no light can be seen through the shell. Refrigerate until firm, about 5 minutes. Repeat if needed. Carefully remove shells from mold.

In medium bowl, combine pudding, bacon and 1 tablespoon ice cream topping; mix until thoroughly combined.

Fold in whipped cream. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Using tip #33, pipe filling into candy cordial cups.

Drizzle with additional ice cream topping and sprinkle with sea salt.

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012

Entertaining

Crispy Cheese Crackers Makes 16 to 20 crackers

from page 12

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup (about 2 ounces) finely grated Asiago cheese 1 ounce (about 1/4 cup) toasted pine nuts, finely chopped 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

“Guests will think you spent hours baking in the kitchen when you wow them with a seasonal selection of handdecorated gingerbreads,” said Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton.

Easy to assemble with all the trimmings included, there’s a ready-to-decorate gingerbread kit to fit any yuletide gathering. Complete with pre-baked gingerbread, each kit contains decorating accessories like candies and icings to personalize your own mini village, Christmas tree, gingerpop cookies, and more.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare Holiday Cookie Pan with vegetable pan spray.

In medium bowl, beat butter, cheese, pine nuts, rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper with electric mixer until creamy and well combined. Add flour; beat until mixture looks sandy and holds together when squeezed in your hand. Press into prepared pan, filling cavities 1/2 full.

Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.

Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.

For another fun twist on a traditional gingerbread house, Siler recommends getting the kids involved. They’ll love the marshmallow-y Holiday House Treat made of cinnamon toasted oats cereal. Once the house is built, watch the kids decorate their yummy creation with a variety of gumdrops, licorice, icings, and candies.

Eggnog Hot Chocolate Makes about 4 servings

Salted Caramel Bacon Cordial Cups

2 cups milk 2 cups prepared eggnog 1 cup Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Whipped cream Candy Curls

Makes about 24 filled cordial cups

1-1/2 cups Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy 3 containers (3.2 ounces each) vanilla prepared pudding 1/2 cup finely chopped crisp-cooked bacon 1 tablespoon caramel ice cream topping plus additional for drizzling In large saucepan, cook milk and eggnog on medium heat until 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped the mixture is hot; turn off heat. Whisk in Candy Melts candy Sea salt and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until candy is melted Fill cordial cup candy mold 1/3 full with melted candy. Using and mixture is smooth. a decorator brush, paint the candy up the sides of each mold to Pour into mugs; garnish with Candy Curls. the top edge. Coat mold so that no light can be seen through the

Fire Roasted Jalapeño Onion Dip Makes about 1-3/4 cups dip 4 jalapeño peppers 1 package (5.7 ounces) onion soup mix 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup mayonnaise Preheat broiler. Place peppers on non-stick cookie pan; broil, turning at least once, 6 to 7 minutes or until blackened. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove stem and seeds; coarsely chop.

In large bowl, stir together onion soup mix, sour cream and mayonnaise. Fold in peppers. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Serve with cucumber and zucchini slices, celery, carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers and other favorite vegetables.

Note: For spicier dip, include seeds from peppers.

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shell. Refrigerate until firm, about 5 minutes. Repeat if needed.

Carefully remove shells from mold.

In medium bowl, combine pudding, bacon and 1 tablespoon ice cream topping; mix until thoroughly combined. Fold in whipped cream. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Using tip #33, pipe filling into candy cordial cups. Drizzle with additional ice cream topping and sprinkle with sea salt.

Follow instructions on package of each kit: —Deluxe Gingerbread Kit —Gingerbread Tree Kit —Gingerbread Boy Cookie Decorating Kit —Gingerpops Cookie Kit —Gingerbread Mini Village Kit

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To cater to a more sophisticated palate, Siler suggests Salted Caramel Bacon Cordial Cups. A lavish blend of vanilla pudding, crisp-cooked bacon, and whipped cream is flavored with caramel ice cream topping and piped into edible, dark cocoa Candy Melt cordial cups. They’re bitesized holiday bliss. Don’t forget eggnog. This year, give your favorite prepared eggnog a chocolate kick and serve Eggnog Hot Chocolate garnished with peppermint Candy Curls.

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HOLIDAY 13

Game time fun: Famous family ties

Here is a list of some other famous family ties.

See if you can match up the pairings. Note that in most instances, only family members with some prominence in the spotlight have been listed here.

A) Marlo

1) Colleen Dewhurst

A) Sean & Mackenzie

2) Joel Grey

B) Liv & Mia

2) Polly Draper

B) Ben

3) Ozzy Osbourne

C) Candice

3) Patty Duke

C) Sean

4) Danny Thomas

D) Jennifer

4) Anne Meara

D) Campbell

5) Steven Tyler

E) Aimee & Kelly

5) Yoko Ono

E) Nat & Alex

Mother-Daughter(s) 1) Blythe Danner

A) Kate

1) Ben Affleck

A) Omar

2) Judy Garland

B) Melanie

2) Alec Baldwin

B) Casey

3) Goldie Hawn

C) Jamie Lee & Kelly

3) Ethan Coen

C) Jerry

4) Tippi Hedren

D) Gwyneth

4) Cuba Gooding, Jr.

5) Janet Leigh

E) Liza & Lorna

5) Dick Van Dyke

D) Daniel, William & Stephen

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Father-Son(s)

Sisters

1) Lewis Arquette

A) Matthew

1) June Carter Cash

A) Dorothy

2) James Broderick

B) Beau & Jeff

2) Olivia de Havilland

B) Ashlee

3) James Brolin

C) Scott

3) Lillian Gish

C) Margaux

4) Lloyd Bridges

D) Josh

4) Mariel Hemingway

D) Helen & Anita

5) James Caan

E) Alexis, David & Richmond

5) Jessica Simpson

E) Joan

Answers: 1) E, 2) A, 3) D, 4) B, 5) C

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E) Joel

Answers: 1) D, 2) E, 3) A, 4) B, 5) C

Not sure what they want this year?

Or maybe you just don’t know their size?

Brothers

Answers: 1) D, 2) E, 3) A, 4) C, 5) B

Take the Cassidys, for example. Actor Jack Cassidy married actress Evelyn Ward in 1948. The couple had a son, David Cassidy, who became an actormusician. The couple divorced in 1956, and Jack Cassidy married actress Shirley Jones. Cassidy had three sons with Jones, Shaun, Patrick and Ryan. Like his half-brother David, Shaun Cassidy had some hit shows and songs before moving on to writing, directing, and producing. Patrick and Ryan Cassidy also act, as does David’s daughter Katie Cassidy.

1) Edgar Bergen

Answers: 1) B, 2) D, 3) E, 4) A, 5) C

It’s no secret. Being an entertainer certainly seems to run in some families.

Mother-Son(s)

Answers: 1) C, 2) D, 3) E, 4) A, 5) B

The holidays are a time for family gatherings. As you gather with yours this season, take this quiz on some famous family ties.

Father-Daughter(s)

Answers: 1) D, 2) E, 3) A, 4) B, 5) C

By Tresa Erickson Feature Writer

A Pa pples for Sckaged hippi ng

OPEN Featuring Cortlands, Macs & Spencers 7 DAYS 9-5 Homemade: Pies • Fresh Bread & Pastries Our Own Fresh Sweet Apple Cider no preservatives Maine-Balsam Christmas Wreaths, Garland & More Old Fashion Store Cheese, Farm Butter, Eggs, Pickles, Jams, Jellies, Honey, Maple Syrup, Dried Beans, Large Selection of Apple Gift Baskets

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

from the Windshield Repair Experts • Nationwide Member of Money-Back Guarantee the NOVUS • Skilled Certified Technicians Hall of Fame • We Also Buff Out Wiper Blade Scratches and Plastic Headlight Lenses Locally Owned/Operated by Elaine Parlin Technician Dale Booth Family Owned & Operated For 34 Years

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012

Shop local & save!

What's new in your downtown Small Business Saturday. Now in its t hird yea r, Sma l l Business Saturday ta kes place t his year on Nov. 24, t he Saturday after Thanksgiv ing. The event is sponsored by American Express, and its aim is to encourage cardholders to shop locally for the holidays.

Why it pays to visit downtown stores this holiday season

S

mall-town stores are back. For years they withered while malls, big-box stores, and national chains gobbled up shoppers. But things seem to be turning around for downtown America. Lots of us are looking to eat local, and handcrafted everything is hot now. Even some big-box stores are shrinking. Let's face it. Supersized isn’t as super as it used to be.

Cardholders can sign up on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page ( facebook.com /shopsmall ) to get a $25 credit on your AmEx statement if you spend $25 or more at a participating business. You can also sign up for alerts on contests and special savings. Look for the map on w w w.

ShopSmall.com to help you find stores in your area.

Cash mobs. You’ve probably heard of a f lash mob: a onetime event promoted by social media where people show up in a public space to do something all together. Usually it’s something silly, like doing dance moves in a mall or having a giant group pillow fight. But in a cash mob, individuals, or civic groups choose a time and a business or business district as the place, promoting the event on Facebook and twitter. Then on the designated day, “cash mobbers” show up to shop.

Bonuses to shopping local include saving time and gas, and sometimes money, too. In ShopSmart’s new national survey on shopping locally, women said they liked supporting their neighborhood merchants, and they enjoyed browsing at local stores. And who doesn’t like personal service such as getting calls when your perfect dress goes on sale!

In the majority of ShopSmart’s annual surveys on the best places to shop, readers have rated independent/loca l retailers among the top places to buy appliances, eyeglasses, electronics, and drugstore items, beating out national chains and big-box stores such as Home Depot, Sears, and Walmart.

Shoppers praise them for service, convenience, and product quality. Independent retailers can also be competitive on price, especially if you try to negotiate.

A big plus to shopping locally is that small businesses funnel more money back into the loca l economy. One local purchasing study found that out of $100 spent in an independent business, about $ 68 goes back into the community. Spend that same $100 at a chain store, and just $43 stays local. And local businesses sponsor sports teams and host events such as wine tastings and DIY clinics.

At a cash mob in Portland, Maine, business owners at one store saw about 60 people spend $1,100 in 25 minutes in their shop. Check CashMob.com for events in your area or for info on hosting your own. Courtesy of ShopSmartMag.org/. For information about the L/A Cash Mob or to become a sponsor, contact Angie Lafrance or Travis Dow at 783-7039, by email at angie@uncleandys.com or travis@uncleandys.com, or visit the L/A Cash Mob on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ LACashMob.

Eeny, meeny, miny Mobius.

Choose Mobius for your sweetie.

In ShopSmart’s new survey, women also pointed out that momand-pop stores made donations to community organizations, hosted special events, and offered bonus services such as free lessons, how-to expertise, repairs, free delivery, or personal shopping services. Almost 40 percent of respondents said they planned to shop locally this holiday season. If you’d like to join them, ShopSmart has plenty of tips and tools for buying great stuff in your backyard at great prices. Happy local shopping!

Glass with Class

Hand blown glass ornaments by Henrietta Glass Largest Most Affordable Selection of Maine Tourmaline ®

Maine Charm Bead

She’ll love our Mobius earrings and pendants in white, yellow or rose gold with sparkling gemstones – diamonds, sapphires, rubies – or not! Our Signature Collection, exclusively designed and crafted in our upstairs studio.

4+ Compatible Lines of Charm Beads & Bracelets

R.D.Allen

Unique Handcrafted Jewelry from the US & Canada

FREEPORT JEWELERS 13 Middle St • Freeport • 207.865.1818 Across from CVS

rdallen.com

11 Mechanic St., Freeport, Maine 207-865-4126 • 800-753-4465 browngoldsmiths.com

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012

2 Mecha n ic Street, Freepor t | 207- 865 - 3097 ea r r i ngsa ndcompany.com

HOLIDAY 15

Purchase any fine jewelry or timepiece at Springer’s from November 23rd thru December 15th and if it snows on Christmas Day . . . IT’S FREE!*

580 Congress Street Portland, ME

100 Market Street Portsmouth, NH

76 Front Street Bath, ME

(207) 772-5404

(603) 431-8418 Online at: www.SpringersJewelers.com

(207) 443-2181

*No purchase necessary. Conditions apply. See stores or visit us on the web for official rules and details. Designers may vary by location.

16 HOLIDAY

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012