U-Cut Tips • Know your measurements. Carefully measure your room and doorways. Know the tree height and width that will work in your space. • Wear the right clothes: boots (there may be mud), a jacket and warm layers, something old that you’re not afraid to get dirty or maybe torn. Gloves are also imperative. • Bring cash. Many u-cut tree farms do not take credit or debit cards. • Examine the color. Are you going for a true green tree, or maybe one that has more blue tones? • Check both full or natural styles. Will your ornaments and tree décor lend better to a full or more natural looking tree? • Bring extra materials to secure the tree to your vehicle. • Use oil-based products like peanut butter and toothpaste to remove tree sap from clothing and hair. • Remember your camera. These are not moments to miss. • Know your farm. Different farms have different equipment and different types of trees. Be sure to do your research if you are looking for something specific.
Have a Lavender Holiday Cinnamon, gingerbread, and pumpkin pie are scents we normally associate with the holidays. This season, why not add a little locally grown lavender to that array of aromas? The Mountainside Lavender Farm near Scholls will open the doors to its gift shop for a limited time this month, special for the holiday season. At the charming little shop, you can pick up a wide variety of products made with local lavender. Check out lavender essential oils, lavender eye pillows, lavender honey, lavender chocolate, lavender buds for crafting, lavender buds for cooking, and other lavender-inspired products. For visitors, Mountainside Lavender Farm owners Bill and Lori Carlson will serve lavender tea, hot chocolate, and lavender fudge. The farm store will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday for the first two weekends of December only. Check out the lavender farm online for more information: www.mountainsidelavender.com.
Beer Beads and More Perfect for your holiday party or as stocking stuffers, check out locally-made Beer Beads and More. Amy Weller and Cheryl King of North Plains created the brand last year when they began crafting colorful beaded charms to adorn your beer bottles, cans, wine glasses, and water bottles. With Beer Beads and More, you will never lose track of your beverage container again. The pair of artisans also makes jewelry, magnets, and just about anything by request. You can find Beer Beads and More online (https://www.facebook.com/ beerbeads) or you can catch the ladies at the North Plains Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 3 at the Jesse Mays Community Hall.