Shopbrazos.com December issue

DECEMBER 2010

FINDING THE PERFECT GIFT BEAT THE WINTER BUDGET BLUES STAY HEALTHY OVER THE HOLIDAY BREAK

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WHAT’S INSIDE

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four A deep side part leading to a low ponytail is

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Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

dramatic for a holiday party. Or go wild and add a temporary streak of pink or blue.

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Jenny Dohmen 979-731-4660

If some of the budget you blew was by overusing credit cards, check your statements to see how many points you have.

Internet Sales Director

Editorial

jenny.dohmen@theeagle.com

shauna.lewis@theeagle.com

Lacey Lively 979-731-4665

Eric Aguirre

Internet Marketing Consultant

Layout & Design

lacey.lively@theeagle.com

eric.aguirre@theeagle.com

ON THE WEB www.shopbrazos.com facebook.com/shopbrazos twitter.com/shopbrazos youtube.com/shopbrazos

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication. ©2010 GATEHOUSE MEDIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ten Some cards lose value if they aren’t used within

six leaves

That more than half of consumers still shopping during the two weeks before Christmas.

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a certain period of time, and some charge a fee if they’re lost.

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There’s nothing like a spa day. Call her favorite salon, plan the perfect day and book it.

Plan ahead so you can just fill your plate and join the friends you’ve invited to welcome 2011.

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Shauna Lewis

thirteen Before you break out the bubbly, take a mo-

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...the center could help those with New Year’s resolutions of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

ment to reflect on how time has passed from one year to the next.

14 daily specials

15 coupons

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Sign up for weekly or bi-weekly service and get $25 off your 1st, 3rd, and 5th cleans!

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MAKING GET TOGETHERS MORE FUN

FAMILY Compiled by Melissa Erickson

Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

HAIRSTYLE

FASHION

Advice for holiday party conversation and style

I love my long locks, but I’m bored with my same old style.

Any new trends that can wake up my look?

A: You don’t even need to cut your gorgeous mane to totally change your look. Try a super-high pony: After slicking hair up and fastening with a band, wrap a section around the ponytail to give it extra height. For a romantic look, make a small, loose braid at the crown of your head. Curls are big, so if your hair will hold them, add some spirals with a curling iron. A deep side part leading to a low ponytail is dramatic for a holiday party. Or go wild and add a temporary streak of pink or blue.

By Dannielle Kyrillos, editor-at-large of DailyCandy.com

HOLIDAY WINE

Can you offer a suggestion on a wine to bring to a traditional holiday dinner?

A: If you are bringing a holiday wine for the host to serve to guests, you should remember that many guests might not be wine enthusiasts. In that case, I always suggest something on the sweeter side that will appeal to a mixed crowd, perhaps a Riesling, a Zinfandel or even Beaujolais Nouveau (a European holiday tradition). If you are giving a bottle of wine as a gift to the host, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of Bordeaux. Price will vary depending on classification (first growth, second growth, etc.) and vintage, but any wine enthusiast will be appreciative of the gesture.

By Brad Prescott, owner, IntoWine.com

GENERATIONAL GAP

I would like to encourage family conversation at the dinner table during the holiday season. How can I get my kids interested in talking to older relatives whom they rarely see?

Variety of pedicure & massage packages to choose from.

A: Your children may feel disconnected from older relatives because of the age gap, but they may be surprised to discover they share the same interests. Before your relatives come, have your children make a list of questions they’d like to ask older relatives — did they play sports when they were younger? Where have they traveled?

Steering the conversation in the direction of similar interests will help keep it flowing and your children engaged.

From the experts at FamilyEducation.com

FRESH START

With the shorter daylight hours in winter, I seem to be less motivated to get up and go. How can I make the most of my days?

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A: With winter right around the corner, it can be tough to be motivated. I have found the two tricks to make a huge difference in motivation: intention and gratitude. First thing when you wake up, remind yourself of the top five things you are grateful for in your life. This will help you keep the things that really matter in the forefront of your mind — and intention — the quality of your day revolves around the quality of your morning. Right after you do your gratitude exercise, put an intention on how you want the day to go. When you live intentionally, you create much more juice in your life than if you are just on autopilot. Remember, motivation is just a side effect; inspiration is the key.

By professional life coach, Shannon Graham

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MANAGING YOUR MONEY AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

Bouncing back from holiday spending

BY KAREN CAFFARINI, SPECIAL TO THE EAGLE You blew your holiday budget to please everyone on your list. Soon it will be January, and you’re in crisis mode.

You’re not alone. According to a survey released in October by the National Retail Federation, Americans plan to spend an average of $688.87 on holiday-related shopping this year, up from $681.83 last year.

Seventeen percent of those shoppers will use a credit card, simply because they don’t have the cash, a survey

by USAA Financial Planning Services reveals.

The good news is, you can get back on track financially, financial advisers say, provided you tighten your belt and exercise self-control:

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Discipline, discipline. Put your credit cards in a desk drawer and use

cash instead for daily purchases. This will keep you aware of how much you are spending and stop the habit of spending quickly without thought, says Christine D. Moriarty, financial educator with Bristol, Vt.-based MoneyPeace Inc. “If you avoid the January sales, you will save money,” Moriarty adds.

Rack and stack. Pay off the highest interest-bearing bill first while paying minimums on others, advises June Walbert, a certified financial planner with USAA Financial Planning Services. Once the first bill is zeroed out, attack the second, always paying the minimum required on other bills. “The key is discipline, commitment and consistency,” she says. If you need immediate gratification, you could pay off your smallest balance accounts first.

Use those points. If some of the budget you blew was by overusing credit

cards, check your credit card statements to see how many points you have. Visit your card’s rewards website to find out whether you can convert the points into cash or gift cards for stores you frequent. Some credit cards double the value of your rewards at specific retailers, says Kevin Gallegos, vice president of Freed Debt Relief LLC in Tempe, Ariz.

Plan early. Write down a list of needs and wants, and decide which of the

wants you can do without, Walbert says. She says to involve the whole family in the budget process, noting that while one or two people earn the income, “everyone in the family spends it.” Be sure to set aside money for next year’s holiday season, whether it’s putting $10 to $20 a week away in a Christmas Club or having it automatically deducted from your paycheck.

Monday 9:30-5:30 Tue-Thu 9:30-7:30 Friday 9:30-12:30 Sunday 9-12:30 & 5:30-7:30

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Budget 1 blues 2

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING STATS

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Online shopping

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Planning on hitting the Internet to do your shopping?

You’re probably checking out Amazon.com, Walmart.com and eBay.com, according to a 2010 online shopping survey by BIGresearch. Amazon is the No. 1 online retailer, followed by Walmart and eBay. Best Buy, JCPenney and Target were also in the top 10.

’Tis better to give Shopping numbers that will make you check your holiday list twice Compiled by Danielle Braff, Special to The Eagle

Early shopping If you haven’t bought your holiday gifts yet, you’re definitely not alone.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, the average person completes 47 percent of his or her holiday shopping by the second week of December. That leaves more than half of consumers still shopping during the two weeks before Christmas. Adults older than 65 are the most likely to get their shopping done early, while those ages 45-54 are least likely to shop early.

Wow!

Office presents

The stores

$832

The average woman will spend 25,185 hours shopping over her lifespan, according to a survey of 3,000 women conducted by GE Money. That adds up to about 400 hours of shopping each year, which means the average woman spends 17 days looking for items to buy.

You never want to give too much – or too little – to your co-workers and boss. So you’d better make sure you’re average in this department. According to the National Retail Federation, the average person spends a total of $65 on gifts for co-workers. Men spend an average of $75 while women spend $54.

A whopping 70 percent of people plan to shop for their holiday gifts at a discount store such as Target or Costco, says the National Retail Federation. Department stores also will be busy, with 58 percent of people shopping for their gifts there. And 37 percent of shoppers say they plan to buy from an electronics store.

That’s the average amount each person spends on holiday gifts, food and decorations, according to the National Retail Federation.

That includes everything from holiday candles to gifts for the boss and food for the big Christmas dinner.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FOOD RECIPES

PARTY FOOD

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BY MARGARET MAPLES, SPECIAL TO THE EAGLE

W

hen was the last time you were able to mingle with your guests on New Year’s Eve? You’ve been at the stove for every party, right? Not this year. Here are two recipes that can be made ahead and served as part of a cold buffet. You can just fill your plate and join the friends you’ve invited to welcome 2011.

Three-Cheese Party Dip This dip is strongly flavored and very aromatic – perfect with chips, crackers and veggies.

cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, onion, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Worcestershire sauce. Add eggs, one at a time, beating smooth after each one. Add walnuts and garlic. Place the custard in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Wrap the sides and bottom of the pan with a single piece of 18-inch-wide foil. Set the pan into a larger roaster.

Pour hot water into the roaster to a level halfway up the side of the springform pan.

1 1/2 pounds cream cheese 1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Bake for about 50 minutes, until the top of the custard is firm and moves as a single mass when the springform pan is shifted gently. Remove the dip and allow it to reach room temperature. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Garnish with paprika. Arrange on a platter with sliced vegetables and crackers. Serves 16 to 18.

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 3 eggs 1 cup crumbled blue cheese 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 garlic clove, finely chopped, then crushed on a cutting board with the side of a knife

1 teaspoon ground cumin 3/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

skin-on center-cut salmon fillets Lemon juice

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Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 9 1/2-inch springform pan, and line the bottom with parchment. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat the

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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 1/2 pounds (1-inch thick) boneless,

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Prepare this entrée the morning before your party.

Serve it cold or at room temperature.

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Garnish: ground paprika

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Moroccan Spiced Salmon

Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

DISHES THAT LET YOU OUT OF THE KITCHEN FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE

8 ounces sour cream 1 tablespoon chopped chives Fresh dill Blanched broccoli In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, cumin, salt, ground ginger, mustard powder, nutmeg, pepper and allspice. Set aside. Line a baking sheet with foil. Spray with cooking spray or brush with canola oil. Rinse the salmon with cold water and pat dry. Sprinkle the skin with the spice mixture, then place each fillet, skin-side down, on the foil. Sprinkle spice mixture over the fillets.

Allow the salmon to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Sprinkle the fillets with lemon juice and roast in the oven for 12 minutes (less if the fillets are less than 1 inch thick). Remove from oven and allow to stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Expect the salmon to be rare when it comes out of the oven. It will continue to cook as it stands. Wrap the fillets tightly in foil and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Mix chives with sour cream. Arrange sour cream and salmon on a platter; garnish fillets with dill.

Add broccoli florets. Serves eight.

ADAPTED FROM ALLRECIPES.COM

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HAVE A HEALTHY HOLIDAY

Give the gift of health, relaxation for the holidays

By Shauna Lewis The Eagle

Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

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f you’d like to give the gift of relaxation to a loved one for Christmas or are looking to improve your health in the new year, Brazos Healing Center could help.

Brazos Healing Center, at 1602 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers energy therapy, massage therapy, health and wellness consultations and yoga classes. Gift certificates are available for all services.

Brazos Healing Center’s mission is to support Brazos Valley residents seeking a central place to access high-quality and evidence-based

complementary medical therapies and holistic health care consulting; learn more about various methods to enhance one’s personal development; and meet others to exchange ideas for balancing and strengthening the mind-body connection.

Filipa Lechin and Lisa Tauferner opened the center in April, and work with two additional employees.

Lechin, who also works as a cardiology nurse for her husband, Dr. Marcel Lechin at BCS Heart, said she met Tauferner through the Brazos Valley Yoga Connection, which holds different events throughout the year to promote yoga and its benefits.

Tauferner graduated with a Master

of Arts degree from Texas A&M University in 2007 and works for the university’s Study Abroad Program.

“We just decided to make a partnership based on our common interest in health and healing,” Lechin said. “For both of us, it’s our passion.”

Lechin, a certified advanced holistic nurse, said for any therapies the center offers, there’s studies that show that those therapies help in addition to standard medicine.

“Everything we do is from a perspective of what’s going to create a healthier individual,” she said. “We would never do anything that would take away from what your medical doctor thinks is best for you.”

Lechin said the therapies that her business offers might seem new, but bigger medical institutions have included such treatments for a while, such as MD Anderson in Houston, Scripps Clinic in California and the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

“It helps the patients feel that all of their issues are being addressed, not just those of the body,” she said.

“It’s the whole package.”

Lechin stressed that the therapies her business offers complement standard medicine. For example, if a doctor tells a patient to lose weight and learn to manage stress, the Brazos Healing Center can help the patient figure out how to meet those goals.

“We definitely step in where the doctor steps off,” she said.

Lechin, who has a Master of Science degree in nursing from Tennessee State University, teaches Vinyasa Flow yoga and Restorative yoga

classes. She also does holistic nursing consultations and healing touch treatments, and conducts workshops on various health and wellness topics such as stress management. She holds continuing education classes for nurses, as well.

“What I’m interested in more than anything is to help people maintain a health and wellness lifestyle, as well as disease prevention and risk reduction,” she said.

When it comes to health and wellness, Lechin said she thinks stress management is one of the biggest issues people have.

“We all have stress. Learning how to manage it is very important,” Lechin said.

She said the top two diseases in today’s society are heart disease and cancer, which both have a strong stress component.

“Research shows some promising results for yoga and meditation, mainly because it induces the relaxation response in your body,” she said.

The center’s yoga classes incorporate meditation, stress management and fitness, and benefits include strength, flexibility and peace of mind, she said.

Vinyasa yoga involves taking one breath with each movement; Restorative yoga incorporates the use of props during poses so people release their muscles from the job, she said.

As far as risk reduction, Lechin said it’s important to not smoke, to get adequate sleep, eat right, keep stress low, consume alcohol in moderation and manage weight. Lechin says that’s where one-on-one holis-

OP ZOS OM

HAVE A HEALTHY HOLIDAY

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holiday specials through

December

tic nursing consultations come in.

“We figure out which of these things is pertinent to their situation,” she said. “We look at barriers that keep people from realizing their goals.”

After the first consultation, clients leave with a holistic nursing care plan that maps out lifestyle changes, which will hopefully be permanent, she said. Also, if customers want to take a yoga class, but aren’t sure which one is best for them, scheduling a holistic nursing consultation is a good place to start, Lechin said.

Clients can return for follow-up appointments to continue to work on goals if they’d like.

She also offers holistic lifestyle intensive classes, where groups meet on a Saturday and Sunday to learn about how to have and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Tauferner is a registered yoga

teacher in Hatha and Kundalini yoga, and is an Usui Reiki master, Lechin said. She takes appointments for Reiki energy therapy treatments, offers certification classes in Reiki and conducts workshops on health and wellness topics such as meditation and stress management.

Hatha yoga is similar to Vinyasa, she said, and healing touch and Reiki are bioenergetic therapies based on the fundamental knowledge that humans have energy.

Bonnie Palmer, a Raja yoga certified instructor and Reiki master, teaches a senior stretch class twice a week.

The class for ages 65 and older takes into account the issues of aging, and involves gentle stretches for the entire body, relaxation and short meditations, Lechin said.

“It’s really effective, especially with stress management,” she noted.

Beverly McCue, a licensed massage therapist, takes appointments for Swedish massages, myofascial release, trigger point, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy and sports massages.

Lechin said the Brazos Healing Center’s services can also be given as gift certificates during the holidays, a hectic time when stress management is especially important. She also noted that it’s a good gift for yourself.

“I think taking time for yourself is especially appropriate when you’re giving so much to others,” she said. “Learning how to take care of yourself and bring yourself a little bit of calm and peace is invaluable.”

Lechin also added that the center could help those with New Year’s resolutions of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle. She stressed that the center focuses more on weight management rather than weight loss. The hardest part is learning to keep weight off, she said.

For a schedule of classes, workshops and more details on Brazos Healing Center’s services, visit brazoshealingcenter.com or facebook.com/brazoshealingcenter or call 979-402-3595.

Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

$5 off the first drop-in yoga class $10 off the first one-hour energy therapy treatment $10 off a six-class yoga pass $10 off the first one-hour massage

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DO’S & DON’TS WITH GIFT CARDS

Cashing in Gift cards useful provided you use them

By Karen Caffarini

C

hances are you’ll find a gift card in your stocking this year; nearly $24 billion was spent on them during the 2009 holiday season, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation. They’re a great gift alternative provided you follow these tips.

1505 University Drive East, Suite 120 College Station, Texas 77840 (888) 693-2061 (979) 691-2061 www.texasgiftitems.com

DO’S & DON’TS WITH GIFT CARDS

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Read the fine print

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“The gift card won’t grow in value. When you get it, the best thing to do is spend it,” Reed says. If you use the card in a timely manner, you won’t have to worry about it getting lost or stolen, losing value or becoming worthless if the store goes out of business, according to Consumer Reports. Your best bet is to spend it within the first month, consumer advocates say. Unused gift cards are big business for retailers: According to Consumer Reports, in 2007, retailers American Eagle and Abercrombie and Fitch booked a combined total of $13 million.

thereapeutic

Combine with sales/coupons

Many retailers hold special sales after the holidays as a way to entice consumers to redeem their cards. The National Retail Federation notes that store shelves are stocked with new items in January, so shoppers have a good selection to choose from. Taking advantage of sales — and any coupons stores offer to lure people in during the normally dry shopping days in January — will boost your buying power.

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Treat it as cash

To keep from losing the card, treat it as you would cash, Reed says. Place it in your wallet or anywhere else you routinely put your cash as soon as you get the card. Keep it in sight so you remember it’s there. If the card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuer. Like with lost cash, you may not get any money back, but some issuers will replace the card with a fee, according to the FTC.

An integrative healing center that provides the following services:

massage

Holiday Gift Cards available online and in our studios

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Even if you buy a gift card from a seemingly rock-solid retailer, it’s possible for the store to go out of business — especially if the card recipient procrastinates.

According to Consumer Reports, some retailers will honor gift cards from competitors. Or seek out a thirdparty issuer such as a gift-card Web site, supermarket or financial institution that offers cards as part of their rewards programs. One example: American Express and Discover honored Sharper Image gift cards when the store went out of business.

3

Spend it

Seek out competitors

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Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Look for expiration dates, replacement policies, fees and similar restrictions. Some cards lose value if they aren’t used within a certain period of time, and some charge a fee if they’re lost. If you don’t know the card’s terms and conditions, the original purchase receipt or the card’s ID number, ask for them from the person who gave you the card, adds the Federal Trade Commission. “Know what you’re up against,” advises Cheryl Reed, communications manager for Angie’s List, “or the gift card may not end up being the gift it was intended to be.”

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John Croom Insurance would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Call us for your personal insurance needs.

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Yoga Instruction Energy Therapy Training & Treatments Holistic Nursing Consultations Meditation Stress Management Holistic Health Events Personal Development Workshops Massage Therapy

Gift Certificates Available!

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GIFT GUIDE FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY

Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

RELATION

TRIED ’N TRUE

EXPERIENCE THIS

GET SENTIMENTAL

WRAP IT UP

Wife

Tradition says that women love jewelry, and this author agrees. Check out the unique designs in Robert Redford’s Sundance catalog for some real holiday “wow.”

There’s nothing like a spa day to rejuvenate the woman in your life. Call her favorite salon, plan the perfect day and book it. Just make sure you’ve checked her calendar first.

You know the things you rarely say? Plan to jot them down together in “A Book About Us: The Journal of Our Love Story in 150 Questions,” by David and Kate Marshall.

Decorate your package with a pair of fun, brightcolored gloves from her favorite local boutique.

Mom

Give Mom her own barista by surprising her with a Keurig single-cup coffee machine. She’ll be able to select whatever her fancy is from cup to cup.

Nothing says “I love you” like time spent together.

Join Mom for a leisurely lunch and afternoon in her favorite shopping spot.

Frame a gift certificate for an extended-family photo shoot. Mom will love replacing the gift card with a professional shot of all her loved ones.

Bring the outdoors in.

Gather twigs or fallen leaves to tuck inside raffia or other natural bows.

Sister

If your sister is a reader, she’s likely to enjoy an e-reader like Barnes & Noble’s Nook or Amazon’s Kindle. With prices getting lower all the time, this gadget makes a perfect gift.

Give your sister some time to herself with a yoga or Zumba class. Better yet, take the class together. There’s nothing like some fun exercise to get the new year off to a great start.

Write a poem about the younger days you shared with your sister, print it on beautiful paper and frame it for her office. She’s sure to appreciate your thoughtful words for years to come.

Cut a sprig from the back of the Christmas tree for a fragrant and natural decoration.

TRIED ’N TRUE

EXPERIENCE THIS

GET SENTIMENTAL

WRAP IT UP

Husband

There’s nothing like footage of his favorite team in action.

Check out the NFL Greatest Game Series and find the volume showing his players at their best.

Release his inner Phil Mickelson and purchase a few sessions with a golf pro at his favorite club. Just think how good he’ll feel hitting the links come springtime.

Maybe a favorite baseball card or treasured copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird”? Restore his collection with a little research to find whatever he’s missing.

The sports section never looked so good. Yesterday’s news makes great recycled wrap, just make sure to tuck a gift card for next year’s subscription into the ribbon.

Father

Spruce up happy hour with a fresh set of beer glasses from Crate and Barrel. He’s sure to love the Buzz collection, suitable for beer, wine, water or juice.

Remember the days when ice cream with your dad was the end all, be all? Make sure Dad can have his favorite sweet any time with a gift card.

Create a book of life experiences at a print center to remind him of what he means to everyone. Gather letters, meaningful quotes & poems from loved ones to match with photos over the years.

Make your own paper for small gifts with a scanned family photo. Dad is sure to love the memorable image of the two of you together.

Brother

He’s spending all his iTunes dollars on Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber for his kids these days. Help him refresh his MP3 player with an iTunes card and a splurge on his own musical whims.

Give a blast from the past by attending a “Star Wars” convention or seeing a show like “The Lion King.” Turn yesterday’s memories into today’s time spent together.

Dig up a copy of his favorite record or cassette in CD form. He’ll be able to relive his glory days in state-of-theart sound.

Tuck a cold-weather cap inside the bow. Find one displaying his alma mater or his favorite team’s insignia.

EDUCATIONAL

PRACTICAL

TRENDY GIFT

WRAP IT UP

Babies

Winkel’s New Colors rattle is a great way to get all of Baby’s senses on high alert. Exciting colors and flexible handles engage Baby, while the rattle can be used as an effective teether as well.

Get Baby through the rest of the season with cozy long sleep onesies and stretch pants. Fancy outfits are cute for pictures, but no one wants to wear them all the time. Baby will appreciate the gift of comfort.

Solutions for parents are the hottest gifts this year.

Do double duty by giving a Hoppop Diaper Bag High Seat. While on the go, Mom or Dad will never have trouble finding a way to secure Junior in his chair.

Add a super soft and babyfriendly Baby Gund stuffed animal to your bowtopped package. Baby is sure to treasure it for years to come.

Toddlers

Get the party started for the toddler in your life with a Band in a Box. Stocked with all sorts of instruments able to be manipulated by the smallest hands, this special gift is sure to bring out your little entertainer.

Don’t underestimate the power of themed underpants. Those newest members of pottytrained society place immeasurable importance on the knickers they wear.

Stuff your little one’s stocking with undies sporting his or her favorite princess or superhero and you’ll be all the rage.

Release their inner artist with the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel. Buy a role of butcher paper from a big-box store like Costco and watch as their creativity takes shape all winter long.

Toddlers will squeal with delight when they see a battery-free microphone decorated with their favorite character peeking out from behind the bows.

Let the show begin!

RELATION

AGE

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NEW YEAR’S 2011 BY THE NUMBERS

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ANOTHER NEW YEAR’S EVE ALREADY? BEFORE YOU BREAK OUT THE BUBBLY AND PUCKER UP, TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON HOW TIME HAS PASSED FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT. BY VICKIE SNOW, SPECIAL TO THE EAGLE

1

B.C., when the Lunar New Year began as Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the Chinese zodiac

Year of the Rabbit

700 1 billion

1904

Ton of confetti dropped in New York Times Square on New Year’s Eve

2600

2011

Worldwide audience viewing the ball drop in Times Square.

Year that New Year’s Eve was first celebrated in Times Square

Percentage of Americans who actually keep their New Year’s resolutions

DESIGNS

Come browse our

unique gift selection

122

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Pounds for the weight of the ceremonial ball dropped in Times Square

Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Happy New Year

Years of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., come Jan. 1, 2011

1972 Year Dick Clark first hosted the television special “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”

Remember, flowers are perfect for

every occasion.

112 Rock Prairie Rd. College Station (979) 693-5387 triciabarksdale.com

13

SHOP BRAZOS .COM

DAILY SPECIALS

Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Stay connected with specials across the Brazos Valley

FOOD

Texas Roadhouse 1601 University Dr. College Station Monday – Thursday, 3 - 6 pm 10 different dinner entrées, each $7.99

Exquisite Nail & Spa 3001 Wildflower Dr. Bryan Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 7 pm 10% off services $25+ with valid high school or college I.D.

Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant 1007 Earl Rudder Frwy.

College Station Monday – Thursday, 2 - 6 pm $3.50 Ninfaritas, $1.50 domestics, $1.75 imports

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Rosa’s Cafe & Tortilla Factory 710 University Dr. College Station Tuesday, All Day 3 soft or crispy tacos, rice & beans for $3.69

SERVICES

St. Anthony’s Learning & Play Station 401 S. Parker Ave. Bryan Monday - Friday, All Day $25 registration fee when you mention ShopBrazos at time of enrollment

Garpez Authentic Mexican Cantina 4353 Wellborn Rd. Bryan Tuesday, All Day $1.50 pints and $2 well drinks

Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza 820 University Dr. College Station Thursday, All Day $5 nachos, $5 individual pizzas, $5 potato skins

A Place For Me 4555 Forrest Ln. College Station Monday - Friday, All Day No enrollment fees when you mention ShopBrazos

DRINKS Mad Hatters 317 University Dr. College Station Tuesday, All Day $2 Long Island iced teas

Add your favorite special to ShopBrazos. Submit a daily special for your business or restaurant by finding it on ShopBrazos.com and clicking “Add Special.”

All specials subject to change, see business/restaurant for details. www.facebook.com/shopbrazos www.twitter.com/shopbrazos

COUPONS

SP

EC

IA

L

Save$75.00

Cannot be used with other offers. Only valid on 60 minute treatments.

Expires 01.20.11

1602 Rock Prairie, Ste 1000 • College Station, Texas 979.402.3595 • www.BrazosHealingCenter.com

Holiday Gift Card Special:

55 min. massage only $55

80 min. massage only $80

elementsbcsgiftcards.com Bryan: 3001 Wildflower, Ste. 611 (979) 774-4343 | #ME1699 College Station: 3975 State Hwy. 6 S., Ste. 700 (979) 696-2000 | #ME1320

up to

$15 OFF

manicure & pedicure packages No contracts. See store for details. Expires 1/20/11

3001 Wildflower Dr #111 • Bryan • 979.776.2224 (in Target Bryan Town Center, next to Shipley’s Donuts)

10% Off All Purchases of $50 or More!!

(979) 691-2061 (888) 693-2061 www.texasgiftitems.com Excludes Sale Items. Expires 01.20.11

Featured Item:

Divine Light Candles

10% off

your purchase of $50 or more 202A W. 26th St • Downtown Bryan 979.823.8000

Gets you back where you belong.®

John Croom (979) 696-2443

Free quotes

Sign up for weekly or bi-weekly service and get $25.00 off your 1st, 3rd, and 5th cleanings! (mention offer:SB01)

MaidPro

979-260-3539 www.maidpro.com/bcs

D ES I GNS

Unique Gifts for Everyone: • stocking stuffers • children’s books • baby gift sets

• candles • home décor • and much more!

(979) 693-5387 112 Rock Prairie Rd. in College Station triciabarksdale.com

Featured Item:

Christmas Décor

Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

$5 OFF first Yoga Class or $10 OFF first Energy Therapy treatment or massage

SHOP BRAZOS .COM

$5 off any regularly priced item

979.690.7921

located in Christ United Methodist Church

4201 State Hwy 6 South, College Station

Are you looking for some great food, drink or retail specials?

Lo ok no fur ther!

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Thursday, December 16, 2010____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle 16

Gifts | Clothing | Accessories | Home Decor | Jewelry Come Visit Us, and discover your new favorite things!

202A W. 26th Street | Downtown Bryan | 979.823.8000