Special Features - Home for the Holidays

www.langleytimes.com The Langley Times

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 B17

Home for the

Holidays Finding the Spirit of Christmas

Office Gift Exchange Do’s and Don’ts!

Christmas Trends for 2014. Great ideas to wow them!

Local Chef Recipe Milner Farms

Looking Back Retro Toys

COVER PHOTO BY DAN FERGUSON Table staging by Sandra Craig of DeZigns by Gallery 1.

PHOTO BY DAN FERGUSON

B18 Tuesday, December 2, 2014

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Tuesday,y December 2, 2014 B19

Suddenly, it’s Christmas

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ou’re driving home in the gloomy dusk one early December afternoon and as you approach your driveway you are shocked to see neighbour’s house aglow with Christmas lights. Suddenly, it’s Christmas.

We never know just exactly what is going to trigger our Christmas spirit. Some people explode into the season in early November and others have to be dragged into the glare of lights and music, kicking and screaming all the way.

Maybe, just after the calendar page flips to the last month of the year, you turn on your car radio and the strains of the year’s first Christmas song awaken your hibernating spirit. At first you try to resist, even think about changing stations, but before you know it, you are humming along with a choir singing Silent Night or belting out Feliz Navidad with Jose Feliciano.

As the Christmas carols drift out from the speakers you contemplate just which one might be your favourite Christmas song. The debate pits old crooners like Sinatra and Crosby against newcomers Blake Shelton and Buble. Which is better, the original Christmas Song by Mel Torme or the Nat King Cole version? Is Anne Murray’s Christmas special still the best or have Kati Perry and Taylor Swift replaced her?

Has anyone outsold the Elvis Christmas Gospel album yet?

Wait, what’s this? You’re actually thinking about Christmas now?

Maybe you walk into a kitchen and a tray of butter tarts or short bread are cooling on a baking sheet. In an instant you are whisked back to a kitchen from your youth and you hear someone warning you not to touch the baking. You can smell all the magic of Christmas snacks and see the plates piled high with huge family feasts and amazing once a year desserts. All that Christmas fare can’t be far off.

You might still try to suppress your Christmas spirit but it is very close to the surface now.

Then a phone call comes from your

grandson or daughter inviting you to their school Christmas concert. Even though it’s still a couple of weeks away, an old movie of many Christmas concerts starts playing in your head.

Settling back in your seat in a crowded gym from your past you crane your neck as the Children’s Choir comes on the stage. Just their entrance is enough to lift your spirits. The kids are looking for parents as they bump into the kid in front of them and jostling and re-positioning as they find their right spot on stage. Just off stage, the parents are whispering instructions as the pianist and director try to get their attention as well.

Maybe you can see yourself in grey flannel slacks, a crisp white shirt and a red bow tie or your new blue velvet dress and white blouse as your teacher herds you along. Or maybe it’s your son or daughter and you are trying to figure out how to work your camcorder as they enter. Maybe this time it is your perfect grandchild shining above all the rest. It doesn’t matter which generation it is, the kids all look sharp and confused and the music is delightful.

What’s that, a smile now? You’re not going to be able to keep that spirit bottled up much longer.

Soon more than one neighbour has their Christmas lights up and as you drive through the city it is lit with lights strung through the trees, piercing the gloom and the mist. Maybe you start thinking about getting out the box of lights and the aluminum ladder, after all, you don’t want to be the last one on the block. You can feeling the spirit starting to boil over.

Then, the first Christmas card comes through the mail slot. It’s from those old neighbours you had years ago. What Christmas parties you had with them.

A smile crosses your face as you set the card on the mantle. You turn around and as you are deciding where the Christmas tree is going to be this year, you realize, the Christmas spirit didn’t boil over after all. It just settled on you silently, and there is nothing you can do to fight it.

Wait, what’s this?

You’re actually thinking about Christmas now?

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B20 Tuesday, December 2, 2014

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The Office Gift Exchange K R IS TY L CL A R K , L A NG L E Y TIME S CONTR IB UTOR

O O

nce a year coworkers congregate to doll out presents — names are usually picked at random, which means there’s a good chance you won’t know all that much about the person you’ve been assigned to gift to.

Choosing the perfect secret Santa gift for your exchange can be an intimidating process. Aside from the chances being high that you won’t really know the person you’re buying for, there’s the added pressure of finding a classy, appropriate gift that won’t offend or embarrass anyone.

If luck is on your side, you may end up buying for someone you know quite well — someone you share lunch and coffee breaks with, work milestones and tidbits of your personal life. On the contrary, you could get the task of buying for someone you’ve never even conversed with at the water cooler... or worse, your boss Rather than go oh-so-popular gift-card route, perhaps it’s time to steer your gift-giving abilities in a whole new direction — one that will knocks the socks off everyone in your office and make a big splash.

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Tuesday, December 2, 2014 B21

WATCH FOR OUR

While you think it’s tough to shop for your significant other, sibling or parent who seems to have everything, it’s a cakewalk compared to the dreaded office gift exchange.

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LANGLEY CROSSING 604-534-2375 Here are the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind before you hit the stores this holiday season.

Do a Little Investigative Work You pull a name out of a hat, look at the moniker and the reality sinks in -- you have no idea who said person is.

Is it that woman in the red blouse who always smiles when passing the water cooler? Or, maybe she’s the ‘girl Friday’ who started last month?

Whoever this mystery person is, it’s time to do a little digging. After finding out who they are, strike up a casual conversation to find out what they’re into.

Do they have small children at home or pets? Is travelling their cuppa tea? Perhaps they’re crazy for coffee? Whatever you do, make sure you’re super stealth about your sudden interest in their life.

You may let your secret Santa status out of the bag if you’re a little too keen.

Don’t Go the Lazy Route Yes, we’ve all done it -- I’m talking about that stop at your favourite java joint, gas station or grocery store to pick up a gift card just minutes before the gift exchange is about to commence.

While it’s easy to blame our gifting laziness on being too busy — and aren’t we all this time of year? — there’s really no point in participating if everyone just swaps cards. Where’s the thought and effort there? Consider this an opportunity to impress your coworkers and superiors with your talent for finding the ultimate gift on a budget.

Do Stick to the Budget Speaking of budgets, it’s considered a big fat holiday faux pas to go under or over a predetermined budget. Sure any-

thing a few dollars under or over is okay; however, you’re sure to end up on Santa’s naughty list if the budget is $20 and you spend $2.

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Get Creative Here in Langley, there are so many speciality shops that offer all kinds of fun goodies. Shopping for a seafood fan or fishermen? Consider putting together a little basket of sauces and spices and crab claw crackers from the 1 Fish 2 Fish Fresh Seafood Market. For the movie buff, you could head on over to Crazy Bobs to find a copy of their favourite flick, pack it in a popcorn bowl or pretty container from McBurney Junction and stuff with goodies from Sticky’s Candy.

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Don’t Spill the Beans If Secret Santa is the name of the game, don’t go spilling the beans. Not only will it add pressure on you to find the greatest office exchange gift of all time, you might make the person you’re giving to feel uncomfortable.

Do Consider Packaging Since you spent all that time and energy on the hunt for a gift, make sure it’s wrapped with love and care.

For those with two thumbs who prefer to leave it to the pros, head to Willowbrook Shopping Centre and visit the gift-wrap booth. For a nominal feel that goes to local charity, your gift will stand out in the pile of gifts — heck, it might even get you promoted.

And there you have it, your ultimate guide to surviving the dreaded office gift exchange. With these tips in mind, you’re soon to be a present pro in no time. And who knows — maybe next year, everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed that you draw their name.

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B22 Tuesday, December 2, 2014

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You can be the trendsetter!

What’s hot for Christmas 2014 FIONA JANSEN, LANGLEY TIMES CONTR IBUTOR

W W

ho actually determines what is trendy? Is it the manufacturers or is it the customers?

Some might say that is a question along the lines of the chicken and the egg. But upon discussing this question with local retailers I have concluded the ones who determine the trends would be YOU! As local blogger Shelley Levis of sowanddipity.com writes, “Pinterest is the clear choice for finding ideas and manufacturers pay close attention to what bloggers and crafters are doing so they can replicate it on a big scale.” So those amazing DIYs you see with 1,000,000 likes and repins will likely be next year’s hot new item.

Carrie Thachuk of The Passionate Home couldn’t agree more. She sees people coming in looking for the tools to make things they’ve seen online. Husbands are coming in ready to buy whatever tools and supplies his wife needs to complete a project.

Carrie calls this the “gift of creativity.” Perfect for those people who have everything, what she sees is a rise in the gifting of an experience. Rather than filling family and friends’ homes with “stuff” people are arranging classes with their friends. It becomes a night out with people you love, potentially turning into a lifelong passion.

themselves, what are people buying this year? Themed trees still reign. White trees are always hot. Ornaments featuring coffee, wine and animals are big. Not just any animals, poodles, according to Carrie. And owls of course. They’ve been part of the who’s who of Christmas for a while now.

Everyone has something to say, so anything with text on it is sure to please. Signs have been popular for a while now, but don’t overlook pillows, frames, napkins or anything with a message.

Walking into McBurney Junction another of this year’s big trends is immediately visible: traditional is back. Plaids, tartans and flannels in red and green will give a warm and cozy feel to any home. If you are looking for nostalgia it won’t be hard to find this year. Nikki, co-owner of the store, calls this year her “favourite Christmas in a long time!”

features camping or skiing and other winter sports will be featured in many homes this year. Don’t limit yourself to using brand new items.

Check out thrift stores and antique shops to find vintage items to use as décor in vignettes around your home and accents in your tree.

Finally, as it turns out, antlers aren’t just for rednecks anymore.

Making their way out of the mancave, antlers have become a sophisticated piece of décor. Who’d have thought it? Antler chandeliers, wine bottle holders, napkin holders, or simply to hang on the wall. Don’t stop there, make a tie or coat rack, or jewelry holder, candle holder, stocking hanger by the fireplace, or hang ornaments from them for a chic, festive look.

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In addition to traditional, rustic cabin-style décor is hot this year.

Anything that says cottage or lake,

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Whatever you do this Christmas, whether it’s make your own décor or pick up what’s in store, make sure you take lots of photos and get them online. Who knows, maybe your beautiful tree, lovely mantel or festive family room will be the inspiration for next year’s Pinterest trend fest!

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www.langleytimes.com The Langley g y g yTimes

Christmas Day for the Smith family is always a family day spent together. After Glenn milks our herd of 75 goats, with sons Gregg and Brad helping out with morning chores, our family takes a day off from the farmwork to spend with our extended family, which means sitting down for a wonderful Christmas meal, prepared by all, at lunchtime. With a few gifts, coffee in hand and a dessert (which by request, always includes Marianne’s Mandarin orange goat cheesecake) we all have a warm visit with lots of laughs, before, yes again, it’s time for evening milking.

Merry Christmas M Ch i t to t all, ll from the Smith Family at Milner Valley Cheese

Tuesday,y December 2, 2014 B23 LOCAL CHEF RECIPE

Mandarin Orange Chèvre Cheesecake CRUST:

1 ¾ cup graham crackers ½ cup melted butter 1 tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon Mix together until smooth. Pat into bottom of a 8” springform pan.

Bake at 350 oven for 5 minutes.

FILLING:

500 ml Milner Valley Cheese chevre 2 eggs ½ sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Mix together and pour into crumb crust. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cool

LAYER:

450 ml sour cream 4 tbsp. sugar Mix sour cream and sugar well. Pour over top of cooled cheesecake.

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Cool

TOPPING:

3-4 mandarin oranges (or canned) 1 cup orange juice ½ cup sugar 2 tbsp. cornstarch Immerse oranges in boiling water for a few minutes to get rid of membrane. Placed cool mandarin orange slices on top of cooled filling. Blend orange juice and sugar with the cornstarch stirring constantly on medium heat til thickened. Pour over orange segments. Chill. Serve.

B24 Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The Langley Times www.langleytimes.com

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any parents have spent time during the holiday season on endless quests for the perfect gift for their children. Many gifts have earned “must-have” status over the years, and although many of these gifts are forgotten by the time the next holiday season comes around, certain products have remained timeless. Some of these more memorable products have even been resurrected into newer, modern-day versions of their previous selves. Here’s a look at some of the toys that have made their mark over the last several decades.

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• Rubik’s Cube: The Rubik’s Cube reached the height of its popularity during the 1980s, when the colorful game puzzle was mass-marketed to the public. Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Erno Rubik actually invented what he dubbed the “Magic Cube” a decade prior. Since the product’s inception, millions of Rubik’s Cubes have been sold across the globe, making it one of the top-selling puzzles and toys.

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www.langleytimes.com The Langley Times g y g y

Xavier Roberts, Cabbage Patch Kids began as dolls called “Little People.” The dolls were marketed with a fantastical story about a cabbage patch in a magical valley, where dolls were born and awaited their adoption into loving homes. Cabbage Patch Kids have been produced by a number of different toy manufacturers through the years, and shoppers can still find new incarnations at stores today.

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles started as a comic designed to parody established popular comics of the early 1980s.

The concept of genetically mutated turtles who possessed ninja skills quickly caught on and the TMNT franchise expanded to television shows and scores of complementary merchandise.

• Beanie Babies: Ty Inc. introduced a series of plush toys filled with tiny plastic pellets instead of traditional polyester stuffing in 1993. These pellets made the dolls flexible and cuddly, which played a role in their popularity. Throughout the 1990s, children collected as many of the Beanie Babies as they could, though some of the dolls were more coveted than others. Ty ceased production of Beanie Babies in 1999 with a bear called “The End,” but it wasn’t long before new Beanie Babies were manufactured for a new generation of children to collect.

• Tickle Me Elmo: The hottest toy of the 1996 giving season was Tickle Me Elmo, a plush doll based on the beloved Sesame Street monster. When prompted, Elmo would laugh, giggle and gyrate to the delight of kids and adults alike. Tickle Me Elmo caused mass frenzy at stores during the 1996 holi-

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 B25 y, ,

day season, as shoppers swarmed toy stores to get their hands on the top toy of the year.

• Nintendo DS: The Nintendo DS, first offered in 2004, was the first Nintendo console released in North America before it was released in Japan.

With its dual screens (the lower being a touchscreen) and portability factor, the handheld device became one of the most popular gifts for young gamers.

• Zhu Zhu Pets: Interactive, robotic hamsters, Zhu Zhu Pets first appeared on the scene in 2009. Their name was derived from Mandarin Chinese and translates to “little pig.” These small toys could be set to explore their environment or simply emit cooing sounds in the “nurturing mode.”

• Nintendo Wii: In addition to the Sony Playstation and Microsoft’s Xbox 360, the Nintendo Wii became the latest in a history of must-have video game consoles in the early 21st century. Games on the Wii were interactive through the use of motion-sensing hand controllers and other gaming interfaces. The later release of the Wii Fit package made the Nintendo Wii even more popular.

• Monster High Dolls: With their ghoulish good looks, Monster High action figures were one of the most gifts of 2012. The dolls are based on a series of young adult novels modeled after “Twilight,” though the Monster High dolls are targeted to younger children than items associated with the wildly popular “Twilight” series.

It remains to be seen which toy will become this season’s “must-have” item.

B26 Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The Langley Times www.langleytimes.com

Historic Otter —248 Trail Shop Local This Christmas

BY LILIANNE FULLER , LANGLEY TIMES CONTR IBUTOR

II

’ve always been keen on local history and this year I decided to combine my Christmas shopping with a history lesson by visiting historic Otter 248 Street Trail.

Otter Road was named for Colonel William Dhillon Otter. Otter served in the North West Rebellion and commanded the first Canadian contingent in the South African War. Otter Road (248 Street) extends from 72nd Avenue all the way south to 0 Avenue. Otter Road was once known as Warhoop Road because in the 1890’s a couple of feuding neighbours named Beaton and Bourgane livened up the neighbourhood with their loud verbal battles. These days things are more peaceful and instead of feuding some of the neighbouring businesses have partnered to offer shoppers an alternative shopping experience to that in crowded shopping malls.

that is nutritious and delicious!

The store carries a large assortment of cheeses and I counted 17 different kinds. There was numerous types of pasta and they carry a huge selection of Italian grocery products. Bonetti’s also offers a large selection of gluten free MSG free smoked products. Not only did I leave the store with a beautiful ham, I bought some deli ingredients and an assortment of cheeses to make a nice selection of hors d’oeuvres.

Thunderbird Show Park Since I was in the area I wanted to visit this world renowned Equestrian centre.

Thunderbird Show Park was founded by George and Diane Tidball and was originally located at 200 Street and Highway 401. In 1999 the show park moved to

Thunderbird has to offer.

JD Farms Specialty Turkey It was time for lunch so I dropped in at the bistro at JD Farm Specialty Turkey. The bistro has weekly specials and because I was visiting on a Wednesday I had the turkey and broccoli cheddar bake. It was absolutely delicious!

Monday’s are Mac & Cheese Monday, Thursdays feature a turkey parmesan filet and every Friday is Fajita Friday.

I browsed the store which has a large selection of different products. There are numerous kinds of turkey sausages, prepared entrees and appetizers.

Most of their products are gluten free and on the wall is a short list of products that actually contain gluten. This year to the delight of several custom-

its present location at 24550 - 72 Avene.

Thunderbird Show Park is one of North America’s premier equestrian facilities and is just minutes from the Trans Canada Highway. Thunderbird Show Park was named one of the top three show facilities on the continent by the North Americans Riders Group for 2011, 2012 and 2013.Thunderbird Show Park is a busy place year round. Visit www.tbird.ca to keep track of all the world class events

ers they’ve added a gluten free bread to their repertoire.

Throughout the year, JD Farms have frozen turkey and turkey parts but at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter they have whole fresh turkeys available. This year JD Farms have added another premium turkey. At Thanksgiving they introduced the dark feathered Heirloom Bronze turkey. This premium bird is dark and plump with

Bonetti Meats

I started my shopping trip with a visit to Bonetti Meats. This year instead of a traditional turkey dinner I wanted to serve ham. I knew right away that I’d come to the right place. Bonetti Meats is a old fashioned full service butcher shop that has its own smokehouse right on site. Founded in 1973 by Italo and Jackie Bonetti, today it is owned by their son Carlo. “We sell traditional and old fashioned hams,” said Carlo.

“Our hams taste like they did in the old days before all the additives and artificial ingredients were used,” he said.

Shopping at Bonetti Meats is a family tradition and customers from all over the Lower Mainland visit the store.

When I visited the store was busy with customers picking up orders of various cuts of BC pork, double and triple A Alberta beef, lamb, and poultry. Each order that leaves the store is wrapped in paper just like in days gone by.

Nothing is wasted at Bonetti’s. The store carries raw pet food made with chicken and beef without additives so your pet will get the very best in food

meat that is hearty and full bodied. It has a flavour that is reminiscent of a game bird and it’s a little richer than a traditional turkey.

The turkeys grown by JD Farms and their partners are well treated and healthy. The company is one of the first farms in Canada to take part in the Global Animal Program. This partnership includes a five step program that guarantees the animals are treated humanely. The turkeys sold are a specialty certified brand, which means the birds are given no antibiotics, fed no animal by-products and are grown

by J.D. farms and their partners in the Lower Mainland under a stringent certification program.

There are always lots of turkeys available but it’s a good idea to get the center point of your feast early.”We always have more than enough fresh turkeys available but it’s a good idea to come in early to get the best selection. You can keep your turkey fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days before cooking it”. said Jason Froese, the general manager.

Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery Next up was a visit to Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery. Krause Berry Farms is all dressed up for Christmas and you can easily get into the Christmas spirit. There is a wonderful assortment of gift ideas and gift baskets! As an added bonus you can get all your Christmas baking here as well.

They have their special berry fruit cake, short bread, berry stollen and of course the numerous types of berry pies. Krause Berry Farm offers cooking classes with world class chef Wolfgang. What a great gift idea for the aspiring foodie on your Christmas list.

On December 14th from 9:30 til 11:30 they will host a pancake breakfast with Santa with all proceeds going to breast cancer research in honor of Liz Krause. I’m planning to bring the grandkids along and pick up the beau-

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9am-4:30pm Daily

9am-8pm Daily

Douglas • Fraser • Noble • Grand Carols • Festive Atmosphere • Bonfire • Saws provided

Complimentary Candy Canes

24488 52nd Ave (off 248th St) 604-856-4889 Cash or Cheque

www.langleytimes.com The Langley Times tiful Christmas tree that I was able to reserve ahead of time.

This summer Krause Berry Farms partnered with the Langley Lodge and the Langley Hospice Society for a Butterfly Release. The event was to raise funds for the two local charities. It was so successful that plans are underway for Krause Berry Farms to host it again in 2015.

A visit here wouldn’t be complete

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 B27 farm raises two breeds of Alpacas, the Suri and the huacaya. Different grades of fleece is what determines the softness of the finished product and producing a fleece of under 20 microns is Catherine’s goal so she breeds the animals accordingly.

The alpacas are sheared annually in April and sheering must be done when the animal’s fiber is dry. Before sheering, Catherine sends a sample of the

tisan Sale. The public is invited to come meet the alpacas, browse through a wide selection of luxurious alpaca products and sample some delicious alpaca meat. Visiting artisans will be onsite and the event will be from 10 - 5 both days rain or shine.

Blackwood Lane Winery My visit to the historic Otter trail wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to Blackwood Lane Winery.

named the top two wines by John Schreiner’s Ultra Premium Wine scores comparison chart.

The winery specializes in red wines but also makes some whites and rosés. The winery’s finest offering is a 2007 vintage called The Reference.

This is a premium Bordeaux blend of the finest cabernet, sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot grapes. It takes five years to finish

From left, Kensington Prairie Farm, Catherine Simpson with an alpaca, Alpaca Yarn, Krause Berry Farm’s Christmas Display, JD Farms with a variety of turkey pepperoni

without visiting the winery. In 2012 Krause Berry Farm opened a winery that specializes in field berry wines.

Sommelier Ted is very friendly and his knowledge about the products is excellent. I had a mistaken preconception that all berry wines were super sweet so I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong. I bought a nice sparkling wine to ring in the new year and then it was off to the next place on my list. Kensington Prairie Farms.

Kensington Prairie Farm Located on the historic Finning property the 45 acre Kensington Prairie Farm is located at 16th Avenue and 248 street and is owned and operated

by Catherine Simpson.

The farm is home to 48 alpacas and the two llamas who guard them. The

fleece to Australia for quality testing.

Two to three weeks later the results are received and the fleeces are sent to various mills in Alberta for processing into yarn and some finished products. Alpacas have 14 natural colours and their yarn can be dyed to a virtual rainbow. This summer Catherine began doing her own dying and she produced 96 different colours so now the store has over 192 different colours of yarn to chose from.

There is a small boutique store at the farm chock full of beautiful items made from alpaca yarn. There are scarf’s, socks and sweaters in a rainbow of colours. A newer and bigger store is on the horizon for 2015.

Coming up on December 6 and 7th is Kensington Prairies last Christmas Ar-

PRAIRIE COTTAGE PEROGIES First Come First Served after December 14th Cooked orders must be picked up before the 24th @ 1:00pm. (Minimum 10 dz.)

December 24th 9am - 1pm (Order pick up only) December 25th - 28th CLOSED December 31st 9:00 - 3:00 Closed January 1st & 2nd

Deadline for placing CHRISTMAS ORDERS: December 13th

All Natural Homemade Goodness 302B-20771 Langley Bypass Langley, BC

I wanted to pick up a case of The Rebel 2010 so I could gift each of my clients with a bottle of this amazing vintage.

The vineyard and winery is located on 12.2 acres of southern facing slope and it is a beautiful setting. When I arrived I was greeted by five deer grazing on the slope.

Blackwood Lane Vineyards & Winery was the dream of Carlos Lee and his wine connoisseur partners. As wine lovers they realized that people in the Greater Vancouver Region had to travel to the Okanagan to acquire the best wines in the province so they decided to set up their boutique winery. Their first vintage was in 2004 and the wine produced here is already causing a stir in the wine world. In fact, two of the wines from Blackwood Lane were

and is delicious.

The intimate tasting room is a lovely place to taste the wines. Also available to purchase are wine jellies, fine jewelry, and gorgeous gift baskets. General Manager, Kimberley Collins has been trying her hand at making her own chocolate and truffles. Be sure to try one of Kimberley’s Confections. The winery is open for tastings from 11 5. Wednesdays through Sundays year round. Cellar tours are by appointment.

The sun was setting as my day ended. I had a great time and my car was packed with gifts for my family, friends and clients.

To see store hours and locations please visit http://shophistoricotter248thtrail.com

ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT for

Langley Christmas Bureau Saturday, Dec 13 • 7:00 pm Willoughby Christian Reformed Church 20525 - 72nd Avenue, Langley

North side of the Bypass inside with Dickinson Meats

prairiecottageperogies.com WE will be open for Ukrainian Christmas Jan 6th - 7th Phone 604-533-9354 or Order on Line

TICKETS GENERAL $20 SENIORS & STUDENT $15

Featuring: • First Capital Chorus & Quartets • Langley Children’s Chorus • Peace Arch Sweet Adelines • Opus One Women's Choir • Langley Concert Band • 2014 Christmas Community Chorus

our Y l l A ay Holid Gift Finds

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR OR:

A community service project of the First Capital Chorus

Willowbrook Shopping Centre #313 19705 Fraser Highway, Langley 604-533-9200

• Auld Phillips: 20500 Fraser Hwy • Beach Basket Giftware: #107 - 8850 Walnut Grove Drive • Westland Insurance: 4074 - 200 Street, Brookswood SPONSORED BY • Langley Times: 20258 Fraser Highway, Langley

ALL NET PROCEEDS GO TO SUPPORT LANGLEY CHRISTMAS BUREAU FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE GORDON HARRIS 604-530-4795

B28 Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The Langley Times www.langleytimes.com

Eco Friendly Christmas Tips from the Langley Environmental Partners Society

C C

hristmas is an exciting time filled with family, friends and of course giving gifts that show you care. But what happens to all of the stuff that comes with the lovely gifts such as wrapping, ribbons, bows and packaging? They may end up in a landfill or possibly make their way to the Pacific Ocean by floating down culverts and storm drains to your neighborhood creek. Eventually garbage is carried to the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” in the Pacific Ocean made up of tiny bits of plastic and other manmade debris. “I believe, scientists have taken samples where they have collected about 2 million bits of plastic per square mile in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch” says Kim Greenwood, Special Projects Coordinator at LEPS. “Our stuff, including plastic from our Christmas gifts, can end up in the ocean, where it photo-degrades into smaller pieces and ends up becoming part of the food chain”.

Why not try and change the story of your stuff this Christmas? The staff of Langley Environmental Partners Society are challenging Langley residents to have an Eco-friendly Christmas this year. Send in a photo of your environmentally friendly holiday gifts to outreach@leps.bc. ca or post a photo of the gift to the LEPS Facebook page for a chance to win a heritage apple tree.

way to learn about our local bird species or a small pot with some potting soil and a packet of salad green seeds from your local seed producer. Your kids will love getting their hands dirty and you can enjoy fresh mini greens during your New Year celebrations. Salad greens can be grown indoors without any fancy lights, just a sunny window.

Environmentally friendly gifts can include donations on behalf of a friend or family member to a local charity. Give the gift of a fun night out learning art or a craft, cooking or soap making, a gift certificate to your local Farmers Market, or a bottle of wine from one of our award winning local wineries; all great ways to be friendly to the environment. Try to choose the gifts that have the least amount of packaging and shop as local as possible.

If you are looking for a truly unique gift for someone with allergies or with young children try the following recipe to make them some hypoallergenic laundry and environmentally friendly laundry detergent:

What about kids you may ask? A bird feeder and bird seed is a fun

In a large bowl, mix 1 Litre of boiling water with 2 cups grated, pure soap, 2 cups borax, 2 cups of washing soda. Stir until everything is dissolved then add 7 litres of warm water. Use ¼ cup of laundry detergent per load of laundry.

“We are offering small potted Spruce trees once again this Christmas for a donation of $5, living trees are a great alternative to live cut and can be planted outside following the season, or kept in the pot for several years for future Christmas use. To pick up your live tree visit the LEPS office from December 1st Monday-Thursday 8:30am to 4:00pm at 2014839 221 Street Langley.

Supplies are limited.”

The Langley Ukulele Association presents...

Themes of CHRISTMAS Saturday, December 20th Matinee at 4 pm, Evening at 7 pm Doors open at 3:30pm

Doors open at 6:30pm

The Langley Evangelical Free Church 20719 48th Avenue, Langley

Featuring The Langley Sr. A&B Ukulele Ensembles

Reserve your tickets today!

www.langleyukes.com

or call 604 340-8537 (UKES), or email: tickets@langleyukes.com to reserve your tickets.

Sponsored by: