2014 Wish Book

Wish Book Birmingham 2014

Where to find almost anything for absolutely everyone!

Christopher Designs

Photography: Bartosz Potocki

Crisscut

AVAILABLE AT...

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CHECK A FEW CHECKS OFF YOUR LIST

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$255 (3) single visit treatments special $85 once a month membership $130 twice a month membership Our Smart Skin Elite Ultrasound features red or blue LED lights during ultrasound for powerful anti-aging or acne fighting benefits. One Elite treatment is equivalent to ten signature ultrasound facial treatments with no discomfort or downtime. You will leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and of course with radiant skin.

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$225 (3) single visit treatments special $85 once a month membership $130 twice a month membership This treatment is the newest advancement in non-laser skin resurfacing. The Hydrafacial is the only procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, hydration and antioxidant protection resulting in clear more beautiful skin with no discomfort or down time.

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No matter how long your list is, you’ll find great savings on the favorite brands of everyone on your list. So grab your friends and get out there for an unforgettable shopping experience at Alabama’s favorite outlet shopping destination.

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Wish Book Birmingham 2014

Where to find almost anything for absolutely everyone!

Joe O’Donnell Editor/Publisher joe@b-metro.com

Joni Ayers Marketing Specialist joni@b-metro.com

Cathy Fingerman Assoc. Publisher cathy@b-metro.com

Gail Kidd Marketing Specialist gail@b-metro.com

Robin Colter Creative Director robin@b-metro.com Lindsey Lowe Associate Editor lindsey@b-metro.com

Laura Fash Marketing Specialist laura@b-metro.com Lauren Lockhart Marketing Director lauren@b-metro.com

B-Metro is published monthly by Fergus Media LLC 1314 Cobb Lane, Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 202-4182 Printed by American Printing Co., Birmingham, AL

contents 16. HOLIDAY EVENTS Your guide to all of the 2014 holiday festivities in the Birmingham metro area.

30. MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT BETH BRYAN The leading lady behind UnskinnyBoppy.com explains how a Christmas tree photo tutorial turned into a beloved family tradition.

ASHLEY HILL Traditions ground us, and what’s more traditional than the dishes we serve at the holidays? Hill, of TheHillHangout.com, shares the recipe for a family favorite.

ERIN DUNAVANT Deck the halls! SWAG Home Staging & Design’s Dunavant gives us great ways to bring the merriment into our homes this year.

44. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry Kathy G shares some of her favorite holiday recipes.

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B-METRO WISHbook 2014

© 2014 THE ART OF SHAVING

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C hristmas 2014 Events Illuminations Tree Display

Children’s of Birmingham Nov. 5–Dec. 5 The Illuminations tree program includes a display of spectacular holiday trees throughout the lobbies of Children’s of Alabama. These trees are designed by individuals, companies, and organizations from throughout the Birmingham area as part of our Illuminations fundraiser, held each year in conjunction with the Children’s of Alabama Illuminations Ball. The trees brighten the lives of patients, families, and visitors for three 16

B-METRO WISHbook 2014

weeks prior to being delivered to each sponsor’s business, residence, or favorite charity.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Alabama Theatre Nov. 20, 7 p.m.

Moscow Ballet’s spectacular Great Russian Nutcracker is the must-see event this holiday season!

Celebrate the beloved Christmas tradition with the whole family as 40 world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. Experience

Tchaikovsky’s master score this Christmas with the magic of larger than-life-puppets, growing Christmas trees, and life-sized Matrushka dolls!

Kitschmas

Naked Art Gallery Nov. 21–Dec. 24 Gift-sized artwork and ornaments made with recycled materials by more than 60 artists. Kitschmas opening receptions take place on Nov. 21 from 5–9 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Market Noel

Presented by Junior League of Birmingham at Cahaba Grand Conference Center Nov. 19–22 The festivities begin Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. with a Preview Noel with hor d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and bourbon tastings, and your chance to win a Diamonds Direct piece of jewelry with the purchase of a glass of champagne. General admission shopping takes place November 20–22 from 9 a..m.–8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday. Highlights of the week include Market Bliss, a girls’ night with beauty and

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bubbles, a cooking demonstration with Whitney Wright of Southern Living, and Snaps with Santa Saturday morning.

Keep Christmas Alive

Samford University Nov. 22, 2 p.m.

After seven consecutive years of Christmas concerts in Huntsville, the eighth annual Keep Christmas Alive concert comes to Birmingham in 2014.

The family-oriented concert emphasizes a love of traditional Christmas music, Southern gospel, and a message of proclaiming the joy of “Merry Christmas” to all. The show features the Booth Brothers,

Voices of Lee, Bob Smith, and more, and benefits St. Jude’s and Children’s of Alabama.

Winter Wonderland Exhibit

McWane Science Center Nov. 22–Jan. 11 Bring your family to the most magical place around this holiday season. Laughter is in the air as children coast down the Ice Slide and take a whirl across the room on the extended zip line.

Climb aboard the McWane Train and go for a ride or try your luck at ice fishing. The alwayspopular Zip Line will be even longer this year as visitors fly through the air on 70 feet of suspended

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wire.

An Elf Tale

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Saturdays, Nov. 29–Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Take a special train ride with Santa! Each child will receive a special treat and have the opportunity to tell Santa what he or she would like for Christmas, as well as to take a photo with him.

Rides last around one hour.

Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Wee Folks Production Dec. 4–14 It’s the day when job assignments are handed out at the North Pole. Gobo the elf has worked hard all year and is in the running for Head Elf. Will he help Santa keep Christmas on track, or will his efforts be thwarted by a naughty elf? Recommended for children ages 2–6.

Handel’s MESSIAH

Babes in Toyland

Santa Special

Presented by Alabama Civic Chorale Riverchase United Methodist Church Nov. 23, 3 p.m.

The Alabama Civic Chorale will present their 67th annual performance of Handel’s MESSIAH with professional soloists and members of the Alabama Symphony on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. The chorus is comprised of approximately 100 people from churches in our area and throughout the state. The performance is free.

37th Annual Christmas Concert

Presented by the Birmingham Boys Choir Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.

The Birmingham Boys Choir will be presenting its 37th Annual Christmas Concert, featuring the voices of some of the most talented boys in Birmingham. This is your chance to hear our choir celebrating the holiday season and filling the air with beautiful music! Please join us for an unforgettable evening.

Sara Evans at Christmas

Presented by AL.com Alabama Theatre Dec. 2, 7 p.m.

A special holiday concert featuring multiplatinumselling recording artist Sara Evans at the historic Alabama Theatre in downtown Birmingham.

Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Mainstage Production Dec. 6 and Dec. 13–14 Widow Piper’s husband has passed away and left her alone with 14 children working in a toy factory for mean Barnaby. Three of her children have already disappeared and now it seems like Barnaby is plotting to get rid of three more. Can the children in Toyland escape his evil plot, find the other missing children, and be home in time to spend Christmas together as a family? Join us for this musical about adventure, hope, and the power of family. Recommended for children ages 6–12.

Holiday Spectacular

Red Mountain Theatre Company Dec. 4–21 Celebrate the holidays with a spectacular display of all your favorite music of the season! RMTC Youth Programs perform alongside professional actors to warm your heart and set the stage for a magical holiday season.

ZooLight Safari

Birmingham Zoo Every Weekend in December, 5–9 p.m.

Be amazed by more than one million lights, holiday music, and plenty of festive activities as the Zoo comes alive for 18 nights of holiday-centric fun!

Tannehill Christmas Candlelight Tour

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Dec. 5–6

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The Christmas Candlelight Tour offers a holiday presentation of historical events based during the Civil War Era.

In A Manger Lowly: A Christmas Open House

Vestavia Hills Baptist Church Dec. 5–6 Through an inspiring exhibit of nativity displays from around the world, you’ll be reminded of the miracle of the first Christmas so many years ago.

At the same time, you’ll hear stirring Christmas music performed live by gifted musicians, filling you with the spirit of the Christmas season. Stop by 10 a.m. to noon on Friday or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday.

The 78th Annual Service of Lessons and Carols

Birmingham-Southern College Dec. 5 and 7 The BSC Concert Choir, Southern Chorale, and Alumni Choir will ring in the season in the college’s beloved annual service featuring the music of the holiday season. Childcare is available for the Dec. 7 service by reservation.

Christmas at Arlington

Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens Dec. 6–7 Celebrate with Arlington’s staff as they commemorate the mansion’s 56th anniversary as Birmingham’s historic house museum. See local floral designers transform the interior into replications of Christmas past. Visit Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1–4 p.m.

Christmas by Candlelight: Come and See

Shades Mountain Baptist Church Dec. 7, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Singers, dancers, artists, and storytellers recall this ageless story of hope, inviting all to Come and See the message of Christmas and experience the Gift firsthand: “Come and see the glory of the Lord, come behold the Lamb / Come and know the mercy of the King, bowing down before Him /

Come and give thanks unto the Lord, come behold the Lamb / Come and sing the praises of the King, bowing down before Him / For He is Lord above the heavens, Lord in all the earth Lord of all the angels, worthy to be served.”

Holidays and Hot Cocoa

Birmingham Public Library (Smithfield Branch Library) Dec. 8, 4 p.m.

Join us as we start the holiday season in style!

We’ll write letters to Santa and drink hot cocoa while listening to our favorite holiday tunes. For our gaming enthusiasts, we’ll even bring out our Wii Ski, so you can practice before you hit the slopes!

No Room at the Inn

Presented by the Birmingham Public Library (West End Branch) Dec. 9, 6 p.m.

Join us for an evening of Christmas music with songs from the Birmingham Heritage Jazz Band; recording artist Denita Gibbs; Lawson State Community College Choir; and Cleo Kennedy.

A Colonial Christmas

American Village Dec. 9–17 Your luncheon hostess will be First Lady Dolley Madison. She will greet you in Liberty Hall, inspired by White House architect James Hoban’s Public Audience Chamber (now known as The East Room of The White House). Your tour will include the new National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor; presidential stories in our replica Oval Office; a Christmas concert in the Colonial Chapel; and a Virginia Christmas fete, hosted by the young Martha Washington.

Walk Through Nativity

Briarwood Presbyterian Church Dec. 10–12, 6:45 p.m.

Each year Briarwood presents a gift to our community with the Walk Through Nativity. More than 800 Briarwood members will come together to depict the birth and life of our Lord in 13 live scenes with narrated drama and more than 20 live animals (including a camel!) At the conclusion of 22

B-METRO WISHbook 2014

the Walk, you’re invited to coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies while the children visit our petting zoo. Won’t you join us this year?

Alabama School of Fine Arts’ Holiday Music Concert

Dec. 11–12, 7:30 p.m.

Get in the spirit at this family-friendly concert in the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. It features ASFA’s Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Concerto delle Donne.

Virginia Samford Theatre presents Holiday Hyjinx

Dec. 11–21 The FEMININE HYJINX girls—Lee Ann Brown, Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, Jan D. Hunter and Kristin Staskowski—are back and ready to celebrate the holidays with a fun-filled show of comedy sketches and songs that will help ease the stress of the crazy busy season. Plan your special girls night out party today!

Alabama Theatre’s Holiday Films

White Christmas, Dec. 12, 21 The Polar Express, Dec. 13 It’s A Wonderful Life, Dec. 13, 20 Miracle on 34th Street, Dec. 14 Christmas Vacation, Dec. 15, 19, 22 Home Alone, Dec. 16 Scrooged, Dec. 17 Elf, Dec. 18 A Christmas Story, Dec. 19

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

Presented by the Alabama Ballet The Wright Center, Samford University Dec. 12–14 and 19–21 The Alabama Ballet remains one of only seven companies in the world granted the right to perform this holiday classic by the Balanchine Trust.

Performed to Balanchine’s exacting specifications, dazzling choreography, opulent costumes, and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. Let our professional company of 39 dancers show you how spectacular The Nutcracker can be.

The Old Time TV Show Christmas Showcase

Virginia Samford Theatre Dec. 12–21 Come back to the golden age of TV variety shows—Think Ed Sullivan. Singing, dancing, comedy, and appearances by your favorite celebrities, all in the style of the grand old TV shows of the ’50s and ’60s. Guaranteed fun for the whole family!

The Mutt-cracker

Presented by Birmingham Ballet BJCC Concert Hall Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.

If you love dogs, you don’t want to miss The Mutt-cracker! Birmingham Ballet’s canine-filled version of this holiday favorite premiered in 2011 with tail-wagging reviews. The production includes beautiful dancing found in Birmingham Ballet’s traditional The Nutcracker along with something special brought to the stage by the dogs. The performance benefits the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

The Nutcracker

Presented by Birmingham Ballet BJCC Concert Hall Dec. 13–14 It’s classic entertainment your whole family will enjoy! Birmingham Ballet’s innovative version of The Nutcracker brings the holiday season to life with storytelling, exciting dancing, aerial ballet, whimsical characters, and magical surprises. With delights for all ages, this production sparks the imagination and creates beloved memories that last a lifetime.

Alabama Wildlife Center’s Holiday Craft and Bake Sale

Veterans Park Dec. 13, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Share the spirit of the holidays with your loved ones and friends by purchasing homemade goodies and handmade crafts at the annual craft and bake sale. Items for sale include homemade baked goods; nature-themed ornaments, holiday decorations, and unique gift items; smoked hams

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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas BJCC Concert Hall, Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m.

and turkeys; frozen casseroles; jewelry; quilts; and much more! Also enjoy photos with Santa and free refreshments. All proceeds benefit the Alabama Wildlife Center.

The Decked Out Dash and One Mile Fun Run

Presented by The Arc of Jefferson County Oak Mountain State Park Dec. 13, 7 a.m.

This year, we are going all out with the holiday festivities. Don your Santa suits, elf shoes, jingle bells, blink lights, and tacky holiday sweaters! Best costume wins a wonderful prize, and the first 150 runners and walkers are guaranteed a race T-shirt and a bag full of goodies. All proceeds will benefit children and adults with intellectual disabilities served by The Arc of Jefferson County.

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A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Cathedral Church of the Advent Dec. 14, 3 p.m.

The Cathedral Choir sings the traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols celebrating the birth of Jesus, modeled after the famous service held annually at King’s College, Cambridge.

Believe!

Presented by the Magic City Chorale Society Bluff Park United Methodist Church Dec. 18–21 There is always something magical about the holiday season. We want to share our holiday magic with you with our holiday presentation of Believe!

As the song reminds us: “Believe in what your heart is saying, hear the melody that’s playing. There’s no time to waste, there’s so much to celebrate. Believe in

what you feel inside and give your dreams the wings to fly! You have everything you need if you just believe!”

Voices of Christmas

Presented by CEPA The Pell City Center Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

Voices of the South is the performing chorus of the Central Alabama Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. They claim a deep heritage of talented men and chapter accomplishments as they draw men from across central Alabama to the joy of good singing and the preservation of an American art form. They won second place in the Dixie District Chorus Contest for 2013. This will be a most enjoyable performance and a wonderful way to fire up your Christmas spirit!

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A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol

Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, Dec. 19–20

A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol

Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center Dec. 19–20 Back by popular demand, A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol is sure to bring the Christmas spirit to everyone! Join the Cratchets, Tiny Tim, all the Spirits, and, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge in his journey toward redemption and enlightenment. This delightful play is adapted and directed by beloved ASC staff member and ArtPlay teaching artist Jerry Sims, whose popular original productions include Yuletide in Dogtown, Alice’s EVEN BIGGER Tea Party, and Down the Yellow Brick Road.

Come early to enjoy holiday treats and more!

Sam Pointer’s Acoustic Christmas

Presented by Shelby County Arts Council Shelby County Arts Council Gallery Dec. 20, 8 p.m.

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B-METRO WISHbook 2014

A Christmas concert with a twist! Hear light-hearted acoustic versions of the best holiday songs, played in an intimate setting by a top-notch band.

From a hot jazz jam session on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” to a soaring flute rendition of “O Holy Night,” from a sly vocal take on “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” to twin mandolins on “Deck the Halls,” this just may be your favorite holiday music of the year!

Uh Oh—Here Comes Christmas

Presented by Shelby County Arts Council Shelby County Arts Council Gallery Dec. 21, 2 p.m.

A Southern director and cast share their holiday joys and challenges with us. Fifteen holiday stories from Robert Fulghum, the international bestselling author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, have been crafted into an engaging evening of storytelling and song. This charming show takes a funny, heartwarming, and often poignant look at the struggle to find the spirit of the holidays amid the avalanche of commercial-

ism, stress, and chaos that crashes down every December.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

BJCC Concert Hall Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m.

This is a very special year for Mannheim Steamroller. We’re celebrating 30 years since the release of Chip’s first Christmas record and 30 years of having the privilege of sharing the Christmas season with you! It’s also the 40th anniversary of Chip’s very first Fresh Aire record. So make sure you join us during this Extraordin-AIRE-y Mannheim Steamroller 30/40 year!

New Year’s Eve: A Viennese Celebration

Alabama Theatre Dec. 31, 2014, 6 p.m.

Ring in 2015 with waltzes, operatic selections, and a glass of bubbly with conductor Chris Confessore and vocalist Lisa Vroman.

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Oh, C hristmas Design blogger Beth Bryan shares the memory of one of her family’s first C hristmas trees.

h

S

ome people have Christmas traditions that predate their existence. Ask most folks about their favorite holiday memory, and they can easily recount traditions passed down and instilled so deeply that they cannot imagine a time without them.

As for me, I have none of those types of Christmas memories. For religious reasons, my family never celebrated a Christmas that I can remember.

I grew up in a household that celebrated the Jewish Holy Days, so my Christmas memories only extend back to a little over a decade ago. Sure, as a teenager I attended holiday parties with my friends’ families and witnessed their traditions, but I didn’t celebrate my first official Christmas until 2003, when I became engaged to my husband. I even have a “My First Christmas” Hallmark ornament to commemorate the occasion. Even then, Christmas traditions didn’t begin to evolve for me

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Tree. until we moved into our current home, which at times feels like a close relative to Kevin McAllister’s house in the movie Home Alone. Our stately red brick neo-colonial just screams, “Decorate me! Christmas traditions begin here!”

Our son was 2 years old when we moved into our current home and nearly 3 by the time our first Christmas in this house rolled around in the winter of 2010. But that year was the best Christmas I had ever experienced. For the first time, I could finally feel the magical spirit of the season that I had been hearing about for so many years. Seeing it through my little boy’s eyes, I finally understood what all this fuss was about. The magic of the holiday culminated in a single photograph that I took one night in 2010.

I was learning how to use my new camera, and one of my friends shared the settings for taking photos of Christmas lights at night. I wanted to share this tutorial on my blog, so I gave my son a few ornaments and asked him to hang them on the tree. In that moment, I totally captured the epitome of Christmas magic in a single image frame.

What began as a tutorial on how to take glowing photos of your Christmas tree has turned into one of my most cherished Christmas traditions. Since that night, I have taken a similar picture of my son in

I love that the tradition began organically, without much planning or thought, but continues every year as our son gets older (and taller!). This collection of images gives me photographic evidence of his growth throughout the years.

www.b-metro.com

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This is a real Christmas list for many of Birmingham’s homeless and hungry:

Food Clean clothes Safe place to stay Hope Love

front of our tree every year, and I plan to try to capture this image until he’s at least 18. Maybe even 80. I love that the tradition began organically, without much planning or thought, but continues every year as our son gets older (and taller!) This collection of images gives me photographic evidence of his growth throughout the years. So far, I have three years’ worth of these photos, and I’ll be adding a fourth very soon. Watching him transform from a toddler in the first photo to a curious preschooler to a sturdy little boy beside the Christmas tree is like a priceless holiday growth chart. How many years will he play along willingly and allow me to snap these precious pictures of him? Hopefully forever. And hey, I’m not above bribery to get through the teenage years. Hopefully one day that little boy in front of the tree will grow up to become a father, and the tradition can start all over again.

After that near perfect 2010 Christmas season, my husband and I made a pact to always stay home for Christmas. We want to spend Christmas morning alone as a family opening gifts and enjoying our time together. We want our son to have holiday memories filled with warmth and joy and twinkling lights. Memories of sugar cookies and homemade hot chocolate and Polar Express parties with his friends.

Memories of the happiness and comfort and the peace that is the Christmas spirit, surrounded by laughter and love.

But most of all, memories of home.

Find Beth’s Christmas tree photo tutorial at unskinnyboppy. com/2010/12/taking-pics-of-tree.

For just $20, YOU can give this list to someone in need.

Don’t wait - Give someone in need their Wish List today!

jimmiehalemission.com (205) 323-5878 • PO Box 10472, Birmingham, AL 35202 To learn more about decorating, interior designing, and DIYing on the cheap, follow Beth Bryan’s blog, unkinnyboppy.com.

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B-METRO WISHbook 2014

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A Taste of C hristmas

Blogger Ashley Hill shares a favorite family recipe.

F

amily traditions are important.

They provide connection and texture to our lives. For children, they provide a sense of stability and expectancy. The same can be said for adults, too. In her article for ezinearticles.com called “The Importance of Tradition,” British counselor, writer, and broadcaster Susan Leigh says, “Tradition provides an important connection with the past. Roots, heritage, [and] core values are often all part of that connection and bring value and meaning into our lives. Understanding the traditions behind a family’s heritage and belief systems can provide insight into presentday life. And participating in those rituals and observances gives guidance, a comforting framework of reference, and a sense of continuity; a bigger pic34

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ture to life.”

My husband and I both come from wonderful families where holiday traditions are upheld year after year, and we look forward to participating in our families’ festivities during the holiday season.

When we had children, we were very purposeful about building our own traditions to celebrate our favorite time of year. We want our children to have the same feelings of nostalgia about holidays and the time we spend together as we do.

A huge part of our family traditions is the food we eat. We have a particular dessert called Oreo Delight that we make and eat while decorating the Christmas tree. We always try out a new flavor of fudge (last year was eggnog, and I highly recommend it.) And one of our favorite dishes with

Christmas dinner is one I inherited from my husband’s grandmother. Her Cranberry Apple Crumble can be eaten as a side dish or as a dessert, and it is especially delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s just not Christmas unless it makes an appearance on our table.

My husband’s grandmother was one of his favorite people in the world. “B” (as he called her) passed away when we’d been married only six months, and I have often wished I’d had more time with her. She was a grand southern cook, and making food for her family was her love language. Each year, as I make her Cranberry Apple Crumble, I am flooded with warm memories of time spent in her love-filled home. This recipe, written in her handwriting, is one of my most treasured possessions.

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Here’s what you’ll need for B’s Cranberry Apple Crumble:

2 cups cranberries, washed, stems removed (I buy them by the bag in the produce section and use the whole bag.)

3 cups sliced apples (I use a sweet apple like red delicious to offset the tartness of the cranberries, but you can use any kind you like.)

1 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice ¼ teaspoon salt For the topping: 1 cup packed light brown sugar ½ cup all-purpose flour 1/ 3 cup butter, softened 1 cup quick-cooking oats Procedure: Mix the apples and cranberries together in large bowl. Sprinkle lemon juice over the fruit and stir. Add sugar and salt and stir to coat the 36

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fruit well. Place the coated fruit into a 9”x13” casserole dish sprayed with baking spray. In a separate bowl, mix together the ingredients for the topping (it should be crumbly.) Sprinkle it over the top of the fruit mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. When done, it will be golden brown, and the juice will be bubbly. This recipe makes 8–10 servings and takes about 15 minutes to assemble.

I will be making Cranberry Apple Crumble for our annual Christmas dinner this year.

I hope your family loves it as much as we do and that it brings you many happy memories, too!

Ashley Hill is the blogger behind TheHillHangout.com. She strives to create a home that is full of happy memories for her family and provides a place of welcome for her friends.

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Boughs of Holly

SWAG Home Staging and Design’s Erin Dunavant gives us tips on holiday decor.

The weather is cooling off and we are getting into the holiday spirit. Did someone say decorate? You know that’s one of the first things that comes to mind! Where do we begin this year? How did we do last year? Were there things we would change? Did you start a new tradition last year or is it time to start a new one?

Our home is never as cozy and warm as when sparkling clean, decorated, and filled with our most loved family and best friends during the holidays. How much fun is it to make all things festive? This is the time of year that most family traditions come into play, as the decorating begins and lasts all the way through the cooking. Our family enjoys festive music, candles, singing, and yes, even dancing along the way. This is the time for reminiscing and

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sharing memories while pulling out your favorite decorations and your special china, as well as preparing everyone’s favorite recipes.

It is agreed that the all-time favorite is my grandmother’s Italian cookies. Of course, there are always comments on what she must have meant by a “pinch” of this, or a “smidgen” of that, and why they never turn out just like hers did. (They are still always delicious, though we do want them to taste just like hers.)

Most of us probably own more than enough decorations, so there is no need to purchase more. Holiday 2014 is going to be colorful and layered with personal significance on every setting.

Every table should tell a story; here are my suggestions to begin your holiday setting:

• Greenery on a table adds instant warmth and beauty.

• Using vases and beautiful bowls from around the house with sparkling ornaments for the Christmas season keeps decorating elegant and inexpensive.

• Painting small branches from the yard gold and silver with a touch of glitter will bring them to life, adding a festive touch.

• Lanterns’ shape and height are great starting pieces for any table setting • Combine favorite ornaments with the outdoors using pinecones dipped in gold or silver, along with branches and berries, to create a beautiful centerpiece for table decor or a mantle.

• Flat dishes work well on tables, allowing eye contact and conversation (check out the Reindeer Dinnerware from Pottery Barn.)

• Gather accessories of like colors from around the house to display together, adding simple elegance.

• To achieve a more modern look, mix turquoise with red to incorporate this year’s most popular color.

• Surround dining chairs with greenery and bright ribbon.

Happy Holidays from SWAG Home Staging & Design!

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In 2005, Erin Dunavant began her design career in commercial real estate for J.Crew in Manhattan. Her passion for design escalated as her residential career began in Birmingham. Established in 2009, SWAG Home Staging & Design has helped realtors and homeowners with the sales of properties ranging from town homes and condominiums, to mid-market and million dollar homes. Find out more at www.swaghomestaging.com.

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Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Kathy G shares some of her favorite holiday treats.

Duck Confit with Mango Salsa on Icebox Crackers 4 duck leg portions with thighs attached, excess fat trimmed and reserved (about 2 pounds) 1 tablespoon plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 10 garlic cloves 4 bay leaves 4 sprigs fresh thyme 1 ½ teaspoons black peppercorns ½ teaspoon table salt 4 cups olive oil

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Directions: Lay the leg portions on a platter, skin side down.

Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and black pepper. Place the garlic cloves, bay leaves, and sprigs of thyme on each of two leg portions. Lay the remaining two leg portions, flesh to flesh, on top. Put the reserved fat from the ducks in the bottom of a glass or plastic container. Top with the sandwiched leg portions. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Remove the duck from the refrigerator. Remove the garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and duck fat and reserve.

Rinse the duck with cool water, rubbing off some of the salt and pepper. Pat dry with paper towels.

Put the reserved garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and duck fat in the bottom of an enameled cast-iron pot. Sprinkle evenly with the peppercorns and salt. Lay the duck on top, skin side down. Add the olive oil. Cover and bake for 12 to 14 hours, or until the meat pulls away from the bone.

Remove the duck from the fat. Strain the fat and reserve. Pick the meat from the bones and place it in a bowl. Mix the meat with mango salsa and scoop onto Icebox Crackers with a spoon.

Holiday Dinner in a Glass

Try a decorative and nontraditional way to serve your guests this holiday season! Layering Thanksgiving dinner in a martini glass makes for a beautiful presentation.

Assembly: (From Top to Bottom) 1. Mashed Potatoes 2. Dressing/Stuffing 3. Sliced Turkey 4. Gravy 5. Cranberry Compote

Holiday Milk Punch

Ingredients: 1 ½ ounces good bourbon or brandy 2 ounces half and half 1 teaspoon superfine sugar drop of vanilla extract ice cubes freshly grated numeg Directions: Combine the bourbon, half and half, sugar, and vanilla in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly until the mixture is cold and frothy.

Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with a grating of nutmeg.

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