NewsTribune_2019 Holiday Life_102619

Holiday Life ILLINOIS VALLEY

2019

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR CHEER! INSIDE

• Stocking stuffers for all ages • Yes, you can eat eggnog • Test your holiday movie knowledge • Have fun and go caroling

publication

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contents

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNETTE BARR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

On the cover Warm wishes for the holidays!

Our annual magazine will help you to celebrate with family and friends. There are gift guides for everyone on your shopping list as well as advice on decorating and celebrating.

Baking with eggnog?

Slices of eggnog quick bread and a glass of eggnog garnished with nutmeg. Most holiday revelers know that a sip of eggnog makes Christmas more enjoyable. But did you know that eggnog is also a milk substitute that will add subtle flavors to baked goods such as quick breads? Page 9

Holiday Life

426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com

Take Our Christmas Quiz! 4

Publisher Dan Goetz

Fa-la-la-la-la 16

Can you name 25 famous lines from Christmas movies and TV specials?

See how you rate.

Christmas caroling is a perfect way to spread joy — and you don’t need to have a good voice to do it.

Editor Linda Kleczewski Advertising Director Jeanette Smith

How to Make Holiday Wreaths the Easy Way 22

Writers Ali Braboy Tom Collins Brett Herrmann

Keep Safety in Mind When Decorating for the Holidays 23

jmsmith@shawmedia.com

It’s as easy as designing around a circular floral foam form.

Watch those outlets and candles!

Christmas Tree Tips and Tricks 24

Photographers Scott Anderson Annette Barr Ali Braboy

Timing is key when purchasing a live tree.

Decorate with a Nose Toward Inviting Holiday Aromas 25 A little ingenuity goes a long way.

Designer Liz Klein

Stocking Surprises 27

From cute hair ties to bathroom bubbles, these cute little gifts won’t break your budget.

Published by: est. 1851

2 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 3

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What’s your favorite holiday movie? Kiely Domyancich, 11, her sister Victoria 6, Andrea Medina, 19, and Claire Domyancich, 10, all of La Salle, watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in their home. If you’ve watched (and re-watched) Christmas classics and think you’ll recognize famous lines, then take the Christmas special quiz and show the world you’re no Grinch when it comes to Christmas cheer.

Do you know your Christmas classics?

See if you can name 25 famous lines from Christmas movies and TV specials

By Tom Collins

Take our quiz!

H

ow many days are there until Christmas? Did you mail your wish-list to Santa? And fearing a lump of coal in your stocking, you were nice this year, right?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then you’re probably a fan of Christmas movies and TV specials, too.

In honor of Dec. 25, we’ve put together 25 quotes taken from famous holiday movies and animated specials you’ve watched at least once and perhaps view annually when the tinsel goes up.

Sample question: “Bah humbug.” Everybody knows that’s from Charles Dickens’ much-adapted story, “A Christmas Carol.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

4 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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Here are the quotes, you tell us the movie or TV special.

1. “Now, listen. We have dolls that cry, talk, walk, blink and run a temperature. We don’t need any chewing dolls.�

2. “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.�

3. “I’m going to give you to the count of 10 to get your ugly, yellow, no-good keister off my property before I pump your guts full of lead.�

4. “Can I refill your eggnog? Get you something to eat, drive you into the middle of nowhere, and leave you for dead?�

5. “You’re skipping Christmas? Isn’t that against the law?�

6. “You wouldn’t want to be responsible for killing the spirit of Christmas now would you...Santa?�

7. “Why don’t you just say it? I’m the worst toymaker in the world! I’m a cotton-headed ninny-muggins!�

8. “Therefore the Post Office Department, a branch of the federal government, recognizes this man Kris Kringle to be the one and only Santa Claus.�

9. “In the heat of battle, my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.�

10. “In case you didn’t know, that cord is for emergency purposes only! And in case you weren’t aware, tonight is Christmas Eve!�

11. “A sequel. That’s it. We’ll bring it out on March 25, and we’ll call it‌ Christmas 2!â€?

12. “No, there’s only one person authorized to operate this sack. His big, red, oneness: The Claus.�

13. “He was made out of Christmas snow and Christmas snow can never disappear completely.�

14. “I’ll just be hanging around the mistletoe, waiting to be kissed�

15. “That’s what Christmas memories are made from, they’re not planned, they’re not scheduled. Nobody puts them in their Blackberry, they just happen.�

16. “There’s children throwing snowballs, instead of throwing heads, they’re busy building toys and absolutely no one’s dead.�

17. “It’s Christmas Eve. It’s the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year we are the people that we always hoped we would be.�

18. “I’m gonna deck your halls, bub.�

19. “John, darling, when you’re kissing me, don’t talk about plumbing.�

20. “What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more?�

21. “I’m looking for Happy, the baby New Year. What if I don’t find him?�

22. “If I’d known I was going to have to put up with a bunch of screaming brats (peeing) on my lap for 30 days out of the year, I’d have killed myself a long time ago. Come to think of if, I still might.�

23. “Nobody cares a hoot and a holler for you or Christmas. Oh, by the way, Merry Christmas to you.�

24. “I almost wish there weren’t a holiday season. I know nobody likes me. Why do we have to have a holiday season to emphasize it?�

25. “The laws of breaking and entering, as they pertain to Santa, are unclear.�

See Answers Page 31

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105 Marquette St. • Downtown LaSalle (815) 250-0928 A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 5

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Open Sunday Starting Homestead Weekend and Through The Holidays 6 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 7

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8 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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Susan Stiker, culinary arts instructor at Area Career Center, instructs L-P student Cheliz Guerrero as he fills eggnog cream puffs. Eggnog may be a staple in Christmas kitchens, but few people know that eggnog is a versatile baking ingredient and can be used in baked goods that call for cream filling. The career center is located on the La Salle-Peru Township High School campus.

Baking with eggnog The holiday staple not only tastes great but is a great milk substitute in baking

By Tom Collins

Eggnog tastes good. You know this.

Eggnog is a staple at Christmas. You know this, too.

But did you also know that you can bake with eggnog, using it as a substitute for milk?

The chef who trains area students for kitchen careers tried eggnog in mixing scones, quick breads and cream puffs and the finished products were so tasty that Santa himself couldn’t pass up a plate left out with a glass of milk.

“It turned out wonderfully,” said Susan Stiker, culinary arts instructor for the Area Career Center. “The eggnog taste was very subtle, but it’s definitely there.”

With her students trading caps and hairnets for Santa hats, Stiker tested a few baking recipes and discovered that eggnog is a surprisingly diverse kitchen ingredient. Besides its use as a baking additive, students discovered that eggnog makes for a tasty dessert dish when PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNETTE BARR

poured over vanilla ice cream, much as one would top ice cream with hot fudge.

But, wait, isn’t eggnog bad for you?

One local dietitian says no.

Miranda Reinhardt, a registered dietitian at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru, pointed out that eggnog contains important nutrients such as calcium and Vitamins A and D. Enjoyed in moderation, eggnog can be part of a tasty and even nutritious holiday feast.

“There are no foods that are bad,” Reinhardt said. “There are no evil foods.

All foods fit into a healthy lifestyle.

Eggnog is great, tasty kind of food, but a little goes a long way.”

Reinhardt explained the key to a healthy diet is balance and that means offsetting high-calorie foods with equal parts fresh produce and low-calorie fare.

Eggnog definitely qualifies as high-calorie. Reinhardt estimated a cup from a

store-bought carton will pack 350-400 calories, a figure that climbs another 20 percent when combined with a snort of brandy or rum.

But Stiker pointed out the caloric intake can be modified if you prepare it yourself. She substituted whole milk for 2% and still achieved a decadent creaminess. Another reason to make it yourself: Reduce the chance of foodborne illness.

Stiker noted that some recipes call for mixing uncooked eggs, which she acknowledged can be consumed safely with costlier pasteurized eggs; but a more surefire strategy is to use grade A eggs and heat the eggnog mixture to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Then there’s no chance of anyone catching salmonella.”

Tom Collins is a writer for the NewsTribune, La Salle.

See recipes on pages 10 and 11

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 9

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Lightened Up Cooked Eggnog (with/without alcohol) Yield: 4 cups eggnog 4 cups 2% milk ½ Tbsp nutmeg 6 egg yolks

1/3 cup sugar ½ tsp pure vanilla extract ¼ tsp salt

For Serving: Brandy, bourbon or rum (to taste) Milk (to taste) 1. In a large saucepan, heat milk and nutmeg over medium heat, until it begins to steam and froth slightly around the edges. (about 15-20 min. Do not let it boil!)

2. In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar.

3. Pour about half of the warm milk over the egg yolks, mixing constantly with a wire whisk. Once the mild has been incorporated, pour the (now warm) egg mixture into the saucepan (still over medium heat) and whisk to combine. Hear the mixture for 5 min. until it reaches the steaming point again.

4. Put the cornstarch in a small bowl. Ladle a little of the warm custard mixture over the cornstarch and mix until the cornstarch has dissolved. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot, stirring well.

5. Continue to heat your custard mixture over medium heat, whisking often to keep the milk from sticking to the bottom and the eggs from clumping.

Reduce the heat as necessary to keep the milk from sticking to the bottom and the eggs from clumping.

Reduce the heat as necessary to keep the mixture just below simmering. Heat until your mixture coats the back of a spoon and reaches 160 degrees on a food thermometer, roughly 15 minutes. (Keep in mind the eggnog will thicken considerably as it cools.)

6. Stir in the vanilla and salt.

7. Taste your eggnog (careful, it is still very hot) for sweetness and nutmeg flavor. Add more sugar or nutmeg if you desire.

8. Remove the eggnog from heat and carefully strain it through a fine mesh sieve to strain out any lumps that might have formed. Pour the strained eggnog into a heatproof pitcher or jar with lid.

9. Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until cooled completely.

To Serve: 1. Fill your glass 2/3 full with eggnog mixture. Add your desired liquor or milk to thin the eggnog to your desired consistency.

2. Serve garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Ariana Brooks, L-P culinary student, pours eggnog over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Put a wrinkle into your Christmas dinner service by treating guests to ice cream with eggnog topping.

Source: www.curiouscuisiniere.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNETTE BARR

Eggnog Cream Puffs Yield: 2 dozen 1 cup water ½ cup butter, cubed 1/8 tsp salt 1 cup flour ¾ tsp ground nutmeg 4 eggs

Whipped Cream: 1 ½ cup heavy whipping cream 1 ½ cup confectioners’ sugar ¼ cup eggnog 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a large saucepan, bring water, butter and salt to a rolling boil. Add flour and nutmeg all at once and stir until blended. Cook over medium heat, stirring vigorously until mixture pulls away from sides of pan.

Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.

3. Add eggs, one at a time, beat it well after each addition until smooth. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonful’s 1” apart onto greased or parchment baking sheets. Bake 30-35 minutes or until puffed, very firm and golden brown. Pierce sides of each puff with tip of a knife. Cool on wire racks. Cut top third off each puff.

4. In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners’ sugar, eggnog, vanilla and nutmeg: beat until soft peaks form. Fill cream puffs with whipped cream just before serving; replace tops. Dust with additional confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately.

Source: www.tasteofhome.com

Eggnog-infused cream is piped into a cream puff.

10 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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Cinnamon Eggnog Scones Yield: 12-16 scones Dough 2¾ cup flour ¼ cup sugar ¾ tsp salt 1 Tbsp baking powder

½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ cup butter, cut into pats or small cubes 1 cup cinnamon chips (see below) 1 tsp vanilla extract ¾ cup cold eggnog

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients.

2. Cut in butter with a pastry blender just until mixture is unevenly crumby; it’s OK for some larger chunks of butter to remain unincorporated.

3. Stir in the cinnamon chips.

4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla and eggnog.

5. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until all is moistened and holds together.

6. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.

7. Divide the dough in half; each half will weigh about 18 oz. On parchment paper and with your hands, form each dough half into a disk that is 6 ½ inch circle and ¾ inch thick.

8. Using a knife or bench scraper that you’ve run under cold water,

Topping 1 Tbsp eggnog 2 Tbsp raw (turbinado) sugar

slice each circle into 6 wedges.

9. Carefully pull the wedges away from the center to separate them just a bit; there should be about ½ inch space between them, at their outer edges.

10. Brush each scone with some eggnog and sprinkle with the raw sugar.

11. For best texture and highest rise, place the pan of scones in the freezer for 30 minutes, uncovered. While the scones are chilling, preheat the oven to 425 degree.

12. Bake the scones for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

13. Remove the scones from the oven and cool briefly on the pan.

Serve warm.

Source: www.kingarthurflour.com

Eggnog Quick Bread Yield: 1 - 9” loaf pan or 3 – 3” x 5” small pans 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup eggnog 2 tsp rum extract 1 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup butter, softened 2¼ cup flour 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom only of a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan, or three 3 x 5 inch loaf pans.

2. Blend together the eggs, eggnog, rum extract, sugar, vanilla and butter.

3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Add to eggnog mixture and stir just enough to moisten: pour equally in prepared pans.

4. Bake large loaf for 40 – 60 minutes, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean. Breads baked in smaller pans require 35 – 40 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and remove from pans. Place on cooling rack and cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator.

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 11

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SHOP SMALL, SHOP UNIQUE, SHOP UTICA THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! 12 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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Brought to you by City of LaSalle A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 13

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14 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 15

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Carolers Michaela DeLong, Janet DeLong, Jennah Graham, Emily Fahs, and Dell May, all of Mendota, sing Christmas carols along Illinois Avenue last winter during an event sponsored by the Illinois Avenue Project. The DeLongs have taken part in caroling for years and recently made an effort to raise money for charity through their singing.

C

arol of the Illinois Valley Bells

T

Local singers talk about caroling experiences, tips

he train car was mostly empty save for a couple of men a few winters ago when Michaela DeLong was on the train with family and friends coming back from Chicago.

DeLong said one of the men appeared to be homeless and the group came up with the idea to extend a little holiday cheer through song.

“We started singing some Christmas songs to see how it went,” she said.

Well, they weren’t asked to stop — quite the opposite.

“He asked us if we knew ‘Silent Night,’” DeLong said. “We started singing and he just had tears in his eyes.”

The carolers might have thought they were performing for a small au-

By Brett Herrmann

dience, but that turned out not to be the case either when they stepped off the train. Passengers on other cars had heard their vocals and when they got off at their stop, they stepped off the train to applause, DeLong said.

So goes another holiday season as a perpetual caroler. Sometimes the songs are planned, sometimes they are spontaneous. For DeLong, they are always fun.

“I love singing in general and my brothers and I always love to sing. It’s one of the types of things we like to do to give back to others,” she said. “I remember since I was a little girl we would go around singing Christmas carols going to random houses in LaMoille.”

Lately, things are a little more organized for the family. Last year, DeLong said they did a “carol-gram” people could request to help raise money for the PADS shelter in Peru.

They took in requests for several weeks on Facebook and then went out one night on a seven-hour tour performing for the community in the extended Mendota area.

“I think we practiced a little before but most of them are just typical Christmas songs,” DeLong said. “I think it’s so important to make other people happy, especially during Christmas. It’s really important singing and bringing joy to people.”

The tradition of Christmas caroling can be traced back for centuries, even NEWSTRIBUNE PHOTO/SCOTT ANDERSON

16 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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to hymns sung in 4th century Rome, according to “Christmas customs and traditions.”

But modern caroling comes in different shapes and sizes, usually with some form of goodwill attached to it.

Like DeLong’s family, Putnam County Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts take part in the tradition to help bring some joy to the community.

“We were looking for some projects, something we could do out in the community, and it was something that came to mind,” said Cubmaster Stacy King of Cub Scout Pack 3326.

“You just hope to put a few smiles on faces in the community around the holidays.”

Last year, King helped lead about 20 boys and girls around the county to people who requested caroling or other homes they knew they would be welcome.

“We’ve always had really great reactions with it,” King said. “The community thinks it’s cute and it’s something the kids get excited for.”

Because they are working with a

younger group, King said the main goal is to keep things simple. They did not do much practicing before heading out to sing, she said. So, there was a small learning curve. King recommended keeping songs to just a couple well-known verses so the songs don’t drag out and the choir doesn’t get lost trying to remember lyrics.

“The big thing is to have the songs ahead of time and keep it simple,” she said. “Pick somewhere between four to six songs and pick known songs.”

Others might have a little more singing experience to take on different songs. Ellen Marincic, choir director for First Congregational Church in Peru, said choir members have been taking part in caroling around the holidays for years.

“We are so talented we don’t need to practice,” Marincic said wryly.

“But we just take a hymn book with us and sing well-known songs.”

The choir group, and any other people who want to join them, head out to visit congregation members

and bring them Christmas cookies.

“We go to members of the congregation who are shut-in — who can’t make it to church — and we go to the nursing homes,” Marincic said. “Their faces just light up.”

Marincic said she recommends just having fun with caroling, because there is no real downside to it.

“I think anyone that carols, you get as much of a blessing out of it as the people you are singing to,” she said.

“It’s a win-win for everybody.”

And not all caroling has to show off your vocal range. At Hall High School, students have an alternative way of bringing Christmas carols to people throughout the community.

Music director Brandon Czubachowski said he is working on putting together a handbell choir for this year’s holiday season.

“The students are learning how to play them and we are learning Christmas songs,” he said.

Brett Herrmann is enterprise reporter for the NewsTribune, La Salle.

NEWSTRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

Sarah Schennum, Sofia Borri, Eden Carlson, Emily Konczak and Myah Richardson carol last December in Granville. Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts caroled together along Cleveland Circle in the Lincolnshire subdivision. Stacey King, Cubmaster for Putnam County Cub Scouts Pack 3326, said this was the second year the group has done it, and said they love bringing the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts together to do something uplifting for the community.

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 17

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DOWNTOWN LASALLE A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 21

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How to make holiday wreaths the easy way T

here are many different ways to decorate homes and businesses for the holidays. Tall evergreen trees are among the most visible symbols of the holiday season. However, wreaths hung on doors, windows or fences also are ubiquitous this time of year.

Wreaths adorn homes primarily during the holidays of Easter and Christmas.

Wreaths have also been worn around the head or neck in ceremonial events around the globe for centuries. It is believed the first wreaths date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Members of the Greco-Roman society were known to hand-make ringshaped items using fresh tree leaves, small fruits, flowers, and twigs. Oftentimes these headdresses symbolized a person’s social status. Others suggest wreaths evolved to become a Christian symbol of immortality.

Regardless of how wreaths are viewed, many people like to display wreaths for the holidays. Wreaths can be purchased premade, but making a wreath on your own can make the holidays even more fun.

One of the easiest ways to make a wreath is to design it around a circular floral foam form. Gather supplies to make the wreath. For traditional wreaths, supplies will include sprigs of evergreen (real or artificial), ribbon, floral wire, bows, and artificial berries. Working around the foam form, arrange the boughs of evergreen, using the floral wire to wrap or pin into the foam itself. Keep the layers coming until you get the desired coverage. Embellish with a ribbon or place a bow.

The blog A Piece of Rainbow says that creating a wreath jig is an easy way to make a wreath. Cut a dollar-store laundry basket bottom from the top ring to make a template, on which you can place wreath-making materials so they keep their circular form. Use floral wire or natural jute string to tie the materials

together. Experiment with fresh evergreen, twigs, holly branches, or whatever materials you choose.

Thick card stock also can serve as the wreath template. Attach artificial flowers or leaves, spray snow, ornaments, or other items to the card stock ring with a firm adhesive.

Many craft stores sell

wreath forms made of natural vines that have been strung in a ring. These can be decorated in their entirety or left a little sparse to let the natural twine show through.

Wreaths may seem like complicated creations. But a little imagination and the right materials is all it takes to create a homemade wreath. HL19A279

22 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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Decorations help make the holiday season a magical time of year. Stores are awash in color and twinkling lights, and similar imagery is on display in private homes.

Designing holiday displays can be a great way for families to spend time together and kick off the celebration.

In fact, according to Electrical Safety Foundation International, around 90 percent of Americans decorate their homes for the holidays.

When trimming the tree and decorating this holiday season, families must keep safety in mind. A little planning and some precautionary measures can ensure displays are enjoyed all season long.

Travelers Insurance offers the following holiday decorating safety tips. n Do not overload outlets.

Plan displays according to the number and location of available outlets. n Never exceed the maximum number of light strands that can be attached together. n Use lights and products that have been tested for safety. Certification marks like UL, ETL and CSA are from nationally recognized laboratories. n LED lights should be used whenever possible.

Such lights consume less energy and run cooler than other bulbs. n The ESFI says candles start almost 50 percent of all decoration fires. Minimize the risk by using candles only when they can be monitored. Artificial candles can be used in place of real candles. n Check for freshness in live trees. A fresh tree will

last longer and is less of a fire hazard than an old tree. n Place Christmas trees at least three feet away from all heat sources, including fireplaces and heaters. n Use decorations that are non-combustible or made from flame-resistant materials. n Pay attention to the age recommendations of decorations to see if they can be used in homes with young children. Some items, however common, are choking or strangulation hazards. n Avoid putting small, “mouth-sized” decorations near the ground or on lower limbs of trees, where young children can easily reach them. n Exercise caution when hanging decorations at high heights. Make sure the ladder is secured and have a spotter who can hold the ladder and pass items up safely. n Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs. n Exercise caution when decorating near power lines that extend to the house. n Keep hung stockings far away from open flames so they do not catch any errant embers.

These are just a few suggestions for decorating a safely for the holiday season. HL19A270

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 23

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Christmas tree tips and tricks $5 Voted #

Christmas trees are an iconic symbol of the holiday season. Whether they are personal trees nestled in the corner of a living room for families to enjoy or towering evergreens serving as the focal point of a town square, Christmas trees are a wonder to behold.

Many people have fond memories of time spent around the Christmas tree sharing gifts and family traditions. Live trees and their pine-like aroma can be especially nostalgic trees to include in holiday plans. The National Christmas Tree Association says that approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year.

North American trees hail from all 50 states and areas of Canada.

While freshly cut trees can be particularly beautiful and aromatic additions to the season, they require a bit more work than artificial trees in order to remain beautiful and thrive throughout the holiday season. Maintenance can help keep Christmas trees as perfect as possible. n Even though it is tempting to buy a real tree as early as possible, their shelf life is limited even with the best care. Dural Christmas Tree Farm advises that, under the best conditions, a real tree should last up to four weeks before drying out. n Consider the needles when looking for a real tree.

Pull your hand toward your body along the branches. If many needles fall off, the tree is past its peak. n Think about the room in which the tree will be located. Leave at least 6 inches between the tip of the tree and the ceiling, accounting for the height of the tree stand as well. n If needle retention is a goal, the Scotch pine variety has the best needle retention

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Opening Friday, November 29 Daily 10am-4pm and a high survival rate, lending to its popularity, offers Precision Tree and Landscape. Douglas fir and balsam fir are other durable trees. n If possible, buy a freshly cut tree from a reputable nursery or tree farm, advises The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Many pre-cut trees sold elsewhere were likely cut weeks before and may not be fresh. n Cut the bottom of the tree trunk before bringing it home to facilitate the uptake of fresh water daily. Trees can absorb as much as a gallon of water in a day, so make sure the tree gets fresh water every day. n Keep trees away from as many heat sources as possible and away from direct sunlight to prolong longevity. n According to Karabin Farms in Connecticut, to make a Christmas tree last longer, boil a gallon of water and then dissolve one cup of sugar in the water. Allow to cool. After freshly cutting the trunk, pour in the warm sugar water. Continue to add fresh, cool, plain water to the tree stand afterward.

Once needles begin to fall off with frequency, the tree is reaching its prime. Remove it so it does not become a fire hazard. HL19A272

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24 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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Decorate with a nose toward inviting holiday aromas H

oliday decor is as much about the sights and sounds as it is about the scents of the season.

Few things evoke the holiday spirit as much as the aroma of fresh evergreen or spicy cinnamon and cloves.

Incorporating inviting aromas into holiday decor can make homes feel even more special.

Filling a home with fragrant decor takes a little ingenuity and planning.

Here are some ideas to incorporate the scents of the holiday season into your decor. n Use a real Christmas tree. An easy way to create a pine-like scent indoors is to select a real Christmas tree. Ask the tree farm which varieties are the most fragrant. If a fresh tree is not possible, fill a decorative basket with pine cones and evergreen boughs for that woodsy appeal. n Create a seasonal scented simmer.

Take to the stove to make a homemade air infusion from ingredients in and around the house. Simmer pine

branches, citrus peels, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and whatever else can be placed in a pot or slow cooker with water. The scents will permeate the house for hours if enough water is added to the mixture. n Make holiday sachets. Some of the same ingredients for the holiday simmer can be dried and sewn into sachets. Add ribbon and hang on real or artificial trees. Or tuck the pouches into various areas around the house. n Experiment with scented candles.

Scented candles can be found at various stores during the holiday season.

Select among popular holiday aromas like pine, cinnamon, apples, and Christmas cookie varieties. n Utilize essential oils. Natural food stores and other retailers may sell essential oils, which can be diluted and sprayed on surfaces or into the air. Exercise caution around upholstery, or test for staining before use.

n Spend more time in the kitchen.

Add delicious scents to the home by way of freshly baked goods or holiday meals. Nothing beats the smell of cookies right out of the oven, and the scents can linger for hours. n Make beeswax ornaments. Add scented oils to melted beeswax and pour into molds. Hang these creations as ornaments on trees or in other areas of the home. n Craft some “gingerbread� ornaments. A mixture of cinnamon, applesauce and glue can be used to make ornaments or gift tags that resemble gingerbread cookies, and these ornaments have more staying power than actual cookies. n Design a pretty pomander. Stud an orange with cloves. Cut off the top of the orange and hollow out a place for a small tea light. The warmth of the flame will produce more scent.

Rich and inviting aromas can fill a home with the holiday spirit.

HL19A283

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 25

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All those Pinterest decorations are beautiful, but these lighted glass blocks were already handmade and aren’t too far for you to buy. Uniforms ETC & Glad Monogram Creations in La Salle has a variety of lighted blocks to choose from.

Stock Up On These Christmas Stuffers ~ humble gifts will be big hits ~

By Ali Braboy

S

teal the show this Christmas by giving stocking stuffers that are unique, affordable all while still useful.

Illinois Valley businesses provided the perfect stocking stuffers you can buy locally, ranging from beauty and spa items, decorations, kitchen items to clothes.

A BUBBLY GOOD TIME Make someone’s bath or shower time the most enjoy-

able one ever with handmade products from Rachel Rene Bath & Body in Princeton.

The store sells tons of homemade items in different scents that will help those friends and family relax and unwind.

Some unique items are shaving bars that will purify skin and add excellent slip to shaving with no razor burn.

The bars will leave skin soft and smooth.

Unwind with a unique blend of detoxifying salts from Rachel Rene Bath & Body in Princeton. The salts will soften your skin and sooth your muscles while leaving skin lightly scented.

See Gifts Page 28

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALI BRABOY

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 27

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Gifts

FROM PAGE 27

Bath salts are added to baths and will soften skin, soothe tired muscles and de-stress and recondition the skin.

Bath bombs are popular items that can be bought individually or in packs of six.

“At Christmas, we have a hard time keeping them in stock,” said owner Christine Davis. “Kids love them.” The bombs release the scent of choice as well as olive oil and Shea Butter after you drop them in the water.

The business sells out of Shower Steamers every Christmas, Davis said, and described the products as giant Alka-Seltzers for the shower. The steamers help with people’s colds and stuffiness in the winter and come in a variety of scents. There are also steamers available to carry around in everyday life.

“We sell out of these every Christmas,” said Christine Davis, owner of Rachel Rene Bath & Body in Princeton, who makes the products sold in the stores. The steamers help with people’s colds and stuffiness in the winter and come in a variety of scents. There are also steamers available you can carry around to use and not just in the shower.

TREATS FOR NAILS AND HAIR Studio 718 in La Salle has tons of cute items to help those in your life stay stylish.

The store sells Hair Bobbles in a variety of colors.

The bobbles are hair ties that keep hair in place but don’t leave noticeable marks, split ends or headaches. The ties work for all types of hair and will work for ponytails, braids and updos.

Nail polish in a variety of

colors, including sparkles, are available, as well as holiday gift sets (multiple colors in one box).

Redken’s Triple Take 32 spray is a holding spray that’s still brushable and doesn’t leave hair with a crunch, making it perfect for holiday styles. The spray gives hair volume and a long lasting lift.

The store carries Wet Brush-Pro flex dry brushes, pro detangler brushes and shine enhancer professional brushes.

Studio 718 called these brushes “amazing.” The detangler glides through hair with less effort, pain and breakage than other brushes.

The flex dry brush speeds dry time, while contouring to the scalp for comfort; it has bristles ideal for drying, an open vented design and a flexible brush head.

The shine enhancer professional brush glides through tangles and adds shine with less breakage and pain.

The perfect present for someone in your life who has an upcoming big event like a wedding or prom would be a gift card to Luscious Moi Salon in La Salle, said Neil Pleskovitch, owner of Luscious Moi. The salon has a ton of luxurious products from the Bumble and Bumble collection for hair care and styling that all smell amazing for all types of hair; this salon is the only local one selling Bumble and Bumble products.

Some products include the entire “Surf” line that will help with texture — “Texture is hot right now,” said Pleskovitch.

There is a Surf Spray that

Studio 718 in La Salle has the perfect festive nail polish in store like sparkles as well as gift sets with multiple colors in one box.

Brighten up a loved one’s Christmas tree — especially for those in your life who are nurses or X-ray techs or those who just graduated. These ornaments were handmade and can be bought at Uniforms ETC & Glad Monogram Creations in La Salle.

Show the medical professional in your life a little bling. There are tons of unique stethoscope charms on sale at Uniforms ETC & Glad Monogram Creations in La Salle. The charms attach to the stethoscope tubing. adds volume, body and texture for beachy waves.

The Surf Infusion is a saltmeets-oil spray that provides soft texture for sea-tossed waves with sheen. The Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry is part mousse and part salt spray for big, beachy texture with heat-styled polish.

A favorite tool for those people who don’t have much time for hair is the “Don’t Blow It” (there’s a thick and fine version available) product. Pleskovitch said it’s as easy as washing hair, scrunching it and going and it creates a natural texture while also de-frizzing hair and adding control that lasts all day.

The salon also carries Bumble and Bumble products for men, like Sumotech — a

styling tool for short hair for pliable texture with a lo-shine finish, Sumoclay — a matte, lightweight clay that gives texture and workable hold for bulked-up, broken-in looks and Sumogel — a clear gel that creates clean styles with shine and no flakes.

GIFTS FOR MEDICAL WORKERS IN YOUR LIFE If there’s a nurse, graduating nurse or X-ray tech in your life, Uniforms ETC & Glad Monogram Creations in La Salle has you covered.

The store has a wide variety of gifts, including popular stethoscope charms – jewels to put on stethoscopes. The owner Debbie Miller, also hand crafted ornaments for RNs, CNAs and X-ray techs to brighten up

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALI BRABOY

28 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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any Christmas tree.

In addition to those items, the store sells compression socks, stethoscope cases, scissors, pen lights, identification badge holders with different patterns and jewelry for the medical workers in your life.

Grab these comfy lounge clothes while they’re still around. These Hello Mello soft clothes from Peaces of Fashion in La Salle are very popular.

AFFORDABLE, COMFY CLOTHES Tops, bottoms and cardigan lounge wear are very popular at Peaces of Fashion in La Salle while still being affordable at $20-30 a piece.

SASSY SOCKS, OVEN MITTS AND DISH TOWELS Look no further than Peaces of Fashion in La Salle for a fashionable and little twisted present for friends or family. The business sells Blue Q socks, oven mitts and dish towels that look beautiful and also include sassy sayings like “I love my job. Ha Ha. Just kidding” and “Morning? Nope. No thanks.”

Give the gift of warmth and humor this Christmas with Blue Q socks from Peaces of Fashion in La Salle. The store carries lots of socks with sassy and raunchy sayings.

PICTURESQUE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS Save time on those creating those beautiful Pinterest decorations and buy a locally made one. Debbie Miller, owner of Uniforms ETC & Glad Monogram Creations in La Salle, created her own light up glass blocks with sayings like “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Christmas” to brighten up a home this season.

Ali Braboy is a writer for the La Salle NewsTribune.

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 29

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pd adv

shadow, tear trough, loss of cheek volume

Appear Well-Rested for the Holidays…

Treat Your Dark Circles Under the Eyes with Filler When we see a person with dark circles under the eyes, we assume they are sleep deprived. Very few people realize that the dark circles are caused by lack of reflection of light under the eye which is a structural problem of the mid-face. There can be loss of volume of the mid cheek, a dark hollow called a tear trough, or both issues can exist causing a person to look tired, even when they are not tired!

We asked Dr. Nicole Norris at Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa in Peru about what she recommends for treating this problem. “This is one of the most transformative procedures that I do with filler. First, I use a thicker filler for the anterior cheeks if there is loss of volume and a flat appearance. Then I use a thinner filler to fill the tear trough area creating a smooth transition from the thin skin under the eye to the apple of the cheek. Patients are amazed at how a 30-minute procedure can transform them from a tired to a rested appearance!”

Dr. Norris goes on to explain the possible risks

of the procedure. “There is always going to be some swelling post-procedure due to addition of the filler.

That will resolve in about 2 weeks when you can expect your optimal result. I use a needle to inject filler in the cheek so if that is done first there is a risk of a small bruise. When I put filler in the tear trough, there is very little chance of bruising as I use a cannula which is blunt tipped and soft for the sensitive area under the eye. With appropriate topical numbing medicine, the procedure is relatively painless. For patients plagued by looking tired all the time, the benefits by far outweigh the small risk of bruising and swelling and the results typically last at least one year!”

In the month of November, Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa is offering promotions on correcting your tired look for the holidays! Mention this article and receive 20% off your procedure and, if you are a new patient, get your consultation prior for $50 (reg. $99)! Call 815-780-8264 to learn more and book your consultation!

30 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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Answers

®

Your virtual loan assistant.

FROM PAGE 5

How did you do?

21 or higher: You need to find another hobby. Seriously.

15-20: Your mom said you watch too much TV, didn’t she?

6-14: You have heard of Christmas, right? Dec. 25? Anyone?

5 or below: Repeat after me, “Bah humbug.”

Secure Lending. Better experience.

ANSWERS: 1. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” 2. “It’s a Wonderful Life” 3. “Home Alone” 4. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” 5. “Christmas with the Kranks” 6. “The Santa Clause” 7. “Elf” 8. “Miracle on 34th Street” 9. “A Christmas Story” 10. “The Polar Express” 11. “Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)” 12. “Ernest Saves Christmas” 13. “Frosty the Snowman”

14. “Love, Actually” 15. “Deck The Halls (2006)” 16. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” 17. “Scrooged (1998)” 18. “Jingle All the Way” 19. “Christmas in Connecticut (1945)” 20. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” 21. “Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” 22. “Bad Santa” 23. “The Year Without a Santa Claus” 24. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” 25. “Olive the Other Reindeer”

Annual Holiday Open House Fri., Nov 29th (9-5) Sat., Nov. 30th (8am-2pm)

We design Custom Gift Baskets

Christmas Ornaments

• Cheese Boxes • Unique Gifts • Gourmet Foods

20% OFF

Food Tasti ng!

Christmas Gifts (non-food items)

10% Off

Apply for your next home loan through Loan Valet! You can manage your application when you want, where you want, and how you want. www.ffsbloans.com

All loans are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Other fees and restrictions may apply. Loan Valet is a registered trademark of First Federal Savings Bank.

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Cheeseburger with the purchase of an equal or greater priced item Mendota Locations: 2701 E. 12th Street Princeton Location: Spring Valley Location: 800 W. Dakota St. 1501 13th Avenue 2139 N. Main St.

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Princeton

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Enjoy the Benefits of Winter Hot-Tubbing

AVANTI FOODS Cheese & Specialty Gift Shop

Regular Hours: Mon-Fri. 8-5, Sat. 8-1 Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, 8-noon

109 Depot St., Walnut, IL 800-243-3739 www.avantifoods.com

Fabulous Gift Cards Anderson Pool Supply 817 First Street • LaSalle • 815-220-8005

301 West Etna Road • Ottawa 815-434-7362 • anderson-pools.com

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | October 2019 31

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MAKO

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A Personalized Approach to Joint Replacement.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology

Mako Robotic-arm Assisted Surgery is a new approach to joint replacement that offers the potential for a higher level of patient-specific implant alignment and positioning.

Drs. Robert Mitchell and Connor Kasik are excited about using this new technology for total knee, total hip and partial knee replacements. Mako is changing the way these joint replacement surgeries are performed. Using a virtual 3D model, the Mako System allows surgeons to personalize each patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively, so there is a clear plan for how the surgeon will position the implant before entering the operating room. During surgery, adjustments can be made to assure the best possible outcome.

Dr. Connor Kasik Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Robert J. Mitchell Orthopedic Surgeon

815-223-2143 925 West St., Peru, IL ivch.org/orthopedics

ILLINOIS VALLEY ORTHOPEDICS at Illinois Valley Community Hospital

32 October 2019 | Illinois Valley Holiday Life | A NewsTribune Publication

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