OST_Holiday Gift Guide_121019

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Holiday Gift Guide A Special Section of

Times

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The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

| HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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ANDERSON POOLS - Warm up your Holiday Season with a Simple, Therapeutic, Affordable, and Reliable Nordic Hot Tub. The Summerbrook outdoor Kitchen that features a fire bowl in the seating area is also an inviting gift idea! Our showroom is full of awesome gifts for pool and spa owners. Don’t know what to buy? An Anderson Pool Supply gift card is a great option. Our knowledgeable and dedicated staff will assist you in picking out the perfect gift! Happy Holidays from all of us at Anderson Pool Supply located at 301 W. Etna Rd., Ottawa.

URBAN SOAK SHOPPE - At Urban Soak Shoppe, owners Steve & Carrie Hrasch have made sure that you can find a handmade unique gift for anyone! This isn’t your average gift shoppe ... choose from upscale luxury soaps, bath bombs and products made in our Shoppe. Looking for something unique? Shop our handmade gifts from local artisans in the Illinois Valley! Gorgeous jewelry, housewares, doll clothes, furniture and so much more. Urban Soak Shoppe Artisan Boutique & Gift Shoppe at 306 E. Main Street in downtown Streator.

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DON’S FURNITURE- In business since 1954 – you will not find a more knowledgeable and experienced staff in the area! The team at Don’s doesn’t just sell you furniture they work with you until you have found exactly what you’re looking for and to your home all at a great price!

Stop in this Christmas season during Don’s Make-A-Wish promotion and you could be the lucky winner of a beautiful item from Don’s Furniture! One winner will be chose from each location. Merry Christmas! 311 E. Main, Streator 815-673-3700.

Rte 23, Ottawa 815-433-5313.

The Gift That Keeps Giving All Year Long!

YMCA Memberships J i tthe Join h Y and db become a member b off a community it th that’s t’ committed itt d every day to helping you and your family learn, grow and thrive!

Here you will live healthier, kids will develop to their fullest potential, and everyone connects as a community!

Streator YMCA

710 Oakley Ave • Streator, IL www.streatorymca.org • 815.672.2148 SM-CL1730051

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

BROMLEY AND BROWN BOUTIQUE - It was another fun and blessed year at Bromley and Brown Boutique. A new girl boss (Brooklyn Brown) joined the family run business in April and is already learning the ropes! Located at 308 E. Main St., Bromley and Brown offers beautiful women’s fashion, accessories, handbags and shoes. They also are proud to provide a small selection of candles and giftables perfect for the holiday season.

Owners Mary Zavada and Abbey Brown thank their community for shopping small and supporting their vision to provide quality, on trend fashion to the area. The girls are available to help style you Tuesday through Saturday. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on specials and new arrivals.

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

| HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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BALANCED SPIRIT WELLNESS CENTER - Balanced Spirit Wellness Center offers alignment, balance, and wholeness in your physical, emotional, and mental self. Experience total alignment with a Reiki session. Relax with a therapeutic massage, and maybe add cupping. Spend 60 minutes doing “nothing”, floating effortlessly in a quiet, peaceful space - suspended in a dense water solution of pure Epsom salt inside the float room. Unwind and relax in our Himalayan Salt Room. Enjoy a relaxing facial or microdermabrasion and add on a nice foot and hand scrub or peppermint scalp massage. Have the best brows and lashes at the party with tinting and lifting. Take the chill off, and detox in one of their infrared saunas. Become one with yourself in a Yoga class. Come in, take your shoes off, and walk away from your daily stress. And, while you are there, shop their selection of retail items. CBD, bath bombs, essential oils, bath products, wax melts, candles, lotions, Himalayan Salt lamps, and many more items unique to Balanced Spirit Wellness Center. Located at 419 E. Main St, Balanced Spirit Wellness Center is truly a small piece of zen right here in Streator.

SPE C I AL E XT E NDE D HO L I DAY H O U R S !

Tues-Thurs 10am - 5pm • Fri 10am - 8pm Thru December 21st

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Sat 10am - 5pm

(Cl ose d Ch ri st m a s D a y a n d T h u r s . , De c . 2 6 t h )

Bromley & Brown B

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STELLA MARIS SHOPPE-FASHION BOUTIQUE - Stella Maris Shoppe, Fashion Boutique, located at 306 E Main St., Streator, features Young Contemporary, Ladies and Curvy Size Fashions.

This trendy boutique has just expanded to bring our customers more of the great fashions and accessories they ask for! Right now you can come in and complete a “Wish List” so that your gift buyers know exactly what to get you for Christmas or anytime! Not sure what to get that certain someone? Personalized Gift Certificates with your message are available in any denomination. In addition to clothing, purses, wallets and costume jewelry, Stella Maris Shoppe also offers Swarovski Jewelry. Let us help you make the Best Gift Giver List this Christmas!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE |

Eco-friendly gift options

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The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

The saying “the more the merrier” certainly applies during the holiday season. But during a season of big gifts, extra food and travel, “more” can exact a heavy toll on the environment.

According to Stanford University, Americans generate 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve than during the rest of the year.

While no one wants to take anything away from the spirit of holiday season, everyone can take steps to make the holidays more eco-friendly. In fact, there are various eco-friendly gifts that can make great presents and benefit the environment at the same time.

Purchase experiential gifts

When making holiday shopping lists, think of gifts that offer experiences rather than material goods. Gifts that involve experiences, such as going to a sporting event or attending a play or musical, decrease reliance on wrapping paper. Such gifts also reduce clutter in the recipient’s house and conserve the resources otherwise used to manufacture alternative items that would have been purchased. Experiential gifts that also tap into environmental pursuits, such as touring with an animal rescue group, or accommodations at a carbonneutral hotel can be an added bonus.

Opt for locally made gifts

Select gifts made by local artisans or companies that operate domestically.

This cuts down on the carbon emissions from having to ship products from long distances or even overseas.

Give climate-friendly stocking stuffers

Companies like Cool Effect offer gifts for those looking to offset carbon emissions through clever funding. People can buy and offer gifts that correlate to packages like Costa Rican wind power or the “poo package,” which funds biogas digesters for family farms in India that capture methane emissions from cattle dung.

Get crafty

Gifts from the kitchen or ones made by the giver can be crafted from sustainable materials. They also show how you care by taking the time to customize a gift for the recipient.

Avoid gag or useless gifts

Select gifts only with utility in mind. Skip purchases that are made only to beef-up the look of presents under the tree or to make it appear that gifting was more generous. Items that a person cannot or will not use will ultimately be relegated to the trash, which is wasteful.

Wrap in reusable materials

Fancy wrapping paper certainly looks nice, but choose other materials that can be reused. Look for decorative tins, boxes, fancy gift bags, and other items that can be reused for years to come.

Sustainability is possible during a season of excess when gift givers shop and wrap gifts with the environment in mind.

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

| HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

6 Stella Maris Fashion Boutique

Trendy clothing for today’s woman

Merry Christmas!

STREATOR ACE HARDWARE - Jim Pellino is shown at The Custom Framing center located inside Ace Hardware in Downtown Streator. Custom framed photos and art make the best gifts and right now through January 31st, Ace Hardware is offering 15% off all your custom frame orders. So if you’re giving a gift or thinking about getting something for yourself now is the time! Come in and let Jim use his expert framing experience to turn those photos and artwork into beautiful framed accessories for your home that you will cherish forever. Streator Ace Hardware, 404 E. Main St., Streator - 815-672-2439

Merry Christmas

Gift Certificates Available!

STARTING 12/11 Come Shop Our 12 Days of Christmas for 12 Fantastic Gift Giving Deals!

306 E. Main Street in downtown Streator SM-CL1729721

Urban Soak Shoppe Gift Shop Handmade Unique Gifts for Anyone!

Nurture Your Soul

• Reiki • Massage • Facials • Yoga • Infared Sauna • Floatation Therapy • Myolfascial Release Technique

419 E. Main St. • Streator, IL • 815.672.6600

SM-CL1730283

www.balancedspiritwellness.com

Luxury Soaps • Bath Bombs and products Gorgeous jewelry Housewares Doll clothes Furniture and so much more!

Sun/Mon: Closed Tues-Fri: 10am-5pm Sat: 10am-3pm SM-CL1729724

306 E. Main St., Streator, IL 816-673-3332

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STREATOR FAMILY YMCA - Shown here are just a few of our members enjoying our facilities beautiful new expansion. It includes a 24 hour wellness center and a state of the art children’s action arcade. We also created a larger second gym complete with new basketball hoops, flooring and a special system great for our many group exercise programs. Remember a Y membership is all inclusive and would make a perfect gift this Christmas! Stop out and see all we have to offer at 710 Oakley Ave. in Streator. Will be happy to show you around or feel free to call us at 815-672-2148 with any questions. As always you can visit us online at www.streatorymca.org or visit us on facebook! Merry Christmas!

Mr. Sweeper has a wide variety of used vacuums in various price ranges. They also carry belts, bags, hoses and cords for most vacuums, foot controls, attachment feet and many other parts for sewing machines. New at Mr. Sweeper is genuine Dyson and Kenmore replacement parts. Todd will measure and install your new Titan Central Vac, which carries a lifetime warranty in new or existing homes.

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Mr. Sweeper carries Singer and New Home sewing machines, sergers and computer machines along with a full line of sewing notions including buttons, thread, zippers, bobbins, hand and sewing machine needles. They repair and service most brands of vacuum cleaners and sewing machines.

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All vacuum and sewing machines should be serviced once a year to maintain quality and the life span of the machine. Also, vacuum belts should be replaced every six months. Mr. Sweeper has a wide variety of vacuum scents, carpet spot remover and shampoo.

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404 E. Main Street • Streator • 815-672-2439

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

MR. SWEEPER VACUUM & SEWING CENTER...has been a family owned business since 1963. Todd and Melanie Cashmer are proud of the quality vacuum cleaners and sewing machines they sell at Mr. Sweeper. Todd has 33 years of certified experience in vacuum and sewing machine sales and repair, as well as central vacuum installation. Vacuum brands sold at Mr. Sweeper are: Simplicity, Riccar, Oreck, Royal, Tri Star, Panasonic, Kirby, Filter Queen and Titan. Carpet shampooers by Royal are also available.

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

| HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Holiday gifts for four- legged family members Holiday shoppers who are busy making lists and checking them twice should make sure they don’t overlook the family pet. Christmas has gone to the cats and dogs, as a greater number of people include their companion animals when selecting gifts each year.

A study by OnePoll conducted by Rover.com, the nation’s largest network of dog sitters and walkers, found that 95 percent of pet owners have bought holiday gifts for their pets. Gifts can range from everyday needs, like food and treats, to more lavish extravagances like spa treatments.

Pet owners who plan to get their pets gifts this year may want to consider some of the emerging pet trends as they browse wares and services. The Balance, a business, career and industry information site, says pet industry trends point toward these segments seeing growth.

Natural pet products Just as people are interested in protecting the health of the planet and their own personal health, so, too, are they extending this concern to companion animals.

Natural pet products, which can include natural flea and tick remedies, holistic foods, organic items, and all-natural grooming products, can make great gifts.

Specialty pet services The American Pet Products Association says the demand for high-end pet grooming and other services is substantial. In addition, personalized training, behavioral consulting, portrait photography, dog sitting, and upscale spa treatments like pet Reiki and massage are booming.

Mobile pet grooming Mobile pet grooming has become the norm in many areas. Mobile pet grooming can reduce the potential stress on animals, and tends to be very convenient for customers, particularly seniors and others who have mobility issues.

Beyond these growing trends, pet owners have a bevy of other ideas from which

to choose. Here are just a few different suggestions: • tests to detect pets’ DNA and trace breed and ancestry, • interactive puzzles to keep pets engaged and banish boredom, • stylish storage baskets for pet toys, • hidden cat litter or dog crate items that camouflage commonly used pet items, • heated pet bed for cozy nights and mornings, and • signature vests, coats and sweaters to look good and remain comfortable.

Pet gifts are popular this time of year, ensuring all members of the family have a treat to open.

Sports experiences top many fans’ holiday wish lists Game day is a big day for sports fans. While the anticipation in the days before a big game can be exciting, nothing can match the game itself.

When shopping for the sports fan on their list this holiday season, shoppers may want to go the extra mile and gift a sports-based experience.

Experiential gifts are rising in popularity. According to a 2017 survey from The NPD Group, a leading global information company, 39 percent of holiday shoppers in the United States intended to purchase experiential gifts for their loved ones that year. Sports fans may love a new jersey, but they would no doubt really love a gift that makes them feel like they’re part of the action. Shoppers who want to give a sports experience to their favorite fanatic this holiday season can consider these ideas.

Tickets Perhaps no sports experience is more enjoyable to a true fan than tickets to the big game. Tickets to see a favorite team play make for a great gift that fans may remember for the rest of their lives.

Purchase at least two tickets so your loved one has someone to make memories with. Compare tickets sold directly through the team to those

available through reputable secondary market sellers like StubHubTM and SeatGeek.

Lessons Some fans not only want to watch their favorite sports, but also play them. For example, fans who follow professional surfing might be able to take their own abilities to the next level after taking some lessons from a local instructor. Many community parks organizations even provide affordable lessons for sports such as cross country skiing, fishing and cycling that can provide great value to shoppers and gift recipients alike.

A round Golf fans who can’t get enough of the PGA Tour® may dream of playing a course once graced by their favorite professional players. The PGA Tour® holds events at clubs across the globe, and many of these clubs allow non-members to play rounds for a fee. That fee can be high, but avid golfers will be sharing stories about a round at a favorite course for the rest of their lives.

Experiential gifts are tailor-made for sports fans, making them ideal options come the holiday season.

The holiday season provides plenty of opportunities to socialize. Holiday celebrations are sometimes akin to family reunions, but friends also tend to celebrate together in December. Such celebrations sometimes include different groups of friends, and that may require hosts to do a little extra to break the ice so everyone relaxes and has a good time.

Secret Santa gift exchanges can make for a great ice breaker, even if guests are buying gifts for people they don’t know.

If you plan to make Secret Santa part of your holiday party this year, consider these tips to ensure it goes off smoothly.

• Start planning early. Hosts likely know everyone coming to their party, so they should take the lead and organize the Secret Santa exchange. Let guests know as early as possible, even including the information in the party invitations, so they have time to shop.

• Make it optional. Forcing people to mingle and exchange gifts is never a good idea. Give guests the option to participate ask them to indicate if they will or won’t when they RSVP. • Set a reasonable gift limit. Figure out a budget that works for everyone. There are plenty of gifts to be had for $20 and under. Gag gifts or “dollar store” gift themes can ensure no one goes overboard in terms of dollar value.

• Consider a wish list. Asking participants to fill out wish lists ensures that their Secret Santa buddy will have an idea where to start shopping.

• Enlist a digital helper. Technology can make organizing Secret Santa exchanges even easier. Elfster is an online gift exchange app that can help hosts effectively organize their Secret Santa parties.

Fun is key to Secret Santa exchanges, so make sure to keep things lighthearted when planning the party and exchanging gifts.

Men’s & Women’s Original Letterma Letterman’s Jackets

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Holiday

Hot Tub Sale

SELECT GROUP 20% OFF

SELECT GROUP APPAREL 25% OFF

WATERPROOF BOOTS

15% OFF

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

OUR NEW HOT TUB INVENTORY IS HERE! $200 Off Any Hot Tub In Stock Includes A Free Chemical Start Up Kit and A Free Cover

HURRY! SALE ENDS DECEMBER 15 301 W. Etna Rd. • Ottawa, IL 815-434-7362 www.anderson-pools.com

VARSITY SPORTS DOWNTOWN STREATOR • 815-672-1426

Open Daily til 5:30 • Fri. til 6 pm; Sat. til 4 pm; Sun. Noon till 4:00

SM-CL1728420

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Tips for successful office Secret Santa exchanges

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The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

| HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Gingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread.

Many a child (or a child at heart) has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany. The fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions.

Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there’s no denying it can be exacting work — especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses.

COMMUNITY PLAYERS OF STREATOR, INC. had elves running Toyland on stage last season. A new fun and exciting season is on the way in 2020. Gift Certificates are available now and make a wonderful present to be enjoyed all year long. The productions for our 63rd season are “CRAZY FOR YOU”, a musical, “Clue: On Stage”, a comedy, “CINDERLLA”, the Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical, “ALICE IN WONDERLAND”, a youth musical, “WAIT UNTIL DARK”, a drama and “GET SMART”, a comedy. Season tickets are available at great prices for Super Saver or Reserved seating starting at just $10 per show. To order please find our ad with the order form in this issue and mail it in or call 815-672-3584 and leave message. Super saver tickets may also be purchased online at http://www.englelane.org.

Merry Christmas

• Go for form and not flavor. Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good.

• Get the right icing texture. Pastry artist Catherine Beddall says royal icing is the preferred “glue” to adhere gingerbread pieces.

Beddall says icing should be thick like peanut butter and not runny.

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O n S a l e N OW !

Riccar Roam Cordless Vacuum

• Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build.

• Patience is key. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling the house, says Beddall. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces.

• Kids likely will need help. Children may not have the patience or steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction. They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids. Adults can do the main assembly later on.

• Utilize a template. Free-handing may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces.

One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don’t take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.

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Mr. SWEEPER *While Quantity Last!

Your vacuum and sewing machine sales and repair center 120 N. Bloomington St. STREATOR

815-672-3487

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

How to create a durable gingerbread house

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Furniture, Inc

Christmas

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

SALE! Entire Store Marked Down!

Stop in Don’s in Streator or Ottawa...

Look around at all of our beautiful inventory and write down 1 item you would love to have and “Make a Purchase - Make a Wish!”

One lucky winner will be chosen from each store!

See store for details.

Two Locations to Serve You:

STREATOR

311 E. Main St. 815-673-3700

Furniture, Inc SM-CL1729962

OTTAWA

2571 N. State Rt. 23 815-433-5313

MON-SAT 9-5 • www.donsfurnitureinc.com • FREE DELIVERY • FREE SET-UP • FREE REMOVAL OF OLD • FREE FINANCING AVAILABLE