SVM-SS3_12112014

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Gift Guide A Marketing Supplement To Sauk Valley Media & Ogle County Newspapers

Thursday, December 11, 2014

PAGE 2

Holiday Traditions

Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

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PAGE 3

Holiday Traditions

What’s Inside Pets as presents, or presents for pets: It’s your choice ....... Page 4

Popcorn and chocolate and wine: Appeal to their tastes .... Page 12 Great gifts for grilling enthusiasts and cooks ...................... Page 15 Electronics will be hot gift items this Christmas ............... Page 20

Publisher: Sam R Fisher Advertising Director: Jennifer Baratta Advertising Sales: Tammy Burkholder Luke Eisenberg Celeste LightnerGreenwalt Taylor Payne Jill Reyna Kelly Shroyer Lori Walker Editors: Larry Lough Jim Dunn

Art objects that speak to you can be wonderful gifts ......... Page 10

Page Design: Jim Dunn

Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media, 3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081; 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222. No portion of “Holiday Traditions” may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

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Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

Holiday Traditions

Pets as presents; presents for pets Good selection in stores across Sauk Valley

BY LUCINDA HALL Special to the Gift Guide

It’s a seasonal dilemma: Where can you find the perfect present for your pampered pet?

PetSmart in Sterling is the complete pet holiday gift center – whether your animal comes by land, sea or air.

From fish to parakeets, PetSmart has gift ideas certain to please the pets and pet lovers on your list.

For those who really want to get their pets into the seasonal spirit, there are holiday pet beds,

clothing, treats, blankets, toys – even holidaythemed aquarium tank decorations and ornaments.

Again this year, PetSmart has Chance the Dog and Lucky the Cat limited-edition stuffed animals, plush, cuddly toys that have become holiday collector items. And 10 percent of Chance and Lucky proceeds go to PetSmart Charities, which support animal rescue organizations.

For your four-legged pals, there’s sports gear.

Bears, Packers, Bulls and Illini fans can select from logo pet sweaters, leashes, collars, bandanas, and stuffed toys for game day.

PETS CONTINUED ON 6

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Chance and Lucky stuffed animals, available at PetSmart in Sterling, are popular gifts for pets and pet owners.

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Holiday Traditions

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Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

Holiday Traditions

Fish and aquariums are good gifts for kids PETS

CONTINUED FROM 4

For those more interested in designer apparel, Martha Stewart and Bret Michaels have exclusive PetSmart lines of everyday and holiday clothing for dogs and cats.

If you are considering a first pet for a child, Michele Buis, assistant manager, suggests Betta fish. They need only a small container and are very low maintenance.

What’s more, PetSmart has a large selection of children’s starter aquarium sets with everything needed to get started.

Aquatic hobbyists will find the area’s largest selection of fish and aquarium items.

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are 1.2-gallon princess and knight starter sets – complete with everything except the fish. For the more advanced, there is everything from sophisticated aquarium systems to exotic aquatic fish and plants.

Buis does offer advice for introducing a new member to the household during the holidays.

“Just make certain the kids are ready for the responsibility that comes with a pet,” she said.

“Then make certain you understand what the nutritional and living environment needs are of your new pet.”

Other first pet suggestions, for easy care and maintenance, are guinea pigs and bearded dragon lizards.

FIRST PETS CONTINUED ON 7

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Don’t forget about the fish! Give them a fun new home to swim around for a Christmas present. Check out the variety of fish tank items at PetSmart in Sterling.

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PAGE 7

Holiday Traditions

Tuff Dog pet treats made, marketed locally FIRST PETS

CONTINUED FROM 6

“These are two of the best kid-friendly pets we carry,” Buis said.

PetSmart also carries everything needed for every pet it sells, and the staff is knowledgeable about the care and feeding of all the animals.

Need a stocking stuffer?

PetSmart has bins of small items sure to please your pooch, or any other pet, for $3 or less.

PetSmart also offers puppy-training classes.

Not sure what to get?

A PetSmart gift card can always be put to good use.

Find Tuff Dog in downtown Sterling Virtually everything at Tuff Dog Bakery and

Boutique in downtown Sterling is locally made – something that makes owner Vicki Mandrell especially proud.

“I figure if I want people to shop local, I need to shop local, too,” she said.

Mandrell personally creates and bakes a variety of more than 50 different pet treats.

The treats, baked right in the store, contain allnatural ingredients and come in all sizes, shapes and flavors.

She even has holidaydecorated treats that look good enough for Santa’s reindeer.

Best sellers are her “snickerpoodles,” which look and smell just like a snickerdoodle cookie, and her dog-shaped beef and carrot biscuits.

TREATS CONTINUED ON 8

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

A sparkly new collar for your pet fits every holiday ensemble. PetSmart in Sterling offers a wide selection for the holiday shopper.

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Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

Holiday Traditions

Pet clothing another gift idea TREATS

CONTINUED FROM 7

Tuff Dog also carries a new line of rawhides and chews for keeping furry friends entertained; they come in a variety of shapes and flavors.

Especially popular is the 3-foot rawhide Joy Stick in chicken, beef and pork flavors.

While the store is known for its homemade treats, visitors will delight in that it is also a pet boutique with everything from collars to clothing to accessories for the welldressed pet.

Take, for instance, the Sharp Dressed Pup fashion line of pet clothing, carriers, toys, bandanas and blankets, all handmade in Prophetstown.

The line even includes pet tuxedo collars for more formal occasions.

Another favorite is Danielle’s Critter Creations featuring handmade collars, pet-themed pot holders and toys.

And what female pooch wouldn’t love a bow from Lisa’s Bows. The highend, handmade pet fashion bows have clips to help keep them in place.

Brenda Forini of Rock Falls has written two books, “Rescue Kitty” and “Rescue Pup,” that are available at Tuff Dog as well.

The children’s’ books are beautifully illustrated and come with a readalong CD. Proceeds from the books benefit Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon.

Grummert’s in Rock Falls has pets galore Shoppers might be surprised by the extensive pet department at Grummert’s Hardware in Rock Falls.

Catering to bird, fish and small animal owners, Grummert’s offers all kinds of small critters, from gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits to parakeets and cockatiels.

Fish and reptiles also are big sellers. There are geckos, hermit crabs, toads, tree frogs and even snakes for those seeking more unique pets.

“Rabbits are awesome,” said Crystal Dodson, Grummert’s pet manager. “They can even be litter trained.”

Interested in a feathered friend? Parakeets, finches

and wrens make cheerful companions and take up little space.

A little more exotic are the cockatiels, with their flashy yellow and orange faces. Grummert’s also carries everything needed for the birds it sells, from decked-out cages to treats and cage toys.

Treats include honey and tropical fruit flavored sticks, and toys include special mirrors that fasten to the inside of cages.

“Birds love the mirrors,” Dodson said. “Their reflection makes them feel like they have a friend in the cage. They will even ‘talk’ to the image in the mirror.”

Freshwater fish are a specialty at Grummert’s.

GRUMMERT CONTINUED ON 9

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Go ahead and dress your pets up in an “ugly” sweater from PetSmart in Sterling; they’ll still love you.

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December 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

Stocking stuffers for Socks and Ruff will get their tails wagging GRUMMERT

CONTINUED FROM 8

The store carries 10-gallon aquarium sets with everything the beginner or the pro needs.

Woodland Getaways and Igloo brand cage hideaways are just the ticket for small furry animals, providing them quiet retreats within their cages.

PetSmart

3210 E. Lynn Blvd., Sterling 815-564-0152 www.petsmart.com Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

PAGE 9

Holiday Traditions

Also popular are the Critter Trails with a variety of colorful wheels, tunnels, bells and treat jars to keep small pets active, engaged, and entertained.

There are any number of special pet stocking stuffers, including Megablast chew bones, which can be frozen and are especially good for puppies.

Dodson also cautions Tuff Dog Bakery and Boutique

not to forget outdoor pets.

Grummert’s carries heated bowls and water bottles to make certain pets have access to water even in freezing temperatures.

Need to keep a secret, Santa? As an added service, Grummert’s will keep and care for your pet until you are ready to pick it up on Christmas Eve. Grummert’s Hardware

7 E. Third St., Sterling 815-625-5725 www.tuffdogbakery.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayWednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

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Take steps to protect home for the holidays GateHouse News Service

When you think of the holidays, celebrations, presents and friends likely come to mind – not crime.

Unfortunately, burglaries increase at this time of year, and your home could be a target.

With a few simple safety precautions, you can protect your property, your family and your valuables now and well into the new year.

Thomas Leman is a retired 27-year veteran of the police force and criminal justice professor at Argosy University Online.

“Taking steps to protect your home during the holidays isn’t radically different from what

most people should be doing the rest of the year,” Leman said.

Take precautions today to protect your home and deter criminals.

Decorate with care: When it comes to holiday decorations, modesty is definitely the best policy, Leman said.

“While you may love the look of a Christmas tree in your front window, expensive decorations on display can be a signal that there are valuables inside your home worth a criminal’s time.”

Lock it up: Whether you are home, running errands or away on vacation, take care to close and lock all doors and windows. Remem-

ber to set alarms, too.

Light the night: A welllit and well-groomed home provides an important measure of safety.

Dispose smartly: It’s best not to alert strangers to the new 70-inch flat screen in your home by leaving the box on the curb for refuse pickup.

Be a tricky traveler: Be proactive about home safety if you have holiday travel plans. Never let mail or newspapers pile up at your home, as it is an instant indicator you are not there.

Have a neighbor collect mail and newspapers, or have your service stopped by calling the post office and newspaper provider.

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Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

Holiday Traditions

Art that speaks to you ‘a perfect gift’ Work by local artists available for the holidays

BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN Special to the Gift Guide

There is no gift like the gift of art.

“If it speaks to you, if it’s unique, if it’s one-of-akind, that says it all,” Bonnie Kime, executive director of The Next Picture Show art gallery in Dixon, said.

“It’s a perfect gift.”

Art should not be selected because it matches the color scheme or décor of a room in the house.

Rather, a painting, a photograph or a sculpture should be chosen for its feeling and its character.

“It’s something that you

want to wake up with each day, enjoy, and go to bed with each night,” Kime said. “It’s not something that should match your couch. It should speak to you.”

The Next Picture Show carries art, including many pieces by local artists who are so well known they are almost icons in the area, in a variety of media, styles and price points.

The gallery has paintings and photographs, stained glass, sculpture, textiles and jewelry.

“Price in many cases doesn’t matter,” Kime said.

Art often is sentimental; a canvas might feature an inspirational quotation, or a figurine might depict a tender moment.

ART CONTINUED ON 11

Photos by Ashley Poskin/Special to the Gift Guide

LEFT: Bonnie Kime, executive director of The Next Picture Show, is shown with board member Bob Logsdon. Art that speaks to an individual makes a good Christmas gift, Kime said.

RIGHT: Hand-woven towels, such as these at The Next Picture Show, are both beautiful and functional.

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PAGE 11

Holiday Traditions

Sentimental, upbeat pieces popular as gifts ART

CONTINUED FROM 10

“More of the sentimental, upbeat, uplifting stuff is popular,” Margaret Zumdahl, owner of Accents inside Northland Mall in Sterling, said.

“If it has meaning to you or to someone you love, then it’s a great gift.”

Accents carries Isabel Bloom figurines and Willow Tree figurines, as well as a line of ceramic tiles by Canadian artist Sid Dickens. The store also has canvases, photographs and other goods to fit a variety of tastes.

Art, especially locally made items, can just be a thoughtful gift, too.

“The artisan crafts – the pottery, the jewelry, the candles – are the best

The Next Picture Show 113 W. First St., Dixon 815-285-4924 Accents (inside Northland Mall) 2900 E. Lincolnway Sterling 815-625-1999 dezine99 711 N. Brinton Ave. Dixon 815-284-2084 for gifts,” Sandy Schuler, owner of dezine99 in Dixon, said.

“They’re handcrafted.

They’re not something you can just get anywhere.” dezine99 offers prints, as well as pottery, jewelry and embellished barware, among other artisanmade goods. The store will be open Saturdays though Christmas.

Photos by Ashley Poskin/Special to the Gift Guide

LEFT: Handmade jewelry and writing utensils are affordable ways to gift form and function to a special person. These items are available at The Next Picture Show.

RIGHT: Sculpture art can be a great accent to most rooms, and can often fit many budgets.

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PAGE 12

Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

Holiday Traditions

Popcorn and chocolate and wine, oh my!

Appeal to taste of recipients with these fine gifts

BY DAVE FOX Special to the Gift Guide

For those hard to buy for on your holiday gift list, think “popcorn” this year.

Poppin’ On the Rock Gourmet Popcorn Shop, in Dixon, has a wide range of gifts available for Christmas.

“We just go crazy at Christmas,” one employee said recently.

“The thing that’s so great about us is that popcorn is a consumable. It doesn’t just sit on a shelf.”

Available in butter, cheese, and caramel flavors, the store’s quality

popcorn uses real butter and real cheddar cheese powder, not flavored salt.

In addition to its regular variety of plain bags of the treat, the shop will boast a large number of different types of tins and boxes of popcorn for the holiday season.

Prices range from $4 to $65, so chances are a shopper can find gifts here for family members, teachers, and even the postal carrier.

Walk-in business is always welcome, but it would be wise to preorder holiday gifts either in person or by phone.

Little Chocolatier in Sterling sells fresh caramel and cheese corn.

TASTE CONTINUED ON 13

Photos by Dave Fox/Special to the Gift Guide

LEFT: Little Chocolatier offers gift-wrapped boxes of chocolates, either pre-assembled or made to order.

RIGHT: Cheese and caramel corn are signature gift items from the Little Chocolatier and are available in bags of various sizes and also in a variety of tins.

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Holiday Traditions

PAGE 13

Among the best-sellers: Pecan Dumplings TASTE

CONTINUED FROM 12

In addition to regular bags of popcorn available year-round, the store will boast five different sizes of holiday tins to hold the popcorn.

In addition, the store features a variety of chocolates made on location, in addition to fresh gourmet caramel apples.

Pecan Dumplings (similar to Turtles) are cited as one of the store’s bestsellers, in addition to numerous other light and dark chocolates.

Flavored coffees and teas also make excellent Christmas gifts, sure to bring a smile. Coffees are available in whole beans, or staff can grind the beans to order, if the

customer desires.

Boxes of assorted chocolates are available already gift-wrapped.

They range in price from a half-pound for $10.75 to much larger sizes for up to $97.75, and several sizes in between.

Shoppers can buy their own favorites, as opposed to the pre-made boxes of mixed chocolates, in quantities from a quarter-pound on up.

Based on past years at the store, the prewrapped boxes of candy usually disappear quickly, as do the popcorn gifts, so the staff there recommends calling a week or two in advance to place orders in order to avoid disappointment.

Speaking of chocolate, one might consider a visit to The Crystal Cork

wine shop in Dixon.

Chocolate from a wine shop?

Indeed. The store boasts chocolate-covered wine bottles, perhaps the only place in this region to offer such an item.

Eric Brantley, co-owner of the establishment, said: “You pick your favorite bottle of wine, and we put the chocolate on it for you.

“We use real Belgium chocolate, so it’s very good quality. We actually dip the bottles right here, and each bottle gets about three-quarters of a pound on it.”

Prices for this unique gift vary, he said. Cost for the chocolate is $20, and the wine ranges in price from $30 to $55 in addition to the chocolate.

We have all the perfect gifts...

WINE CONTINUED ON 14

Dave Fox/Special to the Gift Guide

Little Chocolatier has whole bean or fresh-ground gourmet coffees, and a nice selection of teas.

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Holiday Traditions

Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

Enjoyable gifts, unique conversation pieces WINE

CONTINUED FROM 13

“It’s very unique, a real conversation piece,” he said. “You pass the bottle around and pour the wine, then you pass the bottle around again and everyone breaks off a piece of chocolate.”

Other gifts include cork cages and wine baskets. “The cork cages are always fun because they’re always different,” Brantley said.

“They are shaped like the Eiffel Tower, to a boot, to just about anything in between. A lot of people like to save their corks, and this is just a unique way to do that.”

Decorative bottle stoppers also make nice gifts and come in different

Dave Fox/Special to the Gift Guide

The Crystal Cork offers a nice selection of different wines that appeal to holiday shoppers’ refined tastes. styles and price ranges.

Wine baskets make a nice gift, too, he said, because shoppers can come in and pick whatever they want to have put in the basket, which is

then gift-wrapped for the customer.

“There’s no charge for the basket or for the gift wrap, so the cost for the basket will depend solely on what the customer

wants put in the basket to begin with,” Brantley said.

“We encourage people to come in and browse around and see what we have,” he said. “They’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Poppin’ On the Rock Gourmet Popcorn Shop, 78 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon, phone 815-288-1325, open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, closed Sunday.

Little Chocolatier, 317 First Ave., Sterling, phone 815-626-2752, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Saturday.

The Crystal Cork, 219 W. First St., Dixon, phone 815-285-3496, open Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday.

Dave Fox/ Special to the Gift Guide

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PAGE 15

Holiday Traditions

Great gifts for grilling enthusiasts, cooks Food fanciers sure to enjoy local offerings

BY LUCINDA HALL Special to the Gift Guide

Shoppers looking for that perfect grilling or cooking present need not despair.

A Cook’s Corner and Jim Prescott’s Barbecue Shop, both locally owned Sterling businesses, offer gifts certain to please the gourmet on your list.

Jim Prescott’s Barbecue Shop “Grilling is popular year round, whether it is snowy or sunny,” according to Deanna Prescott of Jim Prescott’s Barbecue Shop.

As grilling has become more popular over the past decade, grills are being constructed of heavier ceramics and metals so they hold in much more heat and stand up to the winter temperatures.

And, while grills are sold every day, they are especially popular gifts for the holidays.

For grilling enthusiasts, Prescott’s carries The Big Green Egg (EGG), an egg-shaped ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker.

Considered “grill paradise,” the EGG has developed a cult-like following – so much so that EGG owners refer to themselves as EGGheads.

GRILLING CONTINUED ON 16

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

A Cook’s Corner in Sterling offers a large selection of holiday-themed items for gifts or entertaining.

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2 Miles South of Morrison on Route 78

www.tegeleramishfurniture.com

Hours: Mon. 9-7 Tues-Fri 9-5 Sat. 9-4 • Closed Sun.

Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price! * * ½ Price item must be equal or lesser value.

Some exclusions apply. Offer good thru 12/24/2014 1825 Locust • Sterling 815-625-4323 • www.wilcorental.com

PAGE 16

Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

Holiday Traditions

Grills, accessories to please griller on your list GRILLING

CONTINUED FROM 15

“We not only carry the grills, but have the largest selection of Big Green Egg accessories in the area.” Prescott said.

“For Big Green Egg fans, it’s just like a lady with shoes – you can never have enough of them!”

The store also carries a full line of the popular Weber grills and accessories.

New this year for grilling enthusiasts is brining.

Brining, the submerging of meat in a cool liquid solution, has the benefit of adding moisture and flavors to meat.

“Brining isn’t just for turkeys anymore,” Prescott said.

“It is becoming more

and more popular for pork, fish and chicken, and we have everything you need, from brining buckets to brining seasoning and recipes.”

Another new favorite this year is the BBQ Guru.

The BBQ Guru is a temperature-control device for barbecuing. It allows for low, slow and steady cooking. The device has a fan to keep grill temperatures constant and two probes with digital readouts.

One probe monitors the temperature inside the grill, and the second the temperature of the meat.

“You don’t have to worry about a thing,” Prescott said.

DEVICES CONTINUED ON 17

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

A Cook’s Corner in Sterling offers a wide variety of holiday-themed items for entertaining or gifts.

Please visit the best kept holiday secret in the region - the gift shop and art gallery in the Northwest Territory Historic Center.

205 West 5th Street Dixon, IL 61021 Phone: 815-288-5508 E-mail: info@nthc.org Web Site: www.nthc.org NTHC is formerly Dixon Historic Center

December 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 17

Holiday Traditions

Add spice, rubs and seasonings to grilling DEVICES

CONTINUED FROM 16

“The Guru maintains the meat and grill temperatures for you. You could set it and go play 18 holes of golf, if you wanted,” she said with a laugh.

Also new this year are grate lifters that allow you to lift heavy, hot grates to add charcoal, reducing the chances of burns and the dropping of hot grates.

Pigtail Meat Flippers are becoming the griller’s best friend and can replace grilling tongs, forks and spatulas. The long-handled, skewertype gadget has a curled end, like a pig’s tail, that can be used to flip, move and lift meats off the grill.

“People just love them,” Prescott said.

The store also carries a variety of items suitable for stocking stuffers. One of Prescott’s favorites is Bear Paws. The handled “paws” can be used to shed cooked meats, such as pulled pork, or to lift large pieces of meat from the grill to a platter.

Grilling devotees might also like Prescott’s selection of spices, rubs and seasonings. Popular brands include Dizzy Pig rubs and seasoning and Blues Hog barbecue sauces.

The store also carries the Championship Series, a line of awardwinning rubs, sauces and seasonings. The series is made up of all different brands, brought together under the name Cham-

pionship Series because each has won a barbecue championship.

Other stocking stuffer suggestions include thermometers and seasoning injectors.

Novel accessories are abundant, including items such as grill pizza paddles.

“Pizzas are huge for doing on the grill,” Prescott said.

For the charcoal devotees, there are wood chips from apple, pecan, hickory, beech and alder woods. Also available are several top-of-the-line charcoals. For smokers, there are a dozen different wood pellets to select from.

“Jim also puts together grill packages.” said Deanna Prescott of her father-in-law, Jim

Prescott. “He really gets into it!”

A Cook’s Corner Have a cooking or baking enthusiast on your list and don’t know what to get?

Deb Lawrence, owner of A Cook’s Corner in Sterling, is your go-to person.

“I just ask a few simple questions,” Deb said.

“Does she [or he] like to cook or bake? Prefer coffee or tea? What are their favorite foods? Savory or sweet?”

“Their answers give me direction to help them select the perfect gift.”

And A Cook’s Corner has just about everything for the cook or baker on your list.

“Everyone needs a good knife,” Lawrence said.

“We carry the Victorinox

lines of knives, created by the maker of the Swiss Army knife. The knives were rated No. 1 by Cooks Illustrated and will last a lifetime.”

New, popular items she has added this year are both space and time savers.

The Nifty brand 3-tier Oven Companion expands oven space by allowing cooks to bake casseroles and side dishes on the stacking tiers while still allowing oven space for a roasting pan.

The Nifty 3-tier Cooling Rack saves counter space, providing three levels of cooling space. Both the oven and cooling racks fold for easy storing.

Nifty also makes a Pie and Baking Companion that bakes pies evenly, preventing soggy mid-

dles. It also has an integrated drip pan and can be used for pizzas as well.

Certain to please the cook on your list are USA Pans. These aluminized steel bakeware items have a special fluted design that allows for even heat distribution.

The bakeware is coated with an environmentally friendly silicone that is non-stick, meaning cooks will not have to use parchment paper or sprays when baking. The fluted design also prevents over browning.

A Cook’s Corner carries a wide selection of USA Pan items, including cookie sheets, cupcake and muffin tins, and cake and loaf pans.

XOX kitchen utensils are perfect for any kitchen.

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁❁ ❁ ❁❁ ❁❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ COOK CONTINUED ON 18

Don’t let the stairs keep you down.

“Let Nu-Trend Lift You Up!”

1808 34th St., Moline 309-797-4647 www.nutrendaccess.com

• Stairway Lifts • Vehicle Wheelchair Lifts • Vehicle Scooter Lifts • Elevators, Dumbwaiters and More!

PAGE 18

Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

Holiday Traditions

Fresh & Silk Floral Arrangements Gifts • Scarves • Jewelry Yankee Candles 75% off Yankee Votives & Tarts .50¢ each

Country Floral

101 N. Divisionn • Polo • 815 815.946.3952 946 3952 • www.countryfloralpolo.com www countryfl

lus

P art

Give the Gift of Great Taste

M

Mart Plus

312 16th Ave., Sterling • 815-626-1737 (Across from Lincoln Park) Dine In • Carry Out

Mon. - Sat. 11am - 10pm • Sun. 11am - 9pm

Our Banquet Room - Perfect for Your Party or Occasion!

ACT NOW to get your

Digital subscribers will have 24/7 All-Access to the saukvalley.com site on desktop, tablet and mobile as well as All-Access to the eEdition!

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COOK

CONTINUED FROM 17

item it makes for life.

Shoppers can also choose from a wide selection of gourmet food items.

“One of the best sellers is our ready-to-make soups,” Lawrence said.

“Not only are they delicious, but they are low in sodium and gluten free.

You can read and understand every ingredient on the label. The soups are all natural and outstanding.”

Other palate pleasers are meat rubs, grilling

sauces, mustards, and dipping oils. There is also a whole line of dip mixes – just add cream cheese, mayo, or sour cream to wow guests.

Seasonal favorites include holiday jams and hot peppermint sauce.

And, if you’re interested in sampling, the store has a “Late Night, Date Night,” from 5 to 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month, when guests can sample food items sold at the store.

SAMPLE CONTINUED ON 19

Quilt Supplies For U

a Day! Sign up instructions for website and eEdition will be emailed to you upon receipt.

Customer Appreciation

Mail this coupon to: Sauk Valley Media, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, Il. 61081 or call 625-3600 or 284-2222 ext. 5301 to have your subscription started right away.

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Utensils make useful gifts Every item, from vegetable peelers to measuring cups, is designed with comfort and performance in mind.

A Cook’s Corner has the largest selection in the area representing just about every kitchen gadget – large or small – imaginable. What’s more, XOX is known for the non-slip soft grip and guarantees every

All-Access Pass to saukvalley.com!

Mark One ___ 4 weeks for only $14.99 ___ 13 weeks for $48.71 ___ 26 weeks for $93.68 ___ 52 weeks for $149.90 ___ EZ-Pay for $12.49 monthly

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Holiday-themed spatulas are a great gift idea for the cook in your life.

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620 E. Rt. 30, Rock Falls, IL • 815-622-9413

Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm Closed Sundays & Holidays

December 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 19

Holiday Traditions Jim Prescott’s Barbecue Shop 1910 E. Fourth St. Sterling 815-499-2996 www.jimprescottsbbqshop.com Hours: Monday through Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

A Cook’s Corner in Sterling offers quite a variety of holiday-related gifts, everything from kitchen towels to hot chocolate.

A Cook’s Corner 2501 Avenue E (YMCA Way) Sterling 815-625-7040 www.acookscorner@ gmail.com Hours: Tuesday through Friday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday

FOR THE SPORTSMAN ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST!

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Firearms • Ammunition • Hunting & Fishing Supplies Gifts • Gift Certificates • Great Christmas Ideas!

Join our VIP text club Text 36000 Message RROUTF FIT RockRiverOutfitters.com

Remember a gift for the hostess SAMPLE

CONTINUED FROM 18

It originally started as a Girls Night Out, but seeing the number of men interested in cooking, Lawrence changed the name to be more gender friendly and to encourage couples to come together.

“It’s really fun,” she

said. “We have a good time, and that’s all that matters.”

Looking for stocking stuffers? A Cook’s Corner has a cornucopia of items right-sized for stockings. Whether you are looking for fun or functional items, there’s something for everyone, from wine stoppers and cocktail napkins to meat

thermometers and toast tongs.

In fact, there is a whole wall that Lawrence refers to as her “hodge-podge” wall just filled with a stocking-worthy assortment of gifts.

A Cook’s Corner also has perfect hostess gifts for holiday parties, and Lawrence will create specialty gift baskets.

Schafer’s Fisheries, Inc.

21985 Waller Rd, Fulton 815-589-3368

7 DAYS A WEEK • 8-5

LOCAL FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1955!!!

Specializing in a variety of local wild caught fresh and smoked fish. As well as a WIDE variety of fresh frozen ocean fish.

We also carry specialty items such as: Oysters, King Crab Legs, Cold Water Aussie Lobster Tails! Look for in-store specials! Don’t forget our MADE-TO-ORDER shrimp trays, dips… and AMAZING Holiday Baskets.

$5.00 OFF

1 Off

$ 00

per pound on all varieties of shrimp! (cooked, peeled & devained, EZ peel, shell on, breaded) Expires Jan. 20, 2015

On orders of $35 or more on any item in the store. 1 coupon per person. Expires Jan. 20th, 2015.

114 N. River Rd. Oregon, IL 815-732-9999

Tues. - Sat. 8AM -6PM

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Give the gift of window fashions this holiday season!

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© 2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

Custom Draperies • Window Hardware • Interior Design • Upholstery • Flooring • Paint • Wallpaper • Home Accessories

PAGE 20

Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

Holiday Traditions

GIFT GIVING JUST GOT BEAUTIFUL! GIFT CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE!

815-625-1717 From Left to right: Maria Reyes, Kim Monarrez,“C” Nusbaum, Shirley Benton, Marta Vasquez, Michelle Bragg, & Sinda Figueroa

Sandi Lilly

Nikki Ferguson

C

315 1ST AVENUE, ROCK FALLS OPEN AT 9AM MONDAY - SATURDAY

ynergy Styling Salon

Give The Perfect “Warm” Gift!

Remote Starters Auto Accessories and Car Audio

Heated Seats

Gift

Tonneau Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com Covers Samsung’s 65-inch curved television has the highest resolution currently on the WeatherTech Floor Liners market. It is available at Knie Appliance and TV in Sterling.

405 Elm Avenue, Sterling Certificates Available 815-625-3169 bruph@comcast.net

Electronics will be hot gift items this Christmas

BY DAVE FOX Special to the Gift Guide

GIVE THE GIFT OF SPRING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

WITH AN ANNE’S GIFT CERTIFICATE 1200 N. Galena, Dixon • 815.288.6060 903 W. Galena, Freeport • 815.232.1962

www.annesgc.com

The local electronics world offers a wide array of gifts for the holidays this year, ranging from out-of-this-world to the fun and ordinary.

Ray Rose, lead technician at Audio Video Connections in Dixon, expects the Sonos Wi-Fi in-home sound system

to be a hot seller for the holidays, as it has been for several months now.

Described as super user-friendly and easily expandable, the Sonos system consists of a “bridge” – which plugs into your existing Internet to create its own separate Wi-Fi track – and one or more speaker units designed for the

system, which can actually handle up to 32 separate speaker units.

“This system creates its own separate Wi-Fi system to operate from, instead of piggy-backing off your regular home Wi-Fi, so it doesn’t slow down your computers and other Internet-based tools around the house,” Rose said.

SOUND CONTINUED ON 21

Holiday Gift Special Many Stocking Stuffers & Teacher Gifts $5-$10!

25% off

any one Print or Framed Picture Expires 12/31/14

20% off

20% off

any one Photo or Readymade Frame

any one Regular Priced Candle

Expires 12/31/14

Expires 12/31/14

210 W. First St. Dixon 815-288-2400 • Tues - Fri 9-5, Sat 9-12

                   

December 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 21

Holiday Traditions

Poinsettias 8 Colors Grown in our Greenhouse!

Fresh Wreaths, Fresh Garland, and Grave Blankets Holiday Gifts, Unique Indoor Plants Terrariums & Miniature (Fairy) Gardens

Gift Certificates for the Gardener!

K&R Greenhouse OPEN EVERY DAY! 9am-5pm

15543 Bishop Rd., Morrison 815-772-4595

TITLE CA$H we will BEAT ANY local

competitor’s INTEREST RATE! • Payday Loans • Title Loans

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Knie’s Sterling store also carries a wide variety of flat-screened, high-definition televisions.

Easy to upgrade sound units SOUND

CONTINUED FROM 20

Once the bridge is Internet-active and the speaker or speakers set up, an app is then downloaded to the customer’s smart phone, which is then used to control the entire system.

For example, the app can be set to access and play music from iTunes, your own collection of tracks, or another source.

Volume is controlled from the smart phone as well, and independent controls allow volume and playlists to be controlled for up to 32 separate speaker units independently, or grouped together in “party mode.”

A basic unit consists of the bridge ($50) and a basic Play 1 unit ($199).

The unit is expandable to include up to 32 different units, and those who want more

bells and whistles can upgrade to Play 2 or higher units.

“It’s very easy to set up and use, and is one of the best home entertainment systems available,” Rose said.

For football and basketball enthusiasts as well as those who just enjoy watching TV, a visit to Knie Appliance and TV in Sterling would be well worth the time.

Unique Gifts for the Holiday Season Homemade made fresh daily • Bags • Gift Boxes • Tins

Carmel Popcorn • Cheese Popcorn “Chicago Miz”

TV CONTINUED ON 23

All diffe rent sizes o f Holid ay Gifts

2313 E Lincoln Way, Sterling, IL 61081

(815) 564-9131 238 5th Ave South, Clinton 563-242-2336 M-F 9-6, Sat 9-5:30, Sun 12-5

www.brownshoefitco.com

$15 Off $20 off

Buy 3 Get Over $100 Over $150 1 Free!

Regular Price Shoe

Regular Price Boots

*In Stock Only, Not Valid With Any Other Offers. Expires December 31st 2014.

GraniteWorks Fall

A Division of World Granite Inc.

50% OFF SALE 50% OFF all in stock monuments for a limited time only.

78 S. H Hennepin i A Ave., Di Dixon, IL 815-288-1326

Smart Wool Socks

Some restrictions apply.

See store for details.

1220 S. Galena Ave. Dixon 815-288-3350

10% OFF all stock color granite countertops 40 sq. ft. min.

PAGE 22

Holiday Traditions

Sauk Valley Media • December 11, 2014

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

The American Legion

Are you aware, that as a Veteran of the US Military, you are entitled to certain benefits established by Congress?

Are you aware, that the American Legion is the strongest voice heard by Congress to be sure that Veterans continue to receive their earned benefits?

Are you aware, that if you have served in the US Military, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard, and served in any capacity of active duty or reserve components you may be eligible for membership in the American Legion?

If you’re a Veteran, the American Legion will help you. It can help you with VA Health Care, Medicare reimbursement, GI Bill benefits and sudden emergencies.

The American Legion provides this service at no additional cost to you!

A membership in the American Legion helps fund the efforts of the organization to ensure that YOUR benefits are maintained.

Your Local American Legion Wants YOU!

~ YOU’RE INVITED ~ to a membership caravan & dinner hosted by Sterling American Legion Post #296

Friday, January 16, 2015 • 5:30 p.m.

601 1st Avenue in Sterling Featuring guest speaker: Past National Commander Dan Dellinger Please bring a copy of your DD-214 to show your service.

If you do not have a copy, or need assistance in getting a copy, please contact Sterling American Legion Post #296 at 815-625-1212 (If no answer please leave a message and we will get back to you.)

Reservations for dinner are required. Please respond to Sterling American Legion Post #296 815-625-1212 no later than Monday, January 12, 2015.

Contact Post #296 for further details or any questions.

Sponsored by the American Legion Posts in Northwest Illinois.

Special thanks to the American Legion - Department of Illinois for their assistance.

December 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 23

Holiday Traditions

All is Bright...

Lundstrom Florist 1709 E. 3rd St., Sterling

815-625-0080

www.lundstromflorist.com

• Fresh and Silk • Gifts • Poinsettias • Wreaths • Wire service

When you order this joyful Christmas arrangement for the table!

Wireservice Available

KIDS DON’T NEED MORE STUFF, GIVE THE GIFT OF JUMP!

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

The curved design, like in this LG 55-inch OLED television at Knie Appliance and TV, offers a 3D-like picture and a better image while watching from side angles.

Curved, 4-K TVs ‘big thing’ TV

CONTINUED FROM 21

“The really big thing right now is 4-K and curved OLED televisions,” Michael Newendyke, sales manager, said.

With an ultra-high-definition picture, “4-K is basically four times the picture quality of a 1080pixel screen,” Newendyke said.

Curved OLEDs (organic

LEDs) “are really a big thing this year, too,” he said.

“The main thing with a curved screen is that it gives the viewer much more of a three-dimensional effect.”

That type of TV “has been out since early this year, so we’re starting to see prices come down a little now,” Newendyke said.

For example, the store offers a 65-inch Samsung model in the

curved 4-K series for $4,449, “but everything will be on sale for the holidays, so be watching for special deals during the shopping season.”

Curved TVs are generally 55 to 65 inches or bigger, while the 4-K series models are generally 49 inches to 75 inches or bigger.

“These two types of televisions are definitely the hottest things in electronics this year,” Newendyke said.

505 W. Lynn Blvd. • www.funjump.us 815- 632-3630 • Hours:Tues.-Fri. 3-7 Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 1-6 TM

Our ur House Antiqu Antiques 510 E. King St. • Polo, IL 61064 • 815-441-1263

ANTIQUES • COLLECTIBLES • HAND MADES Shop Hours: Thursday & Friday 10AM -7PM Saturday 10AM - 5 PM ourhouseantiques@frontier.com

All major cards & Paypal accepted

Stocking Stuffers!

Gift Certificates

Available

JAVAJOINT XPRESS 606 12th Avenue, Rock Falls, IL • (815) 441-1603

Monday - Saturday • 6am-3pm

www.javajointxpress.com • www.facebook.com/javajointxpressrockfalls

INTRODUCING OUR NEW THERAPEDIC BACKSENSE LINEUP

All I want for Christmas is...

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A GREAT NIGHT’S SLEEP!

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UP TO 12 MONTHS NO INTEREST FINANCING AVAILABLE (WITH APPROVED CREDIT)

• Appliances • TV’s • Mattresses • Hot Tubs

2400 N. Locust St., Sterling, IL

815.625.8529

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 3pm

Terry Miller, Sondra Mills, & Wayne Walker