Giftguide zone1 mc112013 by The Gazette

Come explore our eclectic mix of inventory!

We feature new, vintage, and antique items of almost every kind. Find that perfect piece of accent furniture or art. Or browse a large assortment of seasonal Christmas sundries & ornaments.

Adventure Theatre MTC

Do you have something of value to sell? We take most items of interest, specializing in eBay and Internet sales. We offer professional representation of your items with the whole world as the audience. Commissions start at just 33% (plus associated transaction fees)

Visit our website or call for more information.

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Holiday Gift Guide

i Adventure Theatre MTC

Ohio, Indiana and right here in Lancaster County, Pa. We are located at the world famous Shady Maple complex. We deliver anywhere.

Give the gift of an adventure with an Adventure Theatre MTC gift voucher! From fun theatre classes for ages 2-18, to summer camp, to professional shows on our Glen Echo stage, to our ATMTC Academy student productions, your gift voucher is the most fun on your holiday shopping list.

Shady Maple 1352 Main St. East Earl, PA 17519 www.chfs1.com 717-354-2329

i Flower Hill

Theatre: 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo 20812 Academy: 837-D Rockville Pike, Rockville 20852 www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org 301-634-2270

Shopping Center

i Country Home Furniture Experience two floors and 30,000-squarefeet of quality, affordable luxury. Country Home Furniture offers beautiful, elegant, brand-new, solid-wood furniture that is American-made and Amish-handcrafted by artisans in Mississippi, North Carolina,

Flower Hill Shopping Center is a neighborhood retail center nestled within the beautiful landscaped community of Flower Hill. With a mix of more than 16 shops and restaurants, including Giant, Aaron’s, Advance Auto Parts, Starbucks and Subway, Flower Hill Shopping Center offers a variety of places to dine, meet for coffee and shop. Across the street from the center are our office buildings, which have a variety of businesses offering professional services, along with The Grille at Flower Hill and Flower Hill Beer & Wine. What makes

COVER: ISTOCKPHOTO/OLGA PINK. ABOVE: ISTOCKPHOTO/ CLINTSCHOLZ. “GREAT GIFTS” PHOTOS COURTESY OF BUSINESSES LISTED.

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

The Grille at Flower Hill Flower Hill so unique? It’s a convenient shopping and dining place for all within a walkable environment. Plenty of parking is also available. We are located on Flower Hill Way at Route 124–Woodfield Road in Gaithersburg, minutes from Route 355 and Interstate 270. 18200-18250 Flower Hill Way Gaithersburg 20879 www.pettitcompanies.com 301-975-1020

i The Look Boutique Fashion, Accessories, Gift Certificates

Stop by The Look Boutique for all of your holiday needs. Find unique styles for your friends and family. We carry handmade jewelry and art from local artists and other one-of-a kind pieces. Vinrella “wine-bottle” umbrellas make a great gift for anyone on your list. MagneButtons are great stocking stuffers or the finishing touch to create your look.

Unsure what to give? The Look Boutique gift certificates are available any time! 18119 Town Center Drive Olney 20832 301-774-7171

i Metropolitan Ballet Theatre

Metropolitan Ballet Theatre presents its 25th anniversary season of “The Nutcracker.” Year after year, audiences are enchanted by MBT’s performances, which feature student and professional dancers, fabulous costumes and beautiful scenery—including a Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, magical dancing dolls, marching toy soldiers, giant mice, a dazzling blizzard with dancing snowflakes and a land of luscious sweets. Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” is a fun family tradition that will lift your spirits this holiday season! 10076 Darnestown Road, Suite 202 Rockville 20850 www.mbtdance.org 301-762-1757

November 2013 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

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Holiday Gift Guide

top gifts for

GUYS BY SHARON NAYLOR

en can sometimes be vague when asked what they want, or they might give a sweet reply of “I have you, and that’s enough.” While nice to hear, it doesn’t help you find something fantastic to make him smile when he opens it. And there are likely other men on your list— father, brother and a best guy friend. A top trend among men’s gifts this year is to personalize it, said Chris Easter, co-founder of The Man Registry website. The man’s name or initial appears on an enormous variety of “guy gifts” this year, including barbecue tool sets, pilsner glass collections and items with a dream lifestyle twist, such as the surfboard-shaped bamboo cutting board. Also big in the personalized gift picks at The Man Registry is the customized wooden bar or grill sign to hang above the space he considers his domain. Because beer is such a hot trend, top gift picks include beer recipe kits for the home-brewing hobbyist. Add a fun FYI to his gift by printing out the White House-shared recipes of what may have been the first beers ever brewed at their location—a honey porter and honey ale—found at the website AskMen. An extra little factoid gift adds interest to his beer recipe or beer glass gift, and it gives him a topic to share with company during your next get-together with friends. Scotch and bourbon are also hot gift picks this year, especially small-batch distillery liquors from a well-known brand. A

ABOVE: ISTOCKPHOTO/DIGITALSKILLET. RIGHT: ISTOCKPHOTO/PHOTOLYRIC

Holiday Gift Guide

Because beer is such a hot trend, top gift picks include beer recipe kits for the home-brewing hobbyist. Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

collection of those bottles in his bar would give him extra status us when he serves to friends. For the sports fan, there are re always pro-style jerseys of his favorite player, especially if the he player has just been traded to a new team and his entire jerrsey and T-shirt collection iss outdated. Load him up with h NFL, NBA, NHL or FIFA A gear, such as team logo coast-ers, drink cozies and coolerss for his sports-watching fandom.. Speaking of sports watching, g, you might get him an upgradee in your cable television plan to thee full sports package. And then there are always tickets to a professional game. You might buy them through the team’s official ticket purchase site or acquire two great seats via a colleague or relative who owns season tickets. (Be wary of online auction sites, since a disreputable seller could be hawking fake tickets.) Gadgets are always a hot category for men’s gifts, from an upgraded heart monitor for the runner guy to a GPS golf watch, giving the golfer in your life the edge on the links. A gadget timing his grilling will help

Gadgets like this Garmin GPS golf watch give guys better game.

hi him pull those filet mignons— which you can give him with w th the grill timer—off the fire at th the perfect time. And home im improvement-type guys love laser la levels and other tools that he help them get weekend projects done don faster. In that category, a gift ca card to the home improvement store ne never fails, but these tech “toys” are often something guys wouldn’t indulge in w when they’ve gone to the store for fertilizer fertilizer, furnace filters and lightbulbs. “We’d falle fallen into a rut of giving each other purely practical gifts every year,” said Evangeline Descarte, who has been married for a long time. “So in the bag of new white T-shirts and new white socks that he gets every year as one of his gifts, I added some top designer dress socks in bright colors to really stand out. They were just a little something indulgent for him, and he was happier about those than he was about the new speaker I bought for his computer.” – CREATORS.COM –

ABOVE: STOCKBYTE/GEORGEDOYLE/THINKSTOCK. LEFT: CREATORS.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF GARMIN

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Holiday Gift Guide

the lowdown

on this season’s

HOT TOYS BY DIANE SCHLINDWEIN

PHOTODISC/DIGITAL VISION/THINKSTOCK

Holiday Gift Guide

arbie’s moving up in the world, and Elmo’s back in a big way, as is Furby, according to toy experts who are predicting what kids will be listing on their letters to Santa this holiday season. “You know, everyone always asks, ‘What’s the next Elmo?’” said Christopher Byrne, known internationally as The Toy Guy. “This year, there is one: Big Hugs Elmo. I’m not sure if it’s going to the cultural phenomenon that it was in 1996, but this is the most interactive Elmo ever.” Hug Elmo to have him hug back. Move him to see him dance. Lay him down to hear a lullaby and sleeping sound effects. Kids will love him, Byrne predicted. Wal-Mart had a team of children pick their top 20 favorite toys and Big Hugs Elmo came out a winner there, too, as well as the new robotic pet Furby and a new Barbie Dreamhouse play set, among others. “Barbie’s newly renovated, three-story Dreamhouse will debut as every girls’ dream,” said Margaux Vega, public relations representative for Fisher-Price and Mattel. “The new house features six fabulous rooms and luxury details that any doll will appreciate with pink ‘stainless steel’ appliances and not one but two elevators. It also features the ultimate closet and a bathroom for quick outfit changes.” For older girls, Monster High continues to be a big hit in the form of Monster High 13 Wishes doll assortment, she said. Among the dolls are Twyla, Gigi Grant and Howleen Wolf. Dolls come with a pet, diary, brush, doll stand and character-specific accessories. For girls who want to craft their own fun, Byrne said the Shimmer ‘n Sparkle Cra-Z-Loom rubber band bracelet maker is popular. “This is probably the hottest arts and craft toy out there,” he said. “Rubber band looms are huge!” Little girls are going to request Doc McStuffins toys, he predicted. “Doc McStuffins continues to be the ‘it’ girl for the preschool set,” said Byrne, who is director of content for TimetoPlayMag.com. The Doc McStuffins Get Better Check-up Center will be extremely popular, so get it early. Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

Batman continues to be fun for boys ages 3 to 8, said Vega. “The best-selling Imaginext Batcave has been fully redesigned for 2013,” she said. The set features a Bat computer, a Bat pole, a secret button to open the jail door and two turn disks—one that opens the Bat door so that Batman can ride out on the Batcycle. The set comes with Batman, Robin, a Bat flight suit, a Batwing, a Batcycle and two projectiles. Younger boys who liked the Disney movie “Planes” will have fun recreating the movie’s action with Wing Control Dusty Crophopper Radio Control Plane. The plane moves when they do—just push the button to set its propeller spinning and move it forward. Then use the two controllers—one for each wing— to tilt the wings and control its movement through mimicry. EB Brands Iron Man Flying RemoteControlled Extreme Hero is another flying toy that really takes off, said Byrne. “This is a real innovation in flying toys,” he said. “It’s a tad expensive and for outdoor use only, but we were really impressed by how easy is it to fly.” Of course, it wouldn’t be a modern holiday season if kids didn’t ask for electronic games. Byrne suggests the LeapPad Ultra tablet.

Barbie’s Dreamhouse features six rooms and many luxurious details.

“There have been lots of tablets for kids, and LeapFrog really invested heavily in updating theirs for this year,” he said. “It’s a bit more expensive, but for younger kids, I think it’s definitely worth it.” Two video games to watch are “Disney Infinity” and “Skylanders Swap Force,” he said. And who said toys are just for kids? For Christmas, Byrne always picks a game that a family can play together. He suggested the Spin Master’s Boom Boom Balloon, which allows each player to take turns throwing a dice while attempting to keep a balloon from popping. The person who pops the balloon loses. “This is my favorite game of the year,” he said. “It is so classic and fun. Also, it has been a hit in more than 35 countries before finding its way here.” Be sure to order extra balloons, which are available through Spin Master. If you know an adult who is still a kid at heart, help him or her remember a favorite Christmas past. Byrne recently published a book called “Toy Time: A Look Back at the MostBeloved Toys of Decades Past” that he wrote “for the grown-up who has never seemed to grow out of his or her toys.” –CREATORS.COM–

CREATORS.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTEL

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Holiday Gift Guide

g n i v i g

N E E GR

ISTOCKPH

OTO/CST

AR55

ifts g y l d n e i r Top eco-f BY SHARON NAYLOR

LIVING GIFTS SUCH AS POTTED HERBS, TREE SEEDLINGS, FLOWERS AND GREEN PLANTS NATURALLY CLEAN THE AIR INSIDE A HOME.

Holiday Gift Guide

igh on the priority list for many this holiday season is giving eco-friendly presents. Gifts can be made from sustainable materials, be manufactured in fairtrade situations, and perhaps support a charitable organization or artisan co-op in a developing country when a percentage of each sale benefits a group making a positive difference. “I love to give gifts that give not only to the recipient but also to the artisans who made the gift. It’s just a perfect way of creating good energy,” said Sophie Uliano, author of “Gorgeously Green” and creator of the green lifestyle website of the same name. She regularly posts her reviews of eco-friendly gifts with a supportive benefit to each buy. “I love the bloom travel tins at prosperitycandle.com,” said Uliano. “The soft and spherical tins are hand-painted. The candle wax is a natural soy blend with a cotton wick.

It can be cleaned and reused forever as a trinket box, and it comes in an eco-friendly gift box stor card sharing the miswith a story sion of the company. Prosperity Candle is an amazing organization (that) helps women in the aftermath of war or natural disasters to rebuild th their lives.” The key to many eco-friendly gifts is the ssharing of the artisan’s story, often a story of triumph over adversity or a compelling tale of an artist leaving a six-figure corporate career to pursue their passion of supporting rain forest preservatio or a community of preservation artists in a far-off country. A tag ecoon an eco-friendly gift adds the element of connecting the recipient to this artisan, knowing their name, feeling w wonderful that this pretbrac or bamboo coaster ty shawl, braided bracelet o a flow of positivity in set makes them a part of the world. Eco-friendly gifts can also be healthier when they’re made without toxic chemicals or chemical-laden fragrances or dyes. Top choices in this category include BPA-free drink bottles in bright patterns, as well as spa and pampering products, such as organic sugar scrubs, soaps, facial creams, beeswax foot creams and nail polish sets. Among the popular items to make a home smell fabulous are aromatherapy candles or scent spritzers made with 100-percent natural ingredients. An organic tea candle set beneath an aromatherapy wax disc can make a home smell lovely; the recipient may also enjoy his or her future purchases of safe and organic aromatherapy wax discs from the brand’s collection for a healthier home throughout the year. Uliano said that eco-friendly gifts can introduce people to healthier products in a subtle way. It’s just a pretty, floral-scented candle, given with a tag or label explaining its green qualities, without any judgment or instruction to “live a greener lifestyle.”

Bamboo is one of the best-known ecofriendly materials because it grows so quickly and is sustainable. In recent years, artisans have found amazing ways to create products using bamboo, including serving bowls, dishware, writing instruments and ultra-soft garments—robes, pajamas, yoga pants, T-shirts and socks. You can find everything from pens to picture frames made of bamboo, which can make it easy for you to shop eco-friendly for everyone on your gift list. Edible eco-friendly gifts can include organic gourmet-flavored popcorn—a top trend this year—organic chocolate collections, organic fruits delivered every month, and organic preserves and jams. Living gifts such as potted herbs, tree seedlings, flowers and green plants that clean the air inside a home naturally get to the heart of green gift items. Gift cards to local, organic nurseries can let your recipient pick out the pepper, tomato, pole bean and herb plants he or she would like to plant. One big trend in living gifts is the glass-domed terrarium, which can be purchased already planted or made as a DIY project with family members. Another option is a donation made to a reputable organization, such as the Arbor Day Foundation, that will plant trees in your recipient’s name. The tree will help to replenish a ravaged forest fire region and create an ecological home for birds, butterflies and other creatures. For children, eco-friendly toys can be safe and educational. “When it comes to the toys and games kids are playing with (and oftentimes chewing on), parents are more conscious than ever of what toys are made of and of what toys they bring into their homes. A great way to ensure that playtime is free of harsh chemicals and BPAs is to gift environmentally friendly toys and games,” said Dr. Stevanne Auerbach, known as Dr. Toy and an expert in the best toys on the market. Auerbach’s most recent list of eco-smart toys includes a plant-a-bean kit with a vertical wooden maze for the beanstalk to grow and arch through, wind-powered toys and craft kits. Whatever the gift you give, be sure to wrap it in eco-friendly wrapping paper. –CREATORS.COM–

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

what to get your

CO-WORKERS BY JULIA PRICE

o-workers can be the hardest people to shop for during the holidays, but have a little fun with it; their presents can be the easiest gifts to cross off your list. For the co-workers you either spend the least amount of time with or aren’t as close to, a simple gift card can cover the bases. A $5 gift card to Starbucks or other café is easily tucked into any wallet. For a co-worker who drives a long way to work, a gas gift card is another practical yet thoughtful present to pass out. And the best part about these presents is that if the co-worker hates it, he or she can regift it and pay it forward. A more personalized, yet still cost-friendly, gift idea is to personalize office supplies, such as pens and pencils. On average, a 12-piece engraved pencil set costs roughly $9.99. It may sound simple, but people get excited when they feel important; since pencils and pens are used often, the gift will be a constant reminder that you took the time to

make them feel special. Get information at www.personalizationmall.com. Perhaps you work at a startup or a smaller company where the whole group of employees is really close. Suggest a secret Santa or grab bag situation with a price limit. This also creates a sense of camaraderie among co-workers. A secret Santa allows you to focus on the person whose name you picked and pay attention to what that person likes. If you decide to try the grab bag approach of gift giving, reach out to your fellow employees and brainstorm about what type of gift you should get. Some gifts that tend to work for everyone are fleece blankets (that could even be kept at someone’s desk), a personalized T-shirt with a work-related inside joke or funny slogan, a gift card to a popular restaurant and a coffee-table photo book—for example, one with photos of the area. This type of book is not usually something someone would buy for themselves, yet is a warm and interesting read for guests who visit a home.

ISTOCKPHOTO/ALBUQUERQUE

Don’t forget to take care of the cleaning crew, the mail crew, the security personnel and everyone else who help keep the office running smoothly behind the scenes. One idea is to collect cash from co-workers and pool these funds together to give out in cards or envelopes. Another idea—and this could also be used as a gift idea for your co-workers—is to bake for each person and wrap the goodies a festive way. Make sure you are aware of everyone’s allergies.

When it comes to your boss, don’t pull a “Christmas Vacation”—the classic movie in which the evil boss has an office filled with identical gifts. If your boss loves scotch, go ahead and gift him a nice bottle, but don’t stretch beyond your budget. Again, pay attention to what she says she likes, and remember that in this and any case, thoughtfulness always leads to a great gift. –CREATORS.COM–

301-330-4741

301-975-1020 www.pettitcompanies.com

Dine at The Grille at Flower Hill! (240) 654-3536

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November 2013 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

Holiday Gift Guide

especially for the

BOOK LOVER BY SHARON NAYLOR

ook lovers can often be the easiest people to cross off your holiday list; there are so many products geared to readers both young and old. For instance, Dana Holmes, editor-in-chief of Gifts.com, recently announced the winner of the site’s annual Giftee Award, given to the most innovative and no-fail present in each category. A set of polyresin bookends designed as two halves of an adorable, curly-tailed gold pig won in the reading category. Giving book accessories removes the concern that a book lover has already read it. In addition to bookends, here are some of the top gift ideas for book lovers: • E-READER COVERS AND CASES. Designers such as Jonathan Adler and Lilly Pulitzer offer their signature designs in protective and stylish covers for Barnes & Noble Inc.’s Nook e-book readers and other devices, adding a sense of fashion to this practical gift.

• E-READER STAND. Making it easier to read for a long dura-

BANANASTOCK/THINKSTOCK

tion, e-reader stands prop up the device for easy use. Stands and their covers come in a range of trendy bright colors, basic black or gray, and in patterned designs.

Happy Holidays Start Here! Our Customers say:

You can always find the right gift at Artisans!

Complimentary gift wrapping! 12147 Darnestown Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 301.990.3219 www.ShopArtisans.com

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Holiday Gift Guide

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

• E-READER SLEEVES. Your avid reader can slip his or

• •

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her e-reader device into this padded fabric sleeve, which a growing number of Etsy artisans are crafting in eco-friendly fabrics, as well as fashion-forward patterned designs and monogrammed styles. BOOK LIGHT. Clipped onto a book or e-reader, this LED light allows for easier reading in dark rooms, such as when a partner or child is sleeping. LAP DESK WITH A CUSHIONED BOTTOM. The bottom is cushion and the top is hard wood or plastic; a ridged edge holds a book or magazine in place for easier reading. The lap desk surface also allows the reader to take notes or answer a book’s worksheet questions in a notepad or journal as they work through the latest self-help best-sellers. T-SHIRT WITH A FAVORITE BOOK QUOTE or a humorous take on a book title or theme. These can be found in catalogs, such as Signals, or online. CafePress. com offers creatively designed shirts featuring “Pride and Prejudice,” “The Hunger Games,” “Fifty Shades of Grey” and many other titles. You can also create a custom book-themed tee, personalizing the design and slogan with the recipient’s favorite novel. A GIFT CARD TO A BOOKSTORE—chain or independent. A book-loving friend will get the added thrill of a guilt-free shopping spree while rifling through piles of books, magazines and other bookstore finds. This

•

gift is a favorite of book lovers who love being in a physical bookstore or who have had their eye on a pricey coffee-table book or book series. eries. A GIFT CARD TO A COMIC BOOK K STORE. “My husband collects comic books, and nd I saw that the comics shop had a collection of the rare and valuable ones. I didn’t want to spend nd $100 on a rare ‘Spiderman,’ not knowing if myy husband already owned it, so the gift card let him m get the one he’s really wanted for so long,” said gift-giving newlywed Shae Blake. “He was like a kid in a candy store, so I’m getting him im gift cards to the comics shop for future holiday presents.”

Reading accessories are a top gift pick for bibliophiles.

• THE EXPERIENCE OF MEETING A

•

FAVORITE AUTHOR at a booksigning event. Chain bookstores and smaller ones alike attract big-name authors on book tours. Surprise the reader on your list with an outing where he or she will get to meet an author, get a signed book ith the author. on your dime and get a photo with AND FINALLY, A FREE GIFT: a homemade emade coupon giving your book lover a blissfully sfully quiet afternoon of time to read uninterrupted nterrupted while you tend to the chores and the kids.

CREATORS.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF CB2

–CREATORS.COM–

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM DAMASCUS HAIRSTYLISTS Men’s & Boys Haircuts........$14.00 Men’s Flat Tops..................$15.00 Women’s Shampoo/Cut Blowdry..............................$25 & up Color..................................$75 & up Perms.................................$75 & up Highlighting........................$75 & up Foils....................................$75 & up Hours:

Sunday & Monday Closed Barber Shop: T-F 6:00-6:00PM, Sat 6:00-3:00PM Beauty Shop: T-F 8:30-6:00PPM, Sat 7:00-3:00PM

26323 Ridge Rd. Damascus, MD

301-253-1299

ENGINE HOUSE HOBBIES TRAINS & MORE SERVING YOUR CREATIVE NEEDS MTH • LIONEL • ROSS • ATHEARN • WALTHERS • WOODLAND SCENES • PLASTRUCT

Ask us about digitally controlled trains... A great alternative to computers and a ready-made doorway for a child to express their creativity.

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Bring this ad to the store for 5% OFF any purchase over $100. Not Available with any other discount. Offer Expires 12/31/13 1-A E. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877 301-590-0816 www.enginehousehobbies.net Holiday Gift Guide

Not All Furniture is Created Equal... American made sofas & recliners, solid wood dining, bedroom, office, occasional and entertainment... and the area’s largest selection of Amish furniture. Experience the outstanding structure, remarkable stain and second-to-none handcrafted workmanship on our showroom floors. It is the finest of fine furniture. Buy off the floor or engage in the fascinating opportunity to select your wood, stain, hardware and fabric. It becomes distinctive furniture, made for you your way.

We deliver all across the USA

13+ Years Delivering to the Washington Metro Area! V

isitors coming to Lancaster County from the Washington Metro area love to experience the serenity of days gone by. Part of this experience includes the delicious foods of the area, and the handcrafted products of furniture artisans. One place that offers both is the world famous Shady Maple complex. When Shady Maple Smorgasbord moved into a larger building across the parking lot more than a decade ago, the former restaurant building became home to one of the largest and best furniture stores in the Lancaster area, Country Home Furniture.

According to management, “We like to think we’re helping to preserve a little piece of America’s furniture-making history. Our craftsmen are steeped in tradition. They deeply care about their work.” On two floors and 30,000 square feet of selling space in their retail store, you will find eight manufacturers of American-made sofas and recliners, made in North Carolina, Ohio and Mississippi, in addition to over 30 manufacturers of solid wood dining, bedroom, office, occasional and entertainment… and the area’s largest selection of Amish furniture. The wood pieces come from American handcrafters and Amish builders in Ohio, Indiana and right here in Lancaster County. With hundreds of stylish products in traditional, transitional, modern and country looks on the floor, there is something for everyone. “Amish built furniture and quality go handin-hand. As far as American handcrafters in the hardwood and upholstery industries, their knack for getting their styles to mesh with today’s buyer is second to none. No one builds better, more stylish furniture than American furniture makers.” Unlike other stores where your only choices of the style or color or wood is what you see, at Country Home Furniture you can have a hand in every facet of your design. That’s the beauty of shopping there. Customers love the flexibility to have a piece made for them by selecting the wood, stain, hardware and fabric. “We sincerely encourage you to experience this for yourself. We love to give our customers an opportunity to engage in the fascinating process of getting exactly what’s wanted in the style, shape, size and color desired. It’s distinctive furniture, made for you, your way. It’s fun, and it’s easy to select what you want.” Why shop now? “We have all kinds of special pricing deals and delivery specials going on right now that we can pass along to our customers.” The retailer ships and delivers to customers’ homes and businesses all over the country.“Our following is not just the local crowds from Lancaster, Berks and Chester. We are delivering furniture several days a week to our customers in Maryland, Virginia and D.C.”

1352 Main St. East Earl Twp, PA 17519 For more information, call

717-354-2329

www.chfs1.com or email sales@chfs1.com 12

Holiday Gift Guide

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

If beautiful, quality, brand new, solid wood, American handcrafted furniture are important to you, then you owe it to yourself to explore Country Home Furniture. As they like to say, it’s worth the drive to the countryside of Lancaster County.

Country Home Furniture is open Monday and Friday 10-7, Tuesday through Thursday 10-5, and Saturdays 9-5. The entire complex at Shady Maple is closed on Sundays. November 2013 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

Holiday Gift Guide

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Located at the world famous Shady Maple Complex

We deliver all across the USA

13+ Years Delivering to the Washington Metro Area! V

1352 Main St. East Earl Twp, PA 17519 For more information, call

717-354-2329

www.chfs1.com or email sales@chfs1.com 12

Holiday Gift Guide

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

Holiday Gift Guide

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Located at the world famous Shady Maple Complex

Expert Brendan Leonard recommends focusing on small but useful items, such as water bottles, when buying for the outdoorsman.

CREATORS.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF PATITUCCIPHOTO

affordable treats for your

NATURE LOVER LOOK FOR HIGHLY RATED GEAR AND CLOTHING THAT ARE LIGHT, COMPACT AND WATERPROOF.

Holiday Gift Guide

BY ERIC CHRISTENSEN

uying gifts for friends or family members who love the outdoors can be difficult for those who don’t enjoy disappearing for days at a time to hike, camp or fish. A trip to an outdoor supply store can overwhelm us with space-age materials, clothes for every climate and technical gear that looks downright alien. But if you think small, focus on the fundamentals and get creative this holiday season, gift giving will be easy. The first tip for shopping for a nature enthusiast is to think small: Focus on the modest but useful accessories. Brendan Leonard, who has written for Backpacker, Outside and Men’s Journal and runs the website semi-rad.com, recommends water bottles, headlamps and multi-tools. More specifically, he recommended the CamelBak Podium Chill insulated squeeze bike bottle ($12), Hydro Flask standard-mouth vacuum bottle ($26) or the Klean Kanteen insulated stainless-steel wide-mouth bottle ($30). Leonard suggested the Petzl Tikka Plus 2 ($40) or the Princeton Tec Vizz ($50) headlamps. “A good, basic headlamp is useful for

trail runners and hikers who stay out after sunset or start before sunrise, anyone who camps, and when you’re not outdoors, you can use them when fixing things around the house,” he said. For multi-tools, he suggested the Gerber Suspension Multi-Pliers ($35) or the Leatherman Skeletool ($65). The second tip is to focus on the fundamentals: Look for highly rated gear and clothing that are light, compact and waterproof, such as tents, backpacks, compression sacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and clothes. These tend to be more expensive because of the high-tech materials and activity-specific modifications. And many users can be picky when it comes to gear or clothing, so it helps if the person you’re buying for can provide you with a list of specific items. But, if you don’t have such a list, Geoffrey Conner, a gear expert, or “gearhead,” for the outdoor gear site Backcountry.com, said, “Don’t be afraid to call and pick a gearhead’s brain. We all love to help people get the right gear for their trips and activities.” If the site you’re using doesn’t employ similar experts, Conner said, “Quality is key. –CONTINUED ON 21–

Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

turning the tables on holiday

MUSIC BY CHELLE CORDERO

aby boomers and older Gen Xers remember spinning discs of music on record players that sat like status symbols in their living rooms ms and basements. A lightweight robotic arm with a pin-like needle made contact with a vinyl platter, which turned at 33 1/3 or more revolutions ons per minute. It was an era of romantic melodies, bubblegum music and dirtyy dancing. In recent years, the turntable became a favorite of DJs looking to mix and modify tunes. The music industry went the way of eight-track and cassette assette tapes to CDs and MP3s. Just like the record going round and round, it’s now come full circle. Purists and music connoisseurs longing for the record sound quality are bringing vinyl back. Newer records are being pressed and old albums are resurfacing for sale. Sales of vinyl albums are at an all-time high and more than twice as high as the ’90s. But don’t go dusting off that old phonograph player that’s been stored in the attic just yet. Vinyl is fragile; it can scratch, break and warp. Don’t risk doing permanent damage to your collection by puttingg an old, dull needle or an unbalanced turntable to work. It is a good idea to have ave it checked out first.

Crosley’s Advance turntable features USB technology to transfer the music from vinyl to digital files.

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Holiday Gift Guide

CHRISTMAS

ON DUTY how to make the holidays brighter for those who serve BY CHELLE CORDERO

ISTOCKPHOTO/DANIELBENDJY

Holiday Gift Guide

or most hardworking Americans, the holidays are a time to spend with family and friends. However, for many first responders, police officers, emergency medical personnel, firefighters and military members—on call 365 days a year, 24 hours a day—the holidays often mean working. There is no reason for on-call personnel to miss out on the festivities. Here are a few ways to still celebrate: If visitors are permitted, party at the work site; be sure to verify with administrators in advance. One ambulance corps hosted an “impromptu” party organized by family members of the duty crews; trays of hot food were brought in by the families and they all spent the evening together. Not all locations allow visitors, or are physically close enough to families, but having holiday meals delivered to the crew at the station is a way to make their day a little more special. Holiday fruit baskets and baked goods are a welcome treat and something everyone can do even if they don’t have a personal connect to the station. Unfortunately, nowadays not every place is receptive to homemade goods if the giftgiver is not known; a store-purchased tray of cookies is a good alternate. Break rooms at local hospitals are another great area to leave a gift. Some diners and local eateries stay open over the Christmas holiday to offer dinner or brunch to on-call first responders at discounted rates or sometimes even free. The waitstaff and cooks usually volunteer for the shift, knowing that their efforts are appreciated. One firehouse, known for its great cooking, took a poll before last Christmas to find out how many firefighters and emergency medical service personnel would be working the holiday at surrounding stations. They then prepared and delivered enough holiday meals for all those on duty. If you are having a holiday party, think about extending the invitation as an “open door” to duty crews in your neighborhood. Let them know they are welcome to stop in for food and nonalcoholic refreshments. Don’t try to pin these emergency responders down to time or commitment; they never know when they will be called out on the road. Having to-go containers ready may come in handy when call tones suddenly go off. Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

There are also service-specific holiday greeting cards (usually found at online retailers) that can be handed out to an officer walking the beat to let him know he is appreciated. If you can’t find these cards, a computer printer or a child’s drawing is also thoughtful recognition. Many military families have found that if their loved one won’t be at home for the holidays, they can reschedule the holiday. One wife said she had a small household-only holiday dinner before her husband left for a tour and a second one upon his return with the entire extended family. The American Red Cross runs a program called Holiday Mail for Heroes in which they distribute cards to soldiers around the world, including those recovering in Veterans Affairs hospitals. When you send out holiday cards this year, take a minute to send one to our troops, too. There are a few simple rules to follow: use the salutation “Dear Service Member;” make sure to sign the card; do not include email, home addresses or photos; and avoid glitter. If you are mailing a large quantity of cards,

bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat-rate postal shipping boxes; each card does not need its own envelope. Send all cards before Dec. 6 to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456. Jenny, a prehospital care provider, has a different perspective regarding working a holiday shift. “It’s great when the agency organizes a food, clothing or toy drive for local families in need and we help with the collections and deliveries. It’s wonderful to be able to be with the public and do something for them without the gore and blood we normally deal with.” She also added that it is great PR for the agency. There are cultural considerations among the employees, and the staff manages to swap tours to allow observant co-workers to spend family time as needed. “It’s great to be appreciated with holiday meals and gift baskets. These collections are a wonderful way to foster agency cohesiveness and do good with the people you work with. It is a very positive reward for all.” –CREATORS.COM–

CREATORS.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF D. ORTIZ

Homemade munchies are a nice way to thank the people who are on duty during a holiday to protect you and your community.

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November 2013 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

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holiday events

The following is a sampling of activities throughout Montgomery County. Dates and times are subject to change.

18th Annual Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas

Nov. 24 (S’more Lights), 5–8 p.m.; Dec. 2 and 9 (Walk Under the Lights), 5–8 p.m.

Nov. 29–Dec. 29; Thu.–Fri. and Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sat. and Dec. 18 and 23, 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; Dec. 24, 1:30 and 5 p.m. $36 adult, $18 student Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab Olney Theatre Center 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney 301-924-3400 www.olneytheatre.org

S’more Lights, $8 residents, $10 nonresidents, free under age 4; Walk Under the Lights, $8 residents, $10 nonresidents, free under age 4. Drive-through: Nov. 29–Dec. 31; Sun.–Thu., 6–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat., 6–10 p.m. Closed Dec. 2, 9 and 25. Cars $12 (Mon.–Thu.) and $15 (Fri.–Sun.); 15–19 passenger vehicles $20; minibuses $30; buses $70. Cash only at gate. Credit cards for advanced sales (see website). Seneca Creek State Park 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg 301-258-6350 www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights

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Glen Echo Park Holiday Art Show and Sale Nov. 29–Jan. 5; Thu.–Fri., 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (through Dec. 20); Sat.–Sun., 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo 301-634-2222 www.glenechopark.org

The Garden of Lights

Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton 301-962-1453 www.montgomeryparks.org

Nov. 29–Jan. 5; Sun.–Thu., 5:30–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat., 5:30–10 p.m. Last car admitted 30 minutes prior to closing.

Angelina Ballerina, the Very Merry Holiday Musical

Open New Year’s Eve until 9 p.m. Closed Dec. 24–25 and Jan. 1–2. Cars/vans $20 (Mon.–Thu.) and $25 (Fri.– Sun.); cash only; 15-24 passenger vehicles $50; 25–35 passenger vehicles $75; 36–57 passenger vehicles $120. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton 301-962-1453 www.montgomeryparks.org

Nov. 30, 1 and 3 p.m. $14 BlackRock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown 301-528-2260 www.blackrockcenter.org

Scrooge!

Winter Display and Garden Railway Exhibit Nov. 29–Jan. 5 (Closed Dec. 24–25 and Jan. 1–2); included with Garden of Lights admission Dec. 7–Jan. 5, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; free

Dec. 6–22; Fri.–Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. $18; $16 city of Gaithersburg residents; $9 children through grade 12 The Arts Barn 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg 301-258-6394 www.gaithersburgmd.gov/artsbarn

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Gingerbread House Workshop

240-314-8660 www.rockvillemd.gov

Dec. 7, 10 a.m. $40 residents, $45 nonresidents Thomas Farm Community Center 700 Fallsgrove Drive, Rockville 240-314-8840 www.rockvillemd.gov/thomasfarm

A Civil War Christmas at Home with Living History Dec. 10, 7 p.m. $5 Kentlands Mansion 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg 301-258-6425 www.gaithersburgmd.gov

Mrs. Claus Tea Dec. 7, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. $28 The Mansion at Strathmore 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

Holiday Cirque Musica

A Charlie Brown Christmas with The Eric Byrd Trio

Angelina Ballerina, the Very Merry Holiday Musical

Dec. 7, 3 and 7:30 p.m. $14 BlackRock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown 301-528-2260 www.blackrockcenter.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACKROCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg 301-258-6425 www.gaithersburgmd.gov

Breakfast with Santa

Rockville Civic Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Dec. 7 and 8, 9 a.m.

Dec. 7–15; Sat.–Sun., 2 p.m.; Sat., 7:30 p.m.

$20 adult, $15 age 12 and under. Reservations required. Bring your camera.

$17 adult, $13 senior (60-plus) or children 12 and under

Kentlands Mansion

F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre

Rockville Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville 240-314-8690 www.rockvillemd.gov/arts

Art, Music and Holiday Cheer Concerts and decorations Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m. Free Glenview Mansion, Rockville Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville

Dec. 12, 8 p.m. $31–$86 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

Olney Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker Dec. 12-24; Fri.-Sat. and Dec. 19 and 23, 7:30 p.m.; Sat. and Dec. 15 and 23-24, 1:30 p.m.; Dec. 12, Girl Scout Night, 7 p.m.; Dec. 22, Nutcracker Tea, 12 p.m. $45 adults, $40 seniors, $20 student/child, $35 military, $15 military child Olney Theatre Center’s Historic Stage 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney 301-774-9850 www.olneyballettheatre.org –CONTINUED ON 20–

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Holiday Gift Guide

Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad

National Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah

Dec. 13, 8 p.m. $29–$60 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

Dec. 14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 3 p.m. $28–$84 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.nationalphilharmonic.org

Winter’s Eve

Children’s Day with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Dec. 14, 6–9 p.m. Free Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo 301-634-2222 www.glenechopark.org

240-314-8660 www.rockvillemd.gov

An A Cappella Holiday with The Capital Hearings

Concerts and decorations Dec. 15, 1–4 p.m. Free Glenview Mansion, Rockville Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville

Dec. 15, 4 p.m. $22 BlackRock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown 301-528-2260 www.blackrockcenter.org

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Dec. 16 and 17, 7:30 p.m. $28–$122 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

Holiday Swing with Daryl Davis and Gotta Swing Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. $20 BlackRock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown 301-528-2260 www.blackrockcenter.org

Holiday Cirque Musica COURTESY OF THE BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mansion at Strathmore 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

The Washington Chorus: A Candlelight Christmas 1912804

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Dec. 20, 11 a.m. $17 The Mansion at Strathmore 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

The Irish Tenors: The Premiere Irish Holiday Celebration Tour Dec. 21, 4 and 8 p.m. $36–$78 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

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Sweet Sounds of Music

AIR Alumni: Integriti Reeves Christmas Jazz Songs

WEARABLE art? don’t like fighting the

Dec. 19 and 23, 7:30 p.m. $15–$70 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.strathmore.org

Dec. 21, 5 and 8:30 p.m. $15 BlackRock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown 301-528-2260 www.blackrockcenter.org

Santa Brunch Dec. 22, 10 a.m. and noon $40 adult, $20 children 12 and under

Concerts and decorations Dec. 22, 1–4 p.m. Free Glenview Mansion, Rockville Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville 240-314-8660 www.rockvillemd.gov

Rockville Concert Band’s Holiday Traditions Dec. 22, 3 p.m. $5 suggested donation F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre Rockville Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville 240-314-8690 www.rockvillemd.gov/arts

Washington Symphonic Brass Dec. 22, 4 p.m. $28–$50 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 301-581-5100 www.nationalphilharmonic.org

Holiday Concert presented by Rockville Chorus Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. Free F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre Rockville Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville 240-314-8690 www.rockvillemd.gov/arts Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013

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Newer versions offer some great features, including hooking up to your home entertainment system making use of an amplifier, more versatile speakers, remotes, and USB and Wi-Fi connections. Swing arms are featherweight with diamondpointed needles, and the speed switch is often variable between the 33 1/3 to 45 to 78 rpm range. And the USB connections make downloading vinyl quality music to CDs or MP3 players easy for preserving a favorite song. If you are ready to enjoy a bit of nostalgia and want to add a turntable to your home entertainment system, do your homework first. What kind of records do you plan to play? Make sure that your preferred unit plays the speed(s) you need. Do you have an existing sound system? Read the manual to make sure that your new purchase is compatible. Are you planning to take your turntable along with you to parties or leave it in a set place? Portable units have lighter housing; oftentimes plastic, built-in speakers; and tend to be more economical. Stationary units may be built on wooden bases, which tend to stabilize better against vibrations and need to be matched up with external speakers and amplifiers. External speakers usually allow for greater sound personalization. Turntables are either belt driven or direct drive. The belt-driven ones are less

expensive and the belt is usually relatively easy to replace; that being said, the belt does sometimes need to be replaced. Belt drives are often not automatic and manual placement of the needle is necessary. The direct drive tends to be more consistent, provides better speed control and is the preferred choice for professionals. Fully automatic, the motor starts the turntable spinning and gently places the needle on the record. The noise from the motor can cause interference when digitizing the sound track. A USB turntable will connect to a computer or MP3 player and a software system will help to digitize the music to take the warm vinyl sound with you anywhere. An analog turntable does not alter the rich sound of a vinyl record, but does require a computer conversion sound card if you want to digitize your music for prosperity. In addition, the majority of analog turntables are more expensive than USB models. Whichever system you purchase, make sure that you remember to purchase good cleaning accessories to maintain both the vinyl and needle. Dust settling in the groove tracks can damage the stylus and muffle the sound of music. Don’t wipe the vinyl with your hand or a flat dust rag; you’ll risk pushing the dust further into the grooves. Electronic accessory shops sell special antistatic brush-cleaning kits. –CREATORS.COM–

–OUTDOORS, CONTINUED FROM 14–

Generally, if you spend a little bit more, you will get a product that will last much longer and perform much better. But this is not always the case, so doing research and checking out gear review sites before purchasing can go a long way.” In regard to clothing, Conner advised, “Probably the most important thing when buying for others is knowing that person’s measurements beforehand. I would say a majority of the returns we see are because the wrong size was ordered ... Important measurements would be chest size, sleeve length, waist, inseam, torso length and foot size ... At Backcountry, we can set up orders for multiple sizes and set up free returns so that a customer can check out a variety of options.” The final tip is to get creative: Instead of buying an item, buy an experience. Leonard suggested state parks passes or national parks passes ($80). “A national parks pass gives the holder access to all of America’s national parks and monuments for a year,” he said. “State parks passes can be just as expensive, but give the holder access to lots of wild terrain closer to home. If you’re going to state parks more than two or three times a year, they’re a value.” He also suggested guided adventures, such as whitewater rafting ($100 to $200

PHOTODISC/DIGITAL VISION/THINKSTOCK

If your budget is hefty, consider the gift of a oncein-a-lifetime travel package, such as a Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

per person) or mountain climbing. And many rock-climbing gyms sell day passes if you want to give the gift of a first climbing lesson. Outdoor supply stores such as REI sell once-in-a-lifetime travel packages such as a Mount Kilimanjaro climb and safari or a cycling trip in Vietnam. However, some of these trips also come with once-in-alifetime price tags. Buying outdoor gear for a loved one shouldn’t be about getting the shiniest or most complex gadget. It should be about keeping your friends and family safe, warm and dry when outdoors. Whether you provide them with a critical accessory or the tent that keeps them out of the rain, if you use these tips, they’ll definitely be happy campers. –CREATORS.COM–

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November 2013 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

Holiday Gift Guide

creative ideas for gift

Wrapping BY KRISTEN CASTILLO

“C

reatively wrapping a holiday gift shows the recipient that you took time to prepare their gift, that this wasn’t a last-minute gift,” said Alyson Dias, consumer experience director for iLoveToCreate. “With life so often running at warp speed, it’s nice to remind family and friends that you took time to carefully craft something just for them.” Creative wrapping usually takes a little (or a lot) more time than traditional wrapping, but it’s not always very expensive. Plus, you can involve the kids with family-friendly wrapping projects. -KID CREATIONS. For Malia Britton, an environmentally conscious mother of two young children, holiday gift wrap is as simple as recycling her children’s artwork. Gift recipients love the artwork as gift wrap, too. “By using my kids art on the outside of their gift, they get a little glimpse into my kids’ creativity and can elect to save it for their walls or keepsake folder if they so choose,” said Britton. -SWEET INSPIRATION. Add some holiday flair to your gift giving by adding some sweets to the top of the package. Tie different candies to the gifts’ bows and ribbons. Candy choices include candy canes, lollipops, Pez dispensers, or mesh bags filled with small chocolates or gummy bears. -COOKIE-CUTTER CREATIONS. While you don’t want “cookie cutter” holiday wrap, it’s fun and creative to make gift tags by tracing racing cookie-cutter designs onto card stock tock or plain gift wrap. Consider using cookiecutter utter designs like ke stars, trees, snowmen nowmen and

angels. Then cut, glue, layer and decorate the cutouts any way you want before affixing them to the present. -SEASON’S GREETINGS. Got a stack of last year’s used or unused Christmas cards? Give those festive designs a new purpose by trimming the wording, images or characters from the cards and turning them into gift tags. For example, cut out a card’s sparkly tree and glue the cutout to the wrap. From the texture of the card stock to the color of the images, this form of upcycling can really dress up a gift. -ADD SOME SHINE. Tie an ornament to the top of the gift or tuck one onto the handles of a gift bag. The ornaments can be standard fare or personalized. Either way, they’ll look great on the gift and can be reused on the tree, year after year. -GET SCRAPPY. Use Christmas scrapbook paper and stickers to create your own gift labels or to decorate wrapping paper and gift bags. Since scrapbook paper is generally made of a thicker card stock, it holds up well when used alone, or glued or taped to wrapping paper. -PICK A THEME. Choose one color, texture or pattern as a gift-wrap look with maximum impact. For example, wrap gifts in one color like festive red; focus on the feel of your wrap using smooth paper and satin ribbons; or choose a pattern such as snowmen or reindeer to unify your gifts. -GET INSPIRED ONLINE. Search craft websites for ideas on ways to create memorable holiday wrap. For example, you can make iLoveToCreate iLoveToCreate’ss Glitte Glitter Gift Boxes using gift boxes boxes, glitter, foil, glue and a few other othe supplies. –CREATORS.COM–

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Metropolitan Ballet Theatre

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i Moscow Ballet Forty star-studded dancers will perform Olympic-worthy leaps in the 21st season of Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker,” Dec. 16 and 17 at Strathmore in North Bethesda. “Knock-out” says the New York Times! A world-class delight, Moscow Ballet dancers give the holiday performance for families with magical toys, falling snow, growing Christmas trees and astounding ballet moves. Celebrate Russian ballet and the beauty of the holidays with Moscow Ballet’s grand production of the “Great Russian Nutcracker!” Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda 20852 strathmore.org Moscow Ballet nutcracker.com 413-499-1733, 800-320-1733

i Muddy Branch Square Enter for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree to Muddy Branch Square. A $1,000 donation will go to the winner’s favorite local school. Entry forms must be turned in by Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. For complete rules, please visit promorules.info. Muddy Branch Square Intersection of Diamondback Drive Muddy Branch Road Gaithersburg 20878

i Rock Creek Village Center Enter for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree to Rock Creek Village Center. A $1,000 donation will also go to the winner’s favorite local school. Entry forms must be turned in by Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. For complete rules, please visit promorules.info. Intersection of Norbeck Road and Bauer Drive Rockville 20853

i The Washington Revels

Give your family the gift of Revels! Don’t miss the 31st annual “The Christmas Revels—Echoes of Thrace: Music, Dance and Drama of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey.” Amid a swirl of beautiful costumes, celebrate with traditional folk characters, sing-alongs, fiery dances and rollicking fun. The cast of 100 musicians, singers and actors, ages 8 to 85, includes an extraordinary array of artists from three cultures. This high-energy show is not to be missed! The show will be held Dec. 7–15 at The George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium. Tickets are $12–$50. GWU Lisner Auditorium 730 21st St. N.W., Washington, D.C. www.revelsdc.org 301-587-3835

i Uptown Cheapskate

Uptown Cheapskate is Rockville’s newest, hippest resale boutique, offering cash or 25 percent more in store credit for your items. Uptown Cheapskate is a teen and young-adult fashion exchange. We buy and sell new and like-new clothing and accessories for guys and girls at amazing prices—prices that will turn anyone into a serious shopaholic. We feature J.Crew, Coach, American Eagle Outfitters, Michael Kors, Forever 21, Steve Madden, Anthropologie, The North Face and more! 1038 Rockville Pike Rockville 20852 www.uptowncheapskate.com 301-762-1089

November 2013 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette

TICKETS & INFO:

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Advertising Supplement to The Gazette | November 2013