Holiday countdown 2015

Tulsa World Supplement, Sunday, December 13, 2015

Baby’s First Christmas Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Tastes of the

Season Win a Trip of a Lifetime

tulsaworld.com/holidays

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Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

INSIDE THIS SECTION

It’s almost here! s

In case you are feeling some pressure as Dec. 25 draws near, we’ve scoured Tulsa for some last-minute gift ideas this season. Here are four of our favorites ........................ Pages 4-6

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Time is of the essence, and timepieces are back in style with special features ... Pages 8-9

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Food is one of the best parts of the holidays. Here are some recipes to spice up your holiday potluck party ...................... Pages 14-17

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There is still time to get your house in order and spruce it up before your guests arrive. Here are some tips ...................................... Pages 18-19

CHRISTMAS TRIVIA • Each year, more than 3 billion Christmas cards are

sent in the United States alone.

• In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed Dec. 25 the official celebration date for the birth of Jesus Christ. Many historians believe Christ really wasn’t born this time of year.

• Despite the common tale that three wise men paid homage to baby Jesus, the Bible never specifically calls out a number. Similarly, there’s no specific indication that they visited the infant Jesus. Their visit may have occurred when Jesus was older.

• Santa Claus’ modern look was inspired by writings from The Knickerbockers of New York and imagery from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”

• Christmas trees typically grow for 15 years before they’re cut and sold. This means the trees sold today were likely planted in 2000.

• Christmas was not declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.

• Before turkey, the traditional Christmas meal served in England was a pig’s head and mustard.

• Male reindeer tend to shed their antlers in the winter. This means Santa’s reindeer are likely female.

• Christ may have been born in a cave rather than a manger. According to the gospel of Luke, the shepherds that helped find shelter for Mary to give birth kept their flock in a cave.

• Each holiday season, PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the gifts in the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas. “ The price index for the gifts went from $12,673 in 1984 to more than $24,000 in 2011. The most expensive gift is the swimming swans.

Source: Metro Services

Holiday Countdown was produced

by Tulsa World’s Advertising Department.

For more information, call 918-581-8519.

Take care of your holiday shopping, and win your dream vacation!

Each time you visit one of the participating advertisers, you can enter to win the trip of a lifetime.

Look for the entry forms at participating stores through Dec. 24.

The winner’s name will be drawn in January.

Entries from every store will be gathered together, and one lucky reader will win a $3,000 travel voucher to take the trip of his or her dreams from Tulsa World Media Company.

No purchase is necessary. For contest details and a complete list of participating businesses and locations, visit tulsaworld.com/holidays.

Enter for a chance to win a $3,000 vacation simply for visiting one of these participating retailers: AAA Bedford Camera Celebrity Attractions Elephant Trunk FFO Home Garbe’s Grigsby’s Honda of Tulsa Jack Wills Outdoor Living Jewels by James John Daniel Footwear Loops Mattress King

Merritt’s Bakery Miss Jackson’s New Balance Palace Cafe Petty’s Fine Foods Queenie’s Southern Agriculture Sports World Sunshine Furniture Sun & Ski Tulsa Ballet Tulsa Symphony

Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

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Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

DIP INTO DELICIOUS The holidays are all about snacking so be ready with festive servingware.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Still wondering what to get that special person in your life? How about something out of this world!

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TORUK — The First Flight, inspired by James Cameron’s “Avatar,” a live experience by Cirque du Soleil, envisions a world beyond imagination set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film.

The word Toruk, in the Na’vi language, refers to the great leonopteryx, the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky.

Central in Na’vi lore and culture, this fascinating creature is crucial to the Na’vi clans’ sense of destiny and interconnectedness— and is about to be ridden for the very first time by a Na’vi.

WHERE TO FIND: Dive into this live experience March 24-27, 2016, at Tulsa’s fantastic BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. The show is presented by Visa Signature.

This colorful melamine chip and dip server is one of many charm2 ing pieces in the Joyful Christmas collection. The design — with trees, snowmen (and women), birds, snowflakes and holly — will add just the right touch to your holiday festivities.

The collection includes two different designs of large and small plates, cups, and a divided tray that’s perfect for relishes, cookies or nuts. Also available in this line are three wall hangings and three glass necklaces that will put the HO-HO-HO in your HOliday parties.

WHERE TO FIND: You can find the Joyful Christmas collection at Carpentree, 2724 N. Sheridan Road. Carpentree has been offering affordable Christian art and gifts for men, women and children since 1976.

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Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS 3

A new Mercedes under the tree might put a twinkle in his or her eyes. Not in your budget?

Consider a detail.

Whether it’s a car, truck or SUV, the gift of having their ride detailed is sure to delight the recipient.

From the basic Express detail to the ultimate Platinum detail service, you can make someone’s vehicle sparkle.

Most people opt for the complete detail, which is somewhere in between. It includes washing the exterior, chamois drying, windows cleaned and dressed, engine degreased and dressed, and wax applied. The interior is vacuumed and cleaned, floor mats and carpets are shampooed, and the trunk compartment is cleaned.

WHERE TO FIND: The items pictured at right are available at New Balance in Utica Square, 2030 Utica Square. New Balance is offering sale prices on shoes, apparel, inserts and accessories through December 27.

WHERE TO FIND: You can select your preferred detail service at Jackie Cooper Imports of Tulsa, 9393 S. Memorial Drive.

Check into all their detailing options.

The Platinum package includes full exterior claybar, and buff and polish (scratch removal).

ACTIVE & STYLISH Stay in shape while staying in style. No one said you have to settle.

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New Fresh Foam and performance merino wool apparel will keep your loved one warm and happy this winter. Fresh Foam cushioning is microengineered for comfort and stability.

The award-winning Fresh Foam Zante running shoe provides continual cushioning for a fast, smooth ride. The Zante offers a quick, incredibly smooth heel-to-toe transition so you can feel fast no matter what speed you run. Available in both men’s and women’s styles. Ultra soft performance merino wool apparel is naturally moisturewicking and warm. It’s the ultimate workout fabric that looks and feels great layered or on its own.

Holiday gits for the hostess Have you run out of ideas for hostess gits?

Here are a few ideas to consider: • Chocolate trules • Place mats • Guest hand towels • Scented candle • Kitchen serving bowl • Cookbook • Scented handsoap • Coasters • Cutting board • Stationery • Tea kettle • Glass vase • Kitchen timer • Picture frame

Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

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See how the 2016 Cayenne moves you.

Experience the 2016 Panamera.

Lease for $769 per month.

Lease for $899 per month.

93rd and Memorial | 918-249-9393 Jackie-cooper.porschedealer.com

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You’d better watch out...

Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

...Timepieces back in style

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller CTW Features With the time of day listed everywhere from smartphone displays to laptops to our car dashboards, the need for a watch to tell time isn’t as pressing as it was even just a few years ago. Instead, watch brands are adding features to compel shoppers to want watches, from creating more functional gadgets that track stock quotes or the number of calories burned to transforming the watch itself into a fashion accessory.

The launch of the Apple Watch has made the smartwatch — and its apps galore — an appealing alternative to analog watches. That allure is siphoning shoppers away from traditional fashion brands with sales down in dollar volume about 5 percent in July compared to the year prior.

“While Apple’s (sales) figures aren’t

The Sports Clock is one of several faces available for the Apple Watch. crystal clear … it’s hard not to draw conclusions that there’s some cannibalism in the market,” says Fred Levin, president of the luxury practice at NPD Group.

A bump now, but in the long term Apple’s grand entrance in the timepiece sector will prove to be a boon for all of the business, as the tech giant draws in customers who previously shunned watches,

especially the younger millennial market.

“A very significant amount of Apple watches are being purchased by people who don’t wear watches today, representing about 40 percent of sales, ” says Levin, citing research figures from CivicScience Inc. “Once people get into the habit of wearing the accessory, they’ll likely add fine watches, Swiss watches and even lift the fine-watch market.”

In preparation, some watch companies are rethinking strategies or pumping up their technology offerings. TAG Heuer, the 155-year-old Swiss watchmaker, is partnering with Intel and Google to create a mechanical watch with tech features. Intel also teamed up with Fossil Group last year to create wearable connected devices in time for the holidays. Bulgari is adding a smartwatch to its lineup that eventually Continued on following page

Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

Continued from previous page will help the wearer automate calls, open doors and transmit payments.

Traditional brands like Seiko are utilizing technologies to be better stewards of the environment.

The Seiko Coutura, redesigned this year, offers the Solar Perpetual Chronograph and Kinetic Retrograde styles — powered by light energy and movement, respectively — with no battery charge required.

And anything loaded with health and fitness sensors doesn’t have to look dowdy. Wearable tech companies such as Fitbit are upping the pizzazz quotient. Last year, Fitbit partnered with designer Tory Burch to add accessory wristbands to house the Fitbit Flex tracker, now sold separately at stores such as Nordstrom with designs including the metal-hinged bracelet made of stainless steel. Garmin teamed up with designer Jonathan Adler this year for stylish bands to fit the vivofit and vivofit2 tracking devices.

The versatility of interchangeable bands — also in the non-tech sector — is one way brands can court customers.

“Anything where (the consumer is) getting value, getting more in the end is playing well into their wallets,” said Patty Leto, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of women’s and men’s accessories at The Doneger Group in New York.

Sold at retailers such as Macy’s and Nordstrom, Anne Klein is offering a bangle bracelet watch set in rose gold paired with three bracelets featuring a linked chain, ivory inlay and round, pavé disc.

Fossil offers interchangeable watch sets for men

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and women, including the women’s limited edition Cecile set that comes with bands in stainless steel, a reversible field strap, a blue canvas leather strap and a dark leather strap.

The movement for a blending of jewelry and watches continues as brands turn up the volume in hues and shapes. Armitron sport watches that sell at Kohl’s don’t shy away from color, showcasing combinations of gray and purple and navy and green. La Mer Collections offer wrap watches embellished with a host of options from studs to attachments of turquoise heishi stones and gold cable chains.

Calvin Klein is adding bracelet novelty by creating wavy patterns in polished stainless steel, curving open links and clean lines of swirling stainless steel. Of-the-moment brand Shinola, known for its vintage-inspired charms, sells double-wrap leather strap watches in a bevy of colors such as slate blue, jade green and dark camel.

Novelty straps also are key trends in the men’s watch market. Casual lines like Tommy Bahama are mixing textures in their watches such as offering navy and green silicone straps as a jaunty contrast to the stainless steel case and bezel of its timepiece.

Lacoste’s nylon canvas strap styles in green, red or black sport the iconic croc logo on the strap.

Character-driven watches will continue to beckon kids during the holidays. Sanrio’s Hello Kitty character graces styles, including the Bus Stop watch with a white rubber link band. And, it will be hard to go against the force this holiday season with the arrival of the latest Star Wars movie installment this month, “Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” Target is offering Darth Vader and Storm Trooper black digital watches.

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The Seiko Coutura offers the Solar Perpetual Chronograph and Kinetic Retrograde styles — powered by light energy and movement, respectively — with no battery charge required.

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Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

Great presents for new parents (BPT) — Many parents fondly recall their first holiday season as a mom and dad. While youngsters may not remember much about their first holiday dinner with family or where their first Christmas present was placed under the tree, parents tend to cherish such memories, making their first holidays with children in tow very memorable.

Loved ones of new parents can take steps to make this holiday season even more special. The following are some gift ideas for holiday shoppers who want to make this season even more memorable for the proud new parents in their lives.

• Photo album: Today’s new parents have more pictures and video of their bundles of joy than any previous generation of moms and dads, as smartphones, tablets and other devices have made taking pictures much easier than in years past. But family members also have more access to such photos than ever before, making it easy to put together a special photo album of the new parents and their new child. Pull pictures from the parents’

social media accounts or make an album of the numerous photos you have no doubt received since your loved ones became parents. Parents likely don’t have time to make such albums, so your efforts will almost certainly be appreciated.

• Camcorder: Many smartphones are capable of taking video, but such devices are not ideal for shooting longer home videos new parents will want to watch for years to come. An HD camcorder with sufficient internal flash memory can allow new parents to take longer, higher quality videos with superior audio to those that are shot on smartphones. Such a camcorder may be costly for those shopping on a strict budget, but it’s a gift new parents are sure to love and utilize for years to come.

• Nursery sound system: New moms and dads are no doubt anxiously anticipating the day when the newest additions to their households sleep through the night. Help speed up the arrival of that glorious night with a nursery sound system that provides sooth-

ing sounds to create a perfect sleeping environment for newly born boys and girls. The results may not arrive overnight, but parents may soon find their lovable youngster is spending more of the wee hours of the morning sleeping and less time waking up mom and dad.

• Spa treatment: Not every gift you buy for the new parents in your life needs to focus on helping them cherish their first holiday season as parents.

New parents tend to experience lots of exhaustion in their first few months on the job, but a spa treatment can be just the relaxing break they need from catering to their bundle of joy’s every need. Moms may prefer the full spa treatment, while dads may simply want a massage and some relaxing time in the steam room. Book a treatment for both mom and dad so they can spend some time relaxing

Multiply parents’ joys of baby’s first Christmas with a memorable gift. during this hectic time of year.

New parents often cherish their first holiday season as moms and dads, and the right holiday gift can make that first holiday season even better.

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MOST POPULAR CHRISTMAS SONGS (MS) — In 2014, Time magazine researched records at the U.S. Copyright Office to determine the most popular and most recorded Christmas songs since 1978, when copyright registrations were digitized. Here are some of the top hits: • “Silent Night”: One of the most rerecorded songs in history (733 versions since 1978), “Silent Night,” was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber and put to lyrics by Joseph Mohr. It was first performed on Christmas Eve at St. Nicholas parish church in Austria. Today’s version is a slow lullaby, but it’s believed the original was a dance-like tune in 6/8 time.

• “Holy Night”: This popular song was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to a French poem titled “Minuit, Chretiens (Midnight, Christians).” Many notable performers, including Perry Como, Celine Dion and Josh Groban have performed it.

• “Silver Bells”: Now a Christmas classic, “Silver Bells” originally was written for the Bob Hope film “The Lemon Drop Kid.” Songwriter Jay Livingston wanted to title the song “Tinkle Bell,” but his wife dissuaded him from using “tinkle.”

• “White Christmas”: Irving Berlin believed his song “White Christmas” would be an instant hit. His prediction was correct, especially after singer Bing Crosby recorded it.

• “Jingle Bells”: Although it has become one of the more popular Christmas songs, “Jingle Bells” was written for Thanksgiving. James Lord Pierpont, the song’s author, was inspired by the famous sleigh races of Medford, Massachusetts.

• “Do You Hear What I Hear”: Noel Regney wrote this song as a call to peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The original context has long been forgotten, and it is now a staple of holiday celebrations.

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’Tis the season for potlucks!

Here are six one-dish meals that are sure to please.

By Carley Lintz

G

WHOLE WHEAT PUMPKIN BREAD Courtesy of Monica Musetti-Carlin, “Country Comfort: Potluck Favorites”

• CTW Features

et your casserole dishes ready! The holidays are almost here, which means potlucks are soon filling up your calendar.

Potlucks are a popular choice for the season because they allow everyone to contribute to the meal. This lessens the workload for everyone since each guest is only worried about one or two dishes rather than an entire meal. And who couldn’t use less stress during the holidays?

“A potluck affords the host or hostess the opportunity to enjoy his or her guests by sharing in the preparation of foods for your buffet table,” explains Monica Musetti-Carlin, author of “Country Comfort Potluck Favorites.”“It’s a chance to put everyone’s best ‘food’ forward as one carefully prepares their dishes with love for those you care enough about to spend the holidays with.”

When looking for potluck recipes, note the serving size. You’ll want to make sure you bring enough for everyone to get a taste, so check to see if you’ll need to make more than one batch.

Also make sure whatever you choose can be easily cut into manageable pieces. “No one wants to have to use a knife when you are juggling a plate, a cocktail and a conversation,” says Musetti-Carlin.

RECIPES ON PAGES 14-17

Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

Party Time

INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 eggs ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ½ cup clover honey ½ teaspoon vanilla 1 cup pumpkin puree ½ cup walnuts, chopped PREPARATION: Preheat over to 350 degrees. Whisk together dry ingredients. Add eggs, oil, honey and vanilla. Mix together by hand with fork. Add in pumpkin puree and nuts. Grease a large load pan with butter or use a lined muffin pan. Pour batter two-thirds of the way up.

Bake loaf 30-40 minutes or muffins 1822 minutes. When an inserted toothpick comes out clean, it’s done. Allow to cool.

Serves 10-12.

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HOLIDAY CHESTNUT SOUP Courtesy of Monica Musetti-Carlin, “Country Comfort: Potluck Favorites” INGREDIENTS: 3 cups roasted bottled chestnuts, whole 2 cups yellow onion, chopped ¾ cup carrot, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 6 cups chicken stock 2 tablespoons cream sherry ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ cup heavy whipping cream 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, minced ½ cup dried cranberries Courtesy of Three Little Halves blog INGREDIENTS: 4-5 cups duck stock 2 carrots, cut into 1/4-inch slices 1 two-inch long cinnamon stick 5 large scallions 2 small garlic cloves, smashed 2 tbsp concentrated tomato paste 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp Worcester sauce 4 whole star anise 6 black peppercorns 16 coriander seeds 1 bay leaf 1/4 cup dry sherry Salt

CHRISTMAS DUCK SOUP WITH STAR ANISE PREPARATION: Cut four scallions into large chunks. Slice one scallion thinly and keep for garnish. In a large saucepan caramelize one tablespoon of sugar. When sugar is caramelized add to it duck stock, carrots, scallions, garlic, bay leaf, star anise, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, coriander, tomato paste and Worcester sauce. Season with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the sherry and simmer for another minute or two. With a fork or slotted spoon, transfer the carrots and star anise to individual bowls. Discard the rest.

Strain the broth and ladle it into the bowls. Garnish with the remaining chopped scallion and serve. Serves 4.

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PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roast chestnuts on a pan for 15 minutes, then remove to a large bowl and cool to room temperature. Combine onion, carrot, and oil in pan; toss to coat vegetables. Bake vegetables at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add to chestnuts; stir in stock and sherry. Pour half of stock mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour pureed mixture into a large soup bowl. Repeat with remaining stock mixture. Stir in salt and pepper. Simmer for 25 minutes. Beat cream until soft peaks form. Serve hot with a dollop of dream, a sprinkle of thyme, and a few cranberries. Serves 12.

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3 tablespoons parmesan cheese

SPINACH & CHICKEN STUFFED-SHELL CASSEROLE Courtesy of Monica Musetti-Carlin, “Country Comfort: Potluck Favorites” (Photo on Page 14) INGREDIENTS: 18 large macaroni shells, for stuffing ¼ cup flour ½ cup milk ¼ cup chicken stock 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste 2 teaspoons butter ½ white meat chicken, cooked and diced 2 cloves garlic, pressed 1 pound baby spinach, chopped 2 cups ricotta cheese

2 eggs 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 12 teaspoons chives, chopped 1 pinch nutmeg 1/16 teaspoon white pepper ½ cup shredded mozzarella PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare shells according to package directions for al dente consistency, drain and set aside. Whisk flour and milk together, then add in chicken stock and tomato paste, and whisk. Bring to a boil, whiskVarious candy toppings (chopped

FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER CANDY Snickers, Reese’sPIE Pieces, etc.)

Courtesy of Monica Musetti-Carlin, “Country Comfort: Potluck Favorites” INGREDIENTS: 8 ounce cream cheese (room temp.) ¾ cup confectioner’s sugar ½ cup crunchy peanut butter 2 tablespoons milk ½ cup roasted peanuts, chopped 2 cups heavy cream, whipped 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust 1 cup chocolate sauce

PREPARATION: Using a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the peanut butter, milk and roasted peanuts and beat well. Fold 2 cups of the whipped heavy cream into the mixture. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.

Cover the top of the pie with your choice of candy. Freeze for at least 4 hours. Serves 8.

ing constantly, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 minutes to make thickened sauce and set aside. Melt butter in a large pan and add chicken. Stir in garlic and then spinach, cooking until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat, and in a large bowl with the cheeses (except mozzarella), eggs, parsley, chives, nutmeg and pepper to create filling.

Stuff each shell with a teaspoon of filling. Use half of the sauce to cover bottom of dish and then place each shell seam-side down.

Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

Add remaining sauce on top.

Sprinkle mozzarella and bake until melted. Garnish with parsley.

Serves 6-8.

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MOTHER NATURE’S APPLE CRUMBLE Courtesy of Angela Liddon, “The Oh, She Glows Cookbook” INGREDIENTS: Filling: 6-7 peeled and chopped apples (your choice) 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Topping: 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats 1/3 cup thinly sliced almonds 1/3 cup almond flour or almond meal ¼ cup pure maple syrup ¼ cup coconut oil, melted 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon sea salt PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 375. Grease 11-by-9-inch baking dish. Place apples in bowl; sprinkle with cornstarch and toss. Stir in sugar, chia seeds and cinnamon, then add lemon juice.

Pour mixture into prepared dish. In another bowl, combine the oats, almonds, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, coconut, cinnamon and salt. Sprinkle oat mixture over the apple mixture. Cover dish with foil.

Bake 35-45 minutes. Uncover dish and bake 10-15 minutes until topping is brown.

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THEY’RE COMING

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS? There’s still time to get your house in order and spruce it up before your guests arrive COZY UP FOR CONVERSATION Tired of that ratty, old sofa or the recliner that doesn’t match the rest of your family room furniture? Now’s the time to replace one or both pieces.

At left is a sectional sofa from Sunshine Furniture that creates the perfect place for family or friends to gather and catch up on personal news or catch a movie together.

Above is a leather sofa and love seat by Homestretch, a brand carried exclusively

by FFO. Both furniture companies also have thousands of accent items available.

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SPRING FOR A NEW MATTRESS You don’t want your guests sleeping on that worn-out mattress, do you?

Why not throw that one away and move your master bedroom mattress into that extra room? That way you can go shopping for a new mattress for yourself.

Mattress King offers a wide selection of mattresses, including this adjustable Sealy Posturpedic Optimum model at right. You will never realize how soundly you can sleep until you have tried one of these.

FLOOR YOUR DECOR WITH A RUG-GED LOOK You are out of time to replace that carpet with those stains you have tried so hard to hide, but never fear. There’s a simple answer here. Try a nice area rug to dress up your space, whether it’s in the family room, living room, dining room or bedroom.

Grigsby’s offers hundreds of area rugs from which you can choose, such as this one shown at left. Grab a sofa cushion, pillow or other color sample from your home and carry it into the store to find a great style to complement your current decor.

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Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

Still going Nuts over this holiday star The Nutcracker has been collected and handed down for decades. Today, he’s getting modern makeovers that fit any style of holiday decor.

By Brooke Showell CTW Features

D

Courtesy of CB2

o an Internet search for the word “nutcracker,” and you’ll find as many results for the popular Tchaikovsky ballet as the decorative keepsake used to crack nuts.

“Probably ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet is the primary reason the nutcracker has continued to be popular,” says Arlene Wagner, curator of the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth, Washington. In fact, Wagner, a former dance teacher, names the production as her impetus for starting the museum dedicated to the holiday figurine in 1995.

Whether it’s the Sugar Plum Fairy or fond Christmas memories that attract people to the nutcracker, it remains a sought-after item in December and beyond. Since most people today do not actually use nutcrackers for their intended purpose, they’ve expanded

from merely after-diner table decor to a conversation piece showcased throughout the home.

“Nutcrackers are one of those great crossover collectibles that are perfect for the holidays but also can be displayed year-round as interesting objects in their own right,” says Cassandra Ross, founder of Collectivator. com, a site that promotes the collecting, buying and selling of antiques and vintage items.

“For some collectors, it’s the cultural history that makes the traditional nutcracker special. For others it might be the whimsy. Generally collectibles that have personality are always appealing.”

Attribute it to a general trend toward old-fashioned, nostalgic holiday decor: “People want to collect and display items that connect them to their past and their families. Nutcrackers definitely fill that niche,” Ross adds.

Age, quality of workmanship and detail all are key in making a nutcracker attractive to a potential buyer – most

traditionally made of carved wood, but now available in metal, steel, cast iron, plastic and other materials. Plus, it’s more whimsical than the ordinary ornament — it’s a fun treat to place a pecan or walnut in the figure’s mouth, which forms the jaws to crack it.

But perhaps the wildcard that makes the nutcracker special is its element of personal connection.

“Nutcrackers can take many forms so there’s something for everyone. Not only will you see the traditional figures like soldier or king, but you can also find nutcracker animals like squirrels, cats and birds,” Ross says.

Just as the ballet has gone through many modern incarnations, through the years, this traditional Christmas figurine has expanded beyond antique markets to contemporary offerings.

For instance, CB2 took the nutcracker’s formidable form and modernized him with hipper details.

“Through the last four seasons, he’s been tatted, forced to wear an ugly sweater (see photo at left) and sent into space, and this season, he will be a superhero,” says Andrea Erman, product manager at CB2.

This makeover has introduced the nutcracker to a new world of collectors.

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Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

Keepin’ it real with plants

By Cathy Cassata

•

CTW Features

Whether you’re hosting a party or expecting drop-ins, adding fresh and festive greenery to your decor may be all you need to spread holiday cheer.

Perfectly picked poinsettias A traditional plant of the season, poinsettias are always a good choice. However, think beyond the traditional colors for a unique twist, says Ramsey Jay Prince of Ashland Addison Florist in Chicago. “You don’t have to settle for the same old red or white poinsettia in green foil,� he says.

Rethink your wreath If having a wreath is a must, Prince says ditch the circular ones and consider ones shaped like a triangle, square, or even teardrop. “Depending on how creative you’re willing to go, (florists) can create wreaths in lots of different shapes,� he says. Evergreen mixes, magnolia leaves, and boxwood leaves are in-season options.

Get artsy with amaryllis While placing amaryllis in a holiday container can make an impact, Prince says consider placing them alone or together around your house. “Because they have a big tall stalk with a big flower at the top, they’re kind of a showy presentation all on their own,� he says.

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Add fresh scents So much of the spirit of the season is spread through smells.

Prince recommends incorporating scents with mini evergreens, pinecones, cypress plants and rosemary plants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rosemary plants have a pine tree look and a nice scent to them. Plus, you can even add them to your holiday cooking,â&#x20AC;? he notes.

Fit in your favorite flower Just because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the holidays doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you have to forgo your favorite flower. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you love roses or hydrangeas, you can easily spruce them up for the holidays with metallic or mercury festive vessels,â&#x20AC;? says Stephanie Elhayani, owner and creative designer of SEED Floral Couture in West Hollywood, California. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d look into adding ornaments or other decor, too.â&#x20AC;?

Wow on the outside If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to spread holiday cheer on the outside of your home, Elhayani says narcissus plants (daffodils) are a good blooming plant for warmer climates, as are succulents no matter the time of year.

However, she warns that poinsettias donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do well outdoors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They definitely should be kept indoors,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Tulsa World • December 13, 2015

Holiday Countdown

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Books for d g lovers

“Woof!” edited by Lee Montgomery, is a fetching collection of essays that proves you can’t have too many lessons in ferocious devotion.

In “Embracing the Wild in Your Dog,” author Bryan Bailey shares what he learned growing up in the Alaskan wild under the tutelage of a Special Forces survival instructor who introduced him to the ways of wolves and the similarities they share with dogs.

“Sophie: The Incredible True Story of the Castaway Dog,”

by Emma Pearse, tells the true story of the fetching Australian cattle dog who was lost at sea and swam six miles through shark-infested waters to a remote island where she survived in the wild for five months.

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WEEKEND

Tulsa World â&#x20AC;˘ December 13, 2015