December 2015/January 2016 edition of Live it! Magazine

Happy Holidays ...

It’s that time of the year again. A time for family and friends, and probably the busiest time of the year for gift-giving. And, yes, coming up with gift ideas.

It can be difficult to come up with the perfect gift at times. While some people are easy to buy for, others just aren’t. And then there are the family and friend gift exchanges.

While they can be very enjoyable and a real hoot at times, it is also fun to try new ideas.

We assigned our Live it! reporter the task of coming up with creative gift ideas, and new twists for gift exchanges, as well. Be sure to check out all the fun ideas.

The holidays really are a special time of the year, from Thanksgiving (we hope you had a good one!) right through the new year. I love getting together with family and friends, and I love all the excitement the season brings.

But, if you’re anything like me, every year you tell yourself you are not going to get caught up in the hustle and bustle.

Rather, you are going to take more time to enjoy the special moments. But then some of those special moments can be shopping for that last-minute gift or making that extra effort to find just the right thing or even decorate in a certain way. The key is to keep life in balance. Our Life Happens column gives some tips for doing just that.

Then there’s the food. Anyone trying to watch their diet over the holiday season has way more willpower than I do. Maintaining is the name of the game for me.

Our resident foodie, Anne Polta, has once again put together a few great ideas for making holiday gatherings tasty, without spending hours in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove. Kenzie Tenney, our graphic artist, gave Anne’s recipes a try, and figures she is sure to make them again as we move through the holiday season, so consider them Live it! tested and approved!

In the beverage department, our Spirits writer visited a couple local craft brew houses recently and gives them a thumbs up! He writes about one of the local brew companies in this issue and promises more to come in the next issue of Live it!, so be sure to stay tuned.

Enjoying a good beverage at a local brew house is like coming home — home for the holidays. From our home(s) to yours, here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you have a topic you’d like to see in Live it!, send your story idea to liveit@wctrib. com. We love to hear from our readers. You can also “like” us on Facebook or send us a tweet @Liveitmag.

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g Manat tio lhbearaivfreoitmmyaogu.

We w et us @l trib.com Twe eit@wc ook eb l liv emai t us on fac ox 839, i s ! it B vi Live 56201. e t i r or w lmar MN ry ideas, Wil come sto ore. m el We w ments and m co Watch for our next issue, out Feb. 5, 2016 May we publish your letter?

On Brenda Jergenson’s adoption story in the October issue: You did such a good job writing those articles. Thank you.

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On Mike and Karen Hauser’s adoption story in the October issue: Sitting at the Dr.’s office and saw this wonderful article about adoption in Live It! magazine — wonderful, Mike and Karen!

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Live it!

MAGAZINE

Can’t Live without it!

A publication of the West Central Tribune

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Copyright Š 2015 West Central Tribune Live it! magazine All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained.

Cover Story

6

The art of gift-giving

December 2015, Volume 4, Issue 6

WHAT’S INSIDE

FEATURING 6

Creativity in the gifting department

7

Working with wood

11

8 Machine embroidery 9 Themed creations 10 Making a wish list 11

New twists on gift exchanges

14

Q&A: Coping with holiday stress

19

Trash to treasures

19

DEPARTMENTS 3 READER’S MAILBAG 16

What we hear from our readers

READ IT! Books are the perfect gift

17 LIFE HAPPENS

What not to do this season

22

18 MONEY MATTERS Tips for new parents 19 DO-IT-YOURSELF Making heirloom jewelry 22 STYLE IT! Stay warm and cozy this winter 24 SPIRITS Craft brewery like going back home 25

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON! Holiday parties made easy

28

GET IT! Wine making, diamonds and date night

29 WHAT’S HAPPENING? Mark your calendars now

25

Stories and photos

By Dan Burdett

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Whether it be at Christmas, for a birthday or even Valentine’s Day, we all want to give a gift that is meaningful — without breaking the bank. Recently, we at Live it! were discussing the holiday season and how we find the perfect gift for friends or loved ones.

In the process, we concluded it would be fun to reach out to area residents and see the creative gift ideas they come up with for the holidays. We also spoke to retailers to determine what options they offer consumers looking for that ideal gift.

Following is a glimpse into what a select few of them had to say.

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The wood smith It’s been a mere eight years since Lowell Anderson discovered a knack for wood carving after attending a class in Sunburg.

You wouldn’t know it: the multifarious novelties he’s crafted — from plates to candle holders, to ornaments, jewelry boxes and pocket-sized trinkets — more so hint at a lifelong avocation.

Almost all are cut from Tilia, also known as basswood, which Lowell purchases from wholesalers in Wisconsin and Michigan, and feature a floral design produced by bushels of dinky gouges and a precise hand.

With the pieces varying in both size and shape, the gouging can take days, even weeks.

Lowell then hand sands and cures each piece — using Danish oil to produce a hard, liquid-resistant satin finish — as well as applying three coats of a clear spray varnish.

The woodworkings are invariably presented to family and friends as anniversary, birthday and holiday gifts.

“It’s just something I enjoy doing,” said Lowell, a retired postmaster from Clara City. “It keeps me active.”

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The creative mind Catherine Moudry’s desire is for each of her nine grandchildren to feel a connection to their birthday and holiday offerings. So each year, she fashions gifts with a defined theme.

A photo on her computer boasts the knight’s garb and foam swords she made by hand one Christmas for her grandsons; another reveals the kitchen aprons she stitched from a jumble of bandanas for her granddaughters. As a topper, Catherine also presents her grandkids with a receptacle containing a novelty: kiln-fired cookie stamps were last year’s entry.

“It’s fun to think new things up,” said Catherine, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Woodland Centers in Willmar.

This year’s theme is rodeo, with each member of Catherine’s immediate family receiving cowboy

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boots for Christmas. So Catherine has selected patterns on folkwear.com — a source for crafting ethnic and period clothing — to hand-stitch Western-style chaps for her grandsons and two-toned rodeo skirts for her granddaughters.

It’s a time-consuming venture, she said, as the initial fabric cuts will act as the template for those that follow. “But it’s all worth it to see the looks on their faces and the twirling and whirling” when they model for photos.

The sewer Lois Nelson has been sewing and embroidering for as long as her memory serves.

It’s among a number of arts and crafts talents she inherited from her mother and grandparents.

Over the years, she has relied on needleworking to create innumerable gifts, most commonly blankets, potholders, scarves and stocking caps.

“It’s a big thing in our family to pass things on that were made using your hands,” said Lois, whose father, Lowell Anderson, is a woodworker and is also spotlighted in this piece. “It’s fun to have these traditions.”

Occasionally, Lois will host girlfriends at her Willmar home and “we’ll hackle and cackle and commune over the sewing machine.”

She’s currently working through a multiplicity of varicolored fabrics and materials to create heavy holiday quilts for friends and family.

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The retailer If there’s one thing Jill Hanson has learned during her years as a gemologist, it’s that jewelry sales are more often predicated by the knowledge of the staff over the wants of the customer.

In fact, she said, buyers consistently enter the store with little or no idea about just what they are looking for.

It’s why Elmquist Jewelers in Willmar and other similar stores offer family open houses and ladies’ nights.

Here, customers can select their favorite gift ideas and complete wish lists, simplifying their color, cut, design and budget choices.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Jill said. “It’s a great way for us to ensure the customer gets what they want and for them to see all the options available to them.”

A favored item is switch-n-fun jewelry, stainless steel rings, pendants and bracelets that boast interchangeable stones of nearly every color so the jewelry can be easily matched with other fashion accessories.

Pandora — a product that offers women the opportunity to build their own jewelry piece by applying gemstones and charms to an unadorned bracelet — has also remained trendy.

“There are so many options with both these pieces,” Jill said.

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Dan Burdett is the lead writer at Live it! Magazine.

You can follow Dan on Twitter @danburdett1

CREATIVE

GIFT-EXCHANGE IDEAS Coming up with new gift ideas for friends or family can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming.

Enter the gift exchange, a fun and imaginative way to bring some flair to the holiday season, while minimizing the cost and stressors of purchasing or making gifts.

Aside from the usual deck of cards and dice games used to determine the exchange order, Live it! recently perused sites of etiquette experts and party planners to find the best ideas for fun holiday-themed gift exchanges.

Here’s a selection of what we found:

The cobweb party A favorite of readers of Real Simple Magazine, these parties offer the option for a wacky search game popularized in the Victorian Era. Designate one room of your home for the party and assign each player a different yarn color. Tie one end of their spool of yarn to a gift and unwind the yarn as you zigzag across the room, trailing it under furniture and looping it around curtain rods and the like.

The goal is to make it as difficult as possible for the player to track their yarn through the “cobweb” of color to find their gift.

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Kids musical chairs With this version of musical chairs, the kids sit in a circle and each passes around wrapped gifts as Christmas music plays. Then, when the music stops, each child gets to open the gift they have in their hand. It makes for a more exciting game, according to the national party planning business Peppers and Pollywogs, and also ensures none of the children leave empty-handed.

Creative gift-exchanges for children can involve a fun game. The most important thing is to make sure every child ends up with a gift to open.

The gift guess For this activity via perpartyideaspro. com, participants can buy a random gift and wrap it in a way that others can’t tell what it is or where it came from.

When it comes time to swap presents,

each participant then holds up their gift while the others attempt to guess what’s inside.

The first person to guess correctly gets to keep the gift.

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Christmas card match

This gift idea was spotlighted by Studio 5, a news program out of Utah, for its creative simplicity. Cut colorful Christmas cards in half and attach one half to the gifts.

Give each participant the other half of the card. Those who correctly match the card halves receive that gift.

Holiday trivia exchange

This is a simple concept, according to partygameideas. com, one in which a person who correctly answers a trivia question gets to pick a gift from a pile in the center of the room. However, once the gift has been picked, that person is out of the competition. At the end of the game, the moderator gets to pick the final gift or steal a gift from someone else.

Yankee swap

With this idea from realsimple.com, participants purchase a gift within a set price range and place it in the middle of the room. Then they drawer a number from a hat, select a card from the deck or even roll the dice to determine the order. Each person then goes in numeric order and selects a gift to open. If they dislike the gift they selected, they can steal the gift opened previously by another participant. This process continues until everyone has either opened or stolen a gift.

Happy Holidays!

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THANK YOU! ~United Way of West Central Minnesota’s Board of Directors & Staff~

Live it! Magazine 13

Q&A T

Dr. Kristi Phillips

Story and photo

By Dan Burdett

Beat holiday stress

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of celebration, but for many people it can present a period of dizzying expectations and increased stress.

Mayo Clinic reports people have a tendency to feel stressed more during the holidays than most other times during the year.

14 Live it! Magazine

To get some insight on the issue, Live it! recently sat down with Dr. Kristi Phillips, a clinical psychologist with Affiliated Community Medical Centers clinic in Willmar’s Skylark Mall, and sought practical tips on how to deal with holiday stressors.

Here’s what she had to say:

Live it!: What are the most common stressors you see people dealing with during the holiday period?

Dr. Kristi Phillips: They often describe trying to accomplish too much and may not have realistic expectations of themselves or others.

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Live it!: What do you think drives these stressors?

KP: Most often it comes from a good place: people wanting to genuinely connect with those they care about the most.

Live it!: How can people minimize these stressors?

KP: By keeping their expectations balanced and choosing to do less, so they can enjoy time with the people who are most important in their lives.

Live it!: For some people, it seems they view reaching out for help as a weakness. What options are available for those who struggle to talk about their feelings during times of great stress?

KP: Try not to isolate; it’s important to reach out to friends and loved ones. They are the people who can help give you support. If reaching out to loved ones still leaves you feeling empty, sad, irritable or hopeless, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or call to schedule an appointment with a psychologist. It’s important to have a confidential and objective point of view to help you in processing your feelings and support you in finding the best course of action. Whatever the feelings of issue, give yourself one more day. Things will get better.

Live it!: What do you think are the core practices for people to navigate what could be a stressful holiday period?

KP: First and foremost, focus on what you are grateful for. This is a proven strategy toward being happier. Use the mantra: “You don’t get more positive in life because you want it. You get more positive in life because you are more positive.” This can be helpful to practice during the holiday season.

Also, plan early. Set aside specific dates to get your shopping done, to visit people and accomplish your other priorities. Share your feelings with others you trust, whether you are missing someone who cannot be with you during the holidays or the loss of a loved one. Sharing with another person can help with managing your feelings. You could also volunteer. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, and try to eat healthy.

You will feel better if you if you keep up self-care habits. Also, consider starting a new tradition with your family of establishing designated social media-free times. It can send a message to everyone that face-to-face connection is a gift. Last, but not least, think about who you love and make sure you tell them.

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- Read it! -

Give the gift of reading

By Annice Sevett The holiday season is upon us, and you have a list of family members and friends for whom you need to buy gifts. If you are struggling to find the perfect gift for someone on your list, look no further than your local bookstore.

While reading is a personal experience and you may not be familiar with what a family member or friend has read, there is a nonfiction book for every type of person. You may just find the perfect book that delivers the personal touch you are striving for. Here are some recommendations.

“Humans of New York: Stories” is photographer Brandon Stanton’s newest book in his project to single-handedly create a photographic census of New York City.

Started as a blog, Stanton’s project has gained popularity both online and in print. This new book captures a new group of New Yorkers with stunning photographs and longer stories that provide an excellent taste of the wide variety of people who call New York City home.

Is there someone on your list looking to start a new job?

Maybe a soon-to-be college graduate?

Check out “What to Do When You’re New: How to Be Comfortable, Confident, and Successful in New Situations” by Keith Rollag. This book will help anyone with the necessary skills needed to be comfortable in a new situation, such as how to overcome fears, making great impressions and how to connect with people. Blending research with stories and simple exercises, Rollag’s book is sure to be a pleaser with anyone on your list who is changing jobs or moving to a new city.

“Downton Abbey,” the most-watched television series on PBS to date, will conclude this spring with season 6, much to the dismay of many fans. Help them relive this series over and over by gifting them a copy of “The Wit and Wisdom of Downton Abbey” by Jessica Fellowes.

This compilation of quotes from the television series takes fans back to the most memorable moments from the show, allowing them to relive the series over and over.

“Choose Your Retirement: Find the Right Path to Your New Adventure” by Emily Guy Birken is perfect for those on your list considering retirement. While retirement can be a scary thought, Birken makes it manageable by walking through the entire retirement process, including debunking popular myths and discussing the variety of lifestyle options available.

Anyone around retirement age will appreciate receiving this comprehensive book.

Know someone who loves to cook or someone who may want to learn the basics? “The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science” by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt provides a tour of the science behind popular American dishes. Filled with hundreds of easy-to-make recipes and full-color images, people with no cooking background to experienced home cooks will benefit from this new cookbook.

Stop into the library for more recommendations or browse the shelves in your local bookstore. There is a great book waiting for everyone on your list this holiday season!

Annice Sevett is Adult Services Librarian at the Willmar Public Library. For more information on these books, swing by the Willmar Public Library. The librarians are there to help you find your new favorite author. Check out the library’s blog at turningpages.areavoices.

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- Life Happens -

How about a ‘NOT-to-do’ list?

By Claudette Larson, LICSW

4. DO NOT over-extend yourself financially with gift-giving. There is no emptier feeling than looking at your bank balance in January realizing that some of the purchases made for others were ultimately unnecessary and over the top. Think of thoughtful and heartfelt ways to show you listen to what others are interested in. They will feel cared for, which is what you really wanted to give them for the holiday.

Holidays are the busiest time of the year. Most of us consider our “to-do” list both our best friend and mortal enemy. No sooner do we cross one thing off, we add two things more that have to be done. By the time we put away the last of the decorations, we declare that next year we will not go so overboard.

Sound familiar? Well, this list is for you.

The “NOT TO DO” list: 1. This year it is NOT necessary to make 12 different kinds of holiday cookies to amaze and delight neighbors and coworkers, when one or two kinds will do. In fact, maybe you can skip the usual baking marathon and give out gift cards for a free cup of gourmet coffee instead. Less calories and time in the kitchen.

2. This year you DO NOT have to create the perfect winter wonderland in the front yard with lighted decorations grand enough to make Clark Griswald jealous. What goes up, must come down. Think understated and elegant.

Your electrical bill will thank you.

3. You DO NOT have to accept every social invitation during the holidays. Spreading yourself too thin isn’t healthy for you, and your company will mean more when you ask for a rain-check for later in the year when you have more time and energy to truly be present and engaged.

5. If you are contemplating starting any type of weight-loss program during the holiday season — DO NOT. Chances of keeping up with a new diet, exercise routine or nutrition program is pretty doubtful and highly stressful to impose upon yourself. You certainly can limit the damage by watching what you eat, but hold off on embarking on brand new starts until the holidays are over if you can.

And one more.

A “TO DO” item this time from me to you: Have a healthy and heart-full holiday season!

Claudette Larson of New London is a licensed independent clinical social worker with 15 years of experience helping individuals, couples and families work on personal growth and positive real-life solutions.

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Live it! Magazine 17

- Money Matters -

Smart financial moves for new parents Submitted by Jeanne Ashburn If you’ve just had a new baby, your life is filled with more joy (but less sleep). You’re probably already aware of the time and effort you must invest in raising your child, but you may not have thought as much about another aspect — the financial one.

Consider this

The average cost of raising a child to age 17 is now $222,360 according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report on how much middle-income, two-parent families spend on their offspring. And this is the amount you might spend before your son or daughter heads to college.

Clearly, you need to start making the financial moves necessary to take your child from diapers to a degree.

Here are some suggestions for doing just that:

Purchase sufficient life insurance

When it was just you and your spouse, it was a good idea for you to have life insurance — but now that you have a child, it’s an absolute necessity. If you have any doubts about the value of life insurance, just look again at that $222,360 figure above, then tack on the costs of four years of college. If you or your spouse were to die unexpectedly, would the survivor earn enough to raise and educate your child? In this day and age, that’s not likely — so make sure you have adequate life insurance in place.

Prepare a will

Obviously, you hope to enjoy a long life — one in which you see your child grow to adulthood. But none of us can predict the future, so it’s essential that you draw up a will to provide for the care of your child, both financially and physically. When you create a will, you can name a guardian to step in and take care of your child, if necessary, and you can make sure your child receives your financial assets. However, many people go beyond writing a will and establish a living trust, which gives them more control over how and when they want their assets distributed.

Your legal advisor can help you prepare a will and determine if a living trust is appropriate to your needs.

to dip into your long-term investments to pay for shortterm needs.

Save early and often for college

It’s never too soon to start saving for the high costs of higher education. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged vehicle and may be a great option for your college savings. Contributions to a 529 plan are made with after-tax dollars, and have the opportunity to grow tax-free. Withdrawals used for qualified higher education expenses are also tax free.

Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions may be eligible for a state tax deduction or credit depending on the plan and state.

Stay balanced

As we’ve seen, it takes a lot of money to raise a child.

But even as you’re meeting these expenses, think about your own future, particularly your retirement. Strive to strike a balance between the money you spend on your child and the amount you invest in your 401(k), IRA and other retirement saving vehicles.

You can’t put a price tag on your child’s future, but when it comes to taking care of that child, you’ll want to know the costs involved — and be prepared for them.

Maintain adequate cash

To help pay for all those expenses related to child rearing, keep enough cash on hand. By having enough resources available in liquid accounts, you can avoid having

18 Live it! Magazine

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Adviser. Jeanne Ashburn is a financial adviser with Edward Jones in Willmar.

How to turn junk into a fashion accessory

O

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

It’s a cliché in the most banal sense.

But to Jen Anfinson, another person’s junk spells opportunity.

So much so, the craft room of her Hamptons-fashioned home on the shores of Lake Koronis near Paynesville is lined with jars and receptacles overflowing with what seems to be little more than unavailing bric-a-brac: blackened and corroded keys, glassless watch faces, nicked and chipped buttons and bottle caps, and wispy copper wire, each a small sampling.

“I’ve got a lot of stuff,” said Jen through a playful giggle, an unflailing feature of her sprightly and agreeable personality.

And it’s this “stuff” that represents the tools of her trade as a freelance designer of steampunk jewelry, which takes root in turning discarded odds and ends into wearable accessories.

Rarely a day passes when Jen isn’t in her space — the faint strum of stringed music a soothing background chant — designing and crafting bracelets, necklaces

Story and photo

By Dan Burdett and other costume jewelry. Some pieces she maintains for her own collection, some she sells, and others she uses to teach the dozens of free DIY jewelry classes she conducts each year through the Great River Regional Library System, which includes the public libraries in Belgrade, Paynesville and St. Cloud.

“That’s the best part about all of this,” Jen said, “ … being able to go into the libraries and teach others how to make something really interesting and nice out of something they may not ordinarily think about. I feel like I’m helping people learn how to create. I love that.”

Jen’s appreciation for knick knacks is intrinsic but grew while she worked at Buffalo Nickel, an antique market in the arts-driven community of Buffalo, 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Her fondness for jewelry partly derives from a period in which she was employed by Paffrath Jewelers in Willmar’s Kandi Mall.

“I just put the two together and it snowballed from there,” said Jen, who finds many of the pieces she uses for her jewelry at area flea markets and garage sales.

“The possibilities are endless.”

Live it! Magazine 19

A look inside During our interview, Jen Anfinson invited Live it! Magazine into her craft room to offer a few simple steps to putting

together a piece of jewelry, though she cautions a more intricate piece is often more time consuming. Here’s what she had to say:

1

2

Select the items you want to use. For this piece, Jen has selected a gold chain, the face from a pocket watch and a faux crystal brooch to create an extended necklace. She also will use two o-rings — also known as a toric joint and commonly used as a mechanical gasket — and has cut a strip of copper wire about six inches in length.

Lay the items out in the shape you want the completed jewelry piece to resemble.

3 Jen has determined the watch face and faux crystal brooch will be the signature elements of the piece.

She uses the copper wire to weave through the brooch in a cross pattern and attaches the wire to the back of the watch face.

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4 Now the chain needs to be attached to the brooch.

To accomplish this, Jen weaves the o-rings through the brooch and chain, and uses a needle-nose pliers to close the o-ring.

5 Jen checks to ensure all the pieces are connected and tightly woven by pulling slightly on the chain.

6 Admire and wear your handiwork.

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For more information on Jen Anfinson’s upcoming jewelry classes, visit the Great River Regional Library System’s website at griver.org and select the events option.

You can also follow Jen on Facebook.

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Style

it!

How to look CUTE and COMFY on cold days

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By Nicole Hovatter

We’ve all been there. The struggle can be all too real on those cold Minnesota mornings. It’s often enough of a struggle to get out of bed, let alone put together an outfit.

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to look good this winter.

From maxi dresses to UGG boots, there are tons of awesome comfy — and warm — articles of clothing that’ll take you right through the holidays and into the new year.

Instead of surrendering to your favorite pair of sweats or yoga pants, check out these tips for looking cute, while still being warm and comfy.

22 Live it! Magazine

Save your yoga pants for the mat

It may be tempting to slip into your all-too-familiar favorite pair of yogas or sweats, but it’s also easy to upgrade your outfit.

If your workplace is casual or business casual, you can often get away with wearing clothes that are insanely comfortable and still fit the dress code.

One of the first rules of chic is LAYER, LAYER, LAYER. Base layers are an easy way to keep warm. A pair of long underwear or spandex makes any pair of pants instantly more comfortable. Fleece-lined leggings or tights are my favorite. If you’re brave enough, you can even wear them under a skirt or dress.

Jeggings are also great for any time of the year, because they look like jeans, but feel like leggings.

If you haven’t already, try on a pair.

Leave your hoodie behind

Ditch the drab accessories

Sweaters are an easy upgrade from your old sweatshirt and pair of sweats, whether you choose a sweater, cardigan or sweater dress.

Long, flowing, oversize or chunky cardigans — the ultimate in cozy —are everywhere this season, from sheer and sparkly to chunky and patterned. Cowl neck sweaters are also great to wear for any occasion, from work to a holiday party.

Don’t skimp on the scarf or mittens this winter, because no one looks good when they’re freezing.

Bundle up with accessories that compliment, instead of adding a drab layer.

Infinity scarves continue to be a hot fashion.

These large, chunky scarves serve a double purpose, keeping you warm while making a statement!

With plenty of colors and knits out there, you can’t go wrong.

Or try a blanket scarf. These cozy babies keep you warm, and there are so many ways to style them.

Sparkly, patterned or bejeweled headbands and earmuffs are also a great addition to your winter wardrobe. Plus, they won’t give you hat hair.

Say goodbye to boring boots

A bad rap!

Sometimes it’s necessary to break out the heavyduty snow boots, but a variety of other options are out there as well. The key is to know how to wear them.

For example, ankle boots slip under dress pants or boot cut jeans. Larger boots make these types of bottoms bunch up.

Riding boots are just the opposite. They are great to pair with skinny jeans and leggings. They also are a good choice to wear with a skirt and tights.

There are plenty of trendy options in between, as well. Fringe and wedge boots are some of my musthaves this winter.

People unfairly give comfy clothes a bad reputation. Just because someone is rocking an oversized sweatshirt doesn’t mean they can’t be cute as ever.

Style and comfort is about how you feel on the inside, and to be honest, people can feel great in a chunky knit sweater.

The truth is that comfort is always in style.

Here’s wishing you a festive and fashionable holiday season!

Nicole Hovatter is a freelance writer for Live it! Magazine.

Live it! Magazine 23

- Spirits! -

A sense of HOME

By Ron Skjong For some of us, it takes longer to find it. I expect the reasons for the delay in finding it are many and varied — too busy, too angry or maybe you think the path is too long.

But in my experience, we all find it. What is this elusive “it”? Well, whether we call it a person, a place or a thing, it’s what we call Home.

I recently traveled to the city of New London to visit the Goat Ridge Brewing Company — a relative newcomer to the city’s downtown area. Yeah, I know — visiting a brewery is a tough job, but someone has to do it and it’s my pleasure to volunteer.

After entering the facility I was alone for a few moments so I wandered around the brewery and taproom and was impressed by the welcoming environment.

Was this sense of welcome coming from the circa 1948 Minnesota map hanging on the wall or from the brewery’s motto “Beer From Here” staring at me from over the door?

Did the view of the flowing river or the interesting beer menu impart this sense of welcoming?

Maybe the inviting atmosphere was the result of the eclectic furnishings — many of which were given to the taproom by local artisans.

Honestly, that feeling of comfort — that sense of home — was the result of all of the above. I could imagine people coming to this place to socialize with friends and neighbors, and with that socializing, building a sense of community.

Then I met the brewmaster and owner — Josh. During our conversation two themes emerged: Josh’s passion for brewing and his commitment to community. He and his wife came “home” a few years ago, planted some hops and worked hard to fulfill their vision of a community-based venture. The result of all that hard work became a reality about eight months ago with the opening of Goat Ridge Brewing Company. As a community, New London has

24 Live it! Magazine

embraced the new establishment and gathers there to foster old friendships and form new ones. And the beer is great!

Assuming it was only polite to sample some of the beers, I began with the Imperial Red Blood Moon Ale. Brewed to honor the lunar event called the Blood Moon, this copper-colored rye-based brew fills your mouth with spicy goodness and finishes with a nice toffee biscuit flavor. Too bad the Blood Moon comes so infrequently.

The next sample was the Octoberfest — a beer that is usually brewed in spring, then stored and consumed in October. I thoroughly enjoy chocolate and coffee and, guess what this beer brings to your palate? Chocolate and coffee! Absolutely delightful — enough said.

My last sample was the Indie IPA. I like India Pale Ale’s (IPA’s) and this one is brewed using Amarillo hops. The result is a beer that has great citrus aroma and a noticeable piney taste (both from the hops) but it finishes amazingly soft. To begin with so much flavor and finish so smoothly is an art.

Well done.

I would suggest you visit this wonderful and friendly business. Josh’s wife considers him to be a nurturer. Folks, go home to this taproom. Be nurtured, soak in the environment, enjoy the beers, and just have fun.

By the way, my wish for you this holiday season is that wherever your path takes you, I hope you find your way home.

Next time we visit The Foxhole Brewhouse in Willmar and enjoy their cleverly crafted brews!

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon.

Cheers!

Ron Skjong writes primarily about the wonderful world of wine but likes to explore various spirits and beers, too. He is married and has four grown children. While stationed in Germany, he was introduced to German wines and from that introduction, a lifelong pursuit developed to find that perfect bottle of wine.

Spirit! season of the

Hassle-free options so you can sit back and enjoy the party

W

Whether it’s a large event or a small, intimate affair, holiday parties are an ideal occasion for friends, family or coworkers to get together and celebrate the spirit of the season with good company and good food.

Party time may bring a dash of anxiety for the host, though. Will the preparations be time-consuming and stressful? Will you have to spend so much time in the kitchen that you can’t visit with your guests?

Relax. With a bit of planning, you can create a holiday menu that’s both memorable and hassle-free. The secret: make-ahead items that are simple yet special, paired with carefully chosen items from the store and/or local vendors. Options might include fresh and blanched vegetables, a selection of marinated gourmet olives, shrimp, artisan breads and crackers or a beautifully designed plate of seasonal fruit.

With most of the work accomplished ahead of time, all you need to do on the day of the party is some last-minute preparation, arrange your buffet table and then sit back and enjoy.

Following are some ideas to get started. Consider these a suggestion rather than a menu. Pick something you’d really like to serve — an elegant cheese board, for instance — and then build around it with an assortment of tastes, textures and combinations to delight your guests.

By Anne Polta

A CLASSIER CHEESE PLATTER Although it’s hard to go wrong with cheese and crackers, it can easily become boring. Your holiday party is a time to take it up a few notches with interesting combinations of flavor, texture and color.

Some suggestions gleaned from the world of cheese experts: Choose three to five different cheeses for your guests to sample. Your platter should include a variety of textures — soft, semi-soft and hard — and a range of flavors from mild and sweet to sharp and pungent. Example: Brie, cheddar and bleu.

Don’t be afraid to seek out the interesting and unusual.

Try a goat’s-milk or sheep’s-milk cheese or a cheese that’s locally produced. Browse the deli section of your grocery store for good-quality cheddars and other selections.

Include a variety of go-withs that complement or enhance the flavor of your cheeses. Crackers should be plain so they don’t overpower the taste of the cheese. Small sourdough bread or baguette slices are a pleasing alternative.

Toasted whole walnuts or smoked almonds make an excellent savory accompaniment. For a sweeter note, serve fresh dates, figs, grapes, plums, apple or pear slices. And there’s nothing quite like a tangy goat’s-milk cheese with a drizzle of honey, or a cracker topped with a high-quality aged cheddar and a small spoonful of pepper jelly.

For optimal flavor, cheese should be removed from the refrigerator 30 minutes to an hour before serving and allowed to come to room temperature. Arrange the cheeses and accompaniments on a platter or cheese board with plenty of room for your guests to maneuver with the cheese knife.

Loosely cover the platter until serving time.

MATTERS OF SUBSTANCE Lighter fare such as dips and relishes often need a contrast with something more substantial, such as this salmon ball.

I started bringing this to the annual Tribune holiday spread several years ago and it was a hit. I had frequent requests for the recipe. One year I decided to branch out and bring something different. Coworkers made their displeasure known. Needless to say, next year the salmon ball was back (and every year thereafter).

There are various versions of this spread but this classic, from the Pillsbury Kitchens circa the 1970s, is what I always use.

The stealth ingredient is the horseradish; don’t leave it out.

Canned sockeye salmon is pricy but essential to the flavor and rosy color of this spread. Low-fat or nonfat cream cheese can be substituted.

Salmon Ball 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1 tablespoon minced onion 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 16-ounce can sockeye salmon, drained and flaked chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley In a medium bowl, combine first five ingredients. Mix in salmon until distributed evenly throughout. Chill mixture for a few hours or overnight until firm. Shape into a ball and roll in parsley to coat. Serve with whole-wheat or rye crackers, flatbread or small slices of pumpernickel bread.

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Raspberry Ribbons 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg, slightly beaten 2½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup seedless raspberry jam ½ cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla and mix until smooth. Stir in flour and salt to form a smooth, pliable dough. If mixture seems dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons water. Gather dough into a ball and knead lightly. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 30 minutes or until ready to use. Dough can be stored in refrigerator for up to a week.

To form cookies, divide dough into four pieces. Shape into ropes about a halfinch thick by rolling each piece of dough between your hands on a lightly floured surface. Place ropes on an ungreased baking sheet. With the handle of a long wooden spoon, press a groove down the length of each rope. Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees F. Remove from oven and carefully spoon jam into grooves. Return to oven and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer, until cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Cool slightly on wire rack.

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and milk to form an icing thick enough to drizzle. Drizzle icing over cookies. With a sharp knife, cut each log diagonally into 1-inch slices.

SWEET FINISH Holiday gatherings are the perfect time to trot out your home-baked Christmas cookies. After all, aren’t your cookies meant to be shared? And they add a sweet final note to the spreads, cheeses, crackers and vegetables on the typical party menu.

The following recipe is a pretty addition to any cookie tray. As a bonus, it can be prepared ahead of time in two stages — first the buttery dough, then the baking itself. The raspberry jam filling lends a festive color to these cookies.

If you prefer a touch of gold, use apricot jam instead.

Live it! Magazine 27

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28 Live it! Magazine

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k c e h C out ! t i What’s happenin’ ?

December 2015 - January 2016 Glacial Ridge Winery Every Friday Spicer, 5 to 9 p.m., except holidays, Glacial Ridge Winery, state Highway 23 between New London and Spicer; free music concert by different individuals and groups.

Festive Forest Dec. 1-4, 6-11, 13-18, 20-23, 27-31 Willmar, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday; Kandiyohi County Historical Society museum, 610 Business Highway 71 N.E.; Festive Forest of holiday trees created by local clubs and organizations; admission is free.

Holiday Soirée Dec. 4-6 Morris, concert only 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, dinner and concert 6 p.m. Dec. 5, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6, University of Minnesota-Morris student center; Holiday Soirée, starts with a festive meal with dinner entertainment provided by the jazz and chamber ensembles followed by a concert of seasonal music presented by the college choirs; adults $20, seniors and students $18, performance only tickets: adults $7, seniors $5, students $3; tickets.umn.edu or 320-589-6077.

Historic Chippewa Village Dec. 5 Montevideo, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Historic Chippewa City, located at the junctions of Highways 7 and 59 in Montevideo; “A Golden Christmas in the Village,” celebrating the year 1965 with horse-drawn rides, candy and bake sales, crafters, Santa Claus, old-fashioned radio show, lunch line and the decorated village; adults $5, ages 12-17 $2, children 11 and under admitted free.

Pioneer Christmas Dec. 5 Forest City, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Forest City Stockade; 20th annual event, wagon or sleigh rides, visit with Santa; see a winter Native American encampment with teepee, wall tent and A-frame; tour the historic buildings; pioneer crafts and demonstrations; variety of foods available; dress warmly as many of the activities will be outdoors; admission $5, ages 12 and under will be admitted free.

Kandi Mall bake sales Dec. 5, 12, 19 Willmar, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kandi Mall; churches, schools, nonprofit groups and organizations will be selling baked goods.

Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra

The High 48s

Dec. 6 Willmar, 3 p.m., WEAC; music from “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” and “The Nutcracker” with dancers from Colleen’s School of Dance; adults $10, students $5.

Dec. 12 New London, 7 p.m., The Little Theatre; The High 48s present a holiday bluegrass show; $15 at the door.

‘All is Calm’

Kat Perkins

Dec. 6 Dawson, 7 p.m., Memorial Auditorium; Theatre Latté Da presents “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914”; adults $15, students $5.

Dec. 12 Willmar, 7:30 p.m., WEAC, holiday concert; $22, tickets at Cash Wise Foods and Cub Foods in Willmar.

Christmas at Sperry House

Kathy Mattea

Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 Willmar, 2 to 4 p.m., next to the Kandiyohi County Historical Society museum, 610 Business Highway 71 N.; the 1983 home is decorated for Christmas and the tree displays a variety of 1800s (Victorian) ornaments.

Dec. 12 St. Joseph, 7:30 p.m., Escher Auditorium; Christmas concert highlights the “good news” of the holiday and its spiritual message with a blend of old favorites and new songs; also includes a sampling of some of Mattea’s best-loved signature songs; adults $35 and $27, students $10, call 320-363-5777 or online at csbsju.edu/wow.

West Central Connection Chorus Dec. 7 Willmar, 8 p.m., Willmar Community Center; The West Central Connection Chorus presents a free concert with a Christmas theme.

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Dec. 9 Montevideo, 6:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 220 S. 13th St.; Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, followed by an evening tea.

Night of Music Dec. 10-13 Willmar, 7 p.m. Dec. 10-12; at 2 p.m. Dec. 12-13, Assembly of God Church, 3821 Abbott Drive S.E., 51st annual night of music, “A Time for Christmas”; free tickets available at the church, freewill donation.

Nutcracker Ballet Dec. 11 Glenwood, 7:30 p.m., Central Square; The Continental Ballet Company presents “The Nutcracker Ballet”; $20 at the door, $18 in advance by calling 320-634-0400 or email office@centralsquare.org.

Lucia Day Dec. 12 Willmar, 8 a.m. to noon, Bethel Lutheran Church, 411 Becker Ave. S.W., Swedish Candlelight ceremony at 8 a.m. followed by coffee and music; holiday baked goods for sale.

Christmas Laser show Dec. 12, 18, 19, 20, 24 Marshall, 7 p.m., Dec. 12, 18-19; 3 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 24, Southwest Minnesota State University planetarium, SM 108; Christmas laser show lasting about one hour; $5; smsu.edu/planetarium.

Velvet Brass Band Jan. 10 Glenwood, 3 to 7 p.m., Lakeside Ballroom; Winter Dance Club open to all, music by Velvet Brass Band; $10 per person, $5 ages 17-30; no jeans or shorts.

‘Mary Poppins’ Jan. 15-17, 21-24 St. Joseph, 7:30 p.m., Jan. 15, 21 & 22, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 & 23, and at 2 p.m. Jan. 17 & 24, Escher Auditorium; come along and join the fun on a musical journey to Neverland; Great Theatre Company’s enchanting mix of irresistible story, breathtaking dance numbers, astonishing special effects and unforgettable songs; adults $28, students $18, call 320-363-5777 or online csbsju.edu/wow.

To list your winter event, email liveit@wctrib.com

Live it! Magazine 29

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