2017 Dazzle Emag Holiday Gift Guide

2017

a holiday guide

A gift guide for you from WHMedia Group: West Hartford Magazine, We-Ha.com, and Connecticut Jewish Ledger

Quality . Value . Selection

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Happy Holidays!

Just in time to celebrate the first night of Chanukah, DAZZLE is full of wonderful “wrap-it-and-tie-it-witha-bow” gift ideas for the holidays, from the greater West Hartford area and beyond, including a few small businesses. Please shop local and support your neighbors.

Thank you to merchants in Blue Back Square, West Hartford Center Business Association, Elmwood Business Association (including Westfarms), Park Road Association, Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association, and West Hartford Chamber of Commerce for sharing your special gift ideas and making our shopping experience enjoyable this holiday season.

y t i n u m m o c r u Providing o possible service with the BESTtime of need. in their 1084 New Britain Ave. West Hartford • 860-561-3800 www.sheehanhilbornbreen.com ON THE COVER: BLOOMING TEA. These organic flowering teas feature a great taste while giving off a beautiful visual performance. $18.99. (Tea pot not included, but you can see another tea pot on page 7.) THE GREEN TEAHOUSE, 55 Isham Road, Blue Back Square, 860-232-6666, thegreenteahouse.com

PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 www.we-ha.com • jewishledger.com We-Ha.com office: 860-508-4032 • CJL office: 860-231-2424 4

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A new year is the perfect time for new beginnings: Reintroducing WHMedia! We’re excited about the rebirth of a new partnership among West Hartford Magazine, We-Ha.com, and the Connecticut Jewish Ledger. This is just the beginning of a new, cooperative effort which greatly broadens our community reach, and we do hope you’ll take a look at some of the terrific gift ideas included in these pages.

Please watch for many more collaborative projects and events, with our publications, online and in print!

We hope you find time to visit many of our advertisers and featured merchants – and tell them you were DAZZLED! Please have a safe, happy and healthy Holiday Season!

Tom Hickey, West Hartford Magazine/We-Ha.com Leslie Iarusso, Connecticut Jewish Ledger Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: West Hartford Magazine

We-Ha.com Twitter: @westhartfordmag

@wehartford Instagram: @westhartfordite #wehaevents #bestofweha #weha Dazzle is a WHMedia custom publication. For more information, check us out on www.we-ha.com and jewishledger.com. DAZZLE is published by: WHMedia, Inc. | P.O. Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 | office 860-5084032 ©2017 WHMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published by WH Media, Inc. are not necessarily those of the magazine.

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PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 Office: 860-508-4032... or call your sales contact directly

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WHITNEY F. BURR of Valerie E. Thomas & Associates, LLC with more than 30 years’ experience specializing in: 401(k), 457 and 403(b) rollovers Retirement planning Income Planning Estate Planning Investment Advisory Services and Securities offered through LPL Financial.

A Registered Investment Advisor – Member FINRA/SIPC

Call our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation so we can help you and your family with your personal needs and goals.

10 North Main St. West Hartford 860-678-6260 valeriethomas.com

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MIKUTOWSKI TEA BOX This delightful box finds its roots in the architecture of the Far East and has many uses, including holding 16-20 pre-packaged tea bags. Delicate Wenge legs and Wenge corner splines draw your eye to the unique shape and lines of this piece. Hinged lid, lined inside. Laser engraved messages on the inside of the lid add special sentiment to this when used as a gift for weddings, housewarmings, recognition awards, retirement, friendship etc.

Solid hardwood box and lid. $99 Outside Dimensions: 9 1/2″ x 5 1/4 x 2 5/8 POMPANOOSUC MILLS 21 Brace Road/Firehouse Sq. West Hartford Center 860-561-5207 pompy.com

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SITKA TEAPOT & ROMANCE GLASS TEA WARMER Temperature-resistant glass can hold boiling water or be stored in the fridge for cold-brewing tea. The stainless steel filter top strains your tea as you pour and fully disassembles for easy cleaning. Water can be boiled in this teapot on an electric stove. Please remove the lid before boiling water in the teapot. Hand-wash recommended. Holds about 12 oz. of water. $26.98 The Romance Glass Tea Warmer combines functionality and beauty, and is the perfect addition to your tea ware collection. A standard tea light fits in the center of the warmer, and glass reflects the firelight while keeping your tea warm for hours. $22.99 Two of the “blooming teas” are shown below. At left is the Clove Blooming tea, and the White blooming tea is shown at right. $18.99 each.

THE GREEN TEAHOUSE 55 Isham Road Blue Black Square 860-232-6666 thegreenteahouse.com

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KIDS KIPPOTS Made in West Hartford! The original style, handmade kippots (shown on the boys) are made of 100% cotton fabrics and are machine washable and reversible.

The saucer style is also 100% cotton. Three of the popular saucer styles are shown: NY Yankees, Emojis, and Camo.

Saucer Style: $10-15 Original Style: $15-18 Orders can be placed at KidsKippot.com or KidsKippot.Etsy.com or by emailing West Hartford Kids Kippot owner Elizabeth: Elizabeth@kidskippot.com

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SWEET DREAMS Chanukah-themed, brightly-colored, soft cotton footie pajamas come in sizes 6 months to 6 years. Coordinating nightgown and two-piece pajama set also available. $36; $32.40/Jewish Museum members at shop.thejewishmuseum.org

ECHO SHOW Echo Show brings you everything you love about Alexa, and now she can show you things. Watch video flash briefings, Amazon Video content, see music lyrics, security cameras, photos, weather forecasts, to-do and shopping lists, browse and listen to Audible audiobooks, and more. All hands-free—just ask. Find out more in store.

Amazon at Westfarms

MARBLE CHEESE BOARD Festive Marble Cheese Board. Due to the crafted nature of this item, expect slight variation in each unique piece. Made of marble, brass. Dimensions 12”L. 9”W Anthropologie at Westfarms

FLYING HIGH Learn to fly a helicopter. Introductory session includes 15-minute briefing, 45 minutes of flight time. Share the experience with two friends. At Danbury Municipal Airport, $335 at cloud9livinginc.com

FIT FOR A FOODIE The Food Styling Precision Tool Set contains everything you need to turn dishes into works of art: precision tweezers, fine scissors, culinary scalpel with two replacement blades, culinary syringe with two tips, an oil mister, and two spatulas. $44.95 at uncommon goods.com

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WATCH Tiffany Metro 2-Hand Watch. “The perfect synthesis of refined jewelry design and Swiss craftsmanship.”

Tiffany & Co. at Westfarms

JOYLS ESSENTIAL OILS Want a burst of real peppermint without the sugar? Try a beadlet! “Experience a refreshing, invigorating burst of Peppermint in the convenience of a dissolving beadlet.” Only Certified Pure Therapeautic Grade® essential oils by doTERRA. doTERRA WELLNESS ADVOCATE JOY TAYLOR www.mydoterra.com/joyls

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BOOK OF LIGHTS Luminous Art: Hanukka Menorahs of the Jewish Museum by Susan L. Braunstein showcases more than 100 menorahs, ranging across centuries and continents, and shedding light on the Jewish tradition that produced them. $19.99 shop.thejewishmuseum.org

RING David Yurman Wheaton Ring.

Nordstrom at Westfarms

GOLF LESSONS A comprehensive Game Plan is the most effective way to build a solid, dependable swing and includes all the elements necessary for serious improvement.

Every GOLFTEC Game Plan starts with a Swing Evaluation and includes a series of lessons with your GOLFTEC Certified Personal Coach, video-based practice and a TECFIT club fitting.

All of your lessons and practice drills are available to review online through your personal Player Performance Center. Our premier Game Plans come in several sizes to fit your golf goals, schedule and budget.

GOLF TECH 1146 New Britain Ave. Elmwood 860-222-2299 https://www.golftec.com/golf-lessons/west-hartford

WINTER WHITE Look Beautiful in this gorgeous, super soft and luxurious coat.

Stop by today and get warm!

BK&CO. 983 Farmington Ave West Hartford Center 860-232-6225 www.bkcostyle.com

Saturday, January 20, 2018

NEW VENUE

Children’s Charity Ball, an event of The Bridge Family Center. bridgefamilycenter.org

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I’m thrilled to be at William Raveis, whose focus is Marketing and Technology with a connection to a great International Network Robin and Raveis ... what a great combination!

Let Us Do The Cooking!

Make a date with Effie’s Place to take care of your catering needs! Whether your unique event is large or small, casual or formal – we can help you plan the perfect menu, and it goes without saying that we’ll tailor a plan to work with your specific needs and budget. n Dinner Parties n Company Events n Rehearsal Dinners n Office Lunches n Birthday Parties

n Holiday Celebrations n Cocktail Parties n Buffets or Sit-Downs n Custom Desserts n Holiday Pies

CHARLES, EFFIE & JOHN PAINDIRIS

Ask your server for details & menu ideas 91 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119 860-233-9653 www.effiesplace.net

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Voted BEST BREAKFAST spot in WH! 2015, 2016. BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT 2017

PIZZA! It is not the traditional holiday meal, BUT why not serve it on your “big day” (see wedding couple at left), or for the days after the big day, wouldn’t it be great to order a “World Famous Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana?” Gift Cards available.

FRANK PEPE’S PIZZA 1148 New Britain Ave. Elmwood 860-236-7373 www.pepespizzeria.com

CAKES AND MORE! Café Louise has got you covered from appetizers to dessert!

CAFÉ LOUISE CATERING 1156 New Britain Ave. Elmwood 860-561-0160 www.cafelouise.com

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WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE The gift that keeps on giving all year. $35. we-ha.com/subscribe

Get both publications for

52!

$

ART CLASSES West Hartford Art League winter session will run from January 15 - March 24, 2018. You can view the class catalog online. Material lists for each class are listed at the bottom of the class description.

BLOW YOUR MIND Heat things up with this private two-hour glass-blowing or flame working class for two taught by expert glass artisans. Take home a unique piece of art work! At Mission Hill in Boston. $199.

WEST HARTFORD ART LEAGUE 37 Buena Vista Road 860- 231-8019

cloud9livinginc.com

HALO CHARGERS. Charge your devices, and even jump start a care, when you are on the go. Really. Variety of sizes available locally!

CONNECTICUT JEWISH LEDGER Find out what’s happening in the Jewish community for $36 annually. To subscribe to the Jewish Ledger please call Howard Meyerowitz at 860-231-2424 x3035.

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www.we-ha.com/store.

860-508-4032

Watch for Holiday

We-Ha Pop-Ups! See We-Ha.com!

VINEYARD VINES WE-HA CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Show your West Hartford pride and embrace you inner (or outer) preppy! Available items include the traditional Shep Shirt (long sleeved comfort), in Navy for men and women, Polo shirts, and the Classic Tote. D-Ring Belt and Tie area available in green or blue. Sizes are limited! While supplies last. Watch for “Pop-Up” store in Lux Bond & Green in West Hartford Center, and shop online at: www.we-ha.com/store.

860-508-4032

HALO “We-Ha” POCKET POWER Portable power to charge your devices on the go.

Variety of sizes and styles. www.we-ha.com/store 860-508-4032

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The Judaica Store’s Gift Buyers Guide

by Marla Cohen Chanukah really on our doorstep? You bet it is!! Time to get out the chanukiya (aka menorah). Stock up on candles and buy the potatoes and oil – and figure out who gets what this year.

In the market for a new chanukiya or need one for a gift? The Judaica Store has a wide variety in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from “designer” styles from Quest to those made of traditional brass, copper and silvertone.

There are colorful kinetic ones from Israeli artists Yair Emanuel, Adi Sidler and Dabach – and one of a kind fused glass from American artists Tamara Baskin and Sarah Beames. Not to mention ones that are electric or battery-operated. Children may prefer more whimsical menorahs – trains, planes, ballet slippers and princess themes to mention but a few. Along with them add some Tzfat candles from Israel which are beautifully colored and are dripless.

For Grandma’s little loved one, how about a plush dreidel that plays music? Or a bib that proclaims “I Love You A Latke”? Or a plush menorah that you can “light” with plush candles.

For Dad or Grandpa, a festive tie, with subtle designs of dreidels or menorahs will brighten the Chanukah work week.

Chanukah in a Box comes complete with your very own Maccabee, story book and dreidel. Kippah Kantor hides and appears when a child does a mitzvah and comes in both boy and girl versions.

Dreidels, dreidels and more dreidels are always popular ranging from porcelain collectables, such as an acorn from Quest, aluminum from Adi Sidler,w and fused glass, metal and silver, from a variety of artists. Adding to the fun are Emoji dreidels, as well as dreidels that jump, play music, light up, and are filled with gel.

For the littlest boy or girl, the adorable board book The Itsy Bitsy Dreidel by Jerry Burton and Chani Tarnow is a charming ad-

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aptation of the classic spider finger rhyme.

Speaking of books and children, there’s … The Missing Letters by Renee Londner.

It tells the tale of missing Hebrew letter ‘gimel’ and how the dreidel came to be a symbol of Chanukah. Sammy Spider’s Colors of Hanukkah is another in the series of Same Spider board books. In Little Red Ruthie by Gloria Koster, the Big Bad Wolf is no match for Ruthie and Grandma – and is so stuffed with latkes that he cannot eat another thing!

For cooks and foodies: For kids, an interesting take on Chanukah food looks at Indian fare with Queen of The Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg. Among the many other cookbooks new on the shelf this year: Jewish Soul Food by Janna Parker, King Solomon’s Table

by Joan Nathan, and The Modern Jewish Baker by Shannon Sarna.

A perfect addition to any coffee table: The Jewish Baseball Card Book by Bob Weshler, a lavishly illustrated book featuring Jewish players; and My Jerusalem by Gefen Publishing, which offers a stunning pictorial view of the Eternal City.

On the less literary front, for small fry and oldsters alike there are Chanukah socks decorated with dreidels and menorahs and fluffy slippers in blue and white.

For craft enthusiasts, there is a DIY Menorah kit, Make Your Own Beeswax Candles, and Glitter Foam Shape Decorations to assemble.

For gamesters, Climb and Slide – Chanukah Race To The Finish is a Jewish take on the classic game Chutes and Ladders; and Chanukah Checkers includes silver and blue “gelt” playing pieces.

Whatever the choices, may your homes be filled with warmth and your holiday be filled with light and joy! The Judaica Store located at 31 Crossroads Plaza, Bishops Corner, West Hartford. n

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