2015 IWANNA Holiday Gift Guide

Copyright IWANNA USA, LLC November 17, 2015

H O L I D A Y

LOCAL EVENTS

SHOPPING ADVICE

HOLIDAY PLANNING

WINTER CALENDAR

INSIDE

holiday happeningslocal events all over WNC

deck the hallslights, ornaments + inspiration

2 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015

22 Gar eld Street, Suite 100Asheville, NC 28803

828.274.8888

Holiday Gift Guide, a publication of IWANNA, has accepted contributions which may not re ect the opinion of the publisher. No portion of Holiday Gift Guide may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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Copyright IWANNA USA, LLC November 17, 2015

H O L I D A Y

LOCAL EVENTS

SHOPPING ADVICE

HOLIDAY PLANNING

WINTER CALENDAR

INSIDE

holiday happeningslocal events all over WNC

deck the hallslights, ornaments + inspiration

Cover designed by Carrie Harder

first look

6 | Christmas at Biltmore 8 | Winter Wonderland at the Grove Arcade10 | Asheville Holiday Parade16 | Shadracks Christmas Wonderland28 | National Gingerbread House Competition36 | Holiday Coloring Contest38 | River Arts District Shopping56 | Christmas Cookie Recipes60 | November & December Calendar of Events

Gi GuideGeneral Manager & Publisher PATRICIA M. BETTS

Production/IT Manager JEFF RUMINSKI

Creative Director CARRIE HARDER

Creative Services DAVID DENTON RACHEL HOEFT

DEBI MANFRE

RANDY WHITTINGTON

Advertising Consultants MEG HALE PAM HENSLEY

RICK JENKINS

ROSE LUNSFORD

CRYSTAL PRESSLEY

Sales Assistant JAYME PRESSLEY

Distribution Manager SAM HOWELL

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 3

Gift Guide4 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015

delight overnight holiday guests with tasty omelets

holiday cooking

Potato & Arugula OmeletsServes 2

2 tbsp unsalted butter tbsp olive oil4 oz red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into inch cubes4 eggs tsp cayenne pepper8 cups arugula, stems discarded and leaves cleaned, dried and coarsely chopped* tbsp balsamic vinegar6 tbsp grated Gruyere cheeseKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper

Heat tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a heavy frying pan on medium heat. When hot, add potatoes and saute, stirring often, until light golden and tender, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. (The potatoes can be prepared 1 hour ahead; leave at room temperature. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.)

The holiday season often finds homeowners playing host to friends and family visiting from out of town. While the holiday dinner often draws the most attention, guests need to eat breakfast as well. Holiday hosts who want their overnight guests to start their days off on the right foot should consider the following recipe for Potato and Arugula Omelets from Betty Rosbottoms Sunday Brunch (Chronicle Books).

8

Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl and season with a pinch of salt and the cayenne. Place arugula in another mixing bowl and toss with vinegar. Place Gruyere cheese and potatoes each in separate bowls. Have a ladle ready for adding egg mixture to pan. Add 1 tbsp butter to a 9-inch frying pan, preferably nonstick or seasoned cast iron, set over medium heat. Swirl butter so that it coats the bottom of pan. When hot but not smoking, ladle half of the eggs into the pan and stir with the back of a fork until they start to set but are still quite liquid on the top, about 30 to 40 seconds. With fork or a nonstick spatula, lift an edge of the omelet and tilt the pan to let some of the uncooked egg mixture run underneath.

Repeat this two or three more times, working your way around the pan until the eggs are cooked but remain moist on top. Sprinkle half of the potatoes, then half of the cheese, and finally half of the arugula over the eggs. Let the mixture cook until the cheese begins to melt and the arugula wilts only slightly, 30 seconds. Using a nonstick or metal spatula, fold the omelet in half and slide it onto a plate. Repeat to make another omelet. Serve each omelet as soon as it is prepared.* You can use regular or baby arugula, but the former provides a more intense flavor.


Gift Guide

Men and women who seem perpetually on-the-go may not stop to discuss items on their holiday

wish lists, but holiday shoppers

can find the right gifts for those

loved ones who never seem to

stop for long before moving on to

the next place.

gear Whether the wanderer on your holiday shopping list prefers

to travel domestically or overseas,

he or she cant hit the road without

certain gear. Camping afficionados

might appreciate a new mini-stove

or grill so they can eat like kings

no matter how far they retreat into

their favorite forests. For the inter-

Travel enthusiasts range from weekend warriors with a favorite campsite to international jetsetters.

Many people love to travel, but some take their wanderlust to another level. Holiday shoppers can find a host of gifts suited to all types of travelers this holiday season.

travel lovergifts for the

holiday shopping

national jetsetter on your list, per-

haps a new set of luggage might

make the perfect holiday gift. If

your budget is a more tight, con-

sider a travelers kit with luxury

shampoo, conditioner and body

wash and lotion.

camera Part of the joy of trav-eling is documenting a trip with

a great camera. Cameras come in

a wide range of styles, and good

cameras can range from a couple

hundred dollars to more expen-

sive models that cost upwards of

a thousand dollars. If your bud-

get does not allow for a more ex-

pensive camera, give your loved

one some cash toward buying a

new camera for his or her next

adventure. If money is no object,

do your homework, research-

ing cameras based on your loved

ones interests. More adventurous

travelers might want cameras that

can withstand the wear and tear

of outdoor sports, while travelers

who focus more on sightseeing

might not benefit from cameras

designed for more daring pho-

tographers. Research cameras

online, and ask employees at local

electronics retailers which type of

camera is best suited to the trav-

eler on your list.

airline miles Many airlines allow customers to transfer their

airline miles to whomever they

choose. Some airlines, such as Del-

ta, allow miles to be transferred to

a maximum of four people, and

such transfers incur both a fee per

mile transferred and a transaction

fee. In addition, airlines may limit

how many miles you can transfer

or only allow members of their

mileage programs to transfer their

miles to other members. Airline

miles can be a great gift for travel

enthusiasts, saving them substan-

tial amounts of money. Learn the

ins and outs of your mileage pro-

gram before giving miles as a gift.

If the traveler on your shopping

list prefers to travel by car rather

than airplane, a gas card can go

a long way toward trimming the

cost of his or her travels.

experiences If you know a loved one will be traveling to a

particular locale in the near fu-

ture, look into his or her destina-

tion and book a unique experi-

ence for him or her. For example,

travelers headed to London may

appreciate a tour of the State

Rooms at Buckingham Palace.

Men and women visiting New

York City for the first time might

appreciate a boat tour to the

Statue of Liberty or a nighttime

boat ride along the Hudson and

East Rivers that allows them to

take in Manhattans famed sky-

line under the stars. Such experi-

ences can make trips that much

more memorable.

- Metro Creative Connection


Christmas at

Every year, Biltmore transforms into an unforgettable yuletide vacation destination like few

others. Biltmores design team

will weave this years theme

A Gilded Age Christmas

throughout every element

created for the season,

incorporating grand and elegant

details that are rooted in

authentic Vanderbilt Christmas

stories.

Inside the 250-room Biltmore

House, which bears a striking

resemblance to Highclere

Castle on the PBS Masterpiece

series Downton Abbey, guests

will see more than two dozen

elaborate hand-decorated

Christmas trees. A towering

34-foot-tall Fraser Fir tree laden

with toddler-high ornaments

and wrapped packages tucked

into its branches serves as the

seasonal centerpiece in the

homes immense Banquet Hall.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings, Nov. 6 - Jan. 2, 2015The holiday spirit lives

within the hallways and

rooms of Biltmore House

even more so under cover of

nighttime. During Candlelight

Christmas Evenings, thousands

of ornaments and over-the-

top wreaths and garlands

sparkle with the reflections of

candlelight and cozy fires in

the homes fireplaces. Despite

the homes enormous size,

sounds of choirs and musicians

create an intimate atmosphere.

Outside, a 55-foot Norway

spruce tree, lit by 45,000 tiny

white lights and surrounded by

hundreds of hand-lit luminaries,

welcomes guests for evening

tours. Offered Nov. 6 through

Jan. 2, Candlelight Christmas

Evenings are the only time of

year when the home is open for

evening tours.

Around the EstateIn Antler Hill Village, Santa

will visit with children and

families from 1 to 5 p.m. on

Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 7

through Dec. 20, and also on

Friday, Nov. 27. Cedrics Tavern

will host live music nightly.

There will be roving hoiday

carolers throughout Antler Hill

Village.

The village links to the

Winery where visitors may

take guided tours, enjoy free

wine tastings and purchase

wines from Biltmores diverse

portfolio, including the limited

release Christmas at Biltmore

blend. Special wine seminars

are available by reservation

including Red Wine and

Chocolate as well as the

Biltmore Bubbles tour.

Biltmores floral arranging

and gardening experts will

conduct free, daily seminars at

A Gardeners Place retail gift

shop from Nov. 6 through Jan.

12. Seminars are Decorate

with Christmas Wreaths at

12 p.m., and Create Holiday

Tablescapes at 1 p.m.

Guests may enjoy a festive

holiday meal at the estate

prepared by award-winning

chefs at any one of the estates

dining establishments. The Inn

on Biltmore will offer its annual

Gingerbread House Tea on

Dec. 17, 18, and 19. Guests can

assemble a gingerbread house

with the help of a pastry chef

while enjoying afternoon tea.

Lodging Options at Biltmore Increase in 2015Guests looking to extend

their holiday stay at Biltmore

will have several options.

Those seeking a retreat with

personalized service, Inn on

Biltmore Estate offers four-star

accommodations with sweeping

views in a private hilltop setting.

Special holiday packages

starting with Thanksgiving will

be available during Christmas at

Biltmore.

Biltmores newest lodging

offering, Village Hotel on

Biltmore Estate, opens in

December 2015. Designed for

the guest looking for a casual

overnight stay, Village Hotel

is located in the lively setting

of Antler Hill Village. It offers

a convenient home base steps

away from shopping, dining, the

Winery, live music and outdoor

activities. Special holiday

packages will be available

during Christmas at Biltmore.

Biltmore boasts retail shops,

all perfect for holiday gift

shopping. Other activities

include taking a horse and

carriage ride; exploring acres of

walking and biking trails and

more.

- Courtesy of biltmore.com

A holiday tradition born more than a century ago, Christmas at Biltmore will enchant those who visit George Vanderbilts Biltmore House during the estates annual holiday celebration, set for November 6 through January 10.

local events For more information about Christmas at Biltmore, visit Biltmore.com/visit

George Vanderbilt opened his home, Biltmore, to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895. Today, Biltmore celebrates this holiday tradition by decorating the grand rooms and spacious grounds of the estate.

A visit to Americas Largest Home may inspire you to bring some holiday elegance into your own home. Biltmores experts share some tips for creating a festive holiday display.

1. hang the lights Use electrical tape to attach

power strips to the tree trunk.

2. Wrap the garland Starting at the top of the tree,

wrap in scallops; drop down a

branch level at the back of the

tree

3. hang the ornaments Choose a variety of shapes and

sizes, placing the largest ones

near the bottom of the tree.

4. top it off Consider a simple tree topper

such as a bow or dried flower

bouquet.

5. complete the look Choose an appopriate tree skirt;

add some wrapped packages or

poinsettias for more color.

5 steps to a Biltmore-worthy treeTapestry Gallery. Photo credit; The Biltmore Company.

Biltmore facade during the Christmas season. Photo credit; The Biltmore Company.Experience Gilded Age Elegance During


grove arcade

Downtown Ashevilles historical Grove Arcade is a spectacular spot to enjoy the holidays and support locally-owned shops and restaurants. On November 20th from 5-8 p.m., come sing holiday carols with the Asheville

Symphony Chorus. Make holiday ornaments. View gingerbread

houses from Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House

Competition.

Asheville Symphony Chorus is the evenings main event! Over

forty chorus members are on hand to celebrate the evening with

traditional and contemporary carols. We are so excited to be a

part of this celebration, our music will soar in the Arcade-what

a thrill! says Asheville Symphony Choruss Cynthia Sprau. This

promises to be a crowd favorite.

Throughout the evening: Ho, Ho, Ho.Santa visits the

Grove Arcade again this season. He visits for the Deck the

Halls Lighting Celebration on November 20th and returns on

Sundays December 6, 13, and 20 from 1:00 5:00 p.m. Santa sits

for photos and wish lists. He also has a story or two up his big

red sleeve! Children will also enjoy making decorations for a

Grove Arcade tree or their own. For $1 per ornament to benefit

MANNA Food Bank, artists from Asheville Area Arts Council

help design and create holiday ornaments.

Be a part of what promises to become an Asheville tradition.

Deck the halls of the historic Grove Arcade on November

20th, and enjoy the season in the Arcades Winter Wonderland

through January 3rd, 2016.

- Courtesy of the Grove Arcade

A Season of Celebration in One of Ashevilles Architectural Jewels starts on November 20th

Grove Arcade Winter Wonderland Nov through Jan 3

A fanciful building, envisioned by Edwin Wiley Grove of the Grove Park Inn, that incorporates many architectural styles and served as one of the leading commerical buildings in the city in the 1930s. At 269,000 square feet, it was (and still is) the largest building in downtown Asheville.

local events

winter wonderland at


Gift Guideholiday traditions

Mantles adorned with garland and other holiday trinkets make fireplaces come alive for Christmas.

hanging stockings with careThat magic is only enhanced by hanging Christmas stockings, which are just waiting to be filled with goodies for good girls and boys. Those without a fireplace often hang stockings from windowsills and stairway banisters.

No written record exists to explain the origin of hanging stockings on fireplace mantles. Despite this, many people link the tradition to a tale about St. Nicholas. As that story goes, St. Nicholas was traveling through a village when he overheard the plight of three women. They

were poor, and their father could not afford an ample dowry to marry them off. Rather than have them end up spinsters, St. Nicholas secretly tossed bags of coins through a window (or down the chimney, depending on the version), and they were captured in the girls stockings hanging to dry by the fire. The family was overjoyed to have received such riches.Soon news traveled about the

mysterious money in stockings, and other children left out stockings for St. Nicholas to capture their own gifts.The tradition has transformed

over the years, and now many

children hang stockings by the chimney with the expectation that the stockings will be filled with gifts from Santa. Traditions once suggested that only gifts from Santa were left in stockings, while gifts placed beneath the tree were from family, but that has since changed. Stockings are now meant to hold small gifts while larger items are placed under the tree.Stockings should be hung away

from the flames of the fire as a safety precaution. Some children even like to hang individual stockings on their bedposts instead of on a fireplace mantle.- Metro Creative Connection

Gi Guide10 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015

asheville holiday paradeThe Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles of WNC, rolls, dances and marches

through downtown Asheville

on Saturday, November 21

beginning at 11am. The parade

features nearly 100 entries

including marching bands,

dance and cheer squads,

nonprofits and businesses. This

years parade theme is Joy to

the World.

Asheville-native and Atlanta

Braves star, Cameron Maybin,

will serve as grand marshal

for the 2015 Asheville Holiday

Parade. The grand marshal

float is sponsored by Deerfield

Retirement Community.

Maybin played baseball at T.C.

Roberson High School, where as

a freshman, he led his team to

a state championship and was

named the tournaments Most

Valuable Player.

The 10th overall pick in

2005, Maybin was drafted by

the Detroit Tigers, and after

a couple years in the minors,

was called up in 2007. At 20, he

was the youngest player in the

American League, and in just

his second major league game,

picked up his first career home

run off All-Star pitcher, Roger

Clemens. Now centerfielder for

the Atlanta Braves, Maybin has

posted 10 home runs and 52

RBIs in the 2015 season.

Parade entries include a little

something for everyone with

decorated floats, adoptable pets

from area rescue organizations,

our Honored Veterans

float sponsored by Express

Employment Professionals, live

music, performances, and of

course, Santa Claus, brought

to you by the NC Arboretums

Winter Lights!

Performance stops are located

at the corner of Biltmore and

Patton Avenues as well as near

Pritchard Park.

Transportation is available

through the City of Ashevilles

ART transit system. Parade

attendees can pick up a free bus

pass for the Holiday Parade at

City Hall (5th Floor) Monday

through Friday leading up to the

parade.

After the parade, attendees

are invited to Pack Square

Park from 1-4pm for Ingles

JingleFest. Activities include

bouncy houses ($2 wristband),

games and activities, and live

entertainment from the stage.

Plus, Cameron Maybin will sign

autographs from about 2-3pm

and there will be free photos

with Santa.

Whos in the parade?

A New Hope Home Care A.C. Reynolds High School JROTC A.C. Reynolds High School

Marching Band ABCCM Access Church AFGE Local 446: American Fed

of Govt. Employees AHS Homecoming Queen &

Miss Asheville High Amazing PubCycle/Enter the

Conundrum Angies Dance Academy Anthony Miller Racing Artspace Charter School Asheville Citizen Times

(Sponsor) Asheville City Federation

Negro Womens Club Asheville Dance Theater, Inc. Asheville Eye Associates

(Balloon Sponsor) Asheville Family Church Asheville Fire Department #1 Asheville Fire Department #2 Asheville Football and

Cheerleading League Asheville High School Dance

Team Asheville High School

Marching Band Asheville Humane Society Asheville Middle School Cheer Asheville Police Department Asheville Radio Group

(Sponsor) Asheville Second Line

Community Band

to the worldYJ Asheville Skylight Asheville Sun Soo Tae Kwon Do Asheville Window and Door Audrey Goforth Photography,

pony & cart Banjo Beary by Pisgah Media

Group Baseball Helium Balloon

(Asheville Tourist handlers) BC Parks and Recreation Beta Lambda Zeta Chapter,

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Blue Ridge Roller Girls Bojangles Cadillac Escalade

(Parade Sponsor) Bojangles Food Truck

(Parade Sponsor) Bojangles H2 Hummer Boy Scouts of America, Daniel

Boone Council Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Center Stage Dance Studio Chattanooga Bakery Clyde A. Erwin High School

JROTC Clyde A. Erwin High School

Marching Band Deerfi eld Episcopal Retirement

Community (sponsor) Distinguished Young Women BC

Scholarship Program East Buncombe Youth Rockets

Football Eastern Band of Cherokee

Indians Eblen Charities Edible Arrangements Emmanuel Lutheran School Enka High School Marching

Band Enka Junior Jets Cheer (Hominy

Valley Youth League) Erwin 14U All Stars Erwin Youth League

Fairview Elementary Fairview Flyers Unicycle Team

Family Preservation Community Services

Fearless Athletics Feelfree Kayaks Flag Balloon (Express

Employment Pros handlers/ sponsor)

GEICO Asheville Girl Scouts Buncombe

County Grand Marshal - Cameron

Maybin Harmony Motors (Sponsor) Haywood Street Congregation Holston Gases (Balloon

Sponsor) Hometown Holiday Jam I Heart Media I Heart Second App (Sponsor) Ingles (JingleFest Sponsor) IWANNA Kudzu Branding (Sponsor) Land of Sky Clean Vehicles

Coalition LaZoom Comedy Tours Mary Ellen Woods Riding Doc Mayors Committee on Veteran

Affairs (sponsored) Mitchell High School Marching

Band Montreat College MR Motorcycle Navitat Canopy Adventures NC Rhododendron Festival, Inc NC Watermelon Festival New World Celts North Carolina Submarine

Veterans Odyssey Community School Off the Wagon Dueling

Piano Bar Omni Grove Park Inn Paramount KIA Progressive Education Program Ridgeline Church Santa (sponsored by NC

Arboretum Winter Lights) Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Smoky Mountain Sk8way State Employees Credit Union Street Creature Giant Puppet

Collective TC Roberson Air Force JROTC TC Roberson Youth Football

and Cheerleading Telco Community Credit

Union TMC Productions Misses UNC Asheville Viper Cheer Waf e House Western North Carolina

Down Syndrome Alliance Wheels4Hope Wholesale Glass & Mirror Co. WLOS / WMYA World Balloon (Asheville Eye

Associates handlers)

local events Y


holiday shopping

But even the most patient shopper has his or her limits, and many people find themselves giving gift

cards to those friends or family

Nearly every man or woman has hit that all too familiar wall when holiday shopping for friends and family. While many people might be a cinch to shop for, there always seems to be one stickler on holiday shopping lists, and fi nding the right gift for that person can be an exercise in patience and perseverance.

how to give holiday gift cards

members who seemingly have

everything already. Such cards

make great gifts, but only when

gift givers employ a few tricks of

the gift card trade.

Buy directly from the retailer. Its easy to be duped by a counterfeit gift card,

which can be embarrassing

for both the gift giver and its

eventual recipient. Counterfeit

gift cards are big business

for criminals who prey on

gift givers during the holiday

season. Only buy gift cards

directly from the retailer, as

cards sold by other sources,

such as an online auction site,

may be stolen or counterfeit.

You dont want to be the person

who gave a stolen or counterfeit

card, and your friend or family

member does not want to be

subjected to an inquiry as to

why he or she is attempting to

use a stolen or counterfeit card.

examine the card Before leaving the store. Once a cashier or customer service employee

hands you a gift card, examine

it for tampering before leaving

the store. Some criminals

gain access to gift cards, even

those that appear to be behind

lock and key, to learn the PIN

number associated with the

card. Once they have the PIN,

recipients can then recreate

their own card, using the stolen

PIN to activate and make

purchases on their counterfeit

cards long before the real card

is sold to you. If you detect any

damage, ask for a new card

before leaving the store.

include a gift receipt With the card. When giving a gift card, dont forget

to include the gift receipt. The

gift receipt not only verifies

the value of the gift card, but

also includes the date the

card was purchased. Thats

important information, as many

companies begin to charge

fees, some of which may be

exorbitant, on unused cards

after a predetermined period of

time. Recipients who have the

gift receipt wont have to haggle

with retailers about the value

of the card should that ever be

in dispute, and the receipt also

can serve as a reminder that the

recipient needs to use the card

before a given date to avoid fees.

consider a general purpose gift card. If

that stickler on your holiday

shopping list is especially

difficult to shop for, then

you might want to consider

a general purpose gift card

issued by a company such as

American Express, MasterCard

or Visa. These cards generally

allow recipients to use their

gift wherever they choose,

whether its to put gas in

their tank or buy groceries.

That versatility is valuable if

you truly have no idea what

your friend or family member

needs or where he or she

likes to shop. One notable

disadvantage to general

purpose gift cards is that they

tend to come with more fees

than more traditional gift

cards purchased directly from

specific retailers. Investigate

these fees and find a card

that charges no fees or only

minimal fees.


stress-free holiday hosting tips

enlist help Invite a friend over to help

decorate and ask guests

to bring certain items to

save you some work.

plan Well in advance Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain

snacks and beverages, have no expiration

dates, so buy such items early.

pass the Buck Consider passing the

hosting duties on to

a local restaurant.

have a theme Themes set a tone for the party right

away and often make it

easier for guest to unwind.

25% OFF All Seiko and PulsarMens or Ladies Watches

A

ALL OF HER FAVORITE THINGSare in stock and on sale for

the holidays!

gifts for herGi Guide

C

FinkelsteinsVintage & Estate Jewelry

up to 50% OFFD

Baby Lock Rachel Sewing Machine

at $479

B

Over 500 gowns$300 or less

Candler Budget Bridal Shoppe

A. 269 Tunnel Road 828.252.9891B. 2274 Smoky Park Hwy 828.670.1871C. 21 Broadway Downtown 828.253.7731D. 1378 Hendersonville Rd 828.277.4100


Every year, the Asheville Downtown Association organizes the Downtown Holiday Windows Contest. Th ere will be about 40 businesses participating this year creating a delightful experience for everyone who walks around downtown. Th e event is appropriately sponsored by Window World of Asheville and there are cash prizes.

The benefits of shopping locally go beyond convenience and the chance to reduce your carbon

footprint. The following are a

few ways that shopping locally

this holiday season can directly

benefit your community and the

people who call it home.

local economyWhen men and women shop

locally, they are putting

money back into their local

communities. Local small

businesses may be owned by

your neighbors, and it can be

comforting to know that your

holiday shopping dollars are

Shopping is a big part of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. While the popularity of shopping online has grown, such practices are not always eco-friendly or timely, as gifts bought online must be packaged and shipped, wasting valuable resources and time that last-minute shoppers may not have.

shop locally this holiday season

going to support a neighbor

instead of a large corporation.

Local businesses also employ

your neighbors, so shopping

local can strengthen the local

economy by creating jobs

that may not exist if you and

members of your community

fail to support local small

businesses.

community identity Local small businesses go a

long way toward creating a

neighborhood identity, and that

identity can create a stronger

sense of community among

you and your neighbors. In

addition, a unique community

identity can make your town

more attractive to outsiders,

and that appeal can improve the

value of local real estate while

also attracting more people

to local businesses in your

neighborhood.

uniqueness of giftsThe gifts you buy when

shopping locally also can

benefit your community. Gifts

purchased from small local

businesses tend to be more

unique than items bought from

national chains, as smaller

retailers tend to sell more

homemade items than their

national competitors. Recipients

of such items may find such

gifts more thoughtful than

mass produced items bought

from national chains, and

the uniqueness of homemade

gifts may encourage the

gifts recipients to visit your

community and do some

shopping, further benefitting

your local economy.

customer serviceThe accessibility of customer

service is another oft-

overlooked benefit of shopping

locally. When buying from

national chains, especially

during the holiday season

when such businesses may

be overwhelmed with orders,

making contact with customer

service departments can be

a trying exercise in patience.

Long wait times on the phone

or online can make the process

of contacting customer service

extremely frustrating. But

such frustration is rare when

buying from local businesses, as

consumers can simply take their

products into the store, where

employees can immediately

address their concerns. In

addition, buying locally makes it

more convenient for friends and

family members who also live in

your community to return their

gifts.


holiday shopping

For a walking tour map of the windows visit: ashevilledowntown.org/Windows

A. 1408 C Patton Ave 828.253.8735B. 289A Merrimon Ave 828.658.2334C. 1186 Patton Avenue 828.254.8681 736 Tunnel Road 828.299.4440D. 269 Tunnel Road 828.252.9891E. 774 Hendersonville Rd 828.277.8600

WRAP UP THRILLSwith prices youll appreciate

gifts for him

A

D

Gi Guide

25% - 40% OFF All Seiko and PulsarMens or Ladies

Watches

For a walking tour map of the windows visit: ashevilledowntown.org/Windows

C

JEWELRYShop Big, Save Big!

EE

Yamahas starting at $38 a month

Orange Ampsstarting at $99

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As this show works its way into family traditions, it continues to add new features to wow guests, year after year. This season, catch a glimpse of how Santa and his

friends spent their summer vacation at the beach!

Included in the route is a section of huge displays

featuring commerical snapshots of Santa and the

whole North Pole crew playing in the sand, rather

Its back, and its bright! Shadracks Christmas Wonderland returns to the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher for another season of festive lights, jolly tunes and a sprinkle of magic. From Wednesday, November 25th (the night before Thanksgiving) through December 30th, the two-mile maze of lights will glow nightly from 6-10pm. Guests simply tune in their radio and watch the beauty unfold as they drive through hundreds of thousands of brilliant LED lights dancing in perfect synchronization with the music fi lling their vehicle.

NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: November 7, 2014 Contact: Josh Hawk Phone: (937) 661-5321 [email protected] [email protected] www.ShadrackChristmas.com

LIGHTS, MUSIC, ACTION! MEGA DRIVE-THRU LIGHT SHOW RETURNS WITH NEW DISPLAYS, MUSIC AND TECHNOLOGY

Fletcher, NC Its back, and its bright! Shadracks Christmas Wonderland returns to the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher for another season of festive lights, jolly tunes and a sprinkle of magic. From Wednesday, November 26th (the night before Thanksgiving) through December 31st, the two-mile maze of lights will glow nightly from 6-10PM. Guests simply tune in their radio and watch the beauty unfold as they drive through hundreds of thousands of brilliant LED lights dancing in perfect synchronization with the music filling their vehicle. As this show works its way into family traditions, it continues to add new features to wow guests, year after year. This season, catch a glimpse of how Santa and his friends spent their summer vacation at the beach! Included in the route is a section of huge displays featuring comical snapshots of Santa and the whole North Pole crew playing in the sand, rather than the snow. Like most, Santa can ride a wave, but shockingly, he can ride a friendly whale too. After adding more than double the channels to its animation, this Christmas lights dreamland continues to push the technological boundaries as well. Come see the all-new RGB animated arch with 3,600 computerized channels on it alone. There is also new music to keep your spirits bright. Plus, Shadrack, Santas number one helper, has joined the show and will sit in as your tour guide for the season. That little one cant wait to reveal a few tricks that have been in the making for many years.

The cost to experience Shadracks Christmas Wonderland is $20 per family car or van. For an activity van, limousine or small bus the cost is $30, and tour/school buses are $75. Rates include tax. Christmas Wonderland proudly supports Toys for Tots and the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County to help meet local needs. For complete details and a preview visit http://www.ShadrackChristmas.com/.

Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732 http://www.mountainfair.org/

# # #

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the best foods to donate during the holiday season

than the snow. Like most, Santa can ride a wave,

but shockingly, he can ride a friendly whale too.

After adding more than double the channels to

its animation, this Christmas lights dreamland

continues to push the technological boundaries

as well. Come see the all-new RGB animated arch

with 3,600 computerized channels on it alone.

There is also new music to keep your spirits

bright. Plus Shadrack, Santas number one

helper, has joined the show and will sit in as your

tour guide for the season. That little one cant

wait to reveal a few tricks that have been in the

making for many years.

The cost to experience Shadracks Christmas

Wonderland is $20 per family car or van. For an

activity van, limousine or small bus the cost is

$30, and tour/school buses are $75. Rates include

tax. Christmas Wonderland proudly supports

Toys for Tots and United Way of Asheville and

Buncombe County to help meet local needs.

For complete details and a preview visit

ShadrackChristmas.com

In the U.S., one in seven people struggles with hunger, and many rely on food from local food banks to help feed their families. The holiday season is an especially diffi cult time and many of us think about making donations to local food banks at this time of year. According to food bank representatives, the following types of donations help feed hungry families the most.

Holiday Ingredients & Side Dishes

Canned pumpkin Canned yams Cranberry sauce Boxed stuffi ng Dried macaroni

Shelf-Stable Protein Sources

Canned tuna or salmon

Canned chicken or other meats

Canned beans Dried beans Canned soups Peanut butter Nuts Canned chili Trail mix

Pantry Staples Rice (especially

whole grain) Oatmeal Pasta (especially

whole grain) Diced tomatoes Tomato sauce Canned vegetables Cooking oils (such as

olive or canola oil) Flour

Your Time sorting donations assisting with

fundraising events answering calls or

other administrative work

cooking or providing support in cooking classes.

gifts for the family

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5 holiday lms to lift your spirits

Many families have their own unique holiday traditions, but some traditions transcend familial lines to become an integral part of many peoples holiday celebrations. One of the more popular traditions during this

festive time of year is to watch favorite holiday film with family and friends.

One of the more popular traditions during this festive time is to watch favorite

holiday film with family and friends. With that in mind, the following are some

of the most beloved holiday movies ever to make it onto the big screen.

1it s a Wonderful life Perhaps no holiday film is more beloved than this 1946 Frank Capra-directed classic. Screen legend Jimmy Stewart plays a desperate businessman contemplating suicide during the holiday season. But a guardian

angel helps him realize all the good fortune in his life by showing him what life

might have been like if he had never existed.

2 White christmasThis 1954 song-and-dance film stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a pair of longtime friends and ex-military men who fall in love with a sister act team that includes famous singer (and aunt to George Clooney) Rosemary

Clooney. Crosby and Kaye join forces to save the failing Vermont inn of their

beloved former commander.

3 miracle on 34th streetNatalie Wood stars in this 1947 classic that follows the trial of Kris Kringle, who claims to be Santa Claus and must prove otherwise to avoid being institutionalized. Nominated for Best Picture at the 1948 Academy

Awards, Miracle on 34th Street won three of the prestigious statuettes,

including a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Edmund Gwenn, who played the

jolly old man in the red suit.

4 Bad santaThough not quite as heartwarming as many holiday films, this 2003 black comedy stars Billy Bob Thornton as miserable, alcoholic con man Willie, who poses as a mall Santa Claus so he can rob a department store

safe on Christmas Eve. But in spite of its rather raunchy take on the holiday

season, the film is ultimately a story of redemption as Willie befriends a bullied

youngster and begins to turn his life around.

5 a christmas carolThose looking for a more traditional take on holiday films need look no further than this 1951 adaptation of the Charles Dickens novella, which tells the tale of bitter miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he is haunted by three ghosts

on Christmas Eve.


holiday movies

gift wrapping


Gift Guide

create an area for Part of the trouble with gift-wrapping is the room and tools needed to wrap all of those holiday treasures. But a gift-wrap station in a seldom used corner of the home can make wrapping presents any time of the year easier and more enjoyable.Find a place to store gift

wrap and the needed tools.

Many people find the back of a closet door works perfectly.Install wire hanger racks so

the gift wrap tubes can be stored vertically along the surface of the door.Install a folding shelf on a

hinge, and use that shelf to do your wrapping. Fold the shelf up when it is not needed and secure it with a latch at the top.Hang hooks to store tape and

gift wrappingNearly as much energy goes into wrapping presents as we spend on purchasing them. Some people excel at wrap-ping gifts, while others do not enjoy the task at all. Having a designated area can help ease the pain!

scissors. Attach the scissors to the hook with a string so they wont go missing.A basket tucked nearby can

house bows and ribbons so that they are easily stored until needed.Having the wrapping station

so accessible also allows you to take inventory of supplies and restock when necessary.



holiday cooking

holiday food traditions from around the world

Many major holidays, like Christmas, Ha-nukkah and New Years Eve, are celebrated all

across the globe, but holiday food

traditions vary from place to

place. Here is a look at how people

around the world dine during the

most festive time of the year.

a. israel LatkesHanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates an Old Testament

miracle one nights worth of oil

lasted for eight nights. Because of

this, many of the foods tradition-

ally eaten during Hanukkah are

fried in oil, like the ever-present

potato latke, a potato cake fried

until golden and crispy.

B. england

Mince PiesMince pies have been a Christ-

mas treat in England since the

13th century. Soldiers returning

from the Crusades brought back

new and exotic spices, like nut-

meg and cinnamon, and cooks

at home used them in a variety of

dishes, including pies filled with

mincemeat and dried fruits. The

size and type of fillings used have

changed over time, but mince pies

are still a beloved English Christ-

mas treat.

c. sicily FishChristmas in Sicily and other parts

of Southern Italy means the Feast

of the Seven Fishes. Tradition-

ally, Roman Catholics in this area

fast on Christmas Eve, so a feast

of seven (or more) seafood dishes

at the end of the day is a true cel-

ebration of the areas bounty. On

the eves of special holidays, as well

as on Fridays and during Lent,

many observant Catholics refrain

from eating meat or dairy, so these

seafood dishes are usually fried or

cooked in oil rather than butter.

d. france

Bche de Nel The Bche de Nol (branch of

Christmas) is the French ver-

sion of a Yule Log. It is a rich

cake rolled and filled to look like

a log, often decorated with tiny

merinque mushrooms or other

small edibles made to look like

items you might find on the forest

floor. It is traditionally served after

the Christmas Eve midnight mass.

One of the most common classic

flavors is chestnut, although today

you can find Bche in many flavors

at bakeries around the world.

e. greece

Melomakarona Christmas is a major celebration in Greece, and there are many ways in

which people observe the holiday.

Many religious Greeks fast before

Christmas, so when feast day fi-

nally arrives, it is a big affair! One

traditional holiday sweet is melo-

makarona, a sweet, honey-soaked

cookie topped with ground wal-

nuts. These sweet treats are eaten

on Christmas Day after breaking

fast.

D

G

F

E

A

B

C

f. sWeden

Saffron BunsOn December 13, St. Lucias Day

marks the official start of the

Christmas season in Sweden and

other Scandinavian nations. Tradi-

tionally, the eldest daughter must

dress in a white gown with a red

sash and a crown of lit candles,

then wake her parents with hot

coffee and a tray of saffron buns.

Swedes also elect a national Lucia

every year, and many towns and vil-

lages across the country choose a

Lucia to represent them as well. St.

Lucia was one of the earliest Chris-

tian martyrs, killed by Romans for

her religious beliefs.

g. peru

Spiced Hot ChocolateIn Peru, spiced hot chocolate is a Christmas tradition. In Decem-

ber, churches around the country

take donations to make massive

quantities of it, as well as panet-

tone, a traditional Italian holiday

bread. In the weeks leading up to

Christmas, there are gatherings

called Chocolatadas all over

Peru where the bread and hot,

sweet, spicy drink are served to

the less fortunate.


Gift Guide

Thanks in part to celebrity chefs and television shows that teach viewers how to make gourmet meals at home, its

now easier than ever before for

food lovers to expand their culi-

nary horizons. Gifting such food

fanatics can be fun and may even

inspire a love of unique cuisine in

holiday shoppers, especially those

who consider the following gift

ideas.

Food-themed gifts make the perfect holiday present for food fanatics, and shoppers have an endless array of options to satisfy their favorite foodies appetites.

Food plays a big role come the holiday season, when friends and family gather around the table to share meals and catch up. But food related items also make great gifts for that person on your list who loves to savor a good meal no matter the time of year.

foodiegifts for the

cooking kit Ingredients and other essential el-

ements of good meals were once

taken for granted. But more and

more foodies are now creating

their own foods from scratch. Ba-

con fans may fall in love with a kit

that helps them cure and smoke

their own bacon, while those who

love fresh, homemade bread may

appreciate a bread-making kit

that includes flour, a pan, some

recipes, and other items necessary

to make the perfect homemade

loaf of bread. Cooking kit options

are vast, so find a food your loved

one cant go without and purchase

the appropriate kit.

gardening tools While the holiday season might not seem like the ideal time to buy

your favorite foodie some garden-

ing tools, such items make the

perfect gift for your loved one who

wants to grow his or her own fruits

and vegetables. Locally grown

produce has become increasingly

popular among foodies focused

on eco-conscious cooking prac-

tices, and it does not get much

more local than home cooks own

backyards.

cutlery set Though its easy to overlook, cut-

lery goes a long way toward mak-

ing home cooks jobs easier. The

right cutlery set, which may in-

clude one or two chef s knives, a

vegetable knife, a santoku knife,

a bread knife, and other knives

home cooks will appreciate, can

make preparing a meal easier and

more efficient than cooking with-

out a set. High-end cutlery sets

can cost several hundred dollars,

but shoppers on more limited

budgets can still find quality cut-

lery sets for less money.

food getaWay Many foodies love to travel

so they can experience cuisines

popular overseas or in different

regions of the country. Men

and women whose spouses love

food can plan a food-themed

getaway weekend to a locale

that specializes in a type of food

their significant others enjoy

or have always wanted to try.

For example, men and women

who love lobster may enjoy a

trip to Maines annual Lobster

Festival, while those who cant

get enough barbecue may

appreciate a trip to one of the

countrys more notable barbecue

spots, such as Memphis, Kansas

City, North Carolina or Texas.


holiday shopping


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5

64

six secrets to holiday baking success

dont overdo itOverworked cookie dough

may result in dry cookies. Try

not to handle dough more

than is necessary to roll it out

to desired thickness. When

rolling the dough, put it

between two pieces of waxed

paper to reduce flour usage on

the rolling pin.

line the panWhen baking brownies or

other bar-type cookies, line

the inside of the pan with

greased aluminum foil. This

way you can lift out the des-

sert and cut it neatly instead

of risking sticking. The same

technique can be used when

baking cookies. Line cookie

sheets with parchment paper

and bake as directed. The

cookies should slide right off

when done, and you wont

have messy pans to wash

afterward.

douBlecheckDouble-check your oven

temperature with a reliable

thermometer to make sure it

is accurate. This will help you

bake more efficiently and ad-

just the time or temperature

accordingly.

use your freezerMany cookie doughs can be

refrigerated or even frozen, so

you can make a big batch and

then spread out your baking

as needed throughout the

season.

Baking is popular come the holiday season, when baked goods are often gifted or shared with family and friends at holiday gatherings.

Although some people have mastered baked goods, others can benefit from a few tricks of the trade. Utilize these tips to make holiday baking that much easier.

use the right utensilRubber spatulas are very effec-

tive for folding in ingredients

and scraping the contents of

bowls. Whisks are essential

for incorporating air into

ingredients such as eggs and

whipping cream. Wooden

spoons are great for checking

how much a sauce or custard

has thickened.

measureBaking is an exact science.

Measure all your ingredients

carefully, using a glass mea-

suring cup with a spout for

wet ingredients and regular

measuring cups and tea-

spoons for dry ingredients.

Black Friday is one the biggest shopping days of the year, and is often the perfect time to begin holiday shopping and save money on incredible deals.

make the most of black friday shopping

Thousands of eager shoppers will leave their homes in the early morning hours and wait in lines

at stores in order to grab the

best prices of the season, while

retailers will be gearing up to lure

the greatest number of shoppers.

Surviving the day unscathed and

arriving home with discounts

galore involves having a game plan

for success.

knoW the prices of the items you Want to Buy. Scour advertisements in advance of Black Friday to gauge the regular retail prices for common items, including electronics. Comparison shop for the best prices and make notes to help you when Black Friday arrives.

understand the fine print of door Busters. Door buster sales are meant to get shoppers into stores, where retailers hope shoppers will make additional purchases while taking advantage of advertised deals. If door buster items are all youre looking for, read the advertisements carefully, noting the start and end time of the discounts and if there will be limited quantities. In addition, determine if there is a special return policy for sale items purchased on Black Friday.

dress for comfort. Wear sensible, comfortable shoes and clothing when shopping. Leave a large purse at home and opt for something compact that can be draped securely over your shoulder and body to navigate

the crowds. Keep your coat in the car or make use of a coat check service if available. Dress in layers if you will be waiting outside for stores to open. This way you can shed clothing as the mercury rises or when you get inside.

arrive together But shop separately. The divide and conquer method of shopping allows everyone in your shopping party to score good deals. Split up shopping tasks and then head to different areas of the store. Share and collect your purchases when you meet up after the rush.

make a list and stick to it. Buyers remorse come Saturday morning is common for those who have over-extended their budgets and purchased items they did not need. Know ahead of time what you plan to purchase and do not veer off course.

scout the stores ahead of time. Visit the stores where you plan to shop a few days before Black Friday. Learn the layout of the store and where

everything is located. Try on certain clothes or read over the labels of big-ticket items you plan to buy. Knowing where items are located and having all of your information in advance will cut down on the time it takes to find items on Black Friday.

dont overlook nontraditional stores. Many other stores, from pharmacies to supermarkets, stock items apart from food and toiletries. Consider taking advantage of their sales for some Black Friday deals.

park off campus. promptly store receipts. Designate a folder or envelope for all of your receipts to

keep them organized and handy.

pack a small snack and drink. Its easy to become dehydrated and hungry waiting in long lines, which can compromise your decision-making abilities. Bring a snack so that you can recharge your body and continue shopping.

leave the kids at home. Black Friday shopping can be

stressful, and children can easily get lost or bumped around in the fray. It is safer to leave them home so you can focus your full attention on shopping.

knoW When to call it quits. Establish a firm cut-off time for ending your shopping excursion. This way you can head home, rest and sort

through your purchases.


make black friday shopping as smooth and fast as possible by following some helpful tips

holiday traditions

Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 25 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA

HOLIDAY2015

See details on page 36.GIFT IDEAS ENTERTAINING TIPS LOCAL SHOPPING RECIPES

holiday living made easyWith so much on our plates between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, managing everything during the holiday season can quickly get very hectic.

Fortunately, there are many ways to save time and make the holiday season more manageable.

If you dont have plastic

clips to hang lights around win-

dows and to the eaves of your

home, inexpensive clothespins

will work just as well. If youre

concerned about the color of the

wooden clips, paint them holiday

hues before stringing the lights.

Put a bath mat, rug-side

down and rubber-side up, be-

neath your Christmas tree stand.

This allows you to spin the tree

as you hang lights and ornaments

without damaging the fl oor un-

derneath. It also makes it simple

to undress the tree once the sea-

son is over. Use a tree skirt to hide

the mat.

Squeeze artifi cial tree por-

tions into concrete form tubes.

holiday living holiday living


First wrap the tree portions in

twine and then slip them into the

concrete sleeves. Each tube can be

stowed in attic or garage rafters,

freeing up precious space.

Use empty squirt bottles

to make baking and cooking easi-

er. Pancake and cookie batters can

be squirted from the containers

for less mess.

Store one or two strings of

lights in a plastic shopping bag to

keep the strands from getting tan-

gled. Hang the bags from a hook

in a garage or stack them in a stor-

age bin.

Use plastic zip ties to at-

tach garland and lights to bannis-

ters. Theyre easy to assemble and

will not damage the bannisters.

A paper towel holder can

be screwed to the wall in a craft

room to neatly hold spools of rib-

bon. Simply pull the length you

need from the spool and cut for

easy decorating.

Mount a tree stand to a

piece of wood with screws or glue.

This prevents spills from reaching

the floor while stabilizing the tree.

Old maps make interesting

gift wrap and are a nice change of

pace from commercially produced

paper or newsprint.

Wrap duct tape or another

type of sticky tape around your

hand. Pat over fallen pine needles

that accumulate around the tree.

In hard-to-reach areas, wrap the

tape around a broom or a floor

sweeper.

When traveling for the hol-

idays, use a brightly colored suit-

case or flashy tape to make your

suitcase stand out from others at

the airport.

Place hardened brown sug-

ar in a baking dish, cover it with a

moist paper towel and either mi-

crowave it on high for 20-second

intervals or place it in a 300 F oven

for five minutes. This will soften

the sugar, making it easier to use

the sugar to prepare your favorite

holiday cookie recipes.

Save plastic bread ties,

which can be used to make tags

for the wires on certain devices.

Such ties also can be used to orga-

nize decorating components and

to keep your place on a roll of tape.

Measure the inside of your

picture window and construct a

wooden frame to its dimensions.

Staple holiday lights to the frame

and then easily slip the frame in

and out of place each year.

Hang a live wreath or some

boughs of evergreen in your home

to give it that fresh pine scent if

you have an artificial tree.

Color-code storage con-

tainers so you can easily find

holiday decorations in the attic or

basement.

Pack for a holiday excur-

sion using a collapsible clothing

storage hanger for closets. Fold

clothes on each fabric shelf and

then collapse it into your suitcase.

When you get to your destination,

unfold and hang it in a closet so all

of your clothes will be at the ready.

Make the holidays even more

enjoyable with a variety of time-

savers and clever tips.

A few simple strategies can help you save time and reduce stress this holiday season.

holiday planning


Gift Guideholiday greetings

The phrase Happy Holidays is uttered millions of times across the globe between the end of November and the beginning of January. But even if you find yourself in a non-English-speaking country this holiday season, you can still pass along this popular greeting thanks to the following translations.

Danish: Glade feriedaGe

Dutch: GelukkiGe Vakantie

French: joyeuses ftes

Greek: kals diakops

italian: Buone feste

maori:hararei hari

PortuGuese: festas felizes

romanian: sarBatori fericite

sPanish: felices fiestas

sweDish: treVliG helG

turkish: Mutlu tatiller

welsh:Gwyliau yn hapus

say happy holidays wherever you are


For a sweet treat, tour the amazing display at the 23rd Annual National Gingerbread House

CompetitionTM at The Omni

Grove Park Inn. Except for

the base, the entries are

constructed entirely of edible

materials. Judging will take

place on November 16 and the

awards ceremony is open free

to the public. After the awards

ceremony, the display will be

set up throughout the hotel

and will be open for viewing

from November 18th through

January 3rd, 2016.

As a means to preserve the

overall guest experience, The

Omni Grove Park Inn will open

its doors to the public to view

the Gingerbread display and

holiday splendor from Sunday

through Thursday (excluding

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve,

Christmas Day, New Years Eve

and New Years Day). While

there is no admission charge to

view the gingerbread creations,

there is a $10 per car parking

fee. Half of this fee goes to

local non-profits and the other

half covers the extra expenses

to accommodate the big

crowds.

- Courtesy of groveparkinn.com

On display November 18, 2015 through January 3, 2016. Open to the public on Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

local events

Top: 2014 Adult Grand Prize - Ann Bailey from Cary, NC

Bottom: 2014 Adult Second Place - Glenda Tant from Lebanon, TN

Feeling creative? Make your own gingerbread house with these recipes and instructions from the grove Park Inn.

construction tips decide on shape and style

of house. Make templates for all

sides and roof of house (cardboard, posterboard).

decide on the materials you plan to use.

roll out gingerbread to approximately inch thick.

decide on a style of window (examples: poured sugar, chocolate candies).

do all decorating on side of house before assembly.

Make royal Icing. Keep covered.

Assemble your house. You will need cans and little boxes to help support your house while the royal Icing dries.

decide on material for the roof (keep weight in mind).

When sides and front are dry and sturdy, assemble the roof.

cover with a little powdered sugar for a snowy look (optional).

Add christmas trees or people, animals, little ponds, snow banks, etc.

Have fun!

construction tips

gingerbread1 lb. Margarine12 oz. Brown sugar1 lb. Molasses3 lbs. 8oz. All Purpose Flour1 tbs + 1 tsp cinnamon1 tbs + 1 tsp ground ginger1 tsp. ground cloves2 tsp salt11 oz. cold Water cream margarine, brown sugar, spices and salt until light and fl uffy. Add and blend molasses. Add fl our and mix to combine. Add cold water and blend. refrigerate to set. Bake at 350F until done. (Approximately 15-20 minutes)

royal icing1 lb. Powdered sugar2 egg Whites1 tsp. cream of tartar Add egg whites to sugar and cream of tartar. Beat on high for 3-5 minutes until snow-white and fl uffy. Keep covered with a damp towel to retain moisture and avoid hardening.royal Icing is the best choice for assembling and decorating

gingerbread house. Most other icings contain shortening or butter that will eventually soak into the gingerbread and could cause your house to soften and collapse.

marzipan2 lbs. Almond Paste cup Light corn syrup2 lbs. sifted Powered sugarMarzipan is an edible clay-like substance that can be rolled, pressed, and molded into creative shapes for garnishments, people, packages, creatures, etc.

pastillage1 oz. gelatin8 oz. Water5 lbs. confectioners sugar Heat together the gelatin and water until dissolved. Add confectioners sugar. Keep covered with a wet towel.Pastillage, similar to stiff putty, is sometimes referred to as gum paste. Pestillage is rolled fondant without any of the softening ingredients (glycerin, corn starch, or shortening). It dries bone-dry and crusts more quickly than fondant.

make your own

national gingerbread house competition TM


holiday traditions

Holiday films hold a special place in many peoples hearts, and perhaps no holiday movie of the last 30 years has resonated as much as National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. The oft-quoted holiday favorite turned 25 years old in 2014, yet the film remains as popular as ever.

Christmas Vacation still a top holiday flick pick

Fans of the movie Christmas Vacation can no doubt quote their favorite lines from the film, but

the following are a few tidbits

that even the most ardent

Vacation fan might be able to

use to surprise friends.

The movie is based

on a story titled Christmas

59, which was also written

John Hughes, who wrote and

produced the film. The film pays

homage to this story when Clark

Griswold is rummaging through

the attic and finds a movie reel

named Christmas 59.

Frank Capra III worked

as an assistant director on the

film. In one scene of the film,

Its a Wonderful Life, which

was directed by Frank Capra IIIs

grandfather, is on a television in

the background.

Actress Mae Questrel

(Aunt Bethany) provided the

voices for Betty Boop and Olive

Oyl in the 1930s. Christmas

Vacation would be her final film.

The movie had a

surprisingly large budget ($27

million) for a comedy with no

special effects.

The role of Cousin Rocky

had no lines in the film.

Cousin Eddies fashion

style, in particular the sweater/

Dickie combination, was the

brainchild of actor Randy

Quaids real life wife.

In the other National

Lampoon Vacation films that

preceded Christmas Vacation,

Rusty was the older child of the

Griswold clan. However, he is the

younger sibling in this film.

Christmas Vacation

marked the directorial debut

for Jeremiah Chechik, who went

on to direct Benny & Joon and

1998s The Avengers.

Christmas Vacation

featured a handful of Saturday

Night Live alumni. In addition

to the films star, Chevy Chase,

SNL alums Randy Quaid, Julia

Louis-Dreyfus and Brian Doyle-

Murray appeared in the film.

Surprisingly, Christmas

Vacation had its own sequel

that few are familiar with. The

made-for-television National

Lampoons Christmas Vacation

2: Cousin Eddies Island

Adventure was released in 2003.

No part of Christmas

Vacation takes place on

Christmas Day. The film

culminates with the antics that

take place at the Griswold home

on December 24.

Brian Doyle-Murray,

who played Frank Shirley, is the

brother of another famous comic

actor: Bill Murray.

Christmas Vacation

was the only movie in the series

up until then that did not feature

Lindsey Buckinghams song,

Holiday Road.


National Lampoons Christmas Vacation came out in 1989 but is still loved by families today.

2015

November 24th, 2015.


Gift Guide

Its customary for students to offer teachers small to-kens of their affection, whether its during the holiday

season, at the end of the school

year or both. Choosing a gift for a

teacher can be challenging, as the

relationship between student and

teacher and/or parent and teacher

is not personal, and its very possi-

ble students and parents have lit-

tle knowledge of a teachers inter-

Few opportunities to thank teachers for all of the hard work they do present themselves during the course of a typical school year. A thoughtful holiday gift is one way to show their appreciation for a teachers efforts.

teachergifts for the

ests outside the classroom. But the

following gift ideas are essentially

universal in their appeal, making

them great gifts for the special edu-

cator in your life.

hanDwritten notes Rath-er than trinkets that proclaim

Worlds Best Teacher, students

can write their own sentiments

about their teachers and present

it with a gift card or another gift

that doesnt take up much space. A

heartfelt note of appreciation and

gratitude can be all it takes to put

a smile on a teachers face this holi-

day season.

FooD Food can be enjoyed in and around the season. Avoid mak-

ing items yourself, as some people

are particular about eating foods

that were cooked in someone elses

kitchen. Stick to pre-packaged food

baskets, or even treat the teacher to

a meal with a gift card to a restau-

rant.

somethinG scholarly A

gift that provides a teacher with

some intellectual stimulation

might just do the trick this holiday

season. For example, a set of safety

goggles or a kit for doing in-class

experiments might work well for a

science teacher, while a biography

or a best-selling novel may fit the

bill for English teachers.

GiFts carDs Very often all of the students in a class donate a

small amount toward a gift card.

Consider a card that is redeemable

at a nearby store or a generic cash

card the teacher can use anywhere

credit and debit cards are accepted.

classroom suPPlies Bud-get constraints have forced many

teachers to supplement classroom

materials out of their own pockets.

So a gift of school supplies or a gift

certificate to an office-supply store

or teacher-supply center may be

greatly appreciated.

catereD lunch Consult with the school principal to set aside

a day when teachers can enjoy

a catered lunch provided by the

students. Each class parent can

collect funds, which can then be

pooled to host a lunch for the

teachers.

When gifting teachers, there are

also some gifts to AVOID:

trinkets & muGs Through the years a seasoned teacher has

likely collected a fair share of trin-

kets and coffee mugs. Chances are

he or she does not need another

one.

PerFume & lotion Avoid scented lotions, perfumes and

other cosmetic products, as such

items are more personal.

overly exPensive GiFts Do not give a gift that is beyond

the standard range of others in

the classroom, which usually falls

between $10 adn $20. It could ap-

pear as if youre buying affections

for the student, and it could make

the teacher uncomfortable.


holiday shopping


holiday entertaining

Buffet-style meals are often the best option for large gatherings of friends and family. Space constraints can make it difficult to sit everyone down for a formal meal, and buffets enable guests to mingle with one another while selecting only the foods they want to eat.

buffet entertaining tips and timesavers

Buffet service is a good and efficient meal solution for any time of the day. Buf-fet set ups at parties can include

both cold and hot foods if they

are kept at the right tempera-

ture. Here are some more tips to

keep in mind when entertaining

buffet-style.

Present FooD in an easily accessible location Place food on a table or counter that will not

be in the way of foot traffic.

Arrange dishes and cutlery at

the head of the buffet line so

guests can move in an orderly

fashion as they select their food.tie toGether utensils For ease Group forks, knives and spoons with a cloth napkin

and dish so guests can easily grab

what they need for dining.

Practice FooD saFety Hot dishes need to be kept warm

and cold dishes need to be placed

on ice. Use chafing dishes and

pans in combination with your

serving plates. Food should be

removed if it has been sitting at

room temperature for more than

two hours.

exPeriment with meals that keeP Stews, casseroles, soups, baked pasta dishes, and

similar fare can be made in ad-

vance and frozen. Thaw these

dishes in the refrigerator the day

before the party, then heat up

foods and serve for the buffet.

Prepared foods purchased at a

supermarket or specialty retailer

also work well for buffets. Simply

purchase and then set out for

even less work.

weiGh your caterinG oPtions Catering services can make easy work of holiday host-

ing but not without expense. Ca-

terers may charge by the person

or by each tray of food. Some will

include table settings and rolls

with the price; others may not.

Calculate the costs of using a ca-

terer and weigh them against the

cost of doing the work yourself.

use Plastic utensils For hot FooDs Metal spoons and forks can quickly

heat up when sitting in hot serv-

ing dishes. Use plastic utensils so

guests do not get burned.

keeP DressinGs on the siDe Salad dressings and other condiments can cause foods

to wilt or get soggy. Have them

nearby so guests can help them-

selves.

be minDFul oF FooD al-lerGies Although you may have various foods available to

meet the dietary needs of guests,

do not place risky foods next to

others. Label food options so ev-

eryone knows whats available.

ask a FrienD to helP set uP Ask a close friend or family member to come over an

hour or two early to help you set

up the buffet and with any other

last-minute touches. This will

take some of the pressure off of

you, and you can chat and enjoy

yourself before your hosting du-

ties begin.

Frozen FooDs shoulD be thorouGhly wraPPeD Only use freezer-safe bags and

containers to store prepared

foods. Otherwise you may run

the risk of freezer burn or freez-

ing, affecting the taste of the fi-

nal product. Keep in mind that

many desserts, such as fruit pies,

also can be frozen. Its possible

to make ahead just about every-

thing for a holiday feast and sim-

ply thaw and reheat when the big

day arrives.

create a GooD siDe Dish ratio Buffets should include a variety of side dishes. Select one

or two main dishes and then vary

the rest of the selection with rice,

pasta, vegetables, or other favor-

ite side dishes.

keeP take-away con-tainers on hanD Youre bound to make more food than

you need, so send guests off with

their own goodie bags to lighten

the load on your leftovers. En-

courage guests to fill up a con-

tainer and take some food home

with them.

lock Pets away An open, unattended buffet can seem like

paradise to a hungry cat or dog.

Its not sanitary or particularly

appealing for guests to catch a

pet taking advantage of buffet

fare. Keep pets in a bedroom or

outside when the meal is being

served.

Buffets are a fine choice for big

groups because they provide va-

riety and the chance to mingle.



Fortunately, shoppers dont need to know a lot about sports to find holiday gifts that will elicit cheers from their

favorite sports fans. The follow-

ing are just a handful of gifts that

would make any sports fan happy

this holiday season.

chamPionshiP tickets Many sports fans dream of at-

tending a championship game,

whether that game is the Super

Bowl in the National Football

League, the World Series in Major

League Baseball, an NBA Finals

game, or whatever sport most

stokes a particular sports fans

passion. Tickets have long been a

go-to gift for sports fans, but holi-

day shoppers who want to go above

and beyond may want to purchase

tickets to the championship of a

friend or loved ones favorite sport.

Super Bowl tickets tend to be the

most expensive tickets in Ameri-

can sports, and such a costly gift

might be more than your holiday

budget can handle. Champion-

ships in other sports tend to be

expensive, but more reasonably

priced than Super Bowl tickets. If

possible, ask a friend or relative to

split the cost of a pair of tickets.

television Many sports fans now prefer to watch their favorite

sports on television rather than in

person. Remarkable advancements

in technology have made watching

Tickets to a big-time game or event is one holiday gift no sports fan will ever forget.

Find the perfect holiday gift for the family sports fan whether you are also a sports buff or if you dont know the Super Bowl from the World Series.

sports fangifts for the

the game at home not much dif-

ferent than being there in person,

and watching from home wont

require fans to pay for travel, park-

ing or tickets. A new smart tele-

vision that makes it possible for

sports fans to stream out-of-town

games or watch online highlights

on big screens may be just the

thing your favorite fanatic is hop-

ing for this season.

Gym or leaGue member-shiP Some sports fans are not

merely content to watch their

favorite sports; they also want to

compete. Devoted fans of mixed

martial arts might appreciate

a membership to a local MMA

gym, where they can mimic their

favorite competitors moves all

while getting in shape and meet-

ing like-minded men and women

who share their passion for MMA.

Offer to pay for the first several

months of a loved ones member-

ship, or if your budget allows, buy

a 12-month membership. If MMA

is not your loved ones thing, then

pay his or her entry fees into a lo-

cal sports league, such as a sum-

mer softball league or a competi-

tive basketball league for adults.

attire The sports attire busi-ness is booming, and no sports

fans wardrobe is complete with-

out a handful of items that pro-

fess his or her love for a favorite

team. Visit a local sporting goods

store to stock up on clothes that

help your favorite fan fit in when

he or she attends a game or visits

a nearby bar or restaurant to take

in the game with fellow fans.

Holiday shopping for sports fans

can be fun, especially for shop-

pers willing to get a little creative.


holiday shopping


CONTEST RULES1. Contest is open to children ages 10 and under. Two

age divisions: 3 - 6 years old and 7 - 10 years old. Relatives of IWANNA employees or contest sponsor are not eligible to win.

2. Adults may assist in completing the contest entry form, but not in the coloring.

3. Limit one entry per child. Entries will not be returned.4. All entries must be postmarked by

Friday, Dec. 11, 2015.5. Submissions are considered property of IWANNA

and may be printed in this newspaper.6. Decisions of judges are final.

Name:_________________________________________________________________________

Age:____________ Phone:________________________________________________________

Addrss:________________________________________________________________________

City:_________________________________ State:___________ Zip:_____________________

Please send Santa Coloring Contest entry form to:Santa Coloring Contest c/o IWANNA

22 Garfield St., Suite 100 PO Box 15228 Asheville, NC 28813

Contest sponsored by:

793 Merrimon Ave.Asheville, NC 28804828-254-8697

Open Daily 10-6Closed Sunday

Entries will be on display at our office in Biltmore Station.

THE TOY BOXOF ASHEVILLE, INC.

[email protected]

Findus on

0004612206

Color Banjo and you could WIN a$50 GIFT CERTIFICATE

to The Toy Box.


0004

6184

21

CheCkpoint Armory, LLC. Keltec PMR 30 and KSG-call Camo Ruger

10/22-$260. 22 long rifle ammo, and 22 Magnum ammo available-Call. 5858 Asheville Hwy/ Hendersonville. Hours

9:30-to-5:30 Monday- Friday. Layaways welcome. Visit online at www.check-

pointarmory.com 828-651-0370

2013 kiA Sorento. EX. Front wheel drive. 7 passenger, 1 owner, all service records. 45,000 miles, 6

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Original dealer list price $33,103. Government 5 Star Safety Rating.

$17,900. 828-299-1020

homemAde wooden turtLe pLAnterS. Non-stained $85 or stained $100 can deliver 10 miles

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45 SunSeeker houSeboAt, 1988. Three Buoys design, new 9kw Kohler generator, sleeps 8+,

open top deck w/slide, newly painted, A/C and heat through-

out, full bath. Located at Fontana Village Resort Marina. Recent

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1 bedroom CuStom or-dered home AvAiLAbLe

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TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CANADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE

CAll 828-274-2222(Western North Carolina) or

864-293-7089 (Upstate South Carolina).

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Documents

2015 IWANNA Holiday Gift Guide