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December 2016

(BPT) – The holidays are a special time of year for ev-eryone, but through the eyes of a child, it can feel like pure magic. Parents and caregivers looking to make this holiday extra special should spend less time worrying about trinkets under the tree, and instead, focus on spending quality time with their fami-lies. To make this holiday the best yet, consider these five festive ideas for bonding and creating unforgettable memo-ries together.

Watch a favorite holiday movie together

From Frosty the Snowman to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer – everyone has a favorite holiday movie they remember from their child-hood. This year, relive those fond memories with your child as you snuggle up on the couch together. Don’t forget to gather the movie night essentials such as popcorn, holiday cookies or a mug of hot chocolate topped with Hot Cocoa & Cream PEEPS. Snap a picture of everyone together and share the joy!

Organize a holiday scavenger hunt

Santa’s elves escaped the North Pole to have a little mischief in the yard or in the house. It’s up to you and your child to find all the things on Santa’s scavenger hunt list. Before kids wake, hide fun holiday items around for the ultimate holiday scavenger hunt. A pine cone, candy cane, star and red bulb are just a few examples of what you can put on the list.Bake with a cultural twist

Baking holiday cookies is a fantastic tradition for kids and adults alike. This year, in addition to your favorite reci-

pes, add a new one inspired by your cultural heritage. Try Lebkuchen from Germany, Melomakarona from Greece or Alfajores from Argentina. A few minutes online and you’ll find the perfect recipe to expand your holiday cookie platter and help kids delve into their family history.

Embrace the spirit of the season

The holidays are a wonder-ful time full of wish lists and present exchanges. This year, help kids understand the joy of giving back by volunteer-ing together. Whether you buy presents for a family in need, write holiday letters to the troops or help at a homeless shelter, you’re showing kids that it feels just as good to give as it does to receive. Plus, the experience will leave a positive impact long after the holidays are over.

Make an ornament keepsake

Let children’s imaginations take flight and embrace the spirit of the holiday season by creating a special ornament together. With a few simple supplies, you can create a cute and customizable ornament that will remind you of this special project each year as you pull out the decorations. Make a few extra and let your child give them to grandpar-ents, teachers and friends.

Try this simple guide for fun and festive Snow Globe Christmas Ornaments:Supplies: PEEPS Christmas marsh-mallow shapes: Gingerbread Men, Trees, Snowmen or Reindeer DIY ornaments Tape with a holiday design (washi tape) Miniature seasonal props

Loose glitter snow Hot glue Popsicle sticks Ribbon Bells

Directions: Best practice: Select which

PEEPS you want to use in the ornament, remove from pack-aging, and let sit overnight.

1. Start with one half of the ornament. (DIY orna-ments typically sold in a set of halves.)

2. To create a platform for the PEEPS to stand on, take a Popsicle stick and cut it so

it rests across the lower third of the inside. Secure the stick using hot glue to the inside of the ornament.

3. Prop your selected PEEPS shape on the Popsicle platform and secure with hot glue.

4. Add festive miniature props such as the mini-Christ-mas tree and candy cane shown above, secure with hot glue.

5. Let the ornament stand for 10 minutes.

6. Add enough loose glit-ter snow to the finished half

of the ornament to hide the Popsicle stick.

7. Connect the front half of the ornament and carefully secure with hot glue.

8. Add the tape with holi-day design (washi tape) to cover the seam of the orna-ment or add bells and ribbon to the outside of the orna-ment.

Caution: glue gun can be extremely hot. Parents should supervise at all times.

For more holiday inspira-tion visit marshmallowpeeps.com.

(StatePoint) – The holiday season is a great time to in-dulge loved ones or yourself with a mobile device upgrade. However, keep in mind that a high-quality device doesn’t necessarily need to be brand new, particularly if you are on a budget.

These days, refurbished devices can provide an afford-able, high-quality alternative to a new device that sells at a premium. While there is a myth that most refurbished de-vices were broken or had prob-lems, this is a misconception. Many such mobile phones, tablets and accessories come from trade-in and upgrade programs, where owners sent in perfectly good devices so they can get newer models.

Indeed, such trade-ins and sales are on the rise and the market for acquiring a previ-ously owned device is getting easier to navigate.

Whether traded-in or re-paired, refurbished phones and devices from reputable sources can be trusted to be in full functional condi-tion. For example, those from

MyWit on eBay undergo an extensive 65-point inspection of cosmetic, functional and radio frequency (RF) perfor-mance to ensure 100 percent functionality. Tests verify that every possible function that a customer can use (camera, audio, SIM, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) is in excellent working order and RF tests ensure wireless devices deliver a consistent quality of connec-tion and do not drop available

signals.A previously owned device

is also a smart option for the eco-conscious, extending the life of devices and reducing electronic waste – which can be particularly damaging.

This holiday season, con-sider a great cost-saving secret on mobile upgrades, replace-ments, and tech gifts. Being willing to forgo the new-est models can stretch your holiday budget further without

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(BPT) – There’s a reason the holidays are called the most wonderful time of the year. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones over delicious food and shared traditions. But playing hostess can sometimes feel more like a burden rather than a blessing. This year, keep your holiday gathering fun, not frantic, with these headache-free holiday hosting tips.

Put time on your side. Start your dinner or cocktail party prep as soon as possible to make room for any last-minute surprises, like forgetting an in-gredient or unexpected guests. Developing a checklist and assigning manageable to-do’s each day will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. For example, once the invitations have been extended, plan the menu, and gather recipes and a grocery list. Take inventory of your cooking supplies, serving dishes and tableware. While cleaning the house, identify what decorations are needed.

Know when to buy, when to DIY and when to ask for help. From appetizers to des-serts, determine what on the menu can be homemade, made ahead of time or store-bought and how guests can contribute. Figure out what is actually feasible for your meal – it’s OK if you can’t make every-thing from scratch. If you’ve never made homemade pie, there is no reason to put your culinary skills to the test the

night before. If budget allows, buy prepared dishes or desserts from the market and place on festive platters. Find do-ahead recipes that can be stored in the fridge until they are ready to be served. By prioritizing your menu and asking for help, it will alleviate unnecessary stress and allow you to enjoy the event.

Ditch the pile of dirty dishes in favor of disposable table-ware. Instead of standing over the sink cleaning, spend the extra time celebrating with family and friends. Make sure to choose products that can stand up to heavy foods, such as mashed potatoes and gravy or stuffing. Try using eco-friendly products, such as Chinet(R) Classic White(TM) plates and bowls. They are made from recycled material and biodegradable in home composting – leaving you to only feel guilty about that second helping of green bean casserole. And if your guests are known to be animated, opt for recyclable disposable wine glasses such as Chinet Cut Crystal(R) wine glass. It will hold up the event’s style with-out sacrificing your favorite stemware.

Set the scene the night be-fore. Focus on setting the table, deciding where to put the drinks, and gathering ex-tra seating and decorating the night before. That way the day of the party, you just have to

worry about putting out the food and drinks. While last minute rearranging is bound to happen, conquering the planned details ahead of time will help keep you sane.

Deck the dinner table with a napkin fold. For a sophisticat-ed, yet deceptively easy place setting idea, consider using a perfectly coordinated line of disposable tableware and add a napkin fold as a pretty and practical accent. Although some napkin folds can be intri-cate, try a unique design such as a poinsettia that can be made in a matter of minutes. Include complementary greenery or pine cones for a festive touch. For more holiday entertaining tips, ecor ideas and recipes, visit www.mychinet.com.

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(BPT) – Every season is party season, but when the latter half of the year rolls in so do the party invitations. If you’ll be attending one or more parties this year, chances are you’ll not arrive empty handed.

It’s polite to thank your host or hostess with a token of your appreciation, and you want your gift to be something useful, delightful and memo-rable. At the same time, you don’t have to spend a bundle to impress your host or hostess.

Here are ideas for host or hostess gifts that are sure to show party-throwers you consider them the “host (or hostess) with the most,” while con-vincing them you’re the best guest ever:

• If your host is a wine lover and you’re not con-fident about choosing a bottle, one option is to put together a bag of accessories. Present your host with a quality wine bottle opener, personalized stopper or even a set of lovely wine glasses.

• Chocolate is a common host/hostess gift, and one that is sure to please. M&M’S are a great party treat and in honor of the candy’s 75th an-niversary, Danish fashion designer Camilla Staerk collaborated with the brand to present specially designed packages of plain and peanut M&M’S. M&M’S by Staerk Designer Collection are exclusively available in Target stores. Packages come in shareable and personal sizes featuring elegant animal print designs that will look great

displayed in any home. However, they’re only available for a limited time, so be sure to stock up so you’ll have enough for every party until the end of the year.

• Know a host who always whips up the most dazzling menus? You can celebrate your host’s cu-linary skills by giving artfully packaged gourmet sea salts, organic seasonings or ethnic spices. It’s easy to find a variety of unusual salts and season-ings online or at your local gourmet store.

• Anyone who lives in a busy household can find themselves hunting for something to write with – and unable to find a pen or notepad. Put together a selection of pretty pens, paired with magnet-backed notepads, and present in a pretty tote. The next time your hostess is planning a get-together, she’ll remember who gave her the pen and paper she’s using to draft her guest list!

• Scented soaps and candles can be a great op-tion when you’re not sure of your host or hostess’ personal tastes. These items not only make a home smell wonderful throughout the season, they can add a decorative touch. Choose aromas that are widely loved, like vanilla, cinnamon or citrus.

With a little creativity, you can show your ap-preciation and give hosts and hostesses gifts that will help ensure your name is at the top of their guest lists next year!

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(BPT) – Take a look at your family. How many changes have crept in since last year? And one year from now, when it’s time to send out holiday cards again, think about how much more they will have changed.

Sending a family photograph as your holiday card is one way to share with your friends and loved ones the joy and pride your family makes you feel. But more importantly, as the years pass, the holiday memories within these pictures will become more and more precious.

It certainly is easy enough to have a friend snap some pic-tures on a smartphone and print off a stack of copies with a pre-designed template. But if you take the idea a couple of steps further, booking a session with a professional photographer will result in stunning cards that people will love to display and keep. In addition to that, you’ll have framed gifts to wrap up for your loved ones.

The advantage to using a pro-fessional photographer is that they have the skills and artistic ability to make beautiful images that you will cherish forever. In

addition to that, they can partner with you to create a style and ef-fect that matches your family’s unique personality. To get you started, here are four different styles that just might capture your family’s personality and the magic of the holiday spirit.

ClassiCSimple yet timeless, this

background is often neutral with the family sitting in formal poses. The photographer is less likely to use editing effects to alter the finished product. To prepare for this, choose a color and style that is clean, uniform and classic - something that would be set off by a holiday-themed border when you’re designing your card layout. In the end, the goal is to draw the eye to the face, which is what the classic style emphasizes more than anything.

MOdErnThis style ditches the formal

posing and creates a relaxed, candid feel. You come as you are, perhaps using a setting that is familiar and comfortable to your family, such as building a snowman in your backyard or taking a hike through the winter woods. Whatever you

bring to the shoot, the idea is to showcase your family relaxed and happy together.

EClECtiCThis style takes the modern

approach to a highly special-ized, highly individualized level and uses special effects and editing to convey humor or a sense of drama. For example, perhaps your holiday portrait could feature your family mem-bers forming a human ladder to place a star on the top of the tree. Look for a photographer with the savvy and technique to pull off these specific effects and dramatic images.

VintagEWhat’s old is once again

new. What better way to call back to the family roots that tie your loved ones together? You can express this by pulling from your family heritage. For example, you could dress your daughter in your childhood velvet dress. Or include your grandfather’s vintage toy train set as a prop. Some photogra-phers specialize in black and white photography, as well as sepia effects. Of course, if you really want to try an authentic and timeless look, some pho-

tographers are experimenting with glass plate photography.

Which style of photography is right for you and your family? Take a “Family Photography Style quiz” and, once you’re

ready for your new photo ses-sion, check out findaphotog-rapher.com to find the right photographer for you and in your city.

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(NewsUSA) – In only min-utes, you can ensure your Christmas tree will meet the “merry and bright” standard. Your holiday lighting dreams can surpass expectations with just a bit of advance plan-ning.

“Test Your Lights” Tuesday begins November 22 and runs every Tuesday through Christ-mas. Mark your calendar to test your holiday lights.

“There’s nothing more frus-trating than gathering the family to decorate the tree or house only to find some of your light sets don’t work,” says John DeCosmo, CEO of Ulta-Lit Technologies, maker of the LightKeeper Pro, a one-of-a-kind tool that not only finds the bad bulb on a string of lights but also illuminates the rest of the working bulbs.

“With just a few pulls of the trigger, you can reclaim your special family moment and become the hero who saves Christmas,” DeCosmo says.

At $19.99, the LightKeeper

Pro is both economical and eco-friendly. In many, many instances, users save money by reducing the need to re-place an entire string of lights simply because of a couple of bad bulbs. Old sets of lights don’t need to end up in a landfill.

Ask for help – at no charge: Should your holiday lights darken, Ulta-Lit’s lighting pros answer questions every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas at (888) 858-2548. To better assist they also take calls year-round during standard business hours. Or, refer to the Ulta-Lit website at Ulta-Lit.

With over 100 years of ex-perience with light sets, here are some tips from the pros:

• Measure: Using your two hands, touch your pointer fingertip to your other pointer fingertip. Then take your thumb tip to your other thumb tip. Bring all four tips together to create a maximum 1/8” diamond. While standing no less than 10 feet away from

your lit tree, peek through that diamond and scan the tree from side to side, top to bottom. This will assist in finding dark spots where you may want to add more lights for a fully lit tree.

• Quality vs. price: Com-mercial-grade light sets are more reliable for outdoor use because of their durability and thicker insulation.

• decide on lEd vs. in-candescent: LEDs are more expensive than incandescent lights, but they last longer. The use of a tree with 1,000 incandescent bulbs can cost $10 over an average holiday season, while the same tree with LEDs would cost ap-proximately $1.50.

• replace and repair: If you notice one or two unlit bulbs within a section that is primarily operating properly, replace those bulbs ASAP. Two burned-out bulbs can decrease the lifespan of the light set by 39 percent, four burned-out bulbs by 67 per-cent.

Lights, camera, action – Christmas style

(BPT) – Whether it’s a small gathering of close friends or a large family affair, hosting a holiday party makes the season extra magical. Looking for ideas that are guaranteed to impress? This year, a new food trend is elevating events and tantalizing taste buds: cheese boards.

“A simple cheese board featur-ing quality ingredients will have guests thinking you are a culinary mastermind,” says Chef Michael Symon, co-host of ABC’s “The Chew,” author of four best-sell-ing cookbooks and restaurateur. “The best part? Creating one is quick and easy. It’s a gourmet option without the fuss.”

To make a decadent holiday cheese board that will satisfy every palate, follow these tips:

Uncover easy inspirationExpert inspiration is just a

click away with the Castello(R) Cheese Board Builder, located at www.CastelloCheeseUSA.com. Answer a handful of simple ques-tions on your taste and dietary preferences, and in less than a minute, you’ll receive a cheese board made specifically for you. Each board features creatively crafted ingredients and sugges-tions for how to cut your cheeses for a gourmet presentation.

select the perfect cheese varieties

For smaller gatherings, three cheeses on your board will pro-vide a nice variety and offer a visually appealing presentation. For parties with more than 10 people, consider five or seven offerings. Strive to select flavors that will appeal to different palates, yet complement one another. For example, a mild and buttery Castello Creamy Havarti pairs beautifully with the salty, tangy Castello Traditional Danish Blue. Complete your trio with the slightly crunchy Aged Havarti, and you have the perfect combination of cheese varieties.

determine the right quantity of cheese

Getting the right amount of cheese is simple if you follow these guidelines:

• As an hors d’oeuvre: 1 to 1.5 ounces of each cheese type per person

• As a light meal: 2 to 3 ounces of each cheese type per person

Cheese serving guidelines: Set out cheese 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can fully develop before guests arrive.

Find festive pairingsCheese should be the hero of

the board, but including foods that enhance their flavors brings your board to another level. A good rule of thumb is to include four types of pairings: bread, charcuterie (prepared meats), something sweet and something savory or salty. Because it’s the holidays, feel free to incorporate the essence of the season into your platter. Here are some ideas:

• Crusty baguettes, rich rye toast or cinnamon raisin bread crisps

• Sweet figs, vanilla bean infused honey and cranberry or lingonberry preserves

• Serrano ham, hot chorizo sausage or smoked wild-caught salmon

• Candied almonds, glazed pistachios or roasted chestnuts

• Salty Kalamata olives or spicy hot pickles

add holiday touches Virtually any platter can be

used for your cheese board. Me-tallic plates add holiday glam. For rustic charm, try a wide wooden cutting board. And a white marble stone is a stunning reflection of the snowy season. After you select a platter, arrange cheese across or in a clockwise pattern on the board from mildest

to strongest.Finally, add the pairings in

small groups throughout the board and label so guests rec-ognize each item. For a festive appearance, add decor like pine cones or mistletoe and holiday-inspired cheese knives for serv-ing. Not only will your cheese board satisfy hunger pangs, but it’s sure to be a popular gathering spot at the party where guests can mingle and discuss your selec-tions. Bon appetit!

Last M

inute Gift G

uide, The Punxsutaw


ounty Neighbors, D

ecember 2016 – 5

Easy guide for creating an amazing cheese board

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(BPT) – Shiny silver and gold, the warm glow of lights, dazzling bursts of color - O Christmas tree, your magic helps fill our homes with laughter and love during this merriest of seasons. And while gathering together to trim the tree is a beloved family tradition for many of us, let’s be honest; for others, it’s an intimidating decorat-ing nightmare. But don’t be overwhelmed, it’s easy to go from dazed to dazzling with a few insider tips.

step one: Find the tree that fits your lifestyle.

Designer John Griffith decorates dozens of trees and leads holiday design semi-nars for dinnerware giant, Replacements, Ltd. Griffith recognizes since we all live in different spaces, the picture perfect 7-foot tree won’t work for everyone.

“People like myself who live in apartments, condos or smaller living areas often feel stuck having to get a tiny tree because of limited space, when there are so many more options,” Griffith says. “Flat

trees, which are very low pro-file and sit close to the wall, are perfect for tight spaces. Half round trees are another great option because they’re basically half a tree, while corner trees reflect their name because they’re shaped to fit into corners. These types of artificial trees create the impact of having a larger tree that in reality doesn’t take up all that much room.”

step two: light it up.Once you find the perfect

tree, figure out how many lights you really need. Grif-fith suggests using at least 150 lights per foot of tree to decorate just the tips. For more depth, use at least 250 lights per foot.

And consider LED lights. Griffith notes that while up-grading to LEDs may be expensive initially, they’re a good investment in that these lights burn much cooler, last longer and are more energy efficient.

step three: think in thirds.

One of Griffith’s best prac-tices: decorate in thirds.

“This is one of the easiest ways to make sure your tree is balanced from a decorating standpoint,” says Griffith. “Start by looking at your tree as what it is, a huge cone, then section it off in thirds around the tree. For example, if you have 1,500 lights, use 500 for one section, 500 for the middle and 500 for the last section. Do the same thing with your ornaments by di-viding them into three groups before you start arranging those on the tree.”

stylize with ornaments.While lights create sea-

sonal glow, ornaments dazzle and delight, bringing out the child in all of us. Our choice of ornaments reflect more than individual style and taste - they’re distinctively sentimental.

“Annual ornaments are always popular from a nostal-gic standpoint because of the special memories connected to each one,” says collectibles specialist Kristen Pulley. “For instance, those made by Le-nox China are very dear to me because of my two daughters.

I started a collection for each of them when they were born – I began the teddy bear series for one and the gingerbread man for the other. As they got older and started decorating the tree, they liked them so much that now I have to get two of each series every year. It’s become part of our family tradition.”

Among Replacements’ most sought after holiday annuals, the Wallace Sleigh Bell and Gorham Snowflake collections remain family favorites, having been in pro-duction going on 50 years.

“Blown glass ornaments have really kept their popular-ity,” adds Pulley. “Production costs have gotten less expen-sive without compromising the quality making these more affordable to collect. For in-stance, Merck Family’s Old World Christmas ornaments are huge sellers, because you can find everything from traditional ornaments to fun, off the wall ones such as a piece of sushi or even Chinese takeout boxes.”

What’s hot for 2016?

Griffith says one of this year’s big decorating trends centers on monochromatic, such as using the same color lights (regardless of the hue) with ornaments in either all silver or all gold, but not both.

“One of my favorite tech-niques is adding bullion to a tree,” Griffith says. “Bullion is a very thin wire you add on the outside tips in geometric shapes that gives the tree a different kind of texture, movement and depth. It really adds richness to the tree, and the way the light reflects off this wire looks very luxe.”

Finally, Griffith notes no tree is complete without an over-the-top tree topper. Re-ally nice bows made from high quality ribbon look lovely, while he favors us-ing feathers, branches, floral stems and other natural ele-ments to put an exclama-tion point on the top of the tree. With these great tips, it should be easy to find your own flair to kick-off what’s sure to be a memorable holi-day entertaining season.

Tree trimming 101: Dazzling decorating easy as 1-2-3

(BPT) – Let’s face it – most men are really hard to buy gifts for. If you’re trying to choose a meaningful gift this holiday season, psychologists have some advice for you: Consider what he will actually use and appreciate, not what you be-lieve expresses your feelings. And please not another tie.

Many of us simply don’t pay enough attention to what gift recipients (particularly men) are likely to value, accord-ing to research from Stanford Business. And men in general are less interested in the sym-bolic value of a gift than its actual usefulness or utility, meaning “women are best off getting their guy a gadget” says research referenced in The Atlantic.

“This breakdown between givers and receivers happens all the time, even though most people have been both givers and receivers often in the past, and therefore should have some understanding of the other party’s perspective,” says Frank Flynn, co-author of the Stanford study.

Here are some great ideas for utility-driven gifts for men this season:

Electronics: This category encompasses a wide range of gadgetry from the latest smart-phone to the most cutting edge TVs, alarm clocks, drones, speakers, gaming systems, home theater systems, laser printers, GPS devices, remote controls or photography acces-sories. If it offers an advance-ment over what men currently own, it’s likely to be a winner.

Outdoor gear: According to outdoor retailer Gander Mountain, some of this year’s most sought-after gifts for outdoorsmen include the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Cooler, which is easily transported to the most remote tree stand, duck boat or campsite; the Lew’s Mach Speed Stick Series Rods, a high-quality graphite blank fishing rod optimized for both recreational and tournament fishing alike; the Infinite Edge Pro Archery package from Dia-mond by BowTech, a compre-hensive archery kit that offers everything you need to start bow hunting; or the Luci Col-lapsible Outdoor Solar Light, which solves on-the-go light-ing issues using the capacity of 10 ultra-bright LEDs. The experts at Gander Mountain are

knowledgeable within the out-door industry with a focus on everything related to hunting, fishing, camping and shooting sports. The company’s Best Price Plus guarantee ensures the lowest prices this holiday season. If a guest finds a lower advertised price on an identical in-stock item at another local retailer, Gander Mountain will match it plus give the guest 10 percent of the difference.

Other hobby-related items: Highly unique to the gift recipi-

ent, this category could include most anything designed for real-life practical use. Exam-ples include sports gear, metal detectors, books, pet gear or supplies for art, photography, music, cooking, woodworking, travel, etc.

automotive gear: These selections might range from scanners that diagnose me-chanical issues or electric wax-ing/polishing kits, to dashboard cameras, auto vacuums and even the latest in jump starters,

tools and work stations.If you’re really at a loss as

to what to give the men in your life, consider just asking them. But giving careful thought to how they really spend their time could work just as well.

“Think about things that might be just out of his price range or that he wants but can’t really justify buying for himself,” writes James Cave in the Huffington Post. “These are the perfect gifts for the holidays.”

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Research says men want useful gifts, not fluff

(BPT) – You bake their fa-vorite treats, search stores for the toys they have begged for all year, stuff stockings and deck the halls to help ensure your children’s holidays are full of warm, happy memories. However, it is also important to ensure the holiday season is safe for kids and the whole family.

In December 2015, 415 people died and 1,650 were injured as a result of home fires, according to data from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). In fact, home fires increase dramatically between October and November, and do not taper off again until warmer temperatures arrive in spring, USFA statistics show.

A recent survey conducted by Shriners Hospitals for Chil-dren found that while most Americans are aware of the steps they should take to stay safe during the holidays, they are not putting that knowledge into action. For example, while 70 percent are aware that live Christmas trees should be watered daily, more than half of those surveyed said they do not, even though it is one of the most dangerous fire hazards in homes during this time of the year.

“Some of the survey find-ings are alarming, and each year our hospitals that provide burn care see the results – children who’ve been injured in cooking related accidents or in fires associated with decorations or candles,” says Kenneth Guidera, M.D., chief medical officer at Shriners Hospitals for Children. “These injuries can result in years of

extensive rehabilitation and ongoing treatments to a child’s growing skin.”

As part of their Be Burn Aware holiday fire safety campaign, Shriners Hospitals for Children offers some tips for reducing burn and fire risks during the holidays:

decoration safetyHoliday decorations build

the excitement of the season for children, but they can also be a source of danger. Follow these guidelines for decoration safety:

• Place trees at least 3 feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles and heat vents. Keep fresh-cut trees well-watered and promptly dispose of trees after the holidays or when they become dry.

• Inspect holiday lights before putting them up. Dis-card strands that have frayed wires, bare spots or excessive kinking. Replace broken or missing bulbs and always follow manufacturer warn-ings to limit the number of light strands plugged together. When using an extension cord or power strip, plug the light strands into the cord before plugging the cord into the electrical outlet.

• Extinguish candles when you have to leave them unat-tended. The Shriners Hospitals survey found 25 percent of people admit to leaving lit can-dles unattended and 27 percent leave them within reach of a child. Make sure lit candles are in stable holders out of the reach of children and pets and placed where they cannot be easily knocked over. Consider

using battery-operated, flame-less candles instead.

Cooking cautionCooking is the leading

cause of all home fires and fire injuries, according to the USFA. During the holidays, be mindful of safe cooking habits, including:

• Never leave pans unat-tended. Be sure to turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so children can’t reach them. The Shriners Hospitals survey found 25 percent of adults fail to position pot handles for safety.

• Reduce the risk of clothing catching fire while you cook by wearing short sleeves or rolling up long sleeves.

• Keep safety items, like a working fire extinguisher, on hand in your kitchen. Have a lid or cookie sheet nearby to cover a pan and snuff out the flames if the contents catch fire.

Year-round precautionsYou can take some steps to

prepare for the holidays that will also help keep your home and family safer throughout the year.

• Make sure smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are in place and in working order. The holidays are a great time to change the batteries in all smoke alarms and check fire extinguishers.

• Ensure that children know what natural gas smells like and instruct them to leave the house immediately if they de-tect the odor of a gas leak.

• Have a family escape plan and practice it.

Shriners Hospitals for Chil-dren is changing lives every

day through innovative pe-diatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Their 22 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries,

and cleft lip and palate. Visit shrinershospitalsforchildren.org to learn more.

For more fire safety infor-mation, Be Burn Aware activ-ity books for kids, tip cards and additional online tools for families, visit beburnaware.org.

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( N ew s U S A ) – T h i n k there’s almost a conspiracy out there to squelch your child’s belief in Santa Claus? Technology can help you fight back.

For years the big guy in red has had to contend with aggressive pushback from the PC crowd who appar-ently wish he’d just pack up his sleigh and stay home in the North Pole. Depart-ment stores were pressured to nix their Santa stand-ins. Schools changed their calen-dars to say “winter holidays” instead of Christmas. And let’s not even talk about the damage done to his image by Billy Bob Thornton’s “Bad Santa” movies.

Santa, being Santa, could keep right on ho-hoing when lesser immortals would’ve sicked their elves on them.

But you?Clearly, just quoting pro-

Santa experts like Professor Jacqueline Woolley, chair of the Psychology Department at the University of Texas at Austin, wasn’t going to cut it. “Believing in impossible beings such as Santa Claus may exercise children’s counterfactual reasoning skills,” she’s written. “The kind of thinking involved in imagining how nine reindeer could fly through the sky carrying a heavy sleigh may well be the same kind of thinking required for imag-

ining a solution to global warming or a way to cure a disease.”

Which is where a website called www.PackageFrom-Santa.com comes in.

First started a decade ago as a pure labor of love by the husband-and-wife team of Dale and Carey Gruber operating out of their home in suburban Washington Township, Michigan, the business has grown to the point where it now includes a 21st-century app – down-loadable at the iTunes and Android App Stores – that lets users worldwide per-sonalize a phone call to their kids from none other than Santa himself.

As in, say, “So! Olivia, I couldn’t be prouder of you for being such a good girl! And I’ll see you soon.”

And completing the effect for tech-savvy kids: Both their own and Santa’s name and photo appear on their smartphone’s call screen (with the call shown as origi-nating from the “North Pole Workshop”).

“The reason we continue to do this is that it often seems like there’s an ef-fort to take the joy out of Christmas,” explains Dale Gruber, who’s also a graphic artist. “Whereas we think a child’s innocent belief in Santa is something worth fostering.”

You can watch a video here. But know the site of-fers three different packages at very affordable prices – all also include a letter from Santa and a personalized Santa video – and feature items like Christmas cocoa, “genuine reindeer food,” and a tin of Mrs. Claus’ Famous Sugar Cookies.

In fact, so popular has PackageFromSanta.com be-come that celebrity fans like Sarah Palin, Bristol Palin, and reality TV star Kim Kolciak Biermann have taken to social media to sing its praises this Christmas season.

Think of it as Santa’s ul-timate ho-ho.

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Yes, Olivia, there is a Santa and he’s calling you

Safety steps to keep kids’ Christmas bright, happy and burn-free

(BPT) – Spending time with friends and family is a big part of what makes the holidays so special. Celebrating with loved ones and exchanging gifts is a time-honored tradition. But before the wrapping paper can be ripped away in a flurry of sparkling shreds, you first need to find the right gifts for all the people on your list.

Don’t fret about discovering the perfect present. The experts at BJ’s Wholesale Club offer their predictions for the hottest gifts of the holiday season for loved ones of any age.

tOYs Both kids and kids-at-heart

adore unwrapping a gift to discover a neat new toy just for them. This holiday sea-son, give them something that will make them squeal with delight. For example, a Giant Keyboard Playmat is great fun for the entire family. Creativity sets let little ones’ imagina-

tions take flight. A 70-inch Jumbo Plush Dog is absolutely snuggle-worthy as it sits next to the tree. Learn more about BJ’s exclusive Top 10 Toys at www.bjs.com

tEChnOlOgY Technology items top holi-

day wish lists for people both young and old. TVs and smart-phones are sure to please, but if Santa’s budget is a bit more fru-gal, you’re not out of luck. One of 2016’s most-wanted gifts is wireless headphones. Whether sleek in-the-ear headphones or on-the-ear options that provide an incredible audio experience, it’s a gift that will be used con-stantly. Look for top brands like Bose, Skullcandy and LG that give you a secure, comfortable fit without sacrificing audio quality.

giFt BaskEts The smell of cookies, the

taste of freshly roasted nuts, the crunch of caramel corn - food

is such a memorable part of the holiday season. For the person who has everything, gift baskets are guaranteed to please. From savory baskets featuring deli-cious foods like pretzels, cheese and sausage to sweet baskets with chocolate, cookies and candies, you’ll find something for everyone on your gift list this year at BJ’s.

OUtdOOrs Bikes and other riding toys

are always a hit as holiday gifts. Whether you get the next size bike for your growing child or

purchase a rocking horse for your little one just finding her balance, it’s a great gift that continues to give long after the holidays are over. In addition to bikes, trikes, scooters, powered-riding toys and wagons all make great holiday gifts.

indOOr plaY Want to find something

fun for inside the home? Get kids away from the TV screen with amazing toys that inspire indoor play. Play kitchens are fantastic choices for toddlers and elementary-aged children.

Dress-up outfits let your kid be a doctor, chef, cowboy and more. Building block sets are created to suite kids of virtually every age. Finally, indoor tents and tunnels are great for kids, and even mom and dad will want to get in on the fun.

With these great gift ideas, holiday 2016 will be unforget-table. Save time and money when you find everything on your gift list at BJ’s. To locate the club nearest you, visit www.bjs.com.

(StatePoint) – If you want to avoid one of the biggest holiday season jumbles, remember the batteries when giving gifts to kids and tech lovers.

Ninety percent of Americans have forgotten batteries for a holiday gift in the past, accord-ing to a survey by Energizer in 2016. And 44 percent of con-sumers take batteries out of their other devices to power a holiday gift if they forgot to purchase batteries at the store.

So don’t let the phrase “Bat-teries Not Included” crush holi-day cheer or require an anti-climactic run to the store.

Parents will want to be es-pecially mindful of ensuring gifts are ready to use, as kids can be extra eager to play with their new toys once opened. But whether it’s a remote-controlled car, video game controller or robotic pet, recipients of all ages will want to enjoy their gifts right away, so don’t forget to read the labels on holiday items and be prepared.

Remember, batteries make for great stocking stuffers. And this year, you can get prepped for holidays present and future, as Energizer MAX AA batteries allow them to hold power for up to 10 years while in storage. They also offer long-lasting power and are designed to pre-vent damaging leaks, so gifts

stay fun longer. More informa-tion can be found at energizer.com.

Even the best holiday gifts can lose their luster without bat-teries to operate them. Ensure the holidays end on a high note by remembering the batteries with your gifts this year.

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Avoid Christmas gift snafus: Don’t forget the batteries!

The best Christmas gifts of 2016

(BPT) – A holiday party is a wonderful way to celebrate the sea-son with friends and family. However, no matter how big or small the guest list, hosting the event can turn stressful fast. Before you know it, your holiday gathering has become more frustrating than festive, and you’re suddenly feeling like a Scrooge.

With a few tips and tricks, you can easily host an impressive holiday party without the fuss. From easy appetizers to elegant ambiance, try these five stress-free ideas for creating a memorable event:

Opt for potluck: The holidays are all about coming together and helping others, so this year instead of tackling a multi-course meal, set up the buffet table and invite guests over for a potluck. You provide the appetizer and main course and allow guests to bring over their favorite holiday recipes to share.

amazing appetizers: Set out apps that are easy on the host but don’t compromise taste, such as cheese spreads with a crudite plate and a variety of chips or flat breads. Try the new Alouette Sharp Cheddar spread on a crostini topped with thinly sliced prosciutto. If you want to be a little more adventurous, swap in either the Chipotle or Ranch variety for an extra kick.

simplify the color scheme: To give your home a professionally-decorated touch without the extra effort, focus on simplifying holi-day hues. For a time-saving, chic look, use just two or three colors. For example, gold and red or silver and purple are timeless pairings that will transform your party into an elegant affair.

add a magical twinkle: Strings of lights are one of the easiest ways to transform any space into a winter wonderland. Try incor-porating strands of mini lights into topiaries and tablescapes for instant holiday allure. Just remember to test lights before using so you don’t end up with burnt-out bulbs or broken strings.

Create a premade signature cocktail: By making a big batch of a signature drink ahead of time, you’ll have more free moments for mingling. For example, fill a punch bowl with eggnog or set out pitchers of sangria so guests can grab a tasty libation and toast to a happy new year.

The right strategies will help you create a holiday party that will be the talk of the town long after the new year has arrived. What’s more, these tips don’t require excess time, stressful steps or unneeded expenses. And that’s a holiday surprise to welcome with open arms.

No stress entertaining tips and tricks

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(BPT) – Laughter, joy, hap-piness – ‘tis the season for fam-ily and friends to come together around the table, celebrating all the warmth of the holidays. Really want to wow your guests at your next gathering? It’s as easy as mixing Christmas past with Christmas present.

“The holidays are the best time to use the patterns you love, whether that’s your every-day pattern, a family heirloom, a Christmas favorite or all of the above,” says Keith Winkler, product marketing manager for dinnerware retailer Replace-ments, Ltd. “Take time to pull out the platter you inherited from your grandmother, or look for a way to blend in Aunt Rose’s vintage teapot. It really doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a glitzy party, using heirloom patterns is more than a great conversation starter with your guests – these pieces bring tradition and family to your table.”

the festive art of mixing and matching

Perhaps you’ve read the buzz about the hot tabletop trend designers refer to as “mixing and matching.” Turns out, it goes beyond trendy. It’s pretty much an art.

“Mixing and matching is a way to bring all your favorites together to create a gorgeous table,” says designer Julie Rob-

bins. “If you’re going to create a beautiful, festive look, be brave and bold; step away from using all the same colors and patterns and dare to blend all types of designs to create sparkle and magic. One of the easiest ways to start is by taking one of your favorite patterns and giving it holiday flair.”

We asked Robbins to share her inspiration in creating one of Replacements’ main displays for the holiday season.

“I really wanted to capture the spirit of the season by build-ing on an everyday pattern I re-ally love, so I started with Con-stance by Bernardaud,” Robbins says. “It’s a beautiful green, yet it’s also a cool, neutral pattern that refreshes everything you mix with it. I paired it with Grenadiers, a holiday favorite also by Bernardaud, which is a crisp, clean Christmas pat-tern but at the same time very festive and whimsical with toy soldiers around the edge. And to tie it all together, I mixed in a gold-trimmed ruby charger as the base to anchor the setting in traditional seasonal colors.”

If you’re still uncertain how to create the look you want for holidays, Robbins suggests starting with a neutral colored dinner plate, then layering a Christmas-themed salad plate in a floral, plaid or graphic motif. You can even serve a dif-ferent course with each pattern.

And don’t feel like you have to stick with traditional holiday colors – pairing cool blues with silver creates a lovely icy effect you can use throughout winter.

add a dash of sparkle While mixing and match-

ing patterns captures seasonal spirit, sparkle adds a burst of magic and elegance. Robbins suggests incorporating metallic finishes, whether that means using platinum or gold trimmed crystal, or perhaps ornate flat-ware and serving pieces.

“Using both silver and gold pieces on your table not only evokes the traditional spirit of holidays, these metals reflect light, creating a glamorous twist,” adds Robbins. “Vintage silver is very popular this year, but rather than polishing it shiny bright, leave some patina to keep the heirloom quality of the pattern.”

Another way to create spar-kle: consider an eclectic mix of candles on your table. By combining crystal and silver votives, candlesticks or an odd candelabra, you can create a centerpiece that looks beautiful during the day and adds a warm glow to a winter night.

Still need help getting start-ed? For a quick cheat sheet, sneak a peek at Replacements’ favorite holiday patterns on the company’s website, replace-ments.com.

‘Tis the season for creating dazzling Christmas tables

(BPT) – As the weather cools and the fireplace whets your appetite for comfort and relaxation, thoughts naturally turn to friends, family, good food and drinks ... enjoyable moments this season so notably brings. Whether you plan to be the host or a guest at the festivities, you can make a lasting impression by offering up some tasty and carefully selected pairings of wine and appetiz-ers. Sharing delicious food and drinks can be a great conversation starter and create memorable holiday experiences. Consider these suggestions for delicious combinations that will impress even your most experienced wine-loving and foodie friends.

• Choose a bottle of Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon, hailing from where cab is king, sunny California. The enjoyable finish of this full-bodied wine features hints of toasted coconut and rich vanilla to balance out the dark fruit overtones. The meat lovers in your group will enjoy this wine with easy-to-prepare braised beef short ribs or tur-key meatballs. You could even offer up a strategic selection of crackers and aged cheeses, ranging from a sharp cheddar to a higher-end Chalosse or Reblochon. Picture those pairings as you reunite with friends around the holiday table.

• A pinot noir can be an excellent introduction

to red wine for the white wine drinker, and is a great choice for the holiday season because it pairs effortlessly with a variety of foods. Whip up a batch of salmon tartare on toasted wontons for your next dinner party to go with the light, red fruit and earthy elements typical of this varietal. Try the Moobuzz Pinot Noir, named after “the land of milk and honey” (the California Central Coast), which features an abundance of red cur-rant, dark cherry, rich mocha and wild strawberry ... with a finish one critic compares to “a velvet blanket.” This is one you’ll want to snuggle in!

• Those celebrating a special occasion, or any day that ends in “Y,” may enjoy the festive White Knight Prosecco D.O.C. with crisp aromas of acacia flower, apple, white peach and citrus fruit, this bubbly is a nice change from the typical white wine. It is great by itself as an aperitif or as a base for a festive French 75 cocktail. Enjoy this lively sparkler with mini quiches at a wedding shower, gathering of friends or your company holiday party.

Visit 3badge.com for information on where to purchase these wines, or to learn more about 3 Badge’s strong portfolio of award-wining beverages.

Wonderful wines to share at holiday celebrations

(StatePoint) – As fami-lies prepare for the holiday season, they also prepare to make big family trips, so make sure not to leave home without the proper tech rein-forcements this year!

These tips will ensure you can savor the sweet mo-ments and avoid potential hiccups!

Drive smarter. Hitting the road? Apps like Waze, a community-based traffic and navigation guide, of-fer immediate information and alternate routes that save time when everyone is heading out of town. Other apps, like GasBuddy, com-pare pricing for nearby gas stations so you can fuel up economically, making the drive convenient and worry-free.

Beat boredom en route. Even in the air, there are ways to keep the family entertained. Inflight inter-net services, like Gogo, al-low for texting and surfing the web, so kids can keep up with their Candy Crush game and mom and dad can hop online to research travel activities. And if you are a T-Mobile customer, you get a free hour of Wi-Fi on every domestic flight! Take connectivity to the next level by plugging into a portable charger to ensure all your devices are fully charged for the duration of your flight and after you land.

Find your travel Zen. Ever been on a long train ride with an unhappy baby or snoring fellow rider? Drown out unwelcome disruptions by turning up the volume, and streaming unlimited music from services like Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora with Music Freedom from T-Mobile.

Pro tip: Noise-cancelling headphones help too! Seek out a comfortable pair de-signed to fit the unique con-tour of your ears – they are ideal for lengthy trips.

Make the most of travel downtime. Dealing with a delay or adjusting to a dif-ferent time zone? Use the unplanned time to catch up on your favorite shows. You

can stream services like Net-flix, Hulu and YouTube on your phone with T-Mobile’s Binge On and not only will you get through the series cliffhanger, none of your streaming will count against your high-speed data! Happy holidays indeed.

Stay connected even when abroad. Google’s 2016 travel trends show that 85 percent of leisure travelers decide on activities to do from their mobile phone after they’ve arrived at their travel desti-nation. You can avoid roam-ing charges while you wan-der out of the country with services like Simple Global from T-Mobile. It provides unlimited data and texting in more than 140 countries around the globe.

For the 50 percent of Americans who regularly travel to Mexico or Canada, a travel offering that spans an entire continent, like Mobile Without Borders, will be welcome news. It ensures you can text and post photos of guacamole and poutine all day with no (data) consequences.

Be the all-star family photographer. Essential for capturing photos throughout the holidays, selfie sticks are this year’s unexpected travel necessity. Various types– compact, waterproof and Bluetooth enabled are available at a range of prices. Whether you are headed on a morning hike or prepping the holiday feast, you’ll capture memories the family will love for years to come.

(BPT) – Celebrating with family and friends is the per-fect way to elevate any holiday or festive occasion. If you’re tasked with hosting the event, you have a lot to get done. As you create your to-do list, it can be overwhelming looking at just how much you have to purchase. But hosting a great party doesn’t require you to spend a small fortune.

Hosting a fun affair on a budget is possible with a few simple tips and tricks. Consid-er these eight ideas to ensure guests have a memorable time and you keep more of your hard-earned money.

thEME Select a theme for your

party and let guests go wild. A theme costs nothing but the entertainment value is priceless. For example, set a “Christmas Vacation” theme where everyone dresses up as a character from the classic Chevy Chase movie. Cue the laughter!

appEtizErs Save time and money by

skipping complicated home-made appetizers and serving high-quality frozen alterna-tives. Wellsley Farms offers stuffed puffed pastries, bacon-wrapped scallops, toasted ravioli and more, that will leave guests licking their lips. They taste homemade but all you have to do is pop them in the oven. Find them exclusively at your local BJ’s Wholesale Club.

pOtlUCk Rather than being in charge

of every course, make the par-ty potluck style. Invite guests to bring over a favorite dish to share and everyone gets to try new foods and flavors. Keep

a running list of who’s bring-ing what so you can ensure you have a good variety of offerings.

drinks There are two ways to save

on beverages when hosting a party. First, buy in bulk at a membership club like BJ’s so you don’t pay full retail prices. Second, make big batches of drinks such as punch or lem-onade and place in a beverage dispenser so guests can serve themselves. Either way, you’ll spend less and guests have plenty to wet their whistle.

prEsEntatiOn It doesn’t matter what you

serve, it’s how you serve it. Any food looks more elegant on proper serving dishes. Visit BJ’s to stock up on classic tableware and serving sup-plies by Berkley Jensen for an upscale look at your party without the upscale price tag.

diY dECOratiOns A few decorations can re-

ally create the right ambiance, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot when you go the DIY route.

For example, in the winter, pine cones in vases add rustic charm. Add a few bows of ev-ergreen plucked from the tree in the backyard, and you have an eye-pleasing centerpiece that also smells fresh and looks fantastic.

BUFFEt Serve party food buffet

style and everyone can eat and socialize as they please. By selecting affordable party platters from your local BJ’s, you’ll have delicious foods for guests to nosh on with-out the excess expense. Two time-tested winners: deli and sandwich platters, and cookie and brownie platters.

BOard gaMEs Keep conversations lively

and guests mingling by spread-ing board games throughout gathering spaces. This allows guests to grab a box and start a game at any time. Fun com-petition is a great way to bring people closer. Plus, when you use games you already have stored at your house, it costs you nothing.

Last M

inute Gift G

uide, The Punxsutaw


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Documents

Last Minute Gift Guide - Punxsutawney · napkin fold. For a sophisticat-ed, yet deceptively easy place setting idea, consider using a perfectly coordinated line of disposable tableware