Western Maine Holiday 12-19-11

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Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 19, 20112 WESTERN MAINE HOLIDAY

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The holidays are around the corner, and now’s the time to decide what to buy the do-it-yourselfer on your list. According to a recent survey commissioned by Kelton Research and Craftsman, more than three-quarters (77 percent) of men plan on tackling some sort of DIY project next year.

Additionally, 69 percent of female respondents admit to having “a laundry list” of projects they’d like their spouse or significant other to take on around the house in the new year. Therefore, it’s safe to say that buying a new tool will hit the nail on the head.

With that in mind, and armed with the study’s results showing that 56 percent of men actually prefer to receive functional gifts like tools, and 67 percent of women prefer to give them, here’s a list of Craftsman tools that are “Guys’ Favorites Guaranteed” this holiday season:

• Clench Wrench Two-Piece Set. A convenient tool that can be used on more than 50 fastener sizes and types. The ratcheting feature and multi-positional head make for quick work.

• Universal Max A xess 19-piece Set. A pass-t hru ratchet and socket system t hat v ir tua l ly eliminates the need for deep

sockets, and can work with six different types of nuts and bolts.

• V4 Combo – Screwdriver and Cutter. Per fect for l ight DI Y projects around the home. The screwd r iver has t wo speeds and features a cutter for various materials.

• NEXTEC G2 Drill/Driver. Boasts the best torque in its class, and an all new, two-speed gear box and 18-position clutch.

• NEXTEC G2 Multi-Tool. Not only can this tool sand, cut, grind, grate and remove grout, but it now offers a new tool-less accessory excha nge, a l low ing a quick-release system to change the attachments versus using a tool such as a hex key, and a variable-speed dial that matches speed to the specific task at hand.

For more in for mat ion on top holiday g i f ts and easy how-to projects around the home, visit t he Cra f tsma n E x per ience on www.facebook.com/craftsman.

It is the ultimate DIY playground where clinics and demos are hosted by organizations that share their expert skills and talents in lawn and garden care as well as auto repair, woodworking and garage storage – all streamed live over the Internet.

Top tools for the do-it-yourselfer on your gift list

Having the right tool for the job is key for any DIYer.

• Solo 814 ES Cut-Off Saw: The Solo 814 ES Cut-Off Saw ($1100) invites hot-knife-through-butter comparisons whether it’s slicing stone, concrete or –in the hands of Chris Grundy, host of the DIY Network’s Cool Tools – a 2-inch steel angle iron. The easy-to-use tool blends its ow n t wo-stroke engine fuel. Gas and oil go into separate tanks, and timed injections mix the ingredients precisely w it hin t he engine’s single cylinder.

• Leatherman Sidekick: Prov-ing that a low price doesn’t com-promise quality, the Leatherman Sidekick ($40) artfully blends a few favorite tools: needle- nose pliers, wire cutter and stripper, knife blades, saw, metal file and the all-important bottle opener.

• Rock ler Sawhorse Suppor ts : Ply wood sags i f it ’s stretched across two sawbucks, but the steel brackets of Rockler’s Sawhorse Supports ($13) span a 2 x 4 across the gap. The extra lumber supports a sturdy work platform safe to use for power tools, paint or lunch.

For more great tool suggestions from the 2011 National Hardware Show, visit www.Popular Mechanics.com.

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 19, 2011 WESTERN MAINE HOLIDAY 3

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A beautifully wrapped gift can make any present look like a million bucks. Fortunately,

you don’t have to be a gift-wrap expert to make your gifts shine. Follow these simple, inexpensive tips for giving the perfect present every time.

Be prepared.

Stock up on w rapping paper, tissue paper, bows and gift bags at discount stores like Dollar General. Pre-and post-holiday sales provide great opportunities to stock up on the essentials. Pick some neutral designs, and you’ll be ready for birthdays and other celebrations as well as the holidays. And don’t forget necessities such as tape, scissors and pens.

Keep it simple.

Wrappi ng doesn’t have to be elaborate to be beautiful. Combine a solid wrapping paper with a patterned bow. Or, go for a funky look by mixing polka dot paper with plaid ribbon. Use pre-made bows to ensure the perfect bow. No time to shop for gift wrap? Use the comics section from the Sunday paper for fun and colorful gift wrap.

Box it up.

Wr ap you r g i f t s e a si l y w it h boxes, tins or bags that need no ador n ment or accessor i z i ng. Stock up on solid color gift bags

that can be used year-round by simply placing your gift in the bag with a few sheets of tissue paper. Take advantage of the festive, fun and inexpensive boxes and tins at discount stores. They make baked goods and small gifts look special with little effort.

Use scrapbook trim.

Put your scrapbooking expertise to work when wrapping gifts. Stickers a nd embel l ishments t y pica l ly used for scrapbooking are great for putting special touches on presents. With the variety of tools

and accessories available, it’s easy and inexpensive to personalize your gift.

Accessorize with style.

A d o r n y o u r p a c k a g e w i t h something other than a bow. Does the recipient have a sweet tooth? Top things off with a candy cane or wrapped cookie. Add a personal touch with a keepsake ornament or small picture frame with the photo of a grandchild or favorite pet. Unique accessories will impress friends and family before they even open the present.

Sav i ng money by usi ng what nature provides is a simple and eco-friendly way to decorate gift packages. An easy place to cut back is to save money on gift wrapping

expenses. There are many ways to use inexpensive materials to create your own gift wrap. There are a lso many ever yday items that you may have in your home that you can turn into a designer inspired presentation. Using na-ture’s gifts, such as pine boughs and fruits, creates a simple but beautiful presentation as well as an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to trim your holiday gifts.

A walk in the garden can inspire some wonderful ideas for trimming your gift packages. If you do not have your own garden, a nature hike can yield many treasures that create elegant adornments. Take advantage of the season’s bounty. For more information on Green / Simple Living ideas, visit http://www.suite101.com/.

Create beautifully wrapped gifts on a dime

In terms of technolog y, Apple’s i Pad is t h is year’s gadget of choice.

If you’re planning to purchase, or receive, an iPad this year, you’ll f i rst wa nt some appl icat ions (apps). Be forewarned, this can get addictive, and expensive. Here are a few suggestions to get your initial f ix – enough to show-off with- out draining your bank account, at least just yet. All apps described here are downloadable from the iTunes App Store.

Food.

The beauty of the iPad is that it can go anywhere with you, like the kitchen, and has a large-enough screen to make reading easier, even with flour on your hands. For the wannabe Julia Child, con-sider Epicurious, a free app from Condé Nast, the publisher of Bon Appétit and Gourmet. It offers colorful photos, a shopping list function and the ability to search by main ingredient, cuisine and dietary restriction. Martha Stewart has her own application.

Music.

Set a mood with Pandora, a free Internet radio app that allows you to search by a particular artist, song or composer. When you do, it will build an entire station populated with songs and artists that match.

You can also choose the genre of music from Bluegrass and Doo-Wop to Lullabye. The application

displays and plays the occasional ad, so an ad-free experience will cost $36 per year.

TV/Movies.

If you love Netf l i x a lready for catching up on movies and sea-sons of your favorite television shows, the company has a free iPad app. To use it, you will need an unlimited membership, start-ing at $8.99 per month.

Geek.

If you are the person everyone comes to for tech help, or i f s ome one i n y ou r f a m i l y i s , LogMeIn Ignition for iPad allows you to remain on the couch when the phone rings. The app, which costs $29.99, lets you view and control all of your computers from the iPad. Use it to fix a friend’s PC or Mac miles away, access f iles on the computer you forgot in the office, or turn your new iPad into a lightweight laptop.

Games.

Most of the best games for iPad and iPhone cost money. If you’re willing to invest, there are great ones, including classics like Tetris ($7.99), Scrabble ($9.99) and the top-grossing Angry Birds ($4.99).

Other technology items.

Smartphone application gifting a nd coord i nat i ng accessor ies a re on t he r ise. According to

Rasmussen College School of Tech- nology and Design multi-media technologies instructor at the B l o o m i n g t o n , M N c a m p u s , Anand Hurkadli, as mobile-device companions drive our nation’s commerce and social activity, more individuals will be gifted mobile tech nolog y. A s Sma r t phones’ features and functionality evolve, so do many of its add-ons.

• sma rtTouch Isotoners : Ever find yourself having to take off your gloves in the wintry months to use your mobile device? The engineers at Isotoner create a Smartphone-friendly glove that is touch screen compatible, so you can keep your hands warm while using your phone.

• Cobra Tag: A perfect gift for the 18 and older crowd, the Cobra Tag sensor is attached to your keys or bag to protect them from getting lost. Avoid that unpleasant fear of losing your keys.

• Microvision ShowWX: Whether you are a mother looking to keep your child busy over the cold and snowy winter months, or are a traveling sales executive who would love to supplement sales presentations w it h v ideo, t r y t h is Apple-compatible projector add-on.

• Speck SPK-A0332 CandyShell Card Phone Case: This iPhone4-compatible money case is a per-fect gift for any man who places both his phone and his wallet in the same back pocket. Money, credit cards, and important IDs can slip into this slick phone case.

• Motorola Droid Razr: Paper thin and made with KEV L AR, this Smartphone is the newest device in the mobile market.

• Eye-Fi Mobile X2: A gift perfect for jet set ters, t h is w i reless memory card instantly uploads pictures, video, and other files from your camera.

• Gelaskins: Customization con-tinues in the 2011 holiday season. Gelatskins offers designer and desig n-it-you r sel f sk i n s for laptops and Smartphones.


Join us for the followingChristmas Services:

Saturday, December 24thChristmas Eve Family Service at 4:00 pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 11:30 pmChristmas Morning join us at 10 am

For more information about us contact: Reverend Don MayberryFirst Congregational Church

17 East Main Street, South Paris, Maine • 743-2437www.southpariscongregational.com ~ The church is handicap accessible

Open Mon. - Sat. 9-5:30, Sun 10-5 • 743-81491447 Main Street Route 26, Oxford, Maine

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In today’s day and age, it’s not enough to buy a nondescript bracelet or

necklace for a loved one. Luckily, t he per fect piece of jewelr y is only a stone’s throw away. This holiday season, f ind a gem that has long been used to convey personalized messages.

But how do you k now w hat i nd i v id u a l s t one s me a n ? I s amber appropriate for a niece or a grandmother? What about agate or turquoise? The following tips will help you find the perfect stone for any of your loved ones.

Over the centuries, many cultures have contributed to the legends and lore surrounding gemstones. These rare products of nature have inspired philosophers and mystics to attribute unusual powers to these special minerals.

For a mother.

Celt ic a nd Gre ek my t holog y associates moonstone with the triple goddess (maiden, mother and crone). Moonstone was thought to protect women’s health, as well as promote nurturing.

For a young daughter or niece.

H i stor ic a l l y, c or a l h a s be en associated w it h chi ldren – in many European nations, red coral beads are a traditional baby gift. But harvesting coral – which is actually the exoskeleton of tiny

marine anima ls – can destroy cora l reef, wh ich a re a l ready severely threatened by f ishing practices and climate change. In fact, some scientists say that 20 percent of the world’s coral has

already been destroyed, and that another 23 percent may be lost in the next 30 years.

For this reason, Tif fany & Co. has pledged not to use coral in

its jewelry. But you can still get the look – the experts at Oceana (w w w.oceana.org), a nonprofit organization devoted to ocean conservation, recommend buying imitation coral jewelry.

If you must have real coral, look for vintage pieces, which have the added advantage of being truly one-of-a-kind.

For a wife or girlfriend.

Sapphire, which conveys sincerity and fidelity, makes an excellent choice for an engagement ring.

The ancient Greeks associated emera ld w it h Aph rod ite, t he goddess of love, so give emeralds to the woman who holds your heart. Garnet symbolizes loyalty, passion and love.

In China, couples who become engaged exchange jade statues, which represent, longevity and good luck.

For a sister.

Peridot brings the wearer good luck, prosperity and peace. Topaz can be used as an amulet against harm.

You may also want to choose a stone based on your loved one’s individual interests. For example, amber, or fossilized tree sap, has an ancient, enduring quality that any history lover will appreciate. A meditative type will enjoy cool stones, such a s aqua ma r i ne. Amethyst is tradit ionally used

in crow n jewels, making it an appropriate gift for the “princess” of the family.

Agate is considered a protection stone. It is believed to attract st reng t h a nd of fer protect ion from bad dreams, stress and the draining of energy. Agate is said to balance energies and awaken talents. Apatite is considered a gemstone of com mu n icat ion. It is believed to help stuttering a nd hy per tension, a nd helps one overcome sadness and grief. Apatite is said to aid in fighting viruses and assists in blending the old and the new in one’s life.

Aquamarine is associated with courage and the release of anxiety and fear. It is thought to soothe, calm and alleviate fears and to help relaxation on long journeys. Many believe that it protects sailors at sea, and prevents seasickness. Tradition holds that it gives insight and aids in mental clarity. Chalcedony is considered a sacred stone by Native American tribes. It nurtures and promotes brotherhood and good will. Chalcedony is said to alleviate hostility, irritability and melancholy.

Diamonds are believed to absorb and amplify the thoughts of its wearer, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of other gems and their wearers. The ancients also used the diamond for detoxification as it is said to protect from poisons. For more information on the meaning of gems, visit GemSelect.com.

Find the hidden meaning within a gift of jewelry

Coral beads make an ideal gift for young daughters and nieces. Be sure to look for imitation or vintage coral to avoid contributing to the destruction of coral reefs.

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Many Christmas traditions are older than some celebrants might think. The tradition of lighting up a Christmas tree, for example, dates back to the days

before Christmas lights. Before electric-powered twinkle lights were invented and even before electricity was discovered, people used actual candles to adorn the Christmas tree.

As one can imagine, having an open flame next to a dried-out tree made for some fast fires. That’s why it was customary to keep a bucket of water next to the tree as well. As if fire wasn’t enough, the tinsel used to decorate trees was made from strips of silver and even lead – something that is now known to be a health hazard to adults and children alike.

Although we’ve come a long way from candles and lead, trees that are overly dry paired with lights that have frayed wires can just as easily lead to fires. Plus, plastic tinsel can be a choking hazard for children and pets.

One Christmas staple that has lost its status as a safety hazard is thepoinsettia plant. Poinsettias are a tropical plant that have become a fixture during the Christmas season. It has long been thought that poinsettias are poisonous to people and animals. While there is some toxicity to the plant, it would require the ingestion of hundreds of leaves to get a toxic dose of a plant’s poison.

Ingestion may simply cause a case of vomiting or diarrhea instead. But poinsettia leaves are said to have an unpleasant taste, so one bite and most children and animals will probably turn away. Perhaps one of the biggest hazards come Christmas – both then and now – is not having enough turkey or eggnog to go around for holiday guests.

Christmas factsLast-minute holiday gift ideas for the fitness buff on your list

Those who are making the effort to stay fit usually have less t ime to go shopping

for themselves because of the demands of maintaining a regular exercise program. Therefore, it is always appreciated to receive gifts for the holidays which have their special gym needs in mind.

Here are some savvy last-minute Christmas gift ideas for those on your list who love spending time in the gym:

Protein Bars.

A ll those on a f itness diet are always looking for good sources of protein to help build their growing muscles as well as a healthy snack to keep them away from junk food. A selection of protein bars is a great gift to keep your gym rats healthy and from becoming Grinchy.

Pre-Workout Supplements.

T he per fect g i f t for you r big a nd bu r l y w eig ht l i f ter s a nd b o d y b u i l d e r s , p r e - w o r k o u t supplements give them the boost

they need to get powerful and productive pumps at the gym.

Heart Rate Monitor.

Many strength-training programs a nd c a rd io-exercise rout i nes require that you keep track of your heart rate in order to reach fitness goals. This thoughtful gift comes and goes straight to the heart.

Doorway Pull Up Bar.

These are great Christmas gifts for those who prefer to work out at home. They work in any standard-sized doorway and offer multiple exercises for building upper body fitness. Amazon offers a heav y-duty doorway pull-up bar by Black Mountain Products for $29.99, a $20 savings off the retail price.

Resistance Band Set.

A not her good ta ke-a ny where fitness product, resistance bands provide a total body workout for all your Christmas fitness buffs. Black Mountain Products provide high quality fitness tubes for $26.99 (a $13 savings off of retail) and, for the big guys on your list, the Strong Man Set of exercise bands for $32.99 (a savings of $12 off retail) at Amazon. You can even get a combo of resistance bands and pull up bar by B.M.P. at Amazon for $49.99 (save $40).

Push-Up Handles.

Push ups are an essential part of any strength training program and push-up handles allow for a full-extension range as well as keeping the wrists in good health.

Icy Hot Patches.

You will be loved forever by giving this gift. Sore muscles are a given w it h any f itness program and these medicated patches provide comfort to the gym-weary warrior. When they apply Icy Hot medicated patches, they get the benefits of an ice pack and heating pad all in one easy-to-use product. For more gift ideas for the fitness buff, visit MuscleProdigy.com.


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Tips to keep the holidays happy and healthy for asthma and allergy sufferersFor millions of allergy sufferers, “allergy season” doesn’t really end when warm weather leaves.

With more t ime spent indoors where allergens like pet dander and volatile organic compounds linger, cold weather months can be just as unpleasant for people with allergies as spring and summer when pollen fills the air.

The holidays can be particularly difficult, as we visit family and friends and welcome guests – and the allergens they bring with them – into our homes.

“The holidays can present a variety of cha l lenges for ast hma a nd allergy patients,” says New York City allergist Dr. Cliff Bassett, an ambassador for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “Our indoor environment changes in many ways during the holidays, from having new people in our homes to bringing in potential a i r way i r r ita nts (ex posu re to potpourri, scented candles, etc.) as well as introduction of pine trees and dusty old holiday decorations.”

AAFA offers some advice for helping minimize allergy and asthma triggers in your home this holiday season:

• Mo s t p e ople s tor e hol id a y decorations in attics, basements or garages and they can pick up dust, mold and other irritants while in storage. Thoroughly clea n a l l stored decorat ions before using them in your home. If one or more of these irritants is a trigger for you, wear a mask while cleaning. When you’re done with the decorations this year, clean them again before you seal

them in plastic bags and store them in airtight containers.

• If you or a loved one suffer from a tree or pollen allergy, artificial trees can be a less irr itat ing subst itute, prov ided you opt for one that’s not coated with sprayed-on “snow.” If you will be using a live tree, you can reduce mold problems by thoroughly wiping the trunk with a solution of lukewarm water and diluted bleach (one part bleach to 20 parts water). Before you bring the tree inside, use a leaf blower to remove pollen grains.

• Everyone loves the smell of the holiday, but scent-creating home accessories ca n be irr ita nts. Limit the use of air fresheners like candles, oils and potpourri. If you really want to fill your home with a holiday aroma during a special occasion, try baking using naturally fragrant ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon or citrus.

• A crack ling f ire can create a warm, festive mood for holiday g a t h e r i n g s . To m i n i m i z e p ot e n t i a l i r r i t a t i o n , d o n’t use wood-bur ning stoves or f ireplaces at a l l. If you use a gas fireplace, check vents and use secured doors, rather than screens, to reduce smoke entering the room.

• When giving a gift to someone with allergies or asthma, keep their potential triggers in mind. For example, some children with asthma may be irritated by the materia ls commonly used in stuffed animals. Look for products that do not have sensitizing or a l lergenic chemicals such as formaldehyde. You can also find a list of allergy and asthma-friendly products on the AAFA website, www.aafa.org/certified.

• W hen welcoming guests who have allergies or asthma, take pr e v ent at i v e s t ep s to help minimize irritants. Give your home a thorough cleaning (you probably would anyway because of the holiday) using cleaning p r o d u c t s t h a t c a n r e d u c e allergens from hard surfaces, but that do not use harsh, potentially irritating chemicals. Vacuum using a high-qualit y vacuum cleaner with a HEPA f i lter to reduce the chance of disturbing dust and circulating it into the air.

See an allergist for further advice about holiday a l lerg y triggers, which may spoil your fun, during the holiday season.

No one wants to experience an allergy or asthma attack. By taking steps to minimize irritants in your home environment, you can help ensure that everyone’s eyes are bright with holiday joy – and not because of allergies.

Asthma & allergy friendly gift ideas

T h e A s t h m a a n d A l l e r g y Foundation of America certifies products that are asthma and allergy friendly. Consider these gift ideas for anyone on your holiday list who has allergies or asthma:

• Dyson vacuums

• LG vacuums

• Healthy Baby Toys from Kids Preferred

• Home Accents Healthy Home d o w n - a l t e r n a t i v e b e d d i n g available at Belk

• Asthma & Allergy Friendly Down Pillows from Kohls

• Cannon Allergen Barrier mattress pad and pillow at Kmart

• Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier

• Asthma and allergy friendly toys from Build-A-Bear Workshop

You can learn more about asthma and allergy friendly products at the A AFA website, http://www.aafa.org/certified.

Maintaining a healthy home is critical for your family’s welfare.


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A beautif u l hol iday table can be the centerpiece of any celebration. However,

many hostesses are discouraged by the idea and potential cost of fancy linens, expensive serving ware and a perfect centerpiece.

“A beautiful tablescape doesn’t have to be costly,” said Target Style E x per t for Home a nd HGT V designer Sabrina Soto. “Layering in key holiday trends to your everyday pieces can be a cost-effective way to create a one-of-a-kind dinner table.”

Soto, together with celebrity TV chef and Target culinary partner Giada De Laurentiis, of fer the following tips for creating a festive, yet affordable holiday setting.

Set a beautiful foundation

Instead of feeling compelled to use traditional red and green hues, any color combination can be the basis for a festive table, said Soto.

She favors soft, season-less colors for decorating with added touches of gold and silver, which work with any color scheme and interior aesthetic. You can use everyday dinnerware, but create a holiday feel by adding glamorous metallic chargers, chic beaded placemats or napkin rings.

Add elegance with a striking centerpiece

Centerpieces are the focal point of an elegant table but don’t need to be expensive to be beautiful. A single silver or metallic accessory can increase the glam factor of your centerpiece or try clustering several accessories for a sparkling effect.

Polish up grandma’s old silver vases or purchase some inexpensive mer-cury glass items such as hurricane or votive candle holders – the season’s hottest trend. A crystal vase for the centerpiece can elevate the table’s elegance quotient. Fresh f lowers can be pricey during the holidays; Soto suggests filling the vase with small glass ornaments.

M i x i ng m i r r ore d or n a ment s with fresh pine cones or seasonal fruit can make for a festive yet sophisticated decorative piece.

Plan a stress-free menu

A beautiful table sets the stage for an evening of delicious food and warm conversation. Plan ahead and prepare most of the food in advance, rather than trying to cook everything at once. You’ll feel less stressed and will be able to enjoy the party.

“Try to leave only one item for last minute prep – this brings everyone into the kitchen and sets the tone for a cozy, comfortable evening,” said De Laurentiis. “I prepare most dishes in my Giada De Laurentiis ceramic bakeware because it can

go directly from the oven to the table, and still look great.”

To further simplif y the menu, De Laurentiis suggests selecting foods that can be served at room temperature. Try a red pepper or basil cheesecake that can be made ahead of time, and will be f ine sitting out before the party even begins. While foods like fish or shrimp are delicious, they are hard to keep fresh if you are serving food buffet-style.

By combining beautiful pieces that you love with classic elements, anyone can create an exquisite look for the holidays. For more holiday decorating ideas and affordable design that will add elegance to any table, visit Target.com/Christmas.

Chic holiday entertaining for less

By combining beautiful pieces that you love with classic elements, anyone can create an exquisite look for the holidays.

Western Maine Holiday 12-19-11

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Transcript of Western Maine Holiday 12-19-11