Holiday Gift Guide: The Hippest Items of The Season ..

The Lima News Section G November 20, 2011
The hippest items of the season ...

... and classic decorations inside.
Gifts for all costs, within reason ...
Holiday Gift Guide
G I F T G U I D E
G2
Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

CONTENTS
Cutting-edge gifts
Slippers that look like salmon, a mug
that holds your cookies, a cocktail-
spice glass rimmer and more / G4
Travel safety
How to protect yourself and loved
ones when youre on the road or in
friends homes / G5
New video games
Wii games get the whole family into
the fun, and Nintendo takes portable
3-D gaming to new heights / G6
Donate your used toys
Giving to the Salvation Army is great,
but smaller thrift stores that directly
benefit local community groups often
are overlooked. Whatever you do,
dont throw those toys away / G8
Party management
All you need to know about timing
your event, sending out invitations,
food, decorations and how to call it a
night / G9
Decor emphasizes nature
Simple and natural holiday looks are
in this season. And that means you can
create a lot of them yourself / G11
Clean quickly for company
If guests are coming and youre short
on time, there are ways to tidy up fast
with a big impact. Its all about priori-
ties and the right tools / G14
Holiday lights and the law
Efficiency standards dont apply to
decorative holiday lights / G16
This year, plan to Bundt
Bake your Bundt cake in a paper pan
that doubles as a decoration / G17
Historical art in ornaments
Use traditional folk ideas to recycle
household items into ornaments / G20
Gifts for travelers
Flying and need a seat? Taking a picture
of yourself on a great getaway with no
one to hold the camera? This years
catalog of gadgets can help / G23
How to buy just the right toy
By LIZ YOUNG
amcgee@limanews.com
419-993-2072
LIMA Do children really wish for
socks and underwear each holiday sea-
son? No. Never. You know they dont.
Please, stop buying them.
Its heartbreaking for a child, actually,
to receive a colorfully wrapped gift only
to find inside an eight-pack of under-
pants. Oh, the inhumanity of it. Do you
really want to inflict such trauma?
No. No, you dont. So just bring on the
toys. You know its the right thing to do.
And there are so many toys from which
to choose this year. The choices are prac-
tically limitless. There is a way, however,
to separate the wheat from the chaff in
the toy world, to know what toy is hot
and whats not. And a not-hot toy under
the tree is almost as bad as socks.
Thats a lot of pressure for a parent, so
Bob Friedland, a toy expert with Toys R
Us corporate headquarters, agreed to sug-
gest a few top toys for babies to teens and
all kids in between.
Yes, his title is really Toy Expert. His job
is to play with, and talk about, toys. Its
probably as close to being one of Santas
elves as you can get without having to
commute to the North Pole.
So while theres no one hot toy this year,
there are a lot of popular toys geared for
the different age groups, he said. His sug-
gestions, and more toy gift ideas, can also
be found at www.toysrus.com.
The Playskool Poppin Park Elefun
Busy Ball Popper is great for the baby
who has everything. It has a cute, friendly
elephant face and will launch balls into a
bin for baby to play with, or into the air
for crawling fun, according to Friedland.
For the toddler set those kiddos up
to about 4 years old you simply cant
go wrong with Elmo. Hes back, and this
time the lovable red furball is ready to
rock. The Sesame Street Lets Rock! Elmo
comes with different instruments and
a microphone for kids to choose which
hell play, Friedland said.
Toddler girls who love dolls should love
Lalaloopsy, a rag doll with lost of person-
ality and corkscrew curls that were made
for styling, he said. Boys might like the
Power Rangers Samurai Deluxe Mega-
zord. Its one of several zords that can
connect together. If youre not sure what
a zord or why they are important to the
Power Rangers, you might want to check
out the Power Rangers television show
before you head out to shop.
A lot of fun toys are connected to TV
shows, Friedland said.
And many toys look a lot like and
mimic gadgets for grown ups. The Leap
Pad is geared toward 5-to-7 year olds, but
looks like a tablet computer and comes
with four educational apps and a built-
in digital camera. Friedland said online
books and games can be purchased sepa-
rately to be added to the device.
Older kids will like Air Swimmers, he
said. These are flying, radio controlled
giant clownfish and sharks. Filled with
helium, they can fly around your house
and, according to Friedland, you can use
it to scare the cat.
Trust him on that. Hes a Toy Expert.
Another toy expert, albeit self pro-
claimed and not an employee of Toys R
Us, is Jodi Birchfield, a Lima mother of
three: two sons, ages 15 and 8, and an
8-year-old stepdaughter. Shes been buy-
ing toys for years and has learned to shop
savvy within her budget.
I search the clearance racks every time I
go to Walmart, buying a little at a time, she
said. I want to make it look like they had
a good Christmas without spending a lot.
For her 15-year-old son, gift buying has
evolved as he has gotten older. This year
his requests include more adult-type gifts
instead of toys, including a letterman
jacket, a class ring and clothes.
He wants video games, but he also
understands we dont have the money for
all of that, she said. Hes not into the
toys as much, she said.
Friedland said older kids and teens
like many of the video gaming systems,
like the Nintendo Wii, Xbox and Playsta-
tion. This year, a game called Skylanders
Spyros Adventure incorporates action-
figure type toys with the video game and
is the first truly cross-platform game,
meaning that it can be played on all three
gaming systems.
There are some toys, however, that
transcend time. You know the ones:
Monopoly, Candy Land, Barbie, Legos
and dont forget Mr. Potato Head.
These are all toys that are popular,
Friedland said. For some parents its like
having a shared experience with their
(children). What might be classic to a par-
ent might be new to a child. (Classic toys)
have good play value.
Birchfield agreed that some of the clas-
sics are the best, along with more creative
toys that require imagination. She found
toys for the younger kids based on the
movie, How to Train your Dragon, and
some that involve arts and crafts.
I try to concentrate on things that dont
require electricity or batteries, she said.
I buy socks and underwear, too. Things
they need (but) I dont know if you
want to mention that in a toy story.
For shame. Alas, the toy-to-underwear
ratio for her children should be within
reasonable limits and a happy holiday
had by all. Her status as a self proclaimed
Toy Expert, however, may have to be
revoked.
MCT
Use a remote control and helium to fly Animal Planets inflatable Air Swimmers
($49.99) and softly bounce off walls.
a
presentation
January 19 7:30pm
Tickets On Sale Now!
February 11 8pm
Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center
419-224-1552
Tickets also available at the Veterans Memorial Civic Center Box Office
www.limaciviccenter.com
The Lima News Sunday, November 20, 2011 G3
G I F T G U I D E
By MELISSA BOBBITT
Creators.com
Finding the perfect holiday gift for that
special someone in your life can be the
headache that keeps on giving. Even cou-
ples who have been together for decades
can falter under pressure. Though, at least
that far into a relationship, each person
likely has an understanding of what the
other enjoys.
But what about a new love that devel-
ops during these chilly months? What
does one get the new suitor? Is a gift even
appropriate? How much money is too
much to spend on this not-yet-significant
other?
All good partnerships begin with open
communication. The National Healthy
Marriage Resource Center urges budding
couples to discuss whether they even
want to exchange presents, instead of
assuming what the other is thinking. From
there, the duo can set the parameters of
price and emotional value (lighthearted,
romantic, etc.).
Most dating experts agree that the mon-
etary value of the gifts at this early stage
should not exceed $50. According to Rela-
tionship 411, No one is saying you have to
come off cheap, but if you spend too much
money on your first gift it could cause
feelings of guilt if your partner did not or
could not spend the same. Expensive gifts
are also suggestive of a more serious rela-
tionship, which could make your new love
interest uncomfortable.
Syndicated columnist Amy Alkon aka
The Advice Goddess further stresses that
new couples should stick to fun items that
reflect each others personalities. She rec-
ommends books as a surefire, inexpensive
holiday hit unless, of course, the recipi-
ent isnt much of a reader.
Its OK to get a feel for a new partners
tastes in literature, TV shows and the
like, but Alkon says to avoid listening too
closely. Intimate, one-of-a-kind gifts may
be heartfelt, but they serve as red flags in
a relationships infancy.
(Dont) go on eBay for three weeks and
try to find the rare thing that their mother
lost when she was a child, which is just
very desperate and bad, Alkon warns.
However, because of the unstable econ-
omy, Alkon says that hitting up ones local
thrift store for gifts isnt out of the ques-
tion. Depending on the recipients own
income and interests, one might uncover
secondhand gold. This can be especially
true, she continues, for younger couples
who delight in rummage-sale treasures.
One may be surprised to hear that seem-
ingly innocuous, generic items that often
appear at white elephant exchanges can
also be troublesome for a fresh relation-
ship. Bonny Albo, dating guru for About.
com, writes: Items that are only practical
in nature (such as a can opener), suggest
a more serious relationship than what
the two of you have forged. Albo instead
counts magazine subscriptions, food items
and card games as new-couple friendly for
the holidays.
One must be careful when giving edi-
bles. Find out whether the recipient is on a
specific diet and whether the recipient has
any allergies. This will eliminate much of
the worry. Whether its a homemade sweet
treat or the offer to take the other person
to a restaurant of his or her choice, the
way to a mans or womans heart this sea-
son might be through his or her stomach.
Whatever gift or lack thereof that
a new couple might bestow upon each
other, the experts tend to agree: Its the
togetherness of the holidays that really
makes a difference. Its really best to have
the gift be the gift of you, Alkon says.
New couple
gift exchange
Presents should be personal,
not too personal, at holidays
Dont go on eBay for three
weeks and try to find the
rare thing that their mother
lost when she was a child.
Amy Alkon
syndicated columnist
By VICKY KATZ WHITAKER
Creators.com
Partridge in a pear tree? Too bulky to ship.
Five golden rings? At todays prices?
Three French hens? Vegetarian.
Although finding not-so-ho-ho-hum presents
for those on your holiday shopping list can
be a challenge, you can choose from plenty
of options, from fun to fabulous, quaint to
quirky. Here are a few to get you started:
Sole food: A pair of handmade, plush
fleece slippers that look like salmon (orange)
and tuna (red) rolls will satisfy the sushi lover
on your list. The machine-washable slippers
with extra batting and no-slip, water-resis-
tant soles are available in sizes extra-small
through extra-large, from Uncommon Goods
at $34. A toddler bootie version is $28.
Day camp for budding fashionistas: A
hands-on day camp for teens interested in
fashion may be perfect for that style-conscious
child or grandchild provided youre ready
and able to spend a few days in New York City
next summer. FashionCampNYC, based at
the LIM College campus in midtown Manhat-
tan, gives teens an opportunity to learn about
fashion merchandising, retailing, design and
more from industry insiders. Theyll also get
to come up with their own brands and learn
about fashion blogging. Enrollment is limited
to 75 campers per session, with four five-day
sessions offered for summer 2012 (July 16
through Aug. 10) at $1,295 per camper. For
information, go to http://www.fashioncamp-
nyc.com or call 866-909-6911.
Dazzling drinks: The lucky hostess who
gets the Barmaid, a hand-held drink rimier,
and the spices that go with it will be thinking
of you every time she creates a professional-
looking margarita, mojito, martini or pia
colada. In fact, you might get an invitation to
the next party! This $30 bar tool dispenses
cocktail spices to the rim of the glass at the
press of a button. Additional spices sweet
mint; chocolate raspberry sugar; tangy lime:
spicy chili: Hawaiian black lava salt; and gour-
met gingerbread are about $10. Available
from LimeTreeCove.com or at select retailers.
Puzzle Party Platter: Totally Bamboos
Puzzle Party Platter makes another great
entertainment-oriented gift. Designed in the
shape of a puzzle piece, it has an elongated
handle on one end and an open notch on the
opposite end that holds any size wine glass,
allowing a guest to wander around the room
with drink and snack in hand. When con-
nected together, the Puzzle Platter becomes
a handsome buffet piece. A set of two Puzzle
Party Platters sells for about $15.
Mug and more: Theres nothing com-
mon about the Face Mug, an exclusive with
Uncommon Goods. In addition to its distinc-
tive face, it has a cubby for cookies or a
doughnut perfect for anyone who likes to
keep his or her munchies close at hand. The
$18 ceramic mug is oven-, microwave- and
dishwasher-safe.
Hanger Hamper: Neatniks and recyclers
will love it and so will the dry cleaner. This
triangle-shaped, collapsible hanger-storage
unit with a handle stacks and stores up to
100 hangers. In addition to keeping the closet
organized, the Hanger Hamper makes it easy
to carry and return collected hangers to the
dry cleaner. Available in eco-green, khaki,
leopard and plaid, the Hanger Hamper sells
for less than $10. Its available online from
www.hangerhamper.com or at selected
retailers, including The Container Store,
and various catalog sites.
Hot seat: For the outdoorsman or
cold-weather sports fan on your gift list,
theres the Chaheati All-Season collaps-
ible canvas chair. Laced with cordless-
fiber non-wire heating elements to keep
its occupant snuggly on the chilliest days,
the chair can be set to four temperatures
(98 to 145) and heats up in less than 20 sec-
onds. A high-efficiency lithium-ion recharge-
able battery provides up to six hours of heat
per charge. Its oversize seat accommodates
any body type up to 280 pounds. The chair
retails for about $90 and can be ordered from
www.chaheati.com.
On a roll: Rollors is a new outdoor game,
in which players roll oversize-hockey-puck-
like hardwood discs toward a color-coded
goal 25 feet away. Points are awarded to the
player or team that positions the discs clos-
est to the goal. Housed in its own carrying
case, Rollors runs about $26 and is available
at major retailers, or you can get it online at
www.rollors.net.
G I F T G U I D E
G4

Keep your gifts cutting-edge
The $18 Face Mug features a space for cook-
ies or a doughnut.
TOP: Rollors is a new outdoor game for indi-
vidual players and teams.
BOTTOM: Teens can spend a week at fashion
day camp next summer in New York City.
The Barmaid
dispenses
cocktail spices
to the rim of
the glass at
the press of a
button.
Creators.com
photos
G I F T G U I D E
Courtesy Dayton Childrens Hospital
As we enter one of the busiest travel
seasons of the year, people become more
distressed with long waits and unexpected
challenges. Keeping safety a top priority
can result in a warm and exciting visit, but
first make sure you know how to stay safe
during your traveling.
If your vacation or holiday plans include
a stay at a relative or friends, make sure
you plan ahead and talk to your host about
the possibility of installing age-appropriate
safety devices such as cabinet locks or
outlet covers to prevent injuries to your
kids, says Jessica Saunders, injury pre-
vention coordinator at Dayton Childrens
and Safe Kids Greater Dayton coordinator.
This is especially true when visiting peo-
ple whose children have already grown or
those without children, as safety devices
maybe out-of-date or nonexistent.
When traveling by car, always bring
your childs car seat or booster seat.
Babies should be kept rear-facing for as
long as their car seat allows, usually to
about age 2 and 35 pounds and a forward-
facing car seat can protect older toddlers
up to 40 pounds or more depending on
the weight limit for the harness. Safe Kids
coalitions around the country hold child
safety seat check-up events where certi-
fied child passenger technicians teach
parents about proper installation and car
seat safety. Visit www.usa.safekids.org to
find the nearest child safety seat check.
Every time you get in your car, it is
important to make sure all occupants
are buckled appropriately and secure all
loose items so that they dont become
projectiles in case of a sudden stop or
crash, Saunders says.
When traveling by airplane, Safe Kids
Greater Dayton and the Federal Aviation
Administration strongly recommend using
a car seat. Infants and toddlers are safest
in an approved car seat with a harness, in
case of turbulence. A child who rides in a
car seat on the ground should ride in that
car seat on a plane, says Saunders. While
most car seats can fit on standard airplane
seats, make sure your childs car seat is
labeled certified for use in motor vehicles
and aircraft.
Children who have outgrown car seats
should sit directly on the airplane seat and,
like all passengers, keep the lap belt buck-
led across their thighs or hips. Booster
seats cannot be used on airplanes, because
they require shoulder belts and airplane
seats have only lap belts.
Planning ahead also involves packing
appropriate gear for your children. If they
will be biking, riding a scooter, rollerblad-
ing, skateboarding, etc, make sure to pack
a helmet that is appropriate for the activity
and fits them properly. If you have a baby
and the trip involves staying overnight,
bring your own folding playpen if possible,
rather than relying on borrowed cribs. In
several surveys from 2001-2006, Safe Kids
Worldwide found many hotel-issued cribs
to be defective, damaged or even recalled
from the market.
If you must use a hotels crib, says
Saunders inspect it carefully for broken
or missing parts and look up the model
on www.Recalls.gov to make sure it isnt
subject to any safety notices.
For more information about child pas-
senger safety on airplanes, visit the Flying
with Children page at www.faa.gov/pas-
sengers. For information about car seats
and child passenger safety in general, visit
www.usa.safekids.org/skbu. For informa-
tion about crib safety, visit the U.S. Con-
sumer Product Safety Commission at 800-
638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov.
Safety first: Plan ahead when traveling
Give the gift of gift protection
By CATHERINE MCNULTY
Creators.com
The perfect gift it is an elusive beast
you may spend every day of the holiday
season stalking. Think of the time you are
going to have to put into this endeavor;
youll have to decide what the perfect gift is
depending on the person you are shopping
for, comparison shop for the best price, and
make the effort to get it or have it deliv-
ered. So with all the trouble you are going
through, what if the perfect gift doesnt
withstand the rigors of use?
More often than not, the perfect gift now-
adays will be something electronic; MP3
players, cellphones, computers, e-readers
and video game consoles all top consum-
ers most wanted lists. And electronics tend
to break down at the most inopportune
moments. Odds are that unless something
is incredibly shoddily made, it wont break
the day it is given, but with technology
advancing at such a rapid pace, certain
electronic items (e.g., cellphones and MP3
players) are rarely built to last longer than
a few years. What can you do to ensure the
recipient of your perfect gift will be able to
enjoy it for more than a season?
As the old adage goes, an ounce of pre-
vention is worth a pound of cure. Consider
the person youre buying for. Obviously,
once you give someone something, it is his
or her responsibility, but if this person is
someone whose storage system is leave
something where it drops, then you may
want to consider buying a protective case
or an extended warranty. Padded cases for
transport are good investments for laptops.
Both iPods and iPads have tons of protec-
tive casings to choose from; entire compa-
nies have been built around creating them.
Another measure of prevention is to
make sure the person knows how to use
the device properly. Shutting things off cor-
rectly, storing electronics out of the sun and
cleaning them regularly will help to extend
the life of your gift. This is especially true of
gaming consoles, which often are stored in
dusty areas.
Definitely check out warranties and
insurance on the item. Not every warranty
will be worth it, but part of researching any
big purchase should include researching
the extras. After all, accidents happen, and
having a warranty or insurance can keep
an accident from becoming a catastrophe.
Keep all paperwork that comes with your
gift, and make sure to have access to any
registration or serial numbers in case a
crisis arises.
What if youre giving something less tan-
gible, such as software or a media down-
load? You might want to check out the tech
support options in advance. Computers
crash all the time, and when something
goes wrong is usually not the moment that
people think most clearly. Having a phone
number, email address or even the URL of
a website with basic troubleshooting advice
could save a lot of frustration. Register any
software if that option is available; some
companies only offer tech support to reg-
istered users.
Perhaps your tastes dont run to the digi-
tal; that doesnt mean you should skimp
on the safeguarding. What if you are giving
your beloved a piece of jewelry? Definitely
check out insuring it, and though its not
quite romantic, jewelry cleaner makes a
great stocking stuffer. Think about it; if
someone wears a particular piece day in
and day out, theres a lot of debris (and dead
skin!) that can build up. Certain jewels,
such as pearls, are extremely delicate. The
oils on human skin can degrade pearls over
time, so proper care is a must.
If youre buying secondhand, a certifi-
cate of authenticity should accompany the
piece. That goes for antiques, as well as
jewelry pieces.
If all of this has you considering handing
out gift cards this holiday season, consider
how much more thoughtful it is to buy
someone an actual gift. Its also so much
more fun to unwrap a physical present ver-
sus opening an envelope. But if you cant
be swayed from the plastic cards, check to
see whether the card can be registered for
insurance against theft or loss. Thats right;
even certain gift cards can be safeguarded.
Ultimately, what you give is meant to be
used and enjoyed. Thats the point of giv-
ing a gift, after all. But a few measures of
prevention will ensure that your gift will
be thoroughly enjoyed for quite some time.
Creators.com
Tech gifts, such as iPads, are hot. Make sure your gift is protected.
G I F T G U I D E
G6

New video games fun for whole family
By ANICA WONG
Creators.com
By now, the kids are screaming that
they want every toy featured in a TV com-
mercial to magically appear under the
Christmas tree. Between this new doll
and that drum set that would be really,
really loud, you dont know what to stuff
their stockings with. Youd like something
that is affordable but could be enjoyed for
months to come and wouldnt end up in
the toy chest, unused.
Video games have gone wide, and
everyone plays games now, says David
Pava, the director of marketing at D3Pub-
lisher of America Inc. Its assumed that
families play games together.
D3Publisher is one of the biggest pro-
ducers of video games for kids, and the hot
new releases in the upcoming months are
sure to fill your holiday gift-giving needs.
For your rugrat tyke, Ben 10: Galactic
Racing will allow him to jump into the
world of Ben 10, the popular series on
Cartoon Network. Players get to choose
different aliens to drive in various karts,
allowing your kids to individualize their
game experience. More than 20 racing
tracks add to the fun.
If you have girls in your family, they
probably are familiar with Nickelodeons
live-action comedy series Victorious.
D3Publisher gives your tween the ability
to experience the school that the shows
characters attend, in the game Victori-
ous: Hollywood Arts Debut.
With Victorious, the No. 1 thing is to
bring that show to life, Pava says. We
want to put the audience in the same
classroom (as the characters) and feel
like what it was like to go through a
high-school classroom with those stars.
This game is built for the Nintendo DS,
which, according to Pava, is a strong
game system for girls. If youre looking
to purchase a hand-held system for your
child, you may want to consider the new
Nintendo 3DS.
It offers a completely new way to
play. It lets users experience 3-D games,
take 3-D pictures and watch 3-D videos
without the need for special glasses,
says Cindy Gordon, the vice president of
corporate affairs for Nintendo of Amer-
ica. Along with the release of the new
3DS system, several 3-D games are mak-
ing their way to store shelves, including
Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7,
Professor Layton and the Last Septor
and Tetris: Axis. The 3-D version of
Tetris literally adds another dimension
to the game, and Gordon says that the 20
different modes deliver never-before-seen
ways to play.
In addition to the newfangled 3-D
options and popular titles, a big aspect
to video games these days is the ability
to have multiple people playing at once.
Several games provide online gaming
experiences so you can play with friends
near and far, Gordon says.
Being able to play Ben 10: Galactic
Racing with multiple people, whether
they be friends or family members, is
especially important when it comes to the
younger demographic.
This is the game that is the vehicle
for delivering what kids want, Pava says,
referencing that most kids want to be able
to play video games with others.
The multi-player aspect of video games
is even more important now, as families
are trying to find inexpensive ways for
everyone to stay entertained. Nintendo
is rolling out the Nintendo Selects series,
which contains classic games at cheaper
prices. For example, The Legend of
Zelda: Twilight Princess and Mario
Super Sluggers are being released at
$19.99 instead of $49.99. There also will
be Wii games added to the collection.
The Wii is accessible to everyone
young and old as it makes playing
video games easy, Gordon says. So round
up Grandma, the children down the street
and anyone else you can think of to share
in the fun of these classics.
Creators.com photos
Super Mario 3D Land is one of the newest 3-D games for Nintendos 3DS, a hand-
held system that lets you experience the 3-D game without special glasses.
It offers a completely new
way to play. It lets users
experience 3-D games, take
3-D pictures and watch 3-D
videos without the need for
special glasses.
Cindy Gordon
Nintendo of America vice president of corporate
affairs, discussing the Nintendo 3DS
For the tween in your life,
Victorious: Hollywood Arts
Debut will allow her to hang out
with Tori and her friends while
navigating through Hollywood
Arts High School.
G I F T G U I D E
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2011
Presents: WINTER WONDERLAND IN DOWNTOWN BLUFFTON
4:00 PM Ice Carving Exhibition
Chad Hartson
5:00 PM Parade
6:00 PM Christmas Entertainment
The Gift of Giving Light Show
Extravaganza
7:00 PM Lighting of Reams Display
Following the lighting of the Reams displays:
Bluffton High School Show Choir
MEET AND GREET
Mr. & Mrs. Claus
& Ronald McDonald
Horse and Wagon
Rides available
FOR MORE
INFORMATION VISIT:
www.explorebluffton.com
Download map showing locations
of all the lights in Bluffton
EACH EVENING FROM NOV. 26 TO JAN 1, 2012
Blaze of Lights Display
Downtown Bluffton 5:30pm to Midnight
The Gift of Giving Light Show Extravaganza
East College Avenue
15 minute drive-in theater light show 6 to 11pm
Gary R. Reese
Investment Advisor Representative
177 Hillcrest Drive
Bluffton, OH 45817
gary.reese@nextrep.com
www.myfaithinvestments.com
(419)358-4207 (567)226-1070
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Shannon Theatre
119 S. Main St., Bluffton, OH
PLAYING AT THE SHANNON THEATRE JAN. 28 - FEB. 3
TWO GREAT SHOWS!
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SHOWTIMES ARE EVERY EVENING AT 7:00 PM
WITH SAT. & SUN MATINEES AT 1:30 & 4:00 PM
ALSO SHOWING:
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Shannon Theatre
119 S. Main St., Bluffton, OH
PLAYING AT THE SHANNON THEATRE JAN. 28 - FEB. 3
TWO GREAT SHOWS!
YOGI BEAR (PG)
WITH SAT. & SUN MATINEES AT 1:30 & 4:00 PM
ALSO SHOWING:
DUE DATE (R)
Shirleys Gourmet Popcorn Flavor of the month for
January is VANILLA CREAM
Thurs.-Sat.
9am-6pm
$3.00
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Everyone Loves Popcorn!
www.shirleyspopcorn.com 419-230-7606
www.thecenteronline.com 419-358-8533
601 N. Main Street Bluffton, Ohio 45817
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Jeannes Kitchen
112 Vine Street, Bluffton, OH
NEW TO JEANNES KITCHEN
Our deli case will be full of fresh salads, soups, sausage,
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G I F T G U I D E
G8

Make a difference with your used toys
By CHANDRA ORR
Creators.com
They beg for weeks and write letters to
Santa, and when your kids finally unwrap
that mound of toys under the tree, its sure
bliss. But once the high wears off, many of
those must-haves drift to the bottom of the
toy box, never to see the light of day again.
Before Santa stops by this year, free up
space for your childrens new favorites by
donating the gently used toys that no lon-
ger grab their attention. Youll teach kids
the spirit of giving, brighten someone elses
holidays and help keep the season green.
According to Ecolife.com, of the 40 mil-
lion toys thrown away annually, 13 mil-
lion are put into the trash, destined for
the landfill. Forget recycling. Because toys
are typically made from a mix of metals,
plastics and electronic components, they
are incredibly difficult to recycle and not
typically accepted at recycling facilities,
according to the site.
To ensure that your donation makes
the biggest impact, be creative and think
beyond the usual options. Thrift shops run
by nonprofits, such as Goodwill and The
Salvation Army, readily accept donations
of gently used goods, but they likely have
a steady influx of toys around the holi-
days. Instead, consider sending your stash
to smaller and possibly overlooked thrift
shops that benefit local community groups.
Many will even haul away your donations
for free. To find charities in your area and
to schedule a free pick up, visit www.dona-
tiontown.org.
Dont limit your sights to thrift shops.
From your pediatricians office to local
police and fire departments, there are plenty
of other groups that could benefit from
your childs unwanted toys. Contact local
churches, libraries, grade schools, day care
centers, childrens hospitals and foster care
programs or post an ad on the website
of The Freecycle Network (www.freecycle.
org), a green grass-roots collective that acts
as a digital curbside. Members list items
they wish to part with, but with one catch:
It must be free, and it must be local.
A few more giving options:
Loving Hugs accepts donations of new
and gently used stuffed animals to send to
children in war zones, orphanages, refugee
camps and hospitals around the world.
The nonprofit also sends stuffed animals
to areas affected by natural disasters such
as the 2009 flood in Manila, Philippines,
and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Visit
www.lovinghugs.org for a list of accepted
stuffed animals and shipping instructions.
Stuffed Animals for Emergencies
chapter members collect new and gently
used stuffed animals, toys, books and
blankets to be redistributed to emergency
organizations, childrens services, hospi-
tals, homeless shelters and other places
that help children during times of crisis.
For information on how to donate and a
list of local chapters, visit www.stuffed-
animalsforemergencies.org.
Second Chance Toys rescues
unwanted plastic toys, which dont biode-
grade in landfills and distributes them to
children in need through local community
organizations. The nonprofit collects toys
twice a year during Earth Week in
April and during the holiday season. They
only accept plastic toys that are clean
and in working order. Visit www.second-
chancetoys.org for collection dates and
locations.
In the current economy, shelters are in
high demand and often strained to meet
the basic needs of their clientele, let alone
provide extras such as toys and stuffed
animals. During the holidays, your childs
hand-me-downs will find a welcome
home at a single-parent shelter, womens
shelter or temporary housing for at-risk
teens. To find a shelter in your area, visit
www.homelessshelterdirectory.org.
Dont overlook your local animal shel-
ter. Though not all childrens toys are
acceptable for dogs and cats, durable
stuffed animals and basic plastic toys
such as balls and Frisbees make great
playthings for pets. Visit www.petfinder.
com for a list of local rescue groups.
Before donating, be sure to inspect toys
thoroughly for signs of wear. Stuffed ani-
mals and other plush playthings should
be clean and in good repair. As a courtesy,
give them a quick run through the wash-
ing machine and dryer before sending
them on to their new home. Those with
lingering odors, stains, holes or loose
stitching should not be donated.
Plastic toys should be clean with no
broken or loose parts that could pose
a choking hazard. Be sure the batteries
work in electronic toys, as organizations
that accept donations may not have the
funds for replacements.
Creators.com
Before you hit the stores to stock up on the seasons must-have toys, clear out the kids room clutter and donate those gently
used playthings to groups that make a difference.
Thrift store
donations can
count big
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Party management: Its all about guests
By BETH J. HARPAZ
The Associated Press
NEW YORK It would be so easy to
give holiday parties if it werent for the
guests.
Guests who fail to RSVP, then show up
with friends. Guests who arrive late and
stay past your bedtime. Guests who clean
out your shrimp cocktail but wont touch
your pasta salad. Guests who knock over
drinks and nearly set their sleeves on fire
reaching over your candles.
And the worst guest of all: the one whos
busy the night of your holiday party and
cant make it.
But you can outsmart them all and host
a party as carefree for you as it is fun
for them. Here are some tips for Party
Management 101, from the invite to the
Goodnight!
Timing
Send the invitation for a holiday party
too early and people forget. Wait too long
and everyones booked.
Kaity Eagle, a marketing specialist with
InvitationConsultants.com, recommends
sending invitations no later than one
month before the party. November and
December are busy months.
Sunday evenings are a good alternative
to busy Friday and Saturday nights. Yes,
everyone has to go to work or school the
next day, but if you schedule your party
for late Sunday afternoon or early evening,
you could end up with a crowd. Friends
might welcome a way to relax after a busy
weekend of shopping and chores, espe-
cially if you offer a dinner buffet and save
them the trouble of preparing a meal.
Invites and RSVPs
Paper, electronic or phone invitations?
So many options, and yet so few result in
RSVPs.
The paper invite makes an impression,
but its more work for you. It also may sug-
gest an unintended formality or level of
fuss for your party.
On the other end of the spectrum is
the phone or text invite. That may be a
little too casual and easy to lose track of,
especially if youre sending them several
weeks out.
Electronic invitations Evite, email,
Paperless Post, Facebook and other sites
have become the default for many
people, and may yield the most responses
in our no-RSVP culture simply because
responding requires just one click.
But there are always a few who never
RSVP. Some have no intention of coming;
others may show up unannounced with
uninvited friends. And a few will pledge
their attendance, then never show, or can-
cel last-minute. Hows a hostess to cope?
Jennifer Gullins of the Boston-based
Saphire Event Group suggests pinning
down commitments from a few BFFs. Its
OK to take a pulse on your core group of
invitees well in advance. ... This will ensure
that you already know a good handful will
be attending even before sending out the
official invite.
Should you make follow-up calls to those
who dont respond? Debi Lilly, entertaining
expert for the supermarket chain Safeway,
says a gracious call or email to sincerely
say, I wanted to make sure you got my
invitation, is always appropriate.
Another way to go is to send out a single
email reminder a week before the event
to everyone you havent heard from. If
that too is ignored, theyre probably not
coming.
Ive had luck over the years getting
RSVPs to my annual Hanukkah party by
including a special plea on the grounds
that I want to have enough homemade
latkes for everyone. Threatening that a
tantalizing treat might disappear if you
dont have a reliable head count might be
enough to shake the RSVPs out.
Patricia Mendez, who offers tips at ezen-
tertaining.net and wrote a book called
Easy Entertaining for Beginners, says
its prudent to assume that a few surprise
guests will show up. If you have 12 that
RSVP, then plan for a few more just in case
16, she said.
She also suggests inviting a third more
people than your space fits: If your space
will fit 12 to 16 people, send invitations to
20 to 24.
Food and decor
Food thats good at room temperature
is easiest on the host, though it limits the
menu.
See what prepared foods your supermar-
ket is offering before you splurge at spe-
cialty stores; you might be surprised by the
selection and quality of cold party platters
and easy-to-bake frozen hors doeuvres.
Safeways Lilly says its easy to dress up
frozen puffs with fresh herbs, fruit slivers,
a drizzle of balsamic cream or shaved par-
mesan. The trick, she said, is to elevate
them.
And remember that variety is a virtue. I
used to offer pasta salad as a side dish for
potato pancakes until someone pointed
out that it was just too many carbs. Fruit
platters with berries, toothpicked pine-
apple chunks and melon balls, on the other
hand, proved much more popular, as did
chicken wings.
Many people have dietary issues these
days, so consider offering something for
the vegetarian and for the low-salt, low-fat
crowd, along with holiday treats that may
be high-calorie or high-sugar.
Lilly also advocates a self-serve drink
area with a couple of fun choices in labeled
pitchers so youre not stuck making cock-
tails all night. Keep a few dishtowels or
rolls of paper towels in easy reach for the
inevitable spills.
Lillys suggestions for easy, inexpensive
decor include covering the table with wrap-
ping paper instead of a tablecloth. Or deco-
rate the table in classic holiday colors by
layering evergreen boughs across the edge
and scattering red rose petals over the rest.
She also fills large glass vases with layers
of dried beans and nuts for a chic, organic
look, then plops a candle inside. Both the
vases and the candles are available at Safe-
way stores through the debi lilly design
collection.
Arrivals and departures
Some folks will come early; some will
stay late. Minimize stress by having every-
thing ready a half-hour before your start
time, and deputize someone else to answer
the door and take coats.
Set the tone by listing a clear start and
end time on the invitation. Open house is
nice and informal, but it also means some
folks will drop by just when you were
hoping everyone would leave. If youre
planning on serving real food and not just
chips and cookies, a window of a couple
of hours also makes it easy to keep food
fresh.
Exact times also are helpful for guests
that might be double booked that day and
may want to try to make both parties, said
Gullins, of the Saphire Event Group.
To manage lingerers, Gullins recom-
mends planting someone among the
guests to help. This friend could make
casual comments to the crowd such as,
Wow, I cant believe how late it is already,
or I really should get going soon, I know
you have an early day at work tomorrow
or Let me help you get this place cleaned
up a bit. These type of comments make
others take notice and follow suit without
you looking like a lame party host.
Eagle, of InvitationConsultants.com,
suggests preparing take-home favors.
Passing out these favors perhaps small
bags of cookies or candy at the end of
the night is a subtle and sweet way to say
goodnight, she said.
G I F T G U I D E
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Thoughtful holiday gifts for every name on your list.
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Reservations highly recommended.
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Monday & Wednesday
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G I F T G U I D E
Holiday home decor emphasizes nature
By KIM COOK
For The Associated Press
Theres nothing quite like a winter walk
through snowy woods. This holiday season,
trend watchers are encouraging us to bring
some of those evocative, forest-y elements
home to decorate our outdoor and indoor
spaces.
Its a look thats soothing and seasonal,
and easy to attain without spending tons
of money.
Simple and natural are where its at this
year; spike if you wish with a bit of bling
or a festive bow. You can buy or scrounge
your greenery locally, and add a few found
or inexpensive elements.
Even a traditional cedar, pine or boxwood
wreath can be given a contemporary tweak
if you dispense with the usual embellish-
ments. Theres some-
thing elegant about a
spare, unadorned circle
of green. Add a few
small apples, oranges,
pomegranates or pep-
perberries for a natural
color touch. Wrap or
bow-tie the wreath with
burlap for a rustic vibe,
or use velvet ribbon in
an unexpected hue like
persimmon, purple or
mustard.
Wreaths made com-
pletely out of cushion
moss look striking, as
do those made of bay,
sage or magnolia leaves.
Freeze-dried fruit or
flowers can look beautiful for years; just
keep wreaths made of these delicate mate-
rials out of direct weather.
Richard Waite, author of the new Dec-
orating with Evergreens (Gibbs-Smith,
2011), twins wreaths on double doors, or
stacks them on single doors. He also fits a
smaller, store-bought wreath inside a larger
evergreen one.
Glam up the greenery with metallic rib-
bon copper and pewter are on trend.
Add some flair for free by entwining an old
necklace through the boughs, or affixing an
old brooch.
Wreaths dont have to be round. Find
square and star forms at nurseries and
craft stores, or use old picture frames. Take
apart a supermarket bundle of evergreens,
and get creative with jute, hemp, wire or a
glue gun.
Collect lichen-covered twigs, lashing
them together in a geometric shape. Dress
with dried hydrangea or roses, tiny pine-
cones or white lights.
Coastal Living magazine suggests tying
shells and starfish to wreaths and garlands
great for seaside holiday homes. The
design team at Country Living magazine
fills a flat-sided fishermans basket with
greens and berries to hang on the door.
And Executive Editor Shelley Ridenour
says that while white pine and fir are tra-
ditional, we love the chic, free-spirited
look of boxwood. Eucalyptus leaves look
fantastic with blue spruce when twisted
into a garland or wreath. The key is to keep
it simple, so the beauty of the greenery isnt
overwhelmed.
Sunset magazines website offers instruc-
tions for creating a fragrant snowflake
using fir boughs and floral wire.
Swags are easy; ramp up the glamour by
tying a handful of boughs together with
wire and adding creamy ribbon, clusters of
glitter-dusted cones or stars.
And garlands add a
pretty frame to doors
and a lush, finished look
to porch rails and fences.
Fragrant cedar and long
needled pine are attrac-
tively shaggy; boxwood
and short-needled ever-
greens work well for a
formal front entrance.
Mini lights look great
in either, as do simple
silver, ruby or sapphire
ornaments; keep the
frippery like ribbons and
bows to a minimum for
a clean, contemporary
look.
If youre lucky enough
to have a big front stoop,
fill urns with fir boughs, eucalyptus, ilex
berries and branches birch, dogwood
and even salvaged twigs from around your
neighborhood give height and texture to a
pot. Add some spray-painted white ones for
contrast.
Apartment dwellers might consider a slim
florists bucket, weighted with a heavy rock
and filled with good-smelling cedar. Or
splurge on a faux-boxwood topiary, which
will last for years, and add a lush bow.
Dont forget the backyard. Place a wreath
or garland on patio fences and enclo-
sures, and fill empty planters with greens,
unbreakable ornaments, a tangle of lights
or all three.
Continue the nature vibe indoors by keep-
ing the palette muted white, cream,
mocha and go for texture to create
interest.
Make a trail of ivy along the center of a
table, mixing in hurricane lights and glass
votive holders, suggests Ridenour. Fill ter-
rariums or glass cloches with evergreens or
beautiful winter objects, like pinecones or
acorns, and display them on a dining table,
mantel or bookcase. Hanging a wreath atop
a mirror gives it the refined look of framed
art, she says.
West Elm has a wreath studded with
white felt balls that look like snowballs. Its
available in green or red, too, but the white
makes an especially striking statement.
The retailer also offers an ethereal feather
wreath in white or a gentle dove brown.
Pair with copper mercury glass or bisque
candle holders, some polished pebbles or a
twist of shell pink ribbon and youve got an
elegant holiday mantelpiece.
Whether youre going with a bundle of
bare branches in a pretty pot or a full-size
evergreen as your holiday tree, think about
decorating it with simple snowflakes made
of different materials, such as laser-cut
wood or felt. Choose winsome bottle-brush
natural fiber ornaments, in animal shapes
like foxes, bears, owls and raccoons. A tree
full of little birds, perhaps, or a garland of
paper snowballs and white jingle bells can
be charming.
A home thats warmly dressed with out-
door elements says Happy Holidays all
season long.
Associated Press
West Elms nature-inspired ornaments include animals, snowflakes and pine cones.
Winsome bottle-brush natural fiber ornaments, in animal shapes like foxes, bears,
owls and raccoons can be charming decor for your tree this holiday season.
West Elms ethereal feather wreath
comes in white or a gentle dove
brown.
G I F T G U I D E G I F T G U I D E
The Lima News Sunday, November 20, 2011 G13 G12

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G I F T G U I D E
G14

How to clean quickly for company
By BETH J. HARPAZ
NEW YORK A thorough housecleaning
can take all day maybe all weekend. And
as satisfying as that can be, sometimes you
just dont have the time or the motivation.
But with the holidays just around the
corner, we all want our homes to look good
for parties, drop-in visitors and relatives.
We want our guests to have that Wow, this
place looks nice! feeling that comes with
entering a house where the beds are made,
sofa pillows are plumped, clutter is gone,
and sinks and stovetop are shiny.
Fortunately, most visitors dont check
the broiler for grime or under the radiators
for dust. But what should the game plan be
when you want to make your home look
presentable without going for a deep clean?
Heres some advice on cleaning high-pro-
file spaces in a hurry for maximum visual
and psychological impact.
Prioritize
Concentrate on the public areas: the
living/family room, dining room and bath-
rooms. Prioritize what has to be done
replenishing toilet paper in the bathroom
versus what would be nice to do dusting
the picture frames, said Deanne Marie, cre-
ator of Smart Solutions for Busy People
books and blog. Marie suggests taking a
timer with you from room to room (use the
one on your cell phone if you dont have a
kitchen timer) and setting it for 15 minutes
in each room as a way of forcing yourself to
focus on the necessities.
Even if youve only got one hour, youll be
amazed at how much you can get done in
four rooms using that technique.
Hide clutter
Marie calls it the Hail Mary pass of
housecleaning: Cover up the mess when
you cant get rid of it!
The Maids, a national cleaning franchise,
advises simply piling your miscellaneous
countertop clutter in a laundry basket and
sticking it in the closet. No time to do the
dishes before company arrives? The Maids
solution is to stack them on a cookie sheet
for temporary storage in the oven (cold, of
course).
Another tip: Shut the doors to rooms and
closets your guests need not see.
Look around
Cheryl Najafi of CherylStyle.com, a home
entertaining expert, recommends trying to
see your house the way your guests will,
to make sure you havent overlooked any-
thing.
Take the sit test, Najafi says: If youre
hosting a party in the formal living room,
make sure you sit down and survey the
room. Youll see things from a different
vantage point. Like those dust bunnies in
the corner!
She also advises taking a look as you
walk in the door. What will your guests see
as they stand there waiting for the door to
open? Broken umbrella? Garden clogs? Spi-
der webs? Junk mail? Deal with it.
Think about the big picture. What large
pieces of furniture will people notice as
they enter a room? Plumping sofa pillows
and making beds will have a bigger impact
on your homes appearance than wiping
down the refrigerator shelves.
Bathroom
If theres one room where bad house-
keeping can really gross your guests out,
its the bathroom. Fortunately, the must-dos
are relatively easy to accomplish, and may
even be best left to last-minute so nobody in
your family can make a mess before guests
arrive.
Giving the toilet bowl a scrub with a
brush, as unpleasant as it is, must be tops
on your list. Youre also going to have to
wipe down the seat and rim. (Disposable
Clorox wipes are great for this purpose.)
And while you can always shut the shower
door or curtains to hide tub scum, there
really is something nice about a gleaming
sink and countertop. Fortunately tooth-
paste and soap residue are easily sponged
away.
As with other rooms, clearing bathroom
clutter goes a long way to making the place
look like something out of a hotel room
instead of something out of a bus station.
Other quick fixes with a big payoff: Wipe
mirrors with a spray glass cleaner, break
out a new bottle of liquid soap, stockpile
the extra toilet paper in an obvious place
and empty the trash. Clear away icky tow-
els (maybe even put away the throw rug)
and put out clean hand towels. Or if youre
a germaphobe who wont feel guilty about
adding to the landfill, invest in a stack of
disposable paper guest towels and put the
garbage can nearby so its obvious where to
throw them.
Outerwear
Give a thought to where your guests will
unload coats, boots, umbrellas and bags. Is
your hallway closet big enough? Can you
set up a foldable coat rack or do you have
a set of hooks on the wall? Most people
dont mind leaving jackets on a bed; just
make sure the bed is made and the room
is easy to find for folks who may not be
familiar with your home.
Floors
Is there anything worse than having a
dust bunny accompany your guest down
the hall? Vacuuming is such a drag but
it makes such a difference. Remember,
though, you dont have to do every room
and corner just the areas your guests
will see.
But what about that pesky kitchen floor?
Personally, I dont feel like my house is
ready for company unless Ive at least tried
to get the kitchen floor clean, even though
Ive yet to get it to pass the Swiffer test. The
Swiffer, in my experience, never lies, and
no matter how much floor-scrubbing I do,
whether with rags on hands and knees, or
with a brand-new mop, a final wipe with
the Swiffer always seems to come up dirty.
There is another way to think about your
floors, however, when preparing for the
arrival of guests.
No matter how bad your floors look
before a party, they will look worse after-
ward, so dont sweat it, advised Marie.
Youll have to vacuum or spot clean and
mop after the guests leave, so why stress
yourself out?
Associated Press photos
Beth Rogers wipes the kitchen sink at her home in Fayetteville, Ark. If you are
expecting house guests and you are short on time, experts suggest focusing your
cleaning on the public areas of your home.
A Swiffer WetJet mop comes in handy for
a last wipe before guests arrive.
G I F T G U I D E
We provide a comfortable place to do business
CLARK FORD
Serving the Community
Since 1955
613 N. Dixie Hwy.
Wapakoneta
(419)738-2195
www.clarkfordsalesinc.com
Call, Click or Stop in
Fine selection of
New & Pre-owned Cars, Trucks & SUVs
If you are going to spend all
day shopping for everyone
else, why not stop in and
pamper yourself
Home & Garden Decor Hand Painted Furniture Wicker
Wrought Iron Tea Pots & Cups Longaberger Fiesta Ware
American Girl Dolls Purses Jewelry Charms & more!
Mon-Fri: 10-6; Sat: 10-5; Sun: 1-5
109 W. Auglaize, Wapakoneta 419.738.2298
www.wapakshops.com www.casachicwapak.com
Stop in for Coffee & Donuts after
your morning shopping
Big Sale on Select Items
A Holiday Happening
at
GILD THE LILY
Downtown Wapakoneta
10% to 20% off Storewide
Nov. 25-26-27
Come browse our festive shop for Gifts
for the home, Gifts for her and him,
Gifts for under your tree. Enjoy yuletide
refreshments. Come, relax and shop
Daily, Tuesday thru Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 1-5, 419-738-2220
Holiday Decor!
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Place your orders for
Thanksgiving centerpieces!
FLORAL AND
GARDEN CENTER, INC.
902 S. Blackhoof St.
Wapakoneta, Ohio
419-738-2424
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
www.villagegreengardencenter.net
THE BOOKMARK
10 South Blackhoof
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
419-738-4494
bkmark@bright.net
Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5:30, Sat. 10-2
Stop by for Coffee & Donuts
after the mall
Carnes Cards & Gaming
9 Willipie St., Wapakoneta, OH
Gaming & Collectibles
Magic: The Gathering
Come join us on Friday
nights for (FNM)
419-738-1156
Hours: Tues-Thurs 11am - 8pm
Fri 1pm - 1am
Sat Noon - 1am
Sun Noon - 8pm
Dont take your Holiday CASH out of
your Checking or Savings account!!
Take it out of your Jewelry Box!!!
AWA Gold and Coin Paying Top Dollar
G I F T G U I D E
G16

Holiday lights
exempt from law
By HOLLY RAMER
Love to deck the halls with old-fashioned
incandescent lights? Dont worry: Holiday
lights are exempt from the new energy-
saving standards for light bulbs that will
take effect next year.
From outdoor icicle lights hanging from
eaves to strands of twinkle lights wrapped
around a Christmas tree, lights used for
holiday decorating are considered spe-
cialty bulbs and arent affected by the
standards being phased in starting in Janu-
ary. That was welcome news to holiday
light fanatic Chuck Taylor, who said the
standards created a stir in the online forum
he runs at Planetchristmas.com. This was
a very popular subject last year, said Tay-
lor, a holiday light consultant in Franklin,
Tenn.
Many Christmas lights already are more
energy-efficient than the old-fashioned
incandescents.
To be honest, the little niche of the
Christmas light industry already has been
fast moving toward LEDs, said Garth Sven-
son, president of the Christmas Dove in
Barrington, N.H. The store is the largest of
its kind in New England, with more than
30 rooms full of Christmas decorations and
lights.
Some fans of traditional lights complain
that the more energy-efficient LED lights
dont produce the same colorful halo effect
as older bulbs. Strands of LEDs also are
more expensive than incandescents, though
the LEDs are much cheaper to run and are
often more durable.
The new efficiency standards apply to
the familiar household screw-in bulbs, and
while they dont specifically ban traditional
incandescents, they require bulbs to have a
higher level of efficiency than the classics
can produce. Joseph Higbee, a spokesman
for the National Electrical Manufacturers
Association, said there are new halogen
incandescent bulbs that meet the standards,
and consumers have a choice among those,
compact fluorescent and the light-emitting
diode, or LED, bulbs, he said.
LED holiday lights have been around
for years, and sales have increased as new
varieties including some that attempt to
mimic the warmer glow of incandescent
lights hit store shelves. The Home Depot,
which started selling LED lights in 2006,
sold enough strands last year to circle the
globe 1.5 times. Through Nov. 13, custom-
ers can bring in old working or non-work-
ing light strands to be recycled and can get
a coupon for up to $5 off the purchase of
LED string lights.
In Claremont, N.H., Brian Mitchell was
busy last week setting up the 45,000-light
display he puts up in his yard every year. He
spent about $1,200 on LED lights this year,
not because he was worried the old lights
would disappear from store shelves but
because he wants to keep up with the latest
in lighting technology.
Mitchell, whose obsession started with
decorating every room in his house with
paper chains when he was a kid, set up his
first outdoor display about 20 years ago
with one plastic Santa and a single string
of lights. Today, his small yard is covered
with snowmen, toy soldiers, a miniature
carousel and other scenery, all adorned
with lights programmed to flash and blink
in synch to holiday music. It takes him
about 10 hours to program each minute of
the 7-minute show he runs every 15 minutes
nightly from Nov. 25 until Christmas.
Seeing how much the people enjoy it
drives me to get it done every year, said
Mitchell, a grocer who donates the money
he collects from his holiday light show to a
childrens hospital.
Brian Mitch-
ell sets up a
45,000-light
display in his
yard every year.
This year, he
spent about
$1,200 on LED
lights because
he likes to have
the latest light-
ing technology.
Associated Press photos
Some of Brian Mitchells 49,000 holiday display lights are displayed Nov. 2 at his home in Claremont, N.H. Mitchell is one of
many consumers who set up extraordinary holiday displays with specialty bulbs which are exempt from the new energy-saving
standards for light bulbs that start taking effect in 2012.
Efficiency rule
doesnt apply
to decorations
G I F T G U I D E
By ALISON LADMAN
Small Bundt cakes are an easy and elegant gift to give. You can make them in a
traditional metal pan, but also consider purchasing paper baking pans, which are
designed to be both the baking pan and a decorative wrapper.
To use the paper pans, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake as normal.
When completely cooled, wrap the item in plastic wrap or a clear bag tied with a
bow.
Weve offered a recipe for a cherry spice cake, but this technique will work for
any recipe thats designed for a Bundt pan. Quick breads are another easy offering
for paper baking pans, as they come in small loaf pans, as well as the ring-style pan.
Cherry spice cake
Start to finish: 45 minutes
Makes four 8-by-2-inch ring cakes
For the streusel:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cake:
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon dry ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup frozen cherries, thawed and drained
Heat the oven to 350. Coat four 8-by-2-inch ring cake pans (or two 8-inch Bundt
pans) with baking spray. Arrange the pans on a baking sheet for stability and ease
of moving to and from the oven.
To prepare the streusel, in a small bowl mix together the flour, brown sugar,
granulated sugar, salt and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter, allowing clumps to
form. If using metal Bundt pans, distribute the streusel mixture between the pans.
If using paper baking pans, set the streusel aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the oil, eggs, sugar, honey, molas-
ses, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, cardamom and vanilla.
Mix in half of the buttermilk, then half of the flour. Scrape down the sides of the
bowl, and repeat with the remaining buttermilk and flour.
Stir in the dried and thawed cherries. Divide the mixture between the prepared
pans. If using the paper baking pans, sprinkle the reserved streusel on top of the
batter.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. If using a metal pan, turn
out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Will keep for 1 week.
Nutrition information per serving (based on 24 servings from 4 cakes, 6 servings
per cake) (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 300 calories; 130
calories from fat (42 percent of total calories); 14 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans
fats); 40 mg cholesterol; 41 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 150 mg sodium.
Paper pans make Bundt cakes shine
Instead baking in metal, give
treats in decorative wrappers
Associated Press
Small Bundt cakes, like this cherry spice cake, are an easy and elegant gift to give. You
can make them in a traditional metal pan, but also consider purchasing paper baking pans,
which are designed to be both the baking pan and a decorative wrapper.
G I F T G U I D E
G18

222 N. Canal St. Delphos
419-692-0961
R
EADMORES
Dietch Brothers Candies
Huge selection
of OSU merchandise
Stephanie Dawn purses
Webkinz
amercan style american made
Shop Early For
The Best Selection
Dietsch Brothers Candies
Huge selection
of OSU merchandise
Tervis Tumblers
DaVinci Bead Bracelets
Stephanie Dawn purses
american style * american made
BEULAH SNIDER
(419) 339-1877
See Clares one-of-a-kind
wooden bowls.
FRUIT
CAKE
Order Early
1 lb. 12 oz.
$
13
00
TOMOS MOPED
LYLES MOPED
SALES
1133 N. Main Delphos
419-692-0249
Check Our Prices
PARTS &
SERVICE
FOR MOST
MAKES
TOMOS MOPED
LYLES MOPED
SALES
1133 N. Main Delphos
419-692-0249
Check Our Prices
PARTS &
SERVICE
FOR MOST
MAKES
Large Selection
of Helmets
$
29
99
and up
Layaway for
Christmas
GOLF
C
R
419-692-4653
331 N. Main St.
Delphos
Custom Made Clubs Club Repair
Accessories Practice Range
Gift Certifcates Available
Gift Items for the Golfer
OSU Michigan Notre Dame
GRILLS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!
We have them all!
Holland Grill
Guaranteed to never fare up!
Cooks - Seams - Smoked,
Lifetime cast ironburner & stainless steel
cooking grid
Weber Genesis
EP310LP Premium Gas Grill
3 Stainless steel burners
stainless steel rod for cooking grates
favor riser bars
$
748
$
699
99
Sarka
All stainless steel
25 year warranty
500 sq. in. cooking area
Cast iron burner
$300 CHEAPER THAN OTHER GRILLS
FOR THIS QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL
Delphos Hardware
242 N. Main St., PH. 419-692-0921
Mon.-Fri. 8-7:30 Sat. 8-5
G I F T G U I D E
Gift Cards for Stocking Stuffers
Now Offering Massage & Supplements
YOUR ROUND THE CLOCK WORKOUT PARTNER FOR LIFE
419-695-7325 (PEAK)
ACROSS FROM STADIUM
PARK, DELPHOS
W
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HOSE HOLID
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Lincoln Ridge
est. 1986
Christmas in the Country
Open Tues.- Sat. 10-5:30
Lincoln Candles
Wonderful holiday fragrances. Hand poured
soy-blended with natural fragrance oils
Great prices, great gifts - We ship!
Handmade Potpourri Unique Gifts
Candle Accessories Ironware
Grapevine Trees and Wreaths
No time to stop? - Shop our website
www.lincolncandleco.com
Discounts for corporate gifts
Phone: 419-749-4224
7 miles west of Van Wert, just off Rt. 30 (Watch for signs)
We will close for the winter on Dec. 22 - We wish you a Merry Christmas!
Black Swamp
Antique Mall
Youll fnd Treasures around Every Corner
We Appraise/Buy/Sell
a Huge Variety of Antiques
We are Allen Countys Only Year Round Mall
Vendor Applications Always Welcome
Thousands of Unique Items for Your
Gift-giving or Collecting Pleasure
OUR HOURS:
MON.-SAT. 9-6 SUN. NOON-4 P.M.
238 N. Main St. 877-260-0348
Delphos, OH 45833
Enjoy The Warmth
Of Alternative
Heating
STOVES INSERTS FIREPLACES
FURNACES BOILERS
Corn - Pellet - Gas - Coal - Wood
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Products, LLC
9296 Van Wert-Willshire Rd.,
Van Wert, OH
800-546-3319 419-238-4580
www.ruralenergyproducts.com
Financing Available
6 months same as cash
G I F T G U I D E
G20

Historical art inspires ornaments
By KATHY VAN MULLEKOM
Daily Press (Newport News, Va.)
Colonial Williamsburg employees Jan Gil-
liam and Christina Westenberger spent 2010
experimenting with handmade Christmas
tree ornaments.
They crafted felt snowmen, aluminum
and copper star garlands and scheren-
schnitte birds. Recycled materials were
used to fashion many ornaments, like metal
hearts out of juice can lids, snowflakes out
of pages from old books, stars out of used
greeting cards and fabric hearts out of old
denim jeans. Along the way, they trashed
decorations that just didnt work out, like
animals from Noahs Ark and a stitched
turnip because they looked bad or were too
complicated.
Their successes are showcased in the
new Colonial Williamsburg book, The
Art-Full Tree: Ornaments to Make Inspired
by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art
Museum with 143 pages of illustrations,
templates and projects to make decora-
tions for your own tree. Artwork from
the museum that inspired the ornaments
is also pictured in the book. Each project
offers alternate ideas so you can add your
own touches to the ornaments, whether
its a change of color to suit a holiday
theme or a way to use the ornament for
something different, like butterfly orna-
ments as embellishments on wrapped
packages.
I love just about all the ornaments in
the book, so its hard to say exactly which
ones are my absolute favorites, says West-
enberger, assistant manager of museum
education at the Art Museums of Colonial
Williamsburg in southeastern Virginia.
I love the painting, Mrs. Keylors Cat
(1885 oil on canvas in the folk art museum).
My kitty Patty looked just like the cat in
the painting (shown on Page 82 in the
book) and so making an ornament using
the cat was a necessity almost. The cat is
embroidered and sweet. My little kitty was
17, and died during publication of the book,
so it makes the ornament that much more
special to me.
My goal is to enlarge the pattern to make
pillows.
I also love the felt birds inspired by the
picture by Eddie Arning (1969 oil pastel
and pencil on paper in the folk art museum,
shown on Page 12 in the book). His birds
were the perfect template.
While Christina created and developed
most of the ornaments, Gilliam, pulled
together information on the artwork that
inspires each one. The leopard needlepoint
ornament is one of her favorites.
The toy leopard from which it derives is
one of my favorite toys in the collection,
says Gilliam, manager of exhibit planning
and associate curator of toys at the art
museums.
The book also allowed me to collaborate
with my mother, an expert needle pointer.
I designed the project, and she stitched the
piece.
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller started collect-
ing folk art in the 1920s, and loaned her col-
lection to Colonial Williamsburg to display
originally at the Ludwell-Paradise House
in the historic area. In 1938, she gave her
collection to the foundation; in 1957, nine
years after she died, John D. Rockefeller
Jr. donated the money to build a museum
in his wifes memory. Her folk art forms
the core of the museums collection, which
now numbers more than 4,000 pieces, or
more than 10 times its original size, accord-
ing to a press release.
Its important to remember by definition
folk artists usually had little or no training
in fine arts practices and techniques, so
their work tends to feature very personal
use of line, color, form and decoration,
says Gilliam.
With that in mind, there is no perfect way
for a folk art piece to look.
Folk art-inspired ornaments, too, never
need to be perfect in form and appearance.
The simplicity of their handcrafted look is
part of the charm that can be enjoyed for
generations to come, say the books co-
authors.
Here are three ornaments from the book
you may want to make for your tree this
year.
Recycled-metal heart
What you need
Heart template (download at roomand-
yard.com/diggin)
Cardboard, such as a cereal box
Cutting mat, an extra layer of cardboard
works
Metal juice can lid for each heart orna-
ment
Pencil
Awl
1/8 inch ribbon, 15 inches long, for each
heart
Instructions
To prepare work surface, lay a piece of
cardboard down on top of cutting mat.
Using the template as a guide, sketch the
heart design onto the can lid with a pencil.
Use the awl to carefully punch the design
into the lid; dont push too hard and end up
going through your mat.
Add a hole at the top with the awl for the
ribbon. Fold the ribbon in half and insert the
folded end through the hole from the front
just far enough to make a loop. Thread the
two ends through the loop and pull tight so
the ribbon is held tight to the lid. Tie off the
ends of the ribbon at the desired length for
hanging.
Ideas: Come up with other patterns to
punch: star, candy cane or tree. Attach
punched lids to the outside of a clear glass
cylinder with a candle inside so the light
shines through the pierced design.
Recycled card star
What you need
Star and circle templates (download at
roomandyard.com/digging)
Pencil
Scissors
Used greeting cards
Foam tray or plate
1 inch hole punch, optional
Aluminum pie pan
Button
Needle
Coordinating floss
White quilting thread
School glue, optional
Mounting tape, optional
Instructions
Using the star template, cut out three
stars from the greeting cards. Think about
color combinations when placing the tem-
plate. Using the circle template, cut out
three foam circles from the foam tray. Alter-
nately, you can use a 1-inch hole punch to
cut the circles; the punch is especially handy
if you are planning to make several stars.
Using the circle template, cut out a circle
from the aluminum pie pan.
To create the star: Layer star, foam circle,
star, foam circle, star, foam circle, foil circle
and button. Stagger the arms of the stars.
Stitch together using the needle and floss
through the holes of the button.
To create a hanger: Insert a needle with
quilting thread into the tip of one arm, and
tie off at the desired length for hanging.
Note: You may wish to use a dab of glue
between each layer to hold the layers in
place while you stitch. To ditch the sew-
ing altogether, glue or use mounting tape
throughout.
Ideas: The stars look good when there are
several together. Invite friends to an after-
noon of cutting and creating; be sure every-
one brings old greeting cards. The stars can
also adorn packages.
Aluminum and copper star garland
What you need
Star template (download at roomandyard.
com/diggin)
Clear tape
36-guage aluminum and copper tooling foil
Piece of felt
Stylus, such as an old ballpoint pen or
sharpened dowel
Embroidery scissors
1/8-inch hole punch
Pliers or bent needle-nose pliers
Jump rings in silver and gold tones, 9mm
-inch ribbon, 24 inches long, for each
star
Instructions
Tape star template to either the aluminum
or copper tooling foil and place on felt. The
felt protects your work surface and allows
the stylus to create a deep impression into
the foil.
Trace the star template, including all the
decorative details, with the stylus, using
even pressure. Remove the template. If nec-
essary, go over the image more firmly with
the stylus. Repeat the process to create six
aluminum and six copper stars.
Cut out the foil stars, leaving a 1/8-inch
margin on the outside of the drawn lines.
Using the 1/8-inch hole punch, punch a
hole in one point of the star and another
hole in one of the points across from it.
Using the pliers, attach a silver jump ring to
each hole in each aluminum star and a gold
jump ring to each hole in each copper star.
Attach the gold and silver jump rings to each
other to string the garland.
To create hangers, cut two 12-inch pieces
of ribbon and attach one to each end of your
garland of stars through the jump rings.
About the book
The Art-Full Tree: Ornaments to Make
Inspired by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller
Folk Art Museum features 143 pages of
ideas with materials lists, instructions, pat-
terns, stitch guides and photographs.
Designs are
easily punched
into juice can
lids to make
recycled-metal
heart
ornaments.
MCT
G I F T G U I D E
Tues.-Thurs.
8:30-5, Fri. 8:30-
6, Sat. 9-2
DELPHOS
TRADING
POST
OUTDOOR FLEA MARKET & EMPORIUM
528 N.Washington St.
Delphos
Right on the corner of 5th St. and N. Washington St.
next to Bellmans Party Shop
and across the street from the Pizza Hut.
419-692-0044
WERE NOT AN ANTIQUE STORE! WE BUY - SELL & TRADE.
WERE AN ANYTHINGYOU NEEDSTORE!
STOP BY & SEE WHAT WE HAVE. STOCK CHANGES DAILY.

NEW
NEW
MERCHANDISE
DAILY
MORE VALUE
FOR YOUR
BUYING $$
STOP BY
AND
SEE US
STOCK CHANGES DAY TO DAY!
IF YOU WANT IT AND WE DONT HAVE
IT, WELL TRY TO FIND IT FOR YOU.
JUST LIKE
AN
OLD FASHIONED
TRADING
POST
We BUY,
SELL, and
TRADE
goods of all
types.
OUTDOOR FLEA MARKET & EMPORIUM
528 N.Washington St.
Delphos
next to Bellmans Party Shop
and across the street from the Pizza Hut.
419-692-0044
WERE NOT AN ANTIQUE STORE! WE BUY - SELL & TRADE.
WERE AN ANYTHINGYOU NEEDSTORE!
STOP BY & SEE WHAT WE HAVE. STOCK CHANGES DAILY.

NEW
NEW
MERCHANDISE
DAILY
MORE VALUE
FOR YOUR
BUYING $$
STOP BY
AND
SEE US
IF YOU WANT IT AND WE DONT HAVE
IT, WELL TRY TO FIND IT FOR YOU.
JUST LIKE
AN
OLD FASHIONED
TRADING
POST
We BUY,
SELL, and
TRADE
goods of all
types.
Just look for the Sign
IF YOU WANT IT AND WE DONT HAVE IT,
WELL TRY TO FIND IT FOR YOU.
We Buy Gold & Silver
NEW
MERCHANDISE
DAILY
MORE VALUE
FOR YOUR
BUYING $$
STOP BY
AND
SEE US
LAYAWAY YOUR GIFTS NOW
FOR CHRISTMAS
528 N. Washington St.
Delphos
419-692-0044
By CHANDRA ORR
Creators.com
When you think of homemade Christ-
mas gifts, you might think of knit scarves
or brownie mixes in Ball jars, but do-it-
yourself gifts dont have to be dull. This
year, mix it up with clever crafty projects
that are sure to wow such as an indul-
gent goat milk bath tea or a one-of-a-kind
decoupage mirror that costs less than $5.
These projects dont require a Ph.D.
in crafting, a pile of fancy tools or a lot
of money. They can be completed in an
afternoon, and most rely on cleverly repur-
posed items you can find for a steal at
thrift shops, tag sales and discount retail-
ers like your local dollar store. You might
even have the supplies laying around your
house or hidden in storage.
Found Object Charms
Create personalized charms for neck-
laces and bracelets from found objects
and favorite mementos. With a little wire
and a few jewelry findings, you can trans-
form virtually any small, meaningful item
into a one-of-a-kind charm or pendant.
How about a miniature pencil pendant
for teacher? According to Lynn Colwell
and Corey Colwell-Lipson, authors of Cel-
ebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holi-
days, Celebrations and Traditions for the
Whole Family, its a simple project that
makes a big statement.
Cut off the end of a standard pencil so
you have a piece measuring 2 to 3 inches
from the eraser to the end. Re-sharpen
the rough end, and secure an inexpensive
clasp or bale to the eraser end with a bit of
wire, and you have a thoughtful gift with a
lot of style. Its so easy the kids can help.
Have them hunt for interesting objects
and take their turn at twisting the wire to
secure the jewelry hardware to those one-
of-a-kind charms.
A brief tutorial with more ideas
including rock pendants and bottle-cap
charms can be found at www.youtube.
com/celebrategreen.
Mod Podge Mirror
Transform a thrift shop mirror and mag-
azine cutouts into a personalized reflec-
tion of the recipient.
I create Its All About Me homemade
decoupage mirrors, says Ruthie Azarch,
owner of Collagaparty, offering themed
collage and decoupage craft parties. Its a
gift that costs less than $5 to make and
it promises to bring constant joy. They
cant feel more loved and doted on.
You will need a framed mirror small
wall mirrors with wide frames work best
an assortment of paper cutouts from
magazines or collage sheets, a paint brush
and a jar of Mod Podge, available at craft
supply stores.
Clean the mirror thoroughly, arrange the
cutouts, and start gluing. Working in small
sections, apply a layer of Mod Podge to
the frame with the paintbrush, and apply
the cutouts. Top with another layer of the
adhesive. Let the collage dry overnight.
Sign the back, and embellish with a bow
for a truly unique gift that speaks volumes
about the recipient.
Goat Milk Bath Tea
Nothing beats a relaxing bath at the end
of a long day, according to Anne-Marie
Faiola, CEO and founder of Bramble
Berry, a soap-making supply shop, and the
face behind the blog Soap Queen, which
features how-to craft tutorials.
Her simple, four-ingredient, four-step
recipe transforms powdered goat milk, sea
salt, cocoa butter and lavender into a deca-
dent treat to nourish and moisturize skin.
Packed in oversize tea bags, the fragrant
bath tea makes the perfect stocking-stuffer.
Shave the cocoa butter using a vegetable
peeler, and measure out the ingredients.
Mix together, and pack the potent potion
in large, heat-sealable tea bags, available
at craft supply stores.
Visit www.soapqueen.com for complete
instructions and other easy DIY bath-
related projects, such as melt-and-pour
soap and bath fizzies.
Gourmet Bouquet
Create your own candy-filled flower
arrangement that will really impress your
friends and family, says Carly Cylinder,
professional florist and owner of Flour, a
full-service floral boutique. This is great
to give to a hostess and looks like it took
much longer that it really did.
You will need two cylinder vases one
large and one small enough to fit inside the
other; two or three packages of holiday
candy like red and green jelly beans or
M&Ms mixed with starlight mints; and a
festive floral bouquet.
To make, simply insert the smaller vase
into the larger one, and fill the space
between the vases with candy. Arrange
the candy in layers by hue, or mix it up for
a colorful confetti look. Trim the bouquet
so that the flowers rest on the edge of
the vase with no stems showing. Fill the
smaller inner vase with water, and place
the bouquet inside.
Handmade gifts only
take an afternoon
Creators.com
Goat milk bath tea takes only four ingredients and four steps.
G I F T G U I D E
G22

Bellacinos
Kems Restaurant
Old Barn Out Back
Milano Caf
Packard Grille
Buffalo Wild Wings
Lock Sixteen
Includes Stocking & Candy Cane. To order call 419-223-1010; stop by The Lima News or send check or money order to
The Lima News, Marketing Dept. 3515 Elida Rd., Lima, OH 45807.
Looking for a Gift for that
hard to buy
for someone?
The Lima News
Dining Card!
Weve got your Solution!
7 great area restaurants!
(Each may be used up to 4 times!)
$300+
A
value
for only
$10.00!
Pets as gifts: Make a list, check twice
By CHELLE CORDERO
Creators.com
What could be more fun than a frisky
puppy or a new kitten under the tree for
Christmas? Of course, if you werent plan-
ning on adding a puppy or kitten to your
household, or any other unplanned pet, you
might just get a headache at the thought.
Every year, shelters receive hundreds of
unwanted present pets after the holidays.
The American Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals doesnt recommend
that you give a pet as a gift, especially not
as a surprise. Even when someone has
expressed a desire for a puppy, kitten or
other pet, it is a better idea to let the person
connect with the animal and pick the com-
panion. Many shelters offer gift certificates,
which are a terrific alternative and can be
given to someone when you know for a fact
that he or she does want a pet.
However, ask the following questions
before investing in a gift certificate:
1. Has your friend or loved one expressed
interest in adopting a companion animal?
2. Does this person, or any members of
the household, have allergies to pets?
3. Is this person aware of the responsi-
bility and care associated with being the
guardian of an animal? Is he or she aware
that both cats and dogs can live for more
than 20 years?
4. Would you feel comfortable if this per-
son gave you such a significant gift?
5. Is your friend ready to deal with the
late-night crazies and other high-energy
antics of a kitten or puppy? Would an older
cat or dog be more appropriate?
6. Will he or she be bothered by having
hair on everything from clothes to toast?
7. Is he or she aware that cats need to
scratch and dogs need to be housebroken?
The cat will need appropriate surfaces such
as scratching pads and posts. The dog will
require a plan for housebreaking.
8. Do you know whether your friends
landlord allows pets? Will everyone in the
household be happy to receive a new cat
or dog?
9. Are there other pets in the home? Will
the current pets welcome a new addition?
10. Does this person understand the
financial responsibilities of caring for a cat
or dog (cost of food, vet visits, medications,
toys, etc.)?
11. Are there children in the household?
How old are they? Consider that a ram-
bunctious, teething kitten or puppy may
not be a suitable pet for an infant or toddler.
12. Is the cat or dog a gift for a child?
Getting a pet is not the way to teach a
child responsibility, and the animal may be
harmed if the child fails to take care of the
new pet.
Bringing a new pet home can be expen-
sive, and you have to be sure the costs can
be afforded. According to the ASPCA, the
average first-year cost for a pet ranging
from a fish to a large dog is $235 to $1,841.
These costs include food, licenses, spaying
and neutering, carry cases, vaccinations,
training classes, grooming, toys, etc. Birds
and fish are the least expensive; dogs, cats
and rabbits are the most expensive.
Another reason not to give a living crea-
ture as a gift along with all of the commo-
tion of opening holiday gifts is the attention
an animal, particularly a young puppy or
kitten, would need. Any animal that is new
to a household needs to know where the
litter box or newspapers are, what surfaces
are OK to jump onto, where the food bowl
is. It takes time to introduce an animal into
a household to avoid potential mishaps,
accidental bites, nips or other injuries, and
to bond with the human members of the
family.
If the gift is meant for a child, putting the
pet in a box in a pile of presents sends the
wrong message. A pet is a living creature
that definitely deserves more care than a
new inanimate toy. If a new action figure is
put to the side while your child plays with a
new video game, no harm is done not so
with a living, breathing being. Children can
be taught to care for a pet, but they should
never be solely responsible for a pets care.
Creators.com
G I F T G U I D E
Holiday gifts for busy travelers
By BETH J. HARPAZ
NEW YORK Many travelers have a favorite item or
gadget they cant leave home without the equivalent
of a teddy bear for grown-ups. Maybe its the GPS, or
the inflatable neck pillow, or the Kindle, or the wheeled
bag. At holiday time, as we struggle to come up with
the perfect present for everyone on our list, its worth
considering which of our treasured travel bring-alongs
might make a good gift for someone else.
Here are some favorites from folks who spend a lot of
time away from home, as well as a look at a few new and
interesting items from retailers that just might become
tomorrows must-haves.
Caroline Costello of IndependentTraveler.com recom-
mends the Sittin Bag, which she describes as a wonder-
ful gift for an older traveler or someone with an injury or
disability. Its a carry-on-size rolling suitcase with a fold-
out seat attached to the side. Costello says it provides a
convenient place to rest in long airport security lines or
busy train stations, available at http://www.magellans.
com/ for $155.
I love my XShot, an extender rod to take self-photos/
video, which I do often on my portable video camera,
says Robert Reid, U.S. Travel Editor for Lonely Planet.
Everytime I use it, I get comments. Hey what is THAT?
So its an ice-breaker too. XShot http://xshot.com/,
$30 is a telescopic rod that attaches
to digital cameras or handheld video
cameras, allowing the shooter to be
in the frame without stretching an
arm out or asking a stranger to take
the picture.
Pauline Frommer, travel guide-
book writer and founding editor
of Frommers.com, says one of the
best travel gifts she ever got was
a Tumi plug adaptor that came from
fellow travel writer and editor Adrien
Glover. It comes in a little black case
and it has prongs that can be pushed
in and out, so it works everywhere!
she said. Really great when youre
traveling to two parts of the world in
one trip, as I did recently. I used one
setting for Ireland and another one for
Poland. The electric adaptor is $50
from http://www.tumi.com and offers
four different plug configurations in
one unit, good for 150 countries for
powering devices like MP3 players,
digital cameras and mobile phones.
Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of
CruiseCritic.com, who spends about
as much time on ships and planes as
she does at home, is an unabashed fan
of J. Petermans Counterfeit Mailbag
http://www.jpeterman.com/Counterfeit-
Mailbag, $349, leather. Theres plenty
of room for my laptop, iPad and other
assorted key items and it can easily fit
everything I need for a long-haul flight,
she said in an email from her latest destina-
tion, New Zealand.
George Hobica of AirfareWatchdog.com identifies the
popular Bose Quiet Comfort Noise-Cancelling head-
phones, $300, www.bose.com, as the only gadget I cant
live without ... drowns out screaming babies and scream-
ing cell phone users.
Bags and gadgets are also among the items retailers
are recommending this season. The Pan Am TV show
has gotten a mixed reception, but whether or not you
like the show, its hard not to love the retro style of a
blue and white Pan Am airline bag, $74, from www.
wayfair.com.
Wayfair.com also sells Smart Tubes, $19 for a set of two
two-ounce containers in pretty pastel colors. Theyre the
perfect solution for travelers who want to decant a small
amount of a favorite liquid or gel product for hair or skin
from a large bottle at home into a small portable con-
tainer that meets Transportation Security Administration
regulations for air travel. The light bulb-shaped contain-
ers are extremely well-designed, with a tight closing cap
that prevents spills and offers a wide mouth for filling up
as well as a small squeeze hole for dispensing.
Practical and stylish, Safe Skies Locks is selling TSA-
approved luggage locks that turn any generic black bag
on a luggage carousel into an instantly recognizable
fashion statement. The locks come in a variety of pat-
terns and colors, including zebra stripes, leopard spots,
and colorful floral prints, $13-$15, www.safeskieslocks.
com/store/.
Heres a clever gift idea from the B&B industry: The
Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com, avail-
able for $25 to $1,000 and good at more than 4,000
B&Bs in the U.S. and Canada. The website promises
that the card wont expire or reduce in value and has no
blackout dates or hidden fees. Its free to customize the
card with your own photo and is ideal as a last-minute
gift that can be delivered instantly online via email or
printed out at home for presentation in person. You
can also have it shipped to the recipient for free. Now
through Nov. 22, when you buy a gift card of $250 or
more, you get an additional free $50 gift card with the
promo code GCBELLS50 at checkout.
Flight 001, the fun and trendy travel retailer with
stores in California, Chicago and New York as well as
online at http://www.flight001.com, offers a colorful
variety of luggage, gadgets and many other travel good-
ies for the holidays in wide range of prices and styles,
but one of its best offerings this season makes a great
gift for travelers who vacation in wine country and like
to bring home a bottle. The VinniBag, $30, is a reusable
bag with inflatable air chambers designed to protect
and insulate fragile items. Wine bottles are a perfect
fit but the bag can accommodate many other shapes
and sizes, and its covered with transparent material for
visual inspection without opening.
Anne Banas at SmarterTravelMedia.com says shes
hoping Santa brings her a Solio Bolt charger. I tried it
out a couple of weeks ago, she said. Its cute, seems to
be well made, is compact and it works as described, and
is eco-friendly, versatile and packable. The charger has
an on-board battery and rotating solar panels, and it can
juice up from the sun, a USB port or the wall to power
your phone, MP3 player, e-reader, GPS or camera, $70
from http://www.store.solio.com.
Magellans Sittin Bag
is a carryon-size rolling
suitcase with a fold-out
seat attached to the
side. Its available at
www.magellans.com for
$155.
G I F T G U I D E
G24

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Stocking
Fund
Making a difference in the lives
of people needing a helping hand
during the Holiday Season.
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c/o The Lima News, 3515 Elida Rd
Lima, OH 45807
Drop your donation off at
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The Lima News Section G November 20, 2011

The hippest items of the season ...

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

Sunday, November 20, 2011 The Lima News

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