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Copyright IWANNA USA, LLC November 17, 2015
H O L I D A Y
LOCAL EVENTS
SHOPPING ADVICE
HOLIDAY PLANNING
WINTER CALENDAR
INSIDE
holiday happeningslocal events all over WNC
deck the hallslights, ornaments + inspiration
2 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
22 Gar eld Street, Suite 100Asheville, NC 28803
828.274.8888
Holiday Gift Guide, a publication of IWANNA, has accepted contributions which may not re ect the opinion of the publisher. No portion of Holiday Gift Guide may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.
A Publication of
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Copyright IWANNA USA, LLC November 17, 2015
H O L I D A Y
LOCAL EVENTS
SHOPPING ADVICE
HOLIDAY PLANNING
WINTER CALENDAR
INSIDE
holiday happeningslocal events all over WNC
deck the hallslights, ornaments + inspiration
Cover designed by Carrie Harder
first look
6 | Christmas at Biltmore 8 | Winter Wonderland at the Grove Arcade10 | Asheville Holiday Parade16 | Shadracks Christmas Wonderland28 | National Gingerbread House Competition36 | Holiday Coloring Contest38 | River Arts District Shopping56 | Christmas Cookie Recipes60 | November & December Calendar of Events
Gi GuideGeneral Manager & Publisher PATRICIA M. BETTS
Production/IT Manager JEFF RUMINSKI
Creative Director CARRIE HARDER
Creative Services DAVID DENTON RACHEL HOEFT
DEBI MANFRE
RANDY WHITTINGTON
Advertising Consultants MEG HALE PAM HENSLEY
RICK JENKINS
ROSE LUNSFORD
CRYSTAL PRESSLEY
Sales Assistant JAYME PRESSLEY
Distribution Manager SAM HOWELL
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 3
Gift Guide4 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
delight overnight holiday guests with tasty omelets
holiday cooking
Potato & Arugula OmeletsServes 2
2 tbsp unsalted butter tbsp olive oil4 oz red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into inch cubes4 eggs tsp cayenne pepper8 cups arugula, stems discarded and leaves cleaned, dried and coarsely chopped* tbsp balsamic vinegar6 tbsp grated Gruyere cheeseKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper
Heat tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a heavy frying pan on medium heat. When hot, add potatoes and saute, stirring often, until light golden and tender, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. (The potatoes can be prepared 1 hour ahead; leave at room temperature. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.)
The holiday season often finds homeowners playing host to friends and family visiting from out of town. While the holiday dinner often draws the most attention, guests need to eat breakfast as well. Holiday hosts who want their overnight guests to start their days off on the right foot should consider the following recipe for Potato and Arugula Omelets from Betty Rosbottoms Sunday Brunch (Chronicle Books).
8
Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl and season with a pinch of salt and the cayenne. Place arugula in another mixing bowl and toss with vinegar. Place Gruyere cheese and potatoes each in separate bowls. Have a ladle ready for adding egg mixture to pan. Add 1 tbsp butter to a 9-inch frying pan, preferably nonstick or seasoned cast iron, set over medium heat. Swirl butter so that it coats the bottom of pan. When hot but not smoking, ladle half of the eggs into the pan and stir with the back of a fork until they start to set but are still quite liquid on the top, about 30 to 40 seconds. With fork or a nonstick spatula, lift an edge of the omelet and tilt the pan to let some of the uncooked egg mixture run underneath.
Repeat this two or three more times, working your way around the pan until the eggs are cooked but remain moist on top. Sprinkle half of the potatoes, then half of the cheese, and finally half of the arugula over the eggs. Let the mixture cook until the cheese begins to melt and the arugula wilts only slightly, 30 seconds. Using a nonstick or metal spatula, fold the omelet in half and slide it onto a plate. Repeat to make another omelet. Serve each omelet as soon as it is prepared.* You can use regular or baby arugula, but the former provides a more intense flavor.
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 5
Gift Guide
Men and women who seem perpetually on-the-go may not stop to discuss items on their holiday
wish lists, but holiday shoppers
can find the right gifts for those
loved ones who never seem to
stop for long before moving on to
the next place.
gear Whether the wanderer on your holiday shopping list prefers
to travel domestically or overseas,
he or she cant hit the road without
certain gear. Camping afficionados
might appreciate a new mini-stove
or grill so they can eat like kings
no matter how far they retreat into
their favorite forests. For the inter-
Travel enthusiasts range from weekend warriors with a favorite campsite to international jetsetters.
Many people love to travel, but some take their wanderlust to another level. Holiday shoppers can find a host of gifts suited to all types of travelers this holiday season.
travel lovergifts for the
holiday shopping
national jetsetter on your list, per-
haps a new set of luggage might
make the perfect holiday gift. If
your budget is a more tight, con-
sider a travelers kit with luxury
shampoo, conditioner and body
wash and lotion.
camera Part of the joy of trav-eling is documenting a trip with
a great camera. Cameras come in
a wide range of styles, and good
cameras can range from a couple
hundred dollars to more expen-
sive models that cost upwards of
a thousand dollars. If your bud-
get does not allow for a more ex-
pensive camera, give your loved
one some cash toward buying a
new camera for his or her next
adventure. If money is no object,
do your homework, research-
ing cameras based on your loved
ones interests. More adventurous
travelers might want cameras that
can withstand the wear and tear
of outdoor sports, while travelers
who focus more on sightseeing
might not benefit from cameras
designed for more daring pho-
tographers. Research cameras
online, and ask employees at local
electronics retailers which type of
camera is best suited to the trav-
eler on your list.
airline miles Many airlines allow customers to transfer their
airline miles to whomever they
choose. Some airlines, such as Del-
ta, allow miles to be transferred to
a maximum of four people, and
such transfers incur both a fee per
mile transferred and a transaction
fee. In addition, airlines may limit
how many miles you can transfer
or only allow members of their
mileage programs to transfer their
miles to other members. Airline
miles can be a great gift for travel
enthusiasts, saving them substan-
tial amounts of money. Learn the
ins and outs of your mileage pro-
gram before giving miles as a gift.
If the traveler on your shopping
list prefers to travel by car rather
than airplane, a gas card can go
a long way toward trimming the
cost of his or her travels.
experiences If you know a loved one will be traveling to a
particular locale in the near fu-
ture, look into his or her destina-
tion and book a unique experi-
ence for him or her. For example,
travelers headed to London may
appreciate a tour of the State
Rooms at Buckingham Palace.
Men and women visiting New
York City for the first time might
appreciate a boat tour to the
Statue of Liberty or a nighttime
boat ride along the Hudson and
East Rivers that allows them to
take in Manhattans famed sky-
line under the stars. Such experi-
ences can make trips that much
more memorable.
- Metro Creative Connection
Gift Guide6 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
Christmas at
Every year, Biltmore transforms into an unforgettable yuletide vacation destination like few
others. Biltmores design team
will weave this years theme
A Gilded Age Christmas
throughout every element
created for the season,
incorporating grand and elegant
details that are rooted in
authentic Vanderbilt Christmas
stories.
Inside the 250-room Biltmore
House, which bears a striking
resemblance to Highclere
Castle on the PBS Masterpiece
series Downton Abbey, guests
will see more than two dozen
elaborate hand-decorated
Christmas trees. A towering
34-foot-tall Fraser Fir tree laden
with toddler-high ornaments
and wrapped packages tucked
into its branches serves as the
seasonal centerpiece in the
homes immense Banquet Hall.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings, Nov. 6 - Jan. 2, 2015The holiday spirit lives
within the hallways and
rooms of Biltmore House
even more so under cover of
nighttime. During Candlelight
Christmas Evenings, thousands
of ornaments and over-the-
top wreaths and garlands
sparkle with the reflections of
candlelight and cozy fires in
the homes fireplaces. Despite
the homes enormous size,
sounds of choirs and musicians
create an intimate atmosphere.
Outside, a 55-foot Norway
spruce tree, lit by 45,000 tiny
white lights and surrounded by
hundreds of hand-lit luminaries,
welcomes guests for evening
tours. Offered Nov. 6 through
Jan. 2, Candlelight Christmas
Evenings are the only time of
year when the home is open for
evening tours.
Around the EstateIn Antler Hill Village, Santa
will visit with children and
families from 1 to 5 p.m. on
Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 7
through Dec. 20, and also on
Friday, Nov. 27. Cedrics Tavern
will host live music nightly.
There will be roving hoiday
carolers throughout Antler Hill
Village.
The village links to the
Winery where visitors may
take guided tours, enjoy free
wine tastings and purchase
wines from Biltmores diverse
portfolio, including the limited
release Christmas at Biltmore
blend. Special wine seminars
are available by reservation
including Red Wine and
Chocolate as well as the
Biltmore Bubbles tour.
Biltmores floral arranging
and gardening experts will
conduct free, daily seminars at
A Gardeners Place retail gift
shop from Nov. 6 through Jan.
12. Seminars are Decorate
with Christmas Wreaths at
12 p.m., and Create Holiday
Tablescapes at 1 p.m.
Guests may enjoy a festive
holiday meal at the estate
prepared by award-winning
chefs at any one of the estates
dining establishments. The Inn
on Biltmore will offer its annual
Gingerbread House Tea on
Dec. 17, 18, and 19. Guests can
assemble a gingerbread house
with the help of a pastry chef
while enjoying afternoon tea.
Lodging Options at Biltmore Increase in 2015Guests looking to extend
their holiday stay at Biltmore
will have several options.
Those seeking a retreat with
personalized service, Inn on
Biltmore Estate offers four-star
accommodations with sweeping
views in a private hilltop setting.
Special holiday packages
starting with Thanksgiving will
be available during Christmas at
Biltmore.
Biltmores newest lodging
offering, Village Hotel on
Biltmore Estate, opens in
December 2015. Designed for
the guest looking for a casual
overnight stay, Village Hotel
is located in the lively setting
of Antler Hill Village. It offers
a convenient home base steps
away from shopping, dining, the
Winery, live music and outdoor
activities. Special holiday
packages will be available
during Christmas at Biltmore.
Biltmore boasts retail shops,
all perfect for holiday gift
shopping. Other activities
include taking a horse and
carriage ride; exploring acres of
walking and biking trails and
more.
- Courtesy of biltmore.com
A holiday tradition born more than a century ago, Christmas at Biltmore will enchant those who visit George Vanderbilts Biltmore House during the estates annual holiday celebration, set for November 6 through January 10.
local events For more information about Christmas at Biltmore, visit Biltmore.com/visit
George Vanderbilt opened his home, Biltmore, to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895. Today, Biltmore celebrates this holiday tradition by decorating the grand rooms and spacious grounds of the estate.
A visit to Americas Largest Home may inspire you to bring some holiday elegance into your own home. Biltmores experts share some tips for creating a festive holiday display.
1. hang the lights Use electrical tape to attach
power strips to the tree trunk.
2. Wrap the garland Starting at the top of the tree,
wrap in scallops; drop down a
branch level at the back of the
tree
3. hang the ornaments Choose a variety of shapes and
sizes, placing the largest ones
near the bottom of the tree.
4. top it off Consider a simple tree topper
such as a bow or dried flower
bouquet.
5. complete the look Choose an appopriate tree skirt;
add some wrapped packages or
poinsettias for more color.
5 steps to a Biltmore-worthy treeTapestry Gallery. Photo credit; The Biltmore Company.
Biltmore facade during the Christmas season. Photo credit; The Biltmore Company.Experience Gilded Age Elegance During
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 7
Gift Guide8 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
grove arcade
Downtown Ashevilles historical Grove Arcade is a spectacular spot to enjoy the holidays and support locally-owned shops and restaurants. On November 20th from 5-8 p.m., come sing holiday carols with the Asheville
Symphony Chorus. Make holiday ornaments. View gingerbread
houses from Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House
Competition.
Asheville Symphony Chorus is the evenings main event! Over
forty chorus members are on hand to celebrate the evening with
traditional and contemporary carols. We are so excited to be a
part of this celebration, our music will soar in the Arcade-what
a thrill! says Asheville Symphony Choruss Cynthia Sprau. This
promises to be a crowd favorite.
Throughout the evening: Ho, Ho, Ho.Santa visits the
Grove Arcade again this season. He visits for the Deck the
Halls Lighting Celebration on November 20th and returns on
Sundays December 6, 13, and 20 from 1:00 5:00 p.m. Santa sits
for photos and wish lists. He also has a story or two up his big
red sleeve! Children will also enjoy making decorations for a
Grove Arcade tree or their own. For $1 per ornament to benefit
MANNA Food Bank, artists from Asheville Area Arts Council
help design and create holiday ornaments.
Be a part of what promises to become an Asheville tradition.
Deck the halls of the historic Grove Arcade on November
20th, and enjoy the season in the Arcades Winter Wonderland
through January 3rd, 2016.
- Courtesy of the Grove Arcade
A Season of Celebration in One of Ashevilles Architectural Jewels starts on November 20th
Grove Arcade Winter Wonderland Nov through Jan 3
A fanciful building, envisioned by Edwin Wiley Grove of the Grove Park Inn, that incorporates many architectural styles and served as one of the leading commerical buildings in the city in the 1930s. At 269,000 square feet, it was (and still is) the largest building in downtown Asheville.
local events
winter wonderland at
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 9
Gift Guideholiday traditions
Mantles adorned with garland and other holiday trinkets make fireplaces come alive for Christmas.
hanging stockings with careThat magic is only enhanced by hanging Christmas stockings, which are just waiting to be filled with goodies for good girls and boys. Those without a fireplace often hang stockings from windowsills and stairway banisters.
No written record exists to explain the origin of hanging stockings on fireplace mantles. Despite this, many people link the tradition to a tale about St. Nicholas. As that story goes, St. Nicholas was traveling through a village when he overheard the plight of three women. They
were poor, and their father could not afford an ample dowry to marry them off. Rather than have them end up spinsters, St. Nicholas secretly tossed bags of coins through a window (or down the chimney, depending on the version), and they were captured in the girls stockings hanging to dry by the fire. The family was overjoyed to have received such riches.Soon news traveled about the
mysterious money in stockings, and other children left out stockings for St. Nicholas to capture their own gifts.The tradition has transformed
over the years, and now many
children hang stockings by the chimney with the expectation that the stockings will be filled with gifts from Santa. Traditions once suggested that only gifts from Santa were left in stockings, while gifts placed beneath the tree were from family, but that has since changed. Stockings are now meant to hold small gifts while larger items are placed under the tree.Stockings should be hung away
from the flames of the fire as a safety precaution. Some children even like to hang individual stockings on their bedposts instead of on a fireplace mantle.- Metro Creative Connection
Gi Guide10 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
asheville holiday paradeThe Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles of WNC, rolls, dances and marches
through downtown Asheville
on Saturday, November 21
beginning at 11am. The parade
features nearly 100 entries
including marching bands,
dance and cheer squads,
nonprofits and businesses. This
years parade theme is Joy to
the World.
Asheville-native and Atlanta
Braves star, Cameron Maybin,
will serve as grand marshal
for the 2015 Asheville Holiday
Parade. The grand marshal
float is sponsored by Deerfield
Retirement Community.
Maybin played baseball at T.C.
Roberson High School, where as
a freshman, he led his team to
a state championship and was
named the tournaments Most
Valuable Player.
The 10th overall pick in
2005, Maybin was drafted by
the Detroit Tigers, and after
a couple years in the minors,
was called up in 2007. At 20, he
was the youngest player in the
American League, and in just
his second major league game,
picked up his first career home
run off All-Star pitcher, Roger
Clemens. Now centerfielder for
the Atlanta Braves, Maybin has
posted 10 home runs and 52
RBIs in the 2015 season.
Parade entries include a little
something for everyone with
decorated floats, adoptable pets
from area rescue organizations,
our Honored Veterans
float sponsored by Express
Employment Professionals, live
music, performances, and of
course, Santa Claus, brought
to you by the NC Arboretums
Winter Lights!
Performance stops are located
at the corner of Biltmore and
Patton Avenues as well as near
Pritchard Park.
Transportation is available
through the City of Ashevilles
ART transit system. Parade
attendees can pick up a free bus
pass for the Holiday Parade at
City Hall (5th Floor) Monday
through Friday leading up to the
parade.
After the parade, attendees
are invited to Pack Square
Park from 1-4pm for Ingles
JingleFest. Activities include
bouncy houses ($2 wristband),
games and activities, and live
entertainment from the stage.
Plus, Cameron Maybin will sign
autographs from about 2-3pm
and there will be free photos
with Santa.
Whos in the parade?
A New Hope Home Care A.C. Reynolds High School JROTC A.C. Reynolds High School
Marching Band ABCCM Access Church AFGE Local 446: American Fed
of Govt. Employees AHS Homecoming Queen &
Miss Asheville High Amazing PubCycle/Enter the
Conundrum Angies Dance Academy Anthony Miller Racing Artspace Charter School Asheville Citizen Times
(Sponsor) Asheville City Federation
Negro Womens Club Asheville Dance Theater, Inc. Asheville Eye Associates
(Balloon Sponsor) Asheville Family Church Asheville Fire Department #1 Asheville Fire Department #2 Asheville Football and
Cheerleading League Asheville High School Dance
Team Asheville High School
Marching Band Asheville Humane Society Asheville Middle School Cheer Asheville Police Department Asheville Radio Group
(Sponsor) Asheville Second Line
Community Band
to the worldYJ Asheville Skylight Asheville Sun Soo Tae Kwon Do Asheville Window and Door Audrey Goforth Photography,
pony & cart Banjo Beary by Pisgah Media
Group Baseball Helium Balloon
(Asheville Tourist handlers) BC Parks and Recreation Beta Lambda Zeta Chapter,
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Blue Ridge Roller Girls Bojangles Cadillac Escalade
(Parade Sponsor) Bojangles Food Truck
(Parade Sponsor) Bojangles H2 Hummer Boy Scouts of America, Daniel
Boone Council Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Center Stage Dance Studio Chattanooga Bakery Clyde A. Erwin High School
JROTC Clyde A. Erwin High School
Marching Band Deerfi eld Episcopal Retirement
Community (sponsor) Distinguished Young Women BC
Scholarship Program East Buncombe Youth Rockets
Football Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians Eblen Charities Edible Arrangements Emmanuel Lutheran School Enka High School Marching
Band Enka Junior Jets Cheer (Hominy
Valley Youth League) Erwin 14U All Stars Erwin Youth League
Fairview Elementary Fairview Flyers Unicycle Team
Family Preservation Community Services
Fearless Athletics Feelfree Kayaks Flag Balloon (Express
Employment Pros handlers/ sponsor)
GEICO Asheville Girl Scouts Buncombe
County Grand Marshal - Cameron
Maybin Harmony Motors (Sponsor) Haywood Street Congregation Holston Gases (Balloon
Sponsor) Hometown Holiday Jam I Heart Media I Heart Second App (Sponsor) Ingles (JingleFest Sponsor) IWANNA Kudzu Branding (Sponsor) Land of Sky Clean Vehicles
Coalition LaZoom Comedy Tours Mary Ellen Woods Riding Doc Mayors Committee on Veteran
Affairs (sponsored) Mitchell High School Marching
Band Montreat College MR Motorcycle Navitat Canopy Adventures NC Rhododendron Festival, Inc NC Watermelon Festival New World Celts North Carolina Submarine
Veterans Odyssey Community School Off the Wagon Dueling
Piano Bar Omni Grove Park Inn Paramount KIA Progressive Education Program Ridgeline Church Santa (sponsored by NC
Arboretum Winter Lights) Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Smoky Mountain Sk8way State Employees Credit Union Street Creature Giant Puppet
Collective TC Roberson Air Force JROTC TC Roberson Youth Football
and Cheerleading Telco Community Credit
Union TMC Productions Misses UNC Asheville Viper Cheer Waf e House Western North Carolina
Down Syndrome Alliance Wheels4Hope Wholesale Glass & Mirror Co. WLOS / WMYA World Balloon (Asheville Eye
Associates handlers)
local events Y
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 11
Gi Guide12 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
holiday shopping
But even the most patient shopper has his or her limits, and many people find themselves giving gift
cards to those friends or family
Nearly every man or woman has hit that all too familiar wall when holiday shopping for friends and family. While many people might be a cinch to shop for, there always seems to be one stickler on holiday shopping lists, and fi nding the right gift for that person can be an exercise in patience and perseverance.
how to give holiday gift cards
members who seemingly have
everything already. Such cards
make great gifts, but only when
gift givers employ a few tricks of
the gift card trade.
Buy directly from the retailer. Its easy to be duped by a counterfeit gift card,
which can be embarrassing
for both the gift giver and its
eventual recipient. Counterfeit
gift cards are big business
for criminals who prey on
gift givers during the holiday
season. Only buy gift cards
directly from the retailer, as
cards sold by other sources,
such as an online auction site,
may be stolen or counterfeit.
You dont want to be the person
who gave a stolen or counterfeit
card, and your friend or family
member does not want to be
subjected to an inquiry as to
why he or she is attempting to
use a stolen or counterfeit card.
examine the card Before leaving the store. Once a cashier or customer service employee
hands you a gift card, examine
it for tampering before leaving
the store. Some criminals
gain access to gift cards, even
those that appear to be behind
lock and key, to learn the PIN
number associated with the
card. Once they have the PIN,
recipients can then recreate
their own card, using the stolen
PIN to activate and make
purchases on their counterfeit
cards long before the real card
is sold to you. If you detect any
damage, ask for a new card
before leaving the store.
include a gift receipt With the card. When giving a gift card, dont forget
to include the gift receipt. The
gift receipt not only verifies
the value of the gift card, but
also includes the date the
card was purchased. Thats
important information, as many
companies begin to charge
fees, some of which may be
exorbitant, on unused cards
after a predetermined period of
time. Recipients who have the
gift receipt wont have to haggle
with retailers about the value
of the card should that ever be
in dispute, and the receipt also
can serve as a reminder that the
recipient needs to use the card
before a given date to avoid fees.
consider a general purpose gift card. If
that stickler on your holiday
shopping list is especially
difficult to shop for, then
you might want to consider
a general purpose gift card
issued by a company such as
American Express, MasterCard
or Visa. These cards generally
allow recipients to use their
gift wherever they choose,
whether its to put gas in
their tank or buy groceries.
That versatility is valuable if
you truly have no idea what
your friend or family member
needs or where he or she
likes to shop. One notable
disadvantage to general
purpose gift cards is that they
tend to come with more fees
than more traditional gift
cards purchased directly from
specific retailers. Investigate
these fees and find a card
that charges no fees or only
minimal fees.
- Metro Creative Connection
stress-free holiday hosting tips
enlist help Invite a friend over to help
decorate and ask guests
to bring certain items to
save you some work.
plan Well in advance Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain
snacks and beverages, have no expiration
dates, so buy such items early.
pass the Buck Consider passing the
hosting duties on to
a local restaurant.
have a theme Themes set a tone for the party right
away and often make it
easier for guest to unwind.
25% OFF All Seiko and PulsarMens or Ladies Watches
A
ALL OF HER FAVORITE THINGSare in stock and on sale for
the holidays!
gifts for herGi Guide
C
FinkelsteinsVintage & Estate Jewelry
up to 50% OFFD
Baby Lock Rachel Sewing Machine
at $479
B
Over 500 gowns$300 or less
Candler Budget Bridal Shoppe
A. 269 Tunnel Road 828.252.9891B. 2274 Smoky Park Hwy 828.670.1871C. 21 Broadway Downtown 828.253.7731D. 1378 Hendersonville Rd 828.277.4100
Gi Guide14 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
Every year, the Asheville Downtown Association organizes the Downtown Holiday Windows Contest. Th ere will be about 40 businesses participating this year creating a delightful experience for everyone who walks around downtown. Th e event is appropriately sponsored by Window World of Asheville and there are cash prizes.
The benefits of shopping locally go beyond convenience and the chance to reduce your carbon
footprint. The following are a
few ways that shopping locally
this holiday season can directly
benefit your community and the
people who call it home.
local economyWhen men and women shop
locally, they are putting
money back into their local
communities. Local small
businesses may be owned by
your neighbors, and it can be
comforting to know that your
holiday shopping dollars are
Shopping is a big part of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. While the popularity of shopping online has grown, such practices are not always eco-friendly or timely, as gifts bought online must be packaged and shipped, wasting valuable resources and time that last-minute shoppers may not have.
shop locally this holiday season
going to support a neighbor
instead of a large corporation.
Local businesses also employ
your neighbors, so shopping
local can strengthen the local
economy by creating jobs
that may not exist if you and
members of your community
fail to support local small
businesses.
community identity Local small businesses go a
long way toward creating a
neighborhood identity, and that
identity can create a stronger
sense of community among
you and your neighbors. In
addition, a unique community
identity can make your town
more attractive to outsiders,
and that appeal can improve the
value of local real estate while
also attracting more people
to local businesses in your
neighborhood.
uniqueness of giftsThe gifts you buy when
shopping locally also can
benefit your community. Gifts
purchased from small local
businesses tend to be more
unique than items bought from
national chains, as smaller
retailers tend to sell more
homemade items than their
national competitors. Recipients
of such items may find such
gifts more thoughtful than
mass produced items bought
from national chains, and
the uniqueness of homemade
gifts may encourage the
gifts recipients to visit your
community and do some
shopping, further benefitting
your local economy.
customer serviceThe accessibility of customer
service is another oft-
overlooked benefit of shopping
locally. When buying from
national chains, especially
during the holiday season
when such businesses may
be overwhelmed with orders,
making contact with customer
service departments can be
a trying exercise in patience.
Long wait times on the phone
or online can make the process
of contacting customer service
extremely frustrating. But
such frustration is rare when
buying from local businesses, as
consumers can simply take their
products into the store, where
employees can immediately
address their concerns. In
addition, buying locally makes it
more convenient for friends and
family members who also live in
your community to return their
gifts.
- Metro Creative Connection
holiday shopping
For a walking tour map of the windows visit: ashevilledowntown.org/Windows
A. 1408 C Patton Ave 828.253.8735B. 289A Merrimon Ave 828.658.2334C. 1186 Patton Avenue 828.254.8681 736 Tunnel Road 828.299.4440D. 269 Tunnel Road 828.252.9891E. 774 Hendersonville Rd 828.277.8600
WRAP UP THRILLSwith prices youll appreciate
gifts for him
A
D
Gi Guide
25% - 40% OFF All Seiko and PulsarMens or Ladies
Watches
For a walking tour map of the windows visit: ashevilledowntown.org/Windows
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Gi Guide16 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
As this show works its way into family traditions, it continues to add new features to wow guests, year after year. This season, catch a glimpse of how Santa and his
friends spent their summer vacation at the beach!
Included in the route is a section of huge displays
featuring commerical snapshots of Santa and the
whole North Pole crew playing in the sand, rather
Its back, and its bright! Shadracks Christmas Wonderland returns to the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher for another season of festive lights, jolly tunes and a sprinkle of magic. From Wednesday, November 25th (the night before Thanksgiving) through December 30th, the two-mile maze of lights will glow nightly from 6-10pm. Guests simply tune in their radio and watch the beauty unfold as they drive through hundreds of thousands of brilliant LED lights dancing in perfect synchronization with the music fi lling their vehicle.
NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: November 7, 2014 Contact: Josh Hawk Phone: (937) 661-5321 [email protected] [email protected] www.ShadrackChristmas.com
LIGHTS, MUSIC, ACTION! MEGA DRIVE-THRU LIGHT SHOW RETURNS WITH NEW DISPLAYS, MUSIC AND TECHNOLOGY
Fletcher, NC Its back, and its bright! Shadracks Christmas Wonderland returns to the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher for another season of festive lights, jolly tunes and a sprinkle of magic. From Wednesday, November 26th (the night before Thanksgiving) through December 31st, the two-mile maze of lights will glow nightly from 6-10PM. Guests simply tune in their radio and watch the beauty unfold as they drive through hundreds of thousands of brilliant LED lights dancing in perfect synchronization with the music filling their vehicle. As this show works its way into family traditions, it continues to add new features to wow guests, year after year. This season, catch a glimpse of how Santa and his friends spent their summer vacation at the beach! Included in the route is a section of huge displays featuring comical snapshots of Santa and the whole North Pole crew playing in the sand, rather than the snow. Like most, Santa can ride a wave, but shockingly, he can ride a friendly whale too. After adding more than double the channels to its animation, this Christmas lights dreamland continues to push the technological boundaries as well. Come see the all-new RGB animated arch with 3,600 computerized channels on it alone. There is also new music to keep your spirits bright. Plus, Shadrack, Santas number one helper, has joined the show and will sit in as your tour guide for the season. That little one cant wait to reveal a few tricks that have been in the making for many years.
The cost to experience Shadracks Christmas Wonderland is $20 per family car or van. For an activity van, limousine or small bus the cost is $30, and tour/school buses are $75. Rates include tax. Christmas Wonderland proudly supports Toys for Tots and the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County to help meet local needs. For complete details and a preview visit http://www.ShadrackChristmas.com/.
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732 http://www.mountainfair.org/
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than the snow. Like most, Santa can ride a wave,
but shockingly, he can ride a friendly whale too.
After adding more than double the channels to
its animation, this Christmas lights dreamland
continues to push the technological boundaries
as well. Come see the all-new RGB animated arch
with 3,600 computerized channels on it alone.
There is also new music to keep your spirits
bright. Plus Shadrack, Santas number one
helper, has joined the show and will sit in as your
tour guide for the season. That little one cant
wait to reveal a few tricks that have been in the
making for many years.
The cost to experience Shadracks Christmas
Wonderland is $20 per family car or van. For an
activity van, limousine or small bus the cost is
$30, and tour/school buses are $75. Rates include
tax. Christmas Wonderland proudly supports
Toys for Tots and United Way of Asheville and
Buncombe County to help meet local needs.
For complete details and a preview visit
ShadrackChristmas.com
In the U.S., one in seven people struggles with hunger, and many rely on food from local food banks to help feed their families. The holiday season is an especially diffi cult time and many of us think about making donations to local food banks at this time of year. According to food bank representatives, the following types of donations help feed hungry families the most.
Holiday Ingredients & Side Dishes
Canned pumpkin Canned yams Cranberry sauce Boxed stuffi ng Dried macaroni
Shelf-Stable Protein Sources
Canned tuna or salmon
Canned chicken or other meats
Canned beans Dried beans Canned soups Peanut butter Nuts Canned chili Trail mix
Pantry Staples Rice (especially
whole grain) Oatmeal Pasta (especially
whole grain) Diced tomatoes Tomato sauce Canned vegetables Cooking oils (such as
olive or canola oil) Flour
Your Time sorting donations assisting with
fundraising events answering calls or
other administrative work
cooking or providing support in cooking classes.
gifts for the family
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Gi Guide18 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
5 holiday lms to lift your spirits
Many families have their own unique holiday traditions, but some traditions transcend familial lines to become an integral part of many peoples holiday celebrations. One of the more popular traditions during this
festive time of year is to watch favorite holiday film with family and friends.
One of the more popular traditions during this festive time is to watch favorite
holiday film with family and friends. With that in mind, the following are some
of the most beloved holiday movies ever to make it onto the big screen.
1it s a Wonderful life Perhaps no holiday film is more beloved than this 1946 Frank Capra-directed classic. Screen legend Jimmy Stewart plays a desperate businessman contemplating suicide during the holiday season. But a guardian
angel helps him realize all the good fortune in his life by showing him what life
might have been like if he had never existed.
2 White christmasThis 1954 song-and-dance film stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a pair of longtime friends and ex-military men who fall in love with a sister act team that includes famous singer (and aunt to George Clooney) Rosemary
Clooney. Crosby and Kaye join forces to save the failing Vermont inn of their
beloved former commander.
3 miracle on 34th streetNatalie Wood stars in this 1947 classic that follows the trial of Kris Kringle, who claims to be Santa Claus and must prove otherwise to avoid being institutionalized. Nominated for Best Picture at the 1948 Academy
Awards, Miracle on 34th Street won three of the prestigious statuettes,
including a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Edmund Gwenn, who played the
jolly old man in the red suit.
4 Bad santaThough not quite as heartwarming as many holiday films, this 2003 black comedy stars Billy Bob Thornton as miserable, alcoholic con man Willie, who poses as a mall Santa Claus so he can rob a department store
safe on Christmas Eve. But in spite of its rather raunchy take on the holiday
season, the film is ultimately a story of redemption as Willie befriends a bullied
youngster and begins to turn his life around.
5 a christmas carolThose looking for a more traditional take on holiday films need look no further than this 1951 adaptation of the Charles Dickens novella, which tells the tale of bitter miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he is haunted by three ghosts
on Christmas Eve.
- Metro Creative Connection
holiday movies
gift wrapping
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 19
Gift Guide
create an area for Part of the trouble with gift-wrapping is the room and tools needed to wrap all of those holiday treasures. But a gift-wrap station in a seldom used corner of the home can make wrapping presents any time of the year easier and more enjoyable.Find a place to store gift
wrap and the needed tools.
Many people find the back of a closet door works perfectly.Install wire hanger racks so
the gift wrap tubes can be stored vertically along the surface of the door.Install a folding shelf on a
hinge, and use that shelf to do your wrapping. Fold the shelf up when it is not needed and secure it with a latch at the top.Hang hooks to store tape and
gift wrappingNearly as much energy goes into wrapping presents as we spend on purchasing them. Some people excel at wrap-ping gifts, while others do not enjoy the task at all. Having a designated area can help ease the pain!
scissors. Attach the scissors to the hook with a string so they wont go missing.A basket tucked nearby can
house bows and ribbons so that they are easily stored until needed.Having the wrapping station
so accessible also allows you to take inventory of supplies and restock when necessary.
- Metro Creative Connection
Gift Guide20 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
holiday cooking
holiday food traditions from around the world
Many major holidays, like Christmas, Ha-nukkah and New Years Eve, are celebrated all
across the globe, but holiday food
traditions vary from place to
place. Here is a look at how people
around the world dine during the
most festive time of the year.
a. israel LatkesHanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates an Old Testament
miracle one nights worth of oil
lasted for eight nights. Because of
this, many of the foods tradition-
ally eaten during Hanukkah are
fried in oil, like the ever-present
potato latke, a potato cake fried
until golden and crispy.
B. england
Mince PiesMince pies have been a Christ-
mas treat in England since the
13th century. Soldiers returning
from the Crusades brought back
new and exotic spices, like nut-
meg and cinnamon, and cooks
at home used them in a variety of
dishes, including pies filled with
mincemeat and dried fruits. The
size and type of fillings used have
changed over time, but mince pies
are still a beloved English Christ-
mas treat.
c. sicily FishChristmas in Sicily and other parts
of Southern Italy means the Feast
of the Seven Fishes. Tradition-
ally, Roman Catholics in this area
fast on Christmas Eve, so a feast
of seven (or more) seafood dishes
at the end of the day is a true cel-
ebration of the areas bounty. On
the eves of special holidays, as well
as on Fridays and during Lent,
many observant Catholics refrain
from eating meat or dairy, so these
seafood dishes are usually fried or
cooked in oil rather than butter.
d. france
Bche de Nel The Bche de Nol (branch of
Christmas) is the French ver-
sion of a Yule Log. It is a rich
cake rolled and filled to look like
a log, often decorated with tiny
merinque mushrooms or other
small edibles made to look like
items you might find on the forest
floor. It is traditionally served after
the Christmas Eve midnight mass.
One of the most common classic
flavors is chestnut, although today
you can find Bche in many flavors
at bakeries around the world.
e. greece
Melomakarona Christmas is a major celebration in Greece, and there are many ways in
which people observe the holiday.
Many religious Greeks fast before
Christmas, so when feast day fi-
nally arrives, it is a big affair! One
traditional holiday sweet is melo-
makarona, a sweet, honey-soaked
cookie topped with ground wal-
nuts. These sweet treats are eaten
on Christmas Day after breaking
fast.
D
G
F
E
A
B
C
f. sWeden
Saffron BunsOn December 13, St. Lucias Day
marks the official start of the
Christmas season in Sweden and
other Scandinavian nations. Tradi-
tionally, the eldest daughter must
dress in a white gown with a red
sash and a crown of lit candles,
then wake her parents with hot
coffee and a tray of saffron buns.
Swedes also elect a national Lucia
every year, and many towns and vil-
lages across the country choose a
Lucia to represent them as well. St.
Lucia was one of the earliest Chris-
tian martyrs, killed by Romans for
her religious beliefs.
g. peru
Spiced Hot ChocolateIn Peru, spiced hot chocolate is a Christmas tradition. In Decem-
ber, churches around the country
take donations to make massive
quantities of it, as well as panet-
tone, a traditional Italian holiday
bread. In the weeks leading up to
Christmas, there are gatherings
called Chocolatadas all over
Peru where the bread and hot,
sweet, spicy drink are served to
the less fortunate.
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 21
Gift Guide
Thanks in part to celebrity chefs and television shows that teach viewers how to make gourmet meals at home, its
now easier than ever before for
food lovers to expand their culi-
nary horizons. Gifting such food
fanatics can be fun and may even
inspire a love of unique cuisine in
holiday shoppers, especially those
who consider the following gift
ideas.
Food-themed gifts make the perfect holiday present for food fanatics, and shoppers have an endless array of options to satisfy their favorite foodies appetites.
Food plays a big role come the holiday season, when friends and family gather around the table to share meals and catch up. But food related items also make great gifts for that person on your list who loves to savor a good meal no matter the time of year.
foodiegifts for the
cooking kit Ingredients and other essential el-
ements of good meals were once
taken for granted. But more and
more foodies are now creating
their own foods from scratch. Ba-
con fans may fall in love with a kit
that helps them cure and smoke
their own bacon, while those who
love fresh, homemade bread may
appreciate a bread-making kit
that includes flour, a pan, some
recipes, and other items necessary
to make the perfect homemade
loaf of bread. Cooking kit options
are vast, so find a food your loved
one cant go without and purchase
the appropriate kit.
gardening tools While the holiday season might not seem like the ideal time to buy
your favorite foodie some garden-
ing tools, such items make the
perfect gift for your loved one who
wants to grow his or her own fruits
and vegetables. Locally grown
produce has become increasingly
popular among foodies focused
on eco-conscious cooking prac-
tices, and it does not get much
more local than home cooks own
backyards.
cutlery set Though its easy to overlook, cut-
lery goes a long way toward mak-
ing home cooks jobs easier. The
right cutlery set, which may in-
clude one or two chef s knives, a
vegetable knife, a santoku knife,
a bread knife, and other knives
home cooks will appreciate, can
make preparing a meal easier and
more efficient than cooking with-
out a set. High-end cutlery sets
can cost several hundred dollars,
but shoppers on more limited
budgets can still find quality cut-
lery sets for less money.
food getaWay Many foodies love to travel
so they can experience cuisines
popular overseas or in different
regions of the country. Men
and women whose spouses love
food can plan a food-themed
getaway weekend to a locale
that specializes in a type of food
their significant others enjoy
or have always wanted to try.
For example, men and women
who love lobster may enjoy a
trip to Maines annual Lobster
Festival, while those who cant
get enough barbecue may
appreciate a trip to one of the
countrys more notable barbecue
spots, such as Memphis, Kansas
City, North Carolina or Texas.
- Metro Creative Connection
holiday shopping
Gift Guide22 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
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six secrets to holiday baking success
dont overdo itOverworked cookie dough
may result in dry cookies. Try
not to handle dough more
than is necessary to roll it out
to desired thickness. When
rolling the dough, put it
between two pieces of waxed
paper to reduce flour usage on
the rolling pin.
line the panWhen baking brownies or
other bar-type cookies, line
the inside of the pan with
greased aluminum foil. This
way you can lift out the des-
sert and cut it neatly instead
of risking sticking. The same
technique can be used when
baking cookies. Line cookie
sheets with parchment paper
and bake as directed. The
cookies should slide right off
when done, and you wont
have messy pans to wash
afterward.
douBlecheckDouble-check your oven
temperature with a reliable
thermometer to make sure it
is accurate. This will help you
bake more efficiently and ad-
just the time or temperature
accordingly.
use your freezerMany cookie doughs can be
refrigerated or even frozen, so
you can make a big batch and
then spread out your baking
as needed throughout the
season.
Baking is popular come the holiday season, when baked goods are often gifted or shared with family and friends at holiday gatherings.
Although some people have mastered baked goods, others can benefit from a few tricks of the trade. Utilize these tips to make holiday baking that much easier.
use the right utensilRubber spatulas are very effec-
tive for folding in ingredients
and scraping the contents of
bowls. Whisks are essential
for incorporating air into
ingredients such as eggs and
whipping cream. Wooden
spoons are great for checking
how much a sauce or custard
has thickened.
measureBaking is an exact science.
Measure all your ingredients
carefully, using a glass mea-
suring cup with a spout for
wet ingredients and regular
measuring cups and tea-
spoons for dry ingredients.
Black Friday is one the biggest shopping days of the year, and is often the perfect time to begin holiday shopping and save money on incredible deals.
make the most of black friday shopping
Thousands of eager shoppers will leave their homes in the early morning hours and wait in lines
at stores in order to grab the
best prices of the season, while
retailers will be gearing up to lure
the greatest number of shoppers.
Surviving the day unscathed and
arriving home with discounts
galore involves having a game plan
for success.
knoW the prices of the items you Want to Buy. Scour advertisements in advance of Black Friday to gauge the regular retail prices for common items, including electronics. Comparison shop for the best prices and make notes to help you when Black Friday arrives.
understand the fine print of door Busters. Door buster sales are meant to get shoppers into stores, where retailers hope shoppers will make additional purchases while taking advantage of advertised deals. If door buster items are all youre looking for, read the advertisements carefully, noting the start and end time of the discounts and if there will be limited quantities. In addition, determine if there is a special return policy for sale items purchased on Black Friday.
dress for comfort. Wear sensible, comfortable shoes and clothing when shopping. Leave a large purse at home and opt for something compact that can be draped securely over your shoulder and body to navigate
the crowds. Keep your coat in the car or make use of a coat check service if available. Dress in layers if you will be waiting outside for stores to open. This way you can shed clothing as the mercury rises or when you get inside.
arrive together But shop separately. The divide and conquer method of shopping allows everyone in your shopping party to score good deals. Split up shopping tasks and then head to different areas of the store. Share and collect your purchases when you meet up after the rush.
make a list and stick to it. Buyers remorse come Saturday morning is common for those who have over-extended their budgets and purchased items they did not need. Know ahead of time what you plan to purchase and do not veer off course.
scout the stores ahead of time. Visit the stores where you plan to shop a few days before Black Friday. Learn the layout of the store and where
everything is located. Try on certain clothes or read over the labels of big-ticket items you plan to buy. Knowing where items are located and having all of your information in advance will cut down on the time it takes to find items on Black Friday.
dont overlook nontraditional stores. Many other stores, from pharmacies to supermarkets, stock items apart from food and toiletries. Consider taking advantage of their sales for some Black Friday deals.
park off campus. promptly store receipts. Designate a folder or envelope for all of your receipts to
keep them organized and handy.
pack a small snack and drink. Its easy to become dehydrated and hungry waiting in long lines, which can compromise your decision-making abilities. Bring a snack so that you can recharge your body and continue shopping.
leave the kids at home. Black Friday shopping can be
stressful, and children can easily get lost or bumped around in the fray. It is safer to leave them home so you can focus your full attention on shopping.
knoW When to call it quits. Establish a firm cut-off time for ending your shopping excursion. This way you can head home, rest and sort
through your purchases.
- Metro Creative Connection
make black friday shopping as smooth and fast as possible by following some helpful tips
holiday traditions
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 23
24 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 25 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA
HOLIDAY2015
See details on page 36.GIFT IDEAS ENTERTAINING TIPS LOCAL SHOPPING RECIPES
holiday living made easyWith so much on our plates between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, managing everything during the holiday season can quickly get very hectic.
Fortunately, there are many ways to save time and make the holiday season more manageable.
If you dont have plastic
clips to hang lights around win-
dows and to the eaves of your
home, inexpensive clothespins
will work just as well. If youre
concerned about the color of the
wooden clips, paint them holiday
hues before stringing the lights.
Put a bath mat, rug-side
down and rubber-side up, be-
neath your Christmas tree stand.
This allows you to spin the tree
as you hang lights and ornaments
without damaging the fl oor un-
derneath. It also makes it simple
to undress the tree once the sea-
son is over. Use a tree skirt to hide
the mat.
Squeeze artifi cial tree por-
tions into concrete form tubes.
holiday living holiday living
Gift Guide26 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
First wrap the tree portions in
twine and then slip them into the
concrete sleeves. Each tube can be
stowed in attic or garage rafters,
freeing up precious space.
Use empty squirt bottles
to make baking and cooking easi-
er. Pancake and cookie batters can
be squirted from the containers
for less mess.
Store one or two strings of
lights in a plastic shopping bag to
keep the strands from getting tan-
gled. Hang the bags from a hook
in a garage or stack them in a stor-
age bin.
Use plastic zip ties to at-
tach garland and lights to bannis-
ters. Theyre easy to assemble and
will not damage the bannisters.
A paper towel holder can
be screwed to the wall in a craft
room to neatly hold spools of rib-
bon. Simply pull the length you
need from the spool and cut for
easy decorating.
Mount a tree stand to a
piece of wood with screws or glue.
This prevents spills from reaching
the floor while stabilizing the tree.
Old maps make interesting
gift wrap and are a nice change of
pace from commercially produced
paper or newsprint.
Wrap duct tape or another
type of sticky tape around your
hand. Pat over fallen pine needles
that accumulate around the tree.
In hard-to-reach areas, wrap the
tape around a broom or a floor
sweeper.
When traveling for the hol-
idays, use a brightly colored suit-
case or flashy tape to make your
suitcase stand out from others at
the airport.
Place hardened brown sug-
ar in a baking dish, cover it with a
moist paper towel and either mi-
crowave it on high for 20-second
intervals or place it in a 300 F oven
for five minutes. This will soften
the sugar, making it easier to use
the sugar to prepare your favorite
holiday cookie recipes.
Save plastic bread ties,
which can be used to make tags
for the wires on certain devices.
Such ties also can be used to orga-
nize decorating components and
to keep your place on a roll of tape.
Measure the inside of your
picture window and construct a
wooden frame to its dimensions.
Staple holiday lights to the frame
and then easily slip the frame in
and out of place each year.
Hang a live wreath or some
boughs of evergreen in your home
to give it that fresh pine scent if
you have an artificial tree.
Color-code storage con-
tainers so you can easily find
holiday decorations in the attic or
basement.
Pack for a holiday excur-
sion using a collapsible clothing
storage hanger for closets. Fold
clothes on each fabric shelf and
then collapse it into your suitcase.
When you get to your destination,
unfold and hang it in a closet so all
of your clothes will be at the ready.
Make the holidays even more
enjoyable with a variety of time-
savers and clever tips.
A few simple strategies can help you save time and reduce stress this holiday season.
holiday planning
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 27
Gift Guideholiday greetings
The phrase Happy Holidays is uttered millions of times across the globe between the end of November and the beginning of January. But even if you find yourself in a non-English-speaking country this holiday season, you can still pass along this popular greeting thanks to the following translations.
Danish: Glade feriedaGe
Dutch: GelukkiGe Vakantie
French: joyeuses ftes
Greek: kals diakops
italian: Buone feste
maori:hararei hari
PortuGuese: festas felizes
romanian: sarBatori fericite
sPanish: felices fiestas
sweDish: treVliG helG
turkish: Mutlu tatiller
welsh:Gwyliau yn hapus
say happy holidays wherever you are
Gi Guide28 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
For a sweet treat, tour the amazing display at the 23rd Annual National Gingerbread House
CompetitionTM at The Omni
Grove Park Inn. Except for
the base, the entries are
constructed entirely of edible
materials. Judging will take
place on November 16 and the
awards ceremony is open free
to the public. After the awards
ceremony, the display will be
set up throughout the hotel
and will be open for viewing
from November 18th through
January 3rd, 2016.
As a means to preserve the
overall guest experience, The
Omni Grove Park Inn will open
its doors to the public to view
the Gingerbread display and
holiday splendor from Sunday
through Thursday (excluding
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve,
Christmas Day, New Years Eve
and New Years Day). While
there is no admission charge to
view the gingerbread creations,
there is a $10 per car parking
fee. Half of this fee goes to
local non-profits and the other
half covers the extra expenses
to accommodate the big
crowds.
- Courtesy of groveparkinn.com
On display November 18, 2015 through January 3, 2016. Open to the public on Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
local events
Top: 2014 Adult Grand Prize - Ann Bailey from Cary, NC
Bottom: 2014 Adult Second Place - Glenda Tant from Lebanon, TN
Feeling creative? Make your own gingerbread house with these recipes and instructions from the grove Park Inn.
construction tips decide on shape and style
of house. Make templates for all
sides and roof of house (cardboard, posterboard).
decide on the materials you plan to use.
roll out gingerbread to approximately inch thick.
decide on a style of window (examples: poured sugar, chocolate candies).
do all decorating on side of house before assembly.
Make royal Icing. Keep covered.
Assemble your house. You will need cans and little boxes to help support your house while the royal Icing dries.
decide on material for the roof (keep weight in mind).
When sides and front are dry and sturdy, assemble the roof.
cover with a little powdered sugar for a snowy look (optional).
Add christmas trees or people, animals, little ponds, snow banks, etc.
Have fun!
construction tips
gingerbread1 lb. Margarine12 oz. Brown sugar1 lb. Molasses3 lbs. 8oz. All Purpose Flour1 tbs + 1 tsp cinnamon1 tbs + 1 tsp ground ginger1 tsp. ground cloves2 tsp salt11 oz. cold Water cream margarine, brown sugar, spices and salt until light and fl uffy. Add and blend molasses. Add fl our and mix to combine. Add cold water and blend. refrigerate to set. Bake at 350F until done. (Approximately 15-20 minutes)
royal icing1 lb. Powdered sugar2 egg Whites1 tsp. cream of tartar Add egg whites to sugar and cream of tartar. Beat on high for 3-5 minutes until snow-white and fl uffy. Keep covered with a damp towel to retain moisture and avoid hardening.royal Icing is the best choice for assembling and decorating
gingerbread house. Most other icings contain shortening or butter that will eventually soak into the gingerbread and could cause your house to soften and collapse.
marzipan2 lbs. Almond Paste cup Light corn syrup2 lbs. sifted Powered sugarMarzipan is an edible clay-like substance that can be rolled, pressed, and molded into creative shapes for garnishments, people, packages, creatures, etc.
pastillage1 oz. gelatin8 oz. Water5 lbs. confectioners sugar Heat together the gelatin and water until dissolved. Add confectioners sugar. Keep covered with a wet towel.Pastillage, similar to stiff putty, is sometimes referred to as gum paste. Pestillage is rolled fondant without any of the softening ingredients (glycerin, corn starch, or shortening). It dries bone-dry and crusts more quickly than fondant.
make your own
national gingerbread house competition TM
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 29
Gift Guide30 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
holiday traditions
Holiday films hold a special place in many peoples hearts, and perhaps no holiday movie of the last 30 years has resonated as much as National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. The oft-quoted holiday favorite turned 25 years old in 2014, yet the film remains as popular as ever.
Christmas Vacation still a top holiday flick pick
Fans of the movie Christmas Vacation can no doubt quote their favorite lines from the film, but
the following are a few tidbits
that even the most ardent
Vacation fan might be able to
use to surprise friends.
The movie is based
on a story titled Christmas
59, which was also written
John Hughes, who wrote and
produced the film. The film pays
homage to this story when Clark
Griswold is rummaging through
the attic and finds a movie reel
named Christmas 59.
Frank Capra III worked
as an assistant director on the
film. In one scene of the film,
Its a Wonderful Life, which
was directed by Frank Capra IIIs
grandfather, is on a television in
the background.
Actress Mae Questrel
(Aunt Bethany) provided the
voices for Betty Boop and Olive
Oyl in the 1930s. Christmas
Vacation would be her final film.
The movie had a
surprisingly large budget ($27
million) for a comedy with no
special effects.
The role of Cousin Rocky
had no lines in the film.
Cousin Eddies fashion
style, in particular the sweater/
Dickie combination, was the
brainchild of actor Randy
Quaids real life wife.
In the other National
Lampoon Vacation films that
preceded Christmas Vacation,
Rusty was the older child of the
Griswold clan. However, he is the
younger sibling in this film.
Christmas Vacation
marked the directorial debut
for Jeremiah Chechik, who went
on to direct Benny & Joon and
1998s The Avengers.
Christmas Vacation
featured a handful of Saturday
Night Live alumni. In addition
to the films star, Chevy Chase,
SNL alums Randy Quaid, Julia
Louis-Dreyfus and Brian Doyle-
Murray appeared in the film.
Surprisingly, Christmas
Vacation had its own sequel
that few are familiar with. The
made-for-television National
Lampoons Christmas Vacation
2: Cousin Eddies Island
Adventure was released in 2003.
No part of Christmas
Vacation takes place on
Christmas Day. The film
culminates with the antics that
take place at the Griswold home
on December 24.
Brian Doyle-Murray,
who played Frank Shirley, is the
brother of another famous comic
actor: Bill Murray.
Christmas Vacation
was the only movie in the series
up until then that did not feature
Lindsey Buckinghams song,
Holiday Road.
- Metro Creative Connection
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation came out in 1989 but is still loved by families today.
2015
November 24th, 2015.
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 31
Gift Guide
Its customary for students to offer teachers small to-kens of their affection, whether its during the holiday
season, at the end of the school
year or both. Choosing a gift for a
teacher can be challenging, as the
relationship between student and
teacher and/or parent and teacher
is not personal, and its very possi-
ble students and parents have lit-
tle knowledge of a teachers inter-
Few opportunities to thank teachers for all of the hard work they do present themselves during the course of a typical school year. A thoughtful holiday gift is one way to show their appreciation for a teachers efforts.
teachergifts for the
ests outside the classroom. But the
following gift ideas are essentially
universal in their appeal, making
them great gifts for the special edu-
cator in your life.
hanDwritten notes Rath-er than trinkets that proclaim
Worlds Best Teacher, students
can write their own sentiments
about their teachers and present
it with a gift card or another gift
that doesnt take up much space. A
heartfelt note of appreciation and
gratitude can be all it takes to put
a smile on a teachers face this holi-
day season.
FooD Food can be enjoyed in and around the season. Avoid mak-
ing items yourself, as some people
are particular about eating foods
that were cooked in someone elses
kitchen. Stick to pre-packaged food
baskets, or even treat the teacher to
a meal with a gift card to a restau-
rant.
somethinG scholarly A
gift that provides a teacher with
some intellectual stimulation
might just do the trick this holiday
season. For example, a set of safety
goggles or a kit for doing in-class
experiments might work well for a
science teacher, while a biography
or a best-selling novel may fit the
bill for English teachers.
GiFts carDs Very often all of the students in a class donate a
small amount toward a gift card.
Consider a card that is redeemable
at a nearby store or a generic cash
card the teacher can use anywhere
credit and debit cards are accepted.
classroom suPPlies Bud-get constraints have forced many
teachers to supplement classroom
materials out of their own pockets.
So a gift of school supplies or a gift
certificate to an office-supply store
or teacher-supply center may be
greatly appreciated.
catereD lunch Consult with the school principal to set aside
a day when teachers can enjoy
a catered lunch provided by the
students. Each class parent can
collect funds, which can then be
pooled to host a lunch for the
teachers.
When gifting teachers, there are
also some gifts to AVOID:
trinkets & muGs Through the years a seasoned teacher has
likely collected a fair share of trin-
kets and coffee mugs. Chances are
he or she does not need another
one.
PerFume & lotion Avoid scented lotions, perfumes and
other cosmetic products, as such
items are more personal.
overly exPensive GiFts Do not give a gift that is beyond
the standard range of others in
the classroom, which usually falls
between $10 adn $20. It could ap-
pear as if youre buying affections
for the student, and it could make
the teacher uncomfortable.
- Metro Creative Connection
holiday shopping
Gift Guide32 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
holiday entertaining
Buffet-style meals are often the best option for large gatherings of friends and family. Space constraints can make it difficult to sit everyone down for a formal meal, and buffets enable guests to mingle with one another while selecting only the foods they want to eat.
buffet entertaining tips and timesavers
Buffet service is a good and efficient meal solution for any time of the day. Buf-fet set ups at parties can include
both cold and hot foods if they
are kept at the right tempera-
ture. Here are some more tips to
keep in mind when entertaining
buffet-style.
Present FooD in an easily accessible location Place food on a table or counter that will not
be in the way of foot traffic.
Arrange dishes and cutlery at
the head of the buffet line so
guests can move in an orderly
fashion as they select their food.tie toGether utensils For ease Group forks, knives and spoons with a cloth napkin
and dish so guests can easily grab
what they need for dining.
Practice FooD saFety Hot dishes need to be kept warm
and cold dishes need to be placed
on ice. Use chafing dishes and
pans in combination with your
serving plates. Food should be
removed if it has been sitting at
room temperature for more than
two hours.
exPeriment with meals that keeP Stews, casseroles, soups, baked pasta dishes, and
similar fare can be made in ad-
vance and frozen. Thaw these
dishes in the refrigerator the day
before the party, then heat up
foods and serve for the buffet.
Prepared foods purchased at a
supermarket or specialty retailer
also work well for buffets. Simply
purchase and then set out for
even less work.
weiGh your caterinG oPtions Catering services can make easy work of holiday host-
ing but not without expense. Ca-
terers may charge by the person
or by each tray of food. Some will
include table settings and rolls
with the price; others may not.
Calculate the costs of using a ca-
terer and weigh them against the
cost of doing the work yourself.
use Plastic utensils For hot FooDs Metal spoons and forks can quickly
heat up when sitting in hot serv-
ing dishes. Use plastic utensils so
guests do not get burned.
keeP DressinGs on the siDe Salad dressings and other condiments can cause foods
to wilt or get soggy. Have them
nearby so guests can help them-
selves.
be minDFul oF FooD al-lerGies Although you may have various foods available to
meet the dietary needs of guests,
do not place risky foods next to
others. Label food options so ev-
eryone knows whats available.
ask a FrienD to helP set uP Ask a close friend or family member to come over an
hour or two early to help you set
up the buffet and with any other
last-minute touches. This will
take some of the pressure off of
you, and you can chat and enjoy
yourself before your hosting du-
ties begin.
Frozen FooDs shoulD be thorouGhly wraPPeD Only use freezer-safe bags and
containers to store prepared
foods. Otherwise you may run
the risk of freezer burn or freez-
ing, affecting the taste of the fi-
nal product. Keep in mind that
many desserts, such as fruit pies,
also can be frozen. Its possible
to make ahead just about every-
thing for a holiday feast and sim-
ply thaw and reheat when the big
day arrives.
create a GooD siDe Dish ratio Buffets should include a variety of side dishes. Select one
or two main dishes and then vary
the rest of the selection with rice,
pasta, vegetables, or other favor-
ite side dishes.
keeP take-away con-tainers on hanD Youre bound to make more food than
you need, so send guests off with
their own goodie bags to lighten
the load on your leftovers. En-
courage guests to fill up a con-
tainer and take some food home
with them.
lock Pets away An open, unattended buffet can seem like
paradise to a hungry cat or dog.
Its not sanitary or particularly
appealing for guests to catch a
pet taking advantage of buffet
fare. Keep pets in a bedroom or
outside when the meal is being
served.
Buffets are a fine choice for big
groups because they provide va-
riety and the chance to mingle.
- Metro Creative Connection
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 33
Gift Guide34 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
Fortunately, shoppers dont need to know a lot about sports to find holiday gifts that will elicit cheers from their
favorite sports fans. The follow-
ing are just a handful of gifts that
would make any sports fan happy
this holiday season.
chamPionshiP tickets Many sports fans dream of at-
tending a championship game,
whether that game is the Super
Bowl in the National Football
League, the World Series in Major
League Baseball, an NBA Finals
game, or whatever sport most
stokes a particular sports fans
passion. Tickets have long been a
go-to gift for sports fans, but holi-
day shoppers who want to go above
and beyond may want to purchase
tickets to the championship of a
friend or loved ones favorite sport.
Super Bowl tickets tend to be the
most expensive tickets in Ameri-
can sports, and such a costly gift
might be more than your holiday
budget can handle. Champion-
ships in other sports tend to be
expensive, but more reasonably
priced than Super Bowl tickets. If
possible, ask a friend or relative to
split the cost of a pair of tickets.
television Many sports fans now prefer to watch their favorite
sports on television rather than in
person. Remarkable advancements
in technology have made watching
Tickets to a big-time game or event is one holiday gift no sports fan will ever forget.
Find the perfect holiday gift for the family sports fan whether you are also a sports buff or if you dont know the Super Bowl from the World Series.
sports fangifts for the
the game at home not much dif-
ferent than being there in person,
and watching from home wont
require fans to pay for travel, park-
ing or tickets. A new smart tele-
vision that makes it possible for
sports fans to stream out-of-town
games or watch online highlights
on big screens may be just the
thing your favorite fanatic is hop-
ing for this season.
Gym or leaGue member-shiP Some sports fans are not
merely content to watch their
favorite sports; they also want to
compete. Devoted fans of mixed
martial arts might appreciate
a membership to a local MMA
gym, where they can mimic their
favorite competitors moves all
while getting in shape and meet-
ing like-minded men and women
who share their passion for MMA.
Offer to pay for the first several
months of a loved ones member-
ship, or if your budget allows, buy
a 12-month membership. If MMA
is not your loved ones thing, then
pay his or her entry fees into a lo-
cal sports league, such as a sum-
mer softball league or a competi-
tive basketball league for adults.
attire The sports attire busi-ness is booming, and no sports
fans wardrobe is complete with-
out a handful of items that pro-
fess his or her love for a favorite
team. Visit a local sporting goods
store to stock up on clothes that
help your favorite fan fit in when
he or she attends a game or visits
a nearby bar or restaurant to take
in the game with fellow fans.
Holiday shopping for sports fans
can be fun, especially for shop-
pers willing to get a little creative.
- Metro Creative Connection
holiday shopping
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 35
36 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
CONTEST RULES1. Contest is open to children ages 10 and under. Two
age divisions: 3 - 6 years old and 7 - 10 years old. Relatives of IWANNA employees or contest sponsor are not eligible to win.
2. Adults may assist in completing the contest entry form, but not in the coloring.
3. Limit one entry per child. Entries will not be returned.4. All entries must be postmarked by
Friday, Dec. 11, 2015.5. Submissions are considered property of IWANNA
and may be printed in this newspaper.6. Decisions of judges are final.
Name:_________________________________________________________________________
Age:____________ Phone:________________________________________________________
Addrss:________________________________________________________________________
City:_________________________________ State:___________ Zip:_____________________
Please send Santa Coloring Contest entry form to:Santa Coloring Contest c/o IWANNA
22 Garfield St., Suite 100 PO Box 15228 Asheville, NC 28813
Contest sponsored by:
793 Merrimon Ave.Asheville, NC 28804828-254-8697
Open Daily 10-6Closed Sunday
Entries will be on display at our office in Biltmore Station.
THE TOY BOXOF ASHEVILLE, INC.
Findus on
0004612206
Color Banjo and you could WIN a$50 GIFT CERTIFICATE
to The Toy Box.
Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015 37
CONTEST RULES1. Contest is open to children ages 10 and under. Two
age divisions: 3 - 6 years old and 7 - 10 years old. Relatives of IWANNA employees or contest sponsor are not eligible to win.
2. Adults may assist in completing the contest entry form, but not in the coloring.
3. Limit one entry per child. Entries will not be returned.4. All entries must be postmarked by
Friday, Dec. 11, 2015.5. Submissions are considered property of IWANNA
and may be printed in this newspaper.6. Decisions of judges are final.
Name:_________________________________________________________________________
Age:____________ Phone:________________________________________________________
Addrss:________________________________________________________________________
City:_________________________________ State:___________ Zip:_____________________
Please send Santa Coloring Contest entry form to:Santa Coloring Contest c/o IWANNA
22 Garfield St., Suite 100 PO Box 15228 Asheville, NC 28813
Contest sponsored by:
793 Merrimon Ave.Asheville, NC 28804828-254-8697
Open Daily 10-6Closed Sunday
Entries will be on display at our office in Biltmore Station.
THE TOY BOXOF ASHEVILLE, INC.
Findus on
0004612206
Color Banjo and you could WIN a$50 GIFT CERTIFICATE
to The Toy Box.
Gi Guide38 Holiday Gift Guide | IWANNA November 17, 2015
0004
6184
21
CheCkpoint Armory, LLC. Keltec PMR 30 and KSG-call Camo Ruger
10/22-$260. 22 long rifle ammo, and 22 Magnum ammo available-Call. 5858 Asheville Hwy/ Hendersonville. Hours
9:30-to-5:30 Monday- Friday. Layaways welcome. Visit online at www.check-
pointarmory.com 828-651-0370
2013 kiA Sorento. EX. Front wheel drive. 7 passenger, 1 owner, all service records. 45,000 miles, 6
speed automatic transmission with sportmatic. Premium package 1.
Automatic everything. Heated front seats, 4 cylinder, excellent economy.
Original dealer list price $33,103. Government 5 Star Safety Rating.
$17,900. 828-299-1020
homemAde wooden turtLe pLAnterS. Non-stained $85 or stained $100 can deliver 10 miles
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45 SunSeeker houSeboAt, 1988. Three Buoys design, new 9kw Kohler generator, sleeps 8+,
open top deck w/slide, newly painted, A/C and heat through-
out, full bath. Located at Fontana Village Resort Marina. Recent
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1 bedroom CuStom or-dered home AvAiLAbLe
for SALe or rent! Immediate Occupancy 3. AS IS! Handyman Specials available for sale! 828-
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$15,000 864-506-6166, 864-506-6065
1925 Antique pLAyer piAno. Fully restored in 1990. 40 rolls of
different music. Factory electrified with bench. $900. 864-230-0471
2002 merCury SAbLe. LS wagon. 24DOHC6. 3-row seating. Loaded. 156K miles. Transmission
issue. Driven daily. $1,250 OBO. 828-692-5661
TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CANADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE
CAll 828-274-2222(Western North Carolina) or
864-293-7089 (Upstate South Carolina).
vintAGe top SheLf A