I just love hand-made items. I lovemaking them asgifts and receivingthem as gifts.They’re usuallyaffordable and canbring the greatestjoy. This holidayseason, why notsave a little moneyand give a few giftsthat come from your own two hands? Thecover feature is all about making gift items,gives you suggestions on what you can makeand some helpful Web resources.

Also, while you’re in the spirit of makingthings, check out the article on homemadedecor items.

This is the season of giving and CreativeLiving wouldn’t be complete this month with-out our annual Unique Gift Guide. Check outwhat local businesses have to offer you this hol-iday season. You won’t be disappointed. Happyholidays!

Editor’s note

Specialty Publications Editor

Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsoredmagazine published by the Specialty Publications

Department of The Community Press/TheCommunity Recorder.

Questions and comments can be sent to EditorMelissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail

mhayden@communitypress.com.

For advertising call 248-7685.

Contact

CreativeLivingFeatures

TopicsHealth & FitnessMind • Body • Spirit

At HomeDecor • Repair

Unique Gift GuideSpecialty shops

3 12 Winter FunIndoor • Outdoor

Senior LivingApartments • Care

5

EEaatt hheeaalltthhyy eevveenn wwhhiillee oonn tthhee ggooStay healthy despite all the hustle and bustle.

3

HHaannddmmaaddee ggiiffttss aarree tthhee uullttiimmaattee hhoolliiddaayy ddeeccoorrDress your home for the season with affordable decor handmade by you.

7

8

13

UUnniiqquuee ggiifftt iiddeeaass ffrroomm yyoouurr hhaannddss,, hheeaarrttLooking for a special gift this season? Look no further than your own heart.

8

AAdddd lliiffee,, ccoolloorr ttoo yyoouurr wwiinntteerr llaannddssaappeeLearn how to attract wild birds in your backyard.

12

HHooww ttoo ddooddggee oorr ddeeaall wwiitthh wwiinntteerr aacchheess,, ppaaiinnssHelpful tips.

13

SSttaayyiinngg ssaaffee tthhrroouugghhoouutt tthhee hhoolliiddaayy sseeaassoonnLearn how to keep yourself healthy and safe.

14

See page 10See page 10

H E A L T H & F I T N E S S

3E a s t | N o r t h e a s t C o m m u n i t y p r e s s . c o mN o v. 1 1 , 2 0 0 9

Busy schedules andholiday activitiescan keep you on the

run, making it hard to eathealthy at this time ofyear.

There are times whenyou miss a meal and over-indulge at a later hour,but with a little snackpreparation, you can stayon schedule and on trackwith healthful eatinghabits.

Tips include:

Start your day with breakfastEat a healthy breakfast

every morning to get yourday started off right.

Toast with fruit jams,yogurt, oatmeal, a veg-etable omelet or whole-grain cereal all are fantas-tic healthy options to getyour day started on agood note.

Snack responsiblyKeep a variety of

healthy snacks on handthat aren't too large inportion but are easy tograb throughout the day.

Try crackers that aremade with real, but sim-ple ingredients, such as

Back to Nature’s Seed andHerb Crackers.

Available in three fla-vors – Poppy Thyme,Sesame Tarragon andSunflower Basil – thesecrackers contain no artifi-cial preservatives, no arti-ficial flavors or colors andcontain no cholesterol ortrans fat.

If you're feeling cre-ative, pair any variety ofthese crackers with a lowfat spread or cheese.

Carry on-the-go snacksTravel with a light and

healthy snack that youcan fit into your purse.

A bag of nuts, handfulof granola, a snack bar oreven an apple can helpyou keep those hungercravings at bay whileyou're shopping, pickingyour children up afterschool or running errandsaround town.

Maintain a meal scheduleTry to eat at the same

time every day. This canbe difficult to control withmultiple family schedules,but by eating meals at aconsistent time every day,

your body won't send youhunger pains from adelayed meal.

Share your healthy habitsServe healthy snacks

that not only look good,but taste good too at par-ties. Great options includecookies that contain realchunks of fruit and nutssuch as those from Back toNature. Try Back toNature Granola Cookies inCranberry Pecan andHoney Nut that are sweet-ened naturally with canejuice, fruit juice and honey.

If you're looking forsomething sweeter, optfor Back to Nature'sChocolate Chunk cookiesthat contain RainforestAlliance-certified choco-late. Combine the cookieswith fruit slices or amixed fruit salad andyou'll have the perfectparty snack mix.

By keeping yourselfhealthy while on the go,you can enjoy life andaccomplish more activi-ties. But don't keep thesesecrets to yourself – sharesome of your great-tastingsnacks with friends.

Eat healthy – even while on the goShare your healthy eating habits with friends.

The podiatrists atCenters for Foot andAnkle Care (CFAC)

are dedicated to provid-ing you the highest levelof foot care.

If you have diabetes, itis critical that you seekimmediate treatment forany foot problems.

Because diabetesincreases the chances forfoot problems, even minorinfections or friction

injuries can quickly leadto amputation and seriouscomplications.

CFAC podiatrists havethe experience and eliteeducation to effectivelytreat diabetic patients.

CFAC podiatrists spe-cialize in providing pre-ventative diabetic footcare, Medicare-approveddiabetic shoes, woundcare, and focus on limb-saving treatments.

Diabetic foot care

C R E A T I V E L I V I N G

To advertise in CreativeLiving call 248-7685.

H E A L T H & F I T N E S S

E a s t | N o r t h e a s tN o v. 1 1 , 2 0 0 94

Do you wake up inthe morning feel-ing like you never

went to sleep? Do you feelsleepy throughout theday?

Excessive daytimesleepiness could be asymptom of one of themost widely undiagnosedconditions known asobstructive sleep apnea.

An estimated 20 mil-lion Americans have sleepapnea, a condition wherethe airway collapses dur-ing sleep, causing the per-son to often snore, stopbreathing and awakenmultiple times every hourwith a gasp.

Sleep apnea is a life-threatening sleep disorderthat left undiagnosed anduntreated can shortenyour lifespan up to 18years!

Treatment optionsinclude surgery, oral

appliance therapy, andCPAP.

While CPAP is the goldstandard of sleep apneatreatment, many peoplecan’t tolerate the masksand pressure.

An oral appliance is anFDA approved CPAPalternative that fits overyour teeth and holds thelower jaw forward, keep-ing your airway from col-lapsing.

Every day patientsexperience the benefits ofDr. Kitzmiller’s oral appli-ance therapy and raveabout their new daytimealertness.

“I was so tired of beingtired! I went to Dr.Kitzmiller and have beenthrilled with the resultsfrom using my oral appli-ance. I saw improvementin just a few days andnow I wake up rested,without that exhausted

feeling. This is an easyand uncomplicated solu-tion to managing mysleep apnea.” – Jan

Want to see what a dif-ference oral appliancetherapy can be to treatyour snoring or sleepapnea?

Give Dr. Kitzmiller acall at 248-8848 to sched-ule your complimentaryconsultation.

Dr. Kitzmiller and histeam can coordinate yourentire care process,including scheduling yourdiagnostic sleep study,treatment visits, insuranceand follow up.

Just go to www.cincisleep.com to learn more!

Tired of being tired? Dr. Kitzmiller has a solution

Excessive daytime sleepiness could be a sign of untreated sleep apnea

Not sure if you havesleep apnea? Take aquick quiz at www.

cincisleep.com to see if you are at risk.

A T H O M E

5E a s t | N o r t h e a s t C R E A T I V E L I V I N GC o m m u n i t y p r e s s . c o mN o v. 1 1 , 2 0 0 9

What a wonderfultime to visitLasting

Impressions and Santa-in-the-City/Hosea SharingHouse at 241 Grandviewin Bellevue!

If you want to get that“old fashioned Christmasspirit,” it is well worthyour time to visit thiswinter wonderland full ofholiday decorating ideasand unique holiday mer-chandise.

The Christmas mer-chandise line includes“Santa’s Own” trees,which are as authenticlooking as any tree youwill find on the market.Does your home need abit of “sprucing up” forthe holiday?

This is definitely the

place you will want tovisit to find that spectacu-lar centerpiece for yourdining room table or thatlittle piece for a specialcorner in your kitchen orbathroom.

The fragrance of lus-cious candles fills theroom as you enter theLasting Impressionsshowroom. The wonder-ful scents of Candleberrycandles in the newest

Christmas fragrancesmake it a difficult decisionas you choose just theright one for your home… Bourbon RoastedPecans … Santa’s Cookies… Hollyberry SpicedToddy … Vanilla DippedCinnacrisp … and manymore!

You won’t find anyother brand of candle thatwill fill your home with amore inviting aroma toplease your family andguests.

• Christmas open house– Friday and Saturday,Nov. 27-28 (10 a.m. to 5p.m.) and Sunday, Nov. 29(1 p.m.-5 p.m.)

• Holiday hours –Tuesday through Saturday10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Openuntil 8 p.m. on Thursdays,

December 3, 10, and 13• Life-size Christmas

village on the fourth floor(18,000 square feet)

Santa in the City/Hosea Sharing House

• Gorgeous holidayfloral arrangements

• Beautifully decoratedtrees

• Candleberry candlesfeaturing the newest holi-day fragrances

• Unique Christmasornaments and gifts

• Unique home acces-sories

• Furniture, area rugs,window treatments

• Ashton picturegallery at www.ashton-company.com

Lasting Impressions… Santa-in-the-City/Hosea Sharing House

Lasting Impression’s Santa Tree.

Lasting see page 7

Aprominent HuffRealtor calledRooftime last week

to request a siding esti-mate on her newest listing.

She wondered ifRooftime could come andinvestigate why the newlyapplied paint was peelingon the wood siding of a100-year-old vintagehome; why painters werenot able to keep any paintadhered to the wood sid-ing for any extended peri-od of time; and how mucha new siding job wouldcost the homeowners.

The estimators fromRooftime suspected thetrue problem, even beforethey arrived onto the site!

Another sick and suffo-cating home; dying fromwhat roofers call, “theplastic bag” effect.

Adults constantly warnchildren about the dan-gers of placing their headinto a tightly wrappedplastic bag; after all, morethan 3,300 children are

killed every year this way,due to the lack of air flowin and out of their bodies.

A house is no different!Homes must be able tobreath. Cut off the airflowing in and out of theirattics and they suffocateand die, (the plastic bageffect), just like us.

Peeling paint is justone of the most easily rec-ognized signs of a sickhome!

Homeowners often getfrustrated with a recur-ring paint problem andcall on a contractor toinstall an expensive, vinylsiding job. This will onlymake a bad situationworse!

The newly sided home,now really does have aplastic bag wrappedaround its neck, and itwill die even faster. Newsiding, Tyvek wrap andinsulation board are notthe problem per se, butcan mask the fact thatmajor problems still exist

but are going on, un-noticed.

What little air-flow thatmay have been occurringthrough old cracks andcrevices, has now beencompletely sealed off bythe installation of newsiding.

Now you really havean unhealthy home; proneto accelerated moldgrowth, a build up of inte-rior pollutants, and higherutility bills due to ineffi-cient economies of heatingand air conditioning.

Is your home sick?Most older homes are!Have you just installednew siding because ofpeeling paint, too?

Then you may stillhave problems. Just as asuffocating person can besaved by adding oxygen,so can a dying home bemade to recover byadding air flow.

Roofing professionals,shingle manufacturers,and DIY-gurus, all stress

the importance of properroof - attic ventilation inrelationship to lifeexpectancies of shingleroofs, formation of icedams and excessive utilityconsumption. Homesmust breathe.

How do professionalroofers help a home tobreathe?

By installing a bal-anced ventilation systemat the Soffit (overhang)areas of a home, whichallows air to come into ahome and flow upwardthrough the attic area.

And, by installingfunctional outlet vents, atthe peak or gable ends ofa home, which allows badair to exit the home, vent-ing excessive heat in thesummer and humidity inthe winter.

The good news for theold home the Realtorcalled about, was thatRooftime installed a new,properly balanced ventila-tion system, for less thanone-third the cost of newvinyl siding, and thehome was saved.

Have your home pro-fessionally inspected andreceive a free copy of aDVD or CD-ROM thatcompletely demonstratesthe keys to proper roofventilation by calling on ANew Rooftime at 513-753-TIME, or in NorthernKentucky at 859-344-TIME, or by visiting,www.newrooftime.com.

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6 C o m m u n i t y p r e s s . c o mC R E A T I V E L I V I N G E a s t | N o r t h e a s tN o v. 1 1 , 2 0 0 9

Is your home dying? “The good news for the oldhome the Realtor calledabout, was that Rooftimeinstalled a new, properly

balanced ventilationsystem, for less than

one-third the cost of newvinyl siding, and the home

was saved.”

In addition to theexquisite Christmas deco-rations and trees in theLasting Impressionsshowroom, you will wantto visit the 18,000 squarefoot Santa-in-the-Cityshowroom on the fourthfloor.

Wow! How can weadequately describe thelife-size Christmas villageyou will find as you enterthrough the archway thatleads to the brick andstone corner building, lit-tle white church, row

houses, Santa in his sleighwith reindeer, tons of dec-orated trees, the PlumPudding area, theNaughty-or-Nice tree …and so much more. Youhave to see it to believe it!

The Hosea SharingHouse is also located onthis floor and individualsare invited to contributecanned goods and takeadvantage of the manydonated items that areavailable in this area.

All canned goods willgo to the Henry Hosea

House in Newport, whichserves meals to needyindividuals daily.

All visitors to Santa-in-the-City are invited tocontribute canned fruitsand vegetables for thisworthy cause.

A children’s area hasbeen provided in this areato allow children to tradecanned goods for a gift formom and/or dad.

The Hosea SharingHouse is a great way foryour local group or organ-ization to raise money

through donations ofitems from your group.

1. Your organizationcollects donations such asfurniture, householditems, miscellaneoushousehold goods, etc. (nobedding or clothing).

2. Contact Linda (859-655-8189) to arrange forpickup of items.

3. The items are sold atauction in the SharingHouse (designated dateand time).

4. Your organizationreceives 50 percent of the

sale of the items.5. The Henry Hosea

House receives 25 percentof the sale of the items.

6. The other 25 percentis used for administrativecosts.

Call Linda at 859-655-8189 or 859-462-2006 formore information abouthow you as an individualor your organization canparticipate in the SharingHouse. Donations to theSharing House are taxdeductible.

A T H O M E

7C R E A T I V E L I V I N GC o m m u n i t y p r e s s . c o mN o v. 1 1 , 2 0 0 9

Here’s another silver liningto the dark economicclouds still on the hori-

zon this holiday season: hand-made holiday decorations are notonly less costly, they’re perceivedas more meaningful as well.

From spending more timewith loved ones to an improve-ment in our overall health, storiesabound on the positive sideeffects of the shaky economy.Increased enthusiasm for hand-made items may well be the lat-est good by-product of troubledeconomic times.

So how do you decide whathandmade decorations willenhance your home’s holidaydecor? Here are a few pointers:

• Choose craft items thatcomplement your home’s overalltheme. For example, if you loveclean, contemporary modernlines, make items that mimic thatlook. Crafts that incorporatereflective surfaces and metalliclooks will fit well with contem-porary themes. Softer fabrics andmaterials will mesh with a coun-try theme.

• Make crafts that will endureand be durable for seasons tocome. “You’ll invest your timeand a bit of yourself in everyitem you make,” Skinner says.“Opt for items that will be easyto care for and that will appeal to

your sense of the holidays notjust this year, but next year andthe year after that as well.”

• Give yourself plenty of timeand space in which to create.You’re not rushing the season ifyou start working on your holi-day crafts in early November oreven late October. You’re just giv-ing yourself plenty of time toaccomplish everything you wantto do. Also, dedicate a specificarea of your home to your craft-ing and keep all your projects inone place - this way you’ll haveeverything you need at your fin-gertips.

• Get kids involved. Whenyou create crafts with your chil-dren, you’re not just making dec-orations, you’re making memo-ries that will stay with themthroughout their lives. Plus, mak-ing crafts together will makeeach item feel that much moremeaningful when you use it todecorate your home.

A Country BirdhouseDesigned by Connie Glennon-Hall

Supplies and tools1 wood birdhouse1 can Rust-Oleum multicol-

ored texture spray paint, autumnbrown

1 each acrylic paints in darkbrown, green and ivory

wooden picket fenceDeco Art Snow Writer1 piece, 12 inches by 12 inch-

es, brown cardstock1 piece, 10 inches by 4 inches,

Homespun fabricXyron 510 machine with

adhesive cartridgeTacky glue and glue stick1⁄2-inch flat paintbrush1⁄2-inch detail paintbrushwire cuttersscissorspaper trimmerrulersandpaper

Assembly instructions1. Sand the birdhouse hole

openings to remove rough edges.2. Paint the entire birdhouse

with dark brown acrylic paint.When dry, spray with autumnbrown multicolored texturedpaint. When dry, paint ivory lineswith the detail brush.

3. Cut a rectangle of cardstockslightly smaller than the bottomof birdhouse. Glue cardstock tobottom of birdhouse using gluestick.

4. With wire cutters, cut anine- to 10-picket length from thefence. Dilute green paint andapply a wash coating over fence.When dry, glue to the front ofhouse, along the front base.

5. Measure the three sectionsof the roof and cut brown card-stock to fit. Run the cardstockthrough the Xyron machine.Press the sticky side of the card-stock onto the homespun fabric,aligning plaids and allowing 1⁄4inch margin around each piece.

6. Trim around roof panels -keeping the 1⁄4 inch margin of fab-ric – and fray the edges by pullingout threads. Glue the three panelsto the birdhouse roof, allowingfringe to remain exposed.

7. Decorate the house base,fence, perch, openings and fabricroof with Snow Writer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Handmade crafts are the ultimate customized holiday decor

Country bird house.

E a s t | N o r t h e a s t

Lasting from page 5

A T H O M EA T H O M E

8 9C R E A T I V E L I V I N GC R E A T I V E L I V I N G E a s t | N o r t h e a s tC o m m u n i t y p r e s s . c o m N o v. 1 1 , 2 0 0 9 C o m m u n i t y p r e s s . c o m

Compiled by Melissa Hayden • Editor

Looking for a specialgift? Just search yourheart.

Sometimes the best giftscome straight from yourown hands. These are inex-pensive and are often themost favored. Here’s someideas to get you started thisholiday season.

Bird houseGive the gift of spring

early with this unique andpersonalized gift to the birdlover in your life.

Unique giftideas from your

hands, heart

What’s inside thepretty box? A

special gift fromthe heart.

MaterialsGourdSpoon (to hollow out Gourd)Drill11⁄2” diam. drill bit (for entrance)Drill bit matching the diameter of your perchsmaller drill bit (for hanging hole)small twig or branch for perch (optional)Twine, leather, or wire (for hanging)glueNo VOC paint

Instructions1. Using your 11⁄2” dril bit, drill a hole in

the middle of your gourd.2. Using your spoon or other tool, scoop

out the gourd interior. (you can skip thisstep by purchasing a ready-made Gourdfrom your craft store).

3. Allow to dry4. Measure the diameter of your perch

material, using the same/similar diame-ter drill bit, drill a hole one inch belowyour entry hole.

5. With the smallest drill bit, drill ahole in the top 1⁄2” on the gourd. This willbe for your hanging wire.

6. If you so choose, paint your gourd(exterior only), and allow to dry.

7. Once dry, glue your perch into it’shole.

8. Thread your wire (or othermaterial) through the top holes

Hobby boxGreat for the kid who likes to collect

marbles or coins or for the crafter whoneeds help organizing.

MaterialsWooden boxes (sold at craft stores)Fine-grain sandpaperLatex wood primerAcrylic paints and paintbrushesAcrylic varnishFeltHot glue gunAssorted items, such as costume jewelry, for-

eign coins, or golf tees

Instructions1. To prepare the box for painting, lightly

sand the wood and then brush a coat of primeron all its surfaces. Once the sealer dries, lightlysand the box once more.

2. Paint the box. This will have to be done instages (the inside first, the bottom next, and thetop and sides last), allowing the paint to dryeach time.

3.To paint multicolored stripes, as shown onthe pencil box, apply strips of Easy MaskKleenEdge tape (sold in most craft or paintstores) in a parallel pattern and paint betweenthem. When the paint dries, remove the tape (itwon’t peel off the paint), tape over the freshly

painted areas and paint new stripes betweenthem. Once the paint dries, apply a coat ofacrylic varnish to protect and enhance thecolors and let it dry completely.

4. Next, glue a felt liner to the inside ofthe box. Then glue decorative items thatreflect the recipient’s interests onto thetop. With items that are hard to stick,try gluing bits of felt to the bottomsand then gluing the felt to the box.

Family treeThis family tree will fit into most

standard scrapbook albums. Youcan also purchase a 12 x 12 scrap-book frame to hang it on a wall.

Materials12 x 12 inch recycled card stock

- 1 piecePaper scraps - see suggestions

abovePhotos of baby, parents, and

grandparentsCircle Cutter or scissorsPencilGlueOptional: Leaf Paper Punch,

Decorative Label, Charcopaperor carbon transfer paper

Instructions1. Cut various size circles from scrap paper. If

you don’t have a circle cutter, trace a few differ-ent sizes of round objects (cup, paint bottle, bot-tle cap, etc.) onto paper and then cut them outcarefully with scissors. Recommended sizes: 1-33 large circle for baby, at least 6 - 2 3 circles forparents and grandparents, 12-15 - 1 3 circles, 12-15 - 1⁄2 3 circles for filling in between larger circles

2. Arrange circles on 12 3 x 12 3 recycled cardstock. Use photo above as a guide for placementor make up your own pattern. Largest circleshould be near center with second largest circlesradiating from it. Use smaller circles to fill ingaps.

3. Once you find a layout you like, use a pen-cil to sketch a tree trunk below the circles. I useda dark graphite pencil to sketch my trunk.

4. Glue scrap paper circles in place. 5. Cut out faces of family members about 1⁄2 3

smaller diameter than the scrap paper circlesthey will be placed on. Cut out baby to be 2.5 3in diameter. Cut parents and grandparents to be1.5 3 in diameter.

6. Glue family pictures onto appropriate cir-cles. Glue baby on largest circle. Glue parents ontwo circles closest to baby. Glue maternal grand-parents on two circles closest to mom. Gluepaternal grandparents on two circles closest todad.

7. OPTIONAL: Add leaves to your tree. Use aleaf paper punch to cut leaf shapes from addi-tional scrap paper.

8. OPTIONAL: Apply a decorative label onthe tree trunk to serve as a name plaque.

9. OPTIONAL: Name your tree.

Wine glass charmsA charming gift for the wine collector in your

family.MaterialsVarious Colored BeadsBase Metal (or Sterling Silver) Earring Hoops

(found in the jewelry-making section of yourcraft store)

needle nosed plierssmall tin or container

Instructions1. Slip one bead onto your earring hoop. If

making 4 charms (or 8, or 12), make sure eachbead is a different color.

2. Using your needle-nosed pliers bend thefemale end of the earring hoop so that it’s a 90degree angle (see images below)

3. package in a small tin or container

Sources:http://100handmadegifts.blogspot.com,

http://familyfun.go.com, http://craftingagreen-world.com

U N I Q U E G I F T G U I D E

10 C o m m u n i t y p r e s s . c o mC R E A T I V E L I V I N G E a s t | N o r t h e a s tN o v. 1 1 , 2 0 0 9

Alot has changed forMarkus Jewelersin 20 years.

Thanks to the supportof the community, thissmall jewelry store hasgreatly grown. It hasnever lost, however, itspersonable small businesscharm.

Markus Jewelers isAnderson Township'sonly full-service jewelrystore. Two experiencedjewelers are on the prem-ises.

During the months ofNovember and Decemberthey will be hosting astore-wide anniversary

sale. You won’t want tomiss it!

Their large selection ofcolor gemstones can befound in rings, pendantand earrings. MarkusJewelers carries manynecklaces, charms andbracelets in gold and sil-ver. A large selection ofdesigner pieces like Steelx,Hot Diamonds, Bentelliand Designs by Denae canbe found there as well.

Growing from 480 to1,000 square feet and oneshow case to eight daz-zling showcases, MarkusJewelers can fulfill allyour jewelry needs.

Whether you’re lookingfor a uniquely hand-picked orcustom-made pieceor hopingfor a newlook for apiece youalreadyown,MarkusJewelers isthe place togo.

The jewelers at Markusare also experts in repairwork, carefully mending abroken piece with skilledcraftsmanship.

Customers from allover the tristate are taking

advantage of the on-siterepair services includingchain repair, ring sizing,and restringing. Watchbands and batteries doneas you wait.

All the employees atMarkus Jewelers can help

with a total of 152 years ofexperience.

Come Visit MarkusJewelers, at 2022 EightMile Road. Their phonenumber is 474-4950.

Markus Jewelers celebrates 20th anniversary

“All the employees at MarkusJewelers can help with a total of

152 years of experience.”

To advertise in CreativeLiving call 248-7685.

To advertise inCreativeLiving call 248-7685.

U N I Q U E G I F T G U I D E

11E a s t | N o r t h e a s t C R E A T I V E L I V I N GC o m m u n i t y p r e s s . c o mN o v. 1 1 , 2 0 0 9

Every major milestone in lifeis marked by a trip to thesalon.

It’s a unique relationship thatcan last a lifetime. Your stylist isthere to make sure you look yourbest for everything from a prom-ising first date to a trip down theaisle.

They are often the first trip outafter a new baby, and cut thosenew baby curls a few shortmonths later. They share in thejoy of the many happy occasionsand the sorrow and grief of thesad ones.

The average person sees theirstylist about every four to sixweeks. Sometimes more oftenthan they see their family!

It’s a special relationship thatthe stylists of Christopher GeorgeSalon don’t take for granted.Every visit is a special one.They’ve been building relation-

ships in Milford for sevenyears.With their many talentedstylists to choose from, you’resure to find one that is a perfectfit.

This year instead of givingmore “things,” why not give agreat experience that won’t soonbe forgotten?

A fantastic new color and cut,a style you’ve been admiring, ormaybe just a couple of hourswith new magazines and a sym-pathetic ear. It could be thebeginning of a beautiful newrelationship!

Christopher George Salon islocated at 1085 Suite A, Highway28 in Milford. They are openMonday through Friday 9 a.m. to8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5p.m.. Their phone number is 831-0508. For more information,check out the Web site www.christophergeorgesalon.com.

A relationship that will last a lifetime at Christopher George Salon

Dazzle up yourfavorite 18-inchdoll with a

sparkling ruby, burgundy,emerald green, or goldChristmas gown, and asumptuous velvet, fur-trimmed cape.

Or keep her warm andcozy with a lovely fur-lined jacket.

All this and more canbe found at PreviewProductions in Newtown.

Owner Joyce Rosselotand her assistants SusanLehr and Sarah Wattershave been busy as elvesdesigning, sewing, andstocking the doll clothingboutique with the latest inholiday and winter fash-ions.

They have everythingfor special occasions andeverydaywinterwear,someoutfitsevencomewithmatchingboots.

Withsuch rea-sonableprices, this season is theperfect time to add sever-al of the latest ready-to-wear fashions to yourfavorite someone’s dollcollection.

Preview Production isnow showing their highly

anticipated Christmasdresses, as well as a full

complement of doll shoes,hats, scarves, skates, andmany other accessories.

The best selection isalways in the store, locat-ed at 6720 Main Street inNewtown. Call 271-2524for details.

Preview Productions presentslatest winter doll fashions

“Preview Production isnow showing theirhighly anticipatedChristmas dresses …”

To advertise in CreativeLiving call 923-3111.

Christopher George Salon is located at 1085 Suite A on Highway 28 in Milford.

W I N T E R F U N

12 C o m m u n i t y p r e s s . c o mC R E A T I V E L I V I N G E a s t | N o r t h e a s tN o v. 1 1 , 2 0 0 9

Feeding wild birds is aneasy way to add asplash of color and

song to your outdoor livingspace this winter, plus helpthe birds thrive through thetoughest season for them.

Attracting birds to yourbackyard is as easy as set-ting out bird feeders filledwith quality food.

In fact, winter is a perfecttime to feed wild birds, as avariety of species, includingdark-eyed juncos and nativesparrows, migrate south.

Other species such ascardinals, woodpeckers andgoldfinches will stay aroundthrough the winter and willbe eager to frequent feederswhere they find a ready,steady supply of food.

Feeding wild birds notonly brings a little life toyour backyard during thecooler months, but alsohelps the birds thrive

Add life,color to your

winterlandscape:

Attract wild birdsto your backyard

through the winter, so they – like you – willbe ready to enjoy spring when it arrives.

Getting started is simple:• Offer a feeding station that consists of

a birdfeeder filled with a quality seed mix.Choose a blend that is specially formulatedto attract a variety of birds.

Ingredients should include bird favoriteslike black oil sunflower, thistle and peanuts,which are attractive to a wide range of birdsincluding cardinals, chickadees, finches,native sparrows and more.

Feeding a premium wild bird food likeScotts Songbird Selections ensures birds willget adequate energy and nutrition to helpweather the winter. Visit www.scottswild-birdfood.com to learn more about feedingwild birds.

• Choose a feeder appropriate for thetype of seed blend you are feeding.Common types include covered or openplatforms for any size seed blend, cylindersor tubes for small seeds, and a hopper or“house” style to hold larger seeds like sun-flower. You can easily make your own birdfeeder, or purchase one of the many typesavailable in home improvement, hardwareand other mass retail stores.

To attract even more birds: • Offer more than one feeder with differ-

ent foods to give birds with varying feedingpreferences options and ensure you attract avariety of species.

• In addition to a variety of quality seedblends, consider offering suet as well. Birdsuse a lot of energy, especially in the winter,

and suet is the high-energy snack that canhelp keep them going through the toughtimes.

Rich in calories because it’s primarilymade of fat, suet attracts woodpeckers,chickadees and many other species. Somesuet, like Scotts Songbird Selections Multi-Bird Suet with Fruit and Nuts, is embeddedwith other treats birds love, such as seeds,nuts or dried fruit.

Present the suet in a wire cage. The birdswill cling to the cage and peck at the suetthrough the gaps.

Other tips for winter feeding:• If you live in a region that receives sig-

nificant snow accumulation, make sure feed-ers are raised high enough off the ground toescape the snow buildup.

Place feeders close to the house in loca-tions with a good view from a favorite win-dow. If possible, keep feeders a short bird’sflight from the cover of protective trees, tohelp birds feel more secure when feeding.

• Wild birds have a particularly hardtime finding fresh water in the winter.Consider adding a few heated birdbaths toyour backyard landscape. Heated baths,many with thermostatic controls, are avail-able in most home improvement, hardwareand bird specialty stores.

• If you’re worried about squirrels raid-ing and damaging your feeder, considerfeeding them too. Offer something the squir-rels will find even more enticing than birdfood - like corn - and they’ll be less inclinedto visit your birdfeeder.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Attract wild birdsto add beautiful

color to yourbackyard.

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breaks, and letyour strong legmuscles do asmuch of the workas possible. Ifyou're sitting forlong periods inthe cold, dresswarmly in layersand be sure toprotect your neckwith a warmscarf. Shift posi-tion often, stand-ing up when pos-sible, bending for-ward and gentlystretching yourneck, arm andshoulder musclesto avoid stiffness.

Hot and coldtherapy can alsohelp alleviateneck pain if youdo end up strain-ing muscles.IMAK'sHot/Cold NeckSupport allowsyou to put thetherapeutic effects

of heat or cold directly on soreneck muscles. A microwave-safegel pack can be heated orchilled as needed.

Finally, be aware of the riskand dangers of inclement win-ter weather. Slips on ice andfrostbite from snow send thou-sands to emergency roomsevery winter.

If you must walk on ice, takemeasures to ensure your footingis good, such as using specialcleats that attach to your shoesor wearing thick-soled snowboots.

Never shovel snow, play insnow or spend time outdoors insnow unless you are appropri-ately dressed in warm layers,including hat, gloves and warmboots.

With a few precautions andthe right therapy, you can enjoywinter months free of the achesand pains associated with cold-er weather.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Happy holidays, time withfriends and family, thefreshness of a new year -

there are many things to lookforward to with the arrival ofwinter.

If you're among the millionsof Americans, however, whosuffer from chronic pain, wintercan bring on a whole new set ofproblems and pains.

Whether you suffer fromchronic ailments like arthritis orfibromyalgia, or simply experi-ence the aches, pains and stiff-ness associated with pastinjuries or with aging, winter'scold and dampness can exacer-

How to dodge or deal

with winteraches, pains

bate these problems. Plus, there's the potential to suffer painful injuries from

winter activities like shoveling snow or hazards like slippingon icy ground.

Here is some simple advice to minimize winter's impacton chronic pain and avoid new pains from injuries:

Arthritis and fibromyalgiaWhile both conditions can cause excruciating pain, both

also respond well to positive influences like exercise, diet andhot/cold therapy. To help minimize winter's impact on thesetwo chronic ailments, be sure to stay active and maintain pre-scribed medications and therapies. Dress warmly whengoing outdoors, wearing layers that help trap heat near yourbody.

Turn to hot and cold therapy to soothe sore muscles andaching joints. You don't need to resort to a hot water bottle oran ice pack to get hot/cold therapy relief. The IMAKTherapy Wrap is a 38-inch wrap that fits virtually any part ofthe body.

Insertable gel packs can be heated or chilled, dependingon what works for your pain. Breathable cotton Lycra fabrickeeps the wrap comfortable against the skin. Visitwww.IMAKproducts.com to learn more.

Hot and cold therapy had also proven useful in treatingnormal aches and pains associated with aging, and with painresulting from injury. To avoid common winter injuries from

shoveling snow or slips and falls, fol-low this advice:

• Stretch before you start, just asyou would if engaging in a workout.

• Shovel while it's still snowing andshovel repeatedly throughout thesnowfall. That way, you're not trying tomove a large amount of heavy, wetsnow when the snowfall is over and theaccumulation greater.

• Use a small shovel - a large onemay tempt you to overdo it - and letthe stronger muscles of your legs domost of the lifting and pushing work.Bend at the knees to avoid excess strainon your back.

If you do overdo it and wind upwith some aches and pains, turn to hotand cold therapy to soothe sore mus-cles.

Other outdoor dangersRaking leaves, shoveling snow, even

sitting for long hours in the cold on sta-dium bleachers watching a footballgame - all can put undue strain on yourneck and shoulders. When performingoutdoor physical activity that couldstrain your neck, be sure to take regular

Healthy exercise is a goodway to avoid winter aches.

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Even if you’re not drivingthrough a blizzard, theeffects of winter weather

pose a mobility challenge foreveryone, whether it’s the possibil-ity of slipping on the sidewalk ordelayed flights due to icy run-ways.

Cold temperatures only add tothe frustration of winter travel. It’slittle wonder that some peopleforgo the fun of holiday gatherings

Tips for stayingsafe through the

holiday season

to stay home. For seniors, in particular, the ice and

snow of winter is more than a discom-fort – it’s a hazard.

It’s so easy to slip and fall that manychoose to stay inside, rather than takethe risk of an injury from falling. Goingoutside to simply get the mail can seemlike a chance they don’t want to take.

The best way to face down winterand all its challenges is to think aheadand be prepared. A few simple solutions will make win-ter much safer - and more enjoyable - for you and anyguests you might invite over.

• GGeett tthhee rriigghhtt ggeeaarr –– Clothing has to go to the nextlevel in winter and serve a real purpose. Not only do youneed added warmth, you have to have traction gear forice and material that will keep out the dampness ofsnow, sleet and rain. Clothing technology has come along way in helping us deal with winter. New, lighter-weight fabrics fend off sub-zero cold and all kinds of pre-cipitation without adding bulk, which is great for every-one, but particularly for professionals who need to main-tain dress standards at work.

Most shoes just aren’t able to stand up to the condi-tions of winter, and become hazardous when the world isglazed with ice. Innovative products like Stabilicers, icecleats from 32 North, make any shoes into ground-grip-

ping wonders. A variety of Stabilicers

models are available. TheStabilicers Lite is adaptable toa wide variety of casual shoesand can be put on using onlyone hand. Plus, they’re smalland easy to stash, so you caneasily carry them with youwhen you travel.

• PPrreeppaarree yyoouurr ccaarr ––Winter driving poses its ownunique challenges and needs.First, make sure your car isready by checking that its flu-ids are temperature-appropri-ate and up to the correct lev-els, its wheels are in good

alignment, its tire treadsare in good condition,and that its battery,belts and hoses are ingood shape.

Whether you’re driv-ing long distances tovisit the family or justheading to work, it’s agood idea to keep anup-to-date emergencykit in the vehicle in caseyou become stranded.Include good jumpercables – if the ones youhave are getting worn,spring for a new pairbecause if you getcaught in the cold witha dead car, they will beyour ticket home.

Also include blan-kets, a flashlight, flares,a first aid kit, a smallshovel, a windowscraper and a bag ofsomething that will helpyou gain traction, likekitty litter, sand or salt.Extra hats and glovescan be handy, too, ascan small, non-perish-able snacks like energybars or granola bars.

•• PPaayy aatttteennttiioonn ttooyyoouurr pprrooppeerrttyy –– It’simportant to keep aclose eye on your gut-ters, steps and side-walks, even whenyou’re not in the middleof a snow or ice storm.

Make sure that ici-cles aren’t forming, or if

they have, knock them down (carefully) toavoid damage to your home and to preventthem from falling on anyone.

If ice forms on your walkways, keep icemelt, sand or salt near the door so you caneasily distribute it and prevent slips andfalls. When the snow starts to fall, be sureto shovel regularly. If you’re a city dweller,your neighbors will thank you. If you’renot, you’re taking steps to protect yourselfand any visiting guests.

The Stabilicer ice cleats can also come inhandy while you’re doing these chores, giv-ing you better traction to make the jobquicker, so you can get back in out of thecold.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Stay safe this winter.

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The weather is defi-nitely changing andit brings with it dif-

ferent challenges for stay-ing well.

The good news is thatthere is a lot you can do tostay healthy this winterand to keep those aroundyou healthy too!

Keeping germs at bay

It is inevitable. Thedamp, chilly days bringwith them the coughs andsneeze of thosearound you. How doyou keep from get-ting it?

Believe it or not,the simplest way isthe best and that isgood, old-fashionedhand washing.

When you washyour hands properly, youprevent the spread ofmany germs. Properlymeans soaping for 30 sec-onds and then rinsingthoroughly.

How do you know if itis 30 seconds? Some peo-ple sing two choruses of“Happy Birthday” tothemselves. Others usethe “A, B, C” song.Whatever works for you,make sure you spend thetime to keep those germsaway.

And when you leave apublic restroom, don’tgrab the door handle withyour nice, clean hand. Use

a paper towel to create abarrier and then disposeof that towel properly.

Fight the fluWe’re all reading about

H1N1 and the dangers inthe current flu season.

Well, turns out that theregular seasonal flu is justas dangerous and, for sen-iors, even more so.

If you have no medicalreason not to, a flu shot isthe most important thingthat you can do. And flu

shots are very available,both at your doctor’soffice and in many otherlocations. It is a small stepto take for very powerfulprevention.

Keep movingIf the ground is wet or

slippery, it makes it diffi-cult to go out and exer-cise-even though weknow how important it isto do that. There are a lotof reasons that you needto keep moving. It’s goodfor your heart, yourweight, your joints andyour overall state of mind.What can you do? Many

local malls open theirdoors early so that youcan walk.

You might even find acongenial group of mallwalkers to join! If youcan’t get out, walk inplace in front of your tele-vision; add an extra flightor two of stair climbing;turn on an exercise showand follow along.

The worst thing youcan do is just sit-so don’tjust sit there, do some-thing!

Stay WarmIf the weather is

inclement, dress properlyfor it. Keep your headcovered, keep your feetdry and you can avoid alot of winter-relatedhealth issues.

It’s a small thing to dobut protecting yourselffrom the elements wasgood advice to give yourchildren and it’s goodadvice to follow yourself.

A few simple acts canmake winter a healthierseason for you and all ofthose around you.

Take care of yourself as2009 winds to a close!

Senior living: Staying healthy

“...Keep your head covered, keepyour feet dry and you can avoid a

lot of winter-related health issues.”

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