Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

8
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Monday, December 15, 2014

description

Holiday stories to get you in the holiday spirit!

Transcript of Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

Page 1: Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

Adve

rtis

ing

Supp

lem

ent t

o th

e Su

n Jo

urna

l, M

onda

y, D

ecem

ber 1

5, 2

014

Page 2: Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 20142 western maine holiday

Mon.-Fri. 8am to 5:00pm, Sat. 9am to 12pm or by Appointment

FREE Delivery • FREE Haul-Off

364-706213 Main Street, Mexico

Family Owned & Operated for Over 50 Years

Used Appliances Also Available

$37995WDF110PABB

Dishwasher• In-Rack Silverware Basket• 1-Hour Wash Cycle• Tall Tub Design• Resource-Efficient

Wash System

Why would anyone bank anywhere else?

FREE Checking & Debit Card. No Monthly Service Charges, No Minimum Balance & Unlimited Check Writing. Zip. Zero. Zilch!

Frankline Branch online banking. See transactions, transfer funds between accounts, pay loans, and download statements

Maine Cash AccessSurcharge Free ATM use of more than 187 ATMs in Maine

Convenience and Service. We have the best in customer service!

I love to shop with myFranklin Debit Card!

www.FranklinSavings.com EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

/FranklinSavings5 miles North of Oxford Casino Toll Free 1-877-743-0709

Buying Gold - Silver - Guns

As Always We Have Tons of

One-of-A-Kind Items

Our Entire Store Inventory Is on Sale

And we will always listen to offers

• Always Lending Money• Federal Firearms License we can order a new �rearm or handle a �rearms transfer for you

• Inventory changes daily. Annual Christmas Sale

1190 Main St., Oxford

743-0709In Business 22 years

Good Time For A Great Deal!

take a break and read a Christmas storyBy Sharon BouchardFeature Writer

The closer it gets to the “big day” and Santa’s nocturnal visit the more excited the little ones get. No matter how many times they are reminded that Santa will know if they are naughty or nice, they still have a hard time settling down.

If a parent can take the time out of their busy holiday season and cuddle up with the kids and a good Christmas story, the calming effect and quality time will be worth the break from the hustle and bustle for both parent and child.

“The a l l t ime classic 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens is always a good choice,” said Mike Dignan, head librarian of the South Paris Public Library. “But, Dickens also wrote another great Christmas book entitled 'A

Cricket on The Hearth.'”

"A Cricket on the Hearth and Other Christmas Stories" includes the title story, a fable about home life in the Victorian era; "The Holly Tree," a tale about love at a country inn and "The Haunted House," an entertaining account of a belligerent ghost.

There is always "The Drummer Boy" by Kristina Rodanas, a holiday staple. Also read "Drummer Boy" by Loren Long, which is a slightly different version of the classic tale.

"The Remarkable Christmas of the Cobbler’s Sons" is a nice story by Ruth Sawyer about a mischievous goblin king who brings Christmas magic and joy into the lives of Fritzl, Franzl and Hansl, the sons of a very poor cobbler.

“Both children and adults

can enjoy Norman Rockwell’s 'Deck the Halls,'” said Christie Wessels, children’s librarian of the South Paris Public Library. “The book is lovely to look at and has the words to the song.”

Also in the Norman Rockwell series are "Jingle Bells," "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" and "What Child is This."

For a little diversity and teaching children about other cultures there is "Seven Spools to a Thread, A Kwanzaa Story" by Angela Shelf Medearis.

The story is about seven brothers from an African village who were always fighting. When their father passed away the will he left stated that the seven brothers would have to make gold out of seven spools by sundown or become beggars. A lesson in co-operation and love; a good lesson for all.

Smaller children might enjoy "Happy Hanukkah," a Curious George, tabbed board-book by

H. A. Rey.

In this story, on the eighth day of Hanukkah George and his friends light the menorah, spin the driedel, make latkes and learn the importance of mitzvah.

Reading to children can be

relaxing for adults as well, but sometimes grown ups need to take a break for themselves. The holidays can get pretty hectic

Sharon Bouchard photoTake a break with the kids and visit your local library. “Both children and adults can enjoy Norman Rockwell’s 'Deck the Halls,'” said Christie Wessels, children’s librarian of the South Paris Public Library. “The book is lovely to look at and has the words to the song.”

read a storypage 8 ‰

Page 3: Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014 western maine holiday 3

BUY THE FIRE in Oxford

CENTERYOUR FIREPLACEHEAT NOW!PAY LATER.

0% FINANCING

– QUADRAFIREALL GAS, WOODPELLET STOVES!!

JUST MINUTES FROM GRAY & AUBURN • MON-SAT 8AM-5PM

207-539-9930712 Main Street (Rt.26) • Oxford

www.BuytheFire.com

Start Your Holiday Shopping at

Boothby’s

Open Saturdays 10-5

Honey Crisp Apples by the Bag20 lb. bag for only $30

Warm up by the woodstovein our Farmstand.

Farm Fresh EggsWe accept all major credit cards.

366 Boothby Road, Livermore Maine207-754-3500

www.mainehoneycrisp.com

• Beautiful Honey Crisp Apples• Hand Crafted Apple Wine - Dry or

Semi-Sweet, samples available. Makes a Great Gift, Gift Wrapping Available

• Pottery by Sarah Delaney• Local Handmade Maine Gifts• Gift Baskets• Squash, Unpasteurized Apple Cider, Raw

Honey, Cabot Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Open Saturdays

through Dec. 20th!2 Depot St., Livermore Falls • 897-4031

www.chuckwagon–restaurant.com

Give the gift of

GOOD TASTEwith Chuck Wagon Gift Certificates!

Free Banquet Facilities for your Holiday Party

CHUCK WAGON2 forTUESDAYSALL DAY!

WED.&THURS. $9.99

ECONOMY SPECIALS

Please Join Us For New Year's Eve!

Unique and nutty twists on traditional holiday recipesBy Brandpoint

With the holidays fast approaching it's time to enjoy some of the season's tastiest foods. Small twists can turn a traditional dish into a holiday classic.

The good news is it's simple to add a fresh twist to holiday favorites with easy additions like Fisher Nuts.

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, an Iron Chef and expert on Food Network , said that nuts are one of the most versatile ingredients to use when reinventing dishes. Here are her top five tips for cooking with nuts:

1. Cranberry sauce with a tiny grate of orange zest and a handful of toasted almonds stirred in at the last minute puts a simple but tasty twist on a staple Thanksgiving side dish.

2. Want rich, thick gravy with no lumps? Thicken gravy with ground nuts instead of f lour. Simply separate a little of the gravy in a bowl and blend with ground walnuts until smooth. Then just whisk it back in the pot with the remaining gravy.

3. Spruce up holiday side dishes by stirring in some toasted pecans or almonds. Top gratins with a thin layer or stir a handful into sauteed or braised vegetables. The nuts bring out the earthy flavors of vegetables, adding richness without making dishes too heavy.

4. Stir together melted semi-sweet chocolate and a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. Add a pinch of cinnamon and roll into bite-size candies. It's an easy way to have something different than a pie or cookies for the holidays. Plus it's gluten free.

5. Make nuts part of any season by toasting them in a little warm olive oil over medium heat. When the nuts are toasted and coated in the oil, stir in any fresh herb (for example, rosemary for winter or basil for summer) and allow the herbs to gently crisp up and meld with the nuts. Serve as is with a pinch of salt.

These five tips can help you transform traditional holiday fare into instant classics. To "wow" guests, try this tasty recipe from Chef Guarnaschelli at your next gathering:

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

Sweet potatoes are at their best when combined with something sweet. This recipe blends flavors reminiscent of a cinnamon-infused pecan coffee cake topping and pairs them with sweet potatoes for a change from the more traditional marshmallow topped casserole. Plus, it's perfect for busy cooks

because the potatoes can be microwaved in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, about 3 pounds

• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, divided

• 1 teaspoon orange zest, packed

• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

• 3/4 cup Fisher Pecan Halves, coarsely chopped

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.

2. Pierce sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Microwave on high for 15 minutes or until completely cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle.

3. Topping: Meanwhile, combine the pecans, f lour, sugars, cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to blend. Mix in 1/4 cup butter. The topping should form sandy clumps. Refrigerate.

4. Split the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh inside. Arrange the sweet potato "halves" on a baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine the sweet potato flesh with the remaining 1/4 cup butter, orange zest and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spoon the filling back into each potato half and top with the topping on a baking tray. Place the tray in the center of the oven and bake until the topping browns, 15 to 20 minutes.

Small twists can turn a traditional dish into a holiday classic.

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, an Iron Chef and expert on Food Network , said that nuts are one of the most versatile ingredients to use when reinventing dishes.

Page 4: Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 20144 western maine holiday

Give a Gift They’re Sure To Enjoy,

For every $100 worth of Gift Certi�cates purchased

at Town & Country recieve a $20 gift certi�cate

to spend on yourself!

For more information call1-800-325-4386

INN & RESORTRoute 2 Shelburne, NH

5 minutes from the Maine border

www.townandcountryinn.com

A Town & CountryGift Certi�cate

CASUAL DINING • INDOOR POOL • HEALTH CLUB • LOUNGE W/ENTERTAINMENT

DEVANEY DOAK & GARRETTBOOKSELLERS INC.

193 Broadway, Farmington • 778-3454

DDG’s Holiday 20

www.ddgbooks.com

15%OFF

Our

Selections

with this ad

for the Season’s

Best 20 Books!

$100 off select Ski PkgsBack Country Boots

Starting at $79539-4848 • Open 7 Days/Wk. 10 - 5

Free Season Pass with the purchase of complete Ski pkg

Sale Fri-Mon

Carter's XC Ski Shop, Rt. 26, Oxford

Gift Certificates Available

new year's celebrations around the worldBy Sam EricksonFeature Writer

There are very few global celebrations, but New Year's Eve comes closest. Celebrated by most of the world, New Year's Eve is a seen as a time for opportunity, hope and renewal. While there are a lot of similar traditions across the globe, how the day is celebrated in Phuket is much different than how it is celebrated in Portland. If you're looking to shake up a staid holiday festival or if you are just looking to add a touch of global elan to your party, consider incorporating some of these holiday traditions.

In Ecuador, elaborate dolls called Old Years are made representing people and events, of ten polit ica l f ig ures that the ma kers disagree with. Sometimes, they are even stuffed with firecrackers. At the stroke of midnight, these effigies are lit on fire to demonstrate the burning away of the old year and the beginning of the new one. Some people will also walk around the block with a suitcase, which is said to bring the person their dream journey in the coming year. It is also customary in Ecuador to wear yellow underwear, as it is thought this will bring good luck through the New Year.

The traditions of Ecuador are closely related to those in Mexico and Spain. Many Mexicans will wear yellow underwear on New Year's Eve if they want to find money in the New Year; those who are interested in finding love will wear red underwear. Dolls are made out of old clothes and burned throughout Mexico as a way to burn away the old year. It is also

custom to eat a grape with each chime of the bells that ring in the New Year while making a wish. Each grape corresponds with a month of the year. If the grape is sweet, it is said that that month will be a good one.

In the Philippines, it is traditional to spend the New Year with family and friends at a small dinner. Roasted pig and ham are often on the menu, as many cultures associate them with good luck. Filipinos often choose to wear colorful clothes with circular patterns like polka dots. The color of the clothes is a sign that the wearer is welcoming the New Year, while the circles are a sign of a long-held belief that they will attract money. Perhaps one of the most unique beliefs is that jumping up high will bring an increase in height during the next year.

Perhaps the most ancient traditions happen in Japan. Instead of sending Christmas cards, the Japanese send cards to arrive on New Year's Day so that they can tell those they don't often see how they are doing. They also eat a selection of foods that date back to the times before refrigeration, often consisting of dried, sour or preserved foods, as most shops are closed for the day. Small, decorated envelopes are also given away to children with money inside.

Whatever tradition you choose to follow on New Year's, rest assured that there are literally millions-perhaps even billions-of people celebrating the evening with you. W hile everyone has their own unique way to ring in the New Year, it is the one celebration that most people in the world share.

Holiday coloring

fun!

Page 5: Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014 western maine holiday 5

113 River Road, Livermore, Maine [email protected]

Here comes Santa Claus!

Here comes Santa Claus!

Right down Santa Claus Lane!

Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeerare pulling on the reins.

Bells are ringing, children singing;

All is merry and bright.

Hang your stockings and say your prayers,'

Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus!

Here comes Santa Claus!

Right down Santa Claus Lane!

He's got a bag that is filled with toys

for the boys and girls again.

Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,

What a beautiful sight.

Jump in bed, cover up your head,

‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Written by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman, 1947

Find the perfect gift for the music lover on your listBy Brandpoint

W h i l e m o s t p e o p l e t r u ly enjoy t he hol iday season, it can also bring a considerable a mou nt of stress. One commonly reported cause of holiday stress is shopping for gifts.

Select ing t he r ig ht g i f t for someone c a n be a d a u n t i n g t a s k . W h e n choosing a gift, try to find something that relates back to the recipient's interests, hobbies or pastimes. One popular hobby for people of all ages is listening to music. To make this holiday shopping season a little bit easier, here are a few ideas sure to "wow" the music fan on your gift list.

For the record aficionado.Across the country, record sales have seen a recent resurgence. Most major labels offer LP versions of newly released music and a growing number of classic albums are being reissued on vinyl. The obvious gift to consider for a record neophyte on your shopping list is a good turntable.

Records shou ld a lways be stored upright, never stacked one on top of another, so storage cases that securely keep albums ver t ica l a re per fect for record newbies. For any serious collectors on your shopping list, search your neighborhood record store, A ma zon.com or on l i ne a lbu m dea lers for f i rst pressings, which deliver audio quality close to the original master disc.

For the music lover on the go.Help your loved ones listen to t hei r favor ite t u nes anytime, any where with a portable travel speaker. Travel speakers should be small enough to f it into a ca rr y-on or backpack pocket yet durable enough to withstand life on the go.

Also, look for new wireless offerings that allow users to stream music from their smartphone or device, no docking or cords required. The compact and portable TDK Life on Record Wireless We at her pr o of Sp e a k er f e a t u r e s B l u e t o ot h ( R ) wireless audio streaming and a sleek, weatherized design that protects it from t he elements includ ing water and dust.

Get them listening with the perfect headphones.A good pair of headphones is the must-have accessory for any music fan. Headphone quality has a large impact on sound, so getting the right pair is key.

Look for sets with special features including in-line iPhone/smart device controls or w i reless opt ions t hat remove the limitations and restrictions of a cord. With a wide variety of price points to choose from and different designs available - in-ear, on-ear, full-sized and more - you're sure to find a pair for anyone on your list.

Supply them with the music they crave.

Online music services are more popu la r t ha n ever before. Give your loved ones the gif t of uninterrupted streaming with an upgraded Spotify or Pandora account. For a sma l l mont hly fee, your friends and family will be upgraded to a subscriber account free of disruptive advertisements.

If you're unsure of which s t r e a m i ng s er v ic e y ou r friends use or you don't want to buy a subscription, gift cards are another option. Pandora and Spotify both sell gift cards online and these cards are also available at big box retailers across the country.

For more information and gift ideas sure to please the music fan on your shopping list, go to w w w.td kper for ma nce.com.

One popular hobby for people of all ages is listening to music.

Page 6: Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 20146 western maine holiday

IN THE NOTCHESCHRISTMAS

SLEEPER SOFAPrices starting at

$599SOFA TWIN SETS

RECLINING SOFA GLIDER ROCKER

12 miles from Rumford on Rte. 120 West364-4757 • 545-2442

Monday - Saturday 8 - 5; Sunday 12 - 4

ALWAYSFree Delivery& FREE Haul-off

DRIVE A LITTLE ~ SAVE A LOT!

Prices starting at Prices starting at

Prices starting at

Prices starting at

Prices starting at

Prices starting at

$399 $189

$699

$349

$339

CHAISE ROCKER RECLINER

$289MATCHING

RECLINING CHAIR

Stress-free holiday hosting tipsBy MetroCreative

Gatherings with friends and family are a big part of the holiday season. Many people travel during the holidays to spend time with distant relatives, but those same people often want to gather with those loved ones who live nearby as well.

T hu s a n abu nda nc e of gatherings comes in December, when office parties, dinners with family and festivities with friends have a way of dominating the last five weeks of the year.

A l l of t hose gat her i ngs translate to a lot of holiday hosting, and hosts can easily feel overwhelmed as they try to juggle hosting duties with everything else that comes along during this time of year. The following are a few steps holiday hosts can take to make hosting a lot less hectic and a lot more fun.

Enlist help.

Just because a holiday party is at your home does not mean others can't pitch in or will be unwilling to help. If you plan to decorate for the party, invite a friend over to assist.

W hen host ing a hol iday dinner party, ask guests to bring certain items to save you some work. Ask one guest to bring some dessert, saving you the time it takes to visit the local bakery or bake your own desserts, and ask others to provide side dishes. This drastically reduces the time it will take you to shop for groceries and cook the meal, leaving you more time to spend with friends and family, both during the party and in the days leading up to the festivities.

Plan well in advance.

The earlier you begin planning the party, the less stress you're likely to feel as a host.

Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain snacks and beverages, have no expiration dates, so buy such items well in advance of the party.

This leads to one less task to tackle in the weeks and days leading up to the party. Planning early also affords you ample time coordinate with guests and decide who will be responsible for certain party tasks.

Planning a party at the last minute can be stressful, so if you know you will be handling hosting duties this holiday season, start preparing for the party as soon as possible.

Hire a cleaning service.

One of the more difficult parts of holiday hosting is cleaning the house before guests arrive. A thorough house cleaning can take up a substantial amount of time, which tends to be hard to come by during the holiday season.

To avoid a late night cleaning session or the need to spend a valuable weekend afternoon hard at work around the house, hire a cleaning service to come and clean your house in the days before the party.

Such services can clean your

home in a fraction of the time it might take you to do so on your own, and this removes one of the more time-consuming and arduous tasks from your to-do list.

Have a theme for the party.

Holiday hosts may worry about how to entertain their guests throughout the party. A theme party makes it easier to entertain guests, who can show up decked out in holiday pajamas or sweaters or bring along a favorite unique compilation of holiday songs for a sing-along.

Such themes set a tone for the party right away and often make it easier for guests to unwind immediately. Seek suggestions for a theme from your guests to make the party even more fun.

Pass the buck.

Hosting a holiday dinner party? Consider passing the hosting duties on to a local restaurant, especially if your friends and family members are on board with the idea.

If your schedule is especially hectic this holiday season, then move the party from your home to a local restaurant, where the staff can worry about accommodating your guests and you can simply relax and have a good time with your loved ones.

When choosing a restaurant, look for one with a menu that features something for everyone. Entree selections should include a pasta dish, a beef dish, a seafood dish, a poultry dish, and vegetarian fare.

Holiday hosting is meant to be fun, but hosts often find themselves scrambling to prepare for the party as it draws closer. Planning early, seeking help and input from your guests and delegating certain tasks can help ensure hosts have as festive a time as their friends and family members.

The ear l ier you begin planning the party, the less stress you're likely to feel as a host.

Once again, buying diamonds is coolBy NewsUSA

It's cool to buy diamonds again.

Well, at least those that have been "sustainably mined."

With holiday jewelry shopping now in high gear, those two words alone are likely to provide a tremendous sense of relief -- the pop-culture equivalent of "Mad Men" re-upping in perpetuity -- for anyone who's been concerned about mining's impact on local habitats. Indeed, these days Rio Tinto, one of the world's major diamond producers, for example, is as likely to be lauded for its enviro creds as it is the incredibly gorgeous natural color diamonds produced by its Argyle Mine in Western Australia.

"We appreciate that people want to know that the jewelry they buy has been mined responsibly and ethically," Rebecca Foerster, Rio Tinto Diamonds' U.S. vice president, said last year on becoming the only miner to be certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council for initiatives that include employing indigenous community members to cultivate seeds of native plants for re-vegetation.

Here's what's also fueling the very hot Argyle diamonds trend:

• There's nothing ho-hum about them. Though this may be one of the prime times for proposing, anyone who still thinks engagement rings are the only kind women want on their fingers is stuck in a time warp. So know that for every one of those natural color diamonds produced through just the right

Rough champagne diamonds from the Argyle mine.

diamondspage 8 ‰

Page 7: Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 2014 western maine holiday 7

Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-12 • 645-4934 or 1-800-287-4934www.rsosgood.com email: [email protected]

Top Quality Sales & Service Since 1930!

Honda. Built to Last.EU2000– Super quiet – 53 to 59 dB(A)– Lightweight (less than 47 lbs.)– Advanced inverter technology

EB6500– 6500 watts 120/240V– G.F.C.I/ neutral bond protection– 10.4 hours run time at 1/2 load– Wheel kit standard w/positive lock folding handle

*Read the owner’s manual before operating Honda Power Equipment.

Gift returns done rightBy MetroCreative

Gift returns are inevitable come the holiday season. No matter how much thought shoppers put into gifts for their loved ones, chances are someone is going to return one of those gifts.

Clothing may not fit or a gift might be a duplicate, while other gifts simply don't tickle a recipient's fancy. But returns should not be taken as a personal slight, and men and women can take steps to make the process of returning gifts a lot easier.

GiversThere are many ways to facilitate the process of exchanging gifts or making returns, including finding a gift that is less likely to be retuned. In a survey for the popular department store Kohl's, researchers found that clothing, items for the home and beauty and fragrance items were the gifts most likely to be returned. So shoppers may want to avoid such gifts this holiday season.

Another way to make returning or exchanging gifts easier is to make note of the policies governing such returns and exchanges. Such policies are often posted near checkout areas and are outlined on the back of printed receipts.

Before embarking on a shopping trip, shoppers can visit a retailer's Web site

and familiarize themselves with its return policies. If rules are unclear, ask an employee. Shoppers also can shop at stores that allow consumers ample time to return or exchanges gifts.

This allows your loved ones to return or exchange a g i f t when it's most convenient for them. Many retailers have recognized the advantages to having more liberal return policies. A recent survey by ConsumerWorld.org identified which retailers have made changes and which have maintained the same return policies.

A ma zon, Best Buy, Costco, Kohl's, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx were found to be the retailers with the most generous regular or holiday return deadlines. Choosing retailers with more lenient return and exchange policies can make things easier on your loved ones.

Shoppers also should include a gift receipt with gifts. This shows recipients that you have their needs in mind and want to make the process of exchanging or returning a gift as easy as possible. Without a receipt, recipients may not get the full value of the item at its time of purchase and only get credited with the current price of the item.

Prices are often slashed in the days following the holidays. Many stores have become more stringent with their return policies in an attempt to avoid fraud. As

a result, receipts are essential because without a receipt stores cannot verify purchases or issue a refund or exchange.

Certain stores wil l a l low a certain number of returns without a receipt, but these are carefully recorded and linked to a shopper's driver's license number. This makes it easier for retailers to monitor serial returners. Some retailers even refuse returns without receipts.

RecipientsTr y to ma ke ret u r ns du r i ng less busy t imes of t he day. Long l ines at t he c u stomer ser v ice cou nter are commonplace in the days after Christmas.

Check t he receipt for t he ret u r n deadline, and try to wait at least a week or two after the holiday rush is over, eventually visiting the store in the early morning or late evening when crowds typically have thinned.

Returns for online purchases may be challenging. Some retailers allow returns at their brick-and-mortar stores, while others require consumers to mail back the item.

Some stores will only offer store credit instead of a cash refund or replacement of funds on a credit card. Online returns may require the help of the person who gave you the gift.

No matter how much thought shoppers put into gifts for their loved ones, chances are someone is going to return one of those gifts.

Use coupons to save on holiday purchasesBy MetroCreative

Coupons have long been helping consumers save a few dollars on everything from supermarket staples to toys and more. Scouring for coupons and using them effectively has evolved into an art form, with some savvy coupon users paying next to nothing for carts full of merchandise.

The average shopper may have little experience at finding coupons, but he or she can still save some money. As the holiday season approaches, it's likely that coupon usage will once again be widespread.

Here are some ways to put coupons to good use.

• Shop at stores that allow coupon stacking.

Many store policies only allow shoppers one coupon per purchase. But a select few allow shoppers to stack coupons to save more money. In such situations, shoppers may be able to combine dollar-value-off coupons with percentage-off coupons.

In addition, some stores may not limit the number of coupons shoppers can use on a single transaction. Shopping at these stores with more f lexible, consumer-friendly coupon policies can add up to significant savings over the course of the holiday shopping season.

• Check the restrictions before heading to the store. When planning to use coupons, shoppers should verify the fine print on the coupon before entering the store. Some coupons restrict which items can be

purchased in conjunction with the coupon.

Holiday coupons can be found in the mail, newspaper advertisements and even online.

Couponspage 8 ‰

Page 8: Holidays in Western Maine Dec. 15, 2014

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 15, 20148 western maine holiday

hand-knitted coffee cozy could be just the thing.

• Think about your loved one’s unique tastes. Treat y o u r f a v o r i t e h o s t e s s , environmentalist, trendsetter or coffee/tea lover to this hol iday sea son’s newest stocking stuffer, Joco cup. These glass reusable coffee cups are created to enhance their daily cup of tea or coffee and keep Mother Nature happy.

Un like paper or plast ic, glass won’t affect the flavor, and enjoying the drink in a reusable cup will cut down on waste. Each dishwasher- and microwave-safe cup features an ergonomic, splash-safe, silicone lid designed to ensure you’re drinking your morning brew, not wearing it, and a

thermal sleeve that keeps coffee hot and hands cool. The 12-oz or 16-oz cups come in black, blue, lemon, lime, mint, orange, pink, purple, red or white.

Use or serve a Joco cup this holiday season with a cheerful new take on the classic Chai Tea:

Chai Tea• 1 cup water• 1 cup whole milk• 1 Earl Grey tea bag• 2 tablespoons honey• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract• 1 cinnamon stick• 3 whole cloves• Pinch cardamom• Pinch nutmeg• Pinch ginger

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add remaining ingredients and reduce heat to

low. Cover and simmer gently for 3 minutes. Strain into 2 Joco cups and top with a pinch of nutmeg. For an extra kick, stir 1 ounce brandy into each cup.

The cups, which are also a fantastic way to take cold drinks, hot chocolate, mulled cider or other beverages on the go, are available at select retailers and at www.jococups.com/usa.

We have 2 full time technicians to assist you with your snowmobile, ATV and small engine needs!

HusqvarnaFull Warranty Service • Sales • Parts • Accessories

778-6563 • 469 Fairbanks Rd • Farmington

and a good stress reliever is to take some downtime to relax with a book.

John Grisham fans might find "Skipping Christmas" an enticing idea, but it’s also a good story about Luther and Nora Krank. The Kranks are going on a cruise on Dec. 25 and figured they might just as well skip Christmas. They find that skipping the biggest holiday of the year is not as easy as they thought.

"Visions of Sugar Plums: A Stephanie Plum Holiday Story" by Janet Evanovich is a holiday version of Stephanie Plum’s misfortunes, zany adventures, high jinx and a happy, but twisted, ending.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson is another story that can be enjoyed by adults as well as children.

This is a tale of the worst kids in the history of the world who take over the annual church Chr ist mas pagea nt. The church members are in shock and worried. The bad boys

present their version of the Christmas story, which is hardly recognizable as the church members know.

The number of holiday books celebrating all traditions and cultures is endless. There is a book suitable for all ages and reading levels available at your local library.

Reading is a great way to spend time with excited little ones or to spend some time for yourself. Books, whether holiday related or just a darn good story also make excellent gifts. Check a book store in your area for outstanding gift ideas.

read a storyfrom page 2

confluence of the elements and the environment -- we're talking soft, neutral shades like champagne, cognac, silver and gray -- it's estimated that there are 10,000 white diamonds. What woman wouldn't want something unique?

• Brown is the new black. From a purely fashion point of view -- and this applies to Argyle diamonds set in giftable rings, bracelets, earrings, etc. -- the

champagne stones, especially (which get their distinctive hue from nitrogen atoms present at their formation), work well with all the bright-colored clothes the fashion mags have decreed women should be wearing right now. And guess what? Those fashion plates, especially, don't think of themselves as ordinary.

Or, as jewelry and style expert Michael O'Connor said: "It's not just that people want to feel good about having made env ironmenta l ly f r iendly choices. They also want things

that are unusual and different from what their friends have, and these are diamonds with a story."

• T h e p r i c e i s r i g h t . Undoubtedly, cost wasn't a factor in model Heidi Klum's decision to don brown Argyle diamond earrings and ring for an Oscars-related event. But for the rest of us, it's nice to know that Argyle diamonds are actually affordable.

L e a r n m o r e a t w w w.diamondswithastory.com.

diamondsfrom page 6

For example, some stores may prohibit shoppers from using coupons when purchasing bra nd na me or designer products, while others may limit when the coupon can be used. Blackout dates could apply, so shoppers should visit stores when no such restrictions apply.

• Do your research before leaving the house. Just because you don't have a paper coupon from a mailer or newspaper

doesn't mean such coupons are nonexistent.

Search popular coupon Web sites for online coupon codes or printable in-store coupons. Merchandise can even be shipped to the store, which is usually free, to save you even more on shipping costs for items purchased online.

• Purchase more to save. It may seem counterintuitive, but very often larger purchases qualify shoppers for steep discounts. Consider doing all of your shopping at one retailer and then taking advantage of coupons that deduct a certain

percentage of your tota l purchase. It could be worth it if you spend just a little bit more.

• Keep track of your coupons. Coupons are no use to you if you lose them before you begin your holiday shopping. Keep them in a safe location and then remember to bring them with you when shopping for the holidays. Some coupons can be used repeatedly, so do not discard them after use.

When used effectively, coupons can save holiday shoppers a substantial amount of money.

Couponsfrom page 7

Please the coffee and tea lovers on your holiday listBy NAPSI

Any time is the right time to treat the coffee or tea lovers in your life to an unexpected gift, but the holidays provide an excellent excuse to show them how much you care. Follow these tips and soon you’ll be

known as having the gift of gift-giving.

• Keep your eyes open all year-round: Whenever you see the perfect teapot, sugar bowl or set of spoons on sale that reminds you of that special someone, be sure to buy it and save it for

a special occasion. Just don’t forget where you put it.

• You don’t have to spend a fortune for your gift to look like a million. Instead of that luxury espresso maker, look for clever tea infusers or vintage tea tins. Don’t forget a personal touch. A You can give the gifts of comfort

and class when you present a set of smart glass coffee cups.