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NEW HAVEN REGISTER + SHORELINE TIMES

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

INDULGE

Infuseyourholidaytraditionswithatouchofsweetness As the holidays approach, you’re probably starting to think about ways to make the season a little bit sweeter for friends and family. After all, it’s the perfect time of year to indulge your sweet tooth. Here are some fun, festive and tasty ideas to sweeten your holiday traditions and make them unforgettable, from the holiday experts at See’s Candies.

Candy Bar

Dedicate a section of your holiday party buffet to sweet treats, chocolates, candy and hot chocolate. Don’t forget to have small goodie bags available so guests can take some of the sweetness home with them.

Stocking Stuffers

While you will most likely purchase personalized gifts for each member of your family,

you can also amp up their stockings with candy full of holiday cheer. One delicious seasonal choice is See’s Candies North Pole Delights Gift Box, which includes milk chocolate balls, molasses chips and rich dark chocolate.

Hostess Gifts

Goodies for Santa

A favorite holiday tradition for many is leaving something sweet for Santa. This year, make Santa’s night by leaving him something extra yummy, such as See’s Candies Christmas Peanut Brittle. Don’t forget the milk! See’s Candies offers a variety of over 100 different candies and chocolates, which are made using only the best ingredients. You can find See’s at holiday gift center locations in major malls nationwide or at www. Sees.com. For more holiday ideas, visit @SeesCandies on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram. With a few sweet, festive touches to your holiday traditions, you can make this holiday season one to remember.

You will likely be attending many gatherings and parties this holiday season. Make sure you don’t arrive empty-handed. A box of chocolates in a keepsake holiday-themed tin makes for a convenient and wonderful host or hostess gift. In fact, having several on hand in your home is a great idea for easy gift-giving all season long, especially for last-minute gifts when you realize you’ve forgotten something for the mailman, your babysitter or your child’s teacher. Courtesy of StatePoint

STATEPOINT

With a few sweet, festive touches to your holiday traditions, you can make this holiday season one to remember.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

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NEW HAVEN REGISTER + SHORELINE TIMES

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

PICTURE PERFECT It certainly is easy enough to have a friend snap some pictures on a smartphone and print off a stack of copies with a pre-designed template. But if you take the idea a couple of steps further, booking a session with a professional photographer will result in stunning cards that people will love to display and keep. BRANDPOINT

4waystomakeyourfamily’sholidayportraitsshine Take a look at your family. How many changes have crept in since last year? And one year from now, when it's time to send out holiday cards again, think about how much more they will have changed. Sending a family photograph as your holiday card is one way to share with your friends and loved ones the joy and pride your family makes you feel. But more importantly, as the years pass, the holiday memories within these pictures will become more and more precious. It certainly is easy enough to have a friend snap some pictures on a smartphone and print off a stack of copies with a pre-designed template. But if you take the idea a couple of steps further, booking a session with a professional pho-

tographer will result in stunning cards that people will love to display and keep. In addition to that, you'll have framed gifts to wrap up for your loved ones. The advantage to using a professional photographer is that they have the skills and artistic ability to make beautiful images that you will cherish forever. In addition to that, they can partner with you to create a style and effect that matches your family's unique personality. To get you started, here are four different styles that just might capture your family's personality and the magic of the holiday spirit.

The photographer is less likely to use editing effects to alter the finished product. To prepare for this, choose a color and style that is clean, uniform and classic - something that would be set off by a holiday-themed border when you're designing your card layout. In the end, the goal is to draw the eye to the face, which is what the classic style emphasizes more than anything.

Modern

This style ditches the formal posing and creates a relaxed, candid feel. You come as you are, perhaps using a setting that is familiar and comfortable to your famClassic ily, such as building a snowman Simple yet timeless, this back- in your backyard or taking a hike ground is often neutral with the through the winter woods. Whatfamily sitting in formal poses. ever you bring to the shoot, the

idea is to showcase your family this by pulling from your family relaxed and happy together. heritage. For example, you could dress your daughter in your childEclectic hood velvet dress. Or include your This style takes the modern ap- grandfather's vintage toy train proach to a highly specialized, set as a prop. Some photograhighly individualized level and phers specialize in black and white uses special effects and editing to photography, as well as sepia efconvey humor or a sense of drama. fects. Of course, if you really want For example, perhaps your holiday to try an authentic and timeless portrait could feature your family look, some photographers are exmembers forming a human lad- perimenting with glass plate phoder to place a star on the top of tography. the tree. Look for a photographer Which style of photography with the savvy and technique to is right for you and your family? pull off these specific effects and Take a "Family Photography Style dramatic images. quiz" and, once you're ready for your new photo session, check out Vintage findaphotographer.com to find the What's old is once again new. right photographer for you and in What better way to call back to your city. the family roots that tie your loved ones together? You can express Courtesy of BrandPoint

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

NEW HAVEN REGISTER + SHORELINE TIMES

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SILENT NIGHT

Haveahappier,lessstressfulholidayseason Americans have a lovehate relationship with the holiday season. You may love the festive spirit and the opportunity to share time with friends and family, but dread all the work - and stress - involved in seasonal tasks, including meal preparation. However, it is possible to make it through the holidays with more happiness than humbugs. All it takes is a little planning and a few smart shortcuts. Here are tips to help ensure your holiday season is as bright and stress-free as possible:

Get the guest list in advance

hours cooking it. Meal preparation can be a huge stressor - and time drain - during an Of course, everyone loves already busy season. Relieve the unexpected pop in, and the stress by preparing a few it’s always smart around items in your own kitchen the holiday season to have and relying on high-quality, snacks and small gifts on prepped-to-heat-and-serve hand for unannounced food from a holiday-friendly guests. But when it comes restaurant, like Boston Marto bigger gatherings, such ket, to complete the meal. as Thanksgiving dinner, a Ready-made meals allow Hanukkah gathering or a you to spend less time in the Christmas or New Year’s kitchen and more time with party, it’s important to loved ones, while ensurknow who’s coming ahead ing your guests enjoy a deof time.Getting your guest licious holiday feast. A holilist in order well in advance day dinner for 12 from Boscan help you plan for how ton Market, for instance, much food and drink to includes a roasted turkey or Budget your way to buy, and to accommodate ham, creamy mashed potapeace any special dietary needs toes with gravy and all the such as low-fat or gluten fixings like sides, rolls and Budgeting is a great way free.Online invitation tools apple or pumpkin pies for to not only ensure you don’t make it easy (and free) to just around $110 or so - all end up with big bills after the send out invitations. Guests you have to do is pick it up, holidays, but also to help you can RSVP online, and you take it home, heat and serve. feel more in control through- can track who’s responded, And, some locations will out the season. Knowing ex- who you’ve yet to hear even deliver larger catering actly how much you have to from, and who’ll be coming. orders straight to your door! spend will help you stay foVisit bostonmarket.com/holcused and on track. You can Consider ready-made iday or call 866-977-9090 to create multiple budgets to meals get those holiday meal plans address different holiday made in no time (and add spending needs, such as a Seasonal foods like turkey some time back to your day). gift budget, food budget and with all the trimmings are an entertainment budget. as much a part of the holi- It’s OK to ask for help And if you go a little over day season as decorations When you’re hosting a holin one area, like gifts, don’t and gifts. However, there’s iday event, there’s just too stress - just recalibrate in an- no rule that says food will much for one person to do other! taste great only if you spent alone. If you don’t want to

27th Annual Trees of Hope Holiday Spectacular! Benefitting the children & families of Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut

December 3-11, 2016

find yourself deflating under the stress of trying to do everything, delegate tasks. Often, friends and family are happy to pitch in, and their teamwork can help ensure everyone enjoys your celebration. When you delegate a task, be specific about what you need and the timeline. For example, you can ask a friend to pick up holiday decorations, a festive tablecloth and seasonal paper ware, and have it all to your house the afternoon before the event. Plus, it’s a-okay to suggest favorite designs, colors or even stores at which to pick up those must-have holiday add ons!

Breathe new life into that holiday menu

Did you know 50 percent of holiday revelers serve prepared foods for their feast? Keeping your Thanksgiving menu exciting and unique can be tough if cooking is not your strong suit (or even if it is). It may seem like you need special, otherworldly ingredients to give your meal that “wow” factor we’re all hoping to achieve these days. However, sometimes the best strategy is just bringing together the appropriate combination of simple ingredients and saving some time along the way. Taking mashed potatoes and mixing Gouda cheese, minced garlic, freshly chopped chives and a little olive oil can really bring a hohum, staple side dish to life, for instance. Or, even something as simple as pumpkin

pie can become vibrant with just a touch of sugar and some heat - a few minutes in the broiler and you’ve got yourself a Pumpkin Pie Brulee that’s sure to wow your guests. All these holiday staples can be found at your nearest Boston Market, just waiting to be gussied up in time for that holiday feast. During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that everything has to be “perfect.” Doing everything and creating stress for yourself doesn’t equal “perfection.” Finding ways to make your life easier and more enjoyable during the holidays allows you to focus on what really makes the season special - time with those you love. Courtesy of BrandPoint

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

SAFETY FIRST No one wants to be hurt during the holidays, yet injuries sustained as part of the season’s festivities are actually very common. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) there were nearly 69,000visits to doctor’s offices and/or emergency departments in 2015directly due to holiday decorating and decorations. BRANDPOINT

3tipstopreventcommonholidayinjuries W hat does your holiday wishlist include this year? Spending time with friends and family? The latest tech or that best-selling book you’ve been meaning to read? Maybe it includes plans for a trip in 2017. Whatever is on your wishlist, chances are a holiday-related injury isn’t one of them. No one wants to be hurt during the holidays, yet injuries sustained as part of the season’s festivities are actually very common. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) there were nearly 69,000 visits to doctor’s offices and/or emergency departments in 2015 directly due to holiday decorating and decorations. “During the holiday season so many of us get wrapped up in what we have to do, that we don’t take the time to do it safely,” says orthopaedic spine surgeon Alan S. Hilibrand, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). “It’s up to all of us to never forget

safety as we’re checking off our to-do list, because you can’t enjoy the holidays when you’re hurt.” To help you prepare for and enjoy your holidays in a safe and enjoyable way this year, the AAOS offers these safety tips.

Master the ladder

Yes, we’ve all been up a ladder hundreds of times, but 566,000 Americans were injured due to ladder falls in 2015. Many of these injuries took place during the holidays when outside conditions are more conducive to accidents. Before using a ladder for any task, you should inspect it thoroughly for loose screws, hinges or rungs, and never climb a ladder that is damaged. Even the shortest job can still cause an accident. Once the ladder has been deemed to be in good working order, make sure it is set on level even ground - even if this means removing debris or snow to do so. Then, be sure you have a spotter ready below before beginning your climb.

Once your task is finished, climb down the ladder and move it to the next position - don’t overreach. Relocating the ladder is just as easy and safer.

Pack smart

If travel is an essential component of your holiday plans, how you pack and handle your luggage can mean the difference between arriving healthy or injured at your final destination. More than 84,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices and clinics for injuries related to luggage in 2015. Here’s how to keep yourself off that list in 2016. Start by packing lightly and resist the urge to drag that single, massive suitcase around. Several, lighter bags will be easier on your body. And when lifting luggage - no matter the weight - stand alongside your luggage and bend at the knees instead of the waist. Grab the handle and straighten up with the luggage close to your

body - this allows you to lift with your leg muscles instead of your back. Once you’ve lifted your luggage, it’s important you handle it properly. If you’re carrying a duffel bag, resist the urge to keep it on your dominant shoulder for the duration of the trip - rotate shoulders instead. Likewise, if you are using a backpack, make sure both shoulder straps are used and tightened accordingly so the weight is evenly distributed. Finally, when handling a roller bag, don’t drag it up the stairs. Pick it up and carry it instead. This simple adjustment will protect your body and the bag.

Walking without danger in a winter wonderland

defensively, just as you drive defensively, paying attention to the people, vehicles and objects around you, especially when it’s dark. Avoid jaywalking or other potentially dangerous situations. And if you need to switch your attention for a moment - perhaps to make a phone call or talk to a child - stop and step out of the main walkway to do so. If you like to listen to music while you walk, make sure to keep the volume to a reasonable level so as not to block out the outside world. Being able to hear a car horn, for example, may just save your life. The holidays can be an enjoyable time of year when we all look forward to visiting with family and friends, taking some time off to relax and crossing those wishes off our list. Follow the tips listed above and you’ll enjoy a safe and spirited holiday season.

Walking is something people take for granted, but during the holiday season when everyone’s in a hurry, the opportunity for accident and injury increases. That’s why it’s important to walk Courtesy of BrandPoint

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

NEW HAVEN REGISTER + SHORELINE TIMES

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RESEARCH SAYS

Menwantusefulgifts,notfluffthisholidayseason Let’s face it — most men are really hard to buy gifts for. If you’re trying to choose a meaningful gift this holiday season, psychologists have some advice for you: Consider what he will actually use and appreciate, not what you believe expresses your feelings. And please not another tie. Many of us simply don’t pay enough attention to what gift recipients (particularly men) are likely to value, according to research from Stanford Business. And men in general are less interested in the symbolic value of a gift than its actual usefulness or utility, meaning “women are best off getting their guy a gadget” says research referenced in The Atlantic. “This breakdown between givers and receivers happens all the time, even though most people have been both givers and receivers often in the past, and therefore should have some understanding of the other party’s perspective,” says Frank Flynn, co-author of the Stanford study. Here are some great ideas for utility-driven gifts for men this season: Electronics: This category encompasses a wide range of gadgetry from the latest smartphone to the most cut-

ting edge TVs, alarm clocks, drones, speakers, gaming systems, home theater systems, laser printers, GPS devices, remote controls or photography accessories. If it offers an advancement over what men currently own, it’s likely to be a winner. Outdoor gear: According to outdoor retailer Gander Mountain, some of this year’s most sought-after gifts for outdoorsmen include the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Cooler, which is easily transported to the most remote tree stand, duck boat or campsite; the Lew’s Mach Speed Stick Series Rods, a highquality graphite blank fishing rod optimized for both recreational and tournament fishing alike; the Infinite Edge Pro Archery package from Diamond by BowTech, a comprehensive archery kit that offers everything you need to start bow hunting; or the Luci Collapsible Outdoor Solar Light, which solves on-thego lighting issues using the capacity of 10 ultra-bright LEDs. The experts at Gander Mountain are knowledgeable within the outdoor industry with a focus on everything related to hunting, fishing, camping and shooting sports. The company’s Best Price Plus guarantee ensures the lowest prices

this holiday season. If a guest finds a lower advertised price on an identical in-stock item at another local retailer, Gander Mountain will match it plus give the guest 10 percent of the difference. Other hobby-related items: Highly unique to the gift recipient, this category could include most anything designed for real-life practical use. Examples include sports gear, metal detectors, books, pet gear or supplies for art, photography, music, cooking, woodworking, travel, etc. Automotive gear: These selections might range from scanners that diagnose mechanical issues or electric waxing/polishing kits, to BRANDPOINT dashboard cameras, auto Men in general are less interested in the symbolic value of a gift than its actual usefulness vacuums and even the latest in jump starters, tools and or utility, meaning “women are best off getting their guy a gadget” says research referenced in The Atlantic. work stations. If you’re really at a loss as to what to give the men in your life, consider just asking them. But giving careful thought to how they really spend their time could work just as well. “Think about things that might be just out of his price range or that he wants but can’t really justify buying for himself,” writes James Cave in the Huffington Post. “These are the perfect gifts for the holidays.” Courtesy of BrandPoint

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

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