Come see us for all your Christmas shopping needs!
Transcription
Come see us for all your Christmas shopping needs!
Deals Worth The Drive THE PILOT NEWS GROUP Pilot News Section I November 2014 COUNTRYSIDE NITE OUT December 12 • 2 p.m. to Midnight In Store Specials for Countryside Nite Out Holiday Hours: Open Sat till 3 p.m. (November 29-January 3) Closed November 27, December 25, January 1, 2 & 6 Donna Sharp Bags • Krause Products • Fabrics • Notions • Gift Ideas Ertl Toys • Shoes • Boots • Kitchenware • Amish Clothing • Frogg Togge Rain Suits Rhythm Clocks Burkholder Country Store, Burlington Bike Shop, Card Creations, Cedar Lane Bike Shop, Centsible Clothing & More, Country Home Furniture, Country Quilt Creations, Countryside Vendors, Dutch Country Bulk Foods, Heritage Fabrics & General Store, John’s Bargain Barn, L & J Cycle, Little Nook Bookstore, Nappanee Bicycle, Pine Hill Discount, Rentown Country Store, Weaver Furniture, Weaver’s Dutch Country Surplus, Woodland Variety Come see us for all your Christmas shopping needs! 29999 CR 56, Nappanee, IN 46550 • 574-773-4279 Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8-5 • Tues: 8-7 • Sat: 8-1 • Closed Sunday Page 2 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Chevy Black Friday Sale 2015 CHEVY MALIBU LS 2015 CHEVY EQUINOX 2015 CHEVY SILVERADO NOW $20,231 $199 MONTH $259 MONTH WAS $23,305 LEASE 4X4, DBL CAB 2015 CADILLAC’S ARE HERE! SUPPLIER PRICING! HUGE SELECTION! **Low mileage lease, 36 months, $3100 due at delivery. *Dealer keeps rebates. Taxes extra. USED CARS CREDIT FOR ALL 2000 Cadillac Deville 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2004 Cadillac CTS 2004 Pontiac GTO 2005 GMC Sierra 2006 Chrysler Town & Country 2008 Chevrolet Impala LT 2008 Chevy Silverado 2010 Chrysler Town & Country 2010 Dodge Journey SX 2010 Ford Edge Limited $2,975 $5,935 $4,975 $11,888 $10,875 $13,975 $7,975 $12,988 $14,778 $12,778 $17,978 $94 mo. $188 mo. $157 mo. $375 mo. $267 mo. $278 mo. $159 mo. $259 mo. $238 mo. $206 mo. $288 mo. 2011 Chevrolet K1500 2011 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT 2011 Chrysler 200 Touring 2011 Dodge Durango 2011 GMC Terrain SL 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 Volkswagen CC 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2012 Dodge Ram $37,974 $13,988 $13,978 $25,990 $22,778 $24,978 $25,770 $16,778 $12,998 $39,778 $45,998 $611 mo. $225 mo. $225 mo. $418 mo. $369 mo. $399 mo. $415 mo. $273 mo. $289 mo. $639 mo. $739 mo. 2013 Buick LaCrosse 2013 Chevrolet Impala LT 2013 Chevrolet Sonic LT 2014 Cadillac SRX Premium 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2014 Chevrolet Cruze LT 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2014 Chrysler Town & Country 2014 Ram Truck 1.9% $21,878 $16,988 $12,988 $44,918 $22,875 $17,778 $30,988 $23,988 $38,775 $352 mo. $273 mo. $289 mo. $723 mo. $368 mo. $287 mo. $499 mo. $387 mo. $624 mo. All with tax & doc only down. 2000-2002-2004’s @ 36 months @ 8% • 2005’s @ 48 months @ 8% • 2007-2008’s @ 60 months @ 7% • 2009’s & newer @ 75 months @ 6% Country Auto Center 2 blocks North of US 30 2705 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN • 574-936-2115 • 800-418-6082 November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 3 How to send gifts to faraway friends and family T he holiday season is a time to share happy experiences with friends and family. But reconnecting with loved ones come the holidays is not always possible, especially when family and friends are spread out across the country, if not the globe. Even though these people may not be close geographically, they’re still close in our hearts and, therefore, still on our holiday shopping lists. Some issues arise when sending gifts to faraway friends and family. Distance necessitates shipping gifts or making travel arrangements. To make that process less complicated, consider these suggestions. • Package gifts wisely. When shipping gifts, exercise caution to ensure the item arrives on time and in one piece. The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for the shipping industry, and packages may endure a few bumps along the way. For fragile items, use extra packing peanuts, newspaper or other protective wrapping material. Choose the right size package so the gift does not move around much inside of the box. If the gift is expensive, insure the package in the event it gets lost or damaged. Also, you may want to spend a little more money to have the shipment tracked and a confirmation sent when the package is delivered. This can offer some peace of mind during a hectic time of year. • Take advantage of free shipping offers. Many retailers offer discounts on shipping rates during the holiday season. Shop at retailers that offer such discounts, as shipping costs can be exorbitant depending on the sizes of the packages being sent. In addition, online retailers may allow you to ship the gift directly to its recipient, which can help you ensure the gift gets to its destination on time. • Give gift cards and certificates. Gift cards are an easy item to ship, and can be sent within the regular mail for the cost of a stamp. Certain retailers may have digital gift cards or certificates that allow buyers to email a special code to the gift recipient, who can then redeem the code for a purchase credit. This is a convenient, fast and inexpensive way to send holiday wishes. • Don’t forget about inspections and customs procedures. Items shipped out of the country may be delayed by customs inspectors at their ultimate destination. Assume that certain packages may be opened or detained, and ship such packages early so the gifts still arrive on time. Packages that look unusual or like they’re hiding something may be prone to inspection more so than others. Be honest about declarations of value and what is contained in the pack- age. Also, realize certain items, like fruits, vegetables, plants, or seeds, may be prohibited. Learn the international shipping rules for your gift’s destination prior to sending anything. Distant family members and friends may be out of sight but certainly not out of mind come the holidays.When it comes to sending gifts, ship smart. Mark your calendar December 12 • 2 p.m. to midnite Countryside Nite Out 10% OFF STOREWIDE EXCLUDES SALE ITEMS AND SOME DAIRY PRODUCTS A CHEESE $ 1533 3rd Rd., Bremen, IN • 574-546-9010 1.69 LB FROM 9 P.M.-MIDNIGHT OPEN: Mon.-Fri. 8-6 Sat. 8-5 – Plus all weekly specials – Country Side Nite Out Vendors Burkholder Country Store, Burlington Bike Shop, Card Creations, Cedar Lane Bike Shop, Centsible Clothing & More, Country Home Furniture, Country Quilt Creations, Countryside Vendors, Dutch Country Bulk Foods, Heritage Fabrics & General Store, John’s Bargain Barn, L & J Cycle, Little Nook Bookstore, Nappanee Bicycle, Pine Hill Discount, Rentown Country Store, Weaver Furniture, Weaver’s Dutch Country Surplus, Woodland Variety RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN BULK FOODS RENTOWN BULK FOODS RENTOWN BULK FOODS RENTOWN BULK FOODS RENTOWN BULK FOODS RENTOWN BULK FOODS RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN RENTOWN Page 4 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Gifts to keep kids engaged beyond Christmas day S tore aisles are filled this time of year with every must-have gift retailers can advertise. Children often plead and beg for the hottest toys weeks ahead of the holidays, hoping to find their requests wrapped up come the big day. But once the gift wrap is torn away and kids have played with their presents for a day, some already grow bored with their new belongings and cast them aside. Certain toys are not engaging enough to warrant extended periods of play — no matter what the advertisements boast. No gift-giver wants to spend money on a present only to have it collecting dust days later. With that said, employing these strategies can help anyone select a gift that will continue to inspire and excite children long after the holiday season has come and gone. • Don’t believe the hype. It’s easy to fall hook, line and sinker for ultra-popular trendy gifts. While such gifts may have popular appeal, that does not mean they’re a perfect fit for your child. When shopping for youngsters come the holiday season, choose a gift because your child will truly enjoy it and not because it’s the trendy item of the year. • Focus on the play factor. Too often shoppers get caught up in toys’ appearances. Instead, think about how the toys will work with imaginative play. The more a child can envision himself doing with a particular toy, the more likely he or she will exhibit a continued interest in that toy. • Look for minimal bells and whistles. Kids often find toys that leave more room for imagination more interesting than toys that are loaded with gadgets. Children prefer to make up their own stories and create modes of play that are more about what they like rather than the “right” way to play or win. • Choose gifts that grow. Shoppers want to select gifts that are age-appropriate for children so they will be safe during play time. But shoppers also should look for toys and activities that can be modified and grow with the child as he or she ages. A game that gets progressively harder through levels or a toy set that can be supplemented as kids grow older may make good gifts. Musical instruments also can grow with a child, as the instruments become easier to master with practice. • Figure out the child’s interests. Toys that cater specifically to a child’s interests will be the most warmly received. It may take going the extra mile to find a gift that matches a child’s interest rather than picking up the first trendy gift you see, but the results will be well worth it. Select gifts that will have a longer shelf life, guaranteeing more opportunities for play. November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 5 Great gifts for the family foodie T he best holiday gifts are often those that encourage their recipients to pursue a passion or favorite hobby. Tickets to a ballgame might be right up a sports fan’s alley while the family globetrotter would no doubt love a contribution to his or her travel fund. When gifting the family foodie, that one person who loves to cook or simply can’t get enough of his or her favorite cuisines, shoppers have a host of options at their disposal to ensure this holiday season brings a smile to their favorite foodie’s face. • Spice rack: Few home cooks can get by without a vast selection of spices, so a spice rack that includes all the essential spices makes perfect sense for the family foodie. Some spice racks even come with several years’ worth of free spice refills, so do your homework and find one that will have your friend or family member spicing things up for years to come. • Cooking lessons: Cooking lessons can be a great way for men, women and even children to cultivate their love for food. If your friend or fam- ily member prefers a specific type of cuisine, then find him or her cooking lessons where he or she can learn how to prepare and not just eat some favorite dishes. Cooking lessons also make a great opportunity to bond with a loved one. If you, too, want to expand your cooking horizons, buy your own lessons and go with your friend or family member. • A night out: If your favorite foodie prefers his or her meals made by someone else, treat that friend or family member to a night out at his or her favorite restaurant. You can give a gift card to the restaurant or take this special someone out yourself and enjoy a great meal and great company to boot. • Serving dishes: Many foodies not only love to eat but also love to serve up their favorite foods to family and friends. If your friend or family member has played host to guests many times in the past, surprise him or her with some new serving dishes. You probably have a sense of their serving style already, but if you don’t, make a mental note the next time you visit or simply buy them a gift card so they can buy whichever dishes they need to make their next soiree a success. • Wine rack: A great bottle of wine completes a great meal, so why not buy your family foodie a place to store all of his or her bottles of wine? Wine racks can range from the simple, inexpensive standup models to more complex or expensive models that need to be installed. If the eventual recipient of your thoughtful gift rents rather than owns his or her home, avoid buying a wine rack that needs to be installed, as that might cause damage that will cost them some money when the time comes to move out. But if your friend or family member owns their home, then look for a wine rack that fits in with their established décor. You even can christen the new wine rack by supplementing your gift with a few bottles of your loved one’s favorite vintages. With so many potential gifts to choose from, shoppers often find foodies are fun to shop for come the holiday season. L & K Serendipity Shoppe A unique shop featuring handcrafted treasures Holiday specials throughout the shop! Antiques, Collectibles, Old Stuff, New Stuff and Things Just for Fun! No Hustle. No Bustle. Relax and enjoy your time here! 100 W. Garro St., Plymouth, IN 46563 • 574-936-1060 Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Page 6 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Great holiday gifts for people who love to read M any people love to read, and such people do not often cause headaches for holiday shoppers. Readers typically are easy to shop for come the holiday season, when shoppers stuck on what to get a friend or family member can always fall back on a book or two if they know their loved one likes to get lost in a good book. But books aren’t the only gifts shoppers can give the readers on their lists this holiday season. The following are a few gift ideas no book lover can balk at. • E-reader: Before buying an e-reader, shoppers may want to first learn where the intended recipient of this thoughtful gift stands on the book versus e-reader debate. Some book lovers feel a sentimental attachment to traditional books, while others love the versatility of ereaders, many of which serve as tablets that allow users to peruse the Internet, play games and, of course, read books. If your friend or family member does not have an aversion to e-readers, then this might make the ideal gift. The price of e-readers varies depending on their ca- pabilities, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on which model you ultimately choose. • Storage: For those readers who prefer traditional books, a new bookshelf can help them store their favorite titles. Books take up a lot of space, and avid readers tend to buy many new books each year, so homeowners and apartment dwellers alike will no doubt appreciate the extra space to store their collections. But even e-reader enthusiasts may find their storage filling up faster than they might have liked. To remedy that problem, holiday shoppers can buy a Wi-Drive with ample extra storage space so readers who keep both books and movies on their ereaders and tablets have plenty of extra space to store all of those new books they plan to read in the coming year. • Decorative bookends: Those who have a passion for books and home décor might appreciate a unique set of handcrafted bookends to store the books they keep on their desks or those they keep out as decorative accents that guests can enjoy when visiting. Such gifts will please your friends or family members who have a flare for interior decorating while also appealing to their love of literature. • Book club membership: A membership to a Book of the Month Club may be right up the alleys of those readers who read too fast to join a local reading group or simply don’t have the time to devote to a community book club. Such memberships often sell classic titles and the latest bestsellers at a fraction of the cost of the publisher-established prices, and members typically can order as many books as they would like. This can be a great way for readers to find new titles and keep the books coming in without breaking the bank. Avid readers are passionate about their books, and holiday shoppers can feed those passions by giving their favorite readers gifts that indulge their love of literature this holiday season. Fatal Flaw Outdoors 123 N. Market Street, Winamac • 574-205-0090 Do you have a Hunting Enthusiast in your family? Come to Fatal Flaw Outdoors for all your hunting shopping needs. Archery dealers in: Hoyt • Bowtech Diamond • PSE Stryker Crossbows PSE Crossbows Parker Parker Crossbows Archery & Crossbow Accessories Indoor Range Service on archery equipment November 2014 M y r r e Deals Worth The Drive• Page 7 l a l n a d o t to all a n s a m t s i r ew Ch ride ! Financing Available Delivery Available Blackk FFriday id O Only l $50 off thru Christmas all mopeds & kids ATV’s Usedd H U Honda, d Y Yamaha, h K Kawasaki, ki Polaris 4x4’s in stock TTao a Tao 49CC Mopeds $799 & up All colors NEW Tao Tao 110 CC Kids ATV’ss $599 & $799 All colors available Youth & Adult Helmets $45 & up Riding Apparel In Stock • Chinese Parts 2014 90cc Dirt Bike $399 Service Specials Parts Delivery Next Day Huge Battery Selection Buy Sell • Trade www.behindbarsmotorsports.com 701 S. Heaton • Knox • 574-772-2411 Tues-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-4 Closed Sun & Mon Authorized Dealer... Page 8 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Gift ideas for the special seniors in your life W ith lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors can be difficult to shop for come the holiday season. Many even insist that their family members save their money and not buy them anything for the holidays. But if the thought of Grandma or Grandma not having something to open come the holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas. Activity assistance devices The realities of getting older often mean the body slows down and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active seniors are not ready to live sedentary lives, nor should they be forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier and more comfortable for older adults. Television amplifying headphones are one product that can be a great fit for seniors, particularly those having difficulty hearing their televisions. The headphones amplify the sound of the programming without disturbing others in the room, and many such headphones even allow users to mute their televisions. This feature is perfect for someone who likes to watch TV while a spouse is sleeping or reading in the same room. Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include magnifying products or bookholders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home. Food Food is always a handy gift because it doesn’t take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s leisure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by. A search of the Internet may uncover that special treat.You may be able to ship a specialty soft drink or favorite cookie that is not available in a nearby store. Otherwise, ask a store manager if a particular item that’s not in stock in the store can be a special order. Photos What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computer-savvy men and women can use photo software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs, and other photo-related gifts. Just about anything can be emblazoned with a photo, including tote bags and pillows. Another idea is to collect old photos and compile a memory book. Scan the images so they are preserved digitally and then print out the images in a book that includes the family history. Time Seniors who truly do not want or need anything probably will likely jump at the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Treat a friend or family member to a meal out or simply spend a few hours chatting at his or her home. Sometimes the company of a new face and good conversation is the ideal gift. Complete Automotive Repair 4-Wheel Alignment – Wheel Balancing – Shocks – Struts – Brakes Lube, Oil & Filter 22 $ 95 Most Cars & Trucks Not valid with any other offers. Includes up to 5 quarts Shell formula motor oil. Additional charge for shop supplies, up to $6.00 may be added. Expires 12-31-14 $ 59 95* Cooling System Flush *Most cars and light trucks Expires 12-31-14 Plymouth Tire & Service Center & Fast Lube Ect. 2150 N. Oak Rd., Plymouth (Next to Plymouth Tire on Oak Rd.) Computerized Alignment Package 49 $ 95 This service includes: Adjust tire pressure to manufactures specs • Align front wheels; making all adjustments required to maximize handling and ride. Measure rear alignment angles to ensure conformity to front wheels. Inspect: steering and suspension components. Expires 12-31-14 574-936-5504 • 574-936-4328 November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 9 How to give holiday gift cards N early every man or woman has hit that all too familiar wall when holiday shopping for friends and family.While many people might be a cinch to shop for, there always seems to be one stickler on holiday shopping lists, and finding the right gift for that person can be an exercise in patience and perseverance. But even the most patient shopper has his or her limits, and many people find themselves giving gift cards to those friends or family members who seemingly have everything already. Such cards make great gifts, but only when gift givers employ a few tricks of the gift card trade. • Buy directly from the retailer. It’s easy to be duped by a counterfeit gift card, which can be embarrassing for both the gift giver and its eventual recipient. Counterfeit gift cards are big business for criminals who prey on gift givers during the holiday season. Only buy gift cards directly from the retailer, as cards sold by other sources, such as an online auction site, may be stolen or counterfeit. You don’t want to be the person who gave a stolen or counterfeit card, and your friend or family member does not want to be subjected to an inquiry as to why he or she is attempting to use a stolen or counterfeit card. • Examine the card before leaving the store. Once a cashier or customer service employee hands you a gift card, examine it for tampering before leaving the store. Some criminals gain access to gift cards, even those that appear to be behind lock and key, to learn the PIN number associated with the card. Once they have the PIN, recipients can then recreate their own card, using the stolen PIN to activate and make purchases on their counterfeit cards long before the real card is sold to you. If you detect any damage, ask for a new card before leaving the store. • Include a gift receipt with the card.When giving a gift card, don’t forget to include the gift receipt. The gift receipt not only verifies the value of the gift card, but also includes the date the card was purchased. That’s important information, as many companies begin to charge fees, some of which may be exorbitant, on unused cards after a predetermined period of time. Recipients who have the gift receipt won’t have to haggle with retailers about the value of the card should that ever be in dispute, and the receipt also can serve as a reminder that the recipient needs to use Refreshments the card before a given date to avoid fees. • Consider a general purpose gift card. If that stickler on your holiday shopping list is especially difficult to shop for, then you might want to consider a general purpose gift card issued by a company such as American Express, MasterCard or Visa. These cards generally allow recipients to use their gift wherever they choose, whether it’s to put gas in their tank or buy groceries. That versatility is valuable if you truly have no idea what your friend or family member needs or where he or she likes to shop. One notable disadvantage to general purpose gift cards is that they tend to come with more fees than more traditional gift cards purchased directly from specific retailers. Investigate these fees and find a card that charges no fees or only minimal fees. Gift cards make great gifts and can bail out frustrated holiday shoppers who simply can’t find that perfect gift for a friend or family member. 10% off storewide (excludes consign items) 2-9pm 15% off storewide (excludes consign items) 9-midnight 20% off mats & rotary cutters Quilt Designer Teresa Fields from JWD Publishers with quilt samples. Also will have patterns to sell. e end Door prize at th ter our of the night. En drawing Chris Haman from Victorian Guest House offering info about quilt retreats in Nappanee. Linda Vaski will be demonstrating a unique cutting system Alto’s Quilt Cut 2. Burkholder Country Store, Burlington Bike Shop, Card Creations, Cedar Lane Bike Shop, Centsible Clothing & More, Country Home Furniture, Country Quilt Creations, Countryside Vendors, Dutch Country Bulk Foods, Heritage Fabrics & General Store, John’s Bargain Barn, L & J Cycle, Little Nook Bookstore, Nappanee Bicycle, Pine Hill Discount, Rentown Country Store, Weaver Furniture, Weaver’s Dutch Country Surplus, Woodland Variety 1611 3rd Road, Bremen (Near Rentown Stores) 574-546-5747 Leave voicemail please Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Closed January 1, 6 & Religious Holidays) Page 10 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Kouts invites you to their 35th Annual Christmas Open House Saturday, December 6th 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CST There’s something for everyone on your list at the Christmas Open House! This event features handcrafted unique items and homemade Christmas goodies for sale in homes, churches and businesses throughout the Kouts area. Maps are available at the Family Express at the intersection on IN 49 and IN 8. For more information call 219-405-1452 or email www.koutsevents.com Sunday, December 7th 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CST November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 11 How to establish gift spending limits A s the cost of living continues to rise, holiday shopping also has become much more expensive in recent years, and it can be easy for shoppers to overextend themselves financially come the holiday season. According to a recent Gallup poll, the average American plans to spend around $790 per holiday season, although many go above and beyond that amount. Starting off the new year in debt is a recipe for stress, which can have negative repercussions for the rest of the year. In addition to overspending during the holiday season, many people stretch themselves thin on Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. One way to make shopping more manageable is to establish spending limits that dictate how much each family member can spend on each gift he or she buys. It is important to exercise tact when approaching the subject of gift limits. Discuss the topic with friends and family members with whom you usually exchange gifts long before the holiday season. Agree on a reasonable amount of money each person will spend on gifts. If necessary, ask everyone to write down a figure and then determine the average, using that figure as your spending limit. Establishing a spending limit makes it easier for every family to afford their holiday purchases. If there are six people on your shopping list and you’re spending $50 per person, you know to allocate $300 for gifts. Saving and budgeting can be adjusted accordingly. When no such limit is established, you may go overboard to compensate, even if you cannot afford to do so. Another way to save money is to suggest giving the gift of experiences rather than tangible and potentially costly gifts. For example, take a loved one out for dinner or suggest going on vacation together to make better use of your collective funds. A well-timed extended family vacation in lieu of gift exchanges may alleviate the stress of the holiday season, much of which can be traced to holiday spending. Establishing a gift-giving strategy and budget for each person to work with can make for a more peaceful holiday season by freeing up time to spend with loved ones and placing the focus on family instead of shopping. December Holiday Specials Orange Colored Tags... 25 % off all month! Refined has new hours! You asked and we listened - we have new extended hours. We will be open every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Now Open! New Item Boutique Everything in this section is new! Clothing • Shoes Home Furnishings Refined A Resale Boutique 102 N. Monticello Street, Winamac 574-946-6123 Angela Anspach, Owner “Why shop retail when you can shop Refined” www.refined-consign.com Consign your clothing (men’s, women’s, children’s), shoes and home furnishings! We accept an unlimited amount of items every day of the week! Page 12 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 NEW! 25 Years of Quality and Comfort Deals Worth The Drive• Page 13 10,500 10,850 $ 2013 Fiat 500 Gas Saver, Cruise, Bluetooth 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Large Trunk Space 11,500 10,990 11,900 includes free brake inspection 15% off any brake work performed 13495 $ Dissolves and removes harmful deposits from critical transmission components and exchanges the old oxidized ATF for new fluid to the exact specification required by the cars manufacturer TIM MARTIN AUTO SALES Expires 12/30/14 TIM MARTIN AUTO SALES Transmission Fluid Flush 900 TIM MARTIN AUTO SALES Computerized Front End Wheel Alignment $ 3900 9995 A/C Inspection $ Removes power robbing deposits from injectors, valves and critical areas of combustion chambers, restoring optimum operating condition 3900 Check for leaks, fittings, pressures (freon extra) TIM MARTIN AUTO SALES Fuel Induction Fuel System Cleaning $ 2011 Ford Fusion Gas Saver, Roomy, Power Seats TIM MARTIN AUTO SALES Oil Change Expires 12/30/14 $ Expires 12/30/14 TIRE ROTATION Expires 12/30/14 4999 $ Check any warning system ~ engine lights, ABS or any other ~ with state-of-the-art equipment for optimum performance Ask about our credit approval program $ 2009 Ford Escape Alloy Wheels, Running Boards DIAGNOSIS 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Great on Gas, Auto, FWD 11,900 $ FULL SYSTEM $ 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Front Wheel Drive, Automatic 2006 Ford F-150 RWD, 4-Spd. Automatic Credit Amnesty 11,900 $ $ 2011 Chrysler 200 Heated Front Seats, Remote Start 2007 Ford Ranger 4x4 Extended Cab, Automatic Expires 12/30/14 10,950 $ $ TIM MARTIN AUTO SALES $ 2095 5 quarts oil, tax & feeds extra. No diesel. Some oils extra. See dealer for details. Expires 12/30/14 2008 Buick LaCrosse Leather,V6, Chrome Wheels 10,900 $ Expires 12/30/14 10,500 $ TIM MARTIN AUTO SALES BREMEN PLYMOUTH SERVICE CENTERS OPEN Saturdays BREMEN, 1203 W. Plymouth St. Bremen, IN 574-546-2727 PLYMOUTH, 2303 N. Oak Rd. Plymouth, IN 574-936-5590 SOUTH BEND, 6302 US 31 S South Bend, IN 574-231-9680 TimMartinAutoSales.com TimMartinAutoSales.com TimMartinAutoSales.com TimMartinAutoSales.com TimMartinAutoSales.com TimMartinAutoSales.com November 2014 Page 14 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 How to help new parents make the holidays special B ringing a baby home changes a person’s life. Babies bring great joy but also some confusion into a household, especially as the new parents adapt in their first few weeks or months as mom and dad. Babies tend to draw attention away from their folks, whose needs may be lost in the shuffle. As baby’s first holiday season approaches, the youngster’s parents and extended family often attempt to make the experience as memorable as possible. But family and friends of new parents also can take steps to lighten new parents’ holiday burdens by offering some thoughtful holiday gifts that can provide support and love for newly minted moms and dads. • Time: New parents typically are short on time.There’s little time to shop, eat and sleep. Friends and family of new parents can give the gift of time this holiday season. Offer your services as a babysitter so new parents can enjoy some alone time, or simply lend a hand with household chores so the new mom and dad can relax instead of work while their bundle of joy is napping. • Memories: The first hours and days of having a new child are filled with oppor- tunities to capture every moment. Gone are the days when film must be developed and tangible photos must be stored in photo albums. Digital technology means some photos never make it to hard copies. But even if photos rarely find their way into frames, preserving early memories is essential. Computers can fail and camera cards can break. In such instances, precious images may be lost forever unless parents have backup. An Eye-Fi™ wireless memory card will automatically upload images from a camera to a computer or external memory source, ensuring no precious snapshots are lost. • Food: New parents’ nourishment may come from any package that’s easily torn open with their teeth while tending to a crying infant. Meals, snacks and food baskets make great gifts that keep parents fed and happy. Consider memberships to fruit of the month clubs or call the new parents’ favorite restaurant and send them a meal. • Pampering: Sometimes new parents just need some pampering, whether it’s a shopping excursion, a visit to a hair dresser, an appointment with a masseuse, or something as simple as a long, uninterrupted New parents can use a helping hand during their first holiday season as mom and dad. hot shower. A gift card to a spa or salon may make a good gift for a luxury-starved parent. Just remember to factor child care into the equation so that Mom or Dad will not have any excuse to cancel his or her appointment. Thank You New parents face many challenges, and helping them through their first holiday season as a mother and father can make this precious period that much more memorable. FOR SHOPPING AT YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED CARQUEST AUTO PARTS STORE Schumacher® Wheel Charger TEQ® CORRECT 40” 6-Caster Padded Creeper 39.99 $ Schumacher® Trickle Charger/Maintainer 29.99 $ Booster Cables Starting at $23.49 179.99 $ SE-4022 AUTHORIZED DEALER AVAILABLE OVERNIGHT HIGH PERFORMANCE • CAR AUDIO • FARM & FLEET • TOOLS & EQUIPMENT BREMEN CARQUEST AUTO PARTS 1231 W PLYMOUTH ST. • BREMEN • 574-546-5356 MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00AM - 5:30PM LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR WEEKLY SPECIALS November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 15 Give the gift of indulgence this holiday season T he holiday season is rife with tradition. Families have their own unique traditions, whether it’s gathering at Grandma’s to enjoy a holiday meal or singing carols together around the neighborhood with friends who live nearby. One tradition that seems to have made it into many families’ holiday celebrations is indulging in delicious baked goods. Desserts are a big part of the holiday season, when many people relax restrictions on their diets to enjoy some of their favorite cookies and cakes. While such delicacies are often served at dinnertime, homemade baked goods also make great gifts come the holiday season.Whether a friend or family member is a fully devoted foodie or simply a person who loves a decadent dessert, gifting homecooked baked goods is a great way to show your loved ones just how much you appreciate them. This holiday season, give the gift of decadence by cooking up the following recipe for “Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread” courtesy of Maxine Clark’s “Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small). Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread Makes an 8-inch cake 21⁄3 cups dark molasses 6 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent cocoa solids), grated 13⁄4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 5 ounces whole pieces preserved stem ginger, drained and roughly chopped 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened 1⁄2 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, sifted (to remove lumps) 2 medium eggs, beaten 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 2 tablespoons milk, warmed A pinch of salt Extra-large crystallized ginger pieces, to scatter (optional) A deep 8-inch square cake pan or 8 x 6 x 3-inch oval cake pan Preheat the oven to 325 F. Grease and line the base and sides of the cake pan with nonstick parchment paper. Put the molasses in a pan and heat gently until hot, but do not allow it to boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir until melted. Sift the flour, ground ginger and salt together in a bowl. Add the stem ginger and toss it around in the flour until every piece is coated. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, then the molasses and chocolate mixture and finally the flour mixture. Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and gradually beat this into the batter. Pour into the prepared cake pan, scatter with the crystallized ginger, if using, and bake for 45 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 F and bake for another 30 minutes. (If using the oval pan, cook for about 45 minutes at the higher temperature, then about 1 hour at the lower temperature, as it will be deeper.) A metal skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely. When cold, store in an airtight container for at least Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread a couple of days to mature and become sticky. Don’t worry if it sinks a bit in the middle — this is normal. Santa’s Clauset and its 8th Year! Opening: Saturday, November 15th 9-5 (cst) Sunday, November 16th 1-5 (cst) Beginning Friday, November 21st 9-5 and Saturday, November 22nd 9-5, Sunday, November 23 1-5 Weekends: November 28-30th, December 5-7th, December 12-14th Something different added each weekend for you to see or purchase. Enjoy the thrill of the country farmhouse with all of its gifts, handmade articles, smells and sounds of Christmas. Shop for special family, friends, and neighbors! Visit the Christmas surroundings in its original setting. Portions of our proceeds for the: Starke County Scholarship Foundation 7700 E. Toto Rd. Knox, IN (Between highway 23 and 35 on Toto Rd.) Page 16 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Countryside Nite Out! December 13 • 2 p.m. to Midnight Refreshments & Hourly Prize Drawings These Countryside Shops invite you to shop all night long and save! 5 winners of $300 Countryside Cash! Prize winners must be registered at any 6 participating stores to be eligible for the $1500 Country Cash. Get all the details and maps at any of the participating stores. Burkholder Country Store LLC Heritage Fabrics & General Store, LLC Burlington Bike Shop John’s Bargain Barn 29999 CR 56, Nappanee • 574-773-4279 25350 CR 52, Nappanee • 574-773-2445 831 2nd B Rd, Nappanee 9962 N SR 19, Nappanee • 574-646-9908 Card Creations L&J Cycle 20736 CR 50, New Paris • 574-831-3475 Cedar Lane Bike Shop 30489 CR 50, Nappanee • 574-773-3177 Centsible Clothing & More 25363 CR 54, Nappanee • 574-773-5487 Little Nook Bookstore 13871 N 1050 W, Nappanee • 574-773-2107 Nappanee Bicycle, LLC 9720 W 1200 N, Nappanee • 574-646-2418 5492 W 1350 N, Nappanee • 574-773-0307 Country Home Furniture Pine Hill Discount 13778 N 950 W, Nappanee • 574-773-8908 1800 5th Rd, Bremen • 574-546-2117 Country Quilt Creations Rentown Country Store 1611 3rd Rd, Bremen • 574-546-5747 1533 3rd Rd, Bremen • 574-546-9010 Countryside Vendors Weaver Furniture 30359 CR 56, Nappanee • 800-679-4356 x1109 6146 W 1350 N, Nappanee • 574-773-4826 Dutch County Bulk Foods Weaver’s Dutch Country Surplus 10581 N SR 19, Nappanee • 574-646-2430 22534 CR 50, New Paris • 574-831-4927 Woodland Variety Store 4133 E County Line Rd, Bremen • 574-773-0303 November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 17 Things to consider before buying this holiday season F ew holiday shoppers can resist a great deal. Whether it’s heavily discounted merchandise on Black Friday or last-minute sales for shoppers who procrastinate, there are deals to be had from the start of the holiday season until its unofficial end sometime around New Year’s Day. But not all deals are what they seem. Many a shopper has swiped their card on a gift for a loved one only to find out later they overspent or didn’t read the fine print and subjected themselves or their friends and family members to potentially costly fees. The following are a handful of things shoppers should consider before making any purchases this holiday season. Restocking fees 6 As thoughtful as holiday gifts may be, many are ultimately returned. Recipients may already have similar items at home or find a particular gift does not suit their personal styles. Because returns are so common, shoppers should read the fine print before buying gifts to ensure their purchases are not subject to restocking fees if they must be returned. Restocking fees can apply to any product, but they are most often applied to electronics. A restocking fee is a charge the person returning the gift must repay upon bringing the gift back to the store or mailing it back to the warehouse. Restocking fees often apply to items that are not returned in their original factory-sealed box, and these fees can be exorbitant, sometimes as much as 20 percent of the cost of the product. So before buying that big-ticket television or appliance, holiday shoppers should ensure the item’s recipient will not be subject to a considerable fee if he or she decides to return the gift. nniversary A h t 5 25% Extended warranties Many items come with manufacturer warranties that cover damaged items for a predetermined period of time. But many shoppers want to go the extra mile and buy extended warranties that protect the products for longer periods of time. While that’s good in theory, studies from Consumer Reports have shown that products rarely break within the time period covered by extended warranties, meaning shoppers are simply buying a false sense of security they’re unlikely to ever use. When consider- ing an extended warranty, first research the product you want to buy by reading customer reviews of the product on popular sites such as Amazon.com. Such sites can offer valuable insight with regard to how reliable products are. If multiple reviewers note that a given product has never given them a reason to reconsider their purchase, then you likely don’t need an extended warranty. If you still want the extra protection, read the fine print of the extended warranty so you know just what it does and does not cover. Return policies Because so many gifts are returned once the holidays have come and gone, it’s important to understand a retailer’s return policy before buying a gift for a friend or family member. In-store purchases may be subject to different return policies than items bought online, which may need to be returned via the mail, a potentially costly expense for the gift’s recipient depending on the size of the gift. Try to shop only at stores with flexible, consumer-friendly return policies so your friend or family member does not have to jump through hoops just to return the gift. Resisting a holiday deal can be difficult. But shoppers should first read the fine print before making any purchases so they can rest easy knowing they made the best decision possible. CUSTOMER APPRECIATION 2-DAY EVENT SALE! OFF DECEMBER 5th & 6th CASH & CARRY STOREWIDE KOONTZ HARDWARE 112 EAST PLYMOUTH STREET DOWNTOWN BREMEN 574-546-2971 SHOP LOCAL! Page 18 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Travel gifts wrapped and ready for holiday giving C ertain gifts are standard fare come the holidays. Adults often receive clothing while kids typically get toys. But shoppers who want to employ the element of surprise this season may want to consider travel-related gifts to put smiles on the faces of their loved ones. Many people cannot afford to travel. Gifting travel enables couples or families who may not have the means to get away to hit the road in style. When giving the gift of travel, shoppers should consider gift certificates or vouchers that can be applied to flights or lodging. Many travel businesses and websites now offer gift registry services that make it easy for shoppers to pay for getaways for their loved ones. Some travel agencies also incentivize travel gifts by offering coupons or discounts to shoppers who purchase travel packages for friends or family members. Those on the lookout for travel-inspired gifts can explore the following options. • Airline gift certificates: A gift certificate makes it easy for travelers to book their own flights at their leisure. These certificates typically can be applied to any flight the airline offers and may even be transferable. • Frequent flier miles: Find out if your frequent flyer miles can be deposited directly into your loved one’s account. Later on he or she can redeem the miles for a desired flight. • Luggage: Frequent travelers may appreciate new luggage. Monogrammed tags can help make luggage easy to identify at luggage carousels in crowded airports. • Small ship voyages: Some cruise lines offer working vacations, where passengers participate in some of the responsibilities aboard the ship. These voyages are ideal for someone who enjoys being active and a part of the travel experience. • Scuba lessons: Travel enthusiasts who frequently jet off to tropical locales may want to learn to scuba dive, which means they must be certified after taking lessons. Foot the bill for those lessons so their next water adventure is complete. • Traveler’s checks: Sometimes the best gift is the simplest one. Traveler’s checks may seem like an outdated notion in the era of credit cards, but they’re still available. Banks and credit card companies are the best place to find traveler’s checks. These checks are safer than bringing cash along on a trip because they provide trav- Travel gifts can make for unexpected and unique holiday gifts. elers with protected purchasing power for the duration of their trips. Prepaid gift cards also can be used for travel. Just confirm that the card is accepted by retailers at your loved one’s travel destination. Travel gifts can bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. These unique gifts are a novelty that’s not often found tucked under the tree. We have everything you need d for your holiday dinners! 574-862-2212 25743 St. Rd. 119, Goshen Just 21/2 miles east of St. Rd. 19 on St. Rd. 119 Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm • Saturday 8:30am-3:00pm November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 19 Our Customers Like Family Since 1972” “Treating 2014 Ford Focus Was 19,025 2015 Ford Fusion $ Now $17,025 574-946-3117 800-388-0112 Was $22,810 Now $20,310 2011 Ford Edge $ 23,995 2011 Ford Escape XLT $ 19,995 2010 Ford F-150 $ 26,995 2009 Ford F-150 $ 22,495 2007 Ford Edge $ 14,995 2008 Ford F-150 $ 14,995 THE WINTER WORKS $ Cooling System Service $ stk#4104A stk#1746A Wheel Alignment Special $ 45.95 $ 69.95 2 Wheel 4 Wheel Most Cars INCLUDES: Check Steering & Suspension Check Tire Wear & Pressure Check & Adjust Toe Caster, Camber, & Rear Adjustment Extra. stk#4064A stk#4029B 36.95 Oil & Filter Change Rotate & Inspect 4 Tires Inspect Brake System Test Battery Test Antifreeze Check Air & Cabin Filters Check Belts & Hoses Top Off All Fluids Up to 5 qts. oil. Taxes, disposal fees & additional parts extra. Diesel vehicles extra. Hybrid battery test excluded. See Service Dept. for additional exclusions and details stk#1728A stk#1761A 89.95 + Antifreeze INCLUDES: Inspect & Test Radiator for Leakes Power Clean Cooling System Install New Coolant & Corrosion Inhibitors FREE Battery Test Inspection with Any Other Service Next to Winamac Plaza • Showroom Hours: Mon thru Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sat 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Page 20 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Effectively manage your credit this holiday season S pending is synonymous with the holiday season. According to the U.S. Census Monthly Retail Trade Survey, spending rose throughout the holiday season in 2013, when consumers spent more than $300 billion in the month of December alone. If spending and the holiday season go hand-in-hand, so, too, does January and the financial hangover that results from having spent so much in November and December. Many consumers find themselves in considerable debt come the new year, having decided to put many of their holiday purchases on plastic when the season was in full swing. But just because the holidays are a season of spending does not mean the first months of the new year need to be an exercise in extricating yourself from debt. The following are a few ways shoppers can effectively manage their credit this holiday season. • Don’t use credit just to earn bonuses. One way to fall into significant debt is to justify your use of credit cards as a great way to earn miles, points or cash-back bonuses. While such rewards can be appealing, if you’re afraid that you will overspend this holiday season if you put everything on plastic, then don’t do so just so you can earn bonuses. Credit cards should only be used when you have enough money to pay off a balance in its entirety before you incur any interest charges. Those rewards might be tempting, but they’re not as valuable if you overspend and end up paying substantial interest charges. • Avoid retailer credit cards. Retailer credit cards also entice shoppers with deals. When purchasing items in-store, customers often are asked if they would like to earn a percentage off of their purchase by signing up for a retailer credit card. Such discounts may fall anywhere between 10 and 20 percent, a deal that many men and women may find too tempting to resist. However, retailer credit cards often come with much higher interest rates than standard credit cards. Unless you know you can pay off the balance immediately, decline the offer to sign up for a retailer credit card, opting instead to pay for your items with cash or a preexisting card that carries a much lower interest rate. • Use only one card. Using multiple cards when making holiday purchases is a great way to lose track of how much you have spent. Even though the Internet makes it easy to check balances on all of your cards multiple times per day, managing credit is still easier if you only need to log in to a single account to monitor your holiday spending. Make a daily effort to monitor that spending, as it’s free to view your balance online and such monitoring can greatly reduce the likelihood that you will overspend. • Don’t exceed your credit limit. One of the biggest yet most preventable mistakes consumers make come the holiday season is exceeding their credit limits. Exceeding your credit limit not only means you will have a rough month of January when the bills come due, but such a mistake also has a more long-term effect, as your credit score suffers anytime you exceed your limit. • Know your interest rates. Though it’s best to only use a credit card when you know you can repay the balance in full when the bill arrives, some consumers simply must carry a balance. In such instances, know the interest rate held by a particular card before you swipe that card to make a purchase. 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500HD 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500HD 2012 GMC ACADIA DENALI 2013 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 LEATHER, 4WD, 13,390 MILES LEATHER, 4WD, 60,571 MILES 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 2010 GMC SIERRA 1500 $39,700 $39,000 $37,500 $34,500 $31,900 $30,500 $29,900 2010 GMC SIERRA 1500 2012 CHEVY EQUINOX 2LT 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON 2011 CHEVY EQUINOX LEATHER, FWD, 35,966 MILES 1LT, FWD, 65,453 MILES $19,700 LEATHER, 4WD, AUTO, 26,745 MILES SLT, LEATHER, 4WD, 45,000 MILES $28,900 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 SLE, 4WD, 9,938 MILES LEATHER, 4WD, 30,457 MILES $21,500 2011 CHEVY AVEO LEATHER, AWD, 52,500 MILES 2014 CHEVY IMPALA LT SLE, 4WD, 27,771 MILES 2013 BUICK VERANO LEATHER, FWD, 35,462 MILES $18,900 SEVERAL TO CHOOSE FROM $18,700 SLE, 4WD, 46,896 MILES 2014 CHEVY IMPALA LTZ SEVERAL TO CHOOSE FROM REG. CAB, 2WD, 13,881 MILES 1LT, FWD, 46,034 MILES SILVER, FWD, 123,905 MILES 2003 PONTIAC VIBE 2015 GMC YUKON DENALI 2015 GMC SIERRA 2500HD 2015 GMC ACADIA DENALI LEATHER, AWD, CRIMSON RED SLE, REG CAB, 4WD, BLACK ONYX $17,900 $11,900 $4,950 $74,530 $61,845 $53,105 $50,865 GOBLE TRUCK CENTER XL, LEATHER, 4WD SLT, CREW CAB, LEATHER, 4WD 2014 GMC SIERRA 2500HD US 35 N., Winamac • 574-946-6683 • www.goblegm.com November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 21 How to save on high-tech gifts this holiday season G adgets are among the most popular gifts come the holiday season. In 2013, CreditDonkey.com surveyed shoppers to determine what they planned to give during the holidays, and electronics were second only to gift cards among the most popular gifts to give. Sixty-three percent of respondents cited their intentions to give electronics, while the survey also found that 76 percent of people planned to request electronics as holiday gifts. Gadgets figure to be popular gifts again this holiday season. Unwrapping the latest tablet or a big-screen television can be exciting, but electronics can be expensive. Those who plan to give their loved ones the latest gadgetry should be happy to learn there are ways to do so that don’t require breaking the bank. • Scale back. Oftentimes people are buying more computer or data than they actually need. For example, when buying comput- ers, it’s tempting to go for those that boast the most memory, but that extra memory is only useful to those people who truly need it. A less expensive model that suits your loved one’s genuine needs will make for an impressive and more practical gift. • Determine necessity. Some gadgets are more a desire than a necessity. Decide if a particular device will be an asset to your loved one or just another trendy item that soon will be gathering dust. Look for devices that your loved one will make the most of. If the purchase is not warranted, save your money and look for something else. • Consider refurbished items. Don’t shy away from refurbished items, as the discounts can be steep. Refurbished items are often just items that were returned to the store because they’re not needed or because the item was malfunctioning. Returned items are factory-tested and then repackaged. Opt for refurbished FROM... 2-6, 3% off 6-9, 6% off 9-12, 10% off HOMEMADE SOFT PRETZELS items that carry a manufacturer-backed warranty for greater peace of mind. • Consider open box items. Just because packaging is dented or torn does not mean the merchandise inside is damaged. Purchasing a product that’s not inside a pristine box can sometimes yield a 10 to 15 percent discount at retailers that offer open-box specials. Just verify that all cords, manuals and other accessories are inside the box before leaving the store. • Peruse previous generation models. Manufacturers release a new version of their devices seemingly every year. That doesn’t mean last year’s phone, video game console or computer is any less effective than the updated version. Models from previous years likely won’t be much different from the latest models, but they do figure to be considerably less expensive. • Look for coupon codes. When researching products, search for coupon codes for desired elec- tronics and retailers. Web-based retailers may post coupon codes that add up to significant savings. Just ensure that the total cost after taxes and shipping fees are calculated makes the purchase worth your while. • Skip the warranty. Extended warranties often cost more money than potential repairs. In addition, after a few year’s time, your loved one may be looking to upgrade his or her gadget anyway, making the extended warranty an unnecessary expense. Gadgets make for popular yet expensive holiday gifts. But holiday shoppers can save money on electronics by employing a few savings strategies. Shoppers can employ several strategies to save money on gadgets this holiday season. COUNTRYSIDE NITE OUT DECEMBER 12TH 2PM - MIDNIGHT WE’RE GIVING AWAY 2 SHOPPING SPREES! New Shipment will include Ranch Dressing GREAT GIFT IDEA 6 PC LUGGAGE SET (Good Dates) PINE HILL Discount Store Great for holiday family meals! Burkholder Country Store, Burlington Bike Shop, Card Creations, Cedar Lane Bike Shop, Centsible Clothing & More, Country Home Furniture, Country Quilt Creations, Countryside Vendors, Dutch Country Bulk Foods, Heritage Fabrics & General Store, John’s Bargain Barn, L & J Cycle, Little Nook Bookstore, Nappanee Bicycle, Pine Hill Discount, Rentown Country Store, Weaver Furniture, Weaver’s Dutch Country Surplus, Woodland Variety 1800 5th Road • Bremen • 574-546-2117 Page 22 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Gift exchange dos and don’ts C hanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are right around the corner. That means neighborhoods, buildings and stores will soon be awash in holiday splendor. Social schedules Layaway for Christmas will be full, and men and women everywhere will shuffle to complete their holiday shopping. Grab bags are a staple of this season of giving, and the following are a few dos and don’ts to ensure participation in gift exchanges is fun and friendly for all involved. DO set a gift amount limit. Holiday grab bags are more about having fun and exchanging a little something with friends and family members than walking away with amazing prizes. Establish a spending limit so everyone receives a gift of roughly the same value and no one feels slighted or left out. DON’T exceed the spending limit. It can be tempting to spend more to make your gift appear more impressive. But overspending defeats the purpose of the gift exchange. Grab bags typically are anonymous, so being overly generous will not win you any style points. DO make it a game. Tossing gifts in a bag only to have others reach in and grab one is certainly effective. But the concept can be even more fun if you make a game out of it. Try passing wrapped gifts around in a circle to a holiday song. When the music stops, the gift you are holding is the one you open. Experiment with your own variations to make gift exchanges more fun. DON’T let anyone see the gift you bring. The idea is to keep things as secretive as possible so as not to sway the selection of presents. DO ensure your gift is unisex. Unless you know specifically that only men or women will be opening the presents, select items that will appeal to both genders. Food, gift cards, music, or home staples make great grab bag gifts. DON’T forget to consider ages as well. Gift exchanges may include both children and adults, so include gifts that appeal to all ages when necessary. When the exchange has ended, allow participants to swap gifts if they want to. DO expect some grab bag gifts to be gag gifts. Such gifts are entertaining and may make up the majority of the grab bag gifts. Keep your sense of humor and you’re likely to enjoy grab bags a lot more. DON’T regift items to use as grab bag picks. Should the person who gave you the gift participate in the grab bag, he or she can trace that gift back to you and may be offended. DO make sure everyone is aware that there will be a grab bag gift exchange, as there needs to be an equal number of gifts to participants so everyone gets a treat. Hosts may want to have a few extra wrapped gifts around just in case someone forgets to bring their contribution. Gift exchanges in the form of grab bags, auctions, swaps, and other games make for fun additions to holiday festivities. They also can be a part of any family or friends gathering to add excitement and entertainment to the occasion. CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Closed Fri., Nov. 28 to prepare SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29th • 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 330 Liberty St. (US 23N, Next to CVS), Walkerton • 574-586-2745 Deals Worth The Drive One Day only SPECIALS on Saturday! Prize Drawings, 51 Foods to Taste, & Holiday Ideas! COME JOIN US FOR A FUN FAMILY DAY! Door Prize Drawing Entry Form Name: _________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________ I would like to receive the New Kitchen Store newsletter. Just a note: If you have an American Express card, you can sign up online at American Express for free money to spend at our open house. Please Shop Local! November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 23 Page 24 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 SHOP WEAVER FURNITURE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY HOME ...LOTS OF DINETTES & LIVING ROOM GROUPS IN STOCK AND READY FOR DELIVERY... IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Check out our CASH & CARRY Bargain Room up to 50% Off r o f y ead ery... deliv R 6146 W. 1350 N. • Nappanee, IN • 574-773-4826 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 9-4 • Closed Sundays 1 mile South and 2 miles East of Nappanee on 1350 www.weaverfurniturebarn.com DEALS WORTH THE DRIVE Section II THE PILOT NEWS GROUP Pilot News November 2014 Page 2 • Deals Worth The Drive 2015 Chrysler 200 C Sedan November 2014 2014 Chrysler 300 Base Sedan 2015 Chrysler Town & Country Touch Screen Display Stock # C2924 True Blue Pearlcoat Stock # T5390 Black, GPS Navigation Stock # C2468 32,927 $ 2015 Dodge Dart SXT Sedan 31,691 $ 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Touchscreen Display Stock # C2922 22,506 $ 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4WD, Remote Start Stock # T6451 36,754 $ 2015 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4x4 Sport, 4x4 Stock # T5177 34,334 $ 30,834 $ 2015 Dodge Journey R/T SUV Backup Cam., 3rd Row Stock # T5295 33,573 $ 2014 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan Remote Start Stock # T5287 29,271 $ Bluetooth Stock # C2890 32,510 $ 1702 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975 (574) 223-2711 • Toll Free: (888) 223-2724 mikeanderson.com November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 3 Eco-friendly gift ideas for ‘green’ giving G iving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As more and more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has grown. Choosing earth-friendly gifts is not only generous, but gift-givers also can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas for the eco-conscious people on your holiday shopping list. Locally made products Locally made products make great holiday gifts. Such gifts are not produced halfway around the world, meaning they don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community. Gifts of service A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of natural resources, and recipients find their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient, rather than paying another person to handle. For example, teach a senior member of your family how to navigate their new smartphone or agree to help them shop for groceries. Recycled goods When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of discarded plastic bottles, glass jars and aluminum cans. While the end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and melted wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts. Recycled fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts if you know where to shop. ing kit that enables them to experiment with freshly picked basil or thyme in the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners. Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the evergreen after the holidays have come and gone. Antiques New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories. The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year. Natural gifts Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herb-grow- COUNTRYSIDE NITE OUT DEC 12TH • 2PM - MIDNIGHT 10% OFF STOREWIDE BUY $100 ACCESSORIES, RECEIVE 15% OFF US 6 Beech Rd. 5-15% BACCHETTA RECUMBENTS CANNONDALE & 3-SIXTEEN REFRESHMENTS! ROAD BIKES 15% OFF N Nappanee W E 2nd B Rd. Burlington Bike Shop S BURKHOLDER HOLDER COUNTRY S STORE LLC, BURLINGTON BIKE SHOP, CARD CREATIONS, CEDAR LANE BIKE SHOP, CENTSIBLE CLOTHING & MORE, COUNTRY HOME FURNITURE, COUNTRY QUILT CREATIONS, COUNTRYSIDE VENDORS, DUTCH COUNTRY BULK FOODS, HERITAGE FABRICS & GENERAL STORE LLC, JOHN’S BARGAIN BARN, L&J CYCLE, LITTLE NOOK BOOKSTORE, NAPPANEE BICYCLE LLC, PINE HILL DISCOUNT, RENTOWN COUNTRY STORE, WEAVER FURNITURE, WEAVER’S DUTCH COUNTRY SURPLUS, WOODLAND VARIETY STORE 831 2ND B ROAD • NAPPANEE, IN 46550 Page 4 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 How to simplify the process of returning gifts R eturns are an inconvenient reality of the holiday season.Whether you’re returning clothes that don’t fit or big-ticket items that don’t suit your lifestyle, the idea of making those returns is unlikely to inspire enthusiasm. However, the following are a few ways to simplify the process of returning gifts so it goes as quickly and as smoothly as possible. • Gingerly open packages. Much of the frustration associated with returning gifts can be traced to returning the items in boxes that were torn apart when opening the gifts. Before tearing into a package or removing tags from any clothing, consider the gift and if you think you might want to return it. Some stores will not allow returns unless packaging is completely intact, while some clothing retailers will only accept returns that include the original tags. So examine all gifts before you go tearing into any packaging so your initial excitement may impede your ability to return ultimately unwanted gifts. • Don’t delay a return. Men and women who wait to return an item may be making things more difficult on themselves. Some stores only allow returns for a prede- termined number of days after the product is purchased, while others may not offer cash back after that period has expired. If you know you want to return a gift, do so soon after receiving the gift to minimize the headaches that come from procrastinating with regard to returning gifts. • Bring the original receipt.When possible, bring the original receipt instead of just the gift receipt. Returns made with only a gift receipt may only be eligible for store credit or a retailer may not give you full credit for the amount spent on the gift. In the latter case, without the actual receipt, you likely won’t know how much store credit you deserve or how much cash back you can expect. • Know the return policy before visiting the store. Return lines can be long, and no one wants to finally make it to the front of the line only to be told an item must be returned via the mail or that returns are subject to fees they don’t want to pay. Save yourself the time and frustration of a failed return by researching the retailer’s return policy before you head out to return any items. MONUMENTS Family Owned · Family Backed World’s Largest Granite Dealers ROCHESTER 1229 Main Street · 574-223-2010 November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 5 Steps to take before giving pets as gifts this holiday I t’s not uncommon for families to welcome a new pet into their homes during the holiday season. Parents may give their children their first pet during the holidays, but those who choose to give a pet to someone outside their immediate family or to someone they don’t live with should consider the following advice before going through with that decision. Consult the eventual recipient first The element of surprise is part of what makes the holiday season of giving so special, and few things may inspire more enthusiastic responses than new pets under the tree. But however appealing you may find such reactions, it’s still best to first consult the intended recipient before buying or adopting the pet. Pets make wonderful additions to a home, but some people may be allergic to certain animals or simply not have the time or energy to devote to pet ownership. No one wants to return an animal to a kennel, and forcing a loved to take on the unwanted responsibility of pet ownership does not make much of a gift. Let the recipient choose the pet Aunts or uncles may think a cute puppy is an ideal holiday gift for their nieces and nephews, but it’s best to let those youngsters’ parents choose the pet rather than going it alone. Once mom and dad have given you the greenlight to gift their kids a pet, let them decide which type of pet will become the newest member of their households. Parents may not feel their children are ready to handle the From fender benders to frame straightening. Top of the line restoration services - major to minor We work with ALL insurance companies so you won’t have to. 66485 State Road 19 • Wakarusa 574-862-7924 • [email protected] significant responsibility of dog ownership, and they may prefer their kids first receive a more low-maintenance pet, such as a fish. Pay for everything Pets are expensive, even those that are adopted from nearby shelters. Cats and dogs adopted from local shelters or even animals bought directly from breeders will need some immediate medical care, including shots and initial examinations at the veterinarian’s office, as well as food, dishes, leashes (if giving a dog), and bedding. When giving pets as a gift, men and women should fit the bill for these additional expenses, which can be significant. Recipients may not be able to afford these additional expenses, especially during the holiday season, nor did they ask to take on such a financial burden. So men and women giving pets as gifts should be capable of handling the oft-overlooked costs of adopting or buying a new pet. Be willing to take the pet Some households simply are not a good match for pets. Men and women looking to give pets as holiday gifts should be willing to take the pet into their own homes if things are not working out with the recipient. This does not mean gift-givers have to keep the pet forever, but they should be willing to temporarily care for the animal until it finds a new home. Pets sometimes make wonderful gifts, but men and women who are considering giving pets as gifts this holiday season should not approach such gestures lightly. Page 6 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Emphasize safety when buying gifts for children T oys will once again be high on kids’ wish lists this holiday season, when advertisements will highlight this year’s most coveted gifts. But just because a particular toy is this year’s must-have item does not mean it’s the safest gift for kids of all ages. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 265,000 toy-related injuries treated at hospitals in the United States in 2012. Of those injuries, an estimated 72 percent happened to children younger than 15 years of age while 69 percent affected kids 12 years of age or younger. In addition, an estimated 34 percent of those injuries happened to children younger than five years of age. Many toy-related deaths were the result of drowning and asphyxiation. No one wants to think about injuries or deaths involving kids, but holiday shoppers must keep safety in mind when purchasing children’s gifts to safeguard youngsters from injury. Balloons The CPSC notes that balloons are the leading cause of suffocation death in children. Children may swallow broken or uninflated balloons, which can then stick to the throat and airway, making it impossible to breathe. Holiday shoppers should avoid giving balloons to children age eight or younger. In addition, dispose of balloons if or when they deflate. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries & Cheesecake! Painted toys Lead paints and toys containing lead are not legal in North America, but that doesn’t mean that imported toys are made in adherence to stringent safety guidelines. Before buying a toy, confirm that it is lead-free, as exposure to lead can cause serious neurological problems, especially in young children. Button batteries Button batteries, or the small-sized batteries found in some toys, watches and hearing aids, can be hazardous. Batteries can become stuck and cause chemical burns. Adults should always verify that the battery compartments on children’s toys are secured with screws. Other products that have remote controls may contain batteries that are not adequately secured. In addition to button batteries, AAA batteries, which are small, can be hazardous to kids. Magnets Small magnets can be swallowed and become lodged in the digestive system of a child. If two or more magnets or a magnet and metal component are swallowed, they can attract to one another through intestinal walls. This can cause blockages, perforations and infections. Avoid toys that use small magnets, and check the CPSC website to ensure that magnetic toys are not among recalled products. Toy Safety Tips • Read the packaging to ensure that toys are age-appropriate. • Avoid projectile toys or those with sharp points. • Store toys that belong to older children out of reach of younger kids. • Don’t buy toys with removable parts that can be swallowed. • Only buy toys made from nontoxic materials. • Only buy fabric toys that are labeled as flameresistant or flameretardant. • Only buy stuffed toys that are washable. • Graciously decline handme-down toys that may not meet current safety standards. Check Out More On Our Website! www.cupcakesbybre.com Cupcakes by Bre Custom Sugar Cookies Made to Order For the Holidays Chocolate Peanut Butter & Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Chocolate Peanut Butter · S’Mores · Banana Split Carmel Apple · Mocha · Cookies & Cream · Pina Colada · French Vanilla Espresso · and Much More! Call Ahead To Order For Any Occasion! Tues-Fri 8AM - 5:15PM · Sat Noon-3PM · Closed Sun and Mon 330 E 9th Street · Rochester, IN · 574-835-0169 November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 7 Stop in for your local Ford dealer for Black Friday savings! BLACK FRIDAY SALES EVENT Now thru Cyber Monday. Ends December 1. Your hometown dealer with a big heart! 300 S. Heaton St., Knox • 574-772-2181 • 877-526-9451 www.bestfordknox.com Page 8 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Gift wrap tricks to save time H oliday shopping may be done, but that enormous pile of presents still needs to be wrapped. People have varying degrees of ability with regard to wrapping gifts. Some excel at those creased corners and perfect bows, while others are less adept at wrapping. The task of wrapping gifts may not be something to look forward to, but wrapping gifts is an essential element of the holiday season. Fortunately, there are a few tricks of the trade wrappers can lean on to make the process of wrapping gifts go as quickly and as smoothly as possible. • Stock up on double-sided tape. Wrapping with doublesided tape helps you avoid unsightly tape lines and creates a neat finished product. • Use a toilet paper tube to preserve wrapping paper rolls and keep them from unravelling. Simply cut the tube lengthwise and snap it over the open roll of paper to serve as a handy clip to keep the paper tidy. • When you lose the edge of the tape on a roll, it can take precious time trying to find it again and then lift a piece of tape off the roll. Use a plastic bread clip to hold the place of the edge of the tape to prevent this from happening. • Turn snack containers into handy gift wrap options. Empty potato chip cannisters can be wrapped and used to hold other food gifts or smaller stocking stuffers. Turn a foil-lined chip or popcorn bag inside out, first cleaning away any grease and crumbs, and use the bag to wrap a gift and tie off the end with a decorative ribbon. • Wooden spoons or popsicle sticks can make clever gift tags. Poke a hole in the end and tie onto your gift. • Use a piece of fabric to wrap a present if you’re not too skilled with traditional paper. Fabric can be reused and is more durable, and you won’t run the risk of tearing an edge or poking a hole through it. This can be especially useful for oddly shaped gifts. • Newsprint tied with natural cord and some pine boughs is an inexpensive, classic-looking gift wrap. • Kraft butcher paper or brown mailing paper can be used in a pinch. Stamp images on the paper to customize the gift wrap and use ribbons and bows to further dress things up. • Always work on a hard, flat surface, as working on the floor or a soft surface makes it more difficult to control wrapping paper and you’re more likely to tear the paper. • Use a gift box or cardboard to create a firm container to wrap soft gifts. • Reuse old boxes to create a greeting card. Use a piece of ribbon and a bow and your newly created card as a thank-you or gift tag for future gifts. This is a great way to recycle during a season when excess is common. 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Vintners up and down the valley work around the clock for weeks on end to harvest their grapes at the peak of perfection and transform the luscious fruit into the wines renowned around the world. So when the harvest concludes, Napa Valley winemakers are ready to decompress and enjoy a wine country holiday season that reflects the region’s appreciation for all things fresh, local and handcrafted, and that puts the emphasis on bringing together family and friends. “Harvest is thrilling and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but when you emerge from it you’re so appreciative of the simple pleasures,” says Elizabeth Vianna, winemaker at Chimney Rock in the Stags Leap District, home to rich, refined Cabernet Sauvignons. Vianna was recently featured with Ruth- erford Hill Winery’s Marisa Taylor and Markham Vineyards’ Kim Nicholls in the six-part PBS reality series, “Vintage: Napa Valley 2012.” “Being with the people you love, relaxing, enjoying good food and good wine — it’s a truly special time,” she says. In Napa, holiday gatherings often move outside, into the crisp late-fall air that still carries a sweet hint of fermenting grapes. As soft, angled sunlight recedes and darkness falls, indoor/outdoor string lights along an arbor or pergola lend a feel of casual elegance, and a glowing fire pit warms hands and hearts alike. But even in Napa the weather isn’t always accommodating for outdoor entertaining. Taylor, known for crafting luscious, balanced Merlots at Rutherford Hill, has a solution for those times. “I look for ways to bring the outdoors in,” she says. In Napa, that could mean a grape vine integrated into a table centerpiece or gently curved into a wreath — motifs that can be adopted according to the trees and plants that thrive in any area. Of course, food is foremost at any holiday gathering. Nicholls, who makes a full line of award-winning varietals at Markham, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, says the best dishes, just like the best wines, are ones that say something about their maker. For Nicholls, that means blackberry pies like the ones her mother taught her to make. “Putting your personality into what you are making is really what it is about,” says Nicholls. With this approach, anyone anywhere can enjoy a Napa Valley holiday in style and spirit. But there’s also an opportunity for you to experience it in person, in the valley itself. Chimney Rock, Markham and Rutherford Hill wineries are offering a chance for two lucky winners to visit Napa Valley, complete with airfare, lodging, behind-thescenes vineyard tours, VIP lunches with scenic views overlooking the Valley and even the chance to blend your own Merlot. Visit the Napa Valley Holiday Pinterest page at www.pinterest.com/NVHoliday for more information. Your One-Stop Holiday Feasting Store! Authorized Dealer Weekly Dls!eli Specia Check out our selection of Rustic Hickory Furniture! Full Line of Yoder’s Frozen Meat Fine Selection of Meats & Cheeses Page 10 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 2014 holiday toy predictions P arents often find themselves waiting in long lines to snag the hottest toys for children’s holiday gifts. Shoppers arrive at retail stores in droves to grab the newest video game consoles or must-have dolls or action figures. From Cabbage Patch Dolls of the 1980s to the Elmo craze of the 1990s, every generation seems to have its own “must-have” holiday gift. This year, holiday shoppers may want to start shopping early if they hope to land any of the following items that figure to be this year’s hot toys. • “Frozen”-themed toys: Mega-retailer Walmart predicts that toys inspired by the smash hit film “Frozen” will continue to be hot commodities this holiday season.To meet demand, the retailer already is stocking up on the popular characters and other products banking on the popularity of the film. If the special girl in your life is still enamored with all things “Frozen,” it’s a smart bet to start your holiday buying early this year. • “Hunger Games” athletic items: Fans of the “Hunger Games” trilogy, be it the books, movies or both, are familiar with lead character Katniss’ prowess with a bow and arrow. Bows inspired by the movie are in demand and will appeal to both girls and boys testing their archery skills. • Beats by Dr. Dre: Music-lovers still consider these headphones must-have items. They’re especially prevalent among the teen market. Available in a variety of colors, users can coordinate their Beats headphones with their clothing or accessories. • Lego Minecraft: It was only a matter of time before Lego got in on the action of one of the hottest games to sweep the Internet and video game console world. Minecraft is a digital building game that has enthralled gamers of all ages. Now Minecraft enthusiasts can recreate on-screen worlds in tangible Lego versions. • Xeno: Xeno is a “friend-toy” that is neither robot nor doll, but an interactive pet. Made from nontoxic elastic material and including eight sensors, the creature is a moving, reacting companion. Xeno even can dance to music. And parents will love that Xeno does not need to be taken for walks. • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: On the heels of summer blockbuster inspired by these gifted turtles, fans of the weapon-swinging shelled warriors will certainly want to surround themselves with all things turtle, so expect to see plenty of movie-inspired gifts on store shelves this season. The holiday season is on the horizon, and it’s never too early to begin shopping for the toys and games experts predict will be this year’s must-have items. Did you know? Though there is no official data that declares the best-selling holiday toy for children of all-time, it’s fair to assume the lovable “Sesame Street” figure Elmo is high on the list of most popular holiday toys. Much of that popularity can be traced to the introduction of Tickle Me Elmo in 1996. Though not the first Elmo doll, Tickle Me Elmo became the must-have gift of 1996, when parents searched far and wide for the doll that laughed when users tickled its stomach. During the holiday season of 1996, many people paid far beyond market price just so their children could wake up on Christmas or Chanukah and have a Tickle Me Elmo doll to call their own. Since 1996, Elmo has been reincarnated many times over, and each Elmo doll seems to inspire its own craze come the holiday season. Released in 1998, Walk ‘N’ Talk Elmo was a popular children’s gift, as was Rock ‘N’ Roll Elmo (1999), Tickle Me Elmo Surprise (2001), Chicken Dance Elmo (2002), and SHOUT Elmo (2005). In 2006, Mattel®, the company that produces the Elmo dolls, announced a special commemorative Elmo to mark the 10-year anniversary of the introduction of Tickle Me Elmo. That, too, sparked a buying frenzy, as some reports indicated private sellers were selling the latest Elmo, known as TMX Elmo, for thousands of dollars. One-Day Bath Remodeling www.bathfitter.com Call NOW for a FREE in-home estimate 1-800-433-6471 574-255-2882 The BATH FITTER® advantage: • A beautiful new bathtub or shower right over your old one • Less expensive than conventional bathroom remodeling • Hundreds of thousands installed nationwide since 1984 • Our unique, one-piece seamless wall system can be installed right over your existing wall • Tub-to-shower conversions, too • Backed by our Lifetime Warranty (see store for details) Visit Our Showroom... 1020 East McKinely, Mishawaka • www.bathfitter.com November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 11 Y Z EA B REEZ 2 Y HAND ND Used Furniture • Household Needs *Ann Sloan Painted Furniture* Hours: Thurs-Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 353 S. Main St., Nappanee $ 10 OFF 20 purchase $ Furniture • Tools • Appliances All Household Needs Roll the dice for a bonus on scrap! Paying Top $$$ For Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Roll-Off Boxes Available Factory Clean Out Building Demolition We will pick up your automobiles, large trucks & farm machinery Give us a call 574-784-3007 or stop in & see us at: 1856 Lilac Rd., Lapaz, IN Under New Ownership Page 12 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 The basics of poinsettia plant care Holiday waste by the numbers lthough poinsettias are most often associated with the holiday season, they are actually tropical plants. In spite of their origins, poinsettias can thrive during the holiday season and even last long after the he holiday season generates a lot of waste, and many things contribute to this excess of trash this time of year. • Thousands of paper and plastic shopping bags end up in landfills after the holiday season. Reusable cloth bags can limit the amount of bags tossed away, and users of plastic bags can recycle those bags at appropriate receptacles. • Four million tons of waste is attributed to shopping bags and wrapping paper. Recycling paper or looking for reusable items in which to wrap gifts can cut down on paper waste. • Approximately 33 million live trees are cut down and sold in North America each year for Christmas. If you use a live tree, be sure to recycle it so it can be turned into mulch instead of being sent to a landfill. Otherwise, consider buying a potted tree and planting it after the holidays. A holidays have come and gone. Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America. Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl. The flowering plant was first introduced to the United States by Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, and was subsequently renamed the poinsettia. The flowers of the poinsettia are actually the yellow blooms at the middle of the bright red or white bracts that form on the plant. Perhaps due to the bright red of the bracts, the plant quickly became a popular Christmas plant. It’s important to note that poinsettias grow in a warm climate and therefore must be kept in tropical conditions to ensure the plant’s health. Furthermore, poinsettias bloom in response to shortening daylight hours. That means they will need ample darkness each night in order to simulate the dark nights of short, winter days. To achieve this, you may need to put the plant into a dark closet for 12 to 14 hours each night. During the day, the plant should be in a sunny window where it will have access to bright light. The more light the better. Keep the soil evenly moist. Misting the plant will help it to retain some humidity. Also, fill the overflow saucer on your flower pot with gravel to allow water seeping through the pot to evaporate from the gravel. Hot temperatures indoors combined with high humidity will help the plant to thrive. Even one day without adequate moisture can cause the leaves to drop. Furthermore, decreasing temperatures can cause leaves to fall off. The goal is to keep the indoor temperature consistent. While many poinsettia plants are discarded after the holiday season, these plants can actually be cut back and saved for next season. Trimming back any remaining leaves and continuing to care for the plant by keeping it moist can help. To force the blooms next season, start reducing the plant’s exposure to sunlight in mid-September to October. Again, this will mean removing the plant to an area that is shrouded in complete darkness. Even streetlights or indoor lighting can affect blooming. If the plant does not begin to turn color before the holiday season, you may need to purchase a new plant and try again next year. T Born In A Barn 302 N. Heaton St., Knox Just South of the Yellow River Bridge on the US 35 Corridor 574-772-3802 Reg. Hrs: Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 10:00-4:00 CST Born In A Barn will be Celebrating! Celebrating! Celebrating!! Not only do we have antiques. We have old stuff, new stuff, plain stuff, fancy stuff & downright ugly stuff. We have antiques, fresh jams & jellies, furniture, crafts including rag rugs made on a loom, Bonnie Barrett, Bethany Lowe Studio ornaments, Boardwalk Originals, candles & more! 20% STOREWIDE SAVINGS Our g 20% if off e t to you. v .. till C ery wee k hris tmas end 30 DAY LAY-AWAY PLAN November 2014 Deals Worth The Drive• Page 13 HISTORIC NORTH LIBERTY’S 5TH ANNUAL Parade Santa Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 6, 2014 Vendors Dogwood Designs 108 N. Main, North Liberty 574-656-3999 Custom Picture Framing & Unique Gifts Saturday holiday walk hours: 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. TICKETS $8 in advance • $10 day of the event 110 North Main, North Liberty 574-656-3636 Bob’s Country Store & Meat Market Italian Beef Homemade Sausage Special Cuts Deli Catering ROBERT NYARI - owner 656-8011 306 S. Reed Street • North Liberty, IN 46554 Happy Holidays! McCormick Electrical Services, Inc. 574-676-3500 Expires 3-1-15 MEservesU.com ME Power Bucks $25 towards your next service call Just call ME for all your electrical needs Fireman Pancake Breakfast 8-10 a.m. Christmas Parade with Santa 11 a.m. The Mason’s Famous Donuts 11a.m. until gone Children’s Movies at the Police Station 12 p.m. Cub Scout Chili Dinner at United Methodist Church 3-7 p.m. Free Pictures with Santa and the Christmas Elf 3-7 p.m. Holiday Home Tour 3-7 p.m. Luminaries on Main Street as you tour Holiday themed homes Not redeemable on travel charge or any diagnostic charge. Only one coupon of any kind per call. Cash value 01/20th cent. (Under 12 free) Available at: Dogwood Designs - North Liberty 1st Source Bank - North Liberty Branch New Kitchen Store - Walkerton Home Tour 202 N. Main Street, North Liberty 656-8362 • www.plamerfuneralhomes.com 866-998-7594 North Liberty Banking Center 109 N. Main St. North Liberty Art-tiques on the Creek NOW OPEN 100 S. Main Street Downtown North Liberty Page 14 • Deals Worth The Drive November 2014 Emphasize safety when decorating for the holidays D ecking the halls for the holidays is a beloved tradition for many families. A home’s exterior festooned with lights help create a festive holiday mood, while stockings hung by the chimney and a Christmas tree in the living room bring that holiday cheer inside. Christmas trees should never be placed in close proximity to heat sources such as fireplaces, vents and radiators. Though the holiday season is a festive time of year, it can quickly turn tragic if revelers do not emphasize safety when decorating their homes. When decorating this holiday season, be sure to employ the following precautions so your holiday season is festive, decorative and safe. * Exercise extreme caution with holiday lights. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, 150 home fires per year begin with holiday lights and other decorative lighting. Such fires may start because of frayed or bare wires, broken or cracked sockets or even loose connections. It’s important that men and women be especially careful when decorating their homes with holiday lights, inspecting each set of lights for damage and discarding any damaged sets. When choosing lights, use only lights that have been certified for outdoor use on your home’s exterior, and never use outdoor lights inside. * Purchase the right Christmas tree. The Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that Christmas trees are involved in hundreds of fires causing an average of 15 deaths each year. In addition, such fires cause an average of $13 million in property damage annually.Though it can be tempting to purchase the most eye-catching Christmas tree you find, avoid acting rashly until you have learned a little about the tree. Artificial trees should be labeled as “Fire Resistant.” Such trees can still catch fire, but they are more resistant to fire than trees without such labels. When buying a live tree, make sure the tree is fresh. The tree should be green, and its needles should be difficult to pull off of branches, which should not be easily breakable. Tap the tree on the ground before purchasing it. If the tree loses a lot of needles upon tapping the ground, it isn’t fresh. Trees that aren’t fresh are more susceptible to going up in flames. * Keep the tree away from heat sources. Though it might seem more idyllic to place your Christmas tree next to the fireplace, it’s a lot more dangerous as well. When choosing a spot for your tree, find a place that is away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and vents. But homeowners also should know that even trees placed away from heat sources can still dry out, creating a fire hazard even if the tree was fresh and healthy when purchased. That’s because Christmas trees can quickly dry out in heated rooms. Monitor the tree’s water levels every day, checking those levels in both the morning and at night before going to bed. This prevents the tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, and it also helps the tree maintain its aesthetic appeal through the holiday season. * Limit use of candles. Like Christmas trees, candles are a popular yet potentially hazardous decorative item during the holiday season. When decorating with candles, be sure that all candles are extinguished before leaving a room and never leave them burning when you go to bed. Candles should be kept away from any decorative items, including Christmas trees, that can catch fire. Never place candles near curtains, furniture or presents. Holiday enthusiasts with little children or pets at home might want to decorate with fake LED-light candles instead of traditional candles. Curious kids or excitable pets may not recognize the potential dangers of lit candles and, as a result, might burn themselves or tips candles over. READY TO HUNT PACKAGES $ We don’t care what you are shooting. We will help you shoot it better! 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