Pggiftguide 112714

2 Holiday Gift Guide Advertising Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette-Star | November 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 3November 2014 | Advertising Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette-Star

CO

VE

R:G

IFT

:PH

OT

OD

ISC

/TH

INK

ST

OC

K;B

AC

KG

RO

UN

D:M

ET

RO

CR

EA

TIV

EG

RA

PH

ICS

BY JULIA PRICE

You know what they say:There are a whole lot offish in the sea. But today,the only fish we’re think-

ing about are the ones in a lake andhow to properly catch them. Unlessyou have a set of bear claws thatyou’ve managed to secretly grow,you’re going to need the right fish-ing equipment in order to get thejob done. And just like anythingelse, with so many options, you’llneed to weed through the junk and

pick out the winners. So here aresome of the top-rated must-haves.

1. Something to get out on thewater. You’ll need a skiff, other-wise known as a small boat, primar-ily used for fishing or hanging out.Boating Magazine rated CarolinaSkiff as one of the top brands for2014, and based on various ratings,this company seems to be a favoriteamong avid fishermen.

2. Fillet knives. While catchingand releasing fish is a pretty stan-dard way of taking care of the eco-

FISHINGfor Deals

- A GUIDE TO THE BEST GEAR -

CREATORS.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIA PRICE

Tackle Warehouse said on its blog that you get what you pay for when it comes to rods and reels.–CONTINUED ON 19–

Visitour new

location inCrofton!

Eyelash Extension Specialists

$1000 OFFAIRBRUSHTANNING

(REG. $35)

www.lashmoi.com

(410)721-LASH

Crofton Princess Center1166 MD RT 3 #108

Crofton (Near Blue Dolphin)410-721-LASH

Pointer Ridge Shopping Center1322-C Crain Hwy.

Bowie240-334-4949

$2500 OFFANY FULL SET

OF LASHES

LASH MOI • (410)721-LASHNew Clients Only. Expires 5/31/15.

LASH MOI • (410)721-LASHNew Clients Only. Expires 5/31/15.

1885266

HERE IS YOUR PRINCEHERE IS YOUR PRINCEHERE IS YOUR PRINCEHERE IS YOUR PRINCEHERE IS YOUR PRINCEGEORGE’S HELPFUL TEAM OFGEORGE’S HELPFUL TEAM OFGEORGE’S HELPFUL TEAM OFGEORGE’S HELPFUL TEAM OFGEORGE’S HELPFUL TEAM OFMARKETINGMARKETING CONSULTCONSULTANTS:ANTS:MARKETINGMARKETING CONSULTCONSULTANTS:ANTS:MARKETING CONSULTANTS:

AADVDVERERTISE YOUR BTISE YOUR BUSINESSUSINESSAADVDVERERTISE YOUR BTISE YOUR BUSINESSUSINESSADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

WWE CAN HELP GROWE CAN HELP GROW YOUR BYOUR BUSINESS WUSINESS WITHITHWWE CAN HELP GROWE CAN HELP GROW YOUR BYOUR BUSINESS WUSINESS WITHITHWE CAN HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITHPRINT ADS,PRINT ADS, SPECIAL NICHE PUBSPECIAL NICHE PUBLICALICATIONS, WETIONS, WEB,B,PRINT ADS,PRINT ADS, SPECIAL NICHE PUBSPECIAL NICHE PUBLICALICATIONS, WETIONS, WEB,B,PRINT ADS, SPECIAL NICHE PUBLICATIONS, WEB,

MOBMOBILE ANDILE AND EMAIL BEMAIL BLASTS.LASTS.MOBMOBILE ANDILE AND EMAIL BEMAIL BLASTS.LASTS.MOBILE AND EMAIL BLASTS.

AND BAND BE SEEN IN YOUR COMMUNITY!E SEEN IN YOUR COMMUNITY!AND BAND BE SEEN IN YOUR COMMUNITY!E SEEN IN YOUR COMMUNITY!AND BE SEEN IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

CALL US

TODAY FOR

SPECIALRATES!

IFYOURAREAIS NOT LISTEDHERE CALL ANYONEOFUS ANDWEWILL HELPYOU!

CHAUKACHAUKA REIDREIDCHAUKA REIDADVERTISINGMANAGER

LAUREL/BELTSVILLE AREAS240.473.7588 [email protected]

DDOUG HAOUG HAYESYESDOUG HAYESBOWIE AREAS

240.473.7532 [email protected]

LYNDLYNDA STEWA STEWARDARDLYNDA STEWARDLARGO/LANHAM/UPPER MARLBORO AREAS240.473.7512 OR [email protected]

DDAAVVE FELE FELTONTONDAVE FELTONCOLLEGE PARK/HYATTSVILLE/CLINTON AREAS240.473.7521 [email protected]


This Season’s

HOT TOYS

CREATORS.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTEL

Mattel’s 2014 Holiday BarbieDoll has dazzling details. Sheis also available in an African-American version.

BY DIANE SCHLINDWEIN

With the holiday season underway,experts like Christopher Byrneand representatives from Mattel/Fisher-Price are once again pre-

dicting what toys will be popular this holidayseason.

For computer-savvy kids, Mattel’s repre-sentative recommended the Barbie FashionDesign Maker. “Every parent knows how dif-ficult it is to pull kids away from tech devicesthese days. So why not strengthen their techknowledge and supplement it with fun cre-ativity?” The Fashion Design Maker helpsfashionistas-in-training create custom designson printable fabric paper with the use of anapp, a tablet or a computer.

At over 50 years old, Barbie remains oneof the most popular toys ever with girls ages3 and up. Future hairstylists will love the newBarbie Endless Curls doll that allows girls tocurl Barbie’s hair—sans heat or water—andadd streaks of color.

Of course, Mattel has already released the2014 Holiday Barbie Doll, with various ver-sions wearing a gorgeous red gown and deckedout with holiday sparkle.

AT OVER50 YEARS OLD,BARBIEREMAINSONE OF THEMOST POPULARTOYS EVERWITH GIRLS AGES3 AND UP.


For girls who like their dolls a little more “freaky,”Byrne, who is content director for aNb Media Inc. andis known internationally as the Toy Guy, predicted,“The whole Monster High Freaky Fusionline is going to continue to be hot. Thebig dollhouse (Monster High FreakyFusion Catacombs) is going to be ahot ticket item, as are the dolls.”

Parents and grandparents of thevery young who want to give toysthat focus on learning will be excitedabout Fisher-Price’s new Laugh & LearnSmart Stages line. These toys provide age-appropriate learning content as baby grows.Simply input a child’s age for automatic contentupdates or manually adjust the learning stage with aswitch. This line includes the new Laugh & Learn StagesChair, which is a child-sized seat that knows when babysits, activating learning songs and phrases when babystands. The chair offers three levels of play that includefresh songs, phrases and sounds that update to match alittle one’s age and stage development.

Santa’s young friends will also be checking under thetree for their first Thomas & Friends train, which is theMyFirst Thomas & Friends Motion Control Thomas. Kidscan control Thomas with the wave of the hand, turning anyroom into the famous Island of Sodor.

Byrne admitted to being a “big kid atheart.” That’s why he also recommended afew blaster toys. The Zing Firetek Bow shootswell and is one of his “faves”of the year. “It lights up!”And Nerf lovers won’t be disappointed with the NerfThunderBow, he said. “While we are in the blaster cat-egory, this one is amazing!” Of course, parents shouldmake sure kids have plenty of room to play with theseaction-packed toys.

One of the season’s hottest toys might just be as popularwith parents and grandparents as it will with the kids. Hot

Wheels Street Hawks are expected to fly off the shelves assoon as they are stocked. The highly sought-after flying caris both an RC vehicle, which allows it to be steered alongthe ground, as well as a plane in the air. Byrne called theStreet Hawk “incredible” and said that dads might be bor-rowing it from their sons. “This toy really is terrific. It’s easyto use, and it brings a big ‘wow’ when it takes off.”

– Creators.com

CREATORS.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTEL

Hot Wheels Street Hawks are expected to fly off theshelves as soon as they are stocked. This flying car isboth an RC vehicle, which allows it to be steered alongthe ground, as well as a plane in the air.

1935309 1935291


BY JEANELLE HORCASITAS

Andy Williams hit it right on the mark when hefamously sang that Christmas is themost wonder-ful time of year.With lights strung across the roof-top, a beautifully decorated noble fir and carefully

wrapped gifts under the tree, it’s easy to get caught up in themagic of the holidays. I have plenty of these unforgettablememories from childhood. However, Christmas morningswere always the most fun. Before any wrapping paper suf-fered the wrath of a few overly excited kids ripping their wayto its contents, the first thing to look forward to was diggingthrough the stockings. The fluffy, red-and-white oversizedsocks with our names scrawled across them in glittery gluewere always full of the best candy, games and toys we couldhave ever wished for.

But what happened when my siblings and I grew up?Well, luckily for me, my parents still kept the traditionalive with awesome little surprises in our stockings everyChristmas. Therefore, I’m happy to report firsthand thatjust because you’re an adult, you don’t have to give upthe fun of the Christmas stocking.

FOR THE TECHIES• Flash drive. Storage, storage, storage! Techies are

always out and about, and this is the perfect bite-sizegadget for them to back up important data. Find a super-cool flash drive that matches your loved one’s personality.

• Phone case. Techies are always rockin’ the latestand greatest, so a new case to show off—and protect—their new Android, iPhone 6, etc., is always a greatchoice. OtterBox and Speck Products are some of mypersonal favorites because of their durability. They offera variety of colors and patterns from which to choose.

• Portable charger. These work wonders for thetechies who are always on their phones, as their battery’scharge dwindles throughout the day. You can find somefashionable portable chargers at Urban Outfitters.

Stocking Stuffers

Because kids of all ages appreciatepulling holiday treats out of socks!

FORADULTS

POLKADOT/THINKSTOCK


Those are just a few of my favorites, but in a worldwhere technology is everywhere, the choices seem endless.

FOR THE WINE CONNOISSEUR• Wine glass charms. A glass of wine by itself

is delicious, but a glass of wine with lovely danglingcharms is the cherry on top. Wine glass charms can befound in many stores, but I absolutely love the assort-ment that Pier 1 Imports has to offer. So take your pickand give the wine connoisseur in your life a little flair.

• Wine to wear. This is a great gift for anyone youknow who isn’t afraid to flaunt his or her love of wine.Nylon’s “Less Whine More Wine” T-shirt at shop.nylon.com is a definite must-have.

• Wine-to-go tumblers. These tumblers are justwhat the wine connoisseur needs for the beach, thebarbecue or even the tailgate party. Order the affordableand adorable pair of Vino2Go insulated tumblers fromAmazon.com and you won’t be sorry.

FOR THE RUNNING JUNKIE• Over-the-ear headphones. Running with regular

headphones is always frustrating because of the constantcord twisting and tangling. Over-the-ear headphones solvethat problem and allow the runner in your life to blazetrails cord-free. Sports Authority is among the retailers thatoffer a wide range of styles.

• Armband. If you would like to complement theover-the-ear headphones, add an athletic armband tothe mix. With her mobile phone and keys tucked safelyaround her arm, your running junkie will be able tofocus completely on the path ahead. These armbandscan be found just about anywhere, such as at the athleticstore we mentioned before or at your local Target.

• Comfy sole inserts. Sure, there are a ton of light-weight shoes advertised to make you faster, but comfortis always key. The runner in your life (and the runner’sfeet) will thank you for these after those tough 10-mileruns. You can purchase good quality sole inserts on runnersworld.com.

And as an extra treat, toss in a few GU energy packsto jump-start the runner for those long distances.

FOR THE SPA LOVER• Candles. What’s better than one, two or three

candles illuminating the corners of the bathtub with asweet vanilla aroma filling the room? They are a must-have for spa lovers, as they create the relaxed ambiancethey know and love. Of course candles are availablepretty much everywhere, but you can’t go wrong withYankee Candle or Bath & Body Works.

• Soothing face mask. Get the full spa effect with asoothing face mask. It not only is great for the complex-ion, but also will leave the spa lover feeling refreshed and

wonderful. You can find somegreat face masks at Ulta andSephora. My favorite is The BodyShop’s Tea Tree Face Mask.

• Tweezers and mani-cure set. A great pair of twee-zers and a manicure set canbe integral to a beauty rou-tine. My favorite tweezers areTweezerman, which can befoundmost beauty stores. Plus,when the steel gets dull, you cansend them back to be sharpenedby the company itself. Also, Ulta sellsa great travel-size manicure set to keep those fingers andtoes looking lovely.

If you would like to do a little extra for the spa lover,add an Essie nail polish in her favorite color or someflavorful tea.

All of those suggestions include items that I know myfamily and friends wouldn’t mind receiving. However,you know your loved ones best, so use your better judg-ment when personalizing their stocking stuffers. Justbecause we’re getting older doesn’t mean we have tolose some of our favorite childhood pastimes.

–Creators.com

STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK

19353411935342


TECHGIFTS

for BabyBoomers

BY CATHERINE MCNULTY

Baby boomers have developed much of the technology weuse today. As their generation moves fromworking to retire-ment, they continue to be tech-savvy. There are even web-sites devoted to boomers and technology, such as Boomer

Tech Talk. AARP has a section on its website for it, as well. Theholidays are the perfect time to get your favorite boomers—be theyparents, other relatives or friends—some new technology.

Let’s begin with the basics: a smartphone. Most people whoalready have one wouldn’t know how to function without theirsmartphone, but a smartphone can be intimidating for those whohave never used one. What makes it a great boomer gift is that itenables so many different forms of communication. You can call(yes, people still do make phone calls on these), text, share photos,FaceTime or Skype, and use social media. As families are spreadout farther and farther, the ability to contact loved ones in so manydifferent ways is key to staying close.

Speaking of social media, how about a gift that doesn’t costanything but would be a great way to spend time together?That’s right, it’s time to get your parents or grandparents onFacebook—or any other social media platform you think theywould enjoy. The boomer generation came up in a world wherepeople expected to lose touch with one another over the years.But today, more and more boomers are using social media tofind people from their past. Isn’t it worth having your mom likeevery one of your posts for a few months if you know she canreconnect with high school classmates she hasn’t seen in 30, 40or even 50 years?


Many boomers are already smartphone/social mediaadoptees. And many haven’t slowed down in retire-ment; they’ve sped up—and hit the road. It’s a great wayto spend retirement, driving around the country, chas-ing the good weather and seeing the sights. For someonewho grew up tracing interstates and highways on a papermap the size of architectural plans (never to be refoldedcorrectly), GPS is a godsend. If your favorite boomer ison the road and you’re concerned about something badhappening, get him OnStar, an automobile security,navigation and communication system, so he is alwaysconnected to help. A subscription to satellite radiowould also be a great gift. There are plenty of lonelystretches of highway where the AM/FM signal fades out.

A lot of boomers spruce up their houses as theyhead into retirement. Why not? The kids are gone, andthey’re probably sick of looking at the same furniture.So what kind of technology can make the home life of aboomer better? It could be something as simple as get-ting keyless doors. They’re more secure, and they arefewer keys to keep track of. Another simple gift: gettingall of a boomer’s entertainment technology—TV, cable,stereo, surround sound, etc.—on one remote. No oneactually enjoys having a basket of remotes on the coffeetable and trying to remember which one does what.

As much as technology can supplement our lives andmake them easier, it can also help save and prolong lives.As many boomers age, health concerns become para-

mount. Many have to take more medications than theyare used to, or ailing health can make it difficult for themto take care of themselves. Some solutions are easy. Thereare automated medication dispensers to ensure someoneis taking medication at the right time and with the rightdosage. There are talking clocks and apps to gently remindsomeone to take medication, as well.

Remember those old “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”commercials? Life Alert, the company that made them,is still around, and all of that has gone digital now.There is, in fact, an app for that. Personal emergencyresponse systems are a new type of technology aimedat helping those with health issues. Life Alert is one ofthe many companies that run such a service. What isprovided through the service varies from company tocompany. Certain businesses offer GPS to paramedicsto get them to your loved one faster; others keep digitalmedical records that can be forwarded to an emergencyroom or a doctor in another country when your lovedone is traveling.

–Creators.com

THE HOLIDAYSARE THE PERFECT TIME

TO GET YOUR FAVORITE BOOMERS—BE THEY PARENTS,OTHER RELATIVES OR FRIENDS—SOME NEW TECHNOLOGY.

PH

OT

OD

ISC

/TH

INK

ST

OC

K


MICHAELJUNG/ISTOCKPHOTO

FIT GIFTS

CREATORS.COMPHOTO COURTESY OF BROOKSTONE

Fitness trackers are one of the top fitness gifts this year.

What to get the health and fitness buff

BY SHARON NAYLOR

If you have a health- or fitness-minded person on yourholiday gift list, it’s easy to choose a present that willbe appreciated and used. Laura Holmes, editor andchief media director at Gifts.com, said that when

health and fitness are top priorities in a person’s life,you can tap into one of the top gift-giving categories forhealth-minded people.

Holmes, who is into weekend 5Ks, mountain bikingtreks, spinning, yoga and posting about healthy recipeson social media, points to the following categories tohelp you select the perfect gifts:

• Tech. “There are so many cool tech tools to aidthe fitness fan in setting her goals and tracking her suc-cesses. If she doesn’t already have a sleep and activitytracker, this is the perfect gift, as it gives her an overall

view of what she’s accomplished every day,” Holmessaid. Fitness and sleep trackers are available as a wrist-band or a necklace that delivers data to an app, showingdaily mileage, nutrition and even sleep patterns. You’lleven find “smart” water bottles that keep a personhydrated on the go and remind him when he hasn’t methis daily water goal. And would you believe there is asmart fork (HAPIfork) that lights up when the personholding it is eating too fast? You can find that at hapi.com or Amazon.com.

• Yoga. Top gifts here include mats, carryall bags,yoga blocks, and stylish clothing and grip yoga socks.Add yoga DVDs and gift certificates to your recipient’snearby yoga center, and your friend can personalize herpractice even further, and perhaps have the funds toattend a special sunrise yoga or meditation class taughtby a notable, visiting yogi.

• Cooking. Health-minded gift recipients knowthat wellness happens from the inside out, so considerhealth-themed cookbooks and cooking gadgets, suchas spiral vegetable peelers, to help make meal prepara-tion healthier. Small appliances such as yogurt makers,blenders and even pizza stones help get home-cookednutrition on the menu.

• Deliveries. A monthly delivery of fresh fruit,veggies and herbs makes healthy cooking convenient,said Holmes, who also said that if your recipient isultra-healthy, she’ll probably prefer organic produce, solook into the company’s organic specifications beforeordering these deliveries in weekly, monthly or quarterlypackages.

In addition to these four categories suggestedbyHolmes,consider some of the other hot fitness gifts this year:

• Slacklining gear. In slacklining, a bouncy, high-


tension piece of webbing is stretched between twosolid objects—perhaps trees—just a few inchesoff of the ground. The exercise is akin totightrope walking, which is good for balance,lower body fitness and core work. Slacklininggear is available in sporting goods stores andon sites such as REI.com.

• Balance boards. Balance workoutsmay also be done on balance boards, alsoknown as Indo Boards: flat boards set atop around middle piece. The exerciser then standsatop the board, balancing from side to side. Yoga is alsopracticed on some Indo Boards.

• Jump ropes. Jumping rope may remind the fitnessbuff of childhood play, but it’s a hard-core workout.These days, there are also cordless jump ropes to addsome tech to the workout.

• Hands-free dog leash. This gift allows a dogto run alongside his owner with the leash clippedsecurely to a piece of gear.

• Gift card to an alternative therapy session.This could be for an aromatherapy session or anenergy healing session with a licensed practitio-ner, or for an adventure your health-minded giftrecipient has been longing to experience.• Hiking supplies. Fitness-minded friends whohike or camp will enjoy new outdoor activity gear,

such as a hydration backpack or a personalized flaskand carrier. Camping enthusiasts will know the intri-cacies of top-model camping gear, so if you’re not an

experienced camper, a gift card to an outdoors storesuch as REI is a safe bet.

As with any gift, know that there’s always a riskthat your recipient may return the item. You mayhave selected something that’s not within their fitnessabilities, something in a style that’s not their personaltaste—like a yoga mat in a busy pattern—or a DVDthey already own. According to the National RetailFederation, shoppers returned more than $46.28 billionworth of gifts in 2013. So it’s now considered gift-givingetiquette to include a gift receipt with any present.

–Creators.com

WHEN HEALTH AND FITNESSARE TOP PRIORITIESIN A PERSON’S LIFE,

YOU CAN TAP INTO ONE OF THE TOPGIFT-GIVING CATEGORIES FORHEALTH-MINDED PEOPLE.

- Laura Holmes, editor and chief media director at Gifts.com

STO

CK

BY

TE/T

HIN

KS

TOC

K

18854511885255


The holiday season is a great time to showerthe gardeners in your life with the toolsthey need to grow beautiful and deliciousthings. Whether your recipient alreadyhas a green thumb or is just thinkingabout starting a new hobby, there aresome great gift ideas out there for every

level of gardening interest and skill.

Herb and Vegetable CookbookEveryone gets stumped from time to time when plan-

ningmeals or figuring out how best to incorporate a freshharvest into dinner. Consider giving a little inspiration. Avegetable gardener will appreciate a great cookbook thatfocuses on cuisine involving fresh herbs and vegetables.

There are many options—from cookbooks that focuson vegetable side dishes to those where veggies takecenter stage.

Indoor GardeningWhy only grow tasty vegetables and beautiful flowers

part of the year? For the year-round enthusiast, consider anindoor garden. TheMiracle-GroAeroGarden, for example,is a soil-free garden that lets you grows herbs, vegetables,salad greens and flowers five times faster than plants grownin soil. Because it uses advanced hydroponics to create anideal environment for healthy growth, your gift recipientwon’t need expertise for a garden to thrive.

Plants grown in an AeroGarden receive an idealbalance of water, air and liquid nutrients packed withcalcium, iron, magnesium and other key minerals.AeroGarden also features a control panel to tell you whento add water, eliminating some of the trickier guesswork.

Foodies and health enthusiasts will also be pleasedto know that many of the seeds provided are heirloomvarieties, and the company sources organic seeds whenpossible. For more information, visit AeroGarden.com.

Bird FeederHelp your favorite gardener attract pollinators and

add a touch of beauty to the garden with a unique bird

feeder. The birds attracted by the feeder will do morethan bring beauty to the recipient’s garden. They’llhelp cross-pollinate plants and flowers, as well.

If you’re crafty, consider making it yourself, or usean online marketplace such as Amazon.com, to find aunique, hand-crafted or vintage treasure. And if yourrecipient is crafty, consider giving a do-it-yourselffeeder or birdhouse kit.

–StatePoint

PHOTO COURTESY OF STATEPOINT

Gifts for

GARDENERSof All Skill Levels

WHETHER YOUR RECIPIENTALREADY HAS A GREEN THUMB OR IS JUSTTHINKING ABOUT STARTING A NEW HOBBY,

THERE ARE SOME GREAT GIFT IDEASOUT THERE FOR EVERY

LEVEL OF GARDENINGINTEREST AND SKILL.


Shopping for the perfect holiday giftsfor men can easily become a dauntingendeavor, but with online retailers,shoppers can better search for the ideal

present with these simple tips.“It’s important to remember that a well-

thought-out gift often leaves the greatest,lasting impression,” said Denis Daly Wood,founder of fourth-generation luxury men’sdesigner and online retailer Dalys 1895.

Well-versed in luxury menswear, he curatesinnovative and exclusive accessories fromaround the world for Dalys 1895 each sea-son. He offered these tips to make gift buyingeasier:

• Home in on what he loves. Keep therecipient’s interests in mind while shopping. If

he spends his free time sailing or by the beach,nautical-themed cuff links or Caravaggio pocketsquares can be useful gifts that reflect his interests.

• Think outside the box. Everyone lovesreceiving thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts.Engraved items, such as sterling silver moneyclips, are not only useful, but can be personal-ized to make the gift even more heartfelt.

• Make practical purchases. If the recipi-ent is a frequent traveler, an overnight tote orweekender bag from Jack Spade, Troubadouror The British Belt Company can make stylishand practical presents. While everyone lovesa good gag gift now and then, the most well-received presents are tasteful and practical.

• Set a spending limit. It may be temptingPHOTO COURTESY OF STATEPOINT

Wearable technology, such as USB cufflinks, makes a stylish and practical giftfor men.

Finding Perfect Holiday

GIFTS FORMEN

–CONTINUED ON 19–

1885462

Will Your School Be Represented?Join us for another year of excitement as the County’s

best spellers compete to represent Prince George’sCounty in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Open to All Prince George’s County6th, 7th & 8th Graders Only.

Public, Private & Home-Schooled Studentsare Eligible.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities,please call Chauka Reid at 240-473-7588

March 13, 20157:00pm

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Centeron the campus of the University of Maryland

15th


1885284

Your Complete Prince George’s CountyYour Complete Prince George’s County

This special section will feature the following:This special section will feature the following:3 Detailed directory on Private Schools3 Detailed directory on Private Schools3 The overall mission of Private Schools3 The overall mission of Private Schools3 How to apply to Private Schools, plus much more*3 How to apply to Private Schools, plus much more*

Guide toPrivate Schools

Guide toPrivate Schools

Publishes: Thursday, January 29, 2015Space Deadline: January 13, 2015Ad OK Deadline: January 20, 2015

Contact Chauka Reid to reserve your ad space today at240-473-7588


holiday eventsThe following is a sampling of activities throughout Prince George's County. Dates and times are subject to change.

Photos with Santa atThe Capital WheelSat. through Dec. 20, 2–4 p.m.

Photos available for purchase with admissionto The Capital Wheel; tickets, $11.25–$50;free, children 2 and youngerThe Capital Wheel174 Waterfront St., #215, National Harborthecapitalwheel.com301-842-8650

Gingy’s Gingerbread DecoratingThrough Dec.31. See website for hours.

Kits start at $35.95Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center201 Waterfront St., National Harbor301-965-4000christmasonthepotomac.com

Christmas on the PotomacThrough Jan. 4

Family-friendly events include nightly indoorsnowfall and tree-lighting show, photos withSanta, Miniature Potomac Express trainrides and more. Many events are free; somerequire paid admission.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center201 Waterfront St., National Harbor301-965-4000christmasonthepotomac.com

Potomac ExpressMiniature Train RideThrough Jan. 4,. Times vary.See website for details.

$3 per ride; three rides for $5Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center201 Waterfront St., National Harbor301-965-4000christmasonthepotomac.com

ICE! featuring Frostythe SnowmanThrough Jan. 4. See website for hours.

Starting at $27, adults, $20, children (3–11)Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center201 Waterfront St., National Harbor301-965-4000christmasonthepotomac.com

15th annual GingerbreadHouse Contest and ShowNov. 28–Dec. 14; Fri.–Sun., noon–5 p.m.

$1; free, children 4 and younger

Darnall’s Chance House Museum14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, UpperMarlboro301-952-8010history.pgparks.com

28th Annual WinterFestival of LightsNightly, Nov. 28–Jan. 1, 5-9:30 p.m.

$5, cars or minivans; $15, minibuses andlimos; $25, buses; $10, multi-visit pass; freeDec. 25. Cash onlyWatkins Regional Park301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro301-699-2456pgparks.com/Festival_of_Lights.htm

MadagascarCrack-A-Lackin’ Cook-InNov. 29–30; Dec. 6–7, Dec. 13–14and Dec. 20–31

Breakfast available 8–11 a.m.

$29.95, adults; $19.95, children (3–11); res-ervations acceptedGaylord National Resort & Convention Center201 Waterfront St., National Harbor301-965-4000christmasonthepotomac.com

‘A Christmas Carol’Dec. 4–6, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15¬–16, 10 a.m.

$10; $5, seniors and Prince George’s

Community College students and facultywith valid IDThe Hallam Theatre, Queen Anne Fine ArtsPrince George’s Community College301 Largo Road, Largo301-322-0936

Holiday HayridesDec. 5–28, Fri.–Sun., 7–8:30 p.m.

$5Watkins Regional Park301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro301-218-6702

Breakfast with Sint NiklaasDec. 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

$12, nonresidents; $10, residentsRiversdale House Museum4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park301-864-0420pgparks.com/page63301.aspx

Early Keepers: KwanzaDec. 6, noon–1:30 p.m.

Free. Hosted by Prince George’s AfricanAmerican Museum & Cultural CenterThe Mall at Prince George's3500 East West Highway, Hyattsville301-809-0440pgaamcc.org

Santa Fly-InDec. 6, noon-4 p.m.

Free with museum admission: $4, adults;$3, seniors; $2, children; free, childrenyounger than 2College Park Aviation Museum1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park301-864-6029collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

UMD HolidayCommunity ConcertDec. 6, 4–5 p.m.

FreeCollege Park Community Center5051 Pierce Ave., College Park301-441-2647

Winter’s Eve and GreenCrafter FairDec. 6, 4–7 p.m.

FreeNational Colonial Farm3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek301-283-2113accokeekfoundation.org

Photos with Santaat The Capital Wheel

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL HARBOR

Early Keepers: Kwanza

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRINCE GEORGE’S AFRICANAMERICAN MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER

Gingy's Gingerbread Decorating

PHOTO COURTESY OF GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER


OPEN DAILY: M-Th: 9am - 10pmF-Sa: 9am -11pmSun: 9am - 8pm

Host Your Next Event At OTIBeautiful Interior • Amazing Service • Arisan Menus

Delicious Cocktails • Private EventsCompany Parties Fundraisers

Holiday Mixers And More... Call For More Information

Great food, live music and relaxed atmosphere is the reason...EVERYBODY MEETS AT THE OTI.

Now Accepting Orders for OTI’s

HolidayPACKS

Let OTI take the fuss out of holidaycooking by choosing one of our

holiday packs to feed your family.

Brunch

Lunch

Dinner

14745 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (301) 627-1400www.otitherestaurant.com

PURCHASEHOLIDAY GIFT CARDS

1935293

1885261

The NutcrackerDec. 6, 7 p.m.; Dec. 7, 3 p.m.

$13–$31The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie410-263-8289balletmaryland.org

2014 Evangel ChristmasCelebrationDec. 6–21, Sat.–Sun.

Noon, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6, 13and 20; 5 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21.$65–$85Evangel Cathedral13901 Central Ave., Upper Marlboro301-249-9400evangelchristmascelebration.com

Brunch with Santa at OldHickory SteakhouseDec. 7, 14 and 21; 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

$75, adults; $40, children 3–11; free,children 2 and younger.Reservations recommended.Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center201 Waterfront St., National Harbor301-965-4000christmasonthepotomac.com

Annual Holiday Open HouseDec. 7, 1–4 p.m.

Free

Montpelier Arts Center9652 Muirkirk Road , Laurel301-377-7800

Holiday Ornament EmporiumDec. 8–23, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Wed.

Montpelier Mansion9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel301-377-7817history.pgparks.com

Cricket on the HearthDec. 9, 10:15 a.m. and noon

$8; $6, groups of 20 or more

Publick Playhouse5445 Landover Road, Cheverly301-277-1710

Holiday Candlelight ToursDec. 12–13, 6–9 p.m.; last tour 8:30 p.m.

$3 adults; $1 children 6–8; free, children 5and youngerMontpelier Mansion9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel301-377-7817history.pgparks.com

Breakfast with SantaDec. 13, 10 a.m.–noon$10, nonresident; $8, resident

Baden Community Center13601 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine301-888-1500

Christmas on The Potomac

PHOTO COURTESY OF GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

The Nutcracker

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK ECKERT

ICE! FeaturingFrosty the Snowman

PHOTO COURTESY OF GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT

& CONVENTION CENTER


1885455

Holiday Trains and PlanesDec. 13–20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free with museum admission: $4, adults; $3,seniors; $2, children; free, children youngerthan 2College Park Aviation Museum1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park301-864-6029collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

Movies at Montpelier:Frozen Sing-A-LongDec. 13, 11 a.m.

FreeMontpelier Arts Center9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel301-377-7800arts.pgparks.com

’Tis the SeasonDec. 13 and 14, noon-4 p.m.

$3, adults; $2, seniors; $1, childrenSurratt House Museum9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton301-868-1121history.pgparks.com

Holiday Wine Tastingat Marietta HouseDec. 13, 5–8 p.m.

$10, 21 and older (IDs required)Marietta House Museum5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale301-464-5291

An A Cappella Holidaywith The Capital HearingsDec. 14, 4 p.m.

$15Montpelier Arts Center9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel301-377-7800

MidweekMatinee: Holiday TalesDec. 16, 10:15 a.m. and noon

$8; $6, groups of 20 or morePublick Playhouse5445 Landover Road, Cheverly301-277-1710

Bowie Senior Chorale:'A Season of Lights'Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.

$6; tickets available at Bowie Senior Center,14900 Health Center Drive, BowieThe Bowie Center for the Performing Arts15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie301-809-2300bowiecenter.org

Holiday TeaDec. 20, 1 and 4 p.m.; Dec. 21, 1:30 p.m.

$29Montpelier Mansion9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel301-377-7817history.pgparks.com

Hansel & Gretel Tea PartyDec. 20, 2 p.m.

$20, nonresident; $17, resident. Reservationsrequired. Must be age 5 or older.Darnall’s Chance House Museum14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, UpperMarlboro301-952-8010history.pgparks.com

Holiday Hand Bell ConcertDec. 20, 2 p.m.

$5The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie301-805-6880

The Calverts by CandlelightDec. 27, 6 p.m.

$5 adults; free, age 12 and younger with adultRiversdale House Museum4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park301-864-0420history.pgparks.com

Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa!Dec. 28, 3 p.m.

$20; $15, seniors, students and groups of 20or morePublick Playhouse5445 Landover Road, Cheverly301-277-1710

Winter's Eve and Green Crafter Fair

PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTESY OF THE ACCOKEEK FOUNDATION


1885391

CUTTING-EDGE GIFTSHow to choose the best knives

BY DIANNE CROWN

Awell-chosen knife used correctlymakes short work of every cuttingfunction from kitchen to camp-fire. But take one look at the

options and prices and you may decideto skip it again this gift-giving season. Weturned to Chef Jordan Coffey for help.

First of all, purchase a knife made ofhigh-quality steel. “Most chefs use Germanor Japanese knives,” said Coffey, chef ofAmerican Harvest Eatery, who recom-mended looking at Forschner (now part ofVictorinox), Wusthof and Shun brands.

Typically, Coffey said, German knives aremade of hard, heavier, fortified steel, “whichI prefer,” and Japanese knives are lighterand softer, which makes them more durablebut “easier to screw up—over-sharpen, weardown, ruin the edge angle. For homeuse, theintegrity of a good quality German knife willbe easier to maintain.”

Coffey does occasionally go to a big-boxkitchen store to purchase a knife, but, he said,“I get the ones in the glass case, sold individu-ally, not the sets in boxes on the shelf.”

To get started, Coffey recommendedbuying an 8- or 10-inch chef’s knife. “I havenine or 10 knives for boning, filleting, par-ing, and so on, but the chef’s knife is the one

CREATORS.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF JORDAN COFFEY

You get what you pay for when you buy a knife, said chef Jordan Coffey, but only if you take careto avoid chips and dings from incorrect usage and maintain a safe, sharp edge with the propertool and technique.

ULTIMATELY,

THE CHOICECOMES DOWNTO PERSONALPREFERENCE,

USAGE REQUIREMENTS,HAND SIZE AND WILLINGNESS

TO MAINTAIN THE BLADE.


1935258

system, many fishermen also appreciatethe gift of being able to consume someof what they’ve caught. Different typesof fish require different types of knives.In-Fisherman magazine rated its top 10,with Rapala, Swiss Army and Berkleybrands all making the cut.

3. Rods and reels. Before you catchthe fish, you need to have your basicscovered. Let’s start with rods and reels.You get what you pay for when it comesto both of these, Tackle Warehouse saidon its blog. It reviewed the best reelsand rods you need for the type of fish-ing you’d like to do, and reported thatthe winner for the 2014 InternationalConvention of Allied Sportfishing Trades(ICAST) show in the “Best of Show—Fishing Combo” category was The Lew’sAmerican Hero baitcast combo.

4. Fishing line. World FishingNetwork takes us to the next importantitem to take fishin’ with you—the fish-

ing line itself. The network is a big fanof the ICAST 2014 winner for “BestFishing Line,” the Berkley IronSilk.“This opaque green line is tough as ironbut smooth like silk.”

5. Bait. You can’t even begin tothink of catching a fish before knowingwhat’s going to get its attention in thefirst place—the bait. Since different stylesof bait are designed to attract differenttypes of fish, Outdoor Life magazine puttogether a thorough review of the bestbaits to catch nearly any fish. The CurlyTail Grub, the SPRO Hair Jig and theHeddon Zara Spook were on its list ofthe top six.

6. Hooks. You’ve got me hooked!AmongWide Open Spaces top-rated picksare Eagle Claw, Gamakatsu and TroKar.

And of course, don’t forget your sun-block, a good pair of shades and a hat tomake sure you avoid a red nose for thenext few weeks.

–Creators.com

–FISHING, CONTINUED FROM 3–

to overspend, but it is important to set areasonable budget and stick to it. Manyonline sites allow you to filter products byprice. Shoppers should use these to finditems within their budgets.

• Find versatile gifts. Finding some-thing that satisfies a number of therecipient’s interests can be difficult, butwill ultimately prove gratifying. Wearabletechnology, like sterling silver 16 GBUSB cuff links, is a great gift that com-plements style and function, allowing

him to store his favorite movies, musicand more on-the-go.

• Build in extra time. Be sure to takeshipping time into account. If an itemneeds to be engraved or embroidered,build in ample time to ensure the giftarrives in time for the holidays.

• Find a retailer with a generousreturn policy. Even the most thoughtfulgifts might need to be exchanged. Seekout a retailer that offers free returns andother customer service perks.

– StatePoint

–MEN, CONTINUED FROM 13–

you have to have. If you have the skills, youcan pretty much do anything with it. I usea simple knife (style), flat, no pivot, in the$100 to $200 range.”

That doesn’t exactly narrow the fieldway down, though. For more information,both Consumer Reports and America’s TestKitchen provide excellent online informa-tion about brands and styles, including suchfeatures as edge angles, composition of thesteel, grip material and design, blade shapeand tang (basically, howmuch blade is in thehandle, and themore the better) balance andbolster, price and more.

Ultimately, the choice comes down topersonal preference, usage requirements,hand size and willingness to maintain the

blade. To protect your knife, Coffey said,make sure you sharpen it correctly, at theright angle, with the right tool. “Watch aYouTube how-to video to put a properedge on the knife and not ruin it trying tomake it better.”

Then, once you have hand-washed, air-dried and carefully stored your great new knife,gatherup theold favorites andput themin theirnew home—with the camping gear.

Formore information, visit americanharvesteatery.com; consumerreports.org; andthe “Equipment Reviews” tab at americastestkitchen.com to watch the current sea-son’s chef’s knives video.

– Creators.com


1885461

Documents

Pggiftguide 112714