Have you ever strolled or driven down a residential street after dark on a holiday evening and could not help but peek in the lit windows? I always find myself drawn to look inside, not out of curiosity but more out of wonder at how people enjoy traditions. It’s always such a warm feeling to see friends and family gathered around a table for a late dinner, candles lit and smiles all around or the glimpse of a fireplace’s glow in the family room, with a multitude of cars outside. You just know pumpkin pie is being served.
        How we celebrate these magical times is not nearly as important as with whom we celebrate, because coming together at this special time of year will make lasting memories. So the next time you are strolling or driving by Amphora’s window, look in and picture your family gathered around one of our exquisite dining room tables or think about how a great new accent piece would look in your hall, greeting all your special guests, and what a simply elegant bowl of seasonal potpourri can do to fill your home with its fragrance.
        Whatever you do to make your traditions come alive this year, now more than ever, attention to saving you money is our first priority and always will be. Need some help? Our expert design advice is always complimentary, so stop by to chat, browse and shop. Since Amphora is always looking to find ways to make everything in all aspects of your life easy, we are continually adding tips, articles and highlights to do just that.
        This month we are excited to add to our “A” team, two new segments, Get Organized by Mary McCardell and Travel Tips and Deals by longtime travel expert Lois Pagannini.
        This month’s newsletter highlights the November 1st opening of Amphora’s Holiday Store at 137 North Northwest Highway. You can see pictures of the store and view the great selection of seasonal décor and awesome gifts that will delight even the most “humbug” member of your family. Ornaments are $2.00, Pashminas are selling for less than half than at other stores, and we have gift packages of gourmet coffee, cocoa and cranberry butter that will make you smile when you see what you've saved.
        This month I also have a great holiday project that you and the kids can make in my You Can Do It section. This month I show you how to make a Yule log from things that are in your own back yard, and then check out Carol Madsen’s article in the Interior Gardener where she walks you through a simple and affordable way to make elegant Ice Luminaries. Chef Eileen Considine-Boggins cooks up a storm in the Practical Gourmet with simply yummy and fun holiday tips and recipes that you can do ahead of time, and with the kids! And speaking of kids, mark your calendar and read the details of our first annual Kids’ Shopping Day on Sunday, Dec. 7th.
        As we count down to the “big day”, check your list twice and then click on What’s New in the Store to get some great ideas and feel good knowing we have you covered both in your gift giving needs as well as helping to make your house a home for the holidays.


        Debi

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        Gourmet Cranberry Tasting
        Saturday, December 6th, 1pm to 4pm
        Amphora Holiday Store, 137 North Northwest Hwy.

        Kids Shopping Day
        Sunday, December 7th, noon to 4pm
        Amphora Holiday Store, 137 North Northwest Hwy.

Bring the kids in for a shopping day all their own. They will be escorted around the store by our "Santa's Helpers". When they have made their purchases, we will provide complimentary gift wrap so there will be no peeking! We have stocked our store with lots of budget minded but quality items that kids will love to buy and Mom, grandma or that special teacher or friend will love to recieve. The kids will be treated to face painting and surprises, so mark your calendar and look forward to a great family outing!

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How about enlisting the kids to address them? It’s lovely to see a child’s handwriting on an envelope. Set them up with your rolodex or printout and an assortment of colored pens. They can add a bit of their own artwork on the back of the envelope if they like-the Post Office doesn’t mind and it can be done at the kitchen table while you get something else done.

Many of us use our desk calendar to write notes but the spaces are small for the barrage of ideas that come to mind during the holidays. It’s not too early to start carrying a small spiral notebook in your purse that is divided into several categories like gifts, food, and, of course, decorating. All your notes will end up in one place that’s easy to find when you find the time to act on your great ideas! If your computer is your notebook, it’s also easy to create a file for all things “holiday”, then print it out when you are ready. A little organization of our notes to self … one way to beat back the holidaze!

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     • Try to be flexible on dates.
     • The first two weeks in December are (still) a good value.
January, after the New Year's weekend, will be less expensive than later in the month.
     • Avoid three day weekends if you can-and the weeks they're a part of.
     • Consider staying in a hotel Sunday through Wed/Thurs.
     • If you're retired or can arrange it, avoid traveling in the summertime and during holidays; it will be less crowded in spring and fall and costs will be lower.
     • Always ask for an upgrade-when you reserve, and again when you check in to a hotel.
     • Remember, the cheapest fare/ticket/cost may not be the best value - look for complimentary upgrades, 3rd, 4th or 5th night free, etc., when determining the best value for your trip.
     • On cruises, make sure your travel agent checks regularly to see if the fare has gone down.
     • Ask if there is anything else that can be added to your trip - onboard credit, reduced deposits, and similar.
     • Use a travel agency - most don't charge any fees except for airline ticketing (and you pay that online also) unless it's a very highly customized trip. They can "cut through the clutter" to find your best travel bargain.
     • Please consider travel protection. Not just for cancellation purposes but for the real exposure - becoming sick (or having an accident) while on a trip and needing emergency medical evacuation. On my last group cruise, two ladies (not elderly) became ill which necessitated a visit to the ship's infirmary - just under $1000 and $900 bills ensued.
     • Check both supplier (cruiseline, wholesaler, etc.) rates and third party rates for the best value.
     • ALWAYS pay with a credit card.
     • Stick with well known suppliers; they're less apt to go under in a less than stellar economy.
     • The silver lining - most fuel supplements with cruiselines have disappeared entirely for 2010 and might be reduced (usually in the form of onboard credit) for 2009.

        Bon Voyage!
        Lois Paganinni

- Select (3/4 star) properties in Waikiki are offering 3rd night free and complimentary buffet breakfast daily for first two guests in a room breakfast value is $25-$30 each.

- Select 3/4 star properties are now offering 4th or 5th night free on the outer islands. Hint: if you can take 8 days off - stay at one property for 4 days and another property for 4 days - you just got 2 FREE days.

- Happy Vacations will reimburse up to $100 per booking for fees for checked bags.

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     This fun and inexpensive project makes a wonderful hostess, teacher, or neighbor gift. The kids will have a great time gathering beautiful items from your own back yard. For a healthier, whole family outing, try walking along a nature trail and picking up foliage along the way.

- Split log of any size or shape. However if you are going to use this for a table decoration you will want a log that will want one that will sit steady.
- Any leaves, berries, twigs, evergreen branches, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, paper ribbon or decorative natural items that can be stapled or hot glued onto your log.
- Small 2inch candles if you are going to use this as a centerpiece.
- Cellophane
- Ribbon

     Once you have gathered all your items, simple arrange them onto the log and staple or hot glue into place. The final step (if you are giving the log as a gift) is to wrap the entire log in clear cellophane and tie with a decorative ribbon. This makes the log look like you purchased it in a floral shop. I hope you enjoy this creative, fun and inexpensive project that the kids will love to do. Tip: This is a great project for a girl or boy scout group to make.

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     I’ll never forget one holiday season when our whole family went to spend a long weekend in the country. With anticipation for a fun-filled weekend of sledding and snowball fights, we packed the kids in the car and took off singing “Over The River And Through The Woods!” After two days with not one snowflake in sight, morale was starting to get pretty low.
     But early on that third evening, Mother Nature seemed to know that the kids just needed something magical to happen soon. She must have waved her magic wand and in an instant created one of the most beautiful ice storms any of us had ever seen. With childlike wonderment, all twenty of us grabbed our boots and snow gear and set out for a spontaneous hike through the woods and experienced one of the most memorable nights of our lives. The entire countryside landscape was completely covered in crystal clear ice. Every single branch on every tree, shrub and evergreen reflected a luminous shine from the moonlight. The beauty of nature before us was never more enchanting and to think it was accomplished with a simple layer of ice.
     I wanted to share this story with you since the holiday season is approaching soon and we don’t always have the White Christmas we all wish for each year. But snow or no snow, we can easily create that serene ambiance of a fresh fallen snow with Ice Luminaries. These outdoor ice sculptures illuminated with candles cast a warm welcoming glow on cold winter nights. They are simple to make and a beautiful way to welcome your guests or decorate your garden during this winter season

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     Easy and delicious!
     Serves 8-10

     • 5 baking potatoes (white) peeled, sliced thin
     • 3 half pints heavy cream
     • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
     • Salt, pepper, nutmeg, to taste
     • 3 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar or Gruyere Cheese (your preference)

     Boil potatoes in 2% milk, (cover potatoes). Cook until slightly tender (10 minutes, check), you don’t want them overdone – you are boiling them again. Discard milk and boil again in: 2-3 half pints of heavy cream (potatoes should be covered). Add salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste. Boil for roughly 10 minutes – now they should be tender. Prepare baking dish (9x13): grease the dish and line base with 1T (or more, your preference) chopped garlic. Pour into baking dish the potatoes and the heavy cream (can be prepared 2 days ahead of time at this point). If preparing ahead of time, be certain casserole dish w/potatoes are at room temp before you place in oven to bake.
     Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, add the shredded cheese to generously cover the potatoes (you may not need the entire 3 cups) and return to oven. Continue to bake for 15 more minutes, for a total of 35 minutes. The cheese should be melted and golden (if using Cheddar) on top.

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