My favoriteChristmas things 2015 Featured Section November 25, 2015 ÔDelightfully differentÕ Local merchants offer unique gift items for the 2015 Christmas shopping season BY SALLY RUMMEL Sawyer Jewelers is all decked out and ready for its first [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Christmas in the Cornerstone building, filled with unique and The countdown to Christmas may be ticking, as you check your to- exciting gift ideas. do list of busy holiday activities, from baking cookies to buying gifts. “We can personalize your Christmas this year by engraving For area merchants, Christmas has been coming for a long almost any surface with your own handwriting,” said owner time, and now it’s exciting to be selling some of their store’s Mary Ann Beltinck. “Thanks to our new laser engraver, we can most popular holiday items. See LOCAL MERCHANTS on 3 CHRISTMAS CAROLS, HOLIDAY FUN AND DECK THE HALLS WITH CHRISTMAS HYMNS AND SONGS ENTERTAINMENT THE NEWEST TRENDS COLORING CONTEST Page 6 Page 8 Page 18 Page 19 2 Wednesday, November 25, 2015 www.tctimes.com My favoriteChristmas things 2015 THE FIRST BLACK FRIDAY AT CORNERSTONE OF COURSE WE’LL BE OPEN BLACK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2015 9AM-7PM 1 DAY ONLY SPECIALS On DiamOnDs • GOlD Jewelry silver Jewelry • BeaDs • Gems ENTRY FORM LIFETIME FREE RHODIUM* Drop entry form off during open hours Black Friday. NAME _____________________________________________ PHONE ____________________________________________ ADDRESS __________________________________________ EMAIL _____________________________________________ NEW CUSTOMER RETURNING CUSTOMER *Lifetime of free rhodium will include 1 ring/wedding set every 6 months for life. 134 N. LeRoy Suite 1 • Fenton • 810-629-7936 M.-W. 9-6 • Th.-F. 9-7 • Sat. 9-5 • www.sawyerjewelers.com www.tctimes.com Wednesday, November 25, 2015 3 My favoriteChristmas things 2015 selves to use as a cosmetic case,” said including some with solar lights. Paula Herstein, manager. “They’re Tools by Milwaukee and Makita, plus My Favorite Things Maps by hugely popular.” Craig Tools for woodworking, are always A. Jaffe line available at In addition, the boutique sought-after Christmas gifts, according to Sawyer Jewelers inside this salon sells a variety McKay. “People love the heated jackets Engraved with of jewelry, accessories, casual and sweatshirts by Milwaukee, for both any location in clothing and more. “Capes are men and women,” he added. the world with a huge for the holidays,” said Her- Thimbleberry Antiques in Linden is diamond on the stein. “Also, boot socks, infinity all dressed up and ready for Christmas, location scarves, and leggings by Lysse.” according to owner Kit Maloney. Wom- There are two words that en’s jackets and cardigans BY SALLY RUMMEL describe the biggest sellers this by Icelandic Designs, [email protected] holiday at Sears Hometown “wonderful, wash- Food is the focal point of most holi- LOCAL MERCHANTS Store in Fenton — appli- able” winter down day celebrations, starting with Thanks- Continued from Front Page ances and tools. “With Everyone coats by Arctic giving and ending with the New Year’s personalize anything from wine bottles to all the new builds and seems to be Expedition and Eve ball drop on Times Square. leather, wood, metals and more.” remodeling in the area, buying into the Italian leather Some recipes are passed down Sawyer Jewelers is also the only jew- we’re selling lots of appli- made-in-Michigan wallets and from parents and grandmothers, while eler in southeastern Michigan to carry the ances,” said co-owner Jeff movement.‘‘ gloves for men other celebrations call for the fun and exclusive Maps by A. Jaffe line, with each Stone. “Seventy percent and women are excitement of trying something new. custom-made piece engraved with any of our holiday business KEVIN BEGOLA just a few of the Here are a few recipes you may location in the world, using a diamond Bridge Street Exchange will be appliances. Tools in Linden ’’ exciting items at want to try, starting with an appetizer to mark the spot of a favorite memory. are really popular sellers Thimbleberry this and ending with a delicious dessert. “People don’t always realize that we on Black Friday. A new season. have really cool personalized gifts for under line by Craftsman called “We’ve also got lots $50,” she added. “Our Zippo hand warmers ‘Extreme Grip’ will be a of winter hats, scarves and can be engraved with any message and we big holiday item.” unique fashion clothing,” said can personalize a silver charm for you.” Stone is also hoping for Maloney. “You won’t find it “I’m most excited about our new lines a white Christmas this year, so he anywhere else. Boot socks and hats of Columbia outerwear and athleisure can sell all the snow throwers he has in are really selling like crazy.” wear,” said Nicole McCurdy of Eclec- stock. “The weather has to be right, then Stormy Kromer hats are all the rage tions in Fenton. “We’re also really fortu- these will sell fast,” he said. at Linden’s Bridge Street Exchange. nate to get Sorel boots in stock. What a Jon Gerych of Gerych’s Flowers & “People love that they’re made in Michi- APPETIZER great Christmas gift, a boot that will last Distinctive Gifts in Fenton said that his gan,” said owner Kevin Begola. “We’re SPICY SAUSAGE-CRANBERRY 10 years and is waterproof and good for customers are buying floral designs in really proud to carry the line, which also CHEESE BALLS weather from zero to negative 25.” two different trends, earthy and natural, includes hats for women.” INGREDIENTS: New jewelry by Alex & Ani and and glitzy and glamorous. “Penguins and Shinola Watches, made in Detroit, are • 1 pkg. Hot Flavor Jimmy Dean Pork Michigan-themed “Smitten With the owls are very popular, too,” he said. also a huge seller. “Everyone seems to be Sausage Mitten” necklaces and bracelets are also McKay’s Hardware in Holly may be buying into the made-in-Michigan move- • 1 ½ c. all-purpose baking mix creating excitement. known for “nuts and bolts,” but they ment,” added Begola. “Another fun item • 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar Spa Naturalle in Fenton have plenty of items to get people into is the Corkcicle insulated beer koozie.” cheese can barely keep the the holiday spirit. “We’ve got a lot of Creative Fashions in Holly has always • 1 t. ground allspice Dopp Kits in stock really nice Christmas gift items,” prided itself on carrying fashion items • 1 c. chopped dried sweetened that are made said Matt McKay. you won’t find anywhere else. Owner cranberries from repur- People love Some of these include Jean Montooth mentions the store’s pon- • 1 c. chopped pecans posed canvas the heated jackets home-brewing kits chos and tunics that are part of a fashion DIRECTIONS: from mili- and sweatshirts and equipment, line that brings in customers from all Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. tary tents by Milwaukee, for S w a n C r e e k over. “We’re ‘delightfully different,’” Combine all ingredients in a large mix- and tarps, Candles that are said Montooth. ing bowl and stir well. Form into 1-inch ‘‘both men and and have a U.S.-made, soy- She’s excited about mittens made just for balls. Place on ungreased baking U.S. flag on women. based and lead- Holly with a big “H” on the front. They’re sheet; bake 18 to 20 minutes or until them. “Wom- MATT McKAY free, decorative made right in Milford with repurposed golden brown. Remove from oven; cool en are buying McKay’s Hardware garden pots in wools at Wear It Again Wool. “You can five minutes before removing from pan. them for men, in Holly’’ holiday themes also get mittens for MSU and U of M,” she Serve with cocktail forks or toothpicks. and also for them- and bird feeders, said. “Each pair is completely different.” See RECIPES on 7 The gift of dance ALL PRIVATE DANCE LESSON PACKAGES Make and ALL GROUP LESSON PUNCH CARDS her heart 50% OFF Offer valid Nov. 30-Dec. 30, 2015 Take advantage of the best deal of the year, and learn from the area’s MOST REQUESTED & CERTIFIED DANCE INSTRUCTORS! Give her what she really wants for Christmas… (810) 750-1360 CHASSEFENTON.COM 3180 W. SILVER LAKE RD.• FENTON dance 4 Wednesday, November 25, 2015 www.tctimes.com My favoriteChristmas things 2015 My Favorite Things A Michigan Blue Spruce CHRISTMAS TREE BY SALLY RUMMEL Michigan is not only a top producer, but [email protected]; 810-629-8282 also grows more varieties than any other If you really want to “shop local” this state. year, you may want to consider sup- These traditional Christmas tree spe- porting Michigan by buying a real, live cies can be found at nearly every tree Christmas tree. lot or “cut your own” farm. Michigan is the third largest producer of Christmas trees in the U.S., behind only FRASER FIR continues to North Carolina and Oregon, according to grow in popularity every year, with the Michigan Christmas Tree elegant blue-green needles and sil- Association. With 700 very undersides. The stiff needles tree farms produc- hold up well for decorating, and ing an average needle retention is excellent. The of three million entire tree carries a pleasant scent. trees per year, SCOTCH PINES have been the traditional choice for many Michigan families. Dense with dark-green needles, their stiff branches hold up well to orna- ments and needle retention is excellent. Fraser Fir They’re also an economical choice. Scotch Pine Black Hills Spruce DOUGLAS FIR is a dense tree with light green, soft needles that require lighter-weight ornaments.