Gift Certificates

CND Shellac...and more

Conveniently located 3 miles up Route 68 in the center of Prospect

40 Center Street, Prospect, CT 06712 • 203-758-0709www.skincareoncenter.com

223 Meadow St.Naugatuck

203-723-5715

Santa Loves Yoga�

Gift Certificate Specials

YOGA, PILATES, QI GONG

One Class $10or 5 Classes $50

21 DAY DETOXBEGINS JANUARY

New Year ~ New Price$20 OFF (regularly $180)

MASSAGEMichelle Rosenthal LMT

203-723-8874$60 for all types of 1 hour massages

For more info and for class times see our website

www.BalancedBodyCT.com

$10 OFF

Gift Certificates must be purhased by 12/30/10 inperson or on the phone but do not expire!!

One Acupuncture Treatment

ACUPUNCTURE(Treats Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Muscle

Aches/Pains, Arthritis, Insomnia and much more...)

Wendy Haskell L. Ac.203-598-4351 • www.acupunctureCT.com

CITIZEN’S NEWSFriday, December 17, 2010 11

In the race to find the ultimateholiday gifts for our children,sometimes we take the “oohs andaahs” into consideration more than we do seeking out presents thatwill allow for truly redeemingqualities to come to life in children. Gift-giving shouldn’t be aboutbeing the “best” in the eyes of ourkids and submitting to all of theirholiday wants. It should be moreabout finding treats that will bring out the best in kids.

As our children become some-what brainwashed by the toy com-mercials this time of year, it’s easyto head to the store and buy the lat-est craze or video game installment that they’re promoting on TV. Butfor those who are looking forsomething more uplifting andmeaningful in terms of toys, it pays to work a little harder to find theright gifts.

Toys that evoke compassion:There’s much to be said about a toy or game that will bring out thecompassionate side of a child. Ababy doll for whom a child has tocare and nurture is a good example. Playsets that enable children todress up as their unsung heroes,such as doctors, police officers, and firefighters, are another example of toys that instill compassion in achild.

Toys that encourage physicalactivity: Exercise is a known mood-booster, and every opportunity toget kids up and moving is good for their physical and mental health.What about a gift of a sled or snow shoes so that he or she can hit thefresh powder on a snow day? How about a membership to a swimclub, so that your child can enjoy

Toys You’ll Feel GoodAbout Giving Children

the joys of swimming year-round?Who knows, you might inspire the next Michael Phelps.

Toys that boost mental acuity:Making learning fun is one way tohelp children enjoy learning in and out of school. Hands-on expe-riences can make that learningeven better. Consider constellation cards or books that help childrenidentify those star clusters in thenight sky, promoting an interest in astronomy. Puzzles and triviagames target different areas of thebrain – ones responsible for prob-lem-solving and fact recollection.For the young bookworm, a newlibrary of books will keep readingcomprehension and vocabularybuilding going even over holidaybreaks.

Toys and other gifts that enable families to have fun together:Choosing gifts that are not boundby age restrictions can fostergrowth and closeness among theentire family. Games like Twister(R)

remain family favorites for the fun factor and the opportunity to playtogether. For those thinking ofinvesting in a Nintendo Wii con-sole, now may be the time to foster some healthy competition amongfamily members, and boost somephysical activity as well. Newboard games are always beingreleased in time for the holidays,Choose games that enable the fam-ily to sit around the table withsnacks, conversation and goodtimes.

When you’re scouring theaisles of the toy store this holidayseason, put more time and consid-eration into choosing redeemingchildren’s toys.

572 Middlebury Rd., Middlebury • 203-598-7387Caring for Your Pet the Natural Way

We offer natural food, treats, holistic remedies, grooming supplies, clothing and outdoor gear.

LUNA aka “The Grinch”

203-758-9898 www.karlasdrivingschool.com

Happy Holidaysfrom

12 Friday, December 17, 2010CITIZEN’S NEWS

Today’s kids have scores oftechnological games and gadgetsfrom which to choose for theirholiday wish list. How much dothey differ from the toys childrenrequested just 10 to 20 years ago?

Here’s a look at some of thepopular toys of the 1980s and1990s.

1980sIf you were a kid growing up

during the age of excess you werea part of the mass hysteriaexplosion for new toys. Mostmemorable during the ‘80s wasthe shortage of Cabbage PatchDolls that coincided withChristmas shopping season. Thisled to fights at area stores andbidding wars over the dolls.

Boys in the ‘80s wereenthralled by the action figurecraze sparked by favorite cartooncharacters. Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles, He-Man and Transformers were just some of the actionfigures played with primarily byboys. However, girls enjoyedspin-off series, such as She-Raand the co-ed Thundercats andsubsequent action figures.

In terms of dolls, apart fromCabbage Patch Dolls, kids couldchoose among Rainbow Brite andher cohorts, Popples, Care Bearsand many others.

For those looking for videogame action, the introduction ofNintendo in the late ‘80s createdmass appeal and totally eclipsedearlier efforts by Atari.

1990sAdvancing technology in the

‘90s and improved marketingcampaigns turned every toy intothat “must-have toy.” There are a few toys that stand out from thisdecade that kids were eager toown.

Rollerblades were one ofthe big trends of the era. Itwas no longer cool toroller skate on fourwheels. Rollerbladestook over, enticingchildren andadults alike.Today in-lineskating continuesin popularity.

Younger childrenhad to have Tickle Me Elmo, which sold

Christmas Giftsof Yesteryear

out in stores almost as fast asCabbage Patch Dolls from adecade earlier. Children today still enjoy other animated Elmoreincarnations.

Another toy craze that hit the1990s were Beanie Babies. Thesebean-filled collector’s items soonbecame very expensive and theirappeal died off.

Furby was a computerizedcreature that actually “learned.” It would acquire words and phrasesif you bestowed attention onthe toy. Furbys required a lot ofattention, feeding and sleep –just like a person. This couldbe why their appeal quicklywore off after the first fewyears.

In terms ofoutdoor action,s u m m e r t i m efun was foreverchanged by theS u p e rS o a k e r ,which wasmore powerfulthan any watergun before it.

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Any New 2011 LotionCannot be combined with any other coupon or discounts. Expires 12/31/10.25%

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Now Located next door at50 Waterbury Rd., First Floor(Crosspointe North Plaza)

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Get Away - $60 Spa Manicure & Deluxe Pedicure

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Prospect Center Square6 New Haven Rd. • Rt. 69 • Prospect

(Next to Mobil Station)

203-758-3422

Valentino’s Day SpaPurchase Your

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One coupon per customer. With this coupon. Expires 4/30/11. Cannot be combined with any

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Belle is an Official“US MarinesToys for Tots”

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ALL WORKPERFORMED BY STUDENTS ANDOVERSEEN BY

LICENSEDPROFESSIONALS.

Casey’s Classic CutsA Full Service Family Salon

Prospect Professional & Business Center44 Waterbury Road • Rt. 69 • Prospect, CT 06712

203-758-3794

★★ HOURS ★★Mon. 9-5 • Wed. 9-6 • T & Th. 9-8 • Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 7-12 Noon

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Sun. 11-3 • Mon.-Tues. 10-3 • Wed. 9-5 • Thurs. 9-7 • Fri. 9-5 • Sat. 9-5

Conveniently located directly off Route 8. Call for directions.

149 Maple Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770203-723-1823

AMERICA’SCOUNTRY STORE

Country Home Decor & So Much More★ A truly outstanding selection of country furniture, lighting, linens and accessories

★ Hard to find, rare and truly unique solid wood Amish furniture ★ Always free gift wrapping★ New items arriving daily year round! ★ Most unique, different and unusual gifts

★ The largest and finest collection of country home furnishings to be found anywhere in the northeast ★

★ Curtains ★ Rugs ★ Linens ★ Lighting ★ Wreaths ★ Berries★ Candles & Accessories ★ Amish Black Iron ★ Lamp Shades ★ Tables

★ Chairs ★ Hutches ★ Prints ★ Side Tables★ Bedroom Furniture ★ Upholstered Furniture ★ Bachmann Trains

Visit the country store... it’s like walking into your favorite country catalog.

CITIZEN’S NEWSFriday, December 17, 2010 13

Super Stocking Stuffers for Kids

‘Tis the season for presents underthe tree and treats tucked into stock-ings hanging on the mantle. Whobenefits more from the holiday season than youngsters? After all, it seemsthe winter months were just tailormade for them, with snow days,whimsical decorations, and lots andlots of gifts!

Today’s kids seemingly have it all,which can make holiday shopping abit of a challenge for those looking for something special to slip into a stock-ing. Thinking outside of the box is one way to come up with some clever giftideas, especially ones that serve dualpurposes. Think about these stocking-stuffers that are both fun and func-tional.

Treat of a toothbrush – Kids tendto tune out when Mom or Dad tellsthem to take care of a chore or handledaily grooming. But with recognizable and enjoyable music as their partner,they’ll want to tune into somethingthat won’t be a chore at all. SnowWhite “whistled while she worked”and now kids can hum along to “OldMacDonald” while keeping their teeth pearly white. The colorful and quirkyFireFly(R) Boppin’ Barnyard MusicalTimer Toothbrush from Dr. Fresh(R)

plays that familiar childhood tune forthe length of one minute – the amount of time dentists say each row of teethshould be brushed for optimal health.

“Young children love music andanimals, so we’ve combined them in a toothbrush that is sure to banish bore-dom, and to encourage good oral carefrom an early age,” says Dr. Fresh.

Soft, yet resilient, rounded bristlesguard delicate young gums from irri-tation and microscopic cuts, and thetoothbrush is ergonomically designed for a child’s small hand. Learn moreby visiting www.drfresh.com.

Colorful toy bins – Chances arethat the children you know willreceive dozens of new toys this holi-day season. And there’s an evengreater chance that they’re joining analready mile-high pile of toys col-lected from birthday parties and dot-ing grandparents. A toy sorter, toychest, colorful bins, or stackable unitscan be the ideal complement to all ofthese toys. While it actually won’t fitin a stocking, it’s still useful nonethe-less. Kids will learn the lesson ofkeeping their toys in top-notch con-dition by putting them away neatlyand an in an organized manner.Parents will bestow on you words ofgreat praise for helping to tidy up thehouse.

Spectacular stationery and more – A trip to a stationery or office supplystore can open doors to many wonder-ful stocking stuffer ideas. Additionally,these finds can be put to good use bychildren for homework and in school.Stock up on colorful pens, pencils,sticky note pads, card stock and coor-dinating envelopes (for sending secret notes to friends), and stickers. Thesestores often also sell arts and craftssupplies that will fit right in with thetheme. Kids can spend time express-ing their creativity in between takingbreaks from playing with their newholiday toys.

14 Friday, December 17, 2010CITIZEN’S NEWS

MARIE’S JEWELRYSunbeam Park, 2457 East Main St., Waterbury • www.MariesJewelryonline.com

230-755-GOLD (4653)

FREEFREEPandora, Troll & Blagi Beads

also Interchangeable

murano glassinterchangeable bead

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Sapphire 835 Sewing Machine.

SAPPHIRE™ 835...$999

www.yankeequilter.com

35 Old State Rd. 67 • Oxford • CT • 06478 • 203-888-9196

Husqvarna VIKING®

The Knights with the Lights Pins are sold at the following locations: Hair By Karen *Rosenblatt’s Dept. Store Ed’s Hardware

*Team Image Sport & Trophy Carrie Welton’s Restaurant Anna Donté Restaurant

Golbie’s Auto Service Physician’s Helth & Wellness St. Francis Church

Atlantis Diner *Ballys Total Fitness St. Hedwig Church Fair

All proceeds the K of Creceives from thesale of these pins

go to local charitiessuch as food banks

and homeless shelters.

Knights of Columbus

FUNDRAISING

* See locations for special offer

Bag Design with Candle

Also sellingNon-Flammable

Bags withCandle

160 Rubber AvenueNaugatuck, CT 06770

WeSelland

ServiceAll Brands

FERRARI’S APPLIANCE

203-723-7230

Don’t Get Unravelled Over Wrapping Gifts

The countdown to Christmas hasbegun and in the race to get every giftbought, and every detail right for theensuing holiday, we often forget one cru-cial step: wrapping the presents.

While some people may shutter at the idea of spending hours in crowded storespicking out presents, many others cringeat the idea of having to wrap all of theirholiday finds. That’s why it becomes easyto forget about those sacks of unwrappedgifts hiding in attic eaves or lying low inthe trunk of the car. But being present pro-crastinators won’t get the task done.Wrapping gifts may take some time, butthat doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.

Find your niche: Not everyone is amaster gift-wrapper. But maybe there’s aunique flair you place on your gifts thatsets them apart from others ... a hallmark.It could be a certain type of paper, or aninteresting gift tag. Discover your nicheand embrace it. For example, professionalgift wrapper Connie Rheas says that in her experience, “there are certain techniquesthat you must follow for a great gift but in the end, it’s all about the bow.” So maybeyour niche can be creating fabulous bowsto adorn the gifts you wrap.

There’s fun in numbers: What’s justabout everyone you know doing this timeof year? Shopping for and wrapping pre-sents and attending parties. Why notmarry the activities for a spectacular eve-ning? Host a gift-wrapping party.Everyone volunteers to bring a specific set of supplies and one person hosts thevenue. Have snacks catered or simplyorder out for pizza. With the chatting andworking going on simultaneously, you’llget through that mountain of gifts in notime.

Skip the paper and go for the bag: Gift

bags can be the time-crunched gift-wrap-per’s saving grace. These bags come in allsizes and require just about a minute’stime of packing to make gifts look great.What’s more, gift bags can be reused over and over. To further expand the recyclingpower of gift bags, choose solid-color orholiday-neutral bags so that their reusewon’t be restricted to Christmas.

Delegate: There is a quote by anunknown author that says, “Some parents could do more for their children by notdoing so much for them.” This may be agood time to put this line of thinking tothe test by enlisting the help of your chil-dren in wrapping presents. Naturally they shouldn’t be given their own to wrap, butthey can help out with other family mem-bers’ gifts. It can be an enjoyable job forthem, and it will lighten your burden.

Set up a wrapping station: Sometimes the anxiety over wrapping gifts stems fromthe level of disorganization with whichsome people start the task. Take a few min-utes to clear a space for wrapping. A table or another solid surface that doesn’trequire you to hunch over will be mostcomfortable. Lay out your supplies, suchas tags, pens, bows, ribbons, paper, scis-sors, gift receipts, etc. so that they arewithin easy reach. Gather together thegifts that are going to each specific person and wrap them in order. Later separate the wrapped presents according to whetherthey’ll be placed under the tree or put inthe car to travel to a friend or relative’shouse.

When all else fails: For a small dona-tion, many stores offer complimentary gift-wrapping. Take advantage of this service.Shopping on off-hours will ensure thelines at the wrapping area will not be toolong.