Hail To The Pig

In my latest crusade to find this country’s most perfect holiday gifts, I stumbled upon a company which is relatively new to me but no stranger to the world of gourmet foods. Established in 1933, Nueske’s Hillcrest Farm of Wittenberg, Wisconsin prepares some of the world’s best meats using applewood in a smoking process to obtain a rich flavor. In every mouthful, you are guaranteed a carbon copy of identical traditional traits and appetizing taste that founded Nueske’s outstanding prestige. With a single swallow you can savor swine excellence, opening one’s eyes as to why four family cycles have delighted in the European method of preparing fowl and hog. The mystery hidden behind that enjoyable taste is to get the applewood coals smoldering in such a way so they inject the slabs with a savory wallop. Having acquired acknowledgment from famous chefs, it’s easy to tell that this now mail-order company doesn’t cut corners when it comes to flavor and class.

Raising palate anticipations, the farm’s bacon appears to make any recipe better when few food items seem like they can’t get any more delicious. If you get excited dealing with model kitchen cuisine, then turn your cookery into an entire feast that sizzles with the Wisconsin-based firm’s goods. And search no further for the utmost line of edible gifts for your truly closest relatives and buddies. Believe me…there’s a lot to pick from. If the anticipated recipient is a morning person, then I suggest ordering Nueske’s Breakfast Basket. This consists of their thickly-sliced bacon, all-natural pancake mix and an 8oz container of maple syrup arranged in a wicker bin. Or if you have somebody on your gift list that enjoys a variety, then you might want to try their Ultimate Gift Basket utilizing ten of Nueske’s most popular items all rolled into a single surprise. With a sampling of everything from smoked turkey breast to pork chops and raspberry honey mustard to cheddar cheese, this vast assortment is sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you’re looking for something a little more simple, stick with a boneless ham which comes in your choice of sizes. For the receiver who likes things on the wild side, why not introduce them to delicious buffalo top sirloin steaks and burgers. And everyone know somebody with a sweet tooth. Give him or her a gift that will knock their socks off…Cognac Pumpkin Cheesecake, letting that someone special taste the best of two desserts (pumpkin pie and cheesecake) or Apple Dumplings with cinnamon sauce. One tastes leads them to yell YUMM-O twice!

So immediately answer your dilemna about what to buy for whom by logging on to www.Nueske.com to view these and other stock before it’s too late. Or you can call 1-800-392-2266 to order a catalog that will be brought straight to your door. And remember Nueske’s all year long for any event. Happy Hog-idays!

Christmas In The Country

Have you ever wished that you could turn back time by say 100 years just to see what it was like to have an old-fashion holiday season? Things would be so different from today. Perhaps the women would be wearing a long petticoat and fancy hat adorn with feathers to promote that Victorian style. Or maybe something a little more simple, like strangers embracing one another on the street with a hearty Merry Christmas. By stepping into the Massachusetts gift shop that I’m going to tell you about, one will sense an air of just that. Country Cottage, owned and operated by Jackie Lowney, will whirl you into another era filled with quaint provincial charm and an antique-like atmosphere.

Reminding me of a baroque historical society all decorated for a December jubilee, here you CAN touch the displays and purchase them as well. Every inch of this storefront exclaims a winter celebration. From the nativity items to the Willow Tree Demadaco angels, Country Cottage can furnish all your Christmas and interior décor needs. Plus, it’s the perfect place to pick up a last minute Yuletide present for somebody you may have forgotten to get for. From Victorian lapel pins and other pieces of jewelry to bears from The Bearington Collection, there’s something for everyone for all ages (even your pets are not left out). And Ms. Lowney is always ready to answer your questions or help you decide on a token for that special someone on your gift list.

A long-time favorite choice by her regular customers is a souvenir from the town of Westport…the Westport throw blanket. It has stitchings all over it to resemble various town landmarks. Then there is a close runner up…Village brand candles…a scent so sweet you could linger in the store all day. The newest addition is sure to impress even the pickiest of people. It’s the Himalayan Salt Lamps. Yes, salt. Made from real salt, it even tastes like the crystalline substance. Not only is the lamp meant to light up your life, but to enhance the air you breathe with its natural purification. A thoughtful idea for the naturalist in the family, if I do say so myself. Then there are the gift baskets which can be made to order. Any theme you can think of, Jackie will make it happen for you. I witnessed first-hand what she could do when combining a wicker basket with SouthWest themed items…beautiful.

So even if you are looking to purchase just a greeting card, stop by 930B American Legion Highway in Westport, MA. Country Cottage’s holiday hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 12:30pm-5pm. Jackie can be reached at 1-508-636-2963. Hurry…Christmas Day will be here sooner than you think!

Bring Music Into Your Life

This Saturday, December 15th, is a big day for The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra. Led by Dr. David MacKenzie, they’ve been practicing diligently to impress the patrons of The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center with the group’s holiday pops concert entitled ‘Celebrate Our Community’, with a matinee on Sunday, December 16th. Having thirty years experience under his belt, the NBSO music director wants everybody to live through harmonics, which will refashion the way one perceives their day to day affairs. This is why I present to you The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’s 2007-2008 season: December 15th, 2007 Holiday Concert ‘Celebrate Our Community’; February 9th, 2008 Valentine’s Concert ‘Postcards From The Americas’; March 29th, 2008 Spring Concert ‘The Romance of Spring’; May 10th, 2008 Season Finale ‘Enduring Masterpieces’. Be sure to hold your season seats promptly because they get sold quickly. All concerts are performed at this history-rich theater located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Parking is ready for use in the Zeiterion Garage for only $2 alongside the Arts Center.

Established in 1915, The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra is a pilot in local musicology guidance. Teaching children the value of musical appreciation, the NBSO brings the ‘Music In The Morning’ program into our schools. This introduces the students to harmony they may not be exposed to otherwise. An entirely adept troupe, the orchestra’s master class series presents budding performers the opportunity to learn amongst the NBSO’s earmarked composers. And last but not least are the 2008 ‘Young People’s Concerts’ being offered to children free of charge. Being captivating and cultural, these series are to be carried out on March 3, 4, 5, 2008 at 9:30am and 11:45am.

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra can be reached by calling 1-508-999-NBSO or fax them at 1-508-999-0958. And the official website may be viewed at www.nbsymphony.org. See you at the Z!!

New Location Keeps The Flame Burning

Have you ever had the urge to go into a store just to window shop, but end up walking out after buying just about everything you liked? Well, have I got just the place for you! The perfect business to do holiday shopping, Lori’s Gift Shack has something for each person on your gift-giving list.

When first entering this enchanting companies’ headquarters, the aroma of the Beanpod brand candles fill your nostrils. This trademark candle is made with soy so that there is no soot to pollute your home or to dirty its interior. It’s one present that will definitely be a big hit under the Christmas tree this year. Browsing even further, one will notice an assortment of knick-knacks and country décor that is sure to win anybody’s heart as it fills their stocking as well. For those on your “nice” list, a luscious-smelling surprise from Lori’s assortment of bath and body items will have the recipient thinking of you every time the product is used. For certain someones with a sweet tooth, there is a great variety of gourmet candy…enough to cause a tummy ache!

But the item that most stands out at this establishment is the air freshener teddy bear which I have personally tried and give two thumbs up. What is the air freshener bear, you ask? Constructed for both Christmas and for everyday use, these little fellows are real teddies bathed in scented candle wax and used to perk up any room in your home through both sight and fragrance. Not only are they cute, but come in a medley of essences like sugar cookie and raspberry. Some sit in a mini wagon, some on a tray. And don’t worry if they get a little dusty. Just use a hair dryer on its cool setting to blow away those tiny particles and to rejuvenate the bouquet as well. What a unique token this would make for a teacher, mail carrier or neighbor next door with no wick or matches required.

With Lori’s new location in the plaza situated at 1723 Stafford Road in Tiverton Rhode Island, you’ll have plenty of convenient parking and be steps away from a cup o’ joe. Her hours run from 11am-5pm, Wednesday through Saturday, or when you see her fluorescent neon open sign on. You can always call ahead at 1-401-624-3750 or send an email to lorisgiftshack@yahoo.com if you prefer. So take some time out of your busy schedule to visit Lori’s Gift Shack today, and tell her that Val sent you.