SUPPORT OUR MILITARY - BE A HOLIDAY SPONSOR!
We are inviting 300 military personnel to celebrate with our community at Highwood for the Holidays,
an evening of recognition for all they do. We will be offering some financial support in the form of
Highwood Gift Cards in $10.00 increments that can be used all around town during the holidays to help
in purchasing gifts for their friends and family, to enjoy a meal at any one of our wonderful restaurants,
or any other of the many services we provide here. We need your help to make this a memorable event
on December 4, 2010.
I would be proud to be a sponsor of the Highwood for the Holidays event supporting and recognizing our
military personnel.
Please accept my contribution of: $__________
for ______ redeemable gift certificates. (Each gift certificate is $10.00)
o Yes - Please fill in my/my family's name on the certificate so the recipient knows who
sponsored their gift.
o No – please leave blank
Name:___________________________________________
Please make check payable to:
City of Highwood - Special Events Committee
City of Highwood
17 Highwood Ave
Highwood, IL 60040
Thank you so much - We appreciate your support!

(ARA) - Function alone isn't enough to sell us on a new piece of technology anymore.  Americans increasingly want their technology to look good - stylish, even - in addition to working well.

"If you're old enough to remember the huge, clunky-looking 'car phones' of the late '80s and early '90s, or if you've seen them in the movies or on old TV shows, you'll have some perspective on how technology has evolved toward being beautiful as well as functional," says Jeanne Benedict, host of DIY Network's "Weekend Entertaining" and regular contributor to Celebrations.com.

Designers agree that a balance of form and function is essential to appealing and useful home decor. With new wafer-thin, high-definition flat-screen TVs, surround-sound systems with wireless speakers and sleek home telephones  that allow you to receive cell phone calls on your landline, modern home technology is trending toward beauty and usefulness.

If you're in the market to upgrade your home technology this holiday season, be sure to look for gadgets that blend style and practicality, including:

* LED high-definition, flat-screen TVs that are almost as thin as a sheet of glass. These TVs are ideal for mounting on the wall as a focal point of virtually any room. The flatter the better, and the new generation of TVs are so thin and light, they make their predecessors look like those '90s chunky car phones. Some manufacturers also offer flat screens in colors to match virtually any home decor - no more settling for just silver or black.

* Sleek new home phones like VTech's LS6245 combine advanced technology that lets you receive both landline and cellular calls on the cordless handset.  Its fashionable profile fits into virtually any home decor. The phone offers touch-sensitive buttons on the handset and base as well as capabilities that allow you to connect up to four wireless devices such as cellular phones or wireless headsets.

With the ability to make and receive cellular calls on the LS6245 handset or take landline calls with a wireless headset, this phone system helps eliminate problems typically associated with using a cell at home - dropped calls, poor call quality and limited range. The practical VTech LS6245 is available at www.vtechphones.com.

* Wireless technology has made it possible to enjoy surround sound and your favorite DVD without the visual distraction of wires running between the components. From wireless speakers that work with your surround sound system and stereo to flat screens and DVD players that can communicate with each other, technology has eliminated the old problem of ugly - and potentially hazardous - wires throughout your home.

"It's no longer necessary to sacrifice stylish design and decor-enhancing beauty to get the latest technology for your home," Benedict says. "Modern product makers are manufacturing better-looking technology that fits with our lifestyles and home decor."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - This holiday season, don't just "decorate" with some evergreen and mistletoe - "techorate" using today's hottest home technology, including your flat-screen TV.

Although the kitchen is the traditional setting for a holiday get-together, this year the party is moving to the family room. Whether it's enjoying a bowl game, holiday parade or a classic holiday movie, many family gatherings will take place around the flat-screen - the hearth of the 21st century home. "Technology is now playing an integral role in holiday entertaining, just as it is in all other aspects of our lives," says Doug Wilson, noted interior designer from TLC's "Trading Spaces" and "Moving Up."

"The concept of 'techorating' merges technology and interior design so that a techorated room works together as one, unified space," says Wilson, who is also the resident Techorator  for LG Electronics. "The TV has really become the new hearth of the home, and having a harmonious hearth and home is never more important than during the holidays."

Wilson offers a few tips for techorating your home this holiday season:

Tip One: Less is more - a lot more

"Technology doesn't have to stick out in an unattractive way," Wilson says. Streamline your technology and declutter to make it blend more easily with your overall holiday decor. For example, use covers painted to match the wall color to hide wires and connections between your flat screen and audio-visual components. Or use wireless technology to eliminate wire clutter altogether.

For another way to create a really sleek look, upgrade your flat screen to a new ultra-thin model like LG's SL90 series. These high-definition TVs are available in 42- and 47-inch sizes and look nearly as thin as the sheet of glass in their single-layer design for stunning sets that blend beautifully into any decor.

Tip Two: Create a focal point

"Nothing brings the family together better than a good holiday movie so it makes sense to use the television as the focal point for your living room decor," Wilson says. "Wall-mounting your flat screen will improve its visibility from all angles, making it easier to enjoy watching holiday classics with your family."

Flat screens afford you more design flexibility than older TVs, and companies like LG offer a variety of options that combine simple, sleek designs with the latest in high-definition technology to meet your entertainment and decorating needs, Wilson explains.

"Don't be afraid to put the TV above the mantle," he adds. "But do keep in mind that competing design elements like fireplaces, large mirrors and picture windows can make the space look too cluttered."

Tip Three: It's OK to rearrange.

Plenty of people rearrange furniture before the holidays to accommodate the Christmas tree or the gathering of family and friends. If you're planning a holiday gathering based around your favorite bowl game think about rearranging furniture to provide maximum seating and the best possible view of the TV.

The size of your TV screen will help determine where you place your furniture. To locate the perfect spot for your sofa or seating, multiply the size of your screen in inches by 1.5. The result should be the optimal distance (in inches) that you allow for between the TV and sofa.

"These tips will help you 'tech the halls' this holiday season and ensure your technology enhances the holidays for everyone who visits your home," Wilson says. For more techorating tips, visit www.lgusa.com/techorate. of ARAcontent

Courtesy

(ARA) - This holiday season, don't just "decorate" with some evergreen and mistletoe - "techorate" using today's hottest home technology, including your flat-screen TV.

Although the kitchen is the traditional setting for a holiday get-together, this year the party is moving to the family room. Whether it's enjoying a bowl game, holiday parade or a classic holiday movie, many family gatherings will take place around the flat-screen - the hearth of the 21st century home. "Technology is now playing an integral role in holiday entertaining, just as it is in all other aspects of our lives," says Doug Wilson, noted interior designer from TLC's "Trading Spaces" and "Moving Up."

"The concept of 'techorating' merges technology and interior design so that a techorated room works together as one, unified space," says Wilson, who is also the resident Techorator  for LG Electronics. "The TV has really become the new hearth of the home, and having a harmonious hearth and home is never more important than during the holidays."

Wilson offers a few tips for techorating your home this holiday season:

Tip One: Less is more - a lot more

"Technology doesn't have to stick out in an unattractive way," Wilson says. Streamline your technology and declutter to make it blend more easily with your overall holiday decor. For example, use covers painted to match the wall color to hide wires and connections between your flat screen and audio-visual components. Or use wireless technology to eliminate wire clutter altogether.

For another way to create a really sleek look, upgrade your flat screen to a new ultra-thin model like LG's SL90 series. These high-definition TVs are available in 42- and 47-inch sizes and look nearly as thin as the sheet of glass in their single-layer design for stunning sets that blend beautifully into any decor.

Tip Two: Create a focal point

"Nothing brings the family together better than a good holiday movie so it makes sense to use the television as the focal point for your living room decor," Wilson says. "Wall-mounting your flat screen will improve its visibility from all angles, making it easier to enjoy watching holiday classics with your family."

Flat screens afford you more design flexibility than older TVs, and companies like LG offer a variety of options that combine simple, sleek designs with the latest in high-definition technology to meet your entertainment and decorating needs, Wilson explains.

"Don't be afraid to put the TV above the mantle," he adds. "But do keep in mind that competing design elements like fireplaces, large mirrors and picture windows can make the space look too cluttered."

Tip Three: It's OK to rearrange.

Plenty of people rearrange furniture before the holidays to accommodate the Christmas tree or the gathering of family and friends. If you're planning a holiday gathering based around your favorite bowl game think about rearranging furniture to provide maximum seating and the best possible view of the TV.

The size of your TV screen will help determine where you place your furniture. To locate the perfect spot for your sofa or seating, multiply the size of your screen in inches by 1.5. The result should be the optimal distance (in inches) that you allow for between the TV and sofa.

"These tips will help you 'tech the halls' this holiday season and ensure your technology enhances the holidays for everyone who visits your home," Wilson says. For more techorating tips, visit www.lgusa.com/techorate. of ARAcontent

Courtesy

(ARA) - American families have spoken: the vacation is a top priority. Ninety-four percent of Americans agreed that even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, according to a recent survey by Expedia.com. To keep the vacation affordable and easy, think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal.

Expedia.com recently partnered with the National Park Foundation to provide a permanent, one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to America's national parks.

"There are excellent values for traveling families right now, and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollars," says Lee Woodruff, author, travel expert and mother of four. "Families are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national park?"

Here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway:

1. Get Inspired: Ken Burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for PBS titled, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." Tune into PBS or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from Acadia to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.

2. Pick the park: With original content from the National Park Foundation, Expedia.com's national park Web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs.

The site offers pre-set "long weekend" itineraries to start your planning. You can also search through the "Can't Miss National Parks" section to learn about the park's location, its natural features, little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area. Expedia's site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings.

3. More ways to save: Take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites. While there is a small entrance fee to the parks, you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the Grand Canyon. Also, enjoy the free activities such as hiking, biking and birding that the parks offer.

4. Book your hotel and rental car: If camping isn't your family's style, consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice. And, if you're planning to rent a car, consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation.

5. Give Back: Consider giving back to the National Park Foundation by visiting the Web site, www.nationalparks.org and donate, or learn more about volunteer opportunities within America's national parks. Helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day.

"Planning the vacation is half of the fun, so get everyone involved in the process," says Woodruff. "There are so many options in our national park system, many of which have rich and amazing heritage, so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visit."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - A vacation may be the last thing on your mind as the holidays draw near this year, but contrary to popular belief the holiday season is a great time to take a break. Pre-holiday season deals sweeten the appeal of a weekend getaway to decompress from the stresses of a busy fall and winter season.

"While airfares and hotel rates do rise on and immediately surrounding major holidays, the weeks leading up to those times can yield amazing deals and wonderful opportunities to escape the hectic pace of the holiday season," says Brad Dean, president and chief executive officer for the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Still not convinced now is the time for a quick getaway? Consider these facts:

Getting There

Airports will be crowded and frustrating as soon as the holidays arrive. Yet airfares are lower and airports are less crowded in the weeks leading up to peak holiday season. You're much more likely to score a good deal on airfare - and a less stressful airport experience - if you travel pre-holiday.

Driving trips are also easier before the holiday. Come Thanksgiving or Christmas, everyone will be visiting family and friends to celebrate. Highways are less likely to be clogged with traffic in advance of the holidays. To make the most of your weekend getaway, choose a driving destination that's easily accessible and offers the most "bang for your buck." Myrtle Beach, S.C., for example is a popular driving destination from many parts of the eastern seaboard and Midwest.

Hotel Deals

Hotel prices typically increase a day or two before a holiday - rates may even double over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. However, hotels are relatively empty and inspired to offer better deals in the weeks leading up to the holidays. In fact, rates can be reduced to more than half the cost of a room during peek summer season. You can find great package deals if you travel before the holidays, especially to affordable locations that are in their "off" seasons. Many beach resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive packages with admission to local attractions and many feature heated indoor swimming pools and even indoor waterparks.

Cool Prices on Hot Attractions

Attraction tickets that might seem pricey during high season will likely be more appealingly priced during the pre-holiday, "off season." Some outdoor attractions in more temperate climes, such as Myrtle Beach will stay open through the holidays, as will shows, indoor attractions and sites. Plus, you won't have to fight the "peak season" crowds or lines at year-round attractions like popular museums and aquariums.

A Taste of the Holidays without the Expense

What commercial venture in the United States doesn't stretch the holidays? With Halloween items appearing on store shelves in early September, is it any surprise that resort attractions will don their holiday décor and feature holiday-themed events and shows long before the actual dates arrive?

It's possible to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy themed shows, attractions and activities when you travel before the holidays. For example, the Myrtle Beach area offers everything from live holiday shows to candlelit gardens with carolers, Christmas tree festivals to holiday markets.   

To learn more about a pre-holiday getaway to Myrtle Beach, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - The holiday season is practically synonymous with family vacations. Visiting relatives you haven't seen in a year, gluttonous eating and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom. It's all par for the course, right? Well, it doesn't have to be.

Travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon, where they're finding comfortable spaces, just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room. In this tough economy, owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash, according to HomeAway, a collection of vacation-rental Web sites. And as the market floods, prices drop to lure renters.

A recent online search of hotels in La Jolla, Calif., a beautiful seaside community that's technically part of San Diego, revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night during the holiday season. A search for vacation homes returned two bedroom, two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night.

Not only do you get more space, you get the luxuries of home, such as a full kitchen, washer/dryer and parking, all of which are further money-savers. Plus, standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring, rarely lending insight into the destination's character. Vacation rentals are an actual person's home, albeit a second home. And some are even pet-friendly.

Here's how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs:
 
Where to start: Away.com, a research and travel-planning Web site, offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals, including houses and condos, from all over the Web. Find it at away.com/vacationrentals.

Be comfortable: If the thought of renting a vacation home "sight unseen" and directly from the owner is daunting, work with a property management company. Such companies, particularly ones with local offices, know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises.

Do your homework: Check out online photos and read all property reviews. If you're renting directly from an owner, reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction. And the golden rule: Clarify all costs and payment methods upfront. Time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end. 

Whatever you decide is right for your holiday vacation, book it now. As usual, the early bird will get the worm.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Every fall, many families pack up the car to travel to see fall foliage. Cooler temperatures and vivid colors make fall the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. Most regions have an area known for a vivid display of fall foliage, so families don't have to travel too far to enjoy autumn colors.

This fall, keep these tips in mind to get the most enjoyment from your fall foliage excursion:

* Research specific regions.

Many private and public parks offer trails for visitors, as well as camping accommodations and the opportunity to rent off-road vehicles or other recreational products. Be sure to ask for trail maps of the area to get the lay of the land and determine the appropriate trails for your family's experience level.

While flexibility is key to seeing the best colors, if you plan to camp or are visiting an area popular for fall foliage viewing, it is always best to check camping or hotel availability.

* Prepare for the weather.

Be sure to stay tuned to local news weather forecasts, Internet sites or contact the local tourism bureau to help predict the best time to plan your trip. Most foliage starts to change colors from mid- to late September and can last through the first part of November.

* Be part of the action.

Why stay stuck in the car or on foot to experience fall foliage? Riding down trails on an all terrain vehicle can give your family a whole new perspective on fall colors. The new two-passenger machines, like the Polaris Sportsman Touring and Polaris X2, give you the opportunity to share the views with the family.

As part of preparing for your trip, it is also important that your ATVs are in good working order so you can fully enjoy your trip without unforeseen pit stops. Have your machine serviced at a local dealership or change the oil, clean the air filter, check tire air pressure, and examine the brakes, all electrical wiring and bodywork to ensure nothing has come loose. It is also a good idea to carry a tire patch kit in case of a puncture from a rock or stump, and extra gas so you can fill up on the go.

Also be sure to pack all appropriate ATV safety gear including helmets, goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants and boots for all members of the family to ensure a fun and safe adventure to experience the wonders of nature.

Courtesy of ARA Content

(ARA) - As we head into this holiday season, shoppers will start to plan their holiday gift lists, hit the stores and start shopping. Getting the most for your holiday shopping dollars this year will not only be about sticking to a budget, but managing valuable time to spend on shopping for the holidays.

Bing.com commissioned University of Washington Economist Ali Tarhouni to analyze data on consumer shopping behavior and found the time spent holiday shopping could be more valuable than you might think.

* Research reveals that an average American can expect a $114 savings, or roughly 10 percent savings per transaction in time and material cost this holiday season by reducing the running around typically associated with holiday shopping.

* Shoppers could make an average of 5.4 trips to the mall for holiday shopping this coming season, which is equivalent to an average of $98 for lost working productivity and approximately $16 for gas, according to Tarhouni's research. 

* A typical consumer visits an average of five stores, shops for an average of two hours and spends an average of $150 per mall trip during the holiday season, according to a survey by Baker Retail Initiative and Verde Group Research. Conducting research by comparison shopping online before heading into stores or making purchases online can help reduce the amount of time and money spent.

Mary Hunt, personal finance expert and author of "Debt Proof Living," believes it's important to be smart in the way you approach your holiday shopping so you can avoid these hidden costs and be more productive this holiday season. 

"This season it is all about value, and time is often a more precious resource than money," says Hunt. "If we consider how valuable each hour of our holiday shopping experience is, consider how much more valuable spending time with loved ones is, or volunteering at a local food bank. Shopping is about efficiency this time of year, and it's about using the tools available to make better purchasing decisions faster."

Hunt offers a few tips to help you make faster and more informed shopping decisions this holiday season:

* Use tools available online: when creating your holiday shopping plan, start online. You can organize your list, set your budget and comparison shop fast and efficiently. Sites like Bing.com offer comprehensive user and expert reviews, and you can choose to shop entirely online, or hit the mall more empowered to find what you want in less time.

* Shop alone. Take the kids to the mall to see the Holiday sights and sounds and enjoy hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls, but shop alone when you are not distracted or pressured.  Shopping solo gives you the luxury to compare, contemplate and change your mind.

* Keep organized with an exclusive online shopping e-mail account and keep all receipts. Create an e-mail address that you use exclusively for online shopping. Now it will be a snap to keep all your invoices and receipts together in one place where they can be easily retrieved. Returns are always easiest when you have the receipt. Ask for "gift receipts" that do not show the dollar amounts to give to your recipient just in case the sweater doesn't fit or the color is all wrong. A stack of envelopes, each with the name of a person on your list, is the best way to stay organized.

* Shop early to take advantage of deals and free shipping. If you wait until the last moment you may spend all your savings on overnight shipping. Shop early when you have the luxury of the cheaper and slower - delivery options.

* Get cash back. More online retailers than ever are offering cash back this holiday season. Try Bing cashback for cash rewards on purchases from more than a thousand of your favorite retailers including Walmart, Target, HP, Nordstrom, and eBay.

Bing shopping offers you a single destination to shop and get cashback from more than 1,000 retailers nationwide. You'll reduce your online shopping time with features including search result filters, comprehensive shopping results and opinion ranking.

Bing cashback allows you to set up an account and receive actual cash back on qualifying purchases. The site tells you up front what items will qualify and how much you'll save. Money is deposited into your account and you can ask for a payout 60 days (varies by merchants) after purchases as long as your account total tops $5.

Log on to www.Bing.com/shopping to save time and money this holiday shopping season and earn cash back on your purchases.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - The most important part of giving a gift is the thought behind it. Consider skipping the malls this holiday season and instead create some homemade holiday presents that will save you money and add meaning to the wrapped packages you hand out to family and friends. 

"The holidays are a time for families to come together, create memories and show appreciation for one another," says Gavin Jerome, Dremel product manager. "Although everyone is watching their budget this year, people can still unleash their creative spirit and give homemade gifts from the heart." 

By following a few simple instructions, these inexpensive projects are a wonderful way to unwrap the sentiment and thought behind gift-giving during the holidays.

Personalize an address plaque or toy box
A personalized gift is something that everyone can appreciate.  To make a useful and one-of-a-kind gift, rout a name or address into a home plaque or the top of a wooden toy box.  Simply sketch the name or address to be routed on a wood plaque or the toy box lid and select the desired depth. Using a rotary tool like the Dremel 4000 with a plunge router attachment, follow your outline, removing material until the letters or numbers take form.  After your letters are cut, switch your bit to route the edges of the plaque or toy box lid. All that's left is to do is paint and finish in the recipient's favorite colors.  

Engrave ornaments
A simple glass ornament can be transformed into a holiday treasure by etching a design onto its surface.  First, determine the pattern or design you wish to etch onto your flat, solid glass ornament. Marker usually works best to trace the design on the glass. Use a rotary tool set between 15,000 and 25,000 RPM's, and carefully trace over the drawn image with small strokes. Etching glass requires some practice, so be sure to experiment on less expensive glass objects first, trying out different bits to get different results. After your pattern is complete, wipe the area clean with a cloth. Your friends and family will have a personalized ornament to treasure for years to come.

Derby cars
For car-enthusiasts of all ages, a derby car is an ideal gift. First, draw a car pattern on a wood block showing the top, side, front and back views. When the drawing is complete, secure the block in place with a multi-vise. Make cuts along the outline using a rotary tool and smooth, even motions. To even out rough edges, attach the sanding band of your choice and again use steady and even motions to smooth out the surface. Make any other cuts necessary to achieve your desired shape. Finally, add finishing touches such as paint and decals. 

Clean model railroad track
We all have memories of a model train running around the base of the tree. Time to bring it back. To remove rust and debris from your forgotten, but beloved railroad track, use a rotary tool and finishing abrasive brush.  Set the rotary tool to 15,000 RPM's or less, hold the track firmly, and remember to keep your hand at least 6 inches from the tool. Using a light touch and a slow and steady motion let the tool remove the rust and debris. Angle the tool accordingly to get to hard to reach places. With your track now clean, connectivity is improved and your train should run smoother.

For more tips and holiday project ideas, visit www.dremel.com or call the Dremel experts at (800) 437-3635.

Courtesy of ARAcontent