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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 21, 2018)
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL • NOVEMBER 21, 2018 • 11A SHOP LOCAL Holidays for the Plan Your Holiday Meal You’ve consulted your cookbooks and perhaps the experts at Food Network, and planned your holiday meal. It is now time to start shopping for the bounty. Instead of heading to your local big-box grocery store, consider spreading the joy. Groceries are an often-overlooked aspect of shopping local, Breakfast and one that can make a big difference not only to a small business, but to your holiday meal as well. Make a List, Check it Twice Purchasing items from different shops comes with the territory when it comes to food. The best place for produce may be differ- ent that the best shop for meats or bread, unless you have a co- op at your convenience. Arrange your lists by location. This will help keep you organized and not forget any essential item. With Santa Scout Local Farms If you are looking for a holiday bird to be the centerpiece of your meal, look around for local farms. Many local farms have a stand at a farmers markets or will advertise through local channels. This is a great way to get a turkey, for example, that is very fresh and most likely been raised cage-free. Visit a Farmers Market Depending on your climate, you may have an operating farmers market available to you year round. Fall and early winter months just happen to be prime time for root vegetables. Even if you live in a cooler climate, many open markets try and stay open as late as possible to help people with their holiday shopping. Support Your Local Bakery Take some pressure off yourself and let someone else handle the desserts. Local bakeries will have plenty to choose from. Just be sure to call and pre-order. Unless you place your order ahead of time, bakeries may not be able to guarantee their selection by the time you arrive. Gifting Hand-Crafted Santa is on his way from the North Pole to cook you breakfast and he wants to know what is on your Christmas List! Saturday December 1 7AM - 11AM Free at South Lane Fire & Rescue 233 Harrison Avenue Cottage Grove We will be taking donations of unwrapped new toys for "Toys for Tots" A handmade gift can add a special note of thought to a gift. But remember to think outside the box. Shopping local can actually allow you to achieve the best of both worlds: Gifting an item that is unique and handmade while also saving yourself the time and stress of creating something yourself. And let’s face it, not all of us were blessed with a crafty gene or skilled artisan hands. This is why local markets exist. A Gift with a Story Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the shop owner. Because local businesses have a vested interest in their own success, they take special care with the items they stock and often know how things are produced. If you fi nd your intended gift has a story, share it. For an added touch of thoughtfulness, choose a piece of fi ne stationery and write the item’s story down. In- clude the note with the gift. Visit a Local Bakery Hand-crafted is not limited to wares. For those on your list who prefer a minimalist lifestyle (or have everything), consider a consumable gift. Local bakeries go into overdrive during the holiday season, producing many delicious treats. Consumable gifts are a great way to show some- one you care. One of the great things about local bakeries is that they take advantage of the high store traffi c, and often produce specialty items only available during the holiday. Homemade marshmallows and cocoa-dusted truffl es will make any friend feel loved. Online Platforms Many online forums serve as communities of small-businesses selling handcrafted wares, many of which who work out of their homes. While this may not necessarily be shopping local in the traditional way, it is most defi nitely shopping small. (You also can probably fi nd local sellers on these platforms.) It is important to support small businesses because most are family-run. A majority of these businesses are so small they need to keep their overhead low, which means no brick and mortar building. By purchasing items from these shops, you are helping someone else’s dream grow and gaining a handmade gift in the process. BUY TICKETS NOW! November 23 - December 23 Open Most Dates 500,000 LIGHTS, VENDORS & MUSIC LIVE REINDEER ON DEC. 8 Bring the whole family, even the pets! Visit VILLAGEGREENCHRISTMAS.COM for schedule & pricing Stay overnight at The Village Green, with our special Christmas package starting at just $119 Cottage Grove Creswell 49 South 6th St. Cottage Grove (541)942-1301 104 S. Mill St. Creswell (541)895-4166 VillageGreenChristmas.com 725 Row River Road Cottage Grove, OR 541-942-2491
