Saturday, January 7, 2012
Here are hints for what to do with your Christmas tree, lights and wrapping paper, if you haven’t yet taken down your holiday decor.
Now that the holiday season is over, it’s time to think about putting away decorations ... if you already haven’t done so. Take a drive around Inver Grove Heights, and you’ll still find plenty of homes with Christmas trees prominently displayed in their picture windows and decorations in the yard. But considering the late date—today is Jan. 7—and the current mild weather, it’s a safe bet that lots of lights, garland and the sort will be taken down this weekend. Typically, residents do a good job in following guidelines to dispose of their Christmas cheer, said Inver Grove’s assistant city administrator, Jenelle Teppen. She said street department personnel have indicated to her they usually don’t see an increase in illegal dumping due to …
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Here is a list of beverages sure to impress your New Year's Eve guests.
This weekend marks New Year’s Eve—one of the most popular days to responsibly enjoy an adult beverage or two. If you've decided to host a party or stay home with your love, here are some drink recipes that are sure to impress your guests or anyone who drinks them. Remember, be smart, safe and stay off the roads—unless you have a designated driver. Blue Champagne Cocktail Ingredients you need: How to make a Blue Champagne Cocktail: New Year's Sparkler Ingredients you need: How to make a New Year's Sparkler: Resolute Cocktail Ingredients you need: How to make a Resolute Cocktail: Winter Sangria Ingredients you need: How to make a Winter Sangria: Golden Fruit Punch Ingredients you need: How to make a Golden Fruit Punch: Gingerbling by …
Friday, December 30, 2011
Here are hints for what to do with your Christmas tree, lights and wrapping paper.
Now that the holiday season nearly is over, it’s time to think about putting away decorations. Whether that means disposing of a Christmas tree, getting rid of inefficient or broken lights or throwing away used wrapping paper, Patch has some hints for you. LIGHTS On its website, the City of Inver Grove Heights suggests recycling Christmas lights either at the Recycling Zone or through the Recycle Your Holidays lights program administered by the Recycling Association of Minnesota. The Recycling Zone in Eagan is operated by Dakota County and provides a place for residents to dispose of a variety of items ranging from fluorescent light bulbs to plastic bags. For more information about the Recycling Zone, click here. Now through the end of …
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Some basic tips to help fireproof your home this season.
The beauty of Christmas can easily turn to tragedy without a few basic fire-safety measures. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when stringing lights around an evergreen or relaxing beside a cozy fire. Fireplaces The folks at Fireside Hearth and Home warn customers to be aware of how hot fireplaces can get and take precautions to keep flammable materials safely away from them. Children also should be closely monitored at all times, as should pets. They also remind customers to make sure to use a protective screen—and to handle those screens with care, because they can get extremely hot. The US Fire Safety Administration (USFA) cautions that a fireplace should never be left unattended and must be extinguished before retiring for the…
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Minnesota Christmas-tree growers say their crop offers numerous economic and environmental advantages over artificial trees.
How many Christmas trees does Gertens Greenhouse in Inver Grove Heights order each year for the holiday season? Nearly 3,000, according to Gertens Nursery Manager and Fresh Greens Buyer Robin Ostrander. The orders for the trees go out in the summer, Ostrander said, and suppliers in Oregon, Wisconsin and even North Carolina begin delivering the week before Thanksgiving. Despite the long distances the live trees have to travel, Ostrander believes that are more environmentally friendly than their artificial counterparts, which Gertens also sells. "Everybody worries that you’re killing a tree, but one to three seedlings are planted in place for every tree cut down," Ostrander said. Those seedlings grow undisturbed on tree lots for up to seven …
44.870088
-93.052562
Gertens
5500 Blaine Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN
/articles/dreaming-of-a-green-christmas-ff233402
1845972
/locations/5972223
Patch's 'Deck The House' contest is open through Dec. 26
- HOLIDAY GUIDE
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Thursday, December 8, 2011
Start digging through your basement for those lights and decorations, because your holiday display could secure $100,000 for local schools. Patch is ready to launch its "Deck The House" contest, a nationwide search for the most dazzling displays of the season. Between Dec. 8 and Dec. 26, users of Inver Grove Heights Patch are encouraged to post photos and videos of their “decked out” houses to our site as part of a national contest that could net your local school district $100,000. There will be more than 800 local winners from local Patch sites, who will represent their Patch communities in the national contest. Judges will then choose 24 finalists, who will get up to $500 toward their December electric bills. From Dec. 30 through Jan. 8…
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Whether you plan to take a plane, train or automobile to your holiday destination, we have tips and tricks for smooth travel.
According to the American Automobile Association, 42.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday season. Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Nov. 23–27, the AAA estimates that 90 percent, or 38.2 million people will take to the nation’s roadways; 8 percent will take to the air and 2 percent will take a bus, train or ferry. Melissa Scovronski, the public affairs and marketing manager for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, said the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after will be the busiest flying days of the year. Travelers who can leave on Thanksgiving day and return the following Monday will be able to avoid most of the crowds—and the ensuing hassle. Scovronski recommends opting for an flight …
Monday, November 21, 2011
In what has become a local annual tradition, the Awesome Children's Theater presents "A Christmas Carol."
Editor's Note: The following is a press release from Awesome Children's Theater and Simley Theatre Guild Director Rudd Rayfield. For 15 years, The Awesome Children's Theater (A.C.T.) has given children a serious theatrical experience in a community theater setting. Funded by Northern Dakota County Tri-District Community Education Youth Programs, and under the direction of children’s theater artist, Rudd Rayfield, it produces five full-length theatrical productions per year. A.C.T. also offers a series of theater workshops and classes. Children aged eight through 14 are eligible to participate; as well as acting in the plays, the children are also stagehands and technicians. Parent and high school volunteers help with costuming, set …
44.83372
-93.0447
Simley High School
2990 80th St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN
/articles/a-christmas-carol-coming-to-simley-high-school-theater
994256
/locations/5860247
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
This Holiday Season, enjoy a festive celebration—even on a tight budget—with these tips.
The tough economy has caused cutbacks and compromises in almost every area of life, and its impact on holiday party planning is no different. But that doesn’t mean ‘tis the season to forgo celebrations. There are plenty of great ways to throw a festive holiday party on a small budget if you plan ahead, decide what you can afford, keep it casual, take stock of what you have on hand and use it. One way to keep costs down is by keeping your guest list down to a handful of your closest friends, advises Erin Huffstetler in the About.com Guide. “It is possible to create a classy bash for 12 on a $150 budget,” says Midwest Living magazine. “You may just need to change the way you think about parties.” Huffstetler suggests exploring several ideas …
Monday, November 14, 2011
While this year may not be synonymous with a Tickle-Me-Elmo or Cabbage Patch Kid, area retailers say there are a few toys expected to be hot sellers.
Remember those years that brought out lines of shoppers trying to purchase a Cabbage Patch Kid, or parents who were frantically trying to snag a Tickle Me Elmo for under the tree? Is, perhaps, watching Sinbad charge through the Mall of America trying to score a Turbo Man for his son in the movie Jingle All the Way on your holiday viewing list? While there doesn't seem to that one must-have, blockbuster toy this year, top toy sellers have a few they think might be in kids' letters to Santa. Happi Olson, marketing director at Creative Kidstuff expects a few hot sellers this year; among them are: There are Creative Kidstuff stores in Edina, Maple Grove, Linden Hills, St. Paul and Wayzata. Over at Toys R Us, some of the items they will be …
