If you’re one of those people who dread the idea of going on a Christmas shopping scavenger hunt, trying to come up with yet another original gift idea for Aunt Betty or Grandma Muggs, think no further than your own family. Personalized photo gifts are as fun to give as they are to receive, and thanks to technology, these days photos can go on just about anything, from jewelry to blankets.

For the do-it-yourselfer, stores that sell scrapbooking supplies usually offer things like blank calendars, clock faces and other items that can be decorated scrapbook-style. But if you’re not the type who enjoys playing with glitter or cutting and pasting doodads for hours on end, you can opt for the easy route and take your photos to a specialty printer. read more »

If the economy is showing signs of improvement, one wouldn’t know it by talking to the local food banks. All are reporting a continued increase in demand this year, including from people who are finding themselves in need of assistance for the first time.

“We are not seeing the economy turning around. It seems like if the economy is improving, food banks should see less need, and that is not the case,” says Hoyt Burrows, executive director for Central Kitsap Food Bank.

The CKFB served a record number of families last year in August — 721 — but this year, that number went up even more, to 764.

On the other hand read more »

What? Already? Holy Smoke and It’s that time of year again! It must be time to dust off the ol’ ornaments and find some new ones, and update that list of who is naughty and who is nice.

Electronic Gadgets and Other Fun Stuff

Wireless speakers. Bluetooth wireless speakers. Really good Bluetooth wireless speakers. Really-good-I-just-love-‘em wireless speakers. Bose Soundlink wireless speakers. read more »

Wow! How time flies when you are having fun! And sometimes even when you are not. It’s that time of year once again to make our lists and check them twice. So, in the spirit of the Season, a little Naughty is ok, and Nice is really good.

Electronic Gadgets and Other Fun Stuff

Everything iPad

OK, I admit it. I am having a ball with my new iPad 2, and finding accessories that work is part of the fun. I started by ordering the Apple Wireless Keyboard for the iPad, and while it works, it is a bit clunky. I also purchased the Apple docking/stand, which is even more clunky. As with most things Electronic Gadget-wise, there are third party substitutes out there that claim to do it better than the original, and in some cases that is actually true. read more »

While some businesses are seeing a little uptick in pace, the slow economic recovery has hit charitable organizations hard. Some have used up their reserves and are struggling to fill the continuously growing community need.

“We are not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Jennifer Hardison, executive director for South Kitsap Helpline. “The needs are definitely getting bigger. If everyone can do what they can to help, every bit helps — and we’re grateful for the support we have from the community.” read more »

Did you miss “Cyber Monday” this year? Your holidays are not doomed — just grab the car keys and take a scenic drive around Kitsap, where you’ll find much better shopping ideas at the locally owned shops. But if you just can’t help yourself with your online shopping habits, at least make sure it’s something really cool.

Like every man’s dream, the RoboMower. This handy (though pricey) gadget takes care of what the men (or teenagers) grit their teeth over every time. read more »

Local merchants were gearing up in mid-November for this year’s biggest shopping season, and many said they were optimistic. Some are seeing a slight uptick in traffic over last year, which could be a positive sign, considering the economic recovery is lagging.

If you want to feel good about your holiday shopping, supporting the locally based merchants read more »

It’s (officially) the most wonderful time of the year! November 1 marks the beginning of the holiday season, when retailers everywhere strain to get a piece of that $466 billion in U.S. sales. After releasing a holiday sales forecast in early October and distributing the first consumer survey mid-month, the National Retail Federation (NRF) took a look at some of the overarching trends based off survey findings, economic analysis and plenty of conversations with retailers.

While it may not seem like this holiday season is too different than years’ past — shoppers are obviously focused on prices and retailers are expected to be offering strong promotions even earlier — this is bound to be a holiday season like none other. Here are ten trends gleaned from our full data reports. read more »

When a girlfriend gave Marti Green a small, 2-by-4-inch canvas painting of apples as a gift, Green says the gesture meant a lot to her. Of course, she’s an artist herself and as such, appreciates art, but being on the receiving end was refreshing, she says.

“The gift of art is personal and it doesn’t have to be a huge piece,” says Green, who does watercolor paintings at her Watermark Studios and Fine Printing in Port Orchard and was featured in November at Sidney Art Gallery (www.sidneymuseumandarts.com). “It’s a conversation piece, and it’s beautiful, even if it’s something small.” read more »