What to Do With All Those Candy Canes?

Seven ideas from candy cane martinis to peppermint fudge.

'Tis the season of the candy cane. Those red and white striped sticks of peppermint goodness are one of my favorite holiday treats. Oh man, I love those suckers. But no matter how much you love them, there comes a time when you just don't want to suck on your fourth candy cane of the day. Whether your Christmas tree is decorated with them, you have a bowl filled with them, or a friend scores a batch at Costco, it's time to get creative with your supply. Here are seven ideas to help you shovel through that candy cane blizzard: Candy canes are one of the most festive treats of the season. They go hand in hand with holiday music: sure, you run the risk of overdosing, but enjoy them while you can because you'll soon be without them for another…

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Broadway Fan? Winter's Good Time To Buy Tickets

Deals abound for the Broadway lover in your life.

For the Broadway fan in your life, why not consider a ticket to a new show or a long-running favorite? There's no better time to make a purchase than during the next few weeks, with all sorts of deals floating around. For example, two-for-one tickets will go on sale Jan. 4 as part of Broadway Week, which runs from Jan. 17 through Feb. 4. This year’s participating shows are Anything Goes, Chicago, Chinglish, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Godspell, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Lysistrata Jones, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Memphis, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Phantom of the Opera, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Private Lives, Relatively Speaking, The Road to Mecca, Rock of Ages, Seminar, Sister Act, Spider-Man, Stick Fly, and Wicked. Off…

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2011 Bucket List: Nine Things to Do Before This Old Year is History

Ideas for reaching 2012 fresh and energized.

Next year is almost here. In 2012, we’re all going to eat better, exercise more, quit those nasty habits, crack down on our children and whip our household into shape, right? Yawn. If you’re like me, the holiday festivities have you let you whooped on. The last thing you need is another action-packed to-do-list. So here, as my gift to you, are a few lazy, easy suggestions for winding down the old year, so you can start the new one fresh and refreshed. 1. Have a Pajama Playdate with Your Kids: Winter Break means no getting up for school, no rushing off to activities and no homework, so why not spend a whole day putzing around in your pajamas? Get on the floor and play with your kids. Believe it or not, they’ll enjoy your undivided attention…

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Kiwanis Drive Collects Over 1,000 Toys

Donations were dropped off to several shelters and hospitals in Monmouth County.

Several area Kiwanis clubs delivered over 1,000 toys to area shelters yesterday, after only a few weeks of collection. "It is wonderful to see people that have been so generous and opened their hearts," Carol Mazzola, Marlboro Councilwoman and President of the Marlboro Kiwanis Club said. Mazzola said she picked up a large load of toys from the Holmdel Police Department, even after the department had donated to Toys for Tots. The Kiwanis Clubs of Freehold, Holmdel, Manalapan, Asbury Park and Marlboro joined together with the Bella Vista Country Club in Marlboro to create the 1,000 Toy March. Toy donations benefit the Children’s Specialized Hospital, Linkages, 180 Turning Lives Around, The Salvation Army, the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth …

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The Playroom

Santa's Narcs Help Spread Christmas Magic

An Elf on the Shelf has infiltrated our home.

Last year, five days before Christmas, my oldest son Luke came home from school saying he really wanted an "Elf on the Shelf" from Santa. This is a kid with zero interest in toys, who, a month earlier, had to be hogtied to sit down and come up with an actual Christmas list. And now, with Santa’s workshop winding down, and all of the presents made and wrapped, here he was offering up something that he truly wanted. Dagnabbit. An Elf on the What? “He’s one of Santa’s helpers who comes to live with you and tells Santa if you’re naughty or nice,” Luke informed me. “Nicholas in my class has one, and his Elf is going to ask Santa to bring me one too.” Okaaay….Why was I only now getting the memo?!! Thankfully, Luke’s Aunt Veronica called needing …

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Freehold Center Players Perform Holiday Classic

The Center Players will perform "It's a Wonderful Life" this holiday season.

The Freehold dessert-theater company Center Players is looking to make their playhouse your home for the holidays, as they gear up to perform two holiday classics. For two nights this season, the Center Players will perform "It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," featuring several local performers, including Jack Rosmarin of Morganville and Kasiann Sweeney of Colts Neck. The play will be performed as a 1940's radio broadcast, in front of a live studio audience featuring onstage Foley sound effects, vintage radio equipment, period costuming & radio commercials all set to the soothing sounds of your favorite holiday standards. Performances are: Tickets are $23 for seniors and students and $25 for adults, and include gourmet desserts and …

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Kiwanis Clubs Kick Off '1,000 Toy March' Drive

Several area Kiwanis Clubs are running a toy drive, with the goal to collect and donate 1,000 toys for local children.

The march of 1,000 toys has begun, as area Kiwanis Clubs have begun collecting new toys for children in need. "For many children living in Monmouth County, this time of year can bring smiles of joy on their little faces, or feelings of sadness.  This is particularly the case for families living in poverty, in shelters or without family support," a news release said. The Kiwanis Clubs of Freehold, Holmdel, Manalapan and Marlboro have joined together with the Bella Vista Country Club in Marlboro to create the 1000 Toy March. The clubs as asking for donations of new and unwrapped toys for all ages, from infants to teenagers. “In the past, local Kiwanis clubs worked independently in their own backyards to raise funds and collect holiday …

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Christmas Trees: In the Nude and All Dressed Up

Find your perfect Christmas tree in Monmouth County, and dress it up with decorations from local shops.

Hard to believe, but it is time to put up your Christmas tree. If you're looking for a fresh cut tree and ways to dress it up with great local decorations, we've got your guide. This gallary covers cut-your-own farms to pre-cut trees, and all of the dressings to make it fabulous. Want to know what tree type you are? Visit the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association to read up on all the varieties. Do you have photos of your decorated tree? Or even photos of your family choosing the perfect one? Share them here! Remember to include your name and a little caption about where you got your tree.

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