Denault BdDeNault’s True Value Hardware in the Albertsons Center on Carlsbad Village Drive has never let us down. And we’ve asked for all kinds of crazy stuff: Zip Ties? Machete? Christmas ornament hooks? Lawn scissors? Urethane coated cable? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

In fact, once when we asked for an old-school biscuit cutter (a question that drew blank stares at Sur La Table) we were directed to the isle number and shelf by a kind woman who knows her hardware.

That’s why rather than fighting the Christmas rush at the big-box-cluster stores we suggest a trip to Denault’s where this Black & Decker 12V Cordless Drill With Hand Tools, Accessories and Storage Bag ($59.99) will setup even the most incompetent handy man/woman with pretty much everything needed to fix (or destroy) anything around the house. The kit including the drill, and the following: a 12 oz. hammer, tape measure, stud finder, lineman pliers, tape measure, five screw-bits, and 10 drill bits and more. It all comes in a black nylon storage bag.

This gift will have you saying, “Merry Christmas honey, now get to work.”

DeNault´s TrueValue Hardware, 975 Carlsbad Village Dr. (760) 434-1711

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry
6. Harry Barker Tennis Balls and Teafco Collar From Dog Mania
7. Skidless Yoga Towel From Bodacious Living

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The 2008 Rotary Tree Lighting

by The Editors on December 7, 2008

Rotarytree1Santa Claus arrived safely in Carlsbadistan Sunday, December 7, 2008 at the annual Rotary Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at The Shops at Village Faire. The crowds turned out, and the festivities got underway at 2 pm with Santa’s arrival. It was an afternoon of free cider, cookies, and a Christmas card craft station for the hundreds of kids who showed up with their parents on the blustery day.

While Santa posted up with a few Rotary Elves in front of the tree for photographs with the kids, the festivities got underway on the makeshift stage in the parking lot in front of The UPS Store. The singing and dancing went strong almost all afternoon, and didn’t wind down until after the 4:30 dance performance from Carlsbad High School’s junior varsity Xcalibur and varsity Lancer Dancer squads.

Once the girls were off the pavement, the pop-up tents came down, and the tree lights went on. And, that, was the end of the festivities for 2008. (Follow the jump for all the photos.)
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Carlsbad Man Writes Midwest Memoir

by The Editors on December 7, 2008

BacktobarronCarlsbadistan resident and former English professor Daniel Van Tassel, 61, has recently self-published a 140-page book of short essays about growing up in Barron, Wisconsin in the 50s. It’s called Back To Barron: The Heartland At Mid-Century.

Six years ago, while recovering from an ankle injury, Van Tassel started writing the essays. The subjects included being in the Boy Scouts, competing in spelling bees and going ice skating. . . “It came together in the next year or two, but I kept adding and revising,” he said. Van Tassel lined up North Star Press of St. Cloud, Minn., to print the book. So far, he’s sold nearly 1,000 copies. Most of the books have been purchased in Barron County, but he’s sold some across the Midwest, and said he’s pleased with the responses he has received.

Seems quite a few Midwesterners end up in Carlsbadistan. If you did, then check out Van Tassel’s book by clicking here.

[Link: TMCnet.com]

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Yogitoes

Any good Yoga student knows that while having a mat is important, bringing a towel along to mop up your sweat is essential. This Yogitoes Skidless Yoga Towel ($60) from Bodacious Living is the perfect gift for the Yoga affectionado. Available in a wide range of colors, the mat-sized towel has one sided coated with 100% silicone nubs to prevent slippage mid pose. Not to mention, the super-absorbant towel is the best way to put a hygienic layer between you and those non-washable loaner mats that smell like old jock straps.

Bodacious Living Anusara Yoga & Boutique, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 205 (760) 720-YOGA

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry
6. Harry Barker Tennis Balls and Teafco Collar From Dog Mania

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Holiday At The Rancho Gets Grinched

by The Editors on December 6, 2008

Holiranchoa

It was a perfect evening of holiday fun as the Carlsbad’s Leo Carrillo Ranch was magically transformed into Holiday at the Rancho tonight December 6, 2008 from 5-8 PM.

The evening featured crafts for the kids (Grinch masks and collars) with help from Miss Teen Carlsbad and her court, a bouncy bounce, soup in bread bowls and almost hot apple cider, a Christmas tree lighting by The Grinch himself, plus singing from the the Carlsbad Chamber Choir and music by the Carlsbad High School Chamber Orchestra.

The Grinch (who was as real as a Grinch could be) greeted everyone by the pool with a wicked smile and a furry lap. While at the other end of the ranch families enjoyed an outdoor showing of the Jim Carrey film, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Follow the jump for all the photos.
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Harry Balls

One walk down the seawall and it’s easy to tell that the dogs in Carlsbadistan are pretty much treated as equals by their owners. For this reason, we’re suggesting a few things for the dog’s stocking this holiday season. A new super-tech, Teafco Fydo Action Dog Collar ($20) or set of Harry Barker Vintage Tennis Balls ($9.99) from DogMania in the Shops at The Village Faire are a great way to make that canine in your life drool with glee. Plus, if dropping a ton of money on your pet is your thing there are more than a few surefire ways to spend it at DogMania.

Dog Mania, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 107 (7600 729-7177

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry

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The Grinch Steals Leo Carrillo Christmas

by The Editors on December 5, 2008

Grinch01-1Tomorrow night, December 6, 2008 from 5-8 PM Carlsbadistan’s Leo Carillo Ranch becomes Whoville as the Grinch Who Stole Christmas makes a “very special visit” to the ranch.

Crafts, warm soup, and beverages will be on sale and there will be crafts for the kids, a tree lighting, and a special showing of the classic Dr. Suess tale, How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Holiday At The Rancho, 5 to 8 PM Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying L.C. Lane

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Mulloys

If you rarely find yourself downtown on Carlsbadistan’s State street during normal business hours, you’ve probably only seen empty display cases in the windows of Mulloys Fine Jewlery. Do yourself a favor this holiday season and stop searching all over the county for bling. They’ve got a huge selection for both men and women.

While there are plenty of beautiful items to make any woman smile on Christmas morning, we know that some unmarried guys are a little afraid of putting any extra-small gifts under the tree this year. If you’re worried she’s going to think it’s a ring—strive for something that comes in a bigger box—like the one that comes with these 2.5 inch long dangly Marco Bicego 18K Yellowgold Jaipur Earrings with Amethyst, Pink Tourmaline, and Quartz earrings. Even if she’s hoping for something that slides on her finger, one look at these and there is no way she’ll be disappointed.

For women who are looking for that perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for corduroy, Converse, and Brixton-hat wearing boyfriend or brother, we’re going to drop in and suggest a classic pair of cufflinks. These pinstriped Sterling Silver Black Onyx cufflinks made by Ballou are the perfect accessory that he’ll love, but never buy for himself. Plus at a price that’s under a $150, they look good without costing a fortune.

Mulloys Fine Jewelry, 2978 State Street, (760) 729-5771

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot

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Santa Claus Is Coming To Carlsbadistan

by The Editors on December 4, 2008

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Hey kids, on Sunday afternoon December 7, 2008 Santa Claus is coming to town, but he won’t be in overweight sleigh pulled by countless raindeer. No. He will be riding on the back of an antique Carlsbadistan fire engine. Join Santa and his elves at The Shops at Village Faire at the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad Blvd.

There will be crafts, snacks, singing, dancing, and the annual Rotary Christmas tree lighting ceremony officiated by Mayor Bud Lewis. Click here for all the pictures and video from last year’s event.

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BottlesOften the gifts that keep on giving are the kind that few want to give and even less want to receive. When that gift is two or three bottles of interesting wine that arrive each month hand selected by Andy and Jen at The Wine Spot, then it’s something to look forward to.

We picked the Signature Club which features a montly selection of two to four quality, boutique wines (both red and white) and costs approximately $230 for six months. The thing we like most about this gift is that it will most likely be shared back again. And in this case that’s a good thing.

The Wine Spot, 2801 Roosevelt Street, (760) 434-9463

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge

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