Laura Staude

According to the Wisconsin Realtors Association home sales in Jefferson County are up from this same time last year. This is good news for all the homes currently on the market today and any people listing their home soon. Of course we still have not seen the number of homes sold reach the level they were at 3 years ago but we are headed in the right direction.

Check out Cambridge's Holiday Lights in Ripley Park.

Location: Ripley Park in Cambridge - N4310 Park Rd.

Dates: December 2 – 25

Times: Sunday – Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Fee:$3.00 per car Sunday – Thursday

$4.00 per car Friday & Saturday

Bring your family and friends through this half mile quaint light display that will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Drive through the winter scenery in the comfort of your car.

Receive a free hot cocoa or cider when you bring a non-perishable food item for the food pantry.

This holiday season try shopping "out of the box" and buy all your gifts at local shops. You may be surprised at all of the great gifts you can find for the people on your list....Here are some great gift ideas to purchase locally.

• Hair Salon gift certificate - Everyone - yes EVERYONE - gets their hair cut.

• Activity center and gym membership - this is a great gift for any age.

• Car detailing or Quarterly oil change certificate - Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Purchase a gift certificate for them and help them take good care of their vehicle.

• Local Restaurant certificates - Whether the recipient uses them for a gourmet dinner, a few fun lunches, or a bunch of breakfasts, they will thank you over and over!

• Local cleaning person- Is there a special lady or family on your list? Everyone would appreciate the services of a cleaning person for a day, month, or forever!

• Lawn mowing service- We tend to forget about yard work this season, but who wouldn't appreciate a lawn mowing service or just a spring yard cleanup service!

• Check out local gift shops, jewelry stores, and galleries - they are full of unique and fantastic gift ideas!

• Computer repair gift certificate - almost everyone needs someone to check out their computer from time to time.

• Grocery Store, winery or brewery certficate - whether the person on your list is a food, wine, or beer connoisseur, they will appreciate the opportunity to select their favorite items.

No matter where you travel to, you will find wonderful local businesses that will help you check off your gift list this year!

Looking for something to do the first weekend of December? Then check out beautiful and spectacular homes all decked out for the holidays in Lake Mills and Watertown Wisconsin.

Lake Mills Parade of homes is on December 3 from 10am to 3pm and features 4 spectacular area homes. Tickets can be purchased for $10 in advance at several area businesses including: Rock Lake Activity Center, Water House Foods, Bungalo Pros, CV Hair Company, Eli Wedel Photo & Design, Aztalan Fields, and American Family Insurance.

Watertown Holiday Parade of Homes is set for Sunday December 4 from 1pm to 5pm featuring several area homes. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 at several area businesses including: Watertown Chamber of Commerce office, Upper Crust, Tribeca, Willows, and Generation Jewelers.

Hope you get a chance to check out these awesome events.

Shop at the Johnson Creek Premium Outlets in Johnson Creek, WI this weekend for the Deer Widows Weekend Event. Enjoy prizes, events, and savings throughout the weekend.

Event Begins Friday November 18 @ 6pm for a welcome reception and continues through Sunday November 20 at 7pm.

The first 150 shoppers on Saturday receive a welcome bag and the first 50 shoppers on Sunday receive a FREE GIFT!!!

For more information visit: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/salespdf/DeerWidowsJohnsonCreek2011.pdf

Happy Shopping!!