Is it just me, or are Americans infatuated with holiday flavors? Think of pumpkin spice for example. Towards the end of September coffee shops begin offering their pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie returns to the dessert lists at eateries, and harvest beers are released on tap and in liquor stores. I guess there's something about these flavors that helps us get into the holiday mindset. Other flavors that become more popular are apple, caramel, cinnamon, peppermint, and gingerbread, just to name a few. I guess there's something unique about saving these full, cozy tastes for this season. It offers us something to watch for as the weather gets colder and we begin to spend more time inside. Have you ever thought about where these flavors came from? Take cinnamon for instance... Cinnamon was first used in Sri Lanka, formerly called Ceylon and can be traced back to 2800 B.C. Throughout history, this spice was so highly desirable that wars have been fought over it! Used as a type of currency, medicine, for embalming (weird, eh?), and an aphrodisiac, cinnamon has been valued across the globe all through human history. That will give you something to ponder the next time you bite into a cinnamon roll! At the beginning of every holiday season I cannot wait to eat some holiday specialties for example a peppermint mocha (though I prefer mine with white chocolate) or a bite of apple crumble. Another of my favorites is gingerbread cookies with candy buttons. Yummy! 
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Treat on A Budget This Holiday Season
Monday, November 7, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Give Thanks This Thanksgiving
Why choose a season gift basket for the next life event fall is a nice time of the year to develop a new gift basket. Since it's harvest time for apples we have resolved to feature many variations of apples. Our container for this basket is an traditional bushel basket. We crammed it with caramel apple popcorn, sunflower seeds with dried apples and caramel bit in a snack mix assortment, cranberry cheddar cheese and apple cider just to record a few of the yummy tasting goodies. The naming of these seasonal offering is always cool so we came up with our Fall Harvest Gift Basket and our Thanksgiving Gourmet Gift Basket. 
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Business to Business Thanks
Thankful Ever since 1863, people in the U.S. have celebrated Thanksgiving by replicating the vision of the pilgrims and the Indians sitting down together for a celebratory meal. As beautiful as this image of friendship may well be, it is not reality. The account of pilgrims and Indians was one of unreciprocated amity. while the Indians presented the pilgrims with food and education to make do their first winter the pilgrims thanked them by antagonizing and laying siege to them. Even though this is not what we wish to think about as we get together to dine with our friends and family, perhaps it creates a new aspect to the holiday. The pilgrims were self-advancing and immoral. They took from the Indians and gave back in the most severe ways possible. Perhaps instead of imitating the dreamy image of the pilgrims and Indians as pals each Thanksgiving, we should reflect on the betrayal the Indians met at the hands of their "friends" the pilgrims. Now I don't mean to imply that Thanksgiving should be a serious day of reproach and tribute, but perhaps we should take the opportunity to reflect on our own relationships.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Celebrate a Baby With A Special Gift
Celebrate the Birth With A Special Gift A few days ago I received fantastic news... I am going to be an auntie (again)! One of my lifelong friends just learned that she's expecting and in about six months we will all be welcoming a little baby into this world. The instant she told me the news I started thinking about a baby shower, welcome presents, and all the toys, diapers and apparel that this babe is going to require. I commenced looking on the web for products to welcome a new little one and I found the Bearington Baby collection from Bearington Bear. Bearington Bear has been around for 14 years and in that short time they have won more design awards and nominations than any other teddy bear Organization. Not only are their products appealing and cuddly, but they are made to last. I was intrigued by these features. I don't think there's anything more special to a baby than their favorite stuffed animal or blankie. Often, by the time the child turns six, the teddy bear or security blanket which they've hung on to since birth is so worn that it becomes an eyesore that mama would rather not hang on to. This is unfortunate when you consider all the excellent memories these security items call to mind. Not to mention the security they install in the little one. I believe that spending a little more on a teddy bear that will last for much longer is worth every cent. 
Friday, July 29, 2011
Don't Forget Big Brother Big Sister Presents
Birth considered one of life's wonderful events no matter how many times you have experienced it with a family member, friends and co-workers is viewed a miracle. Why does it seem that the birth a child is always wonderful? The event is something that needs notice and celebration. possibly it is because we obviously realize that life does go on. It also reminds us of our own childhood and beginning. A brand new life filled with hope, joy and discovery. Statistics illustrate that in the US the new baby birth rate has been declining over the past 13 years. The drop in teen pregnancy has distinctly been one of the most important public health success stories of the past decade as well. Think about the recognition piece of this new born baby process can send an individual off into all kinds of directions. People welcome new born babies in lots of different way. Of course there is the fashionable new born baby gift to consider, if you are fortunate enough to be invited. This baby gift is something that you can give even if you live very far away. Welcome new baby can either be in themes like your first baby, we we don't have anything, to oh we know it's a we know it's a girl so bring on the pink things. There is also the corporate gifts for new babies that are customarily less personal and may even contain items for the parents as well. 
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Celebrating Education Achievements
Graduation is a significant life affair for anyone. Whether graduating from associate's program or obtaining a doctorate, graduation is an achievement worth celebrating. In the United States, achieving 57% of the population between the ages of 3 and 34 are registered in some type of degree program. Whether attending nursing school, medical school, or high school, these students are taking steps toward a brighter future. Of this 57%, only several will really graduate from high school and then of course postsecondary institutions as well. In 2009, 8.1% of High School Students dropped out of school without graduating. Of those who had commenced as Freshman in the class of 2006, about 75% graduated. When looking at Postsecondary Schools, the number of individuals who graduate are even smaller. In 2001, 38% of eligible students of 2 year institutions graduated along side 65% from 4 year institutions. This confirms that it takes hard work and determination to complete an education and this is why we should recognize those who see it through. My friend recently moved from Rhode Island to Colorado to complete his college education half way across the country. He is lucky enough to attend a university with several campuses across the county which allows him to transfer his credits without restraint from one state to another. He didn't leave because he was unhappy with the city in Rhode Island or in order to find a new social scene. His single reason for heading to Colorado was so that his family in California could go to his graduation ceremony. My friend is from a big Mexican family and he is the first in his family to graduate from university. For his family this is a huge accomplishment. He will not only be surrounded by family and lots of great food, but he can look forward to the generosity of gifts. Gift giving is an important part of any graduation celebration, because it gives family and friends an opportunity to let the graduate know that they are proud of them. Giving gifts is a way of showing that you support what the graduate is doing for their future as they plan for their future. As the graduation season approaches, remember the value of the words “Congratulations!” 
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Wine For Dad's Day Celebration
Father's Day Celebration I can't believe that Father's Day has officially only been around since 1972. It took 4 presidents and a Maine senator to eventually make it official. Mother’s Day had been around for roughly 60 years by then. Sonora Smart was the first person to propose Father’s Day to celebrate her Father who was left to raise his 6 children when his wife died giving birth to their 6th child. It was then proposed to complement Mother’s day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting. Today Father's Day is celebrated on a variety of dates around the planet and typically involves gift-giving, amazing dinners to fathers, and family-oriented activities. To help in support of Father’s day young members of the YMCA went to church wearing a rose: a red rose to celebrate a living father, and a white rose to celebrate a deceased one. Interestingly enough Father's Day was in jeopardy of disappearing from the calendar while Mother's Day was met with eagerness, Father's Day was often met with snickering. 
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Easter Treats and Sweets
Do you remember the feeling of eagerness you had as a young child getting up on Christmas morning? I recall rushing down the staircase as soon as I awoke and shaking my parents awake, asking them if we could open our presents from Santa. Although I never knew what to expect in my stocking or under the Christmas tree, there were always Christmas customs which I could look forward to from year to year. One of the best Christmas customs was always the sweets and goodies I would uncover in my stocking and from the kitchen, which was toasty and cozy from all the baking. With such a vast selection of cookies, chocolates, and peppermint candies, I could give myself a belly ache by noon! Christmas was the only time of year when I was allowed to eat whatever I wanted all day long. Think of the children you love in your life and what Christmas time means to them. Whether you have tender memories of singing Christmas carols with your nieces and nephews on the way home from church on Christmas eve, or joyfully remember sneaking around and playing Santa Clause to bring that mystical twinkle to your own children’s eyes, there are many basic things you can do to create those holiday memories that a child will look back on so fondly for years to come. One thing that makes Christmas so wonderful is the decorations and holiday trim you find everywhere. At Baskets By Rita we pride ourselves in the appearance of each of our baskets. We care just as much about how our baskets look on the outside as how they taste on the inside. Inside each of our holiday gift baskets you will find a collection of cookies, chocolates, drink mixes made for snuggling up by the fire, candies, nuts and popcorn, and snack mixes. Who could ask for a more ideal gift for a friend? 
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Mother's Day Type Gifts
Mother's Day as we know it is a sort of recent holiday, though it is simply not a Hallmark holidays established to sell more cards. There are a number of Mothering day or mommy-focused holidays in history which includes Mothering Day in the UK, Cybele in ancient Greece, or Mothering Sunday in much of Europe. Mothers Day was invented by Anna Jarvis in 1912. Mother's day was distinctively chosen to be a singular possessive meaning it was suitable for each family to honor their mother, not plural possessive that would be used to honor all the mothers of the world. Following congressional approval, It was officially accepted on May 9, 1914 when president Woodrow Wilson made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's day as a national holiday to be held on the 2nd Sunday of May. Mother's Day has thereafter observed by many other countries and cultures. In many cases, the date was changed to fit current celebrations or to complement with a significant date in which the majority are based on religion. consequently, Mother's Day is celebrated in February in Norway and on December 22nd in Indonesia, with a number of other dates in between celebrated by other people. One of the ceremonies of Mother's Day is to give your mother a surprise along with best wishes as a way to honor her. If you live near by (and are seeing your mom regularly!) you most likely have a great idea what to buy her. On the other hand, those of us that don't live near by can be at a total loss. Consider the interests Mom take pleasure in a perhaps send her a present with that theme. Gift baskets are wonderful when it comes to gifts with a theme. If your mom plays golf there are golf themed baskets. Possibly she is into tea and relaxation then look for a nice tea baskets or a relaxing pamper basket. Maybe she take pleasure in fine wine and you know she prefers red wine or white wine or even champagne. There are several great wine gift baskets to select from that feature wine so that would make a best mothers day gift basket. The possibilities are many and what a gift baskets does, is give you a nice variety of goodies that she will enjoy with the theme she will appreciate. Rather than sending kitchen gadgets yet again this year, you might possibly consider a Monet's Fruit and Cheese Basket. Imagine sunshine bathing a meadow near a seaside town in the old country…a beautiful bounty — available this time of year — and any time of year… This fruit and cheese basket has pleased palettes since the days of early impressionist painting. Our split willow and rope weave basket is a treasure trove of fruit, cheeses, crackers, and world-class chocolates and nuts. Picked at the peak of perfection, our fruits are the very best of the season with hand-picked and delectable cheeses selected from dedicated cheese makers— a perfect symphony of the healthiest foods that celebrate life, friendship, wellness, and express the timeless desire to share the best life has to offer. Please choose 2nd day air when shipping this basket outside Colorado. Another thing to think about here is the useful factor. What I mean by this is quite a few of the gifts that you give your Mother are either unneeded or something she will never us. 
Thursday, February 17, 2011
When Do We Celebrate Easter
Easter observes Jesus Christ’s resurrection, making it the ultimate essential of all Christian holy days. However, now the meaning of the holiday is covered by colored eggs and bunnies. Easter can fall any day between March 22 and April 25 since is occurs the first Sunday following the full moon. Easter is also connected to the Jewish Passover in symbolism and it’s location in the calendar. What’s with Bunnies and eggs and Easter? Well the bunny is a well know sexual image of fertility. Religions associated with Babel link the rabbit with periodicity, both human and lunar. The Mother Goddess Semiramis (Easter) is linked with the moon. Therefore, the Easter rabbit characterizes the Mother Goddess and is linked with once a year Spring time fertility rituals worshiping the Mother Goddess. Colored Easter eggs are a part of the festivities too that came from the egg which was a religious symbol among the Babylonians. They assumed that a amazing size egg dropped from heaven into the Euphrates River from which the Goddess Semiramis was hatched.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Survival gift for lawyers during Bar Exam
A Time to De-stress If you know a tax preparer, CPA, lawyer or a college student, you may be aware of the stresses they undergo this time of year. Preparing for and cranking through reams of paperwork or studying for midterms, finals, or that big test can honestly take it out of an individual. You often can’t be there to help them, but want to demonstrate to them that you are thinking of them. We don't want you to have to stress out trying to come up with something to lighten their stress, so we have a few ideas. These are quick to choose and easy to order if you feel it’s best suited for your situation. These items are organized in two buckets – first items to help someone cope during the peak period. These are frequently caffeine and chocolate rich items that will help keep them going. Second are items to help them wind down. One thing busy people can always use is a few munchies to hold them over until their next meal or to help them with their “all nighter”. 
Baskets by Rita has a handful of timely ideas for gifts that can help that student, lawyer or CPA during those long days. For the caffeine dependent night owl, there’s the Chocolate and Coffee basket that mixes assorted chocolates with Starbucks frappuchino and coffees. Here are two tastes they will enjoy and keep things cranking into the wee hours. If they don't enjoy coffees but could still use a bit of caffeine, a stress relief basket could offer just what you need. This basket includes a can of Red Bull with a nice variety of munchies. They also get a stress ball to squeeze when a client (or professor) is being particularly difficult. The survival gift basket is another nice choice. It contains caffeine both in the Monster drink as well as the frappuccino. It also contains a nice mix of convenient munchies to to get them through. OK, so much for the caffeine laden choices. You might really help them relax after a endless day. If caffeine is the last thing they should have, you might look into something to help them relax after a stressful day. Our first option is focused on the hard-working woman. A very good choice for relaxation is the survival gift baskets. This comes in a galvanized metal tub filled with lotions, scrubs, soaps and even a relaxing CD. This is undoubtedly the most romantic choice on this list. A gift that will soothe the overstressed frantic people in your life is a gift indeed. If you like this article please follow us on Facebook or Twitter. http://www.basketsbyrita.com http://www.basketsbyrita.com/Chocolate-and-Coffee-Gift-Basket_p_56.html http://www.basketsbyrita.com/Stress-Relief-Gift-Basket_p_50.html http://www.basketsbyrita.com/Luxury-Spa-Gift-Basket_p_143.html http://www.facebook.com/basketsbyrita http://twitter.com/basketsbyrita
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Romance on Valentines Day
Romance is in the air and in the Chocolate around the middle of February. Every Valentine’s Day it would seem like people give the identical thing. A box of chocolates, a cheesy teddy bear, spa products, sexy undies, jewelry, it’s all totally predictable! While nearly all people wouldn’t complain about acquiring a gift from someone they love, there have got to more personal ways of revealing your love and affection. If you feel like your gifts are becoming redundant from year to year and you want to step it up a notch, why not make something yourself that says that you took the time to create something that comes from your heart. Not only will this mean more, but it will be unique and genuinely convey your feelings in a way that no greeting card can. Here are some ideas that will show you really care. You could Create a picture collage. Gather up the best pictures of the two of you and put them together in a book or spread them out somewhere where they will see them. Spend time going through them together and reminiscing about all the memories. These are great ways to show that special someone how much you really care on that one day of the year declared I love you day. There are lots creative ideas for creating romance without spending lots of money such as Concoct an assortment of sensual spa products. Find a few recipes online to make your own bubble bath solution or salt or sugar scrub. These are often easy to make from ingredients which you likely have at home or can buy at the store. Make these products and present them in a decorative jar or bag. I love Valentines day with all this positive energy of love and romance and caring. If all else fails you could Create a scavenger hunt. Come up with clever clues which you can write out on decorative clue cards leading your loved one around town or just around the house from one clue to the next. At the end, present them with a gift or set the mood with a romantic hideaway which they’ve worked for by answering all of the clues correctly. 