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!” 