Baskets By Rita, a Colorado Gift Basket Company, Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

Ten years after being laid off from Agilent Technologies, Marge Van Woerkom and her business, Baskets By Rita, are still going strong. As a previous Reporter Herald article outlined, Van Woerkom was one of many Loveland residents who found themselves unemployed in 2002 when HP and Agilent downsized. After 19 years of working for HP and Agilent, Van Woerkom refused to be a victim of her situation. She pulled herself together after the lay off and bought an existing business in Aurora, Colorado. She chose not to change the company's existing name, Baskets By Rita, which already had a strong reputation in the Denver metro area and this choice has served her well. "We've built our business on the philosophy that the customer come first" says Van Woerkom.
Since Van Woerkom took ownership of the company, she has managed to grow sales despite the economic recession of the past few years. In addition, she has grown the company's clientele and web presence year over year with the help of her staff and dedicated members of her family. As a sign of its ongoing growth, Baskets By Rita began plans several months ago to create a sister company, Gift Agent. Gift Agent will offer customers a slightly more specialized product line packaged in specialty boxes which will allow the company to be more eco-friendly and create more of a recognized brand identity. The hope is that receiving a gift from Gift Agent will be comparable in recipients' minds to receiving a box of Godiva chocolates. While Gift Agent gives cause for much excitement at Baskets By Rita, that is not the only exciting news for the company.
This year, Baskets By Rita is celebrating it's 20th year of business. While many other gift basket companies have gone out of business, Van Woerkom and her staff have managed to maintain steady growth despite the public's growing need to economize. To show their gratitude for the continued support of their customers and celebrate their 20 years of success, Baskets By Rita has planned a series of sales promotions for each month of the year. These promotions include deals such as 15% off when you spend $50 or more and a gift of a free basket for the winner of a video commercial contest. For every dollar saved by their customers through these ongoing promotions, Baskets By Rita will donate a dollar to a local charity. Each month, the company will choose two local charities to support and they will match the savings of their customers to determine the donation amount. The best part of this campaign is that customers are encouraged to vote for their favorite charities so that everyone can be involved. As a local business, Baskets By Rita does its best to support local programs and Van Woerkom is excited to have an excuse to give back even more than her usual holiday charitable donations. Like us on Facebook and vote for your local charity. When doing so we will send you a coupon code for 20% off your next purchase.

Easter Gift Filled and Ready To Ship

The Origin of the Easter Bunny Have you ever questioned where the myth of the Easter Bunny came from? I mean really, do the Easter Bunny and colored eggs really have anything to do with Jesus’ resurrection? The conclusion is no. The legend of the Easter Bunny dates back to the 13th century and came from pre-Christian Germany. The pagan people of the period worshipped numerous gods and goddesses. The goddess of spring and fertility was named Eostra, which is where the word Easter came from. In most cultures, spring is the season of new birth. On account of this, Eostra’s mark was the rabbit. The rabbit signified regeneration since rabbits are well recognized for their excessive rate of reproduction. Eventually, this symbol of Eostra result in other legends and in the 1500s, the first story of the Easter Bunny was recorded. Now that you understand where the Easter Bunny comes from you are possibly thinking to know about the eggs. Eggs have been a symbolic representation of fertility for generations and were likely included in early pagan festivals of spring. As Christianity became more widespread in Europe and in Germany, previous pagan ceremonies began to mesh with fresh Christian celebrations. Currently, we know that Easter eggs represent Jesus’ resurrection. Over the years the Easter Bunny legend developed yet further and became what we know it as today. Similar to the legend of Santa Clause, German parents would tell their children that if they were good the Easter Bunny would arrive and bring eggs that that could be traded for sweets and other treats. People began the tradition of making nests for the eggs and these nests ultimately transformed into the bright colorful Easter baskets that we have today. The fable of the Easter Bunny first reached the United States in the 1700s when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania. Currently, this Easter myth is a common piece of our traditions as are dozens of other traditions which come from the countries of origin of our immigrant ancestors. If you would like to take the role of the Bunny this year, order a gift basket such as our Family Easter Basket for people you love. Baskets By Rita has quite a few Easter baskets to choose between and is offering 10% off all Easter gift baskets for the whole month of March. Here's the perfect way to say Happy Easter to your family and friends on Easter Sunday. This filled Easter basket has something for everyone in the family. We've included a cuddly plush bunny, cheddar cheese, crackers, butterfly cookies, popcorn, deluxe mixed nuts, gourmet Jelly Belly jelly beans, solid chocolate Easter bunny, three cheese snack mix, Scone mix, Strawberry Jam, Starbuck's Coffee, and an assortment of individually wrapped Easter candy eggs. http://www.basketsbyrita.com/assets/images/family-easter-basket.jpg http://www.basketsbyrita.com

Something worth living for

Love... quite possibly the most potent word in any language. This tiny one syllable word has caused combat, disloyalty, and madness, but it can also cause serenity, unforeseen journeys, and unmatched inspiration. How does it come to be that a thing that is often so good can push us to such bad? The French, well-known for romance, have many fascinating love stories to share. For example, the story of the sculptor Rodin and his mistress Camille Claudel. Claudel worked under Rodin when they began their affair. His unwillingness to leave his wife for her drove Claudel insane and she demolished quite a lot of her pieces of art during episodes of paranoia which was a symptom of her schizophrenia. Claudel spent the last 30 years of her life in a home for the insane. How might a force that can force a person to such intense levels of grief be the one thing that we all search for in this world? Conversely, let us consider another french couple. Voltaire and Emilie du Chatelet carried on a 15 year long romance which was frowned upon by the public, but permitted by Chatelet's husband, the Marquis Florent-Claude du Chatelet. Chatelet and Voltaire shared a strong academic link and spent time philosophizing together, collecting books for their library, and providing recommendations on each other's work in mathematics and science. Their shared values and dedication to each other fueled their love even after her death. After her death, Voltaire wrote of Chatelet, "It is not a mistress I have lost but half of myself, a soul for which my soul seems to have been made." Regardless of her arranged marriage to the Marquis, the passion between Chatelet and Voltaire was endured and not envied. They were the subject of ridicule but were allowed to live their lives together in shared admiration. Their story demonstrates love in its greatest form. In my mind, love is the one and only thing worth living for. Whether it's love of kin, love of something, or love for a spouse, without love life is empty. Perhaps this is why love can force us to such extreme limits. For some people, love is worth dying for. For other people, it is worth living for. As Valentine's Day approaches love is on all our minds. I wish each and every one of you a beautiful love story packed with all the best love presents and none of the worst. This Valentine's Day, show your love with a Valentine Wine Gift Basket from Baskets By Rita.Send a Valentine's day wine gift basket with a bottle of white wine, two wine glasses and a compliment of assorted munchies. Chardonnay Havarti Cheese spread, Beef Summer Sausage, Gourmet Crackers, Smoked Gouda Cheese, Trail Mix, Caramel corn, Cookies, Chocolove dark chocolate bar with a love poem on the label, snack mix, and milk chocolate truffles. Everyone needs a little reminder sometimes of exactly how much we are loved.

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Stress Relief Gift Baskets

Stress Relief Gift Baskets

Love... You can't live with it, you can't live without it

Love... likely the most potent word in any language. This simple one syllable word has been the reason for warfare, betrayal, and insanity, but it can also cause peace, unpredicted journeys, and unmatched ingenuity. How is it possible that a thing that should be so great can steer us to so much bad? The French, recognized for l'amour, have many intriguing love stories to tell. For example, the story of the sculptor Rodin and his lover Camille Claudel. Claudel worked under Rodin when they fell for each other. His unwillingness to leave behind his wife for her drove Claudel insane and she destroyed A good deal of her sculptures during periods of paranoia a result of her schizophrenia. Claudel spent the last 30 years of her life in an insane asylum. How can a force that can bring someone to such intense levels of anguish be the one thing that we all look for in our lives? http://www.basketsbyrita.com/assets/images/i love you balloon bouquet.jpg
However, let us look at another french couple. Voltaire and Emilie du Chatelet shared a 15 year long romance which was looked down upon by the public, but permitted by Chatelet's husband, the Marquis Florent-Claude du Chatelet. Chatelet and Voltaire shared a healthy intellectual link and spent time philosophizing together, accumulating books for their library, and providing input on each other's findings in mathematics and science. Their shared values and devotion to each other fueled their love even after she passed away. Upon her death, Voltaire wrote of Chatelet, "It is not a mistress I have lost but half of myself, a soul for which my soul seems to have been made." Regardless of her arranged marriage to the Marquis, the affection between Chatelet and Voltaire was permitted and not envied. They were the subject of disdain but were permitted to live their lives together in shared affection. Their story illustrates love in its ideal form. In my point of view, love is the one thing worth living for. Whether it's love of kin, love of one particular thing, or love for a spouse, with no love life is insignificant. Maybe that is why love can force us to such extremes. For many, love is worth dying for. For other people, it is worth living for. As Valentine's Day approaches love is on everyone's minds. I wish everyone a happy love story complete with all the best love may bring and none of the worst. This Valentine's Day, reveal your love with a I Love You Balloon Bouquet from Baskets By Rita.I Love You Balloons are a great way to send you message of love on Valentine's day. Our I love you balloon bouquet comes in several different options. Send just the bouquet or add balloons to one of our Romantic Gifts or our Valentine's Day Gifts. Hand delivered in the Metro Denver area only. Everyone needs a small reminder sometimes of simply how much we are loved. If you like this blog, be sure to forward it on via Twitter or Facebook. Thanks a bunch! http://www.basketsbyrita.com/I-Love-You-Balloon-Bouquet_p_270.html

Valentines for The Boyfriends

Valentines for The Men Everyone knows that Valentine's Day is the time to proclaim your love to your husband. The problem is that it can be in reality quite hard for you ladies to figure out what to get for your guy. You could always get something naughty for yourself and use this as your present to him, but for many couples this just won't fly. diamonds are the time-honored gifts, but candidly, ladies like these presents more than your guy does. You could buy him an a new TV, but then you most likely won't hear a word from him for the next two weeks. So, what's a girl to do? Let beer be the answer! Here's a pretty safe bet that he'll love it. Now, don't just go buy a six-pack of Bud and drop it on his lap; only other guys can be so insensitive. Be creative,Go to your computer and wander over to basketsbyrita.com and order a Valentine beer tub to be delivered to his work. This will cost a little more than a six pack, definitely it will be SO worth it. Think about his shock when the courier come in (or FedEx package) with a beer tub full of well known microbrews and appropriate food items. Have the enclosure card says something like "I thought you'd love this almost as much as me. See you tonight! Love." The office staff will be flipping over this gift. The women will all be saying "oh, how wonderful" and the guys will be wondering what lame thing their spouse/girl friend got them. You can be sure the guys will be saying "Oh man, how amazing!" We can even put a few extra chocolates in the tub that he can share with you. If he's really a cool guy, he'll share the beer with you. You won't give him a guilt trip if he doesn't will you? http://www.basketsbyrita.com

Treat on A Budget This Holiday Season

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! I am salivating just talking about this! What if this year you could send someone the perfect gift of every one of these flavors? If you have in mind someone who could use a tiny bit of holiday cheer, mail them a from Baskets By Rita. Our sparkling metal basket in assorted holiday colors is the perfect way to say "Happy Holidays!" to your employees, friends and family. filled with white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, Ghirardelli chocolate squares, Aspen hot apple cider, Jelly Belly candies, caramel corn, pistachios, a fudge brownie, and sweet and savory Trail mix. Take it easy on yourself this year with your holiday shopping and leave the work up to us. While you're at it, why not order a little something for yourself? Ultimately, the holidays are intended to be enjoyable! If you found this blog interesting, why not share it with your friends on Facebook or Twitter? Thanks for the repost! http://www.basketsbyrita.com/assets/images/holiday sampler gift basket.jpg http://www.basketsbyrita.com/Holiday-Sampler-Gift-Basket_p_112.html