Colorado: A Pretty Place With Bold Taste

As a native of Colorado, it really baffles me just how much the state has grown up in the last several years. During my time in France everyone would ask me where I was from. When I told them I came from Colorado, they would all snicker and say "Oh, like Doctor Quinn!" I can tell you that the Colorado of today is extremely different from the world of Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman. Since the millennium the state's population has increased by over 750,000. Once recognized for our vast expanses of land, these are rapidly becoming a sight of the past, but I suppose we can only blame ourselves for this. Colorado has become a highly captivating place to start a life. Louisville, Colorado was labeled the best place to live in Money Magazine's top 100 list for 2011. Apart from Louisville, four other Colorado towns made the list. Quite remarkable, huh? I imagine if we would stop becoming recognized for these types of things we wouldn't have so many newcomers from far and wide. But who wouldn't love looking outside to a spectacular rocky mountain backdrop every single morning? Not only are our towns gaining acknowledgement for the quality of life they provide to their inhabitants, but Colorado is home to many respected businesses. One industry that we are particularly fond of here at Baskets By Rita is the gourmet food industry. Not only is Colorado acknowledged for big restaurants including Old Chicago, Chipotle, Noodles & Company, Quizno's, and Good Times, but Colorado is also home to various premium food producers as well. At Baskets By Rita we carry products from Colorado companies such as Bhakti Chai, Bobo's Oat Bars, Celestial Seasonings, Chocolove, and Boulder Natural Foods, all of which are based in Boulder, Colorado. It seems as though there's something about Boulder that compels people to create health inspired, irresistible foods. If you are not acquainted with all of these companies, you may be familiar with other Colorado names including Hammond's Candies, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Larabar, and Too Haute Cowgirls. Perhaps I'm a bit of a foodie, but if the mountains don't draw new citizens in, I would imagine that companies similar to these would entice people to relocate to Colorado. Oh, and did I include that there are over 120 breweries in the state? Colorado has been referred to as the Napa Valley of the beer world. What more can I say? our state is wonderful! If I have succeeded in wetting your appetite and you're now itching for Colorado made food and beer why not purchase a Eco Gift Bag Colorado from us and try some for yourself. Save the environment with our Colorado Eco-Friendly Green Gift Bags. Eco-bags come in a variety of price ranges. Choose a gift that isn't in a basket or a box but instead a 100% recycled reusable non-woven bag with our own Colorado logo design. Perhaps if you try one of our baskets and love the food enough, you too will possibly consider moving to the centennial state. Like this blog? Share it on Facebook or Twitter.  http://www.basketsbyrita.com/Eco-Gift-Bag-Colorado_p_7.html

Sugar and Spice, My Holiday Vice

Is it just me, or are Americans infatuated with seasonal flavors? Consider pumpkin spice for example. Towards the end of summer cafes start to offer their pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin cheesecake returns to the dessert menus at diners, and full-bodied beers are released on tap and in liquor stores. I guess there is something about these flavors that moves us into the holiday mood. Other tastes that become more fashionable are apple, caramel, cinnamon, peppermint, and gingerbread, to name a few. Perhaps there is something special about saving these vibrant, pleasant flavors for this season. It gives us something to count on as the weather gets colder and we begin to spend more time at home. Have you ever considered where these flavors came from? Consider cinnamon for example... Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, previously known as Ceylon and can be linked back to 2800 B.C. Through history, this spice was so strongly cherished that wars have been fought over it! Used as a sort of money, medicine, for embalming (peculiar, eh?), and an aphrodisiac, cinnamon has been highly valued all over the earth throughout human history. That will give you something to consider the next time you bite into a cinnamon roll! At the beginning of each holiday season I cannot wait to stuff myself full of some seasonal treats for instance a peppermint mocha (though I prefer mine with white chocolate) or a bite of apple crumble. Another of my favorites is gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting. YUM! I am salivating just writing about this! What if this holiday season you could deliver someone the perfect gift of all of these flavors? If you know someone who might need a little holiday cheer, mail them a Chocolate Christmas Gift Basket from Baskets By Rita. A Chocolate Christmas Gift Basket for the chocolate lover. This beautiful brown faux leather reusable and collapsible file box with a lid is overflowing with chocolaty goodness. A six pack of milk chocolate and dark chocolate assorted truffles, Ghirardelli chocolates, Chocolove chocolate bar, Godiva bar, chocolate covered fruit candies, fresh baked brownie, triple chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate caramel bar, chocolate covered coffee beans, chocolate pecan Turtles, chocolate dipped biscotti, and more. Take it easy on yourself this year with your holiday shopping and leave the hard part up to us. While you're at it, why not order a little something for yourself? At the end of the day, the holidays are meant 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/Chocolate-Christmas-Gift-Basket-_p_141.html