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. 
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Colorado: A Pretty Place With Bold Taste
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Earth Friendly gift Giving
Let's give consideration to ways to be eco-friendly for the holiday this season. Everyone is atempting to get on the band wagon of going green. Not only is it very good for the economy but it is also perfect for the pocket book. In these years of economic downturn and this eco mind set let's take a look at various ways to be friendly and save money. Buy a live tree or possibly a artificial Christmas tree. Live trees can be planted and appreciated for years. If you don't have a yard for planting one then get an artificial one you can use each year. If you put up Christmas lights purchase led lights if you can afford it. If not, then be sure to have your lights on a timer and only run them from sunset until you go to bed. No need lighting up the darkness when no one is out to get pleasure from them. Wrap your gifts it recycled paper and decorate gifts with previously used ribbon and sparkles. You can also do what we have done for years, and wrap your presents in handmade fabric bags that can used year after year. The disadvantage of these bags is that they are easy to open so someone might possibly peek if they truly wanted to. Choose greeting card printed on recycled paper. You could very well even not bother with the post office this year and send e-card in its place. Avoid the shopping at malls this year. Spending hours trying hard to find the perfect gift wastes tremendous amounts of time and money. You can go shopping online and still buy from local companies as well. Think about products that you trust they will use, need and enjoy. Everyone enjoys yummy food and everyone needs to eat so think about giving a Colorado food gift. Now take this just a bit further and take a look at a gourmet food gift that comes in an Earth-friendly recycled reusable shopping bag. 