Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Fruit and Cheese Gift For Easter
Bunny Tales Have you ever wondered where the story of the Easter Bunny comes from? I mean really, do the Easter Bunny and eggs really say anything about Jesus's resurrection? The answer is no. The history of the Easter Bunny started in the 13th century and originates from pre-Christian Germany. The pagan people of the time period worshipped numerous gods and goddesses. The goddess of spring and fertility was named Eostra, which is where the name Easter comes from. As most people know, spring is the season of new birth. Because of this, Eostra's representation was the rabbit. The rabbit indicated fertility due to the fact that rabbits are well renowned for their large rate of breeding. In time, this image of Eostra brought about other myths and in the 1500s, the first tale of the Easter Bunny was published. Now since you know where the Easter Bunny originates from you are almost certainly thinking about the origin of the eggs. Eggs have been a sign of fertility for hundreds of years and were likely included in early pagan festivals of spring. As Christianity became more widespread in Europe and in Germany, ancient pagan ceremonies began to mesh with new Christian holidays. Currently, we say that Easter eggs represent Jesus's resurrection. Over time the Easter Bunny myth developed yet further and grew to become what we know it as today. Comparable to the fable of Santa Clause, German families would convince their children that if they were well behaved the Easter Bunny would come and lay eggs that that could be traded for sweets and other treats. People began the tradition of creating nests for the eggs and these nests gradually transformed into the bright colored Easter baskets which we have these days. 
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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. 
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
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? 
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Thanksgiving Truth In Gifts
Ever since the 19th century, US citizens have commemorated Thanksgiving by duplicating the concept of the pilgrims and the Indians sitting down together for a pleasant feast. As lovely as this concept of friendship might be, it is not true. The record of pilgrims and Indians was one of unwelcome amity. while the Indians furnished the pilgrims with food and expertise to stay alive their first winter the pilgrims gave thanks to them by declaring war and striking them. Even though this is not what we want to picture as we get together to celebrate with our loved ones, maybe it creates a new perspective to the holiday. The pilgrims were greedy and immoral. They took from the Indians and repaid them in the most severe ways possible. Perhaps instead of imitating the idealistic idea of the pilgrims and Indians as companions each Thanksgiving, we should contemplate on the disloyalty the Indians encountered at the hands of their "friends" the pilgrims. Now I don't mean to imply that Thanksgiving should be a formal day of reproach and retrospection, but perhaps we should take the occasion to consider our own relationships. Of all the things we offer thanks for on Thanksgiving, the many people we cherish should be at the very top. 
Friday, October 14, 2011
Interesting Fun Get Well Gift Basket
Fun Get Well Gift Basket Every Get well condition is unique. Sometimes the person was absolutely fine one day and terribly ill the next. This might be from an accident or surgery to correct a problem or even an illness that has taken it's grip. Understanding this is very important when deciding upon a gift to say get well soon we miss you. If the person has had surgery then there might be dietary restrictions to consider. On the other hand it might be a sport injury and they will be well again in no time. I want to talk about the lighter side of get well where your present, words and actions all give joy, laughter and relaxation. There is lots of work being done with music therapy to help promote healing. Laughter has also been credited withlowering blood pressure and lowering stress levels. With all this in mind we should mainly think sending gifts to the ailing that have a fun get well theme. Funny get well gifts come in all types. Some take the word fun to the extreme without considering to the fact that fun or funny means entirely different things to different people. People can have a little laugh about a giant white chocolate aspirin. Most people will find a clean joke book humorous too. 
Friday, October 7, 2011
Luxury for The Ladies
Send a Pamper Package Month after month I waste a significant amount of money on salon and relaxation services. Every time I turn around I'm in need of another manicure, day at the salon, laser hair removal appointment, or waxing appointment. In addition to these forms of beauty remedies, everyday stress pushes me to splurge for bimonthly massage therapy and chiropractor visits and the occasional hot bath. Without doubt the cost of makeup and various other pamper products raise the expense as well. At month's end I've spent the contents of my checking account simply to maintain myself. Speak of stress! Several months ago I started to consider ways to reduce these payments without making too many sacrifices. 
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)