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.

Great Ways To Say Thanks To Mom

Mother's Day as we know it is a more or less recent holiday, though it is not really a Hallmark holiday designed to sell more cards. There are a number of Mothering day or Mother-focused holidays in history which includes Mothering Day in the UK, Cybele in ancient Greece, or Mothering Sunday in much of Europe. Mother's Day was invented by Anna Jarvis in 1912. Mother's day was especially chosen to be a singular possessive meaning it was intended for each family to remember their mother, not plural possessive that would be used to honor all the mothers of the world. Following congressional passage, It was officially identified on May 9, 1914 when president Woodrow Wilson made the official report proclaiming Mother's day as a national holiday to be celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May. Mother's Day has eventually celebrated in many other countries and cultures. In many cases, the date was changed to fit existing celebrations or to assort with with a significant date in which the majority are based on religion. Consequently, Mothers Day is celebrated in February in Norway and on December 22nd in Indonesia, with other dates in between celebrated by other countries and cultures. One of the traditions of Mother's Day is to give your mom a gift along with good wishes as a way to honor her. If you live close by (and are seeing your mom regularly!) you no doubt have a fine idea what to get her. On the flip side, those of us that don't live close by can be at a complete loss. Consider the interests Mom enjoys a perhaps send her a gift with that theme. Gift baskets are outstanding when it comes to gifts with a theme. If your mom plays golf there are golf themed gift baskets. Perhaps she is into tea and relaxation then look for a nice tea baskets or a relaxing spa basket. Maybe she likes fine wine and you know she favors red wine or white wine or even champagne. There are lots of great wine gift baskets to select from that feature wine so that would make a appropriate Mother's day basket. The possibilities are many and what a gift baskets does, is give you a nice variety of goodies that she will delight in with the theme she will appreciate. Rather than sending kitchen gadgets yet again this year, you could consider a The Thank-Full Gift Basket. 1 We feel a gift basket should be a masterpiece for the art of appreciation. You'll give a fun message of gratitude in every delectable way imaginable with:Starbucks house blend ground coffee, Starbucks bottled cappuccino, roasted salted nuts, natural hickory smoked beef summer sausage, Shortbread thank you cookies, caramel popcorn, wine flavored cheddar cheese, crackers, chocolate bar, gourmet snack mix and candies. Another thing to think about here is the useful factor. What I mean by this is lots of of the gifts that you give your mom are either unessential or something she will never us. So, consider something green, useful and best of all reusable. The green and reusable is the container which could be a reusable basket or perhaps a 100% recycled reusable shopping bag. The useful is the great gourmet foods or the high quality lotions and soaps in the basket. Why not send her something unique and amazing this Mother's day! Even if you live far away or right down the street these gifts can be delivered. Happy Mother's Day! If you like what you have read here please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. http://www.basketsbyrita.com http://www.basketsbyrita.com/The-Thank-Full-Gift-Basket_p_23.html

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EASTER BASKETS FOR BOYS

EASTER BASKETS FOR BOYS

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. The legend of the Easter Bunny first reached the USA in the 1700s when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania. Nowadays, this Easter custom is a significant piece of our traditions along with plenty of other traditions which come from the countries of origin of our immigrant forefathers. If you'd like to take the role of the Bunny this year, purchase a gift such as our Monet's Fruit and Cheese Basket for people you love. Baskets By Rita has numerous Easter baskets to choose between and is providing 10% off all Easter gift baskets for the month of March. Imagine sunshine bathing a meadow near a seaside town in the old country…a beautiful bounty — available this time of year — and any time of year… This fruit and cheese basket has pleased palettes since the days of early impressionist painting. Our split willow and rope weave basket is a treasure trove of fruit, cheeses, crackers, and world-class chocolates and nuts. Picked at the peak of perfection, our fruits are the very best of the season with hand-picked and delectable cheeses selected from dedicated cheese makers— a perfect symphony of the healthiest foods that celebrate life, friendship, wellness, and express the timeless desire to share the best life has to offer. http://www.basketsbyrita.com

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

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. Thanksgiving is not only a chance for us to share our many blessings with our loved ones, but to show our gratitude for their sincere friendship. This Thanksgiving you might contemplate offering a little something extra to express thanks. Why not thank your loved ones for their love and support by delivering them a Fall Harvest Gift Basket from Baskets By Rita? We've harvested some great fall goodies for our Fall Harvest Gift Basket. Our bushel style basket is filled with apple cider, cranberry cheddar cheese, crackers, pumpkin cookies, sausage, candy corn, an apple flavored fruit and nut bar, apple crispy-crunchy-chewy-chocolaty snack mix in a tube, chips and salsa, maple crunch coffee, and chocolate candy coated coffee beans. What a fall feast to send for an office celebration, thank you, get well or welcome gift!