Love... perhaps the most effective word in any language. This tiny one syllable word has been the cause of combat, treachery, and insanity, but it is also the reason for harmony, unexpected adventures, and unprecedented inventiveness. How does it come to be that a thing that should be so good can drive us to so much evil? The French, acknowledged for love, have many interesting love stories to share. Take the story of the sculptor Rodin and his mistress Camille Claudel. Claudel sculpted for Rodin when they fell in love. His unwillingness to leave his wife for her drove Claudel insane and she demolished quite a lot of her artworks 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 can a power that can drive someone to such bouts of depression be the one thing that we all seek in this world? 
Saturday, December 24, 2011
A Reflection on Love
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Famous Colorado Food Gift Ideas
As a Colorado native, it seriously amazes me just how much this state has changed in the last ten years. While living in France people would ask me where I came from. When I informed them I came from Colorado, they would all laugh and say "Oh, like Doctor Quinn!" I can certainly tell you that Colorado today is substantially different from the setting for Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman. Since the year 2000 the state's population has risen by over 750,000. Once famous for our vast expanses of land, these are swiftly becoming a part of the past, but I guess we can only blame ourselves for this. Colorado has become an incredibly charming place to reside. Louisville, Colorado was titled the number one place to live in Money Magazine's top 100 list for 2011. Besides Louisville, four other Colorado towns made the list. Pretty surprising, huh? I guess if we would stop becoming recognized for these types of things we wouldn't have so many newcomers from all over the place. But who wouldn't like waking up to a gorgeous rocky mountain backdrop every single morning? Not only are our towns earning recognition for the total well being they provide to their citizens, but Colorado is home to quite a few reputable companies. One industry that we particularly love here at Baskets By Rita is the gourmet food industry. Not only is Colorado known for restaurants including Old Chicago, Chipotle, Noodles & Company, Quizno's, and Good Times, but Colorado is also home to quite a few well known food companies as well.
At Baskets By Rita we carry products from Colorado companies including Bhakti Chai, Bobo's Oat Bars, Celestial Seasonings, Chocolove, and Boulder Natural Foods, all located in Boulder, Colorado. There has to be something about Boulder that inspires people to produce healthy, tasty foods. If you are not familiar with each of these brand names, you may possibly be acquainted with other Colorado companies for instance Hammond's Candies, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Larabar, and Too Haute Cowgirls. Maybe I'm a bit of a foodie, but if the mountains don't bring new citizens in, I would think that companies similar to these would motivate people to come to Colorado. Oh, and did I mention that we have more than 120 breweries in our state? Colorado has been often called the Napa Valley of the beer world. What more can I say? This state is amazing! If I've managed to wet your appetite and you're now longing for Colorado crafted food and beer why not order a Colorado Wine Gift Basket from us and treat yourself. Our Colorado Wine Gift Basket come in our hand made Colorado crate which we fill with a great assortment of Colorado made products. We add a bottle of Two Rivers Merlot wine to make this a very impressive wine gift. Would you like to add a wine glass Maybe if you try one of our baskets and like the products enough, you too will consider moving to the centennial state. Like this blog? Share it on Facebook or Twitter.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Holiday Food Gifts To Give
Is it just me, or are Americans obsessed with holiday flavors? Think of pumpkin spice for example. Towards the end of September coffee shops add to the menu their pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie makes the dessert offerings at local establishments, 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 popular are apple, caramel, cinnamon, peppermint, and gingerbread, to name a few. It seems as though there's something significant about saving these full, inviting tastes for this time of year. It brings us something to look ahead to as the temperature drops and we start to spend more time at home. Have you ever questioned where these flavors came from? Consider cinnamon for instance... Cinnamon originally comes from Sri Lanka, previously known as Ceylon and can be traced back to 2800 B.C. Throughout history, this spice was so highly sought after that wars have been waged over it! Used as a type of currency, medicine, for embalming weird, eh?, and an aphrodisiac, cinnamon has been valued throughout the planet all through human history. That will give you something to think about the next time you eat a cinnamon roll! As we bring in each holiday season I cannot wait to mow down on some seasonal treats for instance a peppermint mocha (though I prefer mine with white chocolate) or a bite of apple crumble. Another one of my favorites is gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting. 
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Gifts That Celebrate The Gift Of Life
A few days ago I received splendid news... I am going to be an auntie (again)! One of my lifelong friends just discovered that she's expecting a baby and in about six months we will all be greeting a newborn baby into this world. The moment she explained her situation I started thinking about a baby shower, welcome gift ideas, and all the playthings, diapers and clothes that this baby is going to will need. I started looking online for gift ideas to welcome a new newborn and I stumbled across the Bearington Baby collection from Bearington Bear. Bearington Bear has been in business for 14 years and in that brief time they have won more design awards and nominations than any other teddy bear manufacturer. Not only are their products cute and soft, but they are made to last. I was intrigued by these features. I don't think there's anything more special to a kid than their favorite teddy bear or blanket. Often, by the time the child turns six, the teddy bear or security blanket which they've clung to since birth is so used that it becomes an eyesore that mother would rather not keep around. This is unfortunate when you consider all the fantastic memories these security items summon. Not to mention the security they provide the little child. I believe that putting out a few more dollars on a plush toy that will last much longer is worth every dollar. 
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Thanksgiving Gift Truth
A Season of Thanks Ever since the 1800's, people in the U.S. have commemorated Thanksgiving by replicating the memory of the pilgrims and the Indians sitting down together for a amiable banquet. As wonderful as this concept of equality may well be, it is not reality. The saga of pilgrims and Indians was one of ungrateful amity. while the Indians presented the pilgrims with food and know-how to last their first winter the pilgrims expressed gratitude to them by brutally murdering and striking them. Even though this is not what we like to imagine as we sit down to celebrate with our loved ones, perhaps it provides a new perspective to the holiday. 
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Selecting A Gifts to Say Welcome Newborn
Gifts to Say Welcome Newborn Celebrating the arrival of a baby no matter how many times you have experienced it with family, friends and co-workers is considered a miracle. Why does it seem that the birth a new baby is always special? The event is something the calls for notice and celebration. Perhaps it is because we internally realize that it means that life does go on. It also reminds us of our own youth and innocence. A brand new life filled with hope, joy and discovery. Statistics show that in the US the new born baby birth rate has been falling over the past 12 years . The decline in teen pregnancy has clearly been one of the most important public health success stories of the past decade as well. Lets talk about the celebration piece of this new born baby process. Consider sending Tell the new Mom and Dad how happy you are for them with this beautiful Baby Boy gift basket and an organic 100% cotton onsie and a variety of useful gifts for the new baby. We fill our reusable fabric lined basket with a 100% organic cotton embroidered body suit, an ultra soft full sized Sherpa baby blanket, a baby safe bear, and a plush ball. The new parents will love opening this combination of organic baby gifts and useful baby gifts. a unique gift option People welcome new born babies in loads of different wya,s of course there is the fashioable baby shower gift to consider. if you are fortunate enough to be invited. This baby gift is something that you can acquire even if you live in another sate. Baby shoer gifts can either be in themes like first baby we need all the necessities to oh we know it's a boy so bring on the blue boy things. There is also the corporate gifts for new babies that are commonly less personal and may even contain food items. 
Friday, September 16, 2011
Give the Gift of Autumn
As the leaves start to transform and fall from the branches and the air chills telling of the coming of winter, we put aside our bathing suits and tee-shirts and get out our jackets and mittens. While the chilly air may be a welcome change from the warmth of summer, it also reminds us that the days are becoming shorter and we will be spending much more time indoors hibernating. Some people call fall their favorite season and it does present many occasions for festivity and a chance for us to spend time with friends and family as we find shelter within and seek out ways to amuse ourselves and keep our spirits high. When we think of autumn we think of pumpkins, turkeys, red, orange, and yellow leaves, and harvest festivals. As the outside world wilts for the months of cold ahead, we honor life in hopes that we may continue to be blessed in the months to come. We enjoy the gifts of the harvest and give thanks for our many blessings. Putting aside the holidays and weekend excursions of summer, we prepare ourselves for a gloomier onset of winter by crafting joy in a time when it is more difficult to find in our surroundings. The winter months are known as the 'holidays,' but the holidays really start with Halloween and Thanksgiving, customs which have been around for hundreds of years which allow us to get together with friends and find enjoyment in life. This autumn, show appreciation for those you are grateful for by sending them a fall themed gift basket such as Fall Harvest Gift Basket. We've harvested some great fall goodies for our
Monday, September 5, 2011
Gifts For The Holidays 2011
Christmas is a very popular time of year for many businesses to give presents. Many businesses follow, what I believe, is a very smart path by avoiding anything that has religious implications. That means that the gifts they provide will not include the words Christmas or will they use the words Happy Christmas in their card. A company wants to give a gift that will be remembered and appreciated. This time of year is so emotionally stimulated with the feeling of another year gone by and reflection on the year as a whole. There is also optimism about the coming year too. The corporate holiday gift is an important tactic for companies to say thank you for your business and along with that is the trust there will be a feeling of loyalty for lasting business. A Christmas holiday gift basket is an excellent choice for a business. A Grand gourmet Gift Basket is great since everyone enjoys yummy food. However, take your time and choose sensibly many gift baskets are quickly put together and have foods that you can purchase in any grocery store.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Newborn Baby Arrival
Birth considered one of life’s impressive events no matter how many times you have experienced it with a family member, friends and co-workers is believed a miracle. Why does it seem that the birth a child is always very special? The event is something that requires notice and celebration. Maybe it is because we obviously realize that life does go on. It also reminds us of our own childhood and beginning. A brand new life filled with hope, joy and discovery. Statistics indicate that in the United States the new baby birth rate has been falling over the past 13 years. The decrease in teen pregnancy has unmistakably been one of the most important public health success stories of the past decade as well. Think about the recognition piece of this new born baby process can send a person off into all kinds of directions. People welcome new born babies in lots of different way. Of course there is the popular baby shower gift to consider, if you are privileged enough to be invited. This baby gift is something that you can give even if you live a long way away. Baby shower can either be in themes like your first baby, we we don't have anything, to oh we know it’s a we know it's a girl so bring on the pink things. 
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
What A Dad Likes
I can't believe that Father's Day has officially only been around since 1972. It took 4 presidents and a Maine senator to ultimately make it official. Mother’s Day had been around for just about 60 years by then. Sonora Smart was the first person to recommend Father’s Day to recognize her Father who was left to raise his 6 children when his wife died giving birth to their 6th child. It was then proposed to complement Mother’s day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting. Nowadays Father's Day is celebrated on a range of dates around the globe and typically involves gift-giving, extraordinary dinners to dads, and family-focused activities. To help in support of Father’s day young members of the YMCA went to church wearing a rose: a red rose to honor a living father, and a white rose to recognize a deceased one. Interestingly enough Father's Day was in jeopardy of disappearing from the calendar while Mother's Day was met with excitement, Father's Day was often met with laughter. Not all fathers are exactly alike! 
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Attention Cheese Lovers Announcement
Since prehistoric times, cheese has been enjoyed the world over. No one knows particularly how the invention of cheese emerged, but since its invention, it has been a favorite food in many cultures. In the U.S.A. we have states, such as Wisconsin, which take their cheese very seriously. Cheese comes in many various varieties of shapes, colors, and sizes from Parmesan to Romano to Cheddar to Swiss to Camembert, you get the picture. Cheese is something that is often craved, practically like chocolate. If chocolate and cheese are some of your favorite foods, consider a meal of cheese fondue followed by chocolate fondue. Some people even take their cheese fixation along with them when they vacation. Many parts of the world are distinguished by the foods they make. Cheese is one of those foods that can put a place on the map. When you journey, along with wine tasting, which is a common experience for the leisurely vacationer, try searching for cheese tastings along the way as well. You can learn plenty about a region by its food, especially it’s cheese which is so unique wherever you travel. With hundreds of varieties of cheese world wide, a cheese lover could spend their lifetime hunting them all down. At Baskets By Rita, we’ve come up with a way for you to aid the cheese freak in your life along their road to cheese discovery. The next time you’re searching for the ideal gift I hope this blog will inspire you to check out out this sites many varieties of Cheese Basket With Red Wine. Our red wine and cheese basket is the prefect choice for that special someone. This beautiful split willow and rope weave basket is filled with Rodney Strong Merlot wine, assorted cheeses, crackers, sausage, chocolate bar, roasted salted nuts and snack mix. 
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Celebrate The Graduate
Commencement is a primary life affair for anyone. Whether graduating from high school or earning a doctorate, graduation is an accomplishment worth celebrating. In the United States, around 57% of the populace between the ages of 3 and 34 are registered in some kind of degree program. Whether attending cosmotology school, law school, or middle school, these people are taking action toward a brighter future. Of this 57%, only some will actually finish high school and then of course postsecondary institutions as well. In 2009, 8.1% of High School Students dropped out of class before graduating. Of those who had started out as Freshman in the class of 2006, about 75% graduated. When considering Postsecondary Schools, the number of pupils who graduate are even smaller. In 2001, 38% of worthy students of 2 year establishments graduated together with 65% from 4 year institutions. This proves that it takes hard work and commitment to obtain an education and this is why we should recognize those who see it through. My friend recently moved from Rhode Island to Colorado to complete his education half way across the country. He is fortunate to attend a university with several campuses nationwide which allows him to transfer his credits without restraint from one state to the next. He did not move because he was unhappy with the campus in Rhode Island or in order to experience another school. His only reason for moving to Colorado was so that his family in California could attend his graduation ceremony. My friend is from a big Mexican family and he is the first among them to graduate from university. For his family this means there will be a huge party that may last several days. He will not only be surrounded by loved ones and lots of great food, but he can count on the generosity of gifts. Gift giving is an important part of any graduation celebration, because it gives family and friends an opportunity to let the graduate know that they are proud of them. Giving gifts is a way of showing that you support what the graduate is doing for their future as they plan for their future. As the graduation season approaches, consider the value of the words “Congratulations!” Whether said with money, presents useful for a future career, or a custom made Good For You Healthy Gift Basket, recognition for a job well done means just as much as the self satisfaction a graduate gets from their accomplishment. "A feel good and good for you basket that gives the gift of good health Showing you care is done best when you give from the heart, and for the heart...This basket says "Thank you" or "Get Well" with guilt-free, healthy indulgences, a gift basket stocked with an assortment of food and snacks that make us feel good-and feel good about giving them. The perfect way to snack at home or the office! Everything looks and tastes so good they won't know how healthy it is! Superfood fruit and nut bar, natural banana oat bar, assorted teas, fat free caramel corn, dried cranberries, almonds, apple pie Lara bar, veggie chips, dried fruit snacks, yogurt covered pretzels, low carb lite chocolate bar, natural fruit beverage, trail mix and Sunkist fruit gems. Celebrate each graduation by giving what you can afford. 
Thursday, March 3, 2011
What to Send As A Mothers Day Gift
Mother’s Day as we know it is a somewhat recent holiday, though it seriously isn't a “Hallmark holiday” created to sell more cards. There are a number of Mothering day or mommy-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 specifically chosen to be a singular possessive meaning it was suitable for each family to respect their mother, not plural possessive that would be used to honor all the mothers of the world. Following congressional approval, It was officially established on May 9, 1914 when president Woodrow Wilson made the official notification proclaiming Mother’s day as a national holiday to be observed on the 2nd Sunday of May. Mother’s Day has thereafter celebrated in many other countries and cultures. In many cases, the date was changed to fit current celebrations or to correspond with a significant date which are for the most part religious. As a result, Mother’s Day is celebrated in February in Norway and on December 22nd in Indonesia, with various dates in between celebrated by other people. One of the traditions of Mother’s Day is to give your mother a treat along with best wishes as a way to show your respect to her. If you live near by (and are seeing your mom regularly!) you almost certainly have a fine idea what to buy her. Then again, those of us that don’t live in the area can be at a total loss. Consider the things Mom loves a perhaps send her a present with that theme. Gift baskets are great when it comes to gifts with a theme. If your mom loves golf there are golf themed baskets. Perhaps she is into tea and relaxation then find a nice tea baskets or a relaxing spa gift basket. Maybe she take pleasure in fine wine and you know she likes red wine or white wine or even champagne. There are a number of great wine gift baskets to select from that showcase wine to make sure that would make a wonderful Mother's day basket. The alternatives are many and what a gift baskets does, is give you a nice variety of goodies that she will enjoy with the theme she will appreciate. Rather than sending flowers yet again this year, you might possibly consider a Retreat Relaxing Gift Basket. Do you want to say thank you? This mini purse thank you gift comes in assorted colors and is wrapped in cello then tied with a bow and topped with a small metallic thank you balloon. 
Sunday, February 27, 2011
It's All About The Thank You!
It's as though the craft of giving thanks has disappeared over time. Sending a hand written thank you note was once traditional for both professional and personal circumstances, but now a lot of people believe it's enough to casually shoot off an email with a quick "thanks" before returning to their demanding day to day lives. Now don't misunderstand me. I understand that the world is faster paced than it was at one time and the majority of people barely have a moment to sit back and catch a break, but if you think about it, that merely gives you that much more reason to send a genuine thank you. Now that we've we've become less conditioned to getting a proper thank you, it makes a much greater impact when we do get one. It certainly is a nice surprise to see that someone took the effort to say "thanks." I haven’t even mentioned the influence it can have on your business. By simply taking a second to give a personalized thank you, you can express to your customer how valuable their business is to you. By building personal connections with your customers, you are guaranteeing their loyalty and giving them a reason to do business with you instead of your competition. If I still haven’t convinced you that delivering a thank you gift or note is worth the time, why don't you consider sending something that takes hardly any time at all? Sending flowers or a gift basket from an online store takes about as much time as sending an email, yet leaves a much more significant message. 
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The How and Why We Celebrate Easter
Easter celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection, making it the ultimate essential of all Christian holy days. However, nowadays the meaning of the holiday is covered by colored eggs and bunnies. Easter can fall at any time between March 22 and April 25 since is occurs the first Sunday after the full moon. Easter is also connected to the Jewish Passover in symbolism and it’s location in the calendar. What’s with Bunnies and eggs and Easter? Well the bunny is a well know sexual icon of fertility. Religions connected with Babel link the rabbit with periodicity, both human and lunar. The Mother Goddess Semiramis (Easter) is connected with the moon. Therefore, the Easter rabbit characterizes the Mother Goddess and is associated with once a year Spring time fertility rituals worshiping the Mother Goddess. 
Monday, January 24, 2011
Law Students Survival Tools
Gifts That Will As Survive If you know a tax preparer, CPA, law student or a university student, you may be aware of the stresses they encounter this time of year. Preparing for and cranking through reams of paperwork or studying for midterms, finals, or that big test can truly take it out of somebody. You frequently can’t be there to help them, but want to show them that you are thinking of them. We don't want you to have to stress out trying to locate something to relieve their stress, so we have a few ideas. These are simple to choose and simple to order if you feel it’s suitable for your situation. These items are organized in two categories – first items to help someone cope during the peak period. These are usually caffeine and chocolate rich items that will help keep them going. Second are items to help them wind down. One thing busy people can always use is a few munchies to hold them over until their next meal or to help them with their “all nighter”. Baskets by Rita has a few recommendable ideas for gifts that can help that student, lawyer or CPA during those long days. For the caffeine addicted night owl, there’s the Chocolate and Coffee basket that gives you assorted chocolates with Starbucks frappuchino and coffees. Here are two tastes they will enjoy and keep things cranking into the wee hours. If they are not so much into coffees but could still use a bit of caffeine, a stress relief basket could offer just what you need. This basket includes a can of Red Bull with a perfect variety of munchies. They also get a stress ball to squeeze when a client (or professor) is being really difficult. The survival gift basket is another good choice. It contains caffeine both in the Monster drink as well as the frappuccino. It also contains a healthy mix of easy to eat munchies to sustain them. OK, so much for the caffeine injected choices. 
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Valentine's Basket Hops and Chocolate
Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is the time to convey your love to your boyfriend. The problem is that it can be certainly quite hard for you women to figure out what to get for your guy. You could always get something sexy for yourself and use this as your present to him, but for many couples this just won’t cut it. chocolates are the traditional gifts, but with out beating around the bush, women like these gifts more than your man does. You could get him an a set of hand tools, but then you most likely won't see him for the next two weeks. So, what’s a girl to do? 
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Beer for your man on Valentines day
Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is the time to suggest your love to your partner. The problem is that it can be certainly quite hard for you women to figure out what to give to your guy. You could always get something hot for yourself and use this as your gift to him, but for some couples this just won’t work. jewelry is the common gift, but actually, women desire these presents more than your man does. You could buy him an a new set of wheels, but then you may possibly not hear a word from him for the next two weeks. So, what are some other things you could do? Let beer be the answer! I’m relatively confident he will think it’s a superb gift. Now, don’t just go purchase a six-pack of any normal beer and hand it to him in a brown paper bag; only other guys can be so not groovy. Instead,start up your computer and search for basketsbyrita.com and order a Valentine beer tub to be mailed to his work. This will cost a touch more than that stand alone beer, but it will make a HUGE impact on him. Imagine his surprise when the courier arrives (or FedEx package) with a Valentines beer tubBeer gift for Valentines day full of awesome micro brews and wonderful tasting food items. Make sure to have the enclosure card says something like “I thought you’d appreciate this almost as much as me. See you tonight! Love.” The work group will be flipping over this present. The women will all be saying “oh, how nice” and the guys will be thinking about what boring thing their spouse bought them. You can be sure the guys will be thinking “Oh man, how awesome!” We can even put a one or two extra chocolates in the tub that he can give to you. If he’s really a rockin guy, he’ll share the beer with you. You won't make him feel bad if he doesn't right? If you enjoyed this article and would like to see more join us on Facebook and Twitter. http://www.basketsbyrita.com http://www.basketsbyrita.com/assets/images/valentines-beer-gift.jpg http://www.facebook.com/basketsbyrita http://twitter.com/basketsbyrita
