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. 
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Holiday Food Gifts To Give
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. 