April 10th is National Siblings Day!

I'm not sure if I have been under a rock or what...I didn't know we had a National Siblings Day and that it has been so well recognized up to this point!  Although not quite equal to Mother's Day or Father's Day, it has been recognized by Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush during their terms in office, as well as by 88 state governors.

The Siblings Day Foundation was organized by Claudia Evart in 1997 in honor of her late brother and sister, who she lost in separate accidents.  The date was set as April 10th, which was the birthday of Claudia's sister, Lisette.

As stated on the foundation's website, "Siblings Day follows the spirit of Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparent’s Day – a great American tradition and celebration of family-unit values.  It is an uplifting celebration honoring people who have shaped our values, beliefs and ideals.  It is a relationship as equally important as a parent’s relationship. Siblings are the reason we celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day."

For more information, visit http://www.siblingsday.org/

For me personally, I don't know what I would do without my siblings.  They forever make me laugh, cry, love, inspire, dream, and accomplish.  They have done this since the day I was born and will continue until the day I die.  Whether near or far, they are forever with me, and for that I am eternally grateful!

Have a happy day!

A Really Happy Woman...

I saw this posted on Facebook last week and had to share it, but decided sharing just on Facebook was simply not enough.  It jumped out at me while I have been going through a bit of a life detour (okay, "bit" would be an understatement).  But I live every day taking in the new scenery as best I can while never losing sight of my original destination. For whomever this is applicable, I hope you are able to do the same.  Have a happy day!

 

I found this posted by my friends at emptyhousefullmind.com, so thank you Sharon.  Giving credit where credit is due :)

Color Me Happy - A Unique Gift for Women

I'm so excited that spring is here so I can highlight my newest favorite gift basket for women!  I discovered two up and coming gift designers at last year's trade shows and immediately fell in love with their products.  They are both colorful, whimsical, and inspirational, and I thought they fit together perfectly for a spring women's collection. 

Hope Springs gift items for women feature spiritual quotes turned modern and whimsical!  Lots of great color and spirit! The quote on this mug is: Inspire others to inspire others.  Love it!

Jennifer Jangles jewelry designs featuring original designed ceramic beads are also filled with color and whimsy, with some inspirational words as well!  My favorite Happy bracelet!

I love Hope Springs and Jennifer Jangles collections together in a brightly colored container which can later be used to stash her favorite accessories! 

How would you like to receive this unique gift for your next spring occasion?  Shop Now!

 

Have a happy day!

 

Spring is in the Air!

Spring is here! And although they are predicting snow this weekend in our neck of the woods, the sky is blue, the sun is shining brightly, and the birds are singing!  Sounds like Spring to me!




Yes, that's me!

Have a happy day!

Housewarming Gift Basket - St. Joseph's Day theme

Today is St. Joseph's Day, and I was thinking about what I would put into a gift basket for a St. Joseph's Day theme.  Now I'm quite certain no phones are ringing off the hook with customers looking for St. Joseph's Day gift baskets. But I consider myself an expert in creating custom gift baskets, so as I thought more about St. Joseph's Day and its symbols, I thought it could be quite crafty to make a housewarming gift basket with a St. Joseph's Day theme!

For the container, I would use either a rustic looking basket, considering the time St. Joseph lived, or a nice wooden tray to represent his carpentry.

 

I would then fill it with the following:

• A loaf of fresh Italian bread
• A decorative container filled with salt
• A bottle of Chianti

These first three items represent a traditional housewarming blessing that can be found in different variations.  My favorite comes from the movie, It's A Wonderful Life:
 

Bread - that this house may never know hunger.

 Salt - that life may always have flavor.

Wine - that joy and prosperity may reign forever.

I would inscribe this blessing on a nice card added inside the basket.

I would then add a dessert, Italian cookies or cream puffs, to complete the symbol of St. Joseph's table.

Lastly I would add a framed quote or picture with a family theme as St. Joseph is known as the Protector of Family.

The final presentation would be wrapped in cellophane and decorated with red and white ribbon/bow and a white lily.

What do you think of this idea?



5 Cool Gifts for Men

Men are so hard to buy gifts for, so they say.  It's true that there's more variety in products for women, like jewelry, handbags, cosmetics.  And women can always use another...pair of earrings... handbag...scarf, etc.  Not as easily true of men!

With that in mind, I give you 5 of my coolest gift ideas for men:

Good Fortune bath and body products - Many of the products are actually unisex, but I tend to put them in my men's gift baskets because they are so natural and earthy.  They work well for men who are typically into bath and body or even those who aren't!

NV Candles by Gabriel John - With their sophisticated black and white design and masculine themes like health and properity, they go beautifully in any men's gift!

Inspirational quotes from Kindred Hearts - These wood and metallic styled black picture frames are contemporary in design and will work well in any home or office. 

Travel toiletry bags by Jimeale - In stylish black or limited edition chocolate brown, these are essential whether he travels a lot or just once a year!

BBQ collection - The always popular griller's delight is our unique collection of accessories and food items for a summer full of BBQs.

Which will you consider for your next cool gift for men?

Custom Baby Gift Baskets for Mom, Dad, and Baby - Consider This

Baby on the way? Not sure whether to give a baby gift or a special gift for the new mom?  Here are some ideas to consider: 

New Baby Gift or New Parents' Gift - Which Should It Be

 

 

 

Have a happy day!