The Gift Gazette

Easter has a fun side to it ! Special Easter Giving !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Easter has deeper religious meaning. But it also has a fun side to it. It is a holiday that embraces spring...colorful pastel marshmallow peeps, plastic eggs, cute dresses and more.

Easter is a time for giving. Whether it is a gift gasket or love...it is good to give....

Although I do not celebrate Easter I know of many friends who do. To me Easter symbolizes the "Egg" in it's many fun forms from Chocolate Easter Eggs to to swirly marbleized eggs I would make with my kids after school. I remember participating in the neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday every year. It was so magical to see my kids faces light up when they found a plastic egg. The neighborhood mom's would revel at our hiding skills when the kids had given up and were not able to find any more of the eggs we had hidden....It was fun seeing their hunting skills come alive...

Here is a neat idea for a Easter gift...Retro Candy !

Some articles of interest for Easter Gift Giving:

Happy Easter !

Valentine Seduction

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Make this for your valentine this February 14th 2009

VALENTINE SEDUCTION

Flirtatious notes of mango and mint with floating bits of pomegrante makes this festive valentines cocktail curousluy delightful for a perfectly luxorous evening with your sweetheart. The colotrs are enticing as is the polished taste. Its an errotically simple recipe, one that tantilizes the senses.

2 oz Champagne chilled

2 oz mango juice chilled

1 tspns pomegranate seeds

2 mint leaves slightly pinched between your fingers to bruise

In a tall champage flute add 2 mint leaves and 1 tsp of pomegrarnate seeds.

Add the mango juice and give a quick stir. Add the champagne just before serving.

Chef Notes : Substitute orange juice or V8 Splash for a simple variation in taste. The bruised mint leaves add a nice touch and may be removed before you drink.

Happy Valentines Day !

Last Minute Popular Holiday Gift

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:26:00 +0000

It's not too late to shop for Christmas....Shoppers are scrambling by visiting online stores for their last minute purchases. Are you one of them?

This year unlike all the other years, gift cards are not that popular given the fact that many of the places where the gift cards can be redeemed are going out of business!

But at the same time, they make great gifts when all else fails !!!. Although, the National Retail foundation has reported that roughly 20 to 25 percent of gift cards given last year still haven't been redeemed, the key is to get gift cards or gift certificates that are easy to redeem and that don't expire !!!!

One of my favorite places to shop for gifts is Amazon, so an Amazon gift card makes a great last minute Holiday gift, with thousands of items for your loved one to choose from....

Enjoy all your last minute shopping !

Happy Holidays !!!!

Spa Gift Baskets

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:39:00 +0000

Spa Gift Baskets are a great present for anyone on any occasion like a birthday, wedding, graduation, mother's day and etc. Anyone can relax, unwind, and take a break from everyday stress with a spa treatment. Spa gift baskets make thoughtful gifts for anyone needing a touch of stress relief. Luxurious bath and body gift baskets designed to calm body, mind, and spirit.

Here is one that you will love to give, the Tranquil Delights Lavender Spa Bath and Body Gift Set - Tea & Cocoa Gift Basket. If you are in the mood to make one, Dr. Grace Livingstone outlines the best way to make one in this article : How to create the Ideal Spa Gift Basket for her in 5 Easy Steps.

Falling prices on Christmas Gifts ! Where to shop ?

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:24:00 +0000

Unlike Australians who are likely to have to pay more for goods and services this Christmas where falling company profits force businesses to raise prices......out here in the US compnies are scrambling to lower prices and get cutomers into the door. As sales and profit expectations go down and expectations for employment growth are at their lowest levels, the retail industry shifts their attention to getting new and retain old customers with lucrative buys and free shopping offers.

Look for sales flyers in your mail boxes, free shipping offers in your inbox. Here at Elegantly Expressed we are offering FREE SHIPPING if you call and place your order before Dec 5th 2008 for your very first order with us !

"Sales at department stores and specialty retailers are falling rapidly. They are cutting staff, discounting merchandise and liquidating stores to survive. But even as the financial turmoil strangled discretionary spending at many stores, it sent struggling consumers into the arms of Wal-Mart — and left it, the world's largest retailer, poised for a blockbuster Christmas." So shop smart this Christmas and make the best of the financial gloom that is upon us.

5 Top Gifts for your dad for "Father's Day" June 15th

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Father's Day is fast approaching on June 15th. It's a time to honor your dad ! President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon. Here are some suggestions for gifts for Father's Day.

For a Digital dad : A great new digital camera is the best. According to Aby Johns, there are a wide variety of camcorders out there, made by a wide variety of brands. So, what brand of camcorders should you focus on? Consumer Reports has Sony at the top of the camcorder market, so if you are a camcorder novice and you just want to make sure that you get a quality camcorder, then buying a Sony camcorder may just be your best bet. Good noline stores are buy.com, bestbuy.com and geeks.com.

For a Dad who likes to Grill : Outdoor BBQ grill is the best. Dads can be very picky about picking just the right one, so a gift certificate to the store that he has been browsing would work. A Weber Grill is classic, yet there are many options available nowadays.

For the "Do-it-yourself" dad : He can never have enough tools so how about giving him a gift card from his favorite neighborhood hardware store. He will surely find a use for that, soon.

For a Foodie dad : if your dad is passionate about food and cooking, a cooking class can be a fun, exciting and a useful Father's Day gift. Find one that is close by and check for times and interesting classes.

For a "dad-who-does-not-like-to-shop" : Give him a day at the mall with you so that you can help him find a great outfit for himself. Usually men dont like shopping for themselves so a little bit of design help can go a long way in bonding with your dad.

Happy Mother's Day !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:10:00 +0000

Mother's Day reaches its 100th Anniversary in 2008.The woman who was responsible in making this day possible was Anna Jarvis.

Did you know that she was never married and had no kids of her own?

She was the one who in 1908 organized a celebration in her church for Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May in honor of her mother ! From that year onwards, Mother's Day has been celebrated every year on the second Sunday in May and mothers all over the world over have been getting appreciation for all the work they do for their families.

If you have not thanked your mother today...please do. I can tell you that the best thing that ever happened to me is being a "mom". I could have never known real pain and extreme joy and happiness. I could have never known empathy in the deepest sense. As only a mother can feel the pain / joy her child feels. I love my 2 daughters. They are my sunshine and moonshine ! Without them I could not have grown as a woman and person. So, as much as I want to be appreciated, I appreciate them being in my life.....Life could not be sweeter....

So wishing all you mothers out there A VERY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !

Hope you get from your kids what "YOU" "REALLY" want !

Top 3 Last Minute Valentines Day Gifts for Women !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:01:00 +0000

Most of the country is in a deep freeze. So how can you warm it up with your honey? Whether you're just dating, engaged, or married, the gifts that provoke the most delight are the ones that touch her heart.
Here are the Top 3 Valentines Gifts for Women

Roses : Flowers have the magic to melt even the hardest of hearts. So a bunch of deep rich red roses is the way to melting her heart. Stop by at any local grocery store to pick those up. Don't forget to write your feelings on the card. Forgetting that - not recommended !
Chocolates : You know which chocolate your sweetheart likes. Double the pleasure by pairing it with her favorite wine !
Back Massager : Have you ever wanted someone just to scratch your back? Pamper your valentine's back with a nice back massage. Maybe get her one of these HoMedics PM-30BX On-The-Go Battery Operated Mini 3 Node Massager (Colors May Vary) from Walgreens and make it special !

or call us at 847-277-1483 to make a special Valentines Gift Basket !

"Love looks not with eyes, but with the mind" - Valentines Day - February 14th

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:25:00 +0000

February 14th, Valentines Day, across the country and the world, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. With a little advance planning, you can save yourself a lot of stress and ensure a fun and romantic Valentine's Day--one where you won't be stuck without a reservation or paying too much for a rush delivery of flowers. It goes without saying, but restaurants are flooded with reservation requests for that night, so book early at your favorite romantic spot, or at that hot new bistro. If you leave yourself a little more time, you can also find a more personal gift.

Personal gifts take planning and knowing what your sweetheart loves, is important. Maybe its a flat screen TV or a romantic getaway or a special ring ! Make it something they REALLY REALLY want not what you want them to have. You know it could be as simple as a movie night or a romantic dinner at home. Think of the simple things - things that dont cost a dime - like paying attention, being romanitc or having the best time ever !

If you have already thought of those things you are already ahead of the game. So now it's time to choose a card....I would say, skip all the canned, commercial messages and buy a blank card; it doesn't take too much time to write your own personal message inside, and it will mean far more. Better yeat make it a funny one...tickle her/his funny bone. My husband always gives me a really funny card...and laughing nad smiling with him is more special than anything else.

Here are some Love Quotes by the most romantic bard that ever lived : William Shakespeare

"They do not love that do not show their love."
"The course of true love never did run smooth."
"So long as I can breathe or I can see so long lives your love which gives life to me."
"When you depart from me sorrow abides, and happiness takes his leave."
"Love looks not with eyes, but with the mind."
"A lover is one who knows who you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still gently allows you to grow."
"When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew."
"Love is the most beautiful of dreams and the worst of nightmares."
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

For more inspiration, peruse this list of the 100 Greatest Love Poems

Names of some romantic-sounding places in the USA:

Valentine, NE
Valentine, TX
Loveland, CO
Lovejoy, GA
Lovelock, NE
Love Valley, NC
Loveland, OH
Loveland Park, OH
Loveland, OK
Lovelady, TX
Loves Park, IL
Loving County, TX
Lovington, NM
Loving, NM
Love County, OK
Lovington, IL
Romeo, CO
Romeo, MI
Romeoville, IL
Sacred Heart, MN
Heart Butte, MT
South Heart, ND

A healthy way to treat someone on Valentines Day !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:39:00 +0000

Gift baskets, especially gourmet gift baskets are sometimes filled with delectable candies, chocolates, and gourmet goodies which can be bad for the waist line :) So what are the alternatives....edible alternatives. One company in particular has taken fruit to another level. An art form !

Edible Arrangements in Connecticut http://www.ediblearrangements.com/

Edible fruit baskets are a great alternative to a regular gourmet fit basket. No I am not denying that the Gourmet Gift baskets we make are simply delicious and filled to the brim with elegant goodies, but fresh fruit made to look like a beautiful bouquet of flowers is the way to treat someone who is watching their weight, or who just wants to be treated to something fresh and crisp !

As a fan of fresh fruit, this would be a great gift basket for Valentine's Day !

About the company :

Edible Arrangements® specializes in creating delicious fruit designs filled with fresh strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, bananas and pears. Arrangements are guaranteed fresh and are available in a variety of styles and sizes. They are perfect for any occasion from happy birthday, thank you, congratulations and sympathy to business events, client gifts and employee appreciation. Each arrangement is made to order and can be customized with a jar of all natural fudge and a special occasion Mylar balloon. All ingredients are natural, no preservatives or sweeteners are used.

From Chocolate Truffles to Chocolate Martini - Chocolate Rules !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:30:00 +0000

Ever have a "I want chocolate now" moment? Yup almost all of us have had one. And as the Holidays approach you will start having more and more of those moments, cause chocolate is everywhere. Advertisers and manufacturers have gone crazy naming and associating their products with chocolate - the Honda CRAVE, LG Chocolate phone etc

One of the more decadent of chocolates are the soft Chocolate Truffles - chocolate truffles are made with a chocolate ganache center coated in chocolate or cocoa powder, and are usually spherical.

Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.

But my recent indulgence.... THE CHOCOLATE MARTINI

A great indulgence after a long week of healthy eating and a sweat dripping exercise schedule !

Here is one recipe that rocks !

CHOCOLATE MARTINI

1 1/2 shots chocolate liqueur
1 1/2 shots creme de cacao
1/2 shot vodka
2 1/2 shots half-and-half

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into a chilled martini glass. Enjoy.....slowly !

5 Must Have's This Holiday Season !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:47:00 +0000

Amazon.com Widgets

You've Been Booed !!! Start the tradition in your neighborhood

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:18:00 +0000

Have you ever been BOOED? Welcome to the wonderful world of BOO-ing. What is is you ask?

Well it is secretly leaving small gift baskets, a BOO poem, BOO instructions and a BOO sign at a neighbor's door. Once you have been booed then its your turn to BOO 2 more people. In some parts of the US it is also called "ghosting"

Get everyone in the fun spirit and get booing ! Well, BOO someone this year...A friend, neighbor or even an online buddy !

Fill a basket or even a colorful paper bag with Halloween knick-knacks and Halloween candy. Then print out this free printable Halloween BOO poem below, you'll be ready to BOO ! someone in your neighborhood !

Did you know that October 16th, Boss's Day was officially proclaimed in Illinois?

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:21:00 +0000

Patricia Bays Haroski of Deerfield, Illinois registered National Boss's Day with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958. She was working as a secretary for State Farm Insurance Company at the time and chose October 16th, because it was the birthday of her boss, who happened to be her father. Just four short years later, in 1962, Illinois Governor Otto Kerner backed Patricia’s registration and officially proclaimed the day.

So how many of you have thanked your boss today? :)

National Boss's Day is usually celebrated by presenting one's boss with a small gift or greeting card. It is also customary to treat one's boss with extreme kindness, very similar to a birthday.
But how many of you feel the need to do so ? Come on really !

Here is a great book for your boss to make life fun at work for you !

''Fun Works -- Creating Places Where People Love to Work'' by Leslie Yerkes.
Help your boss make work fun for both of you. This new book dives deep into the work ethic mindsets that trap us into thinking fun is at best an add-on to the work day. The author offers lots of fun examples of real companies that make fun work. She also explains the how and why of integrating fun into your workplace. Order from Amazon.com for just $13.27.

Halloween....What is it and How to celebrate?

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:30:00 +0000

Halloween originated under the name of Samhain as a Pagan festival among the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain.

Halloween, or Hallowe'en, is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31st. Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, costume parties, viewing horror films, visiting "haunted houses", and participating in traditional autumn activities such as hayrides (which may have "haunted" themes).

Halloween has become a major folk holiday in the US and Canada. "Trick or Treaters" go from door to door and collect candies, apples and other goodies. Hallmark Cards reports that 65% of Americans will decorate their homes and offices for Halloween. This percentage is exceeded only by Christmas.

Here are the top few things to do on Halloween according to the Michigan Journal article from 2006...modified

Be 'old school' and go trick-or-treating! Wear a mask to disguise your age or take a kid along so that no one refuses to give you candy. !

Party at one of the many nightclubs....theyb have Halloween specials

Be a good mom, dad, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or neighbor and take your kids out trick-or-treating - and let them have first dibs on the candy for once.

Invite your friends over for a scary movie marathon - "Friday the 13th," "Jason," "Leprechaun in Space" - you know, the classics.

Carve pumpkins.

Hit a haunted house or corn maze! It tends to be a frightful, yet fun, experience for all.

Put on the scariest thing you can find, preferably something kids are familiar with (Freddy), and go around your neighborhood jumping out at them from behind bushes and cars.

Order a Halloween Gift Basket for your kids, grandkids or friends !

THE 3 MOST POPULAR WEDDING FAVORS

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:53:00 +0000

With the wedding season in full swing it is time to check on what is hot in "Wedding Favors" this season. Wedding favors are a great way to thank your guests for attending while giving them something to remember the day by. Many young couples are also opting to go a step further and choosing favors that reflect their personality.

But the 3 hottest Wedding favors this season are :

WEDDING FAVORS

1. Personalized Wedding Favor Ribbons are still the hottest item ! they can be used to personalize any gift item that the bride and groom want to give their guests. Personalized ribbons are fun as they can be personalized with the bride and groom's names and wedding date. Wedding favor ribbons can match the colors of the wedding and can be made with any width of ribbon. The most popular still being the 3/8th inch satin ribbon.

2. Personalized Favor Boxes filled with none other than - yes - you guessed it right - Jordan almonds. Guests also have come to expect the colorful pastel Jordan almonds.

These favor boxes made to look like a cake can be personalized with the ribbon and you can add any candy you desire. A great buy ! Also a fabulous presentation !

3. Tie between Mint Tins and Chocolates These 2 wedding favors are still very popular and do not break the bank. "Heart-shaped chocolates are the most popular," says Godiva's Grace Yu, who recommends two or four hearts in boxes tied with ribbons printed with the couple's name.

The key to making a simple favor elegant and memorable lies in the presentation, so be creative. Homemade is the new craze. Yes, we at Elegantly Expressed do a lot of Wedding Favors throughout the season and year round. But keep it simple.

Graduation Gift Ideas !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:11:00 +0000

Graduates are ready to tackle the world...the REAL WORLD !
It is very important to set the stage for their continued success.
Graduation gifts can range from practical ones like gift cards to lavish ones like iPods, Zunes, cars etc.

Many young graduates look forward to receiving just money as graduation gifts. When I asked a few high school graduates - my daughter's friends - they all said that they would prefer gift cards from their favorite stores or money.

But they also said that if the person giving the gifts knows them well then it would be great to receive a gift - like maybe a gift basket filled with things that love. Graduates can be easily disappointed and therefore it is imperative that you know the person well enough to indulge in a gift basket.

Here are some great words that you can put on the gift card with your Congratulations Gift Basket !

Congratulations graduate, for making it this far!
You make us very proud, of the person you are !

There's a bright future ahead, you can look forward to !
Trust you'll take the right road, whatever you plan to do !

Good wishes for a future, with lots of success !
Want to wish you the best, for a future of happiness !

Congratulations on one of your best moments!
Stunning performance!
Sheer perfection!
This calls for a celebration!
Let's celebrate!
Congratulations - you did it!
Hip, Hip, Hooray!
Congratulations and best wishes!
A standing ovation for you!

Elegantly Expressed Gift Baskets
Memorable Gifts . . . Lasting Impressions !

A Gift Of Thanks To Our Soldiers !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:27:00 +0000

If you go to the website LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card that Xerox will print and send to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.

You can't choose who gets it, but it will go to a member of the U.S. armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!

History of the UK Mother's Day

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:04:00 +0000

Picture 010
Originally uploaded by ShellieJ.

Mothering Sunday has been celebrated in the UK on the fourth Sunday in Lent since at least the 16th century. For a long time, it has been a day for giving thanks for all the things our mothers do for us. Mothering Sunday is always the fourth Sunday of Lent.

Why is Mothering Sunday on different days each year?

Mothering Sunday is not a fixed day because it is always the middle Sunday in Lent (which lasts from Ash Wednesday to the day before Easter Sunday).

The History behind Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday was also known as 'Refreshment Sunday' or 'Mid-Lent Sunday'. It was often called Refreshment Sunday because the fasting rules for Lent were relaxed, in honour of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, a story in the Christian Bible.

Chiddingstone Church

No one is absolutely certain exactly how the idea of Mothering Sunday began, but it's known that on this day, about four hundred years ago, people who lived in little villages made a point of going not to their local church but to the nearest big church. To what was called the Mother Church. And some would go to the nearest city to worship in the cathedral.

People who visited their mother church would say they had gone "a mothering." Young English girls and boys 'in service' were only allowed one day to visit their family each year. This was usually Mothering Sunday. Often the housekeeper or cook would allow the maids to bake a cake to take home for their mother. Sometimes a gift of eggs; or flowers from the garden (or hothouse) was allowed. Flowers were traditional, as the young girls and boys would have to walk home to their village, and could gather them on their way home.

In recent times Mothering Sunday has in Britain taken on the name and character of the US Mothers' Day. The original meaning of Mothering Sunday in England has been largely lost. Mothers Day in America is a fixed date and does not change from year to year like Mothering Sunday does in England.

Simnel cake

The food item specially associated with Mothering Sunday is the Simnel cake. A Simnel cake is a fruit cake with two layers of almond paste, one on top and one in the middle. The cake is made with 11 balls of marzipan icing on top representing the 11 disciples. (Judas is not included.) Traditionally, sugar violets would also be added.

Why Simnel?

The name Simnel probably comes from the Latin word simila which means a fine wheat flour usually used for baking a cake. There's a legend that a man called Simon and his wife Nell argued over whether the cake for Mothering Sunday should be baked or boiled. In the end they did both, so the cake was named after both of them: SIM-NELL.

Mother's Day 2007 is Sunday, May 13th - Get Fit Gifts For Her !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:37:00 +0000

This special day provides the perfect opportunity to lavish special attention on the woman who brought you into this world.

Mother's Day also gives husbands a chance to show their appreciation to their hard-working wives. Why not honor the occasion with a thoughtful and unique Mother's Day gift? A traditional item like a fragrant bouquet is lovely, but she'll be surprised and delighted if you present her with something unexpected and unique for Mother's Day 2007.

Instead of giving a pyramid of chocolate, a gift basket of tempting treats (Call us 847-277-1483 if you want to order one anyway !) or a bottle of bubbly this year, why not be different? Give your mom a health kit to get ready for the summer.

With so many inexpensive or low-cost fitness products available, it’s easy to combine several items into a customized Get-Fit Gift Basket.

Here are 2 ideas that will get you excited about Mother's Day !

For a mom who loves to work out....Why not give a ‘home gym in a bag’?

free weights
a jump rope
resistance bands
a yoga mat
a heart rate monitor
sport drinks
protein bars
a few ice packs for achy and strained muscles

A Mom who likes to run, hike or bike....Why not give a "get going to fun places back pack" ?

a pedometer
a mix cd
socks
hats
compass or hand held GPS
first aid kits
travel books on the best hiking spots

Quote : The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. --Henry Ward Beecher

What kinds of closing gifts do realtors give?

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 14:37:00 +0000

Many real estate agents, realtors and real estate companies give closing gifts to their clients when a property has been sold to them. This is a way to show thanks and also show ongoing support for the future. You never know when a past client will have need of your services again, after all. It’s a good idea to let your clients know that you value their business and don’t hesitate to show that in the form of respect and service as well as hospitality. The real estate closing gift is a version of this type of hospitality that will make your clients feel right at home.

The simplest real estate closing gifts are gift baskets that include items for a new home or office. These may include household items and/or certificates for services that new homeowners may need. You can find all types of home warming gift baskets that make great real estate closing gifts.

Other items that make nice real estate closing gifts are a bottle of champagne presented in a nice basket or gift container of some sort. Paperweights and ceramic or crystal vases make appropriate office real estate closing gifts. As does any type of large decorative bowl.

Some real estate agents may even give a nice basket with an informational packet about the local schools, hospitals and clinics as well as information about the local shopping stores. This type of gift basket could also include coupons and gift certificates to various stores in the area.

According to the survey conducted in 2003 by Realtor Magazine, 49% gave flowers, 43% gave gift baskets, 39% gave personalized home accessories, 32% gave distilled liquor, champagne, wine, cordials or liqueurs and 26% gave food or sweets. On an average realtors spend an average of $54.20 per business or closing gift.

Missing your College Student?...Send him/her a CARE PACKAGE !

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:10:00 +0000

Sending your student a care package is by far one of the most touching things you can do. We all like money, but a real care package, with items that you've handpicked for us, is extra special! Send a message that college isn't always just about grades but is also about having fun and enjoying yourself !!!

Just the sight of another student lugging a box from the mailroom makes everyone else jealous. Some schools offer a care package service, where they pack and deliver treats to your student, but it means so much more when you take the time to pick out something you know your kid loves.

Or we can always do it for you.... :)

So what do you put in that care package? Home-baked treats top the list, but be sure to send them overnight or 2nd day air. After all, most grandmas don't include preservatives in their brownie recipe. Packaged snacks hold up much better (Have you ever seen a moldy Twinkie?), but to make the package really special, try to include a favorite snack that's not available where he or she goes to school.

If there's a holiday your child won't be coming home for, why not send some gift cards for Target or Walmart or so that they can pick out some holiday goodies from the stores? College kids still like to celebrate Halloween and St. Patty's Day, and a lot can't even make it home for the bigger celebrations like Thanksgiving or Easter.

Another thing that's great to send in a care package is clips from the local paper. Look for names of your child's friends in the social pages, college news, etc. If he or she played in high school or followed local sports, send clips about their teams. Send news about his or her old school.

Besides the obvious edible goodies, other great things to include in a care package are useful supplies like pens, pencils, post-it notes, stamps and the much-revered roll of quarters for the laundry or snack machines. Fun stuff like markers, stickers, silly notepads and rubber stamps are also appreciated, since most students don't have a lot of disposable income to blow on fun stuff.

Just remember parents, with a little time and postage, you can really make your student's day!

Artful Giving !!!

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:10:00 +0000

You don’t have to buy cookie-cutter presents nor gift baskets... :)
There’s a world of collectibles waiting to be discovered at online museum shops.

If you are looking for something unusual for those folks who have everything? Instead of jumping in the car and heading for the mall, power up your laptop and let your fingers do the shopping at the online stores of American museums.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
www.metmuseum.org/store

As tastefully appointed and brimming with treasures as the patrician New York museum itself, featuring educational product descriptions that let you learn while you shop. Browse by category (such as Books, Scarves and Shawls, or For the Table) or by museum exhibition or collection (such as Photographs, The Costume Institute, Asian Art). Merchandise ranges from a Unicorn tapestry-inspired pillow cover ($80) to a reproduction bronze of a Degas dancer ($295). Jewelry offerings are extensive, from a Tiffany snowflake pin ($35) to a mother-of-pearl pendant based on ancient Indian jewelry. Feeling flush? Click on Luxury Fine Jewelry for high-end items like the hand-hammered Greek-inspired gold cuff bracelet ($5,750). Don't miss MetKids, with unique items like the Knight Night Light ($12) and a Terracotta Warriors Excavation Kit.

Art Institute of Chicago
www.artinstituteshop.org

Famed artists and Chicago architects take center stage here, with tons of framed reproductions, distinctive apparel (such as a Kandinsky necktie), and decorative housewares (such as a lamp made of criss-crossing chopsticks or a throw blanket with a Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass window design). The extensive home furnishings section breaks down into 20 sub-sections, from Clocks and Decorative Glass to Throws and Wind Chimes, including unique objects like ancient Egyptian-style alabaster vases and colorful Indonesian baskets. Stained-glass lamp fan? You'll find a wide selection here, from Mackintosh to Mission to Tiffany. You can also browse by style or artist, choosing from more than fifty names. A helpful shopping tote icon in the top corner tallies how many items you've placed in your cart and the total cost. Use the gift selector to find objects in your desired price range and category. A search for jewelry between $50 and $100 yielded 82 results, from an amber reversible cross to a necklace and earring set based on Monet's waterlilies.

Field Museum
store.fieldmuseum.org

Whether it's a life-sized plush lion ($472), an ancient Egyptian "I Love You" cartouche necklace ($48) or a toddler's dino-painted footstool ($60), this venerable Chicago museum offers a wide array of products related to natural history and world cultures. Browse by category or exhibit. You'll find particularly deep offerings in "Pompeii: Stories from an Eruption." (Check out the Vesuvianite jewelry, named after a gemstone discovered near the infamous volcano.) And then of course, there's Sue, the museum's renowned T-Rex skeleton, who has spawned her own merchandising explosion, from mugs and mouse pads to umbrellas and playing cards. The Kids section features the widest inventory, including Japanese pagoda building blocks ($49), a plush Buddha doll ($15.95) and a radio-controlled pteranodon ($46). There's even a separate section devoted to baby products.

Museum of Modern Art, New York
momastore.org

Sleek, tasteful design rules at MoMA's online shop, where items range in price from under $10 to over $6,000. Browse by category (such as Kitchen and Tabletop, Furniture and Lighting or Posters and Prints). Or choose from an array of big-name 20th-century designers, from Alvar Aalto to Frank Lloyd Wright. The Home Accessories click alone offers more than 100 items, including a futuristic, capsule-shaped FM radio ($24), a classic George Nelson "Eye" clock ($295) and much more. Looking for distinctive jewelry? Try the beaded "DNA" bracelet, necklace and earrings or browse the wide selection of bold and colorful watches. Still not sure what you want? Let Gift Ideas and What's New links help. Crisp, zoomable product pictures throughout.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
store.philamuseumstore.org/index.html

Click here for wide range of creative gifts--from a Salvador Dali "eye of time" watch pin to a thermal Mona Lisa mug that magically loses its moustache and goatee when filled with a hot drink. In Featured Artist, you'll find work related to three of the museum's most renowned and beloved artists: Dadaist Marcel Duchamp, Philly painter Thomas Eakins and sculptor Auguste Rodin, whose "Thinker" sculpture is represented by everything from a keyring to an ornament to a bronze reproduction. Click on Paper for prints, posters and original limited-edition framed works like Robert Zakanitch's Nina ($1,210). Kids stuff ranges from fine art tattoo packs to a baseball with Vincent van Gogh's signature. The Gift Ideas click helps you browse by price, but not by recipient or occasion.

100 Gift Basket Theme Ideas

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 14:41:00 +0000

What is a Gift Basket Theme?

Gift Baskets are a multi-million dollar industry. They are gifts with a personal touch that people are willing to pay a little extra for. Gift baskets bring the best elements of gift giving together: color, variety, surprise and a common theme ! Sometimes I get weird requests but all of them are fun to pursue.

Here is a Kids DORA themed gift basket

Here are 100 themes for gift baskets.

100 Gift Basket Theme Ideas

New baby
Baskets for Pets
New Mom
Christmas
Easter
Valentine's Day
Corporate
Wine Lovers
Fundraising
Sympathy
Get Well
Cookie Lovers
New Dad
Cheese
ravelers
Nut Lovers
Engagement
Mexican
New Years Eve
Hanukkah
Boss's Day
Tea Lovers
Relaxation
Gardener's
Beach
Bachelor(ette) Party
Basketball Players
Football Players
Aromatherapy
Ice Cream Lovers
Teacher
New Job
Lottery
Baptism
Golfers
Graduation
Mother's Day
Father's Day
Birthday
Wedding
Fruit
Gourmet Food
Patriotic
Coffee Lovers
Italian
Flower
Anniversary
Food
Thank You
Apology
Movie
Music
Spices
Bon Voyage
Secretary's Day
Grandparent's Day
St. Patrick's Day
Baker
Crafter
Fudge Lovers
Bridge Players
Handyman
Organic Foods
Skiers
Soup Lovers
Snack
Divorce
Get Well
New Home
Romance
Chocolate Lovers
Pasta Lovers
Fondue
Sugar Free/ Diabetic
Spa
Popcorn
Kids
Bath
Candle
Book
Beer Lover's
Retirement
Dog
Cat
Champagne
Picnic
Herbs
Barbecue Lovers
Bowlers
Over the Hill
Car Lovers
Bagel Lovers
Hangover
Balloons
Congratulations
Spicy Foods
Toy
Coin Collectors
Coach
Thanksgiving

Unique Party Favors by Gail Leino

ceo@cuisinecuisine.com (Medini Pradhan) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:16:00 +0000

my remarks are in red.....in between the article !

A party favor is given by a host to their guest to thank them for attending their event. When a hosts gives their guests unique party favors, the guests know how truly appreciated their presence was at the party. Guests attending a party will usually bring a hostess gift or something the host can use or serve at their party. The party hostess usually gives the guests a party favor, thus making it a unique party favor is a reminder of how the event was special.

This cute tower for cupcakes is a great way to display and serve individual servings for a non messy party ! One of my favs !

There are several options available when choosing unique party favors. One of the best ways to make your party favors unique is to make them personalized. A personalized party favor shows your guests that you really wanted them to have a gift that you put a lot of thought into so that they would always remember the event. Another way to give very unique party favors, is to give gift baskets. Gift baskets can be a personalized gift to receive because they can be filled with a combination of any thing to suit your guest's personality.

Awesome Book ! Dozens of clever, classy favor projects to help make any special event unique and memorable. The projects use craft supplies, wedding-craft materials, papers, scrap booking supplies, and small gift items like candles and small frames. 75 projects!

If you are having a costume party, fun favors that can be worn are a great way to give your guests fun they can take home. Costumes themselves as favors are a unique way for guests to bring the fun of your party home with them. Even mix and match costume parts like feather boas, hats or masks are all fun gifts to give to your guests as party favors. For an evening party, a great unique party favor can be glow sticks. Glow sticks and LED light ups are fun as party favors. These are fun for your guests to play with at your party and they create a festive atmosphere. Nothing is more exciting than a dark room full of neon glow sticks and blinking lights. Excellent pool party favors can be inflatables. These are great because your guests can use their favors during the party in the pool and at home.

Cool Glow Bracelets : 5 tubes of 100 LumiStick luminescent light bracelets. Each tube contains a even mix of 5 colors -- Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Pink. I had ordered these for a pool party last summer and it was a big hit !

Whatever favors you choose for your guests will be appreciated as long as you put some thought into them. The point of a party is to have fun. So have fun when looking for the perfect unique party favors for your party. Picking the perfect unique party favor will not only bring joy to your guests but also to yourself. Everyone wants the party favors they choose to be a success.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on giving the best possible party, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts.

Article Source: http://www.bigarticles.com