Live the Life
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by Goodies 'n Baskets
An Inspirational Poem from a 10 year old
I want a spider that could weave
All our hearts together
And spin a world of peace
I wish that spider would wrap us up
In its silky thread
To keep us safe from poverty, war, illness, and death
Live with Passion and Grace in 2010
A note from Goodies 'n Baskets owner
Happy New Year! I can't believe how quickly the days have been flying by! It's been a great productive year! The theme for 2010 would be to live with passion!
What makes you passionate and what inspires you? This holiday season, I hope everyone was able to spend time with family and share happiness and joy this coming 2010! The laughter and wonder of a toddler makes us appreciate the simplest and most meaningful favorite things. For 2010, several generations of us are sharing a lot of ideas when it comes to fine jewelry. See our hand picked selection of precious pearls. Treat yourself to a piece, or two this year and Goodies 'n Baskets has affordable and beautiful pearls which you can keep and pass on to family members from generation to generation. Pearls are so "in" right now! Pearl necklaces are timeless pieces the can commemorate graduations, weddings, and having a new baby. See our pearl selections and note their wonderful sheen and luster! Each strand is hand picked just for you and we wrap each piece of jewelry in a fine linen box with a satin bow, felt or satin flower (upon request) and a customized message can be included. We're tired of all the commercialism, red tag sales and cookie cutter presents at the mall. At Goodies 'n Baskets, each item is personalized and wrapped with bows and decor. Give the gift of luxury this new year!
In 2010, we recommend exploring new hobbies which you may have forgotten. It's time to be inspired! Explore what makes you passionate about life! Live life to the fullest and with enthusiasm.Take up a new sport like tennis or running. Prepare for that marathon, or lose those last ten pounds! Health is wealth. Visit and re-visit exhibits in your city. Try out the best restaurants as there is nothing like surrounding yourself with good food and culture in a happening city. Watch out for the latest events in your state and area! I found true inspiration and beauty in botanical illustration and watercolor. Visit your local botanical garden during winter and be amazed by color! Watch out for watercolor artwork in our upcoming Artfully Yours blog. It's eye candy for the soul! Take that art class, or pick up that long lost hobby. Bake those wonderful decorative mini cupcakes which you've always dreamed of doing. Remember, at Goodies 'n Baskets we also create wonderful personalized tags, packaging and labels to go with those creations as giveaways and mementos. We'll place your logo on top. On a cold wintry night, sip some Mighty Leaf tea in front of a roaring fire when it is snowing outside. Bake, knit and paint something wonderful! Light a scented candle for inspiration for the new year. Here's to new beginnings and exporing and re-exploring your interests. Live a passionate life! Life is too short to feel crabby!
Here's to a great 2010 full of passion and energy! Watch our for more Goodies 'n Baskets originals, recommendations and original artwork in 2010! Thanks for a wonderful year! Share your talents. whether you are a doctor, lawyer, designer, teacher, entrepreneur, author, CEO, mom or dad. Whatever profession you are in, be the best you can be! Here's to 2010!
Money Saving Tips for 2008
1) Go on a "staycation". Many people have not explored all the tourist spots in their area. Visit the latest exhibits in your local museums, go on a cruise around the river or lake, if you have one. Go to all the places which people from other countries pay thousands of dollars to see. You'll be surprised how much fun you can have!
2) Shop online. Online stores have lower overhead costs and expenses than retail stores or department stores. The bottom line is better value for your money! Also, you save on gas and your time shopping. Most websites give promos for free delivery. Plan ahead, customize, get unique and wonderful presents online. See our new selection at www.goodiesnbaskets.biz
3) Visit your closest national park. Most parks have boating, swimming, hiking and tennis. All these activities are great for your pocket and health!
4) Make your holiday ornaments instead of buying them. Go outside and pick flowers from the garden to make a centerpiece. Sew up some lovely ornaments to decorate a tree!
5) take a brisk walk. Brew some delicious Mighty Leaf tea and bake some homemade cookies. Invite a friend over for tea time! it's better than spending thousands a year at the usual coffee places which charge for frothe and the brews are usually too sweet and fattening.
6) Check out our new sewn items made by women in small towns. You are also supporting women in the US to achieve their dreams, while giving a present which is unique! See our Goodies for Mommies line!
April 25, 2008
Reflections on Motherhood
Before I had children, it was hard to imagine what life will be like tied down by the responsibilities of motherhood . Life was enjoyable, the freedom to to do what you want and when you want. Things do change quite a bit when you have kids. Juggling a career and motherhood is a challenge but is do-able. Most of us mothers do find ways to cope, bringing the efficiency that we have in the office to our households. Here are some tips to make you a happier mom:
1. Delegate household tasks - hire a cleaning lady or a nanny
2. Shop online. Time spent shopping could be spent playing with the kids or having quality time with your husband.
3. Have your kids do work around the house. It's a good way to prepare them for their future motherhood
4. Share tasks with your husband.
5. Most of all, don't lose yourself in the day to day living and never-ending tasks in the house. Carve out time to do the things that you love, whether it's curling up with a good book, sipping a cup of tea, playing the piano, getting a massage. or taking up a new sport.
April 24, 2008
Mother's Day Tea
Mother's day is fast approaching. What better way to celebrate friendship by hosting a tea party for your girlfriends who mean so much! Share stories and chat over a cup of tea. Offer a selection of luxury teas. Try our spa tea box and have a spa and tea day and serve the new selection of white teas in our elegant abaca tea box. Your guests will feel pampered by the flavor of the white orchard tea, green tropical, orange dulce, just a few of the herbal teas. If you have a pregnant friend who is expecting a little one soon, the chamomile citrus is caffeine free! It's great hot or with ice!
Serve up some french crepes. We've had many gatherings with this secret family recipe. It's really easy to do but so delicious! Here is the recipe which is foolproof! We've used olive oil instead of real butter. How about a plate of cupcakes and scones with strawberries?
Decorate the table with fresh roses and scented candles. Try our lavender scent and blood orange candles ! This afternoon tea will surely be a memorable event. Perfect for a bridal shower or mother's day!
Secret Crepe Recipe
1 cup flour
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup milk
3 eggs
2 tbsps. olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, the flour and salt. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients, milk, eggs, water, vanilla and oil. Whisk by hand or with a mixer. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture in a stream while whisking. just a few minutes, until it is smooth. you could let the batter rest in the refrigerator for an hour or 30 minutes. Grease a skillet or crepe pan. pour the crepes! These make perfectly golden crepes.
Serve with fresh strawberries and if you are craving for something decadent, chocolate sauce! Enjoy!
To order this wonderful tea box and candles go to the main menu at www.goodiesnbaskets.biz
June 5, 2007
The Perfect Jasmine Green Tea Smoothie Recipe
Lose weight with a light Jasmine Green Tea smoothie! Green tea has many health benefits. a japanese study found that people who regularly drank five or more cups of green tea were more likely to live longer. and it is great for losing weight No longer considered your grandmother's tea but a hip new drink of 20 and 30 somethings. This is a low calorie, delicious smoothie!
1 green tea bag/ jasmine green tea
1 cup boiling water
honey to taste
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 cup raspberry or berry juice, or a healthier alternative, 1 cup vitamin water (Glaceau or Defense in raspberry apple flavor)
or any fruit juice will do.
1) Brew green tea in water, seep to desired strength. Five minutes is good! Discard the tea bag. and add some honey to taste.
Refrigerate tea for 30 minutes.
2) Puree the tea, berry juice, or vitamin water, into the blender. add chunks of banana.
3) Add ice and blend until it reaches a nice light smooth consistency.
4) Taste for sweetness.
5) Yum! Enjoy this refreshing green tea smoothie! Just right for summer or for picnics in the park!
A Day in Provence March 17, 2007
avender fields... Fresh air...Sunflower blossoms...Images of Provence float in our minds. It is amazing that this wonderful place is only a plane ride away. Imagine waking up to the cool morning breeze and to the sound of the birds chirping and gently swaying trees. Breakfast is served outdoors, a bounty of fresh croissants, sweet melons, freshly squeeze orange juice and hot coffee. Afterwards, take a dip in the pool and plan your day.
Driving through gentle hills of lavender and grapevines, one cannot help but wish that this day could last forever. The nearest winery,a few miles away offers a wide selection of rose, white and red wines. You pick up your choice for dinner and pass by the local cheese shop. You enjoy the breathtaking views from Le Beaux and have a gourmet lunch in St. Remy on your way back. The afternoon is spent reading your new bestseller as you prepare for dinner.
Our love for anything Provencal led us to our choice of bath and spa products. Our selection of bath products includes French body lotions, shower gels, and even bath items for kids.