Something Worth Living For

Love... perhaps the most effective word in any language. This tiny one syllable word has sparked warfare, disloyalty, and lunacy, but it has also caused unity, unanticipated experiences, and unmatched inventiveness. How can it be that a force that can be so positive can drive us to so much evil? The French, renowned for l'amour, have many engaging love stories to tell. Consider the story of the sculptor Rodin and his mistress Camille Claudel. Claudel sculpted for Rodin when they fell for each other. His unwillingness to leave his wife for her made Claudel insane and she destroyed a number of her sculptures during episodes of paranoia which was a symptom of her schizophrenia. Claudel spent the last 30 years of her life in a hospital. How could a power that can drive someone to such depths of grief be the one thing that we all need in our lives? However, let us consider another french couple. Voltaire and Emilie du Chatelet carried on a 15 year long romance which was looked down upon by the public, but allowed by Chatelet's husband, the Marquis Florent-Claude du Chatelet. Chatelet and Voltaire shared a healthy academic attachment and spent time philosophizing together, collecting books for their library, and providing recommendations on each other's work in mathematics and science. Their shared values and commitment to each other fueled their love even after her death. After her death, Voltaire wrote of Chatelet, "It is not a mistress I have lost but half of myself, a soul for which my soul seems to have been made." Despite her arranged marriage to the Marquis, the love between Chatelet and Voltaire was permitted and not envied. They were the focus of ridicule but were permitted to spend their lives together in shared admiration. Their story illustrates love in its finest form. In my experience, love is the sole thing worth living for. Whether it's love of kin, love of something, or love for a companion, an absence of love life is insignificant. Maybe this is why love can bring us to such extreme limits. For some of us, love is worth dying for. For other people, it is worth living for. As Valentine's Day approaches love is on all our minds. I wish each and every one of you a happy love story overflowing with all the best love provides and none of the worst. This Valentine's Day, show your love with a Red Hot Valentine Gift from Baskets By Rita.This Red hot Valentine's day box is perfect for all the special ladies in your life. An adorable teddy bear, milk chocolate truffles, dark chocolate and raspberry Chocolove bar,trail mix,a scented votive candle,chocolate chip cookies, Jelly Belly candy,caramel corn, hot cocoa, mixed nuts and a brownie. Box size 10 1/4" x 6" x 7 1/2" Say you are hot to your Valentine this year with our sweet treat. We all need a subtle reminder sometimes of simply how much we are loved. If you like this blog, be sure to forward it on via Twitter or Facebook. Thanks a bunch!  http://www.basketsbyrita.com/Red-Hot-Valentine-Gift_p_257.html

Colorado Gift From Wide Open Spaces

As a true Coloradoan, it seriously baffles me just how much our state has expanded over the last ten years. While living in France everyone would ask me where I was from. When I reported that I was from Colorado, they would all laugh and say "Oh, like Doctor Quinn!" I can tell you that in modern times, Colorado is dramatically different from the setting for Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman. Since the year 2000 the state's population has grown by over 750,000. Once acknowledged for our vast expanses of land, these are quickly becoming a thing of the past, but I suppose we are responsible for this. Colorado has become a particularly appealing place to raise a family. Louisville, Colorado was titled the number one place to live in Money Magazine's top 100 list for 2011. Aside from Louisville, four other Colorado towns made the list. Pretty impressive, huh? I imagine if we would stop getting recognized for these sorts of things we wouldn't have so many immigrants from far and wide. But who wouldn't love looking outside to a lovely rocky mountain backdrop every single day? Not only are our towns gaining recognition for the quality of life they give to their residents, but Colorado is home to countless respected companies. One industry that we particularly care a lot about here at Baskets By Rita is the gourmet food industry. Not only is Colorado known for big restaurants including Old Chicago, Chipotle, Noodles & Company, Quizno's, and Good Times, but our state is also home to lots of high-end food producers as well. At Baskets By Rita we support Colorado companies like Bhakti Chai, Bobo's Oat Bars, Celestial Seasonings, Chocolove, and Boulder Natural Foods, all based in Boulder, Colorado. It seems as though there's something about Boulder that compels people to create healthy, irresistible foods. If you aren't familiarized with every one of these companies, you may possibly be familiar with other Colorado brands such as Hammond's Candies, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Larabar, and Too Haute Cowgirls. Maybe I'm something of a foodie, but if the mountains don't bring people in, I would imagine that businesses like these would entice people to come to Colorado. Oh, and did I include that we've got about 120 breweries in the state? Colorado has been named the Napa Valley of the beer world. What more can I say? This state is outstanding! If I've managed to wet your appetite and you're now itching for Colorado made food and beer why not order a Rocky Mountain Gift Basket from us and treat yourself. A gift from the Rocky Mountains filled with a great selection of both sweet and savory gourmet goodies, this Colorado Rocky Mountain Gift Basket includes only products made in our beautiful state. Two Chocolove chocolate bars, a fresh baked cookie and brownie, a Lara bar with all natural fruit and nuts, Rocky Mountain snack mix, Colorado River Rocks candy, Boulder chips, root beer,white cheddar popcorn, a buffalo stick, Rocky Mountain salsa and tortilla chips. Maybe if you buy one of our baskets and like the products enough, you too might look into moving to the centennial state. Like this blog? Share it on Facebook or Twitter.

A Perfect Gift For The New Mom

A few days ago I received brilliant news. I am going to be an auntie again! One of my lifelong friends just learned that she's expecting a baby and in about six months we will all be welcoming a infant baby into this world. The instant she broke the news to me I started thinking about a baby shower, welcome gifts, and all the toys, diapers and outfits that this infant is going to will need. I commenced looking on the net for items to welcome a new little one and I discovered the Bearington Baby collection from Bearington Bear. Bearington Bear has been around for 14 years and in that limited time they have won more design awards and nominations than any other teddy bear manufacturer. Not only are their products beautiful and soft, but they are made to last. I was intrigued by these features. I don't think there's anything more meaningful to a child than their favorite teddy bear or blanket. Often, by the time the child turns six, the teddy bear or blanket which they've hung on to since birth is so worn that it becomes an eyesore that mom would rather not hang on to. This is quite sad when you consider all the excellent memories these cuddly items evoke. Not to mention the security they give to the little child. I believe that spending a little more on a teddy bear that will last considerably longer is worth every dollar. I truly cannot think of a more desirable gift item for my friend than to give her first kid a cuddly keepsake that will still be around long after the child has outgrown it. Baskets By Rita recently began offering products by Bearington Baby and they have designed several adorable baby baskets which include Bearington products. Baskets By Rita carries filled with a blanket, a bib, a onesie, and a teddy bear for under $100. In addition you can select Candle and Bath Gift Basket This gift basket has a high quality Soy candle and Spa quality bath products that will impress and delight that special someone. Beautifully wrapped and tied with a bow and butterfly. By ordering one of these gift baskets I will not only be the best auntie, but I will be giving this infant a quality gift which will last them a lifetime. If you like what you've read please find us on Facebook or follow is on Twitter. http://www.basketsbyrita.com