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. 
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Colorado Gift From Wide Open Spaces
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
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. 
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Flavors of Fall Holiday Season Begins
Is it just me, or are Americans infatuated with seasonal flavors? Think of pumpkin spice for example. Towards the end of summer coffee houses begin to offer their pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie is added to the dessert lists at diners, and pumpkin beers are found on tap and in liquor stores. I suppose 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. I guess there is something wonderful about saving these vibrant, inviting tastes for this time of year. It gives us something to look forward to as it gets colder and we start to spend more time at home. Have you ever questioned where these flavors came from? Consider cinnamon for example... Cinnamon was first used in Sri Lanka, formerly named Ceylon and can be traced back to 2800 B.C. Through history, this spice was so strongly sought after that wars have been waged over it! Used as a sort of currency, medicine, for embalming (peculiar, eh?), and an aphrodisiac, cinnamon has been valued all over the world throughout the course of human history. Now you'll have something to consider the next time you eat a cinnamon roll! At the start of each holiday season I cannot wait to mow down on some holiday specialties including a peppermint mocha (although I prefer mine with white chocolate) or a bite of apple crumble. Another of my favorites is gingerbread cookies with candy buttons. 
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Pamper Your Woman
Every month I dedicate a significant amount of money on spa and treatment services. Within a few weeks I need to schedule another pedicure, hair appointment, laser hair removal appointment, or full body wax. Other than these sorts of cosmetic solutions, everyday stress means I have to splurge for weekly massages and chiropractic appointments and the occasional bubble bath. Without doubt the cost of makeup and various other beauty products add to the bill as well. By the end of each month I've spent way too much solely to take care of myself. Talk about stress! A few days ago I began considering options to bring down these payments without making too many sacrifices. I now do my own waxing, color my own toenails (most of the time), and have paid for my boyfriend to attend massage lessons. 
Friday, October 7, 2011
Halloween gift a college student will love
Since 1863, people in America have commemorated Thanksgiving by imitating the vision of the pilgrims and the Indians seated together for a amiable meal. As wonderful as this image of equality might be, it is not true. The history of pilgrims and Indians was one of one-sided camaraderie. while the Indians furnished the pilgrims with food and expertise to make do their first winter the pilgrims expressed gratitude to them by declaring war and attacking them. Even though this is not what we like to think about as we join together to feast with our loved ones, perhaps it gives a new perspective to the season. The pilgrims were greedy and dubious. They took from the Indians and reciprocated in the worst ways possible. Maybe instead of emulating the ideal image of the pilgrims and Indians as pals each Thanksgiving, we should reflect on the unfaithfulness the Indians endured at the hands of their "friends" the pilgrims. Now I don't mean to imply that Thanksgiving should be a formal day of contemplation and remembrance, but perhaps we should take the chance to think about our own friendships. 
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Time For Giving Thanks
As the leaves start to transform and tumble from the trees and the air chills alerting of the coming of winter, we put away our shorts and tank tops and get out our hats and long sleeves. While the cool air may be a needed change from the heat of summer, it also reminds us that the days are getting shorter and we will be spending much more time at home hibernating. Some people call autumn their favorite season and it does present many opportunities for celebration and a chance for us to spend time with friends and family as we search for shelter within and seek ways to entertain ourselves and keep our spirits high. When we think of fall we think of pumpkins, turkeys, red, orange, and yellow leaves, and harvest festivals. As the outside world wilts for the weeks of cold ahead, we celebrate life in hopes that we may continue to be blessed in the weeks ahead. We enjoy the gifts of the harvest and give thanks for our many blessings. Putting aside the holidays and weekend excursions of summer, we ready ourselves for a gloomier start of winter by creating enjoyment in a time when it is harder to find in our surroundings. The winter months are known as the 'holidays,' but the holidays really commence with Halloween and Thanksgiving, customs which have been around for hundreds of years which allow us to assemble with friends and find satisfaction in life. This autumn, show appreciation for those you are grateful for by giving them a autumn themed gift basket such as Thanksgiving Day Gift Basket. As summer breezes turn to Autumn chill, look to this basket to celebrate the season. This Thanksgiving day gift basket is filled with mixed nuts, turkey shaped pasta, marinara sauce, assorted milk and dark chocolates, cranberry cheddar cheese, crackers, hot apple cider, shortbread cookies, fresh crisp apples, caramel dip, tortilla chips with Colorado salsa, popcorn and caramel apple taffy. If you can't be there for Thanksgiving send this beautiful basket instead. This is also a great way to say thank you, welcome home, or thinking of you. Thank your business clients, 
If you enjoyed this blog or want to express your thanks, please repost this of Facebook or Tweet about it to share with all of your friends!
http://www.twitter.com/basketsbyrita
http://www.facebook.com/basketsbyrita
Friday, September 2, 2011
Earth Friendly Gifts With Food
Let's give some thought to ways to be eco-friendly for the Christmas holiday this season. Everyone is atempting to get on the band wagon of going green. Not only is it marvelous for the economy but it is also good for the pocket book. In these years of economic downturn and this friendly mind set let's take a look at various ways to be Earth-friendly and save money. Buy a live tree or perhaps a artificial Christmas tree. Live trees can be planted and admired for years. If you don't have a yard for planting one then get an artificial one you can use each year. If you put up Christmas lights purchase led lights if you can afford it. If not, then be sure to have your lights on a timer and only run them from sunset until you go to bed. No need lighting up the darkness when no one is out to get pleasure from them. Wrap your presents it recycled paper and decorate gifts with old ribbon and sparkles. Another option which is something our family has done for a long time, and wrap your presents in handmade fabric bags that can used year after year. The disadvantage of these bags is that they are really simple to open so someone can potentially peek if they truly wanted to. Buy greeting card printed on recycled paper. You could even not bother with the post office this year and send e-card in its place. Don't go to shopping at malls this year. Spending hours trying hard to find the perfect gift wastes extensive amounts of time and money. You can buy things online and still buy from local companies as well. Think about products that you believe they will use, need and enjoy. Everyone enjoys delectable food and everyone must eat so think about giving a gourmet food gift. Now take this a bit further and make a decision on a gourmet food gift that comes in an Earth-friendly recycled reusable shopping bag. Eco Gourmet Gift Bag Our Eco green Gift bag contains all the same items as our Gourmet Comfort Food Gift Basket. It is perfect for a family or an office staff to share. We have selected items that are ready to eat and easy to share. 