Baskets By Rita, a Colorado Gift Basket Company, Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

Ten years after being laid off from Agilent Technologies, Marge Van Woerkom and her business, Baskets By Rita, are still going strong. As a previous Reporter Herald article outlined, Van Woerkom was one of many Loveland residents who found themselves unemployed in 2002 when HP and Agilent downsized. After 19 years of working for HP and Agilent, Van Woerkom refused to be a victim of her situation. She pulled herself together after the lay off and bought an existing business in Aurora, Colorado. She chose not to change the company's existing name, Baskets By Rita, which already had a strong reputation in the Denver metro area and this choice has served her well. "We've built our business on the philosophy that the customer come first" says Van Woerkom.

Since Van Woerkom took ownership of the company, she has managed to grow sales despite the economic recession of the past few years. In addition, she has grown the company's clientele and web presence year over year with the help of her staff and dedicated members of her family. As a sign of its ongoing growth, Baskets By Rita began plans several months ago to create a sister company, Gift Agent. Gift Agent will offer customers a slightly more specialized product line packaged in specialty boxes which will allow the company to be more eco-friendly and create more of a recognized brand identity. The hope is that receiving a gift from Gift Agent will be comparable in recipients' minds to receiving a box of Godiva chocolates. While Gift Agent gives cause for much excitement at Baskets By Rita, that is not the only exciting news for the company.

This year, Baskets By Rita is celebrating it's 20th year of business. While many other gift basket companies have gone out of business, Van Woerkom and her staff have managed to maintain steady growth despite the public's growing need to economize. To show their gratitude for the continued support of their customers and celebrate their 20 years of success, Baskets By Rita has planned a series of sales promotions for each month of the year. These promotions include deals such as 15% off when you spend $50 or more and a gift of a free basket for the winner of a video commercial contest. For every dollar saved by their customers through these ongoing promotions, Baskets By Rita will donate a dollar to a local charity. Each month, the company will choose two local charities to support and they will match the savings of their customers to determine the donation amount. The best part of this campaign is that customers are encouraged to vote for their favorite charities so that everyone can be involved. As a local business, Baskets By Rita does its best to support local programs and Van Woerkom is excited to have an excuse to give back even more than her usual holiday charitable donations. Like us on Facebook and vote for your local charity. When doing so we will send you a coupon code for 20% off your next purchase.

A Story Of Easter's Origin

Easter Origins Have you ever asked yourself where the legend of the Easter Bunny came from? I mean really, do rabbits and colorful eggs really say anything about Jesus' resurrection? The response is no. The tradition of the Easter Bunny was created in the 13th century and comes from pre-Christian Germany. The pagan people of that time period worshipped numerous gods and goddesses. The goddess of spring and fertility was known as Eostra, which is where the name Easter came from. As you may know, spring is the time for rebirth. Because of this, Eostra's sign was the rabbit. The rabbit signified regeneration since rabbits are well renowned for their significant rate of reproduction. With time, this representation of Eostra result in other myths and in the 1500s, the earliest fable of the Easter Bunny was published. Now since you know where the Easter Bunny came from you are likely asking yourself to know about the eggs. Eggs have been a symbol of fertility for years and were likely included in early pagan festivities of spring. As Christianity became more widespread in Europe and in Germany, previous pagan customs began to mesh with modern Christian celebrations. Nowadays, we know that Easter eggs signify Jesus' resurrection. Over time the Easter Bunny myth developed still further and turned into what we know it as today. Comparable to the myth of Santa Clause, German families would convince their children that if they were well behaved the Easter Bunny would arrive and bring eggs that they could trade for sweets and various other treats. People began the tradition of creating nests for the eggs and these nests ultimately morphed into the cheerful colorful Easter baskets which we have today. The fable of the Easter Bunny first found its way to the US in the 1700s when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania. These days, this Easter belief is a widespread part of our traditions as are tons of other norms which come from the homes of our immigrant forefathers. If you'd like to play the Bunny this Easter, purchase a basket such as our Girls Easter Basket for somebody you love. Baskets By Rita provides numerous Easter baskets to choose between and is offering 10% off all Easter gift baskets for the month of March. Girls Easter Basket filled with special goodies for Easter giving. This small Easter basket is the perfect combination of toys and goodies for a child. We filled our white willow basket with a butterfly coloring sketch pad activity book and 4 pack of crayons, plastic Easter eggs filled with candy, M& M's, Starburst candy, Disney fun straw, Jelly Belly sour jelly beans, Gold Fish crackers, Plush Easter Bunny and a silk butterfly. Follow is on Twitter or find us on Facebook. http://www.basketsbyrita.com

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

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. YUM! I am salivating just writing about this! What if this winter holiday you could deliver someone the ideal gift of all these flavors? If you know someone who is in need of a tiny bit of holiday cheer, give them a Grand Gourmet Gift basket from Baskets By Rita. The best of the best! Our Holiday Grand Gourmet gift basket is our highest quality basket and it contains a little bit of everything. Smoked Gouda cheese, Shiraz wine cheese, crackers, fancy mixed nuts, tin of holiday cookies, white chocolate snowflake candy, Jelly Belly candies, smoked salmon, Oatmeal raisin cookies, beef sausage, olives, raspberry honey dipping mustard, gourmet pretzel twists, Starbuck's Coffee, dark chocolate orange sticks, pita chips, caramel corn, Ghirardelli chocolates, pistachios, and much, much more. A great holiday gift for anyone on your list. $175 listed and shown Go easy on yourself this year with your holiday shopping and leave the work up to us. While you're at it, why not get a little something for yourself? Ultimately, the holidays are intended to be enjoyed! If you found this blog interesting, why not share it with your friends on Facebook or Twitter? Thanks for the repost!

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. If you have a friend like me or you find yourself in my situation, you can undoubtedly guess what the very best present would be for her. Now naturally, a morning at the salon would be ideal, but if your wallet is a little bit tinier than that why not send the spa to them? Baskets By Rita provides a large variety of bath and beauty gifts which are stuffed with top quality items which include products by Body Eclipse, the elite supplier of spa products for the Brown Palace hotel in Denver. So when you need a gift for a high maintenance woman, save her a couple of bucks off her standard routine and give her an evening of peace with the Bath and Candle Gift Basket. our candle and bath gift basket is a little bit candle basket and a little bit bath gift basket making a perfect combination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Our Soy candles and high quality bath products are included in our bath and candle gift basket.. Believe me, she'll thank you!!!