Archive for the ‘Holloween’ Category

Turkey Day? A day of giving Thanks

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Let’s take a quick look at what kinds of things really were on the menu for the First Thanksgiving feast. Well, for starters, the Pilgrims probably ate a lot of breads, fish and meats, but the meats most likely included deer, swans, ducks, cranes, and eagles. An interesting variety to be sure, but the lowly wild turkey would likely have been overlooked if fresh venison had been an offering on the table. Fish was a staple of the early settlers’ diet and given the ease of catching them there would have been an abundant supply on the menu.

Sweet potato and pumpkin pies, cranberry sauce, corn on the cob, popcorn, and savory gravies were also not a part of that First Thanksgiving meal. The original Indian corn was used for cornmeal and trying to steam and eat this corn would probably have given you a broken tooth, or some severe indigestion.

Cranberries do grow in the far northern regions of the US but you will not find juicy ripe berries available during late November. Succulent sweet potatoes had not even made the journey to American soil at this time so you can count them out. Pumpkins were a possibility, but you would not have found the kinds of pies and casseroles that now grace our Thanksgiving tables. Instead, there was most likely a pudding stew that had a bit of honey added for a sweetener.  

The main thing to remember is that the meal was a way of giving thanks for what was available at the time. There was some good food to eat, and they were able to share what they had with family and friends. This is what Thanksgiving is all about, isn’t it?

LOOKING FOR THAT CORPORATE HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET OR A HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET IDEA?

THANKSGIVING GOURMET

Things that go bump in the night

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

 

Skyway Lady

With Halloween upon us, our minds begin to wander back to spooky tales we have heard or creepy encounters we have had.  For many in the Florida Tampa Bay Area, Halloween stirs up the stories that tell the tale of a young blonde women who was seen repeatedly, on the original Skyway bridge either in the middle of it as if she was about to jump or she would be hitchhiking from one side of the bridge to the other.

 

The stories of this young woman date back to the 1960’s and generally involved people just passing through town who were not familiar with the tales of the young ghost.  This spectacular bridge has always been a popular spot for those wishing to end their life so many believe that she was one of the many that succeeded in jumping off the bridge. 

 

The tales of this ghostly angel place her either wearing an outfit with a tight t-shirt or a white cotton dress.  Some say they would spot this ghostly figure in the middle of the bridge as if she were getting ready to jump but what really makes peoples skin crawl are the tales of her hitchhiking at the one end of the bridge as people have actually stopped and gave her a ride.

 

On many occasions, people would stop and offer her a ride.  They say she was very upset and nervous when she would get in the vehicle as if she was very scared of something.  She would actually carry on complete conversations with the people who would pick her up.  She would tell them about the urgency of her need to get to the other side of the bridge but as they got closer to the middle of the bridge, she would become very agitated. It was then that most of the motorists would turn to her to try to comfort her only to find that she vanished into thin air.

 

Is this where she jumped?  Did someone kill her there?  No one will ever know for sure why the woman haunted the Skyway Bridge in Florida.  She hasn’t been seen since 1980 when the original bridge was replaced due to a horrifying accident.  Some say that she is still stuck on the old bridge that is now basically a “ghost” bridge but no one will ever know.

 

There are many ghost stories that come out when Halloween rolls around but for the most part, those stories involve ghost sightings, where as this tale actually involves physical contact with a ghostly presence.  Was she running from something or to something?  There are people that believe in ghosts and then there are those who think the ghost stories are just stories.  Try telling that to those who gave a ride to the Skyway Lady. 

Looking for a holiday gift basket idea? Nothing spooky here! Unique gift baskets  for the holidays.

HALLOWEEN GOODIES

 

 

 

The Skyway Lady

With Halloween upon us, our minds begin to wander back to spooky tales we have heard or creepy encounters we have had.  For many in the Florida Tampa Bay Area, Halloween stirs up the stories that tell the tale of a young blonde women who was seen repeatedly, on the original Skyway bridge either in the middle of it as if she was about to jump or she would be hitchhiking from one side of the bridge to the other.

 

The stories of this young woman date back to the 1960’s and generally involved people just passing through town who were not familiar with the tales of the young ghost.  This spectacular bridge has always been a popular spot for those wishing to end their life so many believe that she was one of the many that succeeded in jumping off the bridge. 

 

The tales of this ghostly angel place her either wearing an outfit with a tight t-shirt or a white cotton dress.  Some say they would spot this ghostly figure in the middle of the bridge as if she were getting ready to jump but what really makes peoples skin crawl are the tales of her hitchhiking at the one end of the bridge as people have actually stopped and gave her a ride.

 

On many occasions, people would stop and offer her a ride.  They say she was very upset and nervous when she would get in the vehicle as if she was very scared of something.  She would actually carry on complete conversations with the people who would pick her up.  She would tell them about the urgency of her need to get to the other side of the bridge but as they got closer to the middle of the bridge, she would become very agitated. It was then that most of the motorists would turn to her to try to comfort her only to find that she vanished into thin air.

 

Is this where she jumped?  Did someone kill her there?  No one will ever know for sure why the woman haunted the Skyway Bridge in Florida.  She hasn’t been seen since 1980 when the original bridge was replaced due to a horrifying accident.  Some say that she is still stuck on the old bridge that is now basically a “ghost” bridge but no one will ever know.

 

There are many ghost stories that come out when Halloween rolls around but for the most part, those stories involve ghost sightings, where as this tale actually involves physical contact with a ghostly presence.  Was she running from something or to something?  There are people that believe in ghosts and then there are those who think the ghost stories are just stories.  Try telling that to those who gave a ride to the Skyway Lady. 

 

 

The Skyway Lady

With Halloween upon us, our minds begin to wander back to spooky tales we have heard or creepy encounters we have had.  For many in the Florida Tampa Bay Area, Halloween stirs up the stories that tell the tale of a young blonde women who was seen repeatedly, on the original Skyway bridge either in the middle of it as if she was about to jump or she would be hitchhiking from one side of the bridge to the other.

 

The stories of this young woman date back to the 1960’s and generally involved people just passing through town who were not familiar with the tales of the young ghost.  This spectacular bridge has always been a popular spot for those wishing to end their life so many believe that she was one of the many that succeeded in jumping off the bridge. 

 

The tales of this ghostly angel place her either wearing an outfit with a tight t-shirt or a white cotton dress.  Some say they would spot this ghostly figure in the middle of the bridge as if she were getting ready to jump but what really makes peoples skin crawl are the tales of her hitchhiking at the one end of the bridge as people have actually stopped and gave her a ride.

 

On many occasions, people would stop and offer her a ride.  They say she was very upset and nervous when she would get in the vehicle as if she was very scared of something.  She would actually carry on complete conversations with the people who would pick her up.  She would tell them about the urgency of her need to get to the other side of the bridge but as they got closer to the middle of the bridge, she would become very agitated. It was then that most of the motorists would turn to her to try to comfort her only to find that she vanished into thin air.

 

Is this where she jumped?  Did someone kill her there?  No one will ever know for sure why the woman haunted the Skyway Bridge in Florida.  She hasn’t been seen since 1980 when the original bridge was replaced due to a horrifying accident.  Some say that she is still stuck on the old bridge that is now basically a “ghost” bridge but no one will ever know.

 

There are many ghost stories that come out when Halloween rolls around but for the most part, those stories involve ghost sightings, where as this tale actually involves physical contact with a ghostly presence.  Was she running from something or to something?  There are people that believe in ghosts and then there are those who think the ghost stories are just stories.  Try telling that to those who gave a ride to the Skyway Lady. 

 

 

The Skyway Lady

With Halloween upon us, our minds begin to wander back to spooky tales we have heard or creepy encounters we have had.  For many in the Florida Tampa Bay Area, Halloween stirs up the stories that tell the tale of a young blonde women who was seen repeatedly, on the original Skyway bridge either in the middle of it as if she was about to jump or she would be hitchhiking from one side of the bridge to the other.

 

The stories of this young woman date back to the 1960’s and generally involved people just passing through town who were not familiar with the tales of the young ghost.  This spectacular bridge has always been a popular spot for those wishing to end their life so many believe that she was one of the many that succeeded in jumping off the bridge. 

 

The tales of this ghostly angel place her either wearing an outfit with a tight t-shirt or a white cotton dress.  Some say they would spot this ghostly figure in the middle of the bridge as if she were getting ready to jump but what really makes peoples skin crawl are the tales of her hitchhiking at the one end of the bridge as people have actually stopped and gave her a ride.

 

On many occasions, people would stop and offer her a ride.  They say she was very upset and nervous when she would get in the vehicle as if she was very scared of something.  She would actually carry on complete conversations with the people who would pick her up.  She would tell them about the urgency of her need to get to the other side of the bridge but as they got closer to the middle of the bridge, she would become very agitated. It was then that most of the motorists would turn to her to try to comfort her only to find that she vanished into thin air.

 

Is this where she jumped?  Did someone kill her there?  No one will ever know for sure why the woman haunted the Skyway Bridge in Florida.  She hasn’t been seen since 1980 when the original bridge was replaced due to a horrifying accident.  Some say that she is still stuck on the old bridge that is now basically a “ghost” bridge but no one will ever know.

 

There are many ghost stories that come out when Halloween rolls around but for the most part, those stories involve ghost sightings, where as this tale actually involves physical contact with a ghostly presence.  Was she running from something or to something?  There are people that believe in ghosts and then there are those who think the ghost stories are just stories.  Try telling that to those who gave a ride to the Skyway Lady. 

 

Holidays and Winter go hand in hand.

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Though many people do become more depressed in the winter than any other time of the year, the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas have a certain stir about them.  Winter is a beautiful time of year, which is why it is also so magical.  The white snow looks a little like sugar or glitter sparkling against the ground, reflecting the moon and blue-blackness of the night.  Snow blanketing the streets, buildings, and houses makes everything look clean and white.  The first snow of the season definitely makes everything “look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go.”  Winter is the perfect season for Christmas, as it is serene, peaceful, and pure. 

With this change in seasons from fall to winter, you probably also start thinking about the ones you love a lot more.  It is a time to be with friends, families, and loved ones.  It is also a time of sharing, giving, and laughter.  Sure, there are presents to be had, but the best part of it is shopping for those you will give.  There’s nothing quite like the bustle of the winter shopping crowds, with the stores decorated for the season in glittering garland and sparkling lights.  Everywhere you look, there’s a smile on someone’s face. If you don’t have the time or physcially can’t go store shopping, need a holiday gift basket idea? online gift baskets are a sure way to find what you need.

The fairytale feeling of family ties in winter and the holiday season is incomparable to anything you’ve ever experienced.  However, once you all get together, the warmness may wear off after a while – everyone needs their own space and the holidays can infringe upon that in some cases.  But, lest we forget, the winter holidays are for family and they give us just the right dose. 

The Lion Sleeps Tonight Trio

Winter and the Holidays

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

It seems that weather can affect our mood and outlook on life.  Just think about how you wake up on a drab, gloomy, rainy day – probably a little down in the mouth, right?  Compare that feeling to when you wake up on a bright, crisp, sunny day – happy and ready to take on the world!  The subtle effect of the weather on your mood is apparent – a little cranky when it’s too hot, listless when it’s too cold, and the connections go on and on.   

Well, the same can be said for the seasonal change around the holiday season as well.  When the weather changes from summer to fall, you probably start feeling more in the holiday mood.  Of course, there are other changes that also indicate that the holidays are coming soon.  The beginning of school days combined with the cooling of the weather is a great indication that autumn is upon us.  When autumn rolls around, you know that Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving, then Christmas is sure to follow. 

The changing of seasons gets us thinking about the upcoming holidays, so it makes sense that the weather changes we experience affect our mood and help get us into the festive holiday spirit.  Once the days start getting shorter and the air is crisp, you know that the holidays are coming.  Lighting the fireplace and enjoying some hot cocoa or warm apple cider is reminiscent of your childhood and the excitement and electricity of the holiday season.  These cold days bring about a warm feel

It is also time to think of gifting, stretched for time online gift baskets are a short cut with out cutting out the thought itself. Looking for a holiday gift basket idea? Corporate holiday gift basket? Gourmet Christmas gift basket? We have unique holiday gift baskets, please take a look.

Thanksgiving Gourmet

Do you want to be scared? Halloween is the time,even if you don't believe.

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

If you travel to this Massachusetts town during October you can tour the Salem Witch House and the rather infamous Salem Witch Museum. The month of October is also the time when the city celebrates “Haunted Happenings”. Dress up in your favorite costume or bring your pointed hat, black cat and broom and you can join in the festivities. There are parades, fortune tellers, and you will always hear people talking about some of the ghosts who still return to haunt the city where they once lived. Now how spooky is that?

Of course it has been more than 3 centuries since the famous witch trials were taking place in Salem, Massachusetts but is there more to these spooky tales than we have been told. Halloween is the time when this town opens its doors and welcomes witches, ghosts and goblins. If you believe the local gossip there are still a number of sites where restless spirits wander about the city of Salem.

According to local legend one young girl named Charity Smythe returns to Salem on the 31st of October every year. Charity was only 14 years old when she was burned at the stake on land belonging to her family. Some older women had accused her of being a witch. Today there is an apple orchard that covers the site where Charity died. It has been said that her father and mother planted the orchard in honor of their daughter, who dearly loved apples.

For years people have said that the ghost of young Charity Smythe comes to this orchard between 9-11 pm each Halloween. There are many who say they have seen this ghostly apparition as she vainly attempts to pluck apples from the trees.
It seems as though Miss Smythe longs once again to taste the crisp delicious apples she once enjoyed. But, alas, as a ghost she will forever be denied this pleasure. You do not need to be denied unique holiday gift baskets at your-giftbaskets.com . Hope you have scarey and safe all Hallow’s eve.

HALLOWEEN BOO ACTIVITY BAG

The Holidays are here and then some!

Monday, October 12th, 2009

If someone has really helped you out recently then it is important in this time of thanksgiving that you give your thanks to them.  A wonderful way to show how much you have appreciated their efforts is by giving them the Grateful Harvest medium basket.  This is actually a ceramic bowl that has been hand painted into a seasonal pumpkin.  Within this pumpkin they will find a mixture of some of the most delicious snacks of the season.  Within the pumpkin the recipient can enjoy a savory tomato basil cheese box, onion and garlic pretzel twists, and authentic Alaskan smoked salmon.  

If you have loved ones that are far away for Thanksgiving you may want to let them know that they are close in your heart.  The Thanksgiving Gourmet large basket is a perfect way to add to the harvest that they are offering on their Thanksgiving table.  This gorgeous basket is a beautiful honey color, and it is filled with tasty delights that can add a little sparkle to anyone’s table.  Inside the basket you will find aromatic coffees, crisp bubbly apple spider, lush authentic Wisconsin cheddar cheese, and tasty chocolates.  Every bit of this basket can be used to enhance a Thanksgiving celebration, and the recipient of the basket is sure to be touched by your gift even if you have to be far away.  

Need a holiday gift basket idea?  A Corporate Holiday Gift Basket and Unique Holiday Gift Baskets at your-giftbaskets.com

DID YOU HEAR THAT? WHAT WAS THAT NOISE?

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Spooky, Ghostly Happenings
HELLO IS ANYONE THERE?  WHERE DID EVERYBODY GO?
Halloween is here and tales of ghosts, witches and mysterious sightings are on the rise. This is the time of year when even those who say that they do not believe in ghosts seem to have a more open mind about the possibility of their existence.
 
Most of us have witnessed something that can not be explained by science and rational logic. Perhaps you have heard knocking, or other sounds coming from an empty room. Maybe you have felt a sudden coolness touch your cheek or stroke your hair when no one else is around. No one can say for sure whether or not there are visitors in our world who have crossed back over from the “other side”.

Shhh! Listen for a moment, look around your room. Maybe someone is there right now. Someone you cannot see or touch. Do you feel a change in the air? Do you notice goose bumps on your neck or arms?  Is that a faint sigh that you hear? The hair raises on the back of your neck!

Are you absolutely sure you are alone?

COUNT DRACULA”S TREATS

 Housewarming gift baskets for the little vampire next door.

Do You Love Cheesecake ?

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Everyone has to love cheesecake. There are many different kinds of cheesecakes to choose from, such as cappuccino, chocolate fudge, cranberry chocolate chip, and many more. Yum yum sounds delicious doesn’t it? You can purchase these cheesecakes in online gift baskets. It does not matter if it is for a baby shower, a birthday, or a gift for that special someone, a cheesecake gift basket is perfect.

A cappuccino cheesecake that is available for these gift baskets are at 4 pounds and 10 inches tall. This delicious cheesecake is made with a chocolate cookie crust, with a little bit of cinnamon. This kind of cheesecakes is layered in two. The second layer is flavored in espresso, Kailua, and somewhat sweet chocolate. The top layer is made up of creamy vanilla cheesecake; the top of the cake is sprinkled with chocolate espresso beans.  A Gourmet Christmas gift basket? Cheesecakes!

The cranberry chocolate chip is 3 pounds and 8 inches thick. This cheesecake can serve up to 12 people approximately. This cake is only a seasonal, available between the months of October and November. This cheesecake is a New York style that is creamy and loaded with chocolate chips and dried cranberries. The crust is the chocolate chip crust. This cake is topped with dried cranberries and chocolate chips. Does that just make you hungry already? If you love cranberries and chocolate chips then you might just want to try this cheesecake. This would be a great holiday gift basket idea.

The chocolate fudge cheesecake is 4 pounds and 10 inches thick, it serves about 16 people approximately.  The flavor in this cake is chocolate, so if you are a chocolate lover you should try this delicious and tasty cake. On the top, there is a white chocolate spider web design. This cheesecake would be perfect to send to your friends and family on Halloween.

Chocolate Topped Ceesecake

Give Thanks with a Thanksgiving Basket

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in the United States.  It is a time of year that we celebrate not only the true beginning of our nation, but we take it as an opportunity to give thanks for everything that we have been blessed with throughout the year.  It is the perfect time of year for you to thank those who are near and dear to you, and a Thanksgiving basket is a wonderful way to show how much you appreciate them.  

A gift like the Autumn’s Bountiful Harvest basket will let its recipient know just how much they are appreciated.  This basket is filled with delicious treats that encompass some of the cherished Thanksgiving flavors.  Within the basket you will find delicious treats that will help to make anyone feel special.  The recipient can indulge in luscious walnut fudge and unique cinnamon caramel corn.  Additionally, there are fall themed cookies like the “Fall Festival Shortbread Cookies” or the chocolate chip biscotti, or other unique holiday gift baskets.

To celebrate the delightful season and your delightful friend you may want to give the gift of the Fall Splendor basket.  This basket brings with it a refined quality, and it is packed full of the fall flavors that are celebrated during the Thanksgiving season.  What better way to give that special someone a treat than to gift them with a basket filled with delicious hot cocoas and tasty éclair filled cookies.  The basket is also adorned with seasonal candies like candy corn, pumpkin mix, and a hearty fall trail mix and makes a great corporate holiday gift basket.

Fall Splendor

Holidays and Fall? Mean the sane thing?

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Many people enjoy the holidays simply because it gives them an excuse to give people these random gifts. There are also people that offer services to make them for you in the event you just don’t have the time to make it yourself. There’s nothing wrong with custom orders, it’s the fact that you did it in the first place that counts. You don’t have to look far, either; you can find all sorts of stores that specialize in custom gifts in your town, and online gift baskets.

 

Being festive doesn’t just mean giving people gift baskets or platters. Depending on when in the fall you decide to do something for those you care about you might get them a decorative figurine. My grandfather took it upon himself to hand craft a set of pilgrims for my mother and her sister’s one thanksgiving over 30 years ago and they still have them to this day. Keep in mind he didn’t do this for a living; he just got up and did it on the spur of the moment.

 

You could also order or make someone a nice festive quilt or blanket for the fall season. After all, it’s about to get really cold in a month or so and this can have practical applications if that’s what you’re worried about. Everyone loves a good blanket and keeping warm is something everyone needs to do. Although the family pet may make use of it more than the family might.

 

So in closing find your loved ones a good present this fall. It’s not the fact that you’re buying them something that’s important, it’s the fact that you thought about them. Many people don’t have a family to be with during these festive times so you might want to grab them something as well, and spend some time with them. Remember that the holidays are a special time, enjoy them, and have fun.

Thankgiving Gourmet