A box arrived in the mail today.  I missed it altogether, because I expected nothing coming to me that way.  But a friend told me that the box was mine, so I walked to the table by the mailboxes and looked at the writing.

A care package, from sister J.!  I remembered her saying she was putting a box together, but that had slipped my mind.  I broke a ball-point right off its pen in an effort to open the box; then, I settled down and got some scissors from the table. at the top of the package, a universal remote.  J. had said I should try one, as I’m juggling four remotes altogether in my living room.  And then she bought one for me.  How sweet of her.

Under the remote, and bright yellow tissue paper, I found half the box full of beautiful print tops.  I have been a clothes junkie for most of my adult life, but have not been able to indulge for the last decade or so, due to cost.  J. is a registrar in a brand new high school outside of San Diego CA, and she shops regularly for nice clothes.  She chooses lovely blouses, and then brings them home; occasionally, she hangs them in the closet and forgets to wear them.  A year or so later, I receive a box full of new or almost new shirts and tops, and today is Christmas all over again.

And under the clothes, Jane sent eight or ten VHS tapes;

movies she and her family now own on DVD.  As I am the only member of the family who still uses VHS, as well as DVD, I welcome these tapes with movie-day anticipation.  Do you know what I mean by movie-day anticipation?  When I receive a movie, which I’ve seen before, but which I don’t own in my collection, I get this warm happy vision of a rainy day, and popcorn, and a set of movie-favorites to watch.  These are those kinds of movies.  I can’t wait!

So many, many thanks to my sister J., out in CA, for the lovely gifts.  I will add these blouses to those she has sent before, and maybe massacre a few more yards of older clothes to make room.  And I’ll know, when I dress up for work, that my sister J. helped me to do it.  Thanks so much, J.  I love it all!

The Care Package

The Care Package is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Gourmet food company Harry & David plans to reopen its seasonal call center in downtown Eugene this fall and to hire 700 to 800 people, resuming a longtime holiday tradition.

Harry & David had operated a call center here in the fall and winter for more than 20 years, before executives decided to let it go dark in 2010 and 2011. They shifted the work to outside companies and to the year-round call center at Harry & David’s headquarters in Medford.

The outside vendors “did a fine job, but I’m a big believer in keeping it in-house,” said Darren Prescott, vice president of customer care.

Harry & David’s sales of its fancy fruit baskets and other edible gifts spike around the winter holidays, he said.

“When (peak) season hits, we run a large percentage of revenue through a short window,” Prescott said. “That sort of intensity is hard to match for a vendor.”

With 15 years’ experience in the vendor field, he said, “I think we can do it better ourselves, and the results have proven that.”

This holiday season, Harry & David will operate call centers in Eugene, Medford and Hopewell, Ohio, Prescott said. Eugene will hire 700 to 800 employees; Medford will have 1,200 employees, up from 100 or 200 in the off season; and Hopewell will have 1,000 employees, up from 30 to 50 in the off-season, Prescott said.

The decision to reopen the Eugene call center will create temporary work for hundreds of Lane County residents at a time when the unemployment rate remains high — 8.3 percent in March, according to the state Employment Department.

“We’re glad to have them,” said Jack Roberts, executive director of the Lane Metro Partnership, a local economic development agency.

“There seems to be a growing trend to doing the call center work in-house, doing the work in the United States, or in the place where most of your customers are,” he said.

At its peak, the Eugene-Springfield area’s call center industry employs about 1,650 people, Roberts said. the industry includes companies such as Symantec, a software and Internet security firm with a customer service center in Springfield; Royal Caribbean’s reservations call center in Springfield; and Pentagon Federal Credit Union’s call center in Eugene.

In the past, Harry & David’s seasonal jobs, primarily from Thanksgiving to Christmas, attracted a mix of seniors, students and others looking to earn extra cash for the holidays.

For years, a core group of loyal employees reunited year after year to handle the flurry of orders and to enjoy the camaraderie, free samples and employee discounts.

Prescott plans to reach out to that group again through e-mail and phone inquiries, probably in August or September, and to follow up with advertising.

Harry & David will return to the space it used to occupy — 25,000 square feet on the second floor at 180 W. Eighth Ave. Enterprise Rent-A-Car leases the first floor of that building, and ISTE, the International Society of Technology in Education, is on the third floor.

“We’re really excited about Harry & David,” said Tim Campbell, broker for the building.

“That’s a huge win for downtown, as well. it adds jobs.”

That stretch of West Broadway struggled for years with empty storefronts, vagrants and aggressive panhandling.

But with more offices in the area, foot traffic is picking up, and it is expected to step up further when Lane Community College opens its $53 million education and housing complex later this year.

That project, along with the new office buildings at Broadway Avenue and Willamette Street and Capstone Collegiate Communities’ plans to build apartments to house 1,200 college students near West 13th Avenue and Olive Street, is prompting more companies to scout out property downtown, Campbell said.

“It’s weird,” he said. “It’s like someone pulled the plug out. there are a lot of companies looking downtown.”

Prescott, the Harry & David executive, said he originally hails from Eugene and is thrilled to be bringing back the call center. “It’s such a great city,” he said.

Prescott said he visits his hometown only intermittently for University of Oregon football games. but during recent visits to look at call center properties, he said, he has noticed that the city is growing.

“It’s clear there’s kind of a strategy for Eugene to grow intelligently, just from everything they’ve done downtown — opening Willamette Street, which is an old thing now,” Prescott said. “It’s great to see what they’re doing. There’s a lot happening.”

Harry & David itself is experiencing something of a renewal. the company started out in 1910 when Seattle hotelier Sam Rosenberg acquired 240 acres of pears in Oregon’s Rogue River Valley. after his death in 1914, his sons Harry and David took over the orchards. They specialized in growing Comice pears and built a thriving export market, shipping them to fine hotels and restaurants in Europe.

That market crashed in the great Depression, which prompted the brothers to develop a new market — mail-order fruit as business gifts.

the company hit on hard times after it changed hands several times and was bought in 2004 for $253 million by a private equity firm run by the late financier Bruce Wasserstein and hedge fund Highfields Capital Management. the new owners took on heavy debt, and sales of luxury foods languished in the recession.

Harry & David sought bankruptcy protection in March 2011, re-organized and emerged from bankruptcy in September.

Sales for the quarter ended Dec. 31 were $245.4 million, down 6.3 percent from the same period a year earlier, which was expected because of the closure of some unprofitable stores, the company reported.

Profit for the quarter, however, was $119.6 million, up almost 15 percent from the same quarter a year earlier, the company reported.

About 700 people work for Harry & David in Medford, said Prescott. “That changes weekly because we’re a farm-to-table company,” he said. “About 85 percent of everything we sell, we make, bake or grow.”

Prescott said the outlook for the company is “very bullish.”

“I think we’ve got the right strategy and the right personnel,” he said. “There’ve been a lot of changes in executive personnel, and I think those were very positive. I think the leadership right now is tremendous. There’s nothing but smiles around here right now.”

Seasonal call center to return to Eugene

Seasonal call center to return to Eugene is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

When people are asked, “What do you want most in your life?” The desire to be happy is often ranked at the top of their list.But why does happiness sometimes elude us? Are we thankful for our gifts and blessings? and how can we truly live a meaningful, joyful and fulfilling life?I like what Abraham Lincoln once said, “People are just about as happy as they make up their mind to be.” The way we think can determine the way we feel. and thus, the way we feel may determine how we act, what we can accomplish, and the life we live. Whatsoever we expect, all that we dwell on, and whatever we focus upon, we tend to create. so, “Be careful how you think. Your life is shaped by your thoughts.” (Proverbs 4:23).a few weeks ago, a reader wrote me a letter and told about a time in her life when she struggled as a single mother, raising her children alone, with very little resources. although the woman worked diligently, she couldn’t seem to get ahead. Feeling like a hamster running in a wheel, this woman was drearily going through the motions, without really experiencing life to the fullest. “I put in so much effort and have little to show for it,” she’d say despondently. and in despair, she would utter repeatedly, “I am so unhappy,” “I’m a failure,” and “My dreams are over.”

Then, one night after eating dinner with her children, the woman folded her hands, closed her eyes and wearily, she prayed, “God, I am so tired, please show me what to do to be happy.”After a moment of silence, she heard joyful laughing from her children. and suddenly, gratitude filled her heart. “I am grateful to God that I have a close family, and we have good health,” she thought to herself.The woman looked at the second-hand kitchen table, with dishes on it that needed to be cleaned and she pondered, “God, thank you that we have food to eat.” Next, she gazed at the corner of the room and saw a pile of laundry to be folded, and contemplated, “God, I’m grateful we have clothes.” she then mulled over her mistakes and acknowledged, “I might have had some struggles, but God took care of me in the past, and he will in the future.”With an attitude of gratitude, the woman’s mind-set changed. she felt hope restored. she vowed to let go of fears, bitterness and negativity and instead, became sincerely appreciative to God for her precious life and everything in it.as time went on, she continued to be thankful to God daily for all of her gifts and blessings, and found that she attracted and received more good things in each area. Today, this woman describes that she exudes a joyful enthusiasm, an inner peace, and new dreams are coming to pass.Are you waiting for your circumstances to change before you’ll allow yourself to be happy? Similar to this reader, the more thankful you are, the more joy will come to you. Continued…

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A New You: Happiness is a moment-to-moment choice

A New You: Happiness is a moment-to-moment choice is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Orange County Museum of Art – Pairings: the Collection at 50 through Dec. 30. This permanent collection in a series of 12 installations. also on view is Richard Diebenkorn: the Ocean Park Series through may 27. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach. 949-759-1122. ocma.net

Spring Faire and Butterfly House Opening at the Environmental Nature Center.PHOTO COURTESY OF ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE CENTER ADVERTISEMENT

Yoga in Nature, Wednesdays at the Environmental Nature Center from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Drop in fee: $6. 1601 16th St., Newport Beach. 949-645-8489 or email .

Today – may 4

The OC Marathon 2012 and half Marathon with events throughout the weekend to “Inspire Kids to Fitness.” Register for the full marathon, half marathon, the OC Wahoo’s 5K Run/Walk or Kids Run the OC.

• Health and Fitness Expo from 3-7 p.m. at OC Fair & Event Center exhibit halls. Free, with a parking charge. ocmarathon.com

• OC Tastefest – Two-day food and wine festival with indulgent bites from OC’s favorite restaurants, live concerts, cooking demos and a special kids’ area. octastefest.com

5th Annual Gift of Literacy Luncheon to benefit the Newport Beach Public Library’s Literary Program. Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club at 11 a.m. Author Alan Brennert speaks about his two historical novels. Tickets: $75; $125 for the author’s table. Books available for purchase and signing. 949-717-3874 or . newportbeachlibrary.org

2nd Annual GRIT on the Greens Charity Golf Tournament at Pelican Hill Resort benefitting Team Duke (John Wayne Cancer Foundation). with an after-party in the Mar Vista Ballroom from 5:30-9 p.m. Cost: $150. 22800 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast. 949-467-6800 or . Register at poshevents.net/grit.

Cirque de la Symphonie with the Pacific Symphony and cirque performers at Segerstrom Concert Hall, 8 p.m. Continues through may 5. Tickets; $25-$185. 714-755-5799. pacificsymphony.org

pool (no water) at South Coast Repertory’s Nicolas Studio. Monkey Wrench Collective’s revival of its critically acclaimed 2010 U.S. premiere. 714-708-5555. scr.org

Friends of the Library Book Sale at Newport Beach Central Library from 1-4 p.m. newportbeachlibrary.org

Cinco de Mayo – may 5

The OC Marathon 2012 and half Marathon with events throughout the weekend to “Inspire Kids to Fitness.”

• Kids Run the OC (1 mile event) from 9 a.m.-noon at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. ocmarathon.com

• Health and Fitness Expo from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at OC Fair & Event Center exhibit halls. there is also a smaller “Kids Run the OC Expo.” This is held in conjunction with the “Kids Run the OC” Final Mile from 8 a.m.-noon outside on the Kids Run Festival Field at OC Fair & Event Center. ocmarathon.com

• OC Tastefest – Two-day food and wine festival with indulgent bites from OC’s favorite restaurants, live concerts, cooking demos and a special kids’ area. Celebrity Chef Challenge focusing on health and fitness from 2:30-5 p.m. includes judges Chef Stuart O’Keefe from Food Network’s “Private Chefs of Beverly Hills” and “Stuart’s Kitchen,” and Chef Pascal Olhats, chef/owner of Pascal Restaurant, Epicerie Pascal and Cafe Jardin, among the many in attendance. a celebrity meet and greet is scheduled after the show. octastefest.com

Rockin’ the Bay, presented by Sons of the American Legion Squadron 291, is a KOCI 101.5 FM Benefit Concert featuring a re-creation of the Rolling Stones’ Jumping Jack Flash with the Roadside Revelers and Balboa Blues Review, from 4-10 p.m. at 215 15th St., Newport Beach. a $25 donation includes food and live music. Proceeds benefit Startree 107, veterans and youth. kociradio.com

Balboa Island Garage Sale in alleys from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. one hundred locations; maps in the alley at 121 Agate after 7:30 a.m. the day of the sale only. Call 949-422-8570.

Stinko de Mayo 10 Year Anniversary Charity Benefit at Newport Dunes from 11 a.m-8 p.m. Charity benefit for Rock the Autism. Pre-’80s classic car show, Miss Newport Dunes Bikini Contest, 2 stages, 3 bars and a VIP bar. Tickets: presale, $10; at the gate, $15. Kids under 12 are free. Pre-sale tickets available at House of Flys, Newport Dunes and WantTickets.com. Parking is $5 (overnight is okay). 1131 back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.

“Stand up for the Cure,” is a stand-up paddleboard race to help support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Riviera Paddlesurf has released a “Stand up for the Cure,” board, designed with the trademark pink to represent the fight against breast cancer. Contact Brandon@rivierapaddlesurf.com.

“Cloudlands” on the Julianne Argyros Stage at South Coast Repertory. Continues through may 6. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Call 714-708-5555. scr.org

“Million Dollar Quartet” is the smash Broadway musical, inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Continues through may 6 at Segerstrom Hall. scfta.org

27th Anniversary of Imagination Celebration to experience the creativity of theater, dance, music, film, literary and visual arts brought to you by a collaboration of professional arts organizations, cities, schools, libraries, universities and community venues. Continues through may 30. sparkoc.com

OC Pregnancy and Beyond outdoors at South Coast Collection from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. features guest speakers, birth experiences and dedications from mothers in the community. Food, music, entertainment and opportunity drawings/giveaways. 3303-3323 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa.

Spring Faire and Butterfly House Opening at the Environmental Nature Center from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Recycled butterfly-themed crafts, butterfly host and nectar plants for sale, eco-games, face painting, henna tattoos, live music. plein air artists painting on the trails and more. Purchase handmade gifts from artists. Food and beverages. $3 donation. 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. encenter.org

Friends of the Library Book Sale at Newport Beach Central Library from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. newportbeachlibrary.org

My Edible Garden in May at Roger’s Gardens from 9-11 a.m. Monthly discussion about everything edible. rogersgardens.com

Rose Care for Beginners at Armstrong Garden Centers, 9 a.m. Locations: 1500 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach and 2123 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. armstronggardencenters.com

PBS SoCal 2012 Masterpiece Ball from 6-10 p.m. at the John Wayne Airport Atlantic Aviation Hangar. Costume or black tie optional. Celebrates the arts and entertainment in Orange County. 714-241-4111 or .

31st Annual Orange County Heart & Stroke Ball from 6-8 p.m. at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort. Fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Black tie. Cost: $500. 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-885-1544.

The OC Marathon 2012, half Marathon and OC Wahoo’s 5K Run/Walk to “Inspire Kids to Fitness.”

• full Marathon: Sunday, 5:30 a.m. (starts near Fashion Island)

• half Marathon: Sunday, 6:15 a.m. (starts near Fashion Island)

• OC Wahoo’s 5K Run/Walk: Sunday, 7:30 a.m. at OC Fair & Event Center

For road closures, traffic@ocmarathon.com or 949-222-9888. ocmarathon.com

Irvine Ranch Market holds a family-fun fashion and food event in their parking lot and patio. the Vertikals will be playing live rock ‘n’ roll, Fashion Ali will have clothing and accessories for sale, Julie Gayle will be twisting balloons, the Delorean Car Club will be there, and young members from the Arts & Learning Conservatory will be performing. 10 a.m.: Meet the Chefs Cooking Demos; 11 a.m.: Fashion Ali Expose; and 12 p.m.: Dance Contest. Opportunity drawings. 2651 Irvine Ave., Costa Mesa. 949-631-4404.

The Man who Planted Trees at Samueli Theater.. great for families. Tickets start at $20. Continues through may 12. scfta.org

Queens of the Stone Age drummer Joey Castillo will have his car displayed in the DePalma “Take It to the Streets” Art, Kustom Car & Chopper Show at the LAB. thelab.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters OC – 35th Annual Golf Tournament from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at Pelican Hill Golf Course. 22800 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast. 714-544-7733

Haagen Dazs at Fashion Island hosts its annual Free Cone Day from 4-8 pm. stop by for your free scoop!

New York Philharmonic at Segerstrom Concert Hall, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50. scfta.org

Fashion for Breakfast hosted by the Center Club in conjunction with Working Wardrobes will have speaker, celebrity designer Kevan Hall from 8-9:30 a.m. Contact Amy Larson at 714-210-2460, ext. 224 or .

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Innovative Leaders Program, featuring Chairman of Angels Baseball Dennis Kuhl from 5-7 p.m. at the Island Hotel. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and parking. Registration: $40. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. Contact Pam Smith, 949-729-4411 or psmith@newportbeach.com. newportbeach.com

The Newport Sports Museum hosts its Inaugural eBay Auction beginning at 10 a.m. and running through may 20 at 5 p.m.with more than 50 items available. Funds raised will go toward museum improvements. newportsportsmuseum.org

Schubert’s Ninth with Andrew von Oeyen, who joins Pacific Symphony to perform a classic piano concerto written by Felix Mendelssohn at Segerstrom Concert Hall. Continues through may 12. Tickets: $25-$185. scfta.org

Library Live! Greg Gorman at Newport Beach Central Library. his photography documents the contemporary obsessions of the 20th century celebrity. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; program from 7-8:30 p.m. First come, first served. Free. Suggested donation: $10. newportbeachlibrary.com

16th Annual Private Gardens Tour, presented by Sherman Library & Gardens from 11a.m. – 4 p.m. slgardens.org

Enter the 17th Annual Amateur Rose Show. Bring your rose entries to Roger’s Gardens between 9 and 11 a.m.; judging starts at 11 a.m. Winners will be announced at noon. More than $1,000 in prizes. rogersgardens.com

Music Blooms with Blues, Rock and Woodstock at the 4th Annual Spring Concert Series at the Orange County Market Place. It opens with a Double Header Blues Band Weekend today and continues through may 13. Free admission with a canned food donation to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of O.C. ocfair.com

Happily ever After? Join Pacific Symphony as they create their own story and set it to music from Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty” and other beloved favorites; for kids ages 5-11, at Segerstrom Concert Hall. 714-755-5799. pacificsymphony.org

Multiple Grammy Award-winner Tony Bennett returns to Segerstrom Hall for just one night. Tickets start at $66. scfta.org

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Rummage Sale continues through may 19. Proceeds benefit local and global missions. 714-964-7573. sapres.org

Event Calendar for week of May 4-10

Event Calendar for week of May 4-10 is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Sarasota Downtown Wedding Showcase: L. Spa, 556 Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

Meet the wedding planning experts and have a chance to see the top wedding trends 6-8 p.m. may 10 at the Downtown Wedding Showcase featuring light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, mini manicures, skin care consultants, etiquette advice, gift bags and much more. Reservations are required at .

“Weird Science” Film Fridays Series: Bishop Planetarium Theater, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton

The Museum will screen the following of cinema’s finest offerings on the subject of freaky phenomena, strange scientific escapades and the outer limits of explorations as part of the “Weird Science” Film Fridays Series: “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” may 11, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” may 18, “Moon” may 25, “The Manchurian Candidate” June 1, “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” June 8, “Primer” June 15, and “The Thing” June 22. All movie time are 6 p.m.. Tickets: $3 members, $5 nonmembers. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly recommended. Information: 941-746-4131, ext. 11.

Gem, Jewelry and Bead show and Sale: Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

A Gem, Jewelry, and Bead show and Sale will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. may 11-13 featuring n=local, regional, and national dealers offering an outstanding variety of gems, jewelry, and beads for sale including minerals, giant shark’s teeth and fossils. School groups are welcome for class projects. Admission: $4, children ages 15 and younger are admitted free. Parking is free. Information: 941-954-4165.

Manatee River Garden Club Ninth Annual Garden Tour: various locations, Manatee County

The Manatee River Garden Club will be hosting its ninth annual Garden Tour 10 a.m.-4 p.m. may 12. the tour will visit multiple gardens in the Manatee County area and will feature a lunch at the Manatee River Garden Club, 3120 first Ave. W., Bradenton. there will be exhibits, vendors, plants and garden relics for sale. Tour tickets: $15, lunch tickets: $7. Information: 941-745-5920.

Manatee Children’s Services “Band Slam”: Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center, 8005 15th St. E., Sarasota

As many as 20 of the area’s hottest bands under one roof will perform at the Manatee Children’s Services “Band Slam” noon-midnight may 12 featuring one Night Rodeo and Billy Rice, Matt Facciolla Band, Twinkle, Tony Tyler-Come back Alice, Wikked Jester, Shotgun Justice, Gypsy King, Cherry Bombs, Dr. Bob Koser, Greg Holt, Kara Nally, big Daddy, Steve Arvey, Rebecca Bird, Lauren Mitchell, Avenging Benji, Kettle of Fish, Henry Lawrence, Blue Star and a special appearance by the Florida Enrichment Academy’s all kid’s rock band, and many more. there will be a Rims N’ Rides custom car show 2-7 p.m., a full liquor bar, prize drawings, and food and beverage vendors. Proceeds will benefit Manatee Children’s Services. Tickets: $20 in advance, $30 at the door. Information: 941-345-1200 or visit manateechildrensservices.com.

Best bets: May 10-16

Best bets: May 10-16 is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

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Article Directory :: Home & Family Articles

by Steven Barnhart

Chocolate is one of the tastiest and most comforting substances known to humanity. in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, she even designates eating chocolate as a way to reduce the effects of Dementors, which suck the happiness out of people. It is strongly associated with Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Easter, and any time there is a special occasion, you are likely to find chocolate nearby. It’s little wonder, then, that chocolate gift baskets are so popular.When you send out a basket like this in order to cheer someone up or celebrate a happy event, it is a tangible way of showing you care. While flowers and balloons are lovely gifts, chocolate is more practical because it also fills the basic need of hunger. People who receive one of these baskets can choose to eat all of the chocolate themselves or share it with others, thus endearing themselves to friends and family.A chocolate basket may be very small and contain only a few pieces of candy. on the other hand, it might be jumbo-sized, and these large baskets can include a wide variety of chocolate. There might be milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate, not to mention truffles and other more specialized items. A gourmet chocolatier will often offer such items as chocolate-covered strawberries or chocolate pressed into molds to depict a certain object, such as an Easter bunny or a rose. Chocolates are often associated with romance, so a basket of chocolates can be a very nice choice for a date. of course, you will want to determine first if the object of your affections actually likes chocolate and whether there are any health issues to be concerned about. for instance, if someone is lactose intolerant or allergic to nuts, a chocolate basket might not be the best choice. if you’re not sure how the chocolate will be received, you could always get a basket that integrates multiple elements. A combination of chocolates and flowers can be very nice, especially if mixed in with balloons or teddy bears. These are sweet gifts that show appreciation, and they can work as well for parents or friends as they do for romantic partners. the important thing is to get something that the recipient will like. if you can add some sort of personal touch, that will make the gesture all the more appreciated.Chocolate baskets are as tasty as can be, but certain times of the year are better suited to them than others. if you’re in the middle of a July heat wave, you might want to get a different gift instead, since chocolate can melt very quickly. As long as you’re not dealing with excessive heat, however, you should feel no qualms about presenting someone with a basket of delicious chocolate.you always have multiple options available to you when it comes to giving gifts, but chocolate, as cliched as it may seem, is a present that never seems to go out of style. you will be giving something that has been known to release endorphins and create a sense of contentment. People have been enjoying chocolate for centuries, so why not carry on in that long tradition? moreover, if you can present the gift in person, so much the better – since you can then share in the rewards!

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Show Someone You Care With Chocolate Gift Baskets

Show Someone You Care With Chocolate Gift Baskets is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Your best friend’s wedding is a big event for both you and her. It’s always emotional when we see someone close to us get married. There’s enough to worry about at weddings like trying not to smudge your mascara when crying at the vows and hoping everything runs smoothly, without having to give below par wedding gifts.

However buying great wedding gifts can be difficult, sometimes it may seem as though unique wedding gifts are few and far between. It’s hard to find really thoughtful wedding gifts to show your best girl exactly how happy you are for her, especially if you are on a budget. Wedding gifts often don’t come cheap and sometimes it can seem as though you are paying a fortune for a few mugs or glasses however, there are ways to find fantastic, thoughtful and importantly affordable gifts for her big day to show how much you care.

Being as she is your best friend, you may often feel that you should get her the best wedding gifts. you have probably known your best girl years and know all her ups and downs, likes and dislikes. instead of buying a run of the mill gift, you should find something personal and thoughtful that she can treasure forever. A good way of doing this is to buy something personalised that will really stand out.

If you know the song the new bride and groom will share their first dance to, get them a really special gift by getting the original single framed. This includes an aluminium plaque that could contain a sweet message to the happy couple from you. This will be something the bride talks about for years to come For a really special gift that will last for years and years why not name a rose or a star after the newlyweds.

This is a lovely gift that will last for eternity. This gift is surprisingly cheap, yet extremely thoughtful and comes complete with its own gift box, certificate and rose seeds. it shows your best girl how much you mean to her, and is a truly heartwarming gift that will add to the sheer romance of their day.

If your best friend has a fab sense or humour, show her your appreciation with a light hearted wedding gift. the couple will probably receive a wealth of serious wedding gifts, so let them know they are still fun despite being a married couple, by getting them something youthful and funky. you can buy them a wedding bouquet of retro sweets This comes complete with a label stating the date of the big day and the loved up couples names. This is something they can share together and will raise a smile in years to come

If you want to get the couple something to welcome them into married life, that they can use in their house, yet don’t want the gift to be too practical why not try a personalised door mat. you can add your own personalised message to this gift so make it as funny as you like Or instead of buying a plant for the garden, go one better and get them their own personalised apple crate planter you can have their names and the date they got married carved into the wood for an everlasting gift.

If you are strapped for cash, you can still show your best girl how much you really care and buy great wedding gifts. By personalising gifts you can get her something really unique and special for bargain prices. if you are on a really tight budget, why not buy her a personalised chocolate bar. every girl loves chocolate, and a chocolate bar bearing the name of her and her new husband along with a special wedding message is a great way to commemorate her big day.

Help them keep track of things in their first year of being a married couple with a personalised calender This cheap but meaningful gift is full of beautiful romantic pictures and details, the name of the lucky couple along with the date of their wedding. each month their names are spelled out in different romantic scenarios, such as written in the sand on a beach or in fireworks in the sky. A lovely romantic gift, for a fantastic couple

Your friend is bound to have a fabulous day, but make it even better by giving her special, thoughtful wedding gifts. There are many to choose from, but choose unique personalised wedding gifts to make your present stand out from the crowd. Whatever your budget there is a fantastic unique gift that will show your best girl just how much you care

My Bestfriend’s Wedding – Gifts For Your Best Girl

My Bestfriend’s Wedding – Gifts For Your Best Girl is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Deputies: Fla. mom killed 4 kids, then herself

PORT ST. JOHN, Fla. (AP) in the middle of the night in Florida, Tonya Thomas’ neighbors awoke to the sound of a gunshot and moments later heard a knock on their door.

Three of Thomas’ four children were outside, including one who appeared to have been shot. before the neighbors could offer help, Thomas came out and called the children back home.

They complied. the neighbors dialed 911 after hearing more gunshots.

Brevard County Sheriff’s deputies found Thomas dead Tuesday of an apparent self-inflicted wound and three of her children 15-year-old Jaxs Johnson, 13-year-old Jazzlyn Johnson and 12-year-old Joel Johnson were fatally shot in the house. a fourth child, 17-year-old Pebbles Johnson, was found shot to death in the yard of a neighbor’s house.

Investigators said they didn’t know a motive for the shooting.

Injured manatee returns to ocean after 4 months

MIAMI (AP) an injured manatee poisoned by toxic algae has been successfully rehabilitated and released into the water.

Kayakers found Breva four months ago in southwest Florida. Her body had toxic levels of algae in her blood and intestines and she suffered from tremors and facial seizures.

The eight-foot, 880-pound Rodriguez received respiratory therapy at Miami Seaquarium to get her neurological function back. She gained 210 pounds while at the facility and researchers were hopeful as she was released into the water Tuesday.

Last winter the neurotoxin that Breva was named after caused 22 manatee deaths on the southwest coast of Florida. the toxin can be absorbed by breathing, through the skin, or ingested through seagrass.

Hurricane Andrew remembered at storm conference

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Florida’s emergency managers are preparing for the upcoming tropical storm season by reexamining the lessons learned from Hurricane Andrew.

This August will mark the 20th anniversary of Andrew’s catastrophic landfall in South Florida. the Category 5 hurricane remains one of the most expensive natural disasters in the United States.

Former National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield will join state and county officials to talk about Andrew’s legacy Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale at the annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference.

Hurricane center forecasters say that since Andrew they’ve significantly improved their ability to predict a storm’s path, giving coastal residents more time to prepare. but forecasters also say they can still be surprised by a storm that rapidly strengthens the way Andrew did.

The six-month Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1.

Stepmom faces extradition in HI in kids’ abduction

HILO, Hawaii (AP) the stepmom of three children who were taken by their father to the Bahamas on a sailboat against custody orders is facing an extradition to Montana by order of Hawaii’s governor.

Hawaii prosecutor Jason Skier (sk-EYE’-er) says Angela Bryant is due in court Wednesday morning on Hawaii’s Big Island for a hearing.

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer last month directly asked Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie to return Bryant to the mainland. Abercrombie approved the request and Bryant was arrested last week.

The father pleaded guilty this week to a felony count of parenting interference after the children’s mother said he failed to return them under a custody agreement. he was arrested in Florida.

The stepmom faces similar charges.

The abduction touched off a months-long search last year.

Man impersonates officer, then leads cops on chase

(Information in the following story is from: Ocala Star-Banner, starbanner.com/)

OCALA, Fla. (AP) Deputies say a man impersonated a police officer by attempting to stop another driver before leading them on a high-speed chase through southern Marion County.

Officials say 29-year-old Allen Anthony Clifton faces multiple charges after the Monday night incident. the Marion County Sheriff’s Office says Clifton was intoxicated during the chase, which was clocked at speeds up to 120 mph.

Deputy Yobanny Valdez says a detective saw a pickup truck with strobe lights attempt to pull over another driver. When the detective turned his lights on, the truck took off.

The Ocala Star-Banner reports deputies tried to box the truck in, but Clifton rammed several patrol cars. Valdez shot two of his tires.

Deputies had to break the truck’s windows to get Clifton out.

Miami-Dade cops investigate dog shooting

(Information in the following story is from: WSVN-TV, www1.wsvn.com/)

MIAMI (AP) Authorities are investigating after an officer shot and killed a dog in southwest Miami-Dade County.

Miami television station WSVN reports a Dutch shepherd named Bosha was shot and killed by a Miami-Dade officer on Tuesday evening.

Miami-Dade police are investigating the shooting.

WSVN reported that the dog got outside the house while its owners were away. a neighbor spotted the dog under his car and called police.

The dog’s owner, Odalys Gonzalez, told WSVN she came home and found the dog dead.

Further details about the shooting were not immediately available.

Tropical Storm Aletta weakening in the Pacific

MIAMI (AP) Tropical Storm Aletta is weakening is it spins far out over the Pacific.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm’s maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 40 mph (65 kph) early Wednesday with gradual weakening expected during the next two days.

Aletta is centered about 770 miles (1,240 kilometers) south of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California. the storm is moving west-northwest near 9 mph (15 kph).

Crossroads announcing $25 million ad push

WASHINGTON (AP) an independent group favoring Republican candidate Mitt Romney is spending $25 million on a monthlong advertising campaign in 10 states against President Barack Obama.

The super PAC Crossroads GPS is further escalating an expensive TV ad war in presidential battlegrounds six months before Election Day.

Obama, Romney and their allies are trying to define each other negatively in voters’ eyes before Americans tune out during the summer.

Crossroads GPS plans to open the effort by spending $8 million on a TV ad that castigates Obama on the economy. the 60-second commercial shows clips of Obama making pledges that critics say he hasn’t kept on issues like taxes, health care and federal deficits.

It’s set to run in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

TAMPA-BASEBALL MUSEUM

Tampa baseball museum proposed

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) a museum celebrating Tampa’s rich baseball history could be opening up in a Hall of Fame player’s boyhood home.

The Tampa Tribune reports that a local museum society will ask Hillsborough County commissioners Wednesday to lease a plot of land it owns to the city of Tampa.

Then the boyhood home of famed player and manager Al Lopez would be moved to the site for the museum. the Florida Department of Transportation has already agreed to move the house.

Lopez, who died in 2005, was the first Tampa native to play in the major leagues. he was followed by many others. Fellow natives Fred McGriff and Tino Martinez told the Tribune they are excited about the prospect of a baseball museum in the city.

Fla. 1st lady gives 1st of 200,000 baby journals

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida’s first lady has presented the first of 200,000 Love.Read.Learn Baby Journals to the mother of newborn in Tallahassee.

The journals are designed as one of the first gifts a child receives to encourage literacy and health.

Ann Scott, wife of Gov. Rick Scott, is partnering with the Volunteer USA Foundation to distribute the journals. She handed the first one to Ana Rivera at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on Tuesday.

The journals are filled with tips and advice to promote a love of books, leaning and health. It also has places to insert baby photos, first word memories and favorite stories.

Funding is being provided by Dollar General Foundation and Scholastic FACE, which stands for “family and community engagement.”

The state’s Tobacco Free Florida program also is providing support.

Va panel to hear mortgage exec’s appeal

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) a former mortgage company executive convicted of orchestrating a nearly $3 billion fraud scheme is asking a federal appeals panel to reverse his conviction and send his case back to a lower court.

Attorneys for Lee Farkas are expected to argue Wednesday that the trial court denied his right to effective counsel in rejecting his requests to delay his trial. they also are challenging rulings that limited the cross-examination of a witness, along with jury instructions and the determination that his property was subject to forfeiture.

Farkas owned Florida-based Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp., one of the nation’s largest private mortgage lenders. he was convicted of 14 counts of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud, sentenced to 30 years in prison and ordered to pay $3.5 billion in restitution.

South Fla. student honored for perfect attendance

(Information in the following story is from: South Florida Sun Sentinel, sun sentinel.com)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Christina Monroe has never missed a day of school.

The South Broward High School senior was honored by the Broward County School Board on Tuesday as she closed in on some 2,340 days without missing a day of school since she started kindergarten.

Monroe, who has a 4.17 grade point average, credits her family for instilling a strong work ethic. She plans to attend the University of Central Florida.

The South Florida SunSentinel reports Monroe was showered with gifts, including a customized Miami Heat jersey with the word “zero” to reflect the number of school days she’s missing. She also received Heat playoff tickets and gifts from the Miami Marlins and Miami Dolphins.

The board honored 165 students for attendance, but Monroe was the only one with perfect attendance.

Latest Florida news, sports, business and entertainment

Latest Florida news, sports, business and entertainment is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

The texture and growth patterns of hair in black men and women is decidedly different. Black hair tends to be thicker and the rate of growth is slower. at the same time, it is usually very voluminous, wavy, and has a natural shine to it. using the right hair products for black women, you can preserve the natural good qualities of your hair and make it healthier, stronger, and more lustrous.

The number one rule for hair growth, regardless of race, region or weather is to keep it hydrated. The more moisture there is in your hair, the faster you will see it growing. this is true for black women as well. since their rate of hair growth is lower, most hair products for black women tend to focus on keeping the hair appropriately hydrated and moisturized.

What is a good hydration or miniaturization product, you might ask?

Besides several salon products, which I will list separately, the best thing you can do for your hair right at home is to oil it before going to bed. I personally recommend a mixture of coconut, olive, jojoba, and if you can procure it, jasmine oil. this mixture will work wonders on your hair and scalp health. Apply a generous quantity before going to bed and wash it away in the morning. you will feel a very noticeable difference in the shine and bounce of your hair.

Caveat: if you cover your hair with a cap at night, I recommend using a silk cap rather than a cotton one. Cotton can pull at the scalp and hair roots, leading to breakage over time. Silk does not have these properties and is a much more suitable material.

The next point is to use a high quality moisturizer. I personally prefer Aveda products but I’ve found that they might not be appropriate for black women. a much better alternative would be Karen’s Body beautiful Deep Hair Conditioner. this works at scalp and roots, leaving you with luxurious, soft and naturally bouncy hair.

Besides a wash away conditioner, you can also opt to use a leave-in conditioner, though this is by no means a necessity. I prefer to use natural, organic products for this and recommend Oyin Handmade as well as Aveda’s leave-in conditioners. These cover your scalp and hair with a protective protein that not only strengthens but also imparts volume and shine.

Another essential hair product for black women is not even a product, it’s your diet itself. Excessively fatty food has your sebaceous glands working overtime, leading to greasy hair and scalp. Further, you need plenty of vitamins and minerals which are largely lacking in the average American diet. Therefore, I recommend using a multivitamin. The differences, not just in the health of your hair, but also in your skin and nails will be palpable.

Finally, make sure that you use a soft comb/brush and use it gently. I’ve seen far too many women plow through their hair leading to breakage. Avoid this unnecessary damage at all costs.

The Best Hair Products for Black Women – Essential Hair Care Tips for Black Women

The Best Hair Products for Black Women – Essential Hair Care Tips for Black Women is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care