dreamoutloud9

2005-11-16T16:41:00.000-05:00

HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING ‘SIMPLIFIED ‘

2005-11-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

Every year I spend all my time, energy and money shopping for the ‘perfect’ gift for everyone on my list. Each day after work I race to my car, change into some comfortable shopping shoes, and then fight my way to the Mall where there are a million other people joining the same race. I walk through store after store feeling completely overwhelmed by all of the merchandise on the shelves and my mind goes blank – what am I here to buy? So, I fumble through my purse and pull out my ‘list’ so I can focus on my task at hand.

First on my list is Mom – she has everything already, what could I possibly buy her that would be ‘perfect’ for her and that she would remember for years to come? Well, since I live on a very small budget I guess a cruise or some fine jewelry is out of the question so I will think on that one a little more and move on to the next person on my list – my sisters. I could buy them some perfume or maybe this nice sweater that is all the rage this year, but it just doesn’t seem very special. I bet if you ask them in just a few short months if they remember what you gave them for the holidays they would have to really think hard about that one. So I keep looking, store after store, trying to find the ‘perfect’ gift that says how much they mean to me only to finally give up after hours of walking around and the only thing I actually got was a headache from not eating dinner yet. So I go home empty handed, again!

I lay in bed that night thinking why does gift-giving have to be so hard? After all, the holidays are not suppose to be about suffering, it’s suppose to be about fun times with family and friends. I remembered one of my favorite quotes from H.L. Mencken “Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence”. So let’s have some FUN!

I later came across some ideas on how to make Survival Kits, which I thought would be ‘perfect’ for the holidays, so here are a few that could work for you. First, all of the items used for these kits are very easy to find just about anywhere. Add your items to any container you like and use your imagination!

Christmas Survival Kit
Chocolate kisses - to remind you that you are loved
Starbursts - to give you a burst of energy on days you don't have any

Snickers - to remind you to take time to laugh

Candle - to remind you to shine brightly

Peppermints - to settle the tummy from overindulging

Note Pad - to track all of the must do's

Lifesavers - to keep you from drowning in all you have to do
Tape - to use to wrap the gifts because you forgot to buy any

Bubble bath - to soothe the weary body
Tea - To sit back, relax and count your blessings.

Sister Survival Kit

Tootsie Roll - For all the times we've let the good times "roll" .

Payday - So we will always have money to go - SHOPPING!

Gobstopper - For the "gobs" of trouble we have gotten into over the years .

Gum - To remind you that a family that "sticks" together stays together .

Mars - Through the rough times, just remember Men are from Mars...women are from Venus .

Sweet Tarts - We are individuals and should celebrate our differences .

Popcorn - Even if we haven't talked yet today - you have already "popped" into my thoughts . Jolly Rancher - For the times I can't be there with you to make you smile .

Starburst - For the times you feel like you will "burst" if you don't share your secret with me . Puzzle Piece - Don't ever forget you are an important piece of my life .

Coversation Hearts - For all of our "heartfelt" conversations .

Tissues - For all the joyful tears we've shared .

Peppermint Patty - In case I can't be there to give you a 'pat' on the back this will have to do!

Two Quarters - In case you need to call on me for advice .

Nail File - For all the times you smoothed things over for me - so I wouldn't get into trouble!

Tea Bags - To get you back for all those times you "teased" me!

You can always visit my gift basket store at www.berwickbaskets.com for more ideas!

2005-11-02T10:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween 2005

2005-10-19T17:15:00.000-05:00

wesley2

2005-10-19T17:14:00.000-05:00

Butterfly child -
Wesley1

Gift giving with a purpose

2005-10-19T14:43:00.000-05:00

Hi, my name is Lynette Messer and I am grandmother to a beautiful little boy, Wesley Stone, who was unfortunately born with EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) . Read Wesley's miraculous story at http://www.ebinfoworld.com/ebkwesley.htm . The medical expenses and cost of daily dressing is enormous, not to mention other needs such as special formulas for nutrients, shoes, clothes, therapy and even education. Since Wesley can’t be put in day care like other children his mom had to quit her job and now money is a real issue. So I am trying to earn money for them by designing and selling gift baskets.

Since most people have never heard of this disease I thought that I could help promote EB Awareness through my online business at http://www.berwickbaskets.com/ - Creating unique custom gift baskets for every occasion and budget offering a large variety of gift baskets including, corporate gifts, customer appreciation gift baskets, gourmet gift baskets, spa and pamper gift baskets, holiday gift baskets, fruit gift baskets and many more!
I am very excited about my business and its cause and hope that you will help in my quest to spread EB Awareness by telling your friends and family about my site. For more information about Wesley and how you can help please email me at info@berwickbaskets.com