During my brother’s junior year in high school, he was struck silent at a phone call he received while out with my boyfriend and I. The only thing the person on the phone told him was “Please come back to the school!” So that is just what we did. The school’s JROTC program was having there annual brisket cook for the Christmas season and many of the ROTC cadets, and some parents, had volunteered to stay the night to help keep the briskets moving. By the time we arrived at the school many parents and students were in tears or wore heavily sad expressions from what we did not know. But soon enough, one of my brother’s best friends came out from around the bar-b-q pit sobbing as she threw her arms around my brother, we were told the horrifying news that someone had ended there own life. After she let go of my brother she told him what she knew of his death, but I know that my brother did not hear a word she said, anyone could tell by looking at him that he was numb.
I had already been threw this same situation in my junior year of high school, two years earlier, so I tried to console anyone who just needed that shoulder to cry on. After I left the ROTC building, I crossed the parking lot to go back to the main group of students and parents, it was dark and I could not see that my brother was looking for me. As I stepped into the light, I could see him and he could see me, all at once he embraced me and began to cry. All I could do was cry with him, I couldn’t even speak, but that was what he needed that night.
In the days that followed we learned more about his death and some of the circumstances, but never the real reason for why. The more everyone learned, the sadder everyone became. His funeral had been arranged and would be held one month before his birthday. During that time I worked at a local flower shop and in this small world came to find out that the shop owner’s good friend was preparing the flowers for his funeral. For the last few days I had been thinking of something I could do for the students in ROTC and for his family. I talked to the shop owner, my boss, and asked her if we could send a sympathy flower piece to the family from the cadets in ROTC. With a kind smile she agreed and I asked for donations, from the cadets, to pay for the flowers to send to the funeral. In all we raised one hundred and fifty dollars to have an arraignment made and they also wanted to have a gift basket sent to the family directly. So I set to work making both the gift basket and the flowers.
The day of the funeral was an unusually cold day for early December. My brother and some of the other ROTC cadets that were close to him were asked to be his pawl bearers, so they were seated away from everyone else in the funeral chapel. Before the service began I notified all of the ROTC cadets to which one of the flower arrangements was ours so that they could properly present it to the boy’s family. By the time we made it out to the grave site the day seamed to be growing colder by the minuet, but that never deterred anyone from paying their respects. The time had come for the ROTC to present to the family the flowers; my brother’s best friend was the closest to the boy and she alone presented the flowers to the boy’s mother. No words were exchanged between the two women but the feeling of understanding and sorrow could have been felt for miles. Sometimes the best way to convey your sympathy for someone can be as simple as a gift of sympathy.

Come see the great gift basket collection for Valentine's Day! Make his or her day extra special this year.

Brought to you by Susan's Basket Store

The first thing you need to think about when you purchase vintage jewelry is how you will store it. If it came in it’s own box, you could always leave it there. Be careful if you decide to add it to your own jewelry box that it is not just thrown in with other jewelry. It should have it’s own compartment. If your jewelry box is not designed that way, then you could place each piece individually in small plastic bags obtained from most craft stores. This will protect your jewelry from scratches and you can also see easily which piece is in which bag.

Metal will always scratch other metal and jewelry with stones may also scratch metal so being careful not to put the jewelry in one pot with other metal jewelry will ensure that your vintage jewelry stays in the condition it was when you received it. Some metals are softer than others so it is even more important to protect those pieces. If two pieces of jewelry with stones are knocked together, the stone could loosen or worse you could loose the stone altogether. Vintage jewelry with rhinestones can be quite expensive and it would be a shame to loose a stone due to the lack of proper storage. An earring rack would be a great idea for earrings because usually they have the ability to clip, screw or pierce the earrings in pairs and keep them separate from other jewelry.

Chains are another type of jewelry that should be carefully stored. To keep your chains straight and to keep them from denting or bending, you should always hang them. If you do not have a jewelry box that has a place to hang your chains, you could simply put a nail on a board or a wall in a closet or bathroom to hang them from.

In addition to proper storage, the finish of your vintage costume jewelry must be protected. Some people think to protect the finish they must coat it with clear fingernail polish but this is not the case. Good costume jewelry is designed with a thick electroplate and will take years to wear off and the manufacturer typically coats the jewelry to prevent tarnish. To protect the finish, you will want to be very careful to remove the jewelry before using hairspray, perfume, cologne, or even cosmetics. If these products come in contact with your jewelry, it can wear the finish and even cause the jewelry to leave black marks where it comes in contact with the skin. Also be sure to remove your vintage rings before washing your hands and never wear them while working around the house.

If you need to clean your jewelry be sure to use a soft clean cloth and not a treated cloth. Also for stones, and electroplated jewelry you may gently wash them with a very mild soap and water solution. Gently cleaning your jewelry will remove perspiration, or oils from your body, or even any cosmetics that may have come in contact with your jewelry. Keep in mind that the better costume jewelry should be able to take a mild soap wash however, for the thinner plated jewelry you should just flash rinse it.

Costume jewelry is an investment in fashion and a look worth preserving. With proper care you will be able to wear your vintage costume jewelry for years to come.

See one of our new gift baskets, for that pick me up Peet's House Blend is a perfect choice, one of San Francisco's favorites. We have included a Peet's Coffee Mug, Lady Walton's Dark Chocolate Wafer, and some other great snacks.



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I wanted to let you know how pleased I was with the basket. My daughter was thrilled. I would highly recommend this item to others. Thanks.

Suellen

For quantities from 25 to 500 Susan's Basket Store can create the perfect custom corporate gift basket that will be sure to please.

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Still struggling over what gift to buy for Mother’s Day? Among the many possibilities, the gift basket stands out as one of the best ideas. Why? Selection, ease of giving, and long-term enjoyment top the list of reasons.

If you’ve ever shopped for a Mother’s Day gift at a large retailer, you know the problems: What size should you get? Will she like the color? Can it be returned? With gift baskets, it’s easy to decide – just think of something she likes, and make it the theme. Whether it’s coffee, spa products, candles, or golf, there will be a basket available. Want a great way to remind her of that time you traveled together in Napa Valley? Send a basket of gourmet items from California.

Another great thing about gift baskets is that they can be shipped almost anywhere, even to members of the military who are stationed overseas. You won’t have to wrap the gift, box it up, or wait in line to mail it. Even the simplest gift basket makes an impressive statement when it arrives, as most are wrapped up with cellophane and bows and other colorful touches. Just place your order and the basket will be delivered, complete with a personal message from you to the recipient.

Finally, even gift baskets that contain food items or flowers can be enjoyed for years to come, because the contents make up only one part of the gift. The container can be a gift in itself. On my last birthday, I received a little warming pot that is used to melt scented candles. It arrived in a tall cylindrical box that is black with little white polka dots all over it. I used the warming pot a few times, then put it away when I got tired of it taking up counter space. As it turned out, the box has been the best part of the whole gift. I have used it as a “cover” for a flower vase (it looks super with red tulips!) and as a cutlery container for a buffet line.
Similarly, the large hand-woven basket that arrived holding a selection of treats from Santa Fe continues to give me joy long after the snacks were eaten. Many of the gift baskets available now come in clever and very re-useable tins, baskets and boxes.

So, if you are feeling frustrated trying to pick a gift to give for Mother’s Day, consider a gift basket. They can be personalized, enjoyed for years to come, and never, ever have to be returned or exchanged for a different size.

Contributed By Laura Weaver

Body lotion, perfume, candles – many of the gifts you can buy your mother for Mother’s Day are scented. It’s no wonder that scented products are popular, because they can evoke emotions and memories like nothing else.
Scientists believe that we begin to learn about odors even before we are born, when flavors from our mothers’ diets are introduced into the amniotic fluid. As we grow up, our reactions to various odors are linked to what we were experiencing when we were first exposed to them. Because of this, everyone reacts to scents in their own unique way.
If your beloved grandmother always made delicious apple pies when you visited her, the smell of apple pies might make you feel content. If you were once forced to drink a medicine that was wintergreen-flavored when you were very sick, you might dislike the smell of wintergreen.
When I was young, my mother only wore perfume on special occasions. If I smelled Shalimar or Chanel No. 5, I knew that my parents were going out for the evening. Even now when I smell those scents, I think about my mother - all dressed up in a black dress, pumps and pearls.
Although everyone’s response to a particular scent depends on their own experiences, there are essential oils that are believed to have similar effects on a majority of people.
Here are some of the most commonly used scents and the effects generally attributed to each:

• Lavender – calming and balancing
• Lemon – refreshing and energizing.
• Jasmine – lessens anxiety and depression, aphrodisiac
• Rosemary – stimulating, enhances mental clarity
• Peppermint – stimulating, may relieve headaches
• Chamomile – calming, reassuring
• Orange – refreshing, relaxing
• Marjoram – soothing, warming
• Rose – relaxing, aphrodisiac
• Bergamot – refreshing and uplifting

Aromatherapy is popular today, but it isn’t new – ancient Egyptians, Grecians, Romans and Chinese used scents for a variety of religious, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Now, the use of scents has become a major industry – there are even special schools where you can learn about the use and effectiveness of essential oils.
How do you know which scents to choose for someone else if you aren’t an expert? You can buy a product that is believed to have an effect that you think the recipient would appreciate; or choose a scent that reflects a person’s interests or preferences. Still not sure which scent to give? Try taking a stimulating whiff of rosemary – it may enhance your mental clarity.

Contributed By Laura Weaver

Sure, you’d like to give your mother a gift certificate to a posh spa on Mother’s Day, but let’s face it…most of us can’t afford the cost. Destination spas generally charge at least $200 per night with only the most basic services included. Even at more affordable day spas, prices and tips can quickly add up.

There is another way you can treat your mother to a spa-like experience on Mother’s Day. She won’t get a fancy seaweed wrap or a mud bath, but with a gift basket of spa-inspired products, she can still enjoy a little pampering at home.

Start with a pretty container and fill it with products that are based on popular spa treatments. For facials, you can find delicious-smelling cleansers, facial massage oils, scrubs and moisturizers. If you like to dabble in the kitchen, you can make your own products - there are lots of recipes online for facial masks that contain ingredients such as avocados, eggs and honey.

Body treatments, which are like facials for the rest of the body, often include exfoliating scrubs, such as those made with sea salt, sugar or grains. These scrubs are frequently infused with essential plant oils such as peppermint or lavender and, like masks, can be made at home. As an alternative to a body scrub, you can buy a pair of inexpensive exfoliating gloves. They do the same job, but without the mess.

A spa experience wouldn’t be complete without a manicure and pedicure. Your mom probably has the basic manicure tools, such as nail clippers and files, so consider giving her cuticle oil or cream, cuticle pushers and nippers, and a fragrant hand-soaking solution. For her feet, buy a pumice stone or exfoliating rub and foot cream. You can find lightweight cotton socks and gloves for her to wear after she moisturizes; and foam finger and toe separators to use while she polishes her nails.

A spa-style robe (usually made of waffled white cotton or terry cloth), a towel hair-wrap and bath pillow would make nice additions to your gift; as would scented candles and a CD of her favorite songs.

If you are overwhelmed by the thought of putting together your own spa kit, consider buying a spa gift basket. They are available in all price ranges and are often assembled around a theme, like rose- or lemon-scented products, so you can find one that matches her tastes.

She may not leave the house for her spa-style getaway, but with the right combination of products, your mother can still feel pampered on Mother’s Day.

Contributed By Laura Weaver

Valentine’s Day is approaching and along with the many romantic picks for dining out, melt in your mouth chocolates and fragrant flowers vying for your attention, you can combine all these favorites with the element of surprise and delight your date.

If your special someone is a long-time sweetheart or a first date, most people love a surprise.

Recently, a 23-year-old college grad was anxious to plan an unforgettable evening with his girlfriend and take their four year dating relationship to the next level. Popping the question would surely be the most romantic yet exhilarating night of their life so a series of surprises filled the young man’s agenda. His girlfriend had no knowledge of his secret until the evening, which would turn out to be a celebration that a soon-to-be fiancée, would never forget.

The setting was a favorite steakhouse located in a metropolitan city. A dozen red variegated long stemmed roses from a florist were a carefully selected choice and were delivered to the waiter at the restaurant earlier that day. Next, a stuffed animal was placed on a tray covering the ring box and after dinner two waiters paraded to the table with the gifts. The bride-to-be was stunned as she became the center of attention for the night. She opened the ring box and her beau dropped to one knee and proposed, accompanied by a room full of onlookers erupting in applause.

You may not be proposing marriage but you can slip in a surprise just the same. Here are some ideas to make your day or evening on February 14 just a bit more intriguing.

• Compliment an intimate dinner at home with background music from the country where the food originates. They can be found at area bookstores. So if Italian food is your favorite, set the mood with music that brings amore’ to the table.
• Are you both lovers of the fine arts? Tickets to a symphony or live theatre will be sure to please. Tuck the tickets (like a bookmark) inside a book of poetry or a favorite read and present it at dinner prior to the show.
• Arrange an overnight at a Bed and Breakfast. If there are children that need a caregiver, initiative a surprise and hire the sitter and make the arrangements. If the price is out of reach, makeover your bedroom with a B&B feel and include guest soaps & towels, candles and a pleasing menu in the morning.
• Find a favorite childhood photo and have a local artist paint or draw your sweetheart’s likeness for a present that will be remembered for years to come.

Sweeten up Valentine’s Day with a surprise that fits your personality and you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable and fun holiday.

Contributed by
Elizabeth C. Searcy