"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary."
Capt'n Salsa's Grill Roasted Yard Bird, Wow I have a hankering for some really good grill roasted chicken, the melt in your mouth variety with some fresh homemade salsa slathered right on top. Just seems that we never have time during the lazy days of summer to everything done. You know, you ... Famous Chefs in History Because of the French domination of the culinary scene since time began (or so it seems, anyway), it stands to reason the most famous chefs in history are - what else? - French, with the exception of one American woman (discussed later), who was, ... Merry Christmas Cheesecakes Do you have a weakness for cheesecakes? There quite simply isn't a better time than Christmas to luxuriate in the irresistably sweet and satisfying creaminess of posh cheesecakes, for the cracking festive cheer is the perfect accompaniment to this ...
3 Tips For Giving A Great Gift
be like going to the dentist at times. Ok, maybe that's a little bit dramatic. But when people ask me about what they should get someone for whatever the occasion, they are somtimes in a panic. This is what I tell them.
1. Be Original
If you can imagine, you can be "original" . It really isn't that hard.
You know how teachers are always getting those stereotypical apple and school related gifts? (You people know who you are.) Ok, enough. Teachers have feelings too. No, really. (I'm not a teacher but I have friends and family who are and this is what they tell me.) This is a prime example of "un-originality". (Can you imagine getting 24 primarily identical gifts at Christmas time?) What's a teacher to do?
Want to win some brownie points? Get he or she something that they can use and enjoy.
Let me help to stir those creative juices.
a.Gift cards or certificates for - Pedicure, Manicure, Movie Theater, Ice Cream Shop, Movie Rental Store, Book Store, Gourmet Foods, Golf Course, Restaurant....
b. A great throw blanket
c. Tickets to a game
d. Awesome gourmet chocolate and foods
Are you starting to get the picture?
2. Homemade Is Good
When I say homemade, people usually think of food. But homemade can also relate to sewing, knitting, building, painting, crafting or whatever it is you make with your own two hands. I love to get stuff from people who put their time into a gift. If you have a talent for baking, cooking or making things, you really ought to give of yourself in that way to others. If you don't feel that you can make anything yourself, find someone who can. It's just as good.
3. Attention Getting Packaging
Try to find objects that can be used as containers for presenting your gifts. Turn them into gift baskets. Let me give you some examples:
a. Ceramics- Bowls, mugs, tea cup and saucer, plates, trays, planters...
b. Any kind of basket
c. Hats turned upside down
d. Boxes lined with decorative paper on the inside and out
After deciding on a container, fill it with some sort of tissue paper or shred. Orgainize the contents of your basket and use clear or colored gift basket wrap to seal it. Attach ribbon, a bow, maybe a card, flowers, greenery, or candy to it at the top. You could even attach an object that ties in to the theme of the gift.
You know what people really like? It's to know that someone cared enough about them to put some thought into their gift. So, I guess it really is the "thought" that counts.
About the Author
Rena D. Robertson is the founder of Rena's Recipes "Gourmet The Texas Way". She has been baking for 30 years and has developed quite a reputation for creating exceptional, mouth-watering recipes. She says that having a passion in life is important. Her passion is making people feel good. Her gourmet foods seem to do just that. You can find some of her creations at http://www.renasrecipes.com
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