National Fitness Day

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 is National Fitness Day.  It's no secret that our country is struggling with an obesity epidemic.  It is easier to follow a healthier lifestyle if you have some info on hand to keep you focused.  While I'm no health guru, I can share a few tips that most experts say we can all take heed to.  The following foods are some brain boosters as well.  Eating more fish that contains Omega 3 fatty acids like tuna and salmon.  Consuming green leafy veggies, cauliflower and broccoli.  Avocados, nuts and seeds are foods high in Vitamin E.  Dark chocolate, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are more beneficial to you than candy with high sugar content.  Substitute whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice in place of white rice, pasta or bread which contain process sugars. Drinking plenty of water helps you stay well hydrated.  Even coffee in moderation is alright too.  Finally, don't skip breakfast.  Do not shop on an empty stomach and avoid late-night eating.  If you keep more fruits, nuts and veggies on hand you'll have a healthier alternative than junk foods at your fingertips. Here's to your health and fitness. Baskets by Consuela   "we think outside the basket" Phone: 678.499.2765 Email: baskets.byconsuela@yahoo.com Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com Blogs: http://Basketsbyconsuela.wordpress.com & http://basketwrapup.blogspot.com/

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Georgia Peaches On My Mind

There's nothing like the taste of delicious juicy peaches.  Here are some facts and a few ways to enjoy them. Spaniards brought peaches to South America and the French introduced them to Louisiana. The English took them to their Jamestown and Massachusetts colonies. Columbus brought peach trees to America on his second and third voyages. To this day China remains the largest world producer of peaches, with Italy second. Italy is the main exporter of peaches in the European Union; the regions of Campania and Emilia Romagna account for more than 50% of Italy’s annual production. California produces more than 50% of the peaches in the United States (and grows 175 different varieties). So many peaches are grown in Georgia that it became known as the Peach State. Famous Peach Dishes The Bellini: fresh peach purée and spumante, an Italian sparkling wine; Champagne or other sparkling wine can be used. The drink is said to have originated in the 1930s at Harry’s Bar in Venice, a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, and is named for the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini. The peachy color of the cocktail reminded Cipriani of the color of the garments of St. Francis in a famous Bellini painting; Cipriani named the drink in Bellini’s honor. Peach Melba: poached peaches, vanilla ice cream and raspberry purée. The dessert is named after Nellie Melba, the great Australian operatic soprano. Peaches are a favorite fresh snacking fruit and cereal fruit, and make wonderful pies and jams. Peach ice cream is a summer favorite. Ripe peaches also freeze well for later use. Reprint from The Nibble - The Magazine About Specialty Foods, August 2006 Ed. If you want to indulge even further try a calming Peach Blossom Spa.  A delightful blend of peach, kiwi and coconut scents creates a relaxing home spa experience. Baskets by Consuela   "we think outside the basket" Phone: 678.499.2765 Fax: 1-610-885-7584 Email: baskets.byconsuela@yahoo.com Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com Blogs: http://Basketsbyconsuela.wordpress.com & http://basketwrapup.blogspot.com/ Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/basketsbyconsuela/

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Mother's Day Garden Gift

"In search of my mother's garden I found my own."  Alice Walker Does your Mom love gardening?  Even if she only plants indoors, here's a Mother's Day gift that she'll love receiving.  Even Mothers like to play in the dirt sometimes.  Or, think about who else might enjoy receiving this Gardener's Gift Basket for Mother's Day, a birthday or as an anniversary gift.  Men, your Wife, Grandmother, favorite Aunt, Daughter, Daughter-In-Law or Sister would love this gift.  Ladies, what about your Best Friend, favorite Aunt, Daughter, Daughter-In-Law, Sister, Grandmother or even buying this gift for yourself?  Finally, to all the children who are wondering, what gift can I give to my God Mother, Grandmother or Aunt?  This gift basket is a sure bet.  Long after a bouquet of flowers has lost its blooms, the contents of this gift basket will go on providing endless enjoyment.  Remember to subscribe to our RSS feed so we can provide you with endless gift ideas and possibilities for every occasions. Baskets by Consuela    "we think outside the basket" Email: baskets.byconsuela@yahoo.com Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com E-commerce shoppe:  http://giftbaskets.cartfly.com Blogs: http://Basketsbyconsuela.wordpress.com & http://basketwrapup.blogspot.com/ Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/basketsbyconsuela/

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Mother's Day - Show Mom Some Love

Here's another great gift idea for Mom for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 9th.  Not only is this trendy but this particular one has a heart and love printed on it.  A stylish way to show Mom some love. Skin in the Game There's more than one way to skin an iPhone. New Collections from robin zingone are featured for consumer-customized skins for pocket electronic devices, including modern Victorian butterflies, valentine leopard prints, and the character brand loveMe by robin zingone, the orphans of kawaii. Skinit Inc., San Diego, CA. (866) 380-8130. Baskets by Consuela   "we think outside the basket" Phone: 678.499.2765 Fax: 1-610-885-7584 Email: baskets.byconsuela@yahoo.com Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com Blogs: http://Basketsbyconsuela.wordpress.com & http://basketwrapup.blogspot.com/ Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/basketsbyconsuela/

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Mother's Day Dedication

With Mother's Day coming up, I'm feeling a little nostalgic. This song brings back memories. It was very popular back in the 70's but the lyrics are timeless. I like the fact that the video contains a turntable with an LP.

If your mother is from that generation of listeners, I'm sure she would enjoy hearing this so share it with her for Mother's Day on May 9th. A gift to her that won't cost you anything and will be priceless to her. Always "thinking outside the basket" for you.

5 Great Gift Ideas for Mom

Mother's Day will soon be here. This year it is on Sunday, May 9th. Here are five great gift ideas to consider.

1. Perfume - her favorite fragrance of course. A time honored gift that most women love.

2. Handbag - a new spring or summer style.

3. Amazon Kindle - a great gift for the avid reader.

4. Sterling Silver Keyring - engrave it with a special message for a lasting memory.

5. Cleaning Service Gift Certificate - you can buy one for specific time periods such as Spring, pre-holiday cleaning, monthly or quarterly cleaning.

These are just a few ideas that any Mom would love to receive. I know I would. Hope this helps you. Check back again for more gift ideas, trends and tips. Remember "we think outside the basket" for you.

Gifts for Tax Return Day

Whenever Baskets by Consuela comes across any freebies, I like to share them with my readers.  Maybe taking advantage of a few of them will help relieve some of the anxiety you might feel on April 15th, Accountant Day a/k/a Tax Return Day.   Here's what I have found for you. Smart Spending: Free treats and more for taxpayers Smart Spending: Free or discounted cupcakes, ice cream, meals, coffee for taxpayers Buzz up! 41 Print In this advertisement provided by McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, a Tax Relief Celebration for Tax Return Day, April 15, 2010, is shown.(AP Photo/McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants) Emily Fredrix, AP Retail Writer, On Wednesday April 14, 2010, 6:57 am EDT NEW YORK (AP) -- Few truths are more universal: No one likes to pay taxes, and everyone loves to get things for free. Restaurants and other retailers are offering freebies to reduce people's angst over their income taxes -- which must be postmarked or e-filed by Thursday. From cupcakes and pancakes to dinners and coffee, the offers are meant to help people feel better as they help companies drum up business. No paperwork or proof is required for most of the offers. Ice cream chain MaggieMoo's is giving away pieces of its new ice cream pizza in its second annual tax day giveaway. The company won't say what it cost to give away thousands of free scoops of ice cream at its 160-plus stores in 2009, but a spokeswoman says such promotions bring in new guests and new sales. "They'll have free ice cream and then they'll get a drink or a smoothie or something else or take home an ice cream pizza," says Jenn Johnston, senior vice president of marketing for NexCen Franchise Management, the parent company of MaggieMoo's, Pretzel Time, The Athlete's Foot and other chains. Here are some of the freebies and discounts on offer for tax season 2010. -- FREE COFFEE AND TREATS CINNABON: Get two free bite-sized cupcakes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at participating mall locations as part of "Tax Day Bites!" Flavors include Chocolate Passion, 24-Carrot Cake, Vanilla Bliss and Cinnacake Classic. MAGGIEMOO'S: Get one free slice of ice cream pizza -- ice cream with red frosting to look like sauce and white chocolate to look like cheese -- at participating locations from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. STARBUCKS: Get free brewed coffee all day Thursday if you bring your own mug, a promotion the cafe chain says is friendly to the environment as well as taxpayers. -- DISCOUNTED MEALS BOSTON MARKET: For a "last-minute tax break" -- one free meal for each one you buy Thursday through Sunday -- show this coupon: http://bit.ly/d1YlRO IHOP: Expanding on the tax deduction parents get for kids, the restaurant chain is offering free dinner for one child age 12 or younger with each adult meal purchased 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. all month long. MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S: The seafood restaurant is offering $10.40 dinner and drink specials in the bar on Thursday -- a nod to the 1040 tax form. Bar guests who come in April 15 also receive a $10.40 gift certificate for a later visit. And professional tax preparers, who may have to work right until the midnight deadline Thursday, get their freebie Friday: dessert on the house plus a $10.40 certificate if they show a business card. P.F. CHANG'S: Get 15 percent off food purchases for dine-in or take-out, excluding alcohol and happy hour food and beverages. -- STRESS RELIEF HYDROMASSAGE: Get a free massage Thursday through Sunday at participating locations. The mall-based massage chain suggests calling ahead to book an appointment. Find a location at http://www.hydromassage.com/taxday. Baskets by Consuela    "we think outside the basket" Phone: 678.499.2765 Fax: 1-610-885-7584 Email: baskets.byconsuela@yahoo.com Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com Blogs: http://Basketsbyconsuela.wordpress.com & http://basketwrapup.blogspot.com/ Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/basketsbyconsuela/

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