Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets Blog

Archive for October, 2007

It takes two people to bring a child into the world - a Mother and a Father.  Just as important and rewarding is the role of a Mother, the role of the Father is equally important and rewarding.

In this day and age, more and more children are growing up with one parent.  The divorce rate is steadily increasing, and, unfortunately, many children do not have the support of two parents in one home on a day-to-day basis. 

I was one of these individuals who grew up without my Father in my daily life since the time I was 2 years old.  In addition, we were also separated by long distance and I was unable to get to know my Father completely and emotionally. 

My Mother, the pillar of love and strength raised me to the best of her ability and did a fantastic job.  I turned out to be a good person, and I am so thankful for her and her sacrifices.  I love her to pieces! Truly, it must have been difficult to raise a child on her own.  She had the role of both Mother and Father and it wasn't an easy road at times.

But I wonder?  What would it have been like to be raised with two parents in the home?  Would I be the same person as I am today or would I have been different?  Perhaps more secure in my thoughts, opinions and self-esteem?  I cannot say and will never know.

However, as a Mother of two young children, both blessed with having their Father around on a daily basis, I do see how important the Father's role is to the children.  They need the love and support of both parents, there is no doubt.  My children have double the love, support and attention and they are very well-rounded and happy toddlers.  As time passes and the road of life continues on, I will enjoy seeing the difference in my children and the positiveness they will derive by having two parents in their lives.

One should not underestimate the role of a Father.  It is unfortunate that divorce and other life-altering events and circumstances separate children from the two most important people in their lives who brought them into this wonderful world.  Sometimes these situations and events cannot be undone or rectified.  However, sometimes they can and if at all possible, think of your children first and foremost! 

Often the Father is in the children's life but their role is downplayed and is not treated as equally as the role of a Mother.  It is unfair to the children and to the Father.  No matter the situation, allow your children to get to know their Father and spend time with him.  Don't let personal feelings get in the way as it is not your feelings that are being torn apart, but your children's feelings and thoughts.

For those that were blessed with having a Father in your life, celebrate your Dad, the wonderful man in your life on Father's Day!  Near or far, Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets has a diverse selection of Father's Day gift baskets perfect for him!

A special day is coming for the most remarkable women in our lives!  The second Sunday in May is a day of celebrating mothers around the world.

The moment we were brought into this wonderful journey we call life; our Mothers were there for our every waking moment.  It is with much love, inspiration, patience, understanding and so much more that our Mothers, those precious women in our lives, have raised us to be who we are today.

There is no love like a Mother's love, so steadfast and strong.  A Mother's love is very patient and forgiving and a Mother doesn't judge you, even if you are wrong.  A Mother is there for you showing love and hope throughout the smiles and tears, joy and disappointments.  By and by, their trust and pride is forever shining and their selfless acts are shown time and again.

The role of a Mother is one that is priceless and rewarding, and one that is also challenging.  I am sure that some of us probably caused our mom's heartache and a grey hair or two along our road to independence.  I look back and I can still see the joy and pride in my Mother's face but I can also remember the look of worry and heartache my actions caused in certain times.

As the years pass and being a mom to two young toddlers, I more and more appreciate and value what my own Mother experienced as she raised me.   The sacrifices she made for me, the selfless generosity she bestowed on me, and on and on I could go.  If I can be half the Mother my mom is to me!

How can we thank them for all that they have done for us? Will there ever be a word, gesture or Mother's Day gift that will fully express our appreciation and love?  I sincerely doubt that there will ever be anything that will express the true emotions and appreciation that we have for our Mothers.

However, we can certainly try!  Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets has a wonderful selection of holiday gift baskets that will pamper the wonderful Mother you have.  And she deserves all the pampering she can get!  Why not treat her to a wonderful gourmet gift basket full of yummy treats and delicious gourmet fare?  Indulge her this Mother's Day!

When Mother's Day arrives, make sure that you tell the wonderful Mom in your life how much you appreciate her!  A beautiful gift basket can let your Mom know how wonderful she is and how much she is adored.  Near or far, let your love shine through by sending a gift basket to say "I appreciate you."

Mothers are forever and each day remember how special she is and tell her you love her!

This delicious holiday cake recipe can be made quite easily and with little effort. 

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter; stir in molasses and vanilla and work dough until smooth. Chill three hours. Break off in small pieces and shape in 3 inch logs. Roll in chopped nuts. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet in 325 degrees oven for 15 minutes.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Tired of serving the same old Easter cookies and desserts?  Serve your special Easter Bunny this delicious Easter themed pie.  Make sure to make ahead to allow enough time to chill.

• 1 ready made graham cracker pie crust
• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup of cold water
• 1 package instant vanilla flavored pudding and pie filling
• 1 1/2 cups non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
• 16 mini chocolate eggs

In a large bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Beat in milk until smooth. Add water and pudding filling; mix on low speed until smooth. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spoon 1/2 of filling into crust. Place candies evenly over filling. Top with the remainder of filling. Chill for 3 hours. Garnish with Spring themed egg or dessert candies on top.

Prefer cake to pie?  You can always serve up a batch of Easy Easter Cupcakes!

A delicous Halloween treat recipe for the ghouls and goblins that will be trick or treating at your house year.

• 1 box ready made cake mix any flavor
• 2 tubs ready made white frosting
• 3 tablespoon tinted with green food coloring
• Remainder tinted with orange food coloring.
• Candy for eyes, nose, and mouth

Preheat oven according to the directions on the cake mix box. Grease two medium oven safe bowls. Place one cupcake liner in a mini cupcake pan. Prepare the cake batter into the single mini cupcake liner. Pour the remaining batter evenly into each of the oven safe bowls. Bake according to directions making sure not to over bake the mini cupcakes. Let cool. Level off the rounded tops of cakes so they are flat. Place one of the cupcakes round side down, onto a serving plate. Spread a bit of orange frosting on the surface of this cake; and place the other cake on top so that it creates a ball. Frost the entire ball with orange icing. Frost the cupcake with green frosting. Decorate.

For even more delicious dessert ideas, check out these Halloween cupcake ideas at hubpages!