Eating My Way Through The Holidays

When I was a child all big eyed over anticipated gifts from Santa, it really was all about the gift getting.  I know we were supposed to be celebrating the baby Jesus' birthday, but I was admittedly all caught up in my own birthday on Dec. 26th!
As an adult with a family of my own it turned into the worst time of year for me.  At that time I was working 9-5 for the "man", climbing that career ladder, trying to balance that with the demands of friends and family. Everyone expecting 100% attendance, 100% participation, 100% all of the time. I just couldn't keep up with the math! I wanted out, but that liberation without guilt literally took years to achieve.
Now all grown up and an empty nester, I no longer suffer that kind of holiday stress. Gift shopping is now something I do throughout the year whenever I happen upon something that makes me think of someone else. I don't mind buying something I know a loved one needs or would appreciate and I don't need to wait for a holiday or birthday to give it to them.
I took myself out of that last minute race to buy as many senseless gifts for as many people as I can name along with their children and pets. Sorry, but I've given myself a new meaning for Christmas; to me it's a time to express my appreciation and love.  It's a time for sharing what I have with some who may have less. I do this primarily with food.  Bringing food, preparing food, cooking food, sharing food and eating food is a real expression of love. The holidays, for me, should be a love fest.
Over the years I have expanded this hedonistic approach and now it's grown to include the weeks before and after Christmas right through the New Year. That's right, I am eating my way through the holidays and loving it.  Fruity, Fun and Fabulous get togethers where everyone brings something fun to eat, drink or whatever.Fun, Food and Spirits for all, just remember to be responsible. Don't drink & drive, don't over eat and don't over stay your welcome.

Did U notice the high cost of fruit, our basket prices & quality remain intact. A well spent $35 goes a long way-Still time 2 order yurs.

A Special Xmas Card Just 4 You!

Just received this really cool xmas card I thought I would share with everyone, hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Here's your card! http://bit.ly/6kzdbP  Merry Xmas y'all.

Remembering December...

Remembering December was always easy for me; not because of Christmas, my birthday is the day after Christmas!  I remember as a child I used to feel a little cheated, the day after Christmas was always a little anti-climatic.  My mom was a single mom doing the best she could, so money was always a consideration. At Christmas my mom would try to get me my one "big" gift and whatever socks or underwear or shoes, etc. I needed.  On my birthday, I got my favorite, an ice cream cake and my mom's undivided attention, she could make me feel so special by making a big fuss over how much I had grown, how smart I was and how much she loved me.

Looking back, I really appreciate those days now.  Seems like everyone is so stressed over making sure their children get everything they want.  Personally, I feel like we are a nation of spoiled, over indulged adolescents.  In this economy how is it that people are still spending what they don't have.  Are we trying to buy our children's love or what?  I'm just as guilty.  When my son was younger I remember how I felt when I couldn't afford to stuff his stocking with all those gameboys and the games that went with them.  Anyone with kids knows how expensive those games are!  There were times when I couldn't afford the things he needed for school, so, it was very hard on me as a parent. 

This year I've told my family and friends that I would rather not exchange gifts but would rather enjoy spending time with them.  I want to make bread and cookies and pies with them in the kitchen. I want us to talk to each other, recount stories while bumping into each other in the kitchen while cooking Christmas dinner, break bread together and lift our glasses to our mutual health, happiiness and prosperity.  I want memories for Christmas, that's all.

I've heard that the holidays provide the highest statistics for depression, suicides and death.  This December is already proving that to be true.  I've already heard from an old friend battling cancer, another one is somberly awaiting the demise of her mentor, my best friend is filing for bankruptcy, a family member is recuperating from surgery and so many I know are still out of work and struggling.

I just want to celebrate what we do have.  If you are lucky enough to have family, celebrate them.  If you have friends, you are blessed.  If you have your health and a job you are one lucky s.o.b.  If you can, reach out to those without, it's not always about money, adopt a friend or a family to invite to dinner, offer a ride to a senior citizen, offer to help your neighbor string lights or put up decorations. 

Now is all we have, what's past is past and what's ahead is never guaranteed.  The time I spend in gratitude with those I care the most about is what I'll remember through the new year, not who gave me the sweater I'll never wear. 

PS  I will be bringing fruit baskets wherever I am invited, I can say a lot with one of my fruit gift baskets, the recepients have always been very appreciative, knowing that it was made with love.

Thanksgiving Aftermath

Thanksgiving's done! Not as busy as it could've been.  It's time to say "next", shake it off, regroup and look forward to December.
When I first started making fruit baskets for real, it was a success year round but exploded during the holidays.  But, that was in another time and place.  This is here and now.
Starting up an old business in a new state is like watching a child reach maturity.  It's a slow, often thankless endeavor that makes us stronger if it doesn't kill us first.  There is, of course, the pride of
parenting and the hope that your offspring will surpass your aspirations and develop a life of their own. 

My hope is that through proper nurturing my little fruit basket business will grow into  
something I can be proud of.

Actually putting the basket together and choosing the colors for the bow are creative outlets for me, one of the few ways I can express myself artistically.  The wide eyed reception when I deliver a basket is really gratifying and addictive, I definitely want more.

Marketing on a Shoestring

Let's assume you have no expendable cash on hand to spend on marketing a new home based business venture.  Here are a few places where to you can start.  There are free on-line sites where you can advertise for free, google "free marketing sites" to learn more. 
Craigslist.com is widely used by everyone from hookers to internet marketors to sell their products or services.  One problem with craigslist, unless you are an "escort" or "massuse" service, seems to be the scrutiny given to small businesses.  Read their riot act before posting because if they block you, it will be forever and you probably will never know why. Social networking is widely used, ie. blogs, facebook, twitter and youtube have become major marketing tools and they are all FREE.
Another great source for business supplies is vistaprint.com. You can get a lot of free stuff from them that you'll need and everything else is affordable and fast.  You can order your business cards, stationary, labels, decals, magnets, hats, shirts, mugs...everything you can think of at vistaprint.
Obviously, print advertising in any publication is going to cost you more than any self promotion. If you are capable, or at least willing to learn, you can create your own websites to promote whatever you are selling.  I use wysiwyg.com as a web builder, but you can find them everywhere.  I also use hostgator.com to host my sites. Tie in your website to your blog, your facebook, twitter and youtube accounts to complete the circle of social networking, feed them all regularly with original content  and monetize them with google adsense and Amazon and ebay products and see what happens. 

Best Time to Start a Home Based Business

When is the best time to start a home based business? Start by asking yourself a few key questions:

1) Have your hours have been cut, or maybe it was your paycheck that was cut?

2) Were you laid off or phased out?

3) Have your resumes gone unanswered?

4) Have your unemployment benefits been exhausted?

5) Have you liquidated all your assets?

6) Do you have over 20 years of work experience?

7) Can you provide a needed service?

8) Can you create something saleable?

9) Do you have limited funds?

10)Are you motivated to make a change?

If you have answered "yes" to these questions then you are a prime candidate to start up your own home based business. In fact, if you've answered "yes" you may have some catching up to do, the longer you're out of work the harder everything else becomes. We each bear responsibility differently, some create the stress and instability themselves without realizing it because of the importance they now put upon the outcome. New ventures need time to mature and come to fruition. Many great ideas failed at first but, became the catalyst for something else. There's a term for it, "evolution." Regardless of where you are in your life we are all hot wired to survive and evolve.

So, it goes without saying that if you are unemployed or suffered a salary cut you have already streamlined your spending habits, you may have already cashed in all your assets and may actually be facing foreclosure or homelessness. Do not become a statistic or a victim. Accept your circumstances for what they are, wrap your brain around your new reality and recognize this opportunity to change the course of your life. If you are having a hard time finding employment you're probably considered too old or over qualified. So what? What do they know? If you've been out of work more than 6 months they may think there's a reason why and not consider you a good candidate. You are being judged by whom? Forget about it. If you're a single parent, too thin, too heavy, too hairy, too weird it's just another reason to eliminate your name from a very long list of applicants. If you're under educated it may be a problem, if you are over educated they worry you won't stay. The reasons not to hire you are endless, finding the one reason they should hire you is comparable to winning the lottery. While you're waiting for that to happen, start figuring out what service or product you can provide.

Now is the time to try to remember all the things you used to enjoy or some things that you do well. It's important to get settled into a quiet place where you can think and do some free associations and just start to write all these thoughts down on paper. Here are a couple of classic self-help books that can help you get started, "How To Attract Success" by FW Sears and "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.

For instance, I know that many Realtors, like me, came from other industries other than "sales", I came from an administrative and accounting background. I know of several laid off, career minded wage earners, utility workers, mechanical engineers, management executives and teachers, who found second careers in landscaping, as handymen, real estate investors, caterers and fruit gift basketeers. Some people with creative talents in fine arts, music, photography, programming or even web design, as independent contractors, have turned those jobs into their own home based businesses.

As freelancers and independent contractors we can combine our god given talents, our life experiences and all our resources to create new opportunities. I am further inspired by a 93 year old family friend who reminded me recently that he had had his share as well of hard times, bankruptcies and law suits and he had survived knowing that this too shall pass. His advice, you get up every morning and you keep going by putting one foot in front of the other. If one thing doesn't work out you try something else and you keep doing that until something clicks.

When is the best time to start a home based business? As soon as you can think of one you should jump on it, it's going to take some time to get it off the ground. It will be easier to transition if it's on your own terms in your own time.

If it is time to re-invent yourself, be brutally honest with yourself but, don't beat yourself up over what's past; instead be brave, be bold and you'll be brilliant. Never give up and never look back, today is all we have, make it count.

Extreme Makeover Savannah

Try to avoid 55th St. & Abercorn St., several streets have been blocked off upsetting the normal flow of traffic, but all for a good cause. The show, Extreme Makeover, has chosen a family here in Savannah to surprise.  While the deserving Simpson family waits aboard a cruise ship for the big reveal this Thursday of their new home, every contractor in Savannah seems to have a hand in this extreme makeover.  The shows' producers, together with all the volunteers, are determined to get it done, on schedule, in a week .

A roofer friend of mine was there last night 'til 3am-lots of hands-on locals prove that it does indeed take a village.  Some who have been on board for over 2 years are JT Turner Construction, Paula Dean, about 200 subcontractors and another 2,000 unskilled volunteers.  Salvaged materials have been donated to Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, which salvaged appliances, fixtures and other materials from the home's interior Friday night.

Tomorrow-Come join the EXTREME EXTRAVAGANZA to help raise money to pay off the
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Savannah family’s current mortgage!

WHEN ::	Wednesday, November 17th @ 7:00pm (Doors open @ 6:30)
WHERE ::	Historic Grayson Stadium – Home of the Savannah Sand Gnats
HOW ::	$1500 Company Sponsorship Includes Recognition at Event & 10 Tickets$100 per person for an Individual Ticket

Guest appearances by Paula, Jamie & Bobby Deen.
Performances by Liquid Ginger and Kim Polote.
Food provided by The Lady & Sons,  Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House and Leopold’s Ice Cream

Be on hand Thursday for the big reveal!

How To Attract Success by FW Sears

A couple of classic "How To..turn your life around" ebooks
you might enjoy and learn something from http://bit.ly/934BCP
check it out.

Order Your Fruit Gift Basket Early

Here's a tip when dealing with fresh fruit, place your orders early especially during busy holiday seasons. Here are a couple of reasons why Too Fruity Gift Baskets thinks you should ...

1-If you're one of those people who prefer to pay by check you should realize that you're check will have to clear before your order can be filled. Remember also that you must pay on line if paying by paypal, credit or debit card.

2-Delivery dates fill up quickly, first come, first served. If you wait you may not be able to choose your delivery date.

We try never to say "no" or turn anyone away. In the spirit of giving however, we ask that you do give us enough time to serve you properly.

A Great Fruity Cake Recipeepee

I found this little gem and just wanted to share a laugh...

"You'll need the following: a cup of wate, a cup of suar, four large eggs, two cups of dried fruit, a teaspoon of baking soda, a teaspoon of salt, a cup of brown sugar, lemon juice, nuts, and a bottle of whisky.

Sample the whisky to check for quality.

Take a large bowl.Check the whisky again. To be sure it is the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer, beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar and beat again.

Make sure the whisky is still okay. Cry another tup. Turn off the mixer. Break two leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.Mix on the turner.If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the whisky to check for tonisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt.Or something.Who cares?Check the whisky.Now sift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.Add one table.Spoon.Of sugar or something.Whatever you can find.

Grease the oven. Turn the cake tin to 350 degrees.Don't forget to beat off the turner. Throw the bowl out of the window,check the whisky again and go to bed."

Best Family Gift Choices

Even though it will be in the 70's today here in Savannah, GA., Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It's time to start thinking about holiday food and family. Fun, Food and Spirits is what we're all about here at Too Fruity Gift Baskets. Have you checked out the fruit displayed at your local markets, fruit and produce departments are exploding with color, 'tis the season. I'll be posting future fruity recipes to help keep your holidays special and still keep them healthy. If you haven't started already, you soon will be thinking about the upcoming holidays.

If you traditionally travel to get together with family and friends you're probably thinking about what to bring. Should you cook something or just pick something up on the way? A lot of it is going to depend on how busy you are. If you're already spread to thin and running on empty, send a fruit basket. A fruit gift basket is the best choice because it's fresh, it's a healthy choice and most everyone enjoys fruit. It's a beautiful center piece that can be eaten over several days.

Family gatherings require lots of food, including finger foods of all kinds. You already know everyone will be munching on something all day long, make some of those choices provided healthy ones. There will be enough food and spirits. Be the one to provide the fun, the whimsical, as well as the better choice, the healthier choice, the fruity choice.

Say it with FRUIT this year Savannah.

Happy Halloween Y'all!

Here in Chatham County, GA. the powers that be got ahead of the national curve and decided that trick or treating would occur on Saturday instead of Sunday this year for several reasons including religious beliefs and the fact that Monday is a school day.

What it says to me is that we all get TWO days to trick & treat!

Did you get the sweet apples for tonights' dunking?  The red & green delicious, empires, galas and romes.  Remember to candy coat the tart ones, the grannys and the macs, and carmelize some of them too.

Be safe everyone and have fun this weekend.

Recipe: Sweet Apple Chutney

Fall and winter are the seasons for apples and cranberries to be enjoyed. Try dressing up your next meal with a little apple chutney.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter

2 cups chopped tart apple (granny smith's work best)

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons golden raisins

2 tablespoons dried/fresh cranberries

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/3 cup apple cider or juice

Preparation:

Heat butter in a medium saucepan; add apples, brown sugar, raisins, cranberries, spices, and juices. Cook over medium heat until fruit is tender and cider has boiled away. If necessary, add a little more apple cider to keep the mixture from scorching. Serve warm or chilled, tastes great with pork, ham or chicken.

Makes about 2 cups.
Bon Apetit, yall!

Happy Birthday Memory

Happy Birthday son.  Remember when you were little, you were always worried that you would get clothes for your BD or Xmas.  To this day I'm reticent to buy you clothes.  If we were in the same city I would be cooking something special for you today.  You were always a meat 'n potatoes kind of kid, maybe a juicy pork chop smothered in a sweet apple chutney... now you eat sushi.

Think FRUIT Savannah!

Been thinking and talking to my partner about content for the blog. Decided to keep it light and fruity. If you are from the Savannah area too or have an original use for fruit that you'd like to share, please add it to the comments. Once you start thinking about it, there really are so many uses for fruit besides eating it, think FRUIT Savannah!

Welcome to Too-Fruity-Gift-Baskets' Blog

I hope to use this blog primarily to increase the popularity of fruit gift baskets as the preferred gift of choice. But, I also like to cook & eat of course, so you're likely to see a recipe or two. Stay tuned.