Send Your Mom On A Cruise for Mother's Day

or just pick, click and ship and send her a giftbasket from http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com/

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Get Your Mom a Cruise for Mother's Day!
By Mandy Karlik

Mother's Day shopping just got easier. Now you can give your mom memories she'll cherish forever by giving her the gift of a cruise--with you and the family. Cruises are popular, affordable, and fun, and they make a great get-away for families who want to spend a little more time together (and let somebody else do the cooking and cleaning!)

A cruise is best considered as an all-in-one vacation package. If you want to compare prices, remember that your cruise fare includes your accommodations, all meals, transportation and entertainment (on-board shows). Room service, a pricy luxury on-land, is free round the clock on most cruises. It does not include alcohol, special amenities (like spa services or casino gambling), or shore excursions, which are optional.

One other factor that influences the total price: you have to get to port city on your own dime, too.

Giving your mother a cruise vacation is a great idea because it is not only an inclusive vacation that most people really enjoy (most people who cruise once become fans and cruise again), it is also a very easy way for you to set up a family get-together or reunion. These group cruises are increasingly popular and most cruise lines encourage them.

In fact, calling a cruise line representative is a good step to see what a particular cruise might be able to offer you for a group package.

There are four ways to give your mom the present of a cruise vacation.

The first method is to let your mother pick out the cruise vacation she wants and then let you come back and buy it for her. This is a bit complicated logistically since there are many cruise lines with many more offerings, and there is no "gift card" option that will let her shop around. About the best gift card you can get is one through a credit card which all major cruise lines accept. The problem with that is that cruise packages can vary a lot in price. Another way to give her this kind of gift is to offer to pay for the cruise she picks out--but your mom might spend more or less than you'd like!

The second choice is that you can be bold and pick a cruise for your mom, pay for it, and give it to her.

Cruises have the "Noah's Ark Syndrome," which mean they want everyone to get in the boat by pairs. Cruise fares are always stated for double occupancy (although you can make arrangements to sleep three or four to a state room, too). Besides, cruising alone is no fun. So book your parents a cruise or, if your mom is alone, get her a cruise with a family member or friend.

The third method of getting a cruise for Mother's Day is a fabulous idea. You pick the cruise and buy it, only you go along with her. Depending on your family structure, it may be just you and your mom or it might be several couples (parents, you and your spouse, maybe a sibling and spouse and so on). These are fabulous adventures and a gift that everyone will always remember. Cruising in a group heightens the enjoyment. Your family can dine together, explore the ports together, take in shows or stroll the ship together, all while somebody else cooks, cleans up, and drives!

The fourth way to get your mom a cruise vacation for Mother's Day involves creating a family reunion group. In this scenario, you pick the cruise and pay for your mom and her traveling mate. You also arrange to travel with them. Then you start spreading the word to the family. Invite relatives, even friends.

Family cruises of many couples are not uncommon on cruises today, and many cruise lines will work with you to help make the organizational chores of setting up this sort of thing as easy as possible.

If you opt for a large family reunion cruise, book it as far in advance as you can. By booking early, cruise lines will often offer you the very best prices and it gives the other people in your family time to make the necessary work, family, and financial arrangements they need in order to participate.

Picking a cruise can be tough these days because there are so many options. Here are afew different ways to approach it.

You can select the cruise you want based on the destination: Alaska versus the Caribbean or cities of the Far East versus Europe. Others prefer to pick a cruise by port. If you live at or near a cruise port city, this can drastically reduce your total expense. You can also decide what cruise you want by shopping by type. Some cruises call at many ports, others spend more time at sea. Some emphasize fine dining, formal events, and luxurious spas, others emphasize kid-friendly activity and super-casual fun.

Price is a bit more complex in that there are numerous price levels on any given cruise. Price changes on the type of cabin you want (bigger costs more and windows or even balconies, sometimes called verandahs, cost more) and optional excursions can also drive up the price.

The best place to shop is online, in that every major cruise line runs a great, user-friendly website that allows you to window shop and even compare prices. You can even get a sneak peek at cabin floor plans and find out about activities, ports, and excursions.

Although most cruise lines are online, it is best to book by phone by calling the number provided on the website. In fact, some cruise websites do not allow online booking.

Talking to a cruise representative is a great way to familiarize yourself with the many voyages and options available to you. A family vacation can be one of the most memorable Mother's Day gifts your mom will ever receive!

Announce your cruise gift in a letter to your mom that expresses your feelings. You'll sweep her away with this gift. Can't write? No problem! Get this easy step-by-step guide to writing a warm, engaging, personal letter to your mom that expresses your feelings without getting goofy. Check it out at http://www.Letters2Mom.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mandy_Karlik

Anniversary Gift Giving

With the "wedding season" and thus "anniversary season" upon us, we thought we'd give you some insight into the art of anniversary gift giving.

It's all rather stuffy, so to beat that, why not just send a gift basket to the fortunate couple...

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Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gifts
By A Heath

Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the "golden" anniversary, and that the 25th is silver. But beyond that? Here are some traditional and modern conventions to follow when selecting anniversary gifts.

But don't limit your gift giving to the gifts listed below for each anniversary year. Chances are if you didn't know what the gift for that year was, then the recipients won't know either! Use your imagination, but most importantly, use your heart.

Year: 1st
Traditional Gift(s): Paper
Modern Gift(s): Clocks

Year: 2nd
Traditional Gift(s): Cotton
Modern Gift(s): China

Year: 3rd
Traditional Gift(s): Leather
Modern Gift(s): Crystal, Glass

Year: 4th
Traditional Gift(s): Fruit, Flowers
Modern Gift(s): Appliances

Year: 5th
Traditional Gift(s): Wood
Modern Gift(s): Silverware

Year: 6th
Traditional Gift(s): Candy, Iron
Modern Gift(s): Candy, Iron

Year: 7th
Traditional Gift(s): Wool, Copper
Modern Gift(s): Desk Sets

Year: 8th
Traditional Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery
Modern Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery

Year: 9th
Traditional Gift(s): Pottery, Willow
Modern Gift(s): Linen, Lace

Year: 10th
Traditional Gift(s): Tin, Aluminum
Modern Gift(s): Leather

Year: 11th
Traditional Gift(s): Steel
Modern Gift(s): Jewelry

Year: 12th
Traditional Gift(s): Silk, Linen
Modern Gift(s): Pearls

Year: 13th
Traditional Gift(s): Lace
Modern Gift(s): Textiles, Furs

Year: 14th
Traditional Gift(s): Ivory
Modern Gift(s): Gold Jewelry

Year: 15th
Traditional Gift(s): Crystal
Modern Gift(s): Watches


Year: 20th
Traditional Gift(s): China
Modern Gift(s): Platinum

Year: 25th
Traditional Gift(s): Silver
Modern Gift(s): Silver


Year: 30th
Traditional Gift(s): Pearl
Modern Gift(s): Diamond

Year: 35th
Traditional Gift(s): Coral
Modern Gift(s): Jade

Year: 40th
Traditional Gift(s): Ruby
Modern Gift(s): Ruby

Year: 45th
Traditional Gift(s): Sapphire
Modern Gift(s): Sapphire


Year: 50th
Traditional Gift(s): Gold
Modern Gift(s): Gold

Year: 55th
Traditional Gift(s): Emerald
Modern Gift(s): Emerald

Year: 60th
Traditional Gift(s): Diamond
Modern Gift(s): Diamond

Hope you found this helpful!

A Heath is a gift researcher for http://www.the-gift-wizard.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Heath

Invitation to Gated Communities, Realtors, etc. for baby boomers

We are looking to establish links with gated communities, etc., that would appeal to rising baby boomers. With the economy tanking and home sales dropping, we know that the real estate community is suffering. We would like to take this opportunity to offer a link exchange with gated communities geared towards up and coming empty nesters. There is a plethora of homes listed above the $1 million dollar mark. That's not what we are looking for. We are looking to link with those communities that would appeal to those looking for a second home in the $400,000-$700,000 range...more or less what upper management, administrative professionals, or government retirees would be interested in.

If interesting in linking with us, please contact our store at info@shopthegiftbasketstore.com.

Thank you!

What Sad News....Danny Federici passes

Danny Federici waves to the crowd as he takes the stage with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band in the 15th and final show at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N.J. In this Aug. 12, 1999 file photo. (Matt Rainey / Associated Press / April 17, 2008)

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Here's to one of the most incredible musicians ever. His sound will reverberate throughout every baby boomers memory from here till forever.......

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E Street Band mamber Danny Federici dies at 58

Apr 17, 10:53 PM (ET)


NEW YORK (AP) - Danny Federici, the longtime keyboard player for Bruce
Springsteen whose stylish work helped define the E Street Band's sound
on hits from "Hungry Heart" through "The Rising," died Thursday. He
was 58.


Federici, who had battled melanoma for three years, died at Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. News of his death was
posted late Thursday on Springsteen's official Web site.


According to published reports, Federici last performed with
Springsteen and the band last month, appearing during portions of a
March 20 show in Indianapolis.


Springsteen concerts scheduled for Friday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.,
and Saturday in Orlando were postponed after news of Federici's death.


He was born in Flemington, N.J., a long car ride from the Jersey shore
haunts where he first met kindred musical spirit Springsteen in the
late 1960s. The pair often jammed at the Upstage Club in Asbury Park,
N.J., a now-defunct after-hours club that hosted the best musicians in
the state.


It was Federici, along with original E Street Band drummer Vini Lopez,
who first invited Springsteen to join their band.


By 1969, the self-effacing Federici - often introduced in concert by
Springsteen as "Phantom Dan" - was playing with the Boss in a band
called Child. Over the years, Federici joined his friend in acclaimed
shore bands Steel Mill, Dr. Zoom and the Sonic Boom and the Bruce
Springsteen Band.


Federici became a stalwart in the E Street Band as Springsteen
rocketed from the boardwalk to international stardom. Springsteen
split from the E Streeters in the late '80s, but they reunited for a
hugely successful tour in 1999.


"Bruce has been supportive throughout my life," Federici said in a
recent interview with Backstreets magazine. "I've had my ups and
downs, and I've certainly given him a run for his money, and he's
always been there for me."


Federici played accordion on the wistful "4th Of July, Asbury Park
(Sandy)" from Springsteen's second album, and his organ solo was a
highlight of Springsteen's first top 10 hit, "Hungry Heart." His organ
coda on the 9/11-inspired Springsteen song "You're Missing" provided
one of the more heart-wrenching moments on "The Rising" in 2002.


In a band with larger-than-life characters such as saxophonist
Clarence Clemons and bandana-wrapped guitarist "Little" Steven Van
Zandt, Federici was content to play in his familiar position to the
side of the stage. But his playing was as vital to Springsteen's live
show as any instrument in the band.


Federici released a pair of solo albums that veered from the E Street
sound and into soft jazz. Bandmates Nils Lofgren on guitar and Garry
Tallent on bass joined Federici on his 1997 debut, "Flemington." In
2005, Federici released its follow-up, "Out of a Dream."


Federici had taken a leave of absence during the band's tour in
November 2007 to pursue treatment for melanoma, and was temporarily
replaced by veteran musician Charles Giordano.


At the time, Springsteen described Federici as "one of the pillars of
our sound and has played beside me as a great friend for more than 40
years. We all eagerly await his healthy and speedy return."


Besides his work with Springsteen, Federici played on albums by an
impressive roster of other artists: Van Zandt, Joan Armatrading,
Graham Parker, Gary U.S. Bonds and Garland Jeffreys.

Shop The Gift Basket Store to open Shop The Pet Store

Shop The Gift Basket Store has confirmed that it will now carry Fab Dog products on it's soon to be launched Shop The Pet Store site.

Following is a reprint from Fab Dog about their products:

..."Inspired by Lucky…Fab dog was created in 2002 with one goal in mind: to produce the most fabulous pet accessories in the world. Today our products are available at fine retailers worldwide. We pride ourselves on our innovative designs that combine the perfect balance of style and practicality. All of our products are made with the finest materials and safest hardware. With quality in mind, our expert craftsmanship and exclusive designs sets us apart from the pack.

Our incredibly versatile collections run the gamut from classic chic to hip and edgy and everything in between. No matter what the occasion, fab dog features the perfect look.

Because after all…Any accessory can make your dog look good; we make sure your dog looks FABULOUS! ... "

Fab Dog products have been featured in many magazine editorials including, In Style Magazine, New York Dog Magazine, American Iron, Modern Bride, New York Magazine, Paws Luxuries, People Magazine, Star, Teen, Modern Dog, Jezebel, Animal Fair, Me and Garden, Cosmopolitan, Midwest Home, New Jersey Monthly, Fitness and Every Day With Rachel Ray.

Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton and Kate Hudson are just a few of the many celebrities that "spoil" their pets with Fab Dog products.

Shop The Pet Store will feature dog collars and leashes, jackets, dog tee-shirts, and dog toys, along with other items from this "Fabulous" company.

Some items can be purchased now, and others will follow within the next week.

Make your pet look like a Hollywood star too!

Shop The Gift Basket Store and Shop The Pet Store are divisions of TBS&S Enterprises, LLC.

Don't Forget Administrative Professionals Day - April 23, 2008

The following is reprinted...from EzineArticles.com


'Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.' - Kahlil Gibran

Work is the choice available in the modern world to take Man forward. You have to work if you want to carve out a life for yourself and for those you want to share that life with. That may have resulted in a chaos of cutting-edge competition, but it has also enabled more people to put bread on their tables after an honest day's work. Work, therefore, is an integral part of out lives. With no escape route, we try to adapt ourselves as smugly as possible to enjoy the process. That has given rise to a number of 'unofficial' celebration days like the Administrative Professional Day.

Before we go on to the aspects of Administrative Professional Day, it would be proper that we clarify what one means by 'Administrative Professional'. Professionals engaged in the administrative department of the company, like secretaries and assistants are termed 'Administrative Professionals'. They are the unsung heroes of the organization who work behind the screens tirelessly. They polish the acts of dapper, confident executives and trim their generally over-bearing schedules. They also act as an interface between the people on either side of the corporate table.

Administrative Professional Day started off as National Secretaries Week in 1952. After some modifications over the years, the modern term came into existence in 2000. The longer version spans for a week and is termed Administrative Professional Week. On Administrative Professional Day, the irreplaceable work put in by the administrative support staff is appreciated and rewarded. The celebrations include office parties, social get-togethers and other corporate events which make the Administrative Professionals feel special and wanted.

On a personal level, Administrative Professional Day means gifting your secretary. It can be anything ranging from flowers, candies, token gifts or off-time. It is fast catching up as one of the most happening secular events. Bosses need to turn an appreciative eye toward their secretaries on this day at least, if not throughout the calendar! A nod of approval goes a long way in cementing ties which requires interaction on a daily basis.

Personal touches are very important even in professional areas. If you want your support staff to walk the extra mile for your company, you have reach out that extra yard to make them feel a sense of belonging to the company. Your administrative support staff should not feel that they or their services are redundant to the company. And that is not only for Administrative Professional Day. If you treat your support staff well, the main entity benefiting would be your company.

Dorothy Smith is the author of this article wants to send information about the events & special occasions. Want to know more about administrative professional's day cards. Send free appreciation cards and other free ecards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_M_Smith

Wear Orange for ASPCA Day April 10, 2008

Join Animal Lovers Everywhere and Go Orange for Animals on April 10 for ASPCA Day!On Thursday, April 10, cities all over the country will be going orange to celebrate the ASPCA’s victories on behalf of animals and the joy they bring to pet parents everywhere. Lend us your voice on April 10 by dressing yourself, your kids, your pet--even your school or company!--in ASPCA orange, and show the world you support the ASPCA and the pets we protect.For ideas on how you can celebrate ASPCA Day and spread the word in your community, visit the aspca website for ideas on how you can celebrate ASPCA Day and spread the word in your community, and of course, participate in discussions right here in this group. Your ideas and celebrations can inspire others to go orange for animals, too!

Wonderful Mom Needs a Kidney Transplant

Christine Ihling Awaits Kidney Transplant

Reprinted from Branchburg News April 2008:

Editor’s note—As of late March, well-known community volunteer Christine Ihling was in Somerset Medical Center on dialysis, awaiting a kidney transplant. Along with husband Henry and daughters Katie and Chelsea, Chris hopes that, like her own sister, she can receive a transplant, beat back her hereditary disease and get her life back. Katie, an SHS senior who plans to study broadcast journalism at Ohio University in the fall, wrote about her mom’s strength, lifetime of service, and need for help. The Ihlings can be reached at ihlings@hotmail.com.

By Katie Ihling
Some people think of heroes as fictional characters like Superman, Batman or Wonder Woman. My hero is someone I see everyday, and cannot for one second imagine life without. My mother, Christine Ihling, is my hero because every day of my life I have seen her incredible inner strength.

For as far back as I can remember, I have always seen my mother as the “rock.” While my grandmother was going to dialysis three times a week, my mom was there to drive her, organize all of her prescriptions, and with the help of my father, organize all her numerous hospital bills. As time progressed, my mother and our family faced tragedies like my grandfather passing away from leukemia in August 2001, and in August a year later, my grandmother, who had appeared to be living much of her life in hospitals, passed away from kidney failure and heart failure.

After I was born, my mother had a physical and discovered that she had polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The doctor said there was a 50 percent chance that the disease would have effect on her body, and she was determined to not let this fact get in the way of her living her life. PKD is a hereditary disease that attacks the kidneys and causes them to fail. This disease is what killed my grandmother, my great aunt, and my great grandmother.

A few years after my mother made her discovery, her sister (my aunt) also learned that she had PKD, and that it was rapidly destroying her kidneys. At age 35, my aunt had to undergo dialysis. My mother, while she was also taking care of my grandparents, was there by my aunt’s side during her entire ordeal. Luckily, five years after my aunt was diagnosed with PKD, she received a kidney transplant, and her life has progressively gotten better.

Although my mother has been an important figure for my entire family, she has also devoted much of her time to the township of Branchburg. When I was in elementary school, she was a member of the Board of Education. After four years of service to the Board of Education, my mother also began to volunteer for numerous other committees in town including the PTO, the Board of Adjustment, and the Branchburg Education Foundation. For years she has helped to organize many Branchburg events that would not go as smoothly without her, such as the Taste of Branchburg and the Education Foundation dinner. She has been a significant member of the township, and has never asked for anything in return.

On March 14, my father called me at school and told me that my mother was in the emergency room, and that I needed to get to the hospital as soon as I could after school. For the rest of the day, every minute seemed like an hour and I could not wait to leave so I could go to the hospital and find out what was going on. As I ran into the emergency room, I met up with my father who was in tears. I instantly knew that whatever my mother was in the hospital for was serious. My father had informed me that my mother’s kidneys were only three percent active and were failing. Her PKD had finally caught up with her, and she needed to start dialysis.

Much of what occurred that day is still very hazy in my mind; all I can remember is that after hearing that news I got down on my knees and started crying. My mother, my “rock” is starting dialysis, and the only way she will get better is if she receives a kidney transplant.

Despite hearing this earth shattering news, my mother has not lost hope. She is determined to get through the dialysis as best as she can, and to keep my family’s spirits up. She is fighting everyday, and is finding strength throughout this ordeal with the help of her family and the memory of her parents.

Unfortunately, members of our family are not able to donate a kidney to her either because of blood types or other health reasons. My father and I are working endlessly to get my mother on a transplant list, but it is uncertain if and when she will receive a kidney.

Through out this entire ordeal, I am trying to fill my mother’s shoes as the “rock”. I am trying to help my father with all of the housework, help my younger sister with all that she needs, take care of the animals in the house, and still manage to stay afloat in my senior year of high school. I am trying my hardest to remain strong and believe she will soon receive a transplant, but as each day goes by, I find it harder and harder to stay strong for my family. I am still amazed at how my mother could remain so strong and brave while so much despair and uncertainty is occurring in her life.

I am writing this in the hope of achieving two goals: the first is to raise awareness of Polycystic Kidney Disease and the second is try and find a live donor for my mother. A person only needs one kidney to live and function normally. If someone is out there with type O blood and is willing to donate, their kidney would have a lower rate of being rejected by my mother’s body. If anyone is willing to donate a kidney to my mother, Christine Ihling, all he or she has to do is go and get a blood test and see if he or she is a possible match.

Please, if someone donates a kidney to my mother, my family will have their “rock” and my hero back. Please consider donating a kidney to my mother, so she will no longer have to suffer from the disease that has killed so many in my family. I will forever be grateful to whoever donates, and this act of kindness will be positively changing a family’s future forever.

For more information please send an e-mail to ihlings@hotmail.com.

Main Line Animal Rescue

The organization that brought attention about puppy mills to Oprah Winfrey was the Mainline Animal Rescue organization.

The billboard you see above is the one that caught Oprah's eye.

Please visit their website to learn more about these terrible puppy mills and what you can do to help:

http://www.mainlinerescue.com/

People Magazine features Bloomers Baby Birth Day Box

As Seen in this weeks People Magazine!


Wow. We feature this great gift on our site http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com/

Click here to see what all the fuss is about: tp://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com/blbidayboxwh.html

Whoppie Goldberg gave pal Jennifer Lopez two Bloomers Birth Day Box...one in pink and one in blue. You can have this great gift too!

Recipe Contest from Plentiful Pantry

RECIPE CONTEST!! From Plentify Pantry

Winner gets a $100 gift certificate good for any of our products!!

Do you have a recipe that you know would WOW the world? Now is your chance!

Here's An Example
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Serving Size : 10
You will need:
2 1/2 pounds red potatoes cubed
1 packet Pasta Partners Creamy Roasted Garlic Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt -- or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Wash and cube potatoes. Cook in 4 quarts of boiling water until tender (appx. 20 minutes). Add Creamy Roasted Garlic Sauce Mix to milk and butter in a microwave safe dish. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring after each minute or two. Drain potatoes and mash, adding the Roasted Garlic Sauce until desired consistancy is acheived. Add salt and pepper to taste.

NOTES : This is the easiest way to make great Roasted Garlic Potatoes and they're only 3.5 grams of fat per serving!


This Contest is open for everyone!

Questions: www.plentifulpantry.com

Send all entries to sales@plentifulpantry.com


Rules of the contest:

1) Each entry must have the use of at least one genuine Plentiful Pantry products.

2) By submitting an entry, you allow Plentiful Pantry to share your recipe. ie. no patented or licensed recipes.

3) $100 gift certificate is not redeemable for cash.

4) All entries must be summited by April 30th 2008.

5) One recipe per entry. You may enter as many recipes as you like, but must submit separate entries for every recipe.

6) All entries must include the following information; Full Name, Phone number, email address, and zip code.

Help Fight Puppy Mills - Watch Oprah on Friday, April 4th

Note: We received this email today and wanted to pass it along to you:

I invite you to watch an extraordinary hour of television tomorrow (Friday, April 4): "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is scheduled to air a special episode highlighting the cruel realities of puppy mills.

Millions of "Oprah" show viewers will be shocked when they learn of the underhanded tactics and deplorable practices used to mass produce purebred puppies and designer dogs, as seen in an investigative report by Lisa Ling. Animal lovers nationwide will also see what impact these “factories” have on pet overpopulation.

I’ll be a guest on the show, sharing the expertise of The HSUS and our campaigns to stop puppy mills and end pet overpopulation.

Check here to find out when "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is on in your area.

You've previously signed our pledge to help stop puppy mills. Thank you so much. Now, please tell your friends to watch "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Friday, April 4, and ask them to sign our pledge.

Thank you for all that you do for animals.

Sincerely,

Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States

Copyright © 2008 The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) | All Rights Reserved.
The Humane Society of the United States | 2100 L Street, NW | Washington, DC 20037
humanesociety@hsus.org | 202-452-1100 | humanesociety.org

Never feel guilty about chocolate again

Visit us at Shop The Gift Basket Store

Deep Dark Chocolate Secrets

There is always alot of talk going on back and forth abut the benefits of dark chocolate. You probably have heard that dark chocolate is good for your health, but is it true? Yes it is. Here are some dark chocolate facts that you will be happy to read. We consider them to be "deep dark chocolate secrets."


Dark chocolate helps prevent heart disease

Dark chocolate can contribute to lowering your blood pressure.

Dark chocolate can help in prevention of cancer due to a high level of
flavonoids/antioxidants - a higher level than wine, berries, and green tea.

Dark chocolate is a valid source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium.

Dark chocolate helps to generate seratonin in the brain, creating a healthy "feel good" sensation.

Dark chocolate does not cause acne or "zits." the milk content of other chocolates can cause acne, but not dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate is less likely to cause cavities than other candy because it melts more quickly in the mouth and the cocoa butter actually protects the teeth.

Dark chocolate flavonoids can help with your blood circulation in the same way that aspirin helps to reduce the likelihood of a blood clot.

Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation

In searching for information regarding Christine Ihling, I came upon this article about a fund raiser that was held for the Meghan Bradley Foundation last month. You can click on the link to learn more about this organization and about pediatric brain cancer. Meghan was a beautiful girl who was a victim of this horrible disease. She attended the same high school that my children went to. Her parents have created a fund to raise awareness of the disease and to also raise funds for research in combating it so that other families don't have to suffer

Quick Facts

Pediatric Brain Tumors have surpassed leukemia as the leading cause of cancer related deaths in children. Approximately 3,140 children under the age of 20 are diagnosed with primary brain tumors; of that number approximately, 2000 of these children are ages 16 and under. Science has yet to discover the causes of these primary brain tumors, however, current research is being focused on both genetic and environmental factors.

Here's the article:

Celebrating Meghan’s Life
“Through all of your heartfelt participation in events like this, Meghan’s memory lives on.” With those words Ileen Bradley of Branchburg welcomed 80-plus local women to the second annual “Ladies Night Out” to benefit the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation on Feb. 21 at Soriano’s Parkside in Bridgewater. Ileen was joined by Dino Mencarini, owner of Abundance Vineyards in Lodi, CA, and wine consultant Chin Vaghela of Victory Selections in Cranbury, in hosting an evening of wine tasting, small plates and auction bidding. The event honored Ileen’s daughter Meghan, who died at the age of 16 in November 2004 after a battle with brain cancer, and raised thousands of dollars for pediatric brain cancer research. For information on upcoming fundraisers, visit www.meghanrosebradleyfoundation.org. Contributions may be made to the foundation in care of Ileen and Bob Bradley, 6 Preston Dr., Branchburg, NJ 08876.

Human Interest Story...Save a Mom's Life

People can use blogs for many things. To show off their new family, as part of a common interest club, or to promote their business, which is what we do at Shop The Gift Basket Store.

However, I would like to mention an article written by a high school student whose Mom is in desparate need of a kidney.

Until I can get a full copy of it, I would like to get the word out that the mom, Christine Ihling, a long time Branchburg, NJ community volunteer, mom, wife and just all around great person, is in desparate need of a kidney due to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) which took the life of own mother, grandmother and aunt. Her sister, who had the disease was able to get a kidney transplant and is now thriving.

According to the daughter, ..."If someone is out there with type O blood and is willing to donate, the kidney would have a lower rate of being rejected by my mother's body. If anyone is willing to donate a kidney to my mother, Christine Ihling, all he or she has to do is go and get a blood test and see if she or he is a possible match..."

I hope to get the full article posted within the next few days. It is a tear-jerker.
The author is a senior in high school who should be concerned with getting ready for college, picking out a prom gown and trying to fight off senioritis. Instead, she is in a desparate fight for her mother's life.

If anyone is interested in donating they can contact:

info@shopthegiftbasketstore.com
or
ihlings@hotmail.com

Thank you.