Basket Street

Hamper Meaning in Different Parts of the World

Sher — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:25:26 +0000

The word “hamper” can have different meanings for different people in different languages. How confusing can it be to ‘define hamper’? British people might think of a hamper as a container to take on a picnic. Americans would call this a picnic basket. This is only the beginning of the differing definitions between Britain and the U.S. Let’s take a look at some of the different meanings of “hamper,” and how these differ between American and British English.

Hamper Meaning

As many hampers as there are meanings that define hamper in this picture. (CC) Hey Paul

The word “hamper” can have at least two different meanings. The first meaning has to do with something being an obstacle or an impediment. It can also mean to restrain or interfere, encumber. The second meaning, however, is quite different than the first meaning of “hamper.” This first meaning of “hamper” is the same in both British and American English.

The second meaning, however, can be a bit different between Brits and Americans. According to the Oxford Dictionary online, “hamper” can (in British English) mean a container that holds food. More specifically, a hamper is a basket, with a handle, that you use to take food on a picnic. This type of hamper also has a cover or lid of some kind. Now, if you’re speaking to an American, and say you’re taking a hamper with on your outing, they might wonder why you’re taking dirty clothes on a picnic. Most Americans will assume you’re talking about a dirty clothes hamper, or a dirty clothes basket. What a difference in meaning one small word can have to two nationalities who both speak English.

Origins of the Word Hamper

The Oxford Dictionary online says “hamper” is from the Middle-English, and denoted any large case or casket (box). “Hamper” is also from the Anglo-Norman French hanaper (also Germanic), which was a case to hold a goblet. Here again, it’s easy to imagine some ways a person who spoke Anglo-Norman French might not understand the American or British use of the word hamper. They would wonder why anyone would want to use a hamper to carry food on a picnic, or why anyone would store dirty clothes in a container meant to hold a goblet. One small word can mean so many things to people of different time periods. Be careful when reading books from that past, and make sure you understand their use of the word “hamper,” knowing they are probably not talking about a dirty clothes or laundry hamper/basket.

Synonyms of “Hamper”

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary lists several synonyms of the word “hamper.” These synonyms fit in with the second definition of “hamper,” as in being a container to hold or carrying something. Here’s the list:

Bassinet (American and British English): a baby basket or first baby bed.

Bathroom hamper (American and British English): a container or basket used in the bathroom, possibly to hold cosmetics, towels or decorative items, such as pretty soaps.

Cradle (American and British English): baby bed that is typically on rockers or a swing.

Clothes hamper (British English): some container or basket to hold clean or dirty clothes.

Clothes basket (American English): typically a basket used to hold dirty or clean clothes.

Decorative hamper (British English): a container, possibly a basket, used to hold some decorative ornament, such as flowers.

Laundry basket (American and British English): a basket used to hold dirty or clean clothes.

Pannier (American and British English): a large basket usually carried on an animal’s back.

Wood hamper (British English): a basket, of metal or woven wood/wicker, used to carry and/or store wood for a fireplace or wood burning stove.

Wood basket (American English): a basket, of metal or woven wood/wicker, used to carry and/or store wood for a fireplace or wood burning stove.

Each of these words can be confused between American and British English, though the meanings are more alike than not. However, confusion still reigns between the Americans and the Brits. Most of these containers can be in the form of some type of basket. You can find almost any use for a hamper or basket. Baskets and hampers are a useful part of our every day lives, no matter what side of the ocean we live on. Just be careful when speaking to a Brit or American, and specify exactly what you mean when you use the word “hamper.”

Gift Baskets for Women

Sher — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:07:26 +0000

What might be in my gift basket?

Gift baskets are a popular gift option for women of all ages, and are appropriate for all occasions. Presenting a gift basket is a fun way to give the woman in your life some fun and unique presents. It’s fun to “open” a gift basket and find smaller presents inside. You can watch your special lady’s face light up with happiness as she opens the thought gifts inside your gift basket.

Benefits

Gift baskets for women are easy to personalize for your intended gift recipient. You can easily match the gift basket to the occasion and holidays, such as birthdays and Christmas, and even new baby gift baskets. You can also choose a theme for your gift basket to match the interests, hobbies and even food preferences for your intended giftee.

Gift Basket Ideas

When putting a gift basket together, you should first consider the age, needs and interests of the woman who will receive the basket. Next, you will need to consider the occasion. Then you’ll be ready to decide what your basket should contain and how to decorate your gift. Themed baskets can include items based on a favorite travel destination, holiday or occasion. Here are some ideas for themed gift baskets:

Beauty and Spa: You could fill a beauty and spa basket with shower gel, bubble bath, body lotion, body scrub, bath sponges and lufas, and even relaxing bath fizzers and bathing salts. A spa-themed basket is typically filled with items that will help a woman relax and feel refreshed and energized. Items included in a spa gift basket are usually based on one fragrance, such as lavender or your lady’s favorite scent or perfume.
Get-well: These are gift baskets that are intended to help a woman during her recovery after illness or child birth. You could fill the basket with items to help her pass the time, such as crossword and word find puzzles, her favorite movie DVDs and CDs of her favorite music, favorite lotions and pretty scented soaps. Get-well gift baskets can also be filled with healthy snacks and food to help during the recovery period. You could find packets of instant chicken noodle soup, crackers and special breads, along with a soft, plush teddy bear to offer some comfort during her time of recovery.
Wedding and Romance: Wedding and romance gift baskets are another popular gift basket theme for women. You could fill this type of basket with gourmet chocolate and candy for Valentine’s Day, along with other yummy treats. Plush animals, such as teddy bears, are another nice addition to a romantic gift basket. A wedding themed gift basket might include items for a romantic breakfast in bed for two. You could include pretty ceramic coffee mugs (for two), gourmet coffee, special pancake and waffle mixes, along with maple syrup. Another wedding gift basket idea would be to create a basket filled with beautiful champagne flutes (for two), along with a fine bottle of champagne. Other items to include in a wedding gift basket might be gourmet chocolate, cheese and crackers, a wedding picture frame and photo album.

These are only a few themes you could choose to use to create a gift basket for the special woman in your life. It’s important to consider your special lady’s interests and needs, along with her color preference. The occasion will determine how you should decorate your basket—what colors to use, etc. Gift baskets for women are a lovely way to express your love and care, while providing a unique and personalized gift for the special lady in your life.

Country Baskets as Home Decoration

Sher — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:01:43 +0000

Country baskets are a wonderful addition to a home decorated in the country style. Country style home decor takes inspiration from the country homes of the past. A country-styled home can be decorated with everything from antiques and distressed wood to grapevine wreathes and metal. This style is a way to create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home. Country baskets can help to provide even more warmth and ambience to your home, while at the same time creating more storage space in every room. You might even considering presenting a country gift basket to a friend.

Traditional Colors

Typical country baskets are styled to reflect simplicity, practicality and beauty. The traditional colors for country-themed baskets reflect the country style, using the primary colors of blue, yellow, red and green, including various shades of these colors.

Important Considerations

Simple country baskets like this can be a real highlight.

Before choosing your country basket, be sure to first consider how and where your basket will be used. Make sure to choose the right shape and size of basket for the intended use of your country basket. If you choose to use your basket as a drawer in a shelving unit, it is important to measure and find the proper dimensions needed for the baskets needed. If your basket will be used in the bathroom, be sure the country basket is made to withstand water and humidity. A metal basket might rust in such an environment, so you might choose a basket made from willow or even plastic. Color is also an important factor. Be sure to consider the color scheme of the room where your basket will be used.

How and Where to use Country Baskets

Country baskets can be used in every room in your home—from the bathroom to the washroom. Baskets can be decorative and functional at the same time. Here are some ideas on how and where to use country baskets in your home.

Bathroom: You can use country baskets to store small items such as makeup, and hair styling implements such as headbands, pony tail holders, bobby pins. You might also choose to use a country basket to store and/or display towels near the bathtub or shower. A larger basket could hold large bath towels, while a smaller basket could hold hand towels near the sink. Baskets make a nice way to display pretty, scented soaps near the sink, while also making a decorative and discreet way to store extra toilet paper near the toilet. A country basket could also be used as a pretty waste paper basket.

Bedroom: Baskets are a creative way to store shoes, books, toys in a kid’s bedroom. You can also use country baskets to store extra sheets and blankets, and even as drawers on a bookshelf. Country baskets could be used to store everything from socks and under clothes to jewelry and small electronics, or to create a pretty, arrangement in an empty corner of a bedroom.

Living room: Country baskets make great planters, or can be used as storage for magazines and books. You could also use baskets to store afghans for those chilly evenings watching TV. In addition, you could use country baskets as a decorative way to display a wildflower arrangement on a coffee or side table, or even to hang on the wall.

Kitchen: Baskets are a handy way to store fruit and bread. In a country-themed kitchen, metal baskets are popular to use to hold boiled eggs, or even bread. You can hang specially-made country baskets and store onions and garlic dry to keep them fresh and dry. Country baskets also make pretty planters, or are useful as a drawer organizer for utensils and silverware, and other small kitchen items.

Washroom: You can even find a use for country baskets in your washroom. You might use baskets as drawers on a shelf to store laundry items such as soap, and dryer sheets. You might even consider using a country basket hamper as a place to store dirty clothes. A basket could also be used to carry clothes from the washroom to another room. You might even consider using a decorative country basket as a waste basket for your washroom.

These are a few ideas of how and where you might use country baskets in your country-style home. You can use baskets for many purposes, including storage, decoration and more. Look around your home and see where a pretty country basket might add a bit more of the country spirit and warmth to enhance your country décor. And don’t forget, country baskets also make the perfect gift for family or friends who have country-themed home decor.

Business Gift Basket

Sher — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:47:45 +0000

Business gifts baskets are a wonderful way to show your appreciation for valued clients, customers, employees, new customers, and to other businesses and corporations your company works with. There are limitless reasons and occasions to present a lovely business gift basket. Gift baskets are appropriate for many occasions, including congratulations for promotions and work well done, appreciation, holidays and other special occasions. Business gift baskets are also important in building and maintaining relationships with valued clients and customers. As with any other type of gift basket, you should ensure that your business gift basket is tastefully arranged, contains gifts that are meaningful to the receiver, and the basket or container is one that is not only useful and practical, but also attractive.

Choosing your Business Gift Basket

Business gift baskets are typically put together with high quality gifts. You should be sure to choose or create a gift basket that is high quality, but avoid any basket combination that might be perceived as too extravagant, or a combination of basket and gifts that look too cheap. As always, your gift basket should fit the occasion and the intended recipient(s). For instance, you might consider giving a business gift basket based on a golf theme to a valued customer who enjoys golf. Or you could choose to present a gift basket based on gourmet chocolate to the head of a corporation who enjoys fine chocolate. Just be sure your gift basket is created with a high quality container and filled with gifts that will be appreciated by the recipient(s).

Here are a few things to consider when creating or ordering a business gift basket:

Containers used for business gift baskets are as varied as themes and occasions on which to present a gift basket. You might choose to use a quality wooden cutting board as a base for presenting gourmet cheeses, along with a cheese knife and server. Another gift basket container idea might be a leather covered serving tray, filled with gourmet cookies and snacks. Just remember to choose a container that will make a proper base and container to fit the items you intend to present your recipient.

Gifts you choose for your business gift basket are as varied as the possible themes you can select from. In order to make your gift the most meaningful, it is best to consider the recipient(s), their interests and tastes, along with the occasion for presenting the gift. If you are sending a holiday gift basket to a valued client, you might choose to send gift items based on the holiday, such as Christmas. A Christmas business gift basket could be filled with gourmet cookies, fresh fruits, nuts, and other traditional Christmas goodies, along with beautiful handmade glass Christmas ornaments. Just be sure to match your gifts to your recipient’s interests and tastes, and your gift will be very appreciated.

Decorating your business gift basket is the final step in preparing your gift. Again, it is important to match the gift basket to the occasion and to your recipient’s interests and tastes. You might choose a gift basket to be wrapped in cellophane and topped off with a colorful ribbon, or maybe you would choose a gift basket that is open. A basket wrapped in cellophane is usually the better choice. The cellophane will act as a protective wrap for your gift basket, while holding the contents in place for a pleasing presentation. Your business gift basket can be topped off with a colored bow corresponding to the occasion. For instance, you might choose red and gold ribbon for a Christmas gift, or black and gold for a gift basket given for a formal occasion.

As you can see, business gift baskets can be put together based on a wide assortment of themes, and can be presented for many occasions. Business gift baskets make appropriate gifts for building and maintaining relationships, showing appreciation, and for holidays. Just be sure to base your gift basket on your recipient’s tastes and the occasion, and your business gift basket will be appreciated and enjoyed for most any occasion.

Wire Baskets for Wardrobes

Sher — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 09:41:07 +0000

Wire baskets for wardrobes are wonderful for storing items, and are perfect for each room of your house, including for use in your bedroom wardrobe. Most of us have wardrobes that could use a bit more organizing. It is frustrating to have to dig through all the clothes, shoes and purses for the perfect belt to match your outfit. Have you looked at your wardrobe or closet and been frustrated and stressed by the clutter? Then consider organizing your wardrobe with wire baskets.

Click image to see a large selection of wire baskets for wardrobes!

Wire baskets are excellent storage containers, and can be used to organize your entire wardrobe space. Think of it! Having an organized wardrobe will help you to save not only time, but also space. With an organized closet, you will be able to find that perfect belt or your favorite scarf without having to dig though everything. This can be a time-saver on those busy mornings when you get ready for work. An organized wardrobe can also help free up space to keep your clothes from being crowded together and becoming wrinkled. Wire baskets can help organize your underclothes, sweaters, hose and more. Baskets make great storage containers for kids’ or adults’ wardrobes.

Disadvantages

Wire baskets are not good for storing small parts and pieces of toys, your jewelry, and other small items. However, this can be fixed by adding smaller organizers or storage bins that will fit inside the wire basket. This will allow you to store smaller items in your baskets, and they will be able to hold many more items, while keeping them all organized.

Advantages

Wire baskets for wardrobes come in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find the right basket for your closet space. These baskets come in either coated or bare wire, and can either be fixed to the wall on runners, or installed with a wardrobe organizer system. Wire baskets can even be freestanding, on wheels to help you reorganize closet space as needed. Baskets help to de-clutter and organize your entire wardrobe space—from high shelves to floors.

Choose the Right Wire Baskets

In order to choose the right wire baskets for your wardrobe, you will first need to decide where your baskets will be used in the wardrobe, what items will be stored in the baskets, and if you will want the wire baskets to be part of an organization system, installed as sliding baskets, or be freestanding. Next, it will be necessary to measure the area where the wire basket(s) will be used. You will need to find these measurements: height, width and depth, in order to buy baskets that will fit the space in your wardrobe.

Organize & Enjoy

After you have installed the wire baskets, you will be able to go through your wardrobe and reorganize everything from shoes to sweaters. Your wardrobe will be easier to navigate, saving space, time and managing stress. Your child’s wardrobe will also be easier to manage once all clothing and toys have been organized. An organized wardrobe makes life so much easier. You can make life even easier by using wire baskets for all the wardrobes in your home.

Popcorn Gift Baskets

Sher — Thu, 19 May 2011 17:47:45 +0000

Popcorn gift baskets make wonderful gifts for people of all ages and interests. Popcorn is a popular snack, with popcorn gift baskets making wonderful gifts for most holidays and special occasions. You can present them as a thank you, a birthday gift, or as a way to welcome a new family to your neighborhood. There are endless ideas for themes, gourmet flavors and containers to use when giving popcorn as a gift. Here are some ideas to help you choose or create popcorn gift baskets. They can be based on any theme, interest and even specific flavors. You can choose from any number of containers for your gift basket. Popcorn gift baskets make perfect gifts for families or individuals that are also economic and yummy.

Pre-made Popcorn Gift Basket

Numerous options are available to either order a pre-made popcorn gift basket, or create your own. If ordering online, be sure to order only from a reputable online shop. It is important to do a bit of research to find the recommended online retailers for gift baskets of all kinds. Also, be sure to read customer reviews. This way, your gift will be top-quality and will bring a sure smile to your gift recipient. Pre-made popcorn gift baskets usually come with popcorn that is already popped and ready to send. You will also be able to choose from a variety of containers, themes and gourmet flavors for your popcorn gift.

Create a Popcorn Gift Basket

Another option for your popcorn gift basket is to create it yourself. Creating your own gift basket allows you to be more specific when personalizing your gift. You can choose any theme, color or flavors for your gift, and mix or match the container and contents in any combination. It is even possible to buy un-popped popcorn to use for your gift, or to use pre-made popcorn. Again, it is important to be sure to keep in mind your gift recipient’s interests, hobbies and favorite popcorn flavors when creating the perfect gift basket.

You could, for example, also add some DVDs with favorite movies to the mix or, if you know that the person or family doesn’t have one already, a popcorn maker! If the recipient is more of a ‘bookworm’; what about adding some nice books or a book gift voucher to it? There are countless possibilities to really personalize a such a food themed gift basket even further!

Things to Consider

The first step in buying a pre-made popcorn gift basket or making the perfect popcorn gift is to consider your gift recipient. Consider your gift recipient’s likes, interests and tastes, then base your gift basket on this theme. Themes can run from favorite popcorn flavors to movies, favorite sports teams, colors, hobbies and more. You should also consider your gift recipient’s favorite popcorn flavors. For instance, your friend or loved one might have a favorite baseball team and enjoy a special popcorn flavor, such as caramel corn. If so, you might consider finding a tin with the team’s colors and insignia, and filling the container with caramel flavored popcorn. There are numerous variations you can choose to help create or choose a popcorn gift basket and match it to your intended recipient.

Most everyone, young and old, enjoys popcorn. Popcorn gift baskets are wonderful, yummy gifts to give for many holidays and special occasions, and even to present as thank you or welcome gifts. Pre-made baskets are easy to order online, or you have the option to create your own personalized popcorn gift basket. Have fun ordering or creating your own popcorn gift basket for that special someone in your life.

Bicycle Baskets

Sher — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:47:39 +0000

If you are old enough, you may remember the ubiquitous woven, plastic bicycle baskets from the 70s. These were usually white, and had colorful plastic flowers scattered over the front, with the basket mounted on the bike handlebars. Back in the day, every girl had a bike with one of these bike baskets attached. Nowadays, bike baskets are still popular, and are used by people of all ages – from kids to elders. Bicycle baskets are a wonderful way to carry everything from books, small pets, and groceries when out running errands or even when traveling between home and work on your bike.

Bicycle Basket Styles

Bicycle baskets come in various styles and are usually made from plastic, metal or wicker. Baskets are placed on different sections of the bike: the front handlebars, on the rear, or behind the seat and on each side of the wheels. The type of basket you choose should be based on the specific types of cargo you plan to carry.

Front-mounted bicycle baskets are perfect for transporting small loads such as a small, light bag of groceries, a small pet, or a couple of books. A front-mounted basket allows you to keep an eye on a pet or the small load you are carrying. If you plan on transporting your small pet, then make sure the bicycle basket is specifically made to carry a pet. Your pet basket should come with an attachment that will connect to your pet’s harness in order to keep your pet safely in the basket. One disadvantage of a front-mounted bike basket is the added weight to the front of your bicycle, which can make it more challenging to steer. A bicycle basket on the front of your bike can also interfere with the bike’s center of gravity. This can make your bicycle more unstable, and easier to tip over. If you plan to carry a heavier load on the front of your bike, then make sure to add sturdy mounting brackets that attach to the bicycle’s handlebars and are bolted to the front wheel axle. It is also important to make sure the bicycle basket does not obstruct your view when riding your bike.

Rear-mounted bicycle baskets are used to carry heavier, bulkier loads on your bike. Rear-mounted bike baskets are usually attached to the rear rack (just over the rear wheel), and come in a variety of materials such as strong metal, plastic or wicker. You can choose a wire or plastic basket that looks similar to an old-fashioned milk crate, or a sturdy basket made from wicker. Rear bicycle baskets carry heavier loads of groceries, schoolbooks and more.

The best rear-mounted bicycle baskets are those that attach to the rear rack, and hang down on either side of the bike’s back wheel, more like a pannier. These baskets are the best as they help to keep the bicycle’s center of gravity stable. This means your bike will not tip over easily, allowing you to have a safer ride. It is important to ensure the pannier bicycle basket does not interfere with pedaling your bike.

Bicycle baskets offer a way to make your bike into a useful tool to help you transport everything from groceries to pets and more. When choosing a bicycle basket, be sure to take into consideration the size of your bike, the items you plan to carry, and choose the best shape and basket materials to transport those items.

Bassinet Bedding

Sher — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 07:47:33 +0000

Bassinet and bassinet bedding are popular to use as a first bed for newborn babies. Bassinets are used from birth until about the age of four months (or when the baby begins to turn over). These first baby beds are wonderful for providing the cocoon-like atmosphere best for newborns.

Bassinets should be a safe place for baby, and there are some important tips to keep in mind when considering the bedding you will select for your baby’s first bed. Before we look at bedding tips, here is a list of bassinet bedding you will need:

Mattress pad
Mattress cover
Sheets
Blankets
Bassinet skirt with liner

Bassinet Bedding Advice

Before choosing your bassinet bedding, it is best to keep practicalities in mind, such as safety, comfort, diaper and spit-up accidents, etc. Bedding should first be safe, and then it should be practical. It is best to avoid using baby bumpers in the bassinet as babies have a tendency to become tangled in them, and suffocate. It is also best to avoid fluffy comforters in your newborn’s bassinet—again as the baby could become entangled and hurt. A newborns’ skin is very sensitive. Practical bassinet bedding is washable, and made from soft, comfortable, non-toxic fabrics that will not irritate your baby’s skin. The last consideration will be décor. Bassinet bedding comes in a rainbow of colors and a variety of beautiful designs. You will be able to find bedding to match the décor of your baby’s room and other rooms in your home.

Bassinet Bedding Tips

Bassinet mattress pad. Your bassinet mattress pad is actually the mattress your baby will sleep on while in the bassinet. First, the mattress should fit snugly inside the bassinet. This will help avoid keeping your baby from becoming trapped between the mattress and bassinet wall. A bassinet mattress should be firm enough to support your baby comfortably, but not soft. Soft mattresses are too flexible, and might even harm your baby. Many instances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) have been traced to babies sleeping on soft mattresses and suffocating. So, be sure you choose a firm mattress that fits snugly into the bassinet. Your bassinet mattress should also be flame retardant.

Bassinet mattress pad cover. Next, you will need to find a properly fitting bassinet mattress pad cover. The mattress cover should be the correct size for the bassinet mattress. Fitted pad covers use elastic around the circumference of the sheet to help it stay in place. You might consider buying two mattress pad covers in case your baby has a diaper accident or spits-up. This way, you will always have a clean mattress cover ready when changing the bedding.

Bassinet sheets. Bassinet sheets should be made from fabric that is soft and comfortable for a newborn’s skin, and should be washable. It is best to have several sheets on hand, and then you are always sure to have a clean sheet ready in case of diaper and spit-up accidents. Also, look for bassinet sheets made from pre-shrunk materials, to ensure they still fit properly after washing.

Bassinet blankets. It is important to buy blankets made of fabric that will not irritate your baby’s skin. Be sure to avoid blankets made of lamb’s fleece as these can be dangerous and have also been implicated in some instances of SIDS. Look for blankets made of washable cotton flannel, cotton, or cotton fleece. You might also consider a wool baby blanket, but these have a tendency to irritate a newborn’s skin. Make sure they are very soft and not itchy.

Bassinet skirt and liner. The bassinet skirt and liner should also be washable, and can be any color or design to match your baby’s nursery, your bedroom or other rooms in your home. You might consider choosing a flouncey, ruffley bassinet skirt for a girl, or choose are more simple version for a baby boy. You can choose a skirt that goes to the floor, or you might consider a shorter skirt if you have pets. Pet hair can stick to the bassinet skirt, which will mean doing more laundry. A shorter skirt is also best if you have toddlers. Toddlers can trip or become entangled in floor-length bassinet skirts, causing injury to themselves and the newborn baby. The bassinet liner can be any color to match your décor, and should be washable.

You have many choices when it comes to color and theme for your baby’s bassinet bedding, but be sure to consider the safety of all bedding your baby will use, and make sure it is all washable. Next, remember to choose non-toxic, comfortable, soft fabrics that will not irritate your newborn’s skin. Then choose the colors and styles that will fit your personality and home décor. By following these tips, your baby will have a safe, comfortable, cozy bassinet to sleep in.

Mothers Day Gift Baskets

Sybille — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:09:28 +0000

Mothers day gift baskets can make the best or the worst present to give to a mother on this special day, depending on how much thought and creativity you pack in the basket! Granted, you could simply go to the next shop, online or in the real world , and buy a ready made one and, with a bit of luck, you find something that your mother actually appreciates, but more often it will be just a ready made gift without much personality. Better to make one yourself, it is not that difficult, I show you how! The beauty with a self-made gift basket is, that you can make it as expensive or as cheap as you want (depending on your budget) and that you can fill it with a variety of different things, so that even if one present doesn’t ‘hit home’ the others will. So, let’s get started!

Happy Mothers Day

Do you actually know your Mom? Do you know what her hobbies and pastimes are? Sometimes, especially when children have moved away from home, they lose touch with what their mother does on a day to day base. They believe often that mothers are only — mothers, without personal life and interests. But as soon as the nest is empty, many mothers become women again and start to pursue new hobbies, pastimes and dreams. Or take up old favorite ones Take your time to ask your mother frequently what she does all day long and how she spends her vacations. You might be surprised to learn that she has taken up photography and plans to spend her next vacations in Canada, photographing polar bears! If time is short, interview your siblings, which are still at home, and especially your sisters, if you have any. Failing this, simply try mom’s best, female, friend and ask her what she thinks would make great presents for your mother. After you have gathered some ideas about what your mother does enjoy doing, search for matching gifts, below some suggestions for different styles of mothers

Gift ideas for a Geek Mom
Being a woman and a geek myself, I can reassure you that jewelry with a twist always goes down exceedingly well! The carousel below shows you some of my personal favorites If that doesn’t appeal, what about a new case for her iPad, or, if you feel generous, even the latest iPad model itself. Trust me, a geek can’t resist the words ‘latest model’ or upgrade…

Now some more ideas for themed presents to put into the basket, simply hover shortly over each link to see a product preview, if you are done, point your cursor elsewhere and the box will disappear again!

Gift ideas for a Sportive Mom
You might not have heard of ‘Zumba’, but if your mom is into fitness, chances are good she has! This newest fitness craze is also available as a Wii Game. <<< Click the link to get an idea what it is all about. If your mom doesn’t own a Wii console, nor wants one, perhaps a nice set of Zumba DVDs will do the trick … Or is she into golf? What about a ‘swing training aid‘? I don’t know of any golfer that doesn’t want to improve her swing … She is not into golf, but more into general fitness? Perhaps a heart rate or fitness monitor?

Gift ideas for a Fashionable Mom
Unless you know her really, really well, buying clothes for a trendy mother can be very much hit and miss. If you do know at least one of her favorite stores, a gift card or voucher will be certainly well received. Or you could pamper her with a day, or even weekend, at a spa and wellness hotel! And if you really want to spoil her top this with a professional photo shoot. I don’t know the woman that wouldn’t enjoy first being pampered and treated to look her best and then have a series of photos taken by a professional photographer. I am sure she will remember this gift forever!

Gift ideas for the Mom that has (nearly) Everything
If all the suggestions above don’t work for your mother, here some curiosities I came across whilst doing my research. Again, hover over each link to see the product:

A mug that doubles as a ring.
A truly educated set of salt and pepper shakers.
Taking ‘Foot in the Door’ literally.
And if that is still not good enough, remember, ‘Diamonds are a girls (and mothers’ best friend!)’ This diamond ring is available for a real bargain

Finishing of your Mothers Day Gift Basket
After you have gathered all the presents together you need to find a matching container, hasn’t to be a basket, and some additional fill and deco material. Put something of it in the bottom, so that your gifts truly stand out and arrange your presents. Put the highest towards the back and the smaller ones more towards the front. Fill any empty spaces with flowers and nicely wrapped chocolates, wrap the whole basket in cellophane, if you like to and attach a bow and a personal greeting card to it before sending it off. But do you know what would be the absolutely best gift for your mom? If you bring it to her yourself! So, take a day off your usual activities and visit her, self-made gift basket in hand. I am sure she will be thrilled. Oh, and just in case you don’t know the date, here a list of the dates for Mothers Day for the next few years:

2011 May 8th
2012 May 13th
2013 May 12th
2014 May 11th
2015 May 10th

Log Baskets

Sher — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 06:47:39 +0000

Do you have a fireplace or wood burning stove? Then log baskets can be helpful there, but not for burning! Baskets are a wonderful way to decorate your home, and provide useful storage for many household items. These days, many homes feature fireplaces and/or wood burning stoves as additional heat sources. Along with being a heat source, fireplaces and wood burning stoves lend a beautiful, cozy atmosphere to any home.

The common heating source, shared by fireplaces and wood burning stoves, is wood. Carrying wood indoors and stacking it near your fireplace or wood stove can make a mess from bark, leaves and twigs. Along with the mess, logs can topple over easily, hurting you or your kids and pets. Log baskets are the answer to organizing and cleaning up your hearth and wood stove areas.

Log baskets come in many shapes and sizes, from the old-fashioned flat basket with a handle, to tall round baskets, to a log basket that actually looks like a fireplace grate. Log baskets are made to fit every décor from traditional to modern, and are made from wicker and plastic, to steel and aluminum. Here are some tips for choosing the right log basket for your home.

Decide exactly how your basket will be used. Will your basket only be used to store wood, or will it also be used to carry wood into your home? A log basket used to carry wood from your wood stack needs to be made of material that is strong, sturdy and durable in order to safely support the weight of the logs. You might consider a basket made from steel, with a strong handle, and a 19-inch to 21-inch rounded base (curved toward the center). This type of basket can carry logs of different shapes and sizes. If your log basket will mainly be used to store wood next to your hearth, you might consider a round, bin-style basket.

Choose the correct size and shape for your basket. The next step in choosing the best log basket is to consider the best size and shape necessary for your hearth and/or wood stove area. First, consider the area where your basket will sit. Choose the right shape and size for your hearth area. Also, be sure to consider the basket’s balance. A log basket needs to be big enough to hold wood you intend to burn, and should be stable, to avoid accidental rolling of the logs. Buying a log basket that is too small can actually be dangerous. Wood can roll or fall out of baskets, and injure small pets and children.

Choose the right basket to enhance your décor. Log baskets can do more than just hold wood; they can also enhance the décor of your hearth area and home. Brushed steel baskets would be perfect for a home with ultra modern décor, while a wicker or black steel basket might be better for traditional or country décor. Log baskets even come in colors to match your home furnishings and the woodwork in your home. Even if you only use your fireplace or wood stove as a decoration, a wood basket can help add some ambience to your hearth. You can set a basket near your hearth, and put in a few decorative birch logs as an added touch.

These are a few simple tips to help you choose the best log basket for your needs and décor. Basket styles, shapes and colors vary, so carefully consider how your basket will be used, and the necessary shape and size to safely carry and store your logs. Be sure to choose a sturdy, balanced and strong log basket to keep your hearth organized, clean and safe.