Sweet Treats for your Valentine!

During the holiday season last year, a customer of mine was telling me about some candy she was making. It sounded like a yummy recipe and so easy and quick that I had to try them out. It was simple, and everybody loved them. So if you need something to add on for your special someone this Valentine's Day, this would be easy to do.

All you need is: Package of mini pretzels
Package of Rolos. I found the rolls easier as they are not individually wrapped
Nuts of your choice. I used cashews but you could do pecans, peanuts, etc.

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.

Place pretzels on your baking sheet


Place 1 Rolo on each pretzel


Place in preheated oven for 4 minutes. When you take them out of the oven, add your cashews or whatever type of nuts. When I put the cashews on top I also gently pressed them down into the chocolate.

Enjoy!

Valentine's Day is Just a Few Days Away

The big day is just 6 days away. Have you found something special for that special someone? If not, here are a few tips to help you.

While flowers and chocolates are a staple gift for Valentine's Day, don't be afraid to do something different.

Be creative and think about the things your partner likes. Cook them their favorite meal and serve via candlelight, bake them their favorite dessert, create a CD of special songs for them. Options are unlimited. However, if you run out of ideas or time we can help.

At The Gift Garden, we have cards, teddy bears, chocolates, planters, gift baskets and more. Find her favorite candle by WoodWick, add to her Miche bag collection with a new shell, or pick up more of her favorite bath and body products.

Just be sure to tell your Valentine just how special they are to you and enjoy your day together!

Freezing Rain, Sleet, Snow & More

I have lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma for almost 3 years now. One thing I can say about Oklahoma is that we experience all types of weather and the weather can change dramatically in short periods of time. I have experienced a day where we were in the 70's mid-day and by early evening we dropped to the 20's.

Yesterday, we were going through various forms of precipitation. We has rain, freezing rain, sleet, and now we are progressing to snow.

Fortunately, the ice storm part was not as bad for us in Tulsa as was predicted. Other areas like Oklahoma City were hit much worse.





















I still came in to the store today as there is always so much work to do. The roads were surprisingly really good this morning. I had to take pictures as this is my first experience with the ice from freezing rain.

My dogs were not too happy about it this morning. The grass was covered in a glaze of ice and with every step they took they sunk into the grass and seemed disoriented by it all.

In 2007 this area was hit really hard but I was off vacationing in Hawaii and missed the whole event.

Seeing the ice form the way it does is just fascinating to me. Mother Nature can do so many things. I just wanted to share a few pictures of what things are looking at here today.

We are supposed to get about 3" - 6" of snow today. It is always so pretty as the snow falls.

Soap Donations for Haiti

Soap is in great need. As I am a soaper, this cause is close to my heart. I will be collecting donations of hot process, cold process, melt-and-pour, handmilled, half used bars of soap as well as shampoo (opened or unopened) at my store or you can send donations direct to:

Clean the World
8026 Sunport Dr. #306
Orlando FL 32809

All items are rebatched and sterilized before they process and send out. Without hand washing, the broken sewers, plumbing, and toilets in Haiti will lead to diarrhea-related bacterial infections, which sadly effect children the most and lead to 5 million deaths annually. You can help!

Donations accepted Monday 10 -5, and Tuesday - Saturday 10-6 PM

What's New at The Gift Garden for 2010

As we have begun a new year, I took some time to step back and evaluate the business and consider what direction I wanted to go in for the new year. I have decided to put a few things on the back burner and really focus on the gift shop. What this means to you as our customer? Better product selection and dedicated service.

I have been working diligently since the holidays to find new, fun, trendy, exciting, and affordable gifts and I am very excited about what is coming to the store. I am working to expand the selection of everyday gifts along with new additions for baby, housewarming, and wedding.

I will be posting updates here as the new products arrive as well as working on getting them loaded to our website. I thank you for your continued business and support.

Welcome in the New Year

It is hard to belive another year has gone by let alone another decade. As this new year begins many of us have followed with tradition and established New Year's Resolutions. Once again I have done this for myself. I have many on my list and I have decided to share them here.


1) Lose 100 lbs. I will do this by eating better, getting exercise, and attending Weight Watcher meetings.

2) Be more diligent about using Social Media including my blog, twitter, Facebook, etc...

3) Update my website with products at least once a week.

4) Clean and organize both my home and work offices and address all paperwork within the next 90 days (there is a lot of piles).

5) Read more books. At least 1 book a month. These books can be business related or just for simple enjoyment.

6) Spend more time with my family. Plan at least 1 activity a month to spend time with my family doing something other than eating out.

These are my goals that I plan on focusing on this year. I am making a big poster with these items listed so I can put it up in my office for a daily reminder of what I want to accomplish. I will do follow up posts to let you know my progress.

What are some of your goals for 2010?

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to take a moment and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!