Gifts Etc. Blog!

Valentine's Day?myth, mystery, and mirth

2008-02-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

The origins of Valentine's Day are some what hazy but, there are two basic sources on which most scholars believe provides the basis our present holiday. The first is St. Valentine, a priest who attracted the disfavor of a Roman Emperor, Claudius II, around 270 AD. It seems that Claudius was of the mind that single men made better soldiers and so prohibited marriage for young men. Valentine disagreed with Claudius and married young couples in secret. He was eventually caught and put to death, on February 14.

A more ancient basis for Valentine's Day comes to us from the Romans, long before the birth of Christ. The festival of Lupercalia, which was to honor the goddess Februata Juno (this goddess concerned all young people of marriageable age), provides some unusual insights for more recent traditions connected to Valentine?s Day. In a sort of mating lottery game, young ladies in a district put their name, or token representing themselves, in an urn and the young men pulled a token and the couples paired off. This idea was brought to Britain during the Roman occupation and was present up until the beginning of the last century. We see a small semblance of this custom here in America, because who hasn?t asked their school age child, "Who?s your Valentine?" The named object of affection may have not been thought of before Valentine?s Day with any romantic inclinations and few of these pairing last past the school bell the next morning, but it does provide a bit of fun and a nod to the past.

The modern Valentine's Day greeting card did not achieve any sort of popularity until about 1840. This growth in popularity is thought to have come about due to the introduction of penny postage and the use of envelopes. In Victorian times cards took on a much more delicate and mysterious air. Due to the fact that Victorian fathers were very strict and would not allow their daughters to receive any sort of correspondence unless they had read it first to decide if it was suitable, secret panels were constructed into the lacy designs with secret messages of love. This fact also explains why most Valentine?s Day cards were sent anonymously during Victorian times.

One tradition that I was very unaware of is that on Valentine?s Day in a leap year it is the custom for women to ask their boyfriend or partner to marry them. Quite useful information for the woman who only is willing to wait so long! Another interesting little fact is that some of our modern-day vocabularies have their origins in Valentine's. During the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their Valentines would be. The slip of paper with the Valentine?s name was worn on their sleeves for a week, hence the expression "to wear your heart on your sleeve".

It is interesting to note that in many of these customs of old the Valentine was chose by chance?pulling a slip of paper or a token from a vessel. What I find most intriguing about this is that most were more than happy to allow fate to choose their Valentine. It should be remembered that in the past most young people were not allowed to choose marriage partners and this custom of letting fate, the gods, or chance decide on a Valentine seems to reinforce this idea, perhaps a buffer for a later disappointment in the parents choice of a spouse. In the middle of the 17th century even married people took a Valentine and not always their legal better half.
Another Valentine's Day superstition that was very popular during Victorian times revolved around predicting whom one might marry. It was once believed that if a lady saw a robbing flying overhead on Valentine?s she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow she would marry a poor man, but that the couple would be very happy. And if she witnessed a goldfinch flying above she would marry a millionaire. The association with birds is that it was then believed that love birds began to mate on February 14.

On this Valentine's Day it is my wish that you spend it with those you love most, be they your one and only, family, or friends. The tradition of Valentine?s Day has endured all this time not because the greeting card companies begin their ads early in January or due to the fact that jewelry store ads can easily be converted from Christmas to Valentine themes in a wink of an eye. No, the beautiful tradition has been carried through the ages because all of us have a common desire to love, be loved, and to show those we love most how we feel. May your expressions of love be returned to you on Valentine?s Day and always.

Elle

Pierre Shadeaux Bedtime Story

2008-02-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

A bedtime story in honor of the origin the Cajun version of Ground Hog Day.

Only the Shadeaux Knows

By Elise Durio

Pierre Shadeaux grew up along the quiet banks of the bayous in southwest Louisiana. His love for having fun was not only legendary in the bayou, but was also the biggest reason for his popularity. He was the first one to get everyone together for a swim in the spring time, he had an uncanny affinity for knowing the best times and places for fishing, and could tell you all the days you should stay home because a storm was brewing in the swamp.

Pierre?s momma, Marie, had relied on him from the time he was very small to let her know when it was time to plant her vegetable garden. Early in February he would go out side, look around, sniff the air, and then give Marie the best date to plant. For a long time Marie kept this remarkable ability of Pierre?s a secret.

?Pierre, I know that you can tell all sorts of things that others can?t about the weather, but I want you to keep that a secret until the time is right.? Marie once told Pierre.

?Why, Momma?? Pierre was confused, because Marie had always told him to use all of his talents for his own good and that of others.

?Mon Cher, this talent to tell when the spring will be here is most unusual and will bring you much fame. I want you to be able to just be a boy, when the time is right, your talent will be shared with the world.? Marie smiled and patted Pierre?s head.

Pierre listened to his Momma, as all good Cajun children do, and had a wonderful time growing up in the swamp. He was one of the best swimmers in these parts, could catch enough fish in an afternoon to have a fish fry for all of their friends, could out run all the squirrels in the bayou, and knew all the fastest short cuts in the swamp to make it home right when Momma took her famous blackberry pie from the oven. For a very long while Pierre enjoyed himself just as Marie had hoped, but then one year a bitter cold came to the bayou.

As the long months that began early in November carried on through the New Year, the creatures along the bayou became worried. Winters in Louisiana are usually mild, but this particular one had been especially cold and dreary. As January drew to a close, the days had been the coldest ones anyone could remember and worse still, they were damp so that the cold chilled you to the bone. As Marie sat in front of the fire one night she knew the time had come for Pierre to reveal his special gift.

"Pierre, this winter has been especially fierce and everyone is afraid that the cold may never end. This year when you predict the best day for spring planting I want everyone to be here.? Marie words were spoken gently, but they surprised Pierre.

?You think that now is the time for everyone to know?? Pierre had become so accustomed to keeping his weather telling abilities a secret that he wasn?t sure how he felt about revealing them.

?Yes, Pierre, the time is right. Many of our friends are frighten that spring will never come again because the weather has been so very cold this year. They need hope.? Momma smiled at

Pierre, she knew once everyone knew that Pierre could predict the coming of spring he would be famous.

Pierre went to the window and looked out into the dark swamp. As his breath fogged the frosty window pane, Pierre knew Momma was right.

?Tomorrow, we will tell every one to meet in the clearing at sunrise on February 2. I will give my prediction for spring before every one in the swamp.? Pierre watched the darkness for a long time before he went to bed.

The next day Momma and Pierre told everyone along the bayou to be at the clearing at sunrise on February 2, but they didn?t say why. All the swamp residents were curious and it was that curiosity that got them out of their warm beds on such a cold February morning.

Just as he had all of his life, Pierre rose before dawn on the second day of February to predict if spring was soon on its way. Pierre was a bit nervous. He could easily predict the coming of spring, but to convince every one along the bayou that what he predicted would come true was another issue. Would they believe him right away, or would time have to prove him correct? The only way to find out would be to give his prediction and let time do the proving.

As Pierre made his way to the clearing he could hear nature speaking to him as she always had. Softly the clues of the future of the coming of spring rose before him, like images you see in the clouds on a summer?s day?hazy, but clear and unmistakable. When Pierre arrived in the clearing just before sunrise all of the inhabitants of bayou were already gathered. As Pierre made his way to the center of them, the group grew quite.

Pierre looked around; studying the faces of friends he had known all of his life. And it was then that Momma?s words came back to him, telling him what he should say.

?My dear friends, we have endured a long and hard winter. And many of you have mentioned that you fear the winter will last forever and spring will never again grace us with her warmth and beauty. I asked you all here this morning to share a gift with you. I have shared it with you before, but secretly. Jean, when ever I have taken you fishing, have we ever returned home empty handed??

Jean laughed, ?Be serious Pierre! You are the best fishermen in the bayou. I don?t ever remember you taking anyone fishing and not coming home with some many fish that you were able to share with neighbors.?

?And you, Mrs. Hebert, has Momma?s vegetable garden ever been planted too early, or too late?? Pierre asked their neighbor.

?Pierre, your mother?s garden is the envy of the swamp. It?s seems that it is by magic that she knows the perfect time to plant.? Mrs. Hebert had always helped Momma in the garden and had marveled at the perfect timing year after year.

?It is not by magic that her garden is planted in such a timely manner, it is by me.? Pierre smiled as he saw the sun come up over the swamp. ?I am the one who has told Momma when the spring would arrive and when to plant. I know the coming of spring the same way I know the best places to hunt and fish. Today, because all of you seem so fearful that spring will never arrive, I share my foretelling with you.

In the dreary light of a cloudy February morning Pierre took note of all the signs, just as he had always done, and foretold that spring would arrive before month?s end. Some were happy with Pierre?s words; others just shook their heads and went home. Momma, who had stood under a distant oak while Pierre gave his prediction, took Pierre by the hand and walked him home.

?Time will prove you right, then, Pierre, you will always be able to give them hope.? Momma smiled and they walked home together.

A few days later Pierre awoke to the sound birdsong. He could hear Momma?s voice singing along. A lovely tune she always sang the first warm day of spring. As Pierre lay there listening he heard Mrs. Hebert?s voice.

?Marie, I?ve just come from town and everyone is talking about Pierre. I haven?t seen so many smiles in a long time!? Mrs. Hebert told Momma.

As the years passed Pierre became renown not only in the bayou but across the state. So when your winter seems to be lasting a bit too long and you?re wondering just when spring will bring her warmth and beauty no need to worry, just ask the Shadeaux.

Check out our website for great night lites.

Mardi Gras 2008 Events

2008-01-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras Events 2008

Janury 25th
ANDALUSIA Mardi Gras Parade - New Iberia, LA
6:30 pm - Main Street

January 26th
KREWE OF CARNIVALE EN RIO Mardi Gras Parade - Lafayette, LA
6:30 pm - Downtown Lafayette

January 28th
KREWE OF EZAN Mardi Gras Parade - Jeanerette, LA
1:00 pm - Canal & Main Street, Jeanerette, LA

February 1st
FRIDAY NIGHT PARADE - Lafayette, LA
6:30 pm - Lafayette, LA

February 2nd
CHILDREN's PARADE - Lafayette, LA
2:30 pm - Lafayette, LA
KREWE OF BOBAPARTE Mardi Gras Parade - Lafayette, LA
6:30 pm - Lafayette, LA

Feburary 4th
QUEEN's PARADE - Lafayette, LA
6:00 pm - Lafayette, LA

February 5th
GRAND MARAID Mardi Gras Parade - Jeanerette
11:00 am - Hwy 90 at College Road
KING's PARADE - Lafayette, LA
10:00 am - Lafayette, LA
LAFAYETTE MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL Parade - Lafayette, LA
1:00 pm Lafayette, LA
INDEPENDENT PARADE - Lafayette
2:00 pm - Lafayette, LA
KREWE CHIC-A-LA-PIE Mardi Gras Parade - Kaplan, LA
2:00 pm - Downtown Kaplan
KREWE OF COTEAU Mardi Gras Parade - Coteau, LA
1:00 pm - Coteau Ballpark

Gifts Etc is not responsible for any calendar date changes made subsequest to this posting. Events, dates and locations are subject to change. Please verfiy with organizer of event.

Pinneaple Lore

2008-01-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

Pineapple Lore

Since colonial times the pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality. In colonial America, visiting was the primary means of entertainment, cultural intercourse, and news dissemination. Hospitality-- the charm, warmth, and style with which guests were received-- was central to daily living and the center of most all community activity was the home.
Folklore tells us that upon returning home sea captains would put a pineapple on the gatepost as a sign that they were once again safely home. This sign bade welcome to friends and family to visit, eat, and hear the tales of their voyages. Lore also tells us that guests who had overstayed their welcome would find a pineapple placed at the foot of their bed, a polite sign that it was time to leave.

While common today, in colonial times pineapples were a rare commodity and due to their costly nature would be used as major attractions during special feasts?quite literally a culinary crown.

A hostesses? ability to secure a pineapple for a dinner party said as much about her rank as it did about her resourcefulness, especially since, not only were they rare and expensive, but the street trade of these prized fruits was not for the faint of heart.

In more affluent homes, the dining room doors were kept closed until the appointed hour, and then with all the flair and suspense of opening night on Broadway, the doors were opened to reveal the evening?s main event. When visitors beheld a pineapple topped display, they knew their hostess was one who spared no expense and that her guest?s happiness was of the utmost importance to the success of the affair.

With such a glowing history as the symbol of friendship and hospitality, it is easy to see why this fruit has been used by architects and homeowners alike to adorn dwellings, furnishings, and artifacts for the home.

For a lovely selection of pineapple adorned items for your home click here.

Why are the colors for Mardi Gras - Purple, Green and Gold?

2008-01-05T16:16:00.001-08:00

Official Colors of Mardi Gras

The official colors of Mardi Gras are PURPLE, GREEN and GOLD. These three colors were seleacted by the King of Carnival, Rex in 1872. Each color has a symbolic meaning. PURPLE represents Justice. GREEN is symbolic of Faith and GOLD stands for Power.

When is Mardi Gras?

2008-01-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Dates of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, "Fat Tuesday" in French is always on a Tuesday.

Mardi Gras can be any Tuesday from February 3rd to March 9th.

Hopes these dates help you plan your next Mardi Gras celebration.

Year ~ Mardi Gras
2008 ~ February 5
2009 ~ February 24
2010 ~ February 16
2011 ~ March 8
2012 ~ February 21
2013 ~ February 12
2014 ~ March 4
2015 ~ February 17
2016 ~ February 9
2017 ~ February 28
2018 ~ February 13
2019 ~ March 5
2020 ~ February 25
2021 ~ February 16

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T17:56:00.000-08:00

The New Year always brings to mind resolutions. Just as we begin the year with personal resolutions for self improvement and ideas for bettering our quality of life, so too have we made resolutions for Gift?s Etc. I began posting Blog articles on this site several months ago, as the end of the year drew near Marilynn, CEO of the company, called me and proposed the idea that I take over the Blog portion of the site. Needless to say I was thrilled, if not a bit nervous, for not only the opportunity to write, but also to be able to work with Marilynn and the staff.

As you wander around the site, please take note of some of our "resolutions". One resolution we are very pleased to bring you is called "Elizabeth?s Best Recipes". This new feature showcases original recipes each month from our resident home economist, Elizabeth DeBuse. As part of this new feature, an article will accompany the recipe as well as a special dinnerware item that corresponds to the recipe featured. The piece will be offered at a special price and the design unique to that piece.

You?ll also find a posting from me each month letting you know what?s new to the site?products, information, and articles. As always, your input is welcome. We would hope that you would send us your ideas and thoughts to share with those who visit our site.

The New Year will also bring some new informational postings for our site. Not only will we have useful articles concerning our products and their use, but general articles about entertaining, home decorating, useful household tips, making the most of family time and activities, special articles to help you enhance your holidays, and other topics which we feel will appeal to our site visitors. It is our hope that with the information provided you can not only set a unique and attractive table or decorate your mantel that will bring "oohh?s and aahh?s" from guests, but that we can provide a resource to help you in making your house a home and improve and enhance the time you spend with your family.

Happy New Year,
Elise Durio
Editor

Mardi Gras Dictionary

2008-01-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras Dictionary

BALL ~ (bal masque; tableau ball) A masked ball in which scenes representing a specific theme are enacted for the entertainment of the club members and their guests; krewe "royalty" is traditionally presented during the ball.

CAPTAIN ~ The absolute leader of each Carnival organization.

CARNIVAL ~ From the Latin carnivale, loosely translated as "farewell to flesh"; the season of merriment in New Orleans which begins annually on January 6, the Twelfth Night (the feast of the Epiphany), and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday; the Carnival season leads up to the penitential season of Lent in which fasting replaces feasting.

COURT ~ The King, Queen, maids, and dukes of the Carnival organization.

DEN ~ A large warehouse where floats are built and stored.

DOUBLOONS ~ Aluminum coin-like objects bearing the krewe's insignia on one side and the parade's theme on the reverse; first introduced by Rex in 1960 and created by New Orleans artist H. Alvin Sharpe. Doubloons are also minted and sold in .999 silver, bronze and cloisonne.

FAVOR ~ A souvenir, given by krewe members to friends attending the ball, normally bearing the organization's insignia, name and year of issue.

INVITATION ~ A printed request for attendance at a Carnival ball. In the 19th century, many invitations were die-cut and printed in Paris; today, most are printed in New Orleans. Invitations are non-transferable, and it is improper to ever refer to them as "tickets".

KING CAKE ~ An oval sugared pastry that contains a plastic doll hidden inside. The person who finds the doll is crowned "king" and buys the next cake or throws the next party. The king cake season opens on King's Day, January 6, the feast of the Epiphany. More than 750,000 king cakes are annually consumed in the metro New Orleans area during Carnival season.

KREWE ~ The generic term for the Carnival organizations in New Orleans, first used by the Mystic Krewe of Comus, which coined the word in 1857 to give it's club's name an Old English flavor.

LASSIEZ BON TEMPS ROULE! ~ Let the good times roll!

LUNDI GRAS ~ French for Fat Monday, From 1874 to 1917, the day before Mardi Gras was celebrated by the arrival of Rex aboard a steamboat. The custom was revived in 1987; and Lundi gras now includes Carnival act ivies staged by Zulu and Rex.

MARDI GRAS ~ French for Fat Tuesday, the single-day culmination of the Carnival season.

THROWS ~ Inexpensive trinkets tossed from floats by costumed and masked krewe members. Among the more popular items are krewe-emblemed aluminum doubloons, plastic cups, and white pearl necklaces. Throws are tossed in response to the cry, "Throw me something , mister!?

2007-12-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

Our Wish for You This Holiday Season

As the holidays quickly approach our thoughts often turn to parties, gifts, travel, and host of other concerns, and while plans must be made, parties attended, traveling done, and other tasks tended to, our wish for you for this season concerns none of these. It is our sincerest hope that you have some time this holiday season for a few moment of peace and reflection. A few minutes spent under the stars to note your place in the universe, to revel in the joy and beauty of creation, and to reflect on all of the blessings great and small that have been given to you. It is a gift that you can give to yourself alone, or share with those you love. If you decide to share your moment with loved ones you need not worry that your gift will be the wrong size or that the person already has it. This gift can be given often and never losses it sparkle or worth. The spirit of the season is one of love. To share a few moments of precious holiday time being thankful for the people we love and letting them know we are thankful for the joy and love their presence bring into our daily lives is the essence of what the season represents.
When we stand under the stars with our loved ones, know that you are counted among our blessings.

Happiest of Holidays!

Sister's Day - August 5th

2007-08-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

August 5th is Sister?s Day. I am so blessed to have a sister. My sister, Maree, and I actually work together here at www.giftstetc.com . So when we say we are family owned and operated we really are. It is so rewarding to have the chance to work with my sister. We compliment each other?s strengths and weaknesses. The relationship I have with my sister is special and something I treasure. It is also really nice to get orders from clients who indicate the products being ordered are for their sisters as a gift for a special occasion or just because they want to do something special for their sister. So today, Maree I thank God for you being my sister and my friend. Wishing everyone who has a sister - HAPPY SISTER?S DAY.

The source of the date for Sister?s Day is Brownielocks website. It is listed as an official daily observance.

Chocolate Chip Day - August 4th

2007-08-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

August 4th is National Chocolate Chip Day.

In honor of this most day for chocolate lovers,
I want to share with you one of my favorite Chocolate
Chip Cookie Recipes. This is one I have developed
over several years of delightful taste testing.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup of Butter softened
� cup of granulated sugar
� cup of brown sugar
1 egg
2 � cups of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
� teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla
16 oz of Chocolate Chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix butter, sugars, vanilla and egg.
Stir in flour, baking soda and salt.
Fold in Chocolate Chips.
Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Place about 2 inches apart.
Makes about 48 cookies.
Use your favorite type of chip - semi sweet chocolate,
milk or white chocolate.

The 4th of July

2007-07-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is traditionally the largest summer holiday in the United States with families & communities gathering for picnics, barbecues, parades & fire work displays.
It was on July 4, 1776 that members of the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence
56 men signed the declaration of Independence. These men showed courage and conviction for their beliefs; by signing the declaration they committed an act of treason, punishable by death, against Great Britain
Thomas Jefferson wrote the declaration of Independence. On June 28, 1776 Jefferson presented the first draft of the Declaration of Independence.
John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1790 Thomas Jefferson, who was president, opened the White House to guest. This same year our nation's capitol was moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D. C.
The Declaration of Independence itself is the most copied political documents of all time.
The Declaration of Independence is a justification of the American Revolution. This document citied grievences against King George III.
Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, on the 50th celebration of the 4th of July.
In 1941, Congress declared the 4th of July a legal federal holiday.

In honor of our FREEDOM as American - FREE Shipping and Handling on orders of $200.00 or more during the month of JULY of 2007 at www.giftsetc.com
COUPON CODE: 4FREE

Fleur de Lis

2007-05-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

The Fleur de Lis is a very stylish and timeless pattern. The Fleur de Lis dates back to 14th century. Fleur de Lis means "flower of the lily" in French and has come to represent French Royalty. Today, the Fleur de Lis is used by many Louisianians to express their French hertiage. It is also used as a very popular design in home decor and jewelry. Often items with the fleur de lis are purchased to remind them of the special times spent in New Orleans and South Louisiana.

Please view our Fleur de Lis Collection.

This is the New Gifts Etc Blog!

2007-05-18T11:26:00.001-07:00

Stay Tuned here for more goodness!