Curses, Foiled Again

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. You know how I know? There are shiny pink and red displays everywhere. Heart-shaped candies compete for my attention in the grocery aisles, convenience store racks, and at my favorite craft supply store - because nothing says “I love you” like grabbing candy at the checkout counter while purchasing glue sticks.

If your love is not fully expressed through chalky chocolate disguised in fancy foil, look to Van Otis. Van Otis Master Chocolatier J.P. Pisciotta’s confections meet the same high quality appearance AND taste standards that customers have come to expect and appreciate.

Stop by Van Otis’ retail store in Manchester, NH to see what J.P. has created for Valentine’s Day or shop online at www.vanotis.com. They have assorted candies in heart-shaped boxes, chocolate cupids,chocolate-covered strawberries, heart-shaped chocolates, and much more. Any item bearing the Van Otis label will tell your loved one how much you care.

Holiday Cards

I have done fairly well with my holiday shopping. I made a list, purchased early and online, and wrapped as I bought. I can proudly (and obnoxiously) announce that I’m nearly done. My remaining list consists of those hard-to-buy-for folks with no corresponding gift ideas.

You know the type. When you ask for gift suggestions, they reply with something like, “You don’t need to buy me a gift,” or, “Surprise me.” I’m really tempted to do just that. “Surprise! I hope you love this toilet plunger!” That might inspire more detailed answers next year.

Since the holidays aren’t about expressing sarcasm (out loud), I haven’t bought any plungers. Instead, I have decided to give the pleasant surprise of Van Otis gift cards. Van Otis gift cards are one-size-fits-all. There are so many treat options including caramels, Swiss Fudge, truffles, cashews, and popcorn, to name just a few. My gift card recipients will definitely find something that they like.

Corporate Gifting

Several years ago, I wrote a blog about my job responsibility of employee recognition. Along with this task, I was also responsible for finding the perfect holiday gift to recognize our customers and thank them for our business partnership.

I really enjoyed this part of my job but was surprised each year by the difficulty of the task. I am a highly skilled shopper with YEARS of training – just ask my husband. So finding something that expressed appreciation AND would be valued by the recipient should have been a piece of cake piece of chocolate.

The difficulty was finding a gift that contained a quality product, looked festive, and could be enjoyed by many staff members, rather than a single business contact.

Van Otis offers several corporate gift options in their gift guide that will relay your company’s sincere appreciation. Each option contains handcrafted confections and/or Van Otis’ cashews and popcorn, wrapped in elegant and festive packaging. You can check out your options at www.vanotis.com or stop by the retail shop in Manchester to place an order.

Chew on This

My fraternal grandparents were very appreciative gift recipients, although somewhat eccentric. Old and worn was for daily use; new and nice was saved for a special occasion.

For years my grandfather wore slippers that were tattered, torn, and worn through the soles. Of course many family members noticed this, so he received new slippers nearly every Christmas. When my grandfather passed away, we found boxes and boxes of brand new slippers stored in his closet. We’re still unsure what would have qualified as a “special occasion” for breaking out a new pair of slippers.

I realized the degree of their appreciation for new and nice the year we gave my grandmother a new entryway rug. Shortly after Christmas, the rug was hanging on her living room wall. We tried to explain that it was a rug, not a wall hanging. Disgustedly, she responded that she certainly was NOT going to let anyone step on it.

If my grandparents were alive today, Van Otis’ new line of caramels would earn a place on their bookshelf or hanging next to their door mat. These candies are so pleasing to the eye that you may hesitate eating them, that is, until you eat your first one.

Van Otis Master Chocolatier, Jack Michael Pisciotta has created the perfect blend of innovative flavors for this new line of Gourmet Caramels. Van Otis is currently offering an introductory assortment that includes six premium flavors: Vanilla Bean, Pumpkin, Raspberry, Anise, Sea Salt, and Molasses.

Seasonal flavors, like Pumpkin, will be available for a limited time only but will be replaced with holiday-inspired flavors throughout the coming months.