Thoughtful Creations - Unique Basket's for EVERY Occasion.







Happy almost April.  It is officially spring and I can't think of a better Mom to feature this week than Ms. Christine and her amazing ideas behind her unique and whimsical gift basket business called "Thoughtful Creations."  The name most certainly stands by itself and offers you an unlimited supply of choices when it comes to giving a thoughtful and sentimental gift for just about every occasion.

Mommy Spa Basket.

The former catering manager for Ritz Carlton hotels turned "Mompreneur" Christine is located in the Fort Mill area of SC.  The idea of customizing baskets came naturally to her after years dealing in the hospitality industry.  "You learn how far a little extra special touch can mean to a person," she tells me.   
With so many different gift basket companies in the area and on the Internet, my first question to Christine was what makes "Thoughtful Creations" so unique?

“Every basket contains something special that is specifically designed for the individual receiving the gift" she says.
Christine, whose main job is Mom to daughter Shaylyn, age four, designed her first basket for her Mom who was ill and in the hospital.  Using a lady bug theme which stands for "Love Luck and Joy," she received many comments on how sweet and creative the idea was and thus began her journey into coming up with "Thoughtful Creations."

Ladybug Themed Gift Basket.

Every basket has a thought, an emotion, even an "attitude" behind the themes she creates.  Using a wish list that is provided to her by a friend or family member of the individual receiving the basket, she will then get creative with making sure each basket includes a theme and a meaning that is specifically unique to that person.  The basket will represent that individuals preference whether it is through colors, scents, food, reading material, hobby's passions....The list is endless but the final result means a very personal and very meaningful gift that will make sure to leave a lasting impression on someone.



Happiness Gift Basket

Right away, I learned that Christine is a professional and wants to get the task assigned done right.  Customer service is everything and making people happy is one of her favorite parts in owning her own business.  "I put heart and soul to each basket so I only do two a week.  I want to make sure the basket has everything it needs to really make the person feel special.  I don’t want it too look like a basket you would see in a catalogue with just some generic items.   This one will tell a story and that story is what I hope will bring a smile to someone face."  I was immediately impressed with how easy she is to talk to and she really cares about every basket she creates.

A personal touch Christine usually adds is decorating the outside cellophane with unique or whimsical eye catching decorations.  “I did basket for a friend of mine last month and she loves Sunflowers.”   I made sure the packaging matched her love for sunflowers as much as what was inside the basket.  It sat on her table for a week, she didn't want to open the beautiful presentation. "

Whether it is for a new baby, an illness a wedding, graduation or "just because," there are so many great ideas for Christine to get her hands on and put her creative touches on as well.  She even does basket's for men.
Christine will be happy to work with you and customize a basket that will suit your needs and occasions better than anyone in the area.  You can find her on fFacebook under "Thoughtful Creations" or e-mail her at: christine7818@gmail.com

Quotable Monday

"Before children; My evening baths involved Dead Sea Salts, reading and a glass of red wine.  After children: bath involves Mr. Bubble, a bit of toddler pee and explaining to my son that boobs are Mommy's...."

Leah Marchesani, Myersville, Maryland
Mom, friend, real, hilarious!

The Cookie Fairy

So, I haven't been feeling that great, allergies and a sinus infection combined is not the way to start a week.  My energy is zapped, and I am behind in so many things that I can't remember if I am coming or going.  I am still adjusting to the sadness from the passing of my friend Bo, and have a good ole fashion case of  "da Blues"
Yet life goes on.
And this fairy knows exactly how hard sometimes that can be.
It takes a certain kind of fairy to know that chocolate chip cookies are the soothe all, the make everything better that the pure sweetness of a chocolate chip melting in your mouth can chase the blues away.  Yes, this fairy is indeed special, she is inspiring; She puts the "ookie" in cookie and does so without even trying.
She rocks and she has no idea what sweet kindness and pure generosity she oozes.  She amazes me every day by her ability to think of others.
What a better world we would have if we thought more of others instead being so focused on ourselves. 
It sometimes takes a fairy to remind me of this.  That there are is so much beauty so much good in the world. 
Even when we are being tested.
Even when we are running behind, when we are zapped and lagging on motivation.
Even when life hurts.
The world will spin, the sun will shine and the good will show, the smiles will linger and the cookies will bake.
And thank God for that and for the fairies who know exactly where to fly and spread their love, one crumb at a time.
Thank you....

My take on being a successful mompreneur - By Rachel Blaufeld

Great post from Mompreneur icon of mine:  http://backngroovemom.com/
Recently, a fellow mompreneur-in-training tweeted me and wanted to know what I think makes a successful mompreneur?  I knew that I could not answer her back in a 140 characters or less so I promised her a blog post on the subject.  I immediately thought about the wave of emotions that accompanies being a mompreneur.