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Gifts

Linda Fox

2013-02-01 09:03:24

Q-I want to do something different for Valentines Day. Actually, it is a bit of a challenge between my wife and I to see who can come up with the most interesting gift on a budget. While I will still want to do the traditional flowers and candy, I want to add something to that to make it more exciting and show I put some thought into the gift. Perhaps I might even consider a twist on the flowers and candy. Any ideas? (And if you see this my dear, it is not cheating to get ideas. It shows that I adore you. And I want to win.)

A-Well, I say, that if you win so does your wife, so all is well! So, let's amp up the day for you. One of the best ways to add some excitement to a Valentine's gift is to choose a theme and try to make the gifts relate to the theme in some way, even if it is just in creative packaging. Start by thinking of your wife's hobbies or interests, or perhaps something that represents your life together or a special day. For example, if you honeymooned in Paris, perhaps a Parisian theme, or if she loves life in the country, a western theme might do the trick (This goes for men as well!). A theme can even be a favorite color! Once you have the theme, choose gifts that represent that special facet of your lives. For a western or equestrian theme, you might want to give wildflowers, and a gift such as western apparel or accessories to show how much you enjoy that aspect of your life together. It is not always easy to find a theme and related gifts so you will want to consider gifts that can fit any theme as well. You can find amazing purses and handbags that will delight any girl in a vast array of colors and styles. Jewelry is also a great option, as you can find charms and pendants related to your general theme. Another helpful tip is to try boutique stores as they have items that she would not see in department store chains. Good Luck.

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Gifts

Hillary Houston

2013-01-02 15:04:24

Q-I want to shift my buying habits and support buying American, buying locally, and choosing green options whenever possible. I think this is a very important philosophy that we have gotten away from, to our detriment. Can you give me some ideas of where to start locally for gifts and goods that match these qualifications?

A-Good for you! Supporting the community is so important, and I love to see the shift to a more community centric society. I am sure there are many ways we can support local businesses, first by shopping locally. While it is hard to find completely American made products, it is still possible to buy and support your three points. It might take a little more research at first, but once you know where to find what you need, it is easy to develop a new pattern of consumerism. First, I would try to confine my shopping to one geographic area as much as possible. I realize we are a bit spread out, but it can be done. Then I would consider finding vendors selling local goods. This supports both the local economy and the environment. Another thing I would strongly recommend is buying reclaimed and remade items. This supports local artisans as well as a green philosophy. For example, the consumers at EOC take salvaged furniture, fix it, paint and restore it, giving it a beautiful second life. The items are then sold, providing the workers with training and an income which they then enjoy spending on other local businesses. The goods make wonderful gifts and provide years of use. Changing our buying habits is not easy, but when you see the positive effect it has on our community it makes any effort more than worthwhile. Thank you for thinking of community.

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Gifts

Teresa Kunze

2007-07-30 15:23:00

Answer: It is important to remember that in the United States approximately 12.6 percent of the population lives at or below the national poverty level. That means that a family of four earning $20,000 or less a year is living in poverty (2006). These are the working poor, elderly, disabled and children. The effects of poverty are felt by many in our community, including children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17 percent of the children (under 18 years old) in Wichita were living in poverty in 2003. Sue Steele with the Wichita Public Schools reports that 960 children in the Wichita area were identified as being homeless or living doubled up with another family between August 2006 and June 2007. Last year, more than 300 children stayed in our two shelters. In 2003, the Early Childhood Specialist identified that 30 percent of the children (birth to five years) staying in our shelters needed additional developmental or behavioral help. In the past few years, the St. Anthony Family Shelter has also sheltered children with mental illnesses. This has a great impact on their families. These children experience homelessness, limited or no health care, nutrition limited by family incomes and some face being home alone if families cannot find affordable, reliable and available childcare. How Catholic Charities Helps At Catholic Charities we are working to meet these special needs of children. The new St. Anthony Family Shelter will have a room designed just for children. A playroom with a one-way window allows the Early Childhood Specialist to monitor how children interact with other children and their own family. This will aid the specialist as she works with families to ensure the success of their children. To meet the needs of those who come with mental health concerns, a counselor has started at St. Anthony Family Shelter. Having a counselor available for adults and children provides additional support and helps families cope with the stress of homelessness and other issues they face. Staff connects families with health care and other resources available in the community, including families who are referred to Hunter Health Clinic. In addition, a representative from Hunter Health Clinic provides an educational session for residents each month. How You Can Help In order to make an impact in the lives of these families, agencies, government, and individuals must work together to improve public policy. Catholic Charities USA is working to cut poverty in half by 2020. This campaign focuses on Health Care, Housing, Nutrition and Economic Security for those living in poverty. Attend the Respect Life and Social Justice Office Annual Conference on Sept. 8 to learn more about the national campaign to cut poverty in half by 2020. Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA will present Poverty in America: A Threat to the Common Good. Hear about how Catholic Charities USA is engaging legislators on key issues that affect the impoverished and how you can stay informed on current legislation and opportunities to engage legislators. Visit www.catholiccharitieswichita.org for a copy of the Respect Life and Social Justice Office Annual Conference registration brochure and for more information on Poverty in America: A Threat to the Common Good.

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Gifts

Scott Dwyer

2007-05-01 08:28:00

Just about everyone loves to celebrate Mother’s Day. How did it get its start?

Answer: I agree. It’s a wonderful day. Love of a mother is such a powerful force when shared. It is the sharing and giving of her love to others that prompted those in history to set aside a day when mothers all around the world could be recognized for the beauty of their love that is their natural expression. The earliest Mother’s Day celebrations can be traced back to ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of Gods. England celebrated a day that they called “Mothering Sunday” in the 1600’s which was celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent. It honored all the Mothers of England. Since many of the poor servants worked for the wealthy, and most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would many times live with their employers. On Mothering Sunday, the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend this special day with their own Mothers. As Christianity spread throughout Europe this celebration of Mothers changed in time to honor the “Mother Church”. It was thought of as the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time people picked up this rich tradition, by adding in the celebration of their own Mothers, much in the same way as we do today, by the giving of gifts and celebrations at festivals and home. In 1872 Julia Ward Howe, the writer of the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, first suggested Mother’s Day in the United States as a day dedicated to peace. In 1907 Ana Jarvis was also instrumental in campaigning to establish a national holiday dedicated to the honoring of our mothers by persuading her church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother’s Day on the second anniversary of her Mother’s death, and by 1911 Ana was successful in her efforts as almost every state was now celebrating Mother’s Day as a national holiday. In 1914 Woodrow Wilson, then president, made it official and announced Mother’s Day to be held on the 2nd Sunday of May each year. What a sweet way to tell our mothers how much they mean to us! By setting aside one day each year for our mothers, we are telling them that all of their meaningful work and love is special in our eyes. While most of us honor our mothers each day in some small way, it is a tribute to mothers all over the world that this day was set aside for all just for them.

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Gifts

Teresa Kunze

2007-04-01 08:41:00

Mother’s Day is coming. What do you give a mom that seems to have everything?

Inspire your mother this Mother’s Day with a copy of “Come and See,” a photographic memoir of the life and work of Mother Teresa. Author and Photojournalist Linda Schaefer put her camera down to go to work along the humble nun whose work and words have offered encouragement to the world. After developing a relationship with Schaefer in Calcutta, Mother Teresa granted permission for photos to be taken. Schaefer became the last photographer to have full access to the great sister. “Come and See” is a look into the environment in which Mother Teresa, her nuns and volunteers lived and worked. The phrase “Come and See” was used by Mother Teresa, but more important than the phrase is its meaning. It is a challenge to enter a place of pain and fright and at the same time find joy. On Friday, May 18, hear Schaefer’s story first hand at Newman University’s DeMattias Fine Arts Center. Present this inspiring book and ticket to hear Schaefer to your mother as a Mother’s Day gift on May 13. Then share the experience together on May 18. A reception and book signing will begin at 5 p.m. Schaefer will present at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the books and event benefit Catholic Charities Emergency Services where those in our community find help and hope in their time of need. Purchase books for $20 each and tickets to the event for $25 each. Or purchase both for $40 and save $5. An additional $5 applies for books shipped. To purchase books and tickets or for more information, please call Debbie Sigman at 264-8344, ext. 221 or visit Catholic Charities’ Web site at www.catholiccharitieswichita.org. About Catholic Charities Emergency Services The work of Mother Teresa must continue. The needs here, in our own nation and community, are great.Last year Emergency Services served more than 10,000 men, women and children. Nationally, four out of five food stamp recipients are children who need adequate nutrition to learn and grow. In Wichita, more than 1,700 families came to us for food last year, many with children in their homes. And in addition to these families, more than 600 individuals needed food. Today, more working poor are going hungry, as 29 percent of food stamp recipients are in families where at least one person works, but whose earnings simply aren’t enough to cover rent, utilities, and food. In our Emergency Services, nearly all of those who need utility assistance also need help with food. Having juggled their money, they must make tough decisions on how to fill the gaps. Catholic Charities Emergency Services is here to provide two to three days of food to families each month. Families typically come for food about three times each year. When they come, they find information on other community resources, like food stamps and free meal programs. To learn more about the work of Catholic Charities, visit our Web site at www.catholiccharitieswichita.org.

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Gifts

Scott Dwyer

2006-12-01 15:48:00

Why are stockings hung at Christmas time?

ANSWER: "The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there." Nothing signifies Christmas like the hanging of fluffy red stockings with white trim above the fireplace mantle. In the United States, families have been practicing this tradition for years in preparation for that special day of spiritual celebration and giving. Up until lately, it was traditional to receive small items like fruit, nuts and candy in your stocking, but these have been replaced in the last half-century by more expensive gifts in many homes. But where did it all begin? Many believe there was once a kind nobleman whose wife had died of an illness leaving the man and his three daughters in despair. After losing all his money in useless and bad inventions, the nobleman and his daughters had to move into a peasant's cottage. When it came time for the daughters to marry, the father became even more depressed as his daughters could not marry without dowries. One night after the daughters had washed out their clothing, they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. That night Saint Nicholas, knowing the despair of the father, stopped by the nobleman's house after the family had gone to bed. He peeked in the window and saw the daughters' stockings hanging by the fire. Inspiration struck Saint Nicholas, and he took three small bags of gold from his pouch and threw them carefully, one by one, down the chimney into the stockings. The next morning when the daughters awoke, they found their stockings contained enough gold for them to get married. The nobleman was able to see his three daughters marry, and he lived a long and happy life. And for everyone that is on the naughty list? Giving coal as a humorous Christmas gift originated a very long time ago. The actual tradition of giving coal is said to have originated in Italy. It is believed that throughout the year Santa would compile two lists: one with the names of good children and one with the names of bad children. Bad children who did not show improvement in their behavior would be given coal for Christmas in lieu of presents. Children who were nice received gifts.

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Gifts

Ginny Lacey

2004-10-01 15:07:00

: What is an aromatherapy candle and what does it do?

ANSWER: Aroma Therapy is a way of using familiar fragrances to balance moods, evoke emotions, and heal body mind and spirit. To create Aroma Therapy candles, some of the finest essential oils are carefully combined with a special blend of wax to create unique Aroma Therapy candles. QUESTION: How does Aromatherapy work?ANSWER: When inhaled, essential oils affect our bodies in several ways. The essential oil component molecules enter the nasal passages where they stimulate the olfactory nerve. This sends messages directly into the limbic system. The limbic system, located in the brain, is the seat of memory, learning and emotion. The inhalation of the essential oils triggers changes within the limbic system which in turn can stimulate physiological responses within the body via the nervous, endocrine or immune systems. Either stimulation or sedation of body systems or organs may occur. Common Aromatherapy Scents and benefits: Sandalwood (Santalum album) is high in sesquiterpenes and has been researched in Europe for its ability to oxygenate a part of the brain known as the pineal gland, the seat of our emotions. The pineal gland is responsible for releasing melatonin, a powerful hormone that enhances deep sleep. Sandalwood is similar to frankincense oil in its support of nerves and circulation. It was used traditionally for skin revitalization, yoga, and meditation, and has been found to help remove negative programming from the cells. Lemon (Citrus limon) has antiseptic-like properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function. It may serve as an insect repellent and may be beneficial for the skin.Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most versatile of all essential oils. Therapeutic-grade lavender has been highly regarded for the skin. The French scientist Rene Gattefosse was the first to discover these properties when he severely burned his hands in a laboratory explosion. Lavender has also been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. The fragrance is calming, relaxing, and balancing -- physically and emotionally.Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) may be extremely effective in calming and bringing about a sense of relaxation. This native flower of Madagascar and the Reunion Islands is symbolic of love, and the fragrant, pale yellow petals are often strewn across the marriage bed. Its soft, floral scent is often used in men's fragrances as an alternative to the sweeter and more feminine rose. Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is an absolute extracted from the flower and is an essence rather than an essential oil. It is good for sensitive skin and can  be uplifting and stimulating.Rose (Rosa damascena) has the highest frequency of any essential oil. Its beautiful fragrance is intoxicating and aphrodisiac-like. Rose helps bring balance and harmony. It is stimulating and elevates the mind, creating a sense of well-beingCertain essential oils may have certain effects. For example, due to their effect on the brain and the subsequent sedating or stimulating of the nervous system, essential oils can also indirectly raise and lower blood pressure and possibly aid in normalization of hormonal secretion. The inhalation method is useful for respiratory symptoms. Local application of diluted oils on various points (i.e. spinal nerves, chakras, and meridians) is effective for certain conditions. Massage Aromatherapy provides relaxation as well as physiological action through the nervous system. In addition, when applied topically, essential oils can exhibit anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, or anti-inflammatory properties. Although essential oils produce effects that can be counted on, they also adapt to the needs of different people.