Occasionally Thoughtful - The official blog of GreetingCardUniverse.com

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Corrie on October 7, 2014

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to Breastcancer.org, every year, one in eight women living in the U.S. will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. The statistics means most women are either diagnosed with cancer themselves at some point in their lives, or know someone who has cancer.

Medical science has come a long way since a cancer diagnosis was an automatic death sentence. Survival rates for patients diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer have risen to ninety percent.

Knowing what to do for a cancer patient is difficult, especially when you’re close to them. Family and friends can be afraid to get in touch because they don’t want to say or do the wrong thing. The patient can be too worn out from treatments like chemotherapy to answer e-mails, phone calls, or entertain visitors, but on the other hand, they often feel isolated and need that connection to a friend.

Get Well/Feel Better – For Cancer Patients cards by Greeting Card Universe are specially designed to help you send message of support, inspiration, hope and encouragement to someone who needs to know they aren’t alone in the fight against breast cancer.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I was very pleased with my order for the Border Terrier cards. They came fast and in very good condition. They were more glossy and I thought they were beautiful. I will indeed order cards from you again. I gave them to my daughter who breeds Border Terriers and she sends out birthday cards for all her puppies. She was so happy. Thank you again.” – Rita – October 3, 2014

How to Pick the Perfect Diwali Card

admin on October 6, 2014

Diwali Diya
Celebrations of light, joy, and prosperity have their place in many cultures. Diwali – also called Deepavali or Deepawali – is an important annual tradition for many Hindus, Jains, and even some Theravada Buddhist practitioners. It celebrates wealth, prosperity, luck, and happiness. The chief patron figures honored during this festival are Lakshmi, the mother of wealth, and Ganesha – who are often attended by symbols of luck, abundance, and material comfort. This is a time when we show gratitude for what we have attained and offer prayers for the coming year.

Why We Celebrate

At its core, Diwali is the celebration of Light over Darkness. The terms refer to Knowledge and Ignorance respectively. Traditionally, it is observed in accordance with the Hindu calendar, falling on the 15th day of the month of Ashvin. We celebrate with our neighbors, family, and friends, to remind us of the gifts of the light, even in times of darkness. This act of togetherness with those we cherish calls us to mindfulness of the true wealth of life. It also functions to invite prosperity to us and those we value in our communities. That is why, although the symbols and deities honored during this time are traditionally Hindu, it welcomes those of other faiths and disciplines to share in the Light and its blessings.

Symbols of Diwali and How They Are Used

There are several large themes present in a Diwali card you might send to a loved one. These incorporate a number of interwoven symbols that have deep meanings of their own. Because we’d like you to share fully in the understanding that is key to the concept of Light, we’ll touch on each of them individually below.

Ganesha
He is the Elephant-headed son of Parvati, one of the goddesses who wield the creative life force of Devi. He is associated, among other things, with Luck specifically for this festival. Often cards will depict him seated and smiling a blessing upon the recipient of the festival greeting.

Lakshmi
As the Mother of Wealth, she dispenses blessings and is associated with the generosity of the Universe in accordance with proper living. Her symbolism is representative of the reflection of positive social attributes, such as generosity and kindness – giving light out into the Universe so that it comes back to you in blessing.

The Lotus
Lotuses are symbols with their own cosmos of meaning surrounding them. But they are often depicted in tandem with Ganesha and Lakshmi, both in traditional art and on Diwali greeting cards, because they are associated in value. Known as Padma in Sanskrit, this flower is associated with beauty and non-attachment. Its association with the patrons of Diwali signifies that goodness comes into our lives as a blessing and may be gone again soon. Cherish what truly matters, the moments of closeness and understanding, companionship and helpfulness we experience daily in our relationships. If we show reverence to what is truly valuable, goodness and wealth, material comfort and security will come again and again to our doors.

Diwali Lamps (Diya)
The simple image of a flame in a traditional ceramic lamp is often used to signify the inner meaning of the festival, and frequently appears on greeting cards without any other imagery. However, pairing it with other symbols may associate the Light of Knowledge with ideas of non-attachment to material wealth, a value for the simple beauty of the world, or the wealth that comes with truly seeing those closest to you as the treasures of your life.

Fireworks
These are often both symbolic of light and joy as well as actual entertainments that accompany a Diwali festival. They are emblematic of the expansive and powerful presence of the Light of understanding when it is spread in the Darkness of ignorance, blind hatred, or violence. These bombastic and brilliant flowers are also tied to the lotus imagery and that of the simple lamp flame. For their innate power to inspire delight, awe, and call attention to the deeper meanings of the celebration, they are frequently used on Diwali greeting cards. They tell someone close to you that they “light up your life.”

When it comes to selecting the perfect Diwali cards for those you value most, there are a number of differing artistic styles and themes from which to choose. Whether your tastes and needs are modern or deeply traditional, Greeting Card Universe offers wide selection of beautiful Diwali cards. Whether you are able to spend this special time with the ones you love and the members of your community who know you best, or you’re far from home, you can let them know that they render your life rich with love, joy, and peace. They are the true treasures in your world. During the festival of Light and all year round, you hold them gently in your heart and your thoughts.

Let’s Do Tea: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Afternoon Tea

Corrie on September 29, 2014

Come and share a pot of tea,
My home is warm and my friendship’s free.
—Emilie Barnes

The scene plays out the same in many houses: a child sits around a table having a “tea party” with their stuffed animals, dolls, and playmates. But when did the ritual of afternoon tea first start? Who began the tradition and why? To answer these questions, here are:

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Afternoon Tea

According to British legend, Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the early 19th century, became hungry in the hours before a late night dinner. She called for tea and snacks, thus setting off a 200-year old tradition.

Tea was first sold in England in 1658, but cost as much as £4 per pound – in today’s money, about £131!

According to the Dictionary of Daily Wants (1860), a mid-Victorian era dictionary, the preferred tea blend for the average British householder was, “two-fifths black, two-fifths green, and one-fifth gunpowder (a type of green tea).”

The Victorian custom of the “morning call” – when a lady would visit another lady’s home as a social obligation – entrenched the afternoon tea as tradition since such calls were paid at house too early for a glass of wine.

Afternoon tea in the UK is also known as “low tea.” At an afternoon tea, dainty cakes and crustless sandwiches are served. A high tea is basically what working class families in the North of England called a hearty meal eaten just after 5 PM.

BONUS: By the way, it’s not good etiquette to stick up your pinky finger when drinking from a tea cup. It’s a misinterpretation of 11th century manners.

At Greeting Card Universe, we offer unique Tea Party Invitations as pretty and sweet as the cakes you’ll serve your guests. Order on-line and we’ll mail your invitations the next business day. Or choose in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I needed a really nice and tasteful card to take to a gay wedding. Forget the local stores. They only have the standard cards. I decided to do a web search and I found this site. I was pleasantly surprised at the selection of cards for gay weddings. There were a few I could have easily chosen but I selected this one. I was also able to personalize the saying inside with their names and our best wishes and names were put in the same font. It was mailed with much care so as not to have it dented and it is just beautiful. I am so glad I got it. I told so many people about this web site. THANKS !!” – JOANNE – Sep 24, 2014

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Rosh Hashanah

Corrie on September 17, 2014

In 2014, Rosh Hashanah – the major annual holiday celebrated annually and known as the Jewish New Year or Yom Teruah – begins on September 24 when the sun goes down and ends September 26. The moveable date is calculated each year based on the Hebrew lunar calendar.

Rosh Hashanah is the official beginning of the Hebrew calendar’s year. These days, Jews celebrate by eating apples coated in honey (for a sweet new year), going to religious services, and many participate in the ritual of “casting off” – throwing bread into running water, such as a river, to “cast off” their sins.

However, Rosh Hashanah wasn’t always the same as it is today. To show you the difference between then and now, here areah:

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Rosh Hashanah

The name of the holiday “Rosh Hashanah” isn’t mentioned in the Torah or the Dead Sea Scrolls. Modern etymology traces the origin of the name to 1846, however, the name is mentioned in rabbinical literature prior to that date. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah literally means, |”beginning of the year.”
The first day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar (Tishrei) is celebrated as Rosh Hashanah. However, in Biblical times, it seems the holiday was considered fairly minor. “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.” — Leviticus 23:24-25
During the Geonic period in Jewish history, it was customary to serve a cooked calf’s head at Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing prosperity. Later, the holiday delicacy became a fish head. Many Jews substitute gefilte fish instead.
Another symbol of Rosh Hashanah – pomegranates – is eaten on the second night as the symbolic “new fruit.” Why? Pomegranates were once believed to contain 613 seeds, the same number as the commandments written in the Torah.
The blowing of the ancient musical instrument, the shofar – a trumpet made from a ram’s horn – is very specific at Rosh Hashanah, consisting of four sets of blasts: one tekiah (long), three shevarim (short), nine teruah (staccato), and one tekiah gedolah (very long). This gives Rosh Hashanah its other name – Yom Teruah, or the Feast of Trumpets.

Greeting Card Universe wishes you “L’Shana Tovah” and helps you celebrate the beginning of the Days of Awe with fantastic and unique Rosh Hashanah cards including customizable Photo Cards that let you send Sweet Wishes for the New Year to every member of your family, friends, co-workers and synagogue members. Need a last minute card? No problem! Order on-line, get FREE in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at many Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I am extremely pleased with the cards that I purchased. The cards are first rate and say exactly what I want them to say. I specifically purchased sympathy cards for those that lose a cherished pet as the grief that is felt by the loss of a beloved pet is just as intense as the loss of a human. Thank you Greeting Card Universe; I will definitely purchase from you again.” – Rebecca – September 17, 2014

Do You Know the Red Hat Society?

Corrie on September 10, 2014

September is Fall Hat Month, which puts us in mind of the Red Hat Society, a U.S. women’s organization founded in 1998 which now has chapters in other countries.

“When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.”
—Warning, Jenny Joseph (1961)

The Red Hat Society is open to women of all ages interested in socializing and bonding with other women. When attending meetings and events, members over age 50 wear red hats, purple clothes, and are known as “red hatters.” Women under the age of 50 wear pink hats and lavender clothing. While chapters are free to organize their own activities, many choose to host regular tea parties in addition to other pursuits.

According to their website, the Red Hat Society is the world’s largest social organization for women.

Greeting Card Universe is pleased to offer our unique Red Hatters their very own one of a kind Red Hatters/Ladies in Red Hats Birthday cards to send and share. You’ll also find specially designed Red Hatter cards for other occasions and holidays. Ordering on-line is easy and we’ll put your card in the mail the next business day. Or take advantage of free in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at many Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Customers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“This card is special, Our son is graduating from fire fighters academy and I did not know there was a card like this. What a find. You have a customer for life.”- Janet – September 8, 2014

What Makes a Rosh Hashanah Card Special

admin on September 4, 2014

Rosh Hashanah is a very special holiday on the Jewish calendar, literally meaning “Head of the Year.” As a celebration of a new year, there are many traditional observances, rituals, and gatherings to mark its significance. That these are often symbolized by food—both that which is eaten together and more indirectly by images of the special foods—is no accident, but a reinforcement of cultural and spiritual practices. When you give a loved one or a friend a card to mark the holiday, you’ll often see very specific imagery and messages—both directly in language, and in the associated meaning of those special symbols.

Symbols and Their Traditional Meanings

Many holidays in this cultural tradition are celebrated by gathering together and sharing special foods. Below are listed some of the food items and their meanings, which will also be used in gifts and cards intended to mark the holiday.

Apples and Honey
These two items are often paired together on traditional greeting cards for Rosh Hashanah, but may also appear singly or grouped with other symbolic elements. They bring to mind the wish for sweetness in the upcoming year. Honey, is especially important as it is often consumed during traditional meals with special challah bread. This egg bread is usually eaten with salt, but during the New Year celebration, honey is eaten—again, with a wish for sweetness in our lives.

Traditionally, apples symbolize the roundness of the New Year, as well as the hope that it will be a fruitful time. They may be used as the “new fruit” that has not recently been eaten, since in many European and North American homes, September is also the beginning of apple season.

Pomegranates
These delicious and unusual fruits are commonly eaten during this time because it is said that they contain 613 seeds — the number of mitzvot in the Torah. These are the commandments or good deeds we are exhorted to enact, and thus, pomegranates are a sweet reminder of our traditional duties in the upcoming year.

Special Challah
As mentioned above, the traditional bread is often eaten with honey, rather than salt, at the time of Rosh Hashanah as a wish for sweetness in our upcoming year. Challah may be baked with raisins or other sweeteners to reinforce this wish. But another key difference in the bread is its shape. During the holiday, it is baked, not in a braid, but a smooth round or even a ladder shape. This symbolizes the hope for a smooth year, or the journey upwards to commune with god, respectively. When challah appears on greeting cards, it is usually in one of these modified forms, and is often paired with bees or a honey jar.

The Fish Head
Most western individuals not raised in the Jewish tradition might balk at this symbol, but it too is incredibly important in the celebration of the New Year. In many ancient cultures, the fish is a symbol of fertility or fruitfulness—this can also be symbolic of productivity and creativity. The fish head is a symbol of the wish to be a leader, rather than a follower in the upcoming year.

Shofar
This is a non-food element, but one of incredible importance that is often placed with other symbols on Rosh Hashanah cards. In fact, it may be seen as the single most significant element of the Holiday. It is a trumpet or musical horn made from the horn of a kosher animal. That animal cannot be a cow, because that calls to mind the sin of the Golden Calf. This sacred horn is sounded on both days of Rosh Hashanah, unless that falls on the Shabbat.

Other Popular Symbols
Some other popular images that hold significance for individuals celebrating this Holiday are the Walls of Jerusalem or the Western Wall. Both locations hold incredible sacred value within the tradition. The Tree of Life, Peace Dove, and Olive Branch themes are also very popular for New Year cards. You may wish someone a peaceful new year, a time in which to gather their blessings and reflect on the goodness in their lives, or a time in which to heal, love, and cherish those around them.

Special Rosh Hashanah cards are a wonderful way to let someone know how much you value them, both in the holiday time and all throughout the round of seasons. They are a fantastic way to connect or to reconnect with the ones you love during this time when wishes for sweetness, peace, and prosperity in the coming year are foremost in everyone’s thoughts. As well, they are wonderful reminders that, even if you are far from your loved ones, they are in your heart and thoughts during Rosh Hashanah, as you look forward into the new year, give thanks for what the old year has given, and take stock of all that is truly valuable in life.

The Golden Years

Corrie on September 3, 2014

Today’s seniors are staying fitter, healthier and more active after retirement. It’s not just about physical wellness, but mental, emotional and spiritual wellness that improves the quality of life for our older generation.

Studies suggest even moderate amounts of walking or other exercise can help stave off disease, keep the body flexible, promote healing and other positive benefits. Getting out and socializing—such as attending a senior center and participating in activities—assists mental focus and well-being.

We love our grandparents and want them to stay golden in their golden years. They are often the glue that helps keep families together. Greeting Card Universe celebrates Grandma and Grandpa (or Meemaw and Papaw, or Nana and Papa) with unique Grandparents Day cards including photo cards for you to personalize. We know how much they love pictures of the grandkids!

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I love cards and love Greeting Card Universe! You have so many beautiful and unique designs which I love sending to family and friends.When I am looking for something special you always have it. Great delivery service too!Thanks,”- Cathy – September 2, 2014

Saying Thanks to a Teacher

Corrie on August 27, 2014

Teachers work long hours preparing lessons for their students, grading tests and papers, taking care of necessary administrative tasks, and all the other work that goes above and beyond their job description, often including using their own money to purchase classroom supplies. During Teacher Appreciation Week (taking place annually on the first full week in May) we express our thanks to the awesome men and women who teach and care for our childen. We also send Teacher Thank You cards to show our gratitude. But what if you’d like to send a teacher a litlte somethign more in addition to a card?

Wonderful gifts for teachers include:

School supplies (grade level appropriate) such as glue, paper clips, binder clips, pencils, child friendly paints, etc. You can create a cool School Supply Cake as an artful presentation or just a tote bag of goodies
Age appropriate books for children to plump up the classroom library or toys/games with an educational bent that are fun to play.
A reusable lunch bag filled with rubber grading stamps, ink pads, and stickers for teachers to give out to students or a gift card to a book store or office supply store.
Homemade classroom decorations personalized to the teacher and made with love.

And when you want to celebrate a special event like a Teacher’s Birthday with a gift, include a unique card from Greeting Card Universe! Choose one of our special selection designed for the occasion, order on-line, personalize with your message, and we’ll mail your card the next business day. Or get free in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at many Target and Bartell Drug Stores across the USA.

What Are Happy Customers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“The card I ordered was just beautiful. I put a picture of my Aunt and Uncle on their wedding day and one of them now. You just don’t find Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary cards. They are going to love it but before their anniversay I am going to show all my friends!!! Thank you so much!!!” – Connie – August 22, 2014

Back To School For Teachers

Corrie on August 19, 2014

Teachers will also begin a new school year in late August or September and need to make lesson plans and get ther classrooms ready for their students. Teachers also need supplies like chalk, ballpoint pens, rubber bands, paper clips, markers—all the little things necessary to help their classes, their students, and themselves run smoothly and with minimum fuss.

The first day of school is perhaps the most challenging as teachers learn about their new students and their needs. To ease the stress, some teachers print “Welcome” brochures for students, plan a fun scavenger hunt for the class, help students make name plates, and other activities.

Greeting Card Universe respects those men and women who not only teach our children, but inspire them to reach their full potential. If you know a teacher who is getting ready for a new school year, send him or her encouragement with a unique Back to School For Teacher card created by one of our talented designers. Order on-line and we’ll mail your card the next business day OR get FREE in-store pick-up, usually in 1 hour, at many Target or Bartell Drug Stores across America.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I just received my cards today and they are beautiful! When I ordered my cards I forgot to use the promo code and ended up paying full price. I then called the customer service number and spoke with a very nice lady. She said someone would get back to me and sure enough I received a phone call the following day advising me that the discount would be applied to my order. Amazing customer service and great quality cards!” – Susan – August 12, 2014

Are Greeting Cards Still Relevant in the Social Media Age?

admin on August 12, 2014

are greeting cards still relevant?
We just don’t really send cards like we used to. Nowadays, if we want to get in touch with someone, we send a text, an email or a message via Facebook or one of the many social networking sites. Although the message gets to the intended recipient, if you really wish to make an impact on someone else, it’s best to rethink your strategy.

In a 2013 study conducted by the Royal Mail Group and UK-based market research firm YouGov, mothers were asked what type of gift they would like to receive on Mother’s Day. Choices included a day at the spa, going out for tea at the Ritz, being given time to relax or receiving a handwritten card. Surprisingly enough, almost half of the respondents – 48% – stated they would rather receive a handwritten card in lieu of a gift. That’s right! A handwritten card beat a pampering at the spa! And even when a gift is given, a full 83% of women stated that Mother’s Day should always include a card.

Studies have been conducted that analyze why getting a card is so important. These studies compare the emotional response elicited when someone gets a card as opposed to getting a message via text, email or social media sites. The results are very clear – greeting cards elicit a deeper emotional response than any other method of communication, both for the sender and the receiver. Feelings of happiness are deeper, feelings of connection are stronger and feelings of concern more intense. After receiving a card, most people like to keep them for awhile. They love to get the card back out, hold it, open it, read it and feel that special emotion they felt when they opened the card for the first time.

Life is busy and we don’t always have time to head to the corner store to find a card for every need – and some stores carry a dismally small selection of cards from which to choose. At Greeting Card Universe, we have a card for nearly every occasion and if we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for let us know and we can create a new design just for you! If you’re in a time crunch your card can be printed and picked up in an hour at nearly 1,000 Target stores across the United States! With today’s technology, sending a card couldn’t be easier and the beneficiary of your thoughtfulness will definitely thank you!