Occasionally Thoughtful

October 11 is National Coming Out Day in the United States and in countries around the world.

For many members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, “coming out” or telling  friends and family is similar to a rite of passage, a claiming of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. National Coming Out Day spotlights the civil rights issues still facing the global LGBT population and encourages awareness and action.

Greeting Card Universe offers customizable card designs for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals, families, and couples for most holidays and occasions including uncommon occasions like  Coming Out cards. Once you try our unique, one-of-a-kind selections and convenient service, you’ll never go back!

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“This was easy, no hassle and the card looked real nice. My partner received it the day of our anniversary and it was great! It took 5 days (two were Saturday and Sunday) would do this again, so simple.” – Helen, October 8, 2013

Ever since the concept of wheels on footwear appeared  in the early eighteenth century, roller skating has become part of world culture. Here are five interesting tidbits from the interesting and occasionally wacky history of roller skates.

1. The German ballet, The Artist, or Winter Pleasures in 1818 had an ice skating scene which was mimicked on stage by performers wearing roller skates. A couple of decades later, beer halls in Germany also introduced barmaids on skates to facilitate serving thirsty customers more quickly.
2. The modern quad roller skate was invented by American James Plimpton in 1863. His design permitted wearers to make curves and turns, allowing backward skating for the first time.
3. In 1983, roller blades—inline skates—begin to be produced. The concept of inline skates with the wheels in a row takes inspiration from an early nineteenth century design which didn’t catch on. One of the earlier inline skate designs was created by Joseph Merlin, who literally crashed a party in 1860 wearing wheeled boots.
4. Once roller skating rinks were opened to the public in late nineteenth century New York City, the popularity of the sport boomed. Activities began to include endurance roller skating contests in which participants skated around the rink for as long as possible. The last man still on his skates at the end won.
5. Today, roller skate based sports remain popular including roller hockey, roller derby, artistic skating, speed skating, and trick-based competitions.

Greeting Card Universe helps you let the good times roll with family and friends with Roller Skating Party Invitations. If you’re in a hurry, place your order on-line and roll off to your local Target store for free in-store pickup at most locations.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Bought a card for our one-yr-old twin granddaughters, and could not be more pleased. Great selection, easy site to order from, and shipped quickly. Plan to order more In the future.” – Sheila, October 2, 2013

The fourth Friday of September is designated unofficial National Love Note Day, when husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, and couples  of every age are encouraged to send love notes, cards, and letters of affection to one another.

In the digital age, when e-mail, social media interaction, and text messaging have become some of our primary means of communication, receiving a love letter from your sweetheart is special and unforgettable. Written words in a card or on paper last so much longer than pixels and bytes.

What do you put in a love letter? Whatever’s in your heart. Share your feelings, your hopes, your dreams. Be sincere. You don’t need poetry or fancy language – say what you mean. Take inspiration from your lover and the special connection you share.

Greeting Card Universe offers unique, one of a kind Love/Romance cards to help set the mood – from lighthearted and whimsical to sexy to meltingly romantic, you’ll find exactly the right message to send to your loved one.

Need a card in a hurry? Order on-line, get FREE in-store pickup at most Target and Bartell Drug stores!

What Are Happy Customers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I can rarely find the right sentiment from Hallmark and the rest, and I prefer to come up with my own messages and poems. Greeting Card Universe lets me do that from the convenience of my home at a fair price.”- Catherine – September 21, 2013

September 13 is International Chocolate Day, an unofficial holiday celebrating the world’s favorite confection: chocolate.

• Americans consume 10-12 pounds of chocolate annually (hopefully not at the same time!)
• Over half the world’s market in cocoa beans is imported into Europe (not surprising since the Swiss, for example, consume 21 pounds of chocolate a year!)
• The health benefits of eating 1 ounce of dark chocolate daily include helping the body fight cancer, boosting brain activity, reducing the chance of developing blood clots, increased libido, and mood elevation (in other words, sweets make you sweeter!)
• Hershey’s Kisses are named after the “smooching” sound made by the industrial machine that forms their unique shape (eating them point down or bottom up is a personal choice)

Greeting Card Universe offers National Chocolate Day cards and many other chocolate themed cards for a variety of occasions including birthdays for choco-holics of any age!

SPECIAL: Order 5+ cards, get FREE shipping in the US and 10% off! Use code 2013SEP10

What Are Happy Shoppers  Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I am thrilled to have found your site. I like to keep in touch with friends, and I am able to do so on a more personnal basis, with the option of customizing the cards. My people love getting these cards as they know that I have gone to a little bit more trouble to write them a personalized message. If they only knew how much easier it is than to stand at the drugstore for an hour trying to find the perfect card. I am in my pajamas, most of the time while shopping. Could not be anything easier.” – Pat -September 8, 2013

September is Women’s Friendship Month in the United States, an unofficial holiday celebrating our close ties with the women in our lives, like BFFs, family members, fellow students, spouses, and co-workers.

“The greatest sweetener of human life is friendship.
To raise this to the highest pitch of enjoyment, is a secret which but few discover.”
—Joseph Addison

Female friends…

• Know how to communicate with you.
• Provide support when you need it most and even when you don’t think you do.
• Help you make decisions by talking things out and sharing their perspective.
• Are always ready to hand out hugs, advice, and cocktails and/or tissues.

Celebrate your circle of women friends with Friendship cards from Greeting Card Universe and send a virtual hug to the ladies who prop you up and never put you down. Need a last minute card? No problem! Order on-line and pick up your cards free at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Excellent service, excellent choice for specific occasion cards, at a cost comparable to mass produced cards. When I had issues with delivery store, customer service came through with flying colors. I give GCU ***** on all counts.”- Jeanette – August 30, 2013

On August 26 every year, pet lovers in the United States celebrate National Dog Day, an unofficial observance honoring man’s best friend. According to the Humane Society, Americans own 78.2 million dogs and nearly half of all households have a dog.

Americans spend an estimated $50 billion a year on their pets—expenditures which include vet visits, food, toys, bedding, treats, necessities, and indulgences like Halloween costumes, hats, custom outfits, and grooming/salon visits.

Brand name companies are following the trend, offering high-end pet products. More hotels are pet friendly. Cutting edge technologies like owner/pet interaction apps and software, streaming TV for dogs and cats, and ID microchips grow increasingly common. Whether mutt or purebred, there’s no denying we love our dogs.

Dogs are a member of the family. When a beloved and cherished pet passes on, the loss is heart breaking. Pet Sympathy cards from Greeting Card Universe offer comfort to grieving owners with messages of sincere condolence, while Pet Remembrance cards give reassurance that the loss hasn’t been forgotten.

What are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I was very pleased with the card I chose from your company! It was so unique, and unlike anything I could find in any card store. The option of adding my own photo made it so personal. I know my daughter will love it! And the best part was the price, which was so reasonable, compared to the astronomical prices I saw on other websites! The prompt delivery time was also much appreciated. I will definitely be ordering from your company in the future. Thank you so much!”- Kathy, August 23, 2013

Today is National Senior Citizen’s Day, a US holiday proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. On this day, older persons are honored for their contributions and achievements.

People are living longer, healthier, more active lives thanks to modern medicine and a health conscious society. Retirement doesn’t mean the end—it’s just the beginning of a new phase. Getting older doesn’t mean becoming obsolete. These days, seniors continue to enjoy work, take on new challenges, travel, keep fit, and enjoy themselves.

If you know a senior citizen, take the time today to pay a visit. Do something special. Say thanks. Let them know how much you appreciate their knowledge and the wisdom gained from a lifetime of experience with a unique Thinking of You card from Greeting Card Universe. And a co-worker, friend, or family member on the verge of retiring will appreciate a personal Congratulations/Retirement card.

Need a card at the last minute? No problem! Order on-line and pick up your cards FREE at most local Target and Bartell drug stores.

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I received my 3 cards today and I am very pleased with them. They are exactly as was shown on the web page. I could not find the kinds of cards I was looking for anywhere in Ontario. Your web site and selection is awesome. I’m sure I will be using it again in the future. Thank you very much. ” – Laurie, August 20, 2013