5 Things to Know About Rosh Hashana

Corrie on July 29, 2013


Rosh Hashana marks the Jewish New Year and is celebrated around the world. The date is based on the Hebrew lunar calendar and changes every year. In 2013, Rosh Hashana begins at sundown on September 4 and ends at sundown on September 6.

  1. What’s the Religion Behind The Holiday? In the Jewish faith, on Rosh Hashana, God opens and writes in three books: one records the righteous; the second, the wicked; and the third, the names of those who hang in the balance. During the Days of Awe (the period between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur), people atone for their sins. It’s customary to attend services during this time.
  2. What Do People Say to Each Other? The traditional greeting, “l’shana tova tikatevu ve’tikhatemu” means “may your name be written and sealed for another year” and refers to #1. May be abbreviated to l’shana tova.
  3. What Do People Eat? Traditional foods during Rosh Hashana are honey and apples, symbolizing a “sweet” New Year. In addition, some families hold a Rosh Hashana seder – a ritual meal.
  4. What’s With the Horn? The shofar – a ram’s horn – is blown to awaken the faithful and as a remembrance of Abraham, whom God commanded to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1-13).
  5. What Else Happens? The Days of Repentance begin on Rosh Hashana. People are encouraged to meditate on their actions over the past year and if possible, make amends to anyone they may have wronged in some way.

Greeting Card Universe helps you celebrate with unique Rosh Hashana cards for all your friends, family, loved ones, co-workers, neighbors, and everyone else in your life.

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What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Probably the best selection of cards I’ve seen – will definitely be the first place I look for a card in the future.” – Carlo, July 18, 2013

Gorgeous Grandma Day

Corrie on July 23, 2013


July 23 is Gorgeous Grandma Day!

In many families, grandmothers are the bridge between past and present, raising their sons and daughters, and spoiling their grandsons and granddaughters. They are the repository of the family’s history. Through their memories, relatives who were lost live on.

A gorgeous grandma smiles often, laughs oftener, and hands out more hugs than cookies. She’s gorgeous because she’s lived through many decades and wears her experience like a medal of honor. She has the wisdom to accept bittersweet moments, the spirit to withstand loss, and the heart to appreciate the sweetness life can offer. She loves and is loved.

GCU appreciates all gorgeous grandmothers. To get in touch and let your gorgeous grandma know how much you love her, we offer unique, beautiful Thinking of You Grandmother cards. Can’t wait for mail delivery? Order on-line and pick up your card free – usually in 1 hour of less – at participating Target and Bartell Drug stores.

SPECIAL: Buy 5+ cards, get 10% OFF and FREE SHIPPING in the US! Use code 2013JULY10

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Probably the best selection of cards I’ve seen – will definitely be the first place I look for a card in the future.” – Carlo, July 18, 2013

Gay/Lesbian Weddings

Corrie on July 9, 2013


With same-sex marriage currently allowed in twelve US states, and public acceptance and local/federal government support continuing to grow, more gays and lesbians are tying the knot with their committed life partners.

Some choose a ceremony at a courthouse or City Hall. Others plan to go all the way with an elaborate ceremony, lots of guests and wedding party attendants, and a big reception. Either way, a wedding is a celebration of love between two people who want to spend the rest of their lives together.

Here are a few tips to help your wedding planning and ceremony go a little smoother:

Marriage License: There can be a waiting period of 2-3 days before you receive your license. Once the license is issued, there’s usually a 6-month expiration date (but not always).  Your officiant can also, in most cases, obtain and file the marriage license for you. Ask if you aren’t sure.

Wedding Services: Need a cake, bridesmaid and/or groomsmen outfits, flowers, catering, photographer, venue, planner, band/DJ, or other service for your wedding? Unfortunately, as has sometimes been reported in the news,  not all businesses are gay/lesbian friendly. Ask friends, family, co-workers or even your officiant for referrals to companies that will provide your services with a smile.

No to Man and Wife: The traditional wedding ceremony includes the officiant saying, “I now pronounce you man and wife.” For obvious reasons, this isn’t going to work for a gay/lesbian wedding. What to substitute? You can write your own vows, of course—a popular option—or try going with, “I now pronounce you partners for life.”

Name Change: Some men and women want to change their names after the wedding to signal their new married status and/or add their partner’s name to their own. For the least amount of hassle, first request a certified copy of your marriage license from the courthouse after it’s been registered, then follow these simple directions.

Greeting Card Universe is proud to offer unique Gay/Lesbian Wedding Invitations and if you’re a friend of the brides or grooms, Gay/Lesbian Wedding Congratulations cards because love is about what’s in your hearts, not what’s in your pants.

SPECIAL: Order 5+ cards, get 10% off and FREE SHIPPING in the US! Use code 2013JULY10 at checkout

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I love these cards. The animal ones are especially wonderful. The quality is excellent. Thank you so much.” – Lynne, June 8, 2013


The Red, White and Blue American Flag

Corrie on July 3, 2013


The Fourth of July is the United States’  Independence Day, celebrated throughout the country from coast to coast with fireworks, barbecues, and trips to the park or beach. Patriotic Americans display the flag with pride. But why is the “Stars and Stripes” colored red, white, and blue?

When the American flag was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777, the colors weren’t assigned specific meanings. However, the Great Seal of the United States of America (see above) contained these colors which did have significance.

Red stood for valor and hardiness.

White stood for innocence and purity.

Blue stood for justice, perseverance, and vigilance.

What about the stripes and stars themselves? The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies that won their independence from Britain. The 50 stars symbolize the 50 American states.

How should you display an American flag or properly dispose of a damaged flag? Learn more about flag etiquette here.

Greeting Card Universe wishes all our friends a very happy and safe Fourth of July 2013! Need last minute Fourth of July cards? No problem! Just use our free service. Order on-line and pick up your cards—usually in 1 hour or less—at most local Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

SPECIAL: Order 5+ cards, get 10% OFF AND FREE SHIPPING IN THE US! Use code 2013JULY10

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Very seldom do I find cards that convey my personal heartfelt messages that fit perfectly every special occasion or event. The quality of the card stock used and the outstanding workmanship on the finished card made my special messages even more special.” – Marta, June 30, 2013

“Stay-cation” for Pets

Corrie on June 24, 2013


Lots of folks take time off in summer to travel—just head out to a destination to enjoy relaxing, rewinding, and recharging a few days to a few weeks. But what about pets? Some owners place dogs or cats in a kennel, but others opt to give their pets a “stay-cation” at home by hiring a pet sitter.

What should you look for in a pet sitter?

References: Has the pet sitter been recommended to you by a trusted friend, family  member, neighbor, veterinarian, or co-worker? If their references consist primarily of people you don’t know, be sure to call former clients on the list and ask about the potential sitter’s prior experience and conduct.

Qualifications: Does the sitter have the necessary experience and training to take good care of your pet? A professional pet sitter should have:

  • An association with a vet providing after-hours medical care if necessary
  • Proof of commercial liability insurance & bonded against theft
  • Written contract spelling out all services, responsibilities, and costs
  • An agreed-upon plan in place in case of emergency
  • An appointment to come to your home and meet your pet before you leave
  • Specialized training for the more exotic pets like snakes, lizards, etc.

Professionalism: Does the sitter take notes about your pet’s likes, dislikes, schedule, medication, medical conditions? What if they’re unable to fulfill their responsibilities while you’re still away—do they have a back-up plan? Do they offer other services like in-home grooming, playtime, walking the dog? If requested, will they contact you regularly and give updates on your pet’s condition?

To show a pet sitter your appreciation for helping provide you with a worry-free vacation, Greeting Card Universe offers unique Thank You Pet Sitter cards, including customizable Photo Cards.


What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“This is ABSOLUTELY the BEST place to purchase any type of card that you want/need! I have told bunches of friends/family to use! Thank you every much for everything! I will be ordering in the future just as I have been! Denise Tennessee” – Denise, June 18, 2013

Summer Camp By the Numbers

Corrie on June 18, 2013


June is National Camping Month and the beginning of summer fun for children who attend summer camp or summer day camp during the school holiday.

Apart from getting the kids out of Mom and Dad’s hair, summer camp gives children the opportunity to learn skills not taught in school, build social skills with their peers, enjoy physical activity and exercise, and increase confidence and independence – all of which will help later in life with higher education and the job market.

With the average child spending 7.5 hours a day engaged with  electronic media like computers and TV, going to summer camp is an opportunity to learn without distractions, get healthier, participate in real life adventures, enjoy nature, and interact with positive adult role models.

Did you know…

  • Parents generally send their kids to summer camp for an average of eight weeks.
  • More than 11 million children attend summer camp each year.
  • The most popular special summer camps in the US are basketball, cooking, LEGO, and writing.
  • The first  summer camp for children  in America started in 1861.
  • The US has more than 12,000 summer and day camps for kids.

Greeting Card Universe helps you keep in touch with your son or daughter with special Summer Camp/Letters From Home cards that tell your child how much you’re thinking about them and missing them. Kids love getting “snail mail” at summer camp – it’s a physical connection to home and a reminder of their parent’s love and care.

SPECIAL: Buy 5+ cards, get 10% off and free shipping in the US! Use code 2013JUNE10


What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I am thrilled with the card from Greeting Card Universe. The process to customize was really simple and the results are just what I wanted.”- Marian, June 12, 2013

Five Fun Facts for Father’s Day

Corrie on June 12, 2013


Father’s Day, celebrating fatherhood and paternal bonds, has been officially observed in the United States on the third Sunday in June since President Richard Nixon proclaimed the holiday in 1972. In honor of the men their sons and daughters call “Dad,” here are five fun facts about Father’s Day.

  1. The United States has twice as many hardware shops and three times as many sporting goods shops than men’s clothing stores. Yet for the 70.1 million fathers in the U.S., neckties remain the #1 most popular gift (although men themselves would rather receive electronics).
  2. Older kids and family members love taking Dad out to dinner or on a special outing like a sporting event – $1.9 billion is spent annually on these activities for Father’s Day.
  3. What are the most popular sayings or “Dadisms” attributed to fathers? “You’re going out looking like that?” and “There’s nothing a little duct tape won’t fix.”
  4. 72% of Americans celebrate Father’s Day in some way.
  5. More than 110 million greeting cards are exchanged on Father’s Day. A recent study shows about 50% of Father’s Day cards are sent to Dad; the other 50% are sent to grandfathers, uncles, sons, brothers, husbands, and other male relatives.

Greeting Card Universe’s unique collection of Father’s Day cards offers designs for Dad and every other man in your life who deserves a little love on such a special day.

SPECIAL:
Order 5+ cards, get 10% off and free shipping in the US! Use code 2013JUNE10 at checkout


What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was running late on ordering graduation announcements and started searching frantically online for a place to order. I came across Greeting Card Universe. I had never ordered from them before and was a little apprehensive. I was pleasantly surprised when my cards arrived in a timely fashion and they were beautiful. The quality far exceeded invites my friends had bought from the photographer. I will definitely shop here again.”- Dawn, June 11, 2013


National Cancer Survivors Day

Corrie on June 2, 2013


June 2 is National Cancer Survivors Day in the United States.

Through developments in modern medicine, the odds of surviving cancer have risen, which is good news since each year, more than 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with a form of cance4r. Almost everyone knows someone – a family member, friend, co-worker, or acquaintance – who has undergone cancer treatment. On National Cancer Survivors Day and every day in between, we celebrate those who have fought the disease and are now cancer free.

Greeting Card Universe helps you stay in touch by offering  Encouragement and Support For Cancer Patients or  Congratulations/Surviving Cancer cards with positive messages of hope and love.

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I wanted to send a card to Canada for a family bereavement & decided to look at options online rather than buy & post from home. I liked the choice available so went ahead & arranged for a personalised card to be sent from Greeting Card Universe. I was kept up to date via email with the process & delivery of my card which was within 2-3 days (much quicker than posting from UK) & very much appreciated. I wouldn’t hesitate to use your service again. Thanking you :-)” – Lorna, May 31, 2013

Memorial Day … Did You Know?

Corrie on May 25, 2013


In the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. The official national holiday honors the men and women who have died while serving  in the Armed Forces. It’s also an opportunity to thank military personnel for their service to their country and acknowledge the sacrifices they’ve made.

Here are some interesting facts about Memorial Day:

  • The holiday was originally called Decoration Day and began to be observed in 1868,  just after the Civil War.
  • Memorial Day became an official national federal holiday in 1971.
  • A red poppy is worn on Memorial Day in remembrance of fallen soldiers—the symbolism comes from a famous poem, In Flanders Field by Lt. Colonel John McCrae written in 1915.
  • For many Americans, Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer.
  • Across the country at 3 P.M. local time, a national moment of remembrance takes place.
  • In 1966, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed Waterloo, New York the official birthplace of Memorial Day.
  • Many cities and towns hold Memorial Day parades which include military and veteran’s organizations.
  • The Indianapolis 500 is held annually over the Memorial Day weekend.

Greeting Card Universe appreciates the sacrifices made by our service men and women. To help you thank a soldier, sailor, submariner, pilot, Marine, or other veteran in your life, or to remember a fallen hero, we offer a unique collection of Memorial Day cards including relationship specific so no one gets left out. Order on-line and we’ll mail your cards next business day!

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I was looking for a congratulatory card for a friend who was being ordained a deacon, so rather than travel to a religious store (too far from house) I checked out the internet. I found this company and a wide variety of cards available. It was here within the appropriate amount of time and saved me from having to travel to get a card. Thank you Greeting Card Universe…”- Kimberly, May 24, 2013

5 Tips For New Grandparents

Corrie on May 15, 2013


When a baby enters the family, everyone’s life changes — not just Mom and Dad, but new grandparents find themselves faced with unexpected challenges as well as joys. Here are 5 tips to help Grandma and Grandpa get off to a wonderful relationship with their grandchildren.

Stay Positive, Please: Telling sweet and/or funny stories about your own children will always be welcome. Horror stories, tales of woe, or heavy handed advice, won’t be.

Respect Parents’ Choices: If you expect to be a welcome part of the baby’s family, don’t be overly critical and keep your misgivings to yourself. You raised your children your way. Give the new parents the same  respect. And don’t be offended if you aren’t invited to attend every little event or your suggestions for the baby’s name aren’t taken.

Stay Put: Don’t go overboard by immediately planning to move to be closer to your grandchild. Have an open discussion with the new parents. And don’t jump straight into offering full-time child care to working parents unless you’ve really put some thought into it and decided you’re capable physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Share the Love: In many families, there are at least two sets of grandparents. Prepare to share the time you get to spend with your grandchildren. Get to know the other Grandmother and Grandfather. Be diplomatic, offer compromises on visits or trips, and don’t try to one-up them with bigger and better gifts.

Shopping Sprees Not Required: Don’t go crazy and buy up half the store! Ask the parents what they need for the new baby, and especially what they don’t want. Have an honest discussion. Perhaps the parents would prefer financial assistance instead to help offset expenses. If you don’t know what would be welcome, ask.

Greeting Card Universe’s unique collection of Congratulations on Becoming Grandparents cards are a wonderful way to welcome a family member or friend to this new, exciting stage of their life.


What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Shipping was brilliantly quick, pricing was fantastic, and the quality of the cards is second to none. GCU is far and away the best place to find and purchase greeting cards for any occasion, and any recipient. Bravo!”- Ron Erhardt, May 13, 2013