Licensed to Grill

Mindy on May 27, 2011

You may not know, but May is National Barbeque Month. Who doesn’t love the fragrance of lighter fluid, the smell of burning charcoal, the aroma of meat (or fish or veggies) charring on the grill? Especially after the dreary winter months and April’s showers. And the good news is…this is only the beginning of BBQ season.

It’s true – Americans find grilling a healthier option, not to mention preferred to restaurant dining, and it’s a whole lot of fun. It’s an opportunity to gather friends and family together to celebrate the great outdoors on beaches, in parks and in millions of backyards every summer. Even the Neanderthals loved to barbeque! And these days, finding finger lickin’ backyard barbeque recipes to try is a snap, whether you’re a BBQ newbie or a seasoned Pitmaster.

Throughout the summer, barbeque grills and smokers are fired up at pool parties, beach parties, picnics, backyard BBQs, family reunions, clambakes, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, and anywhere folks gather outside to have a good time with good eats. Planning your party is half the fun. When you’ve picked out the goodies and stocked the cooler, choose one of our unique invitations at Greeting Card Universe to send your guests a smile.

Remembrance Never Dies

Mindy on May 20, 2011

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard…

Although Memorial Day (May 30) is coming up soon, and it’s a time to remember fallen heroes who gave their all for their country, it’s also an opportunity for you to do something for the men and women serving today in the U.S. Armed Forces, and make a real difference in their lives. You can support our troops  in a number of ways. Here are a couple of ideas:

Any Soldier Inc., is a volunteer organization and network that helps organize the effort to get stuff “from home” to deployed military members of every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces who don’t get much or any mail. You can pay them a visit to learn about how it works and find out what you can do.

Another volunteer organization, A Million Thanks, also helps you show your appreciation through organizing letters and cards to military men and women who need your support

Letters are by far the most requested items asked for by soldiers far from their country, their friends, their family, their home. Sending a card with a note inside not only helps brighten someone’s day, you could make a new friend. At Greeting Card Universe, we have lots of one-of-a-kind ways to say “thinking of you,” or “thanks” to a soldier, sailor, submariner, airman or Marine far from home who’s hoping to make a friendly connection.

This Memorial Day, remember the fallen, and remember those who serve, too.

   

Commemorating Fallen Soldiers

Mindy on May 15, 2011

After the civil war had ended in the United States, as many as 620,000 individuals had lost their lives. From soldiers killed in action to the destruction of entire cities, combined with massive outbreaks of infection and disease, it was the deadliest war in United States history. In honor of those who had died on both the Union and Confederate sides of the war, Decoration Day was established.

Later, the name was changed to Memorial Day and after the first world war, the meaning of the holiday was extended to all American soldiers who had died in all wars, not just the civil war. Today, Memorial day is still as relevant as ever, with the thousands of American Soldiers who have died in the War on Terror, since it began in 2003. Memorial day marks a perfect opportunity for sending a Loss of Serviceman Sympathy Card. if you know a family who has recently lost a loved one.

For the families of the more than 1 million soldiers in active duty within the United States Armed Forces, Memorial Day marks a great opportunity to send out a message to Support Our Troops! Other families enjoy sending out Patriotic Cards or if you are planning a party, Memorial Day Party Invitations may better suit your needs.

Throughout the United States, it would be challenging to find a family who’s life has not been affected by the United States Armed Forces. From the early wars over slavery to today’s war on terror, the American lifestyle is a testament to those who have fought for our rights and freedom.

If you haven’t mailed out a card lately to the servicemen and servicewomen in your life, there is still time to pick your card, add your message and send your card to them in time for Memorial Day!

Your Tour Of Duty Memorial Day Party Invitation Thank You

Letters From Home

Mindy on May 12, 2011

Since 1949, Americans have joined other countries around the world in celebrating Armed Forces Week (beginning 2nd Saturday in May), culminating in Armed Forces Day (3rd Sunday in May). Every U.S. military branch – Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard – is recognized, remembered and honored. This year, Armed Forces Day falls on May 21st.

If you know an active military service member, now’s a great time to send a heart-warming greeting card. It’s a great way to stay in touch – tell a loved one you miss them, support our troops, or thank a friend for their dedication to duty and service to their country. Sending cards and letters is so important because nobody appreciates mail from friends and family like a man or woman serving far away from home!

At last! In sight of home again,
Of home again;
No more to range and roam again
As at that bygone time?
No more to go away from us
And stay from us? –
Dawn, hold not long the day from us,
But quicken it to prime!
—Thomas Hardy

If you haven’t already gotten in touch with your favorite soldier, sailor, airman or Marine, there’s plenty of time to pick a unique card, add your own message, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Order 10+ cards and Save! Pay $3.00 $2.49 per card. Use code 2011MAY249 – Ends May 13, 2011.

Mother’s Day Is Only A Week Away!

Mindy on April 29, 2011

Mother’s Day is by far the most common opportunity to honor your mother, whether she lives around the corner or on the other side of the country. Sending out a Mother’s Day card is the most traditional form of celebration for this annual holiday and offers you a wonderful opportunity to express your heartfelt love and appreciation for her role in your life.

It is true that behind every influential person in our world, there is a loving and supportive mother. This blog post is going to detail a few quotes that you can add to your card, or use as inspiration for your personal message to your mother on mother’s day.

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field,
Since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B. Vermont

I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me.
They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincoln

Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother. ~Oprah Winfrey

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best,
But his mother the longest. ~Irish Proverb

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which
You will always find forgiveness. ~Honoré de Balzac

I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine –
She helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. ~Terri Guillemets

Taking the time to send a heartfelt message to your mother on Mother’s Day is truly the least you can do. The truth of the matter is that mothers deserve to be honored every day, but that simply doesn’t happen for most people. Take the time to choose the perfect mother’s day card, add your own personal message and possibly an inspiring mother’s day quote to make this one day extra special for her!

With only 5 full business days left until Mother’s Day, if you haven’t personalized and mailed out your card already, the time to act is now!

Happy Mothers Day Happy Mother’s Day Happy Mother’s Day Card

Easter: Its Beginnings and Its Cross-Cultural Traditions

Mindy on April 22, 2011

Easter Greeting CardFor the very little ones in the family, Easter 2011 will be the first Easter they celebrate. For others, this is one of many Easters that have been enjoyed throughout the course of their lifetimes. While having the fortune of celebrating many Easters is a good thing, one unfortunate outcome is we experience so many Easters we start to take the holiday for granted. The origins of Easter become somewhat peripheral and that is a great shame. Easter truly is a vaunted and valuable holiday for many which is why its history and traditions are so well worth remembering and honoring.

Easter is frequently considered the most important of all Christian holidays. Yes, it can be considered even more important that Christmas. The Christian tradition of Easter entails celebrating and memorializing the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his passing from crucifixion. This holiday is intended to acknowledge the divine nature of Jesus and to reflect on his ascent into heaven for the forgiveness of humankind’s sins.

So, where does the Easter Bunny fit in?

No, this is not stated as a flippant segue. It is simply stated so bluntly that when we do not reflect on 2,000 years of history we lose some insights into the totality of a holiday’s tradition. The Easter Bunny is a whimsical symbol of the Easter Holiday that emerged innocuously and became far more popular than people imagined.

In many ways, the concept of an Easter Bunny is similar to that of Santa Claus. The Easter Bunny rewards young children for being good by providing them with candies, toys, bright colored eggs, and sometimes even Easter greeting cards. The image of the rabbit as a gift giver likely dates back to the Holy Roman Empire and, like many Roman/Pagan symbols, it was incorporated into Christian symbolism and given a more positive image and meaning. The symbol of the rabbit in pre-Christian Rome was representative of fertility and is a far cry from the wholesome image the Easter Bunny presents today.

The modern concept of The Easter Bunny dates back to the 17th century in Germany. The concept of an Easter Bunny helped children too young to understand the full significance of Easter to enthusiastically celebrate it.

The Easter Bunny remained a German tradition almost exclusively until the 18th century when immigrants to America brought with them their culture and traditions. There clearly was a huge benefit to welcoming the Easter Bunny to the new world: he helped children behave! Remember, only those children that were good would receive bright colored eggs in a basket on Easter morning. The promise of such a gift could certainly motivate a young one to behave properly.

The holiday of Easter, like so many holidays, can be considered an amalgam of various cultural traditions. In many ways, this is a good thing because it allows the holiday to remain perennially popular.

Two important holidays approaching quickly in May!

Mindy on April 14, 2011

As spring time continues to roll right along, it is time to start thinking about two of the most important spring holidays, Mother’s day and Nurse’s day! Every child comes into this world unable to truly fend for their own. From the start, our survival is reliant on our mother for their nurturing and care. For many in our world, whether disabled or elderly, we become reliant on nurses for our care and survival. This year, Nurse’s Day lands on Friday, May 6th followed closely by Mother’s Day on Sunday May 8th.

Nurse’s Day is actually the first day of Nurse’s Week which runs from May 6th to May 12th, every year. Nurses Day and ultimately Nurse’s week are designed to celebrate the commitment and dedication of nurses across the country. Many formal events take place including banquets, workshops and dinner parties. Traditionally, this is a great time of year for you to honor and appreciate any nurses who help make your life easier. Whether they are taking care of you, or taking close care of a loved one, taking the time to send a Nurse’s Day Card will help you to be sure they feel appreciated for the challenging work they do.

A couple of days later, on the 8th of May, falls Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays which is honored in just about every culture. Although the specific dates and traditions do vary from culture to culture, generally cultures observe the holiday in the spring time. Some believe this holiday has become over commercialized requiring expensive gifts and elaborate plans, but this is simply not true. The most powerful gift you can offer on Mother’s Day is expressing your love and appreciation for the role they have played in your life. Sending her a heart filled Mother’s Day Card offers you the opportunity to make her feel loved, which is the greatest gift you can give.

You live a busy life filled with people and technology. It is important that you take the time needed to stay connected with the people you care about. Taking advantage of our print on demand technology allows you to stay more connected with those you care about, while saving time and money. There are few people in our world who deserve appreciation and recognition more than mothers and nurses and coming up in early May, you will have your chance to join in on the celebration.

Nurses Are Superheroes Terriffic Mom Nurses Are Real Angels

Giving Office Personnel Their Due: Administrative Professionals Day

Mindy on April 8, 2011

Administrative Professionals Day CardWhere would most businesses be without administrative professionals helping management achieve its mission? In the most basic of terms, you could say management would be in a lot of trouble. Administrative professionals are a vital and enormous help to a company. That is why it is appropriate these workers are honored with Administrative Professionals Day.

Originally dubbed Secretary’s Day, this holiday experienced a name change to Administrative Professionals Day for a good reason. A great many people play a large role in the proper functioning of an office. So, the holiday seeks to honor not only secretaries but also mailroom personnel, receptionists, typists, carriers, and all other forms of office support help. And yes, this also includes loyal interns.

The actual date in which Administrative Professionals Day falls upon changes from year to year. It is celebrated on the last Wednesday of April and on 2011 this would be the 27th.

Most people are unaware of this particular holiday. This leads many to believe it is a relatively new concept. Actually, Administrative Professionals Day has been in existence since 1952! It was the brainchild of a publicist named Harry F. Klemfuss and was originally titled National Secretaries Week. June 4th, 1952 become the unofficial National Secretaries Day to draw targeted attention to a full week of honoring such professionals.

In time, the name and the dates were changed. However, it does not remain a popular holiday in many circles. That is a very unfortunate state of affairs and most businesses are well advised to pay homage to Administrative Professionals Day. Such workers do deserve their due and a nod to their talents would be in the best interest of all. From a motivation and morale perspective, this would make tremendous sense.

The work performed by an office support can be arduous and overwhelming. The proper performance of such duties is a must for any business to function. However, it is not always easy for an office support staff to handle such responsibilities. By setting aside one day out of the year to honor them, a company can go a long way towards making the employees feel appreciated.

That is why this April 27, 2011 needs to be a special one. Management should break out a few party favors and pastries and let the staff know they are appreciated.   An Administrative Professional’s Day card can go a long way as well!   Doing so will deliver a host of positive benefits…and it may also end up being a lot of fun, too.

Are You Ready For The Spring Holidays?

Mindy on April 1, 2011

This is no April fools joke… Many of the most celebrated Spring holidays are right around the corner! With all of the preparations that go into a family holiday celebration, the right holiday cards or invitations are a key component. By purchasing your spring holiday cards now, you will be sure to be prepared as the holidays approach.

Spring is full of growth and new life. For many cultures and religions, Spring is time for many significant holidays or traditions. Three significant holidays in particular are in just a few weeks.

The first major holiday approaching is Passover 2011. Falling on April 19th, Passover is a holy day and a great festival in the Jewish faith. Although a 7 day holiday, generally only the first day is nationally recognized. Sending Passover Cards is one of the best ways to join in on the celebration of honoring one of the most important events in Jewish and Hebrew history, especially if you are not able to be a part of the celebration in person.

The next holidays in April include two Christian holidays in Good Friday and Easter. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and falls on the 22nd of April. Easter commemorates the resurrection day of Jesus Christ. Many families have made a tradition of sending Good Friday Cards and Easter Cards as a way in continuing to share their faith with those they care about most.

The last holiday to remember this month is more of a work place holiday than a religious holiday. Admin Professionals Day falls on Wednesday, April 27th and offers you a wonderful opportunity to express your gratitude and appreciation for the administrative professionals who help your workplace function smoothly. The simple act of sending out Admin Professionals Day Cards will boost employee morale and engagement.

April offers you many wonderful opportunities to reach out to those you care about most. Taking the time to send our a personalized card is becoming a bit of a lost art, but we are here to make it easier and more affordable than ever! We at Greeting Card Universe hope you enjoy a wonderful spring season that is filled with family, love and laughter.

Passover Card Easter Card Admin Professionals Day Card

Spring Is Near!

Mindy on March 10, 2011

For many Americans, the thought of spring sounds like relief from a long and cold winter. After months of clouds, rain and snow, it is time for the sun to warm the fields and melt the snow. Spring is the time when families begin to plan picnics in the park and for some cultures, it is also the time of the new year!

The first day of spring marks the Persian New Year, also known as NoRooz, a tradition that has been celebrated for nearly 2000 years. NoRooz means ‘new day’ and not only marks the day to start the new year, but also the day to start the life giving season of Spring! With under 2 weeks left of winter, now is the best time to send out Persian New Year Cards.

Another holiday that is just around the corner in spring is Easter. This year, Easter falls on Sunday April 24th, and marks a day that brings many families together, around the world. Traditional celebrations include picnics and large family gatherings where great feasts are enjoyed and the children participate in Easter egg hunts. Our selection of Easter Cards offers you access to the highest quality artist created cards online!

The last holiday you need to remember this Spring is Admin Professionals Day. From small businesses to multi-national corporations, administrative professionals have been helping busy executives for years. Admin Professionals Day is on Wednesday, April 27th and offers you the chance to say thank you to all of the people who help keep your business running smoothly. Take the time to send out Admin Professionals Day Cards, this year!

With GCU’s help, sending out cards becomes quick and easy! Take the time to reach out to those you care about this spring. Sending out unexpected greeting cards to your friends, family members and co-workers offers you a great opportunity to express your gratitude in a way that will surely make them feel appreciated.

Happy NoRooz Card Happy Easter Card Admin Professional Day Card