Udemy Generic 728x90

Sydney Life Coaching

Life Coaching in Sydney

Introducing Bren Murphy, personal coach at The Life Coach - a progressive boutique agency offering positive psychology and mindset transformation.

Life coaching is a way to get unstuck and beat the overwhelm that can block life progress.  As a part of the diverse opportunities available in 2016 - people are increasingly seeking answers to their own questions of meaning and fulfillment.


Bren Murphy founded Kindness Australia - a non-profit start-up with a focus on bringing action to kindness in everyday life.

Bren Murphy is the Principal Designer at Organic Digital Agency - a boutique wordpress consultancy.

Read the Bren Murphy blog for candid updates and information.

Christmas Hampers 2015 Australia

Merry Christmas 2015!

Christmas Hampers Australia free delivery 2015
Christmas Celebrations will kick off around the world for Christmas 2015.  What a great time to share a Christmas Gift from Hunter Valley Hampers.

In Australia. we celebrate Christmas on December 25 in 2015, which falls on a Friday.

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is part of the Christmas story of the boy being born in a stable in Bethlehem.

Christmas was first celebrated around 335AD - and has been long associated with the winter solstice of northern Europe - where the shortest, darkest day and longest night of the year fell.

Christmas is from one of the pagan rituals of Saturnalia or the Greek Halcyon Days.  It is a time of celebration and an acceptance of the change of the season and of life.

Christmas Traditions like the adorned tree and hanging of mistletoe become part of the whole tradition as time evolved.  In Australia we have our own Christmas Plants to build traditions around like the Christmas Bush and Christmas Bells.

In Australia - Christmas is significantly impacted by the heat and summer and this means the white Christmas of northern tradition is not as relevant.  In Australia we celebrate sporting traditions at Christmas like the Boxing Day Test Cricket  and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Even the most simple things like having a large hot meal for Christmas lunch are not really relevant as the long hot summer day means that eating a smaller meal and perhaps being outdoors is more appropriate.

But one of the most successful traditions that still applies means that Christmas Hampers and Gift baskets are still as relevant as ever.  You can even send a delicious Fruit basket also. -

Go on - enjoy yourself!

Food and Wine Hampers

Food and Wine Matching

#foodandwinematching

#media-release-2015

When you are looking
for quick delivery and the ability to buy online - it is all about choosing a great local Australian hamper company.  Sometimes you could look at a fruit basket or a gift hamper as a way to deliver a gourmet meal to your home.  You can include a rare bottle of wine, from vintages from vineyards all over the Hunter Valley. 

Or, you might like to add chocolate or quality bath and body products - other people can't go past the gift ideas of condiments like jams and chutney.  For some reason it is always OK to give old people chutney - they just look at it and smile, put it at the back of the pantry and when it passes use by date, quietly chuck it in the bin and recycle the nice jar.

Australian Wine and Food

Fruit Hamper with a box of chocolates
Chocolates and Fruit Gift Hamper

#australianwineandfood

The whole idea about doing something to share Australia wine and food is that you are supporting a local Australian company and giving a wonderful opportunity for small producers to share their products.  

Personalized Corporate Gift Baskets are especially popular when you consider the amount of time and effort that goes into making these products.  Things like handmade jam, spices, grinds, honey and relish are all very time consuming to make and even finding the right recipe is something not easy even for the gift basket professional.,

Food and Wine Festival

#foodandwinefestival

The Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival is a month celebration of all that is to be adored in the beautiful Hunter Valley.  From the delicious handmade chocolates to the simply to die for pate, cheeses and condiments - you will find so many reasons to get out and about across the Hunter for the festival in 2015.

The Gourmet Basket Australia

#thegourmetbasketaustralia


Cookies in a bag with fruit basket
Fruit Basket with Cookies
The most popular gift baskets are gift hampers by far - these make up a large part of our corporate orders and businesses like to send them as business to business or b2b gifts.  As a referral gift, a gift basket or fruit hamper is simply adorable for the recipient - imagine the sheer delight of taking a knock at the door and you find that you have a beautiful fresh fruit basket waiting for your free delivery.

Basket Gifts

#basketgifts

For the ultimate hampers, there are some real insider tips to share.  The first thing is to make sure you are getting Australian local produce - there is nothing as galling as finding you have paid a premium price for a bundle of old stock that has been shipped halfway around the world.  For this simple reason - budget and affordable hampers are really a bit of an oxymoron.  Stay true to yourself and follow your dreams and share only the best local Aussie food and wine.

Send a Hamper

#sendahamper

The most extensive ranges of high end premium hampers are available from reputable companies like Hunter Valley Hampers - which offers brilliant service for both gourmet hampers and fruit baskets.  You might also try FruitBaskets.net.au - new to the scene - these local lads have brought all the chutzpah and entrepreneurial zing that you would expect from a couple of twenty-something gays.  It is something we all love to see - people really connecting with what they do and finding a state of flow making a meaningful difference in the world.

Gourmet Gift Hampers

#gourmetgifthampers

When we had to send a gift to a bigwig from head office, we thought it would be nice to actually go out for dinner with him and the team and really relish the moment.  But then, we had a reality check and remembered just how much of a pompous twit he actually was - and how we simply could not tolerate spending hours in his company - no matter how expensive the restaurant. 

So we did the next best thing - sent him a glorious masterpiece hamper from the Hunter Valley and we ticked all the boxes.  Thanks given and we didn't have to spend an evening with him leering at my girlfriend or breathing his toxic breath in my direction.

Gourmet Baskets

#gourmetbaskets



2014 Best Blogs - Cupcake Recipes Australia

Every year we do a round up of the most popular blog posts from the past twelve months and feature the best of list in an article.  This is it!  Welcome to the best 2014 blog posts from Australian Cupcake recipes!

1 - Australian Hampers Fresh Bananas



As a strong structural component of a fruit basket, bananas make a great staple ingredient and add colour and textural variety to each fruit hamper. 

We love putting bananas in a hamper as they hold the whole display together and are a great eating fruit for people who have tooth/dietary restrictions. 

In Australia, bananas come under the three main types, even though there are hundreds of varieties in all types of colours and sizes.  The three main varieties are Cavendish, Lady Finger and Plaintain and these are the types you are likely to encounter at your local fruit and vegetable markets.

Cavendish – these are the typical bananas you eat everyday – these are the bananas you are most likely to encounter in a Hunter Valley Hampers Fruit Basket.
Lady Finger – a small, squat banana with a lemony flavour – makes great school lunchbox filler although can be a tad more expensive than your cavendish.

2 - Recommended Fruit Baskets in Sydney


Getting a Fruit Basket Delivered in #Sydney is simple once you know a bit about Fruit Baskets and Fruit #Hampers. 

The #quality of the fruit is the most important thing when you are talking #fruit hampers in Sydney.

Next, you should be concerned about the #quantity of the fruit - as in how much you are actually getting in your fruit #hamper. 

3 -  Fruit Basket Recipes - Make Your Own



Featuring the finest reviews and resources from original and innovative award winning articles, this months round up of the very best of the internet in connection with picnic basket and fruit bouquet suggestions features an article on fruit lowering your wellness risks, the strength of freezing reducing fresh fruit spoilage and some handy tips on preserving and keeping your fresh fruit over summertime.

Free Shipping Fruit Baskets

One of the most potent ideas for edible bouquets is distributing hampers for men when they are sick or ill or during a healthcare facility break. We create so many gift baskets for delivery to hospital for every event and particularly when customers are searching for a flower alternative.

4 - Fruit Hampers Info



When you want to send a Fruit Hamper or Fruit Basket, there are three things you need to keep in mind.  Making sure you are getting value for money, getting a generous fruit arrangement, and being able to rely on an experienced designer to create you fruit hamper. 

Importantly, it is not about the sheer convenience of using a local florist - there is a distinct difference between a florists' effort and the generous market fresh of a true fruit hamper specialist.

 Getting Value for Money


Fruit Hampers Info offers a simple pricing schedule of $59 small, $79 large and $99 Grande.  Most times you will be satisfied with a small, as it is generous enough for a couple of people to have a few serves of fruit over the week.

For a bigger impact, go Grande and share the benefits of larger fruits, more diversity and seasonal gems as they are available.  Be aware that a florists' idea of a fruit basket - and the small size of counted fruit pieces - like eight pieces of fruit in an edible arrangement for $80.

Thank you for staying in touch with this blog - we are truly grateful for all the awards and recognition we have achieved - as well as promoting the power and success of Australian Cupcakery more widely.  Go on Australia - get out there and bake!

Fruit Basket Recipes - Make Your Own


christening gifts
Christening Gifts
Featuring the finest reviews and resources from original and innovative award winning articles, this months round up of the very best of the internet in connection with picnic basket and fruit bouquet suggestions features an article on fruit lowering your wellness risks, the strength of freezing reducing fresh fruit spoilage and some handy tips on preserving and keeping your fresh fruit over summertime. 

Free Shipping Fruit Baskets


One of the most potent ideas for edible bouquets is distributing hampers for men when they are sick or ill or during a healthcare facility break. We create so many gift baskets fro delivery to hospital for every event and particularly when customers are searching for a flower alternative.

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death and disability in Australia in 2014. Each year, around 65,000 people suffer from congestive heart failure and 13,000 sustain a stroke. However a brand new study finds that the risk of contracting cardiovascular disease could be decreased by up to 40 %, simply by consuming fresh fruit every day.

I know this may not be news to many of anyone, but it merely highlights the power of the fruit basket and fresh birthday gifts whenever you wish to send healthy gifts. It's not a big deal to send baby gift baskets made of fresh fruit to celebrate the arrival of a newborn - or in the very same breath to share your condolences and sympathy when a friend passes away.

Hampers for Men


The fresh fruit basket research team, led by Dr. Guaidonk Duko from the College of Oxbridge in the UK, recently offered their findings at the International Community of Cardiology Congress 2014. The fidings were definite in favor of edible bouquets and get well soon gifts being made of fresh fruits and that eating and sharing healthy gifts makes a big difference in manifesting good lifestyles.

The outcomes of their send a basket of fruit research study came from an analysis of 351,992 people from five rural and five urban areas of Asia who were a part of the China Chinoodir Biobank - a study set up to investigate genetic and environmental causes of chronic illness. It showed that fruit has an impressive effect of restoring gift choices less difficult.

Dr. Duker notes that several studies have indicated that improvements in diet and lifestyle, like sharing a free shipping fruit hamper are critical to minimizing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). But she reveals that most of these research studies have originated from Western countries, with very few from China. In China giving gift baskets and chocolate covered strawberries as thank you gifts is common.

picnic basket
picnic basket

Get Well Soon Gifts


"China has a different pattern of CVD," explains Dr. Dupre, "with stroke as the main trigger compared to Western countries where ischemic heart illness is more widespread. Previous studies have integrated ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, probably due to the minimal number of stroke instances in their data sets.".

She adds that provided the difference in risk factors and physiology between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, the group was particularly curious about how fruit ingestion influenced the risk of these stroke subtypes.
The more fruit consumed daily, the lower the risk of CVD - specifically when combined with the prosperous and generous giving quality of fruit basket delivery Sydney. Truffles and chocolate bouquets may not inspire in you among the most healthy state of mind - but when stabilized with edible arrangements and thank you gifts, they perform.

At the start of the study, the scientists asked the attendees exactly how much fresh fruit they ingested. Fruit eating was broken down into 5 categories: never, monthly, 1-3 days a week, 4-6 days a week or so as well as everyday.

gift hampers and hampers for men
gift hampers and hampers for men

Personalised Baby Gifts


The research showed that devouring more fruit triggered lower levels of disease and more popularized feelings of wellness and well being. Get well gifts and fruit basket delivery is not just out the gift box - it's also about the pamper hamper, the get well soon gifts and the hampers for men.

While we recommend sending fresh fruit same day for delivery, fruit basket delivery Sydney is still not possible without having chilling and cool room storing. When trying to find thank you gifts and chocolate fruit baskets keep in mind the systems used for free shipping and same day delivery.

A giant English superstore chain is spending $23 million to accelerate its fresh produce quantity with a multi-store operation to enhance chilling systems, while also forming its production and logistics sites. This helps supply Christmas hampers and gifts for delivery across the UK.

Get Well Soon Gifts
Get Well Soon Gifts

Fruits Basket


A spokesperson mentioned to www.fruitbaskets.net.au the financial investment formed part of the merchants three-point plan; speeding up, prioritizing and chilling out fresh fruit for fantastic edible arrangements.

The main aim is to lengthen the shelf life of fresh fruit for gift baskets and vegetables by maintaining them cool for longer, and reducing waste in the process. The spokesperson declared that for every hour a product was un-chilled, it shed eight hours of life in the home - this is actually essential when you think of birthday gifts for delivery.

The next fruit I freeze on a routine basis is bananas. I get them weekly for the relatives. Sometimes they eat all of them very quickly and occasionally not at all. When the bananas start to get the dark spots, I don't like them.

Baby Hampers Sydney


This is specifically crucial when you're sending a basket for delivery. So, just as they are, peeling and all, in the fridge they go. Bear in mind they will turn black in the fridge freezer but it's only the peeling that changes color. The inside is still ideal. The bananas thaw out quickly. But remember when they thaw, they aren't solid but are great for banana bread and smoothies.

Strawberries are very easy to prep and freeze. I just rinse, pluck the, stalk, cut and drop right into the freezer bag. It's a quick and straightforward method. Now I have strawberries ready at any time for smoothies or strawberry pretzel salad when requested. Strawberries are a perfect gift box addition to make your pamper hamper look ideal.

Apples are a varied story for myself. I often tend not to chill them raw. I don't like exactly how quickly these guys turn brown. I understand lemon juice will certainly keep them from turning brown, but, in my point of view, they still turn color. I prefer to prepare them first, then freeze them in my freezer bags. Take some of the numerous fruits in your picnic basket and freeze them.

Chocolate Gift Baskets


It gets a bit longer in order to prep and stew them, but it deserves it to have the far better apple flavor and to keep a good coloration. This pre-cooking method will save time later when you fix an apple pie or cobbler. The pieces of fruit only have to thawed out and added to the recipe.

One more easy fruit is grapes. Simply rinse and pop them in the freezer. Now you get a terrific treat and organic sweetener for smoothies and also a terrific way to keep your white wine refrigerated without diluting it. Every single fruit hamper has grapes and they are so simple to eat as a snack.

What method do you use to freeze fresh fruit that you have received in a fruit gift basket? My preferred is peaches. I love to open the fridge and see a bag of peaches ready to use. They taste so much more desirable fresh than from a can. It is the small things that make us gratified.

Sending baby hampers and baby gift baskets is fresh fruit and the selections of fruit you get in the basket. Baby shower gift ideas are just perfect occasions for sharing a fruit hamper. Keeping in mind how strongly healthy and fresh fruit is - you find yourself in the right place for sending a great fruit basket for delivery.

Chocolate Gift Baskets


Everyone remembers the occasion when you send a basket. It's not that gift hampers are stunning beauty in themselves, but more that hampers for men are such a new novelty gift idea.

Creating your gift giving straight forward is what gift hamper websites are all about - online shopping is meant to become straightforward and simple. Things like free shipping, free delivery and gift packaging all work to make your decision effortless and simple. Plan ahead a little - have your personal message written before you call, have you delivery address ready with contact phone number - take you credit card out of your back pocket.

Pamper Hamper

And hamper ideas and get well soon gifts just make sense - if you have the right occasion - go ahead and make the decision today. A Pamper hamper or fruit delivery Sydney always makes someone smile.

It's no surprise when it comes to selecting thank you gifts and birthday gifts that men and women are searching at hampers and picnic baskets for inspiration. Of all - what does fiber intake or controlling your thoughts have to do with ordering chocolate gift baskets or get well gifts? And the added feature of sharing birthday gifts and baby gift baskets with customers who truly appreciate gourmet flavors and gifts makes all the difference.

Hampers by Hunter Valley-made artisan food and gourmet gifts are widely appreciated and noted for their taste, freshness and local ingredients. Finding quality local farm gate products is what the team behind the 26 year old business values most. And the added feature of sharing birthday gifts and baby gift baskets with customers who truly appreciate gourmet flavors and gifts makes all the difference.

Thank You Gift Ideas

One of the surprises of online shopping for the Hunter Valley Hampers team was the popularity of the picnic basket - people love sharing an award winning picnic basket with friends as birthday gifts. Imagine the fresh fruit and gourmet food together in a basket wrapped to you. There is a great need for people to share edible arrangements and fruit gift baskets with people they know in the local area.

She's also got another corporate client with gift boxes, and sends chocolate gift baskets across the state. Baby Gift Baskets are always popular and whilst she doesn't sell balloons or other trashy gift ideas, she knows there is a special space for her tasteful gourmet gifts.

For a growing number of Australians, online buying is a day-to-day part of life. It's no wonder when it pertains to choosing thank you gifts and birthday gifts that individuals are looking at hampers and picnic baskets for creativity. Just what better way to connect and share with your loved one or relative than with a pamper hamper or edible arrangement? Getting it correct means you can also find a healthy gift - and two important factors in healthy lifestyle are getting enough fiber and being mindful.

Edible Bouquets

Of all - what does fiber intake or controlling your thoughts have to do with ordering chocolate gift baskets or get well gifts? Not much admittedly, but for some thank you gift ideas the simple idea of sending a fruit basket can make all the difference.

If you are aware and not open you can not possibly give baby gift baskets that have meaning. When you send a basket and make the connection - it is your choice to give thank you gift ideas and knowing the person well makes all the difference.

Kacy Fletcher, manager of HunterValleyHampers.com, says she is focusing on gifts and tasty foods in beautiful packaging. Her goal is to take local agricultural products from the wine country and present them in unique and visually attractive boxes as custom-made gifts.

Get Well Soon Gifts

"My goal is to move and increase corporate gifts into the gift hampers space here," says Fletcher. "I 'd like to do birthday gifts, and edible bouquets. The more people get to know about the picnic basket and hampers, the more the Hunter Valley craftsman companies can bake, make and create.".

The Hunter Valley Wine and Music Festival, a yearly celebration around the New South Wales Vineyards, is a fantastic boon for the region. Get Well Gifts also make up a large section of her customer base.

"People want to be able to send a hospital gift without having to rely on a florist sending an affiliate sale to some other florist they don't trust." Kacy says, "Our business model relies on repeat and referral customers, so being accountable and getting strong positive feedback from our previous customers is essential.".

Send a Basket

She's also got another corporate client with gift boxes, and sends chocolate gift baskets across the state. Baby Gift Baskets are always popular and whilst she doesn't sell balloons or other trashy gift ideas, she knows there is a special space for her tasteful gourmet gifts.

"I really felt like there is a real sense of community and longing for local gift baskets," she says regarding her 26 year old enterprise. "People are so proud of living in the Hunter Valley, and sharing the gourmet food as thank you gift ideas just seems right.".

Choosing an edible bouquet or thank you gift is often about getting your head in the right space. Often, the urge to share is there, but sometimes it takes a real life event to prompt you to want to send a basket.

Birthday Gifts

Almost as soon as you decide to send a basket, you might hear your logical self challenging the idea, saying that it is a waste of money and unnecessary. But don't let this sidetrack you - the decision to buy baby gift baskets is as much about the pamper hamper as it is about showing your love and strengthening the family bond. Too often, after a sad life event, people wish they had actually made the effort with thank you gifts. It is too late. In the same way get well gifts with things like chocolate covered strawberries are perfect edible bouquets.

Premium Corporate Gifts


NEWCASTLE, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA.
(INDEPENDENT-PRESS-RELEASE.COM.AU)
-- 06/02/2014--

Hunter Valley Luxury Gift Hampers, a leading name in corporate gifts, are very proud to release the relaunch of their new blog Gourmet Hampers Australia. The brand new help and advice packed learning resource will concentrate on the current business and advertising news from the Hunter Valley and explain why having a strong brand identity is so crucial in making a favorable impression with your corporate gifts.



Now, thanks to the Gourmet Hampers Australia blog, choosing your corporate gifts could not be easier. Our new blog looks set to become the first port-of-call for business owners and marketing teams across the UK and Australia, dishing out advice on all aspects of corporate gifts, gourmet hampers and fruit arrangements.

The blog-- which will be found at www.huntervalleyhampers.com - will also be jam-packed with the best tips on how to get ultimate value from your investment in branded gifts, employee gifts and referral thank-you presents; excellent for corporate businesses planning to share their goodwill, display at a trade show or host an unveiling open day.

Corporate Gifts Australia


For commercial gift occasions, purchasing wholesale is a realistic and affordable option for even the smallest business enterprise. Each high quality hamper and gift basket has an obvious purpose; ensuring you get highly regarded gourmet food and wine from the revered local vineyards, restaurants and paddock to plate providores of the Hunter Valley. Time and again sharing a luxury hamper proves to be a talking point and builds brand allegiance and ensures maximum exposure of your brand.

Hunter Valley Hampers are a marketing products and gourmet hampers supplier and specialists in personalizing everything from to do with gift baskets, hampers and corporate gifts. As you would expect, premium gourmet hampers don't come low-priced, and it is the quality and exclusivity of the Hunter Valley Hampers company that has established a respected niche in the market.

Luxury Gift Hampers


As well as a focus on the vineyards and Hunter Valley wine country producers, producing a relied upon corporate gift entails attention to presentation and making a meaningful lasting impression. Opt for a luxurious edible arrangement, wine and cheese hamper or twin pack wine bottle gift set to really wow potential clients, customers or investors. Alternatively, create a bespoke gift basket to match your brand's exact feel - using our extensive range of local farm gate produce.

Edible Fruit Arrangements


Hunter Valley Hampers is based in the glorious Hunter Valley around two hours drive north of the raucous confusion of Sydney, NSW Australia. To find out more about the new blog and their range of corporate gifts contact them through their website that can be found at www.huntervalleyhampers.com.

Recommended Fruit Baskets in Sydney

#NEWS_RELEASE_2014 Getting a Fruit Basket Delivered in #Sydney is simple once you know a bit about Fruit Baskets and Fruit #Hampers. 

Quality Fruit in the Hamper

Sydney Fruit #Baskets Delivered
The #quality of the fruit is the most important thing when you are talking #fruit hampers in Sydney. 

Generous Amount of Fruit in the Basket

Generous, Ample Abundant Portions
Next, you should be concerned about the #quantity of the fruit - as in how much you are actually getting in your fruit #hamper. 

Real Baskets, Not Cardboard Boxes


Upgrade your fruit basket with a #gourmet custom add-on

Next, it is of critical importance to remember that people are actually looking for a fruit basket - not a fruit box or fruit cardboard - and nothing really compares to the peerless #presentation of a fruit basket in an #authentic wicker basket.

Reliable Courier Delivery Service

Wine and Fruit Basket #Specialists in Sydney
Finally, don't forget the power of on time, reliable #delivery by a committed and genuine #courier service. 

Australia's Award Winning Fruit Baskets

Gourmet nibbles with your Fruit #Hampers
Once you consider all of these factors together in your #fruit-basket you will be placed in the ideal position to make and informed #choice. 

Introducing FruitBaskets.net.au


Sydney's #Award-Winning Fruit Baskets
And then there is really only one option - FruitBaskets.net.au - the re-branded and funky #award #winning fruit baskets for delivery to Sydney.


Handmade Artisan Australia

Australian Stallholder Directory
At Last - An All Australian Stallholder Directory
Now I don't normally do this, but as a gourmet food providore and specialist digital marketer, it is only fair that I pass on some of the good stuff for you to share with your networks.

Here's some of the latest news - we have started a new project with a focus on handmade Australia stallholders - it is a niche specific directory featuring original contributions from local brands.  We are promoting it widely and expect the take up to be just grand.

On a brighter note, we have just released some new video of yours truly and even if I do say so myself - um, yeah, I am certainly getting better at the whole video thing.  You must listen carefully to this video to hear what we have been up to.

Fresh Fruit Hampers - Bananas

*****************************************
NEWS RELEASE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD 2014
********************************

Australian Hampers Fresh Bananas
bananas in an award winning fruit hamper sydney
Bananas are great get well fruit basket inclusions
As a strong structural component of a fruit basket, bananas make a great staple ingredient and add colour and textural variety to each fruit hamper.  We love putting bananas in a hamper as they hold the whole display together and are a great eating fruit for people who have tooth/dietary restrictions.  
In Australia, bananas come under the three main types, even though there are hundreds of varieties in all types of colours and sizes.  The three main varieties are Cavendish, Lady Finger and Plaintain and these are the types you are likely to encounter at your local fruit and vegetable markets.

Cavendish – these are the typical bananas you eat everyday – these are the bananas you are most likely to encounter in a Hunter Valley Hampers Fruit Basket.
Lady Finger – a small, squat banana with a lemony flavour – makes great school lunchbox filler although can be a tad more expensive than your cavendish.

Plantain – your cooking banana – too astringent for straight eating – makes great banana bread and bakes.

Bananas are native to the South East Asian region – and are actually herbs – not palms or trees at all.  The plant grows with a trunk of tightly curled leaves which only open at the top of the plant – from a well secured rhizome underground.  The actual bananas grow outward from a single flower stem and the individual fingers form hands which make up a bunch. 

From planting out as seedlings, Bananas take around nine months to mature in tropical settings, and in Australia from Coffs Harbour upwards.  As bananas mature off the plant they are picked green and transported to the place of consumption.  If stored cool, the ripening process is stalled and when you want to ripen the bananas you simply take them out of cold storage.

In your get well soon hamper your bananas will be ripe for eating – that means with a few brown splashes and yellow tips.  Enjoy and share over the next few days with your hospital fresh fruit for visitors so you can make the most of your recovery time.

Christmas Cupcakes Gift Ideas


Looking for some festive treats to share with your family and children for Christmas 2013 with sweet cute cupcakes?  Here's some of our best finds and hints and tips to get you started on making this Seasons Greetings one of the most memorable and enjoyable for your family and friends.

Choose Christmas Theme Cupcakes


From the rich luxury of Profiterole Cupcakes to the light-hearted fun of Snowman Cupcakes, there is something for everyone this year and in the adorable format of cupcakes you simply can't go wrong.

Creative Twist Cupcakes


Martha Stewart takes us all on a veritable journey into downtown Christmasville when she combines the crunchy snap of waffle cones with the delicate snowiness of frosting to create her version of a snow encrusted Christmas Tree Cupcake.


Whatever you choose, please drive carefully and make sure to keep your cupcakes out of the sun so they don't melt.  Eat plenty of Fruit and drink plenty of fresh cold water too.  And best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Christmas Cupcake Ideas 2013

trio of Christmas Tree cupcakes with fondant and gold stars
Little Christmas Tree cupcakes with mini presents make
such an adorable and cute addition to any Christmas Table Setting Spectacular

fondant creation of Mary and Joseph standing by the boychild Jesus
Away in a Manger - btw what is a manger anyway?  But seriously, this fondant creation is simply evocative of the real reason behind Christmas, something about a little boy being born in the Middle East.

four cupcakes made in Australia with a Christmas Theme
Loving the dark rich moistness of the chocolate cake base on these cupcakes as well as the simple fun and movement of the twirled Christmas Tree.  5 Stars, highly recommended.
If you know how to manipulate fondant, you are well on your way to designing the best ever Christmas Cupcakes for 2013.

Christmas Day Countdown

The Future belongs to those who plan, a famous woman once mused as she prepared a week out for Christmas Dinner.  And one of the keys to success is careful and well thought out organisation which can give your big day and seamless flow from morning to evening on Christmas Day.  To save you time and worry we have compiled a schedule to act as a guide leading up to Christmas so you are never overwhelmed or feel as though the whole thing is getting beyond you.

12 months in advance?

It may sound completely crazy and beyond the scope of this article, but you can save money and feel super organized by having a look at the post Christmas Sales and making some critical purchases a year ahead.  Think long expiry and ease of storage, so you most likely will be looking outside of food and beverage items and more towards styling and design elements.

Best Selling Australian Cupcakes 2013

Best sellers with good storage life are for example wrapping paper, cards and decorations – and if you can keep the original packaging intact all the better for long term safe keeping.  Be mindful that just buying up everything without an overall style in mind can be hazardous – try to keep you theme to two complimentary colours and stick to this.  It is easier on the eye and makes adding to your presentation simply a matter of finding matching colours.

Gourmet Gift Baskets Australia

PRESS_RELEASE-SEPT-2013; Gourmet Hampers Australia announces a double celebration - the 25th Anniversary of Hunter Valley Hampers and the launch of the latest incarnation of the website.

Kacy, owner operator of the successful franchise, expressed her pride and satisfaction at having come out of the GFC unscathed and still supporting a valued core of loyal clientele.

"It's really amazing how well people identify with the Hunter Valley Hampers brand." she said, cradling the youngest of her three daughters, "We never thought this business would be so resilient and teach us so much about not only business, but life as well."

For more on the story behind Hunter Valley Hampers, call 1300 284 684.


Gourmet Gift Hampers

Handmade Cupcakes at the Markets

 There's nothing better than finding some fresh handmade cupcakes at your local markets on the weekend.
 Whilst you browse the markets keep an eye out for some other locally produced gourmet fare - you'll always be surprised at what's on offer at the markets.
Gourmet Gift Hampers

Creating a Gourmet Gift Basket



Here's our secret list of hints and tips to create a memorable gourmet hamper to thrill your friends and impress them with your savvy knowledge of what makes a difference when putting together a gift basket.

First things first - get a decent basket, container or hamper to put everything in.

Find Your Gift Basket


Now you can get creative here, but remember, we want to convey that it is a gift basket - not a jumble of unconnected items you rummaged out of the bottom drawer.  So go for classic, tried and true wicker baskets.  You can usually buy these at your local five and dime or two dollar shops - but be warned they are expensive and sometimes they are a bit small.

Collect Your Inclusions

Once you have a fair idea of what you are putting in, you can go ahead and start collecting items to arrange artfully inside your hamper.  I always try for seven eight or nine items, but always of different shapes, sizes and packaging so it doesn't look too same/same if you know what I mean.

Build Your Basket

Start with the larger items at the back as support.  Use some sticking tape for support at this stage so it doesn't collapse in on itself.  Then, when you have a back wall, start in-filling the rest of the hamper with the smaller items, again being mindful of texture, colours and appearance generally.  People want to feel as though it all just works together. 

Good Luck and let us know in the comments section how you are going - after all we all want you to succeed!

Gourmet Gift Hampers

Fruit Hampers Info

When you want to send a Fruit Hamper or Fruit Basket, there are three things you need to keep in mind.  Making sure you are getting value for money, getting a generous fruit arrangement, and being able to rely on an experienced designer to create you fruit hamper.  Importantly, it is not about the sheer convenience of using a local florist - there is a distinct difference between a florists' effort and the generous market fresh of a true fruit hamper specialist.

1.  Getting Value for Money
Fruit Hampers Info offers a simple pricing schedule of $59 small, $79 large and $99 Grande.  Most times you will be satisfdied with a small, as it is generous enough for a couple of people to have a few serves fo fruit over the week. 

For a bigger impact, go Grande and share the benefits of larger fruits, more diversity and seasonal gems as they are available.  Be aware that a florists' idea of a fruit basket - and the small size of counted fruit pieces - like eight pieces of fruit in an arrangement for $80.

2. Generous Fruit Arrangement
Fruit Hampers are all about sharing the freshest seasonal fruit in a way that shows generosity, abundance and a genuine feeling of giving - all of this is dependent on an approach where plenty of fruit is included.  You want the basket overflowing with fruit, and brimming with whatever is in peak season.

People appreciate a good serving of fruit and notice that the time and effort is equal to the occasion.

3.  Experienced Designers Make a Difference.
Knowing how to put together the right fruit basket makes a real difference when you are aiming to make a lasting impression.


 Gourmet Gift Hampers

Removals Hints and Tips

Making Removals Easy

Moving furniture, clothes and digital hardware can be simplified if you follow these simple tips.  Making your move efficient, well-organised and in your timeframe is what you should expect from an experienced removalist in Newcastle.

1 Use Plenty of Packaging.
Careful and well thought out packaging makes a bug difference on moving day.  If it fits in a box, put it in one.  Keeping things in a box encourages putting like with like - which is convenient when you are unpacking at your destination.  An adaptive, free void filler is shredded paper in plastic shopping bags.  Wedge these between any hard surfaces that may come into contact.  When you box doesn't rattle when shaken, you have packed it desely enough to support boxes being packed on top of each other.  This means you can fill the Newcastle Man and Van space most efficiently.

2 Prepare the Workflow
Take advantage of moving your boxes to a convenient packing point, so there less time is spent carrying boxes across your premises.  Remember, what you want from your removalist is pick up, transport and unload at destination.

3 Use a Local
Local service around Newcastle for a removal service is important.  Locals take the most direct route and can offer advice on the best times to move to avoid traffic congestion.

Making Removals Easy is often overlooked as during the move you are distracted by leases and estate agents.  Being prepared and armed with these simple tips for removals make a difference for your best move.

http://newcastlemanandvan.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/making-removals-easy.html


Gourmet Gift Hampers