World Cup Snacks

World Cup fever is everywhere. Has it taken over your household or even divided your household? Amazing how one sport can have that much effect, much like the AFL does when individual family members support opposing teams.

No guessing what my snack of choice is when I sit down to watch a game (hint: it involves chocolate or lollies) however I have spotted many articles recently which are giving some great inspirational ideas on what to serve with a particular game.

How does Chilean barbecue chicken sound for the Chilean match (admittedly it sounds pretty good!)? Or fried spicy potatoes in support of Spain? Bring out the hot dogs or bratwursts for Germany vs the US and for Italy vs England, you could choose between fresh bread, meat and cheese or the great British staple, fish and chips.

This is really a fun way to make an event out of the game. Do some research to find out a popular dish from a particular country, preferably something you don't eat regularly and serve it up to friends and family.  You are really only limited by your imagination and your search engine.  

Depending on how good your culinary skills are, you can really experiment and amaze your friends and family with your international cuisine.

And for dessert, why that's where our chocolate and lollies come in handy!

Facebook Fun

We have been having a lot of fun on our Facebook page over the last week or so trying to determine which candy is the preferred favourite over another; you might just be surprised by the results. 

M&M's vs Jaffas

Winner:  M&M's

M&M's vs Smarties

Winner:  M&M's

Licorice Bullets vs Freckles

Winner:  Licorice Bullets

Licorice Bullets vs Fantales

Winner:  Votes are still coming in but it looks like Licorice Bullets will be the overall winner

Some lollies seem to be extremely popular regardless of which other lolly they are up against.  M&M's and Licorice Bullets are two of my favourites and it seems I am not alone in this opinion.

If you do have a preferred favourite candy whether it be Licorice Bullets, M&Ms or some other delicious choice, we have a Craving - Pick Your Mix gift allowing you to select only your personal favourites, one kilo of them to be exact.  You can choose from 46 different candy selections and it will come packaged in a reusable gift box just for you or a friend (or both if you plan to share).

Perfect for the fussiest of individuals and for those who crave a particular lolly over another.  You can imagine their surprise when they open this gift - whether it be 1kg of Red and Green Frogs or 1kg of Chicos and Milk Bottles - you know it will definitely be appreciated.

What would go in your Pick Your Mix selection?

Why You Should Eat Chocolate

I never thought I would be writing a blog post entitled why you should eat or even drink chocolate because to me it is pretty obvious, it is super delicious.  However just in case that doesn't convince you then here are some more reasons to entice you to tempt those taste buds.

1.  Chocolate may be known for it's ability to add to your weight but a recent study in Australia shows that chocolate and exercise actually go well together.  It showed that eating chocolate high in healthy antioxidants reduced the blood pressure-raising effects of exercise on overweight individuals.

2.  Canadian scientists carried out a study involving almost 45,000 and found that people eating chocolate were 22% less likely to suffer a stroke than those who didn't.  In addition, those who had a stroke but regularly consumed chocolate were 46% less likely to die as a result.

3.  Women who ate chocolate daily during their pregnancy reported that they were better able to handle stress than mothers who abstained.

4.  Scientists at Harvard Medical School suggest that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day may help keep the brain healthy and prevent memory decline in older people.

5.  Chocolate releases calming endorphins that reduce anxiety, plus it is high in magnesium which lifts moods and reduces water retention; ideal for PMS sufferers.

6.  One study found that chocolate quieted coughs almost as well as codeine, thanks to the theobromine it contains.

7.  Both South American and European cultures have a history that dates back to the 16th century of treating diarrhea with cocoa.  Modern day science has shown they were onto something.

8.  Consuming high levels of flavonoids, which is found in chocolate could significantly help protect against type 2 diabetes according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition.

9.  Researchers at Germany's Heinrich Heine University found that after six week, chocolate eaters exposed to ultraviolet light had 15% less skin reddening than those who didn't eat it.

10.  And to top it all off there is also evidence that this compound has the ability to sweeten up your love life as well.

Of course I have done no studies to back any of this information up - like I said at the beginning, I think it is super delicious and that is all the evidence I need.

What Did You Do This Weekend?

I don't know about you but sometimes I feel as if I am just as busy on the weekend as I am during the week; but don't worry I still manage to put my feet up from time to time and get some well earned rest.

However for those who aren't aware, the life of a small business owner generally doesn't stop on the weekend - nor is it just 9 to 5.  I know the couriers aren't working on the weekend but I definitely am.

My Saturdays often consist of tidying up the workroom; restocking the packing boxes, sticky tape and tissue paper; printing out blank address labels; putting return address labels on our Toll satchels and hole punching the gift tags.

When it looks as though it is going to be a busy week, I often prepare some of our more popular gifts ready for the Monday rush.  However for the most part, we generally create the gifts as each order comes in.  Quality and freshness is always one of our main priorities.

And of course there is that ongoing job of "quality control".  Just last week I had a KitKat for breakfast and today a Mars Bar (all in the name of quality testing of course).

Our newest gift box, Old Blighty Chocolates, look like they are going to be super popular.  And with a selection of English Chocolates including Ashbury Caramel Cups, Peppermint Creams, Strawberry Creams and Turkish Delight, there is no guessing as to why!

What did you do this weekend?

Caramel Cravings

Do you ever get those caramel cravings? There is something about the sweet centre of a Caramello Koala or the filling of a Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramel chocolate bar that has me searching the cupboard for my next caramel fix. And jersey caramels are the stuff dreams are made of...so delicious.

So if I told you, you could get a whole tin of caramel goodness in a caramel coloured reusable tin for only $50 including shipping, how would that make you feel? Extremely happy if you love the taste and texture of caramel as much as I do, I would imagine.

Chock-a-block full of caramel confectionary, this Caramel Confectionary Mix gift includes caramel buds, jersey caramels, caramel kisses, Cobbers, Fantales, Caramello Koalas, caramel fudge, Mars Bars and a Caramel Dairy Milk bar.

That should be enough to stop those cravings for a while. And the good thing is you can keep the tin stocked up with your favourite goodies for when those unexpected guests pop round for tea.

Chocolate is good but there is something so decadent about the mix of caramel and chocolate that makes it hard to stop just after one. I know that from experience!

This tin is just one of the new arrivals that has appeared on our website recently and already it looks to be very popular among the caramel fans. Hip hip hooray for caramel!  

Gluten Free Lollies

 

I have seen many posts and comments written online about the search for gluten free gifts and I am happy to say that we are able to help with those looking to find something to suit their gluten free needs.

Back in store is our ever popular "Just Gluten Free Lollies" and you and your friends will love them.  Presented in a noodle box, this popular gift features Blueberry Clouds, Strawberry Clouds, Cola Bottles, Sour Ears and Piglets - all gluten free and all yummy!

The cost of this delicious box is only $27 and that includes gift wrap and express delivery.

But be warned these sell out quick so you might want to order a couple to keep in the cupboard just in case.  Did you know that if you order by 2.30pm, they will even be sent out that very same day?

"I have Celiac's Disease and it is not easy to find lollies, chocolates, etc with the guarantee that they ARE actually gluten free.  When I need sweets, this is where I buy them. " - Bev

 

"I have used Rainbow Designs multiple times as I find them to be a brilliant friendly and efficient service. They have a massive range of gifts to choose from, including Gluten Free options, which is always a PLUS!" - Danni 

We love helping people and in this business we get to do that each and every day; so a huge thank you for allowing us to continue doing that year after year.

We will continue to source new and improved gifts for all of our customers but until then, enjoy your gluten free goodies.

Rainbow Bear Sweet Tooth Gift

Have you seen our Rainbow Bears?  Cute and cuddly, they measure 18cm and are available with the purchase of our Rainbow Bear Sweet Tooth Gift.

Our bears come in a myriad of rainbow colours and they are always a popular choice (especially pink and white as we are currently sold out of those two colours) - and we think mum will love them (and your best friend, sister, aunt, cousin and granny).

As sweet as our stuffed bears are, the gift is only made sweeter by a delicious half kilo mix of lollies.

Here is the drool-worthy list:

• Mars M&M's
• peanut M&M's
• freckles
• clinkers
• caramel choc buds
• milk choc buds
• Allens jellybabies
• snakes
• raspberries
• F1 race cars
• pineapples
• milk bottles
• strawberry & creams
• cobbers
• white chocolate freckles
• milk chocolate bullets
• dark chocolate bullets
• Allens jaffas
• white chocolate raspberry bullets,
• honey bears
• chocolate pineapple chunks
• red frogs
• green frogs
• Trolli gummi bears
• Allens fantales

We have heard many an interesting tale of recipients who go to great lengths NOT to share their delicious noodle box of goodies.  No surprise there, right?

So whether you are buying for Mother's Day or for another occasion (or just for yourself), you can order with peace of mind knowing that all of our gifts are securely packed in a cardboard box with tissue paper and gift wrapped in colourful Australian made wrapping paper.

We love our bears - every one of them and it is so hard to pick a favourite.  What colour will you order?