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?

A Poem For Mum

Mother's Day is coming up soon - for those who celebrate the Australian version of the day, this year it falls on Sunday 11 May.

Our mums do so much for us and more often than not we only realise just how much they sacrifice for us as we grow older or even become mums ourselves.

Here is a poem that I found online which I thought was very apt:

Thank You Mum

I know how often I took you for granted
when I was growing up.
I always assumed you'd be there
when I needed you...
and you always were.
But I never really thought about what that meant
till I got older and began to realize
how often your time and energy were devoted to me.
so now, for all the times I didn't say it before,
thank you, Mom...I love you so very much!

- Author Unknown

If you are feeling creative this Mother's Day why not write your mum a poem of your own.  If you find your words somehow are not a reflection of your feelings, then maybe one of our gifts will suffice.

We have an interesting selection of Mother's Day gifts including our Afternoon Tea Hamper and Cravings - Pick Your Mix which I am sure your mum will love.  Don't forget to order a special little something for yourself if you are a mum too (or even if you aren't) - after all you deserve it too!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there.

The Aftermath Of Easter

So how did your household fare? 

Did your kids have a sleepless night in anticipation of the Easter bunny refusing to go to bed or were they in bed eagerly awaiting the arrival of the great bunny himself?

Was it chocolate for breakfast or did they eat their cereal before tucking into their Easter stash?

Were the kids bouncing off the walls after consuming the majority of their Easter chocolate or did they pace themselves in order to make it last as long as possible.

I always ensure I eat a balanced diet every day and that always includes a little chocolate in there somewhere (whether Easter or not).  And I always chuckle to myself when I see recipes that make use of leftover Easter chocolate.  Leftover chocolate!  What is that?  It doesn't ever happen in my household - never ever!

But I understand that not everyone may harbour the love for chocolate as much as I do so for those who end up with leftovers, here are some seemingly delicious recipe ideas.

Starting with brownies and moving swiftly onto bundt cakes, gala pies, chocolate and mint ice-cream and chocolate pancakes - there is no denying that these recipes make awesome use of the Easter treats.  So much so I might have to hunt down more chocolate just so I can make them.  And of course it goes without saying that I don't have to hunt too far to find it.

Hmmm, wonder what I will make first?