Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year as it is often called, begins on January 28th in 2017. Each year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals. This year, the star of the show is the Fire Rooster.

Think of Chinese New Year and many images come to mind.  The dragon and lion dances in the streets, family feasts, house cleaning to sweep out any bad spirits and of course, the ubiquitous red envelopes.

In China, red envelopes are presented as gifts at New Year as a wish for good luck in the coming year. This custom is also observed outside the Chinese mainland wherever large ethnic Chinese populations dwell. They are called hongbao in Mandarin and lai see in Cantonese. The term “red packets” has also come into common use, though hongbao look and function more like envelopes than packets.

The red envelopes usually contain money in some form, whether it be currency or in the form of chocolate coins wrapped in foil. The envelopes are mostly given to children and teens by parents, grandparents, and family friends. Unmarried people are not expected to participate in the tradition.

Origin of the Custom

During the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) in China, the elders used red string to thread coins for the purpose of warding off evil spirits. They believed the money would protect their young loved ones from sickness and death.

When printing presses became common, red envelopes with printed words replaced the bare coins. During this time. the message of the money changed from warding off evil spirits of death to warding off old age and bringing good fortune.

The Gift

Tradition calls for the amount of New Year money contained in a red envelope to be an even amount. Odd amounts of money are considered poor etiquette as they could bring bad luck.

Another Chinese tradition is that money should never be given in amounts of fours. Amounts such as 4, 40, or even 444 are forbidden gift amounts because the standard Mandarin Chinese word for four sounds very much like the word for death.

It’s also traditional to give only crisp, new bills inside the envelope. It’s considered poor taste to give dirty or wrinkled bills. This tradition is so ingrained that huge lines form at Chinese banks just before New Year so people can swap their old bills for new ones.

The Color Red

Red has long been a favorite color for the Chinese people. The color is revered as a symbol for energy, good luck and happiness. Giving monetary gifts in a red envelope expresses the wish of good luck and fortune to the recipient.

The red paper envelope is actually more significant than the money inside. By tradition, it is considered impolite to open a red envelope in front of the person you received the envelope from.

Besides Chinese New Year, it is common to give a red envelope during some special occasions, such as a wedding, graduation, the birth of a baby, or a senior person’s birthday. It is a traditional way to wish good luck and share blessings.

And if anyone hands you a red envelope, proper etiquette is to receive the envelope with both hands.

Happy Chinese New Year or as they say in China, Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Halloween was originally called “Cabbage Night” in the US? Who knew?

Behind Spring, Fall is the second most popular season for weddings. The changing foliage and cooler temperatures are just a couple of reasons for the popularity of Autumn nuptials. Here’s a list of some unique, fall-related wedding favors that your guests will love.

1. Dipped Apples

Bring your guests a taste of fall with some delicious dipped apples! You can give chocolate, caramel, or candy apples, or a variety for guests to choose from. Decorate them with candy, coconut, nuts, or sugar in your wedding colors. Then wrap the apples in cellophane and tie off with pretty ribbon or twine. These are a tasty and easy DIY wedding favor that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

2. Fall-Scented Favors

Fill your guests’ homes with the warm, inviting scents of fall long after your wedding day is over. Buy or make candles, soaps, or room spray in favorite fall scents like cinnamon, pumpkin, apple, or pear. You guests will appreciate a favor they can actually use!

3. Chocolate Coins

Everyone loves chocolate, especially after a long night of dancing! Have personalized chocolate coins made with your names or wedding images on the foils, then bundle them in burlap pouches, pumpkin-shaped boxes, or other autumnal favor packaging.

4. Maple Syrup

Remind your guests that love is sweet with tiny bottles of maple syrup! These oh-so-cute favors will get everyone into the fall spirit. Tie on a ribbon in your wedding color to add a touch of style.

5. Apple Butter

Apple butter is a country fall favorite. Treat guests to this tasty treat with small jars at their table settings. Cover the lids with cute fabric that fits the colors and theme of your wedding day to personalize them.

6. Jam

Jam is a delicious favor your guests will enjoy long after the big day. Make or buy jam from fresh autumn fruits like quince, figs, or huckleberries. Don’t forget to attach thank-you notes to the jars to show appreciation for your guests.

7. Honey

As the weather grows cool, guests will love putting fresh honey in their warm tea or cider or on toast. Give guests small jars of this sweet treat along with dippers and personalized labels so they remember your special day.

8. Pine Cone Fire Starters

Help guests get snuggly by giving them a DIY fire starter. Simply coat pine cones in soy wax (in your wedding colors of course!) for a fast, easy, and useful favor. You can even add autumn scents to the wax to give your guests a cozy fireplace experience.

9. Birdseed Ornaments

Create your own birdseed ornaments in the shape of a leaf, pumpkin, or heart. Guests can hang them on trees outside to attract birds in the fall and winter. This is a perfect favor for a rustic, nature-themed fall
wedding.

10. Apple Cider

Mini jugs of apple cider are a great send-off for your guests. They are a favorite fall treat for all ages. Create custom labels for the jugs to add a personal touch!

•     •     •

Any of these great Fall wedding favor suggestions will make a terrific impression on your reception tables. Incorporate the warm, earthy colors of Autumn into your wedding favors and you’ll be sure to leaving a lasting memory in your guest’s minds.

Chocolate is one of the world’s most universally beloved flavors. With seemingly endless variations from cocoa content to added flavorings to single origin varietals, the plethora of chocolate tastes creates a never-ending tasting experience for the chocolate connoisseur.

But what about white chocolate? It is so different in appearance, texture and taste from the chocolate we grew up with…that it begs the question, “Is it really chocolate at all?”

Well, sorry to break your hearts if you’re a fan of the sugary sweet stuff…but white chocolate can’t be classified as chocolate. This is due to its lack of chocolate solids, which is what remains after cocoa butter is extracted from cacao beans.

White chocolate is made from a blend of cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, milk fat and lecithin — a fatty emulsifier that binds the ingredients together.

In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration established a “Standard of Identity” for white chocolate to ensure its quality and integrity. The FDA said to be called white chocolate, the candy must have at least 20% cocoa butter, 14% milk solids, and 3.5% milk fat — and no more than 55% sugar or other sweeteners.

An easy way to tell if the white chocolate you’re eating follows the FDA guidelines is that high quality white chocolate with cocoa butter has an ivory color as opposed to pure white. A pure white color means instead of cocoa butter, vegetable oil or some other fat was used during production.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the sweet candied confection. Some people love it. Others despise it. Just don’t call it chocolate.

St. Nicholas Day is a holiday that celebrates the historical St. Nicholas, the early Christian saint who served as a significant inspiration for Santa Claus, known in England as Father Christmas. The traditions associated with this holiday, which takes place on December 6, hearken back to the tales of Nicholas’s time as Bishop of Myra during the late third and early fourth century.

One of the most famous legends surrounding him involved his intervening in the life of three young women who wanted to be married. They had no money for dowries, so he decided to provide them with the money they needed. However, his modesty prevented him from giving the money to them directly. Instead, he tossed small bags of gold coins in through the window. It is from this tale that the modern day tradition of leaving chocolate coins comes from.

While Christmas is a time of lavish gift-giving, St. Nicholas Day is associated with more modest gifts. Children put out shoes or boots in the anticipation of awaking to find them filled with goodies from St. Nicholas. The gifts usually include chocolate coins, as well as real coins and other treats and small toys. It is a simple holiday that is celebrated with joy by young children throughout the world.

The day is celebrated differently in cultures throughout the world, though chocolate coins and other small gifts being placed in boots and shoes is a common element. Because of St. Nicholas’s association with unmarried women, there are several traditions that involve women who wish to get married. For instance, there is one that requires such women to attend morning mass on St. Nicholas Day and circle a column seven times in hopes that this will help her to find a husband. In some place, it is common to give gifts to women preparing for marriage on St. Nicholas Day.

Some of the traditions associated with the day aren’t quite as cheery. The krampus is a frightful creature with horns on his head who is said to emerge on St. Nicholas Day in order to punish children who have behaved badly throughout the year. One European city has a parade each year in which krampuses flood the streets and chase people, only to be driven off by St. Nicholas in a chariot laden with toys. It’s little wonder this gentle saint is so beloved by people all around the world!

Hate to be the bearer of bitter news, but chocolate lovers…we have a problem. The world is facing an impending cocoa shortage, perhaps as soon as the year 2020. In a best case scenario, expect to see dramatically higher chocolate prices. And in the worst case <gulp>, a worldwide cocoa shortage that will make America’s favorite flavor a scarce commodity.

There are a number of reasons for the problem at hand. First, the cacao tree, the source of all chocolate, is under attack. Africa produces 70% of the world’s cocoa, and they have been devastated by a terrible drought, in addition to social and political unrest.

One thing working in our favor is that Africa’s cocoa trees have yet to be infected with diseases that plague other countries’ production such as Ecuador and other South American cocoa-producing regions. But it may be just a matter of time until diseases with names like Witches’ Broom and Frosty Pod find their way into Africa. If and when that happens, the effects could be devastating for the chocolate industry.

Cocoa is a difficult plant to grow because it is labor and time intensive. In some countries, there is a labor shortage of workers able to tend to the crop.

The problem is compounded by the dramatic increase in chocolate consumption in areas like China and India, where chocolate is still a relatively new pleasure. So what we’re seeing is much more demand and much less supply than ever before. Not good.

But there are reasons to not lose hope. Scientists have been working toward a solution to increase cocoa production. In Ecuador, a man named Homer Castro worked for several years cross-breeding different cocoa trees to develop a super tree that is resistant to disease.

On his 51^st try, Castro grew a new plant, which he named Coleccion Castro Naranjal or simply CCN-51. These trees have been producing 10 times the amount of cacao beans as normal trees, and have been proven resistant to Witches’ Broom.

There is one problem. The taste of CCN is reminiscent of rusty nails, not exactly what we want our chocolate to taste like. However, experimentation with fermenting the beans in burlap sacks, and increased sun exposure have vastly improved the taste in studies. Other work is also underway to improve growing and production techniques to combat the mounting threats.

As you enjoy your chocolate today, whether it be a handful of chocolate coins, a delicious 72% single-origin dark bar, or a warm homemade chocolate chip cookie, savor each moment. Chocolate may become more of a rare treat than a go-to indulgence before long.

Not to scare you, but chocolate lovers…we have a problem. The world is facing an impending cocoa shortage, perhaps as soon as the year 2020. In a best case scenario, expect to see dramatically higher chocolate prices. And in the worst case <gulp>, a worldwide cocoa shortage that will make America’s favorite flavor a scarce commodity.

There are a number of reasons for the problem at hand. First, the cacao tree, the source of all chocolate, is under attack. Africa produces 70% of the world’s cocoa, and they have been devastated by a terrible drought, in addition to social and political unrest.

One thing working in our favor is that Africa’s cocoa trees have yet to be infected with diseases that plague other countries’ production such as Ecuador and Indonesia. But it may be just a matter of time until diseases with names like Witches’ Broom and Frosty Pod find their way into Africa. If and when that happens, the effects could be devastating for the chocolate industry.

Cocoa is a difficult plant to grow because it is labor and time intensive. In some countries, there is a labor shortage of workers able to tend to the crop.

The problem is compounded by the dramatic increase in chocolate consumption in areas like China and India, where chocolate is still a relatively new pleasure. So what we’re we’re seeing is much more demand and much less supply than ever before. Not good.

But there are reasons to not lose hope. Scientists have been working toward a solution to increase cocoa production. In Ecuador, a man named Homer Castro worked for several years cross-breeding different cocoa trees to develop a super tree that is resistant to disease.

On his 51^st try, Castro grew a new plant, which he named Coleccion Castro Naranjal or simply CCN-51. These trees have been producing 10 times the amount of cacao beans as normal trees, and have been proven resistant to Witches’ Broom.

There is one problem. The taste of CCN is reminiscent of rusty nails, not exactly what we want our chocolate to taste like. However, experimentation with fermenting the beans in burlap sacks, and increased sun exposure have vastly improved the taste in studies. Other work is also underway to improve growing and production techniques to combat the mounting threats.

As you enjoy your chocolate today, whether it be a handful of chocolate coins, a delicious 72% single-origin dark bar, or a warm homemade chocolate chip cookie, savor each moment. Chocolate may become more of a rare treat than a go-to indulgence before long.

An ancient Hindu tradition, Diwali is a five-day holiday beginning today.  The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.  I don’t know about you, but that seems pretty good to me.

Chinese New Year comes a bit early this year, arriving on January 31st, heralding the Year of the Horse. According to Chinese astrology, Horse years typically signify good luck and fortunate events.

Chinese New Year is the most important social and economic event of the year in China. The holiday celebration lasts fifteen days and is normally spent with family relaxing, shopping, and of course, shooting off fireworks. Lots of fireworks. Good fortune is a primary theme and involves the giving of red envelopes containing money or gold foiled chocolate coins for children.

So how do you know if you were born in the Year of the Horse? And what does that say about your personality? People born in the years 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014 are all born under the Horse zodiac sign. These individuals tend to be very animated and energetic. Horses enjoy being in crowds, flocking to events such as concerts, parties and festivals. They also like to be the life of the party.

Horses are typically healthy and lead active lifestyles. They hold a positive outlook on life.

When it comes to a Horse’s work life, they thrive in jobs that engage in a lot of communication. Horses are leaders and do well in management roles. They don’t work well in isolation, preferring instead to be surrounded by others, especially those that praise and support the Horse’s beliefs.

Horses are generally easy-going, fun to be around, and witty. They are popular people who often have a large group of friends.

Were you born in a Horse year? Does any of the above describe you? In any event, “Gung Hay Fat Choy” which means “Good luck, may fortune come your way!”

With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to get moving on ways to show your employees and clients how much they are valued. Here are a few inexpensive gift ideas to consider.

1. Gift cards
Gift cards can be purchased just about anywhere for just about anything. There are gift cards for major department stores, restaurants, specialty shops, online sites, and even gas stations. You can even purchase a Visa gift card to be used on anything, anywhere, for a small fee. Gift cards are often sold in multiplies of fives at big box stores for a discount. Costco and Sam’s Club regularly sell $100 worth of iTunes gift cards for about a $6 savings. Gift cards offer a wonderful ‘one size fits all’ kind of gift that clients and employees alike will find useful.

2. Motivational items
Whether simple paperweights and binders, or plaques and change holders, motivational sayings can be found on just about anything. Motivational items can be used to praise, encourage, or thank both employees and clients. Because people love to be inspired and appreciated, these gifts can help to strengthen loyalty from both the employee and the client.

3. Gourmet Chocolate or Popcorn
There are all sorts of mouthwatering flavors and varieties of both chocolate and popcorn. Choose anything from hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries to white chocolate truffles or delicious popcorn assortments in beautifully decorated tin cans. Incorporate your company’s branding on custom imprinted chocolate coins as the perfect way to show appreciation while promoting your brand. Any of these tasty treats are sure to please!

4. Picture frames
Everyone loves to show off their kids, grandkids, and adorable pets. Many people use them at both work and home, so you can never have too many. For a more personal touch, many picture frames can be engraved or have a saying placed on them.

5. Custom-made baskets
Gift baskets are always fun to give because you can have them custom-made and tailored to the personality of the recipient. If you know an employee is trying to eat healthier, a fruit basket is a great choice or perhaps a client always mentions that he enjoys fishing. A basket with artificial lures, fishing line and a few snack items to eat on the boat, would be perfect for him.

These unique and affordable ideas can be found online and are can be often purchased in bulk at discounted pricing. Hopefully, these ideas will get you on your way to finding the perfect gift for everyone on this year’s corporate shopping list.

The year 2013 will go down in history for many things, some more pleasant than others. By and large one of the happier highlights of the year will be the rare chance to celebrate two major holidays in one. This year Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving, giving families twice as much to celebrate. The first full day of Hanukkah falls on Thursday, November 28, the same day as Thanksgiving. This holiday convergence is so rare it has been dubbed “Thanksgivukkah.”

On Thanksgiving Day, American families will carve the turkey and light the second candle on the menorah on the same night. While the two holidays have shared the same space on the calendar before, the occasion is an extremely rare occurrence. So rare, that it last took place in the year 1888. But that’s nothing compared to the next time this pairing comes along. The next time Thanksgivukkah will be celebrated will not happen for another 70,000 years. Holiday table conversation will no doubt center on this rare event and the added significance of this particular Hanukkah and Thanksgiving. Thanksgivukkah is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.

There is more to the hybrid holiday than the sight of candied yams and sweet potato latkes on the same table. American Jewish families have much to be grateful for and much to celebrate. While the Thanksgiving holiday is quite different than the Jewish Hanukkah, there are actually more similarities than one might think. Thanksgiving and Hanukkah share much common ground. Both stories began with escape from religious persecution. Pilgrims flocked to the New World because they disagreed with the beliefs of the Church of England. The Jews in ancient times also fled religious persecution, as they rebelled against the process of worshiping Greek gods and false idols. Both groups sought freedom from tyranny and the chance to live and believe as they wished.

This special year, along with the turkey,stuffing and cranberries, parents and grandparents can celebrate Thanksgivukkah with traditional Hanukkah gelt. But we couldn’t let a once-in-the-next-70,000-years event take place without coming up with some special commemorative designs. Wait’ll you see the awesome chocolate coin designs we have in store for Thanksgivukkah 2013. Savor the season and the tradition with festive chocolate coins… Thanksgivukkah gelt! Get ’em while you can because you won’t see them again in this lifetime.

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. In today’s fast-paced world where holidays and traditions can sometimes lose their true meaning in the quest for the newest iPad, Thanksgivukkah is so rare of an event that it deserves to have us acknowledge, if only for one day, what’s really important.

So get ready to carve that turkey & pass the latkes! Happy Thanksgivukkah, y’all!

Hope everyone has a very fun and very safe Halloween. Until next time…

I have nothing witty to say. Thank God this bit ends tomorrow.

Have a nice day.

Who has two bolts and loves the 80’s? THIS GUY!!