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Remembrance Ornaments

Merck Family’s Old World Christmas has created a few special ornaments that are coming out later this year that are patriotic and dated with 9/11/2001.

As the country looks back to the events of September 11, 2001, it is important to remember the thousands we lost and those whose lives have been changed forever.Old World Christmas glass Remembrance ornaments were designed to honor the thousands of lives lost on September 11, 2011, and keep their memory alive.

These ornaments will be arriving to Trendy Tree in June or July this summer.

Kodiak Crab Festival

Kodiak, Alaska May 26-30, 2011

Celebrate the end of winter in late May at the Kodiak Crab Festival! Plenty of good food - crab legs, cab sandwiches, scallops, halibut, and chowder. Many events including survival-suit races where competitors run down a ramp, pull on awkward suits, swim across a harbor, and jump into a life raft. Or not.....whatever suits your fancy))) This year there is a retro "old time fair" theme with activities including music, games and more.

If you can't make it to Alaska.....this Blue Crab Christmas ornament from Old World Christmas will make the perfect keepsake. The Blue Crab is new to Trendy Tree this year. We also have Crab Louie for those that prefer the orange version.

The Blue Crab hang tag reads: Cancer, the crab, is the fourth sign of the zodiac. People born under this sign are traditional, sensitive, and nurturing. In ancient Greece, the crab was considered to be sacred, and in many eastern countries they are a good omen. In China the crab is a symbol of wealth and a happy marriage.

World's Largest Brat Fest!

Madison, Wisconsin May 27-30

Old World Christmas Bratwurst - Retired

In 2010 a record 209,376 bratwursts were eaten with relish - 172 gallons worth, to be exact. The event starts at 6: am on Friday, a.k.a. Take Your Brat to Work day, when you can buy a brat-to-go!

For more information visit bratfest.com

Our Brats can be kept for years and years! Plain or with relish.... The Brat above is a retired Christmas ornament from Merck Family's Old World Christmas.....we only have a few of these left and they will be gone forever. The hang tag on this ornament reads: The word Bratwurst comes from two German words: "Brat" which means to fry and "Wurst" which means sausage. Cooked up crispy on the outside and hot and juicy on the inside, they are served with a variety of toppings. "Brats" are a favorite food at ballparks, at games and picnics.

This year, we received a dressed Brat from Inge-Glas of Germany. This is a Bavarian Brat on a bun with mustard. This ornament will be arriving this summer to Trendy Tree.

Inge-Glas of Germany Bavarian Brat

Corinth Slugburger Festival

Corinth, MS July 7-9, 2011

Don't be scared by its unappetizing name: A slugburger is a deep-fried beef and soy-meal patty served on a bun - a beloved regional specialty. To see more information about the Slugburger Festival in Corinth, visit www.slugburgerfestival.com

Here's the "official" definition from the Slugburger Festival:

Locally, slugburgers have been overtly or covertly eaten for as long as most living Corinthians can remember. A slugburger is a burger made of a mixture of beef and some form of cheaper breading extender which is then deep-fat fried to a golden brown instead of grilled as common hamburger. In earlier days, cornmeal was commonly used as an extender in slugburgers and animal fat was used for frying. In modern times, soybean meal has become the ingredient of choice which adds some protein value to the creation and vegetable oil is commonly used for frying. The standard garnish for a slugburger is mustard, pickle and an ample dose of onions.

For many years, slugburgers were commonly sold locally for 5 cents or a nickel. A slang expression for a nickel was a slug and hence the most common explanation for the origin of the name slugburger. Another use of the term slug derives from coins which were substitutes and many have related to slugburgers which were substitutes for real hamburgers. Yet another meaning of the term slug in the meat packing trade is for a dressed forequarter of lamb or mutton which could have possibly been used at some point in time in a meat mixture as an additional extender to the more expensive beef. If you are particularly sensitive to fried food or if you over-indulge in slugburgers, you may feel as if someone slugged you in the stomach and some residents believe this is the origin of the term slugburger.

Finally, slugburgers should be served hot and eaten immediately. If they are not and particularly in the days when they were fried in lard, a cold slugburger could bear some visual resemblance to the garden pest and hence the name.

In other parts of the state or even in nearby towns, the burgers are simply known as "doughburgers." Now growing up in the 1950's and 60's everyone knew how to make a pound of hamburger stretch to feed a family of 6 or 8! Even my 1950 Betty Crocker Cookbook says.....all you have to do to make ground meat go farther.....is to mix it with Wheaties, bread or cracker crumbs, cooked rice or oatmeal and add milk to moisten. Flour was probably the most frequently added ingredient. And my own personal favorite one......wet loaf bread! Take 3-4 slices of white bread, moisten with water, then squeeze all the water out that you can......mix into the hamburger....it really works)))

This Cheeseburger Christmas ornament from Old World Christmas......isn't really a slugburger or doughburger.....but you get the point))

North Carolina Blueberry Festival

Burgaw, NC June 18, 2011 - Blueberry Festival

Beautiful setting plus baked goods equals "heaven on earth." At this festival you will find blueberry pies, buckles and breads. See ncblueberryfestival.com for more information.

Now....I wasn't quite sure what a "blueberry buckle" was.....but just as I guessed.....it's a cobbler)))

Old World Christmas Blueberry Pie Slice

Little Red Riding Hood

Who would have ever thought that a tale so simple as Little Red Riding Hood, could cause so much mystique, cultural awareness ....and even have Freudian connotations. There is even a "politically correct" version....give me a break!

My suggestion is to stay with the Little Golden Book version and package the beloved book with a Christmas ornament of Little Red Riding Hood herself. We have three different ornaments to choose from, all in different price ranges. Perfect childhood keepsake gift......a book for now.....a collectible ornament for years to come.

Old World Christmas Little Red Riding Hood

The Old World Christmas ornament has a hang tag that reads: The fable of Little Red Riding Hood tells the tale of a little girl who always wore the red hood her grandmother made for her. On an errand one day, she disobeyed her mother and left the path - almost getting eaten by the big bad wolf. Rescued by a brave hunter, she reminds us to always obey our parents.

Inge-Glas Little Red Riding Hood

The Little Red Riding Hood from Inge-Glas was painted using the new Life Touch method of hand painting. The ornament is new for 2011 and from the Fairytale Forest collection.

Inge-Glas Little Red Riding Hood

This Little Red Riding Hood ornament was introduced in 2009 and is the most expensive of the three. It is also larger and packaged in a royal blue gift box.

Little Red Riding Hood on her way to grandma's with her basket of goodies. Ornament measures approximately 5". This heirloom Christmas ornament is from the "Fairy Tales" collection from Inge and introduced 2009.

This ornament was created using the new "Life Touch" Life Touch is introduced by Inge-Glas, an amazing development adding to their colorful 400 year family history of German glass blowers; a classy new and innovative painting technique known as "Life Touch." With precise and meticulous detail, skillfully trained Inge-Glas master artists apply ultra fine feather strokes revealing delicate life touches to enhance their uniquely beautiful Christmas ornaments.

Ornament is packaged in a royal blue Inge-Glas gift box.

If you want to know more about the controversial history of Little Red Riding Hood, visit Wikipedia and browse through the history there. For me.....I'm staying with the Little Golden Book)))

Friday the 13th!!

Today is Friday the 13th! Some say it is the unluckiest day of the year.....maybe....maybe not. But a brief search on the Internet showed these interesting Friday the 13th facts (facts can be taken with a grain of salt......these are Internet searches....don't go to the bank with them.)

May 13, 1648 Margaret Jones of Plymouth was found guilty of witchcraft and sentenced to hang.

May 13, 1779 The War of Bavarian Succession Ended


May 13, 1846 United States declares war on Mexico after fighting has already begun.




May 13, 1944 Allied forces in Italy break through break through the German Gustav line into the Liri Valley.


May 13, 1854 The first big American billiards match was held at Malcolm Hall, Syracuse, NY




May 13, 1880 Thomas Edison tested his experimental electric railway in Menlo Park.



May 13, 1911 The New York Giants set a major league baseball record when ten runners crossed home plate before the first out of the game against St. Louis.


May 13, 1917 Three peasant children near Fatima, Portugal, reported seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary.



May 13, 1918 The first airmail postage stamps were issued with airplanes on them. The denominations were 6, 16 and 24 cents. Hang Tag on the ornament reads: Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds," is engraved on the U.S. Postal Service building in New York. Americans send over 2.1 billion Christmas cards each year as a way of expressing how much they care for their family and friends.


May 13, 1975 Hail stones the size of tennis balls hit Wenerville, TN


So, Friday the 13th is not always associated with bad luck))) In fact, today could be your lucky day! If you're reading this post, and are in need of Christmas ornaments.....shop early.....right now we have a free shipping coupon for orders of $50 or more. It covers glass ornaments from Old World Christmas, Radko, Inge-Glas of Germany, Santa Klaus and Varsovia. It's good for the 48 Continental states (excludes Alaska, Hawaii, APO and International addresses). Just enter the code "free" in the discount coupon space on your checkout page. If you have any difficulties with the code, just drop us an email. The code is good through May 31, 2011.

Visit us at Trendy Tree today and take advantage of this free shipping on glass Christmas ornaments!

Georgia Peach Facts

Georgia Peach to us at Trendy Tree .....means the delicious peaches we get from Cherry Creek Orchards in the summer time that our grandchildren love so well and the Christmas ornaments we have in stock from Old World Christmas.

But, there are other uses and meaning of the words "Georgia Peach."

Ty Cobb, the American Major League baseball player was nicknamed "Georgia Peach."

"Georgia Peach" refers to beautiful Southern girls.

There are 40 different varieties of sweet Georgia peaches grown across the state of Georgia, producing 130 million pounds a year! It is the official state fruit of Georgia.

The Georgia Peach Festival in Peach County, GA is June 4-11, 2011

The Georgia Peach Award highlights and promotes the development of cooperative school and public library services for young adults in Georgia of high school age.

The Georgia Peach Shuttle operates out of the Atlanta airport.

Georgia Peach is an album released by female rap artist Rasheeda. (There are lots of songs out there titled Georgia Peach.)

The Georgia Peach is a restaurant and lounge at underground Atlanta. One of the menu items features fried green tomatoes served with Feta cheese and drizzled with a roasted red pepper, garlic and basil sauce......hmmmmm.

Georgia Peach is the color of a Heuchera villosa hybrid....more commonly known as the perennial Coral Bells.

Georgia Peach is a Ben and Jerry's ice cream. (Actually it's Peach Cobbler)

All this reviewing makes me want to look more closely at recipes with Georgia peaches......see y'all later!

The American Bible Society

Today in history, the American Bible Society was formed in 1816 in New York City. IT is non-denominational, nonprofit organization that translates, publishes, distributes the Bible, study aids and other tools to engage people with the Bible. It's mission is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format that can be understood.

The American Bible Society placed the first Bibles in hotels and also provided Bibles to the soldiers of the Civil War. It also was the first organization to translate the Bible into Native American language.

The American Bible Society's main headquarters is housed in Manhattan, New York City and contains the largest collection of Bibles in the Western Hemisphere.

In the aftermath of September 1, 2001 and Katrina 2005, it sent over a million Bibles and scripture portions each time to people affected by these disasters. It has also maintained its commitment to military, including producing a pocket-sized military Bible, developed jointly with the aid of Catholic and Protestant chaplains from all branches of the armed forces.

Visit the website of the American Bible Society for more information. (Information taken from Wikipedia and ABS)

At Trendy Tree we have two styles of Bible Christmas ornaments that make wonderful keepsake gifts. The first shown in from Inge-Glas of Germany. It is a black Bible from the "Faith" collection and has gold glitter details with Bible written on the front and a gold cross.

Inge-Glas Bible

The other style of Bible is from Merck Family's Old World Christmas. It is available in three colors, black, white and red. It also has gold glitter details and has Holy Bible written on the front. The Old World Christmas Bible has this information on the hang tag: Considered to be the "word of God" by many religions, the Bible is a collection of 66 books written by more than forty authors over sixteen centuries. Telling the story of God's interactions in human history, it is the world's all-time best selling and most translated book.

Holy Bible Old World Christmas

Gifting one of these Bible ornaments is a wonderful way to acknowledge cherished events of faith. Either one of them could easily be personalized with a name or date. (We don't do personalization here at Trendy Tree, but it could be done with a special writing pen made for glass.)

Visit us a Trendy Tree for more great ideas for gifting Christmas ornaments!

We Are the World

Today in history in 1985 "We Are the World" USA for Africa was at the top of the charts!

It was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian for the album We Are the World. With sales in excess of 20 million copies, it is one of the fewer than thirty all-time singles to have sold 10 million (or more) copies worldwide.

The single was also a commercial success; the initial shipment of 800,000 "We Are the World" records sold out within three days of release^. The record became the fastest-selling American pop single in history. At one Tower Records store on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, 1,000 copies of the song were sold in two days. Store worker Richard Petitpas commented, "A number one single sells about 100 to 125 copies a week. This is absolutely unheard of. By the end of 1985, "We Are the World" had become the best selling single of the year Five years later it was revealed that the song had become the biggest single of the 1980s. "We Are the World" was eventually cited as the biggest selling single in both US and pop music history. The song became the first ever single to be certified multi-platinum; it received a 4× certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. The estimated global sales of "We Are the World" are said to be 20 million.

To read more about this fantastic project, visit Wikipedia. The list of people who participated in this project is phenomenal. Just reading about it makes you want to break out in song.....even if you can't sing a note!

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more of the 2011 collection from Old World Christmas!

Vladimir Horowitz

Today in History 

May 9, 1965 Vladimir Horowitz played his first public concert in 12 years at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The audience applauded the piano virtuoso with a standing ovation that lasted for 30 minutes.

Horowitz was born in 1903, but in order to make him appear too young for military service so as not to risk damaging his hands, his father took a year off his son's age by claiming he was born in 1904. The 1904 date appeared in many reference works during the pianist's lifetime.

He played all over the world and made his debut in the United States in 1928 at Carnegie Hall.
Despite rapturous receptions at recitals, Horowitz became increasingly unsure of his abilities as a pianist. On several occasions, the pianist had to be pushed onto the stage. Several times, he withdrew from public performances - during 1936 to 1938, 1953 to 1965, 1969 to 1974, and 1983 to 1985. After his comeback in 1965 he rarely gave solo recitals. He made his television debut on September 22, 1968, in a concert televised by CBS from Carnegie Hall. (Wikipedia)

Vladimir Horowitz died on November 5, 1989 in New York of a heart attack, aged 86

 Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more musical instrument Christmas Ornaments from Old World Christmas.

Covered Wagons - Conestoga Wagon

In our recent search and purchase of several old lunch boxes for a friend, we found one that was called The Western Trail, Conestoga Wagon. I really was not familiar with this term, but knew that it was styled after the old covered wagons found on wagon trains. This is a new lunch box by the way, not a vintage box.

After doing a little research (my favorite Wikipedia thing to do), here's what I found from them: The first Conestoga wagons originated in Pennsylvania around 1750 and are thought to have been introduced by Mennonite German settlers. The name came from the Conestoga Valley near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

In colonial times the Conestoga wagon was popular for migration southward through the Great Appalachian Valley along the Great Wagon Road. After the American Revolution it was used to open up commerce to Pittsburgh and Ohio. In 1820 rates charged were roughly one dollar per 100 pounds per 100 miles, with speeds about 15 miles (25 km) per day. The Conestoga, often in long wagon trains, was the primary overland cargo vehicle over the Appalachians until the development of the railroad.

Merck Family's Old World Christmas has created a very nice replica of this style of covered wagon....called "Covered Wagon."

The hang tag on the ornament reads: In the 1800s, when pioneers migrated westward, no roads existed, just rough trails. People traveled in wooden horse-drawn wagons covered with white canvas known as prairie schooners. They served as the homes for the families during their trip, as well as carrying all their possessions.

In reading about the old wagon trains, I also came across one of our favorite TV shows from the 1950's.and 60's....yes, I'm a baby boomer)))

Wagon Train cast (1964) -Wikipedia

It's so interesting to go back and read about those old TV shows that I watched lying in the floor of the living room with my family. We didn't miss Wagon Train!

Keep them doggies rolling.......no, wait....thats Rawhide! Gosh.....wonder what's out there about Rowdy Yates....aka Clint Eastwood))) I need to check that out....

National Nurses Week!

National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Florence Nightingale Pledge

This modified "Hippocratic Oath" was composed in 1893 by Mrs. Lystra E. Gretter and a Committee for the Farrand Training School for Nurses, Detroit, Michigan. It was called the Florence Nightingale Pledge as a token of esteem for the founder of modern nursing.

I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.

It's been over 25 years since I repeated this pledge in a candlelight ceremony where I was "pinned." I can still remember the difficulty I had getting the words out. Not because of nervousness or not knowing what the words were....but of the difficulty of saying the words out loud while choking back the tears. My heart was bursting in pride and humbleness ....I truly was pledging to be the best nurse I could be.

If you have a favorite nurse, or know a nurse who performs her work with the Nightingale Pledge at heart.....please visit us on Facebook and make a comment about them. Once all the comments are in, we'll choose a nurse and send her a special Christmas ornament as a small token of appreciation. Please make your comment on the National Nurses Week post. Thanks!

Now GO HUG A NURSE!

5/15/11

CONGRATULATIONS TO NURSE KATHY E.
Thank you Kathy for all that you do....we appreciate you))))
Kathy will receive a special Old World Christmas ornament as a small thank you and token of appreciation.

National Hoagie Day!

Well, a little bit late, but according to some internet research, yesterday (May 5, 2011) was National Hoagie Day!

According to Wikipedia: The sandwich originated in several different Italian American communities in the Northeastern United States from the late 19th to mid 20th centuries. The popularity of this Italian-American cuisine has grown from its origins in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts to spread to most parts of the United States, and with the advent of chain restaurants, is now available in many parts of the world. In Europe it would simply be known as a baguette, or a ciabatta, named after the type of bread being used. Both types of bread are traditional breads in use in France and Italy for centuries.

Wikipedia Image

The Hoagie is also called a Submarine, Po-Boy, Grinder, Hero, Torpedo, Blimpie, Bomer, and Zep (had never heard of that one myself). Typically the deli style sandwich is made by splitting an oblong roll of French or Italian bread, filling with hot or cold meat slices, meatballs, oysters, cheese slices, assorted vegetable slices such as onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles, peppers, and all types of condiments. Specific areas of the country call their sandwiches by different names.......the Po' Boy is found in Louisiana. The Louisiana Po' Boy is filled with fried shrimp or oysters, roast beef and gravy, hot sausage, etc. Many restaurant menus are built around the Po' Boy ......and if you haven't had one.....you must try it)))

If you are a Hero, Sub, Hoagie or Po'Boy lover.....or have someone in your family or friend that can't live without them....we have the Christmas ornament for you!

The Deli Sandwich by Old World Christmas is a perfect keepsake for the Hoagie lover! The Deli Sandwich ornament is a large ornament measuring about 4" in length......about a "half size" hoagie I'd say by experience)))

The hang tag note says: Named after the 4th Earl of Sandwich in 1762, sandwiches have been a favorite food for centuries. Known as a sub, submarine, grinder, hoagie, or hero, a sandwich made to order fresh from a deli is one of the best. Delicious and convenient, a deli sandwich is a great snack or meal anytime.

Come to think of it......we have more ornaments to go with your Deli Sandwich - Olives, Pickles, Cheese, French Fries....Beer, Water. What a great gift idea! Place a red checkered cloth napkin in a small picnic basket and fill with "sandwiches." Just don't eat em!

Visit us at Trendy Tree to fill your picnic basket!

Mother's Day Floral Arrangement by One Charming Party

This outstanding floral arrangement comes from "One Charming Party." It is so beautiful I wanted to share and One Charming Party graciously gave me permission.

The unique thing about this arrangement is the freshly cut orange slices tucked into the arrangement. You can just smell the crisp tangy aroma that must be permeating the air from this arrangement.

One Charming Party is a business created by Sara Westbrook and Brittany Egbert. Their website is full of party ideas and decorations. They have tons of printables that you can download and even complete party packages for sale. The floral arrangement above was created by Robin Mathis from Twigg Botanical and photographed by Nicole Hill Gerulat.

Lemons or limes would be beautiful in this arrangement to. While the arrangement is perfect just as it is, the fresh fruit slices on a pick sound like something that you can also do with a fruit style Christmas ornament. Depending on the shape of the ornament and the location of the cap, glass Christmas ornaments could be used in a similar fashion and once the arrangement has lost its freshness, the ornaments could be removed, recapped and placed on the Christmas tree. Great keepsake idea.

This Orange Christmas ornament for instance. The cap could be removed and a small dowel, pick or drinking straw (whichever is the best fit) could be inserted into the opening. To remove the cap, gently squeeze the circle together and pull upward slowly. Green floral tape could be wrapped around the dowel, straw or whatever is used. The insertion site at the neck of the ornament could be covered easily with a bit of ribbon or raffia in a color that would blend. I'm going to try this soon with the next beautiful floral arrangement I receive...hint hint to my child in case she is reading this)))

Teacher Appreciation Day!

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day!

Visit our Trendy Tree Facebook Page and make a recommendation of your favorite teacher. We'll choose one from the comments and send them this Teacher's Apple keepsake Christmas ornament from Merck Family's Old World Christmas.

Find the post with the Teacher's Apple Ornament and make your comments there. Once we've chosen the teacher, we'll contact you for complete name and shipping address.

5/9/11 Congratulations to Aimee Stahl Vargas

Thank you Aimee for being an outstanding Teacher. We appreciate you!

Free Shipping Coupon at Trendy Tree!

Free shipping coupon for orders of $50 or more on glass Christmas ornaments at Trendy Tree. Good for ornaments from these categories:

Old World Christmas

Inge-Glas of Germany

Christopher Radko

Varsovia

Santa Klaus & Co

Enter the code "free" in the discount coupon space on your checkout page

Good for 48 Continental United States

(shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, & APO address will be discounted 50% manually)

International Orders not included.

 

(Shipping will be USPS Parcel Post, First Class, Priority Mail or UPS Ground. Offer good May 3 thru May 31, 2011, no rain checks and does not apply to previous orders.)