Monthly Archives: August 2023

5 Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds

Today, we’re exploring the often-underrated gem of the natural world–the unassuming sunflower seed.

You know those little nibbles you enjoy at baseball games or casually toss onto your salads? They’re more than just tasty tidbits; they’re packed with health benefits that can keep you feeling vibrant and well. 

Curious? Here are 5 reasons why:

1. The Great Cholesterol Conquest

Let’s dive straight into the heart of the matter—cardiac health. 

Sunflower seeds, despite their modest size, are quite the overachievers in the nutrition world. They’re loaded with phytosterols—a term you might not drop at dinner parties, but perhaps you should. These are plant compounds adept at keeping cholesterol in check. 

Consider them the sophisticated secret agents of the seed domain. So, the next time you savor them, picture a discreet elite force safeguarding your arteries. Quite the imagery, isn’t it?

2. Magnesium Mania

Ever felt as if your energy levels might land you a lead role in “The Walking Dead”? Here’s a thought: magnesium.

It’s not just a fancy element on the periodic table—sunflower seeds are teeming with it. Magnesium, it turns out, is quite the unsung hero in bodily operations, not least of which is energy production. 

The line between feeling utterly drained and having a sprightly step could well be drawn with sunflower seeds. Who knew?

3. Vitamin E All Day

Sunflower seeds are a rich source of Vitamin E, an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy skin and eyes. 

This antioxidant property helps combat free radicals in the body, supporting overall health, and you know how we feel about antioxidants. Regularly including sunflower seeds in your diet can contribute significantly to your daily Vitamin E intake. Their nutritional profile makes them not only a tasty snack but also a beneficial one for overall well-being.

4. Mood Boosters

Feeling a tad glum? Grab a handful of these tiny mood-enhancers. 

Rich in selenium, sunflower seeds are nature’s way of giving us a gentle lift. It’s almost like they have a hidden agenda to make us happier. The only real risk: you might find yourself becoming an unexpected fan of these little wonders.

5. Snack for Healthy Skin

The magic compound squalene, found in abundance in sunflower seeds, not only acts as a potent antioxidant but also offers a natural way to give your skin that sought-after glow. Its unique molecular structure allows it to effectively combat skin-damaging free radicals, playing a key role in maintaining skin health and elasticity. 

I should caution you to only eat the seeds, not the whole flower. But if you do, you must report back to me and share what the experience was like. 

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

What an opportunity to combine two of our favorite things, sunflower seeds and the Chicago Cubs (and the Cubs are in second place, too!) Check out our Cubs Cooler Gift Basket , featuring such wonderful vittles as David’s Sunflower Seeds, Cubs Krispie Treat, Cubs Pez, Cubs Pint glass, Cubs Koozie, and more!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on  Facebook and LinkedIn.

How to Write a Thank You Card: A Guide for the Gratefully Baffled

Writing a thank you card is a delicate art, much like making a soufflé without a meltdown. 

But fear not! In the world of gratitude, where emotions run high and the price of stamps runs even higher, I’m here to guide you through the labyrinth of thank you card writing. Grab your favorite pen, find a card that doesn’t feature cartoon animals (unless that’s your style, of course), and let’s dive in.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Card

First things first: you must choose the perfect card. 

Anything less than perfect, and it’s all over. Actually it’s not. Just needed a little dramatic effect. 

Now, this isn’t akin to choosing a life partner, but let’s not trivialize the matter. The right card speaks volumes about your appreciation level. 

Go for gold embossed letters if you’re feeling fancy or a simple, elegant design if minimalism is your game. Remember, glitter is like cilantro: some people love it, others feel like it’s attacking their senses.

Step 2: Addressing the Elephant (or the Recipient)

This is where you write the person’s name. Not your name, your dog’s name, or the name of your favorite celebrity. 

Start with “Dear [Person’s name],” if you’re traditional, or “Hey [Nickname],” if you’re feeling adventurous. But let’s keep “Yo” or “Sup” for texting, shall we?

Step 3: Thanking with Style

Now comes the fun part. Here, you’ll attempt to put your gratitude into words without sounding like a Shakespearean actor auditioning for a soap opera. 

Begin with “Thank you for…” and then describe the gift, favor, or reason. If you’re struggling, just be honest: “Thank you for the sweater. I appreciate the time you took to choose something in my favorite color: invisible.”

Step 4: The Personal Touch

You’ve nailed the thank you part, and now for a dash of personality. 

This is where you can be creative, thoughtful, or mildly humorous. For example:

“I can’t wait to wear the sweater at family gatherings, where it will surely outshine Aunt Gertrude’s infamous casserole.”

Step 5: The Grand Conclusion

Here’s where you wrap it up.

A simple “Thanks again,” followed by “Sincerely,” “With love,” or “Yours appreciatively” will do. If you feel like leaving a cliffhanger, that’s up to you, but this isn’t a season finale, it’s a thank you card.

Step 6: The Signature

Sign your name. 

If you’re worried your signature looks like the work of a toddler holding a crayon, you’re not alone. Just remember, it’s the thought that counts.

Step 7: Address, Stamp, Send!

Finally, address the envelope, put a stamp in the right corner (not the left, we’re not anarchists here), and drop it in the mailbox. 

Take a deep breath; you’ve just sent a piece of tangible appreciation through the mail. Celebrate with a dance, a cookie, or both.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Speaking of ways to say thank you, there’s no better way to do it than with our Down Time Relaxation Gift Basket, replete with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, wine cheese, chocolates, crackers, and more! 

Don’t forget the thank you card. 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on  Facebook and LinkedIn.