In America, Thanksgiving traditionally means family, friends and especially food. We cook and eat as if there was a scarcity of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and creamy vegetables. We dive into pumpkin pie as if there was a national law that says it can only be served and eaten one day a year.

Surprise! Stores sell turkey, ham, potatoes and rolls all year long. You can fix it for breakfast if you so desire or even invite the group over any other day of the year. There are no shortages of good food and good times with others. You don’t need an excuse or special day to gather and break bread.

. The average woman takes in about 1,400 to 1,800 calorie in an ordinary day but between 2,000 to 3,000 calories and more than 130 fat grams at a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. You can see that a huge dinner is likely to put you over the top in comfort and straight into a food coma. You won’t feel satisfied; you will feel stuffed and miserable.

The very idea of a holiday feast feels and appears abundant. Looking at a laden filled table reminds us of our blessings and instills a sense of gratitude. Abundance means an ample supply, more than enough, and plenty to share.

Eat your fill of turkey and mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving. Enjoy a taste or two of everything. Eat till you are stuffed like a turkey, if you want to, it is your choice. But don’t eat as if there is no tomorrow or a shortage of good food. Laugh and mingle with friends and set up a date to gather monthly. Set an intention to turn Thanksgiving into Thanks-living.

Remember that abundance does not come just once a year. It is waiting for you every day.

Now, pass a small piece of pie! I know I can have more at another time.

Judy Wright, life educator © 2006

About the author:

Judy H. Wright is a parent educator and family coach who lives with her family in beautiful Montana. You may sign up for a free ezine or download free articles from http://www.ArtichokePress.com This site also contains a full listing of books, eBooks, tele-classes and workshops available to help you enrich your life. If you would like to schedule Judy as a speaker call 406-549-9813 or write JudyWright@MontanaSpeakers.com

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The Italian saying “Roma, non basta una vita” literally means “Rome, a lifetime is not enough”, referring to the amount of things to do and see, including ruins, castles, tombs, galleries and churches.

Rome, like many other Italian cities, is a city rich in history, religion, and art, with early Christian Churches, Medieval Belltowers, Baroque Basilicas and of course The Vatican, which is the spiritual capital of the Roman Catholic world, and the smallest independant state to exist in the World.

Sights not to miss….

The Collosseum (photo right) No visit to Rome would be complete without visiting the spectacular ruins of the Collosseum, which has seen 450 years of gladiator contests.

Pantheon (photo left) This was a Pagan temple to all gods from 2AD, and a church in 608AD. It is still in fantastic condition.

Spanish Steps These steps to be found in centrally located Piazza di Spagna, are famous for being ‘romantic’ steps and a busy meeting place.

Trevi Fountain (photo below right)These beautiful famous fountains are to be found by Piazza di Spagna. They are Rococco designed, and feature Neptune, tritons and seahorses. It is traditional to throw a coin in the fountain, and it is said that you should throw one coin if you wish to return to Rome, two coins to have a romance with an Italian, and three if you wish to marry an Italian!

Mouth of Truth - Bocca della Verita` Dare to put your hand inside the mouth, as legend has it that liars’ hands will be bitten off!

Juliana de Angelis is a travel writer about Italy…read more articles, travel guides and information about Italy, its people and culture at her website: http://www.madaboutitaly.com/

Book flights, hotels and shop for Italian products at http://www.italianshopsonline.com/

Copyright © 2006 Juliana de Angelis - please inform author if using any articles.

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The subjective value of a gift is far more important than its commercial value. If the receiver is able to decode the message intended, then a gift’s purpose is served. Food gifts are popular for their ability to convey a special, personal and often sentimental message. Food doesn’t merely quench hunger or serve as a gastronomical delight. It carries sentimental values because individuals often identify certain special family recipes and food items and their aromas with family ties and love. A food gift is special because it exhibits the care and attention with which the giver either prepares or selects the items, personalized with the recipient’s taste and liking in mind.

Food gifts made right in the kitchen are not expensive, and can be tastefully decorated and packaged in gift baskets or packets for presenting. Moreover, these can be customized to suit a recipient on a special diet plan, cater to nutritional and health needs or have rare family delicacies not available anywhere else. It is not at all important to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Simple and tastefully decorated and packaged food gifts win the hearts of all, adult, children and elderly alike. One can include some purchased food items, flavored oils, an assortment of herbs, and recipes in beautiful recipe-cards holders.

Food gifts can also be used at the professional plane. Corporate food gifts, like other corporate gifts, reinforce, maintain and build corporate relationships. However, corporate food gifts are more popular because they enable subtle marketing, with an added personal and unique touch. Most people enjoy having a treat of exquisite high-quality food delicacies and items rather than storing up another unwanted similar corporate gift. Perishable food gifts like meat and soft cheese should be avoided. The gifts should be appropriately packed and sealed, depending upon the container’s fragility. And it is quality that should be accorded a priority. Heavier items should be kept at the bottom, and there should be no empty space between items.

Food Gifts provides detailed information on Food Gifts, Food Gift Baskets, Gourmet Food Gifts, Corporate Food Gifts and more. Food Gifts is affiliated with Dog Lover Gift Baskets.

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