Fathers Day

Father's Day Sunday June 16th

What is a Father? well it is someone who father's a child.  What is a Dad? now that's a different question with a much longer answer.

The best way I know how to explain what a dad is, is to look at my own dad!

I was 18 when my father passed away and I often look back and see all the things he missed
my 21st birthday, my first real job, my engagement, my wedding, the birth of my first baby, just so many things and at every milestone I think of him because he helped make me the person I am today.  Because of my father I expect all fathers to be the same, isn't that what we do we compare other father's to our own and luckily we all think we have the BEST ONE.

The things I remember about my father, he laughed a lot, he would not sing but hum me to sleep, he was a great amateur actor, he played a fantastic game of bridge, he had a brilliant mind, he was kind, gentle and fun to be with.  He did not chat a lot but when he said something you listened.  He gave great advice.

Now I see my husband as a father and guess what he is so similar to my own father in so many ways, ok he can't play bridge, he can't act to save his life, not sure about the brilliant mind either but he is the Best Father I could have hoped for, for my kids.  He is fun, gentle, kind, honest, reliable, he does not let them get away with anything but when they are upset no matter what is happening, no matter what is on TV, even if its 'Ice Pilots' (his favourite) he has time for them and talks to them. 

So why am I telling you all this?  well because the way I see it.  A dad is not just, the 'wallet' in the house, he is the supplier of Fun, reliability,support,someone to look up to, someone you want to be proud of you.  A Dad is the greatest gift of unconditional love you can ask for.  My mother used always say, your father is so quite, 'I'm the barking dog' but Dad is  the one who stands guard and only has to give one Bark to make the difference. Dad's give so much and ask for so little in return, they are usually the ones to stay nicely in the background but will put on the superhero cape just when you need him.

Celebrate Father's day, yes, send a card if you like and if you do then please use cardscomplete.ie but above all else tell your dad just how much he means to you.  Tell him how much you appreciate what he has done, even though you did not always agree with his decision.  Tell him 'Thanks' for being ' My Best Dad'

 Father's day cards are available on www.cardscomplete.ie 

Father's will always give you a lift, when your feet are tired.

Is it your Birthday Today?

Happy Birthday if it is your Birthday today and we hope you get lots of Birthday Cards.

May 27 Birthday Horoscope 2013-2014

 

If Today is Your Birthday: May 27

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The Year Ahead Forecast for May 2013 to May 2014 If You Were Born Today, May 27: Life is always an adventure for you because you are extremely curious, inquisitive, and always open to learn from your experiences. You are very friendly, giving, and naturally charming. You instinctively know that change is a natural part of life and learning, and try to keep positive. You need a lot of mental stimulation in order to stay interested in projects and work. Famous people born today: Henry Kissinger, Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Louis Gossett, Jr., Bruce Cockburn. Thanks to  Cafe Astrology .com

Cards Complete 1st Birthday

Birthday wishes from Cards Complete

Cards Complete is a year old this month and to celebrate we are offering free delivery for any of your GIFTS that are to be delivered in Ireland until 17th May.  So order your gifts this week to get a reduction of €7.50

This is a great birthday offer. Charlie my trusted employee is celebrating with me, he sure does look in the party mood?

Birthday Cards

A little History about Birthday Cards and Birthday celebration.

Birthday Superstition

It is believed by many scholars that birthdays began in the pagan culture of Europe because of the fear that evil spirits are more attracted to a person on their birthday. Friends and family would visit with well-wishes to ward off the evil spirits.
Birthdays were usually only celebrated by nobility (which may be why we like to put a Birthday Crown on the birthday person) until the Germans began the practice of celebrating children’s birthdays called “kinderfeste” and bake a special sweet cake.

Birthday Cake

Another theory about the origin of birthday cake is that it came from the ancient Greeks. They would bake a round cake lit with candles to offer to Artemis, the Moon Goddess.

The Birthday Candles 

The Birthday candles helped to send prayers up to the gods, thus came about the custom of making a wish before blowing out your birthday candles. In Germany the candle on a birthday cake was symbolic for the light of life.

Happy Birthday Song

 It began as the “Good Morning to You” song with the now familiar “Happy Birthday to You” tune, and was written by Mildred Hill and Dr. Patty Hill as a kindergarten school song. Patty Hill is credited with changing the lyrics to “Happy Birthday” after the song gained popularity (and yes, it is still copyrighted).

Significance of Birthday Cards

Birthday Cards are an important means of communicating good wishes and love to a person. They carry a personal touch that makes them endearing and very special. Emotionally charged cards help to convey feelings of love that most people find difficult to express.

Irish Gifts Online

Irish Gifts made in Ireland by Irish People

Cards Complete is expanding it's range of Irish gifts all the time and what we aim for is that it is real Irish people making the products and selling them in Ireland.

There are  people in Ireland with such talent and they are doing something with it.  Maybe out of something bad comes something good, so we are in a recession but it makes us think about our strengths and talents and when I look around me and see so many talented people making beautiful things I am delighted to be able to offer a taste of them on my site.


We hope to have timber products made in Cong Co. Mayo available to buy on our site by next week.  Timber candle holder, cheese boards, wine holders etc. these make lovely gifts

Here are some of our Irish  gifts and a little about the people that make them.  All these Irish Gifts are available on line and we hope to keep adding to our range over the next few months
Link to our Gift Section.

Jams and Poitin Marmalade - Irish homemade Gifts             

Betty Smith makes the Jams and Poitin Marmalade we use in our Irish Homemade Gift  Range.  Betty got invovled in the European year for active ageing by starting up her own marmalade business,' A taste of Irish Spririt'.  The marmalade is unique with the key ingredient being the irish spirit Poitin.  Betty has also launched her Christmas marmalade and strawberry and blackberry jam.  Betty participated in a start your own food business course and has sought help from the Enterprise Board to make her business successful.  After moving to West Cork in 2000 Betty got involved in setting up a retirement agency in West cork to provide a much-needed service for older people.  Go Getter Betty Smith who is a retired forensic scientist was driven to start selling her  Poitin spread when she received a huge vet's bill,  Betty said she was lying in bed worrying and it came to me I'd been at markets selling arts and crafts, doing very little business when I noticed food stalls were booming.  I don't bake so that was not an option and then it hit me - marmalade but with a twist.  And a Taste of Irish Spirits was born.  The once banned brew, Poitin legalised in 1997 is now a protected name like Champagne under EU rules. I met Betty and thought her Poitin Marmalade and Jams would make lovely Irish Gifts in our Irish Gifts Online Range.  Of course it also helped that Betty is living in Ireland and producing these goods herself which is a real  Homemade Irish Gift.  I am delighted to say that Betty's Homemade Irish Marmalade and Jams are going down well with my customers, they have bought as Gifts for Mother's day, Teacher's Present and of course sending to our Family and Friends living abroad, it makes a perfect irish gift.

Jewellery- Irish Handmade- Irish Gifts Online                 

Our Silver Jewellery that makes a perfect Irish Gift is handmade and designed by Eileen Moylan, Silversmith in Co. Cork.  Claddagh Design offers a refreshing twist on Irish inspired Jewellery.
Eileen has been working in silver for over 10 years, designing and making jewelry. Through Claddagh Design Eileen offers an alternative to poor quality, mass produced Celtic jewelry that is made outside of Ireland. All of her jewelry comes with a guarantee that it has been designed, made and hallmarked in Ireland. Each piece has been lovingly handmade, and can be delivered to anywhere in the world.  A perfect Irish handmade gifts available Irish Gifts online with Cards Complete.

Lee River Leather    

Lee River Leather is based in Cork, our store and workshop being located alongside the River Lee in the old market area of the city.

Simon likes to make products that he himself would like to possess, things of beauty and durability. He works with quality materials that get better with age, like veg-tanned leathers that gain personality the more life throws at them.  He does things his way, the old way, and the best way.  These proudcts make love Irish Gifts and are available under our Gifts section, Irish Gifts online.
From Lee River Leather:
WARRANTY
Lee River products are covered by a 3 year warranty from original date of purchase when used under normal conditions and for the purpose intended. This warranty does not apply to damage caused by normal wear and tear, unreasonable use or neglect.
We’re reasonable people. Just don’t drop the buckle end of your belt on a tiled floor while you’re hopping around trying to get into your jeans….This results in a broken pin. (Happens a lot!)
Our stuff is designed to last, and should give a lifetime of use if you treat it with respect. A belt was once used to remove an overheating radiator cap. No ill effects were reported.
OUR LEATHER
We use certified Italian veg-tanned cowhide. Vegetable tanning is the most traditional way of tanning hides. Using Italian artisans, most of the process is done by hand and can take up to 40 days to produce. Vegetable tanning uses natural ingredients such as the bark of chestnut trees. This means the finished colours are usually warm, rich tones of natural browns. Our tannery has a rich heritage, is family owned and is one of the most respected tanneries in Italy.
Vegetable-tanned leather absorbs the traces of our living, it gains character without degrading. The natural ageing does not compromise its resistance and gives it a vintage look with warm colour shades showing evidence of being a natural product.

Thank You cards

Thank you Cards

http://youtu.be/KiQzUEc_FmI  Theme song to the Golden Girls. Anyone remember this program it brings back memories to me.  'Thank you for being a Friend'

It's nice to say thank you.  Our friends and people who are good to us are a great thing to have in your life and it is also a nice to let them know how much their friendship, kindness means to you.

check out our range of Thank you cards www.cardscomplete.ie/personalised-greeting-cards-shop/Greeting-Cards/Thank-You-Cards-

Here are some nice Thank you messages you could put in the Thank You Card.

Taking the time to help me was a very nice thing for you to do.

I know that you are a person who sacrifices for others without thinking. Thank you."

"The longer I am around you the more I realize that you are a genuinely generous and caring person."

"I don't know if I should thank you or whoever made you such a nice person."

"I don't think I could find a more thoughtful, generous person."

"You are so generous, I know you'd give me the shirt off your back if I asked. Good thing I'm not asking."

"You deserve a bigger thank you than this card for what you did. I will remember what you did."

Handmade Jewellery

Handmade Irish Jewellery

I am delighted to tell you we have now a range of Handmade jewellery on our site. This Jewellery is handmade and designed by Eileen Moylan, silversmith in Co. Cork. Claddagh Design offers a refreshing twist on Irish inspired jewellery. This exclusive collection draws inspiration from the age old art of Irish metalwork and jewellery which is re interpreted in these unique designs. These sterling silver pieces come beautifully boxed. Cards Complete is delighted to be able to offer such beautiful Contemporary Irish Jewellery.  Check out the range we have on offer here, Handmade Jewellery.

Since 2010, Eileen has been working for herself, in the town of Macroom, County Cork where she lives.

When establishing Claddagh Design, it was clear that the jewelry would have to convey a contemporary twist on traditional Irish designs while always maintaining the highest levels of quality. This quality is only achieved where each piece is hand crafted individually, where Eileen’s eye for detail is brought to bear on every stage in the process of making hand crafted jewelry.
In addition to the jewelry Eileen makes for the Claddagh Design store, Eileen also makes custom jewelery made to order if this is something you are interested in then please email us at info@cardscomplete.ie and we will arrange it. Throughout all her work is a commitment to the traditional methods she has been taught.

It is important to me that the techniques used are all done by hand. These techniques have remained unchanged since early silversmithing. My work marries these techniques with contemporary forms to give the work a craft base to these design led forms.