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.

Mother's Day Sunday 10th March.

What is it like to be a Mom.  It is the best feeling in the world.  I remember when I was younger and older women that I worked with would be talking about their kids a lot and I had not an interest in the world in fact, I was usually board by what they were saying but when you become a mom you think back to those people and you realise you are one too.
Mother's day is  about saying thanks to your mom but for me, as a mom it is a time for me to say I am so glad I am one.  Sometimes I think, what the hell used I do before the kids were born, I seem to spend my time running after them, but would I change it? not for all the tea in China. 
Being a Mom is hard work no doubt about it but it is also the most rewarding job you will do.  My own mom is no longer with us and I miss her still every day and I think about all good and bad times we had and I look back at when I was young and I used to say to myself If i have children I will never say X or Y but guess what? I am exactly like her.  I worry like her etc. etc. and I remember her saying once when my children were particularly trying she said, I am so glad I lived to see your children giving you as much grief as you gave me, but don't worry it will pass.
Mother's day Sunday 10th March and CardsComplete has everything you need to send to your mom. 

Patricks Day Party Pack

Patricks Day 17th March.  A day when we celebrate being Irish.  Parades, fun, green, guniness, all things Irish. 
We have put together a 'Patrick's Day Party Pack' for anyone who wants to celebrate Patricks Day.  In our Party pack are balloons, paper cups with shamrocks, napkins saying 'Happy St Patricks Day, Taytos, chocolate, tea bags, a banner and for the Host we are throwing in a Happy St Patricks Day Tiara Free of charge.  To get there by the 17th you need to order before the 1st March so get on line and order your Patricks Day party pack or send a St Patricks day card to your friends/loved ones abroad./www.cardscomplete.ie/personalised-greeting-cards-shop/Gift-Ideas/Patricks-Day-Party-Pack

St Patrick's Day is coming soon .................so who was this dude and what is all the fuss about...???? . even if you are not Irish you should still celebrate.   At least send somebody a card or party pack 

Patrick was almost certainly born before the end of the Roman rule in Britain (400AD), probably in the southwest of England (though the north, Wales and Scotland have all made claims!). Various biographers suggest his given name was Sochet but all that is known for sure is that he refers to himself as Patricius, a Roman name of which Patrick is the anglicized version. Calpornious, Patrick’s father, was a deacon who was involved in tax raising so Patrick’s childhood, growing up in a large Roman Villa, would have been very comfortable. In his confession, Patrick wrote ‘according to the World’s reckoning, I was a gentleman’. Disaster struck at the age of 15. With the roman influence fading, raiders from Ireland were able to develop a thriving slave trade. Such a raiding group took Patrick back to Ireland where he was forced to work as a shepherd. It is believed he lived and worked on he slopes of the imposing Slemish Mountain in County Antrim.

After six years, Patrick dreamed of a message from an angel called Victoricus, who urged him to escape his master. Patrick traveled nearly 200 miles – probably to Waterford – where he completed his escape back to England. Back home, he trained as a priest and within a decade had become a Bishop. Then he had another vision of Victoricus - this time carrying letters. One of these, titled ‘the voice of the Irish’ begged him to come to Ireland (although whether he went of his own accord or was sent by the church is unclear).

Patrick probably landed in Ireland in 432AD. It was at the spot where the Slaney River flows into Strangford Lough in County Down. Patrick was politically astute and charismatic and knew the importance of having influential friends. His first conversion was Dichu, the local chieftain and brother of the High King of Ulster. In a barn donated by Dichu, Patrick preached his first sermon in Ireland. Today, on this site at Saul (Sabhal, pronounced Saul, is the Irish for barn) stands a much visited stone replica (built in 1936) of an early church with a round tower.

How far Patrick traveled in Ireland and how many souls he converted can only be guessed at. In his confession, he claims to have baptized many thousands. But Ulster was the real base of his work. Especially the area around Downpatrick and Armagh.

It is difficult to be precise about the exact year of his death although March 17 is given as the date. It was most probably between 460AD and 490AD. The legend of Saint Patrick grew quickly after his death. In 688AD the Book of Armagh placed that city at the center of the growing cult of Patrick and he was elevated to the status of national apostle, interceding in heaven on behalf of the Irish. The Book of Armagh directed all monasteries and churches in Ireland to honor his memory on March 17. 1607 marked the day marked on the Irish legal calendar. Now it is officially Saint Patrick’s Day.

Patrick was almost certainly born before the end of the Roman rule in Britain (400AD), probably in the southwest of England (though the north, Wales and Scotland have all made claims!). Various biographers suggest his given name was Sochet but all that is known for sure is that he refers to himself as Patricius, a Roman name of which Patrick is the anglicized version.

Calpornious, Patrick’s father, was a deacon who was involved in tax raising so Patrick’s childhood, growing up in a large Roman Villa, would have been very comfortable. In his confession, Patrick wrote ‘according to the World’s reckoning, I was a gentleman’.

Disaster struck at the age of 15. With the roman influence fading, raiders from Ireland were able to develop a thriving slave trade. Such a raiding group took Patrick back to Ireland where he was forced to work as a shepherd. It is believed he lived and worked on he slopes of the imposing Slemish Mountain in County Antrim.

After six years, Patrick dreamed of a message from an angel called Victoricus, who urged him to escape his master. Patrick traveled nearly 200 miles – probably to Waterford – where he completed his escape back to England. Back home, he trained as a priest and within a decade had become a Bishop.
Then he had another vision of Victoricus - this time carrying letters. One of these, titled ‘the voice of the Irish’ begged him to come to Ireland (although whether he went of his own accord or was sent by the church is unclear).

Patrick probably landed in Ireland in 432AD. It was at the spot where the Slaney River flows into Strangford Lough in County Down. Patrick was politically astute and charismatic and knew the importance of having influential friends. His first conversion was Dichu, the local chieftain and brother of the High King of Ulster. In a barn donated by Dichu, Patrick preached his first sermon in Ireland. Today, on this site at Saul (Sabhal, pronounced Saul, is the Irish for barn) stands a much visited stone replica (built in 1936) of an early church with a round tower.

It is difficult to be precise about the exact year of his death although March 17 is given as the date. It was most probably between 460AD and 490AD. The legend of Saint Patrick grew quickly after his death. In 688AD the Book of Armagh placed that city at the center of the growing cult of Patrick and he was elevated to the status of national apostle, interceding in heaven on behalf of the Irish. The Book of Armagh directed all monasteries and churches in Ireland to honor his memory on March 17. 1607 marked the day marked on the Irish legal calendar. Now it is officially Saint Patrick’s Day.

Mothers Day

Mother's Day is Sunday 10th March, 2013

History of Mother's day in Ireland

The history of celebrating Mother's Day in Ireland can be traced to medieval times where children from poor families were sent to work as domestic servants and apprentices in rich homes.
Once a year, in the middle of the Lent, the children were given one day off to visit their 'Mother Church' and worship the Virgin Mary at special masses which would be held in honour of Mary, the Mother of Christ.
After visiting the Mother Church or Cathedral of their home town these children visited their mothers and presented them with flowers they picked along the way.
The practice died out in Ireland around the late 18th century but was revived - with help from the Americans - after World War II.

Mother's day is a day when we spoil our Mums.  When we remind them of how much we care about them.  Its their special day, mother's day a day to celebrate all our fantastic mums. 

log on to www.cardscomplete.ie and look at our mother's day cards and mother's day gifts.  We have some really nice mother's day gift ideas.

Mothers sayings quotes

 1. “Sure who’ll be looking at ya anyway?”
2. “Don’t leave the house without clean underwear, in case you get run over by a bus”
3. “Be grateful for your own lot”
4. “Your health is your wealth”
5. “It’s not considered a cup of tea unless there is milk in it”
6. “I would give you the bit out of my mouth"
7. “Those potatoes are balls of flower”
8. “Never go to a house with one arm as long as the other”.
9. “I will wash your mouth out with soap”
10. “Eat everything on that plate”

Valentine's Day

What’s in a kiss?                     What is love? What is Valentine’s Day all about? 

There is no doubt there is a commercial side to Valentine’s day, flowers, chocolates, a card, a small gift and the question what will I get him? What will I get her?  Well I am a pure romantic and I am married to the most un romantic guy in Ireland, I would say, or am I? because I asked myself the question is he romantic? and I automatically say no because, he does not buy me flowers,  he forgets our anniversary, etc. I once got a card on valentine’s day that said happy birthday, he pretended he saw that and said he liked the verse but I know what happened, it had a heart on it, it said love and wife and that’s all that mattered. 

Romance is not just about buying gifts, it is thinking about the other person, it is the time when he knows you are just so tired,  he makes the dinner and brings it in by the fire to you, it is when he buys your favourite biscuit for your cup of tea, it’s when you are at your lowest and he puts his arms around you and says ‘I’m still here and I will be forever’ so why do we need Valentine’s day?  My opinion about Valentine’s day,  is, so  we can Stop for just one moment and think about the person we love and give them a little bit of attention, we are running and racing through our lives, we are scrimping and saving there is pressure from every side you turn and this is the time to say   we are Still Here, we are together and we still love each other and I am sorry if I forgot to say it but I am saying it today. 

So I thought about putting together gift boxes that would contain a variety  of things so that you can enjoy not only on valentine’s day but for months afterwards, so if you are going to buy a gift, it is a bit of luxury but also something that you would like and can use.  Why did I pick the products in the box? Easy, they are good quality and they are Irish and they are growing Irish companies and because  however small I am now I am still supporting local people and the quality is superb. 

So no matter how big or small your gift will be to your loved one on valentine’s day, just remember what it is all about, it is about giving a little attention to the one you love, it is about showing just how much you care, it does not have to be a big present, it just has to be heartfelt and if you are going to buy a gift then look at www.cardscomplete.ie and if you like what we have buy it.   

Cards Complete is based in Blarney Co. Cork, it is an online business that started in May 2012.  If you don’t want to order your gift box through the internet then phone us and we will put it through for you our number is 087-6630192.  Cards Complete have valentine cards, flowers, gift boxes, handcrafted irish jewellery available on www.cardscomplete.ie We are adding to our range all the time.  We will have ideas for mother’s day and Patrick’s day available soon.  A full list of each box, their contents and pricing are available at our gifts section