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		<title>A brief history on gift giving</title>
		<link>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/10/a-brief-history-on-gift-giving/</link>
		<comments>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/10/a-brief-history-on-gift-giving/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:24:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.valbloom.co.uk/?p=128</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Giving gifts for special events and events really is a popular tradition all over the world. Whether it is exchanging Christmas gifts, giving your family and friends presents on their birthday or celebrating a couple’s marriage with wedding gifts, giving people gifts has got a long standing tradition in lots of cultures. In more recent [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Giving gifts for </em>special events<em> and </em>events<em> </em>really is a<em> </em>popular<em> </em>tradition<em> </em>all over the world<em>. Whether </em>it is<em> exchanging Christmas gifts, giving </em>your family and friends<em> </em>presents<em> on their birthday </em>or<em> celebrating a couple’s marriage with </em><a href="http://www.thegiftexperience.co.uk/"><em>wedding gifts</em></a><em>, </em>giving people<em> </em>gifts<em> </em>has got<em> a long standing </em>tradition<em> </em>in lots of<em> cultures.<br />
In more </em>recent times<em>, </em>other<em> </em>occasions<em> </em>have also<em> become </em>synonymous<em> with </em>giving gifts<em>, </em>therefore we<em> </em>currently<em> give Christening and </em><a href="http://www.thegiftexperience.co.uk/gifts/wedding-present-ideas-wedding-presents/index.html"><em>wedding gifts</em></a><em> </em>and<em> Anniversary gifts </em>as well as<em> </em>gifts<em> for Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, Valentine’s Day </em>plus<em> life events </em>like<em> graduations </em>and<em> retirements.<br />
</em>It is<em> </em>considered that<em> the </em>custom<em> of giving </em>presents<em> </em>goes back<em> to Roman times. They were the </em>first<em> to celebrate birthdays </em>by having<em> extravagant parties </em>and<em> birthday gifts, and </em>they also<em> enthusiastically celebrated the festival Saturnalia </em>each and every<em> December.<br />
This week long </em>festivity<em> </em>took place<em> between 17 </em>and the<em> 23 December </em>and<em> saw the Romans visiting </em>friends and family<em>, enjoying feasts and </em>of course<em>, giving </em>gifts<em> </em>to one another<em>. </em>Common<em> </em>presents<em> </em>for guys<em> and </em>gifts<em> </em>for ladies<em> included candles, earthenware figures, </em>clothing<em>, books, crockery </em>and also<em> perfumes.<br />
Saturnalia was </em>among the<em> festivals </em>that<em> </em>led to<em> </em>the foundation<em> of </em>Xmas<em>. When Christianity </em>began<em> spreading, </em>traditions<em> </em>were<em> taken from </em>various<em> ancient and Pagan festivals. </em>Giving gifts<em> </em>was<em> taken from Saturnalia, greenery and lighting from the Roman New Year </em>and<em> </em>food items<em> </em>from the<em> Germanic festival of Yule.<br />
The celebration of </em>Christmas<em> </em>transformed<em> </em>significantly<em> </em>during the<em> Middle Ages. </em>At the beginning of<em> the period, it involved eating, drinking </em>and also<em> carolling </em>for the whole<em> </em>duration of<em> what we know now as Advent </em>and<em> Christmas gifts were given on New Year’s Day. </em>During the<em> 16th-17th centuries, </em>Christmas time<em> </em>evolved<em> to include </em>more<em> </em>lavish<em> feasts and gifts being given on Christmas Eve </em>and also<em> Christmas Day.<br />
</em>Even though the<em> festival was </em>stopped<em> by Oliver Cromwell in 1647, it still </em>continued to be<em> popular </em>but it<em> was the Victorian </em>time<em> which saw Christmas </em>become<em> the </em>event<em> </em>we know<em> today. Queen Victoria’s </em>partner<em> Prince Albert brought over the custom of Christmas trees from Germany, </em>and the<em> giving of Christmas presents to the </em>entire<em> </em>family<em> </em>grew to be<em> </em>very popular<em>. Victorian gift ideas included both </em>useful<em> </em>and<em> ornamental gifts. Christmas gifts for men included slippers, scarves </em>and also<em> cigar cases, </em>whereas<em> </em>ladies<em> received stationary, aprons </em>and also<em> pin cushions. Personalised gifts </em>and also<em> handmade gifts were </em>also very<em> popular, with </em>lots of<em> families spending the </em>dark<em> </em>winter<em> evenings creating unique </em>gifts<em> for </em>one another<em>.<br />
</em>Christmas time<em> </em>is not the<em> only </em>occasion<em> to involve </em>giving gifts<em>, </em>and also<em> many other traditions </em>have a<em> rich history of showing </em>affection<em> </em>by way of<em> presents. Anniversary gifts </em>are thought<em> to </em>date<em> back to the Middle Ages in Germanic </em>countries<em>. A </em>woman<em> </em>was given<em> a silver wreath by her </em>friends<em> to </em>commemorate<em> 25 years of marriage </em>and they got a<em> gold one to </em>celebrate<em> a 50th anniversary which is where the </em>modern day<em> </em>phrases<em> </em>come from<em>.<br />
Over the years, </em>far more<em> dates became eligible for anniversary gifts. From the Victorian </em>time period<em>, wood </em>became a<em> </em>common<em> gift for the </em>fifth<em> </em>wedding anniversary<em> </em>and<em> </em>six decades<em> of marriage </em>became<em> </em>referred to as a<em> diamond wedding anniversary </em>after<em> celebrations of Queen Victoria’s 60th </em>year<em> as monarch. Other significant anniversary dates celebrated with special anniversary gifts </em>include the<em> 20th (china), 30th (pearl) </em>and also<em> 40th (ruby), and now </em>there are<em> modern gifts </em>suitable for<em> </em>almost every<em> wedding anniversary, from the </em>1st<em> (clocks) to the 100th (10-carat diamond).<br />
</em>Although a few<em> see </em>giving gifts<em> as a </em>modern day<em> </em>phenomenon<em>, the exchanging of presents </em>has long been<em> done for </em>100&#8242;s of years<em> </em>and also the<em> </em>traditions<em> behind giving gifts on </em>special occasions<em> </em>are simply<em> </em>as important as<em> the events themselves! </em></p>
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		<title>Travelling This Summer Via Your Bike? Use Cheap Baggage Shipping With 1StopShip</title>
		<link>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/08/travelling-this-summer-via-your-bike-use-cheap-baggage-shipping-with-1stopship/</link>
		<comments>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/08/travelling-this-summer-via-your-bike-use-cheap-baggage-shipping-with-1stopship/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:33:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.valbloom.co.uk/?p=125</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many Brits will have decided to travel overseas this summer to get away from the UK and have fun. Some people will go on holiday to one place, families may choose to fly to a particular child-friendly destination and others may see the travelling just as important as arriving somewhere.  One can travel via train, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many Brits will have decided to travel overseas this summer to get away from the UK and have fun.<br />
Some people will go on holiday to one place, families may choose to fly to a particular child-friendly destination and others may see the travelling just as important as arriving somewhere.  One can travel via train, ship, plane, caravan or car but however you do it- avoid hefty costs by using <a href="http://www.robinsons-intl.com/1stopship/cheap-excess-baggage/">cheap baggage shipping</a>.<br />
It can be exciting by travelling by means of bike as one can send all belongings ahead through <a href="http://www.robinsons-intl.com/1stopship/baggage-companies/">baggage companies</a> and then set off driving so by the time you get there it is already there ready. By doing this method of transport, one can enjoy the perks of travelling by bike which includes freedom, individuality and ease but yet you are not refrained from taking with you whatever clothes and items you need.<br />
Be sure to insure your bike in case any accidents happen or if stolen or damaged just as one would take out travel insurance when flying. But for expert <a href="http://www.robinsons-intl.com/1stopship/luggage-shipping-services/">baggage shipping</a> services look no further than 1stopship. The services are reputable, fast, efficient and cost effective; so have fun riding your bike across the nations this summer and don’t fret about your possessions- we’ll have them at the endpoint on time, in one piece.</p>
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		<title>Trying To Keep Your Baby Comfortable Is Vital</title>
		<link>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/05/trying-to-keep-your-baby-comfortable-is-vital/</link>
		<comments>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/05/trying-to-keep-your-baby-comfortable-is-vital/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 13:31:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.valbloom.co.uk/?p=119</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We all like coming back home from a lengthy days work and merely winding down in the comfort of our own home. Whether that be on the couch wrapped up in a blanket or if it’s a good chill night in with a microwave meal either way there’s nothing much better than coming back home [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We all like coming back home from a lengthy days work and merely winding down in the comfort of our own home. Whether that be on the couch wrapped up in a blanket or if it’s a good chill night in with a microwave meal either way there’s nothing much better than coming back home to a nice calm house.</p>
<p>If you prefer a nice slow paced life when you&#8217;re getting home you will then be fortunate to get one if you’ve just had a baby. As you may have probably realised right now it’s not very an easy task to have a relaxed atmosphere at home if you have a baby, however if you get the best <a href="http://www.bedebyes.com/" target="_blank">cot bedding</a> that you could find or possibly if you get a few <a href="http://www.bedebyes.com/baby/bedding-essentials/" target="_blank">baby blankets</a> then that may also be a good different and go a long way to helping your child possess a nice, relaxed and comfortable night’s sleep.</p>
<p>If you have got a nursery for your children then that might be a decent place to maybe start putting their cot so they require a room that they get used to and feel comfortable staying in. You could potentially look at decorating it in many various ways; there are several things you could look at getting like <a href="http://www.bedebyes.com/baby/curtainsblackouts/" target="_blank">nursery curtains</a> or a bit of a funky carpet. In either case it’s your child’s first proper ‘bedroom’ so that you will need them to remember it!</p>
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		<title>Make your personal distinctive wedding stationary supplies with Personalisedcard.com</title>
		<link>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/04/make-your-personal-distinctive-wedding-stationary-supplies-with-personalisedcard-com/</link>
		<comments>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/04/make-your-personal-distinctive-wedding-stationary-supplies-with-personalisedcard-com/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:25:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.valbloom.co.uk/?p=116</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Any time you’re arranging your special day, you desire almost everything to be perfect. From the dress to the table design to the wedding stationary, almost everything will need to be taken into consideration. Design your save the date cards and wedding invites distinctive to you by creating personalised cards. Personalisedcard.com offer a wide selection [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Any time you’re arranging your special day, you desire almost everything to be perfect. From the dress to the table design to the wedding stationary, almost everything will need to be taken into consideration.</p>
<p>Design your save the date cards and wedding invites distinctive to you by creating <a href="http://www.personalisedcard.com/">personalised cards</a>.</p>
<p>Personalisedcard.com offer a wide selection of wedding stationary which is often customised with one of a kind messages, text and images. Add a special message for your guests, a picture of you and your spouse-to-be and any information you need your guests to know just the press of a button.</p>
<p>They have a selection of both contemporary and traditional styles, so there&#8217;s something to interest all couples and replicate your individuality.</p>
<p>As well as wedding stationary, Personalisedcard.com sell cards for every celebration. From celebrations such as birthdays and Christenings, to seasonal events just like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, they have a variety of cards in each category which could all be personalised.</p>
<p>All cards are printed on top quality resources, which could either be sent to you or direct to the person, and all orders placed before 2pm will be mailed exactly the same day so it will be obtained quickly and ready for that special occasion.</p>
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		<title>Celebrity Dog</title>
		<link>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/03/celebrity-dog/</link>
		<comments>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/03/celebrity-dog/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:54:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.valbloom.co.uk/?p=112</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Videos released online showing a guilty looking dog currently being quizzed by his master has started to become an internet celebrity. In the clip, a male comes back home to find one of his dogs has stolen and consumed a box of cat rewards and decides to challenge his two Labradors to find the offender. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Videos released online showing a guilty looking dog currently being quizzed by his master has started to become an internet celebrity.</p>
<p>In the clip, a male comes back home to find one of his dogs has stolen and consumed a box of cat rewards and decides to challenge his two Labradors to find the offender.</p>
<p>His first dog, Macey, makes no kind of response, but when he gets to Denver and questions him if he did it, the dog refuses to make eye contact and hangs his head in classic indications of guilt.</p>
<p>Denver is then told to go sit in the kennel, with Macey also being reprimanded for allowing it to happen.</p>
<p>Perhaps you are thinking Denver’s owner should be attempting to get some <a href="http://www.onlineforpets.co.uk/dog-products/dog-training.html">dog training supplies</a> such as <a href="http://www.onlineforpets.co.uk/dog-products/dog-training.html">dog training leads</a> to entice him to be better behaved! Online pet accessories stores for example Online For Pets sell many items to aide you to coach dogs.<br />
From <a href="http://www.onlineforpets.co.uk/dog-products/dog-collars-and-leads.html">dog collars</a> which might be considered as an active training aid, to harnesses and whistles, there&#8217;s a wide range of products available to ensure your dog does not misbehave and finish up in the dog house like Denver, and also a variety of fun toys, cosy beds and yummy treats designed to reward good behaviour.</p>
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		<title>Invention Of The Electronic Cigarette</title>
		<link>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/02/invention-of-the-electronic-cigarette/</link>
		<comments>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2011/02/invention-of-the-electronic-cigarette/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:39:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electronic Cigarette]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.valbloom.co.uk/?p=110</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The year 2003 was when the electronic cigarette was invented by a man by the name of Hon Lik who is a Chinese pharmacist. We all have this man to thank so that we can have an alternative to smoking cigarettes and tobacco from pipes and cigars. In 2004, these e-cigarettes were introduced to the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The year 2003 was when the <a href="http://vapestick.co.uk/" target="_blank">electronic cigarette</a> was invented by a man by the name of Hon Lik who is a Chinese pharmacist. We all have this man to thank so that we can have an alternative to smoking cigarettes and tobacco from pipes and cigars. In 2004, these e-cigarettes were introduced to the whole world. It was not until 2005 that the cigarettes began to sell abroad.</p>
<p>As for using an electronic cigarette, you can purchase them in both manual and automatic forms. The manual uses a button that you must press in order for the cigarette to heat up and cause the liquid to be used, which may contain nicotine. On the end of the electronic cigarette is where an LED light is placed and it lights up just as a regular cigarette would. This is only one part of an electronic cigarette. The other parts include a mouthpiece, heating element, battery that is rechargeable and other electronic pieces.</p>
<p>The mouthpiece can be found on one end of the electronic cigarette. This is the part that holds the nicotine or non-nicotine solution. This is also the part that can be refilled or replaced when the time comes. The next part is the heating element is what takes the solution and makes it ready to be inhaled. Your electronic cigarette battery is rechargeable in the car and at home. There are also carrying cases that can recharge your battery and are the size of a cigarette pack.</p>
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		<title>Welcome to Valbloom!</title>
		<link>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2009/08/17/</link>
		<comments>http://www.valbloom.co.uk/2009/08/17/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:23:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.valbloom.co.uk/?p=17</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Highly recommended self improvement books You have got to motivate yourself in order to motivate others. If you do not know how, then it is time to browse through some self improvement books on how to go about it. Read on a few self improvement books…Here are a few: 1. 21 Indispensable Qualities of Leadership: [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Highly recommended self improvement books</strong><img class="alignright" src="http://www.forcefieldmagnets.com/catalog/images/cat_book.jpg" alt="" width="132" height="117" /></p>
<p>You have got to motivate yourself in order to motivate others. If you do not know how, then it is time to browse through some self improvement books on how to go about it.</p>
<p>Read on a few self improvement books…Here are a few:</p>
<p>1. 21 Indispensable Qualities of Leadership: Becoming the Leader Others Will Follow John C. Maxwell</p>
<p>Why do some people consistently inspire others to follow their lead?  In this self improvement book, the author identifies these top traits as character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, positive attitude, problem-solving, relationships, responsibility, security, self-discipline, servanthood, teachability, and vision.</p>
<p>Maxwell breaks down leadership qualities into easy to understand character qualities. Character is what defines a leader, and these traits are what people of character have. A must-read for leaders in any position.</p>
<p>2. Discover Your Strengths Marcus Buckingham</p>
<p>The self improvement book that helps you find what you are strong in and encourages you to work to make those stronger. That instead of working against what you know you&#8217;re good at. You can also take the personal survey that is in the book.<br />
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2007/06/13/book.jpg" alt="" width="294" height="191" /></p>
<p>3. Five Patterns of Extraordinary Careers Spencer Stuart</p>
<p>A remarkable book about how to stand out from your peers and have a better career. One lesson learned: It is better to ask for forgiveness after the fact than it is to ask for permission ahead of time.</p>
<p>4. Who Moved My Cheese? Spencer Johnson</p>
<p>Of course, what book list would be complete without this self improvement book that is all about change. Another book that is well worth the listen, but also worth reading.</p>
<p>5. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Steven Covey</p>
<p>Another must have in your self improvement book collection. If you like to read a lot of books, you are practicing one of Covey&#8217;s habits, &#8220;sharpening the saw.&#8221;</p>
<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://elefanthouse.com/images/events/obx/book-da-vinci-code.gif" alt="" width="105" height="160" />6. How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci Discover Your Genius: How to Think Like History&#8217;s Ten Most Revolutionary Minds Michael Gelb</p>
<p>This self improvement book helps you to think more creatively and be more artistic. These factors are important no matter what position you may be in.</p>
<p>7. The Brand You 50 Re-imagine Pursuit of Wow! Tom Peters</p>
<p>A motivational book urging readers to achieve more.</p>
<p>8. What Should I Do With My Life? Po Bronson</p>
<p>A self improvement book that tells us that it is okay not to know what you want to do. That even the people we think are completely happy may not be. And that we make our own happiness, it all depends on how you deal with it.</p>
<p>9. Rhinoceros Success Scott Alexander</p>
<p>This was recommended to me by my last manager.  An incredibly quick read. The book is all about leading, and how sometimes you have to do the unpopular to make a difference and stand out as a leader. Be a rhino!</p>
<p>10. Advanced Rhinocerology Scott Alexander</p>
<p>A nice sequel to Rhinocerous Success that you will also enjoy. A few things it reminded me of is that leaders are often under attack from all sides, and it&#8217;s important to watch your own back because often nobody else will.</p>
<p>These are just some of the more popular self improvement books you can check out whenever you want answers to questions you have been keeping inside for too long.</p>
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