Did you know that burlap sacks/gunny sacks have originated for centuries? The name "burlap" has no direct connotation. But the word "boeren" in Dutch and "burel" in French both define as "coarse" or "coarse cloth". In 17th century Middle English, the word "borel" connotes "coarse cloth". Burlap is also referred to as "hessian" or "hessian burlap". The term "hessian" derives from Germany in the Landgraviate of Hesse dated from 1264 to 1567. The Hessian soldiers wore the fabric hessian as part of their acoutrement/uniforms. Like unto European languages, the word "gunny" in Indo-Aryan language means "coarse fabric". Hence "gunny sack" and "burlap sack". Burlap is made predominately from the jute plant. Jute fibers are extracted to make burlap sacks, rugs,...
A Mystery Potato opens up many doors. Some lead to great stories and conversations, strengthening a relationship and even to learning experiences. Taking the Mystery Potato and growing your own crop of potatoes to enjoy with family and friends is one of the countless ways a personalized gift like this can multiply. The fun of a Mystery Potato is never knowing just what may happen after you have opened up the box. You thought enough of someone to mail a potato with a unique and personal message on a Mystery Potato. You can imagine the smile on their face as they tried to guess who sent the anonymous surprise. Finally they called you and thanked you for the gift. Here...
Baby boomers are buying back the toys they played with as kids and at the top of the list is Mr. Potato Head owned by Hasbro. Mr. Potato Head (on Amazon.com) dates back to a time when toys were more creative and let children’s imaginations grow. Building sets, plastic cowboys, “erector sets” and a box with plastic parts for making comical characters with a potato, all these helped a number of generations grow in imagination and creativity. Mr. Potato Head: from cereal box to world famous toy. Right after the end of WW2, an inventor named George Lerner came up with an idea to use plastics and a potato as a toy. Plastics were refined during the war and now toys were...
Laughter is the best medicine, not only when we don’t feel so well, but it keeps us healthy and happy, and gag gifts are a way to share a laugh. Gag gifts can be described as seemingly irrelevant items which have a meaning for the giver and recipient that goes beyond the item given. They can be common items with a written tag or inscription that remind them of an event or moment shared or a common interest. Gag gifts are usually given on impulse as the giver finds an item that reminds them of someone with whom they share a bond. Why we give gag gifts We’re familiar with the mall stores with gag gifts, some of...
Potatoes are a many splendored vegetable. They come in many shapes, sizes, types and tastes. But the term couch potato seems to be very popular. What is a couch potato and how does it differ from a Mystery Potato? Mystery Potatoes are “action potatoes”. Potatoes have more nutrients than we can imagine. Marathon runners carbo-load before a grueling 26.2 race and too much pasta is just too much. Mixing in some potatoes, mashed, baked or whatever helps keep the fire stoked for the big race. A Mystery Potato is sent with a message and good wishes and can be eaten before a marathon for extra energy and motivation Couch potatoes do not run marathons. They watch them on TV. They...
