Articles by Patricia Montana on ArticleSnatch.com

Exploring the Myths and Legends of Cornwall

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:44:04 -0400

There are many reasons to own a holiday cottage in Cornwall. There are the beautiful beaches, the sheltered coves, dramatic coastlines, friendly people and, of course, some amazing food. But there's another reason to set up a holiday residence in Cornwall: This land is the home to enduring myths and legends. You owe it to yourself to explore these legends in the land in which they were born. Start out with the granddaddy of them all: King Arthur. We all know about King Arthur and his heroic Knights of the Roundtable. But how many of us know that King Arthur's home may actually be Tintagel Castle, a majestic castle that rises from the north Cornish coast? Visitors to Cornwall regularly make the trek to this stunning locale. And why not? It's a great way to relive the myths and legends of King Arthur, the king who reputedly led his forces to victories over the Saxon army in 12 straight battles? Of course, the King Arthur legend is just one of the many associated with Cornwall. This land is also closely associated with mermaids. This is little surprise because Cornwall is surrounded by the sea. **End Summary** Topics: Cornwall]]> Holiday Cornwal]]> Holiday Cottage Cornwall]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia is a part time travel writer who likes to write about her experiences travelling the world. Patricia has stayed in several holiday cottages in cornwall and plans to do so again some day.

The Most Popular Comedy Gifts

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 09:24:30 -0400

Finding comedy gifts for people with a sense of humour has never been easier. Flowers, boxes of chocolates and other predictable gifts can easily replace with usual comedy gifts. Some of the top selling comedy gifts include: Comedy Notepads If you're looking for a comedy gift for someone who enjoys being a bit bossy, try the Or Else Notepad - 100 sticky sheets of instructions such as "file this", "get lunch" and "go away" followed by "or else" clauses like "I'll cry", "you're fired" and "we're all doomed". The Or Else Notepad is an excellent comedy gift for a boss with a sense of humour - or for a busy mum who needs to nudge the rest of the family into line from time to time. The Fashion Citation Pad really tells it like it is. Pointing out fashion faux pas such as camel's toe, inappropriate bulges and excessive denim, the Fashion Citation Pad is an excellent comedy gift for the fashion-conscious, and for people that are just shallow enough to admonish those around them for looking like they've dressed in the dark. For those that still haven't quite joined the digital revolution, there's the Email Notepad; **End Summary** Topics: humor]]> gifts]]> toys]]> office]]> desk]]> executive]]> fun]]> silly]]> play]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who enjoys office fun and horseplay. She recommends ShinyShack.com for the best executive desk toys gifts office toys .

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 09:21:23 -0400

After some discussion, Baur and Summers - or Ol' Chumbucket and Cap'n Slappy, as they're now known - decided it would be a good idea to dedicate a special day every year to speaking like pirates. They settled on 19 September, and for seven years they and a few friends would dedicate this day every year to speaking in pirate slang. Then in 2002, after Ol' Chumbucket and Cap'n Slappy enlisted the help of journalist Dave Berry, Talk Like a Pirate Day went global. Since then, this silly but fun holiday has gained popularity all over the world, with a growing number of people each year pledging to talk like a pirate for the day, either to raise money for charity or just for the pure joy of saying "arrrr" at the beginning of every sentence. While it's not mandatory to dress like a pirate on Talk Like a Pirate Day, or to hold a party, it's certainly a lot of fun. **End Summary** Topics: pirates]]> gifts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who has been involved in Talk Like a Pirate Day since 2006. She recommends ShinyShack.com for pirate birthday gift ideas .

A History of Gift Baskets

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:19:52 -0400

The first known gift baskets date back to Biblical times, when there were several memorable "gift baskets." One of the more significant gifts from this time, the story of Moses depicts baby Moses hidden in a basket in the rushes. The Egyptian royal family finds the basket and the gift contained inside. Additionally, the three wise men bring baskets of gifts after the birth of Jesus. Regardless of religious preference, these stories indicate a historical predecessor to our "gift baskets." Ancient Roman history includes many precursors to our current gift baskets. Gift giving is often traced back to the Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Kalends, both of which were known for generous gift giving. Often thought to be a harbinger to Christmas gifts, the festival of Saturnalia encouraged gifts of food and candles to friends and family. Slightly more politically motivated, gift giving played an important role in the middle ages. As payment for their allegiance and support, kings frequently received baskets and bags filled with decadent gifts, such as sliver, gold and jewels. Lavish gifts of food and valuable items were a common method of gaining favor or displaying power and wealth. **End Summary** Topics: gifts]]> gift baskets]]> baskets]]> history]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who enjoys the whole gift process from selecting quality gift wrap to watching the smile of peoples' face's when they open presents.

Stocking Fillers That Bring Out the Inner Child

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:21:43 -0400

It's the night before Christmas and young and old are hanging up their stockings, though many Christmas stockings have now been replaced with Christmas sacks and Christmas baskets in order to accommodate larger stocking filler gifts. The size of the Christmas gift is irrelevant though in terms of the anticipation and suspense involved in seeing that once empty Christmas stocking full of small stocking filler gifts on Christmas morning. You're never too old to hang up your Christmas stocking, sack or even a sock and spend some time with your inner child. Traditionally stocking fillers would include fruit, sweets, scented soaps, novelty items and pieces of stationary. Modern day stocking fillers are more likely to consist of game consoles and novelty underwear. But if you want to bring out your loved ones inner child how about something that is reminiscent of their childhood. Some popular stocking filler ideas for boys are: vintage toy cars, yo yos, beano comic, miniature train sets, action man, toy soldiers, marbles, gob stoppers and sherbet lemons. Popular stocking filler gifts for girld include: miniature dolls, girls' annuals, plastic jewelry, bubble bath, old maid snap cards, and sweet selection boxes. **End Summary** Topics: shopping]]> gifts]]> christmas]]> stocking fillers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who enjoys traditional Christmas festivities and stocking fillers .

Recommended Gear for First Time Campers

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:22:10 -0400

Camping isn't what it used to be or rather it doesn't have to be. Some people enjoy camping out in all weathers with a small basic camping kit, but now with the advent of modern camping equipment designed for comfort and practicality, anyone can enjoy a couple of nights in the great outdoors without worrying their tent will blow away with the first gust of wind. The most common fears people have about camping are: Lack of camp site facilities i.e.: Does the camp site have toilets, showers, electrical points for hair dryers and so on? You can camp in the great outdoors perfectly adequately without any of these camp site perks, but if you are looking to camp out in comfort and style, simply research your campsites, join a camping forum or two and check out camp site review websites. Camp Site Bugs and Insects Camping outside can mean sharing the tent with a few hitch hikers, but camping survival kits often contain insect repellents, insect bite creams and sprays etc as well as other bits of first aid you'd expect to find in a camping survival kit. **End Summary** Topics: camping]]> camping gear]]> camping equipment]]> gifts]]> gadgets]]> outdoors]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who enjoys camping and outdoor pursuits. She keeps up with the latest camping gear at Shinyshack.

Halloween and the Appeal of American Candy

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:45:31 -0400

The tradition of Halloween is relatively new to the United Kingdom. Until a couple of decades ago, at the end of every October and beginning of November British children were more likely to be found on busy high streets with a home-made life-sized dummy of a man - often stuffed into a pram or a trolley - asking shoppers for "a penny for the Guy" (Guy, of course, being Guy Fawkes, whose effigy is traditionally burnt on bonfires on 5th November, as a punishment for almost blowing up the Houses of Parliament in the 17th century). The pennies collected would usually be given to parents who would buy fireworks, to be set off on Bonfire Night. However, in recent years the Halloween festival, celebrated the American way, has become increasingly popular in Britain, and 'penny for the Guy' has all but disappeared. Halloween parties and evening door-knocking by miniature witches, goblins and vampires have become norms that give children something to look forward to when the nights start drawing in, and which give supermarkets an excuse to stock up on bumper packs of sweets for 'victims' to hand out to trick-or-treaters. **End Summary** Topics: cand]]> america]]> american]]> sweets]]> chocolate]]> food]]> gourmet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who currently lives in the UK. To fulfil her passion for American candy she has to buy from specialist suppliers.

The Characters of Giles Andreae

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:52:14 -0400

Edward Monkton is a persona created by British poet Giles Andreae, whose Purple Ronnie cartoon character - a stick-man figure who recites daft limericks - has for many years entertained the UK with his cheeky greetings cards. Purple Ronnie, whose poems often featured mild taboo subjects and language, also famously appeared in a TV advertisement for a well known soft drink. Andreae's Edward Monkton series features a range of characters with unusual and amusing personality traits, philosophies and stories, and these characters share their wisdom from a wide range of greetings cards, gifts and collectables. The greetings cards in the Edward Monkton series are illustrated in a minimalist and almost childlike style, usually in black ink on a white background, and provide a witty and insightful commentary on life, love, happiness and the things in life that bring joy (for example chocolate, shoes and frocks). Many of the greetings cards are left blank inside, so they can be used for a variety of occasions. Several Edward Monkton characters also feature in full colour as gifts and collectables, including a range of striking little lapel pins, cute cuddly toys and shaped, scented soaps. **End Summary** Topics: humor]]> characters]]> cartoons]]> edward monkton]]>]]> About the Author: ]]>

Romantic Gifts to Improve and Begin Relationships

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:54:25 -0400

If you are in a loving relationship, or trying to get a date, at some point you're going to want to buy a romantic gift for the object of your desire. You don't have to wait for Valentine's Day to be romantic either as romance can happen any time of the year. You could buy him or her a romantic birthday present, romantic anniversary present, romantic wedding or engagement gift or even a romantic Christmas gift. Gift buying is difficult enough as it is though without adding romance to the search criteria which is why these romantic gift idea tips will give you the heads up as to what romantic gifts to buy and what not to buy on that special romantic occasion. Whether you're looking for inexpensive romantic gifts, novelty romantic gifts these romantic gift ideas come in a variety of price ranges to suit every pocket and some romantic gift ideas are completely free. Valentine's Day Gifts There is no better time of time year to celebrate your love for each other than Valentines Day. Here are some great Valentine's Day gift ideas. **End Summary** Topics: gifts]]> love]]> romance]]> romantic]]> Valentine's Day]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas-born and bred romantic who recommends couples and singles try showing their endearment for one another with romantic gifts .

Outdoor Games for the Summer Time

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:34:35 -0400

Everyone's favourite time of year is finally here! After what feels like an eternity of cold, wet, gloomy weather, the sun has finally put in an appearance - a bit of a novelty, here in the UK - so make sure you make the most of the warm weather by spending some time in the great outdoors! Even if you're not planning to go away on holiday, there's no need to stay cooped up indoors this summer. A trip to the park, or the seaside, or a day in the countryside, are all great ways to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. And summer evenings in the garden, with dinner cooked on the barbecue and a refreshing glass of something cold and wet, are one of life's simplest pleasures. But sunbathing and relaxing aren't everyone's cup of tea... so here's a selection of our favourite outdoor toys - for children and adults - to help you enjoy a summer of fun, whether you're going on holiday or spending the summer at home. **End Summary** Topics: outdoors]]> summer]]> games]]> gadgets]]> gifts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who enjoys having fun outdoors with family and friends in the summer. She recommends a number of outdoor games and gadgets to have fun with during the summer months.

Essential Camping Gear for Happy Holidays

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:34:12 -0400

There's something quite magical about sleeping under canvas. Closeness to nature, seeing the moon shining through the tent, hearing owls hooting in the trees and breathing nature's earthy scent... these small things which we take for granted in our everyday lives are somehow more appreciated on a camping holiday. But there are also practical reasons for choosing a camping holiday. The cost, for one; despite an initial outlay for a tent, sleeping bags and other gear, equipment will usually last for many years without needing replacement, so camping holidays will typically be reasonably priced. A night at a campsite can cost as little as five punds, while a room in even a modest hotel can cost ten times as much. Then there's the flexibility and freedom of packing up and moving to another location, and deciding whether it's a survival-style trip with only the bare minimum of equipment, or an altogether more luxurious holiday with a huge tent, inflatable beds and anything else that can be squeezed into the boot of the car. Who can deny that there's something extremely appealing about following your own schedule and experiencing more of the great outdoors? **End Summary** Topics: camping]]> camping equipment]]> camping gear]]> outdoors]]> tents]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patrica Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who loves the experience of being outdoors, under the stars and under a canvas. She recommends camping gear from Outdoor Camping Gear .

Lavish Designerware Doesn't Have to be Expensive

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:53:56 -0400

Creating a stylish, modern home with funky yet functional home accessories has never been so affordable. Gone are the days when kitting out your home with chic household items meant spending a fortune - these days there's a wealth of choice available on the Internet, at prices that everyone can afford. Designer homewares also make thoughtful gifts for all occasions, so here are a few of our favourite stylish home accessories that are just perfect for giving as gifts. PictureBook Turn your favourite book into a work of art by framing it with a PictureBook frame. The PictureBook frame is available in charcoal and ivory colours which will suit any room decor, and it can be hung on the wall or stand freely on a desk or sideboard. The PictureBook will display books up to 2cm thick and from 11cm x 18cm to 12.2cm x 19cm, and the box includes screws and wall plugs for wall mounting - so it's a complete kit for preserving your favourite book as a picture. Keypad Magnetic Key Holder Why do keys never seem to stay where you left them? And why do they always seem to hide when you're in a hurry? **End Summary** Topics: home improvement]]> decor]]> interior design]]> homeware]]> designerware]]> gifts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who advocates the affordable decoration of homes with designer homeware .

Stress Free Traveling with Travel Gadgets and Accessories

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:16:45 -0400

There are so many things about travelling that can cause stress, that sometimes we wonder why we bother leaving the house at all. For one thing, there's the packing. Stressing about whether or not there's room in your suitcase for everything you need on your trip can be a real headache - and if you go over your baggage weight limit, you'll either have to pay the airline an excess baggage fee, or leave a few things behind. But we say: Stress not! There are some excellent travel gadgets and accessories that can significantly reduce the stress of going on a trip, and we've selected a few of our favourites that can help you have a happier holiday. Trace Me Luggage Tag One of the things most likely to spoil your holiday is losing your luggage. Spending your entire trip wearing just the clothes you arrived in is painful enough, but knowing you'll never see your precious suitcase contents again is deeply distressing. With the Trace Me Luggage Tag you can greatly reduce the chances of losing your luggage forever. **End Summary** Topics: holiday]]> travel]]> vacation]]> gadgets]]> travel accessories]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who loves to travel the US, UK and the rest of the world. When she travels she makes sure she has the latest travel gadgets to reduce vacation stress.