Incorporating Fresh Flowers in Your Environment

Easy ways to gain the benefits from Fresh Flowers

Power of Giving Flowers Study

Rutgers: Flower Givers Perceived as Successful and Caring Happy birthday, congratulations, thank you, I love you, thinking of you. Each day, millions of gifts are exchanged by people who want to send thoughtful regards to deserving friends and loved ones. According to research from Rutgers University, the presents we pick to convey our special messages say a lot about us. Rutgers University researcher Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., director of the university’s Human Emotions Lab, explored what the gifts we choose say about who we are and whether they affect how we are perceived. The research reveals that those who send flowers, in comparison to other gifts, are viewed as successful, caring and emotionally intelligent people. More specific findings include: Both men and women who give flowers are perceived as happy, achieving, strong, capable and courageous people; Men and women come across as more emotionally intelligent; they give the impression they can effectively express their feelings and take time to understand the feelings of others; and Female floral gifters are viewed as more appreciative of beauty and nature. “Our findings show that you can influence and change what people think of you in a significant way through the gifts you give,” says Haviland-Jones. “That news is particularly important to those interested in enhancing friendships and romances, even business relationships.” Discovering the scientific power of flowers is not new to Haviland-Jones. Previous Rutgers University research conducted by her team found that flowers create instant delight and happiness, and increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. Specifically, upon receiving a gift of flowers, the female study participants responded with true smiles and reported positive moods that lasted for days. The presence of flowers also led to increased contact with family and friends. “Flowers have evolved to activate positive emotional responses from people,” says Haviland-Jones. “Each bloom has the potential to put a smile on our face and sway our opinion of a friend, colleague or loved one. That’s powerful.” M.J. Ryan, award-winning author of the Random Acts of Kindness book series and The Giving Heart, uses cutting-edge science to bring out the best in people. In her books, she teaches individuals how gratitude and generosity can result in greater happiness, health and feelings of human connectivity. “Gift recipients experience compelling connections with givers, and the positive link is particularly evident in the exchange of flowers,” says Ryan. “In my everyday work with individuals, CEOs and leadership teams at some of the world’s top global companies, I see the powerful implications of gratitude and appreciation.” According to Ryan, a simple call to the florist can make a big impact beyond conventional gifting occasions. Some of her favorite, unexpected gifting opportunities include surprise recognition for a job well done; an “I miss you” gift for an out-of-town family member; and an advance “thanks for hosting us” gesture before visiting a friend’s house. “A successful person is not necessarily someone with a lot of money and material goods, but rather someone who is in tune with people and knows how to touch their hearts,” says Ryan. “I can think of no other item besides flowers that evokes such positive feelings and perceptions for both the giver and the recipient.”

Fresh Cut Flower Care for a Long Lasting Bouquet

	check your flowers daily Keep the vase, container or liner filled with fresh water. Even if the container has floral foam, you should keep the water level high to promote long lasting flowers. The container’s water has a fresh flower food added to it. If you completely change the water, you should also thoroughly clean the container. Add fresh water mixed with a commercial fresh flower food. These flower foods may be supplied by the florist who delivered your order and they contain the correct ingredients to properly nourish the flowers, keep bacteria at bay (which can block the stems and prevent them from absorbing water), encourage buds to open, and lengthen the life of the bouquet. It’s one of the best—and easiest—ways to extend the life of your flowers, but be sure to follow the directions on the package correctly. Improperly mixed flower food can actually do more harm than good.
	re-cut their stems Every few days, remove the flowers from the design and re-cut the stems. Remove 3/4" to one inch from the bottom of the stem and be sure to cut the stem at an angle to allow the flower the best chance to take up water. Use a sharp knife or sharp floral cutter or scissor. Avoid smashing or piercing the stems, as this can destroy the water vessels in the stem and prevent water absorption. Remove any spent or damaged blooms or foliage that falls below the waterline in the vase. To avoid disturbing the stem placements in a vase arrangement, tie the stems with twine just above the vase’s edge before taking them out of their vase. Hold the tied arrangement at the twine-bound point to re-cut the stems. Then place them back into the clean vase with the fresh water and a flower food.
	change their water, and add additional fresh flower food Be sure to clean the vase before refilling it with room-temperature water mixed with the proper amount of fresh flower food. Be sure no debris is floating in the water (such as leaves and stem parts) as this could promote the growth of bacteria which can shorten a flower's life.
	display them in a cool spot Most flowers prefer temperatures between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 22 degrees Celsius) and are best displayed away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators, which give off heat and can cause flowers to dehydrate. Avoid placing fresh flowers near ripening fruit, which releases tiny amounts of ethylene gas that can age them prematurely.

Matching Flowers to Personalities

With the hundreds of sizes, shapes and colors flowers come in, floral arrangements are one of the easiest gifts to customize. When it comes to gift giving, carefully selecting the flower varieties and colors you send will result in thoughtful, customized gifts people appreciate and like to receive. The first step is to consider the preferences of the person who is receiving the gift. For instance: What colors do he like? Does she have any favorite flowers? What are his hobbies? What kind of message do you want to convey?  Floral Signatures include: People who are casual, earthy and prefer the outdoors. Flowering or green plants, meadow flowers and woodsy accents suit this personality best. People who are generous, spontaneous and extravagant. Bouquets of soft colors, light fragrances and accents of lace or ribbon might suit romantics. Individuals who seek personal betterment and are attracted to the unconventional - from new age to the arts. Exotic flowers and unusual combinations of shape, color and texture will match their creativity and artistic bent. People who are trustworthy, family oriented and prefer classic styles. They appreciate lush arrangements with a great variety of flowers. Individuals who are cutting-edge trendsetters and enjoy living in the moment. Vogue styles such as monochromatic bouquets or arrangements with a few, large vibrant flowers are favorites. Finally, consult with your florist, who can help you create just the right gift, as well as explain the assortment of possibilities available. Colonial Flower Shop of Ronkonkoma 631-588-3733 800-884-3569

Is Your Local Florist Local?

Not all "local" florists are local. Some out-of-state telemarketing and online firms pose as local florists. These companies mislead consumers into feeling they are ordering flowers from a local florist, but without their knowledge, are being call-remote forwarded to another state. These firms charge higher fees and take business away from legitimate local florists. Consumers are deceived into thinking they are doing business with a local company when they're not. That's unethical and unfair.
To make sure you are doing business with a local professional florist, just follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission:

• Ask neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers for florist recommendations.
  
• Deal only with shops that list a street address with their phone number. If you're asking directory assistance for a number, also ask for the street number and address. If there isn't one, consider doing business with another florist.
  
• Ask the florist for directions to the shop. If they hesitate or refuse, consider this a red flag, and avoid doing business with the florist.
  

Random Acts of Flowers: A Top 10 List from Author M.J. Ryan

M.J. Ryan, happiness expert and author of the Random Acts of Kindness book series, has coupled her expertise on the power of gratitude with her love of flowers to create Random Acts of Flowers, a list of her favorite reasons to send a floral gift.
“I see flowers as a way to capture special moments and emotions in life,” says Ryan. “People truly and fondly remember when they get flowers, and you will continue to feel thanked throughout your relationship long after you send them.”

• One Who Makes a Difference: Think of the carpool mom, scout leader, local volunteer or apartment doorman who makes an everyday difference in your life. A surprise bouquet is a convenient, informal way to say “Thanks for making my life easier.”
• Wedding Arrangements: When asking a friend to join your wedding party or expressing thanks to a shower hostess, ask your florist to help make it special by delivering an arrangement in advance of the big day.
• Best Friend Boosts: Send a celebrational bunch to a best friend who lands a dream job, a sibling who receives a promotion at work, or a friend who reaches a personal milestone. Show them you care about their success.
• A Moment of Calm: Help someone dealing with a hectic time in their life relax with a tranquil gift of flowers. Your florist can give you ideas on soothing colors and styles, and help you deliver that “moment of calm.” The recipient will be impressed by your thoughtfulness.
• Life Lessons: Surprise your child’s teacher or tutor with an eye-popping arrangement for his/her desk. Ask your child to put his/her favorite teaching moment on the gift card to make a memory that lasts a lifetime.
• Lifeguard Reward: Send flowers to thank your baby-sitter or pet sitter as a surprise thank-you for safely guarding your most prized possessions.
• A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Welcome a new family or delight an elderly neighbor who does not get out much with a colorful flowering plant or fresh flowers for their kitchen. It’s a great way to break the ice, meet a friend and show you care.
• Fresh Squeeze: Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to say “I love you.” Research shows that people like to receive flowers when they least expect it. Send a surprise floral hug to make your romance spontaneously blossom. Or, on your birthday, send flowers to your mom to thank her for all she’s done for you.
• Delivery is in the Details: Show your appreciation to your hair stylist who always manages to fit you in during a pinch, or your doctor who spends those extra minutes to show he/she cares.
• Declare You Care: Send a bouquet to celebrate a friend who has recovered from an illness or a new mom on her first day back to work. It will be a beautiful reminder of your support and friendship.

“Flowers are the perfect expression of gratitude and appreciation, and they deliver a message with sincerity and care,” says Ryan. “The new research shows that these positive characteristics also are attributed to the giver. Giving flowers is an act of kindness, and the results are anything but random.”
 

Emotional Impact of Flowers Study; Research Methodology

Emotional Impact of Flowers Study Research Methodology

The Emotional Impact of Flowers Study was conducted by Jeannette M. Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Project Director, Human Development Lab at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Dr. Haviland-Jones is a psychologist and internationally recognized authority in the role of emotional development in human behavior and nonverbal emotional signals and response. The research adds a scientific foundation to what many consider to be common knowledge - that flowers have a strong, beneficial impact on those who receive them. The Society of American Florists worked in cooperation with the Rutgers research team, bringing an expertise of flowers to the project. Study Participants The participants were 147 women, ranging equally in age, educational level, and career and lifestyle choice. Women were studied because previous research on emotion demonstrates that women are more discerning of moods, more willing to participate in studies on moods and more involved in emotional management within the home and at work. Flower Deliveries Study participants knew they would have a gift delivered, but they did not know what the gift would be. This "secrecy" was to obtain an honest first reaction to the gift as a measure of the direct effect of flowers on immediate mood. Immediate Emotional Reaction Trained researchers measured the behavior and emotional expression of participants when they received the flowers. Three different smiles as well as verbal reactions were coded upon the delivery of the flowers. The information was recorded into a field computer within the first 5 seconds of the flower delivery, to measure accurately the first, immediate reaction. Polite Smile: This is used most commonly in quick greetings or acknowledgements. No discernable facial movement is present except the turning up of the corners of the mouth. True Smile: This is seen when there are possible changes in behavior indicating pleasure. Hence it is called "true" - the person is truly happy. Excited Smile: This smile combines two emotions - excitement and happiness. Here we see the true smile, but also the eyebrows are raised so that there are high, horizontal wrinkles across the forehead. Interviews The participants were interviewed before getting their gifts, to give the research team a "baseline" of measure. From this, the researchers measured how feelings changed when participants had flowers in their homes. In the initial interview, interviewers asked the participants to evaluate their feelings over the past two to four days to assess their overall, general feelings. Then, several days after the gift was delivered (about 10 days after the first interview) participants were interviewed again to measure changes in feelings related to having flowers in the home. Questionnaires The following questionnaires were asked of participants: Diener and Lerner's Life Satisfaction questionnaire, Izard's Differential Emotion Scale, the Everyday Illness questionnaire, and the Symptoms of Well-Being questionnaire - which covers entertaining, romance, relaxation, intimate and creative experiences.

The Historic Venue that is now Colonial Flower Shop of Ronkonkoma

A bygone era where a horse and buggy drawn by firemen were the knights in shining armor putting out the fires that burned in the lands of Lake Ronkonkoma. 

Today, still standing in the same building, is the flower house to The Colonial Flower Shop of Ronkonkoma. It gives us great pride and joy to uphold and preserve the history of a bygone era steeped with the rich history of heroism, family and solid, lasting traditions. 

Memorabilia held in honor graces the walls from retired firemen that once served in the Ronkonkoma Fire Department.

Open and Delivering Smiles and so many Flower Styles 7 Days a Week!

Colonial Flower Shop of Ronkonkoma

631-588-3733

Venice, Italy

The GrandCanal

The Historic Streets of Venice

The Basilica of San Marco

The Grand Canal

Gerber Daisies!!! The one flower that is large and in charge. The ladies love them, guys adore them! You just can never get enough of theses beauties.  Did you know they come in hundreds of styles and colors to match any dress, any ribbon color, any decor?? We can get soooo many colors in that have never been seen before. See you soon, and until then, enjoy these shots.

A beautiful accent for sophisticated summer dining, these Floral Vase Place Card Holders bring natural glamour to your table. The elegant glass globes hold delicate blossoms and buds below your guests' name cards. Featuring a small hole, the globe supports the slim stems of small flowers. Though it only holds a small amount of water, it enough to keep your blooms bright and fresh. A brilliant decoration for dinner parties or even wedding.

Combat Critters in the Garden with these Natural Techniques

Protect It. Pests are a part of life, even with the most perfect plots.

Sow Smart
Some insects are repelled by the smell of certain plants. Border your garden with edibles that bugs love to hate, such as mint, coriander and chives; purchase them in ready-to-plant containers from Colonial.

Scare Away Slugs
These slimers will polish off your growing plants before you can ask, "Who ate my Grub?" Scatter broken eggshells around young sprouts; the sharp edges will ensure slugs steer clear. Already under attack? Put a small container with a splash of beer in the center of your garden, level with the soil. When slugs sneak up to the watering hole, they'll fall in and drown.

Battle Common bugs
Aphids, a type of tiny insect, feast on a garden's tender shoots and are a widespread cultivation complication. Ruin their meal with a ring of pretty marigolds; aphids despise the scent.



All of these "Helpful Hints" are complimentary to you from childhood memories toiling in the numerous, many, many, many rows of a vegetable garden with my grandmother in Virginia. It was fun!


Save Big Growing Green can spare you green. Use this formula to see how much your garden's crop is worth.
(________x 0.5)x 1.79 = $________

Number of square feet in your garden times 0.5 times 1.79 equals the amount an average harvest would cost at the grocery store!



Happy Planting and Eating!!

Here is a Method that is Helping to Swing Doors Open

What I believe: Flowers open hearts.

When you receive flowers, the doors of your heart swing open. When you give flowers, doors swing open in response. Expressing love and kindness through flowers - to a friend, family member or lover - is faster and less complicated than words and communicates so much about you, too. Research proves, as I always believed, that flower givers are thought of as caring and loving people who appreciate beauty.

I'm also a firm believer that the amount of love you have in your life starts with the amount of love you have for yourself. So, in addition to giving flowers to others, remember to give flowers to yourself too. Research shows that flowers make people happier; make yourself happier and include flowers as a part of your daily self-love practice!

What follows is my advice for building loving relationships, sending love spontaneously and instantly improving the mood of a friend or loved one. Also there to help is your
florist, who's like that friend-in-the-know who has the best advice and the hottest tips, who you can always rely on to help you add that special touch.

Flowers at Work

By now, we know the ability of flowers to instantly boost our mood. Who doesn't need that at work? Here are a few ways flowers can work overtime:

* Deliver flowers to a colleague's desk for an unexpected friendship surprise.
* Say thank you to co-workers who've put in extra time.
* Apologize for a missed deadline.
* Keep flowers on your desk just to freshen up your space.
* Or on Monday, pick up a bunch of flowers to keep a group space cheerful all week long.



Flowers for Romantic Relationships

Sending flowers to a romantic partner is a natural way to express your emotions - with an added bonus. Flowers show how special and caring you are, too. The truth is that great relationships take love and care, not hard work. If you step out of your busy life, and take a moment to be spontaneous with the simple gift of flowers, you'll be surprised with how much love you get in return.
My first - and perhaps best - piece of advice is to surprise your love with flowers in unexpected places in unanticipated ways. For instance, put the flowers in a place that your love won't immediately see them, but instead discovers them by surprise. Or, have flowers put on her office desk before she gets into work for the morning. Flowers coupled with the element of surprise are a match made in heaven. If you, for instance, put a flower on the passenger seat of your love's car, when she sets off to start her day, glances over and sees your gift, WOW! her entire day just changed. It got the stamp of a smile from you.

Smart lovers know that flowers are like bursts of love you can give any day of the year to create a deeper intimacy with the people you love. No matter how busy life gets, or what challenges you face, remember the bond between you is what matters most. Think beyond tradition, and send her (or him) flowers that remind you of a memory only the two of you have. Did you meet in spring? Fresh tulips or a mix of spring blooms might be the key. Does she have a sunny personality? Sunflowers or flowers in bright, cheerful colors will make her take notice. You get the idea. Flowers can signify so much - it's just up to you to make your move.

Finally, when you order flowers, tell your florist what statement you want the flowers to make. From a tender "you're sweet" to a more direct "I think you're hot," and anywhere in-between, a floral arrangement can be designed to communicate your feelings, and your florist can be your cupid any time, all the time.



Flowers for Friendships

One of the best-kept secrets is that a gift of flowers from one friend to another is the perfect fit, and the flower power can be immense. Pick a flower or flowers that remind you of your friend's unique spirit, and include a note linking the flower to them. One of the greatest gifts you can give a person is the gift of really seeing them, especially at the times that matter most.

There is something magical about sharing your life's path with a friend for those important milestones... marking special times with flowers will keep you in their memories forever. Congratulate them on a professional achievement, a baby or anything new, or send a big dose of love when they really need it most, after a break-up or a spell of bad news.

The time to build a friendship is when it's strong, so one of my favorite times to express my appreciation is when they're least expecting it.

Christine Arylo, author of Choosing ME Before WE, inspires women to get the success and happiness they want by living their most real and wise selves first. She shares creative floral gifting advice to build loving relationships, send spontaneous love and lift the spirits of a friend.

Funky Prom Corsages!!

Power of Giving Flowers Study

Rutgers: Flower Givers Perceived as Successful and Caring
Happy birthday, congratulations, thank you, I love you, thinking of you. Each day, millions of gifts are exchanged by people who want to send thoughtful regards to deserving friends and loved ones. According to research from Rutgers University, the presents we pick to convey our special messages say a lot about us.

Rutgers University researcher Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., director of the university’s Human Emotions Lab, explored what the gifts we choose say about who we are and whether they affect how we are perceived. The research reveals that those who send flowers, in comparison to other gifts, are viewed as successful, caring and emotionally intelligent people. More specific findings include:

Both men and women who give flowers are perceived as happy, achieving, strong, capable and courageous people;

Men and women come across as more emotionally intelligent; they give the impression they can effectively express their feelings and take time to understand the feelings of others;

and Female floral gifters are viewed as more appreciative of beauty and nature.

“Our findings show that you can influence and change what people think of you in a significant way through the gifts you give,” says Haviland-Jones. “That news is particularly important to those interested in enhancing friendships and romances, even business relationships.”

Discovering the scientific power of flowers is not new to Haviland-Jones. Previous Rutgers University research conducted by her team found that flowers create instant delight and happiness, and increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. Specifically, upon receiving a gift of flowers, the female study participants responded with true smiles and reported positive moods that lasted for days. The presence of flowers also led to increased contact with family and
friends.

“Flowers have evolved to activate positive emotional responses from people,” says Haviland-Jones. “Each bloom has the potential to put a smile on our face and sway our opinion of a friend, colleague or loved one. That’s powerful.”

M.J. Ryan, award-winning author of the Random Acts of Kindness book series and The Giving Heart, uses cutting-edge science to bring out the best in people. In her books, she teaches individuals how gratitude and generosity can result in greater happiness, health and feelings of human connectivity.

“Gift recipients experience compelling connections with givers, and the positive link is particularly evident in the exchange of flowers,” says Ryan. “In my everyday work with individuals, CEOs and leadership teams at some of the world’s top global companies, I see the powerful implications of gratitude and appreciation.”

According to Ryan, a simple call to the florist can make a big impact beyond conventional gifting occasions. Some of her favorite, unexpected gifting opportunities include surprise recognition for a job well done; an “I miss you” gift for an out-of-town family member; and an advance “thanks for hosting us” gesture before visiting a friend’s house.

“A successful person is not necessarily someone with a lot of money and material goods, but rather someone who is in tune with people and knows how to touch their hearts,” says Ryan. “I can think of no other item besides flowers that evokes such positive feelings and perceptions for both the giver and the recipient.”

Thank Employees with Flowers!

April 19-23: Administrative Professionals Week "APW"

Administrative Professionals Week, also known as Professional Secretaries Week, is a time to recognize support staff for their accomplishments and contributions to corporate success. Research from Texas A&M University reveals one gift of appreciation in particular that will naturally lift an employee's mood, create a lasting memory and boost productivity.

Click Here for Administrative Professional's Week ideas!

The research demonstrates that flowers and plants enhance people's ability to generate ideas and solve problems.

"Our study shows that adding flowers and plants to a work environment can be very meaningful to businesses in the modern economy," said Roger Ulrich, Ph.D., lead Texas A&M researcher. "People's productivity, innovation and creative problem solving, improved - which in certain circumstances could mean the difference between mild and great business success."

Rebecca Cole, author of Flower Power and host of Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design offers an additional perspective. "Giving flowers is a loud, proud, sophisticated way of saying ‘I appreciate all you do.' They're a great way to build a strong, lasting professional relationship," said Cole.

Treat APW(Administrative Professionals Week) like a New Year's resolution. Resolve to practice better office etiquette year-round to build your team's confidence and cohesion. Whether it's celebrated with a gift, flowers, or a group luncheon, APW is an opportunity to formally acknowledge the members of your support staff for their contributions throughout the year and wipe the slate clean of any forgotten thank yous.

How to Avoid the Dash and Stash When the Doorbell Rings

Ding dong. Gasp! Most people can relate to feelings of angst when a friend or neighbor stops by without warning and your home is not at all company-ready. Embarrassed, you make your way to the door, tidying as you go, and stand in the doorway shielding the disorganization within.

Organizing expert Vicki Norris calls this phenomenon the dash and stash, when we frantically rush around hiding clutter, hanging up coats, or even strategically placing a plant or floral arrangement, before opening the door.

"Many people stuff things in the nearest closet at these moments," says Vicki Norris, organizing expert, author of Restoring Order™ to Your Home, and featured expert on HGTV's Mission: Organization. "But you still have to deal with the closet later. To turn panic into poise at the doorway, I recommend people strive to keep the most visible spaces of their home organized 24/7. It's not nearly as hard as it sounds."

According to Norris, organizing doesn't have to translate into time-consuming, it's just a matter of figuring out what systems work best for you and your lifestyle. It boils down to prioritizing projects, finding purpose for each space and personalizing one's home. Here is Norris' how-to for the top three most important spaces in which to create inviting, hospitable spaces that are always ready for company - even when you aren't.
Welcome your guests with an inviting display of fresh flowers, and the flowers will prevent future clutter from collecting.The Entry Way a.k.a. The Drop Zone

Because the entry way is the easiest place to drop shoes, coats and handbags, and it is the first space that guests see, the focus in this area is clutter control. Implementing a clutter capture system is the key. People must determine what types of items are dropped here, and then consider the ideal way to manage it.

* First, to help identify your storage solutions, judge the quantity of each item that lands in the foyer or entryway. Look around. Do you see a handful of coats or an entire closet full? Do you spy a few shoes or a shoe mountain?
* Second, select and install your storage solutions, whether they are hooks, bins, shelving, benches or other furnishings. Think about your aesthetic preferences. If you simply prefer not to see clutter, perhaps you should purchase a narrow armoire to neatly store your belongings.
* Third and last, personalize your entryway. Make it yours! Welcome your guests with an inviting display of family photos, a favorite collection, or fresh flowers to suit the season. Having these items on tables actually will prevent future clutter from collecting. Also, a strategically placed floor plant can divert attention from less appealing areas.

The kitchen happens to be the most popular place in the home to invite guests.
The Kitchen a.k.a. The Command Center

The kitchen naturally and almost effortlessly has a way of accumulating papers, mail and a variety of misplaced possessions. Yet, it happens to be the most popular place in the home to invite guests. According to Norris, the mission here is search and sort.

* Incoming! Dedicate real estate for daily drop-offs such as mail and newspapers to be sorted into actionable categories.
* Create a plan of attack, including a reference binder to create a permanent home for take-out menus, coupons, gift certificates, membership cards, and commonly reached-for retailer numbers such as the dry cleaner, florist, hair stylist and movie theatre.
* Strategically place a trash, recycle and shred receptacle, essential tools for eliminating junk and keeping the paper from piling up.
* Create a communication command center by setting aside a place to take and leave messages, and write notes to family. And, use your computer as a tool to manage the household calendar.

Living Room FlowersThe Family Room a.k.a. The Home's Highway

This household superhighway is the most trafficked room in the home, and that can lead to roadway rubbish. Norris recommends determining the rooms' direction, de-littering, and finding homes for nomadic items such as backpacks, toys, magazines and everything in between.

* Decide upon your family room’s direction. For example, should it be an off-ramp of the kitchen or an entertainment hub where you will gather to play games? Being intentional will help set boundaries for how many uses the room has.
* Set up a “go-elsewhere” basket, so at the end of each day you can relocate items that don’t belong in the family room to their proper place.
* Don’t be a litter bug! Keep surfaces such as ottomans and tables clear, so you can put up your feet or pull out a puzzle.
* Beautify your interior landscape with flowers or a plant to reclaim the space and make it a nice place to spend time in.

"Perfection is unattainable and should never be the goal," says Norris. "I want people to feel good in their surroundings and when it comes to organizing, one size does not fit all. By clearing out the clutter and reclaiming your space, you create more time for the things that are truly important in your life."

And how can we maintain our newfound order? There is a simple way for people to inspire themselves to keep public spaces organized says Norris: "Personalize and beautify your space. Placing flowers or a favorite accessory where clutter typically congregates does two things: it brightens the room and prevents future messes from settling there."

Once the public spaces of your home are sorted out, Norris suggests taking the next step toward a guest-ready home - beautifying.

"Organizing is the first critical step to increasing the functionality and enjoyment of your home. After you've put in the effort to make better use of your space and establish systems, beautifying your home can be an incentive to maintain your newfound order."

The following are Norris' four favorite finishes, along with her organizing advice.
Fab Finish #1: Flowers and Plants

According to Norris, flowers and plants are two elements of décor that do not actually create new clutter. Not only do they uplift and warm a room, they also prevent clutter from building up, when they are placed on surfaces and tables to avoid accumulation. Finally, Norris suggests sending flower arrangements or potted plants as gifts to help brighten others' moods and spaces.
Fab Finish #2: Family Photos

Not only are photos of loved ones cherished, but they can be neatly displayed in just about any public area of the home. You can declutter surfaces by arranging frames on the wall instead of propped on tables. Photos give a sense of history, belonging, and fellowship and can brighten any hallway or room.
Fab Finish #3: Marvelous Memories

Nothing personalizes a room better than a collection of family heirlooms. Items such as antique vases, musical instruments, or teacups that have been passed down make great conversation pieces and add personality to any room. The key is to display your collection artfully and with simplicity.
Fab Finish #4: Everyday Extraordinary

Even ordinary items like purses can be organized in a way that maximize access and add beauty to the home. Norris herself displays her own handbag collection on vintage hooks in her closet. Her daily purse contents can then be easily transferred to any purse of her choice to complement the outfit of the day! Norris recommends that as you organize your everyday belongings, you think about those interesting items (like handbags) that you could display for enhanced enjoyment and ease of use.

Valentine’s Day 2010 Trends


The Society of American Florists (SAF) asked some of the country’s top florists and floral designers to describe what’s in style for flowers this Valentine’s Day, from popular flowers, gifts and color combinations to trendy flower design styles and flower delivery advice. Here is a compilation of our Valentine's Day flower trends and ordering tips:

TREND: Creating a destination with flowers


For those who, given the economy, may not be able to go away for the night or weekend, florists can play an important role in helping romantics be creative. If you can’t actually go to a desired destination, why not create it at home?

Flowers can take you places and help you relive fond, romantic memories … whether it be reminiscing about a Caribbean honeymoon, creating a relaxing spa retreat feel, or reliving a wine country getaway – flowers can set the stage for a romantic evening.

Beach Honeymoon

* Tropical flowers, such as Birds of Paradise, anthurium, ginger, or orchids with an accent of fresh fruit and foliages
* A simple collection of orchids in a vase
* Bells of Ireland and delphinium. The cool greens and blues will conjure up the memories of the beautiful Caribbean.
* Recreate a Hawaiian honeymoon complete with long-lasting tropical flowers and a lei to wear. Picture your Valentine wearing a gorgeous orchid lei when it's sub-zero outside.
* Ask us as a florist to add colored sand and seashells in bouquets or vases to really create the mood!

European Vacation

* Richly colored flowers in purples, reds and blues
* Hand-tied bouquet of all accent flowers and a couple of roses
* Textural hand-tied bouquets embellished with decorative beads and wires with colorful wraps
* A loose arrangement of garden-style flowers such as tulips, hydrangeas, ranunculus and roses in a clear glass vase or decorative container.
* An arrangement that resembles the French countryside: Fresh herbs and wild flowers like heather, daisies, delphinium and miniature roses would be pretty and romantic.
* A French Garden of bright-hued blooming plants arranged in a classic wicker basket
* European dish garden – mixture of flowering or green plants and fresh flowers.

Spa Weekend

* Aromatic flowers like freesia, stock and sweet peas to sooth the senses.
* An arrangement of relaxing blues, lavenders and greens with fresh eucalyptus and soft foliage and some select bath products.
* Several small blue and green arrangements to place in the bathroom or bedroom.
* All white arrangement with sea glass vases or frosted aquamarine accents
* A fragrant selection of purple freesia in a clear cylinder with pale pink petals floating in the vase. The soft scent of freesia combined with the soothing color palette will embrace your sweetheart with a sense of calm.
* Monobotanic bouquet of blue iris in a clear glass vase with sea glass or shells clustered together in the bottom of the vase
* A simple glass vase filled with callas or white Casablanca lilies and cool blue glass gems inside the vase.

Wine Country Getaway

* A few beautiful roses or lilies arranged in an empty wine bottle shared on a past date. She’ll love the sentimentality.
* Deep reds (roses, carnations and soft greens). Add accents of vines, mosses and a bottle of wine.
* Grapevine or wreath around the design on the base or in and around, some fruit and a bottle of wine or a gift certificate to a wine shop.
* Grapes, sunflowers, grasses-outdoorsy and lots of yellow/peach/olive greens
* Burgundy flowers with fresh grapes and Brie cheese in a large basket
* Include a bottle of wine or fresh fruit and grapes with deep wine colored roses
* Bold collection of vibrant purple anemones or alstroemeria, green hydrangea, hypericum and red roses. This strong combination of color and texture will evoke the feeling of a stroll in the vineyards.
* Rich royal-colored floral bouquet consisting of a mixture of textural materials such as purple tulips, magenta stock, green hydrangea and lavender roses tied with natural raffia. The design may include clusters of grapes.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year begins on February 14, and 2010 is the year of the tiger. Ring in the New Year by sending your valentine:

* Orange roses in a red vase
* A red vase filled with mokara orchids

Other Exciting Destinations

* Conjure up the charm of the South Pacific with a beautifully designed arrangement with an Asian flair.
* Orchids and other fragile blooms can remind couples of rainforest getaways.
* An assortment of flowers from the garden in a bouquet conjures the feeling of a stroll through a country garden.
* Experience a trip to Japan with an Ikebana floral design of several stems of orchids or Fuji Chrysanthemums. Add a Japanese flower arranging kit and book along with some wonderful teas.
* Go for the gold with a bouquet of green spider chrysanthemums, green hypericum berries and green aspidistra leaves, just like the bouquets for the Winter Olympics medalists.

Special Moments

* Recreate the love you shared on your wedding day by featuring some blooms from her bridal bouquet.
* Recreate the magic of the proposal or first date with flowers.
* Send a Spring or Summer Sunshine bouquet to say you’re looking forward to spending time in warmer weather together or you’re looking forward to gardening together.
* Instead of recreating a memory, why not send a bouquet that evokes the charm of a place you dream of going to some day with your loved one.

Simply Sweet Staycations

* Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz” said, "There is no place like home.” Staying at home can be the “warm and fuzzy” choice for many. Add some lovely flowers in a favorite vase, sprinkle some rose petals, and lay a single rose on the pillow. Be creative and make staying at home fun.
* Make a flower trail throughout your house leading to a bubble bath sprinkled with rose petals.

TREND: Popular Flowers, Colors & Designs


Suggestions from top designers nationwide:
Red roses symbolize passionate love and are the top gift for Valentine’s Day. OTHER POPULAR VALENTINE’S DAY FLOWERS this year will be:

* Colored roses other than red are popular. Ask your florist for some unusual varieties that can really make an impression; there are so many fabulous choices that will impress your Valentine with your creativity: orange roses are hotter than hot; peach roses; lavender roses; and pastel roses.
* Orchids: dendrobium orchids; cymbidium orchids; and vanda orchids in shades of blue and purple; stems of green cymbidiums evoke an eco-friendly feel
* Tulips are a great choice, and there are great colors available
* Gerbera daisies in hot pinks and oranges paired with a citrus green foliage
* Alstroemeria
* Callas or miniature callas
* Chrysanthemums
* Carnations
* Gardenias
* Lilies
* Hydrangea
* Waxflowers

Want to do something different?

* Amaryllis stems in geometric glass containers weighted with river rocks
* Compact flower arrangements in heirloom containers
* Floral designs in monogrammed containers
* Tropical flowers, like protea, arranged with exotic foliage and bamboo accents
* A cactus garden
* Small peace lily plant
* Anemones
* Freesia
* Ranunculus

On a TIGHT BUDGET? There are lots of wonderful flower options for consumers on a budget:

* Ask us for our specials in your price range, and ask about the price of an earlier delivery.
* Consider sending a few stems of something wonderful like roses, tulips or lilies. Volume isn't everything. We can make a few stems look romantic and lovely.
* Mixed bouquet of brightly-colored flowers
* Carnations are a great endearing flower full of texture. The bang for your buck is just great, and the vase life is quite long when cared for properly.
* Tulips are a tremendous value flower
* A bud vase with six, three or even a single rose
* Consider flowers in colors other than red, such as peach, orange, hot pink or chartreuse green
* Pompons or chrysanthemums are long lasting. Consider a bunch of green Fuji Mums or a bunch of Kermit Pompons. The chartreuse green is a huge attention getter!
* Stargazer lilies or other lilies
* Alstroemeria
* Gerbera daisies
* Blooming plants, such as a red or pink cyclamen, daffodil plant, or a tulip plant

Flowers come in so many beautiful colors. Some POPULAR COLOR TRENDS AND COLOR COMBINATIONS this year include:

* We always think of red for Valentine's Day but many other combinations can say “I Love You.” Hot pink and orange for a fresh young look. Purple is fun in either a monochromatic combination or mixed with red, very luscious. Chartreuse and pink is sweet yet crisp. Orange and red is a powerful, masculine combination.
* Monobotanical design (all one type of flowers)
* Monochromatic design (flowers all in the same color family)
* Reds, burgundies and browns
* Hot pink, purples and browns
* Monochromatic reds in various textures
* Greens mixed with chocolate browns or stunning pinks
* Greens and purples
* Complementary colors cause excitement, such as lavender paired with yellow or blues coupled with oranges
* Green, lavender and peach form an upscale color combination
* Rich purples and lavenders mixed with red

TREND: Send Flowers to Men

MEN LOVE FLOWERS and plants! For the man in your life, consider sending:

* Red Ginger and red anthuriums pair wonderfully together
* Bromeliads have a sense of “cool” that is comfortable for any man to receive
* A flowering plant, such as red tulips or an azalea
* A bright and bold tropical design
* Orange or green roses
* Ivy Topiary
* Herb Topiary for the guy who loves to cook
* Pincushion protea in a clear glass container with stones in the bottom — men love this kind of arrangement.
* Dish garden
* Orchid plant
* A large, snack basket filled with his favorite flavor of energy drink, nuts, candies or chips. To top it off, add a bud vase with a single red rose on the outside decoration to add Valentine's Day flair.
* Terrariums. The endless possibilities of unusually shaped glass containers also make great gifts for men.
* Bright, bold colors (not just red) of any type of flower designed in a more architectural styling.
* Any “going green” plant can be created with tremendous textural appeal with upgrades on the container and plant decor.

TREND: Early Delivery

Since Valentine's Day falls on the Sunday of President's Day Weekend this year, you may want to keep in mind these considerations when ordering Valentine's Day flowers:

* It’s so much “fun” to get flowers at the office. Every person in the office hopes the flowers are for them! Why not send them the week prior? Everyone will know how much your loved one is LOVED for the whole week!
* The experience of receiving flowers at work is exciting. Just because Valentine's Day is on a Sunday doesn't mean that you can't be a hero and have your flowers sent to your Valentine on the job. Just do it on Thursday or Friday before Valentine’s Day with a note such as, “Looking forward to a romantic weekend” or “I couldn't wait to say I Love You.” Also, it’s President’s Day Weekend, which may involve businesses closing early on Friday, therefore Thursday could be a better day to send your Valentine flowers.

* Make sure to let us know when your Valentine will be at work or at home to receive your flowers.


Ask us to make something special for your sweetheart!

Rent this Space for Your Next Private Party!

With a 30 foot high, post and beam ceiling, warm wide plank rough sewn wood floors, tall glorious windows and 5 flat screen televisions, it is a superb venue for birthday parties, sweet 16's, engagement parties, recruitment functions, trade shows, fashion shows, cocktail parties, fundraisers, etc. The space has a fully equipped private kitchen, state of the art sound system with over 100 music genres to choose from, leather vintage settees, chairs and tables, 2 bathrooms,a loft area with a spiral staircase leading to the upstairs. The space then continues through(not pictured) a large house-like setting to an outside deck, with a pond, and a very large grass area perfect for a dj, and a large tent for your guests in the warmer months.

You may cook and bring your own food, or use one of our highly recommended off-site caterers.

This space is a rare gem and truly a step back in time! It must be seen to believe!

Inquire Within~ Now booking for spring 2010!Schedule your appointment today!
Call 631-588-3733