Sending Smiles ~

 You probably saw our recent post where I talked about all the new Non-Floral items we have coming into the shop . It's been fun going out  on a bit of a limb this past year to bring in broader range of products in to the store. We've been doing our $5 Friday Flowers for over a  year now and between the 2 shops, we have over 30 folks come in for their fresh bouquets each week. That got us to thinking because once our loyal customers were coming in for those bouquets, many were surprised to see the wide selection of items were carried such as greeting cards, candy, plush animals, plants, candles and even jewelry. Once I realized that our "foot traffic" was on the rise, currently running 100% ahead of last year, I knew it was time to bring in more products and even broaden our existing lines. I think it's been a great decision for us and customers seem to be loving it.  As with any product expansion, it's super important to closely monitor what sel...

Don't you love doing crafts during the fall? There are just so many fun materials to work with. Take pumpkins for example: Who says you have to leave them orange? We love spray painting them with fun colors like purple, gold, bronze and even silver. Add a little touch of silk berries, a silk leaf or 2 and a fresh touch of seeded eucalyptus and you have a fun accent for the dining room table or mantle. Another fun project is to stack one pumpkin on top of another, 3 or 4 high. This can easily be done by securing with long wooden picks. Put the largest at the bottom (don't forget to remove the stem), then go smaller, smaller and end with the smallest at the top. What a fun way to add some decor with height just outside your front door on the side of your driveway. Lastly, why not carve out a mini or medium size pumpkin and add some floral foam and design a colorful floral arrangement inside? Add some fall leaves, dried wheat, foliage and some long lasting flowers for a...

It's official - Halloween is almost here! The designers have started filling orders for novelty arrangements similar to the one designer Norman was creating yesterday. Tiny ghosts, witches brooms, gerbers and fall leaves are included in the Ghostly Greetings bouquet.  What a fun arrangement to send  to "ghosts and goblins" of any age, don't you think?

Ah, you have to love Halloween and what is more fun than a wedding?  Rachel and Brian were a fun couple and it was great getting to know them (even if I did call the groom Ben once - dah!) and their families. Their wedding at the Nassau Inn went off without a hitch. Lots of "orange unique" roses accented with brown berries and yellow solidago really looked gorgeous against the brides maids brown dresses. It was especially fun creating a floral display in Brian's family princess basket for the flower girl to carry! Traditions are so important it was an honor to creating another rememberance in the 45 year old heirloom!Rachels bouquet included mango mini callas along with roses and was the perfect compliment to her romantic lace gown. The groomsmen looked handsome with their orange rose boutonnieres and Brian with his single "Mango" mini calla. The mothers carried small hand tied bouquets of ivory roses which complimented their dresses. The centerpieces were a ...

Halloween (or the days leading up to it) are always fun at the shop. We dress up, eat, laugh, take pictures and most of all have fun! We even have a contest with prizes. Who will win this year? Perhaps it's the Swine Flu? Or the King of Hearts? Time will tell! Our shop is always busy and boy, it can be a tight fit but most of the time it all works!! In between the madness, there are weddings and deliveries to be made. The Flower Show must go on! It's times like this that I really appreciate my staff (and friends). This year is especially bitter sweet, as we miss Rocio's sister, Reina so much but we still feel her here with us, each and every day. New designer Norman has been a wonderful addition to the Monday Morning team. It's wonderful that he fits right in, even during Halloween because he's in the spirit!! Norman strikes a pose with Sheryl and Rocio!! David always manages to make us laugh. He's been striking funny poses and making me giggle...

I know Halloween is over but I had to share. We had our annual Halloween Costume contest at the shop and once again I was amazed by the creativity of my staff. Not only did many of them create fun costumes but a special kudos goes out to David, Sheryl and Kyle who went out and delivered (set up a wedding, in fact) fully dressed!! Too funny!! Pictured here is David (as a Stock Broker - notice the Plan B noose around his neck), Kevin the Beer Can, Heena the magician, Dianne the scary pirate, Yarrow and Dena the fallen angels, Sheryl the Vampira and Kyle the scary Jester (and no he did not deliver wearing that mask, that would be crazy). Funniest costume went to David, most creative was shared by Yarrow and Sheryl and the most like the person prize went to Kyle. Kyle, no offense, you are not scary but you are funny and so to us you are our lovable court jester! This year we also tried to spread some Halloween cheer to some local nursing homes. Our staff made and delivered some cute mug...