Sending Smiles ~

Earlier today, home from work at a reasonable hour, I decided it would be nice to take a hot bath. The next few days leading up to Christmas will be long and crazy working at the flower shops so relaxing for an hour, soaking in a tub, soothing my tired feet, sounded like heaven. As my husband prepared to relax and watch some football, I mentioned my idea to take a bath and catch up on some magazines, including the latest issue of Fortune Small Business. He was quick to say, "make sure you read something fun" as I peddled off upstairs. I laughed to myself at his comment because to me reading Small Business Fortune is relaxing compared to the Floral Management, Retail Florist, Florist Review, Flowers& and Floral Finance magazines that I read monthly. Compared to how work related those are, Small Business is as down right non-work related as it can get. Anyway, I had been wanting to read the cover story in the December/January issue titled "Make Fear Your Friend" b

So, what is up with this new trend of weddings in March? Back in the day (well, a few years back, at least) we might have one wedding during the whole month of March and this year we have 5 already I am expecting more! I'm not complaining, I love it but what gives? For that matter, I have quite a few in January and also in February as well. This new trend is wonderful. My designers are doing little floral happy dances because apparently there will not be the usual void of "No Weddings" from January to March again this year. I suspect it's the economy and reception sites giving nice deals. To be truthful, I think these winter weddings turn out nicely. The weather where we are in New Jersey and Pennsylvania rarely has a glut of snowfall so having a nice winter wedding is a wonderful idea. Brides and grooms that pick locations that can easily accommodate their ceremony and reception along with overnight rooms for guests seems to be a great choice! Some of our January loc

Thanks to those of you who ventured out on one of the coldest days of the year so far! A great time was had by all. Special thanks go out to Dave Hoeffel of Sound Choice DJ's who graciously supplied the music and MC duties. Another special thanks go out to all my employees who each made a wonderful dish to be enjoyed by the attendees. Dena's Buffalo Chicken Dip and Heena's Kati rolls were so popular that they spent much time giving away their recipes. I must say that my chocolate fountain and fantastic dipping items were also a bit hit with the attendees. It was wonderful to be able to show our customers around, introduce them to the staff whom they speak to often on the phone but have never met. I'm just sorry that it took 20 years in business to make an event like this a reality. Another special thank you go out to Valentino's Italian Restaurant, Teriaki Boy and Tre Piani Restaurant for helping to cater the event. These wonderful food establishments are also locat