Sending Smiles ~

Today is Going to Be a Good Day ~ by Monday Morning Flowers. In today's Monday Morning Flower blog post I'm not doing the usual floral post. Flowers and Positivity - they really do go hand in hand, so todays post is going to have a little spin. Have you ever noticed that when you drive by a field of flowers that you can't help but look and smile? That's why at this time of the year we flock to farms to pick apples, pumpkins and walk through fields of Sunflowers. The photo below was taken on a trip that the hubby and I took to California. These flowers are called Stock and I tell you they smell like heaven on Earth.  Have you noticed that many health facilities have live plants in their lobbies and floral related paintings on the walls? That's because studies show that looking at nature, including plants and flowers, uplift the spirits and aid in healing. Well, that's not really the reason for my post today, it is just a jumping point from which to talk

Did you know April is Stress Awareness Month?  Finding healthy ways to deal with everyday stress is key to a happier and healthier lifestyle.  Here are some ideas on how to reduce stress and create a more balanced, enjoyable life. Take time out of the day for relaxation .  Sit down and listen to some of your favorite music, read a book you have put off, or create an art project you would not normally have time for.  Make time for yourself to enjoy things that bring natural joy and you will not feel so controlled by life's everyday responsibilities. Get some fresh air .  Enjoy a long walk, go to a park or beach and simply take in nature's scenery.  Recognize the natural beauty all around us (including fresh flowers!) Indulge in meditation, yoga or a massage .  Balancing your physical health through meditation or yoga is a great way to centralize your mind and body.  If you have time, book a massage and while you get rid of those knots in your back your min

Family Time. What is that exactly? I know most people think in terms of mothers spending time with daughters, fathers with sons, brothers and sisters getting together, the whole shebang but to me Family Time means spending time with people who are important to me. You hear a lot about Family Time during the holidays and those of us with shrinking or small families, it can make us feel a bit like an orphan. Anyone who has read my past blogs knows that I find most holidays to be stressful and sad. I've tried to figure out why that is and I guess it comes down to the fact that a lot of the people in my life that were important to me are no longer living but it's more than that. With down time so hard to come by combined with proximity being an issue, it seems like it gets harder and harder to spend time with the people that I care about. Then comes the pressure of trying to find time to see all these important people during the holidays, it's enough to make any florist weep. L