Sending Smiles ~

Did you know that there was such a thing? Well there is and it's the day were thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more! The International Women's day is an official holiday in the world, it is observed by men giving flowers and small gifts to the women. Celebrating it's 100th anniversary this year, International Women's Day is just one more way to celebrate the women in your life!

Well, our shop is most definately not located in the tropics but look how fun it is to make an arrangement like this. Tropical bird of paradise, protea, anthirium, dendrobium orchids and other elements such as croton leaves, liatris and river cane combine to make a spectacular arrangement with a touch of the islands!

I love carnations. Ok, I just said that out loud and I'm not embarrassed or ashamed. What does the world have against carnations anyway. Look at these cool green ones that are now available. At one time if you wanted green carnations for St. Patrick's day you had to dye them but that's not longer the case. These awesome carnations are called "Prado" and are naturally a soft, minty green. What a wonderful shade used alone or with other colors. This cute "Beer Mug" created by Designer Holly is the perfect floral gift for St. Patrick's Day, don't you think? Here we are using the same Carnations to make pretty corsages for a corporate event. A touch of wax flowers and soft ribbon make for a very sweet corsage. Here is another shade of carnation that has almost an antique feel to them. A soft pink, with green margins, these corsages are for the winners of the Tribute to Women in Industry event being held at the Hyatt - Princeton today. How cute is

How adorable is this cute little button. Running towards the camera with her sweet bouquet of Circus rose, hypericum berries and deep blue delphinium. Shaped like a fairy wand, her loving Aunt May told us that she adored her bouquet. With a smile like that, I don't doubt it!! Thank you to photographer Annie Hosfeld for this wonderful photo! To see more pictures of our wedding flower designs you can visit our wedding website at http://www.perfectweddingflowers.com/

I thought I'd share this photo of my hubby Kevin, doing a fantastic job routing the Valentine's Day deliveries. Looks like kaos but in fact everything was staged and routed depending on the town it was to be delivered too. Just about 400 deliveries left the shop in one day and all drivers returned by about 5 pm. Thank you too all our "extra" helpers - Donna, Steven, Donna (number 2), Alison, Mikey, James, Ed, Cory and Dave. Acting as drivers and shop greeters, these wonderful folks helped make our holiday the least stressful holiday in recent years!!

Have you seen the cover of today's Princeton Packet Newspaper? Well, yes, there I am, yours truly in all my "floral" glory. What fun it was to have the "Press" at the shop. It was wonderful of them to put flowers right on their cover and I was honored to be included.  Valentine's Day and flowers - perfect together. Have you noticed how everyone feels a need to say "Don't send flowers this Valentine's Day - send our product instead"? I'm thinking that as florists we should take that as a compliment that we are so often targeted in ads. Marketing 101 - if you have to put down someone elses product, you just might not have a good product yourself. Enough said. For those of us who sell flowers, stand on our own merits. People, especially women, love getting flowers.   No bashing the folks that sell jewelry, chocolates, cell phones, fruit, teddy bears, etc, etc.  Because flowers let you say what's in your heart why not send flowers t

Well, the Valentine's Day holiday is in full swing for us at both flower shops. It's always funny to watch the trends. Last year red and pink roses were all the rage and this year lavender, yellow and mixed roses seem to be in demand. Another trend seems to be men sending their gifts early to their Valentine. Friday and Saturday day orders are coming in strong even though the holiday is on a Monday this year. We even expect to need a few extra drivers for Sunday to get all the deliveries done! Here's designer Rocio arranging 36 long stem roses, our Explosion of Roses, for someone celebrating a special birthday. Our explosion retails for $199.95 which is a $40 savings over sending all red. To see more of our Valentine's Day gift selection, visit our website at www.sendingsmiles.com .