Sending Smiles ~

I have to start off by saying ~ Wow! Wow, can you imagine that I'm included with these amazing men below being honored by the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce? I've pinched myself and so I must be awake but even after the Gala last night at Jasna Polana (the most amazing venue in Princeton) I'm still in awe. Below I'm pictured with (from the left) Senator Peter Inverso, President and CEO of Roma Bank who was honored as Business Leader of the Year, Dr. Herb Greenberg Chairman and CEO of Caliper as Innovator of the Year and Marty Johnson, Founder, President and CEO of Isles, Inc as Community Leader of the Year.  I also have to mention Brian Juleskusky of Bank of America for Sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Brian came by the shop last week to learn more about me and the shops and we had so much fun. I'm thinking we are life long friends from this point forward.    Of course, the night would not have been complete with out my friends and fa

Looking for a fun project to make for Christmas ? Why not make your own Boxwood Tree? During the holiday we sell tons and tons of the cute, mini Christmas trees for our customers. What's fun about them is that they last so long and if someone you know doesn't have the room for a traditional full size tree, it's a nice way to help decorate their house. They also make wonderful centerpieces for the dining room or kitchen table.  Take this one for example that Designer Holly made for a customer who wanted to send her husband a cute Anniversary arrangement, something that would last through the holiday season. Decorated with tiny cardinal birds, curly willow, cinnamon sticks, pine cones and red burlap ribbon ~ it has a very "woodsy" feel, perfect for a mans office, don't you think? Want to make your own Boxwood Tree? If you are in our area you can come to our Boxwood Tree Making Class  but if not, with a few tips, you too can make an adorable tree like t

Last week were lucky enough to host a Junior Girl Scout Troop here at our Princeton Shop. Troop number 11717 from Ewing came with 8 girls (and moms in tow) to learn all about flowers. Design Coordinator Sheryl presented each girl with their very own apron to keep and taught the girls about the different parts of the flower. After the lesson each girl worked with Designer Norman to learn how to wrap flowers "presentation style". I'd say it looks like these little ladies enjoyed their afternoon and were sure going to enjoy their floral bouquets. Do you or someone you know have a civic group that would like a tour and lesson at our shop? How about having us come to your place to do a demonstration or even organize a "hands on" class? Just give us a call at our Princeton store at 609.520.2005, we'd love to accommodate you! 

 At our shop, both Thanksgiving and Christmas are quite busy times for us with folks wanting to send and receive floral centerpieces for their dinner tables. When I talk to other shops from around the country, some are busier than us while others say that no one in their area is interested in having flowers for their home during the holiday season. What camp do you fall under? Do you like to have flowers on your table? What about sending flowers to family and friends that you are not able to share the holiday with?  As you can see by the photo of Kevin above, our shop was quite busy during the Thanksgiving holiday and this photo was taken on Wednesday and although it was not all the deliveries that we made, just the first round of deliveries for the 4 drivers working that day.  For me, I can't imagine not having something fresh on my dining room table and that goes back to long before I was in the floral business. Marking special moments in our lives is so important  and

One of our favorite places around Princeton is the lovely  McCarter Theater. If you have never seen their production of "A Christmas Carol" you sure are missing out. We sure love providing the theater with these 3 big (yes, they are 4 feet across) wreaths ever year and once we do, we know the holiday season is upon us!  To learn more about this amazing and historic Theater and their upcoming events, visit their website ! 

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a day  dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Last year,  over one hundred million people* came together to Shop Small® in  their communities on Small Business Saturday®. Small Business Saturday is a day for everyone — from the business owners who create jobs to the customers who buy locally — to support small businesses that invigorate the economy and keep communities thriving. It began in 2010 when American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. Last year, over 100 million people came out to shop at independently-owned small businesses on the day. Now, in its third year, Small Business Saturday will be even bigger.  This November 24th, support the small businesses in your community! 

Here at our Princeton Forrestal Village store, we are super lucky to be near so many great venues for parties. Take the location below ~ Tre Piani Restaurant is located right next door to our Princeton shop. What a great place to have a special event. Not only is the food prepared by Chef ~ Owner, Jim Weaver delicious but the 3rd floor party room is warm and cozy. These floral centerpieces, created for a 60th birthday party have bright, jewel tone colors and really make for a festive touch. Floral centerpieces don't have to be big to be noticed, don't you agree?  To see these and more of our special event floral designs, be sure to visit our event website at www.mondaymorningballoons.com ~ if you are having a social or corporate event, you'll find much to inspire you there!